FIRST EDITION
March 2, 2016 | Volume 15 Issue 5 jacksonfumc.org
A Newsletter Publication of First United Methodist Church, Jackson, Tennessee
Lenten Devotions are available on the table in Disciple Hall. Written by members of the congregation, these same devotions are posted daily on Facebook at FUMC Jackson, TN and through daily church e-news.
Palm Sunday | March 20
8:55 a.m. Contemporary Worship 11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship Procession of Palms and
Lent
Children’s Choirs
Holy Thursday | March 24
7:00 p.m. Tenebrae - A Service of Darkness
Luke 13:18-21
In this passage, God is showing us that we can accomplish great things in His name even though we start small. With the proper nurturing of our faith and preparation through our worship, growth and accomplishment for God’s kingdom can and will occur.
Good Friday | March 25 12:00 p.m. JAMA Community Worship Service
Each of us has a gift given to us by God that can be used in the best interest of all who enter the doors of Jackson First United Methodist Church. No gift is too small, for God uses all things offered for His purposes. Will you be one that plants the “seed of growth” to be enjoyed by all that we may prosper together for the good of building the kingdom of God here in our community?
Saturday, March 26
Andrews Chapel Campus
3820 Brownsville Rd. Hwy 70
3-5:00 p.m. Easter Eggstravaganza and Cookout Rain date: March 27
Prayer: Lord, help me to use the gifts you have given me to serve your kingdom. Amen. Diane Sanford
Easter Sunday | March 27 6:45 a.m.
Sunrise Service at The Amp, 91 New Market St., Jackson. Joint service hosted by Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, and First United Methodist Church Rain location: Farmer’s Market
FUMC Downtown Campus 200 S. Church St. 8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship with Communion 8:55 a.m. Contemporary Worship 11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship Nursery is available for 3 years and under for all services at the Downtown Campus.
Daylight Saving Time Begins March 13 Set your clocks forward one hour Saturday night!
SEEKING GOD
Devotion for March 3
“Plant Your Mustard Seed”
Music, readings, The Lord’s Supper, Lenten Hunger Offering
Lenten Devotions, Part III (March 7 - March 26) will be available Sunday, March 6.
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Easter Sunday Sunrise Service at the AMP
Next to the Farmer’s Market
March 27
6:30 am Gathering with opening music 6:45–7:15 am Worship Coffee will be served compliments of the host churches and Woodstock Bakery.
Community-Wide
Bring chairs and blankets, possibly a flashlight… casual dress
Everyone is invited!
Rain location – Farmer’s Market pavilion
Hosted by First United Methodist Church, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, and Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church
Sermon Series
7 Virtues March 6 Fortitude March 13 Temperance
KNOWING CHRIST
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Jenni Thorn on The Virtue of Justice
SHARING HIS LOVE
First Edition March 2, 2016
Wednesday Evenings Winter/Spring - 1st Session: Through March 16 Dinner 5:15-6 p.m. $6 Adults, $4 Children, $20 Family Max.
Menus for March March 2: “Breakfast for Dinner” March 9: Tacos, Enchiladas (Chicken/Beef), Refried Beans, Rice, Chips & Salsa March 16: Catfish Dinner, Slaw, White Beans, Green Beans, Hushpuppies, Salad, and Rolls Classes/Activities 6-7:00 p.m. • Living a Life with God • Chuck Knows Church • Pickleball • “The Current” Youth • Kingdom Kids
No WEF March 23 Spring - 2nd Session: March 30 - April 27 Watch for New Classes in the March 16 Newsletter
New Member
Church Family News… A Calling by Bobbie Mays, Director of Communications
Not unlike many families, Chris and Kelly Nye lead a busy life of work, school, church, sports and various other activities. They are the parents of two daughters, Meredith, an 8th grader; Mary Kinsley, a 3rd grader; and son Braden who’s in the 5th grade. In a few months, they will be gaining another son, a precious two and half year old toddler. Their story… For a long time, Kelly has felt that God has been working in her life to someday care for and raise an adopted child as a part of their family. Even before she and Chris started their family, there were subtle signs that adoption would be a part of God’s plan for their lives. During the past six years, a few people have come into her life who have adopted. One day last spring, Braden’s school project was to name three things he would like to have if he could have anything he wanted. His answer: an X Box, an i-Pad and a little brother. Their process of adoption began a year ago. At first they considered being foster parents with the intention of adopting. But after further investigation and through contacting Hannah’s Hope in Memphis, as well as other agencies, they learned they could only adopt a baby, not an older child, in America. Knowing that the family really wanted a toddler and that international adoptions overseas are faster, they opted to move in that direction. Through prayer, conversations, research, phone calls, more prayer and encouragement from friends, the Nyes made their decision to adopt a special needs child from China. A couple of weeks ago, the Nyes received word that their new son is Yan An Guo (pronounced Gwah).
