January 2024 Tidings

the Tidings

JANUARY 2024

What to Want in the New Year Inside this issue: Adult Education . . . . . 8-12 Children’s Ministry . . 29-31 Churchwide . . . . . . . 12-16 Congregational Care . . 6-7 Elder Care . . . . . . . . 22-23 Finance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 GUMP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 GUWF . . . . . . . . . . . 20-22

Health & Wellness . . . . . 24 Hospitality . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Membership . . . . . . . . . . 5 Message from Pastors Tim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Scott . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Mimi . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Missions . . . . . . . . . . 17-19

My wife and I were once talking with someone who had recently received some bad health news. The person told us, “You know, there really is a peace to it all. If I’m healed, I’m healed. If not, then God will give me what I need. There really is a peace that passes understanding, and you can’t know that until you have it. But when you have it, you know it.”

Tim Carpenter Senior Pastor

As we begin a new year, it is natural to consider priorities. As I get older, my perspectives have changed on what is important. As the Lord has dealt with me patiently, I continually discover that what is in my heart brings far more peace than anything I might possess.

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want,” the psalmist once said. What does that phrase mean, “I shall not want?” Does it mean that God will provide things in such abundance that we will never want? I see a different perspective. I believe that God makes a promise in this Psalm, not to give us everything we want, but rather to do away with our wanting desire.

Did you ever want . . . to not want? The Apostle Paul spoke about learning this: “I know how to be humble, and I know how to prosper. In each and every situation I have learned the secret of being full and of going hungry, of having too much and of having too little. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me”. Philippians 4:11b-13 What a wonderful state of mind that the Lord can give. Can you truly say today, “I really don’t want anything?” May our New Year begin with a prayer for God to take away our desire to want things, and to trust God as only a sheep trusts its shepherd to provide.

And thereby find a peace that passes understanding.

Music Ministry . . . . . . . . 25 Older Adults. . . . . . . 26-27

Welcome to New Staff Members

OLEC . . . . . . . . . . . . 33-35

A special welcome to André Duvall, Peter Simons, and Caasi Grove who begin their work at GUMC in January. Andre begins his tenure as organist, having previously served Mullins UMC. Peter joins our Praise Band as the Worship Leader and Administrator for Prism. Caasi comes as our Director of Senior High School Ministries, having previously served as Student Ministry Director at Hopewell UMC in Downingtown, PA. We are grateful for our new staff members, and we look forward to serving Christ together.

Stewardship . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Youth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

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

GUMC’s Generosity Statement

Rev. Dr. Scott Alford Executive Minister

Over the past several months, the Generosity Team has been working on a statement that reflects what GUMC believes about being generous as a sign of our faith. With input from the clergy and staff, the Church Board officially adopted the following Generosity Statement on November 27, 2023, to guide us as we faithfully respond to God’s grace by giving generously to our church.

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

Our Core Values of Generosity Gratitude & Joy We are thankful for the many blessings God has given to us, and it is with great joy that we share these blessings. We seek to not only experience God’s blessings but to particip ate in growing His kingdom. [2 Corinthians 9:7, 11]

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

[1 Chronicles 29:12]

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

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

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PRISM Rev. Mimi White | mwhite@germantownumc.org

Wrestling with Doubt Following Jesus is not something that we just do blindly. Many of us have questions about the Bible and questions about our faith in God. Most people wrestle with doubts, have serious questions, and even wrestle with unbelief from time to time. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that. In fact, questioning and wrestling with doubt is a sign of a dedicated believer. The reason we have questions in the first place is because we care deeply about just what it is exactly that we are confessing that we believe.

Rev. Mimi White Just as our spirituality is strengthened by regularly practicing John Wesley’s Means of Grace: praying – individually and together, studying the Bible, sharing how it is with our soul with a small group of trusted Jesus Followers, regularly attending Sunday morning celebrations, receiving Communion, helping those in need, offering acts of kindness and mercy to those who suffer, and fasting; our spirituality is strengthened by wrestling with our doubts and questions as they arise. We all need answers in order to deepen our faith. Our faith community is a safe place to discuss issues and discover the answers to our deepest questions.

We, Methodists, like to use something we call the quadrilateral:

Scripture, Reason, Tradition, and Experience.

This is our historic formula we use to search for the truth. During the four weeks of January, we, at Prism, will embark on a message series around the faith questions that often trouble us using scripture, reason, tradition, and experience. Our series is called “Wrestling with Doubt: Finding Faith” and is based on Rev. Adam Hamilton’s newest book of the same title.

Invite your FRANS (Friends, Relatives, Associates, Neighbors and Strangers) to join us on Sunday mornings at Prism for this series.

Hopefully, they will find their answers, too, as we wrestle together with our questions.

Sundays | 11:00 am Owings Life Enrichment Center 3

Stewardship Ways to Give Giving Options include:

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Cash and Checks - Given in the offering plates or mail.

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Electronic Giving Website: www.shelbygiving.com/app/giving/germantownumc

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Venmo: @GermantownUMC

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Text: “GIVE” to 901-910-1220

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Automatic Bank Drafts - Organized through your personal bank or the church office

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Required Annual Distributions from IRAs/Stock Transfer - Organized through your broker.

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Wills and Estate Planning - Organized through your attorney to designate the church as one of the beneficiaries.

For help with any of these, contact Sharon Panis in the church office.

Scan to Give

“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

83.69%

2,860,352.07

(32,669.01) 3,235,932.00

87.38%

(305,789.36)

186,252.03

GUMC BUDGETED FINANCIAL SUMMARY as of November 30, 2023

ACTUAL YTD

OVER/UNDER BUDGET YTD BUDGET

TOTAL INCOME

2,708,145.73

2,554,562.71

153,583.02

TOTAL EXPENSES

2,827,683.06

NET INCOME OVER EXPENSE

(119,537.33)

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

Start the New Year by Showing Hospitality Did you know we welcomed more than 70 new members to GUMC this past year?

It’s an exciting time of growth in our church. As God continues to lead others to our church in this new year, we must be prepared to make everyone feel welcome.

Let’s start 2024 by being intentional in extending a warm, hospitable welcome. Following are some things we can all put into practice right away.  Welcome everyone you encounter.  Extend a kind word or two to everyone you encounter when you come

to church.  As you leave the service, a simple and heartfelt, It was good to worship

with you today, can be just what another person needed to hear.  If you don’t know the person sitting nearby, take a minute to introduce

yourself and be sure to get their name. If they are a guest, be sure to encourage them to come back again.

