The
Tidings GERMANTOWN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
January 2017
Table of Contents 4-5 GUMC Life 6
Music
7
GUMP
7
The Middle
8-9
GUMW
10-11
Older Adults
12-15
Adult Education
16 17-18 18
Youth Children United Methodist Men
Ministry Contacts Children’s Ministry Lisa Pierce - Director of Children’s Ministry 758-6512 • lpierce@germantownumc.org Kristin Dickerson - Associate Director 754-7216 • kdickerson@germantownumc.org Callie Beaver - Associate Director 758-6525 • cbeaver@germantownumc.org Older Adults Beverly Rhoads - Elder Care Health Ministry Coordinator 758-6513 • brhoads@germantownumc.org Luci Cromer • 755-0803 • luci2@comcast.net
Adult Education Mary Groh - Director of Adult Education and Membership 754-5093 • mgroh@germantownumc.org Youth Ministry Sue Hyland - Youth & Confirmation Director 758-6516 • shyland@germantownumc.org Brian Richards - Associate Youth Director 758-6515 • brichards@germantownumc.org Health and Recreation Tiffany Griffin - Director of Health & Recreation 753-3100 • tgriffin@germantownumc.org See full staff listing at www.germantownumc.org/staff
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A message from Tim Hello to Germantown UMC. My family and I are looking forward to being with you, and are privileged to have this opportunity to be a part of Germantown UMC. As we prepare to be with you at the start of the New Year, we ask that you pray for us, as we are praying for you. It is truly exciting to “come home” to Germantown and to serve the church in which I was raised. My parents, Douglas and Mary Carpenter, have been a part of the church since 1970. Likewise, it is humbling to follow Richard Smith in the role of Senior Pastor. Through the years, Richard has always been helpful and gracious to me in ministry. Since the announcement of this appointment, he and the church leadership have offered a tremendous welcome to my family, for which we are grateful. As you all know, Richard has offered excellent leadership the past six years at Germantown. I am aware that I come to a healthy and thriving church, and that I will serve a church which is strong in faith and numbers and full of talent and dedication. I look forward to working with the incredibly strong staff and lay leadership, and I will seek to, with all of you, continue the same vital Methodist tradition that has long guided the people of Germantown UMC. On behalf of my wife, Dawn, and my sons Jordan and Ethan, we hope to see you New Year’s Day at worship. May God bless you and keep you, and may the humble Christ who came in the manger guide your hearts and minds in this Holy Season. In Christ, Tim Carpenter
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GUMC Life Acolyte Training January 22 | 3:45-4:45 p.m. | Sanctuary Children in grades 4-6 who wish to serve as acolytes should attend this training. Acolytes are an important part of our worship services as they carry the light of Christ into the Sanctuary. A parent should attend the training also. Contact Amy Tuggle (901-651-0432 or amy@ stayorganizedwithus.com) with questions.
When You Don’t Feel Like Praying Pray Anyway.... When you don’t know how to pray, pray anyway! When you don’t feel like praying, pray anyway!
Welcome Center Volunteers We have a dedicated group of volunteers already in place, but we are in need of more volunteers. Please prayerfully consider volunteering, even if it is only for 2 hours per weekday morning/afternoon per month. Call Sherrell Wiseman at 754-7216 for more details.
UMNC Thanks You! The United Methodist Neighborhood Centers of Memphis wish to convey a deep appreciation to all the Sunday School Classes, Circles and individuals who so graciously contributed Thanksgiving Baskets to those in the inner city who are less fortunate. Because of friends like you, we were able to give out almost 300 baskets, each enough to feed a family of 4-6, and making for a holiday season to be truly thankful! God continues to bless us all!
