FIRST EDITION
November 16, 2016 | Volume 15 Issue 16 jacksonfumc.org
A Newsletter Publication of First United Methodist Church, Jackson, Tennessee
This Issue...
Come rejoice and give thanks!
AT A GLANCE
Sunday, November 20
• Hot Chocolate & Caroling on the Steps • Confirmand Readers page 2 • What are you thankful for?
page 3
• Walk in the McClellan Cemetery • Memorials & Honoraria page 4 • Women’s Ministries
page 5
• Prayers of Thanksgiving
page 6
• Adventures in Learning: Jubilate Ensemble page 7 • Calendar of Events
page 8
• Serving Opportunities
page 9
• Reelfoot Rural Ministries Visit • Morgan Briar Bluegrass Band page 10 • WINGS Tutors Needed!
Thanksgiving Worship Service 8:55 & 11:00 a.m. “Holiday Confusion?”
Dan Camp, preaching • Luke 23:33-43 Special music for 11:00 worship to be provided by a string quartet.
10:00 a.m. Sunday School CELEBRATE THE SEASON OF ADVENT 8:55 & 11:00 a.m.
Nov. 27 1st Sunday of Advent : PEACE Dec. 4
2nd Sunday of Advent : HOPE
Dec. 11
3rd Sunday of Advent : LOVE
Dec. 18 4th Sunday of Advent : JOY
page 11
• Sunday Morning Sermon Topics page 12
Advent Calendar of Devotions available Nov. 20 in church lobby. Pick up a copy!
Family Advent Night presents
A Charlie Brown
Christmas
Wednesday, December 7 5-7 p.m.
• Dinner • Worship Arts for Kids presents The Christmas Story • Make a one of a kind Advent wreath, Candy Cane walk, Cookie Decorating, & more!
SEEKING GOD
|
KNOWING CHRIST
|
Come experience the true meaning of Christmas! SHARING HIS LOVE
First Edition November 16, 2016
All are invited to a
Community Thanksgiving Worship Service
Sunday, November 20 6:00 p.m. Ararat Baptist Church 3608 Brownsville Hwy Jackson, TN Altar Guild Memorials If you would like to make a gift in memory or honor of a loved one, please mail or bring your contribution to the church office by Dec.13. Names will be listed in the Sunday bulletin, Dec. 18. Please mark your check “Christmas decorations” and include a note with the name(s) as you would like them to appear. Mail to: FUMC, Attn. Dolores Bosco, 200 S. Church St., Jackson, TN 38301
Thank You, Lifeline Blood Donors from FUMC who have reached a new gallon donor plateau Dr. Ryan Roy: 13 gallons (Aug.) Monica J. Thomas: 5 gal. (Aug.) Barbara Weaver: 6 gal. (Sept.) Denise L. Martin: 12 gal.
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Watch the parade, sing carols, and share hot chocolate!
Hot Chocolate Ministry and Carol Singing
Downtown Christmas Parade
December 5
Join in the fun! 5:30 p.m. Pizza/salad for carolers & helpers 6:15 p.m. Caroling on the church steps Complimentary Hot Chocolate Station
No reservations needed. All are welcome!
Confirmand Readers for Worship Services ithrough December 11
My name is Abe Stonecipher. I am twelve years old. I am in the 6th grade at USJ. I have a twin brother named Owen. I play basketball, tennis, and football. My parents are Scott and Stephanie Stonecipher.
