June 2018
A Message from Tim Our Thanks to Jim Thrash It is bittersweet to say goodbye this month to Jim Thrash. Jim’s last Sunday as Director of Music will be June 24. He has served at Germantown United Methodist Church for 30 years and we celebrate his wonderful talent, spirit, and faithfulness. We will certainly miss his leadership, humor, wisdom, and kindness. His bio tells us that he has, as director of music, overseen a complete music program of vocal and handbell choirs as well as helping to design our worship services. We are also reminded that prior to his thirty years in Germantown, he served churches in Mississippi, New York, and Iowa and taught organ and church music at Simpson College, Indianola, Iowa. It also tells us that Jim holds a double performance degree in piano and organ from the University of Southern Mississippi and the Master of Music and the coveted Performer’s Certificate from Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY. He is a member of The American Guild of Organists, Fellowship of United Methodist Musicians, Choristers Guild, Music Teachers National Association and is on the board of judges for National Piano Guild. He has appeared as soloist with the Jackson Symphony and the Rochester Philharmonic. His bio does not, and cannot with justice, tell the dedication, drive for excellence, and integrity with which he has worked, led, and worshiped among us. Words cannot put into perspective the beauty and power of the music we have experienced, as exemplified just two weeks ago as the chancel choir, handbells, and children’s choirs all performed. An article cannot adequately thank Jim for the countless cantatas, musicals, specials at Christmas, Easter, and throughout the years. The hours of patience, preparation, teaching, and listening are beyond calculation. He has served with six senior pastors, numerous executive and associate pastors, and dozens of staff members, and to all he has been a blessing. Through it all, he has been a vehicle of God’s grace to laity and staff alike. We are privileged to have had the inspirational talent of Jim for these many years, and we wish him and Sharon God’s blessings in this new chapter of their lives. To Jim Thrash, we humbly thank you.
Judy Oros: New Assistant Director of Health and Recreation Judy Oros is our new Assistant Director of Health and Recreation. Her passion for health and fitness, coupled with her strong belief in the necessity for an active lifestyle, has kept her going strong for 20+ years of group fitness and personal training. Her programs are based on promoting health & strength. Seminars throughout the year on meal prep for people on the go – plan, prep and prepare – are guaranteed to make your life easier. It gives her great satisfaction to pass along her knowledge and enthusiasm with the highest standard of service, safety and professionalism for those wanting to adopt a lifestyle of physical and mental well-being. She grew up in the Washington, DC area and graduated from the University of Maryland where she met her husband, John. She is the mother of two awesome children, Jennifer & Joey! And one new grandchild, Anne Willis!
Farewell to José Santiago Our plant manager, José Santiago has left Germantown UMC for new opportunities. José has been on staff of the church for eighteen years, and his last day was May 11. We will miss his presence and work among us. We honor his time of service with us, and we wish him will in his new endeavors.
Common Sense Stewardship from Scripture 1. Put God first in your living and giving. (2 Corinthians 9:6-7) Put God first in your living and your giving. Give your tithe and offering from the “top” of your paycheck, and then live on whatever remains. 2. Prepare a spending plan and track all expenses monthly. (Proverbs 27:23-24) Creating a budget means developing a plan in which you tell your money what you want it to do. Tracking your expenses is like getting on the scales to see how you are doing. 3. Simplify your lifestyle; live below your means. (Matthew 6:19-33) Because this discipline is critical to the success of any financial plan, next Sunday’s sermon will be devoted to this topic. 4. Provide immediately for an emergency fund. (1 Timothy 6:9-12) An emergency fund is an account separate from checking or long-term savings that is set aside specifically for emergencies. 5. Pay off all credit card debt; use cash or debit cards, not credit cards (Proverbs 22:7) As you are building your emergency fund, begin to pay off your credit card debt and start using cash or debit cards for purchases. If you must use a credit card, be sure to pay off the debt monthly. 6. Practice long-range saving and investing habits. (Luke 14:28) Saving money is the Number 1 wise money management principle everyone should practice. There are three types savings we should have: emergency savings, savings for wants and goals, and retirement savings. 2
SPRC Announces New Music Director Todd Wilson will begin serving GUMC as Music Director August 6, 2018. After extensive searches and interviews the decision to bring Todd on board was made, the offer extended, and accepted. Todd has served as a church musician for nearly thirty years, most recently as Director of Music at Bartlett United Methodist. He is married to Mary Wilson. They have one son, Fletcher. The July issue of Tidings will contain more information and an email address where you may send Mr. Wilson notes of welcome.
