Issuu

the Tidings

DECEMBER 2023

A Faithful Promise Inside this issue: Adult Education . . . . 20-21 Children’s Ministry . . 30-31 Churchwide . . . . . . . . 8-12 Congregational Care . . 6-7 Elder Care . . . . . . . . 26-27 Finance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 GUMP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 GUWF . . . . . . . . . . . 22-23

Health & Wellness . . . . . 28 Hospitality . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Membership . . . . . . . 13-15 Message from Pastors Tim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Scott . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Mimi . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Missions . . . . . . . . . . 16-18

Music Ministry . . . . . . . . 19 Older Adults. . . . . . . 24-25 OLEC . . . . . . . . . . . . 33-35 Stewardship . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Youth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Promises are easy to make, but not always easy to keep. We value keeping promises because it is a sign of a person’s integrity and honor. We trust persons who keep promises. The scripture tells us that God always keeps God’s promise. In Joshua 21:45, it says, “Not one of the good promises that the LORD had made to the house of Israel failed—all of them came about.”

Rev. Tim Carpenter Senior Pastor

At this time of year, Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus. In Luke 1, it tells of how Gabriel appeared to Mary, a virgin living in Nazareth, to make a promise. “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore, the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.” Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her. Later in Luke 1, Mary would sing, “His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation...He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.” God made a promise to Mary, and Mary believed the promise because she believed in the faithfulness of God who made the promise. Mary’s faith was a blessing to the world. She knew that God is always faithful. Mary shows us that our promised faithfulness to the faithful promises of God brings the blessing of His grace. Despite the hardships the blessing would bring to her, she did not fear to live in faith. Do not fear to live in faithful kindness, compassion, and charity. For we faithfully know, as Mary did, that God’s mercy is on those who fear him, from generation to generation.

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

IRAs and Giving Recently, I was talking with someone about Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) and the associated required minimum distributions (RMD). Below is some good information about ways to use a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from an IRA to pay less taxes and be generous with the church at the same time. ***

1. IRAs have been around for a long time. Rev. Dr. Scott Alford Executive Minister

IRAs have been around since 1974, though in the beginning, they were only for folks who didn’t have any other pension coverage. A bill in 1981 made all workers and their spouses eligible for these accounts. That’s a solid 40+ years that people have been putting money away, without having to pay federal taxes on it. (That part is important.)

2. You can’t take the money with you or leave it in the IRA forever. The understanding was that those folks could access that money without a penalty as early as when they turned 59½, but when they reached 70½, they were required to start taking at least a minimum amount out each year (“required minimum distributions” or RMDs.) At the outset of the coronavirus pandemic, the age for these RMDs was raised to 72 (73 if you reach age 72 after Dec. 31, 2022.) Since participants didn’t pay tax on the money when they put it in their IRAs, they are required to pay tax on it when it comes out. RMDs can push some people into a higher tax bracket.

3. Give it to the church and avoid paying taxes. In 2006, pension protection legislation allowed for tax-free use of RMDs for charitable contributions, saving the tax that people would have had to pay when they took this money out of their IRA accounts. These are called “qualified charitable distributions” (QCDs). Here’s an important distinction: these are NOT tax deductions. They do not provide a charitable deduction regardless of whether you itemize deductions. The tax benefit is the ability to exclude the distribution from taxable income.

4. From the IRA directly to the church…never in “my pocket.” With a qualified charitable distribution (QCD), a check goes directly from your IRA to your church. Many people who are facing RMDs that will have tax implications could pay all their annual tithe or offering at one time, hopefully early in the year, through their QCD and never have to show it as income.

5. Don’t have to wait until 72 to set up the QCD. While Congress recently raised the age for RMDs to 72, QCDs can happen for anyone who has reached the age of 70½. Retirees who are over that age and want to continue to be generous to their local church should consider a qualified charitable distribution.

6. Most taxpayers no longer get a tax break for charitable giving. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that went into effect in 2019 and 2020 included an increase in the standard deduction—it nearly doubled. That standard deduction is the threshold that your itemized deductions have to exceed to make itemizing worthwhile. It left many people better off, but with 90 percent of taxpayers taking the standard deduction (which does not require any evidence of charitable giving), it eliminated a tax-incentive regarding charitable donations for most of us (not to say that this is the main reason people give to the church.) For those in the 70+ group (who use the standard deduction), using a qualifying charitable distribution may reduce or eliminate the tax that they might have to pay on an RMDs. Continued... 2

Executive Minister Rev. Dr. Scott Alford | salford@germantownumc.org ...Continued For more information, and to set up your QCD, contact your financial planner or IRA administrator. *** Copied and adapted from “6 Ways IRAs, RMDs, and QCDs Can Bless Your Church” by Ken Sloane, Director of Stewardship & Generosity for Discipleship Ministries of The United Methodist Church. https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/ articles/6-ways-iras-rmds-and-qcds-can-bless-your-church

PRISM Rev. Mimi White | mwhite@germantownumc.org

Do Not Fear! It’s Good News! Advent is here! We are celebrating this season of light with candles and wreaths, special music, and a special message series on the people who had angelic visitations around the time of Jesus’ birth. Our series title is inspired by the greeting the angels repeated each time they appeared to someone: “Do Not Fear! It’s Good News!”

Rev. Mimi White

For our first week of Advent, the candle on the advent wreath that we will light represents Hope. The message will be about the angelic visitation Elizabeth and Zechariah received announcing the birth of their son, John the Baptist. “Do not fear, it’s good news, Zechariah!” For the second week, the Advent candle will represent Peace, and the message will be on the angelic visitation Mary received announcing she will be Jesus’ mother. “Do not fear, it’s good news, Mary!” The third week, the candle will represent Joy, and the message will be about the angel’s visit to Joseph to assure him. “Do not fear, it’s good news, Joseph!” The last week, the candle we will light represents Love, and the message is about the appearance of the angel to the shepherds announcing Jesus’ birth. “Do not fear, it’s good news, shepherds!” On Sunday evening, December 24, we will have a special Christmas Eve service at 5 pm that includes Christmas music, candles, and communion! We hope you can join us for all of these Prism services during this Christmas season. Remember to invite your “FRANS” (friends, relatives, associates, neighbors, and strangers) to join you. You can tell them, “Do not fear, it’s no ordinary church, it’s Prism – A Place for All People!”

