September 13, 2017 | Volume 16 Issue 9 jacksonfumc.org DOWNTOWN FOR GOOD
FIRST EDITION
A Newsletter Publication of First United Methodist Church, Jackson, Tennessee
Sharing Christ’s Love UMCOR Buckets by Scott Murray
Thank you, FUMC, for your generosity helping UMCOR gather supplies for hurricane victims. A modest goal for 40 complete cleaning kits was set to help Bishop McAlilly’s challenge to fill a tractor trailer for UMCOR. After a final rally on Sunday, September 10, we almost doubled it with 74 complete kits. In addition, donations of $5,475 were given for UMCOR Harvey disaster relief! Some of us have felt led to do more in Texas. We will need an invitation from either the Rio Texas Conference or the Texas Conference before we can bring a team. Elyse Bell with our district office sent the following recommendations if you want to become more involved with the relief effort. 1. ERT (Early Response Team), there will be a training on October 9 in Brownsville, TN. (see memphis-umc.org for details and registration) 2. Pack supplies at Sager Brown Warehouse in Baldwin, LA or an additional warehouse in Decaturville, AL 3.Go to and "like" the two Texas Conferences web sites and watch for updated information 4.Go to umvim.org to watch for teams forming Thank you again for the gift of your time and resources to help others in need. Photos by Rhonda Murray
Sunday Evening Classes “Downtown for Good” Coffee Mugs $5
Stop by Disciple Hall on Sundays while supply lasts!
Disciple Fast Track is back! 5-7 p.m. in the Clayton Hall Conference Room. Join Elizabeth Vaughn-Neely and Jerry Jeffords for this in-depth scripture study on the New Testament. Book fee $18. Participants will pick up meal and bring back to conference room to eat and continue study. Playing for Keeps Parenting Class - What you do this week matters! Join us for this 6 week parenting class 5-6 p.m., followed by dinner in Religion for Life classroom. Worship Arts for Kids (W.A.K.) - 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Sundays, 5 p.m. • Preschool-1st grade Tracks: Angel Choir, Creative Crafting • 2nd-5th grade Tracks: Agape Choir, Drama Parents may also register their children for rhythm or liturgical dance which will meet on the 4th Sunday of the month. If you register your children for WAK, it is of the utmost importance that they attend rehearsals as much as possible to be prepared for all performances. Youth Small Groups in the Youth Center at 5 p.m. Confirmation Class 5:45 p.m. in 6th Grade Classroom
Meal begins September 17 at 6 p.m. in Clayton Hall. Cost: $6 adults, $4 children, $20 family maximum
page 2 First Edition September 13, 2017
Baptisms
Youth News Open to 7th-12th graders
Christian Hesling, Youth Pastor (chesling@jacksonfumc.org) Search for “The Current UMY” on Facebook
See You At The Pole (SYATP) is an international movement to pray for our schools, our neighborhoods, our nation, and our world. At 7 a.m. (local time) join your peers at your school's flagpole to pray with thousands of others around the world. Find out more at www.syatp.com. Vera Catherine Young, daughter of Murry and Taylor Young of Knoxville, TN received the sacrament of holy baptism on Sunday, September 3, 2017. We welcome Vera Catherine into the household of God. Proud grandparents are Duke and Veronica Young and Jeff and Rhonda Gaston.
Nerf Night: On Wednesday October 4th from 5:30-7:30 p.m. we will be hosting Nerf Wars here at Jackson FUMC. We'll play games like humans-vs.-zombies, team battle-royal, and more. This is going to be uh-mazing! Bring a friend, a nerf blaster, and your game face; we'll see you there!
Gracie Jane Bratcher, daughter of Julie and Dave Bratcher, and Bennett’s sister, received the sacrament of holy baptism on Sunday, September 10, 2017. We welcome Gracie into the household of God.
