2023 Annual Report

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Our annual report is a testament to the grace of Christ as well as the hard work and dedication of our congregation. Join us as we look back on the milestones and successes of the past year.

Rev. Tim Carpenter

Germantown UMC is dedicated to ministry in the Germantown community, the region, and the world. Likewise, it seeks to be faithful to its calling as a United Methodist Church. We are a church of diverse people, backgrounds, and opinions, who nonetheless come together under the mission of the church and the Lordship of Jesus Christ. I am very fortunate to be the pastor of GUMC, affording me the opportunity to work with the talented and committed members of the church and staff. I daily see the results of faithful living of the gospel, whether in outreach, prayer, giving, encouragement, mission, or care. In a year of disaffiliations and disagreements elsewhere, Germantown United Methodist Church has seen growth, excitement, financial steadiness, and faithful mission and ministry. This is all made possible because of the dedication of faithful church members.

I am confident you will share with me the love of the church and a renewed hope for our future as you read this summary of GUMC accomplishments from the past year. This report is only scratching the surface of all that happens here for the purpose of furthering the kingdom of God. This is a small mirror reflecting the results of your good work, your efforts, and your giving.

Germantown United Methodist Church is doing the work of Christ while searching for ways in which to increase our faithfulness to Christ’s kingdom. By the grace of God, we at Germantown United Methodist Church hope to be found worthy of God’s eternal reward, praying to be faithful to Christ and to our mission statement:

We are a welcoming community of faith, committed to: Loving God and loving others, Serving Christ and sharing him, Transforming lives and making disciples.

Rev. Dr. Scott Alford

This report is a celebration of ministry. It’s a joy-filled proclamation of what God is doing through the people of Germantown United Methodist Church. Rest assured, these pictures and statistics are only highlights. I believe if we were to collect every detail, tiny and huge, of what God did in 2023, in partnership with this congregation, this report would be at least 6-7 inches thick!

Partnership? Yes. Every ounce of ministry arising out of this incredible congregation is made possible through the ways we say “yes” to God’s calling to be faithful followers of Christ. Our partnership involves our generous use of time, effort, and resources. Could God have accomplished these many acts of mission and ministry without us? Of course, since he is the one who created the whole universe by just his spoken Word. However, I believe God chooses to invite his people to use their gifts to carry out his work and to fill us with joy and blessing.

I consider it a privilege to be a partner with God and to offer my resources in the work of his kingdom. To all of you, I say “thank you” for your part in making the ministry of GUMC so outstanding and vital to our community. Our privilege of serving Christ continues in 2024. May the many ways we give…time, energy, finances…all be given faithfully and generously for God to multiply into grace-infused mission and ministry for the transformation of his created world.

Rev. Mimi White

2023 was a wonderful year for Prism at GUMC. Steve Stone passed the baton of leadership to me and we had an exciting season of transition and growth with new members joining and newcomers arriving every month.

The Prism Riot band lifted the roof off the OLEC with outstanding praise music every Sunday, and we congratulated our band leader, Natalie Duncan on her transition from leading our music ministry to being a full time mom and musician. We welcomed a new band leader, Peter Simons, and we continue to raise the roof with outstanding music from the Prism Riot band each week.

We celebrate the fact that GUMC offers two options for worship – it is rare to find a church large enough to offer a variety of traditional and alternative – and we celebrate the spirit of unity that keeps us as one big family in spite of West Street physically dividing the campus.We have folks who come to Prism one week, and traditional services the next because they enjoy both. We have Prism folks that attend Sunday School classes on the main campus then come across the street at 11:00 for the Sunday celebration.

Whatever your style, you can find what you’re looking for at GUMC. I thank God for the privilege to serve here amongst such loving and energetic people!

A D U L T E D U C A T I O N

U L T U C A T I O N

“I am grateful for the programs and support I have received through the Adult Education ministry. I was immediately welcomed into the Wesley 2.0 Sunday School class during my very first visit at GUMC. I was impressed by the comradery and warmth of the class members and was quickly received into membership. Being able to participate in a variety of different Bible study courses offered throughout the week, is important to me.This not only gives me a small group setting to explore topics more intimately but I am able to fellowship with other members that I may not cross paths with on Sunday mornings. It has only been a year since joining and my life has already been enriched more than I could have imagined thanks to the Adult Education ministry.”