Merry Christmas! 3

Stewardship The past few weeks along our Pathways to Generosity have been inspiring, especially as we have prayerfully asked God where he wants us to be in our giving. Many of us have had the chance to offer our Estimate of Giving Card, and for those of you who have not, there are several ways you can return yours to the church:

• • • •

Bring it with you to church next Sunday. Mail it to the church office. Drop it off at the church office during the week. Complete it online through our church’s website at germantownumc.org, or scan this QR code.

“Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not regretfully or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7

Finance Jim Dodge, Finance Chair

ANNUAL BUDGET

% ACTUAL YTD to ANNUAL BUDGET

3,235,932.00

72.81%

2,579,380.81

(42,027.61) 3,235,932.00

78.41%

(345,185.76)

163,846.21

GUMC BUDGETED FINANCIAL SUMMARY as of October 31, 2023

ACTUAL YTD

OVER/UNDER BUDGET YTD BUDGET

TOTAL INCOME

2,356,013.65

2,234,195.05

121,818.60

TOTAL EXPENSES

2,537,353.20

NET INCOME OVER EXPENSE

(181,339.55)

Hospitality Donna Haley, Hospitality Committee Chair | dmhaley_99@yahoo.com | 901-487-8205

And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room in the inn. Luke 2:7

No Room Here… The Promise and the Challenge No room for them. No vacancy. No warm welcome. That’s what Joseph and Mary experienced prior to the birth of their precious baby. Not exactly a warm, hospitable welcome, is it? When the Christ child was born, Mary laid her baby in a manger… a feeding trough for animals, not what we would consider a suitable place for a newborn, and certainly unsuitable for the Savior. That manger reminds me of how God welcomes everyone, even though many fail to welcome God. The promise in the Christmas message is that God always welcomes us. The challenge of the Christmas message is, will we be welcoming to God? As we approach the Christmas season, let us be people of hospitality… people who love God and love others; people who serve Christ and share Him, transforming lives and making disciples. In a world that seeks to crowd Jesus out, in a culture that says, I’m too busy for that, my life is too full, and there’s just no more room, it takes a conscious choice to put Christ first. As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ, may God help us to choose wisely the voices we listen to, and where we focus our attention. He is the one who brings meaning to Christmas. He is the one who brings peace in this all-too-often hectic season. We know all of this in our heads, and now, may we all make room for Him, first. The Christmas season brings many guests to worship with us. Be prepared to extend a radical welcome to everyone. You can:  Wear your name badge to help others learn your name.  Seek out someone you don’t know, introduce yourself, and extend a warm welcome.  Provide some cookies for our social time prior to the service.  Ask God to show you how you can serve others.

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

The Season of Expectation Advent is the Season of Expectation. Some of my fondest memories are of my grandparents on both sides of my family. They lived in the country, and I lived in town, so there was a bit of distance between us. If I was told we were going to see them, I couldn’t wait. But if I was told they were coming to see me, now that could take forever! I would sit outside, no matter the weather, for hours waiting to see their car or truck turn into the driveway. There were no cell phones, so you had to wait, without entertainment or any certainty of when they would arrive, but when they did…my joy was unbridled. When I think about the people waiting expectantly for the Savior long ago, I think about waiting for my lovely grandparents and all the joy and love I felt. Jesus was love personified. What joy we have in Him. As you go through this Season of Expectation, add this prayer to your prayers at 6:00 pm, and let’s pray this together. There is power in corporate prayer! In this Advent of expectation draw us together in unity, that our praise and worship might echo throughout the world and also through our lives. In this Advent of expectation draw us together in mission, that the hope within might be the song we sing, and the melody of our lives.

“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.”

In this Advent of expectation draw us together in service, that the path we follow might lead us from a stable to a glimpse of eternity. In Jesus Name we pray. Amen

~ 1 Thessalonians 2:8

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.

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Monday Night Visits to First Time Visitors - Armed with fresh cookies, you will visit first time visitors. You may bake cookies, go on visits, or both. 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Career Transition Team - An established group who 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.

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

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Home Communion Ministry - On Communion Sunday, you will take Communion to assigned homebound. 7

Churchwide GUMC Thanksgiving Dinner On Wednesday evening, November 15, the week before the Thanksgiving holiday, our church family gathered in the OLEC gym for a scrumptious buffet of turkey, dressing, and all the trimmings, plus desserts that would fill the dreams of any sugar addict. We sat at tables beautifully decorated by our United Women in Faith members, and we broke bread and shared our stories. What a great gathering, wonderful food, and so special to celebrate our thankfulness together. Kudos and thanks to all who made it happen. So thankful for this church family.

Advent Workshop After the delicious dinner, families gathered in the children’s education wing for the Annual Family Advent Workshop. Children enjoyed creating Christmas ornaments, decorating cookies, and crafting family Advent wreaths to be used at home during the advent season. What a great way to kick off this season of joy and expectation!

Churchwide

Trinity Centre Improvements Since the completion of the Trinity Centre in 2014, GUMC members have benefitted from nearly a decade of opportunities for which it was designed including weddings, memorial services, youth events, and the Easter Sunrise Service. However, accessibility to this space has been challenging, and, since its completion, we’ve known that improvements would be necessary. In 2019, the Trinity Centre Planning Committee, with approval from the Board of Trustees, began the next phase of development. Fast forward to the year 2020 and we can all assume that no one had any idea the kind of year our community, nation, and world would face, or that the two weeks we were told it would take to “flatten the curve” would last two plus years! During the chaotic years of the pandemic and the challenges it presented, the Trinity Centre became a much sought-after space for many. Outdoor gatherings took on an entirely new meaning as we searched for ways to be in community with one another when most traditional means became unsafe. Fortunately, the perfect space had been provided, and just in time! And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19. With increased use over the last couple of years, it has become clear that, to fully realize the blessing this space offers, the time has come, and we must improve accessibility for all members of GUMC. The Trinity Centre planning committee, in partnership with the Trustees, has been back at work on a plan to update the existing space. The desired improvements include accessible parking lot access with the addition of ramps and landings from the parking lot into McVay Gardens, the creation of a gentle slope to and past the columbarium, and an additional entrance to the Trinity Centre that includes a deck at the back for wheelchairs, and increased seating. As before, the design will continue the cohesive look of the park while providing durable and maintenance-conscience materials for the beauty and longevity of McVay Gardens. Truly God knew that this place would have a positive impact one day, even bigger than we could have imagined! Hopefully many of you will reflect on the blessings from the past few years, and you have had an opportunity to visit the Trinity Centre with your Sunday school class, Bible study group, choir, youth group, Continued... 10