Dr. Terry McRoberts will present an organ recital on Sunday, September 17 at 6:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Jackson, TN at 1573 North Highland. The repertoire will include works by Bach and Bloch, as well as Fanfare for the Common Man by Copland, Clair de lune by Debussy. The program will conclude with the Third Sonata by Guilmant, the first movement of which was played in the service of dedication for the sanctuary.
Music Notes Margaret Harrison, Interim Director of Music and Worship Arts (mharrison@jacksonfumc.org)
Advent/Christmas Music Fall is almost here and while Summer is not yet gone, the sound of Christmas Music is already being heard in the Choir room on Wednesday evenings. Christmas musical presentations take on a slightly different format this year. A Christmas Cantata titled “Sing Joy to All the World” with choir, soloists, and full orchestra will be presented during morning worship on December 10. The service will be a combined worship service in the sanctuary at 9:30 am. This cantata provides opportunity for all in the congregation who wish to participate in this musical presentation to rehearse with the choir each Wednesday evening throughout the Fall. Books and Rehearsal CD’s are available to all participants. Singers of all ages and abilities are encouraged to join. Rehearsals will last approximately 30
to 40 minutes each week. Come, this Wednesday evening, and join us. Music for Carols and Candles, on the calendar for 6:00 pm on December 17, will also be rehearsed during the Wednesday evening time. Stay tuned for more information on the various Advent and Christmas Worship opportunities. This promises to be a blessed year of music and worship during The Season. First Awakening Musicians First Awakening worship leader, Beau Sage, continues to see singers and instrumentalists to become a part of morning worship leadership at this contemporary service. God is working through Beau and his leadership in this early morning worship time. Seek Beau out and let him know how you might serve the church through participating in this 8:55 service.
page 3 First Edition September 13, 2017
The United Methodist Men thank all of FUMC for your support of their recent "Missions Possible Rib Sale". Together, we are making a difference! - John Yarbrough
Children’s Ministry Jenni Thorn, Director of Children’s Ministry (jthorn@jacksonfumc.org) Search for “The Backyard - Jackson FUMC Children’s Ministry” on Facebook
Join us for the 3rd Annual
“Coats for Kids” Drive Sept. 24- Oct. 22 Donate gently used or new coats for Lincoln Elementary children (FUMC’s Partner School). All sizes accepted for boys and girls. Co-sponsored by Kids Who Care Club and Arise2Read Jackson The Lincoln school principal shared that most children do not have coats for the winter.
Tuesday, October 3 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Tickets $6 each
Fundraiser for
Kids @ First Parents Day Out
Have an extra coat in your closet? Check out sales… grab an extra coat or two! Place coats in collection box by the nursery starting Sunday, September 24.
A MINISTRY OF FUMC
Dine-In (Clayton Hall) or Take Out
Silent Auction and Program by Pre-K Kids Mums Sale
Benefitting Children’s Ministry and Kids at First Parents Day Out Plants are 18-22” tall & 20-24” wide Colors available: Bronze, Purple, Red, White, Yellow Some colors have limited quantities Delivery will be the beginning of October.
$15 each
Order on the app or https://kidsfallmumsale.echurchevents.com/
If you know of a church member in the hospital, please contact Jan Kelley, 422-4002 or jkelley@jacksonfumc.org to help us with congregational care.