My name is Elise Havercamp. I am eleven years old and in the 6th grade at Trinity Christian Academy. I love it there! I have two brothers, Edward and Hayes, and a dog named Sara. I run cross country and play volleyball. I also take voice lessons at Kincaid Gooch in Alamo and sing in two shows at Christmas and in the Summer. My favorite thing is to perform in plays at school. I have always enjoyed participating in Music Day Camp at church and am looking forward to confirmation this year. My name is Audrey Grace Brown. I am in the 6th grade at Chester County Junior High School. My parents are Shane and Bethany Brown. I love ballet! I have been taking ballet and other dance classes for 9 years. I also love to read and enjoy stories based on mythology. I love listening to music, swimming, visiting new places, and spending time with my family. I am so happy to be in this year’s confirmation class. I am looking forward to learning more about God and about what it means to be part of the Methodist church. My name is Braden Nye. I am eleven years old. I go to Northeast Middle School. My hobbies are swimming, running, and playing soccer. I have 3 siblings, 2 sisters and 1 brother. My sisters’ names are Meredith (14) and Mary Kinsley (9). My brother is adopted and his name is Charlie (3). My birthday is November 14, 2004. I am excited to be in confirmation because we get to go on so many cool trips and I get to meet new people.
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FUMC Youth Reflections on Thanksgiving by Christian Hesling, Youth Pastor
“What Are You Thankful For?”
by Ashley Heald, Children’s Ministry Assistant
We’ve all been asked this simple question, and as we approach Thanksgiving, we will most likely be asked again. In order to help us all put this season into perspective and begin thinking of what we are thankful for, I wanted to share how some of the kids in our Children’s Ministry responded when I asked them what they were thankful for and why. Here is what they answered:
Kerri: “I’m thankful for everything because not everyone is fortunate enough to have what I have.”
Dianne: “Dogs and cats and everyone I know because you should do that. And I’m thankful for Jesus because I should do that.”
Alaina: “My dog because I love him a lot and he’s a miracle to me. I put in my prayer box that I wanted a dog and the next day he came to my door.”
Marjorie: “Bob, Boots, and Mr. Glen (her pets), and my mommy because she helps me get some stuff.” Sawyer: “I’m thankful that God created me because God is good.” Jocilynn: “My family because they help me and love me.” Kennedie: “I’m thankful that I’m living in this world.” Shalon: “For my life because God made me.” Jamyia: “I’m thankful that I have a family because they are the best thing I’ve ever had.” Ja’Kayla: “Food, because we eat it every day.” Amelia: “I’m thankful for my life because not everyone wakes up in the morning.” Azariah: “For my mom, my dad, and my whole family because they watch over me.”
Oliver: “Food, because I need it.” Zac: “I’m thankful for cops and all the rescue people because they save the world.” Ian: “Everything that God made.”
Olivia: “I’m thankful that my dad has a job so we can do things as a family.” Cerrionna: “All the clothes on my back because since I have clothes I can walk around and be free.”
"Thanksgiving is a time to get together with friends and family and acknowledge all of the many blessings, love, and grace that God has given us." Trevor Spencer (Junior @ USJ) "I would say that what Thanksgiving means to me is being thankful for your friends and family. You also need to be thankful for what God has done for you." Sarah-Kate Ryan (Senior @ Madison Academic High School) “Thanksgiving means the ability to get together with family you aren’t able to be with.” Charles Hendrix "To me, being thankful is a way which we can discipline ourselves into acknowledging and rejoicing in what God has done for us. It is not always easy to be thankful, but when we are it brings us to a state of humility which, I believe, is right where God wants us." Christian Hesling
Mary Kinsley: “My family because they take care of me.” While some of these may make us laugh, and some are just plain adorable, their honest answers should cut us to the heart and remind us that we, too, should be thankful for the simple things in life that we often take for granted. Their answers should also remind us that “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17), which these kids seem to see so clearly. As we approach Thanksgiving, let’s remember the wonderful gifts with which the Father has blessed us and give Him the thanks He deserves.
Church Life App More and more FUMC members are finding the ACS Church Life app a great discovery! Instantly connect with members with your mobile device, using your member log-in (see below) to access. Download from the app store. Member Log-In Go to jacksonfumc.org. At the bottom, press the Member Login button. On the next page, choose either “Need a login?” or “Forgot your password or user name?”. Enter your information, then check your email for details on how to proceed with member log-in.
