September 19, 2018 | Volume 17 Issue 9 jacksonfumc.org
FIRST EDITION
A Newsletter Publication of Jackson First United Methodist Church, Jackson, Tennessee
Moving Forward – A Word from our Senior Pastor
Brothers and sisters: The Lord be with you. There is an old saying: “Churches usually resist change until the pain of change is less than the pain of remaining the same.” I fear that we are living in interesting and painful times as a church. At the same time, the ferment of the Holy Spirit has never been stronger. We are a church that has more opportunities than ever before. But in order to greet such opportunities, we must be flexible and willing to change. Change is difficult. We want to do things the way we’ve always done them. I dislike change myself. But our church of the past will never return. The pace of change is as fast as ever, and it will not stop or go backwards. Thom Rainer, a leader in the Southern Baptist Church and CEO of Lifeway, is retiring, and wrote a few months ago that not only must we be willing to change to be faithful to God, we have to ASK God to change us. Among those things he suggested (which I am trying to take to heart myself): • I must change and be more obedient in sharing the gospel. I exhort others to do so, but I am disobedient far too much myself. • I must change how I seek my identity. My identity should be first in Jesus Christ. And my identity should also be as a child of God. My greatest titles are “husband,” “Dad,” and “Sky”, not “Senior Pastor” or “Dr./Rev./Pastor.” Too often I seek the accolades of others instead of pleasing Christ and serving Him. • I must change the depth and breadth of how I love my local church. I must serve with greater joy, give with greater commitment, and worship with greater abandon. I must help point others away from the minors to the majors. It is with these realities in mind that we have to embrace change in our church, and one of those ways will be in communications. It is now a questionable use of stewardship to print materials and mail them when there are ways of doing such for virtually no costs. Our communications committee has agreed that this will be our last edition of our newsletter. However, we will be redesigning our Sunday church bulletins to function as both a worship resource and a newsletter, and one that will have much more current news in it. We think it will not only be a better use of stewardship, but also a better and much more current tool for our church. These, and other changes, are in our midst. I promise to keep you apprised of what’s going on as it rolls out from other church committees and teams. What we have in mind is giving our best for the Kingdom of God. I hope you join us as we continue to be faithful at Jackson First UMC! – Sky McCracken, Senior Pastor smccracken@jacksonfumc.org
Tennessee River District Fall Event Sunday, September 30
Come and join us for our District Wide Event with Bishop McAlilly. We will gather for food and fellowship at 4:00 pm in Clayton Hall. Worship will begin at 4:50 pm. All are welcome. We will have childcare available. See you on September 30! Download the Jackson FUMC app from the App Store or Google Play!
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 2 First Edition September 19, 2018
Mission Corner SERVING OPPORTUNITIES
September Mission Collections: Birth Choice of Jackson
Our September mission focus is Birth Choice of Jackson, which serves to extend Christlike love in a compassionate and responsive manner that values the family and empowers women and their partners to choose life over abortion. Items needed: baby items & clothing for infants through 2T, including diapers (especially sizes newborn 4’s & 5’s), wipes, formula, baby food, bath products, safety items, toys, etc.
October-November Mission Collections: Reelfoot Rural Ministries Christmas Toy Drive Our October-November mission focus is the annual Reelfoot Toy Drive to help these families have a wonderful Christmas. Bring unwrapped gifts or donation to the tree display in Disciple Hall through the last Sunday in November. If you would prefer to make a donation, you may use the FUMC app or make a check to FUMC. Note Reelfoot Toy Drive on the memo line. Place in the offering plate or mail to FUMC c/o: Dolores Bosco, Financial Assistant, 200 S. Church St. Jackson, TN 38301.
