December 2014 - Tidings

December 2014

Advent Sermons November 30 Rev. Ryan Boatright “The Discipline of Waiting” Isaiah 64:1-5 December 7 “A Man Named Joseph” Matthew 1:18-25 December 14 “Just Plain Ole’ Shepherds” Luke 2:8-20 December 21 “A Woman Named Mary” Luke 1:26-38 December 28 “Wise Men from the East” Matthew 2:1-12

2014

Advent Schedule Join Us in Worship on Sunday Morning Nov 30 - Dec 21 • 8:30, 9:40 & 11 am – Sanctuary Alternative Christmas Market Sunday, December 7 • 9:00 am - 12:30 pm – Fellowship Hall

Visit germantownumc.org/live on Sunday mornings to watch a live broadcast of our 9:40 and 11 am worship services.

Children’s Alternative Christmas Market Sunday, December 7 • 9:40 & 11 am – GUMC Kid’s Wing Children’s Choir Concert and Plum Pudding Festival Sunday, December 7 • 5 pm – Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall Blue Christmas Service Tuesday, December 9 • 6:30 pm – Chapel | An Advent service of remembrance.

Church Board Meeting Please join us for the next scheduled Church Board Meeting, December 15 at 6:30 pm. All members are welcome to attend.

Chairpersons, submit your last meeting minutes by the Wednesday before the scheduled meeting to Renee, rpearl@germantownumc.org.

UMW Christmas Cookie Shoppe Saturday, December 13 • 9:00 am - Noon – Nursery Area Milk ’n Muffins With Santa Saturday, December 13 • 9:00-11:00 am – Fellowship Hall 24th Annual Community Carol Festival Sunday, December 14 • 6 pm – Sanctuary Chancel Choir combines with orchestra for an evening of seasonal music.

This year’s theme is “Light of the World.”

Christmas Eve Services – Sanctuary

For Families With Young Children • 3 & 4 pm | Holy Communion • 6:00, 7:30 & 11:00 pm

Fulfilling Our Mission Through Giving Thank you to all who have made a commitment to financially support the mission and ministry of GUMC for 2015. As of November 16, we have received 444 commitments totaling $2,328,317 for an average commitment of $5,244.

If you’ve not yet sent or brought your financial commitment card for next year’s GUMC budget, please do so as soon as you can. We need the full support of our congregation as we seek both to sustain our vital ministry and mission efforts and as we seek to enhance all that we do for God’s Kingdom this next year. We have many exciting opportunities awaiting us and we need to be able to faithfully and effectively fulfill our call.

Commitment Cards are available in the pew racks and outside the Mike Wilson Fellowship Hall. You may also make your pledge online at germantownumc.org.

Owings Life Enrichment Center Tiffany Griffin, tgriffin@germantownumc.org, 753-3100

OLEC January Fitness Health Challenge The Pick 3 Challenge is coming to the OLEC in January! Don’t miss this opportunity to start off the New Year thinking of your health and wellness.

The Challenge will begin January 1 and run through the entire month.

Stay tuned for details on how to sign up and participate.

Prizes for most participation include a heart rate monitor, OLEC punch card, IPod Shuffle, and more!

Missions Rev. Ryan Boatright, rboatright@germantownumc.org

United Methodist Men Our UMM group will have Scott Bjork, president and CEO of the Memphis Union Mission, as our guest speaker for January.

Scott’s passion is to see God use the Mission to meet the physical needs of those it serves and use the opportunity of meeting those needs to introduce them to a Savior.

Please join us Saturday, January 10, at 8 am in the Mike Wilson Fellowship Hall. Cost of the breakfast is $5. For reservations, call the church office at 754-7216 or email Christina Desio at cdesio@germantownumc.org. Annual members need only call in their regrets.

Thank You From Maua Methodist Hospital For those of you who missed Dr. Inoti Murithi’s visit to our congregation, below is a message from him on behalf of Maua Methodist Hospital, Kenya.

For the last eight years we have sent teams to serve in Maua, and we are blessed to be a part this wonderful work. If you would more information about this ministry, or if you would like to be a part of 2015 Kenya Mission Team, contact Ryan Boatright at rboatright@germantownumc.org. Ed Clark will be serving as our 2015 team leader.