“I am grateful for the programs and support I have received through the Adult Education ministry. I was immediately welcomed into the Wesley 2.0 Sunday School class during my very first visit at GUMC. I was impressed by the comradery and warmth of the class members and was quickly received into membership. Being able to participate in a variety of different bible study courses offered throughout the week, is important to me. This not only gives me a small group setting to explore topics more intimately but I am able to fellowship with other members that I may not cross paths with on Sunday mornings. It has only been a year since joining and my life has already been enriched more than I could have imagined thanks to the Adult Education ministry.” - Leigh Adams

- Leigh Adams

ANNUAL WOMEN’S RETREAT

Women gathered for our Annual Women’s retreat

SUNDAY SCHOOL

Average combined weekly attendance for Sunday School classes

SUNDAY SCHOOL

Sunday School classes meet each week

BIBLE STUDIES

Bible Studies and small groups meet over the course of a year

SPECIAL SPEAKERS

Church & Society hosted 3 speakers including Dr. Scott Morris, Kevin Ritz, and Rabbi Micah Greenstein

C H I L D R E N ’ S M I N I S T R Y

I L D R E N ’ S N I S T R Y

“GUMC Children's Ministry is an important part of our family's faith journey. Discovering a relationship with God in an environment that's fun and open to curiosity has helped our daughter begin to understand her own personal faith. I love that she has multiple adult leaders as role models now, and that she sees our church as her own special place.” - Lauren K.

“GUMC Children's Ministry is an important part of our family's faith journey. Discovering a relationship with God in an environment that's fun and open to curiosity has helped our daughter begin to understand her own personal faith. I love that she has multiple adult leaders as role models now, and that she sees our church as her own special place.” - Lauren King

GUMP CHAPEL

Amount of times Natalie Adkinson led Chapel for GUMP throughout the year

WEEKLY ATTENDANCE

Average number of kids in attendance each week

WORSHIP ON WEDNESDAY

Average weekly attendance for WOW

IGNITE RETREAT

4th and 5th graders attended the IGNITE Retreat

EASTER EGG HUNT

FALL FEST

People attended Fall Fest

JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

Children attended our Easter Egg Hunt Children attended Journey to Bethlehem Children attended

C O N G R E G A T I O N A L & E L D E R C A R E

“The congregational care team has been an invaluable source of support and guidance in my life. From offering compassionate listening to organizing practical assistance during difficult times, their presence has provided a sense of belonging and comfort within the community. Their dedication to fostering a caring environment has truly made a positive impact on my spiritual journey.” -

Jill Lopez

FLOWER MINISTRY

Bouquets from Sanctuary flower arrangements are repurposed and delivered to members who are homebound

HOMEBOUND VISITS

Visits are made to those who are homebound or may be ill

COMMUNION MINISTRY

On Communion Sunday, we will soon be taking Communion to those who are homebound

PRAYER MINISTRY

Volunteers arrive before services and pray throughout the church for all who enter the sanctuary before worship begins

FIRST TIME VISITS

GUMC information welcome bags with fresh cookies are provided to first time visitors

GRIEF MINISTRY

Staff and volunteers stay in touch with someone who has suffered a close familial loss for a year

NOTECARD MINISTRY

Staff and volunteers work together to write handwritten notes to individuals in need of prayer

PASTORAL CARE TEAM

Hospital visits, ministry to the bereaved, and weekly prayer over church concerns

C O N G R E G A T I O N A L & E L D E R C A R E

Continued

“The Elder Care Ministry of Germantown United Methodist Church has the privilege of walking with members and their families during some of the most difficult times of their lives. It offers support and guidance, comfort, encouragement and prayer as individuals and families adjust to the challenges of aging – whether they remain at home, move to an independent community, assisted living or memory care, or during hospitalization and rehabilitation. As one member stated, ‘My relationship with the Lord has been sustained and blessed by the guidance offered, and by the visits, flowers, and home communion offered. It has gotten me through some of the worst of times so I can enjoy the better times.’” - Beverly Rhoads

