GUMC December Tidings

December 2018

A Message from Tim What If? I once received this short writing and thought that it was provocative. I have searched but have been unable to find and appropriately credit the author. Nonetheless, in this season, I thought it appropriate to share: “What if, God couldn’t take the time to bless us today because we couldn’t take the time to thank Him yesterday?

What if, God decided to stop leading us tomorrow because we didn’t follow today?

What if, we never saw another flower bloom because we grumbled when God sent the rain?

What if, God didn’t walk with us today because we failed to recognize it as a day God had made?

What if, God took away the Bible tomorrow because we would not read it today?

What if, God took away His message because we failed to listen to the messenger?

What if, God closed the door of our church because we didn’t open the door of our heart?

What if, God stopped loving and caring for us because we failed to love and care for others?

What if, God would not hear us today because we would not listen to Him yesterday?

What if, God answered our prayers the way we answer His call to service?

What if, God met our needs the way we give Him our lives?

What if? What if?

The story of Christmas is that God has not given up on the world even when the world has often given up on God. God withholds nothing good from the creation He loves, even though we cannot see beyond ourselves. God gave the world a savior in Christ when the world frequently wants to be left alone. God has come into our presence in the Spirit even when the world does not want God to be near.

Join us as we celebrate God’s incarnation

Christmas Presence SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP SERIES FOR ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS November 25: “The Pedigree” Matthew 1:1-17 December 2: “The Prophet” Luke 3:1-6 December 9: “The Prayer”

Luke 1:5-25 December 16: “The Promise” Luke 1:26-38 December 23: “The Preparation” Luke 1:39-56; 2:1-7 December 30: “The Praise” Luke 2:8-20 January 6: “The Presents” Matthew 2:1-12

Be thankful. Be joyful. And above all, be grateful. God has not given up on us. We do not know, “What if?”, for God continues to offer salvation to this world. Praise be to God for the message of Christmas.

PLEASE NOTE: There will be one service only on December 30 at 10:00 am in the Sanctuary.

Honors for Reverends Kirchoff and Smith A special interest restricted endowment fund named “The Nashville Area Order of St. Andrew Endowment Fund” has been established by the United Methodist Foundation of the Memphis and Tennessee Conferences. The fund allows groups and individuals to honor lay and clergy who faithfully have served and blessed the lives the ones so honoring them.

The Fund is named for Andrew, known as “the bringer.” Andrew never became a Bishop, wrote a book, or painted a picture. What Andrew did was to bring people to Jesus, his brother, a boy with five loaves and two fish, some Greeks seeking the way. The Order of St. Andrew helps to continue this work of bringing people to Jesus. The income from the fund provides scholarships for persons pursuing pastoral ministry and enrolled in seminary.

Rev. Rick Kirchoff

Advent And Christmas events 2018 HANGING OF THE GREENS

Sunday, December 2nd, Sunday Morning Worship Hanging of the Greens will take place during the worship services on the First Sunday of Advent. This tradition reminds the church of the life and light brought to the world by Christ, for whose coming we prepare.

Individuals may be honored by churches, Sunday school classes, United Methodist Men and Women’s organizations, and other church groups and individuals. Groups and individuals wishing to bestow this honor must make a contribution of at least $1,250.00 to the Fund so as to ensure that the education support continues.

The Staff Parish Relations Committee of Germantown UMC has decided that appointed clergy who retire from our church are to be so honored. At this time we have two such clergy eligible, the Reverends Rick Kirchoff and Richard Smith. At the November 8 meeting of the Germantown United Methodist Church Board, the entire Board approved this honoring as well. The Nashville Area Foundation will be informed of the church’s decision so that Rick and Richard may be honored at the next meeting of the Memphis Annual Conference.

As our church acts to help provide orderly, one might say, methodical, education support, we urge other groups and individuals in Germantown UMC to reflect on other laity and clergy whom they may wish to honor as well.

2

Rev. Richard Smith

CHRISTMAS COOKIE SHOPPE

Saturday, December 8th, 9:00 a.m.-12 Noon Sponsored by the United Methodist Women, a great opportunity for everyone to stock up on sweets for family and friends. A fellowship hall full of holiday cookies and desserts! Proceeds go to mission projects of the UMW.

JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM WITH MILK AND MUFFINS

Saturday, December 8th, 9:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m.