To the Germantown UMC Family, God bless you all always for always reaching out to us, encouraging us, supporting us, visiting us, going on the mission field with us, and above all, praying for us.

You are very dear to us at the Maua Methodist Hospital, Kenya.

May you all continually know the joy and peace of abiding in Christ.

May God always answer you when you call upon His name. Amen.

—Dr. Inoti Murithi, Medical Director, Maua Methodist Hospital

Tidings is moving to a digital format in January.

85% of respondents to last fall’s Communications survey supported changing the church’s Tidings monthly print newsletter to an e-newsletter. After considering the cost and the needs of the congregation, we have decided to move forward with a transition to a digital format.

I Still Want To Receive Tidings By Mail Full Name

The new format will allow a full color layout and more spreads.

We can also include interactive features such as links to register for events, reader comments, and an option to clip and share specific articles. To see a sample of the new format and join the emailing list, visit germantownumc.org/tidings.

Address

If you still wish to receive a print version of Tidings in the mail, you must fill out an opt-in form before December 15, 2014. These can be found at germantownumc.org/tidings, or you can fill out a paper copy here. To submit this form, cut it out and bring it to the Welcome Center before the deadline, or mail it to the church Attn: Communications Dept.

City State

Zip

October Financial Summary Actual for Month Budgeted for Month Difference for Month Actual YTD Budgeted YTD Difference YTD

Christmas Poinsettias Income 237,172 190,610 46,561 2,491,788 2,455,414 36,373

Income Over/(Under) Expense This Month YTD

Expense 294,251 277,073 17,178 2,777,752 2,701,711 76,040

(57,079) (285,964)

Remember to honor a loved one and help beautify our sanctuary for the Christmas season by providing a poinsettia. One or more plants may be ordered at $16 each; deadline for your order is noon Monday, December 8. Names of honorees and donors will be listed in a special bulletin insert on December 21. Order forms are available at the Information Center, the Welcome Center, and at germantownumc.org.

Welcome New Members!

Veterans and Families of Veterans Our GUMC’s 2014 Veterans Recognition brochures may be picked up at the Information Center and in the narthex. Also, any Veterans that missed receiving this year’s special GUMC Bookmarks with GUMC children’s illustrations on one side, should please contact Carolyn Browder, cb2323@comcast.net or 748-2323.

Smith McWater (left) with mother Anne and sister Mary Virginia “Boo” (10/15)

Judy & John Pearson (11/9)

Older Adults

Luci Cromer, 755-0803 • luci2@comcast.net

Our events are open for all adults age 55 and older, singles and couples, regardless of church membership. Mark your calendar and make your reservations for these events today!

Don’t Forget the December Brown Bag Lunch Program!

Author, historian, and film buff Vincent Astor will present “Memphis Movie Theatres.” This presentation will be Friday, December 5, in the Fellowship Hall.

The program starts at 11 am with lunch at noon. Bring your own sack lunch; the church will supply the beverages. Call Luci Cromer, 755-0803, for more information. No reservations are needed. There will be a crossing guard on West Street to help with overflow parking.

If you are looking for a unique Christmas gift for someone special, he will have his books to sell and autograph after his presentation.

XYZs See Meerkats 3D in February!

Filmed over the course of a year, Meerkats 3D follows an extraordinary—not to mention adorable—family that stands just 12 inches tall.

Discover how these tiny but strong creatures survive in the harsh Kalahari Desert, led by the family’s tenacious matriarch, Klinky. Together, this family of 20 will battle a rival gang to protect their territory, their pups, and their lives as they also contend with the desolate environment they call home. Meerkats — unafraid, unstoppable, unbelievably cute. After the movie we will make our annual stop for lunch at our perennial favorite, Dan McGuinness Pub. WHERE: CTI 3D Giant Theater and Dan McGuinness Pub WHEN: Tuesday, February 17, 2015 COST: $7 per person plus lunch on your own DEPARTURE: 9:45 a.m. from OLEC parking lot.

(Be there by 9:30 a.m.)

RESERVATIONS: Call Luci Cromer, 755-0803, Louise McGhee, 755-3463, or Gretchen Blair, 7550797. You must make reservations before paying.

DEADLINE FOR MONEY and RESERVATIONS: Tuesday, January 20

XYZs Remember I Love Lucy in January!

