August 8, 2018 | Volume 17 Issue 8
jacksonfumc.org
FIRST EDITION
A Newsletter Publication of First United Methodist Church, Jackson, Tennessee
Looking Forward – Being Faithful Last night our Church Council had a very good and positive meeting, and I am thankful to them and to others of you who came to discuss difficult matters about our church, our city, and our denomination. We are living in interesting times! As we look at the challenges before us, I think we are poised to be the church that downtown Jackson needs. Our faith in Christ, our commitment to our location, and our legacy of faithfulness props us up for the road ahead. Sometimes, like those walking on the path towards Emmaus, we suddenly realize that Jesus has been walking with us the whole time – even when we didn’t recognize him! What did we talk about last night? Some highlights: • Staff realignment and raising up old and new leaders of our congregation • The need for a capital campaign to address building issues • Continued focus on local mission in downtown Jackson, and narrowing that focus • Safety and security efforts for our children and building • Going deeper in missional and spiritual development • Being creative about how and when we offer spiritual and discipleship development • Always filtering our programs and ministry through the question: “Why are we doing this?” and our Four Pillars of Missions, Worship, Discipleship, and Communications. • Keying on our Sunday School hour as a possible time for expanding small-group interaction. • A very frank but civil and faithful discussion about sexuality and the upcoming called General Conference in February 2019. As always, please know that any of your church pastors would relish any opportunity to talk about these things in a group, or in private. – Rev. Sky McCracken, Senior Pastor smccracken@jacksonfumc.org
Update on Children’s Ministry
On Monday, August 6th, the Church Council passed a new nursery policy, which was crafted by our Children’s Ministry Council. The policy, which you can see displayed throughout our nursery, is an attempt to strengthen the ministry we have with some of our youngest children. Posters featuring highlights of our policy will help workers and parents remember that the work of making disciples starts in the earliest, most formative part of our life. In addition to formally adopting the policy, our children’s-ministry leaders will be training all of our paid staff on Wednesday, August 8th. This training will include going over the new policy as well as renewing Safe Sanctuary training with each of our workers. We will also be hiring some of new staff. Brandon Long, Jessica Hesling, and Laquita Robison will be working together to make sure we are adequately staffed and that our nursery policy is being lived out through our workers and volunteers. Below is a list of all of our paid workers, including those who will be officially hired on Wednesday: Mary Katherine Allen Kaitlyn Blackwell Michiah Bromley Jessica Hesling Brandon Long Laquita Robison Sarah Kate Ryan Ella Shelton In other children’s ministry news, we are taking additional steps to make sure that your children are learning and worshiping in the safest, cleanest, and most inviting atmosphere we can create. Those who have been up in the children’s area know that we have been stationing a volunteer at the stairs to prevent little ones from leaving unattended or from having unneeded visitors in that area. We have also taken steps to secure stairwell doors. Kelly and Julie have also been working hard at re-decorating our children’s area. It looks great! If you haven’t been up to see it, please take a walk through. You will be so excited to see what they’ve done. (We’ve put a few sneak peeks on Page 2.) Finally, in the month of August, we will be reviewing and updating Safe Sanctuary for all current children’s ministry volunteers. We are proud of the work being done for our children at Jackson FUMC and we think you will be too.