In the Hamilton wing, the children travel through the nativity story: from angels to manger, and from shepherds to wise men, creating memories and understanding that will last a long time. Of course, there will be a visit from the “Jolly Guy” himself with photo opportunities.

CHILDREN’S MUSICAL AND PLUM PUDDING Sunday, December 9th, 5:00 p.m.

Features the Alleluia Choir, Hosanna Choir and Cherub Choir Mary Groh, Peggy Warner and Libby Schielke, directors Featured selections include "Mary Had a Baby", "There Were Lots of Animals in the Barn Where Jesus Christ Was Born", and "Tell It! Tell the Good News!" Congregational carols also contribute to the evening.

Community Carol Festival

FEATURING THE MUSIC OF

JOHN RUTTER

COMMUNITY CAROL FESTIVAL Sunday, December 16th, 5:00 p.m.

Chancel Choir, 18 piece orchestra, Matins Handbell Choir Todd Wilson, Director of Music; Eva McPeters, Organist This year’s program will feature the music of British composer John Rutter. Numerous anthems for choir and orchestra and several congregational carols orchestrated by John Rutter will be featured. The poetry of Christina Rosetti links shepherds, starlight and the joy of Christmas.

CHRISTMAS EVE FOR FAMILIES

Monday, December 24th, 3:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m.

Children interactively participate in a retelling of the nativity, with singing of carols.

CHRISTMAS EVE FESTIVAL OF NINE LESSONS

WITH CAROLS, CANDLES, AND COMMUNION Monday, December 24th, 6:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m.

Music for 6:00 p.m. provided by the Praise Band Natalie Duncan, Praise Band Director Amy Gunnell, Ted Horrell, Dallas Pope, Casey Smith Music for 8:00 p.m. provided by the Chancel Choir Todd Wilson, Director of Music; Eva McPeters, Organist

Music Todd Wilson, Director of Music Ministry - twilson@germantownumc.org Sunday, December 16 at 5:00 p.m. the Chancel Choir will lead us in the Community Carol Festival. This offering to the church and community has been taking place for decades. I’m glad to continue the tradition this year. There will be a bit of a theme with this program. We are focusing on the music of John Rutter. Accused of being saccharine sweet, not without merit, Rutter’s music often hits right where he was aiming, the heart. His original music is tuneful and expertly crafted. His Carol settings are no different. If you were to Google John Rutter Christmas Carols you’ll encounter recordings from choirs all around the globe. Rutter’s work is much beloved for a reason, tunes sell!

When discussing this with fellow music staff member, Eva McPeters, she mentioned what a composer of our time Rutter is. Indeed, many of these carols were arranged and orchestrated in the last 30 years or so. Indeed, a child of our time.

One carol I’ll draw your attention to is Shepherd’s Pipe Carol. One of the older carols on the program, it was first written in 1963, published by Oxford in 1970. I share this review from the Oxford site: “The Shepherd’s Pipe Carol remains fresh and conceptually original, and I am talking here about

the whole package: effervescent music; touching text; and irrepressible Christmas spirit. If there

were to be a ‘Desert Island Carols’ programme—and that would be quite hard to stomach, even

for a carol-lover like myself—then Rutter’s SPC would surely be one of the eight.”

- Jeremy Summerly, Choir & Organ September 2015 I agree, “effervescent” is spot on. Enjoy this version led by the composer himself: www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvnUtV6LiQs I invite you to reflect on that Shepherd Boy, dancing and singing with joy to see the baby cradled there at Bethlehem. This image by 18th century English watercolor specialist Alfred Downing Fripp might help with the reflection!

One last thing for you. This event is called Community Carol Festival. I encourage you to invite members of your community to attend. They needn’t be GUMC members. Draw the circle wider; you never know who needs to be touched by Godly moments. We hope to create them, together, December 16, at 5:00 p.m.

Membership Harry Baird joined Germantown United Methodist Church on Sunday, October 28th at the 11:00 worship service by transfer of his membership from St. Matthews United Methodist Church in Madison, Mississippi.

Harry is a member of the Gilbert Sunday School Class. Beth Blodgett is his sponsor.

Jessica Uszak was welcomed into membership with Germantown United Methodist Church on Sunday, November 25th after the 11:00 worship service. Jessica joined by transfer of her membership from Trinity United Methodist Church, Kendallville, IN. She is pictured here with her family.