page 4 First Edition September 13, 2017
Legacy Writing Workshop “Save Your Stories, Leave a Legacy” Thursday, Sept 21, 2017 9:30-11:30 a.m. Mezzanine
“Stories are a gift given by an elder to a younger person.” Velma Wallis, author. Do you sometimes wish you had written records of the stories you heard during childhood from parents, grandparent or other elders? Each person’s life story is as unique and as essential as the person telling it, and each of us has a rich storehouse of experience and memory that, when shared, can enrich both our families and the culture at large. Join Andrea Woods, a writer and former FUMC Staff member, for a monthly Legacy Writing Workshop, in which you will explore ways to harvest memory and create a lasting legacy through writing down the personal, vital stories that have informed your life. You don’t have to have previous writing experience! Anyone can do this! Simply show up with a yellow legal pad and your favorite pen or pencil. 3rd Thursdays Monthly, September 21, 2017- April 19, 2018 (excluding December) Contact: Andrea Woods andowoods@gmail.com
Senior Adult Ministries
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20
Dr. David Forbes and son, Noah “A Musical Celebration” Program 11:00 a.m. | Luncheon 12:00 p.m. Clayton Hall | $7.00 per person For reservations, contact Barbara Barker, 668-4435 or bbarker157@aol.com by 12:00 p.m. Oct. 17 Adventures in Learning 2017-2018 SAVE THE DATES!* November - No Program December 8 “Music of Jubilate” Margaret Harrison January 19 “Scams, Schemes, and Swindles” Lindsey Balthrop, TN Department of Consumer Affairs February 16 Scenes of TN Wildlife and How to Make Good Pictures on Cell Phones, Robin Conover, writer and photographer
March 16 Humorous Talk (details to be determined) April 20 Madison Academic Chorus Lindsey Patterson May 18 “Find Your Wild Side” Tennessee Park Ranger * Reservations required
Special Events Sunday, November 12 Senior Adult Appreciation and Recognition Sunday Sunday, February 18 Lunch at Chandelier and Chamber concert at St. Luke’s
page 5 First Edition September 13, 2017
Women’s Ministries Susan Crocker, Director of Women’s Ministry, scrocker@jacksonfumc.org
Women's Fall Bible Study “Seamless” by Angie Smith
Tuesdays at 11 a.m.
FUMC Library Books $13 on Amazon Please have at the first class Sept. 19, 26, and Oct. 3, 10, 17,24.
Between Friends Book Club 11 a.m. at the Baker’s Rack September 20 “Before We Were Yours“ by Lisa Wingate
Georgia Tann, director of Memphis-based adoption organization, kidnapped and sold poor children to wealthy families all over the country Lisa Wingate’s tale reminds us how, even though the paths we can take can lead to many places, the heart never forgets where we belong.
October 18 “Wednesday Sisters“ by Meg Waite Clayton
Late Summer Specialties: Cooking Class Thursday, Sept 21 2:30-5:00 p.m. FUMC Kitchen
$35 for the class and enough to take home for family dinner! * Limited to 12 and the classes fill quickly. There is still time to enjoy the last of the garden's delights. Whether you are a "shopper" or a "grower", these recipes will make use of those remaining seasonal crops. You will work side by side with other students and chef Andrew Boks to create and sample some delicious dishes and take the rest home for dinner.
Lydia Circle will meet October 12 at 6:30 at the home of Kaye Hill, 131 Laurie Circle. Bible study, discussion, prayer, and light meal will be offered. All women are invited! “Downton Abbey Costumes” Day Trip to Cheekwood
First Edition September 13, 2017
page 6
Calendar of Events Calendar subject to change. Please call the church office, 422-4002 or check the calendar at jacksonfumc.org