An annual tradition of Blessing of the Backpacks during our combined service marking Promotion Sunday on July 29. photo courtesy of Dana Groff
– Rev. Eddie Bromley, Associate Pastor ebromley@jacksonfumc.org
page 2 First Edition August 8, 2018
Music Notes Margaret Harrison
(mharrison@jacksonfumc.org)
After enjoying several weeks of “No Rehearsals,” all of the FUMC choirs are ready to resume regularly scheduled rehearsals and new members are encouraged to participate. The Sanctuary Choir will have its Fall kickoff rehearsal on Wednesday Evening, August 15, at 7 pm in the choir room on the lower level of the building. If you have considered joining a choir, this is the time to put your thoughts into action. New robes are in the process of being ordered; new music is on the way; great fellowship and family are offered; and all ages are welcomed. Come, join us! For information on being a part of First Awakening Singers/Band, see Beau Sage. He is always on the lookout for persons to rehearse and be a part of that early morning worship experience in Clayton Hall. Our five octave handbell choir, Prime Ringers, begins fall rehearsals August 22 at 6pm in the Bell Choir room, located in the lower level of the building. A few spots are open for new ringers and special instruction is available to those who wish to ring, but have no or little experience. Ringing handbells is a fun way to become a part of the music ministry!! Jubilate, our 12 member ensemble will be preparing for Fall and Christmas programming as they resume rehearsals on August 19 at 4:30 pm. This is an auditioned group of singers who are committed to giving extra time and commitment to be an outreach of FUMC music ministry. We are constantly seeking to find ways to express our joy through our music and bringing that joy to the church and the community through performance. Contact Margaret if interested in having this group do a mini-concert or program for your organization. Our Children’s Choirs are also ready to gear up for the Fall. Be sure to check The Children’s Ministry calendar for rehearsal times and ways for your child/children to be a part of our Music Ministry. “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come into his presence with singing.”
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The Current – Youth Ministry Check out “The Current UMY” on Facebook
Summertime in the Youth Ministry has officially come to a close with Youth Week 2018! For four days, over 115 students and leaders assembled from six churches to worship, serve, and play alongside each other – and, most importantly, delve into what it means to “Keep It 100” in our faith. I extend me deepest gratitude to everyone who kept us in prayer and for those who volunteered to make a very successful Youth Week! THANK YOU! Fall is right around the corner (can you believe it?!). I invite you to keep watching for our Fall & Winter calendar, which will be released at our parent orientation night on Sunday, August 12th, at 5PM in the Youth Center. For more details or to stay in the loop for everything pertaining to the youth ministry, please contact me or follow us on Facebook!
– Christian Hesling chesling@jacksonfumc.org
Confirmation Class of 2019 Confirmation is an 8-month program designed to help foster a faith foundation for young people so that they may continue to grow into mature, active, and commited members of the body of Christ. We seek to achieve this goal through regular meetings (mostly on Sunday evenings at the church), mentorships, partnering with parents, retreats, service projects and other activities. This year, we are asking participants and their parents to register and commit to this program. If you have any questions, please contact Confirmation Coordinator, Kelly Nye (731-431-0270 • knye@eplus.net) or Youth Pastor Christian Hesling (484-667-6579 • chesling@ jacksonfumc.org).
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Adult Ministries
ADULTIVITIES
When I was young, we would enter the church through the front sanctuary doors, sit down on the pew, and listen to the service. The back door of the church opened into the kitchen – all the ladies would gather there after Sunday School. These days there are many doors to our church building and people enter from all of them. Have you ever thought that the way people connect to our church is through one of our “doors” that is not a physical wooden door?
Susan Crocker, scrocker@jacksonfumc.org
Between Friends Book Club 11 a.m. at the Baker’s Rack August 15 The Homecoming of Samuel Lake by Jenny Wingfield
A door to our church could be a bookclub, a luncheon, a special music program, VBS, a Bible study, or day trip. People enter the “door” in different ways to the church. It is our job to keep all those doors open and invite people to “come on in.” I coordinate the adult ministries and you are all a part of our group. Invite a friend, invite someone you just met, think of an idea, read a book and pass it on, say a kind word. Just go out and make someone’s day a little brighter. Hope to see you soon!
– Susan Crocker
Our August kickoff of OWLS...check the website or app for upcoming events!
O.W.L.S.
Creative Photography Stroll Tuesday, September 11 9-11:00 a.m. Learn how to use your smart phone to take better pictures! We’ll start off with a little classroom time and then take a short stroll around downtown to practice techniques we’ve learned. Perhaps a dutch-treat lunch at ComeUnity Cafe? Limited to 12 • Deadline September 10
ADULTIVITIES FOR EVERYONE
(Older•Wiser•Laughing•Sisters)
Senior Adult Ministries
Program & a $5 Lunch on the Mezzanine for ladies 60+
First Thursdays 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
September 6 topic is “Tai Chi with Sheila for Balance & Energy” Call Deborah at 422-4002 to add your name to the list. Deadline: 5 p.m. Tuesday before the program. (July 31) If you need a ride let us know... See you there!