The Elder Care Ministry of Germantown United Methodist Church has the privilege of walking with members and their families during some of the most difficult times of their lives. It offers support and guidance, comfort, encouragement and prayer as individuals and families adjust to the challenges of aging – whether they remain at home, move to an independent community, assisted living or memory care, or during hospitalization and rehabilitation. As one member stated, “My relationship with the Lord has been sustained and blessed by the guidance offered, and by the visits, flowers, and home communion offered. It has gotten me through some of the worst of times so I can enjoy the better times”. - Beverly Rhoads

CALLING MINISTRY

Individuals who may be shut-ins, absent from church or who may be ill are phoned to check in on them

MEAL MINISTRY

On occasion, meals are delivered to families or persons in need during a difficult time

underemployed

CAREER TRANSITION TEAM

An established group aids in those seeking employment or those who are

“It’s easy to judge the success of the Children’s Consignment Sale based on the amount of money raised for women’s missions, more than $270,000 in the last fourteen years alone, but the impact on lives goes way beyond the money. Another measure of success is providing a place to shop for families who come to the sale to buy good quality items for their children they couldn’t otherwise afford, some even driving from north Mississippi and Arkansas to do so.” - Lauren Boswell

370

9

GUWF’s circles promote fellowship through service, learning, and engagement, including fundraising, volunteer work, provision of meals for homebound members, Bible studies, speaker presentations, book discussions, and social events.

“Germantown United Methodist Preschool (GUMP) has been a special place for our three children over the years. GUMP was the first school our daughter attended for preschool, and now our twin boys are currently in the 2’s Panda class. We continue to choose to send our children to GUMP for many reasons, but the main reasons are because we have been extremely pleased with the safe environment the school provides for our children, along with the education they give to each student. Also, we cannot say enough positive remarks for the staff at GUMP. The kindness, dedication, and Christian attitudes we have experienced from Administrators to the classroom teachers, and even with the staff members we see in carpool line all make us love this school!” -Maria & Chad F.

156

135

LITTLE FRIENDS

Amount currently enrolled at GUMP

FAMILIES

Amount of families served by GUMP

YEARS

50

December 2024, GUMP will celebrate 50 years of serving families

CALENDAR & HOURS

PRESCHOOL HOURS: 9:30 am - 2:30 pm

TEACHERS

SCHOOL YEAR:

Runs from Mid-August to Mid-May

EXTENDED CARE HOURS: (OPTIONAL)

Before Care: 7:30 am - 9:30 am; After care: 2:30 pm - 5:30 pm

Well-qualified, nurturing teachers truly care about the growth and development of each child

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Extra curricular activities include Chapel, Social-Emotional Learning, and music classes for ages 3 and up

G.R.A.C.E

A program for children with special needs

GUMP serves children 9 months to 5 years of age in a friendly student centered atmosphere. GUMP is a three-star rated program with TN-DHS and has a developmentally appropriate curriculum based upon the TN Early Learning Developmental Standards.

H E A L T H & R E C R E A T I O N

H E A L T H &

“I played Pickleball for the first time at the OLEC on Ground Hog Day in 2019. Someone invited me to play and handed me a paddle. An hour later I Had a new favorite sport, more of a new addiction, really. Five years later I still love to play Pickleball, talk about Pickleball, and teach beginner classes. But the real blessing has been the community of caring, funny, very special people that welcomed me on that Ground Hog Day and still put up with me every day.” -

“I played Pickleball for the first time at the OLEC on Groundhog Day in 2019. Someone invited me to play and handed me a paddle. An hour later, I had a new favorite sport, more of a new addiction, really. Five years later I still love to play Pickleball, talk about Pickleball, and teach beginner classes. But the real blessing has been the community of caring, funny, very special people that welcomed me on that Groundhog Day and still put up with me every day.” -

Dick Carruth

19 10

8 125

Basketball teams

Dick Carruth BASKETBALL GYM

New pieces of weight and cardio equipment have been installed in our full service exercise facility

The OLEC is a full service exercise facility with a newly-updated weight room, cardio room, walking track, and open gym time. All of this is FREE to church members! Contact any of our staff if you have questions or would like information on group classes or personal training.