While it can be uncomfortable at first for some of us, practice makes perfect, so make it a point to speak to and get to know the people sitting near you in church.

Membership Coffee with the Pastors Sunday, January 14, 2024 9:30-10:30 am Join us during the Sunday school hour to meet our pastors, learn about the history, beliefs, and missions of GUMC and how to get connected to our congregation.

Attending the Coffee does not commit you to church membership, but it is an opportunity for you to meet our ministers (and for them to meet you), to find out more about the life and ministry of our church, to ask any questions you might have, and to meet other prospective members. We hope you will take this opportunity to become better acquainted with GUMC, and us with you.

Please contact Mary Groh at mgroh@germantownumc.org or 901-754-5093 if you are interested in attending.

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Congregational Care Yolanda Toney | ytoney@germantownumc.org | 901-754-7216 In response to Germantown United Methodist Church’s mission statement: We are a welcoming community of faith committed to…

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

The Congregational Care Team seeks to extend Christian caring, concern, and support to members and friends of our congregation through the coordination of various ministries: meal delivery to those who need an occasional meal due to illness, transportation, cards to express our love and concern, comfort to the bereaved, visitation, special projects as they arise…etc. We are united in our commitment to love God, love our neighbors and follow Christ in faithful service.

As the Chair of the Congregational Care Team, I coordinate our efforts. The team meets on a quarterly basis, in person and as needed on Zoom. We have twenty members on the team including Senior Pastor, Tim Carpenter, and Director of Elder Care Ministries, Susan Crowson. The team reads and discusses pertinent articles and books. These materials help us be as effective as possible in our service to others.

We do not recruit for this team. We leave the recruiting to God. If you are being called to serve your fellow congregants, the Congregational Care Team is the place for you. You may join us at any time. Contact me at ytoney@germantownumc.org or call the church 901-754-7216.

“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

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

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

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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.

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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.

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

Sunday School

Snapshot

This Month’s Focus:

Agape Class & Alpha Class

Agape class provides encouragement and opportunities to serve A great motto for any Adult Education class is Romans 15:7 “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” The word Agape describes unconditional love, and class members strive to demonstrate that to each and every person who comes their way in this all-ages adult Sunday school class.

Members share engaging video Bible lessons from many different teachers including Adam Hamilton, Andy Stanley, Susan Robb, Philip Agape Class - Room 132 - All ages Yancey and Tony Evans, to name a few. In addition, the class invites occasional guest speakers to bring new insights, and information for learning.

Besides biblical study, another benefit of being part of a Sunday school class is the personal encouragement from fellow believers. Having a small group of people who know you personally, and are there when you need them most, is so important in our faith journey. Agape members enjoy coming together inside and outside of the classroom for a variety of social gatherings.

Agape class also provides members a great way to live out their faith “hands on.” The class enthusiastically supports Children, Youth and College Ministries, as well as hosting homeless guests twice each season for Room in the Inn. Service and outreach projects are a priority, and members are always on the lookout for new ways to serve those in need. If you’re looking for an Adult Sunday school class, you are encouraged to visit us in room #132, Chapel Building.

Alpha Sunday School Class Alpha members are “empty nesters,” couples and singles, who are actively engaged in the next chapter of their lives. Alpha prides itself on being open and friendly, sharing close friendships and working to serve both GUMC and our community.

For more than 35 years, Alpha has been a leader in mission activities. Members participate in Mountain TOP, Golden Cross, Hannah’s Hope, and Room in the Inn. An Alpha Class member was instrumental in starting Team Read, a volunteer tutoring program that has spread throughout schools in Shelby County.

Continued...

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

Spiritual education varies from multiweek book studies to speakers from the church and community. Class discussion is lively. Members constantly question how to apply the words of Jesus in an ever-changing world.

The Alpha Class provides church leadership through various GUMC committees including the Administrative Board, Germantown United Women in Faith, and other church activities such as Chancel Choir.

Alpha Class - Room 136 - Ages 65+

Alpha members enjoy each other’s company—and invite others to join in—through monthly socials such as cookouts, potluck suppers, dinners at local restaurants, and even parties such as Super Bowl or Kentucky Derby. Alpha also takes field trips to places such as Stax Museum and Rowan Oaks in Oxford, MS. Fun, fellowship, service, and learning— all available in Alpha Class. (Room 136 behind Fellowship Hall/ kitchen). Please join us!

For information about all our Adult Sunday school classes, please visit www.germantownumc.org/adult-education/ or scan this QR code from a mobile device.

Monday Monthly Book Group

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

4th Monday of the Month 10:00 am-12:00 pm Room 338 January 22

February 26

March 25

Middlemarch

The Ride of Her Life

Remarkably Bright Creatures

by George Eliot

by Elizabeth Letts

by Shelby Van Pelt

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

NEW ADULT SMALL GROUP STUDIES STARTING IN WINTER/SPRING!

Why Join a Bible Study Group?

It will help you grow in your Bible knowledge and practical application of your faith. Attending worship on Sunday is of great importance, and we hope you learn much from the sermons and apply them faithfully to your life. But in a smaller group you have something you cannot have in a sermon context: interaction. You can ask questions, explore things that are unclear, and think through personal applications you haven’t thought through before.

Plus, you can learn from the different perspectives and experiences of the others in the group.

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It will build friendships in a deeper way than almost any other forum. Bible study groups have people of different backgrounds united through their study of the Bible and prayer for one another. When you pray for each other and share your life together on a regular basis, it is a great encouragement for you and them.

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It will reveal your priorities in how you choose to spend your time. It is easy to whittle away all our time with work, family commitments, children’s sports, or watching TV, only to have the Christian side of things somewhat tacked on. A commitment on a regular basis to a group that studies the Bible and prays together is a way of saying, by your actions, that you want to work on your faith and be a part of the church community.

GUMC has a range of Bible and small group studies starting in the Winter/Spring that you can be a part of.

Make 2024 the year you participate in a small group study!

Courses starting in January! Look for detailed course descriptions for all our Winter/Spring 2024 studies in our Adult Study brochure. Register at germantownumc.org.

Discerning the Voice of God Wednesdays, January 10 – February 28 (skipping Feb.14); 9:45-11:45, via Zoom.