First Edition
August 8, 2018
Adult Ministries
ADULTIVITIES
Susan Crocker, scrocker@jacksonfumc.org
Special September Sunday Women’s Book Study Starts September 9
Uninvited
by Lysa TerKeurst Get your copy of the book on Amazon or Lifeway & join us in the Church Library at 10:15 a.m. for this moving 4-week study led by Wanda Scanlon & Susan Crocker.
Great for Moms helping kids navigate social waters.
Memorials & Honoraria IN LOVING MEMORY OF GAREY LITTRELL
George and Martha Brasher Susan and Lee Sheppard Jr. Robert and Shirley Maniss Esther and Greg Milam Dolores Bosco Pam and Mike McCarty Margaret and Henry Harrison
MARION MARTIN
Pam and Mike McCarty Upper Room Sunday School Class Margaret and Henry Harrison Terry and Trina Vinson
VIRGINIA DUNBAR
(Leslie Lewis’ mother)
Pam and Mike McCarty The Craig and Tom Stallings family
CATHERINE YOUNG (Gary Young’s mother)
Upper Room Sunday School Class
JOAN EICKHOFF Sharon Matthews
JAMES MILAM
(Greg Milam’s father)
Margaret and Henry Harrison
LEONA RUTH MULLINS (Karen Hopper’s mother) Pam and Mike McCarty Esther and Greg Milam
NANCY STEPHENSON (David Hollis’ mother)
Harold and Debbie Nerren
HARRIETT TERRELL (Jane Ramer’s mother)
Margaret and Henry Harrison
ROBBIE BLACK
Family Life Forum Sunday School Class
DENVER BRYAN
(Debra Owen’s uncle) Jennie Longmire
The destination’s a secret...but I’m sure not going to miss it!
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Jackson FUMC
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We’ll be leaving the church at 9:00 a.m. – $20 per person. Let’s have some fun & enjoy a dutch-treat lunch somewhere! (Hint: not much walking, but some great fall shopping involved.) Use the QR code at right, sign up at jacksonfumc.org/events, use the FUMC app, or call/text Susan at 731-267-7238
FOX SMITH The Craig and Tom Stallings family MOETTA EVANS NUCKOLLS The Craig and Tom Stallings family BILL JONES The Craig and Tom Stallings family CHESTER RUSHING The Craig and Tom Stallings family PEGGY PIERCE TOMES (Hazel Staples’ sister) Esther and Greg Milam
IN LOVING HONOR OF ESTHER MILAM The Craig and Tom Stallings family
First Edition August 8, 2018
page 6
Calendar of Events Calendar subject to change. Please call the church office, 422-4002 or check the calendar at jacksonfumc.org
Thursday, August 9th Sunday, August 26th August Ushers 8:55 AM – First Awakening Service 9:00 AM – Coffee and Conversation 5:30 PM – Senior Olympic Basketball
Friday, August 10th
5:00 PM – Visitation for Nancy Stephenson (David Hollis’ mother)
Sunday, August 12th
8:55 AM – First Awakening Service 10:00 AM – Sunday School 11:00 AM – Traditional Service 12:30 PM – Youth Trip to Redneck Island 5:00 PM -– Youth Parent Orientation
Monday, August 13th
5:30 PM – Senior Olympic Basketball 6:00 PM – SPRC Meeting
Tuesday, August 14th
7:00 AM – Men’s Bible Study 5:00 PM – Room In the Inn 5:30 PM – Foundation Board Meeting
Wednesday, August 15th
10:00 AM – Pastor’s Bible Study 11:00 AM – Between Friends Bookclub 11:00 AM – Prayer Shawl Ministry 11:30 AM – Rotary Club Lunch Meeting 2:00 PM – Prayer Team Meeting 5:00 PM – Room In the Inn 6:30 PM – First Awakening Rehearsal 7:00 PM – Sanctuary Choir
