April Tidings 2024

the Tidings

Springtime: Honoring Our Role as Stewards

APRIL 2024

The month of April brings springtime fully upon us. And spring is an appropriate time to remember our responsibility to care for God’s creation. The concept of creation care represents a responsibility of God’s people to protect the natural world. This responsibility stems from the understanding that we, as stewards of God’s world, are not simply beneficiaries of its resources, but also custodians tasked with preserving its health for generations to come.

There are scriptural reasons for this understanding. Consider that in the beginning, humanity was given the responsibility to care for God’s creation. In Genesis 2:15 it is written, “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.”

Some other scriptures that demonstrate God’s concern for creation:

 If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

 Ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds of the air, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish of the sea inform you. Which of these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind. Job 12:7-10

 Are two sparrows not sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. Matthew 10:29

 How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. Psalm 104:24

 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Psalm 19:1

 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. John 1:1-3

John Wesley saw evidence of God in creation. He once preached:

“The pure of heart see all things full of God. They see him in the firmament of heaven, in the moon walking in brightness, in the sun when he rejoiceth as a giant to run his course. They see him ‘making the clouds his chariots and walking upon the wings of the wind.’ They see him ‘preparing rain for the earth,’ ‘and blessing the increase of it.’” John Wesley, Sermon 23, “Sermon on the Mount, III,” §I.1, Works 1:513.

Tim Carpenter Senior Pastor

Senior Pastor

Rev. Tim Carpenter

...Continued from page 1

And the early church fathers were aware of the importance of creation in our faith.

 “For even creation reveals Him who formed it, and the very work made suggests Him who made it, and the world manifests Him who ordered it. The Universal Church, moreover, through the whole world, has received this understanding from the Apostles themselves.” St. Irenaeus of Lyons (129-203), Against Heresies (Book II, Chapter 9)

 I want creation to penetrate you with so much admiration that wherever you go, the least plant may bring you the clear remembrance of the Creator A single plant, a blade of grass is sufficient to occupy all your intelligence in contemplation of the skill which produced it. St. Basil the Great (329-379) Hexaemeron. Homily 5.2-3

 “Some people, in order to discover God, read books. But there is a great book: the very appearance of created things. Look above you! Look below you! Note it. Read it. God, whom you want to discover, never wrote that book with ink. Instead, He set before your eyes the things that He had made. Can you ask for a louder voice than that?” St. Augustine (354-430), Sermon 126.6 in the Angelo Mai collection, Miscellanea Agustiniana

Beyond scriptural considerations, there's a strong practical case for creation care. The well-being of human societies is intricately linked to the health of the environment. Issues like climate change, pollution, and deforestation pose significant threats to human health, food security, and economic stability. Certainly, reasonable disagreements exist in discussing problems and solutions. But acknowledging that humanity has a responsibility to care for God’s creation is a step all of us can take, and each of us can do our part in participating in God’s direction to humanity to “work and take care of” the creation. By safeguarding the environment, we safeguard the future for all.

The Social Principles of the United Methodist Church states, in part:

All creation is the Lord’s, and we are responsible for the ways in which we use and abuse it. Water, air, soil, minerals, energy resources, plants, animal life, and space are to be valued and conserved because they are God’s creation and not solely because they are useful to human beings. God has granted us stewardship of creation. We should meet these stewardship duties through acts of loving care and respect. ¶ 160. I. THE NATURAL WORLD

Creation care is not a burden, but an opportunity. It's an opportunity to live in harmony with God’s creation, ensure a healthy future for us and future generations, and fulfill our role as responsible stewards of this magnificent planet we call home. By working together, individuals, communities, and institutions can make significant strides towards a more sustainable and flourishing future for all.

As stewards of God’s creation, here are some “takeaways” to consider this spring.

 Take notice of God’s creation and the blessings around you.

 Take care to do no harm of that part of God’s creation which is in your control to do so.

 Take stock to do all the good you can where you can.

 Take actions to try and change things for the better.

 Take steps to improve personal and household habits of stewardship.

 Take into account that others in the world who are less fortunate desperately need resources conserved and protected.

 Take quality time in the outdoors to say “Thank you” to our Lord who created it all.

Executive Minister

Rev. Dr. Scott Alford | salford@germantownumc.org

The Great Fifty Days

We know through scripture how ancient Israel observed yearly festivals commemorating their lives and how God had called them and brought them forth from slavery in Egypt. Likewise, the early Christians realized how they had been rescued from slavery to sin and death. It was significant to the disciples and the early Christians that Jesus was crucified at Passover time (when Jews celebrated their freedom from slavery.) The old Jewish event of deliverance was made complete through Jesus Christ. So, just as the early Christians focused on Sunday as being the focal point of the week, it was fitting that there be a focal point of the year around the Jewish Passover.

Rev. Dr. Scott Alford Executive Minister

Some debate occurred about the dating of Easter. Should Christians follow the Jewish dating of Passover or not? In the 4th century, it was agreed that Easter must always be celebrated on a Sunday. The lamb of Passover was sacrificed on the 14th day of the month. Later, in Western Europe, Christians dated Easter on the Sunday after the first full moon on or after March 21. Also, by the end of the 4th century, Holy Week was complete. Augustine wrote: “It is clear from the Gospel on what days the Lord was crucified and rested in the tomb and rose again” and that the church has “a requirement of retaining those same days.”

However, Easter is more than a day. It’s a season – the Great Fifty Days. It is based on a fifty day Jewish festival (Festival of Weeks) that began two days after the beginning Passover and lasted until the day which later became the Day of Pentecost.