Sunday, February 28th, FUMC welcomed Jeffery Anthony into membership. Jeffery transferred his membership from another denomination at the First Awakening Service. Jeffery has been singing in the Sanctuary Choir. We rejoice in his decision to become a part of our church family!
Yan An Guo
The family is aware that An Guo is developmentally delayed and has issues with one leg. Kelly, a physical therapist, and Chris, a teacher, feel their occupations will
page 2 equip them with the necessary tools to work with their new son. Currently, they have received their LOA (letter of intent) and now await immigration approval. Kelly and Chris will travel in May to China to meet their son for the first time and bring him back to join his new sisters and brother. Chris, who admits this adoption is not his idea, says he has not had the same passion for as long as Kelly has. For him, God speaks through music. Chris, a singer on the First Awakening praise team, has followed the group Audio Adrenaline for several years. One of their songs, “Kings and Queens,” conveys a message that, while difficult for him to hear, has helped him understand in his words, “giving of yourself.” The lyrics are— Little hands, shoeless feet lonely eyes looking back at me Will we leave behind the innocent too brief on their own, on the run when their little lives have only begun. Chorus: Boys become kings, girls become queens Wrapped in Your majesty When we love, when we love the least of these They will be brave and free Shout Your name in victory When we love, when we love the least of these. What Chris and Kelly both know is that God’s hand is very much a part of their decision. Kelly, who has grown up in this church, is in her third year as a devoted and dedicated leader of the Confirmation Class. She and Chris both are committed to carrying out God’s purpose when asked to be leaders. Together, they feel it is so important that “our church believe that this is the Christian service we’ve been called to do. We are stepping outside our comfort zone.” Chris says, “Adopting An Guo is not about us. The kids will have a brother for a life-time. We plan, we anticipate, we save for the future, and we invest. We are at a point in our lives where it would be easy for us to think about investing in ourselves and things that make life better for us. We don’t have all the answers, but we know that God knows and that has to be enough. If we relied on our own knowledge, we would not do this.” The Nyes are excited and filled with anticipation. Yes, they have concerns. They ask for prayers from the church as they continue on this new journey. There is a fund through the West Tennessee Healthcare Foundation, Adoption and Family Matters, for those interested in making a donation. You would need to designate your donation to the Nye adoption. When Chris and Kelly bring home An Guo, it will be a great day as they begin this new and exciting chapter in their lives!
page 3 First Edition March 2, 2016
Mission Corner
Join the Great Day of Service Team! Sign up now for in-house projects at FUMC or off-site work in the community on Saturday, April 9. To register, stop by the table in Disciple Hall to fill out an information sheet or e-mail your information to Heather Taylor at htaylor@jacksonfumc.com.
Music Notes
Margaret Harrison, Interim Director of Music and Worship Arts (mharrison@jacksonfumc.org)
Throughout the season of Lent, you’re invited to consider how you might want to help. You may bring your gift to the Maundy Thursday service, March 24, give online, or write a check at anytime to FUMC designated on the memo line for “Lenten Hunger Offering”. To give at jacksonfumc.org, select Give (top-right), then Give Now. Designate “Special Offerings” as the fund and “Lenten Hunger Offering” as the memo.
First Friday Forum
March 4 12:00-1:00 p.m. Clayton Hall Lunch Cost: $7/person
Handbell Festival
The Prime Ringers Handbell Choir had a great time on Saturday, Feb. 27, participating in the citywide handbell festival at First Baptist Church on Highland Avenue. Six choirs came together and made beautiful music for the glory of God by ringing handbells in a mass performance. Many thanks go to organizers for the hard work they put in to make this a great day of ringing in our own bell choir, we still have a couple of open spots where ringers are needed to complete the full contingency of bells which we are fortunate to have. Please consider coming and joining this great group of musicians.
Easter Music
Want to join in singing Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus on Easter Sunday morning in the 11 a.m. worship service? The invitation will be made to everyone in the congregation who wishes to come forward and sing to be included in this glorious Easter morning
anthem. For those who might like to rehearse ahead of time, copies will be available and a short 7:00 p.m. rehearsal will be held each week from now until Easter Sunday. Feel free to rehearse ahead of time, or just simply plan to come forward on that Sunday morning when the invitation is given.