Cost: $28.50; Facilitated by Chesley Porteous If hearing God has seemed challenging, Priscilla Shirer invites us to explore a more intimate relationship with God. In this 7-session study, we will learn how to recognize when God speaks and discover how we can listen with greater confidence, clarity, and discernment.

Continued...

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

The Gospel of Mark – A Beginner’s Guide to the Good News Tuesdays, January 16 – February 20; 9:30 – 11:00 am.

Cost: $11.00

Facilitated by Mary Groh

The Gospel of Mark is the shortest and earliest canonical gospel. Lacking many of the stories and miracles found in the other gospels, Mark highlights the actions and suffering of Jesus, leaving space for readers to determine exactly who he is. We will walk through the Bible’s earliest source for the life of Jesus with scholar Amy-Jill Levine. The good news of the gospel message comes alive in this study as readers see Jesus as divine and human, powerful and weak, approachable yet mysterious.

Mom Set Free

Good News for Moms Who are Tired of Trying to Be Good Enough Wednesdays, Jan. 10 – March 6 (skipping Jan. 31 and Feb. 14) 6:00-7:30 pm Cost: $16.00 Facilitator: Chesley Porteous;

Moms are under So. Much. Pressure. And we don’t just feel the pressure to be “good enough” for our kids. We also feel the pressure to be “good enough” for God – in and through our parenting. These impossible standards leave us stuck bouncing between worry, fear, anger, and shame, and threaten to steal all the wonder and adventure, not just from our parenting, but from our lives. Author Jeannie Cunnion invites us to discover how the good news of the gospel empowers us to live – and parent – as a Mom Set Free.

Studies starting in February, March, and April Forty Days to a Closer Walk with God – The Practice of Centering Prayer Sundays, February 18 – March 24; 9:30-10:30 am Something Happens Here - Reclaiming the Distinctiveness of Wesley’s Communion Spirituality in Times of Divisiveness Tuesdays, February 20 – April 2; 10:30-11:30 am When You Pray Wednesdays, March 6-April 24; 9:45-11:45 am; via Zoom 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 pm 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 11

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

2024 Women’s Retreat - Where Friends Meet 2024 Women’s Retreat January 27, 2024 8:30 am - 4:30 pm GUMC Fellowship Hall Cost: $25.00 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. Sessions include: Created in God’s Image; Acceptance and Trust; Practice Listening; Getting through the Tough Stuff; Fruitfulness of Friendship.

Our sessions will be led by some of our very own GUMC women: Jennifer Harlan, Holly Mitchell, Lisa Pierce, and Yolanda Toney. Invite your friends, neighbors, and Sunday school class members, to join us as we gather on a winter Saturday for food, fellowship, Bible study, prayer, and conversation to 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)

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.

Barbara Schanson Barbara Schanson fulfills the scripture, “Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing” (Psalm 100:2). She has served on the Christian Education Committee for the past several years and has not missed a meeting or an opportunity to serve wherever needed for the activities and events hosted by the committee.

Barbara participates fully in small group Bible studies, teaches Sunday school, and serves on the Women’s Retreat Planning Team. In addition, in 2023, Barbara decorated tables for the New Member Luncheons and for our Kickoff Cookout.

Her delightful personality and childlike wonder make her a joy to be around. Her devotion to God and to the community does not go unnoticed. She is there when we need her and at extra times, and, best of all, she backs up what she does with a life of faith. GUMC values her ministry among us.

With heartfelt gratitude, we put into words what has been in our hearts. We love you, Barbara! You are a blessing to Germantown United Methodist Church.

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Churchwide GUMC Welcomes New Staff Members Caasi Grove Director of High School Ministries Caasi joins the church staff, coming all the way from Downingtown, PA, where he was the Director of Student Ministries for Hopewell UMC. In addition to those duties, he served as the NextGen Coordinator for the Eastern Pennsylvania Annual Conference. Caasi is a very talented musician, plays several different instruments, and enjoys organizing student-led worship. He truly feels God’s calling to minister with youth and will also be engaging a Master’s program in youth ministry through the Center for Youth Ministry Training.

Peter Simons Worship Leader & Administrator – Prism Peter assumes his role at GUMC with 30 years of church work and 17 years of teaching music in the public schools. In fact, many church members may know him from his time at Dogwood and Forest Hill Elementary Schools. He is skilled in piano, vocals, and ProPresenter worship software, and Peter has been leading worship at Christ Church Arlington since 2013. He holds degrees from Memphis State University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, as well as certifications from Union University and Christian Brothers University.

André Duvall

Associate Music Director—Organist/Pianist André Duvall comes to GUMC after 10 years on staff at Mullins United Methodist Church, where he served as Organist, Pianist, and Director of the Mullins Ringers handbell choir. In Memphis, he maintains an independent piano lesson studio for students from grade school through adult, teaches music in the Conservatory at Lausanne Collegiate School, and works as a freelance solo and collaborative pianist in the Mid-South region. He enjoys performing with local musicians and organizations for numerous public and private events, including working with instrumentalists each semester at the University of Memphis School of Music.

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Churchwide CHURCH & SOCIETY Shalom Y’all: Rabbi Greenstein on Antisemitism A crowd of around 300 people heard Senior Rabbi Micah Greenstein of Temple Israel give a thought-provoking and insightful presentation on antisemitism on November 19. Rabbi Greenstein began by saying that there is probably no place where he’s more at home than in the GUMC sanctuary, where his many ties date back to Rev. Martha Wagley.

In light of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel, Rabbi Greenstein began by noting that Israel is more than a place of geography. It is the living embodiment of the idea that Jews are a people, not just a belief system. It is where Jewish prayers, memories, and tears are found. To put the attack in context, with the population differential between Israel and the U.S., 242 hostages taken by Hamas would equal 13,000 hostages in the U.S.; 1400 deaths would equal 56,000 American deaths; and 3,400 wounded would equal 135,000 Americans wounded.

The Jewish people and Israel have never felt more alone. Since the attack, he has rarely left his desk or phone, helping terrified and traumatized friends and high school and college students facing antisemitism – providing psychological first aid nearly 24/7. “We all want the war to end,” he stated. “One can support the Palestinian people (which he does) while still denouncing the intentional slaughter of men, women, and children.”

He is concerned that the world is not hearing Jews, especially children. One of his Temple Israel congregants, an 11-year-old boy, had a public school classmate who flashed the Nazi salute at school. Since the teachers and administrators did not see him do it until a photo was taken on a field trip, it took a long time for the school to react.