In Leviticus 23:16, we read: “You shall count until the day after the seventh sabbath, fifty days; then you shall present an offering of new grain to the Lord.” During the 1st century, this fiftieth day came to reflect, for the Jews, the giving of the Torah at Mt. Sinai. For Christians, it commemorated the birthday of the church, when wind and flame were experienced by the disciples.

Easter is more than a day. It’s a season...

In Deuteronomy 16:9-12 we read: “You shall count seven weeks; begin to count the seven weeks from the time the sickle is first put to the standing grain. Then you shall keep the festival of weeks for the Lord your God, contributing a freewill offering in proportion to the blessing that you have received from the Lord your God. Rejoice before the Lord your God – you and your sons and your daughters, your male, and female slaves, the Levites resident in your towns, as well as the strangers, the orphans, and the widows who are among you at the place that the Lord your God will choose as a dwelling for his name. Remember that you were a slave in Egypt, and diligently observe these statutes.”

For almost four centuries, Christians had remembered both the Day of Pentecost and the Ascension together. However, by the end of the 4th century, the Church had separated them. Referencing a mention of 40 days in Acts 1:3, the Day of Ascension was fixed on the 40th day after Easter.

Easter and Pentecost – the first and last days of the oldest and most important season in the Christian year. May the Great Fifty Days be for us a source of blessing and joy as we celebrate the fact that our Redeemer lives.

Spring is finally here! We have some exciting things to look forward to this month happening over at the Prism celebration. This month we will be celebrating the Youth Confirmation Service outdoors in beautiful McVay Park on Sunday, April 7, at 5:00 pm. Come on out to help celebrate our youth as they take their next step on their lifelong journey with Jesus. (Bring a lawn chair just in case we have a big crowd.)

Then, on April 28, we are so excited to begin our new message series called: “The Adventures of John Wesley and our Methodist History!” If you’ve ever had questions about what it really means to be a Methodist, or why is it that we do the things we do, all of your questions will be answered in this six-week series. You will hear amazing stories about our founder that you may not have heard before. John Wesley had some pretty big adventures especially when he traveled to America to try to convert the American Indians! We have a rich history and heritage, and I’m thrilled to be able to teach on this subject this Spring! (I’m a huge John Wesley fan myself.)

Don’t forget to take your antihistamine, and invite your FRANS (Friends, Relatives, Neighbors, Associates and Strangers) to meet us at 11 am on Sunday mornings for the Prism celebration each week!

Sundays | 11:00 am Owings Life Enrichment Center

Yolanda Toney | ytoney@germantownumc.org | 901-754-7216

The Messiah Is Among Us

Someone gave me a small book that I added to my beside reading pile. Just recently, I picked up “Holy Moments” and began to read. One of the first stories I read was about a group of joyful monks who lost their joy. Their leader was perplexed. He couldn’t figure out how they lost their joy, and he couldn’t figure out how to get it back. He traveled up a mountain to visit his hermit friend for advice. After they spent some quality time together, the hermit told the monk to return to the monastery and tell the other monks, “The Messiah is among you.”

There is more to the story, but the short version is the monks understood the message, they started to treat each other better, gradually the joy returned, and the monastery flourished. A village even formed around it.

As we worship and fellowship together, be reminded that the Messiah is STILL among us.

“So deeply do we care for you that we are determined to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you have become very dear to us.”

~ 1 Thessalonians 2:8

Rev.

Rev. Mimi White

Congregational Care

Yolanda Toney | ytoney@germantownumc.org | 901-754-7216

Are you being called from the pews into the mission field?

• Prayer Ministry - Join a team of volunteers who arrive 30-45 minutes before worship to pray throughout the church for all who enter the sanctuary before worship begins. The team also prays with the pastors. New members are welcome.

Contact Ruth M. King, 901-233-7495 or ruthmking@bellsouth.net

• Welcoming First-Time Visitors - GUMC Welcome Bags with information and cookies are provided for first-time visitors. Volunteers may occasionally bake, phone, and/or deliver welcome bags to guests’ homes or meet on Sunday at church.

Contact Sue Myers, 901-756-7919 or joelmyers1@comcast.net.

To serve in the following ministries, Contact Yolanda Toney, 901-754-7216 or ytoney@germantownumc.org:

• Grief Ministry - Commit to stay in touch with a person, who has suffered a close familial loss, for a year. Regularity of contact would be determined by the person affected by the loss and you. Contact might include calls, notes, or visits.

• Note/Card Writing Ministry - Once a month or less you will write notes to assigned persons. Adults, youth, and children may contribute to this ministry.

• Calling Ministry - Monthly or bi-monthly (determined by you) you will call assigned persons to check in with them. These people may be ill, shut-ins, or may be absent from church for several Sundays.

• Meal Ministry - Occasionally persons or families may appreciate a meal during a difficult time. You would make the meal or purchase a meal and deliver it.

• Career Transition Team - An established group that aids those seeking employment or those who are underemployed.

https://sites.google.com/a/thectgroups.org/the-ct-groups/home/Groups/Memphis-CT.

To volunteer in the following Elder Care ministries, contact Susan Crowson, (901)758-6508 or scrowson@germantownumc.org.

• Flower Ministry - After worship, altar flowers are separated into small vases and delivered to homebound. Your time commitment is up to you.

• Visits to Homebound - Occasionally you may be asked to visit those who are homebound or persons who may be ill.

• Home Communion Ministry - On Communion Sunday, you will take Communion to assigned homebound.

Stewardship

To Give:

Go to our church website www.germantownumc.org and click on Ways to Give.

“Then the people rejoiced because they had given willingly, for with a whole heart they had offered freely to the Lord…I (King David) have seen Your people…offering freely and joyously to You.”