When asked what about Germantown United Methodist Church made him wish to become a part of our church community, he responded: “I live at The Village and appreciate the van that brings me to worship on Sunday morning and I have enjoyed getting to know some of the members here at GUMC a great group of people!”

When asked what about Germantown United Methodist Church made her wish to become a part of our church community, she responded: “Everyone was so welcoming the very first time I attended a worship service. As I attended more services, I realized how similar GUMC was to the Methodist Church that I grew up in—back in Indiana. Everyone is so friendly. I am excited to transfer my membership and become part of the GUMC family.”

3

Giving to Support Missions and Ministry at Year’s End Tiny Tim is Still With Us Right now, your gifts are hard at work helping Germantown United Methodist Church be the hands and feet of Christ in our community, our region, and the world. We thank you for your continued generous financial support.

Advent and Christmas time are the perfect time to reflect on how God has blessed us to be a blessing. In 2nd Corinthians 9:11-12 we read that we are enriched not simply or even primarily for our own enjoyment, but so that we can be generous on every occasion... supplying the needs of the Lord’s people. Here, at the end of the year, let’s make plans to ensure that we are making the work of the Lord possible in every way. One important way is through your financial gifts. Most of us give from our ready cash. That is a good thing to do. There are also other ways to give as we near the end of the year that might be more appropriate for some Germantown UMC members.

We want to highlight some possibilities.

Qualified Charitable Distributions First, we want to make you aware of changes created by the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Giving through qualified IRAs is a strategy that is now even more important for many of our members who are at least 70 1/2 years old at the time of this writing.

According to the Internal Revenue Service, about 30 percent of tax filers itemized deductions for tax year 2017, while the rest took the standard deduction. According to the Tax Policy Center, that number could plummet to about 10 percent for tax year 2018 because of the new law.

What that means for you?

If you are at least 70 1/2 years old and also one of the individuals or families who will now be taking the standard deduction, you should strongly consider taking advantage of a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) for your charitable giving.

According to the IRS, a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) is generally a nontaxable distribution made directly by the trustee of your IRA (other than a SEP or SIMPLE IRA) to an organization eligible to receive tax deductible contributions.

This can be a helpful and tax-wise way to give for some of our members as QCD’s are excluded from taxable income. However, there are a few things to keep in mind before you do a QCD: • Donors must be 70 1/2 years of age to qualify •

A QCD will count towards your required minimum distribution

•

IRAs only (distributions from 401(k) or 403(b) are not eligible)

• The distribution must be made directly from the IRA custodian to the charity •

Distributions must be made to an organization eligible to receive tax deductible contributions (no donor advised funds, non-operating private foundations or IRC 509(a)(3) organizations)

•

You must have the same type of acknowledgment of your contribution that you would need to claim a deduction for a charitable contribution.

•

You can’t claim a charitable contribution deduction for any QCD not included in your income.

•

You cannot do a QCD and also separately claim a charitable income tax deduction for the QCD amount.

•

The maximum annual exclusion for QCDs is $100,000. Any QCD in excess of the $100,000 exclusion limit is included in income as any other distribution.

•

If you file a joint return, your spouse can also have a QCD and exclude up to $100,000.

As always, you should consult your tax professional before making any changes to your tax filing strategy or distributions that will affect your income.

4

Continued on next page

Giving continued Stocks No one knows if or when a downturn in the market might occur. One way to avoid the capital gains taxes that might come by selling stock, is to gift the stock to the church. The tax savings may be significant. We encourage you to talk to your tax planner or financial consultant for more information.

Estate Planning Fewer than half of all American adults have a will. If we are serious about and committed to our church while we are alive, then providing for our church when we are gone makes sense too. A bequest of property, financial instruments, savings, accounts, and other resources may be of benefit to your estate, allowing more of what you have acquired in this life to continue the work of the church and leave more for your loved ones as well.

Whatever decisions you make, please make them in consultation with a qualified planner. Also, please remember that in order for a gift to be counted as a charitable contribution in 2018, for tax purposes, it must either be received by the church by December 31, postmarked by December 31, or transacted online by December 31.

Your financial decisions can help to advance the kingdom of God. Together, and through God’s abundant grace, we are creating Disciples and changing lives. Thank you for all you do.

Health and Recreation Todd Hinton - thinton@germantownumc.org Maintenance in Minutes There are so many benefits to cardiovascular exercise that we all may know... Better sleep, better brain function, better balance, and better mood overall. Plus, weight control, and chronic disease control, i.e., cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.