Another congregant, a 4th grader, had a classmate tell her that “All Jews go to hell,” in her attempt to encourage the girl to attend church with her. Again, no teacher/administrator was present so now the parents are asking for guidance on how to address such situations.

The hatred of Jews is unique. It is the most prolonged hatred and occurs even in countries where there are no Jews. Some of the most antisemitic literature in the 20th century was promulgated in Japan, where no Jews live.

Antisemitism has devolved from “you cannot live among us as Jews” (e.g., forced conversion of Jews during the Spanish Inquisition) to “you cannot live among us” (e.g., the ghettos, neighborhoods, even in Memphis, where Jews were not welcome) to “you cannot live” (e.g., the Nazis, Hamas).

“Silence never helps the tormented, only the tormentor. Silence is compliance.”

Although war is sometimes necessary, even though it is hell, the intentional murder of innocent people is never justified. The religious imperative arising from terrorism is not only to fight it, but to take it seriously. There is no need to explain the evil of antisemitism, but only to condemn it – otherwise people will think it’s okay. He noted that antisemitism begins with Jews but never ends with them. Christians should be spurred into action not because they fear they might be next, but because antisemitism is evil, and not merely an abstract evil.

The biggest task today is to combat indifference and especially silence. As Elie Wiesel noted, silence never helps the tormented, only the tormentor. Silence is compliance. He hopes that the Christian response to antisemitism will begin with a honest inquiry into Christian antisemitism, noting that the idea that “Jesus was a Jew who was killed by the Romans” morphed into “Jesus was a Christian who was killed by the Jews.”

Continued...

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Churchwide ...Continued Antisemitism is prejudice and hatred, but it is also a virus that mutates into a conspiracy theory that “hidden” Jews control and manipulate the banks, government, media, etc. Both sides of the political spectrum couch antisemitism in code words. For the right, it’s “Hollywood elites,” “globalists”, and “George Soros.” For the left, it’s “Zionists” and “oppressors.” Antisemitism is also unique because it punches both down (Jews are less than human) and up (Jews control everything).

He urged us to take antisemitism seriously. The current state of antisemitism is not radically different from prior iterations. The difference is the delivery system, where hate can spread everywhere rapidly through the internet and social media.

Criticism of Israeli policy is not antisemitism, just as criticism of American policy is not anti-American. Anti-Zionism becomes antisemitism when Israel is held to a different standard than other countries solely because it is a Jewish state. Antisemitism is not good for the world – it injects hatred, contempt, and distrust. The defeat of all forms of hatred will only occur if it is viewed as a part of a larger cancer that must be stopped. We must be willing to speak out for the oppressed, beyond ourself, our church, our political party, etc. Antisemitism is not about Jews, but about Christians. The good news, according to Rabbi Greenstein, is that more has been accomplished in our lifetime to combat antisemitism than in the preceding 1900 years, in large measure due to the efforts of mainline churches like the United Methodist Church. The old theology was that Jews had been the chosen people until they failed to recognize Jesus. The church saw itself as the new Israel and the suffering of Jews as a sign of God’s displeasure with his formerly elect people. Catholics and Protestants needed to make Jews “see the light,” and, when they did, their suffering would end. The new theology is that Jews remain the chosen people and are not to be moved away from Judaism. Why? Because the gifts of God are irrevocable. It is the survival of the Jews, as Jews, not their suffering, that is a sign of God’s faithfulness to God’s people.

Can Christianity be purged of 1900 years of antisemitism without changing the Gospels? He definitely thinks it can.

What separates Jews and Christians is the Christ of faith, not the Jesus of history. As a historical record, the New Testament chronicles the in-house fight between the Jews and Jesus’ followers and the latter’s more successful outreach to Gentiles. An internal family critique has become external bigotry.

With respect to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Rabbi Greenstein stated that the arc of history, when left unchecked, bends as much toward hatred as it does justice.

He ended with the following prayer: “May God help, and may we help God, bring about the world our Christian and Jewish traditions pray for, believe in, and labor toward – a world filled with love, not hatred; with light, not darkness; with justice, not terror. And God, we pray for moral clarity over the justification of evil.”

If you were unable to attend Rabbi Greenstein’s presentation in person, a videotaped version can be viewed on GUMC’s YouTube page.

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Churchwide CHURCH & SOCIETY SPEAKER’S SERIES Retired Bishop Joe Pennel to speak on the UMC Social Principles Sunday, January 21 | 9:30-10:30 am | Fellowship Hall What are the Social Principles of the United Methodist Church and why do we have them? Learn about the history, impact, and relevance of these principles to us individually, to the church, and to the world in this presentation by Retired Bishop Joe Pennel, who also will be preaching at the traditional services on January 21.

Bishop Pennel graduated from Lambuth College and earned both M.A. and D.Min. degrees from Vanderbilt University Divinity School. Ordained a deacon and elder, he served parishes in rural areas, university settings, inner cities, and the suburbs, all of which were in the Memphis and Tennessee Conferences. He was elected to the episcopacy of the Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference in July of 1996 and assigned to the Richmond Area, where he served until his retirement in 2004. He has served as chair of the Board of Advisors for Vanderbilt Divinity School and the Candler School of Theology. He has been a member of the Board of Publications and has served the Tennessee Annual Conference as Chair of the Board of Pensions and the Committee on the Episcopacy.

In addition to the local church, he has a strong interest in theological education, racial/ethnic issues, the emerging role of women in the church, empowering the laity, and spiritual formation. He recently retired from the faculty of Vanderbilt Divinity School where he served as Professor of the Practice of Leadership.

Bishop Pennel is an engaging and thoughtful speaker, and we encourage your attendance to learn more about the meaning and intent behind the Social Principles.

Capturing the Wesleyan spirit of social holiness and ethical action, over 4,000 United Methodists from around the world participated in an eight-year process to review and update the United Methodist Social Principles. Completed in 2020, this new draft document reflects the United Methodist response to today’s most pressing social issues and is pending adoption at The General Conference 2024.

To view this new draft, go to: https://www.umcjustice.org/who-we-are/proposed-revised-social-principles-for-general-conference-charlotte

or scan this QR code from a mobile device.