Thursday, August 16th
9:00 AM – Coffee and Conversation 5:30 PM – Senior Olympic Basketball
Friday, August 17th
10:00 AM – Conference Administrative Assistants Retreat
Saturday, August 18th
9:00 AM – Sanctuary Choir Workshop
Sunday, August 19th
8:55 AM – First Awakening Service 10:00 AM – Sunday School 11:00 AM – Traditional Service 4:30 PM – Jubilate Rehearsal 5:00 PM – Youth Group
10:00 AM – Sunday School 11:00 AM – Traditional Service 4:30 PM – Jubilate Rehearsal 5:00 PM – Youth Group
Monday, August 27th
5:30 PM– Senior Olympic Basketball Tuesday, August 28th 7:00 AM – Men’s Bible Study 5:00 PM – Room In the Inn
Wednesday, August 29th
10:00 AM – Revelation Bible Study 11:00 AM – Prayer Shawl Ministry 11:30 AM -– Rotary Club Lunch Meeting 2:00 PM – Prayer Team Meeting 6:00 PM – Handbells 6:30 PM – First Awakening Rehearsal 7:00 PM – Sanctuary Choir
Thursday, August 23rd
9:00 AM – Coffee and Conversation 5:30 PM – Senior Olympic Basketball
Saturday, August 25th
9:00 AM – UMW Social Action Day
Bob Carney Chris Maxwell James Midyett Greg Milam Robert Nelson Jimmy Exum Val Exum Bubba Walker David Teague
September Ushers
Team Leaders: Robert Nelson David Eblen
8:55 AM – First Awakening Service 10:00 AM – Sunday School 11:00 AM – Traditional Service
Monday, September 3rd
Labor Day Holiday--Church Closed
Tuesday, September 4th
7:00 AM – Men’s Bible Study
Wednesday, September 5th
10:00 AM – Pastor’s Bible Study 11:00 AM – Prayer Shawl Ministry 11:30 AM – Rotary Club Lunch Meeting 2:00 PM – Prayer Team Meeting 6:00 PM – Handbells 6:30 PM – First Awakening Rehearsal 7:00 PM – Sanctuary Choir
Ushers:
Robert Hopper Pat Scanlon
Chuck Camp Terry Holt Dolores Bosco John Mays David Barnes
MEN AT FIRST
Jackson FUMC
Thursday, September 6th
9:00 AM – Coffee and Conversation 11:30 AM – OWLS 6:00 PM – Jazz Club
Saturday, September 8th
10:00 AM – Pastor’s Bible Study 11:00 AM -– Prayer Shawl Ministry 11:30 AM -– Rotary Club Lunch Meeting 2:00 PM – Prayer Team Meeting 6:00 PM – Handbells 6:30 PM– First Awakening Rehearsal 7:00 PM– Sanctuary Choir
Ushers:
Sunday, September 2nd
Tuesday, August 21st
Wednesday, August 22nd
Team Leaders: Hugh Harvey Wes Clayton
Usher Coordinators:
9:00 AM – Coffee and Conversation 5:30 PM – Senior Olympic Basketball
Friday, September 7th
7:00 AM – Men’s Bible Study 5:00 PM – Room In the Inn
Robert Hopper Pat Scanlon
Thursday, August 30th
Monday, August 20th
5:30 PM – Senior Olympic Basketball
Usher Coordinators:
12:00 PM – First Friday Forum 9:00 AM – Handbell Workshop
Sunday, September 9th
8:55 AM – First Awakening Service 10:00 AM -– Sunday School 10:15 AM – Book Study-Uninvited by Lysa Terkeurst - Church Library 11:00 AM – Traditional Service 4:30 PM – Jubilate Rehearsal 5:00 PM – Youth Group
Monday, September 10th
8:00 AM – TN River District Operational Team Meeting 6:00 PM – SPRC Meeting
Tuesday, September 11th
7:00 AM – Men’s Bible Study 9:00 AM – Creative Phone Photography
Thursdays, 9-10 a.m. Room 117 - Lower Level We talk about everything under the sun. We have our opinion - come share yours!