But, did you know that as little as 5-10 minutes of stretching, foam rolling and meditation can also be a great prescription to avoid muscle imbalances, ease soft tissue aches. and strengthen your flexibility. You can improve your overall tightness and gain flexibility in no time.

We have foam rollers, massage ball, resistance bands as well as exercises at the ballet bar in two of our studios you can use at the OLEC. Stop by and ask one of our trainers how to use these simple but very effective tools to improve your overall well-being.

New Class at the OLEC Zumba Gold! Exciting new opportunity to find your inner dance! Kris Stewart, our newest instructor, offers Zumba Gold to our gym on Thursdays at 9:30. All levels are welcome!

College Brian Richards - brichards@germantownumc.org - 901-828-2375 A new Sunday morning offering for anyone who is college aged is coming to GUMC. Starting December 9th, each Sunday until Jan 6th we will meet during the 11:00 worship hour in the lobby of the OLEC for fellowship and some topical discussion. You will have a chance to see and hear from some familiar faces. Don’t miss this! If you know anyone who needs a place or is interested contact Brian Richards, brichards@germantownumc.org

5

Adult Education Mary Groh - mgroh@germantownumc.org - 901-754-5093 10 Reasons Why You Should Join the Monday Monthly Book Group Looking for something fun to do? Want to meet church members and make new friends? Looking for a good debate? A reason to get out of the house? Looking for fun on a tight budget? Well, guess what? You can address all of these issues by joining our Monday Monthly Book Group! It’s true. Our book group isn’t just about reading great books. Sure, that’s part of it, but the benefits of joining a group are vast and may even surprise you. Here are 10 reasons to join us. Which will be the one that sends you running to the library?

1) It’s FREE! 2) Meet new people 3) Read a good book 4) Lively discussion and good debates 5) Discover new genres and authors

6) A reason to turn off the TV 7) Take a break and get out of the house 8) Everyone’s welcome 9) Learn something new 10) Learn to read critically and expand your communication skills

Have we convinced you yet? Here is the list of books that we will be reading this winter and spring: January 28

All the King’s Men

Robert Penn Warren

February 25 Copyboy Vince Vawter March 25

Please Look After Mom

Kyung-Sook Shin

April 22

Before the Fall

Noah Hawley

May 20

Every Last One

Anne Quindlen

We meet the 4th Monday of the month in Room 338 from 10:00-12:00 noon. You are welcome to join us!

Sunday School Spotlight: Celebration Celebration Class truly “celebrates” every day being part of the GUMC family. We have over 19 active members (singles and couples) comprised of retirees and those still active in the work force. And can I tell you how active our retirees are? Very much so!!

Every Sunday we join together at 9:40 a.m. in Room 257 to continue our ongoing fellowship and service to the church and community. We celebrate telling stories of grandchildren, marriages, vacations, service projects, and mission trips. We also mourn and comfort our classmates and other church members when a family death occurs. We eagerly search for new platforms for teaching and advancing our Christian Education.

SPOTLIGHT ON ADULT

SUNDAY SCHOOL

One of our many joys is knowing that we have excellent instruction from our membership. Quite often, our class members who are called to teach are asked to teach in other classes. This demonstrates our commitment to advancing Christian education in our congregation.

Our class originated in 1990 and like many, has moved a few times due to construction, the overall growth of the church, and the growth in the number of classes.

Over the years our class has been very active in overseas missions. We have sent members to the Ukraine, Costa Rica and multiple trips to Kenya. We actively participate in numerous local ministries with volunteerism and financial support. Some of these include Team Read, Room at the Inn, Wesley Foundation, FirstWorks, and many more.

If you want to be part of a joyful group who loves community and serving others we would love for you to visit and considering joining our class.

6

Come see us!!

Adult Education continued Why Join a Bible Study Group?

(1) It will help you grow in your Bible knowledge and practical application of your faith. Attending church on a Sunday is of great importance, and we hope that you learn much from the sermons and apply them faithfully to your life, but in a smaller group you have something you cannot have in a sermon context: interaction. You can ask your own questions; explore things that are unclear, think through personal applications you haven’t thought through before. Plus you can learn from the different perspectives and experiences of the others in the group.

(2) It will build friendships in a deeper way than almost any other forum. Bible Study Groups have people of different backgrounds united through their study of the Bible and prayer for one another. When you pray for each other and share your life together on a regular basis, it is a great encouragement for you and them.