Churchwide ...Continued

or any other small group at GUMC, and will consider supporting this next phase. If you haven’t been able to use the Trinity Centre, we sincerely hope that our improvements will allow you to do so. Fundraising for the upgrades began in September, and we’d like to thank those who have already generously supported this project. If your name isn’t on the list, but you’ve donated to this project, please contact Susan Smith at socsmith87@gmail.com with your name, donation amount, and donation date. David and Ginny Szalay Susan Smith Jim and Barbara Dodge Susan Crowson Julia Panagon Tom and Leigh Wicinski Michael and Gina Bartz Jimmy and Donna Wright

Jean Wyatt David and Amy Bergman Brian and Kathy Swords Casey and Chris Callaway Mel and Marcia Headley Mark and Tracy Lindow Barry and Susan Smith Tim and Amy Whelan

Myron and Lauren Boswell Tiffany, Madi, Maris and Mac Griffin Alpha Sunday School Class Emmaus Sunday School Class Agape Sunday School Class Trinity Sunday School Class

Naming opportunities will be available as part of this project based on donation level, so if you’re interested in this option, please contact Susan Smith at socsmith87@gmail.com or 901-230-0650.

The QR code to the right can be used for your donation. Please put Trinity Centre in the comments to ensure your gift is properly directed to this project. For those of you who are new to GUMC or unfamiliar with its history, The Trinity School Class led the creation of the Trinity Centre almost ten years ago in conjunction with the Annual Edwin’s Way 5K race. The race provided not only support for youth worship programs, but also provided the seed money for the design and construction of the Trinity Centre in a greatly underutilized space on the expansive GUMC campus. The natural beauty of the gardens was the perfect place to create an outdoor space, offering an additional worship venue, a place for weddings, memorial services, and youth events, and elevated long-running events, like the Easter Sunrise Service. The addition of the Trinity Centre was designed to complement the existing Lindsay Preston Memorial Pavilion and The Columbarium, further utilizing the beauty of the park and encouraging additional worship and fellowship opportunities. The combined vision and mission statements of the Trinity Centre clearly defined the intent of the space and how it could be enjoyed - To create a Christ-centered, multipurpose, open-air space in a park-like setting that will accommodate small or large gatherings and will be a venue for a variety of youth, congregational, and community events, such as worship, fellowship, celebration and performance.

Churchwide Each month we recognize a volunteer or volunteers who make an Impact by selflessly sharing their time and talents for the betterment of our church and community.

Stephanie Adams – Altar Guild Leader There is no doubt the GUMC sanctuary is a beautiful place to worship on Sunday mornings. A lot goes on behind the scenes to prepare this space for worship each week, and for that we offer a special thanks to Stephanie Adams, leader of the altar guild team.

Stephanie has served on the altar guild for the past seven years. Each week, she ensures that the altar table candles and the acolyte lighters are filled with oil, and the baptismal font is clean and refilled. She also, periodically, changes the paraments that cover the altar table, pulpit, and lectern, according to the liturgical color calendar. During the Christmas season, Stephanie leads a group of volunteers who decorate the sanctuary and church with garland, wreaths, and poinsettias. It is a huge undertaking, but she feels blessed to have other volunteers, such as Sally McLain, Donna Haley, and Carolyn Browder, who help with the decorating. They dress all the poinsettias with foil and ribbon and display them beautifully in the narthex until Christmas programs and concerts are concluded. The poinsettias are then moved into the sanctuary where they adorn the chancel. Stephanie says that Carolyn Browder is the creative mind behind the design of the decorations, but Stephanie’s team works hard putting Carolyn’s designs into action. They decorate at Easter, as well, with live lilies adorning the sanctuary.

Our Mission

When asked why she continues as an altar guild volunteer, Stephanie replied, “I feel closer to God when doing work that glorifies him. This is a very rewarding way to serve.” If you are interested in joining the altar guild team, please contact Stephanie at monacodog@aol.com.

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

Membership Meet our New Members Winnie Naidoo Germantown United Methodist Church welcomed Winnie Naidoo into membership on Sunday, October 1, at our Prism worship service. She joined by reaffirmation of faith.

When asked what about Germantown UMC made her want to become a part of our church community, she replied, “Pastor Mimi, a faithful servant of God, is an inspiration to my daughter and many others. Her faithfulness has prompted me to join the church.”

Carrie Montgomery Germantown United Methodist Church welcomed Carrie Montgomery into membership on Sunday, October 29, at our 11:00 traditional worship service. She joined by reaffirmation of faith. Her Welcome Friend is Donna Howard. When asked what about Germantown UMC made her want to become a part of our church community, she replied, “GUMC is a warm and inviting family of loving and caring Christians. GUMC provides numerous opportunities to serve God, church, its members, and ministries. I look forward to participating to the best of my ability in service and giving.”

Lyn Windsor Germantown United Methodist Church welcomed Lyn Windsor into membership on Sunday, October 29, at our 11:00 traditional worship service. She joined by reaffirmation of faith. Lyn has joined the Fellowship Forum Sunday School Class. Her Welcome Friend is Donna Howard. When asked what about Germantown UMC made her want to become a part of our church community, she replied, “GUMC has a welcoming atmosphere. I have felt a part of the congregation since I first attended months ago. I have listened to and learned during every sermon and scripture reading. Fellowship Forum has been a welcoming class for me. GUMC’s opportunities for participation are endless. I have attended the Friday Brown Bag Lunch events and the wonderful XYZ trips. I look forward to being an active member of the church.” 13

Membership Meet our New Members Bonnie Boone Germantown United Methodist Church welcomed Bonnie Boone into membership on Sunday, October 29, at our 11:00 traditional worship service. She joined by transfer of her membership from a sister denomination in the Memphis area. She is a member of Alpha Sunday School Class. Her Welcome Friends are Cheryl and Mike Rutherford. When asked what about Germantown UMC made her want to become a part of our church community, she replied, “I was invited to visit Alpha Sunday School class, and everyone was so nice and made me feel so welcome that I joined the class. Also, GUMC is close to my house so that made it very convenient. I love my new friends at this church!”