Sunday, September 17 Thursday, October 5 Tuesday, September 26 8:55 AM First Awakening Service 5:00 PM Master Gardeners 7:00 AM Men’s Bible Study 10:00 AM Sunday School 11:00 AM Traditional Service 3:30 PM Jubilate 4:00 PM Kids Who Care Club 5:00 PM Parenting Class 5:00 PM Worship Arts for Kids (WAK) 5:00 PM Disciple Fast Track 5:00 PM Youth Small Groups 5:45 PM Confirmation Class 6:00 PM Sunday Evening Meal Monday, September 18 9:00 AM Parents Day Out 5:30 PM Senior Olympic Basketball Tuesday, September 19 7:00 AM Men’s Bible Study 8:30 AM Tennessee River District Operational Team Meeting 10:00 AM Worship Planning 11:00 AM Seamless Bible Study 6:30 PM Hands Up! Preschool Parenting Class Wednesday, September 20 9:00 AM Parents Day Out 11:00 AM Ladies Knitting Group 11:30 AM Rotary Club Lunch Meeting 6:00 PM Handbells 7:00 PM Sanctuary Choir 7:00 PM First Awakening Rehearsal Thursday, September 21 9:30 AM Legacy Writing Workshop 2:30 PM Late Summer Specialties Cooking Class 5:30 PM Senior Olympic Basketball 6:30 PM Hands Up! Preschool Parenting Class 7:00 PM Pickleball Friday, September 22 No church events scheduled Saturday, September 23 5:00 PM Room in the Inn Sunday, September 24 8:55 AM First Awakening Service 10:00 AM Sunday School 11:00 AM Traditional Service 3:30 PM Jubilate 5:00 PM Parenting Class 5:00 PM Worship Arts for Kids (WAK) 5:00 PM Disciple Fast Track 5:00 PM Youth Small Groups 6:00 PM Sunday Evening Meal Monday, September 25 9:00 AM Parents Day Out 5:30 PM Senior Olympic Basketball
8:00 AM Senior Olympic Pickleball Practice 10:00 AM Worship Planning 11:00 AM Seamless Bible Study 4:30 PM Girl Scout Meeting
Wednesday, September 27 7:00 AM See You at the Pole Youth Event 9:00 AM Parents Day Out 11:00 AM Ladies Knitting Group 11:30 AM Rotary Club Lunch Meeting 6:00 PM Handbells 7:00 PM Sanctuary Choir 7:00 PM First Awakening Rehearsal
Saturday, October 7 No church events scheduled
5:30 PM Senior Olympic Basketball 7:00 PM Pickleball
Friday, October 6 12:00 PM First Friday Forum
Thursday, September 28 9:30 AM Legacy Writing Workshop 5:30 PM Senior Olympic Basketball 7:00 PM Pickleball
Sunday, October 8 8:55 AM First Awakening Service 10:00 AM Sunday School 11:00 AM Traditional Service 3:30 PM Jubilate 5:00 PM Worship Arts for Kids (WAK) 5:00 PM Disciple Fast Track 5:00 PM Youth Small Groups 5:45 PM Confirmation Class 6:00 PM Sunday Evening Meal
Friday, Sept. 29 & Saturday, Sept. 30 No church events scheduled
Monday, October 9 5:30 PM Senior Olympic Basketball
Sunday, October 1 8:55 AM First Awakening Service 10:00 AM Sunday School 11:00 AM Traditional Service 3:30 PM Jubilate 4:00 PM Kids Who Care Club 5:00 PM Parenting Class 5:00 PM Worship Arts for Kids (WAK) 5:00 PM Disciple Fast Track 5:00 PM Youth Small Groups 5:45 PM Confirmation Class 6:00 PM Sunday Evening Meal
Tuesday, October 10 7:00 AM Men’s Bible Study 10:00 AM Worship Planning 11:00 AM Seamless Bible Study 4:30 PM Girl Scout Meeting
Monday, October 2 8:30 AM Tennessee River District Operational Team Meeting 9:00 AM Parents Day Out 5:30 PM Senior Olympic Basketball
Thursday, October 12 5:30 PM Senior Olympic Basketball 7:00 PM Pickleball
Tuesday, October 3 7:00 AM Men’s Bible Study 10:00 AM Worship Planning 11:00 AM Seamless Bible Study 5:00 PM PDO Spaghetti Supper Fundraiser Wednesday, October 4 9:00 AM Parents Day Out 11:00 AM Ladies Knitting Group 11:30 AM Rotary Club Lunch Meeting 5:30 PM Nerf Night 6:00 PM Handbells 7:00 PM Sanctuary Choir 7:00 PM First Awakening Rehearsal
Wednesday, October 11 11:00 AM Ladies Knitting Group 11:30 AM Rotary Club Lunch Meeting 6:00 PM Handbells 7:00 PM Sanctuary Choir 7:00 PM First Awakening Rehearsal
Friday, October 13 6:00 PM Rehearsal Dinner Saturday, October 14 No church events scheduled Sunday, October 15 8:55 AM First Awakening Service 10:00 AM Sunday School 11:00 AM Traditional Service 3:30 PM Jubilate 4:00 PM Kids Who Care Club 5:00 PM Parenting Class 5:00 PM Worship Arts for Kids (WAK) 5:00 PM Disciple Fast Track 5:00 PM Youth Small Groups 5:45 PM Confirmation Class 6:00 PM Sunday Evening Meal
page 7 First Edition September 13, 2017
Have an Event to Schedule? • Fill out a form under the Events tab at jacksonfumc.org or at the reception desk. • Approval is subject to room availability AND other scheduled calendar events. • After review of your proposed event, you will be notified the event has been officially added to the FUMC calendar (which is also published in the app). • Please do not promote your event until it has been confirmed and placed on the official church calendar.