(3) It will reveal your priorities in how you choose to spend your time. It is easy to whittle away all our time with work, with family commitments, with children’s sports, with watching TV, only to have the Christian side of things somewhat tacked on. A commitment on a regular basis to a group that studies the Bible and prays together is a way of saying by your actions that you want to work on your faith and be a part of the church community.

GUMC has a range of Bible and small group studies starting in January that you can be a part of, some during the day and some in the evening. Make 2019 the year you participate in a small group study!

Sunday School Spotlight: Preston Founded in memory of a dear friend, the Preston Class offers a comfortable place for worship, missions, and fellowship for young adults in their 30’s and 40’s. We walk alongside one another through life’s many blessings and sorrows. On Sunday mornings, we explore scripture and ignite spiritual growth through candid discussion. The Preston Class leverages a dynamic mix of curriculum including guest speakers, lessons developed by class members, and video/book exploration that enables our diverse group to remain highly engaged in an active spiritual journey.

SPOTLIGHT ON ADULT

SUNDAY SCHOOL

The Preston Class values serving our church and community through various mission opportunities.

Members serve at GUMC by working with Children’s and Youth Ministries and Room in the Inn; we serve our local Memphis community through Church Health; and financially support Amy Speake’s missions in Costa Rica. The Preston Class is currently starting a NEW and EXCITING mission fundraiser: Preston Class members will wrap your gifts in exchange for donations from November 25 to December 23. Drop off gifts on Sunday mornings before or after the 9:40 worship service in the Fellowship Hall OR on Tuesday evenings from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the basement Trek area.

Preston Class will then wrap your gifts to save you time during this busy season! Pick up will be available Sunday mornings after the 11:00 a.m. worship service and Tuesday evenings, each in the GUMC Trek area. Contact Natalie Cathcart at cathcarn@gmail.com for more info on this fundraiser.

In addition to church-based activities, the Preston Class actively participates in class socials. Our group includes singles, young married couples, and many families with young children. In order to engage these diverse groups, we regularly coordinate socials throughout the year. In the spring and summer, we go on outings to various Memphis attractions (Crosstown, Memphis Zoo, etc.), enjoy pool parties at members’ homes, and attend the Germantown Summer Concert Series. In the fall and winter, we venture through pumpkin patches, have football watching parties, participate in a delicious progressive Thanksgiving dinner, and celebrate the holidays with a festive annual Christmas party. Are you looking for a casual worship and fellowship environment at Germantown United Methodist Church? The Preston Class invites you to join us on Sunday morning from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in Room 342!

7

United Methodist Women Chesley Porteous - women@germantownumc.org GUMW Christmas Brunch All women are invited to attend our GUMW Christmas Brunch December 11th at 10:30 a.m. in the Mike Wilson Fellowship Hall.

Come join us for a delicious catered brunch, festive fellowship, and sounds of the season! We will also be installing our new 2019 officers.

Cost is $10.00 Deadline to register: December 6th at 12 noon Two Methods to Register: •

Credit Card online at germantownumc.org

•

Check to GUMW, “GUMW Dec Brunch” in memo line, placed in GUMW drop box outside Fellowship Hall.

Childcare is free. Indicate a need for childcare when registering online or by writing “Need Childcare” on your check.

For additional info: email chesleyporteous@gmail.com

GUMW Christmas Cookie Shoppe Saturday, December 8, 2018 | 9 a.m. - 12 noon Mike Wilson Fellowship Hall There will be thousands of wonderful Christmas cookies and candies available for purchase in the GUMW Christmas Cookie Shoppe on Saturday, December 8th from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. This festive shoppe will be set up in the Mike Wilson Fellowship Hall. All who attend will receive a bakery box to fill with selections from over 100 different cookies and candies.

After choices are made and weighed, shoppers will pay $8 per pound. We accept cash, check and credit card.

If you are baking cookies or candies, please label them “Cookie Shoppe” and deliver to the kitchen in the Mike Wilson Fellowship Hall by 3 p.m. on Friday, December 7th. Bring your items in a disposable container and include your name and the name of the cookie/candy. We are so grateful for your hard work in making these beautiful treats, so make sure you pack them carefully! Let’s make this a huge success! All funds raised will be given to the missions supported by the circles of Germantown United Methodist Women.