Amy Speake Ministries Alturas Children’s Ministry in Lomas Del Rio Slum in Costa Rica Alturas Children’s ministry in the Lomas del Rio slum in Costa Rica is continuing to see deeply impoverished children learn about God and learn English. Recently, we had the honor of having John and Margaret Ueleke, their daughter, sonin-law, and grandkids come to get a first-hand look at how contributions from GUMC are being utilized. It was wonderful to finally be able to have a visitor from home to be able to witness the Alturas children’s transformation in progress. The Uelekes brought a special arts and crafts exercise to do with the kids that went perfectly with the lesson that the Alturas staff had planned because He is a great God who works in order! The Uelekes were able to observe our kids learning about respecting God, others, and ourselves. Thanks to GUMC! For the second year, our Alturas kids and staff will be going to Summer Camp on June 23 so please pray for us and for the kids to have many God moments! We learned last year that Alturas kids were missing some camp necessities that were hastily secured to prevent any embarrassment for them. One father recently begged us to take his son back into the program since his son decided that he did not want to follow class rules and would quit the program. The father has seen the great changes in his son thanks to the program, and he feared that if his son is not in the program, he will be lazy and do nothing. The father knows that gangs are trying to recruit the younger kids, and that if his kid is not being taught the Word of God, and getting a better education, his son would be one more casualty in this neighborhood. Just last week, I preached the funeral of a 15-year old boy who was the son of a disciple of mine. This boy at 13 had become part of these gangs that prey on youth and was a hitman for the gang. As he sat with his friends on the street corner, a gunman shot him and then stabbed him mercilessly. His mother, brokenhearted asked me to preach the funeral. THIS is the reason God led me to start this ministry – GOD uses ALTURAS to save these kids from the foregone conclusion of gang life and premature death. As I saw the picture of the boy on the gang member T-shirts when we were at the funeral, the Lord quietly reminded me that He called me to reach these kids, so this does not happen to them. Without God and GUMC’s help, this will be their future: gang life and premature death! Every gift you give helps to give kids the skills they need to have a good future and to say no to the gangs! Thanks for literally saving these kids from the jaws of death! With appreciation, Amy Speake 3
Missions Summer Mission Opportunities 2018 Children’s Mission Camp July 9-13 Adult chaperones and drivers are needed. Contact Lisa Pierce – lpierce@germantownumc.org Youth Missions Adult chaperones are needed for the following: Manna House Mondays – June 4, 18, 25 and July 2, 16, and 30 Mountain T.O.P. – July 8-14 Service Over Self – July 22-27 Contact Sue Hyland – shyland@germantownumc.org Project Transformation July 9-12, 9:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. GUMC will provide meals for interns on June 24 and July 19. Opportunities include reading with elementary and middle school children to maintain/improve their reading level, providing dinners for the interns, providing a Family Fun Night meal, and providing needed books and supplies. Contact Ruth King – ruthmking@bellsouth.net or 853-0511 Mountain T.O.P. (Adults Only) June 24-30 Mountain T.O.P./AIM provides major home repair and children and youth ministry to families in the Cumberland Mountains of Grundy County, TN. Programs include renovation projects and teaching teenagers a life lesson, sport or craft (cooking, writing, fishing, tennis, etc.) Contact Doug Warner – dougwarner1946@gmail.com Labor of Love September 3 Accepting donations beginning June 1 GUMC will be providing baby items for the MIFA bags. Donations are needed for diapers, baby shampoo, baby lotion, petroleum jelly, baby bottles, and small bottles of infant juice. Labor of Love is a community service day that brings together St. George’s Episcopal, Germantown United Methodist, New Bethel Baptist, Germantown Presbyterian, Kingsway Christian churches; we will partner with MIFA and Memphis Feeds Initiative to offer members several ministry opportunities to serve neighbors in need: (1) filling bags for MIFA’s Emergency Services, (2) cleaning yards, (3) delivering meals and food boxes in selected areas, and (4) packaging ready-to-prepare meals. Contact Rev. Erin Beasley – ebeasley@germantownumc.org 4
Labor of Love
Adult Education Mary Groh - mgroh@germantownumc.org - 901-754-5093 Summer Bible Study for Women! Keep It Shut – What to Say, How to Say It, and When to Say Nothing at All Wednesdays, June 13 – August 1, 9:45 – 11:45 a.m. (skipping July 4th) Facilitated by Chesley Porteous (chesleyporteous@gmail.com) From Bible times to modern times women have struggled with their words. Beyond just a “how not to gossip” study, author, Karen Ehman, will teach what the Bible says about the many ways we are supposed to use our words and the times when we are to remain silent. Using our speech to interact with friends, co-workers, family and strangers will be covered along with the many places we use our words. Each session will feature a different character from the Bible, using them either as an example of someone to emulate or whose verbal actions we should avoid replicating. Free childcare is available by reservation. Cost for the study is $25.