When dullness sits on you like a vulture, and you can’t muster enough enthusiasm to change channels, much less to pray, pray anyway! When you see no need to pray and no reason to intercede for those about you, recognize this as a sign of impending danger, and pray anyway! When you’ve grown spiritually lazy and feel that you’ll never be able to pick up your Bible and read it the way you once did, pray anyway! When you don’t understand what the big deal is about prayer, and you think it’s overrated because it never did you much good, pray anyway! When you’re too tired to remember you own name, and you know God will understand if you don’t, pray anyway! When you’re embarrassed to be back before God confessing the same sins and admitting the same failures, come on and pray anyway! When you’ve been unfaithful and you know it and you feel that burden of guilt that makes you want to run and hide under the porch, pray anyway! We can bless ourselves immeasurably by rescuing our prayer life from bondage to our emotions and circumstances. There is no time and no conditions in which prayer is not necessary, not helpful, and not the right thing to do. —Let us pray. By Joe McKeever | Kenner, LA | jesuschristismygod.com
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GUMC Life 2017 Budgeting Process GUMC is one of many churches that prepares its budget in January of the year it is to go into effect. As we complete of Stewardship Campaign “For Such a Time as This,” we will begin to build the 2017 budget. As of now our process is scheduled to go in this manner: January 3-16: C ollect budget requests from ministry areas January 16: Trustees build capital needs budget January 23: F inance committee review and balance proposed budget January 26: P astor’s Council review and balance proposed budget January 30: C hurch Board review and perfect 2017 budget or refer back to Pastor’s Council. In 2016, GUMC began the process of identifying significant needs related to Apportionments, Capital assets, and debt retirement. Along the way, we have understood that if current needs and newly identified needs cannot be met within the general budget, then other steps would have to be taken to secure our mission and ministry, including the physical church. As the 2017 budget is built, a multitude of steps will be considered.
Welcome New Members
Courtney and Jay Rottman, December 4
Anita and Joe Brackin, December 4
Ashley and Jonathan Cochran, November 27
Tracy and Brian Summers, November 27
Kathy and Brian Swords, December 4
Amy and David Bergman, December 4
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Music Germantown United Methodist Music Ministry Outreach Singers and bell ringers from GUMC were out in the community during the holiday season to share the good news of Emmanuel – God With us. Pictured are members of the Vespers Bell Choir in an afternoon appearance at Germantown Plantation; Women from the Chancel Choir at Page-Robbins facility; and an ensemble from the chancel choir preparing to sing in the consecration service of the Historic Church and Barnett Chapel.
GERMANTOWN PLANTATION
BARNETT CHAPEL
PAGE-ROBBINS
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Germantown United Methodist Preschool Germantown United Methodist Preschool Preschool Enrollment Begins at GUMP Happy New Year!!! GUMP hopes that you had a wonderful Christmas celebrating the birth of Jesus, and that this New Year will find your life full of blessings from above! As the New Year begins, so begins the preschool enrollment process for the upcoming 2017-2018 school year. If you would like to learn more about the wonderful things GUMP offers young children and their families, please visit our website at www.mygump.org. To set up a tour of GUMP and come see the wonderful things happening here, please call our front office at 753-3109. Should you need an application, please visit our website where you can find and print an updated enrollment application. GUMP is grateful to be a ministry of GUMC as we appreciate the support given to us throughout the year. GUMP and our new programs (G.R.A.C.E. and Before/After Care) are successful because of the love we have for Christ and community, and the partnership we have with one another. Thank you!
The Middle Germantown United Methodist Preschool 2017 Spring Events Guys Night Out January 9 | 7:00 p.m. Skybox Grill (Collierville)
NCAA March Madness Watch Party Saturday April 1 GUMC
Girls Night Out February 9 | 6:30 p.m. Half Shell (Winchester)
Workday at McVay Gardens Saturday, April 29 McVay Property behind the OLEC
Table for 8 YOUNG ADULTS MINISTRY Family Night at the Redbirds Saturday, March 4 | 6:00 p.m. Saturday, June 3 Various Germantown Restaurants AutoZone Park
YOUNG ADULTS MINISTRY
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United Methodist Women Lent by Candlelight A Special Event for Women Tuesday, February 28, 2016 6:30 p.m. (Fellowship Hall/Chapel) Are you interested in celebrating Lent in a special way? GUMW invites all women to prepare their hearts and minds for the season of Lent. You will experience a delightful time of fellowship while enjoying desserts, coffee and tea in the Fellowship Hall. You will then process through the candlelit hallways and convene in the Chapel for special music, a time for reflection, and devotion. We encourage you to invite your friends. Space is limited to 120 women. Free childcare is also available. You must register for this event at germantownumc.org/umw or email Yolanda Toney at ytoney@germantownumc.org. We look forward to you joining us for the start to this special season.