Quick Reference Guide If you have questions: Pastoral Care Event Scheduling Facilities Finances Memorials & Contributions Communications Food Service
For Men of All Ages
Coffee & Conversation
Thursdays, 9-10 a.m.
Contact Email Jan Kelley jkelley@jacksonfumc.org Tricia Odom scheduling@jacksonfumc.org Tricia Odom todom@jacksonfumc.org Jacki Hoveskeland jhoveskeland@jacksonfumc.org Dolores Bosco dbosco@jacksonfumc.org Bobbie Mays bobbie@jacksonfumc.org Leslie Lewis llewis@jacksonfumc.org
Room 117
Men’s Ministry Tuesday Morning Bible Study on the Book of Isaiah
Grow & learn. Come when you can!
Dave Bratcher, leader 7-7:50 a.m.
Mission Corner
Clayton Hall Conference Room
SERVING OPPORTUNITIES
Room in the Inn
by Jane Ramer. Missions Team Members of the Women in Christ Sunday School Class are now scheduling groups to help with Room in the Inn. Room in the Inn is a collaborative program with Area Relief Ministries (ARM) to provide shelter, food and fellowship for the area’s homeless men. You and your Sunday school class or group will be asked to provide food and conversation, once or twice a year. Each time a couple of male persons will need to spend the night with the guests. Traditionally, Sunday school classes have served as hosts, but last year the youth stepped up and did a great job. We would like to invite individuals who may not be members of a class to form an “at large” group. You do not want to miss this opportunity to serve! Yes, you will be asked to step slightly out of your comfort zone or “out of the boat”. Presently, the hosting occurs in our church’s gym. As Area Relief states, reaching out is an act of faith. When we step out in faith and offer ourselves in service to others, we receive many gifts in return. These include but are not limited to, gratitude, the joy of
sharing a meal, laughter, education about homelessness, a broader sense of community, satisfaction from knowing that you make a real difference and a deeper understanding of your blessings. Dates available are: Friday, Nov. 3, Friday, Dec. 8, Saturday, Jan. 13, Saturday. Feb. 10, Saturday, Mar.10, Saturday, Apr.14,
Sunday, Nov.12; Friday, Dec. 29; Saturday, Jan 27; Saturday, Feb 24; Saturday, Mar.24; Saturday, Apr. 28
We would like to have a contact person for each class or group. We have a list now, but we do not know which class each person represents. By October 1, please send the name of your group/class, the dates you want, a contact person, and their email and phone number to: Donna Hampton donnahamp2002@yahoo.com 731-554-2279 home phone. T Robert Hill is putting together a group of men who are willing to spend the night once or twice a year. To add your name to the "Sleepers" list contact him at 731-695-4170 or deerrun@aeneas.com.
Monthly Mission Focus: WRAP (Wo/Men’s Resource and Rape Assistance Program) advocates for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. September Collection Items: • Toilet paper • Paper towels • Facial tissues • Diapers • Snacks for children
Add an icon to your iPhone for jacksonfumc.org • Open the Safari Browser, go to jacksonfumc.org • Press the
icon.