M A I N T E N A N C E

M A I N T E N A N C E

“Our fabulous maintenance crew, comprised of a dedicated team of skilled individuals, worked tirelessly throughout the summer to rehab and renovate the Huddle, our beloved elementary worship space. Their unwavering commitment and exceptional craftsmanship have been instrumental in transforming the Huddle into a vibrant and inviting environment for our young worshippers. Their attention to detail and meticulous workmanship have truly elevated the Huddle to new heights. Their efforts have not gone unnoticed, as our community is immensely grateful for their dedication and hard work. The renovated space now stands as a testament to their expertise and commitment to providing a top-notch worship experience for our elementary students.”

“Our fabulous maintenance crew, comprised of a dedicated team of skilled individuals, worked tirelessly throughout the summer to rehab and renovate the Huddle, our beloved elementary worship space. Their unwavering commitment and exceptional craftsmanship have been instrumental in transforming the Huddle into a vibrant and inviting environment for our young worshippers. Their attention to detail and meticulous workmanship have truly elevated the Huddle to new heights. Their efforts have not gone unnoticed, as our community is immensely grateful for their dedication and hard work. The renovated space now stands as a testament to their expertise and commitment to providing a topnotch worship experience for our elementary students.”

-Natalie Adkinson

-Natalie Adkinson

CEILING TILE

7,200

BUILDING REQUESTS

1,039

ROOF REPLACED

PRESCOTT DECK HUDDLE RENOVATION

Square feet of ceiling tile in the Preschool was removed, sanitized and replaced by maintenance crew along with the Handy Helpers in one weekend.

Amount of building requests completed

Roof was replaced in preschool, Huddle, Chapel, main sanctuary and the main office area

Two heating and air units replaced

Rooms throughout campus were painted by our maintenance team

Deck at the Prescott house repaired

Huddle renovation project consisting of building a large storage area, replacement of all ceiling tiles, fresh paint, new sign and a 90” TV

Roof was replaced in Preschool, Huddle, Chapel, Sanctuary and the Main Office area

M E N ’ S M I N I S T R Y

M E N ’ S M I N I S T R Y

“On Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at the early hour of 6:30, many GUMC men gather in the Fellowship Hall for Bible study, prayer, and social sharing. I attend both days as I find each to be spiritually rewarding in different ways. Tuesdays usually 7-10 guys spend an hour studying the Bible or other spiritual resources and engaging in lots of discussion for today’s relevancy. On Wednesdays, Jimmy Wright and Randy Lewis lead us in a devotion from Disciplines for that week. Often 30-40 or more men attend and prayer concerns are shared before a closing group prayer. At 7:00 am, many then reconvene at Chick-fil-A for breakfast and conversation. We all consider these times as critical in our journey and all men are welcome.” -

John Ueleke

8 35 45

TUESDAY MEN’S SONRISE GROUP

On average around 7-10 men meet each Tuesday morning from 6:30-7:30 am to

WEDNESDAY RUTHERFORD MEN’S PRAYER GROUP

On average around 30-40 men meet each Wednesday from 6:30-7:30 am to pray

UNITED METHODIST MEN’S BREAKFAST

On average 35-45 men come together each month for breakfast and this group supports local missions organizations such a Manna House, Jacob’s Well and other local groups in need

FOOD GLEANING AND REDISTRIBUTION

The Wednesday prayer group along with the Gilbert Sunday School class support the Sunday “food gleaning and redistribution” ministry where donated food from Trader Joe’s is taken to the less fortunate

SAFETY TEAM

Members of the safety team continue to train for medical incidents and other safety and security needs for the congregation

“Urban Missions Initiative (UMI) strives to serve the homeless and despondent neighbors of the Memphis downtown community.We do this through many efforts, however our primary support goes to a Pastor and mentor, Eric McCright, who interacts with young men recently out of incarceration, who want to reconnect with society through faith based counseling. We provide Eric with monthly financial support enabling him to continue this much needed ministry.