Guest Speakers: A. J. Massey, Chairman of this year’s Relay for Life and Gina Myracle from the Kirkland Cancer Center
Men of all ages welcome!
New Members
The Sanctuary Choir welcomes new FUMC member Jeffery Anthony who joined our church family and is a valued member of the choir. We also welcome Patrick Teer back to the tenor section, as well as new intern Rose Black who will be singing and sharing her gift of violin with us over the next few months. We continue to welcome new and returning members to the choir. Rehearsals for Tenebrae Service, Palm Sunday, and Easter continue each Wednesday evening at 7:00 p.m. in the choir room. Blessings, Margaret
Prayer Breakfast
Guest Speaker: Ed
Labry,
“A Great American Hero (Christian), a life story of General Charles Campbell”
7-8 a.m. | Clayton Hall
Tuesday, March 29
Donations accepted... $5 suggested Menu: Bacon, eggs, sausage, biscuits, fruit, pastry, juice and coffee
page 4 First Edition March 2, 2016
Warm Your Heart Your generous gifts of sweaters, coats, gloves and hats helped children at Arlington. Many of the kids don’t have proper clothes to wear in the winter. Note of Appreciation On behalf of Arlington Elementary and myself, I want to thank you again for your generous gifts! I took everything over to the school this past week and they were thrilled! My friend, Joy (who is the secretary) was going to send an e-mail out to each teacher. They will let her know the children that have the greatest need for these items. We appreciate you thinking about us and in such a special way. Lots of love, Judy Lafont
“The Current” Youth
Open to 7th-12th graders
Taylor Parimore, Director of Student Ministries (tparimore@jacksonfumc.org) Search for “The Current UMY” on Facebook
“FUMC is a downtown church meeting the growing needs of younger generations”
Families welcome! Will you help? Sign-up today.
Questions? Contact Linda Clayton at 731-217-0090.
April 3 Confirmation Sunday Celebration
Children’s Ministry
Jenni Thorn, Director of Children’s Ministry (jthorn@jacksonfumc.org) Search for “The Backyard - Jackson FUMC Children’s Ministry” on Facebook
Offering Challenge for Lenten Hunger Offering
The class that brings in the most will receive a donut breakfast Totals as of Feb. 14: Kindergarten/1st Grade: $1 2nd/3rd Grade: $10.29 4th/5th Grade Boys: $6.21 4th/5th Grade Girls: $20.79
It’s that time again! Time to bring in Easter Eggs. We need 2,000 filled Easter Eggs. Boxes will be located in Newman Center, near the welcome desk, and in the Children’s wing.
Easter Eggstravaganza Saturday, March 26 • 3-5pm • Andrews Chapel
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FUN FOR ALL AGES! AND PETTING CARNIVAL COOKOUT MORE! ZOO GAMES Rain Date: March 27
@ Fir s ids
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Monday, March 21 Saturday, March 26
2016
Sign up at jacksonfumc.org
CAKE WALK
FUMC 2016 Soup Kitchen Dates
SPRING EVENTS
March 11-13 SPRING RETREAT @ LAKESHORE Sign-up deadline: March 5th! Cost: $125 NEED CHAPERONES!
SUMMER CAMP
June 6-July 27, 2016 Monday and Wednesday 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Ages 8 weeks – 5th grade To register or for more information, contact Jenni Thorn, kidsatfirst@ jacksonfumc.org
page 5 First Edition March 2, 2016
Adult Opportunities Pam Jaco, pam@jacksonfumc.org
For Men Only
FRIDAY, MARCH 18
Coffee & Conversation
Dr. Niles Reddick
Thursdays, 9-10:00 a.m.
Beloved author of novels and short stories
All men are welcomed to this fun and growing group!