• Select the icon “Add to Home Screen”
page 8 First Edition September 13, 2017
First Friday Forum
October 6 12-1 p.m. Clayton Hall Lunch Cost: $7/person How are You Welcoming Visitors on Sunday Morning? “7 Things Members Should Say to Guests in a Worship Service” (from FUMC’s Consultation Report by Dr. Bob Winstead: excerpt from an article by Thomas Rainer)
• Thank you for being here. • Let me help you with that. • Please take my seat. • Here is my e-mail address. • Please let me know if I can help in any way. • Can I show you where you need to go? • Let me introduce you to _____. • Would you join me/us for lunch? Pray About Everything “Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.” - Philippians 4:6-7 The Message
Memorials & Honoraria IN LOVING MEMORY OF
CHRIS HOLT (Esther and Greg Milam’s son) WOODY FORBES Greg and Allycin Alexander Greg and Allycin Alexander Bill and Laura Burnett Phyllis Armstrong Lina and Fred Bowyer Brenda Alexander (Music) Val and Jimmy Exum King and Louanne Bond Terry and Judy Holt (Music) Kelly and Tom Butler Lisa Hurd John and Josephine Beall Ralph Leverett Michael and Martha Berger Sharon Matthews Jeanne Baddour Robert and Shirley Maniss Ann, Cameron, Allison, Caroline, Mark and Debra Owen (Music) and Mary Cameron Brooks Sandra and Bill Perkins Gay Cashon and family Dr. and Mrs. Lee Sheppard Teresa Knight Chambers Steve and Cindy Spring Betsy Cox (Pastor’s Fund) Brad and Beverly Denton May Scott John and Debbie Diddle David and Cyd Teague Sylvia Evans (Music) Jerry and Mona Ward Janis and David Fite (Media) Forked Deer Run Coon Club JIMMY WARD Lisa Hurd Phyllis Armstrong Corbin and Sarah Hamil Dr. and Mrs. Charles Bray Melba Homra Bill and Laura Burnett Judith Hazlewood Lina and Fred Bowyer Becky and Harry Lane Jr. (Music) Gayle Crocker Ralph Leverett Gay Cashon and family Phil and Frannie Lewis Billy Clemmons Sharon Matthews Martha Jane and Joe Exum Mark and Debra Owen (Music) Val and Jimmy Exum Sandra and Bill Perkins Carolyn and Joe Gaffney Susan Strickland Dr. and Mrs. Bobby Higgs Dr. and Mrs. Lee Sheppard Horne LLP Larry and Frannie Smith Sharon Matthews Maryann and Lowell Stonecipher Mr. and Mrs. Michael McWherter Jada and Bob Slayton Sandra and Joe Nip McKnight Freddy and Sandra Teague Harold and Debbie Nerren Jesse and Melinda Thomas Sandra and Bill Perkins Joan Tomlin May Scott Jim and Beverly Vaden Lowell and MaryAnn Stonecipher James and Lisa Wilson Jesse and Melinda Thomas UT Alumni Association Hunter and Suzanne Welles EDNA RICE Phyllis Armstrong Gay Cashon and family Brad and Beverly Denton Dick Nunn Sunday School Class Val and Jimmy Exum Family Life Forum Sunday School Class Becky and Harry Lane Jr. (Music) Philip and Frannie Lewis Sharon Matthews Robert and Shirley Maniss Sandra and Joe Nip McKnight Bettylu Marsden Harry H. Miller Jr. Mark and Debra Owen (Music/Andrews Chapel) Sandra and Bill Perkins Ann Rice Cynthia Robinson Larry and Frannie Smith Freddy and Sandra Teague Jerry and Mona Ward Hunter and Suzanne Welles Keelen and Richard Yandell
JIMMY and ELAINE WARD Ray and Liz Bryant Judith and Roger Murray Jr. Burruss and Mary Alice Nichols PAUL DOUGLASS Ray and Liz Bryant Gayle Crocker John and Doris Clayton Carl Determeyer James and Peggy Ely Cecil and Tharon Kirk Ralph Leverett Sandra and Joe Nip McKnight Mark and Debra Owen (Missions) Michael Seitz family Butch and Carolynn Stewart Hunter and Suzanne Welles REV. FRANK and MABEL BEARDEN (Jenni Thorn’s grandparents) FUMC Staff