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Memorials & Honoraria IN LOVING MEMORY OF ROSEMARY CARTER (Brad Denton’s Sister) Hunter and Suzanne Welles David and Cyd Teague John and Susan Crocker Evelyn Borden Mona and Chuck Miller TIM CARTER (Brad Denton’s Brotherin-Law) Hunter and Suzanne Welles FRANCES DYKE (Liz Bryant’s Sister) Sharon Matthews BRIAN MARTIN (Shay Young’s Brother) Mona and Chuck Miller NEPPIE GRACE BEACH (Liz Bryant’s Sister) Suzanne and Hunter Welles Sharon Matthews SARAH HENDERSON (Paige Ryan’s Grandmother) Larry and Geraldine Huddleston ELIZABETH SMITH Gayle Crocker Dr. and Mrs. Charles Bray Sherri Smith-Knoll Debbie Shelton James Freeman Patricia Stegall Jason and Jamie Sullivan Laura Russell/ Tri Mu Sunday School Lowell and Mary Ann Stonecipher Sharon Matthews Joe Nip and Sandra McKnight James Butler Ray and Liz Bryant Connie Krone Earl Marshall Lois Wright Larry and Frances Smith Billy and Laura Clemmons Roger and Constance Barker Lina and Fred Bowyer W. Stanworth Harris Janet and Carl Eskridge Jerry and Florence Hornsby Charles and Betsy Cox John and Barbara New Peggy Robbins Bettylu Marsden Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Ellis Val and Jimmy Exum Barry and Janice Cary E. L. Betz Jr. Mrs. Ab Taylor III David Woolfork
Walk in the McClellan Cemetery with a Taphophile by Susan Crocker, Director of Women’s Ministry
A group of us participated in a ladies Wednesday Walking group this summer. One day it was unbearably hot, so we went to Betsy Dement’s shady lane near her house to walk. Donna Hampton was with us, and as we walked by an old cemetery she mentioned she was a taphophile. That is a person who has a hobby visiting cemeteries and researching graves. Before you know it, we decided to have a Breakfast at the Barn Party and graveyard walk. Boy, am I glad we did! Donna found out so many interesting facts from the website www.findagrave.com. I’ve shared one story below.
written from Camp 6th & 9th Tenn, Reg’t near Dalton, Georgia Dec 29, 1863 Dear Sister: The last I received from you was after the Battle of Chickamauga where I was wounded. After I recovered from my wound so as I could put on clothing, walk and weigh, I weighed 105 lbs. I had a furlough and went down to Alabama. Tell Ma there is nothing I prize more highly than those locks of hair sent by her. Tell Pa I understand my horse has been taken. Just let him go. I would much rather the Yanks had gotten him. Just such people will destroy the south after a while.
So, amble through those old cemeteries and look up a grave and learn about one of the saints.
Love to all, John
Once, Gayle Crocker told one of my kids that graveyards were not scary places. Instead she pointed at the different graves as she looked around, “Look, there is my piano teacher and my Sunday School teacher and my parents.” Let me tell you a story about them….
May 4, 1864 Dear Sister Polly:
*Special thanks to Betsy Dement for breakfast at the barn and Donna Hampton our taphophile who did all this research! ____________________________________ McClellan Cemetery There are around 70 marked graves and probably that many unmarked in the cemetery. John McClellan Withers (1841-1879) was 1 of 13 children. While John was serving in the Civil War, he and his sister, Polly, wrote to each other. Two of those letters were preserved and I’ve condensed them below-
____________________________________
Your letter was received and perused with great pleasure. I could tell you our entire army seems to be blessed. Captain A.B. Jones made a profession of religion last evening. I am in hopes he will live a more pious life. Polly, you spoke of my horse. I am glad Pa succeeded in getting him back, though I fear the horse has given unnecessary trouble. I have not received anything from Miss Eugenia for some time, —-the young lady I boarded with, understand me? John *The Captain A.B. Jones did go on to lead a more pious life and was wounded in Chickamauga and Atlanta. After the war was over, he became a Methodist minister and later served as the president of Lambuth University.
