May Tidings

May 2017

We are a faith community committed to: Loving God and loving others, Serving Christ and sharing him, Transforming lives and making disciples.

May Communion Offering One way GUMC extends its missions and ministries is through support of the service and outreach of the General Church. The World Service Fund of the United Methodist Church works to strengthen families around the world through our efforts to (1) Develop Principled Christian Leaders for the Church and the World; (2) Create New Places for New People and Renewing Existing Congregations; (3) Engage in Ministry with the Poor; (4) Stamp out Killer Diseases of Poverty by improving Health Globally.

All families need all of these initiatives to thrive.

The United Methodist Church continues to work with local people to strengthen families by making cultural environments stronger, faith based, and healthy. Your May communion offering will go to further these ministries. GUMC’s share of this world wide effort is $46,928.00

Local Congregation reaches to the impoverished community to give hope As Marisel Tompong makes her way through the skinny alleys of barangay [barrio] Parola, a mom with a one-year-old child in her arms and another child in tow stops her.

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Welcome GUMC’s New Director of Health and Recreation Ministries Zach Harrison joined the Germantown United Methodist Church staff as Director of Health and Recreation Ministries May 1, 2017. Zach was born and raised in Mississippi where he played soccer and football from childhood through college. Zach graduated from Samford University (B.S. Psychology) in 2008. After a few years in the fitness industry, he decided to pursue his Masters of Business Administration at the University of Memphis as an Entrepreneurship Scholar.

It was Memphis, TN where Zach first met his wife, Meghan.

Originally teaching 7th grade science through the Teach For America organization, Meghan is now finishing her medical degree at the University of Tennessee’s College of Medicine.

Zach is passionate about health and wellness and loves any excuse to get outdoors. As our new OLEC Director, we look forward to Zach’s active involvement in promoting the essential connection between physical and spiritual health.

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May Communion Offering, continued The mother, gesturing to her older daughter, asks about the after-school feeding program. "Can she join?"

Pointing to the one-year-old in her arms, "How about this one?" Tompong asks a few questions and is on her way.

As Tompong passes kids going home during the lunch hour, she reminds them about the feeding program.

Arriving at Parola United Methodist Church, Tompong finds volunteers already prepping the afternoon meal – sopas – a common soup in the Philippines made of macaroni noodles, chicken stock and vegetables. She unwraps the donated vitamins the children will take later.

In the heart of one of Manila's most depressed areas – Tondo – is a pocket of hope. There, kids gather every school night for a warm meal, and moms gather for a community gathering that feeds both bodies and spirits.

Here you will find Marisel Tompong, a nurse from Mary Johnston Hospital and graduate of Mary Johnston College of Nursing.

Mary Johnston is the only United Methodist hospital in the Philippines. It has been serving the poorest patients in Tondo for 105 years. The majority of the patients live in Manila's slums and squatter areas and go there for care, says Edna Imperial, Dean of the College of Nursing.

The children and their guardians gather around the tables in the classroom. As the children sit down, Tompong checks her attendance book, noting some who are perpetually absent. The mother she encountered earlier is there with her children.

After a prayer, Tompong begins ladling the sopas into bowls, directing the older children to help the younger ones, as the soup is hot.

The mothers take turns making the meals. Children who participate in the feeding program show noticeable Marisel Tompong. Photo courtesy of David Valera weight gains, moving closer to the recommended weight for their age. The meals supplement whatever little they have to eat at home.

One mother, Net Net, talks about how her son has already gained two kilos [about 4.5 pounds] since he began participating in the program.

"The program has been here for a few years, and Marisel is hardworking and comes every day to make her rounds and check on everyone," said Mageline, another of the mothers. "She is our community nurse from Mary Johnston."

As a few kids line up for seconds, Tompong walks around the classroom giving spoonfuls of lemon-flavored vitamins to the kids.

Asked why she does this, Tompong responded, "When I was a college student, I was exposed to community immersions. I would see kids without slippers or clothes, malnourished. I would dream one day that when I was a nurse, I would have the type of work where I could serve these kids; that I would be some type of mission nurse.

"The feeling of being able to help someone else brings me joy."

The after-school feeding program is part of the Training and Assistance Program for Self-Reliance that Mary Johnston College began in the 1980s.

"I see God most in the ways the mothers are impacted," Tompong said. "The kids have started to go to church.

