the Tidings July 2023

the Tidings

On True Freedom

Psalm 33:12, 21-22 reminds us:

“Happy is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage. Our heart is glad in him because we trust in his holy name. Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you.”

2023

Tim Carpenter Senior Pastor

It is common to hear or say, “God bless America.” However, the Psalm suggests God’s mercy will be given according to the hope we place in God. If our people do not honor God, God will not honor the people. If our laws are not just, God will not honor our laws. If our actions are not righteous, God will not honor our actions. If our hope is not in the Lord, God’s mercy will not be on our hopes.

I believe that the greatest thing we can do for our nation is to pray. Pray for our leaders. Pray for God’s wisdom upon them. Pray for God’s mercy to heal our land. Perhaps God will honor a people who are on their knees placing their hope in him. For truly our hope lies in a God who is a saving God, and who gives everyone hope in Jesus Christ.

Congratulations to Rev. Todd Wilson

Todd Wilson, our Director of the Music Ministry, was commissioned as Provisional Deacon Tuesday night, June 20, at our Annual Conference! We celebrate this achievement for Todd and look forward to his continued and growing leadership in the Music Ministry and outreach of the church. We will recognize Todd on July 9 at the 11:00 a.m. Traditional Service.

Farewell to Rev. Steve Stone

Steve has served as the Pastor of Alternative Worship and Outreach for two years. He has led the way in developing Prism as a successful expression of our alternative worship. We are thankful for the leadership, experience, and imagination that Steve has brought to GUMC and to Prism. Steve’s last Sunday will be July 30. We wish God’s blessings on Steve as he passes the baton of Prism leadership to Rev. Mimi White.

Farewell to Rev. Tom Davis

With fondness and appreciation, we bid farewell to Rev. Tom Davis, who has served as our Director of Elder Care Ministries for the past two years. Tom has brought a gentle spirit with tremendous knowledge and experience in pastoral care. Tom has overseen visitations and pastoral care for our elder members. He has also been a wonderful member of the church staff, always providing kindness and encouragement to everyone. Tom is moving to Manhattan, Kansas, to be with his family. With bittersweet emotion, we wish Tom God’s blessings in this new chapter of his life. (Please see Tom’s article on pages 6-8.)

JULY

Executive Minister

Executive Minister

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

Social media is all the rage, from Facebook to Twitter to Instagram to whatever else. Like in all things, it is important to approach social media as proper stewards and in ways that reflect who we are as a people of faith. Eric Seiberling has an article on the Resource UMC website, and I thought I would share it with you in three parts. It is entitled “Three Simple Rules of Social Media.” Seiberling writes:

In his book Three Simple Rules: A Wesleyan Way of Living, retired United Methodist Bishop Rueben P. Job uses John Wesley's three general rules to give Christians a guide for living a faithful life. The book is published by the United Methodist Publishing House. The rules from Wesley, the founder of Methodism, are simple: "Do no harm. Do good. Stay in love with God."

These rules also apply to how we live our online lives in social media. The Rev. Dan Gangler, director of communications in the Indiana Conference, expanded on Job’s ideas in his article “Three Simple Rules for Social Media.” Michael Rich, communications coordinator in Western North Carolina Conference, did the same in his article “Social Media – Three Simple Rules.” Both advise ways to follow the rules when using social media.

Rule #1: Do no harm.

Job writes, “To do no harm means that I will be on guard so that all my actions and even my silence will not add injury to another of God’s children or to any part of God’s creation.” Doing no harm means respecting the cultures and life situations of those with whom we minister.

When we engage with others online, we may forget that living, breathing people with thoughts and feelings are on the other end of the digital conversation. With almost 70 percent of all communication being nonverbal, we may easily misunderstand what someone is trying to convey or how another interprets our intentions. It is easy to focus so much on proving a particular point that we cause unintended harm.

When engaging in social media activities, take the time to discern both the intention and the potential consequences of online engagement:

• What is the intent of the post? Does it show Christ’s love or does it focus on judgment and condemnation?

• Do I speak disparagingly about anyone involved? Do I try to use facts and opinions to

• manipulate others to my viewpoint?

• Could this post “do harm” to the reputation of Christ, the church, or another person or

• organization?

• Could someone interpret the post as harmful, offensive, rude, or distasteful?

• Does this interaction recognize each person involved as a “loved child of God – a recipient of love unearned, unlimited and underserved – just like myself”?

Rev. Dr. Scott Alford

Rev. Dr. Steve Stone | sstone@germantownumc.org Rev. Mimi White | mwhite@germantownumc.org

In Acts 20:35 Jesus says, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” If you have ever spent time serving others or have ever given someone a gift - even if it was just the gift of your time - then you know this saying is true. There is so much joy to be had in serving others! It is a true means of grace as John Wesley would call it. Whenever Wesley had a person come to him who was depressed or lonely, service to others is what he would recommend. Service is a privilege and a great blessing to us!

Prism has many opportunities to serve on Sunday mornings. We currently have a Hospitality Team, Set-Up and Take-Down Crew, Greeting Team, Communion Team, Stewardship Team, and Prayer Team. Volunteers are always needed in any of these areas. If your spiritual gift is “Hospitality” you might find you are a perfect fit to serve as one of our Sunday morning greeters, smiling and meeting folks as they enter the parking lot, the OLEC entrance, or the worship area. This is a vital part of our Sunday morning celebration experience – especially for the

first-time guest! If you can move chairs around, you are a perfect fit for serving with the Set-Up Crew. If your gift is finances, then you are a perfect match for the Stewardship Team. If your gift is Faith, then you have been equipped to pray for others, or assist in serving the sacrament of Holy Communion. Whatever area you are passionate about, that is the area where God is calling you to use your gifts in service to others.