(1 Chronicles 29:9, 17)

If reading this digitally, click here to give

Right now, your gifts are hard at work helping GUMC be the hands and feet of Christ in our community, our region, and the world. Scan to Give

Have you had a chance to view GUMC’s Annual Report?

If not, click here to see the many great things God has accomplished through GUMC last year! (or scan this QR code)

of February 29, 2024

Donna Haley, Hospitality Committee Chair

Hospitality Pickleball Style!

(By Alice Clare Colville, Hospitality Team Member )

Here are some responses:

With our mission statement prominently displayed in the OLEC Lobby, GUMC pickleballers take delight in welcoming guest players five days a week to the courts.

Lisa Bell and Gordon Kelly are always on hand to oversee the sign-in and to offer big smiles as the eager players arrive.

Players quickly assemble four players per court across three courts and the familiar “whop whop” begins. Soon cheers or groans ring out as good or missed hits occur. Laughter dominates.

We asked our guests:

“I needed friends.” “Everyonemakes me feel welcomed.”

“Thecourts are great. Thefolks are so friendly.”

“Everyone is fair.”

“I love it that everyoneis just kind, kind, kind.”

“Thefacilities are wonderful. Always so clean!”

“Itis great exercise in a friendly environment.”

“Even when I’m having a bad day, when I come here,it’s all OK.”

“

There’s a wide varietyof kind people I like being around.”

“I’ve madeso many new friends.”

“Thehospitality of the wholechurch is amazing.”

Churchwide

Church & Society Speaker’s Series

Caring for God's Creation: The United Methodist Way

Sunday, April 14, 2024

9:30-10:30 am | Fellowship Hall

Speaker: Dr. Dan Joranko, Coordinator of the Creation Cares Team for the Tennessee Western Kentucky Conference

The introduction to the UMC Social Principles: Natural World begins:

“All creation is the Lord’s, and we are responsible for the ways in which we use and abuse it. Water, air, soil, minerals, energy resources, plants, animal life, and space are to be valued and conserved because they are God’s creation and not solely because they are useful to human beings. God has granted us stewardship of creation. We should meet these stewardship duties through acts of loving care and respect.”

Dr. Dan Joranko’s life is a reflection of his long-term passion for creation and working with people to harness their energy and creative ideas to make a difference. His role model was his grandfather, a United Methodist minister who, in the 1930’s, began protecting the shoreline along Lake Louise in Michigan from development. Eagles were going extinct; now they nest at the lake every year.

After graduating from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary with an M.Div. in 1984, he worked as a community organizer in the Chicago area, helping to pioneer innovations in energy justice to prevent heat shut-offs for low-income families. He then received a Ph.D. in Resource Development from Michigan State University, focusing on the intersection of community development and the environment. His field work led him to the Nashville area, where he became a member of Hobson United Methodist Church, an affiliation that continues to this day.

“All creation is the Lord’ s, and we are responsible for the ways in which we use and abuse it.”

UMC Social Principles: Natural World

He was a part-time instructor at Vanderbilt Divinity School for 15 years and also taught classes at the Riverbend Maximum Security Institution. He is coordinator of Tennessee Interfaith Power and Light and has been involved at the national level with the UM Creation Justice Movement. With others, he created the initial Earth Keepers program and hosted the 2019 Creation Justice Summit in Nashville.

We invite you to attend this presentation to learn how we, as United Methodists, can best care for God's creation. This presentation will cover some of the environmental challenges we face and how they can be addressed. It will also explore what the Conference Creation Care Ministry offers. Finally, it will look at practical ways that congregations, like GUMC, can be effective caretakers of God's Creation.

Dr. Dan Joranko

Each month we recognize a volunteer or volunteers who makean impactby selflessly sharing their time and talents for the betterment of our church and community.

Beverly Rhoads and Nancy Cofield - Funeral Guild Co-Chairs

The Funeral Guild was started in 2004 by Barbara Moorehead, a member of the church and wife of the late Rev. Donald Moorehead, former pastor of GUMC. Barbara recruited both Nancy and Beverly to be members of the guild, so they both have been assisting with funerals almost since its inception. Nancy became the chair of the Guild in 2016 and Beverly joined her as co-chair in 2018.

The job has changed and expanded through the years as more people choose to hold their visitation and service at the church. The addition of a Columbarium to the campus has also had an impact on the number of services held at the church. GUMC currently averages 25-30 funeral services a year. Beverly and Nancy meet ahead of the service with the families to guide them in the planning of the visitation, to let them know what the church provides, to arrange for a meal for the family, or to guide them in planning a reception. Then the guild sets up the parlor, narthex, and sanctuary for the visitation and service and oversees the mechanics of a meal or reception. Following the service, the guild restores the areas used to the original set-up.

Beverly holds a master’s degree in nursing and was in the first Stephen Ministry class at GUMC. In her words, “I am a caregiver by nature, so when I was recruited for the guild, it seemed a natural fit to help with families during such a trying time in their lives.” During her ten years on staff as GUMC’s Elder Care Health Ministries Coordinator, she worked with many families during their life transitions. Now, in her volunteer role, she is able to comfort them in their losses. Beverly explains, “It is very gratifying to be able to work with families at this time of loss, and to perhaps make this time a bit easier for them.”

Nancy joined the church in 2005. Prior to that, she and her late husband volunteered with the homeless and supported Kairos prison ministry. While her husband was on hospice care, he asked her to consider volunteering at West Clinic, where volunteers minister to patients while waiting to see a physician. But, soon after his death, Barbara Moorehead asked Nancy if she would serve on the funeral guild. According to Nancy, “In my heart, this, having experienced grief, was a better choice for me. I have served since 2009 and have been richly blessed helping families celebrate the lives of loved ones.”

