FIRST EDITION
June 8, 2016 | Volume 15 Issue 11 jacksonfumc.org
A Newsletter Publication of First United Methodist Church, Jackson, Tennessee
Everyone is invited to a
A “Hail and Farewell” honoring The Rudys and Lisa Harper
June 26 • 5:30 p.m. Reception in Clayton Hall
Jeff & Carrie Rudy; Sam & Julianne
Rev. Lisa Harper
June 26th will be the last Sunday for Jeff, Carrie, Sam and Julianne Rudy at Jackson FUMC. They will be moving to Memphis, TN where Jeff will be the new pastor of Ellendale UMC. Pastor Jeff will be preaching at both of our services on the 26th. Our new associate pastor, Lisa Harper will also be participating in worship that day. Come at 5:30 p.m. and celebrate the time that the Rudys have been with us and welcome Lisa! If you would like to participate in a love offering for the Rudys, you may enclose your gift in a card to be presented to them at the reception.
A Shower of Prayer/Blessings It’s hard to believe that June is here already. For us United Methodists that means it is time for Annual Conference and the changing of the guard. This month we will be saying good-bye to the Rudy family and welcoming Lisa Harper into our midst. The Prayer Ministry Team wants June to be a time that we shower both the Rudy family and Lisa with blessings and prayers. Beginning June 12th, we invite all members of the congregation to write a prayer of thanksgiving and blessing to the Rudy family. You may write to Jeff, Carrie, Sam, Julianne or to the whole family. (We hope you won’t forget to shower Carrie, Sam, and Julianne
Happy Father’s Day June 19 Minifest Choir singing in 11 a.m. service
SEEKING GOD
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As a welcome for Lisa, you’re invited to participate in a “gift card tree” to help her settle into her apartment. Cards will be presented at the reception.
as well. We have also been blessed by them.) Write a brief prayer of thanksgiving for their time in our midst and how you have been blessed by them individually or as a family. In Disciple Hall, you will find a station that has been set up for this purpose. There will be prayer cards, pens, and a container designated for the Rudy family in which you may place your prayer card. Be sure to note who the card is for and we invite you to sign your name. This is a chance for us to praise God for the many ways that He has used the Rudy family to bless us during the past two years.
shower her with prayers of blessing for the gifts we will receive from her and also for the gifts that we will share with her. What a wonderful gift for her to begin her time with us showered by our prayers. We hope the whole church family will participate in this. No one is too young to write a prayer of thanksgiving and/or blessing. Surely God will pour his blessings on all of us as we offer our prayers for the Rudy family and for Lisa Harper. The containers and prayers will be presented to the Rudy Family and Lisa Harper during the church’s reception for them on June 26th.
Also at this same station will be a container designated for Lisa Harper. You are invited to write a prayer of blessing for Lisa as she comes to live and minister among us. We will
Tharon Kirk Prayer Ministry Chair
Sunday, June 12 Rev. John Wesley will make an appearance at Andrews Chapel…
a must see, standing ovation portrayal by Rev. Harrell Phillips! 5:30 p.m. “Wesley Hymn Fest” and BBQ Supper!
KNOWING CHRIST
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Rev. John Wesley, Founder of the Methodist/ Wesleyan movement in Protestant Christianity.
SHARING HIS LOVE
First Edition June 8, 2016
page 2
Welcome Interim Youth Director and Summer Interns CHURCH FAMILY Walker Teer has been eager to come back and work for The Current Youth group because in his words, “of how great of an impact it made on my transition to knowing God Walker Teer in high school to enhancing my walk with him during college.” He’s always enjoyed coming to the church and youth group because of how intentional people are with their relationships. Walker shared, “it’s a great way to not only meet new people but to learn from them as well.” This summer, he hopes to impact the youth and the church as much as it has impacted him. In the fall, Walker will be returning to Samford University in Birmingham, AL to continue his studies. Walker is the son of Patrick and Jan Teer and brother of William and Jackson. My name is Madison Perchik and I am so excited to be one of the youth interns this summer. Our youth group provides such a loving Madison Perchik and supportive environment for all who participate in it. I will be working mostly with the Middle Schoolers this summer. I will go on trips, attend youth events, help plan youth events, and lead Bible studies with Walker. Outside of church I love to travel and do anything outdoors! I am going to be a sophomore at Rhodes College this fall. My intended major is Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and my intended minors are Spanish and Religious Studies. I am so grateful for this opportunity to work with the youth group that influenced my life in such a positive way. It is going to be a great summer! Madison is the daughter of Pam and Joel Perchik.