Questions? Contact event co-chairs: Sue Land (landrs2590@gmail.com) or Barbara Schanson (barcons@comcast.net)

Germantown United Methodist Women Mailing List Did you know there’s an email list for Germantown United Methodist Women? We’ll be ramping up our email blasts about GUMW-related events in the coming months. You can stay in the loop by going to http://www.germantown.org/email and selecting “Women’s Ministry.”

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.

8

Children's Ministry Lisa Pierce - lpierce@germantownumc.org - 901-758-6512 Fall Festival Fall Festival was a huge hit once again! The weather was wonderful and the fellowship even better!

Thank you to all those who helped by either providing a carnival game, serving in the set-up/clean-up effort, or by preparing the food. We could not do what we do without the many hands that help and support us!

Advent Workshop Snow only added to the excitement of Advent Workshop! We gathered a beautiful crowd for an evening of preparation for the season of Advent. Families made their Advent wreath for the season as well as other crafts to adorn their homes. Families are encouraged to follow a devotional with their children during this season. If you are needing a devotional guide, see Lisa Pierce; we have plenty to share.

Alternative Christmas On December 2, elementary-aged children will have an opportunity to purchase gifts for their families and friends. Each free-trade gift is wrapped, tagged, and only $5. Please send your child with $5 for each gift they wish to purchase as well as a list of people they would like to shop for. (Please respectfully limit your child to six gifts.) Shopping will occur during either the 9:40 or 11:00 KidsQuest hours. Preschoolers are invited to shop between worship hours or at noon. There are elves available to assist these little ones so they can keep the surprise!

Children will rotate through the store, and when not shopping, they will learn about free-trade items and how their dollars can support those in need. They will learn about purchasing with a purpose and being thoughtful about how they spend their money. Please plan to join us!

Journey to Bethlehem with Milk and Muffins On this magical day, we will journey together from the angels to the manger to learn of the birth of Jesus. We will then move to the shepherds and the wise men to learn how Jesus’ birth changed the world. After learning about why wise men brought gifts, we will visit with the jolly ol’ guy himself!

Join us for this longstanding GUMC tradition on December 8, 9:30-11:00 a.m., beginning in the Hamilton nursery area. Memories will be made for sure!

Christmas Break Dodgeball Third, fourth, and fifth graders are invited to burn some energy in the OLEC on December 20 and 27 from 1-3 p.m.

Bring a water bottle and a friend!

9

Older Adults Luci Cromer - luci2@comcast.net - 901-755-0803 XYZ’s Tour the Newly-Renovated Pink Palace Mansion in January!

After almost two years of renovation, the Pink Palace Mansion is going to re-open in December, and people will see the second floor of the home for the very first time. We are going to be one of the first groups to tour the building, and we will experience the home as it tells the story of Memphis in the early 1920’s, when the mansion was built. There will be a streetscape—Main Street and Beale, an enlarged Piggly Wiggly, a General Store, the Cossitt Library/Museum room, a rebuilt, operational Clyde Parke Miniature Circus, and more. After our tour, we will have lunch at Patrick’s restaurant on Park Avenue.

WHERE: Pink Palace Mansion and Patrick’s on Park WHEN: Thursday, January 24, 2019 COST: $11.50 per person plus lunch on your own.

DEPARTURE: 9:30 a.m. from OLEC parking lot. (Be there by 9:15) RESERVATIONS: Call Luci Cromer, 755-0803, Gretchen Blair, 755-0797, or Garnet Brenneman, 754-3711. You must make your reservation before paying.

DEADLINE FOR MONEY and RESERVATIONS: Wednesday, December 12

Hear About the Double Life of Ernest Withers at the January Brown Bag Lunch!

The life and times of Ernest Withers—World War II veteran and renowned civil-rights-era photographer—was a compelling story long before journalist Marc Perrusquia divulged that Withers served as a paid informant for the FBI’s notorious and now-defunct domestic counterintelligence program, or COINTELPRO, for as many as 18 years.

Marc will discuss his book, A Spy in Canaan, the story of Withers, and a riveting glimpse into Memphis history and a dark, injurious period of time, at the January Brown Bag Lunch Series, an adventure in learning sponsored by the Older Adult Council. Autographed copies will be for sale—a great gift for your history buff or graduate.

TOPIC: “A Spy in Canaan” SPEAKER: Marc Perrusquia, Author and Director, Institute for Public Service Reporting at the University of Memphis WHERE: Mike Wilson Fellowship Hall WHEN: January 4, 2019. Program starts at 11 a.m.; lunch is at Noon.