Cindy and George Mullins Germantown United Methodist Church welcomed Cindy and George Mullins into membership on Sunday, October 29, at our 11:00 traditional worship service. They joined by transfer of their memberships from a sister United Methodist Church in the Memphis area. They have joined the Asbury Sunday School Class. Their Welcome Friends are Frances and Gary Paulson. When asked what about Germantown UMC made them want to become a part of our church community, they replied, “Sunday School is very important to us. We easily found a fit with Asbury Class. We love the traditional worship service and the music. It seems like, behind the scenes, the staff works well together. Communication is excellent. We felt warmly welcomed and cared for from the first time we visited.”

Membership Meet our New Members Kristen and Nick Stonebrook Germantown United Methodist Church welcomed Kristen and Nick Stonebrook into membership on Sunday, November 19, at our 8:30 traditional worship service. They joined by transfer of their memberships from a sister United Methodist Church in the Memphis area. Their Welcome Friend is Natalie Cathcart. When asked what about Germantown UMC made them want to become a part of our church community, they replied, “We became interested in GUMC, because of the flourishing kid’s ministry as well as the variety of worship services. We have also been visiting the Wesley 2.0 Sunday School Class and have been enjoying that as well. We feel as if GUMC is a great fit for us in this stage of life and we are looking forward to the future in this church as a family.”

Coffee with the Pastors Sunday, January 14, 2024 9:30-10:30 am If you would like to learn more about Germantown United Methodist Church or if you think you might be interested in becoming a member, we invite you to attend Coffee with the Pastors. Join us during our Sunday school hour to meet our pastors, learn about the history, beliefs, and missions of GUMC and how to get connected to our congregation. Participation in the class does not commit you to church membership, but it is an opportunity for you to find out more about the life and ministry of our church and to give prayerful consideration to whether you want to enter into membership. Please contact Mary Groh at mgroh@germantownumc.org or 901-754-5093 if you are interested in attending.

Missions Anne Fritz, Chairperson

clarissafritz@att.net

“This will be your work the rest of your life” (In Memory of Father Charles Strobel) It was pouring rain when our van pulled up to a building that looked like it may not be much shelter from that amount of rain. This was my very first picture of Room in the Inn in Nashville, TN. I was with a group of ministry colleagues spending three days immersed in ministries with those experiencing homelessness. Inside, the climate was happy and much lighter than I expected in a place full of people in such need. Staff welcomed us as if we had known them forever, and the guests smiled and said “hello.” We were taken upstairs to a “conference room” with a big table. Rachel, the director, welcomed us. So did Mary, another staff person. Rachel said, “Charlie will join us as soon as he can,” as if we knew him already. She began to share the RITI process of hospitality through the day center, guest house, and congregational shelter. As we began asking questions, the door opened and Charlie did indeed join us. He went around the table to every person, took us by the hand and said in his soft, comforting voice how happy he was that we were there. I knew he wasn’t just saying that. He looked right into each person. He laughed and said, “I was downstairs meeting with a guest who needed some reconciliation to rejoin our community. I needed to RITI Memphis Staff and Board members gather with Charlie Strobel be reconciled with him too.” and Rachel Hester at Room in the Inn (Nashville), 2019. I never forgot my experience with Father Charles Strobel. He founded Room in the Inn as a young priest who saw the need for shelter and opened the doors of his parish church, asking others to do the same. The lives changed because of that simple act of hospitality are unimaginable, and mine is one of them. It allowed me to see the homeless community in my city as more than a weekly volunteer experience, serving food or donating to clothing closets. I saw the people that Charlie called neighbors. He shared that they are also his lifelong friends. When my friend, Leo, at my parish, Colonial Cumberland Presbyterian Church, decided to explore shelter models, I said, “you need to go to Nashville and see Room in the Inn.” I guess this is the place to say, “the rest is history.” But it is so much more than history. It is the story of a life that followed a call to radical welcome, and so generously shared the “Charlie way” with anyone who wanted to listen (and some who had to be convinced to listen.) It seemed like a stretch to imagine that congregations in Memphis would open their doors the way they had in Nashville. I admit part of the reason was that I’m no Charlie! Continued... 16

Missions Anne Fritz, Chairperson

clarissafritz@att.net

...Continued

When I went to visit him to say we were ready to give it a try, he very excitedly said, “get some people together and I’m there.”

“...to love others as God has loved us is not an option, but a mandate...”

After meeting with people interested in hearing more about Room in the Inn-Memphis (which was still just a dream), I walked to the car with Charlie. He gave me a big hug and said, “Lisa, if you do this thing, this will be your work for the rest of your life. I’m warning you.” We both laughed, but my laughter had a few tears. It was true, still is true, and it has been the best gift of all of my life. With this call came a mentor, a friend, a priest, and a cheerleader for every step of this RITI-Memphis journey. He checked in regularly, expected updates, and sent prayers, especially during times of big decisions or struggles. I depended on that soft, comforting voice to say, “get to work.” On the morning of August 6, Father Charles Strobel died after several years of Parkinson’s Disease. Early in his diagnosis, he told me he felt like he had not “done it all,” and he just was not ready for it to end. I have to say that, even though I knew he was nearing the end of his life, the last time I spoke with him I was just not ready, either. I needed more of the advice, more cheering on, more corny jokes in text messages, and, most of all, more of one of the most meaningful friendships of my life. Charlie would often remind me to remind others that the only reason not to help those who are homeless is because we just don’t want to. He felt an urgency to share that the will to love others as God has loved us is not an option, but a mandate on the precious gift of life we have been given. He lived that urgency and instilled it in all of us who have been fortunate to learn the “Charlie way” of being in a relationship. I am grieving, I am thankful, and I am going to “get to work” because I hear that soft, comforting voice and contagious laughter every day. It permeates every part of Room in the Inn-Memphis. It is our beginning, and it is also our future. It took a baseball stadium to hold the people who came to celebrate his life. I sat there along with those who are unsheltered, country music stars, and politicians. They all were feeling the same thing, a friend to everyone has left the planet. Rest in eternal peace Charlie, You did it all, and we are so very thankful. - Rev. Lisa Anderson Executive Director, Room in the Inn - Memphis

On November 1, The Cottage kicked off its 11th season of hosting Room in the Inn. GUMC shares The Cottage with five other congregations also offering the Holy Hospitality of life-saving shelter to our neighbors experiencing homelessness. There are nights available for both additional churches to host and for GUMC groups/individuals to volunteer. Please see the following page for more information on volunteering. If you know of a congregation that needs a site so they can host their own night, please have them contact Ron Wiggins at subcapt@yahoo.com. 17

