December 2017
A Message from Tim "The First Christmas Carols" Christmas would not seem right without music. No other holiday is as tied to music as is the Christmas season. The church has dozens of songs about the Coming of Christ and the Nativity of Christ. In our hymnal, from pages 196-256, are songs that anticipate and celebrate the coming of Christ and the response of others to his coming. No other holiday, not even Easter, has as many hymns dedicated to it as does the Christmas season. It should not be any wonder to us. Christmas itself began with songs. The Gospel of Luke’s first two chapters at times read like an Andrew Lloyd Webber production. In Luke, the Christmas story begins with singing. The Father of John the Baptist sings, the Mother of Jesus sings, the Angels of Heaven sing, and an old man named Simeon sings. They all sing to the glory of God for the coming of the Messiah. When something momentous occurs, a song must be written. And when a joyous time happens, there must be music. As we cannot imagine Christmas without the familiar songs, so those at the original coming of Christ knew what it was to have music. The Sermon Series during Advent will be “The First Christmas Carols.” Together with music from the choir, we will encounter in scripture how it all began, and celebrate the theological wonder of Christ’s incarnation and what it means for us today. Each week, we will look at one of the songs: Advent Week One: The Song of Zechariah Luke 1:68-79 Advent Week Two: The Song of Mary Luke 1:46-55 Advent Week Three: The Song of the Angels Luke 2:14 Advent Week Four: The Song of Simeon Luke 2:29-32 I hope you will join us for worship and the numerous opportunities for celebrating Advent and Christmas this month at GUMC. May God bless you and yours in this Advent and Christmas Season. Tim
Honor Your Loved Ones with Poinsettias Remember to honor a loved one and help beautify our sanctuary for the Christmas season by providing a poinsettia. The deadline to order is noon on Monday, December 4. Names of honorees and donors will be listed in a special bulletin insert available on December 10, 17, and 24 Please fill out one form per person to be memorialized/honored (which is one form per poinsettia ordered). Cost per poinsettia/ person is $16. Make check payable to GUMC and return your check and completed form(s) to the Welcome Center or mail to GUMC Poinsettias, 2331 S. Germantown Rd, Germantown, TN 38138. Poinsettias may be picked up immediately following the 11:00 p.m. Christmas Eve service, or later as available on Wednesday, December 27th. The church will be closed on Monday, December 25th and Tuesday, December 26th.
Membership
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Germantown United Methodist Church welcomed Cara Ortiz into membership on Sunday, October 22nd at the 8:30 worship service. Cara joined by transfer of her membership from Red Mountain UMC in Mesa, Arizona. Pictured with Cara are her three children.
Germantown United Methodist Church welcomed Tom Edwards into membership on Sunday, October 22nd at the 8:30 worship service. Tom joined by transfer of his membership from a sister United Methodist Church in the Memphis area. Tom is a member of the Seeker Sunday School Class.
Germantown United Methodist Church welcomed Margie Buttler into membership on Sunday, October 22nd at the 11:00 worship service. Margie joined by transfer of her membership from Kerrville UMC in Kerrville, Texas. Margie is a member of the Seekers Sunday School Class.
Germantown United Methodist Church welcomed Marci Drury into membership on Sunday, November 12th at the 9:40 worship service. Marci joined by Reaffirmation of Faith. Pictured with Marci is her son.
End of Year Giving Christmastime is the perfect time to reflect on how God has blessed us to be a blessing. Your end of year financial gift to Germantown UMC’s Operational Budget (which includes support for many of our missions) helps fulfill our mission statement that “We are a faith community committed to: Loving God and loving others, Serving Christ and sharing Him, Transforming lives and making disciples.” Traditionally, GUMC, like many other churches, is heavily dependent on year-end giving to support our ministries throughout the year. While much has been accomplished in 2017 and much is planned for 2018, none of it is possible without your support. It is important for you to know how much your financial gifts are needed to make all the ministry and mission of our church possible. Only by ending in a sound financial place in 2017 can we make solid and faithful plans for 2018. In 2 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 this year of grace 2017, let’s make plans to ensure that we are making the work of the Lord possible in every way. There are many ways to give in December. 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 2017, for tax purposes, it must either be received by December 31, postmarked by December 31, or transacted online by December 31. What are some of the ministries that your giving has made possible this year? • 309 children in VBS and 12 children every week in children’s mission program • 24 sixth grade youth were confirmed in the faith, including 5 who were baptized • 45 youth regularly in morning Sunday school • 100 youth and adults regularly in evening worship and activities • Youth summer missions events at MTOP and SOS • 25 girls and boys gather weekly at 6:30 for bible study and prayer before school • 38 new adult members committed to Christ through membership • Over 1000 guests welcomed by over 260 volunteers through Room in the Inn • Through Team Read, which began at GUMC with one school and 30 adults, now has 1,700 coaches in 47 Shelby County Schools plus programs in Jackson, Selmer, Covington, and Huntsville, AL • Our Caldwill-Guthrie program also produces 2100 boxes of weekend food, and feeds 300 children each week • GUMC members completed their 45th and 46th Habitat for Humanity Houses this year
Your Decisions Advance the Kingdom of God. Cash, Check, Electronic Payment In giving cash, always make sure that your name is attached so that we may ensure you get the credit you need for your own accounting. The most common way of giving still, is with a check. In addition, many banks are willing to make direct transfers from a personal checking account to GUMC’s account. The church can autodraft your contribution monthly if you wish. Please contact Sharon Panis (spanis@germantownumc.org) to make arrangements. Stocks 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. Talk to your tax planner or financial consultant. Contact Sharon Panis to facilitate this. Tangible Items GUMC can receive gifts of cars, sail boats, land and more. We don’t keep those things, naturally. They are sold as soon as possible and the returns allocated to the needs of the church and its mission. And thank you for your giving.