Both women have been actively involved in many other ways at GUMC, including being long-time choir members. Beverly has taught children and adult Sunday school classes and group studies, served and chaired numerous committees throughout the years, including Worship Chair and Council on Ministries Chair, and is currently a member of the Executive Board of GUWF. On occasion, you can also find Beverly volunteering at the Welcome Center. Nancy is an active, long-time member of GUWF, serving on the Executive Board as well. As a member of Lamplighters class, Nancy has served as class president in addition to other leadership roles. She has also served on numerous GUMC committees, including Worship, Lay Leadership, and Development Committees. Thank you Nancy and Beverly for your many years of service!

If you are interested in becoming a member of the Funeral Guild, we would welcome you! All you need is a heart to serve people at their time of loss and the flexibility to arrange your schedule when a death occurs.

Beverly Rhoads and Nancy Cofield

Membership

Coffee with the Pastors

Sunday, April 21, 2024

9:30-10:30 am

Are you thinking about joining GUMC but would like to know more about the church?

Join us during the Sunday school hour to meet our pastors and learn about the beliefs and traditions of the United Methodist Church and get to know GUMC a bit better. You will also get to connect with fellow GUMC worshippers and learn about opportunities to serve, connect, and grow!

Please contact Mary Groh at mgroh@germanotwnumc.org if you are interested in attending.

Adult Education

Mary Groh, Director | mgroh@germantownumc.org | 901-754-7216

Monday Monthly

Book Group

4th Monday of the Month

10:00 am 12:00 pm Room 338

April 22

Remarkably Bright Creatures

by Shelby Van Pelt

There is no need to register. Just purchase the book (or check-out from the library) and join us for a spirited discussion!

May 20

America’s First Daughter by Dray and Kamoie

June 24

West with Giraffes: A Novel by Lynda Rutledge

Adult Small Group Studies Starting in April!

I Cry Aloud to God: A Lament and Hope in the Face of the Climate Crisis

Mondays, April 8 – May 6; 1:00-2:00 pm; No Cost

Facilitated by Tricia Stephenson

Finding ourselves at the boundary between lament at the current climate crisis and hope at the resurrection of Christ, we will turn to Psalm 77 to reflect on what it means to steward and protect this earth of which we are a part. This 5-part Bible study is part of the program resources created by United Women in Faith for 2024. Open to women and men.

It’s Your Funeral: Death, Dying Well, and Pre-Planning Your Service of Death and Resurrection

Tuesdays, April 2-May 7; 6:00-7:15; No Cost

Facilitated by Rev. Scott Alford, with special guests Susan Crowson, Don Rhoads, and Beverly Rhoads

Over the course of six weeks, still shining from the light of Jesus’ Day of Resurrection, we will examine the universal reality of death how we don’t like to talk about it and even deny it. We will highlight how death fits into the Divine order and explore ars moriendi (the art of dying well). Because of Jesus’ Resurrection, we can “live as those who are prepared to die,” as we often hear in our funeral liturgy. As we complete our time together, each participant will take with them a working document used to pre-plan their own funeral service. Other topics include: the history of the funeral, our official UMC order of worship, hospice, advanced directives, GUMC’s funeral guild & columbarium, and others. We are an Easter people, and death need not be feared!

Mary Groh, Director

Sunday School Snapshot

Emmaus Class

This Month’s Focus: Emmaus Class

Emmaus was formed in the fall of 1999, around 25 years ago, by a group of friends from the Wesley and Asbury Sunday school classes, along with a few others. What started off as about 6-10 people, quickly grew and is now a Sunday School class comprised of about 50+ people. We are a very supportive group and have members that are very active in the life of the church.  Many members serve on church committees from GUMP Preschool, Trustees, Worship, etc. Several of the original members are still active in the life of Emmaus and we happily welcome new members that join regularly.

Led by a rotating team of teachers, we keep the Bible at the center of our discussions on a wide range of topics. We also engage in mission efforts and social activities that help us grow closer as a community. Some of those social activities include gathering at each other’s homes for yearly Christmas parties and Superbowl gatherings as well as game nights and pool volleyball. Everyone in the class enjoys coming together for great food and fellowship. We have always been mission-minded with regular mission projects and yearly BBQ fundraisers, donating the proceeds to various charities both locally and abroad. Some of those include: Kenya mission, Golden Cross, LaLimyè in Haiti, Alturas in Costa Rica, Team Read, Project Transformation, Catholic Charities, Habitat For Humanity, and many others.

While our class is primarily ages 60 and above, we recently welcomed a couple in their 30’s who bring a youthful energy to our group. Join us for a time of fellowship, learning, and spiritual growth, Sundays at 9:30 am in the Mike Wilson Fellowship Hall!

Anne Fritz, Chairperson |

Project Transformation

A letter from Terrice Thomas Director of Memphis Programs

Project Transformation is a national program that transforms lives and connects churches to communities by providing educational opportunities for children and leadership development for young adults. Project Transformation operates eight-week summer literacy camps in high-need neighborhoods throughout Memphis. The summer program is led by young adults engaged in a faith-based ministry internship designed to develop positive leadership skills. Children, grades 1-8, participate in literacy activities as well as recreational play and exercise, creative arts, and interaction with the young interns and community volunteers who encourage and mentor youth daily.

After witnessing the lasting impact of Project Transformation in changing the lives of college-age young adults, children, and churches, Project Transformation formed an organization through an investment from the Young Clergy Initiative of the United Methodist Church’s General Board of Higher Education and Ministry. Project Transformation Tennessee has been active in the Middle Tennessee area since 2012, and it was expanded to Memphis in 2016.