NANCY RAHM James and Mary Adams Frank and Joyce Brasher Brad and Beverly Denton Pam Fesmire FUMC Staff Buddy and Mary Gresham Eddie and Linda Horton Becky and Harry Lane Jr. Kay Lancaster Robert and Shirley Maniss Bettye Perry Sylvia Showalter Jerry and Mona Ward James Mack Woods CAROLYN CROCKETT (Lynn Menendez’s Mother) Betty Anderson Amy Dietrich Martha Jane and Joe Exum Dick and Ann Ince Frances and John Tipton JOSEPHINE MURPHY Val and Jimmy Exum MARY MENEES (Betty Menees’ mother) Becky and Harry Lane Jr. JANICE LOWE (Liz McCracken’s mother) Mark and Debra Owen (Pastor’s Fund) ELIZABETH VANN Phyllis Armstrong JACK LAWRENCE Freddy and Sandra Teague AUSTIN POWELL King and Louanne Bond NORMA McCARTY (Mike McCarty’s mother) Bill and Laura Burnett IN HONOR OF: TYLER and CHLOE HATCHER Charlotte and David Hatcher SKY McCRACKEN Craig and Tom Stallings (Pastor’s Fund) David Rice (Pastor’s Fund) LISA HARPER Craig and Tom Stallings (Pastor’s Fund) David Rice (Pastor’s Fund)
page 9 First Edition September 13, 2017
Member Spotlight: Charles Rhodes “Stay Out of the Recliner!”
by Bobbie Mays
Director of Communications
Working alongside Charles Rhodes his dad as a boy at the “Garage” his father owned and operated in Scotts Hill, TN, Charles Ernest Rhodes learned all about hard work, building a future and helping others! This is his story… Early Life and Pursuits Charles came from a family of six children. Growing up in Scotts Hill, he attended schools there through the 10th grade and then married his childhood sweetheart, Donna Tarlton, who lived down the road from him. After school, Charles worked at the “Garage” cleaning car parts. By the time he was 19, he bought the business from his dad, making monthly payments to him. Just below the garage, his dad ran a saw mill for which Charles ended up having part ownership. Driving a truck hauling crossties and lumber to Jackson and Memphis was Charles job for the business. It wasn’t at all unusual for his truck to be loaded with handles for hammers and “roughed out” parts for water skiis. In those days, with no interstate, he had to drive through Bolivar and all the towns in between to make his deliveries in Memphis. Seasonally, he also hauled loads of watermelons on his truck from Florida. He bought them for $.25 each and sold them for $1. Needing a rest after driving all night on the way home, Charles would sleep on top of the melons while Donna slept inside the truck. Working with wood was second nature to Charles so using his skills, he began building homes. The more houses he built and sold, the more interested in real estate he became. Before he and Donna moved to Jackson in 1964, Charles had received his license to begin selling real estate. The next venture he pursued, developed and named was the “Carriage House Drive” area where he built homes and commercial buildings including the former Ethan Allen Furniture Store. Still, there was something about being around cars that always fascinated Charles! Having worked his way up to being a successful businessman, owning Rolls Royce cars became within his reach and then led to his collection. (see photos). Some of his cars he named and others came with names…one of them, his 1987 “Miss Becky” is a story all its own! As a
member of Parkway Christian Car Club, Charles has been involved over the years in their various fundraisers to benefit St. Jude Children’s Hospital as well as helping with local patients having health issues. He has also helped raise funds for the Carl Perkins Center through his involvement with the Morning Exchange Club. Cars were just the beginning…always desiring to fly, Charles took lessons, became a pilot and purchased his first airplane in Mississippi ready to “take off” to see the countryside! He and Donna flew around West TN, MS, AL, and FL for 25 years. They also experienced land adventures across the USA off and on for several years in their camper, enjoyed cruises in the Caribbean islands and a 7 day trip to the Holy Land with his pastor. Faith and Christian Life Charles and Donna attended a nondenominational church for several years and following a sermon one Sunday, he accepted