Monday Monthly Book Club Summertime “and the living is easy” and the perfect time to catch up on your reading! Join us the 4th Monday of each month at 10:30 a.m. for a lively discussion! There is no need to register, just purchase the book (or checkout from the library) June 27
July 25
August 22
The Remains of the Day
Reconstructing Amelia
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
Kazuo Ishiguro
Kimberly McCreight
Betty Smith
GUMP Weekday Preschool
Sarah Sutton - ssutton@germantownumc.org - 901-753-3109
Germantown United Methodist Preschool has wrapped up another great school year! All of our friends ended the school year by enjoying a visit from the Petting Farm – it was so fun to feed the goats, see the llama, pet the donkey and ride the train! Our older friends performed their “Great American Picnic” Spring Music Program for family and friends. We wish our families a safe and relaxing summer, and look forward to a new school year beginning August 13th! GUMP’s summer hours are Monday-Thursday, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. We will be closed June 4-8 and July 2-6. This summer we are offering 2 week-long camps for our current families. These camps are available for children ages 3 to 6. Please remember that GUMP’s classroom for Children with Special Needs is available and continues to thrive. “G.R.A.C.E.” (GUMP Recognizes All Can Excel) serves children ages approximately 2-5 years of age, identified as having a disability, including developmental delay. Additionally, GUMP will continue to offer Before and After Care Program to our day, which has been very helpful to families. While maintaining our excellent school day from 9:30-2:30, parents/caregivers who need longer hours can enroll in their choice of before care, after care, or both. Before Care hours are 7:30-9:30 a.m. and After Care hours are 2:30-5:30 p.m. Enrollment for the 2018-2019 school year is currently underway. An Enrollment Application, with options and fees, can be found on GUMP’s website at www.mygump.org. Families may choose a 2, 3 or 5 day option. Should you have any questions or wish to come visit GUMP, please call the preschool office at 901.753.3109.
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Older Adults Luci Cromer - luci2@comcast.net - 901-755-0803 AARP Smart DriverTM Course Germantown United Methodist Church and AARP will present the “AARP Smart DriverTM Course”, the nation’s largest driving refresher course. This 8-hour course is scheduled for July 26 and 27, 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, July 26 & 27, 2018, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. COST: $15 fee for AARP members ($20 for non-members) 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: •
Be independent, safe, and confident while on the road
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Keep up with changes so you don’t put yourself and others at risk
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Learn state-specific information throughout the course
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Focus on areas such as roundabouts, pavement markings, stop-sign compliance, redlight 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.
Older Adult Programming to Resume in September... Don’t forget – the next Brown Bag Lunch program will be September 7. XYZ programming will start in September also. Your August Tidings will have information about these kick-off events. In the meantime, have a wonderful summer break.
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!
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Older Adults, cont. Luci Cromer - luci2@comcast.net - 901-755-0803 Summer is Upon Us – Our Handy Helpers are Waiting for Your Call... The Handy Helpers Ministry Team, sponsored by the Older Adult Council, lends a “helping hand” to older adults in our church who need assistance with small repair and maintenance jobs around the house. What Type of Jobs do Handy Helpers Do? •
Light mainenance and repairs including small carpentry jobs such as malfunctioning doors, locks, or windows.
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Minor electrical work such as replacing light switches and light bulbs.
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Replacing smoke alarm batteries.
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Minor plumbing work such as working on “running” toilets or leaky faucets.
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Other miscellaneous jobs are considered on an individual basis.