In Memphis, Project Transformation has served hundreds of children and youth with the leadership of young adults across site churches in the Metro District of the Memphis Conference. We are grateful for your past support of Project Transformation childhood literacy and young adult leadership program. Through our partnership, 98 percent of children who have participated in our program have maintained or improved their reading levels, and 81 percent of young adults have stayed active in ministry or servicerelated fields after their term of service, including GUMC youth director, Ms. Chloe Granberry.

In Shelby County, 75% of third graders are not reading at grade level. On top of this, children in our community are experiencing a wide range of trauma due to the effects of living in poverty and high crime areas. According to Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have increased by 35%. Constant stress impacts brain and social development and causes lasting impacts on a child’s opportunity to fulfill their potential.

Anne Fritz, Chairperson

We believe that Project Transformation is uniquely positioned to meet these needs through our reading interventions, social emotional learning tools, and community partnerships like yours. This summer, Project Transformation will offer our 8-week summer enrichment camp at Centenary UMC for grades 1-8. We look forward to welcoming new students and expanding our relationship with returning kids, as they age from elementary to middle school.

We are asking Germantown UMC to partner with us in supporting the program at Centenary UMC in South Memphis with time in volunteering opportunities and with financial support for various activities. Partnership opportunities include:

• Praying for the program, staff, kids and interns.

• Reading with a child 3 hours per day during GUMC reading week. Training will be provided, and background check will be required.

• Provide support for collecting supplies, gift cards and snacks.

• Support a Family Fun Night with pizzas and games.

• Provide dinner and encouragement for our young adult interns.

• Purchase books and camp supplies on our Amazon wish list.

We are excited to partner with you again this year as we expand our program. Please contact our advisory council member, Mike Herringshaw, at mjherringshaw@att.net if you have any questions. Thank you for your consideration.

Our Mission

We are a welcoming community of faith, committed to:

Loving God and loving others Serving Christ and sharing Him Transforming lives and making disciples

Older Adults

Don’t Forget the April Brown Bag Lunch Program!

G. Wayne Dowdy, Author and Manager of the History Department at Memphis Public Library, will share the “Hidden History of Memphis.” This presentation will be Friday, April 5, 2024, 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.

Bring Your Treasures to the May Brown Bag Lunch Program!

When you were growing up, did your mother ever give you a dish or a vase that belonged to someone in the family and warned you never to get rid of it because it was worth a lot? Did you ever wonder whether it was just worth a lot of memories or actually worth a lot of money? Bring your items to the May Brown Bag Lunch Series, an adventure in learning sponsored by the Older Adult Council and find out. Todd Stricklin, local interior designer and owner of Todd & Company Estate Sales, will be available to give you an estimated value of jewelry, china, art, books, fabric, silver, toys, games, dolls, and anything else you can carry in your hands. You may bring only four items no pictures of items, vinyl records, stamps, coins, Orientalia, large pieces, or furniture, please. This is going to be a fun activity; you won’t believe the value of what’s in your house or attic!

Luci Cromer,

Older Adults

Chair | 901-755-0803 | luci2@comcast.net

Our Handy Helpers are waiting for your call…

The Handy Helpers Ministry Team, sponsored by the Older Adult Council, lends a “helping hand” to older adults in our church who need assistance with small repair and maintenance jobs around the house.

WHAT TYPE OF JOBS DO HANDY HELPERS DO?

• Light maintenance and repairs including small carpentry jobs such as malfunctioning doors, locks, or windows.

• Minor electrical work such as replacing light switches and light bulbs.

• Replacing smoke alarm batteries.

• Minor plumbing work such as working on “running” toilets or leaky faucets.

• Other miscellaneous jobs are considered on an individual basis.

If you are planning a larger job for your house (repainting, wood replacement, remodeling) and would like a second opinion of what really needs to be done, call Handy Helpers, and they will send someone out to take a look and talk to you about it.

Handy Helpers do not work on large or small appliances, roofs, home decorating, or on jobs requiring tall ladders.

WHAT DOES THIS SERVICE COST?

The Handy Helpers service charges only for parts and materials used in the repair. There is NO charge for labor.

TO QUALIFY FOR THE HANDY HELPERS SERVICE:

You must be a member of Germantown United Methodist Church, have homeowner’s liability insurance, and be over 60 years of age.

XYZs See Catch Me If You Can in June!

Based on the life of Frank Abagnale, Jr., this musical jet sets audiences on a high-flying wild ride through the life of a young con artist who poses as a pilot, doctor, and lawyer, all while being pursued by the FBI. Catch Me If You Can is a thrilling musical adventure that is not to be missed. Make your reservation NOW and come with us to opening night!

WHERE: Playhouse on the Square

WHEN: Friday, June 14, 2024

COST: $20 per person cost includes reserved seat and opening night reception

DEPARTURE: 6:45 pm from OLEC parking lot. (Be there by 6:30 pm)

RESERVATIONS: Call Luci Cromer, 755-0803, Gretchen Blair, 755-0797, or Garnet Brenneman, 754-3711. You must make your reservation before paying.

DEADLINE FOR MONEY and RESERVATIONS: Tuesday, May 14

Health and Wellness

In March, the Health and Wellness team had the opportunity to serve a healthy meal to the children at Worship on Wednesday. Committee member Renee Lynn, who is a Registered Dietitian, presented a brief lesson on nutrition, based on the USDA’s MyPlate guidelines, and she referenced 1st Corinthians 3:16 to explain the importance of taking care of our bodies through healthy eating.

MyPlate is a visual aid based on the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which provides nutrition advice that can help promote healthy growth and development, prevent diet-related chronic illness, and meet nutrient needs. It uses simple graphics to illustrate what a balanced meal should look like by encouraging choices from each of the five food groups.

Fruits & Vegetables: Make half of your plate fruits and/or vegetables. Fresh, frozen, canned, and dried all count. The more colors, the better!