Don’t miss an opportunity to give back to the flock and practice the spiritual discipline of service. We meet new friends, discover skills we never knew we had, and grow spiritually! Come grow with us this summer at Prism!

Rev. Mimi White

“Everybody can be great...because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love. “

Martin Luther King

Congregational Care

Yolanda Toney | ytoney@germantownumc.org | 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

Have You Seen Me?

On Sunday morning you walk by at least one kiosk. Have you ever stopped to see what’s in them? There is a plethora of information. The kiosk in the Welcome Center is dedicated to Missions, others have information brochures about XYZ, Handy Helpers, Germantown United Women in Faith, The United Methodist Neighborhood Center, Hannah’s Hope, Youth Leadership Memphis, the High School Equivalency Exam Classes, Memphis Interfaith Association (MIFA), Brown Bag Lunch, Adult Sunday School Classes, our newsletter, The Tidings, Elder Care Ministry, When a Loved One Dies, Professional Network on Aging…etc. Thanks to our administrative staff we have these brochures available to give us some help and ideas on where to find resources we may need. Take time to stop and read them or take them home.

Congregational Care

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

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

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

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

• 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 Yolanda Toney, 901-754-216, ytoney@germantownumc.org.

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

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

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

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

• Career Transition Team - An established group who aids those seeking employment or those who are underemployed. https://sites.google.com/a/ thectgroups.org/the-ct-groups/home/Groups/Memphis-CT.

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

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

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

Elder Care Ministry

Rev. Tom Davis

A Note from Tom Davis: By the time you read this in the July’s GUMC’s Tidings, my daughter, her husband, and their children, along with my wife and I will be entering a new chapter as we travel the Yellow Brick Road toward Kansas. This journey was a sudden surprise and opportunity, but one that is bittersweet because it means leaving you all. Thank you, for the privilege and blessing to serve as your Director of Elder Care.

You are a special congregation and church; these are not words to flatter you, the proof is expressed in the article below. It reflects the thoughts and revelations that I have experienced because of your life together as Germantown United Methodist Church. It was written several months before my son-in-law and daughter asked my wife and I to join them in Manhattan, Kansas. The subject of this article became a challenge and a blessing in how to answer them.

Secrets to Finding the Abundant Life

In the two years that I have been here at Germantown United Methodist Church, I have stumbled upon the secret of living the abundant life. You know the abundant life? The one that Jesus talked about. He expressed it in John 10:10, when he gave us his mission statement, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come so that you may have life and have it more abundantly.”

The sad truth is, there are thieves that try to steal, kill, or destroy our lives.

Just recently, the United States surgeon general, Vivek Murthy warned about an epidemic of loneliness saying, “loneliness is far more than just a bad feeling it harms both individual and societal health. Loneliness has been associated with coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, dementia, depression, and anxiety.” And Dr. Murthy also expressed concern with the decline in church attendance over the last several years because such a decline increases loneliness and isolation.

Did you know that the life expectancy in the United States has also dropped? Life expectancy at birth in the United States declined nearly a year from 2020 to 2021, according to new provisional data from the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS). That decline – 77.0 to 76.1 years – took U.S. life expectancy at birth to its lowest level since 1996. Hard to believe but 76 years old seems relatively young to me!!

So, you must be wondering, what about life and living it more abundantly?

Elder Care Ministry

Rev. Tom Davis

This spring, Dr. Scott Morris of Church Health Center came and talked to us about his program for better health in Memphis. He talked about his model for Healthy Living. It is a model that includes your Faith, Work, Movement, Nutrition, Friends & Family, and your Emotional life. It is a lifestyle practice for health and well-being. Something Dr. Morris has been advocating for the last 35 years.

Last fall, I came across a National Geographic study about five Blue Zones around the world where people lived to be around 100 years old. These centenarians, it was found, practiced nine daily life habits, these habits are remarkably similar to Dr. Morris’ Healthy Living model. These powerful nine habits raised life expectancy close to 100 years in these communities.

Imagine if you could increase your life expectancy from 76 years to 100 years.What would you do with 24 more years to live? How could you impact the lives of your children and grandchildren? What could you do to reach out with the love of Christ to a hurting world. What wisdom, as an Elder would you be able to give?

The powerful nine habits in these Blue Zones were:

1) People regularly attended religious services four times per month.

2) They took time every day to slow down and pray or meditate.

3) They woke up with a purpose.

4) They moved around naturally during the day.

5) They stopped eating when their stomachs were 80% full.

6) The cornerstone of their diets were plant based foods, not processed food, and they ate little or no meat.

7) They had low or moderate alcohol consumption.

8) Their families came first.

9) They had close relationships with long-lived friends that supported healthy behaviors.

So, would these habits work in Germantown United Methodist Church if you practiced them?

Well, over the last two years, I have met and been around a group of members from Germantown United Methodist Church who range in age from 80 to 102 years old!! And guess what? They have not only practiced these habits, but they are living life and living it abundantly!!