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Missions Anne Fritz, Chairperson

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clarissafritz@att.net

Crosslink Memphis As a medical supply ministry, we love hearing how God uses the supplies and medicines as well as how He changes the lives of those serving and those who were served. Crosslink recently received this mission report from a ministry serving in Kenya: “We had a very productive time in Kisumu, Kenya. We work in an area where HIV and AIDs is still causing many deaths on a daily basis. The life expectancy in this part of Kenya is about 40 years old. In fact, out of the approximately 3 million orphans in Kenya, about half are a result of HIV/AIDs. We find people in villages or slums that are down and sick. They would usually die without assistance. We get them medical help, food and spiritual support. Most patients will rebound and become healthy in 3 to 4 months. This is a place where multi-vitamins can save a life. We are grateful to report that over the 5 years since we started this ministry over 1,800 children have avoided becoming orphans. Also, we hand out Bibles in 3 different languages, and many people have come to know Christ.

Crosslink is a very important partner to us. Due to low immune function in patients with HIV/AIDs, they have more uncontrolled and difficult wounds to care for. Some patients take years to fully recover from wounds.

The supplies we get from Crosslink have helped many patients recover from severe wounds that they would have died from. Also, as I had mentioned, the multivitamins save lives. They increase appetite and balance the body so medications can work more effectively and prevent death. We are so grateful to Crosslink and your support.”

This is just one of many stories we get back from mission team leaders. In 2023, Crosslink equipped 61 medical mission teams that served in 27 different countries, with medical supplies, reading glasses, and medicines. These teams have impacted the lives of over 42,000 people. Crosslink is beginning to receive requests for teams serving in early 2024. We have been equipping medical mission teams for 20 years. While our location, team members, and volunteers have changed over the years, our mission and purpose remain the same.

Partnership with Crosslink not only includes medical supplies and medicines but also access to our network of experienced missionaries to help guide you through the process. As we begin 2024 in a new location, we are excited to see how God continues to write Crosslink’s story.

If you would like to donate to Crosslink in either time, supplies, or financially, here are some practical ways: • • •

•

Pray for us as we continue to serve medical mission teams.

For volunteer opportunities, contact Chris Welker at cwelker@crosslinkmemphis.org.

Donate needed medical supplies such as reading glasses, Medical Tape, 4x4 Gauze Pads, Dental Floss, Toothbrushes and Toothpaste, Ace Bandages, Coban, Thermometers, or Automatic BP Kits by placing them in the bin at GUMC. Or, if you would like to purchase supplies through Amazon link, we have a wish-list available at www.crosslink.org/donate-medical-supplies.

Support us financially with either a one-time or monthly gift. You can donate online at www.crosslinkmemphis.org/financial-donations.

Thank you to GUMC for your many years of support for the ministry of Crosslink Memphis! We consider it a privilege to work with churches, clinics, hospitals, individuals, and other non-profits to be a part of ministering to people all over the world through medical missions.

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Missions Anne Fritz, Chairperson

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clarissafritz@att.net

Manna House Some Have Entertained Angels Unawares A biblical passage painted on the storage shed in the backyard of Manna House reads, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares” (Hebrews 13:2). Two mornings a week in the backyard and in the house, “strangers” arrive at Manna House from the streets and the surrounding neighborhoods.

Manna House volunteers welcome these “strangers” as guests. As volunteers, we seek to offer our guests hospitality, first in the form of a warm welcome, and then to offer coffee and a place to relax for a few hours. Some guests will also receive a shower and a change of clothes. Others will receive what we call “socks and hygiene,” which includes hygiene items and socks (of course!), but also other items that change seasonally such as hats, gloves, scarves, and perhaps a rain poncho or a coat.

For over eighteen years, volunteers at Manna House have been graced by the presence of our guests.

They are, as the passage from Hebrews indicates, angels—that is, messengers of God. They also, as Jesus himself said, bring us into His very own presence, “Whatever you do unto the least of these you do unto me.”

This is not to say that every guest is “angelic” or “Christ-like.” It is to say that, as volunteers, we hear God’s call in the practice of hospitality, to recognize the divine dignity of each person as created in the image of God. To that end, we seek to create a place that is welcoming, a living room of sorts for people on the streets, a place where we come to know people’s names, their stories, their dreams, and their sufferings. And this goes both ways. Guests learn our names, our stories, and our dreams and sufferings.

Hospitality in this fashion reduces the barriers and invites the formation of a caring community.

The structure of Manna House invites this community as well. There is no paid staff. We all give from our hearts, carving out time to be at Manna House with guests. We have intentionally remained small—small enough to resist bureaucracy in the form of rules, intake forms, and tabulation of “success stories.” Also, small enough that we can do this as volunteers and not as employees.

Continued...

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Missions Anne Fritz, Chairperson

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clarissafritz@att.net

...Continued The work of hospitality itself is simple. No extensive training is necessary to prepare and serve coffee, to do “socks and hygiene,” to offer showers and a change of clothes, to sort donations, to do laundry, and to clean up at the end of the morning. What is necessary is a willingness to show up, be present, and keep our hearts and ears open to be compassionate.

To nourish our spirits and prepare for each morning, we gather right before we open for a short prayer. We also pray with our guests when we open. Our prayer with the guests ends each time with a ritual. We ask God to bless the coffee, and the gathered people say, “Make it hot!” We ask God to bless the sugar, and the gathered people say, “Make it sweet!” And finally, we ask God to bless the creamer, and the gathered people say, “May it take all life’s bitterness away.”

Our prayer reflects the Manna House way—practical, faithful, a little bit silly, but serious in our recognition that the work is not ours, but rather rests in the gracious hospitality of God. At Manna House, we seek to be what the Rule of St. Benedict called, “a school for the Lord’s service.” Our work of hospitality teaches us how to serve God in our guests.

Manna House invites people to volunteer on any Monday or Thursday morning, 7:45-10:45 am, or for the meal on Monday evenings, 4:40-5:45 pm. If you are interested in volunteering, contact Peter Gathje at petergathje@yahoo.com, and he will share with you volunteer information and discuss when you might come. Since Manna House is relatively small, we want to make sure that each volunteer will have significant work to do while there.

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

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women@germantownumc.org

Celebrate the 35th Anniversary of the Children’s Consignment Sale at the February Luncheon - February 6 | 11:30 am | Fellowship Hall All women are invited to join us for a catered meal and warm fellowship as we celebrate the 35th Anniversary of the Children’s Consignment Sale (CCS). June Dark, the first CCS Chair, and Anna Nicol, the current co-chair, will share memories from the past and present at our Germantown United Women in Faith (GUWF) luncheon on February 6, 2024, at 11:30 am in the Mike Wilson Fellowship Hall.

