First Edition Newsletter - December 14, 2011

December 14, 2011 | Volume 10 Issue 21 - Christmas Issue jacksonfumc.org

DOWNTOWN JACKSON

FIRST EDITION

A Newsletter Publication of First United Methodist Church, Jackson, Tennessee

Merry Christmas E P O H from the FUMC Staff Front & Center: Jim Weaver (Facilities Manager), Second Row: Harper Krimm, Joy Krimm (Director of Children’s Choirs), Alberta Herron (Custodian), Cecil Kirk (Minister of Congregational Care), Bobbie Mays (Director of Communications), Jan Kelley (Administrative Assistant), Adam Anderson (Communications Assistant), Third Row: Mary Beth Bernheisel (Associate Pastor), Rachel White (Music Aide), Dan Camp (Senior Pastor), Darian Krimm (Minister of Music/Worship Arts), Pam Jaco (Director of Adults & Evangelism, Charlene Barnett (Financial Assistant), Phyllis Maley (Administrator), David Hollis (Associate Pastor), Jerry Hooper (Custodian), Back Row: Alyssa McLoughlin (Director of Children’s Ministries), Tricia Odom (Ministerial Assistant), Not Available for Picture: Marilynn Eblen (Director of Recreation), Mike & Gena Mandle (Director of Food Service), Kimberly Allen (Co-Director of Child Care), Ashley Rabun (Co-Director of Child Care), Terry McRoberts (Organist), Helen Redding (Pianist), Bobby & Essie Johnson (Custodians), Thomas Fuller (Night Security), Elsie Harris (Office Assistant), Jeremy & Allison Tubbs (First Awakening Music Directors)

Christmas Eve Communion Services

You’re invited to a service of

Carols and Candles

10:00 a.m.

December 25 Combined Worship featuring celebratory Christmas music

December 24, 2011

Worship: 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Sanctuary

with Choir and Orchestra

“Meet Us at the Manger”

Sunday Dec. 18 6:00 p.m.

Sanctuary

An engaging retelling of the nativity story.

Family Friendly (Nursery provided)

Special guests, Howard and Beverly Vance will prepare our hearts for worship 15 minutes prior to the service with classical guitar and flute selections. Joining them will be Jeremy and Allison Tubbs and the First Awakening band together with the Sanctuary Choir.

Communion Services Only:

A celebration of The Great Thanksgiving with instrumental music. Communion served by pastors.

5:30, 6:00, 6:30 p.m.

Reception to follow

SEEKING GOD

Christmas Day

To engage in Holy Communion, it is important to share in the liturgy together. Please arrive at the beginning of each service.

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KNOWING CHRIST

Sunday School will not meet.

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SHARING HIS LOVE

First Edition December 14, 2011

Sympathy Sympathy is extended to: • The family and friends of Dr. Robert Moody Williams in his death on December 6, 2011.

• The family and friends of Donna Waller in her death on December 8, 2011. Donna was the widow of former Associate Pastor Mo Waller.

The FUMC Staff takes this opportunity to thank all of our faithful volunteers. We couldn’t make it without you!

FUMC FOUNDATION

“Did you know that an estimated 70% of all people who die do not have a Will or Living Trust? Without proper estate planning, neither your church nor any charity can receive gifts from your estate. Be sure your estate planning is up to date. Do you know who your heirs will be? Is your church a beneficiary of your estate?”

To learn about FUMC’s Foundation and Planned Giving, contact Jim Scott, Chairman. 668-4775 or e-mail patandscotty@aeneas.net

Greeters Greeters for Sunday, December 18 Mike and Pat Fox, Chuck and Mona Miller, Joe and Anita Jo Byrd, Joy Weiss, Pam McCarty, Bob and Shirley Maniss, Bill Hetzler Greeters for Sunday, December 25 David Hollis, Bill Hetzler, Phyllis Maley, Cecil Kirk and the Ushers If you are unable to greet, please find a replacement.

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NEW MEMBERS & BAPTISMS Welcome to Adam and Biz Smith, who joined Sunday, December 11. Their children are Ben, Alex, and Maggie.