Beat the winter blahs with some humor and come with us to see What Would Lucy Do?, a tribute to the life, career, and antics of Lucille Ball. A Hollywood-based actressimpressionist who recreates the magic of the world’s most beloved comedienne, Suzanne LaRusch first played Lucy Ricardo on special assignment to Universal Studios and quickly came to the attention of Lucie and Desi Arnaz, Jr. who authorized her to portray their mother’s comic genius.

We have very few seats left for this sold-out performance, so make your reservation NOW! WHERE: Bartlett Performing Arts & Conference Center WHEN: Friday, January 30, 2015 COST: $18/person, incl. reserved seat DEPARTURE: 6:45 p.m. from OLEC parking lot. (Be there by 6:30) RESERVATIONS: Call Luci Cromer, 755-0803, Louise McGhee, 755-3463, or Gretchen Blair, 755-0797. Make reservations before paying.

DEADLINE FOR MONEY & RESERVATIONS: December 19

Learn about Selling and Staging Your Home at the January Brown Bag Lunch!

Are you thinking about putting your house on the market this spring? Next spring? What do you need to do to get your house ready to sell? What needs to be done to be sure that you are making your house attractive to potential buyers? How can you be prepared when you finally decide it’s time to move on? All these questions and many more will be answered at the January Brown Bag Lunch Series, an adventure in learning sponsored by the Older Adult Council. There will be a crossing guard on West Street to help with overflow parking.

TOPIC: “How to Sell your House in the First 30 Days It Is on the Market” SPEAKER: Mikki Duffey, Realtor, Crye-Leike Real Estate Services WHERE: Mike Wilson Fellowship Hall WHEN: January 9, 2015. Program starts at 11 am; lunch is at Noon. Please note the change in date from our regular schedule.

COST: FREE—the church will supply beverages.

RESERVATIONS: No reservations are needed. Just bring your sack lunch and enjoy the program and the fellowship.

QUESTIONS? Call Luci Cromer, 755-0803, or Beverly Rhoads, 754-7216, ext. 107

Church Health Center Moves to Crosstown

By Jeff Hulett, Church Health Center The Church Health Center is a critical part of the social safety net and connective tissue that makes Memphis a caring community. We will strengthen the fabric of our community because our new setting will enable us to work with outstanding founding partners in healthcare, education and the arts. They will extend our ability to engage our patients and members—body, mind, and spirit—in the quest for healthy living.

Crosstown will be far more than just a building. It will stand as a symbol of Memphis’ renewal and serve as an inspiration and guide to a modern, community approach to health, wellness and preventive care. It aligns completely with our Model for Healthy Living and allows us to further implement the model in everything we do.

As a by-product of doing our mission better alongside equally mission-driven partners, we hope to renew hope and breathe new life into the Crosstown neighborhood, one of the city’s most ethnically diverse and economically challenged areas. At the same time, we are already working with partners to insure that our current buildings will be used for ministries that are compatible with our own.

In preparation for the move to the former Sears Crosstown building, the Church Health Center has launched an exciting new volunteer initiative, Operation Crosstown. The mission of Operation Crosstown— in collaboration with the residents, organizations, and businesses in the neighborhood— is to turn community-submitted ideas for improvement projects into a safer, healthier, and more beautiful Crosstown.

On November 1, volunteers spray painted designs created by local artists onto trash cans, which were adopted by Crosstown organizations and businesses and placed throughout the neighborhood. Plans for future projects include a running trail, bike repair stations, a mural, and turning green space into a park.

For more information or to support our move to Crosstown, call 901-272-7170.

Spotlight on Seniors

Adult Education

by Beverly Rhoads, Elder Care Health Ministry Coordinator

Mary Groh, 754-5093 mgroh@germantownumc.org

Someone posed a question to me the other day, “I wonder if there will be anyone to visit me when I am 80?” That comment has given me the idea for a new monthly inclusion within our Senior Adult Ministry to be called “Spotlight on Seniors”. Each month I will highlight a member of our senior adult population in our Tidings Newsletter so that you may get to know the contribution he/she has made to the life of the church – and hopefully have your interest sparked enough to visit him or her, or help with the Senior Adult Ministry.