Elder Care Ministry

Rev. Tom Davis

...Abundant Life, continued

It is amazing that being a member of Germantown United Methodist Church is not just about your spiritual well-being, but it is also about being in good physical health. Something happens to you spiritually and physically when you regularly attend worship services, when you join a Sunday School class, a Circle, or a prayer group, join in an exercise class, or play pickleball! Something abundantly happens to you when your purpose is about missions and helping others. When you socially connect to a group that prays for you and carries each other's burdens. Life is worth living and the sacredness of life is experienced!

I have witnessed this depth of life as I have gotten to know our elder members. Their lives reveal the proof that faith, hope, and love are life-changing virtues.

Our Mission Statement says:

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

And I would add, “by living the abundant life together.”

~ Rev. Tom Davis

Mental Health Tip 24: Find Joy

Finding activities that bring you and others joy can be important for your mental health. Maybe that joy will come through playing music that reminds you of past experiences or connections; sharing videos and photos with family and friends; playing board games or engaging in fun outdoor activities; cooking, gardening, and doing crafts; or finding ways to help other people. You also may find joy in being able to worship, study, or chat with others virtually.

Check out our Elder Care brochure in the kiosks!

Wear Hospitality

Show your hospitable side by wearing a name badge when you come to worship. You will be helping our guests and members get to know you.

Don’t have a name badge? Stop by the Welcome Center and order a new one today.

Monday Monthly Book Group

“Summertime, an’ the living’ is easy” and the perfect time to catch up on your reading! Join us on the fourth Monday of each month at 10:00 am in Room 338 for a lively discussion! There is no need to register, just purchase the book or check-out from the library.

For questions, please contact Mary Groh.

CHURCH & SOCIETY

Churchwide

SAVE THE DATES: AUGUST 20 and NOVEMBER 19 9:30-10:30 AM.

FELLOWSHIP HALL

Please mark your calendar and plan to attend the next two speaker’s series presentations hosted by the Church & Society Team.

Sunday, August 20, Kevin G. Ritz, the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee (and son of GUMC members Mike and Sharon Ritz) will speak on “Justice and Civil Rights.” Ritz was sworn in on September 28, 2022 after being nominated by President Biden and unanimously confirmed by the Senate. He is the chief federal law enforcement officer in West Tennessee and oversees three main divisions (civil, criminal and administrative) as well as the branch office in Jackson, TN.

Sunday, November 13, Senior Rabbi Micah D. Greenstein of Temple Israel will speak. He is the eighth senior rabbi in Temple Israel’s 165-year history, serving his congregation for three decades and sustaining its position as the largest synagogue in Tennessee and the Deep South.

Both presentations will be held in the Fellowship Hall during the Sunday School hour (9:30-10:30 a.m.) All are welcome to attend!

July 24: Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Patti Callahan

August 28: The Ride of Her Life by Elizabeth Letts

Kevin G. Ritz U.S. Attorney

Micah D. Greenstein

Sr. Rabbi Temple Israel

Churchwide

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

Prism Set-up Crew

For the better part of the nearly two years since Prism began, these faithful fellows have handled the lion's share of the heavy lifting for Prism set up. They've hauled chairs, bleachers, stage extensions, tables of all sizes and purposes, attendance pads, inflatables, Prism shirts, and so much more. They have given their time - often in the early-morning hours on Sundays, brute strength, and good humor, and have done so with such Christ-centered and joy-filled spirits. They don't do it for recognition (and actually had to be talked into having this spotlight piece written about them), but without these gentlemen, Prism absolutely could not happen. If you see them around the church or around town, be sure to extend a heartfelt expression of gratitude for all they do! If you want to be part of this amazing team, contact Natalie Duncan (901) 490-2552.

Welcome New GUMC Staff members!

Three new staff members have been hired to join the GUMC family.

• Maintenance: Jimmie Fields

• Housekeeping: Will Suggs

• Director of Communications: Lawrence Monahan

Watch for photos and bios in the August newsletter

From left to right: Justin Gee, Brian Swords, Walter Lazure, Pat Hopper, Jason and Gabriel Rodgers.

Volunteers make the church go ‘round!

Usher Highlight

Everybody Loves Raymond was a sitcom that featured the family of Ray Berone. A popular episode is called The Prodigal Son. Ray decides it’s time to get back to church and serve as an usher with his father. The team, including his father, lets Ray know that before you serve as usher you have to put your time in the pews first. You can’t start out in the first-class lounge that is the narthex. Being an usher is an honor with a waiting list! (Check out the episode: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x850rpi)

The GUMC usher teams are service-minded folks who truly lend aid to the atmosphere of welcoming, and they know that their service is an honor to God and to the church. I asked usher leaders for a description of their duties. Below is a partial list of what they accomplish.

• Arrive at church 20-30 minutes before service begins.

• Welcome guests, hand out bulletins and greet new arrivals.

• Locate and have collection plates nearby.

• Determine if there is a baptism scheduled and place “reserved” signs, if needed for family.

• Review the bulletin upon arrival for ushering to determine if there are acolytes assigned to the service. If not, light the candles at the altar before the service.

• Seat latecomers at times OTHER than prayer, scripture reading, or sermon.

• Count attendance, record and report.

• Following the benediction, open all doors.

• Post service, replace Bibles, hymnals, and attendance pads in the correct places and pick up debris.

• Post service, check altar candles to be sure they have been extinguished.

• After the 11:00 service, collect attendance slips from the pads at each pew and turn these in at the welcome center.