Adam is an orthopaedic surgeon and Biz is a stay-at-home mom. Their sponsors are Peter and Bethany McLemore.

Zachary “Zac” Andrew Sevic received the sacrament of baptism on Sunday, December 11. His mother is Elizabeth Webb Whitt and his great-grandfather is Barton Webb. Zac has three siblings, Beth Sevic, Haley Best, and Zoe Sevic. We welcome Zac into the household of God!

CO NF I R M A ND R EA D ERS Trey Corley - December 18

My name is Trey Corley and I live in Jackson, TN. My birthday is October 4, 1999. I am 11 years old and in the 6th grade at USJ. I was born in Alexandria, Louisana. I have lived in Pineville and Lafayette, Louisana and Jackson, TN. My favorite sports are football and basketball. My mom and dad, Jerry and Heather Corley are proud owners of Coyote Blues restaurant. I also have a 10 year old brother named Nicholas.

Caroline Vaughan - December 25

My name is Caroline Vaughan. I am the daughter of Jev and Carolyn Vaughan. I have a brother named Peyton and a half-sister named Courtney Paige O’Neal. I have a labrador retriever named Bella. I am in the 6th grade at USJ. I cheer for the 5th and 6th grade football teams, run cross country, and participate in school plays. I love to draw, paint, design, and create things. I am a very fun, optimistic girl and love to have fun and hang out with friends.

Need to communicate FUMC events in the newsletter?

Contact Bobbie Mays, 422-4002, or bobbie@jacksonfumc.org Information needed by noon Mondays before publication.

The next newsletter is January 4.

First Edition December 14, 2011

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Start the New Year!

E V O L

Sunday January 1, 2012 New Year’s Day Worship

THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!

New Southern Christmas Party… a Merry, Merry Time!

The Family Life Forum Sunday School class thanks each of you who contributed to the success of this annual event and ministry!

Santa (our own David Horton) arrived with his jolly smile and Ho! Ho! Ho!, and his sack filled with eighty-four Christmas gifts.

Through your participation, donations of $2100 were received which was enough to provide each resident with a $25 gift card.

Sunday School volunteers led by Sam Welch, coordinator, provided beautiful table decorations with the class preparing and serving a Christmas dinner to all. Several residents individually expressed their thanks after the party and even some wrote thank you notes to FUMC. One gentleman, still sitting at his place after it was all over, good naturedly asked, “When’s the party?” He just wasn’t ready for the fun to be over!

A BIG “THANK YOU”... AND AN OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU!

“All Things New”

David Hollis, preaching 9:00 & 11:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m. Sunday School for all ages

Come and bring a friend or coworker

Mid-Week Downtown Worship Service Wednesdays at Noon in the Sanctuary

With the Holiday Season here and the year winding down, we want to thank all the very loyal kitchen volunteers for their many hours of service. Without them, the fabulous meals you all enjoy here at FUMC would literally not be possible.

Many of them are in the kitchen almost every time we have an event. Their dedication and commitment to service are unmatched!

Singing • Reflection Scripture • Communion

We are looking for some new recruits as well. If you want to help in the food service ministry, please come check us out. To ease you in gently, we will partner you with a current volunteer in any area of interest from table setup, cooking, food service or cleanup. We want to make sure all those big pots and pans and large quantities don't scare you off! You can volunteer for a couple of hours or the whole day, whatever works for your schedule. WE NEED YOU! Come start the new year with us and we have fun too. First Friday Forum is scheduled for January 6 and Wednesday evening meals resume on January 11. Please join the kitchen crew!

Based on the book by Adam Hamilton

Merry Christmas!

Gena and Mike Mandle

Sunday, December 18 10:00-10:50 a.m.

Clayton Hall Conference Room Instructor: Mary Beth Bernheisel

Open to all interested

First Edition December 14, 2011

2012 Altar Flowers

Want to sign up to provide Altar Flowers for a Sunday in 2012? Now is the time to do so. In the next few weeks, there will be an Altar Flower Calendar in Disciple Hall for those interested in providing Altar Flowers for the upcoming year. Please sign your name and phone number so that we may contact you regarding details.