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Adult Education Mary Groh - mgroh@germantownumc.org - 901-754-5093 The Theme for our 2018 Women’s Retreat is Something Out of Nothing January 26-27 at St. Columba Conference Center
Join us for an overnight retreat with keynote speaker, Melissa Bosserman, a clinically trained and licensed psychotherapist specializing in family health serving children, adolescents, and adults. Melissa is a GUMC member, wife, and mother of three children. She will be using Genesis 1:1-2: “God created the heavens and earth – all you see, all you don’t see. God created something out of nothing”, as the basis for her sessions that will include discussions on mindfulness, emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and the virtue of compassion. Only a 35 minute drive from GUMC, St. Columba offers delicious, home-cooked meals, cozy fireplaces, rocking chairs, and comfortable accommodations. This retreat is the perfect setting for a time of fellowship, worship, learning, and is a respite from the events of everyday life. The Women’s Retreat provides an experience that allows women to slow down and savor time with God and each other. It feels like a cozy day at your favorite coffee shop – where women can find rest, laugh, share stories, and grow closer to each other and to God. Can’t get away for 24 hours? Then you might want to consider our “Saturday Only” option – one full day of retreat programming that will fill your heart and soul. Attendance Options: • Check in between 3:00-6:00 p.m. on Friday (cost is $100 and includes three meals, snacks, bedding, and towels) • Check in by 8:15 a.m. on Saturday (cost is $40 and includes breakfast and lunch and a mid-morning snack) • All planned activities will be over by 2:30, but you are welcome to stay for a while and hike, take a nap, read, 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 754-5093. Sign up soon – registration is limited to 70 women.
New Adult Small Group Bible Studies Starting in January We know Germantown UMC is a large church and it can be difficult to find a place where you feel you can ask questions, listen to ideas, or explore more of what you hear in worship. That’s why we have small groups! Small groups of Christians caring for one another, praying, studying and serving together are a foundation of Methodism and allow a person to grow in his or her faith with the help of other people who can provide encouragement and support. We have some exciting adult small group studies planned for Winter/Spring 2018! Look for more information about our upcoming classes in our Adult Study brochure – out in early January! BIG THINGS HAPPEN in small groups. Our hope is to see you in worship, and... in a Small Group Study! 4
Adult Education, cont. Mary Groh - mgroh@germantownumc.org - 901-754-5093 Monday Monthly Book Group Meet kindred book lovers in our monthly book group! We are an informal group of men and women who enjoy reading and discussing books. We meet on the fourth Monday of each month from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon in Room 338. There is no need to register, just purchase the book (or check out from the library) and join us for a lively discussion! The books we have chosen for the 2018 winter/spring are:
January 22 One of Ours Willa Cather
February 26 The Worst Hard Time Timothy Egan
March 26 Playing with the Enemy Gary W. Moore
December Communion Offering
April 23 Paperboy Vince Vawter
May 28 A Piece of the World Christina Baker Kline
Jesus’ prayer to his Father, at the end of his earthly ministry, was that his church would be one: “I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and lave loved them even as you have loved me.” (John 17:20-23, NRSV) We celebrate the distinct witness of the United Methodist Church and we are aware of the Holy Spirit at work elsewhere as well. Through our Interdenominational Cooperation Fund, the UMC works with brothers and sisters in other Christian communities “... to share the good news of Christ together. At a recent gathering of the World Council of Churches, United Methodist Church Bishop Mary Ann Swenson became the first female bishop to be elected to a top leadership position in the WCC. We’re joining our voices with Christians around the world to advocate for peace and justice. And through the Pan-Methodist Commission we’re pursuing reconciliation with other Methodist bodies to bear witness to the unity of Christ’s church. The Interdenominational Cooperation Fund allows The United Methodist Church to partner with Christian sisters and brothers throughout the world to fulfill our shared mission.” (copied) Germantown UMC’s portion of our shared support of these shared ministries is $1,240.00. Offerings at communion given over this amount will be applied to our World Service apportionments.