We live in a dangerous community, and even with news of shootings and stabbings and killings, I see God moving."

Sophia Agtarap, freelance writer and social media maven living in Nashville, Tennessee, developed this story from video footage and interviews conducted by the Rev. David Valera, director of connectional ministries in the Pacific Northwest Conference. This story was first published in the digital Interpreter Magazine.

One of seven apportioned giving opportunities of The United Methodist Church, the World Service Fund is the financial lifeline to a long list of Christian mission and ministry throughout the denomination.

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GUMC Finance Update By way of review, 2016’s Stewardship campaign was a spiritual journey before it was a financial campaign. “For Such a Time as This” was about relationships, people, and ministry long before it was about utility bills, insurance payments, or van repairs. Our prayer was that God would use the Stewardship presentations by laity to touch our GUMC culture in a transformative way. Our prayer was that with such a transformation our church would move into 2017 and beyond in a better place to serve as we go along the journey.

Those of us here today in Germantown UMC, members, seekers, and friends, are the recipients of the benefits that came as a result of past commitments, previous programming, and sacrificial giving that others had the faith and foresight to make. No words can express fully our gratitude to those who have led this congregation’s journey in previous years.

Today, and for the rest of our time in the GUMC faith family, each of us have the opportunity to impact people who we have not met, and may never meet.

How the church of today influences those who come after us, is in God’s hands. The only question is, will we provide the resources so that God’s people will do God’s work effectively and to the glory of God? Or will we decide that “someone else can do the work”?

You may recall that as GUMC members worked to develop a budget for this year, they first looked at the very real (and unpleasant) likelihood of making drastic cuts to significant ministries. As that word spread, last minute pledges allowed us to avoid such actions. Those responsible sacrificed because they were able to do so and because they are committed to the missions and ministries of Germantown UMC. We are all grateful for their sacrifice.

In response, the budget process was able to stay in line with presentations made to the congregation beginning as far back as August. We are providing the financial, staff and volunteer resources to deliver significant ministries to the members of GUMC and missions to those beyond our membership, in Memphis, the Mid South and around the world.

As of this writing, we are a quarter of the way through 2017. Where are we, financially, moving into April?

First, the good news: • Both pledged giving and non-pledged giving are above projections at $706,952 and $85,164 respectively, thru the first quarter. In both cases that is 27% of projections against 25% of the year.

• Loose plate offerings and Preschool tithes are within dollars of projections one side or the other.

• Finally, the church balance of income to expenses is very positive due to expenses being below projections to date.

Second, some warning flags: • The amount of Member Pledged Giving includes close to $30,000 pledged for all of 2017 and given all in January. So, much of the overage represents early payment of planned annual giving.

• Tithes from our Preschool stop between April and August because the GUMP has no income in those months. So, we always face a drop in available money in the summer months.

• GUMC, like most churches, has a history of members not keeping up with their financial commitments during summer months, with trips, extra expenses, and the like. Automatic transfers from one’s personal bank account to GUMC will help smooth out those dips.

• Finally, projected expenses have been underbudget largely due to unfilled positions on our staff. These staff vacancies are now filled.

In short, none of us who made a financial pledge should think that we can back off from our commitment simply because the church as a whole is slightly ahead of the need.

Capital Asset Needs: All of the above relates to our regular operating budget income and expense. At the August 2016 Church Conference made clear, though, GUMC also must face significant building and grounds issues in the near future. Members of the church, working with reputable contractors, carried out an extensive review of our seven buildings and 14 acres of property.

At that meeting, the congregation was made aware of anticipated capital repairs in the near future. $280,000 per year, each year for the next ten years is the projection. Capital assets repair or replacement, in this analysis, included roofs, parking lots, HVAC systems, church vans, and the like. As GUMC Finance Committee Chair, Scott Davis notes, the church’s “budget was balanced this year due to two one-time events: the receipt of additional/ unexpected pledges and the proposed sale of the McKendree property…so, beginning next year, we need a sustainable source of additional dollars to avoid a major shortfall…” Or, church members can consider either increasing our giving this year or reducing expenses, or both. What seems inadvisable is for us to continue through 2017 as though 2018 will see us once again the happy recipients of unexpected and unanticipated resources.

In review, then, GUMC is on level footing, financially, at this point in the year for regular operations and anticipated capital costs. We may

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GUMC Finance Update, cont.