Jackson First United Methodist Church Financial Report as of August 31, 2018
Current Fiscal Year 2018/2019 - Year To Date 2018 data Revenue Tithes and Offerings Miscellaneous Revenue Programs Technical Food Service Memorial Fund
Annual Budget $ 1,440,000 $ 6,500 $ 101,760 $ 4,000 $ 55,000 $ 15,000 TOTALS $ 1,622,260
Expenses Programs Conference Tithing Personnel Admin., Repairs, Maintenance Food Service Memorial Fund TOTALS
$ 179,044 $ 162,326 $ 907,109 $ 315,400 $ 55,000 $ 2,300 $ 1,621,179
August 2018 Actual 207,197 1,000 26,851 0 6,056 1,195 242,299
Difference (32,803) (83) 9,891 (667) (3,111) (1,305) (28,078)
29,841 27,054 151,185 52,567 9,167 383 270,197
34,713 21,963 149,308 54,428 5,846 42 266,300
(4,872) 5,091 1,877 (1,861) 3,321 341 3,897
Overall, in July and August 2018, expenses exceeded receipts by $24,001.
Memorials & Honoraria IN LOVING MEMORY OF: BARTON WEBB Bettylu Marsden
Ken Marston Barbara and James Weaver Greg and Denise Stuart Francie and Philip Lewis Dick Nunn Sunday School Class
GAREY LITTRELL Debbie Newmon
Debra and Mark Owen (Missions)
MARION MARTIN Debbie Newmon
Mr. and Mrs. William S. Lawrence Evelyn Borden Debra and Mark Owen (Missions)
VIRGINIA DUNBAR
(Leslie Lewis’ mother) Anne Barker Evelyn Borden Harold and Debbie Nerren Debra and Mark Owen (Missions)
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.
Year To Date Budgeted 240,000 1,083 16,960 667 9,167 2,500 270,377
JOAN EICKHOFF Debra and Mark Owen (Missions) JAMES MILAM
Memorials & Honoraria BETTY STROHECKER
(Keelen Yandell’s sister) Peggy Jimerson Thomasine Witherspoon
CAMILLA MAHURIN RAY
(Charlotte Zerfoss’ mother) Family Life Forum Sunday School Class
NANCY STEPHENSON (David Hollis’ mother) Evelyn Borden
GENE SMITH Debbie Newmon JAMES McLEMORE Debbie Newmon MARIE JOHNSON NEELY Debra and Mark Owen (Missions) ROBERT E. CURLIN Debra and Mark Owen (Missions) IN LOVING HONOR OF: SKY McCRACKEN Peggy Huffman
(Greg Milam’s father) Debra and Mark Owen (Missions)
LISA HARPER – BAKER Peggy Huffman
LEONA RUTH MULLINS
JEBB LONG Patsy and Chuck Camp
(Karen Hopper’s mother) Debra and Mark Owen (Missions)
(Canstruction)
page 3 First Edition September 19, 2018
The Current – Youth Ministry
Check out “The Current UMY” on Facebook or Instagram
Hi church family! Fall is just about here whether we like it or not! I want y’all to be prepared, so we have released our Fall 2018 Calendar & Curriculum Plan. Some of these items are subject to change with little notice, so be sure to keep up with all of the happenings by checking out our Facebook & Instagram (@TheCurrentUMY) or by signing up for our Youth Ministry Weekly Updates. To learn more, email Christian at Chesling@ jacksonfumc.org. Blessings.
From our fall kickoff for Youth Groups event at Redneck Island in Lexington on August 12.
New! • Overflow
On Thursdays from 7-8:15PM
We are launching something new for our students called Overflow! The mission of Overflow is to create a time and space for teens to experience life-on-life community that will foster a faith that overflows into the rest of their lives. Open to High School Students (for now--we will soon be expanding to Junior High) and we will be meeting in various homes off site. Participants should bring a Bible, journal and a pen.
Interested in hosting Overflow? We are looking for families who will open up their homes to Overflow for a few hours on Thursday nights (5:45-8:15PM when we open it up to middle school). There are 2 requirements for host families: the primary host must undergo Safe Sanctuaries training, and must agree to be at the house for the duration of the meeting. We need hosts to make this program happen! If you are interested hosting or attending, please email Christian at chesling@ jacksonfumc.org, or text/call him at (484) 667-6579.