Mark Your Calendars Germantown UMC Welcomes Bishop Bill McAlilly Sunday, January 21, 2018 All three worship services 5
Older Adults Luci Cromer - luci2@comcast.net - 901-755-0803 Don’t Forget the December Brown Bag Lunch Program! Doug Weatherford, Peabody Hotel Historian and a Duckmaster, will discuss “The Unique Development of the Hotel Industry in Memphis.” This presentation will be Friday, December 1, 2017, in the Fellowship Hall. The program starts at 11:00 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.
Former Commercial Appeal Editor to Speak at January Brown Bag Lunch! Jerome Wright started at The CA as a copy clerk on August 15, 1971. From there he advanced to a reporter covering the night shift and the police beat. He wrote his first editorial in 2009, eventually becoming the editorial page editor. He saw the newspaper go from putting out eight editions a night to one. He has said that what he remembers most are the people he wrote about – the good and the bad. The sights, smells and sounds that emanated from the tragedies of life. He is going to share some of those stories and memories at the January Brown Bag Lunch Series, an adventure in learning sponsored by the Older Adult Council. TOPIC: "Reflecting on 45 Years at The Commercial Appeal" SPEAKER: Jerome Wright, Retired Editorial Page Editor WHERE: Mike Wilson Fellowship Hall WHEN: January 5, 2018. Program starts at 11:00 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. **
XYZ’s See Aircraft Carrier: Guardians of the Seas in January! One of the greatest engineering feats in history, the modern U.S. nuclear carrier is a masterpiece of technology, and the flagship of the fleet. With RIMPAC, the world’s largest and most comprehensive international maritime training exercise providing a stunning visual context for the story, find yourself aboard the carrier alongside the 5,000 highly skilled sea and air personnel conducting flight operations in the midst of the simulated war exercises taking place there. Rarely has there been a topic so visually suited and compelling for giant screen theaters. After the movie, we will have lunch at Patrick’s restaurant on Park Avenue. WHERE: CTI Giant 3D Theater and Patrick’s Restaurant WHEN: Tuesday, January 16, 2018 COST: $8 per person plus lunch on your own DEPARTURE: 9:45 a.m. from OLEC parking lot. (Be there by 9:30 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: Friday, December 15 6
Older Adults, cont. Luci Cromer - luci2@comcast.net - 901-755-0803 XYZ’s Experience the Music of Tenoré in February! Known as the Canadian Tenors, Tenoré’s powerhouse vocals are loved from L.A. to Rome. The group unleashes a glorious sound that breaks down musical barriers, draws together diverse cultures, and celebrates a repertoire of lyrical sweetness and dramatic strength. With a blend of classical, secular, pop, and Broadway selections, the group interacts with its audience in a personal and lighthearted manner, and we guarantee there will be smiles after the concert. Because it’s a Valentine’s show, all the ladies will receive a flower. WHERE: Bartlett Performing Arts and Conference Center WHEN: Saturday, February 10, 2018 COST: $26 per person cost includes reserved seat DEPARTURE: 6:15 p.m. from OLEC parking lot. (Be there by 6:00 p.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: Wednesday, January 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! 7
United Methodist Women Anna Graunke - women@germantownumc.org GUMW Christmas Cookie Shoppe Saturday, December 9, 2017 9:00 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 9th from 9am to 12 noon. This year, the 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 3pm on Friday, December 8th. Bring your items in a disposable container and include your name and the name of the cookie/candy. 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: Marilyn Barbee (mcummingsstep@yahoo.com) or Barbara Schanson (barcons@comcast.net)
GUMW Christmas Brunch All women are invited to attend our GUMW Christmas Brunch December 12th 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 2018 officers. Cost is $10.00 Deadline to register: December 7th 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
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
United Methodist Women, cont. Anna Graunke - women@germantownumc.org Cinnamon Roll Bake Sale Success As we are just leaving the Thanksgiving Holiday, the Germantown United Methodist Women would like to praise God for another successful Cinnamon Roll Bake Sale. We baked over 370 dozen Cinnamon Rolls in THREE DAYS! We are so blessed and thankful that God allowed us to provide funds for the missions that our GUMW circles support. None of this would have been possible without the many volunteers who worked hard those three days. It is such a joy working alongside a community of women who provide a loving, supportive fellowship. (And getting to sample the rolls is a great perk too!) Valerie McKinney said, “The Cinnamon Rolls are out of this world! My whole family loves them and wish you could make them all year. Thank You!” Thank You Germantown United Methodist Church! Missions Receiving Funds from the Cinnamon Roll Bake Fundraiser: Alturas Church Women United Dress for Success Golden Cross Memphis Business Academy Methodist Healthcare Auxiliary Room in the Inn - Memphis UMNC & Miriam Day Care Center Urban Ministry Initiative Weekend Food Program (Caldwell-Guthrie) Wesley Foundation Memphis (Campus Ministry)