Weekday Preschool

find that situation to change given the warnings above and given that decades old equipment may fail unexpectedly.

What might we do to maintain our strong foundation here, a foundation that allows us to be in ministry on this corner and in mission locally, regionally, and globally? Here are a few ideas for how you can participate in the fulfillment of our ministries and missions, both near- and long-term: • Let us remember to keep our pledges current.

You may always change your commitment with no more than a phone call to Ms. Sharon Panis of the church staff.

• A dedicated contribution to any specific ministry, to the church’s capital assets fund, or to a program, will go 100% to that program, ministry, or need.

• Consider consulting with your financial advisor to place a bequest to GUMC in your will.

• Consider making a contribution to the GUMC Endowment Fund, which supports non-budgeted missions and ministries throughout the year.

None of the above is intended to “sound the alarm” of dire straits ahead, but rather to serve as a reminder of the many important ministries GUMC collectively endeavors to carry out God’s work and the necessary resources required in faithfully fulfilling our commitments. We are blessed with a congregation full of individuals with a wide variety of gifts, talents, and resources, guided by hearts for service. We ask that you continue to prayerfully consider what’s necessary to sustain our ministries and to do your part any way you can.

Any questions may be sent to GUMC’s Executive Minster, Rev. Gabriel or the church Finance office, care of Ms. Sharon Panis. A complete copy of the GUMC budget and financial statement is always available for review in the church office.

Spring is Here! Here at GUMP, spring means happy voices on the playground, planting seeds in the classroom, conversations about bugs, and enjoying more sunshine! However, it also means preparing for our annual licensing assessment by the State of Tennessee. GUMP Administration and Staff do great things throughout the school year in order to show our assessors all the wonderful details we take pride in offering the children and families who attend GUMP.

From the SPRC SPRC is pleased to announce that we have been notified by our District Superintendent that our entire Clergy team, Tim, Brad and Erin will remain in place at GUMC for the Conference year beginning in June. We are grateful for their efforts and look forward to their continued spiritual guidance. Please offer a prayer of thanksgiving for the blessing of their leadership as well as daily prayers and support.

Thanks, Jimmy Wright, Chairperson - SPRC 4

GUMP is assessed in seven categories: Director Qualifications, Professional Development, Developmental Learning, Parent/Family Involvement, Ratio and Group Size, Staff Compensation and Program Assessment. In order to achieve the “3 Star Rating” GUMP must follow the rules and expectations required by the state in each of these seven categories. Our youngest friends are “graded” on the ITERS Scale – Infant and Toddler Environmental Rating Scale. Our older friends are “graded” on the ECERS – Early Childhood Environmental Rating Scale. Some of the things that assessors look at are healthy lunches, safety procedures, the variety of classroom materials, hygiene precautions, child vaccinations, teacher education and training, child teacher ratios, playground surface material, classroom schedule, support for children with delays, how teachers speak to children, how children’s behaviors are encouraged or redirected, etc. These are just to name a few!

As we wait on our scoring for this school year, GUMP takes pride in our quality preschool, our exceptional staff, and the beautiful children and families we are privileged to serve!

Children's Ministry GUMC Kids Summer Opportunities Maker Fun Factory: Created by God, built for a purpose Vacation Bible School Weeknight: May 30-June 1, 5:30-8:00 PM Vacation Bible School Weekday: June 5-9, 9:00 AM – noon (12:15 for rising grades 4-6) In this special VBS, kids will transform into inventors as they discover they are lovingly crafted by an incredibly creative God. We will listen to stories about people created for incredible purpose. We will sing, dance, and play. We will generate crazy and wonderful inventions as we think about why God created each of us.

Please join us for either weeknight VBS (May 31-June 2) or weekday VBS (June 4-9). We need many, many youth and adult volunteers to make this event successful. Campers and volunteers register online through May 25.

Movie Mondays: June 19, 26; July 17, 24 limited; registration opens online May 1. Cost is $100 which includes all activities, transportation, (noon – 2:00 PM); the Huddle food, and a T-shirt.

Get out of the hot summer heat and join some Lakeshore Camp: July 17-22 friends for lunch and a movie. We will meet in the Huddle each day and have a pizza lunch.