Also, if you have reserved a particular date on an annual basis, please make note of that as well so that we can make sure we have that information on file for future calendars… flowers are a wonderful way to honor or memorialize a loved one, family member or simply to the Glory of God.

First Friday Forum

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FIRST EDITION NEWSLETTER WILL RETURN JANUARY 4, 2012 Church offices will be closed December 23 & 26 for Christmas Note of Appreciation Dear Christian Friends, I would like to say thanks for your contribution to the Christmas stockings this year. We were able to give 300 stockings and gifts to the service men and women. Sergeant Griffin (no kin) came to the church to get them to be distributed to the Army, Air Force, and Marines. Thanks to all of you. One member donated over $150. Also, thanks to those who helped me get moved.

Have a Blessed Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Thanks, Rev. Dr. Florence Griffin

12:00 NOON - 1:00 PM

Lunch ($7.00) & Program

January 6, 2012

Mission Notes

Clayton Hall Speakers:

Jackson City Mayor

Jerry Gist

and Madison County Mayor

Jimmy Harris

Great things are happening with our kids!

You don’t have to be a parent to be a part of all the excitement!

Interested in helping? Volunteering?

Contact Alyssa McLoughlin, Director of Children’s Ministry, at amcloughlin@jacksonumc.org or 422-4002

http://www.hannahs-hope.org/ Hannah’s Hope is an adoption agency located in Bartlett.

December Mission Focus: Birth Mother Needed Items • Always Super (Mega Pack) • Dermaplast Spray • Tuck Pads • Tote Bag

• Always Overnight (Mega Pack) • Nursing Pads (Plaxtexi, Lansinoh, etc.)

• Bath & Body Lotion

Comfort Items • Pedicure Set (Slippers, Nail Polish, • Small Candle Polish Remover, Emery Boards, • Sweet Treat Toe Separators, Nail Clippers) Please place items in or near the Mission Chests located in the church lobbies.

First Edition December 14, 2011

E C A E P Christmas

by Peter Marshall

FUMC BLESSINGS Prayer Shawls are knit with special love and prayers, and given to individuals who are ill, suffering a loss, or otherwise in a life crisis.

Memorials & Honoraria IN LOVING MEMORY OF Dr. Robert Moody Williams (Husband of Joan Williams) Dr. & Mrs. James M. Wilson & Family Joan’s Bridge Club (Boy Scouts)

We yearn, our Father, for the simple beauty of Christmas - for all the old famliar melodies and words that remind us of that great miracle when He who had made all things was one night to come as a babe, to lie in the crook of a woman's arm.

And we do pray, Lord Jesus, that as we celebrate Thy birthday, we may do it in a manner well pleasing to Thee. May all we do and say, every tribute of our hearts, bring honor to Thy name, that we, Thy people, may remember Thy birth and feel Thy presence among us even yet.

Before such mystery we kneel, as we follow the shepherds and Wise Men to bring Thee the gift of our love - a love we confess has not always been as warm or sincere or real as it should have been. But now, on this Christmas Day, that love would find its Beloved, and from Thee receive the grace to make it pure again, warm and real.

May the loving kindness of Christmas not only creep into our hearts, but there abide, so that not even the return to earthly cares and responsibilities, not all the festivities of our own devising may cause it to creep away weeping. May the joy and spirit of Christmas stay with us now and forever.

We bring Thee our gratitude for every token of Thy love, for all the ways Thou hast heaped blessings upon us during the years that have gone.

In the name of Jesus, who came to save His people from their sins, even in that lovely name we pray. Amen."

STEPHEN MINISTRY CORNER

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by Tharon Kirk

Sunday afternoon we had a lovely Blue Christmas Service at the church. Perhaps you read the Jackson Sun’s featured article in the December 12 issue (http://tinyurl.com/6u8ndfh). It is truly a time when we reach out to our community-at-large and those who are experiencing pain during the Advent/Christmas/New Year Season.