In 1988, Ida Holmes proposed holding a community-wide event to consign gently used children’s clothes, give the proceeds to missions, and donate unsold items to charity. After a trial run later that year, the Children’s Consignment Sale officially launched in 1989 under the leadership of the first CCS Chair, June Dark. Initially, the sale was small enough to be held Anna Nicol (current sale co-chair) in one of the children’s Sunday school classrooms. “We publicized in the and June Dark (first sale chair) church bulletin and put notices on the bulletin boards of some other churches,” June shared of those early days.

Germantown United Methodist Church (GUMC) member Jo Lewis volunteered and shopped at the first sale. She vividly remembers what she bought: "I found a beautiful Rothchild coat, a fun dragon costume for Erica, and a great blue blazer for Evan.” Her daughter and son were thrilled! Today, Erica Lewis Perkins is a current CCS Committee member and shops for her children at the sale.

Erica and Evan Lewis are wearing items from the first sale.

Over the years, this successful GUWF fundraiser grew, adding a second sale in the spring each year, moving from the Sunday school classroom to its current location in the gym of GUMC’s Owings Life Enrichment Center, and adapting to new technology with online consignment, barcode clothing labels, and scanning checkout stations for shoppers. In addition, successful social media promotions have effectively brought new people to the sale from areas in Memphis, Mississippi, and Arkansas.

The event has raised over $270,000 in the last fourteen years alone, but the impact on the lives of the women and children affected by the many missions it supports is beyond a numerical value. Many consignors generously elect to donate unsold items to missions, which has resulted in thousands of items given to those in need immediately after each sale.

The Children’s Consignment Sale provides families a place to shop for good quality, affordable items for their children.

Erica Lewis Perkins’ children wear purchases from the Children’s Consignment Sale.

Continued...

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

|

women@germantownumc.org

...Continued The Children’s Consignment Sale has become a genuine outreach effort, allowing hundreds of consignors and shoppers, not limited to GUMC members, to experience our welcoming faith community in person. Some people joined the church after attending the Children’s Consignment Sale because of their positive experiences. One such member is current CCS Co-Chair Anna Nicol. She and her family lived near GUMC, and in the spring of 2015, as Anna was driving by, she saw a sign for the Children’s Consignment Sale and decided to try it. “As I shopped, I noticed how inviting and friendly everyone was,” shared Anna. “It looked like everyone was truly happy to be volunteering there. A few weeks later, Ben and I started attending worship services.” Anna, her husband Ben, and their two children joined in 2016. It wasn’t long before Anna began volunteering, eventually becoming the CCS Chair. Now, she is part of the “inviting and friendly” face of GUMC to those who might become future members.

Over the years, this successful GUWF fundraiser grew, moving from the Sunday school classroom to its current location in the gym of GUMC’s Owings Life Enrichment Center

Just as in the story of Jesus multiplying five loaves and two fish into a meal for thousands, God can take something small offered in His Current Children’s Consignment Sale Committee name and do wonderous things beyond what we can ever imagine. A few hardworking women began what they thought was a small way to help others 35 years ago, having no indication their little idea would impact thousands of people long after their volunteer days. It is exciting to think about the future of this event and the blessings of God’s abundance.

Please join us as we learn what God provides through the GUWF Children’s Consignment Sale. June Dark and Anna Nicol and the many women in between are wonderful examples of doing “Everything in Love.”

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

|

women@germantownumc.org

Lent by Candlelight Tuesday, February 13 | 6:30 pm Mike Wilson Fellowship Hall and the Chapel All women are invited! Join us for this cherished annual event where we prepare our hearts and minds for the season of Lent. We will begin with a meaningful time of fellowship while enjoying desserts and coffee in the Fellowship Hall. We will then proceed through candlelit hallways and convene in the Chapel for special music and a time of reflection and devotion.

While the event is free, space is limited to 120 women. Please be sure to register online at germantownumc.org under Open Registrations. Free preschool childcare is available. All women are welcome to participate in Germantown United Women in Faith events. If you are looking for the camaraderie of Christian women, fellowship while serving others, and the opportunity to make lifelong friends, consider joining one of GUWF’s many Circles (small groups). For information about GUWF, contact our Membership Chair, Chesley Porteous, at chesleyporteous@gmail.com.

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

Let Us Know •

When you have a pastoral prayer need, Let Us Know.

•

If you have a health emergency or concern, Let Us Know.

•

If there is a need for which you’d like support, Let Us Know.

Let Us Know – so we can be attentive to your spiritual and practical needs.

To reach Pastoral Care Team, call 901-754-7216 or email Brenda West bwest@germantownumc.org; Susan Crowson scrowson@germantownumc.org.

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 22

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

The JOY of Caregiving As the holidays come to a close and we begin a new year, let’s give thanks for the opportunity to be a family caregiver to our loved one(s).

It may be a spouse, parent, sibling, child, friend…

Can we see our efforts of caregiving as JOY? Can we consider the stress and strain as a JOY?

My caregiving journey involved 6 1/2 years caring for my dad with later stage Alzheimer’s disease. He lived with us. I was caring for or about him 24/7 – yes, even through the night with very little sleep. It took a couple of years to grapple with and come to peace with the journey the Lord called me to and my willingness to do so.

After that came JOY! I began to smile and laugh – with my dad. I began to be playful with my dad as I repeated the same answers many times a day. Sometimes I’d do a jig and sing the answers to him. He’d give a big grin…and…sometimes he tapered off his repetition.

Sometimes, I’d stop and give him a big hug during the barrage of questions and tell him how much I loved him. Sometimes I’d sit down and gaze into his eyes while smiling to let him know how much I loved being with him.

After that came JOY! Yes, JOY came!

My stress and strain became patience for and because I was caring for my dad. The Lord used those 6 1/2 years to shape my character. I did “count it all JOY” (James 1:2-3) when there were trials of many kinds because I saw that the testing of my faith produced perseverance, patience, loving kindness, and acceptance. If you are struggling and need encouragement, reach out and we’ll explore new possibilities.

Balance & Stability Classes Well-Suited for Seniors Improve your balance and stability and strengthen your body by joining classes at the Owings Life Enrichment Center (OLEC). These classes are excellent for seniors wanting to stay strong! The exercise rooms are comfortable with cushioned floors, well-lit, and ventilated.