We are taking a crew from GUMC to Lakeshore for Afterwards, we will flop in some beanbag chairs a week of fun and fellowship. If you are interested and enjoy some cool air conditioning and a fun in attending this week, please register through movie. Online registration opens June 1st; please Lakeshore’s Website (https://lakeshorecamp.org/) register to ensure enough food for all. $3 per and then drop an email to Lisa Pierce (Lpierce@ person; you may pay either online or at the door. germantownumc.org) so we can coordinate this trip together. Lisa will be driving the church van up and back, so transportation is not a problem!

Mission Wednesdays: June 21, 28; July 19, 26 (1:30 PM – 3:30 PM); the Cottage Poolpalooza: June 22, July 20, August 3 Children have an incredible heart for missions but Transition to middle school is a fun, exciting, and no way to generate income to financially support somewhat frightening time for kids (and parents?). We them. Each Wednesday, we learn about different have set aside these nights for our rising sixth graders local, national, and international missions. to meet with each other, some older youth, and youth We create some high-quality crafts and then leaders to help ease that transition. These pool parties sacrificially donate them to be sold in the fall to will be hosted by various rising sixth-grade families. generate money for a chosen mission. This event is Guests are welcome but must be entering the sixth free but registration is required. Online registration grade. opens June 1. Space is limited, so please register early and only for the dates you are sure to attend.

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, 5th and 6th Grade Mission Camp: July 10-14 please. Registration opens online June 1. We will 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM; the Huddle send you the location of each event after you have In this hands-on camp, we will explore three registered. specific types of mission; inner-church mission, urban mission, and rural mission. The idea is Promotion Sunday: August 6 that each child will have a chance to experience On this day, all children will promote to the next different types of work, hopefully creating an grade level within our program. This mostly affects appetite for missional work. Some days we will those rising to kindergarten and sixth grade – they make our lunches and other days we will explore will actually relocate to a new place! All other children some Memphis eateries. We will finish each day will move grades within their current program. 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 5

Women's Ministry The Spring 2017 GUMW Children’s Consignment Sale was another huge success! Thank you for the amazing support from everyone who volunteered, consigned and supported us with your prayers. We were able to raise more than $13,000 in money and children’s items for our local missions.

Our biannual Children's Consignment Sale is much more than a clothing sale; it serves as a wonderful opportunity for community outreach, too, reaching hundreds of young adults and their families – many of whom have never set foot in our church before. If you're not already involved, we invite you to join us.

Please mark your calendars for our Fall 2017 sale, which will be held August 24-26. Thank you again for helping us make a difference!

Youth Ministry

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Senior Sunday 2017

Confirmation Sunday 2017

On Sunday, May 7 we will honor all of our 2017 graduating seniors during the 9:40 worship service.

This years’ service will be extra special because we will be giving all of the seniors a Bible during the service as well as praying over them individually. You will not want to miss this special Sunday!

At 6:00 PM Sunday night, May 7th we will also have a banquet honoring all of our seniors and their families. During this time we will share a meal, remember old times, and have a special going forth message from one of our volunteers.

Each senior family should have received a packet in the mail with all of the information needed for Senior Sunday as well as the festivities included in it. If you did not receive a packet please contact Sue Hyland for all senior details, questions, or concerns at shyland@germantownumc.org.

Join us on Sunday, May 21st as we honor all of our Confirmands and their families. This year's celebration will look differently than previous years so read closely to find out what we are and how you might want to celebrate with us.

During all three services on May 21st we will honor all of the students that participated in this year's confirmation program. We will recognize them in a special way and then offer a blessing for them as they go forth.

Sunday evening at 5:00 we will then have a full service of Confirmation for all of those that are choosing to be confirmed. This service will be special for our confirmands, their families, and our entire church family. We want to encourage each person to attend and show these confirmands that we are with them and that we support them. Please join us this day!

Following our evening service a banquet will be held for all of the confirmands and their families.

Registration for that is online and will be open until Monday, May 15th.

We cannot wait to celebrate this time with each family!

Adult Education Coming in June: Summer Bible Study for Women!

Breathe – Making Room for Sabbath

Wednesdays, June 21 – August 2, 9:45 – 11:45 AM Facilitated by Chesley Porteous (chesleyporteous@ gmail.com or 268-4884) One of the greatest challenges among women in our culture is taking time to stop and cease from all the activities and busyness and just breathe. We constantly strive to complete the limitless to-do lists that hinder us from experiencing all that God has for us. Sabbath was intended as a gift, and it is still a gift to us today. This 5-session, DVD-based study by Priscilla Shirer, is an opportunity to explore the concept of Sabbath in both the Old and New Testaments. The study includes a study journal for reflection and to help participants spend time alone with God and Scripture. If you are weary, worn out, and exhausted the concept of Sabbath will change your life! Childcare is available by reservation. Cost for the study is $13.00.