Cinnamon Roll Bake Success The 2016 GUMW Cinnamon Roll Bake was a huge success!! Thank you to our many volunteers who gave up their time to work at the Roll Bake and to everyone who supported our fundraiser by purchasing rolls. We are truly blessed by the wonderful support we received for this event! This year we baked over 390 dozen cinnamon rolls in 3 days, and we were able to give $2500 to our GUMW missions. Thank you, thank you, thank you!! Debbie Wohrman 2016 Cinnamon Roll Bake Chairman
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All women are welcome to attend Germantown United Methodist Women events. If you are looking for the camaraderie of Christian women, fellowship while serving others, and the opportunity to make lifelong friends, consider joining one of GUMW’s many Circles (small groups). For information, contact GUMW Membership Chair Yolanda Toney at ytoney@ germantownumc.org.
United Methodist Women “They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.” - ISAIAH 61:3 NIV
February Luncheon February 14, 2017 | 11:30 a.m. This Valentine’s Day, join us as we focus on the love of our neighbors. We welcome Ephie Johnson, President and CEO of Neighborhood Christian Centers, to our GUMW Luncheon on February 14 at 11:30 a.m. in the Owings Life Enrichment Center. Ephie has a heart for her native Memphis, and for serving those less fortunate and reducing the plight of poverty in our community. As the leader of Neighborhood Christian Centers, she oversees aid given to over 50,000 neighbors annually. In addition to her duties at NCC, Ephie is a motivational speaker, a singer/songwriter, wife and mother of two teenage boys. She was an invited speaker to the TED Talks in Memphis in 2015. She hosted FOX13 WHBQ’s “Faith Forum” from 20082015, and is the current Host of TBN WBUY TV’s “Joy in Our Town”. Ephie is a native Memphian, a graduate of Treadwell High School and the University of Memphis. She attends Hope Church, where she has been a Praise & Worship Team member for 18 years.
Come hear Ephie share her incredible story and be encouraged by her walk of faith to share ourselves with others and love our neighbors! Cost is $10. Deadline to register is February 9, 1 p.m. Two Methods to Register: • Check to GUMW, “GUMW Feb. Luncheon” in memo line, placed in drop box outside Fellowship Hall. • Credit Card online at germantownumc.org Childcare is free. Indicate a need for childcare when registering online or by writing “Need Childcare” on your check.
TO SIGN UP FOR GUMW’S EMAIL LIST, GO TO GERMANTOWNUMC.ORG/EMAIL
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Older Adult Ministry
Don’t Forget the January Brown Bag Lunch Program! Amy Tuggle and Fran Cutshall, owners of Stay Organized with Us, will teach us how to conquer “Household and Personal Paperwork.” This presentation will be Friday, January 6 in the Fellowship Hall. The program starts at 11 a.m. with lunch at noon. Bring your own sack lunch; the church will supply the beverages.
February Brown Bag Lunch Willy Bearden Will Talk About Memphis Blues at February Brown Bag Lunch! The blues was born in the Mississippi Delta, and since that fateful night in 1903 when W.C. Handy heard the mournful sound of a pocketknife sliding over the strings of an acoustic guitar and the plaintive song of a long-forgotten musician, the blues has been on a journey around the world. Willy Bearden is going to take us on that journey and show us how Memphis became the heart of the blues world at the February Brown Bag Lunch Series, an adventure in learning sponsored by the Older Adult Council. Topic: “Memphis Blues: Birthplace of a Music Tradition” Speaker: Willy Bearden, Memphis Film Maker and Author Where: Mike Wilson Fellowship Hall When: February 3, 2017. Program starts at 11 a.m.; lunch is at noon. Cost: FREE—the church will supply beverages. Reservations: No reservations are needed. Just bring your sack lunch and enjoy the program and the fellowship. Questions: Call Luci Cromer, 755-0803, or Beverly Rhoads, 754-7216, ext. 107. There will be a crossing guard on West Street to help with overflow parking
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Call Luci Cromer, 755-0803, for more information. No reservations are needed. There will be a crossing guard on West Street to help with overflow parking.