Classes well-suited for seniors include, but are not limited to: Walk Fit (Judy Pearson) Tuesdays at 10:00-11:00 am Chair Classes (Judy Pearson) Thursdays at 10:00-11:00 am Gentle Yoga (Al Walton) Mondays and Wednesdays at 3:30 – 4:30 pm Vinyasa Yoga (Al Walton) Mondays and Wednesdays at 5:00 – 6:00 pm For prices and more information on these (and other) classes go to page 35.

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

GUMC “ICE” Initiative – In Case of Emergency The ICE Initiative got off to a great start and continues as we ring in 2024!

The ICE Initiative is vital for first responders/EMTs and GUMC Safety and Pastoral Care Teams.

There has been great feedback from members and pastors as folks received assistance from Health & Wellness teams getting emergency contacts set up in their cell phone ‘Mobile Medical ID’ app.

Completed forms were dropped off providing permission to add those emergency contacts to their GUMC membership database record.

During emergencies, time is of the essence! The ‘Mobile Medical ID’ app allows First Responders/EMTs on-thespot access to vital medical information and emergency contacts and allows the GUMC Safety Team to keep your emergency contacts informed throughout the process.

When the Pastoral Care Team is notified about the emergency, we respond by reaching out to our member and their emergency contacts. Sadly, not all members have that information in their record; our staff can’t respond quickly with the prayer and comfort we so urgently want to give.

Bring your completed ICE Initiative forms to the Welcome Center. Staff can help you set it up on your phone; check the permission box and we will enter your emergency contacts in your membership record.

You can access this form on the church website: germantownumc.org or by scanning this QR code from a mobile device.

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

GUMC hosts St. Olaf Choir performance this month!

I am pleased to share that the St. Olaf Choir, conducted by Anton Armstrong, will perform at Germantown United Methodist Church on Wednesday, January 31 at 7:00 pm during their 2024 National Tour.

I have been well schooled in all things St. Olaf. My wife, Mary, is a graduate and sang in the St. Olaf Choir in Dr. Armstong’s first year as director (see photo left.)

For more than a century, the St. Olaf Choir has set the gold standard for choral singing, performing for millions around the world. Composed of 75 mixed voices, the St. Olaf Choir is hailed as one of the nation’s premier a cappella ensembles, renowned for its artistry and beauty of sound.

The St. Olaf Choir is internationally renowned for its unique combination of advanced choral singing and the presentation of challenging choral programming, with a vast repertoire that includes sacred and secular choral standards, traditional hymns, and new compositions. The element of their performing that I value most is an obvious sense of faith and sincerity in sharing it. I encourage you to embrace the opportunity to hear this choir in the friendly confines of our church, Wednesday, January 31 at 7:00 pm.

St. Olaf Choir Performance Wed, January 31, at 7 pm In the Sanctuary Tickets are $35 $10 for all students

Tickets available at stolaf.edu/tickets/choir or by scanning the following QR code from a mobile device.

You may also call 800-363-5487. (Group discount of 10% available for groups of 10+ available via phone.)

To listen to a recording of this extraordinary choir follow this link: https://youtube/f9W84CtNFQ4 or scan the QR code to the right.

Scan for tickets

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Scan to listen

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

Don’t Forget the January Brown Bag Lunch Program!

Mia Henley, Executive Director of Creative Aging, will talk to us about “How Arts Engagements Keep Us Happy.” This presentation will be Friday, January 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.

Matthew Rhoads Discusses the Myths of Probate at the February Brown Bag Lunch!

We have all heard horror stories about probate court and having to probate an estate.

What is probate and how long does it take?

What happens if you don’t have a will?

How much does the cost of probate take away from your estate?

How soon does a will have to be executed?

Attorney Matthew Rhoads is going to answer these questions and more and tell us how to plan ahead at the February Brown Bag Lunch Series, an adventure in learning sponsored by the Older Adult Council.

TOPIC: “Probate Myths and Preplanning” SPEAKER: Matthew Rhoads, Attorney-at-Law, Douglas and Runger, PLLC WHERE: Mike Wilson Fellowship Hall

WHEN: February 2, 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.**

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

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 pm from OLEC parking lot. (Be there by 1:30 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: Wednesday, January 10

XYZs Attend Lenten Preaching Series in March!

Keeping up a decades-long tradition, the XYZs will attend the Lenten Preaching series and eat lunch at the Waffle Shop. Following that, we will enjoy a guided tour of Collins Chapel CME Church, the oldest African-American congregation in Memphis. As of this printing, Calvary Episcopal does not have its March schedule of speakers complete. Please watch for the February Tidings and Sunday’s News & Events for an update on when we are going.

WHERE: Calvary Episcopal Church and Collins Chapel CME Church WHEN: TBD COST: $3 per person plus lunch on your own DEPARTURE: 10 am from OLEC parking lot. (Be there by 9:45 am.)

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: TBD

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

Happy New Year from your friends at Germantown United Methodist Preschool!

We hope that you had a wonderful Christmas celebrating the birth of Jesus. We ended our first semester with a beautiful Christmas Chapel and “Happy Birthday, Jesus” celebration. Ms. Natalie led our little friends on a Journey to Bethlehem. We appreciate the way she ministers to our students during chapel each week. Our friends listened to Bible stories and did many activities to reinforce the true meaning of Christmas. We also had a holly, jolly visitor at our school! It was magical having Santa read us a story and answer our questions about the North Pole. It is so wonderful to see the Christmas joy through their eyes!

Germantown United Methodist Preschool is grateful to be a ministry of GUMC, and we appreciate the support given to us throughout the year. As we close one semester and look forward to the next, we would like to share the successes of GUMP and the ways we minister to the families. GUMP is a developmental preschool focusing on the individuality of each child and creating a meaningful environment for all GUMP students. Our preschool curriculum and lesson plans follow the state standards in all developmental areas, and we exceed expectations on state requirements. When children graduate from preschool and head to Kindergarten, we send them on as confident and independent learners! Our ministry includes our G.R.A.C.E. program for children with different abilities that can benefit from our preschool program but may need extra classroom support. We are also happy to support families who speak a different language at home. This year we have several children that are English Language Learners. We love teaching them, but also love learning from them as well! GUMP offers extended hours for children ages 24 months and up for families needing longer hours of care. We welcome you to come visit us and learn more about all the wonderful things happening here. Through the hard work of our teachers, partnership with the church, and support from our wonderful families, GUMP is able to minister to our community by meeting the needs of many children and their families.