Caring for Others
by Bobbie Mays Director of Communications
It was August 30, 2008 when Jackson FUMC became the unexpected home for more than 100 New Orleans evacuees of Hurricane Gustav. As one of the designated shelters of the American Red Cross in Jackson, First United Methodist Church extended generous hospitality, love and care to this large group of unknown guests. It was in our church gym that 14 year old Cameron Byrd was immediately on the scene for the next week as a Red Cross volunteer assisting those in need. Cameron has a passion for helping others! He also enjoys doing research on flowering plants, hiking, camping and kayaking. BBQ Cookoffs and of course, eating BBQ, too, just come naturally for him. At 7 months of age, he attended his first BBQ “Memphis in May” festival. For several years, he and his dad enjoyed participating in competitions in TN and MS and even judging for the “Memphis in May” contest. Born in Jackson, TN in 1993, he is the son of Sid and Debbie Byrd and grandson of Frances Pipkin and the late W.G. Pipkin, longtime members of Jackson First United Methodist Church. Cameron was homeschooled through high school and credits his mother with getting him involved in volunteer work through FUMC, the American Red Cross, Special Needs Athletics and Madison County 4-H. In 2010, he received the National Jefferson Award, a Nobel Prize for humanitarian efforts and in 2012 he was the recipient of the Tennessee Vol-State Award for outstanding public service to the State of Tennessee. Always close to his family, Cameron has a special love for and connection with his grandmother, Frances who regularly brought him to church when he was not old enough to drive himself. While she is no longer able to attend, Cameron’s love for her and his church has not wavered. From confirmation class through youth group and Sunday worship, Cameron’s commitment to serving God has been a priority in his life. He regularly attends the First Awakening service, participates in classes and Wednesday evening activities and serves as a member at large on Church Council.
Cameron attended Lambuth University where he was active in student government and biology. During his time at Jackson State Community College, for which he has an associate’s degree in biology, he Cameron Byrd served as Admissions Interim Youth Director and Recruitment Ambassador. Cameron also studied abroad twice. The first summer, he studied and traveled through Eastern Europe and the next summer was spent in Peru. The invaluable discoveries from these experiences have enriched and greatly expanded his knowledge of other parts of the world. While finishing his undergraduate work at University of Memphis in April, 2016, Cameron was invited to present his research on “A Preliminary Investigation of the Ages of Juniperus Virginiana L. in the Cedar Glades and Barrens of Tennessee" at the Association of Southeastern Biologists Conference in Concord, NC. Cameron also served on various committees and boards at each of the universities he attended. On May 7th, he graduated from the University of Memphis with a bachelor’s degree in biology. In mid-May, SPRC announced the appointment of Cameron as interim summer youth director. Under his leadership and that of youth interns, Madison Perchik and Walker Teer, youth activities, mission work and Bible studies are well underway. Congratulations to each in their new roles! In the fall, Cameron will begin working on a master’s degree in plant ecology at Troy University in Alabama with the goal of achieving a Ph.D. in plant biology. Cameron’s goal is to become a college professor to “share the love of nature and the world around them with future generations.”
Cameron at the top of the Machu Picchu complex overlooking the Sacred Valley of the Incas in the Andes Mountains.