XYZs in March XYZs Attend Lenten Preaching Series and Tour St. Mary’s Catholic Church in March! As part of our observance of Lent, we are going downtown to listen to the Rev. Dr. Barbara K. Lundblad, Professor Emeritus of Preaching, Union Theological Seminary in New York City, at the Lenten Preaching Series at Calvary Episcopal Church and eat lunch at the Calvary Waffle Shop. An ordained minister in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, she has preached in hundreds of congregations across the US, given lectures at many seminaries in this country, and been one of the preachers on Day 1 (formerly The Protestant Hour) for over 20 years. On the way home, we will tour St. Mary’s Catholic Church, which has been serving the people of Memphis for over 150 years and whose Soup Kitchen began in 1870. Where: Calvary Episcopal Church and St. Mary’s Catholic Church When: Wednesday, March 15, 2017 Cost: $4 per person plus lunch on your own Departure: 10 a.m. from OLEC parking lot. (Be there by 9:45 a.m.) Reservations: Call Nancy Arnold, 754-6326, Gretchen Blair, 755-0797, or Luci Cromer, 755-0803. You must make your reservation before paying. Deadline for Money and Reservations: Wednesday, February 15
Older Adult Ministry XYZs in February XYZs Experience Bonsai in February! After eating lunch at the Silver Caboose, we will travel to Brussel’s Bonsai, the largest importer and grower of quality bonsai America for over 30 years, and a destination for Asian culture enthusiasts and those interested in growing a piece of history. Bonsai is the Japanese art form, dating back over 1000 years, of using trees grown in containers. A popular hobby with both men and women, bonsai is rewarding for both the viewer and the growers. Brussel is going to teach us about the art of bonsai, demonstrate the techniques used in growing a plant, and give us a tour of this stateof-the-art facility. Prepare to be amazed! There is limited space available for this event. WHERE: Collierville, Tennessee and Olive Branch, Mississippi WHEN: Tuesday, February 21, 2017 COST: $3 per person plus lunch on your own DEPARTURE: 10:30 a.m. from OLEC parking lot. (Be there by 10:15 a.m.) RESERVATIONS: Call Nancy Arnold, 754-6326, Gretchen Blair, 755-0797, or Luci Cromer, 7550803. You must make your reservation before paying. DEADLINE FOR MONEY and RESERVATIONS: Monday, January 23
AARP SmartDriver™ Course Germantown United Methodist Church and AARP will present the “AARP Smart Driver™ Course,, the nation’s largest driving refresher course. This 8-hour course is scheduled for March 16 and 17, 2017 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Successful completion entitles participants to a discount on their auto insurance premiums for three years. There is no driving test or written exam. Register early because the class will be closed at 28 participants. The results of taking these classes have been proven—class participants have few accidents and tickets. Where: Room 339 (Fellowship Forum classroom) in the Ministry Center. When: Thursday and Friday, March 16 & 17, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Cost: $15 fee for AARP members ($20 for nonmembers) payable to AARP Reservations: Call Jan Cameron at 366-2772 Deadline for Reservations: Reservations will be taken until class is full. The objectives of the course are to help you: •B e independent, safe, and confident while on the road •K eep up with changes so you don’t put yourself and others at risk •L earn state-specific information throughout the course •F ocus on areas such as roundabouts, pavement markings, stop-sign compliance, red-light running, and safety issues such as speeding and seatbelt and turn-signal use Check your calendar and register now. Your check is your ticket to this class. 11
Adult Education
2017: THE TURNING POINTS IN TH
Small Groups Let’s Hear it for Groups!
