the Tidings June 2023

the Tidings

Considering the Unconsidered

From 1955-1975, television viewers weekly tuned in to a show called Gunsmoke. For 635 episodes, CBS brought viewers the adventures of Marshall Dillon and the characters of Dodge City. Marshall Matt Dillon was played by an actor named James Arness. It is hard to imagine anyone other than James Arness in that role.

JUNE 2023

But the role was originally offered to John Wayne. It was John Wayne’s recommendation of Arness, whom he knew from working on a movie together, that secured the role for the little-known actor.

The perfect person for the role was a person no one considered at first.

In the book of 1 Samuel 16, we are told of how the prophet Samuel was sent by God to anoint one of the sons of Jesse as the new king of Israel. Samuel arrived and looked at Jesse’s oldest son, named Eliab, and he was impressed by his appearance.

But God told Samuel, "Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the LORD does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart."

One by one, Samuel examined the impressive sons of Jesse, seven in all. None of them were chosen by the Lord. Samuel asked if these were all his sons. Jesse responded, "There remains yet the youngest, but he is keeping the sheep." Jesse never considered that his youngest son would be important enough to include in the gathering with Samuel. Samuel commanded that he be brought. The LORD said, "Rise and anoint him; for this is the one. Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the presence of his brothers; and the spirit of the LORD came mightily upon David from that day forward.”

This is the first mention of David in the scriptures. Until this moment, he was unknown, not even named or invited by his own father. His identity is in the Lord, who saw in him what no one else could see.

God saw potential in David when no one, including David himself, saw it. God’s grace was working in David’s life before he ever knew it. When no one could imagine that the eighth son of Jesse, who spent his time writing music and tending animals, could become king, God saw that potential.

In a world that focuses on the outer appearance, God looks in deeper ways, remembering those who most do not consider.

Tim Carpenter Senior Pastor

Executive Minister

Executive Minister

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

“It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the survivors of Israel; I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.” (Isaiah 49:6)

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. 2He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. 3You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. 4Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. 5I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:1-5)

From John Wesley’s “Advice to the People Called Methodists”…

“If you walk by this rule, continually endeavouring to know, and love, and resemble, and obey the great God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, as the God of love, of pardoning mercy; if from this principle of loving, obedient faith, you carefully abstain from all evil, and labour, as you have opportunity, to do good to all men, friends, and enemies; if, lastly, you unite together to encourage and help each other in thus working out your salvation, and for that end watch over one another in love – you are they whom I mean by Methodists.”

From Charles Wesley’s “A Charge to Keep I Have”…

A charge to keep I have, A God to glorify, A never-dying soul to save, And fit it for the sky.

To serve the present age, My calling to fulfill;

O may it all my powers engage

To do my Master’s will!

Arm me with jealous care, As in thy sight to live; And oh, thy servant, Lord, prepare A strict account to give!

Help me to watch and pray, And on thyself rely, Assured, if I my trust betray, I shall forever die.

That’s us. Germantown United Methodist Church…a light to our community and a branch connected to the Vine of Christ, united together to encourage and support one another as we do our Master’s will. Yes, we are doing great things, and our future is growing even brighter.

Rev. Dr. Scott Alford

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

Hi Friends!

We are beginning our summer sermon series this month on Sunday, June 11 and you won’t want to miss it. It’s called “The Gospel Music of the Eagles.” (If you know the Eagles, then you already know they did not write any gospel songs. Ha!) What they did write were songs about every condition of the human heart, and they are filled with life lessons (some of which just happen to go hand in hand with Biblical scripture.) I will begin the series with “Desperado,” and Steve Stone will end it with “Take It to the Limit.”

You won’t want to miss the Prism band performing these hits in three-part harmony either. They are absolute rock stars themselves! So, be sure to invite your friends and neighbors to join us for this summer series. The music and the message will be great, and we are looking forward to having a lot of fun together with the Eagles!

A lot is happening this summer as Steve begins to approach retirement, and I begin the transition to Lead Pastor of the Prism service at GUMC. On July 30 Steve will preach his last sermon at Prism and we will all be wishing him a happy retirement (but I have serious doubts that he will stay retired for long.)

During these summer months we will be passing around a baton (that represents the passing of the baton of leadership for Prism at GUMC) for people to hold and pray over. On Sunday, July 30 we will bring that baton to worship with us and lay it on the altar. Our hope is that everyone at GUMC feels the excitement of this time and embraces the opportunity we have before us to bring more people together to become a part of our church community!

I hope you get a chance to join us at Prism soon, and when you do, please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions about what we are up to or share any feedback you may have for us. My cell number is: 901-623-0985.

Happy Summer everyone!