In addition to sharing about these duties ushers were asked if there are any anecdotes to share about their time in service as ushers. A few of these stories are shared below.

“We had an incident a few months ago when a lady fell and injured herself on the basement level of the church and none of us could find her. She finally called her mother and we began to search for her. One of our ushers was going down the stairs from the Narthex and fell and hit his head on the stairs. He was not seriously injured but it was obvious that he also needed assistance. So, the ambulance came and both the lady and usher were checked out – the usher for a possible concussion and the lady for a broken bone. This is a testament to having a safety team and ushers available when emergencies occur.”

Another story.

“Collection of the offering had just finished, and ushers were now delivering them back to the altar. Typically, after this, the offering is then returned to the ushers for processing. On this particular Sunday the worship leader took the plates and put them on the altar. Senior pastor at the time, Rev. Richard Smith signaled ‘No, just leave them there!’ with a shake of his head to the ushers. A nice laugh for an impromptu variance from the norm.” Ushers employ improvisatory skills while on the job!

The biggest joy as an usher seems to be universal as it was shared more than once by those Interviewed meeting people including those who are new to GUMC and current members.

Longest active usher is believed to be Jack Ridner who is 91 years young.

When asked about what needs this crew of volunteers experience right now the response was also universal - VOLUNTEERS! Since the pandemic, ushers have struggled to have full teams to cover offerings and to help the safety team for smooth Sunday morning operations. Volunteers from some of the younger members of our congregation are needed as current teams need some young blood!

Hear that young folks? You’re being invited to the usher lounge with an opportunity to serve the Lord and your church. Make sure a waiting list to serve as usher is created by your response to this call to serve!

Finance

Jim Dodge, Finance Chair

Missions

Anne Fritz, Chairperson | clarissafritz@att.net

Crosslink Memphis

Crosslink Memphis is a medical supply ministry. Our mission is to equip medical mission teams with donated medical supplies, reading glasses, and low-cost medicine as they go to all nations to share the Gospel. To accomplish this mission, we partner with individuals, clinics, hospitals, and churches to receive in-date medical supplies, redistributing them to teams preparing to travel. Crosslink purchases medicine at cost as a licensed pharmaceutical distributor and shares the cost savings with the mission organization.

We have been serving mission teams since 2004 and have been an independent 501c3 nonprofit since 2012. Throughout the years, we have found various ways to equip mission teams and continue to look at how we meet the needs of those serving, from offering over 500 different selections of donated medical supplies to a fully customizable list of pharmaceuticals to be purchased. Each country, region, and physician has unique needs, so to adequately serve each team, we allow them to buy a comprehensive array of medicine, including antibiotics, antifungals, topical creams, vitamins, antiparasitic, and medicines to treat hypertension. Crosslink continues to find ways to aid teams going where there are no clinics and partner with groups that have relationships with local hospitals and clinics.

Stories from the Mission Field

Sharing the Gospel and incorporating the love of Christ is a critical factor for Crosslink as we evaluate partnerships. This story comes from a clinic in The Democratic Republic of Congo. "The low-dose aspirin assists the Shungu Clinic with pregnant patients who are identified with high blood pressure. The quality and large quantity that we can get from Crosslink helps meet that need. In the past, we have also turned to Crosslink for blood pressure monitors and urine testing strips. These have built up the response mechanisms locally for treating pregnant women."

"Those who visit the Shungu Clinic come to know Christians who embody the love of Christ in community. The ways they are shown care and respect no matter who they are or where they come from is different from public health clinics which may treat some better than others. As people see the embodiment of Christ in believers, they are offered renewed hope and health."

A recently equipped trip to the Amazon Jungle in Peru found a team in a remote village only accessible by boat. While hosting a general clinic for the two hundred villagers, one of the ladies in the village presented to the clinic with a piece of glass stuck in her foot. The glass had already been there for several weeks. The foot was tender, sore, and swollen, and she was walking with a limp. The physician on the team, with the aid of one of the nurses, was able to use a sterile lacerations tray, lidocaine, absorbable sutures, gauze, gauze rolls, antibiotics, and antibiotic creams to make a small incision and retrieve the piece of glass.

Missions

Anne Fritz, Chairperson | clarissafritz@att.net

The foot was sutured, bandaged, and proper instructions were given to care for and clean the foot. Her life was changed by the medical team providing care. Yet the most encouraging part of the story is the mission team taught her, the village pastor, and one of the leaders of the Shipibo church association how to clean the wounds properly. This minor procedure allowed the pastors to follow up with a home visit to continue sharing Christ's love with her and her family.

Our Impact

Since 2016, we have equipped 501 mission teams who have served in 55 different nations. These teams have spent 6,468 days in the mission field. Mission teams have received a value of $2.6 million of donated medical supplies while saving over $10.4 million on purchased medicine compared to the average wholesale price. While the cost savings is a tremendous impact for nonprofits and churches, we believe the most critical number we can track is that 319,433 people around the world have either heard the Gospel for the first time, accepted Christ, or had their faith strengthened through a medical mission team.

Connect With Us

We are grateful for the support from GUMC that we have continued to receive over the years. If you are interested in connecting with Crosslink, here are some next steps:

1. Pray for us and the mission teams seeking to share the Gospel through medical care.

2. Volunteer – We can host individuals, couples, small groups, and Sunday school classes. There are many opportunities for children and adults alike to serve for a morning or afternoon. If you are interested, please get in touch with Chris at cwelker@crosslinkmemphis.org.