Handy Helpers
Handy Helpers do not work on large or small appliances, roofs, home decorating, or on jobs requiring tall ladders. What Does the Service Cost? The Handy Helpers service charges only for parts and materials used in the repair. There is NO charge for labor. To Qualify for the Handy Helpers Service: You must be a member of Germantown United Methodist Church, have homeowner’s liability insurance, and be over 60 years of age. To request assistance, please contact Charles Waters, 286-4823
XYZs See Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder in August! Come with us as we kick off our 17th season with this rollicking, Tony award-winning musical comedy. Gentleman’s Guide tells the uproarious story of Monty Navarro, an heir to a family fortune who sets out to jump the line of succession by – you guessed it – eliminating the eight pesky relatives who stand in his way. All the while, Monty has to juggle his mistress (she’s after more than just love), his fiancée (she’s his cousin but who’s keeping track?), and the constant threat of landing behind bars! Of course, it will all be worth it if he can slay his way to his inheritance... and be done in time for tea. Make your reservation NOW for the musical that will have you dying with laughter. WHERE: Playhouse on the Square WHEN: Friday, August 31, 2018 COST: $20 per person includes transportation and reserved seat. DEPARTURE: 6:45 p.m. from OLEC parking lot. (Be there by 6:30 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: Tuesday, July 31. 7
United Methodist Women Chesley Porteous - women@germantownumc.org Fall/Winter GUMW Children’s Consignment Sale Shop Friday and Saturday, August 24-25! It’s that time of year! Clean out the closet clutter, rummage through the attic, and sort through the garage for children’s clothing, furniture, toys, baby equipment, and more. GUMW Children’s Consignment Sale registration is now open! Visit gumwclothingsale.com to review guidelines and details. All proceeds from this sale benefit GUMW missions. It’s a 29-year tradition of community outreach! Can’t consign? We love donations! Coordinate with us in advance of the sale to donate your gently used items. We will price and tag each item, with 100% of the sale price going to local missions! You receive an early consignor shopping pass in return, along with a thank you letter as your receipt for tax purposes. Please be sure your donated items have an approximate value of more than $40. Email info@gumwclothingsale.com for more information. We also need volunteer help and have many shifts available! Volunteers who work at least four hours get to shop early at the Thursday pre-sale event. Sign up online at gumwclothingsale. com. Our consignment sale serves as a wonderful outreach to the community, attracting people from all over the Mid-South and bringing them into our church as consignors, shoppers, and volunteers. Join us and help make a difference. Thank you for your support!
Important Dates: Consignor registration deadline/inventory entry is Tuesday, August 21, at midnight. Refer to the website for complete information about accepted merchandise and consignor instructions. Drop off: Wednesday, August 22, 5-8 p.m. and Thursday, August 23, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Pre-sale: Thursday, August 23, 5:30-8 p.m. Volunteers who work 8 or more hours may shop at 5:30 p.m. Those who volunteer 4 or more hours may shop at 6 p.m. Consignors may shop at 6:30 p.m. Public Sale: Friday, August 24, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Public Half-price Sale: Friday, August 24, 5-8 p.m. and Saturday, August 25, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. Pick-up: Sunday, August 26, 10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. 8
Youth Ministry Sue Hyland shyland@germantownumc.org - 901-758-6516 Summer Trek 2018 Trek is getting a makeover for the summer and we are SUPER EXCITED about it. Each week at 11:00 all youth are invited to join us in the OLEC Gym for snacks, games, small groups, and talk time. We will have some open gym time too! Come join us this summer as we journey through a series on Community and on Service. It will be a fun summer and we cannot wait for you to join us! During the 9:40 hour all of you are invited to worship together in the Sanctuary as a community. Brian and Sue will be in the balcony each week!
Youth Summer Kick-Off, June 3 from 5-8 at the OLEC PINEAPPLE MAYHEM! It’s new! It’s different! It’s FUN! Come join us for our new summer kick-off PINEAPPLE MAYHEM! Wear your best Luau outfit and join us for a night of games, snacks, PINEAPPLE WHIP, and MORE! This event will be one you do NOT want to miss. We will have prizes for Best Dressed and lots more! Keep an eye out for more details in our weekly email and on our social media pages.
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Youth Ministry, Cont. Sue Hyland shyland@germantownumc.org - 901-758-6516 Big Stuf Camps, June 10-15, Panama City Beach
We are taking over 30 students and 8 adults to PCB this year for our annual Beach Retreat. We cannot wait to worship together as a community of faith and watch how the Lord moves in each person there. Please be in prayer with us as we travel and as we encounter God in a new and exciting way! Below you will find a guide of things you can pray for each day. We hope that you will partner with us in prayer!
PRAYER CALENDAR: Sunday, June 10: Prayers for safe travels and prepared hearts. Monday, June 11: Prayers for beach and water safety and open hearts in their first worship session and small group time. Tuesday, June 12: Prayers for safety and prayers for openness as they dig deeper into spiritual questions. Wednesday, June 13: Safety, openness, and group dynamics as their small groups continue to learn more about one another. Thursday, June 14: Safety as we go out into the community of Panama City Beach. Prayers for our last night of camp and all that God is yet to do. Friday, June 15: Prayers for safe travels and rest as we head home.