Rev. Mimi White

Stewardship

Anne Frank, wrote in the essay “Give” on March 26, 1944: “Give and you shall receive, much more than you would have ever thought possible. Give, give again and again, don’t lose courage, keep it up and go on giving! No one has ever become poor from giving!”

Finance

Jim Dodge, Finance Chair

Hospitality

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

What is Christian Hospitality?

If you're like most people, you may think practicing Christian hospitality is equivalent to what you've seen in magazines. But take heart: practicing Christian hospitality isn't about glamorous table settings or platters of picture-perfect food; it's about practicing servanthood. More importantly, it's about loving others through Christ and making people feel special.

While not everyone feels comfortable leading a social event, some people have a natural talent for making guests feel special. You might think those hospitality genes are inherited, but that's a myth. Hospitality takes on added dimensions and new definitions when seen through the lens of Christianity.

Some Christians possess hospitality as a spiritual gift. The Bible tells us that every believer is given at least one spiritual gift for the purpose of building up God's church and serving the body of Christ. In other words, our gifts are given not for our own benefit, but for the enrichment of others. However, we are all called to show hospitality.

Romans 12:10-13 encourages us as Christians to:

Be devoted to one another in honor, not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.

Take time to consider how you practice hospitality. Prayerfully consider incorporating the following practices when you come to worship on Sunday morning.

 Pray for our church and for all who come to worship, specifically those who are our guests. They are sent by God.

 Speak to someone you don’t know and introduce yourself.

 Welcome and speak to those sitting within 10 feet of you in the sanctuary.

 Volunteer to provide cookies in the narthex on a Sunday morning.

 Wear your name tag. If you’ve lost yours, you may order a new one at the Welcome Center.

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

The Power of the Small Group

Are you in a Sunday School class or a Bible study? Are you in a United Women in Faith Circle or in United Methodist Men? Do you play pickle ball? Are you a member of the choir?

Small groups are powerful.

Small groups set the stage for friendships and community. People talk more in a small group; therefore, they are more likely to share joys and sorrows and others will hear them and respond.

An invitation to a small group is an excellent way to share your faith with those who may be new to the church and looking for a way to grow their faith. Acclimating to a new church can be difficult but leaning into a small group and getting to know a few people will provide a comfortable beginning.

Small groups help to live out your faith. In small groups people hear the emotional, financial, spiritual, and social needs of others. People will respond to those needs because these are the needs of friends.

Prayer is focused in small groups because people share specific challenges and concerns with one another. Prayer cannot be overrated, but it is often under practiced.

The minister can’t do it all on Sunday morning. God gives all Christians spiritual gifts, so it’s up to the congregation to minister to one another. Small groups are perfect for mutual edification.

People in small groups challenge each other. It’s easy to make goals for yourself, but if no one knows what they are it’s easy to shirk on those goals. There is accountability in small groups where goals and dreams are often shared. In the small group, support is available, and people are more likely to reach goals.

Finally, small groups cultivate leaders. Someone has to lead a small group, and the opportunity cultivates leadership development.

Interested in a small group? Contact me, and I’ll help you find your perfect fit. ~

Yolanda Toney

“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

Congregational Care

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

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

Contact Rev. Tom Davis, 901-754-7216, or tdavis@germantownumc.org.

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

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

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

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.

Missions

Anne Fritz, Chairperson | clarissafritz@att.net

WHO and What is the Reelfoot Rural Ministries

Reelfoot Rural Ministries is a mission program of the Memphis Conference of The United Methodist Church located in rural Northwest Tennessee. RRM is located in rural Obion County, serving Northwest Tennessee and Southwest Kentucky.

This rural area surrounding Reelfoot Lake is an area of extreme poverty. Lake County, for instance, has the lowest “per capita” income of any county in Tennessee. The unemployment rate in Lake County is 8.9% (U.S. avg. is 6.0%). Lake County jobs have decreased by 1.3%. The county is thirty-second from the bottom of family income levels in our nation. The combined lasting effects of farm mechanization, no available factory employment, and a seasonal lake culture have left economic marks on the people of this area that are difficult to change.

Primary services offered by Reelfoot Rural Ministries are:

1. Children’s Services

School Needs - Reelfoot Rural Ministries partners with The Lake County School District to provide Back Pack Buddies for 75 students. They receive meals, snacks, fruit, and drinks for each weekend when school is in session. RRM provides parents with necessary supplies for their children during the back=to-school season. In 2018, RRM served 550 students.

Currently, over 200 children participate in Imagination Library in Lake County. RRM serves as the nonprofit sponsor in partnership with The Dolly Parton Foundation and the state of Tennessee. Children through five years of age receive books each month.

The Christmas Store - The Christmas Store provides four new toys to each child through a parent application process. Donated new toys are arranged in a store-like setting for parents to select toys for their children. Parents “purchase” the four toys for only $3.00 (in 2018) per child. The $3.00 charged for 4 toys helps maintain the dignity of providing for one’s own family. And most importantly, children are not made to feel like “charity cases”.