3. Donate needed medical supplies- Please visit: www.crosslinkmemphis.org/donate-medical-supplies to purchase supplies easily via an Amazon link or scan this QR code from a mobile device.

Scan to donate medical supplies

4. Golf with us- Monday, October 2, at Colonial Country Club. You can submit a team to play or become a sponsor. All proceeds from the event support the operational costs of Crosslink to continue to equip mission teams. For more information go to www.crosslinkmemphis.org/golftourney

For any additional information, visit www.crosslinkmemphis.org or call A.J. Kamer at (901) 323-8477 or Mike Herringshaw at (901) 277-3791.

Missions

Anne Fritz, Chairperson | clarissafritz@att.net

Serve with Project Transformation Memphis! Support young lives in the community this summer.

Read one-on-one with children! Project Transformation is looking for caring volunteers to read with our summer day camp participants. The literacy component of Project Transformation is an exciting opportunity for volunteers to interact with children in a one-to-one setting. Both individuals and groups are welcome!

Provide dinner for the college-age young adults from across the country serving in Project Transformation’s summer program. Churches, Sunday school classes, and circles from across the area will provide dinners for them at their housing location. This is a great opportunity to serve and get to know young people who are really making a difference!

(June-July, Sunday through Wednesday, 5:40-7:00pm.) More information is available for those interested.

Provide a Family Fun Night meal! Once a month, we invite the children and families of our programs to a night of fellowship. This themed night (i.e. a luau, hoe down, sock hop, etc.) is always a highlight for our families, interns, and volunteers! We invite church groups to provide the meals and participate in the fun.

(Wednesday, July 26, 5:30-7:00pm.)

Collect new books, healthy snacks, and supplies for our summer program. Project Transformation relies on support from our partner churches to provide supplies. Visit our Amazon wish list at https://a.co/egyO1kD for a list of our most needed items. Or scan this QR code from a mobile device:

Tennessee. Whether or not you are able to serve directly with us, we invite you to join us in surrounding our children, young adults, families, churches, and volunteers in prayer. Follow our 4-day Prayer Guide to prepare for your service and/or pray for God's transformative power to move this summer.

Pray with Project Transformation

Project Transformation will be hosted at Centenary UMC again this summer. Contact Mike Herringshaw for more information at 901-277-3791 or mjherringshaw@att.net.

Summer Mission Project - Project Transformation

The children of GUMC are collecting individually packaged healthy snacks for Project Transformation, as our summer mission project. Donation bins are outside of the Huddle, at the Nursery check-in desk, and at the OLEC. Cash & Venmo also accepted! (@GermantownUMC)

Missions

Anne Fritz, Chairperson | clarissafritz@att.net

Jacob’s Ladder Community Development Corporation

Jacob’s Ladder Community Development Corporation, an ecumenical Christian non-profit organization was incorporated in April 2004, as a 501 (c)(3). The name, Jacob’s Ladder, draws from the Old Testament story of Jacob, a man who dreamed of a connection between heaven and earth, a prelude to Christ’s ministry on earth. Jacob’s Ladder is focused on relationship building between neighbors, businesses, and faith-based groups in the Memphis Belt Line community. Its vision for the community is to create a new image for this struggling area by providing affordable housing, community resources, green spaces, parks, and more, as a testimony to the creative and loving power of God.

The Belt Line is one of the most centrally located and diverse communities in Memphis. Once a strong and vital community, the Belt Line is located near the U of M campus area and Chickasaw Gardens. This area struggles with issues of crime, blight, chronic unemployment, and some of the highest crime rates in Memphis.

Some of the issues facing this area:

• 90% of residents live in poverty

• One in three lots are vacant or boarded-up

• High occurrence of domestic violence

• High unemployment rate

• Rising percentage of high school dropouts

• 80% of households are single parent

• At risk youth and teenage pregnancy

Jacob’s Ladder has achieved many goals in its twenty years of operation in this area. It has renovated twenty-five previously vacant houses and placed qualified homebuyers in them. It has built a community center and church. Three streets have been partially renovated. Jacob’s Ladder has created a coalition of businesses, churches and neighbors in the Belt Line, moving from fragmentation to solidarity. In addition, it has supplemented early childhood education in the Belt Line by opening a Youth Enrichment Center.

Jacob’s Ladder, while continuing its work towards housing rehabilitation efforts, has many more goals. It is implementing a long-term community redevelopment plan, designed in partnership with residents, churches, and businesses. It is also working towards creating green spaces and connecting and strengthening existing churches.

A very exciting new project for Jacob’s Ladder is its Senior Safe Cozy Village. The Cozy Village is an answer for these Belt Line senior citizens living on the edge of poverty in a high crime area. Cozy Village will be five studio-style homes surrounding an interior courtyard. These homes will be built with insulating concrete forms (ICFs). ICFs are durable, attractive, and virtually maintenance free, termite/water damage free, bullet proof, and fully ADA compliant. The units have a very high energy efficiency rating and utility bills are estimated at $100 or less a month (to be paid by the resident.) Residents will also pay a monthly fee of $500. The current Cozy Village project is beginning September 15. The completion date is estimated for March 2024. Once this Cozy Village is completed, it is hoped that more will follow soon for the Belt Line neighborhood.