Methodist Traditions and Beliefs Wednesdays, May 3 and 10, 6:30-7:30 PM, Room 342 The Methodist branch of the Protestant religion traces its roots back to the 18th century where it developed in England as the result of a revival and reform movement begun by John Wesley and his brother, Charles. Join Rev. Tim Carpenter to learn about John Wesley and his devotion to inviting people to experience God's grace and grow in their love of God through disciplined Christian living and by putting faith and love into action. Hear about the United Methodist church structure and sacraments, meet others in the congregation who have questions about the church, and deepen your faith and enrich your life through studying the core United Methodist beliefs. This 2-week study is open to members, prospective members, or anyone wanting to know more about the United Methodist Church. Childcare is available by reservation. Register online or call Mary Groh.

Membership Germantown United Methodist Church welcomed Courtney and Philip Moser into membership on Sunday, April 9th at the 9:40 worship service. They joined by transfer of their membership from another denomination in the Memphis area. They are members of the Foundations Sunday School Class.

Germantown United Methodist Church welcomed Lauren and Chad Hannaford into membership on Sunday, April 9th at the 11:00 worship service. They joined by transfer of their membership from a sister denomination in the Memphis area. They have joined the Wesley 2.0 Sunday School Class.

Donna and Bill Haley joined Germantown UMC on April 2, 2017 at our 8:30 worship service. They joined by transfer of their membership from Como UMC in Como, Mississippi. The Haleys are already active members of the Horizon Sunday School Class.

Germantown United Methodist Church welcomed Joyce Avery into membership on Sunday, April 9th at the 8:30 worship service. She joined by transfer of her membership from a sister denomination in the Memphis area. She has joined the Horizon Sunday School Class.

Pictured with Joyce is church member, Spencer Fullen

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Older Adults

Don’t Forget the May Brown Bag Lunch Program!

June Redbirds Game is XYZs Only Summer Event!

Dan Conaway, author, columnist, and consultant, will tell us some of his stories, “I’m a Memphian: Character References for a City”. This presentation will be Friday, May 5, 2017, in the Fellowship Hall.

The program starts at 11 AM 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.

Join us as we partake in the great American pastime with a fun-filled evening at AutoZone Park. If you have never been there, you are in for a treat. Our seats are reserved in the upper dugout box, behind home plate and close to all the concessions and restrooms.

Game time is 7:05 PM, so we will have plenty of time to find our seats and pick up dinner at the ballpark.

Sign up soon—there won’t be another XYZ event until September.

WHERE: AutoZone Park, Memphis Redbirds play the Omaha Storm Chasers WHEN: Thursday night, June 1, 2017 COST: $15.00 per person includes ticket & transportation. Dinner is on your own.

DEPARTURE: 6 PM from the OLEC parking lot, 2323 West Street. (Be there by 5:45 PM.) RESERVATIONS: Call Nancy Arnold, 754-6326, Gretchen Blair, 755-0797, or Luci Cromer, 755-0803.

You must make your reservation before paying.

DEADLINE FOR MONEY and RESERVATIONS: Friday, May 5.

This event is for everyone—singles and couples.

Please invite your Sunday School class, friends, family, and neighbors to come. Our activities are open to anyone age 55+; they do not have to be a member of Germantown United Methodist Church to share in our fun and fellowship. Check your calendars and make your reservations NOW!

AARP Smart Driver™ Course Germantown United Methodist Church and AARP will present the “AARP Smart Driver™ Course”, the nation’s largest driving refresher course. This 8-hour course is scheduled for July 13 and 14, 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 13 & 14, 2017, 9 a.m.1 p.m.

COST: $15 fee for AARP members ($20 for nonmembers) payable to AARP RESERVATIONS: Call Jan Cameron at 366-2772 DEADLINE FOR RESERVATIONS: Reservations will be taken until class is full.

The objectives of the course are to help you:

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• Be independent, safe, and confident while on the road • Keep up with changes so you don’t put yourself and others at risk • Learn state-specific information throughout the course • 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.