Additionally, UMI and GUMC collectively support Jacob’s Well, a downtown ministry to the homeless and disenfranchised members of the Memphis community. We not only provide financial aid, both from UMI and GUMC, we are present for Saturday evening services where a meal is served along with a church service. We participate in driving the church bus to provide transportation for local neighbors and aid in the distribution of clothes from the clothes closet. We also offer counseling and encouragement to those members when possible.” -

Tom Edwards

M I S S I O N S

M I S S I O N S

M I S S I O N S

“The impact that GUMC has had on the Alturas Ministries in Costa Rica is incalculable! Children, who are surrounded by prostitution, drug and human trafficking, gangs and hit men, have heard the gospel and have chosen to be light instead of darkness in this world. Without GUMC,this would not be possible! So without GUMC providing this for our 65 kids, the kids would be out of school on the street. Thanks to GUMC, 7 kids have graduated High School, a feat difficult to accomplish in this area.”

“The impact that GUMC has had on the Alturas Ministries in Costa Rica is incalculable! Children, who are surrounded by prostitution, drug and human trafficking, gangs and hit men, have heard the gospel and chosen to be light instead of darkness in this world. Without GUMC,this would not be possible! So without GUMC buying this for our 65 kids, the kids would be out of school on the street. Thanks to GUMC, 7 kids have graduated High School, a feat difficult to accomplish in this area.” - Amy Speake

- Amy Speake, Director of Alturas

Ministries

$408,818

86

70

200 65

$13,978

More than $408,818 was given towards Mission organizations that GUMC supports (This amount includes money raised from Merry Missions Market, Sunday Schools, Germantown United Women in Faith and Men’s groups)

MERRY MISSIONS MARKET

Funds were received and given to the Merry Missions Market organizations (Amount included in the above figure)

YOUTH MISSION HOURS

Mission Hours were accumulated between the middle and high schoolers over the summer devoted to 901 Mission Camp, S.O.S, Mountain Top and Room in the Inn

CHRISTMAS GIFTS

Gifts were provided for the children attending United Methodist Neighborhood Centers of Memphis

PROJECT TRANSFORMATION

Children were helped with their literacy skills and as a result, the students maintained or increased their reading levels

ALTURAS MINISTRIES

Children were provided with school supplies and uniforms because of the generosity of GUMC to this ministry headed by our very own Amy Speake

WEEKEND FOOD PROGRAM

3,300

MISSIONS ROOM IN THE INN

2,650

Bags of Food Packed

Bags of food were packed between September and December for around 200 children for the Weekend Food Program established by our very own Barbara Schanson

Hours were volunteered by GUMC for Room in the Inn, providing hot meals, overnight stays, and laundered clothes

M I S S I O N S

During the winter weather, four different denominations pulled together to allow 12 people not to worry about how they would keep warm and safe for four nights. This group included a newly homeless family who did not have to experience a warming center with no beds. One of our hosts said she was wowed thinking about how God watched over us as we showed amazing Holy Hospitality to our guests. Working together as a partnership was a small sacrifice compared to the blessings the guests received. I think both guests and hosts were blessed. - Alise Davis

“During the winter weather, Germantown United Methodist along with three other denominations pulled together to allow 12 people not to worry about how they would keep warm and safe for four nights. This group included a newly homeless family who did not have to experience a warming center with no beds. One of our hosts said she was wowed thinking about how God watched over us as we showed amazing Holy Hospitality to our guests. Working together as a partnership was a small sacrifice compared to the blessings the guests received. I think both guests and hosts were blessed.”

- Alise Davis

ORGANIZATIONS

24

REELFOOT RURAL MINISTRIES

500

500+

8,000

30 150

Backpacks with School supplies

Organizations were supported throughout Memphis, Russia, Kenya, Costa Rica and Haiti pounds of clothing & other items were donated

Toys for the Christmas Store were donated

TEAM READ

Hours were spent coaching 2nd graders on reading skills through Team Read

YOUTH LEADERSHIP MEMPHIS

Volunteer hours were given to help at-risk boys learn business and life skills through work and mentoring

GUMC Missions transforms the lives of children, the homeless, and senior citizens by supporting, both financially and through volunteering with our partner organizations. Missions is a vital and growing part of our church as we seek to follow John Wesley’s advice to “do all the good we can.”

“Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.” – John Wesley, founder of Methodism

M U S I C M I N I S T R Y

“I started singing in my church choirs when I was about 10 and have sung here at GUMC off and on since around 1994. I have always felt the music is more of a blessing for me than for those listening. Sometimes the words or the power of the music overwhelm me and the participation always solidifies my relationship with our Savior.” - Dotty Carter

32

Eva McPeters retired after 32 years of dedicated service as our organist

43

Members in our Chancel Choir

12

Members in our Testimony Youth Choir

53

13

PRISM BAND

5

O L D E R A D U L T S

O L D E R A D U L T S

“My joining GUMC last October was one of my best decisions. I visited GUMC last spring and could not stop attending. Two Hospitality Committee members visited me. I find the attractive XYZ activities to be diverse and well organized. The Brown Bag Lunch Speakers are age-focused and varied. I joined Fellowship Forum, a participatory aged-oriented Sunday School class. I value the theme-based, scripture-based church services: I listen and learn. As an older adult, GUMC is the place for me.”

“My joining GUMC last October was one of my best decisions. I visited GUMC last spring and could not stop attending. Two Hospitality Committee members visited me. I find the attractive XYZ activities to be diverse and well organized. The Brown Bag Lunch Speakers are age-focused and varied. I joined Fellowship Forum, a participatory aged-oriented Sunday School class. I value the theme-based, scripturebased church services: I listen and learn. As an older adult, GUMC is the place for me.”

-Lyn Windsor 28

- Lyn Windsor

417

309 28

Our older adults simply refuse to act their age…and that’s good! There are endless opportunities for older adults to be involved with life at our church. Whether going on a day trip, hearing a speaker and enjoying lunch, playing bridge, or taking classes at the Owings Life Enrichment Center, you are bound to meet some nice people and enjoy the fun and fellowship.

Our events are for everyone—singles and couples—and our activities are open to anyone age 55 and older regardless of church membership.

S T A F F

“At the core of GUMC are our members who volunteer their time and talents to teach and serve and our dedicated staff who approach their work more as a calling than a job. As a church, we are blessed to have a staff that is so talented and committed to living into our mission of loving and serving Christ and transforming lives. Each member of our clergy team brings unique and complementary skills. Together, they share the church’s vision and provide leadership for our church, with a passion for teaching, preaching, and ministering to congregational needs.” - Joel Myers

W O R S H I P

“The Prism Church service has fostered love, acceptance, individuality, spiritual growth, and community. We were invited to Prism Church by the pastor, led to stay by The Holy Spirit, became quickly plugged in to various volunteer roles, were able to develop relationships with other Jesus followers, and able to worship God freely, joyfully, and expectantly. Church isn't just for Sundays; the songs inoculate our minds throughout the week, and the pastors make themselves available, approachable, and relatable. All for God's Glory!" -

Glenna Rodgers

AVERAGE WORSHIP ATTENDANCE

651

3

5

People attended Sunday morning worship services per week

WEEKLY WORSHIP SERVICES

Worship services for both Traditional & Alternative services take place each Sunday

ECUMENICAL SERVICES

Worship services took place with our neighbors from St. George’s Episcopal, Germantown Presbyterian, and New Bethel Baptist

MULTIPLE SPECIAL SERVICES

Multiple services throughout the year including Evensong, Sunrise service, and Christmas Eve service

“We are blessed that Germantown United Methodist Church offers worship services at multiple times and in varied formats. Our traditional services at 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. on Sunday mornings offer scripture and sermons aligned with the Revised Common Lectionary. These services incorporate congregational hymns and musical offerings that include children, youth, and adult choirs, handbells, pipe organ, and piano. Members and visitors can expect a warm greeting, exceptional hospitality, and transformative worship. All are invited to participate in Holy Communion the first Sunday of each month. Infant baptisms and welcoming new members are truly special occasions. In our worship, we honor God and embrace our rich heritage through the sacred space, liturgy, and timeless rituals of our United Methodist tradition. All are welcome!” -