Christ as his Savior. Seventeen years ago, they began visiting Jackson FUMC. Donna became a Christian and together they joined the church in May, 2001. Participation in the Pastor’s Bible Study and Men’s Coffee and Conversation continue to be special to Charles for spiritual growth and friendship. Charles’ proudly shared that his grandparents helped build the Methodist Church in Scotts Hill which is 150 years old. Two or three times each year, he looks forward to returning to attend services there on “Decoration Sunday” and on other occasions having lunch with folks afterward. Business strengths have allowed Charles and his family to enjoy many opportunities in life. His love for the Lord has carried him through both blessings and life’s challenges. For eight years, Charles’ wife lived with Alzheimer’s disease. Charles cared for her two of those years at home and then daily visited her in the nursing home to serve her meals. Donna passed away March 20, 2012 after 65 years of marriage. Support from his Sunday School class friends and this church helped Charles move forward with his life. One friend he especially loved was Ann Murchison. Sometime after the loss of her husband, he got up the courage to ask her if she would like to go out to dinner one evening. She readily said, “Yes!” They enjoyed lots of good times and laughter together. One of the funniest he shared was about his collection of 400 coffee mugs. Ann was tired of seeing all those cups and told him he needed to get rid of them. He went along with her suggestion and put them in the UMW Rummage Sale. With a twinkle in his eye and a grin, you knew he had
Scotts Hill United Methodist Church
something up his sleeve! During the early part of the sale, he walked over to the lady in charge of selling dishes. He told her, “Don’t sell any of the mugs ‘cause I’m gonna’ buy all of them!” He did! Those mugs ended up back home…if you’re lucky, you might even get one from him someday! Ann’s health declined as she battled cancer. While she was sick, Charles, who loves to cook, made her peach cobbler and banana pudding, two of her favorite desserts. Throughout her illness, Charles was by her side. Ann passed away May 25, 2016. Looking back over his life, Charles counts his blessings. He is so thankful for his daughter and only child, Charli Manhein (Jack) and his only grandchild, Debra Harrel (Lee) who drive him places, caring and looking out for him. He loves his church family. When asked if he likes to read, he nodded and said, “Oh, yes!” What does he like to read? “The Bible!” Heeding his own advice, he’s determined to “stay out of the recliner”! “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord… He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water that brings forth its fruit in the season.” - Psalm 1:1a-3
NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
JACKSON, TENN. PERMIT NO. 116
First United Methodist Church 200 South Church Street Jackson, Tennessee 38301 (731) 422-4002
A Safe Sanctuaries Congregation A United Methodist Welcoming Congregation OR CURRENT RESIDENT
Sign up for e-newsletters and weekly happenings at jacksonfumc.org under Contact.
Follow us on Twitter twitter.com/jacksonfumc
jacksonfumc.org
Like us on Facebook FUMC Jackson TN
Sunday Worship FUMC Downtown Services:
8:55 a.m. First Awakening • Clayton Hall 10:00 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship • Sanctuary
Sunday, September 17
Sky McCracken, preaching • Romans 14:1-12
Sunday, September 24
Sky McCracken, preaching • Matthew 20:1-16
Sunday, October 1
Sky McCracken, preaching • Philippians 2:1-13
Sunday, October 8
Sky McCracken, preaching • Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20; Matthew 21:33-46
Communion
The next publication of the First Edition Newsletter will be Wednesday, October 11, 2017