GUMC Hosts Successful Faith Seeking Understanding Weekend with Dr. Jim Fleming GUMC recently hosted its second annual Faith Seeking Understanding series entitled “The Turning Points in the Life of Jesus” with Biblical archeologist Dr. Jim Fleming.

Faith Seeking Understanding took place March 31-April 2, and included a Friday night dinner and lecture and a series of lectures on Saturday and Sunday.

“We were so thankful to have Dr. Fleming with us,” said GUMC Senior Pastor Rev. Tim Carpenter. “His teaching is challenging from a faith perspective, and his ability to illuminate the scriptures from archaeological and cultural learnings are invaluable.

I sincerely hope we will be able to have Dr. Fleming teach and challenge us again.”

The 120 guests who attended the Friday night dinner were treated to a buffet dinner of grilled chicken, vegetables, salad, fruit and assorted desserts. The theme for the table decorations was “Around the World.” Yolanda Toney and volunteers decorated each table with a small vase of purple flowers and items members of GUMC had purchased on their travels across the globe.

Following dinner, Dr. Fleming presented his first lecture, “Jesus’ Birth and Years of Obscurity.” He spoke about Mary, Joseph, Herold The Great, the shepherds and the Magi, and displayed maps and pictures of the region. His Friday night lecture set the scene for his lectures on Saturday and Sunday.

“Dr. Jim Fleming's lectures during our Faith Seeking Understanding series left me wanting more,” said Cliff Wentworth, Chair of Christian Education Ministry Team and Liaison to the Visioning Committee. “His ability to bring to life the humanity and divinity of Jesus and place him in the physical locations and political climate of the time make the Gospels literally jump off the pages of scripture.”

Approximately 100 people attended the first two Saturday sessions, “The Galilean Ministry” and “The Journey to Jerusalem.” During those lectures, attendees learned that the turning points in the life of Jesus were as follows: His baptism by John the Baptist in the River Jordan; the arrest of John the Baptist; the death of John the Baptist; and when Jesus asks his disciples, “But, who do you say that I am?” and Peter answers him, “You are the Messiah”.

According to Dr. Fleming, Jesus sets his face to Jerusalem and the cross following Peter’s response.

Dr. Fleming also spent some time talking about how Jesus taught and ministered to the community in Galilee. He said that the Empire renamed places, but Jesus renamed people by whom they might become.

During the Saturday afternoon session, “Updates on the Situation in the Middle East,” Dr. Fleming outlined the four characteristics of hyper fundamentalism. He described hyper fundamentalism as having a literal view of scripture, no place for women in religious authority, authoritarian male leadership and no interest in inter-religious dialogue.

He also listed the principles of inter-religious relationships. The four key principles are to be

genuinely interested in what others believe, show mutual respect to other traditions, walk alongside others in their difficulties, and be open to going to different places and understanding different people.

More than 225 people attended Sunday morning’s lectures entitled “The Passion in Jerusalem” in the Mike Wilson Fellowship Hall.

During his final lectures, Dr. Fleming offered a snapshot of life, religion and politics in Jerusalem in 30 AD with his utilization of maps, photographs and paintings. He said that once Jesus was in Jerusalem He made several decisions that were crucial to the final outcome.

First, Jesus allowed the Jewish people to sing and wave palm branches on Palm Sunday, which brought Jesus to the attention of the Jewish leaders and the Roman guards. Dr. Fleming explained that palm branches are a symbol of Jewish nationalism and independence, so marching and waiving palm branches was a protest march. Other decisions included cleansing of the Temple and washing the disciples’ feet. Finally, Dr. Fleming described how the disciples would have reclined around a “U” set table during the Last Supper and in what order they would have reclined.

“I thought Dr. Fleming was a delightful and knowledgeable speaker who captured the participants’ attention as he taught,” said Mary Groh, GUMC Director of Adult Education and chair of the event. “The lectures were insightful, inspiring and informative. It was a wonderful weekend of fellowship and learning! I especially want to thank the Faith Seeking Understanding Committee, as well as Christian Education, Evangelism and Prayer and Spiritual Formation Ministry Teams for all of their work planning and implementing this event!”

The 2017 Faith Seeking Understanding series was sponsored through a grant from GUMC’s Endowment.