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Women’s Ministries Susan Crocker, Director of Women’s Ministry, scrocker@jacksonfumc.org
Tuesday Dec 13 4-6 p.m. Come and visit with the Women of FUMC Stop by for nibbles and bring a friend! @ Susan Crocker’s House - 20 Windwood Drive
Nativity Painting Workshop
Memorials & Honoraria REVEREND GRACE ELIZER Kathy and David Abrams SARAH MARIE PARDUE Mona and Chuck Miller FLORIDE MOORE GARDNER (Lane Camp’s Grandmother) Connie Krone RAY HIGHT Joe Nip and Sandra McKnight Ray and Liz Bryant Earl Marshall Larry and Frances Smith Billy and Laura Clemmons Carolyn and Joe Gaffney Rebecca Barger IN HONOR OF:
Dec. 4 2-4 p.m.
BOBBIE MAYS (For Her Birthday) Pat Goodpaster (Reelfoot Tree) KEELEN YANDELL (For Her Birthday) Peggy Jimerson
FUMC Mezzanine All ages welcome!
Stop by the Women’s Ministry Table to get an order form or call/text Susan 731-267-7238. Your RSVP is the order form. Coffee and snacks will be served.
Join us to hear the
“The Voices of Christmas”
Sunday, Dec 11 • 5:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church I remember going to “The Living Christmas Tree”, when I was younger. It was always the kickoff of the Christmas music season for me. My friend, Carol Kirkland, and her husband sing in the choir and invited us to come to this special concert. Let’s meet and sit together and really get in the spirit! If you are coming please text Susan at 731-267-7238 by Friday, Dec. 9 so I’ll be looking for you.
Between Friends Book Club “Ordinary Grace” by William Krueger
Wednesday, Dec 21 5 p.m. FUMC Library
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Men’s Bible Study on II Corinthians
Tuesdays, 7-7:50 a.m.
(Prayer Breakfast last Tues.)
Clayton Hall Conference Room led by Dave Bratcher. Men of all ages welcome! Men of all ages welcome!
Prayer Breakfast
at Perkins Restaurant Vann Drive; Jackson, TN
7-8 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 29 First United Methodist Church of Jackson, Tennessee Foundation The audit report for year ending 2015 has been completed and noted as following: “Events subsequent to the financial statement date have been reviewed and evaluated to determine their inclusion and disclosure in the financial statements and notes to the financial statements. Subsequent events have been evaluated through July 6, 2016, the financial statement issuant date.”
Prayers of Thanksgiving
by Bobbie Mays Director of Communications
Thanksgiving is the season we are especially reminded of giving thanks to God for our many blessings. Gene Smith, one of our beloved members, is so grateful for the countless ways that this church has ministered to him and his family. Ten years ago, Gene learned he had prostate cancer. Through weeks of chemo treatments, good medical care and lots of answered prayers, he resumed leading a healthy life. The past six years though have not been easy. Gene and Joyce’s only son, Kirk, passed away unexpectedly in 2010. A couple of years later, their daughter, Melissa fought cancer, went through arduous but successful treatments only to learn a short time later she had a brain tumor. Once again, she came through this difficult and challenging time. Most recently, Gene has battled cancer for a second time with the good news that he is now in remission. Gene is forever thankful for the care provided by the Kirkland Cancer Center in Jackson. “What a loving and giving congregation”… Outpourings of love, care and prayer have surrounded the Smith family during these times of trials. A support group that has meant so much to him is the Men’s Bible Study. Every week, they meet on Tuesday mornings for a 45 minute study and discussion led by Dave Bratcher. The men are also there for one another to offer prayer support. As one of the devoted members of the group that first began five years ago, Gene can attest to the blessings of prayer. While he was in the hospital and unable to attend Bible Study, his friends showered him with prayer through sending him the photo below of the men praying with him. About the time the picture arrived, Latrice, his hospital nurse, walked in his room. Gene shared the photo with her and she asked, “Where do