Regular church office hours are: 8:30 a.m.- 5 p.m. Monday-Thursday 8:30 a.m.- 2 p.m. Friday
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Welcome New Members
Check out our weekly podcast “Disciples in the Basement” via the Media tab in the JacksonFUMC app or on the web www.churchbasement.libsyn.com. New episodes posted each Thursday. We also have a Facebook page you can like and submit questions or topic/guest ideas.
UMW
Lydia Circle
All women are invited to join this fun group. Bring an appetizer & a friend.
September 13 • 6 p.m. at the home of Mona Miller 18 Old Stage Road
Welcome to Dave & Linda Rizzuto and Frank Waters, Jr., who all joined August 5, 2018, during the First Awakening service. Dave & Linda are transferring their membership from Medina First United Methodist Church. Frank is transferring his membership from Brentwood United Methodist Church in Brentwood, Tennessee.
Practicing Christianity • Part 1 “Everyday Compassion” New discussion group study beginning September 5 The ideas found in the gospels are easier to affirm than to live out. For example, what does it is look like to bless those who curse us, and to love our enemies? That’s a pretty tall order; but it is needed now, more than ever. As our society becomes more and more polarized, Christians are called to practice civility. But how do we practice civility in a culture of hostility? In the month of September, we are going to host a series of four conversations around the dinner table. We will be using
Mission Corner SERVING OPPORTUNITIES
CanStruction Sunday School Challenge The Missions Team challenged all adult Sunday School classes to give at least $150 toward the purchase of canned goods to complete Jackson First UMC’s entry in CanStruction to benefit RIFA this year. It’s going to take over 5,000 cans to build the sculpture--and funds need to be raised by August 17. As of Tuesday, August 7, only FIVE classes have met or exceeded the challenge. Religion for Life is in the lead, with the Followers following in a close second and The Upper Room in third. Ironically, the gifts of non-Sunday School members are coming in fourth! The winning class will get a special thanks printed on our Entry Poster and in the event program for the awards gala on September 27. You can donate online, via the app or by cash/check at the office. Please note “Missions” and “CanStruction” on your donation to ensure correct posting!
August Mission Collections: Operation Hope & Lincoln Elementary School
School supplies needed are: #2 pencils, wide ruled paper / loose leaf notebook paper, colored pencils, markers, dry erase markers, and composition books. Please place items in the crib in the main lobby.
Karen Armstrong’s book Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life. The goal is to help one another practice one of the key teachings of Christianity, as we work on creating space where important conversation can happen–over a meal. These conversations will happen each Wednesday in September, from 5:30-7:00. The cost of the book and all 4 meals will be just $45. You can register and pay online, via the app or by stopping by the office. Space is limited to 48 participants. There are only two requirements: being willing to acknowledge the need for growth and a willingness to listen respectfully to ideas different from one’s own. Sky McCracken, Andrea Woods, and Eddie Bromley will be among those leading the table talk.
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JACKSON, TENN. PERMIT NO. 116
Jackson 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
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Sunday Morning Worship
Sunday, August 12
Sky McCracken, preaching | Psalm 130 8:55 & 11:00 a.m. | Sunday School at 10 a.m.
Sunday, August 19
Eddie Bromley, preaching | I Kings 2: 10-12; 3: 3-14 8:55 & 11:00 a.m. | Sunday School at 10 a.m.
Sunday, August 26
Sky McCracken, preaching | John 6: 56-59 8:55 & 11:00 a.m. | Sunday School at 10 a.m.
Sunday, September 2
Eddie Bromley, preaching | Deuteronomy 4: 1-2 8:55 & 11:00 a.m. | Sunday School at 10 a.m.
Sunday, September 9
Sky McCracken, preaching | James 2:1-10, 14-17 8:55 & 11:00 a.m. | Sunday School at 10 a.m.
Communion
The next publication of the First Edition Newsletter will be Wednesday, September 12, 2018