2. Volunteer Services AND VISION CLINICS:

Dental and Vision Clinics - The Dental and Vision Clinics provide low-cost care for persons without insurance who could not otherwise afford care. Local Dentists, Optometrists and Assistants donate their professional services to staff the clinics. Additional dentists licensed to practice in the State of Tennessee are needed.

Work Camps - Work Camps provide no cost home repairs for the elderly and for other income-eligible area residents. Repairs include painting, roofing, repairing porches and floors, building steps, and ramps, and a host of other projects. Work camps are available in the summer for youth and year-round for adults.

Other Volunteer Opportunities - Sizing and sorting clothing at the Thrift Store; Stocking the food shelves; Grounds maintenance; Helping during the School Supplies Drive.

Missions

Anne Fritz, Chairperson | clarissafritz@att.net

3. Community Services

Food Distribution - Food Distribution provides food boxes to eligible households. Over 250 boxes of food are given to families monthly through our grocery ministry. Boxes typically contain enough food to feed the household for two weeks. The numbers reached well over 3,000 boxes last year, which means thousands of lives were impacted.

Furniture and Household Items - Furniture and household items are provided free to families each year. These families are experiencing emergencies due to fires, people fleeing an abusive situation or looking for work and have arrived in the area with little more belongings that can fit in their car. Assistance is given to families for loss of home contents due to fire, tornado, flood, or emergency relocation in the event of domestic abuse.

School Supplies - An increasing number of children are given school supplies each year, especially at the beginning of the school year.

Utility Assistance - RRM offers utility assistance in emergency situations, particularly for older adults. As funds are available, this resource is distributed when clients are referred by another helping agency.

Thrift Store - The Thrift Store makes good used clothing available to families at affordable “dime-to-dollar” prices. Many parents buy all their children’s school clothes at The Thrift Store. Many of the school counselors send families who are in need of affordable clothing to the Thrift Store. You can participate in this program by depositing clothing, toys, and household goods in the bins located in the back hallway of the Fellowship Hall or by donating your unsold children’s clothes after our children clothing sales, which are held by the church in the spring and fall.

ReelHOME - Reelfoot Housing Outreach Ministry Exercises. The ReelHOME program serves eligible low-income households with an intentional focus on helping older adults stay in their homes by making them safer, more accessible, and more efficient. This work is primarily performed by volunteer teams (e.g., Work Camps) that stay at the RRM center to deploy in the surrounding community each day.

We Can Help by:

Donating Goods - Gently used clothes, housewares, tools, and other items are always helpful to the RRM Thrift Store. Collection bins are in the hallway west of the kitchen. Please make sure whatever you give is clean and works properly.

Donating Funds - Funds are always helpful. Make a donation by making your check payable to Germantown United Methodist Church and writing Reelfoot Rural ministry on the “memo” line of your check.

Volunteering - Contact any member of the Missions Committee, and they will get you in contact with the Reelfoot team. We especially need help transporting donated goods to the Reelfoot store in Obion, TN.

As you can see, the Reelfoot Rural Ministry’s Programs are positively impacting the people of Northwest Tennessee in many ways, both physically and socially. Thank you to the people in this congregation who have supported this ministry with your prayer, gifts, and service. If you have not been involved, we welcome you.

Anne Fritz, Chairperson | clarissafritz@att.net

Moscow Seminary

One of the missions supported by GUMC’s Missions Committee is the Moscow Seminary. Sasha Tsutserov, the seminary’s President, recently shared a letter with Senior Pastor Tim Carpenter, written by Andrey Hramov, a former gangster now a student-minister at the seminary. Portions of the letter are reprinted below:

“I was taught judo since my early childhood. In my teenage years I decided the best application for my judo skills would be to join a gang. I did and plunged into rascality – robbery, scam, racket and assault. My God was Arnold Schwarzenegger – Commando With a Gun. My Bible was ‘Encyclopedia of Bodybuilding.’ In the end of my “career” as a gangster I was completely broken – literally, my spine and knees. Physically, the gang did not need me anymore. Psychologically, I felt abandoned.

In those days, my sister accepted Jesus Christ as the Savior. She started hosting church’s small groups at our place. Old habits die hard – I would threaten them, ‘I will bring you to light!’ Just the opposite – they brought me to the Light! Instead of confronting me (as I was used to with the gang) they would say ‘God loves you!’ Instead of fighting me back (as I did with the gang) they would pray. I realized I did not need the gang to belong anymore – I could belong to the Body of Christ! And so, I prayed the sinner’s prayer. Jesus became my God. The Bible became my Book. The Lord built my body – healed my spine and knees. The Lord built my family –Natasha, my wife, and our three kids: Valery, Simeon, and Ksenya. The Lord built my ministry – to prevent others from following my gangster’s route.