A little bit about the Smiths… The Memphis area was home to Gene, his wife, Joyce and their three children, Kathyrn, Kirk and Melissa for 36 years. Gene had a 25 year career with Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW). Following his retirement there, he joined Joyce in her florist and antiques business in Collierville which led them to their passion for estate sales and antique shows. In 1991, Gene and Joyce moved to Jackson and soon after became members of Jackson FUMC, transferring their membership from Collierville United Methodist Church where they served for many years in various ministries. Among their blessings this year, Gene and Joyce celebrated their 61st anniversary with their children and six grandchildren. Gene’s gracious attitude of thankfulness to God began early in his life through the loving Christian home he grew up in with his parents, brothers and sisters in Savannah, TN. Through his life’s journey, Gene has come to truly appreciate Paul’s message from 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances.” Gene’s gratitude encompasses life as it is, with its ups and downs; not for all circumstances but in all circumstances. His is a thankful heart. For his faithfulness, Christian witness, and gratitude to God, family, friends and those he doesn’t know who have prayed with and over him, we give thanks, too!
A full financial audit report is available upon request by contacting Jacki Hoveskeland, 731.422.4002 or email jackihoveskeland@charter.net. 2015 Contributions Received Paul Hamilton Trust
you go to church?” Gene responded, First Methodist in downtown Jackson. Her reply, “Y’all really have a lot going on down there!” Then his doctor stopped by, noticed the picture and immediately said a prayer with Gene. Gene and Joyce Smith Others from church also came by; some popping in just long enough to offer a word of prayer. Support from his Sunday School class along with visits, calls, prayers, cards, singing messages, text messages, and home cooked meals prepared by many friends has brought abundant joy and comfort. During his most recent illness, a friend shared with Gene one of his favorite scripture verses which continues to bring inspiration: “Spread your protection over them that those who love your name may rejoice in you.”- Psalm 5:11.
Men’s Bible Study praying with Gene
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Adult Opportunities Pam Jaco, pam@jacksonfumc.org
Note of Appreciation
Blessings and thanks to Leila Lawrence for her 10 years of faithful service of providing communion bread for our worship services!
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9
Jubilate Ensemble
“Sing We Now of Christmas�
under the direction of Margaret Harrison Program 11:00 a.m. | Luncheon 12:00 p.m. Clayton Hall | $7.00 per person For reservations, call the church office at 422-4002 by 12:00 p.m. Dec. 5.
Give yourself the gift of
A Christmas Concert with Travis Cottrell Dec. 1, 2016
Come hear Travis Cottrell at the Ned Meet at Chandelier at 5:30 p.m. for Dutch treat dinner. $27.50/person Contact Pam (267-1059 or pam@jacksonfumc.org) to reserve a ticket
For Men Only
Coffee & Conversation
Thursdays, 9-10:00 a.m. Room 117
All men are welcomed to this fun group!
Communion Kneelers in the Sanctuary Have you taken time to look closely at the beautiful needle point kneelers in the sanctuary? The kneeling cushions that grace the chancel rails were made possible by memorials and gifts to the church, and the efforts of a dedicated group of needleworkers. These were dedicated on April 10, 2005. Six kneelers have symbols representing the twelve apostles, six represent symbols of the Church, one symbolizes Christ and one is to be used in wedding ceremonies. The basket weave stitch was chosen for the background because it is the most durable stitch. Upholstery made in this manner has lasted more than two hundred years through regular use. The Fleur-de-lis which represents the Trinity, and the design scrollwork which decorates the shields of the apostles were adapted from the stained glass windows in the Sanctuary. Thanks be to God for those who have shared their gifts bestowing blessings for worship for years to come!