– Christian Hesling chesling@jacksonfumc.org
page 4 First Edition September 19, 2018
Adult Ministries
Susan Crocker, scrocker@jacksonfumc.org
ADULTIVITIES
Between Friends Book Club 11 a.m. at the Baker’s Rack October 17 Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk by Kathleen Rooney
O.W.L.S.
(Older•Wiser•Laughing•Sisters)
You can find all our adult ministry information on the table outside of the church library, drop by and have a look. Our monthly newsletter is transitioning and we will have more opportunities for you to get your information. Whether you prefer email, text, using an app, website or getting your printed information in Sunday School class you will have it! Find out the latest news by following Instagram @ folks_at_first, jacksonfumc Facebook page and subscribing to Susan’s mailchimp newsletter by sending her an email to scrocker@jacksonfumc. org to get on the list. – Susan Crocker
Senior Adult Ministries
Program & a $5 Lunch on the Mezzanine for ladies 60+ First Thursdays 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
October 4th topic is “Staying Healthy with Easy Meals for 1 or 2” with Melinda Jordan
Call Deborah at 422-4002 to add your name to the list. Deadline: 5 p.m. Tuesday before the program. (Oct. 2) If you need a ride let us know... See you there!
“Rebecca”
MEN AT FIRST
Thursday, October 25 2 p.m. • Church library
Jackson FUMC
Join us as we watch Alfred Hitchcock’s Academy Award winning (Best Picture 1940), based on Daphne du Maurier’s novel and starring Joan Fontaine, Laurence Olivier, George Sanders and Judith Anderson. Light refreshments will be served.
Thursdays, 9-10 a.m.
Room 117 - Lower Level
We talk about everything under the sun, and we have our opinion - come share yours!
UMW
Lydia Circle
October 11 • 6:00 p.m. at the home of Tammy McCoy 33 Broadmoor
Bring an appetizer & a friend. All ladies are invited.
First Edition
September 19, 2018
Adult Ministries Susan Crocker, scrocker@jacksonfumc.org
ADULTIVITIES
Brats, music and more... at the Mays Farm Friday, October 26 • 5 p.m.- 8 p.m. Bring your favorite side & beverage... and we’ll supply the wÜrst! Join the fun with the renowned Bavarian duo Eddie & Sky Sign up now...reservations limited!
Tuesday Morning Men’s Bible Study Join Dave Bratcher, leader 7:00-7:50 a.m. Clayton Hall Conference Room
First Edition September 19, 2018
page 6
Calendar of Events Calendar subject to change. Please call the church office, 422-4002 or check the calendar at jacksonfumc.org
Friday, October 5th Thursday, September 20th Friday, October 19th 12:00 PM – First Friday Forum 8:30 AM – Focus Group Meeting 11:00 AM – Adventures in Learning 9:00 AM – Coffee and Conversation 9:30 AM – Legacy Writing 5:30 PM – CanStruction Team Build 5:30 PM – Senior Olympic Basketball
Friday, September 21st
11:00 AM – Adventures in Learning
Saturday, September 22nd
8:00 AM – District Lay Speaker Class
Sunday, September 23rd
8:55 AM – First Awakening Service 10:00 AM – Book Study “The Jesus I Never Knew” by Philip Yancey 10:00 AM – Book Study - “Uninvited” by Lisa Terkeurst 10:00 AM – FUMC Sunday School 11:00 AM – Traditional Service 5:00 PM – Confirmation Class 6:00 PM – Night of Worship at the AMP
Monday, September 24th
5:30 PM – Senior Olympic Basketball 6:00 PM – CanStruction Team Build 6:00 PM – Safety Team Meeting