How wonderful that we can offer a place for persons to come and acknowledge the pain, be accepted, loved, and encouraged. FUMC Stephen Ministry sees this as part of our mission on your behalf.

But, of course, everyone that is hurting right now was not at that service.

There are lots of persons who need someone to acknowledge the pain they are experiencing and to love and accept them where they are this Christmas. You know some of these folks. They work with you. Some of them are part of your family. Some are your neighbors.

This Christmas will you make the effort to listen to at least one person that you know is hurting? Will you place a phone call to someone who needs to know that he or she is loved? I believe that God provides opportunities for all of us to respond to people who are hurting. As we remember the Christmas story and all the many ways that Mary and Joseph were hurting as they dealt with their situation, may we hear God’s call to us to respond to the needs of those around us. You will be a blessing to someone and you will blessed. And if there is a way that Stephen Ministry can serve you, please call Tharon Kirk (660-4354) or David Hollis (422-4002). We want to respond to your needs and the needs of people you love.

In this Holy Season, FUMC Stephen Ministers/Leaders thank you for your support of our ministry and wish for each of you a blessed Christmas filled with God’s presence.

Dru Martin Kathryn Fonda Ken & Peggy Marston Elizabeth Patterson (Mother of Donna Ellis) Dr. & Mrs. James M. Wilson & Family Barnett Scott (Husband of May Scott) Nancy Hopper Mary Arthur Parish Frances H. Budde Thomasine Witherspoon Carrie & John Parran Marinel & Joe Gaffney Carolyn & Joe Gaffney (Pastors’ Fund) Leslie I. Jaco Martha Jaco (Christmas Offering) IN LOVING HONOR OF Betsy & Alan Dement Nancy & Larry Brooke Jim & Roberta Price Ralph Leverett Joe H. Byrd, Jr. - On his Birthday, December 19 Anita Jo, Courtney & Charles Lambert Byrd Jayme & Justin Spencer Bethany & Peter Lawrence Heather & Matt Shelton Ellen & Wallace Driver Our Teachers: Betty Morris, Jerry Woodall, Mike Butler, Wes Clayton Dick Nunn Sunday School Jeanne C. Hanafee Gay & Harold Cashon (Capital Improvements)

First Edition December 14, 2011

Weekly Opportunities

Sunday, December 18 8:30 AM Kids Who Care Club - Making Scarves 9:00 AM First Awakening Service 10:00 AM Sunday School 10:00 AM The Journey Sunday School Class 11:00 AM Traditional Service 12:00 PM Kids Who Care Club - Making Scarves

3:30 PM Stuart/Camp Basketball

6:00 PM Carols & Candles

7:00 PM Carols & Candles Reception

Monday, December 19

1:30 PM Staff Meeting

7:30 PM Men’s Basketball Tuesday, December 20

7:00 AM UMM Bible Study

8:00 AM Catering

9:00 AM Staff Caroling/Lunch

4:15 PM Zumba Wednesday, December 21 12:00 PM Mid-Week Downtown Worship Service

3:00 PM Caroling (1st Grade)

5:00 PM FUMC Harris Basketball

5:30 PM First Awakening Band Rehearsal Thursday, December 22

5:30 PM FUMC Eblen Basketball Friday, December 23 Church Office Closed Christmas Saturday, December 24

4:00 PM Christmas Eve Worship

5:30 PM Christmas Eve Communion The Great Thanksgiving

6:00 PM Christmas Eve Communion The Great Thanksgiving

6:30 PM Christmas Eve Communion The Great Thanksgiving Sunday, December 25

Christmas Day 10:00 AM Christmas Day Worship - Joint Worship/No S.S. Monday, December 26 Church Ofc Closed-Christmas

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New Year! Fresh Start!

Wednesday Evening Fellowship Starting January 11 Study of II Samuel This 11 week study will be a continued look at King David, one of Israel’s greatest leaders. Covering the forty years of David’s reign, the book of II Samuel offers a glance at God’s grace and hope through personal struggle.