Proteins: Choose from a variety of protein sources like lean meats, poultry, seafood, beans, soy, and nuts.

Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’ s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?

1 Corinthians 3:16 (NIV)

Grains: Choose whole grain versions of foods like bread, pasta, brown rice, and oatmeal.

Dairy: By opting for low-fat or fat-free dairy, you’ll get the same amount of calcium and other nutrients with less saturated fat and calories.

More information about MyPlate and customized meal plans can be found at www.myplate.gov.

Health and Wellness

Erica Perkins, Committee Chair | ericaLperkins84@gmail.com

Susan Crowson, Staff Liaison | scrowson@germantownumc.org | 901-758-6508

GUMC Blood Drive

Sunday, April 28 | 8 am-1 pm

The BloodMobile will be at GUMC on Sunday, April 28, from 8 am-1 pm, and we need donors!

More information and appointment sign-ups will be available soon, so please mark your calendar and help us save lives.

Elder Care Ministry

Susan Crowson, Director | scrowson@germantownumc.org | 901-758-6508

Celebrating our Senior Adults Reception

April 28, 2024 | 2-4 pm | Fellowship Hall

RSVP by April 10 (see below)

Just as the high school seniors are being honored, Alpha Class and the Elder Care Ministry wish to honor our senior adults.

On April 28, 2024, GUMC will celebrate our senior adult members, ages 80 and above, with a reception from 2-4 pm in the Mike Wilson Fellowship Hall, with music, treats, fellowship and more.

Our senior adults are the pillars of our faith community; we celebrate and honor their wisdom, seasoned advice, and lifetime of experiences.

Alpha Class has a special heart of service to our senior adults. The Elder Care Ministry supports our older adults for their spiritual, social, and physical health. Ministries for our active seniors are focused on worship, socializing, inter-generational and community service, recreational activities, and more. For our members who are slowing down or homebound, we bring service to them through visits, calls, cards, flower and shawl ministries, prayer for concerns, pastoral care, and more.

Mail RSVP letters by April 10, email scrowson@germantownumc.org, or call Carolyn Phipps at 901-481-4808. Seating is limited; transportation may be requested. Hosted by the Alpha Class and the Elder Care Ministry.

Susan

Getting the Right Care at the Right Time

Palliative care and hospice care are similar, but there are some key differences. Both palliative care and hospice care are focused on the needs of the patient and their quality of life. Palliative care focuses on maintaining the highest quality of life while managing treatment and other needs. Hospice care specifically focuses on the period closest to death

Knowing the specific differences between hospice and palliative care can help someone decide what level of care is best. If your health changes, the kind of care being received can be changed.

Share this information with others and talk about what is most important to you. Get help knowing how to talk about what is important to you at caringinfo.org.

It can be helpful to talk with someone who is familiar with palliative care and hospice care services to figure out what might be best for you or someone you are caring for. Your community hospice can be a helpful place to start.

If you need help finding a local hospice, use the “Find a Provider” search tool on NHPCO.org, or scan this QR code from a mobile device.

Rev. Todd Wilson,

Music Ministry

For the Fruit of All Creation –

A Hymn Festival celebrating the Care of Creation

Sunday,

April 21 | 6:30 pm

You might be asking, “Todd, do you mean a hymn sing?”

Not this time.

Basically, a hymn festival is a worship service in which most of the liturgy is music. Usually such festivals are constructed around a single theme to add unity and meaning to the service. The Hymn Society offers this quote in an article on the subject:

“Ahymnfestivalisaspecialeventfocusedon congregationalsong,withintentionalcreativityandvariety. Itfeaturescongregationalsongs,mostoftenlinkedby readings,narrations,orprayers,typicallyorganizedaround acentraltheme,idea,oroccasion.Strongmusicalor scholarlyleadershipisoftenafeaturedelement.”

I can’t speak on the strength of scholarship, but I can note that there is a theme. Our hymns cover many topics or seasons, including communion, baptism, Advent and Christmas, Easter, prayer, mission, and strength in tribulation.

This festival will focus on the Care of Creation and will utilize hymns that help us do that. You will recognize many of the seven chosen hymns. You’ll also find two that will be new to you.

Touch the Earth Lightly comes from the pen of Shirley Erena Murray. This hymn reminds us of our responsibilities in our relationship with our planet. Another new one is composed by my friend, teacher, and former organist, Robert Chamberlin. Bob wrote a new tune to the text written by Debbie Parvin. God Who Sows the Night With Starlight invites us into a world of wonder that is created by a God who sows the night with stars, who fingerpaints the dawn, and who dives with whale and turtle. This is the God that reaches out to you and me to take Care of Creation.

Join the Chancel Choir and Testimony Youth Choir at 6:30 pm, April 21, as we celebrate with song, word, prayer and reflection.

Germantown United Women in Faith (GUWF)

Gina Bartz, President

GUWF Children’s Consignment Sale

Germantown United Women in Faith would like to thank everyone who supported the Spring/Summer Children’s Consignment Sale. It was a tremendous success, and we couldn’t have done it without all of our wonderful volunteers, consignors, shoppers, and GUMC staff support. All proceeds from this event will benefit the many missions of GUWF. Save the date! Our Fall/Winter sale is August 23-24. We'll see you in the fall!

May Speaker Luncheon

All women are invited to join us for a catered lunch, warm fellowship, and an inspirational message from Sally Jones Heinz on May 7, 2024, at 11:30 am in the Mike Wilson Fellowship Hall.