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GUMC kids summer opportunities Healthy Living Summer Camp: June 11 – 14, 9:00 a.m.– 12:30; Owings Life Enrichment Center (Early drop-off is available for a nominal fee.) Rising 4th, 5th, and 6th grade girls will be led through the basics of many different exercise forms by licensed instructors. There will be a daily meal-prep workshop where campers will be guided through planning, cooking, and prepping meals to build confidence and add tools for a healthy lifestyle. Great for all skill levels and a super opportunity to make some new friends in a small group environment! $150 registration fee includes all instruction, meal-prep food, materials, lunch, and a super-cute T-shirt! Mission and Movie Mondays: June 18; July 2 and July 23, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.; the Huddle Get out of the hot summer heat and join some friends for some crafts, lunch, and a movie. Children have an incredible heart for missions but no way to generate income to financially support them. Each of these Mondays, we will learn about different local, national, or international missions. We will then create some high-quality crafts and sacrificially donate them to be sold in the fall to generate money for a chosen mission. After our lesson and crafts, we will move into pizza lunch and chill out with a movie. We will close with either game time or putting finishing touches on our crafts. Cost is $5 which covers the meal and supplies. Online registration opens June 1st; please register to ensure enough food and supplies for all. Dodgeball: June 20 and 27; July 11 and 25, 1:00–3:00 p.m.; Owings Life Enrichment Center Kids in rising grades 3rd through 6th are invited to get out of the summer heat and have some active fun! We will use the indoor gym to play two courts of dodgeball! There is no fee and no registration required. Please bring guests, but only those in rising grades 3-6. Halftime will include popsicles! 5th and 6th Grade Mission Camp: July 9-13, 9:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m.; the Huddle In this hands-on camp, we will explore three specific types of mission; inner-church mission, urban mission, and rural mission. The idea is that each child will have a chance to experience different types of work, hopefully creating an appetite for missional work. Some days we’ll make our lunches and other days we will explore some Memphis eateries. We will finish each day with some seriously serious “capture the flag” or other games at McVay Gardens. This camp is only for rising fifth and sixth grade students. Space is limited; registration opens online May 1. Cost is $100 which includes all activities, transportation, food, and a T-shirt. Lakeshore Camp: July 16-21 We are taking a crew from Germantown to Lakeshore for this week of fun and fellowship. If you are interested in attending this week, please register through Lakeshore’s Website (https://lakeshorecamp.org/) and then drop an email to Lisa Pierce (Lpierce@germantownumc.org) so we can coordinate this trip together. Lisa will be staying the week as an instructor and will be driving the church van up and back. Poolpalooza: June 21, July 5, August 2 Transition to middle school is a fun, exciting, and somewhat frightening time for kids (and parents?). We have set aside these nights for our rising sixth graders to meet with each other, some older youth, and youth leaders to help ease that transition. These pool parties will be hosted by various rising sixth-grade families. Guests are welcome but must be entering the sixth grade. Please bring $5 to cover the cost of a lifeguard. Girls bring a snack food to share; guys bring individual prepackaged drinks. Modest bathing suits only, please. Registration opens online June 1. We will send you the location of each event after you have registered. Promotion Sunday: August 12 On this day, all children will promote to the next grade level within our program. This mostly affects those rising to kindergarten and sixth grade – they will actually relocate to a new place! All other children will move grades within their current program. 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.
Alpha Celebrates GUMC Seniors; Honors Beverly Rhoads On a blustery Sunday afternoon, Alpha Sunday School Class held a celebration in the Fellowship Hall for the Senior members of GUMC. Almost sixty seniors attended the event which honored their years of membership and allowed them a rare opportunity to intermingle and share stories of earlier days in the church. It was only fitting that Beverly Rhoads, retiring Elder Care Coordinator, also was honred. Beverly spent over ten years regularly interacting with seniors. The master of ceremonies for the event was Alpha Sunday School President Al Walton. Reverend Tim Carpenter led the group in prayer. Jan Bobbitt sang show tunes as Luann Forell played the piano. Speaking about their time in the church were Wilma Ridner, Sue Williams, Alma Pitner and Tracey Speake. The group was then challenged with some church trivia questions. This led audience members to share stories. Several attendees remembered walking from the chapel into the new sanctuary in 1976 or sitting in a lawn chair watching the steeple being put back in place in the 1980s. The event was coordinated by Ethel Mathews with other Alpha members preparing food, serving as waiters, chauffeurs and interacting with the seniors. Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream (Marc Tate) donated ice cream cakes for the event. Bob Stoudt made table decorations. All in attendance left with a smile on his or her face as each remembered the stories told. For info contact: Shirley Gee – 356-0786 or Ethel Mathews – 413-3852