Randy Lewis

Y O U T H M I N I S T R Y

Y O U T H M I N I S T R Y

“On Sunday, at the tail end of the snow storm I had asked all the kids who wanted to stay home and who wanted to go to church. I was trying to gauge if we were going to go and Rosie, who is going thru confirmation, looked at me and said yes I want to go because Chloe makes confirmation so much fun. My son who is 6 also said yes I want to go to learn.” - Wesley Penn CHILLAX

“On Sunday, at the tail end of the snow storm, I had asked all the kids who wanted to stay home and who wanted to go to church. I was trying to gauge if we were going to go and Rosie, who is going through confirmation, looked at me and said ‘yes I want to go because Chloe makes confirmation so much fun.’ My son, who is 6, also said ‘yes I want to go to learn.’” - Wesley Penn

Middle schoolers attended Chillax - The Middle School Lock-In 6th Grade students joined the church through confirmation People

“At the core of GUMC are our members who volunteer their time and talents to teach and serve and our dedicated staff who approach their work more as a calling than a job. As a church, we are blessed to have a staff that is so talented and committed to living into our mission of loving and serving Christ and transforming lives. Each member of our clergy team brings unique and complementary skills. Together, they share the church’s vision and provide leadership for our church, with a passion for teaching, preaching, and ministering to congregational needs.” - Joel Myers

“The most frequent questions people ask me about GUMC is for a number….what our membership is, or worship service attendance. I get it - numbers are important to the life of a church. A church not moving forward is a church going out of business. As this page demonstrates our numbers are strong and going in the right direction. However, numbers don’t tell the backstory about what our church, or more accurately what our members are doing to minister to our neighbors and community. Spreading the news of Christ and being his hands and feet is the real story of GUMC and what I believe will attract increasingly diverse members who push us further into the community to do the Lord’s work.” - Marc Tate

G E N E R O S I T Y

GENEROSITY STATEMENT

We are called to joyfully and gratefully share our blessings to transform lives for God’s glory. We believe that the discipline of generosity helps us to live out our calling to invest in our church’s ministry, to love others, and impact the world. God calls us to be faithful stewards and share the many blessings He has provided for us.

Gratitude & Joy

We are thankful for the many blessings God has given to us, and it is with great joy that we share these blessings. We seek to not only experience God’s blessings but to participate in growing His kingdom. [2 Corinthians 9:7, 11]

Stewardship

We know that the source of everything we have is God, and we are meant to be faithful stewards of the abundance we have been given. Our goal is to live a life that reflects His gifts with our financial resources as well as our time, talents, prayers, and witness. [1 Chronicles 29:12]

Heart & Soul

We seek to be Spirit-led, open-hearted, and open-handed as we work to live generous lives. Growing in generosity is a pathway along our spiritual/faith journey. When we follow this path, our heart is in God’s kingdom, not in this world’s. [Matthew 6:21, 24]

Impact

We know that God can perform miracles and, just like the multiplication of the loaves and fishes, our generosity can multiply to impact those here at home and throughout the world. By using our resources to touch lives outside our church, we make a difference in the way others see and feel the impact of His love firsthand. [Acts 4:34-35]

OUR CORE VALUES WAYS TO GIVE

• Cash or check given in the offering plate or by mail

• Electronic Giving

Website: shelbygiving.com/app/ giving/germantownumc

HAVE YOU CONSIDERED A PLANNED GIFT TO GUMC?

• Venmo: @GermantownUMC

• Text: “GIVE” to 901-910-1220

A planned gift is any charitable gift made during life or at death that is part of your overall estate plan. Planned gifts can include a percentage or a specific cash amount of your will, trust, life insurance, or retirement account. Planned gifts can also include appreciated assets, like stock or real estate, as well as income-generating current gifts, such as charitable gift annuities or charitable remainder trusts. Offering a planned gift will sustain the mission and ministries of GUMC for future generations. If you would like more information, contact Scott Alford, our Executive Minister, or Sharon Panis, our Financial Manager.

901-754-7216

germantownumc.org

2331 S. Germantown Rd

Germantown, TN 38138

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