Sally Jones Heinz came to the Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association (MIFA) in 2007 as Vice President of Development. She became President and CEO in 2011, only the sixth person to hold that position in MIFA’s 52-year history. She has since led MIFA through several strategic plan processes, including refining its mission, adapting to the emerging needs of the community, establishing a sound financial model, and developing a healthy work culture that supports and inspires staff members. Current focus areas are improving outcomes for families experiencing homelessness and meeting the growing community need for home-delivered meals for seniors. In 2019, MIFA was awarded a $5 million grant from the Day 1 Foundation to bolster its work supporting families.

MIFA was founded in 1968 in an unprecedented cooperative effort uniting church and community leaders to confront the growing issues of poverty, hunger, and social division in Memphis. Created in the wake of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s assassination, MIFA began as a volunteer-driven advocacy agency and has since evolved into a professional social service nonprofit with a $10 million operating budget and a $15 million endowment. MIFA’s mission is to support the independence of vulnerable seniors and families in crisis through high-impact programs that touch the lives of 50,000 individuals each year.

Sally holds a B.A. in History from Rhodes College and an M.A. in American Studies from The University of Texas in Austin. Before coming to MIFA, she worked at other local institutions in development and communications, including the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art and Rhodes College.

Please join us as we learn more about Sally Jones Heinz’s commitment to the mission and outreach of MIFA. Her dedication to serving others is a wonderful example of doing “Everything in Love.”

Germantown United Methodist Preschool (GUMP)

Sarah Sutton, Director | ssutton@germantownumc.org

Spring is here! At GUMP, spring means happy voices on the playground, planting seeds in the classroom, conversations about bugs, and enjoying the sunshine! Our friends are learning about the resurrection of our Lord, and we celebrated with Easter egg hunts, class picnics, celebrations, and more. Last month, we celebrated our teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week. We, the teachers and staff, would like to give our heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to all the parents, families, and church community for your continued support. What a gift it is to serve these precious children and their families!

We recently had a very successful Pastries with Parents! It was so fun to have our parents in the classroom for a special treat. Our little friends made an art piece for their parents to take home and enjoyed showing them around the classroom. We had fun coming together and sharing this special time with one another.

GUMP is currently accepting applications for the 2024/25 School Year. We have enjoyed welcoming new families during parent/child meetings, and we look forward to welcoming many of them in August. If you or someone you know is looking for a wonderful play-based preschool, please contact us 901-753-3109.

Youth

Chloe Granberry, Director of Middle School & Confirmation | cgranberry@germantownumc.org

Caasi Grove, Director of High School Ministries | cgrove@germantownumc.org

Daddy Craw’s Jubilee

Saturday, April 20, 2024

4pm - 7pm

Our annual Daddy Craw Jubilee is coming up! Daddy Craw is a youth fundraiser hosted at GUMC, and all of the proceeds go to Youth Missions. Daddy Craw will be held on April 20 from 4-7 pm. We would love to have you there!

The Youth Ministry has been very active with its weekly programming. On Sunday nights, we host Element, a gathering of youth in both middle and high school. At Element, we eat dinner together, play games, worship, and have small group discussions. Our Element talk series is covering the Promises of God. Early on Tuesday mornings, our high schoolers meet to study and discuss the Gospel of John, and, on Wednesday nights, we host our Synergy and Synago small groups. Synergy is designated for our middle schoolers, while Synago is for our high schoolers. We are also preparing for Confirmation, where our 6th graders will become recognized members of our church!

Children’s Ministry

Natalie Adkinson, Director | nadkinson@germantownumc.org

Janelle Crist, Assoc. Director, Nursery | jcrist@germantownumc.org

Hayley Heard, Assoc. Director, Elem. | hheard@germantownumc.org

Lakeshore Summer Camp | July 21-27, 2024

Elementary Camp IV

We are taking a crew from GUMC to Lakeshore for this week of fun and fellowship. This designated week is for elementary (ages 8-12) and middle school (ages 12-14) students. Many of our youth will also be serving as camp counselors. If you are interested in attending this week, please register

Lakeshore has an abundance of opportunities for all campers; there are a variety of camps offered all summer long! There are camps for people with special needs, as well as camps for people who have suffered traumatic experiences. There is a camp for people who love to fish, a camp for people who love aquatics, a camp for the arts, and a camp for those who love living in the wilderness. There is even a camp for people who love board games! There is a camp for everyone, so go to their website and take a peek.

Worship Reminder

We hope that you will bring your elementary students and younger children, too, if you wish to worship with you each week at our 8:30 am or 11:00 am traditional services in the sanctuary or 11:00 am Prism Service in the OLEC. Remember that children are always welcome at our services! For our traditional services, we have children’s bulletins and worship bags in the cabinet on the east side of the Narthex. For Prism, we have worship bags on the back table in the OLEC gym. Please return your worship bag to the bin after the service. The Hamilton Nursery is open during all worship services for children who have not yet entered Kindergarten.

July 21-27: Lakeshore Summer Camp through Lakeshore’s website (https://lakeshorecamp.org/) and then drop an email to Natalie Adkinson. We will help answer any questions you may have about sleep-away camp.

Music & Arts Camp

June 24-28

This camp is FULL!!!

Join us on Friday, June 28 at 4pm in the Sanctuary for our musical, “Happily Forever After.” Admission is FREE and tickets are not required.

26

Summer 2024

We know you are starting to make your summer plans, so here’s what we have going on here at GUMC for children during Summer 2024

June 3-7: SCUBA VBS

June 24-28: Music & Arts Camp (update: camp is FULL)

July 15-19: 5th & 6th Grade Mission Camp

For events that require registration, please click here or go to www.germantownumc.org. You may also scan this QR code from a mobile device:

Children’s Ministry

5TH & 6TH GRADE MISSION CAMP

June 15-19 | 9:30 am-3:30 pm

For students entering 5th or 6th grade in Fall 2024

Cost: $125/child

In this hands-on camp, we will explore three specific types of mission: inner-church, urban, and rural. The idea is that each child will have a chance to experience different types of work. This transforming week of service allows the kids to get a taste of different types of mission work and begin deciding where they feel most led to serve. Some days, we will make our lunches here at church, and, other days, we will explore local Memphis eateries. We will finish each day with some seriously fun gaga ball or other games at the OLEC. Cost is $125 which includes all activities, transportation, food, and a t-shirt. Space is limited to the first 23 children registered. Sign up today!