Jacob’s Ladder is currently seeking donations for this project, the Senior Safe Cozy Village. The total budget for this project is $304,000. Not only does it need funds to begin the project, but it always needs volunteers. To donate or volunteer, contact Rev. William D Marler by phone (901-327-3771) or email at jacobsladdercdc@aol.com.

Membership

Glenda Linton

Germantown United Methodist Church welcomed Glenda Linton into membership on Sunday, May 21 at our 11:00 traditional worship service. She joined by transfer of her membership from a sister United Methodist church in the Memphis area. Glenda’s Welcome Friends are the Alpha Sunday School Class.

When asked what about Germantown UMC made her want to become a part of our church community, she replied, “GUMC provides a reverent, respectful worship service that provides a truly worshipful experience. And there is much encouragement to serve. The members have extended a great hand of welcome. The members of the Alpha Sunday School Class became immediate friends.”

Betsy and Walt Mullins

Germantown United Methodist Church welcomed Betsy and Walt Mullins into membership on Sunday, June 11, at our 8:30 traditional worship service. They joined by transfer of their memberships from a sister denomination in the Memphis area. They are members of the Emmaus Sunday School Class. Their Welcome Friends are Donna and Jimmy Wright.

When asked what about Germantown UMC made them want to become a part of our church community, they replied, “We started attending the Emmaus Class during the pandemic when Emmaus was meeting outside. We liked the people and the general theology of GUMC. We’ve been attending for a few years now so time to join!”

Membership

Rev. Dr. Myra Bennett

Germantown United Methodist Church welcomed Rev. Dr. Myra Bennett into membership on Sunday, May 14 at our Prism worship service. Rev. Bennett is a retired United Methodist Minister in the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference and is placing her conference membership in affiliation with GUMC. Myra served 27 years at Methodist Healthcare as a board-certified Chaplain and licensed Pastoral Counselor, and three years in parish appointments. She has met several people at Prism that she knew during her earlier years of ministry, and it has been a joy-filled reunion.

Glenda and George Simpson

Germantown United Methodist Church welcomed Glenda and George Simpson into membership on Sunday, May 21, at our 11:00 traditional worship service. They joined by transfer of their membership from a sister United Methodist church in the Memphis area. Their Welcome Friends are the Douglas Family.

When asked what about Germantown UMC made them want to become a part of our church community, they replied, “Rev. Tim Carpenter’s sermons are inspirational and meaningful. Due to the upheaval surrounding the United Methodist Church, we felt it was time to find a church home with a unified pathway to truth and life.”

Germantown United Women in Faith (GUWF)

Gina Bartz, President | women@germantownumc.org

Blessing of the Babies is a cherished tradition at GUMC. If you have a baby, grandchild, or greatgrandchild born after August 2022, please send a photo, the baby’s name, date of birth, and parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents’ names to Yolanda Toney at ytoney@germantownumc.org by August 25.

Your baby will be blessed at the GUWF luncheon on Tuesday, September 12, will receive a blessing certificate, and will be included in a video compilation. We would love to have your little one be a part of this darling celebration.

Fall/Winter GUWF Children’s Consignment Sale is around the corner!

Shop Friday and Saturday, August 25-26

It's that time of year! Clean out the closet, rummage through the attic, and sort through the garage for children's clothing, furniture, toys, baby equipment, and more. GUWF Children's Consignment Sale registration is now open! Visit ConsignGermantown.com to review guidelines and details. All proceeds from this sale benefit GUWF missions. It's a 34-year tradition of community outreach!

Can't consign? We love donations! Coordinate with us in advance of the sale to donate your gently used items up to two weeks before the sale. We will price and tag each item, with 100% of the sale price going to local missions! You will receive an early consignor shopping pass in return, along with a thank you letter as your receipt for tax purposes. Please be sure your donated items have an approximate value of more than $40. Email info@ConsignGermantown.com for more information.

Germantown United Women in Faith (GUWF)

Gina Bartz, President | women@germantownumc.org

We also need volunteer help and have many shifts available! We’ll have an especially big need for volunteers on Saturday afternoon. Since Prism uses the OLEC on Sundays, we will need lots of hands to help us sort through unsold merchandise and get the gym back in order. Volunteers who work at least four hours get to shop early at the Thursday pre-sale event.

Sign up online here to help:

https://bit.ly/GUWFConsignVolunteers

Or scan QR Code:

Our consignment sale serves as a wonderful outreach to the community, drawing people into our church from all over the Mid-South as consignors, shoppers, and volunteers. Join us and help make a difference. Thank you for your support!

IMPORTANT DATES:

Consignor registration deadline/inventory entry

Tuesday, August 22 at midnight

Refer to the website for complete information about accepted merchandise and consignor instructions.

Consignor Drop off

Wednesday, August 23, 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm and Thursday, August 24, 8:00 am - 1:00 pm

Pre-sale

Thursday, August 24, 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Volunteers who work eight or more hours may shop at 5:30 pm. Those who volunteer four or more hours may shop at 6:00 pm. Consignors may shop at 6:30 pm

Public Sale

Friday, August 25, 8:00 am - 3:00 pm

Public Half-price Sale

Friday, August 25, 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Saturday, August 26, 8:00 am - 1:00 pm

Consignor Pick-up

Saturday, August 26, 6:00-8:00 pm

Consign Donate Volunteer Shop

Older Adults

Our Handy Helpers are waiting for your call…

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

WHAT TYPE OF JOBS DO HANDY HELPERS DO?