page 3 First Edition June 8, 2016
Welcome Lisa Harper, our new Associate Pastor
2016 Annual Conference
Lisa grew up in Middle Tennessee, grateful for compassionate parents who taught her how "life is ministry." Her father, Rev. Fred Harper, served over 60 years in the TN Conference of the United Methodist Church. Lisa's mother, Patty Sue Harper, has been active in serving through Christian Education and Conference ministries throughout the years alongside Lisa's father, and in the TN Conference. Lisa began singing with her twin sister, Laurie, and older sister, Lydia, in a music ministry during childhood years, traveling with the Board of Evangelism, and Lay Witness Mission teams across the Southeast. In later years, Lisa joined the Lake Junaluska Singers, and traveled with Laurie in music ministry and missions. They incorporated their comedy and family entertainment interests as part of "Whispering Bill" Anderson's Band, performing with Bill on the Grand Ol' Opry, television and concert tours. Lisa and Laurie have been featured on numerous Christian Children's recordings with producer, Stephen Elkins. Lisa received her Bachelor's Degree in Music/music therapy at Arizona State University, and Master of Arts in Aging and Spirituality from Asbury Theological Seminary. She is beginning the process for commissioning as a Deacon in the UMC, and completed her work as a Licensed Local Pastor.
Rev. Lisa Harper
Lisa's work through the years has reflected her heart for ministry in music/music therapy, healthcare, caregiving, children/youth/older adult ministries, and chaplaincy/pastoral care. During seminary, she has served as a pastoral assistant in a rural UMC church nearby, an on-call music therapist with UK hospital, and part of the volunteer staff/missionary support for the All Nations Mission Center-Bethany Home. Lisa's chaplaincy internship was affiliated with St. Thomas West Hospital, in Nashville, TN. Lisa is thrilled to be appointed to Jackson FUMC‌ an unexpected, wonderful blessing in so many ways! Her sister, Lydia Smith, has been a resident of Jackson for over 25 years, working as a Speech Therapist at JacksonMadison County Hospital. It will be very meaningful to be near her sister's family, and to join the family and friends of Jackson FUMC.
2016 Annual Conference Kitchen Volunteers Needed June 20-21 Luncheons at Jackson FUMC
Will you serve?
Kitchen helpers will have three hour shifts (8-11 a.m. and 11 a.m.-2 p.m.) comprised of food prep, table place settings, food service and cleanup. Monday, June 20 8 volunteers are needed for 8-11 a.m. and 6 volunteers are needed from 11-2. Tuesday, June 21 4 volunteers are needed from 8-11 a.m. and 4 volunteers are needed from 11-2.
Sign up at jacksonfumc.org
June 19-22 Northside United Methodist Church Service of Ordination June 20 • 7 p.m. Jeff Rudy will be ordained
New Church Directories are here! Complimentary copies are available in Disciple Hall (one per household) If you submitted a photo for the directory, stop by the front office to pick up. Place orders for
FUMC Apparel June 12-19
New styles, designs, & colors! Stop by Disciple Hall.
page 4 First Edition June 8, 2016
Recreation Marilynn Eblen (marilynn@jacksonfumc.org)
Adult Opportunities
Pam Jaco, pam@jacksonfumc.org
For Men Only
Coffee & Conversation
Thursdays, 9-10:00 a.m. Room 117
All men are welcomed to this fun group!
Music Notes
All games are double headers and played at the West Jackson Baptist Sports Complex. Come out and cheer the guys on!