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page 8 First Edition November 16, 2016
Sometimes “Merry Christmas” is just “Not So Merry”
Blue Christmas Service:
A Service of Healing and Hope
Wednesday, Dec. 21 • 6 PM Chapel (lower level) Nursery Provided Guest Speaker: Dr. Walter Taylor
Retired Director of Missions for Knox County Association of Baptists
Calendar of Events Calendar subject to change. Please call the church office, 422-4002 or check the calendar at jacksonfumc.org
Sunday, November 20 6:00 PM Kids Who Care Club 8:55 AM First Awakening Service 10:00 AM Sunday School 11:00 AM Traditional Service 4:00 PM Jubilate Rehearsal
Monday, November 21 9:00 AM Parent’s Day Out 5:30 PM Senior Olympic Basketball 7:00 PM Men’s Basketball Tuesday, November 22 7:00 AM Men’s Bible Study 9:00 AM Worship Planning Meeting Wednesday, November 23 Thursday, Nov. 24 - Friday, Nov. 25 Thanksgiving Holiday Church office closed Saturday, November 26 Sunday, November 27 8:55 AM First Awakening Service 10:00 AM Sunday School 11:00 AM Traditional Service 4:00 PM Jubilate Rehearsal Monday, November 28 9:00 AM Parent’s Day Out 5:30 PM Senior Olympic Basketball 7:00 PM Men’s Basketball Tuesday, November 29 7:00 AM Men’s Prayer Breakfast 9:00 AM Worship Planning Meeting
Reception to follow
Wednesday, November 30 9:00 AM Parent’s Day Out 11:00 AM Prayer Shawl Ministry Knitting Crocheting Group 11:30 AM Rotary Club Lunch Meeting 3:30 PM WINGS 5:30 PM Senior Olympic Basketball 6:00 PM First Awakening Rehearsal 6:00 PM Handbells 7:00 PM Sanctuary Choir Thursday, December 1 9:00 AM Coffee and Conversation 5:30 PM Senior Olympic Basketball 6:00 PM Dinner and Travis Cottrell Concert at the Ned 7:00 PM Pickleball Friday, December 2 Saturday, December 3 10:00 AM Conference Clergy Brunch
6 PM Andrews Chapel
Sunday, December 4 8:55 AM First Awakening Service 10:00 AM Sunday School 11:00 AM Traditional Service 2:00 PM Advent Painting Workshop 4:00 PM Jubilate Rehearsal 4:00 PM Dress Rehearsal for Family Advent Night
Monday, December 5 8:00 AM Tennessee River District Operational Team 9:00 AM Parent’s Day Out 5:00 PM Christmas Parade/Caroling on the Steps 5:30 PM Senior Olympic Basketball 7:00 PM Men’s Basketball Tuesday, December 6 9:00 AM Worship Planning Meeting Wednesday, December 7 8:00 AM Organ Tuning 9:00 AM Parent’s Day Out 11:30 AM Rotary Club Lunch Meeting 3:30 PM WINGS 5:15 PM Family Advent Night 6:00 PM Handbells 7:00 PM First Awakening Rehearsal 7:00 PM Sanctuary Choir Thursday, December 8 9:00 AM Coffee and Conversation 9:30 AM Legacy Writing 5:30 PM Senior Olympic Basketball 7:00 PM Pickleball Friday, December 9 11:00 AM Adventures in Learning 5:00 PM HandsUp Preschool Christmas Party Saturday, December 10 10:00 AM Drop and Shop 5:00 PM Room in the Inn Sunday, December 11 8:55 AM First Awakening Service 10:00 AM Sunday School 11:00 AM Traditional Service 4:00 PM Jubilate Rehearsal 5:00 PM Fast Track Disciple Class 5:30 PM Worship Service at Andrews Chapel Campus Monday, December 12 9:00 AM Parent’s Day Out 5:30 PM Finance Committee Meeting 5:30 PM Senior Olympic Basketball 7:00 PM Men’s Basketball Tuesday, December 13 9:00 AM Worship Planning Meeting 12:00 PM Law Seminar Wednesday, December 14 9:00 AM Parent’s Day Out 11:00 AM Prayer Shawl Ministry Knitting Crocheting Group 11:30 AM Rotary Club Lunch Meeting 3:30 PM WINGS 6:00 PM Handbells 7:00 PM First Awakening Rehearsal 7:00 PM Sanctuary Choir