Chapel, Newman Center • Led by Dan Camp & Cecil Kirk 5 Conversations You Must Have with Your Son Written by the same mother who wrote the popular 5 Conversations You Must Have with Your Daughter, this study will offer a fresh perspective on elements of raising godly sons.

“Don’t define manhood by the culture’s wimpy standards.”

Followers, Room 112 Receiving the Sacraments: By Water and the Spirit Focusing on a United Methodist understanding of Baptism, this five week course will offer an historical, theological, and practical study of this sacrament.

Religion for Life, Room 118 • Jan. 11th-Feb. 8th Receiving the Sacraments: This Holy Mystery Focusing on a United Methodist understanding of Holy Communion, this five week course will focus on providing a richer theological view of the Lord’s Supper.

Religion for Life, Room 118 • Feb. 29th-March 28th Yoga Pilates Fusion Class A fusion of both yoga and pilates this class offers the challenge of stability, balance, strength , and focus. This class is appropriate for all fitness levels and ages. Bring a yoga mat and comfortable clothing.

Mezzanine • Led by Certified Instructor Rachel White Cost: $5 per class or $30 for all 8 sessions

Dinner 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. • Clayton Hall $6 Adults, $3 Children, $20 Family Maximum Classes/Activities 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Want to Know What’s Happening Each Week at FUMC? Sign up for Weekly E-Blasts to receive in your inbox on Fridays!

To subscribe to this and e-mail newsletters, go to jacksonfumc.org and click the envelope icon.

First Edition December 14, 2011

JOY

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Weekly Opportunities

Tuesday, December 27 7:00 AM UMM Bible Study 4:15 PM Zumba

FUMC Daisy/Brownie Troop #43088 spread their joy caroling at New Southern!

Wednesday, December 28

9:00 AM Youth Leave for Break Thru 12:00 PM Mid-Week Downtown Worship Service

5:00 PM FUMC Harris Basketball Thursday, December 29

4:15 PM Zumba

5:30 PM Martin Basketball Practice

5:30 PM First Awakening Band Rehearsal Friday, December 30 No Events Scheduled Saturday, December 31

9:00 AM Youth Return from Break Thru

FUMC Kids’ News Proverbs 22:6 - Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.

The Christmas Project for the Children’s Ministry is a Peanut Butter Tree! We will donate jars of peanut butter to help fulfill a constant need for RIFA. Please bring any donated jars of peanut butter to the children’s wing upstairs to put under the tree! Tie any plastic bags to the tree branches-RIFA needs these too!

The children will be singing songs from their Christmas Musical “The Reluctant Innkeeper” in both the 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. service on December 18th.

Kindergarten Sunday School class

Sunday, January 1

Happy New Year!

9:00 AM First Awakening Service 10:00 AM Sunday School 11:00 AM Traditional Service Monday, January 2 No Events Scheduled Tuesday, January 3

7:00 AM UMM Bible Study

5:45 PM Youth League Basketball

6:30 PM Youth Ministry Team Wednesday, January 4 12:00 PM Mid-Week Downtown Worship Service

3:30 PM WINGS (Witnessing IN God’s Sanctuary)

3:45 PM Girl Scout Meeting

6:00 PM Prime Ringers

7:00 PM FUMC Harris Basketball Thursday, January 5

5:30 PM FUMC Eblen Basketball

5:30 PM Sr. Olympic Basketball

5:30 PM First Awakening Band Rehearsal Friday, January 6 12:00 PM Brown Bag Bible Study 12:00 PM First Friday Forum Saturday, January 7

9:00 AM Boy Scout Event

4:30 PM Room in the Inn

First Edition December 14, 2011

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Ch ris tmas Memo rials & Hono ra ria W. T. Jimerson His Family

Walter & Evelyn Whybrew Billy Pate Family Terry Kuykendall Family David Whybrew Family John Whybrew Family

Paul Krone Connie Krone

Dorris Odell Margaret Odell

Kathryn Fonda Kaye, Brit, Andrew & Kate Hill

Dave Eblen Alice Eblen

Mr. & Mrs. Lloyd Kelso Rush Mr. & Mrs. Harold Cashon, Sr. Donelson H. Stegall Donald N. Hanafee Mr. & Mrs. Fred Young, Jr. Lloyd Rush Stegall Gay & Harold Cashon, Jr.