Missions Anne Fritz, Chairperson

clarissafritz@att.net

It’s time again for GUMC to provide a good meal and a warm place to sleep for some of our homeless community. This year, GUMC will host 14 guests each Friday night at the Cottage, from November 2023 through March 2024. As we prepare, there are opportunities for you individually, as a class, or as a church group, to offer your services as a volunteer. You can even invite friends and family to help serve with you. This year is a little different, as we are asking for you to help where you can instead of hosting the entire night. Often, a group is not able to provide volunteers for all of the duties. For example, a Girl Scout troop may want to provide meals and participate in hospitality, but may not have someone to spend the night as a shepherd, or drive the van, or do the laundry. That’s okay! We have plenty of church members willing to pitch in and provide help where needed. How do I sign up to help? Simply go to our church website and click on Open Registrations. Scroll down to Missions, and right below it is the Room In The Inn sign-up link. You can also find the RITI sign-up link by using the QR code below. Simply look for the open slot(s) that fit your fancy and sign up. You may sign up for as many slots as you like. There are opportunities to serve scattered throughout each month between now and March 2024. If you haven’t participated as a volunteer for Room in the Inn previously, this is your chance! Tasks you can sign up for individually would be: • Drive the church van to pick up our guests downtown and/or drop them off the following morning • Provide meals • Share fellowship with and serve our guests • Prepare the dining and bedroom areas • Spend the night at the Cottage shepherding our guests • Help clean up Saturday mornings • Laundry Angel (wash & dry the sheets, blankets and pillow cases) For more information, please feel free to contact Roger Woelke at rwoelke@att.net (901-277-5094). It’s a great ministry and one we hope you will prayerfully consider to become involved in, if you aren’t already.

Music Ministry Rev. Todd Wilson, Minister of Music | twilson@germantownumc.org | 901-754-7216 Todd Wilson, Director of Music | twilson@germantownumc.org

December Musical Offerings at GUMC So much is happening this month. I encourage your presence as this season will surely be a blessing for you and the participants making their offerings. Houston High Holiday Concert Thursday, December 7, at 6 pm. Sanctuary

Children’s Choirs Plum Pudding Concert Sunday, December 10, at 5 pm. Sanctuary

Community Carol Festival Sunday, December 17, at 5 pm. Sanctuary

Memphis Symphony Orchestra: Handel’s Messiah Tuesday, December 19, 7:30 pm. Sanctuary

For more information on these and other GUMC holiday events, go to page 13 or follow this link: https:// www.germantownumc.org/advent/

Coming in January! St. Olaf Choir Performance | Wed, January 31, at 7 pm.

| Sanctuary

I am pleased and honored to share that the world famous St. Olaf Choir is making Germantown UMC a tour stop this year. We will host them on Wednesday, January 31, at 7 pm. I will share more about the choir, the college, and the history of the St. Olaf Choir directors in the January Tidings. This is a ticketed event. You can make your purchase here by following this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/st-olaf-choir-at-germantown-united-methodist-church-memphis-tickets-741714998527

or scanning the following QR code from a mobile device.

Scan for tickets

Scan to listen

This link allows you to listen to a recording of the choir: https://youtu.be/9ysQZtKhaDE That we’ll get to hear them in our intimate environment is a blessing. This event will be open to the public, so plan ahead to be there on January 31, 2024! 19

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

Monday Monthly Book Group

Monday Monthly Book Group 4th Monday of the Month 10:00 am-12:00 pm Room 338

10 Reasons Why You Should Join the Monday Monthly Book Group Looking for something fun to do? Want to meet church members and make new friends? Looking for a good debate? A reason to get out of the house? Looking for fun on a tight budget? Well, guess what? You can address all these issues by joining our Monday Monthly Book Group! It’s true. Our book group isn’t just about reading great books. Sure, that’s part of it, but the benefits of joining a group are vast and may even surprise you. Here are 10 reasons to join us. Which will be the one that sends you running to the library?

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

It’s FREE! Meet new people Read a good book Lively discussion and good debates Discover new genres and authors

6. A reason to turn off the TV 7. Take a break and get out of the house 8. Everyone’s welcome 9. Learn something new 10. Learn to read critically and expand your communication skills

Have we convinced you yet? Here is the list of books that we will be reading this winter and spring:

January 22 February 26 March 25 April 22 May 20

Middlemarch by George Eliot The Ride of Her Life by Elizabeth Letts Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt America’s First Daughter by Stephanie Dray & Laura Kamoie West With Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge

We meet the 4th Monday of the month in Room 338 from 10:00-12:00 noon. You are welcome to join us! No need to register, just purchase the book or checkout from the library and join us for a lively conversation!

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

2024 Women’s Retreat - Where Friends Meet

January 27, 2024 | 8:30 am - 4:30 pm | GUMC Fellowship Hall Cost: $25.00 Are you ready to move from being acquaintances who wave or nod as you pass in the church hallways? Are you ready to move into true friendships with other women, and, in the process, move deeper into your relationship with God? If so, this retreat is just for you! We will gather for a day that includes food (how can we have a group of women without food included?), games, Bible study, discussion, and prayer. Our sessions will be led by some of our very own GUMC women:

Jennifer Harlan, Holly Mitchell, Lisa Pierce, and Yolanda Toney Where Friends Meet is a one-day get-away-retreat to meet new friends in a fun, friendly way and discover and grow in our friendship with Jesus. This retreat is for women of all ages who are just getting acquainted and for long-time friends. We will explore the theme that, through the joys of friendship, we can better understand God’s love and put that love into action. Register at germantownumc.org under “Open Registrations” or scan this QR code from a mobile device.