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SERVING OPPORTUNITIES Looking for a ministry? The Congregational Care Ministry needs you! In January we will launch a new team-based ministry to provide spiritual support to members who are not able to attend services. We would love to have you join us! Who? High school juniors and seniors through older adults. What? Make brief visits to share scripture, pray, listen, and care. How often? That’s up to you, but we ask for a minimum 3-hour commitment per month (one round of visits plus one 75-min. team meeting) How long? Visits average 15 minutes. May range 5-30 min. What else? You will be assigned to a team that will visit the same group of individuals in order to foster ongoing relationships. Your team leader will work with you to coordinate your visits with those of your teammates every month. We are also forming a team to assist the pastors with hospital/transitional care visitation. Questions? Call Lisa Harper (731) 422-4002 or (731) 267-0528 or Patty Hamilton (731) 423-1733
December Mission Focus: Hannah’s Hope Hannah’s Hope is an adoption agency located in Bartlett. Needed Items: • Packs of diapers (size N, 1, 2) • Baby wipes • Baby bottles • Baby bibs • Baby socks • Baby hats Drop items off in the collection box in your Sunday School class or place in the “Way to Give” arch the last Sunday of December.
November Mission Focus: Reelfoot Rural Ministries Toy Drive
Spread Christmas joy!
Bell Ringing
Saturday, December 17
Looking for a Family Christmas Project? Sign up at jacksonfumc.org and Mark Johnstone will contact you about serving at one of the three sites available (Kroger Stonebridge, Macys, and Sam’s Club). Make it fun by dressing up, bringing your dogs, playing music, singing carols and/or wearing FUMC apparel! Bring the family! For more information call Mark at 6681812, Ext (302), or e-mail mark@johnstonegroup.net
Sign up to volunteer at jacksonfumc.org
Through the Reelfoot Tree, necessities and Christmas gifts are provided for disadvantaged children served by Reelfoot Rural Ministries.
How to Participate: • Select an ornament from the Christmas tree. • Purchase item(s) for age range provided on the ornament. • 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, please make check to FUMC. On the memo line, specify for Reelfoot Toy Drive. Place in the offering plate or mail to FUMC c/o: Dolores Bosco, Financial Assistant, 200 S. Church St. Jackson, TN 38301 For gift ideas, go to jacksonfumc.org, and search for “Monthly Mission Focus”
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Room in the Inn Religion For Life is the first to host as the winter session of Room In the Inn begins. Photos by Sharon Matthews
Youth Church League Basketball 2016 It’s that time of year again‌.time to play some basketball! We are inviting youth 6th-12th grade to participate in our 2016 youth league basketball. Registration/Jersey Fee: $60 $25 of fee reimbursed for returned jersey at end of season. Have you always loved basketball? We are looking for willing volunteers to coach or assist in coaching our youth teams.
Mission Corner
Reelfoot Rural Ministries (RRM) Visit by Bob Sadowski, Mission Team
We had a great visit with Robert Craig, RRM Executive Director at Reelfoot recently. Hunter and Joyce Partee, Becky Sadowski and I met with Robert for several hours. He gave us a detailed description of the various programs they offer and the challenges involved in the operation of the organization. We also toured the facility. He emphasized how needy the area is and how critical the services they offer are. I do not know what the people in those counties would do without them.
No coaching experience is needed, just a love for the game!
We discussed the Reelfoot Toy Drive which will provide gifts for nearly 1,800 children. All of these families have been involved with the Reelfoot Ministry.