Black/white on light background:
Our world is becoming more solitary. At meals and in meetings, people look at their cell phones instead of talking to each other. People watch movies at home or on tablets instead of in a theater. The church is one setting where group interaction is not only important, but is essential to our growth as Christians, individually and corporately. Think of group Bible study as an activity dedicated to congregational spiritual health and nurture. By ourselves, we might easily postpone a workout for another time. Seeking others with whom to study the Bible encourages us to stick to a routine, to develop this spiritual discipline, and to learn what we might otherwise miss. While there is a place for individual Bible reading, there is also a place for group Bible study where we as participants learn from and encourage each other, as together we seek to understand the Scriptures and how God uses them to speak to us in our time.* Pick up our Winter/Spring Adult Small Group Studies brochure now at one of our kiosks and find a small group study that interests you. Starting soon and through April, we are offering short-term day and evening classes including Bible study, Methodist traditions, healthy living, spirituality, and faith. All are welcome to become part of what God is doing through the Adult Education Ministry at GUMC. Enrich your life and your involvement in GUMC’s faith community by making the commitment to be a part of a Small Adult Education Group! Please contact Mary Groh at mgroh@germantownumc.org with any questions.
2017: THE TURNING POINTS IN THE LIFE OF JESUS
Mark Your Calendars for March 31-April 2 Dark background: A Weekend with Biblical Archeologist, Dr. James Fleming
Experience the world of the Bible with one of the best known teachers of Biblical Archaeology. Dr. Fleming lived and taught in Israel for 37 years and is currently the Director of Biblical Resources and DEEP STORYTELLING SPIRITUALaADVENTURE the2016: CEO of DELIGHTthe Biblical HistoryASCenter, museum of daily life in biblical times, located in LaGrange, Ga. Dr. Fleming uniquely ties his lectures on historical geography with the biblical text and with an emphasis on the theological implications. Dr. Fleming will bring his scholarship to GUMC for dinner and lecture on Friday night, a Saturday morning seminar, and lectures on Sunday morning during our Sunday School hours. Be sure to join us– Shape versatility: plan to be captivated! Look for more information When needed, the wordmark can be set to display soon!
*from Kerygma.com
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2017: THE TURNING POINT
Adult Education 2017 Women’s Retreat RELAX, REJUVENATE, REFLECT = RETREAT! It’s hard to hear God’s voice above the noise of everyday life. “To retreat” means to leave our normally occupied positions and go to a place of safety, quiet, and seclusion. By going to a retreat, we physically remove ourselves from life’s distractions, the call of chores, and the demands of people in order to make space for God. A retreat helps us to recharge, feel encouraged, and be spiritually fed. We invite you to join us for our 2017 Women’s Retreat, February 3-4, at Pinecrest Conference Center for a relaxing retreat from daily life where we can connect with God and with each other. Only a 45-minute drive from Germantown, Pinecrest Conference Center offers a wooded setting, hiking trails, comfortable lodging, hot buffet meals, and a cozy meeting room with fireplace.
Attendance Options: - Check in between 3-6 p.m. Friday (cost is $75 and includes 3 meals & snacks) - Check in by 8:15 a.m. on Saturday (cost is $40 and includes 2 meals & snacks) - All planned activities will be over by 2:30, but you are welcome to stay until 5 p.m. to hike, take a nap, read, visit, or just sit and enjoy nature! Register online at germantownumc.org. For more information, pick up a brochure at the Welcome Center or call Mary Groh at 7545093. Sign-up soon—registration is limited to 80 women.
Dr. Pokey Stanford, Methodist minister’s wife, mother of three daughters, and an Associate Professor of Education, will lead our study sessions using Galatians 5:22-23: “the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” Natalie Duncan, Director of Music for GUMC’s AncientModern worship service, will be leading our time of music and singing. We will connect with each other through small group discussion and activities creating new and deeper friendships. This is a great opportunity to come together to be encouraged and grow in your faith. If you’ve never attended a retreat, or you haven’t in a while, why not make plans to attend one? You’ll be glad you did!
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Adult Education 60+ NEW MEMBERS IN 2016 Germantown United Methodist Church welcomed 63 new adult members into our church family during 2016. In addition, we added 24 youth confirmands to our membership rolls. New members bring life, energy, and talent into our congregation and they need to be encouraged and nurtured as they move into the life of GUMC. Together, we are building a community dedicated to becoming disciples of Christ. If you would like to know more about the membership process, please contact Mary Groh at 754-7216 or mgoh@germantownumc. org. For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Romans 12:4-5. If you would like an addendum to the church directory with these new members, it will be available to pick up at the Welcome Center on January 3.