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

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

• Replacing smoke alarm batteries.

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

• Other miscellaneous jobs are considered on an individual basis.

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

WHAT DOES THIS SERVICE COST?

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

TO QUALIFY FOR THE HANDY HELPERS SERVICE: You must be a member of Germantown United Methodist Church, have homeowner’s liability insurance, and be over 60 years of age.

To request assistance, please contact Ron or Nina Gaddy, 754-1238

Older Adults

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

AARP Smart Driver™ Course

Germantown United Methodist Church and AARP will present the “AARP Smart Driver™ Course,” the nation’s largest driving refresher course. This 8-hour course is scheduled for July 13 and 14 from 9 am-1 pm. Successful completion entitles participants to a discount on their auto insurance premiums for three years. There is no driving test or written exam. Register early because the class will be closed at 28 participants. The results of taking these classes have been proven class participants have few accidents and tickets.

WHERE: Room 339 in the Ministry Center.

WHEN: Thursday and Friday, July 13 & 14, 2023, 9 am-1 pm.

COST: $20 fee for AARP members ($25 for non-members) payable to AARP

RESERVATIONS: Call George Coleman at 384-3581

DEADLINE FOR RESERVATIONS: Reservations will be taken until class is full.

The objectives of the course are to help you:

• Be independent, safe, and confident while on the road.

• Keep up with changes so you don’t put yourself and others at risk.

• Learn state-specific information throughout the course.

• Focus on areas such as roundabouts, pavement markings, stop-sign compliance, red-light running, and safety issues such as speeding and seatbelt and turn-signal use

Check your calendars and register now. Your check is your ticket to this class.

Older Adult Programming to Resume in September

Don’t forget both the Brown Bag Lunch and XYZ programs will start up again in September.

Your August Tidings will have information about these kick-off events.

In the meantime, have a wonderful summer break.

Children’s Ministry

Natalie Adkinson, Director | nadkinson@germantownumc.org

Callie

Beaver, Assoc. Director, Elem. | cbeaver@germantownumc.org

Janelle

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

Vacation Bible School Wrap-up:

In June, the GUMC’s Children’s Ministry hosted Stellar VBS Shining Jesus’ Light! We had 169 children who participated in either evening or daytime VBS. Each day, we focused on a specific Bible point and Bible verse. Children saw Bible stories come to life, listened to music, danced, created crafts, played games, and watched videos about other kids, just like them, who are living out the Bible message.

This large outreach event would not have been possible without the help of the 78 youth & adult volunteers who selflessly gave of their time and talents. These volunteers assisted with decorating, cutting out crafts, leading music, organizing games, serving as group leaders, teaching Bible stories, serving snacks, helping with car line and much more. We are so grateful for the servant hearts that pour into the children of our congregation.

Thank you to:

Elizabeth Adams, Leigh Adams, Cecilia Adkinson, Kimberly Bailey, Dianne Barger, Riley Barnett, Ella Beaver, Elise Beaver, Rosalie Berkley, Wyatt Blackwell, Loftin Boggan, Nathan Bongiolatti, Thomas Bongiolatti, Gavin Brackett, Annle Brashear, Katie Brashear, Abby Crane Budzak, Donna Callaway, Kimberly Callaway, Dotty Carter, Janice Cate, Julie Chang, Carolyn Crawford, Jenna Crist, Stephanie Crist, Erin Dempsey, Natalie Duncan, Julianne Fowler, Ansley Gamble, Ann Gee, Preston Gee, Ann Graham, Chloe Granberry, Crystel Hardin, Hayley Heard, Meredith Hester, Lia Hollenbeck, Fletcher Horrell, Ava Howard, Olivia Howard, Benjamin James, Owen James, Bailey Jessop, Martha Kate Jessop, Candy Jones, Harris Jones, Becca Keel, Kaiden Kisner, Zane Kisner, Connor Kovach, Abby Livingston, Kimberly Marsh, Lydia Maxwell, Morgan McBride, Carla McCrary, Braedon McKie, Izzi Merkle, Carter Moore, Gemma Murray, Anna Nicol, Robyn Pela, Reagan Perkins, Jacob Pierce, Joey Presson, Lily Presson, Watson Purcell, Katherine Quintana, Jack Roberson, Dorothy Rogers, Mary Ellis Sayle, Barbara Schanson, Diane Smith, Emily Soloman, Stacy Stevens, Leigh Stough, Tracy Summers, Jane Sumner, Grayce Thompson, Zoe Umsted, Julia Underwood, and Houston Wissman.

Children’s Ministry

Natalie Adkinson, Director | nadkinson@germantownumc.org

Callie

Beaver, Assoc. Director, Elem. | cbeaver@germantownumc.org

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

Prayer Support for our Children in July

Summer Mission Project Project Transformation

The children of GUMC are collecting individually packaged healthy snacks for Project Transformation, as our summer mission project.

Donation bins are outside of the Huddle, at the Nursery check-in desk, and at the OLEC. Cash & Venmo also accepted!

(@GermantownUMC)

Children from our church will participate in two camps during the month of July Mission Camp and Lakeshore Camp.

Mission Camp is a GUMC camp designed for students entering fifth and sixth grade that allows kids to get a taste for different types of mission work and begin deciding where they feel most led to serve. It is a very fulfilling week for all involved!