If you have any questions or want to volunteer, you can email Ashley Heald at aheald@jacksonfumc.org.
A well organized system for distributing the toys is in place. One of their needs is for cash. We have not considered that
aspect of our drive. The cash is used to even out the variety of toys. It also enables Reelfoot Rural Ministries to purchase large bicycles. They have a source for purchasing them at a good price. We currently have gold ornaments on the Reelfoot Tree for large gifts. If you would like to make a donation in any amount, please make check to FUMC. On the memo line, specify for Reelfoot Toy Drive. Place in the offering plate or mail to FUMC c/o: Dolores Bosco, Financial Assistant, 200 S. Church St. Jackson, TN 38301 Many of the ideas we discussed at our meeting were well received and we can pursue in the future. Robert Craig is a joy to work with! We treated him to lunch and continued our conversations.
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More Tutors Urgently Needed… Will You Consider Helping? Currently 16 children ranging from 1st-6th grades are being served through WINGS, our tutoring and mentoring partnership with Arlington, Barker and Rose Hill elementary schools. There are 12 regular and very devoted tutors, including teenagers, Jack Page and Charles Hendrix and 5 substitutes. Sometimes, these tutors cannot always help each week which means assigning 2-3 kids per tutor. What is a typical schedule? The kids arrive at the church around 3:30 p.m. each Wednesday. They play in the gym or on the playground with supervision until 4 p.m. Tutoring sessions take place in the Children’s area in individual classrooms until 4:45 p.m. All the children and tutors gather in one room where they have a devotion until 5:15 p.m. and then they head to Clayton Hall for Wednesday Evening Fellowship (WEF) to eat supper together until time for them to participate in children’s programming from 6-7 p.m. Tutoring involves helping children with their homework, often times using flash cards.
If you would like to develop a personal relationship with a child, helping with his/her school work, counseling, and/or providing Christian witness, this is another opportunity for serving. Many of the children have little or no exposure to Christian teaching or instruction. Note: Before having direct contact with a child each tutor must undergo Safe Sanctuary clearance and training. This process is conducted by Children’s Ministry Director, Jenni Thorn. Prospective tutors are welcome to come and observe the program while it is in progress to determine if this is something you feel led to do. If interested, contact Mike or Nan Simmons at 731-6686046 or Jenni Thorn at the church office, 422-4002. Come and help us “Witness In God’s Sanctuary!” Many thanks to these dedicated WINGS Tutors: Truman Murray, Caroline McKee, Shirley Maniss, Niki Shires, Sharon Matthews, Rebecca Ward, Fran Chandler, Paul Clayton, Charles Hendrix, Jack Page, Lisa Harper, Joyce Partee, Lynn Shuttleworth, Mike Simmons and Nan Simmons.
NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE
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JACKSON, TENN. PERMIT NO. 116
First United Methodist Church 200 South Church Street Jackson, Tennessee 38301 (731) 422-4002 A Stephen Ministry Congregation A Safe Sanctuaries Congregation A United Methodist Welcoming Congregation
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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
Thanksgiving Sunday, November 20
“Holiday Confusion?“ Dan Camp, preaching • Luke 23:33-43
Sunday, November 27
1st Sunday of Advent: PEACE Lisa Harper, preaching
Sunday, December 4
Communion 2nd Sunday of Advent: HOPE Dan Camp, preaching • Isaiah 11:1-10 & Matthew 3:1-12
Sunday, December 11
3rd Sunday of Advent: LOVE Dan Camp, preaching • Isaiah 35:1-10 & Matthew 11:2-11
Andrews Chapel Services:
2nd and 4th Sunday Evenings 5:30 p.m. Worship Service with Communion
Bluegrass Gospel and Christmas music featuring Morgan Briar Bluegrass Band
The next publication of the First Edition Newsletter will be Wednesday, December 14, 2016.