Hospitality As we all know, our new Senior Pastor the Rev. Dr. Tim Carpenter, and his family, will join the GUMC family this month. Please wear your name tags when in church for this month. That, and introducing yourself to them by name, will help ease their transition into the family. In fact, unless you are speaking with a good friend, introducing yourself by name to anyone you meet here is also an act of hospitality. You may find that the other person is a lifelong GUMC member whom you’ve not met before. Or the person may be a brand new member looking to make contact. 14
Adult Education NCCC Presentation January 22 | 9:40 a.m. January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month As some of you may know one of our young GUMC members lost her life in 2013 after a hard fought 2-year battle with a rare, aggressive form of cervical cancer. Lauren Wright Hobbs was only 29 years old and a young mother of a 6-week old baby girl when she was diagnosed with cervical cancer after a routine post-partum pap smear. Lauren’s devastating outcome led her family to start a local chapter of the National Cervical Cancer Coalition (NCCC) in her memory. The NCCC Memphis Chapter was started in early 2015 to serve Memphis and the surrounding mid-south area. They are working to provide education about the disease, support to cervical cancer patients, and funding in hopes of decreasing the rate of cervical cancer in our community. Some recent activities: 1. Finalized 3 grants to Title X clinics in inner-city Memphis for free pap smear testing for women who cannot afford preventive healthcare; 2. Blitzed local OB/GYN, Pediatric, and Adolescent Medicine doctors to educate their patients on the HPV vaccination program; 3. Provide ongoing support to current cervical cancer patients undergoing treatment, including chemotherapy bags; 4. Educate current healthcare students in the classroom setting.
On January 22, 2017 Elaine Wright and Donna Wright will be presenting information about cervical cancer prevention through early detection, and the HPV vaccination program. Although Lauren’s cervical cancer was determined to be a rare, aggressive type which was not caused by HPV, more than 80+% are directly linked to the HPV virus. Once someone has cervical cancer it is the same devastating disease regardless of the cause. They are very passionate about breaking the stigma associated with cervical cancer and getting the word out about the dangers of this little-known HPV virus which is everywhere and only requires “Skin to Skin” contact for transmission. There have been claims for years that many vaccines (including the HPV vaccine) can cause all sorts of serious health issues. These are largely debunked, as the HPV vaccine has been dosed millions of times while proving to be safe and effective. No cause and effect has been found to exist between the HPV vaccines and any serious adverse events at this time. The good news is that the incidence of cervical cancer has already been proven to be decreasing significantly as a direct result of the HPV vaccine. Please attend the January 22 presentation in the Fellowship Hall at 9:40 to learn more about Lauren’s story and key learnings from her illness. Elaine and Donna will discuss the statistics, dispel the myths, and provide valuable details of the HPV vaccine in hopes that you will educate yourself and your family and help them to disseminate this important information. Our biggest defense against cervical cancer is education, routine screening, and this valuable vaccine.
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Youth Ministry Upcoming Events
Spring Element Kick-Off January 8, 5-8 P.M.
Youth Missions Highlights Room in the Inn is off to a GREAT start! On Friday, December 2nd the youth served 14 guests. We had over 25 youth and adult volunteers. God’s presence was so evident in The Cottage that night; we could especially see Christ through our guests. At one point in the evening 5 of our Sr. High Girls had a special time of prayer and conversation with one of our female guests. Hearts were broken and at the same time refreshed. We are so thankful that GUMC provides us with a ministry like RITI to be a part of. Check out a picture from a very special, very cold, December night.
This year we will be hosting our 4th BIGGER AND BETTER Scavenger Hunt for our Element Kickoff. Come join us for a fun night of breaking in to groups and heading all over town to trade a paperclip for something bigger and better. We’ll give each team a paperclip and they’ll go around Germantown to trade it for something Bigger and Better. This year we will have new challenges and prizes for the winning team. We’ll have dinner catered and tons of fun! Y’all come on out and see what you might find!