Faith Seeking Understanding is currently not funded for 2018. The committee hopes to find a family, group or individual who is interested in sponsoring a guest speaker. If you have enjoyed our speaker series and would like to underwrite a speaker for 2018, please contact Mary Groh at 754-5093 or mgroh@germantownumc.org.

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Health and Recreation GYM MYTHS V. FACTS If you’ve been working out and putting in more than your share at the gym and still aren’t seeing the results you want, it might be that you have gotten caught up in some “Gym Myths.” Here are 6 common beliefs I see and hear, and how to correct them to reap the rewards of your hard work.

1. Aerobic workouts help you lose weight by boosting metabolism. Some of that is true, because as you exercise, generally your metabolism speeds up and does burn calories. The “after burn” as they call it, keeps your metabolism going long after the workout! However, in order for it to give you more of a boost, you need to add muscle. I’m not saying big and bulky muscles, but you must incorporate some form of resistance training. Muscles burn calories, period! Cardio workouts gets you heart healthy and does burn fat, and that’s a good thing, but weight training even at a lower intensity leans you down, makes your clothes fit better and helps with osteoporosis, back pain, and knee pain. Muscle takes up less space than a pound of fat. Fat is giggly and bulky…muscle is tight and trim!

And by the way, don’t look so much at the number on the scale, muscle does weigh some, but is so much nicer looking than giggly fat!!!

2. Fat makes you Fat. Well, again some of that is true. There are “good” fats out there now! I recommend to my customers they incorporate in every meal, avocado, nuts, olives, olive oil, salmon and dark chocolate (yes, chocolate) all in moderation and not all at the same time! Fat doesn’t make you fat, but fatty foods high in saturated, hydrogenated oils make you fat, like fast food, processed food (cookies, crackers) plus too many calories. The gooey, sticky fat, I call it. The fat that sticks to your body inside that makes your triglycerides go up. That kind of fat!!! Good fats makes you feel fuller longer, so you don’t snack as much, and keeps your weight under control. My new salad is one fresh tomato cut in quarters, ½ avocado sliced, drizzled in olive oil with a little of feta cheese on top, and cracked pepper. It’s a good snack too, if you’re hungry and it’s not dinner time.

Fat is one of the most vital nutrients in your diet, because it's a structural part of your cells, which means you can't heal a cell or construct a new one without enough fat to perform these important jobs.

3. I need a sports drink while working out. OMG, I can’t tell you how many times I see everyone drinking a Gatorade while they are working out.

My theory is unless you are running over 8 miles, or working out for over 90 minutes, you don’t need a Gatorade. If it’s really hot and humid, a Gatorade is OK, to replace the electrolytes lost in 10

sweat. But, otherwise, you don’t need the sugar and carbohydrates. Plain water is should be fine.

4. You don’t eat after working out because you are afraid to "eat back" what you've burned. While it's true that overcompensating for a workout by eating too much can prevent you from shrinking your fat cells. Working out takes a toll on your body and having the right raw materials to heal and repair the wear and tear is important for seeing results.

In other words, it's not just the training itself, but the healing from the training, that mends muscles, boosts metabolism, and makes you more toned and fit. So while a good hard workout isn't a license to sit down to a big plate of pasta, or eat dessert every night, you should be eating something afterwards, with a goal of delivering the nutrients your body needs to properly recover. I prefer something with protein in it because the protein is what builds nice lean muscle. A protein shake is quick and easy with a scoop of whey or soy protein, or plain Greek yogurt, string cheese with an apple, peanut butter and apple, half of a turkey sandwich.

Just think of a protein and carb. If you exercise after work, a recovery dinner could be stir-fry veggies with chicken, shrimp organic tofu, some brown rice (serving size of course). Watch for eating too much recovery, especially if lunch or dinner is right around the corner. I eat a small amount of almonds which have some protein and fat to tide me over till I get home to cook dinner.

5. Crunches flatten your stomach.

Again, I wish this were true, but it’s not. Although crunches can tone your abdominal muscles, they will not get rid of the belly fat. This is what I tell my customers…..everyone has a six-pack; we just can’t see it under all that abdominal fat.” While crunches will shape the muscle, burning calories (lots of cardio and strength) will get that stomach slimmer.