Tuesday, September 25th
7:00 AM – Men’s Bible Study 9:00 AM – WestStar Poverty Simulation
Wednesday, September 26th
10:00 AM – Pastor’s Bible Study 11:00 AM – Prayer Shawl Ministry 11:30 AM – Rotary Club Lunch Meeting 2:15 PM – Prayer Team Meeting 5:30 PM – Everyday Compassion 6:00 PM – Handbells 6:30 PM – First Awakening Rehearsal 7:00 PM – Sanctuary Choir
Thursday, September 27th
9:00 AM – Coffee and Conversation 5:30 PM – Senior Olympic Basketball
Saturday, September 29th
5:00 PM – Room In The Inn
Sunday, September 30th
9:30 AM – Combined Worship Service 10:00 AM – Churchwide Breakfast 4:00 PM – District Event with Bishop McAlilly 5:00 PM – Confirmation Class 5:00 PM – Youth Group
Monday, October 1st
Saturday, October 6th
10:00 AM – Cantata Rehearsal
Sunday, October 7th
8:55 AM – First Awakening Service 10:00 AM – Book Study “The Jesus I Never Knew” by Philip Yancey 10:00 AM – Book Study - “Uninvited” by Lisa Terkeurst 10:00 AM – FUMC Sunday School 11:00 AM – Traditional Service 4:30 PM – Jubilate Rehearsal 5:00 PM – Youth Group
Monday, October 8th
5:30 PM – Senior Olympic Basketball 6:00 PM – SPRC Meeting
Tuesday, October 9th
7:00 AM – Men’s Bible Study 6:00 PM – Discipleship Team Meeting
Wednesday, October 10th
10:00 AM – Pastor’s Bible Study 10:00 AM – Stretching & Meditation with Esther 11:00 AM – Prayer Shawl Ministry 11:30 AM – Rotary Club Lunch Meeting 2:15 PM – Prayer Team Meeting 6:00 PM – Handbells 6:30 PM – First Awakening Rehearsal 7:00 PM – Sanctuary Choir
Thursday, October 11th
9:00 AM – Coffee and Conversation 5:30 PM – Senior Olympic Basketball 6:30 PM – Lydia Circle
Friday, October 12th
8:00 AM – Southern Festival of Books
Saturday, October 13th
9:30 AM – Girl Scout Trip To Build A Bear
Sunday, October 14th
Monday, October 15th
Thursday, October 4th
9:00 AM – Coffee and Conversation 11:30 AM – O.W.L.S. 4:30 PM – Girl Scout Meeting 5:30 PM – Senior Olympic Basketball
5:30 PM – Senior Olympic Basketball
Tuesday, October 23rd
7:00 AM – Men’s Bible Study
Wednesday, October 24th
Thursday, October 25th
9:00 AM – Coffee and Conversation 5:30 PM – ARM RITI Appreciation Potluck Dinner 5:30 PM – Senior Olympic Basketball
Friday, October 26th
5:00 PM – Oktoberfest at the Mays Farm
Saturday, October 27th
9:00 AM – Confirmation Retreat 10:00 AM – Cantata Rehearsal 5:00 PM – Room In The Inn
7:00 AM – Men’s Bible Study
Tuesday, October 30th
10:00 AM – Pastor’s Bible Study 10:00 AM – Stretching & Meditation with Esther 11:00 AM – Between Friends Bookclub 11:00 AM – Prayer Shawl Ministry 11:30 AM – Rotary Club Lunch Meeting 2:15 PM – Prayer Team Meeting 6:00 PM – Handbells 6:30 PM – First Awakening Rehearsal 7:00 PM – Sanctuary Choir
Thursday, October 18th
9:00 AM – Coffee and Conversation 9:30 AM – Legacy Writing 4:30 PM – Girl Scout Meeting 5:30 PM – Senior Olympic Basketball
10:00 AM – Pastor’s Bible Study 10:00 AM – Stretching & Meditation with Esther 11:00 AM – Prayer Shawl Ministry 11:30 AM – Rotary Club Lunch Meeting 2:15 PM – Prayer Team Meeting 6:00 PM – Handbells 6:30 PM – First Awakening Rehearsal 7:00 PM – Sanctuary Choir
Monday, October 29th
Wednesday, October 17th
10:00 AM – Pastor’s Bible Study 10:00 AM – Stretching & Meditation with Esther 11:00 AM – Prayer Shawl Ministry 11:30 AM – Rotary Club Lunch Meeting 2:15 PM – Prayer Team Meeting 5:30 PM – Missions Meeting 6:00 PM – Handbells 6:30 PM – First Awakening Rehearsal 7:00 PM – Sanctuary Choir