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Germantown United Women in Faith (GUWF) Gina Bartz, President

women@germantownumc.org

Christmas Cookie Shoppe Saturday | December 9 | 9 am to Noon Mike Wilson Fellowship Hall Please put it on your calendar! The UWF Christmas Cookie Shoppe at Germantown United Methodist Church is an opportunity for church members and friends to purchase 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 Germantown United Women in Faith. All who attend will receive a bakery box and gloves before walking through the Fellowship Hall, selecting from over one hundred different cookies and candies that are labeled and beautifully displayed. After choices are made, the boxes will be weighed and sold for $10.00 per pound. There will be one pre-order day on December 3 to order cookies if you cannot attend the sale. Payment is required at the time of your order. To make this a successful and fun event, we need everyone’s help! Between now and December 9, we need volunteers to bake 12 dozen of one kind of cookie (approximately 3-4 batches of this one cookie recipe). Cookies can be frozen if appropriately wrapped. We are so grateful for your hard work in making these beautiful treats, so make sure you pack them carefully! If you cannot bake but still want to help, donations are appreciated, and there are many volunteer opportunities available. Get creative! We want cookies that are made from scratch and out of the ordinary so that we can offer our members, friends, and family incredibly special holiday treats. PLEASE, NO CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES! We will have some available because everyone loves them, but we could have too many!!! Please bring your cookies to the church Fellowship Hall on Friday, December 8, any time before 3:00 p.m. For more information and to sign up to make some cookies, you can do one of the following: • • •

Scan this QR code with a mobile device Go to the UWF Christmas Cookie Shoppe SignupGenius (https://bit.ly/46HjOOA) Contact either Jan Corkern (jancorkern@yahoo.com) or Barbara Schanson (barcons@comcast.net), co-chairs of this event.

Let’s start baking! You do not have to be active in a UWF Circle—all GUMC women are members of Germantown United Women in Faith! We need your help to raise significant funds for so many worthy causes!! 22

Germantown United Women in Faith (GUWF) Gina Bartz, President

women@germantownumc.org

Christmas Brunch Tuesday | December 12 | 10:30 am Mike Wilson Fellowship Hall

Come join us for a delicious catered brunch, festive fellowship, and sounds of the season!

All women are invited! Your reservation and $12 payment are due on or before noon Dec. 7. Two methods to register: • By check made to GUWF, memo “Christmas Brunch” Leave in secure GUWF drop box outside the Fellowship Hall • By Credit Card at germantownumc.org Open Registrations Childcare: Free with reservation, note online or on check

Questions? Contact Yolanda Toney | yvctoney@gmail.com

“Let all that you do be done in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:14 ESV For more information about GUWF visit germantownumc.org/womeninfaith 23

Older Adults Luci Cromer, Chair | 901-755-0803 | luci2@comcast.net

Don’t Forget the December Brown Bag Lunch Program! Dan Conaway, Author, Columnist, and Consultant, and Bill Haltom, Attorney, Author, and Columnist will talk about their book, Never Over the Hill: A Memoir in Bright Orange? This presentation will be Friday, December 1, 2023, 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.

Mia Henley Talks about Creative Aging at the January Brown Bag Lunch! Meryl Klein founded Creative Aging in Memphis in 2003 with the dream of bringing music and the arts to seniors who were no longer able to leave their homes or communities. With the belief that arts engagement improves older adults’ health and wellbeing, she expanded the program from senior communities to a Senior Arts Series, offering diverse musical and theatrical programming for senior audiences. Senior Studio courses, lifelong learning classes in over 15 arts disciplines, offer seniors opportunities to learn new skills from experienced teaching artists. Mia Henley, Executive Director, is going to tell us how Creative Aging continues to pursue its fundamental mission of enriching seniors’ lives through the arts and how we can participate at the January Brown Bag Lunch Series, an adventure in learning sponsored by the Older Adult Council. Mia Henley Exec, Director, Creative Aging

TOPIC: “How Arts Engagements Keep Us Happy” SPEAKER: Mia Henley, Executive Director, Creative Aging WHERE: Mike Wilson Fellowship Hall WHEN: January 5, 2024. Program starts at 11 am; lunch is at Noon. 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 Susan Crowson, 758-6508. **There will be a crossing guard on West Street to help with overflow parking.**

Older Adults Luci Cromer, Chair | 901-755-0803 | luci2@comcast.net

XYZs Hear ABBA Revisited in January! Kick off 2024 with the music of ABBA, one of the most popular bands of all time! From the music that inspired the musical and film series Mamma Mia! to their ever-catchy songs finding a new home on social media, ABBA’s music is beloved across generations. ABBA Revisited has taken the music and fashion of ABBA across the globe, even performing as far away as Dubai. With songs like “Take a Chance on Me,” “Thank You for the Music,” and “Dancing Queen,” you will be singing, clapping, and dancing the day away. For a preview of this show, visit https://abbarevisited.com/#videos. WHERE: Bartlett Performing Arts and Conference Center WHEN: Saturday, January 13, 2024 COST: $30 per person includes transportation and reserved seats. DEPARTURE: 1:45 p.m. from OLEC parking lot. (Be there by 1:30 p.m.) 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: Wednesday, December 13

XYZs Hear the Music of The Eagles in February! Hotel California: A Salute to the Eagles is the only show officially authorized to perform the enormous catalog of the Eagles. With music like “Heartache Tonight,” “One of These Nights,” and “Witchy Woman,” the Eagles are one of the best-selling artists of all time with over 150 million records sold. Hotel California faithfully recreates the energy and the music of the Eagles at their peak. Whether you’re living life in the fast lane or taking it easy, Hotel California provides an opportunity to relive the best of the Eagles. For a preview of this show, visit https://www.facebook.com/TheRialtoTucson or https://hotelcalifornia.ca

WHERE: Bartlett Performing Arts and Conference Center WHEN: Saturday, February 10, 2024 COST: $30 per person includes transportation and reserved seats. DEPARTURE: 1:45 p.m. from OLEC parking lot. (Be there by 1:30 p.m.) 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: Wednesday, January 10

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

HOME for the HOLIDAYS Enjoy! Embrace! Stroll down Memory Lane! For many of us, as we age, our hearts long for quality time and relationships. As our younger relations have ever-increasing times with their growing families, we long for simple times together. Slowing the pace. Slowing the activity. Slowing the noise. Having times of being celebrated helps us know we are valued, loved, and needed, and shows younger family the importance of older family members. These are some holiday ideas to do together.

Active Older Family Members - Invite them to your holidays. Enjoy active holiday outings such as: walking through night lights or nativity villages, choosing the “just the right” tree and helping to decorate, attending holiday events at church. Embrace your older family one-on-one: cook a family favorite together, be sure to write down the recipe and the “secrets” that make it extra delicious, play table games, give lots of eye contact and show genuine interest. Stroll down Memory Lane: take walks and ask about their childhood holidays, sing carols, do a craft or activity they loved doing, such as making holiday cookies.

Older Family Members in Transition - Pick them up and bring them to your holidays. Enjoy quiet, slower paced holiday traditions such as: watching a favorite holiday movie, inviting them over while you decorate your tree, reading favorite holiday books. Embrace your older family one-on-one: sit quietly together, look through family pictures, possibly keep visits shorter, hear their thoughts about remaining at home or moving. Stroll down Memory Lane: ask them about their childhood or favorite holidays, share your favorite holiday times with them.