Margaret Harrison, Interim Director of Music and Worship Arts (mharrison@jacksonfumc.org)
Summer is approaching and will offer new possibilities for volunteers to be a part of the 11 a.m. choir on Sunday mornings. Familiar anthems and hymns will be used as part of the “less formal” summer services during June and July. The choir will rehearse throughout the month of June at its regular Wednesday evening 7 p.m. time. It will not rehearse during the month of July, but will continue to lead worship from the choir loft. This is a great opportunity for anyone wishing to join with the choir in singing on a short term basis to simply
show up on Sundays at 10:40 to rehearse and sing for the worship services. During the remainder of the month of June, we will attempt to include favorite hymns as suggested by the congregation. To request a hymn favorite you may text or email me, or simply slip me a note and if at all possible your hymn will be included in a worship service during the months of June and July. Blessings, Margaret
Memorials & Honoraria IN LOVING MEMORY OF ELIZABETH HUBBARD Charles and Carolyn Caraway Anne Barker Hope Voegeli Lowell and Mary Ann Stonecipher Mike and Paula Butler Carl and Alice Kirkland Bettylu Marsden ANN MURCHISON Scott Murchison Charles Rhodes Jack and Charli Manhein Hunter and Suzanne Welles Emmett and Barbara Butler Larry and Frances Smith Beth Bates Mike and Paula Butler Burruss and Mary Alice Nichols Mr. and Mrs. Earl C. Walker Jr. Lynn Menendez Raymond and Elizabeth Bryant
Phyllis and Bruce Maley Jim Hicks Royce Turner Mary Lou Adams Bill Menzies Annette Cochran Cheryl Menzies Bill and Judy Pegg Carl and Alice Kirkland Bettylu Marsden FRANCES DYKE Bruce and Dottie Dorris Carl and Alice Kirkland ELIZABETH BRYANT Bruce and Dottie Dorris Carl and Alice Kirkland KATHERINE EVERETT Anne Barker Carl and Alice Kirkland
SARA DODSON Mr. and Mrs. Bill Lawrence DR. JOHN NELSON Mr. and Mrs. Bill Lawrence EMILY FREEMAN Mr. and Mrs. Bill Lawrence Mr. and Mrs. Earl C. Walker Jr. BOB HAZLEWOOD Mr. and Mrs. Bill Lawrence
DONNA OVERSTREET Mrs. Ralph B. Johnson Julie Johnson VIRGINIA SCULLEY Hunter and Suzanne Welles Hope Voegeli The Dick Nunn Sunday School Class Phyllis and Bruce Maley Jim Hicks Bettylu Marsden
MARIE PARDUE Esther Milam Doris Townsend Mike and Paula Butler
GERALDINE ENNIS Carl and Alice Kirkland
JAMES WHITE Mr. and Mrs. Earl C. Walker Jr. Duncan and Joan McInnis Larry and Frances Smith
MONA MILLER Raymond Bryant
IN HONOR OF
DAN CAMP Paige Ryan
JEFF RUDY Paige Ryan LARRY SMITH Paige Ryan BRAD DENTON Gene and Joyce Smith MARK OWEN Gene and Joyce Smith SUE HARVEY Hope Voegeli KAYE HILL Hope Voegeli MORRIS AND EFFIE BRILL’S 82nd WEDDING ANNIVERSARY ON 6/9/16 Morris Brill Jr.
page 5 First Edition June 8, 2016
Children’s Ministry Jenni Thorn, Director of Children’s Ministry (jthorn@jacksonfumc.org) Search for “The Backyard - Jackson FUMC Children’s Ministry” on Facebook
“Minifest” Music Day Camp
Friday, June 17 at 6:00 p.m. Everyone is invited to a Hamburger and Hotdog Supper and for the kids’ performance of
“A Technicolor Promise”
June 13-17 • 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Cost: $50 per child Ages 5-5th grade Lunch and snack provided each day.
Register at jacksonfumc.org
How do you want to help with VBS this year? Volunteer at jacksonfumc.org We still need many volunteers in order to make VBS possible. Please consider donating your time to help our VBS kids learn more about walking God’s way.
Vacation Bible School June 27 - July 1, 2016 9:00 a.m. - 12 Noon Preschool thru 5th Grade
Sign up at jacksonfumc.org VBS Decoration/Donation Needs: • Postcards • Suitcases • Globes • Tents • Camp Chairs • Shoes (old and new) • Potted Plants • Maps • Sleeping Bags If you would like your items returned, please make sure your name is on it and bring all items to Jenni Thorn’s office by June 13.