COST: FREE – the church will supply beverages.

RESERVATIONS: Not needed. Just bring your sack lunch and enjoy the program and the fellowship.

QUESTIONS? Call Luci Cromer, 755-0803, or Pat Smith, 758-6513. ** There will be a crossing guard on West Street to help with overflow parking.**

10

Our events are open to all adults age 55 and older, singles and couples, regardless of church membership. Mark your calendar and make your reservations for these events today!

Older Adults continued Luci Cromer - luci2@comcast.net - 901-755-0803 XYZ’s Celebrate Memphis Music History in February!

Come with us for a music history lesson when we tour the Memphis Music Hall of Fame Museum, a fun, fascinating and educational exhibition that features never-before-seen memorabilia, rare video performances and interviews, interactive exhibits, and much more.

We will experience the best meal on Beale at Blues City Cafe, and then have a private tour of Sun Studio, the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll, to learn the story of Memphis’ history and culture through the music that put Memphis on the map. Waiting list availability only.

WHERE: Memphis Music Hall of Fame Museum, Blues City Cafe, and Sun Studio WHEN: Tuesday, February 26, 2019 COST: $16.00 per person plus lunch on your own.

DEPARTURE: 9:30 a.m. from OLEC parking lot. (Be there by 9:15 a.m.)

RESERVATIONS: Call Luci Cromer, 755-0803, Gretchen Blair, 755-0797, or Garnet Brenneman, 754-3711. You must make your reservation before paying.

DEADLINE FOR MONEY and RESERVATIONS: Tuesday, January 29

Don’t Forget the December Brown Bag Lunch Program!

Col. Elmer Follis, Jr. retired fighter pilot, will talk about how his squadron saved thousands of U.S. lives in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. This presentation will be on Pearl Harbor Day, Friday, December 7, 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. 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.

GUMP Weekday Preschool Sarah Sutton - ssutton@germantownumc.org - 901-753-3109 It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Our friends at Germantown United Methodist Preschool have been busy learning and playing as we celebrate the changes and wonders of the season.

GUMP enrollment is just around the corner, and we are already becoming busy at GUMP as tours for the 2019-2020 school year continue to increase!

Open Enrollment for the upcoming year will begin in January, giving current families priority of re-enrollment and then opening enrollment up to the public. An updated enrollment application for the 2018-2019 school year will be available online soon. Please share with friends and family to consider GUMP when seeking a Weekday Preschool. We would love to show you all the wonderful things happening here.

Before we end our first semester, GUMP wants to wish each of you a Merry Christmas! As the Christmas season is upon us, we joyfully celebrate the birth of baby Jesus! What a sweet time of year to share God’s love with our little friends. This month our three, four and five year old friends will join together to have a special chapel with Ms. Lisa (Pierce). What a special time it will be together! Also, all our classroom friends will celebrate Christmas with a “Happy Birthday Jesus” birthday party, so that as we break for Christmas our focus is on the true Reason for the Season. May this season be Merry and Bright!

11

Germantown United Methodist Church 2331 South Germantown Road Germantown, TN 38138 www.germantownumc.org 901-754-7216 Editor’s Note: The deadline for submitting articles for Tidings is the 10th of the month prior. Submissions received after this deadline are not guaranteed to run.

2019 GUMC Women’s Retreat You’re Invited! January 25-26 The retreat is at St. Columba Conference Center in Bartlett, Tennessee. Our theme this year is “REAL WOMEN Realize Emmanuel’s Amazing Love”. Study sessions will be led by GUMC members, Yolanda Toney. Drawing on themes from Michelle Derusha’s book 50 Women Every Christian Should Know, Yolanda will explore how we are not alone, the battles we face are not new, and God is always with us in the midst of the struggles.

Our retreat promises you an opportunity to: • Embrace nature’s beauty • Be part of a loving, vibrant community of women • Let go of your to-do list for 24 hours • Enjoy downtime, quiet time and meditation • Be nourished by delicious, home-cooked meals • Refresh and recharge • Create new friendships and strengthen existing relationships • Hear and discuss a message created just for you!

Registration is filling up quickly—don’t postpone signing up! We are limited to 70 participants. For more information please go to our church website or pick up a brochure at one of our kiosks. Please save the date, review the details, invite a friend, and sign-up!

Step out of your routine, take time for yourself, and grow closer to God.