Older Family Members with Limitations - Take the holidays to them. Enjoy helping them decorate by pulling out and putting up their holiday décor. Bring a grandchild or two. Embrace your older family one-on-one: bring a family favorite food made with their “secrets,” sit quietly and listen to holiday hymns and carols, give lots of eye contact and show genuine interest, accept their limitations, possibly keeping your visits short so as not to overwhelm them. Stroll down Memory Lane: tell them about your favorite holiday times with them, tell them how much you love and value them. Continued... 26

Elder Care Ministry Susan Crowson, Director | scrowson@germantownumc.org | 901-758-6508 ...Continued

Older Vulnerable Family Members - Share holiday moments with them. Enjoy simple times together. Your presence is their present. Embrace your older family one-on-one: sing or listen to holiday hymns and carols, give lots of eye contact and show genuine interest, give appropriate gentle touch and hold hands. Stroll down Memory Lane: tell them how much you love and value them.

When Something is Different Sometimes when family gathers for the holidays, we notice that older family members have aged and slowed down. Knowing what is normal aging is important; knowing what is of concern is even more important. If you are concerned about changes in memory, cognitive function and physical limitations, reach out. GUMC Elder Care Ministry can guide you to resources and support. Contact us at scrowson@germantownumc.org or 901-754-6508.

Flower Ministry Testimonials With the help of faithful volunteers, the Elder Care Ministry has a long tradition of “gifting” older, homebound members with a flower delivery (bouquets repurposed from Sunday worship floral arrangements.) The flowers are for those who can no longer be active on a regular basis but who have served the church faithfully in healthier and more youthful times past. Here are a few testimonials we recently received from these recipients: “So appreciative for the flowers delivered today and for the flower ministry as a whole. Until you are on the receiving end, one just doesn’t appreciate them as much. They were a big hug and the freshness of Fall all wrapped together. What a joy to see a beautiful fall arrangement for our 60th wedding anniversary. It is especially meaningful because my wife is sick and not doing well.”

“To all servants of Christ in the Flower Ministry - Thank you so much for the beautiful flowers brought to me by smiling Carole today. It is the invisible hug they bring that reminds me of the wonder and blessing of “community” that we share here at GUMC. For every hand and heart that served in preparation and delivery of this lovely gift, I am forever grateful.”

From a member who is declining and in hospice “I am so grateful for the flowers to enjoy now…I will not see them when my time comes.”

Health and Wellness Erica Perkins, Committee Chair | ericaLperkins84@gmail.com Susan Crowson, Staff Liaison | scrowson@germantownumc.org | 901-758-6508

The GUMC “ICE” Initiative: In Case of Emergency It was a cool, rainy Sunday last fall, and the GUMC Safety Team was on call as they are each Sunday and when church events are happening. At approximately 9 am, the Team was alerted that a person had fallen in the basement of the church. On the way to that call, a Safety Team member encountered a church member who had also fallen and sustained a head laceration while attempting to locate the injured person. The team member then discovered that the initial call was a woman who had fallen and broken her hip. The Safety Team was suddenly very busy! Unfortunately, events like these can happen at any time, anywhere. Most of us don’t realize we have a resource available in our pocket (or purse) that can be vital during these situations. Mobile Medical ID, a resource available to anyone with a mobile phone, provides first responders access to critical medical information and emergency contacts from the Lock screen, without need for a passcode or FaceID. During emergencies, time is of the essence, and this information can enable emergency responders to make informed decisions promptly. From allergies that may affect treatment options to pre-existing medical conditions that influence care strategies, having this information readily available can significantly impact the outcome of an emergency. And access to emergency contacts keeps your loved ones informed throughout the process. This month, the GUMC Safety Team and the GUMC Health & Wellness Committee would like to encourage you to join us in our IN CASE OF EMERGENCY (“ICE”) Initiative to enter or update your Mobile Medical ID for use at GUMC or any other place in the community. Information on how to edit your Mobile Medical ID is being distributed to Sunday school classes and will be available at the information table in the Narthex OR at Prism on both December 3 and 10. This information is also available on the church website. Simply follow this link: https://www.germantownumc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/IN-CASE-OF-EMERGENCYINFORMATION-FORM.pdf or scan the following QR code from a mobile device. For any questions regarding this initiative, please contact Natalie Cathcart at 870-761-6440 or cathcarn@gmail.com.

Germantown United Methodist Preschool (GUMP) Sarah Sutton, Director | ssutton@germantownumc.org

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Our friends at Germantown United Methodist Preschool have been busy learning and playing as we celebrate the changes and wonders of the season. You can feel the joy in each of the classrooms. We even had a surprise visit from Santa! This month, our three, four, and five-year-old friends will join together to have a special chapel, “Journey to Bethlehem” with Mrs. Natalie. What a special time it will be together! Also, all our classroom friends will celebrate Christmas with a “Happy Birthday, Jesus” birthday party, so that, as we break for Christmas, our focus is on the true Reason for the Season. GUMP enrollment for the 2024/25 School Year is around the corner. We are already becoming busy with increasing parent/child interviews for prospective families. Open enrollment for the upcoming school year will begin in January, giving church members and current families priority for re-enrollment, and then moving to applications from prospective new families. If you or someone you know is looking for a wonderful play-based preschool, please call us at 901-753-3109. We would love to share all the amazing things happening here! Before we end our first semester, GUMP wants to wish each of you a Merry Christmas! As the Christmas season is upon us, we joyfully celebrate the birth of baby Jesus! What a sweet time of year to share God’s love with our little friends. We look forward to seeing everyone January 3, 2024!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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

Be an Angel to a Child in Need Please be sure to check out our Angel Tree in the Narthex. This annual holiday gift drive supports the children at the United Methodist Neighborhood Centers of Memphis. These children are in need of coats, mittens, hats, pajamas, and clothes. They would also be thrilled to receive toys and books for Christmas. Our tree is decorated with the needs and wishes of these young children. Please note: Labeled, unwrapped gifts must be returned to The Huddle (room 240) by December 11. Don’t miss this opportunity to make Christmas special for a child in need!