Youth News Open to 7th-12th graders
Children’s Ministry Opportunities for Service If you would like to help, contact Jenni Thorn (jthorn@jacksonfumc.org)
o Small Group Shepherds Bible teaching and learning begins early and we want our classes to have a great foundation of biblical truths vital to life. The curriculum is easy to follow and present and includes a story and craft. Ages available are 2 year olds - 5th grade. o Children’s Church Shepherds - Serve during a Sunday morning service once a quarter. (8:55 AM -or- 11 AM) o VBS Volunteer - See volunteer descriptions at jacksonfumc.org under the events tab. o Worship Arts Shepherd help teach art, drumming, guitar, handbells, drama, dance, a/v, etc. on Sundays, 5-6:30 PM beginning in August. o Donation Needs - Puppet stage, portable GaGa ball pit, pallet couches
Youth Summer Bible Studies
Cameron Byrd, Interim Youth Director (cbyrd@jacksonfumc.org) Search for “The Current UMY” on Facebook
Youth Week July 20-24
Overnight trip July 24-25 $75 (Check/Cash/PayPal) Sign up at jacksonfumc.org
June 25th-26th Lock-In at Climb Nashville$55- Leave FUMC at 6:30pmRegister at jacksonfumc.org July 13th Youth Sunday Practice at FUMC at 3pm July 17th • Youth Sunday • Pool Party at The Sullivan’s 2-4pm
Middle School
High School
June 13th 6-7pm @ The Spencer’s
June 13th 7:30-8:30pm @ The Spencer’s
June 27th 6-7pm @ The Reddick’s
June 27th 7:30-8:30pm @ The Sullivan’s
July 11th 6-7pm @ The Spencer’s
July 11th 7:30-8:30pm @ The Spencer’s
July 18th 6-7pm @ The Martin’s
July 18th 7:30-8:30pm @ The Martin’s
page 6 First Edition June 8, 2016
Calendar of Events Calendar subject to change. Please call the church office, 422-4002 or check the calendar at jacksonfumc.org
Monday, June 27 11:00 AM Traditional Service- Downtown Sunday, June 12 8:55 AM First Awakening Service 9:00 AM Vacation Bible School Campus Downtown Campus 10:00 AM FUMC Sunday SchoolDowntown Campus 11:00 AM Traditional Service- Downtown Campus 5:30 PM Worship Service- Andrews Chapel Campus Monday, June 13 9:00 AM Mini Fest/Music Day Camp 9:00 AM Kids at First Summer Camp 5:30 PM Finance Committee Meeting 5:30 PM Senior Olympic Basketball 6:00 PM Middle School Bible Study 7:30 PM High School Bible Study Tuesday, June 14 7:00 AM Men’s Bible Study 9:00 AM Worship Planning Meeting 9:00 AM Mini Fest/Music Day Camp Wednesday, June 15 9:00 AM Mini Fest/Music Day Camp 9:00 AM Kids at First Summer Camp 5:00 PM Leadership Meeting 5:30 PM Come Sit on the Porch- A Women’s Ministry Event (offsite) 6:00 PM Ensemble Rehearsal 6:00 PM First Awakening Team Rehearsal 7:00 PM Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal Thursday, June 16 9:00 AM Coffee and Conversation 9:00 AM Mini Fest/Music Day Camp 5:30 PM Senior Olympic Basketball 7:00 PM Pickleball Friday, June 17 9:00 AM Mini Fest/Music Day Camp 9:00 AM Day in Paris, TN - Womens Event (offsite) 6:00 PM Mini Fest Performance & Meal Saturday, June 18 1:00 PM Memorial Service and Reception for Betty Williams Sunday, June 19 8:55 AM First Awakening ServiceDowntown Campus 10:00 AM FUMC Sunday SchoolDowntown Campus
4:15 PM Jubilate Rehearsal
Monday, June 20 9:00 AM Kids at First Summer Camp 12:00 PM Laity Luncheon 12:00 PM Annual Conference Retiree Luncheon 5:30 PM Senior Olympic Basketball 6:00 PM SPRC Meeting Tuesday, June 21 7:00 AM Men’s Bible Study 9:00 AM Worship Planning Meeting 12:30 PM Clergy Spouse Luncheon 12:30 PM Vanderbilt Divinity Luncheon 1:00 PM Hub Club Wednesday, June 22 9:00 AM Kids at First Summer Camp 5:30 PM Come Sit on the Porch- A Women’s Ministry Event (offsite) 6:00 PM Ensemble Rehearsal 6:00 PM First Awakening Team Rehearsal 7:00 PM Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal Thursday, June 23 9:00 AM Coffee and Conversation 5:30 PM Senior Olympic Basketball 7:00 PM Pickleball Friday, June 24 No church events scheduled Saturday, June 25 4:00 PM Member Birthday Party 6:30 PM Youth Lock-In at Climb Nashville (offsite) Sunday, June 26 8:55 AM First Awakening ServiceDowntown Campus 10:00 AM FUMC Sunday School-Downtown Campus 11:00 AM Traditional Service- Downtown Campus 2:00 PM Bible School Set Up 4:15 PM Jubilate Rehearsal 5:30 PM “Hail and Farewell“ for Lisa Harper and The Rudy Family