Lakeshore Camp is a United Methodist “sleep away” camp in Eva, Tennessee. This camp gives our kids a chance to experience all the wonders of summer camp from creek stomping to night-time worship. We will be taking many kids plus GUMC youth counselors to this camp for a week of fun and exploration.

Please wrap our kids in your prayers this month as they step outside their comfort zone and share God’s love with others. Pray for their safety. Pray that the Spirit will touch them in ways that brings them closer to God. Pray that doors will be opened for them to develop new friendships and nurture old ones. Thank you! Your prayers are precious to us!

Promotion Sunday - Aug 6

All children and youth will promote to the next grade on Sunday, August 6. At this time, those children entering kindergarten will begin meeting in the Huddle on Sunday mornings. The rising sixth graders will move to Confirmation class at the OLEC. Other students will remain in their current area but move to the next grade level.

Volunteer Opportunities

We are planning for the fall months already. Of course, that means we are searching for those adults who feel led to mentor our kids, particularly on Sunday mornings.

If you would like more information or are interested, contact Natalie Adkinson (nadkinson@germantownumc.org) or Callie Beaver (cbeaver@germantownumc.org).

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

This past month has been very busy for the Youth Ministry. As the school year concluded, so did our weekly programming. For our final Wednesday night small group, middle and high schoolers met together for a kickball night. This game was extremely competitive and ended with a score of 9 - 8, but all involved had a great time. After the game, we returned back to the church to have a nutritious dinner of Chick-fil-a and ice cream. To cap the night off, we played 9 square in the parking lot. This semester has been filled with learning, fun, community, and love, and the youth ministry staff and volunteers are absolutely blessed to have been a part of it!

Although we are sad to see it go, the end of the school year has ushered in the beginning of our summer programming. We started the summer off strong with Vacation Bible School. Dozens of youth volunteered at both nighttime and daytime VBS to give the children the best week possible. The youth helped with both pre-school and elementary students by leading games, songs, crafts, story time, and serving as group leaders. This year’s theme was STELLAR, and much like the theme, the youth’s help was out-of-this-world!

Our first mission trip of the summer was Service Over Self, which is an urban home repair ministry located here in Memphis. During the week, our students worked in the blazing heat to repair roofs for those in need. Though the work is certainly arduous, the week still managed to be great fun. Trips to Sonic for late-night slushies, music and worship at night, and various shenanigans on the work site are just some of the many things that makes SOS such a special experience. We also got to spend time with our good friend Brian Richards! This week was a great experience in fostering both our local GUMC community as well as our wider faith community. What a wonderful start to our summer missions!

The summer is just getting started! In the coming weeks we have so much planned. We will soon be departing to Panama City, where we will be attending BigStuf, a five-day summer beach camp for middle and high schoolers. In the week following, we will be working 901 mission camp, a local GUMC service camp that seeks to address the needs of our community right here at home. Finally, we will be going to Mountain T.O.P, which is a rural home repair mission in Cumberland, Tennessee. There is still so much in store for GUMC Youth, and we can’t wait to get out and serve!

Owings Life Enrichment Center (OLEC)

Gordon Kelly, Director | gkelly@germantownumc.org

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

Fall Soccer Registration opens July 1!

The cost is $125 dollars and includes team registration fee, uniform, and end of season trophy and pizza party. The 6-game season begins Saturday, Sept. 9. All games are on Saturdays and practices will be one night a week. Age groups are below:

• Junior Kindergarten - 4-Year-Olds (Coed, Boys, or Girls)

• Senior Kindergarten - 5-Year-Olds (Coed, Boys or Girls)

• 1st & 2nd Grade - 6 and 7-Year-Olds as of June 1, 2023 (Boys or Girls)

• 3rd & 4th Grade - 8 and 9-Year-Olds as of June 1, 2023 (Boys or Girls)

• 5th & 6th Grade - 10 and 11-Year-Olds as of June 1, 2023 (Boys or Girls)

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

We offer small group pickleball lessons with a licensed pickleball instructor for both members and guests.

Contact Dick Carruth at 901-210-5399

Evening Pickleball!

Come play pickleball Mon & Wed nights!

Mon & Wed nights from 5:30-7:30 pm. $3 for church members

$5 for guests

NEW Class!

Fit 4 Mom

Exercise specifically designed for expectant mothers.

Wed 6-7 pm in the OLEC dance room

Owings Life Enrichment Center (OLEC)

Gordon Kelly, Director | gkelly@germantownumc.org

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

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

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.

NEW Class!

Stroller Strides Exercise with your child!

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

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

Open Gym Time

Mon / Wed : 3-5 pm

Tues / Thurs: 12-8 pm

Saturday: 8 am-12 pm

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

Owings Life Enrichment Center (OLEC)

Gordon Kelly, Director | gkelly@germantownumc.org

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

Exercise Class Schedule July 2023

8-9 am

Weights and Conditioning

-

Stroller Strides 9:30-10:45 am

3:30-4:30 pm

Gentle Yoga (DR) Al Walton

5:00-5:45 pm

Tighten & Tone (UP) - Judy Oros

Class Prices

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

Class Locations:

Weight Room WR

Dance Room DR Upstairs Room UP

$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

• 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.

• Saturday yoga: call or text Corbie to let her know you are coming. 901-831-6770

Germantown United Methodist Church

2331S.GermantownRd

Germantown,TN 38138

901-754-7216

www.germantownumc.org

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

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