6. Walking is not a good as running. So not true.

Walking and running are typically the same, both are weight bearing exercises. But with running you get there faster. You have to go longer when you are walking to get that same calorie burn. People tend to stay with walking much longer than running. If you hate running, don’t feel like you have to force yourself to be a runner. Wear a heart rate monitor. It lets you know if you are training too hard or not hard enough.

Bottom line. People stick with exercises and food that works for them. If you are not a runner, then don’t run, walk. If you hate yogurt, then don’t try to force it on yourself. Stick with what works for you, and you’ll be healthier for a lifetime. If you want to get on my email list contact me…. I send out recipes to my customers all the time. Judy Oros, joros1234@aol.com. If you need help in the gym, call me, I will give you the “friends” tour!!!

Sunday School News

An Act of Selfless Love

Money. Heart. Hair. Those were the words on everyone’s minds on Saturday, March 4 when Rob and Renee Lynn hosted a fundraiser party for the Jessop family.

Most members of GUMC know 12-year-old Bailey Jessop was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in January, and he is currently going through 33 weeks of chemotherapy along with extensive surgery to remove the tumor and salvage his leg.

The Jessop family’s deep faith has guided them through some difficult days through the last six years in Kimberly's battle with cancer and now with Bailey's. Their family, friends and church community have showered them with support.

While Rob and Renee are at the center of the Jessop family’s support team, they wanted to do more. After some thought, Rob and Jim Duncan, a fellow GUMC member and cancer survivor, decided it would be fun to host a head shaving party. Even though only a few were brave enough to shave their heads, they inspired a great fundraising party and a fun night of fellowship. Their initial goal was to raise $500 for the Jessop family.

The Foundations Class turned out in strong numbers for the evening, and they provided a loud cheering section as Rob, Jim, and Stephen Jessop sat for their fresh haircuts. There were plenty of laughs in the process especially when Jim Duncan got a temporary mohawk. His wife, Natalie, did not approve!

It was a loaves and fishes kind of party as Renee and Rob presented the Jessop family with a handmade check signed by each member of the class. The handmade check total read $3,025, but additional money came in afterward and the real check totaled $3,200!

The following morning, Kimberly said she woke up to get ready to go back to St. Jude with Bailey when she saw the handmade check on her kitchen table. She said, “I had to stop and hear God say, ‘I said I would provide.’”

In an email to the Foundations Class, Kimberly wrote, “As humans it is hard to trust that the things that you think you control -- your finances, your food, all of the tangible things – are really controlled by God. We just think they are. So when two or more are gathered in His name, He is there. He is there watching people write checks and shave their heads in a garage so that other people’s needs are met. He is there showing a 12-year-old boy with cancer that he is loved and that his parents are loved as that boy stood and watched the hair fall off the heads of grown men.”

The Foundations class hopes that similar fundraisers will take place within the church community to continue to support the Jessop family and the work of St. Jude.

Highlighting Prayer God, give us eyes to see the beauty of the Spring, And to behold Your majesty in every living thing And may we see in lacy leaves and every budding flower The Hand that rules the universe with gentleness and power And may this Easter grandeur that Spring lavishly imparts Awaken faded flowers of faith lying dormant in our hearts, And give us ears to hear, dear God, the Springtime song of birds With messages more meaningful than man's often empty words Telling harried human beings who are lost in dark despair "Be like us and do not worry for God has you in His care."

Hele Steiner Rice

While Bailey, being the 12-year-old boy that he is, said, "I didn't mean to make people do that,” Kimberly saw the party and the support for their family for what it truly was -- an act of selfless love.

She said, “We only hope that people continue to see God's glory as our story is being written. We are committed to being good stewards of His provisions and when it's all over, we hope to give back. So thank you. Thank you for being you -- a group of selfless and giving people who put the needs of others first and helped to lighten the burden of our family. We are richly blessed and may you all be as well.“

Submitted by Karen Moore 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.

Sent to Serve: God and Neighbor 2017 Memphis Annual Conference Dates: Sunday-Tuesday, June 4-6, 2017 Location: Collierville United Methodist Church | 454 W. Poplar Ave., Collierville, TN What is 'Annual Conference' in The United Methodist Church?

Each year an equal number of clergy members and lay members attend their conference's annual conference session for worship, fellowship, and to conduct the business of the conference. These sessions include reports of past and ongoing work; adoption of future goals, programs and budgets; ordination of clergy members as deacons and elders; and election of delegates to Jurisdictional and General Conferences (every four years).The bishop presides.

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