Vice Pro-Vost, University of Memphis-Lambuth
“Flash Forward”
Program 11:00 a.m. | Luncheon 12:00 p.m. Clayton Hall | $7.00 per person
Room 117
UMW
For reservations, call the church office at 422-4002 by 12:00 p.m. March 14. A benefit for missions
Saturday, March 5 7:00-11:00 a.m. Gym “Save Your Stories, Leave a Legacy” Workshop Thursday, Mar. 10, 2016 9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Mezzanine
Join Andrea Woods in exploring ways to create an Intentional Legacy through crafting letters, stories, memoirs, poetry, music — to tell the personal, vital stories that have informed your life. You don’t have to have writing experience... anyone can do this! Pre-registration required. Contact Pam at 422-4002 or pam@jacksonfumc.org
Bach to the Beatles and Brunch April 10 • 12:30 PM
Delicious brunch at Chandelier Cafe followed by attending the Jackson Symphony Brass Quintet performance, Bach to the Beatles, at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church Parish Hall
Cost: $37 (brunch & concert) Meet at Chandelier Café (Inside the Neely House) at 12:30 PM for a delicious brunch. Concert at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church begins at 2:30 PM Contact Pam to reserve a spot (limit 20): 731.267.1059 or pam@jacksonfumc.org
Volunteers needed March 3rd and 4th for sorting and pricing and on Saturday for sales. Now is a good time to clean out closets and attics! All donations are accepted with the exception of adult clothing and shoes. Items should be clean and in good working order. We will begin receiving donations and setting up on Thursday morning the 3rd. Please do not bring your donations to the church prior to the 3rd. Questions? Please contact Sue Harvey, 6688289 or suebabyt@aol.com.
page 6 First Edition March 2, 2016
Calendar of Events Calendar subject to change. Please call the church office, 422-4002 or check the calendar at jacksonfumc.org
Wednesday, March 16 6:30 PM Youth Meal Sunday, March 6 8:55 AM First Awakening Service 9:00 AM Parents Day Out 7:00 PM First Awakening Team Rehearsal Downtown Campus 10:00 AM FUMC Sunday School-Downtown Campus 11:00 AM Traditional Service- Downtown Campus 4:00 PM Children’s Ministry Team Meeting 5:00 PM Kids who Care Club 5:00 PM “The Current” Youth 5:30 PM “Soul Sisters” Final Downton Abbey Episode (offiste)
7:00 PM Youth Programming 7:00 PM Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal
Monday, March 7 8:00 AM Tennesssee River District Operational Team 9:00 AM Parents Day Out 3:15 PM Hub Club 5:30 PM Senior Olympic Basketball 7:00 PM Men’s Basketball
Saturday, March 12 5:00 PM “The Current” Youth Retreat 10:00 AM Member Birthday
Tuesday, March 8 7:00 AM Men’s Bible Study Wednesday, March 9 9:00 AM Parents Day Out 1:00 PM Worship Planning Meeting 3:30 PM Open Gym for K-5th Grade 3:30 PM WINGS 4:30 PM Girl Scout Cookie Sale 5:00 PM Welcoming Ministry Meeting 5:15 PM WEF Meal 5:30 PM Youth Open Gym 5:45 PM Confirmation Class 6:00 PM Handbells 6:00 PM WEF Classes/Activities
Thursday, March 10 9:00 AM Coffee and Conversation 9:30 AM Legacy Writing Workshop 5:30 PM Senior Olympic Basketball Friday, March 11 5:00 PM “The Current” Youth Retreat
Sunday, March 13 5:00 PM “The Current” Youth Retreat 8:55 AM First Awakening Service-Downtown Campus 10:00 AM FUMC Sunday School-Downtown Campus 11:00 AM Traditional Service- Downtown Campus 5:30 PM Worship Service- Andrews Chapel Monday, March 14 9:00 AM Parents Day Out 3:15 PM Hub Club 5:30 PM Senior Olympic Basketball 7:00 PM Men’s Basketball Tuesday, March 15 7:00 AM Men’s Bible Study
10:00 AM 1:00 PM 3:30 PM 3:30 PM 3:45 PM 5:00 PM 5:15 PM 5:30 PM 5:45 PM 6:00 PM 6:00 PM 6:30 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM
Pastor’s Bible Study Worship Planning Meeting Open Gym for K-5th Grade WINGS Girl Scouts Leadership Meeting WEF Meal Youth Open Gym Confirmation Class Handbells WEF Classes/Activities Youth Meal First Awakening Team Rehearsal Youth Programming Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal
Thursday, March 17 9:00 AM Coffee and Conversation 5:30 PM Senior Olympic Basketball Friday, March 18 11:00 AM Adventures in Learning Saturday, March 19 4:30 PM Room in the Inn Sunday, March 20 8:55 AM First Awakening ServiceDowntown Campus 10:00 AM FUMC Sunday School-Downtown Campus 11:00 AM Traditional Service- Downtown Campus 5:00 PM “The Current” Youth