9:00 AM 1:00 PM 5:30 PM 6:00 PM 7:30 PM
Kids at First Summer Camp Hub Club Senior Olympic Basketball Middle School Bible Study High School Bible Study
Tuesday, June 28 7:00 AM Men’s Bible Study 9:00 AM Worship Planning Meeting 9:00 AM Vacation Bible School 1:00 PM Hub Club Wednesday, June 29 9:00 AM Vacation Bible School 9:00 AM Kids at First Summer Camp 6:00 PM Ensemble Rehearsal 6:00 PM First Awakening Team Rehearsal 7:00 PM Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal Thursday, June 30 9:00 AM Coffee and Conversation 9:00 AM Vacation Bible School 5:30 PM Senior Olympic Basketball 7:00 PM Pickleball Friday, July 1 9:00 AM Vacation Bible School Saturday, July 2 No church events scheduled Sunday, July 3 8:55 AM First Awakening ServiceDowntown Campus 10:00 AM FUMC Sunday SchoolDowntown Campus 11:00 AM Traditional Service- Downtown Campus 4:15 PM Jubilate Rehearsal Monday, July 4 - Independence Day July Fourth Holiday Church Office Closed See the Full Calendar at jacksonfumc.org under the Events tab
Have a safe and happy 4th of July! Church office will be closed Monday, July 4 in observance of Independence Day.
page 7 First Edition June 8, 2016
Women’s Ministries
Susan Crocker, Director of Women’s Ministry, scrocker@jacksonfumc.org
Come Sit on the Porch
Wednesdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. June 15 & 22
Join a small group as we talk about the book “What if God Wrote Your Bucket List”. Each week will stand alone, so come to one or all. We will be glad to have you! Meet at 20 Windwood Drive on Susan’s porch. Get your own book (Library, Kindle, Amazon) and text Susan (731.267.7238) if you are planning to attend.
Circling the Sun
Soul Sisters
by Paula McClain
Bookclub is still meeting on the Mezzaine this summer - third Wednesday of each month. A perfect time to join when the days are
Join Pam McCarty and friends longer and you have a little more time to
Between Friends Book Club
Wednesday, June 15 5-6 p.m. Mezzanine
read!
Past book club selections are in the library, so you may want to catch up on ones you missed.
Summer Fun with Susan and Pam! 2nd Annual
ComeUnity Cafe Potluck Wednesday, July 6 5:30-7:00 p.m.
We had such a good time last year, we decided to do it again! Sign up online and bring a dish. Last year there were so many delicious things to choose from we would love to have your recipes and make a booklet. Perfect night to invite a friend, neighbor or someone new to FUMC. Let’s make them feel welcome and a part of our church family!
Day at the Lake Come Lounge by the Lake
Friday, July 29 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 231 Putt Lane, Decaturville, TN
Ladies and Gentlemen, we are going to the Partee’s Cabin and on a Pontoon Boat Cruise! BBQ Lunch and Potluck side dishes Limit 14
Signup at jacksonfumc.org
NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
JACKSON, TENN. PERMIT NO. 116
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 A United Methodist Welcoming Congregation
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FUMC Jackson TN
Sunday Worship FUMC Downtown Services:
Andrews Chapel Services:
Sunday, June 12
“An Awkward Scene“ Dan Camp, preaching • Luke 7:36 - 8:3
“Rev. John Wesley” portrayal by Rev. Harrell Phillips Wesley Hymn Fest and BBQ Supper
Sunday, June 19
Dan Camp, preaching
No worship service
Sunday, June 26
Jeff Rudy, preaching • 2 Kings 2:1-2; 6-14
No worship service
8:55 a.m. First Awakening 10:00 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship
2nd and 4th Sunday Evenings 5:30 p.m. Worship Service
The next publication of the First Edition Newsletter will be Wednesday, July 13, 2016.