GUMP Weekday Preschool
Sarah Sutton - ssutton@germantownumc.org - 901-753-3109
Enrollment GUMP enrollment is just around the corner, and with that we are already becoming busy at GUMP as tours for the 2018-2019 school year continue to increase! Open Enrollment for the upcoming school 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 on-line mid-December. Please share with friends and family to consider GUMP when seeking a Weekday Preschool. Before our year breaks, 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! 9
Children's Ministry Lisa Pierce - lpierce@germantownumc.org - 901-758-6512 Fall Festival Fall Festival was once again a fantastic time of family fun! Kids of all ages enjoyed carnival games, inflatable fun, face painting, putt-putt, and a treat walk. Hot dog/hamburger lunch was prepared by Habitat for Humanity and all proceeds (nearly $800) will benefit that mission. We are so thankful for those who made this event possible including many adult Sunday school classes, children’s council, and the Middle. It is always a treasured time when three to four generations can gather in celebration; we are so thankful for our beautiful congregation!
Advent Workshop Preparing for the season of preparation…sounds redundant, doesn’t it? That is just what we did on Wednesday evening, November 15. Families gathered in the children’s wing to create their annual Advent wreath. Young children made crafts to adorn their homes during the season of Advent as we anticipate Christmas and the celebration of Jesus’ birth. Youth worked side by side with the younger children as they completed a wooden nativity set to keep in their homes and play with all season. It was a beautiful evening of sharing faith, creating memories, and carrying on of tradition.
Alternative Christmas December 3; either 9:40 or 11:00 A longstanding GUMC tradition, Alternative Christmas provides an opportunity to purchase meaningful, freetrade gifts for family and friends. We are offering Alternative Christmas for the elementary children during their Kids Quest time in the Huddle on December 3. In conjunction with the sale, the children will learn about the history of the gifts and how their purchase will help others. Each gift is sold for $5. (Most are valued at more than $5, none are valued at less than $5, but all are sold for $5. This is a gift from one of our members to the children of our congregation.) All gifts are pre-wrapped and tagged before the child leaves the market. This is a great opportunity for your child(ren) to stretch some independence and purchase gifts for family, friends, and teachers. Children may purchase up to four gifts. Preschoolers are invited to shop after either the 9:40 or the 11:00 worship services. There will be elves to help young children so they will be able to maintain a surprise! Children who wish to participate should bring $5 per gift on December 3. Please use exact cash or check payable to GUMC. We encourage all children to participate! It is very meaningful to children to purchase a surprise for people they love.
OLEC Drop-In Care Drop-in child care is available in our OLEC nursery, Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM – noon. Our incredible staff would love to supervise your child while you make a trip to the doctor, go to the grocery, or complete any other errand without your favorite tag-alongs. Registration is preferred. Please contact 901.753.3100 extension 151 to make reservations or to ask questions. Find more details on our church’s website.
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Children's Ministry, cont. Lisa Pierce - lpierce@germantownumc.org - 901-758-6512 Milk and Muffins Milk and Muffins has morphed this year to include a “Journey to Bethlehem”. We will cover the course…from angels to manger; from shepherds to wisemen. As children journey from station to station, the live retelling of this story will create memories and understanding that will last a long time. Please join us Saturday, December 9, from 9:30 to 11:00 in the Hamilton Nursery. Families with children who have special needs are invited to join Brittan Robbins in the Nursery at 9:00 AM for a less-crowded journey. Of course, there will be snacks and crafts for all to enjoy. And…as always, at the end of our journey, there will be a visit from the “Jolly Guy” himself with plenty of photo opportunities. On your way out, you may want to stop by the Cookie Shoppe in the Fellowship Hall and stock up on some holiday sweets made by the UMW.