Our population of seniors at GUMC is steadily growing as the Boomer generation turns 65 years of age at the rate of 10,000 every day, and has been doing so since 2012. Approximately 1,200 people are over the age of 55 in our church. The fastest growing segments of the population in the country are people over 80, a fact that can often be overlooked as church ministry plans unfold.

I hope these articles will help you become better acquainted with the members of our church who have helped lay its foundation and continue to be a major support for our more vibrant and visible ministries . . . even when they are no longer able to actively participate. But, I also hope that the articles will spark your interest in helping to answer the opening question, “Who will be there to visit me when I am 80?”

New Adult Small Group Studies Starting in January We know Germantown UMC is a large church and it can be difficult to find a place where you feel you can ask questions, listen to ideas, or explore more of what you hear in worship. That’s why we have small groups! Small groups of Christians caring for one another, praying, studying and serving together are a foundation of Methodism that allows us to grow in our faith with the help of others who can provide accountability and support.

We have some exciting adult small group studies planned for Winter/Spring 2015!

Studies will include topics such as prayer, Bible study, parenting, and marriage. Look for more information about our upcoming classes in our Adult Study brochure which will be out in late December!

United Methodist Women

Calling all Mommies to Fellowship Fridays!

December UMW Christmas Brunch All ladies are invited to join us on Tuesday, December 9, at 10:30 am in the Mike Wilson Fellowship Hall for a lovely Christmas Brunch. We will also be entertained with beautiful Christmas music. Cost $10 and may be paid at the door.

Call the church at 754-7216 for reservations or make your reservation online at germantownumc.org.

United Methodist Women’s Annual Christmas Cookie Shoppe

If you have a newborn and/ or a child no older than five, Fellowship Fridays are for you. We know the world is a busy place, and we want to help you slow things down. We’ll gather in Room 339 on the first Friday of the month from 9:3011 am for a light brunch, fellowship, and a devotional. Childcare is provided.

The next Fellowship Friday is December 5.

If you have questions, contact Lisa Pierce at lpierce@germantownumc.org or Yolanda Toney at ytoney@germantownumc.org.

Saturday, December 13, 9 am - 12 pm Plans have been set for the annual Christmas Cookie Shoppe! It is a great opportunity for church members and friends to buy festive and beautiful homemade cookies and candies to enjoy or give as gifts during the Christmas holidays. The funds raised will be given to the missions supported by the United Methodist Women of our church.

Let’s start baking!!! You do not have to be active in a UMW Circle—all GUMC women are members of the United Methodist Women! We so appreciated the cookies that were baked last year by so many from our congregation! Get creative! We want cookies that are made from scratch and out of the ordinary so that we can offer our family and friends very special holiday treats!!! PLEASE, NO CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES! (We will have some there for sale, but know that they are favorites of many and we don’t need an abundance of them!) Is fudge your specialty? Please make some fudge!!!

We need your help to raise significant funds for so many worthy causes! Last year’s Christmas Cookie Shoppe was a big hit. This year we know that with more participation we can make it even more wonderful!

Guidelines for Cookie Bakers: •B ake 12 dozen of ONE KIND of cookie (may be frozen if wrapped properly).

•C ookies must be delivered to the church on Friday, Dec. 12-before 3 pm

•P lease deliver to the Nursery area, yellow room to the left. Please label them for Cookie Shoppe.

• I nclude a 3x5 card with your name and type of cookie

•B ring your cookies in DISPOSABLE containers.

We will be placing them in decorated trays.

Those attending will receive a bakery box and a glove and will be able to choose from over 100 different cookies and candies. After choices are made, the boxes will be weighed and sold for $8.00 per pound. Pre-orders of boxed cookies can be made; a form will be provided with payment required at the time of order.

For more information contact chairpersons: Ronnie Pruitt at veronicatp@yahoo.com, or Barbara Schanson at barcons@comcast.net.

Women’s Winter Retreat: February 6-7 Last chance to register! We have reached a maximum number of overnight registrations, but we still have space for “Saturday only” participants. We are taking names on a wait-list for overnight stay. Register online or pick up a brochure for more details.

Reaching People Where They Are

by Jennifer Brezina, 2014 Chair GUMC Communications Ministry Team At GUMC, we enjoy a diverse congregation that thrives on various methods of communication —from traditional print to the latest technology.