SCUBA VBS 2024 - Diving into friendship with God

June 3-7, 2024 (9:00 am-noon)

Make plans to join us as we dive below the surface to discover the ever-flowing love of God! Kids will be immersed in the Word and discover what living water is really all about!

VBS is for children age four (by Aug. 15, 2024) through rising 6th graders. If your child is younger, we have a special Volunteer VBS available (free of charge) to the children of volunteers.

We’re fishing for volunteers!

VBS is a huge production and a great outreach that requires many hands. We need help with decorations, curriculum preparation, and admin. tasks. During the week of VBS, we need adult and youth station leaders to help the children with crafts, games, Bible stories, snacks, and more. We also need adult and youth group guides to travel with the children from station to station. Volunteer registration is now open!

To register, click here or go to germantownumc.org.

Want to help but not sure how? Please contact one of our children’s ministry directors listed above to find where you are best suited to serve.

Owings Life Enrichment Center (OLEC)

Gordon Kelly, Director | gkelly@germantownumc.org

Kimberly Marsh, Assistant Dir. | kmarsh@germantownumc.org

Grizzlies Youth Basketball Spring Break Camp

Grizzlies Youth Basketball held their spring break camp at the OLEC on March 12-15. The camp was completely sold out with kids ranging from 6-12 years old and over 100 kids in attendance. This was an extremely well-run camp by the Grizzlies basketball directors, and each kid got to improve upon his or her skill set. There were even guest appearances from Derrick Rose and Tony Allen. We hope to have this group back again next year!

Owings Life Enrichment Center (OLEC)

Gordon Kelly, Director | gkelly@germantownumc.org

Kimberly Marsh, Assistant Dir. | kmarsh@germantownumc.org

Happy Spring! Now is the perfect time to visit the OLEC if you’ve never been. The OLEC is a full-service exercise facility. We have 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.

Pickleball at the OLEC

Evening Pickleball!

Monday-Thursday

5:00-7:30 pm

$2 all players

T-ball

Games begin this month. Our JK and SK kids are so excited!

Please note: Available pickleball times are subject to change due to groups renting the gym or lessons. Please check the website each week under “Get Involved” or call the OLEC (901-753-3100) for updates on available pickleball times.

Owings Life Enrichment Center (OLEC)

Gordon Kelly, Director | gkelly@germantownumc.org

Kimberly Marsh, Assistant Dir. | kmarsh@germantownumc.org

Try one of our Group Exercise Classes!

Germantown Martial Arts

Tuesdays and Thursdays

Beginner class at 5:45 pm | Advanced class at 6:45 pm

Ages 12 and up

Call Ralph White at 901-846-6851 or David Porteous at 901-846-6851 for more information.

New Class! Yo Chi on Mondays at 11:30 am

Yo-Chi was created to be a class for both mind and body and combines Yoga and Tai' Chi movements. This program gives you benefits in stability, strength, mobility, flexibility, and balance. Although this is typically a standing class, a chair may be used as needed. These two programs, Yoga and Tai' Chi, are the two oldest mind body programs that still exist today. This is a slow and controlled class that will increase your overall wellness and balance.

Other Classes we offer:

Gentle Yoga - Mon & Wed 3:30-4:30 pm

Senior fitness class - Tues & Thurs 10-11 am

Vinyasa Yoga - Mon 5-6 pm & Wed 2-3 pm

Stroller Strides - Exercise with your child!

Mon/Wed/Fri 9:30-10:45 am in the OLEC dance room

9:30-10:45 am

Stroller Strides (DR)

11:30 am-12 pm

Yo Chi (DR)- Judy Oros

3:30-4:30 pm

Gentle Yoga (DR)- Al Walton

5:00-6:00 pm

Vinyasa Yoga (DR) Al Walton

Owings Life Enrichment Center (OLEC)

Gordon Kelly, Director | gkelly@germantownumc.org

Kimberly Marsh, Assistant Dir. | kmarsh@germantownumc.org

Exercise Class Schedule April 2024

10-11 am Walk Fit (DR) Judy Pearson

9:30-10:45 am

Stroller Strides (DR)

2-3 pm

Vinyasa Yoga (DR)-Al Walton

3:30-4:30 pm

Gentle Yoga (DR)- Al Walton

5:45 pm Beginner Martial Arts (DR)

6:45 pm

Advanced Martial Arts (DR)

Open Play Gym Time

Mon: 3-5 pm

Tues/Wed/Thurs: 1-5 pm Sat: 8 am-12 pm

Please note: Free play time is for church members only. All guests can purchase a $10.00 day pass.

10-11 am Chair Class (DR) Judy Pearson

9:30-10:45 am

Stroller Strides (DR)

5:45 pm Beginner Martial Arts (DR)

6:45 pm

Advanced Martial Arts (DR)

Class Locations:

Weight Room—WR Dance Room—DR Upstairs Room UP

Group Exercise Classes and Personal Training are available at the OLEC. Contact Gordon Kelly or Kim Marsh for more information. Follow our Instagram page, @olecgermantown, to keep up with all the latest happenings at the OLEC.

Germantown United Methodist Church

2331S.GermantownRd

Germantown,TN 38138

901-754-7216

www.germantownumc.org

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