Kathryn Fonda Becky Voegeli Ruth King Sue, Hugh, Dorothy & Suzanne Harvey

In Loving Memory

George A. Smith Elizabeth Smith & Family Patty & Frank Graves Thelma & George Gray Lorena & James Elcan Martha Alice & “Dime” Barnes Oliver Graves, M.D. Jim, Pat & Mitch Elcan William H. Cantrell Billy Cantrell Ricky Cantrell Margaret Barnes Grady Barnes, Jr. Doris Whalley Greg Green Margaret Cantrell Myrtle Smith Larry & Frannie Smith George Boyd Rebecca Lane Kemp Boyd Ginny & Tim Hatch Tommy Allen Debbie Allen-Shires Sara Beth Newsom & Family Mary Kate Allen Billie Allen John & Debbie Allen-Shires Sara Beth Newsom & Family Mary Kate Allen Morgan Leah McCarty Mike, Pam & Kirk McCarty James Curlin Bond Margaret Lee & James C. Bond, Jr. Their Family

Dr. Barnett Scott His Family

Marjorie McLemore Sam C. Rheney Morgan McCarty Alan, Molly & Maggie Rheney John Townsend Barnett Scott Lee Fite John Moss Tom & Sally Rainey John Pippen “Pip” Quinn Betty Lee & John Quinn Norment & Laura Johnson Martha Hudgings “Sunny” Lake Glynn Becky Robins Voegeli Bill & Mary Jane Woodruff

In Loving Honor Anne & Jim Boswell Molly Boswell Allen Stephen, James & Matt Franco Chris Cochran Alicia B. Franco Sue Harvey Lisa Hurd Connie Krone Margie Thompson Kaye, Brit, Andrew & Kate Hill Bettie Gray Graves Jim, Pat & Mitch Elcan Cecil Kirk & Family Margaret Cantrell

George A. Smith Bettye Fox Smith Suzanne Smith Hopfer Doris Fox Sam Fox Judy & Scotty LaFont

My Dad, Jimmy Coplin Helen Fleming Cathy Benson

Paul & Carolyn Clayton Terry & Judy Holt

Mr. & Mrs. Everette Hutton Mr. Ermon Bryant Ray & Liz Bryant

Jay, Mary Beth, Joshua & Clare Bernheisel Susan & Michael Lyle

Homer E. Johns Wayne E. Joslin Gerald F. Borden Evelyn J. Borden

Hays Frankland Clifford Armstrong Loy Long Frances Frankland

Elaine Dooley Elizabeth Clow Pat & Richard Whitmore

Barbara Anthony James & Lynne Barker

Beverly & Allen Fail Wally B. Young Brian Young Mrs. Jesse N. Townsend Mrs. Martha Jaco Webb Bennett Mrs. Elizabeth B. Cole William & Frances Blackburn Nela Fail Vick Margaret Goodrich Baker Les Jaco, Sr. Dr. Barnett Scott Mr. John T. Murphy Dr. John T. Murphy, Jr. Jessica Fail Young

James McKee Jimmy & Caroline McKee Rev. Clarence E. “Lefty” Hare, Jr. Ed Hare Family Barnett Scott Erlyn Webb Bitsy Woodson JoAnn Mischke Margie McLemore John Moss John Watson James & Suzanne Barnes Erlyn & Robert L. Webb Barton Webb Margie McLemore Jim McLemore Devon Dooley Elizabeth Clow Pat & Richard Whitmore Effie Mae Brill Morris Brill