Parent Night Out Need some time for a date, some shopping, or just some valuable R and R? We have begun offering a parent night out opportunity one Friday each month. During this time, our amazing staff will supervise your child in a safe and familiar place. Children be able to hang out with friends, play some games, and enjoy some “goof off” time inside this beautiful church facility. Registration is required and available through our church’s website. There is a $10 registration fee per family for the year and then each night costs $15 for the first child and $10 for each additional child in the same family. The cost includes pizza dinner which will promptly be served at 6:15 each night. The rest of the evening includes games, free playtime, and will close with a movie on the big screen. Details are listed on the website, but feel free to contact anyone in the children’s ministry for details.
Children’s Mission Craft Sale Children, by nature, have a heart for service. Unfortunately, they are typically not able to serve in traditional mission-type settings. They also have no means to generate income. In order to cultivate a mission-oriented heart, we have developed our Summer Mission Project. In this project, we gather Wednesdays during the summer to create high-quality crafts. Then, sacrificially, children leave their work behind to be sold with hopes of raising money for a mission. As a response to all the devastating violent weather this past summer, the children have chosen to have the money from their craft sale go to UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief). Please come see the fence outside the Huddle (rm. 240) and find a few pieces you really admire. Take what you like and leave behind a donation in the donation box. There are cards available to include with your gift explaining how it is actually a gift times two…one for the recipient and one for UMCOR. This year’s crafts include necklaces, ornaments, crosses, picture frames, and more. We will be refreshing the fence each week, so stop by regularly.
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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.
Save the Date! Mark Your Calendars! By popular demand the SOZO CHILDREN’S CHOIR from Uganda will be making a return performance in our Sanctuary on Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at 6:30 pm!! Come and Experience: • Ugandan cultural singing and dancing with authentic African instruments; • Brief testimonies from the children and Ugandan adults; • Powerful corporate worship with audience participation. Look for more information in late December. This is a Not-to-be-missed event!
The First Christmas Carols Advent 1
2017 Advent Schedule
Sunday morning, December 3 | 8:30, 9:40 & 11 a.m. | Sanctuary | Rev. Tim Carpenter, preaching “The First Christmas Carols: Song of Zechariah” Luke 1:68-79 Children’s Alternative Christmas Sunday, December 3 | 9:40 & 11 a.m. | The Huddle Hanging of the Greens Service & Plum Pudding Festival Sunday, December 3 | 5:00 p.m. | Sanctuary | Presented by the Children’s Choir Program Blue Christmas Tuesday, December 5 | 6:30 p.m. | Barnett Chapel, 2216 S. Germantown Road This year we are partnering with Methodist Le Bonheur Hospital, Germantown Milk and Muffins Saturday, December 9 | 9:30 - 11 a.m. | Hamilton Wing Nursery GUMW Christmas Cookie Shoppe Saturday, December 9 | 9:00 a.m. - Noon | Mike Wilson Fellowship Hall
Advent 2
Sunday morning, December 10 | 8:30, 9:40 & 11 a.m. | Sanctuary | Rev. Tim Carpenter, preaching “The First Christmas Carols: Song of Mary” Luke 1:46-55 Adult Alternative Christmas Sunday, December 10 | 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Mike Wilson Fellowship Hall Community Carol Festival Sunday, December 10 | 5:00 p.m. Presented by the Chancel Choir, Matins Bell Choir, GUMC Brass Ensemble with guest soloist Paul Arrendale, tenor
Advent 3
Sunday morning, December 17 | 8:30, 9:40 & 11 a.m. | Sanctuary | Rev. Tim Carpenter, preaching “The First Christmas Carols: Song of the Angels” Luke 2:14
Advent 4
Sunday morning, December 24 | One Morning Service | 10:00 a.m. | Sanctuary | Rev. Tim Carpenter, preaching Sunday Morning Worship in the Traditional Style: Musical Offerings by former GUMC member Ilace Mears, Hammered Dulcimer “The First Christmas Carols: Song of Simeon” Luke 2:29-32 Christmas Eve Services 3 p.m. & 4 p.m. A Service for Families with Young Children 6 p.m. Service of Lessons and Carols including Holy Communion Music by Chancel Choir and Ancient-Modern Praise Band 10:30 p.m. Music for the Holy Night/Musical offerings in the form of an extended prelude by Jim Thrash, organ, Eva McPeters, harp, and Ilace Mears, hammered dulcimer 11:00 p.m. Service of Lessons and Carols including Holy Communion
New Year’s Eve Services
Sunday morning, December 31 | 8:30, 9:40 & 11 a.m. | Sanctuary | Rev. Erin Beasley, preaching