So while important changes and enhancements are coming through the pipeline, we understand how very important it is that we reach all of our members via communication tools that work for them. That’s why we will continue to balance our electronic advancements with traditional communication channels as we evolve, so we effectively reach our members where they are.

When the digital version of Tidings launches, it will save thousands of dollars each month in printing and mailing costs while allowing us to connect with the majority of our members more effectively. However, each person still has the option to continue receiving a print version in the mail by simply returning a form. It’s a great example of how we’re embracing a balanced approach to our communications.

Since our Communications Ministry Team formed in May 2013, we have been hard at work to determine where we are, where we need to be, and how to get there – with the goal to engage people more deeply in the life of the church. Our social media presence will be expanding soon. We plan to further develop our Tidings newsletter into a document that shows how we’re making a difference versus simply listing events. We plan to begin revamping our web site in the coming year as well.

It’s an exciting time in the life of GUMC with a new vision and evolving communications.

No doubt, the rise of the Internet, social media, and mobile technology has ushered church communications into a new digital era. However, we need both online and offline channels to keep everyone connected and moving toward God’s calling.

2014 Communications Ministry Team Jennifer Brezina, chair Nancy Cofield Crystel Hardin Claire Fawcet Emily Moore Steven Solomon Marc Tate Don Rhoads, staff liaison Daniel Turner, marketing director

GUMC Alternative Christmas Market Sunday, December 7 9 am – 12:30 pm Fellowship Hall and Children’s Sunday School area For the people who matter the most to you, give gifts that matter the most.

With over 20 agencies and organizations participating in this year’s Alternative Christmas, you are sure to find something for everyone on your list! There will be organizations and agencies that serve the homeless, the hungry, the sick, the ones struggling to keep up in or stay in school, the poor, and the hurting; organizations that have participated in many Alternative Christmases before and some new ones that you may not be so familiar with. All will be on hand in Fellowship Hall to help us understand the ministries they offer and how we can help—at Christmastime and beyond.

At GUMC’s Alternative Christmas Market, you are bound to find meaningful and impactful gifts for those special people on your Christmas list!

• Your favorite handyman would be thrilled to have contruction materials or tools donated to one of our participating agencies in his honor.

• Teachers in your family would be honored to discover that uniforms, books, or tutoring have been given in their name. And the travel buffs would treasure items brought back by our mission teams from Kenya, countries of the former Soviet Union, or Costa Rica.

The Children’s Alternative Christmas Market will be in the Marketplace Room in the Sunday School area. The concept of alternative giving and helping people around the globe will be incorporated into their Sunday School lessons! Children attending Sunday School will be given the opportunity to go to the Market during their regular Sunday School hours. (Parents will be receiving more information in the regular Sunday School communications.) In addition, all children are welcome to attend the Children’s Market anytime during the 9-12:30 time frame. At the Market, Shopping Assistants will help them buy these fair trade items. All gifts are $5 and will be wrapped and tagged when children leave the Market.

Join us on December 7. Bring your cash or checks because we will not be accepting credit cards. Go home with new volunteer opportunities in mind, presents with a meaning for your friends and family in hand, and a renewed understanding of the joy of helping others in your heart.

Church Offices Will Be Closed December 25, December 26, January 1, and January 2

Non-Profit U.S. Postage PAID Germantown, TN

Germantown United Methodist Church 2331 South Germantown Road Germantown, TN 38138 www.germantownumc.org 901-754-7216

Permit No. 20

Editor’s Note: The deadline for submitting articles for Tidings is the 10th of the month prior. Submissions received after this deadline are not guaranteed to run.

Milk ‘N Muffins with Santa Saturday, December 13 9 – 11 am Families with young children are invited to attend this special event held in the Fellowship Hall.

Children will hear the Christmas story, enjoy snacks, make crafts, and have an opportunity to visit with Santa. This is a great time for children to engage in the Christmas story while visiting with friends and creating family memories.

Blue Christmas Tuesday, December 9 6:30pm

Blue Christmas is a worship service designed for those in our congregation and community who might need a quieter, more meditative focus during the holiday season. This service will be held on Tuesday evening, December 9 at 6:30pm in the Chapel. A quiet reception led by our Stephen ministers will be held in the Church Parlor following the service.