James P. McLemore Jackie Rheney Alan, Molly & Maggie Rheney Andrea Woods Upper Room Sunday School Laura Johnson Hymers Bill & Mary Jane Woodruff My Mom, Betty Coplin, & My Entire Family Cathy Benson Mrs. A. Elizabeth Bryant Pat & Jim Scott Ray & Liz Bryant Dana & Amy Eickhoff Groff Mrs. Josephine Murphy Mrs. Libby Murphy Mrs. Bobbie Mays FUMC Pastors & Staff Jessica Fail Young

First Edition December 14, 2011

Financial Report Thank You

by Phyllis Maley

Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2012 Annual Giving and Capital Improvements effort! There were so many who willingly and joyfully stepped up to lead, like John Yarbrough, who served as the chairman, Jake McInnis, who was the Advanced Gifts chair and Paula Butler, who led the Sunday School Challenge.

We FUMC members appreciate everyone who supported the effort by making phone calls, preparing mailings, decorating tables, encouraging their Sunday School classes or helping out in many other ways. I am reminded of the children’s song lyric that goes, “I am the church, you are the church, we are the church together…” We are indeed the church together when we give from our abundance to support the ministries of First United Methodist Church.

Work Begins on Capital Improvements Over $60,000, of the $275,000 committed, has already come in for capital improvements and plans are underway to begin work after the first of the year. A decision will be made on the exterior repairs as soon as additional quotes are received. The stained glass company has been notified to begin work on

the protective glass and enhancements to the audio equipment in Clayton Hall have been ordered.

2012 Annual Giving Three hundred and six families have committed to support FUMC through annual giving in 2012. Those gifts will make possible the worship, the studies, the music, the children’s programs, the youth programs and the mission outreach of this church.

The church is just short of last year’s total for Annual Giving by $24,000. If you have not made your commitment, it is not too late to participate in this or the capital improvements effort. Go online, submit your card or call the church office. Every gift is important – not only to the church, but to the giver.

2011 Financial Year – How Are We Doing?

As the end of 2011 approaches, all indications are that expenses are on budget; and if revenues come in this month as anticipated, the church will finish the year in fine financial condition. Thanks to everyone for making the ministries and mission of FUMC a priority in your lives!

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Meet the December Goal!

Budgeted for December

$255,336

Received Amount Balance Dec 1 - 9 $30,578 $224,758 Dec 11-16 $49,604 $175, 154 Dec 18-23 Dec 25-30 It is again the time of year when the church, not unlike retail stores that look to December sales to put them in the black, looks to year-end gifts to complete the year with a balanced budget. Please complete your commitment or make a year-end gift to FUMC as you are able.

Recording Contributions for 2011 For federal income tax purposes, 2011 contributions must be dated and received, or postmarked, by December 31, 2011. Any checks dated, received or postmarked in 2012, will be posted to your 2012 contribution statement.

To assist our members with their yearend giving, the church office will be open Tuesday the 27th through Friday the 30th from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The office will be closed Saturday, December 31.

Remember, you may check your giving record online through the member login (top right corner of the website) at www.jacksonfumc.org. If you need more information, please call Phyllis or Charlene at the church office, 422-4002.

First Edition

December 14, 2011

Sunday Morning Worship First Awakening Contemporary Worship Service Clayton Hall • 9:00 a.m.

Sunday December 18

Fourth Sunday of Advent

Sunday December 25

Sunday School 10:00 a.m.

Traditional Worship Service Sanctuary • 11:00 a.m.

“Keeping God Safe” Mary Beth Bernheisel, preaching • Scripture: Luke 1:26-38

Christmas Day Combined Worship Service Sanctuary • 10:00 a.m. • Sunday School will not meet “Good News!”

Dan Camp, preaching • Scripture: Luke 2:1-14

Sunday January 1 Next newsletter publication is Jan. 4, 2012

“All Things New” David Hollis, preaching • Scripture: Revelation 21:1-6

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DOWNTOWN JACKSON First United Methodist Church 200 South Church Street Jackson, Tennessee 38301 Address Service Requested (731) 422-4002 A Stephen Ministry Congregation A Safe Sanctuaries Congregation

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JACKSON, TENN. PERMIT NO. 116