Memorials & Honoraria IN LOVING MEMORY OF
Evelyn Johns Borden
CARL W. SUNDSTROM, JR., CAPT. USNR (RET.) The Craig and Tom Stallings Family (Pastor’s Fund)
TROY SMITH The Craig and Tom Stallings Family (Pastor’s Fund)
COLONEL BOB and SHERRY MITCHELL The Craig and Tom Stallings Family (Pastor’s Fund) NETTIE LOUISE BROWN The Craig and Tom Stallings Family (Pastor’s Fund) GERALDINE ENNIS Larry and Frances Smith BETTY MORRIS John and Barbara New Mollie Bird Roger and Rebecca Smith Evelyn Johns Borden W. HAMILTON PARKS Dr. and Mrs. James Wilson and Family BRETT DENTON The Craig and Tom Stallings Family (Pastor’s Fund)
DONNA OVERSTREET John and Barbara New Evelyn Johns Borden BOB HAZLEWOOD William and Sharon Seippel BUTCH CASHON Roger and Rebecca Smith TOM McCARTER Roger and Rebecca Smith JOSEPH HILL Evelyn Johns Borden ROBERT SULLIVAN Roger and Rebecca Smith JAMES BARKER Mark and Gerry Aldrich NEMA MOORE Dicky and Sandra Welch
EMILY FREEMAN George and Elizabeth Dement Ed and Ginger Hare Doris Freeman John and Barbara New Judith Hazlewood Robert Snyder Joan Tomlin Jada Slayton Dr. and Mrs. Jesse Miller, Jr. Dr. and Mrs. James Wilson and Family Roger and Rebecca Smith Evelyn Johns Borden Larry and Joyce Sanders Jimmy and Sally Williams Pat and Wanda Scanlon IN HONOR OF ANN MURCHISON Mollie Bird BO, TODD and MAE MARGARET CLAMPITT Dr. and Mrs. Bob Clampitt JOHN YARBROUGH Doris Freeman
page 7 First Edition March 2, 2016
Women’s Ministries
Susan Crocker, Director of Women’s Ministry, scrocker@jacksonfumc.org
2016 Spring Events Sunday, March 6 5:30 p.m. Final Downton Abbey at Pam McCarty’s. Bring an appetizer to share. (Waiting list only) Beloved Biscuits and More
Tuesday, March 22 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Day Trip to Millstone Nursery in Memphis - “Come to the Easter Garden, a Holy Experience”. Van, program, and lunch included. $30 (Waiting list only) Thursday, March 31 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Day Trip to “Cheekwood in Bloom” in Nashville. (Waiting list only) Van, ticket and lunch included. $55
Book Club Party at the ComeUnity Cafe
Tuesday, April 5 5:00-7:00 p.m. Soul Sister’s presents “Simplify Your Life” with speakers Carol Ryan and Rev. Latricia Trull. Mark your calendar nowfor dinner and a fun night out!
April 5th • 5-7 p.m. Day Trip to Millstone Nursery in Memphis - “Come to the Easter Garden, a Holy Experience”
Tuesday, March 22 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. • $30
Don’t miss this fun day out to Millstone including lunch. I just love to wander around Millstone and find interesting plants and gift items for your home and garden. Join me for a fun day out!
Susan
Come and hear Carol Ryan and Rev. Latricia Trull give tips to help you make your life more enjoyable and a bit more stress free. We will have dinner, our fabulous door prizes and a lot of fun. $15 / ticket or a Table for 8: $110. This is a perfect time to bring a friend or get a table together for a girls night out.
Book Club March 16
5:00-6:00 p.m. Soul Sisters FUMC
scrocker@jacksonfumc.org 731.267.7238
Mezzanine
Sunday, April 17 4:00 p.m. Save the Date for Jackson Choral Society “The American Spirit” at Northside UMC and dinner out. Details coming soon. Thursday & Friday, April 28-29 Pottery Tour in Greenwood, MS and Alluvian Hotel. (Waiting list only) Van, snacks, hotel and breakfast, Viking Cooking School demo and lunch included. $175. Friday, May 6 Memphis Day Trip to Urban Barn Market and Antiques and dutch treat lunch at the Beauty Shop. Van and ticket included. $25 Signups at : jacksonfumc.org under the events tab
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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, March 6
Sermon Series: 7 Virtues: “The Virtue of Fortitude” Jeff Rudy, preaching | John 18:33-37 Communion
No worship service
Sunday, March 13
Sermon Series: 7 Virtues: “The Virtue of Temperance” Dan Camp, preaching | Luke 21:34-45; 1 Cor. 10:1-13
Sermon Series
7 Virtues
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
Communion