Christmas Eve Services for Families with Young Children December 24, at 3:30 pm, in the Sanctuary We look forward to having you worship with us on Christmas Eve. This service is designed for families with young children in mind. We will sing traditional Christmas hymns and tell the Christmas story with a live nativity scene and active participation by the children.

Christmas Eve Day and New Year’s Eve Day  Please note: We will not have Elementary Sunday School on Dec 24 (Christmas Eve Day) or Dec 31

(New Year’s Eve Day.)

 The Hamilton Nursery will be available for birth through Pre-Kindergarten during the Christmas Eve

and New Year’s Eve morning worship services (8:30 & 11 am traditional services & 11 am Prism in the OLEC.)

SPRING SEMESTER: Wednesday, January 10 – WOW resumes for spring semester Saturday/Sunday, February 3-4 – Ignite 4th and 5th Grade Retreat Saturday, March 30 – Easter Egg Hunt

Children’s Alternative Christmas Market December 9, 9:00-11:30 am The Huddle (Room 240) At our Children's Alternative Christmas Market, preschool and elementary-aged children will have an opportunity to shop for gifts for family and friends. Each gift is exactly $5, of beautiful quality, wrapped, and tagged. Children will also learn about free-trade, mission-oriented gifts, and being a purposeful giver. On Sunday, Dec 10, elementary children will shop during Sunday school hour. Preschool-age children may shop between worship hours or after church ends. Bring $5 for each gift you intend to purchase. No registration necessary.

Journey to Bethlehem December 9, 9:30-11:00 am Hamilton Nursery Families with young children (and older people who are children at heart) are invited to attend this special GUMC tradition on Saturday, December 9, 2023 from 9:30-11 am. Children will walk the path of Jesus’ birth. They will begin with the angels, move to Bethlehem for Jesus’ birth, visit the shepherds, and finish with the wise men. After learning the reason we share gifts at Christmas, children will have a chance to share their wish list with the Jolly Ol’ Guy himself. Registration is required for this free event. www.germantownumc.org (go to Open Registrations) Or scan this QR code with a mobile device

Youth Chloe Granberry, Director of Youth Ministries | cgranberry@germantownumc.org

CRAVE YOUTH RETREAT GUMC Youth had an absolute blast at Victory Ranch for our Crave retreat in early November! We had a big crowd, with 44 kids, college students who drove hours to be with us, as well as our dedicated adult volunteers who were willing to sacrifice sleep for our students. After loading up the two buses and driving to Victory Ranch, we started out the weekend with some great food and worship, an indicator of the fantastic weekend to come. Saturday, after breakfast, worship, and devotional, the youth split into their four teams and did activities such as team building, giant swing, high ropes course, and laser tag, with a break in the middle of the day for lunch. In the late afternoon, we enjoyed some free time before dinner and our Saturday night worship. Connecting with God and our community away from our phones was really a wonderful opportunity, and we left this weekend Sunday morning closer to God and each other!

Owings Life Enrichment Center (OLEC) Gordon Kelly, Director | gkelly@germantownumc.org Kimberly Marsh, Assistant Dir. | kmarsh@germantownumc.org

NEW CLASS!!

Dance Fitness Thursday, 6-7 pm with Chandler Seaton!! Come enjoy a fun dance party while getting a great cardio workout! All levels welcome.

Basketball season is underway! We have a full slate of teams practicing to prepare for the season.  

Elementary games start December 2 Kindergarten games start January 5

Open Gym Time

Please note: Open gym is limited during basketball season, as our teams are practicing. Please call ahead to check availability.

Mon: 3-4:30 pm Tues/Wed/Thurs: 1-4 pm

Owings Life Enrichment Center (OLEC) Gordon Kelly, Director | gkelly@germantownumc.org Kimberly Marsh, Assistant Dir. | kmarsh@germantownumc.org

Pickleball at the OLEC Mondays 12-3 pm | Tues-Fri 9-12 pm Two Dollar Tuesday and Thursday: everyone plays for only $2! Monday, Wednesday and Friday: $3 for church members $5 for non-church members

Pickleball Lessons

Evening Pickleball!

We offer small group pickleball lessons with a licensed pickleball instructor for both members and guests. Contact Dick Carruth at (901)210-5399

Stroller Strides

Exercise with your child! Mon / Wed / Fri 9:30-10:45 am in the OLEC dance room

Come play pickleball Wednesday nights!

Wed nights from 5:30-7:30 pm $3 for church members $5 for guests

Group Exercise Classes and Personal Training are available at the OLEC. Contact Gordon Kelly or Kim Marsh for more information.

We have a full service exercise facility at the OLEC, and membership is free to church members.

Fit 4 Mom Exercise specifically designed for expectant mothers.

Membership includes access to the walking track, open gym time, the cardio room, and the weight room. Our weight room and cardio room have new, state-of-the-art machines.

Wed 6-7 pm in the OLEC dance room 34

Owings Life Enrichment Center (OLEC) Gordon Kelly, Director | gkelly@germantownumc.org Kimberly Marsh, Assistant Dir. | kmarsh@germantownumc.org

Exercise Class Schedule December 2023 Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

9:30-10:45 am Stroller Strides (DR)

10-11 am Walk Fit (DR) Judy Pearson

9:30-10:45 am Stroller Strides (DR)

10-11 am Chair Class (DR) Judy Pearson

9:30-10:45 am Stroller Strides (DR)

Saturday

2-3 pm Vinyasa Yoga (DR)-Al Walton 3:30-4:30 pm Gentle Yoga (DR) Al Walton

3:30-4:30 pm Gentle Yoga (DR)- Al Walton

5:00-5:45 pm Tighten & Tone (UP) - Judy Oros

5:00-5:45 pm Core & More (DR or UP) Judy Oros

5:00-6:00 pm Vinyasa Yoga (DR) Al Walton

6-7 pm Fit 4 Mom (DR)

Class Locations:

6-7 pm Dance Fitness Chandler Seaton

Weight Room—WR Dance Room—DR Upstairs Room—UP

Class Prices $5.00 - Walk Fit, Chair Class, Gentle Yoga $10.00 - Core & More, Weights & Conditioning, Tighten & Tone, and Pilates $7.00 - Vinyasa Yoga $89.00/month - Stroller Fit, unlimited classes • •

Follow our Instagram page, @olecgermantown, to keep up with all the latest happenings at the OLEC.

For Al Walton yoga classes, call Al at 901-484-3730 prior to first class. For Zoom classes: Contact Judy Oros at 901-336-8639 to be added to list for Zoom link.

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