Synergy and Synago Kick-Off January 11
Synergy, our middle school Wednesday night small group meets at 6 p.m. each week in the Chapel for Worship with our Elementary students. Each youth partners with our children and assists them in worship. This is a special time for our Middle Schoolers to grow as leaders and for them to have a different type of worship experience during the middle of the week. After worship we head to the Huddle for sharing time, snacks, and a bit of Bible study. Come join us on a Wednesday night! Worship in the chapel from 6:00-6:30 is open to all! Synago, our high school Wednesday night small group meets at 3256 Devonshire Way each week for an intentional time of study and fellowship. Each semester the guys and gals split into small groups and study scripture, a book, or a combination of both. This group meets weekly from 7:00-8:30 p.m. Come connect with a small group this Spring. We promise it will be one of the best decisions you’ve made! Synago students are also invited to worship in the chapel from 6:006:30 p.m. each week.
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Children’s Ministry Advent Recap Advent was a busy and wonderful time for our children! We began the season with our annual Advent Workshop on November 16. We had about 30 families attend, each creating a new Advent Wreath for the season as well as many other crafts. New this year was a 13-piece child-centric nativity (created from wood) designed for hardcore play. Kids really have enjoyed having their own nativity which they may call their own.
Alternative Christmas Market was a huge success in its new location this year. We moved it to the Huddle for more space and more gifts. On the day of the market, children learned lessons about purposeful purchasing and free trade. They learned that helping the poor is not only a “really nice thing,” but is actually the teaching of Christ. We pray this lesson sent them into the season of gifts with a mindset of giving. Our annual Milk and Muffins with Santa is always a family favorite, this year hosting approximately 50 families. This festive day is highlighted with the Christmas story told in our very own stable, bunches of holiday crafts, and of course a visit from the big jolly guy himself!
Take all this joy and mix in a scoop of Plum Pudding, and you have a wonderful Advent Celebration. Our three children’s choirs performed their annual Plum Pudding performance on the evening of December 4. Kids, parents, and grandparents enjoyed an incredible evening of music, fellowship, and of course sweet treats. Finally, through the efforts of many, many people, our angel tree was fully adopted. Our congregation was able to grant Christmas wishes and fulfill needs for 22 preschoolers at the United Methodist Neighborhood Center in Memphis. Each child was given at least two toys, books, a new winter coat, hat and mittens, socks and underwear, a fleece outfit, and some pajamas. It has been absolutely magical to witness the outpouring of love from our children and congregation for these children. We are hopeful that this was a meaningful season for you and your family. We are thankful and blessed that you shared it with us.
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Children Coming in January:
Save the date:
Elementary Expedition resumes January 11 with a pancake dinner. Join us in the Huddle at 5:30 for pancakes with your friends. We will move from dinner to worship at 6 p.m. in the chapel and then to small groups at 6:30. Join us for the entire evening or just the part you can make. The evening ends at 7:15 with pick-up in the children’s wing. Online registration is required for dinner, please.
Created by God, a faith-based human sexuality course for fifth and sixth graders will be the evening of February 24 and the morning of February 25. The topics of human sexuality, values, and relationships are approached in a frank, honest, and Bible-based manner. We will have a parent meeting to preview materials and discuss questions and concerns on Wednesday, January 25, at 6:45 p.m. in the children’s wing, Room 257.
Ignite! retreat for fourth and fifth graders will be January 28-29 at The Grove at Red Oak Lake in Cordova, TN. This is a fun-filled, Spirit-filled time to focus on worship. We dig into elements of worship–what the different parts of worship mean to each of us. We also explore the different ways we can worship. Cost is $80; register online.
United Methodist Men January Breakfast Meeting Saturday, January 14 at 8:00 a.m. Mike Wilson Fellowship Hall The January UMM Breakfast will be Saturday, January 14 at 8 a.m. in the Mike Wilson Fellowship Hall. Our guest speaker will be Reverend Andy Rambo, Senior Minister of Memphis First United Methodist Church. His topic will be “The Future of First Church, the Mother Church of the Memphis Annual Conference.” The cost of the breakfast is $5 (payable at the door). For reservations, call the church office at 754-7216 by Wednesday, January 11. Annual members need only to call in regrets.
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GERMANTOWN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2331 South Germantown Rd, Germantown, TN 38138 Phone: (901) 754-7216 • Fax: (901) 753-3112 • info@germantownumc.org Sunday Worship: 8:30, 9:40, & 11 a.m.