Monday, October 22nd
5:30 PM – Senior Olympic Basketball
7:00 AM – Men’s Bible Study
Wednesday, October 3rd
8:55 AM – First Awakening Service 10:00 AM – Book Study “The Jesus I Never Knew” by Philip Yancey 10:00 AM – FUMC Sunday School 11:00 AM – Traditional Service 4:30 PM – Jubilate Rehearsal 5:00 PM – Confirmation Class 5:00 PM – Youth Group
Tuesday, October 16th
11:00 AM – ADK Luncheon
Sunday, October 21st
Sunday, October 28th
8:55 AM – First Awakening Service 10:00 AM – Book Study “The Jesus I Never Knew” by Philip Yancey 10:00 AM – FUMC Sunday School 11:00 AM – Traditional Service 4:30 PM – Jubilate Rehearsal 5:00 PM – Confirmation Class 5:00 PM – Youth Group
5:30 PM – Senior Olympic Basketball
Tuesday, October 2nd
Saturday, October 20th
8:55 AM – First Awakening Service 10:00 AM – Book Study “The Jesus I Never Knew” by Philip Yancey 10:00 AM – FUMC Sunday School 11:00 AM – Traditional Service 4:30 PM – Jubilate Rehearsal 5:00 PM – Confirmation Class 5:00 PM – Youth Group 6:00 PM – New Member Dinner 5:30 PM – Senior Olympic Basketball 7:00 AM – Men’s Bible Study
Wednesday, October 31st
10:00 AM – Pastor’s Bible Study 10:00 AM – Stretching & Meditation with Esther 11:00 AM – Prayer Shawl Ministry 11:30 AM – Rotary Club Lunch Meeting 2:15 PM – Prayer Team Meeting 6:00 PM – Handbells 6:30 PM – First Awakening Rehearsal 7:00 PM – Sanctuary Choir
Regular church office hours are: 8:30 a.m.- 5 p.m. Monday-Thursday 8:30 a.m.- 2 p.m. Friday
page 7 First Edition September 19, 2018
September Ushers Usher Coordinators:
Robert Hopper Pat Scanlon
Team Leaders: Robert Nelson David Eblen Ushers: Chuck Camp Terry Holt Dolores Bosco John Mays David Barnes
October Ushers Usher Coordinators:
Robert Hopper Pat Scanlon
Team Leaders: Rogert Smith Jev Vaughan Ushers: Britt Hill Dave Bratcher Robert Nelson Dana Groff Bobby Arnold Mark Aldrich Judy LaFont
Friday, October 19 Seven Wonders of the World Ancient and Modern with Elaine Christian
Program 11:00 a.m. Luncheon 12:00 p.m. Clayton Hall • $10/person You may make reservations through the events page on the website or app, or contact Deborah at the church office – 422-4002. Deadline for reservations is noon on Tuesday, October 16. Advance reservations required for meal planning. A reservation, if not cancelled by noon on Tuesday before the Friday luncheon, is a commitment.
NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
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, September 23
Sky McCracken, preaching | Mark 9: 30-37 8:55 & 11:00 a.m. | Sunday School at 10 a.m.
Sunday, September 30
Sky McCracken, preaching | James 5: 13-20 9:30 a.m. Combined Service in Sanctuary | Churchwide Breakfast 10:30 a.m
Sunday, October 7
Sky McCracken, preaching | World Communion Sunday 8:55 & 11:00 a.m. | Sunday School at 10 a.m.
Sunday, October 14
Sky McCracken, preaching | Mark 10: 17-31 8:55 & 11:00 a.m. | Sunday School at 10 a.m.
Sunday, October 21
Sky McCracken, preaching | Mark 10: 35-45 8:55 & 11:00 a.m. | Sunday School at 10 a.m.
Sunday, October 28
Eddie Bromley, preaching | Psalm 34: 1-8, 19-22 8:55 & 11:00 a.m. | Sunday School at 10 a.m.
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