GUMP is excited to begin 2024 by welcoming back our wonderful teachers and precious friends. As the New Year begins, we are in the midst of the preschool enrollment process for the upcoming 2024-2025 year. This time of year brings an increase in interest in our program and parent/child meetings. If you or someone you know is looking for a preschool, we would love for you to see if GUMP is the right fit. Please call our front office at 901-753-3109 if you have any questions.

On behalf of the faculty and staff at GUMP, may 2024 be a year of blessings for you and your family!

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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

Holiday Recap Journey to Bethlehem Almost 200 adults and children attended Journey to Bethlehem on December 9. In addition to crafts and yummy pastries, the kiddos embarked on a journey, discovering the story of Jesus’ birth. They visited angels, stopped at a stable in Bethlehem, witnessed shepherds hearing the Good News, and went to Jerusalem to learn about Herod and the wisemen searching for the newborn king. The children also shared their “wish lists” with Santa himself. A special thank you to our volunteers who made this event possible, and to Brad Gabriel, Todd Wilson, and Chloe Granberry for their participation!

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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

More Holiday Recaps!

United Methodist Neighborhood Centers Angel Tree Our church families provided over 200 gifts for the children attending UMNC’s Miriam Child Development Center in Memphis. These children were thrilled to not only receive their most desired toys, but also items they desperately needed, such as coats, PJs, and shoes.

Thank you for your generous giving to others in need!

Children’s Alternative Christmas We held our annual Children’s Alternative Christmas Market on December 9 & 10 in the Huddle. We sold more gifts than ever before! Your kid’s purchases not only brought joy to their loved ones who received the gift, but helped free-trade artisans from around the world.

The Children’s Ministry team wishes all our families a very Happy New Year! We are planning an exciting year for your children, and we are blessed and honored to lead your children, ages birth through 5th grade, on their spiritual journeys.

Each month, we will send you an email to let you know what your preschooler or elementary schooler is learning for the month during Sunday School. Please be sure to utilize the wonderful resources included with our curriculum. We actively post on social media. Be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook. Check out our Children’s Ministry webpage which can be found on the church website under the Ministries tab. If you have any questions about these resources, please let us know.

Children ages birth through Pre-K may join us in the Hamilton Nursery during the 8:30 am traditional service, 9:30 am Sunday school, and 11:00 am traditional or Prism service. Kindergarten through 5th grade students may join us for Sunday school in the Huddle and children’s wing classrooms from 9:30-10:30 am. We encourage you to take your elementaryaged children with you to worship in the sanctuary or OLEC each Sunday. If your children need a little something extra to do during worship, there are “worship bags” and children’s bulletins located in the Narthex cabinet outside of the sanctuary.

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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

WOW (Worship on Wednesdays) Wednesdays, January 10- March 29 (we will not meet March 13) 6:00 - 7:30 pm | Fellowship Hall WOW resumes January 10 from 6:00-7:30 pm. Preschoolers will meet in the Hamilton Nursery for their special programming. We hope that your children will join us as we recharge our hearts and spirits during this special mid-week time together. Dinner will be served at 6 pm. Registration is required. Register by noon Tuesdays so we can plan for food.

Created by God Coming in February — Dates TBD (Fri. evening, Sat. morning) A program designed to communicate to fifth and sixth graders that we are a fantastic creation made

by God. The topics of human sexuality, values, and relationships are approached in a frank, honest, and Bible-based manner. We will have a parent meeting in January (date TBD) to discuss the curriculum and your role in it as a parent. After this meeting, parents will be asked to register online if they are interested in their child taking the course. Attending the parent meeting in no way commits you to the course—it is informational only. There is a $40 cost for the course which covers all materials, supplies, and food. Guests are welcome, but they must be in the fifth or sixth grades.

IGNITE! 4th and 5th Grade Retreat Feb 3-4 | The Grove at Red Oak Lake

“Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul…”

Acts 4:32

Look around you. In our culture today, there is more division than there is unity. Some division is trivial. Some is life changing. And yet, into this landscape, the Gospel speaks a profound truth: in Christ, we are united. W e are together. Does your child know the difference between friendship and fellowship? Are our children unified with one another, regardless of their differences, by their common love for Christ? Is our church a safe place where kids feel valued and cared for? Do our children lead out into culture as one, motivated by the mission of advancing the Gospel?

Join us at Ignite! 4th & 5th Grade Retreat where we will challenge our children to embrace a Christ -centered community TOGETHER. All 4th and 5th graders and friends are invited! February 3 -4 at The Grove at Red Oak Lake.

Cost $100/child. Registration REQUIRED . Deadline to register: January 21!

Upcoming dates to remember: January 7 January 10 February 3-4 March 30 March 31

Children’s choirs resume at 5 pm.

WOW (Worship on Wed) resumes at 6 pm. * IGNITE! 4th/5th grade retreat at the Grove * Easter Egg Hunt Easter Sunday * Please see details and register online.

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Youth Chloe Granberry, Director of Middle School Ministries | cgranberry@germantownumc.org Caasi Grove, Director of High School Ministries | cgrove@germantownumc.org

The past few months have been busy ones for GUMC youth!

Since Crave (our annual retreat), we have had our annual dodgeball tournament, affectionately referred to as Turkey Bowl, our Friendsgiving celebration, and our Element gift exchange! We also helped support other church events, such as Journey to Bethlehem, Room in the Inn, and the Advent Processional. It has truly been a busy season, and we are thankful to our church community for supporting us in our programming and giving us the opportunity to give back that support during this holiday season.

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

NEW CLASS!!

The OLEC lobby has a new look!

A new countertop and desk have been installed and it has been freshly painted. Come check it out!

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!

Our teams have started playing games and are having so much fun!

Check out the pictures from our first few games.

Kindergarten games start January 5.

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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 January 2024 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

Class Locations:

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

6-7 pm Dance Fitness Chandler Seaton

6-7 pm Fit 4 Mom (DR)

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

Class Prices $5.00 - Walk Fit, Chair Class, Gentle Yoga $7.00 - Vinyasa Yoga $89.00/month - Stroller Fit, unlimited classes For Al Walton yoga classes, call Al at 901-484-3730 prior to first class.

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

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

Open Gym Time (during basketball season) Mon: 3-4:30 pm Tues / Wed / Thurs: 12-4 pm 35

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

Our Mission

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.

We are a welcoming community of faith, committed to:

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

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