The ministry is twofold: I reach out to those who may potentially follow my old paths. I built a gym in Lyubertsy, Russia…my thinking being: Let them build the body but also the spirit. And I also teach the Bible to kids, just as it is written, ‘Start children off the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.’ (Proverbs 22:6).

But I want to build more. I want to build up evangelists, preachers, and teachers. I want to build a worship center, youth camp, rehabilitation facility, and prayer chamber. To this end, I study at the Moscow Seminary – learn from the wise and the experienced, those who have been there and done that, so keeping our ‘connection with the Head, from whom the whole Body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow.’ (Colossians 2:19) – that I call True Bodybuilding!”

To support the training of ministers like Andrey Hramov at the Moscow Seminar, you can donate online or make a check payable to One Mission Society (put 301710 Moscow Seminary in the memo line). It costs the seminary $1200 a year to train a student-minister. To support Sasha Tsutserov in ministry as the President of the Moscow Seminary, you can donate online or make a check payable to One Mission Society (put 370410 Sasha Tsutserov in the memo line). Checks should be mailed to One Mission Society, P.O. Box A (941 Fry Road), Greenwood, IN 46142.

Missions

Anne Fritz, Chairperson | clarissafritz@att.net

Endowment and Missions Committees Jointly Aid Earthquake Victims

Thanks to a matching grant from GUMC’s Endowment Committee, $5,000 is being sent to assist the victims of the February earthquakes in Turkey. The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is working with its long-standing partner, the International Blue Crescent, to provide blankets, tents, warm clothes, ready to eat meals, and first aid kits to those displaced by the earthquakes in both Turkey and Syria, many of whom are women and children.

As the humanitarian relief and development arm of The United Methodist Church, UMCOR assists United Methodists and churches to become involved globally in direct ministry to persons in need. UMCOR comes alongside those who suffer from natural or human-caused disasters – famine, hurricane, war, flood, fire or other events to alleviate suffering and serve as a source of help and hope for the vulnerable. UMCOR also provides technical support and training for partners to address emerging and ongoing issues related to disaster relief, recovery, and long-term health and development.

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.

This month we recognize Gretchen Blair and Colette O’Coners, two women GUMC counts on every week! Rarely do they miss coming in on Friday mornings to insert a copy of the congregational prayer list, and occasionally a flier, inside the worship bulletins. We affectionately call them our “bulletin stuffers.” They enjoy their time together on Friday mornings and often go out to lunch when they finish their job.

Gretchen, and her husband, Phil, have been members of GUMC since 1981. She began volunteering as a bulletin stuffer when she retired about 20 years ago. At that time, the bulletin stuffers were Len Greenwalt, Helen Horan, and Gretchen. She recalls that back then it would take them all morning because machines would frequently break down. Gretchen also volunteers with other ministries of the church. She is dedicated to her church family and enjoys doing what she can to help.

Colette became a bulletin stuffer because of her life-long friendship with Helen Horan. Colette attended XYZ events with Helen and about eight years ago began helping her stuff the bulletins. Gretchen and Colette met through XYZ programming and became friends, too. With the passing of Len Greenwalt, and with Helen Horan moving to Florida to be near her family, Gretchen and Colette are the remaining“bulletin stuffers”. Interesting note – Colette is not a member of GUMC but stated she remains a faithful volunteer to honor her friend, Helen. Thank you to our volunteers of the month – Gretchen and Colette!

Gretchen Blair and Colette O’Coners

Lenten / Easter Schedule Churchwide

Church & Society - How are our Children?

That was the question raised by Shelby County Commissioners Shante Avant and Charlie Caswell as they addressed a large crowd on April 16about their efforts to combat intergenerational poverty. The statistics are grim: the majority of those living in poverty in Shelby County are women and children, and 40,000 students in Shelby County Schools live in households earning $10,000 or less annually.

Commissioner Avant, who is also president & CEO of The Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis (WFGM), outlined its holistic approach to addressing specific needs. In 2015, WFGM launched a 5-year initiative to reduce poverty by 5% in Memphis’s poorest zip code. Working with the residents of the area and in partnership with Shelby County Schools and local businesses, WFGM invested $7.1 million, focusing on a multi-generational approach and early investment to change the trajectory of children’s lives. Commissioner Avant noted that WFGM was not coming in to save the community, but to work with it. The initiative resulted in 1,730 people being placed in jobs; 94 individuals starting a business or micro-enterprise; a 53% increase in average household income; 825 children enrolled in early education or childhood programs; 1,065 caregivers and parents engaged in early childhood education and parenting development; and 5,632 young people participating in programs supporting positive youth development. WFGM is now replicating this approach to other areas of the city.

Commissioner Caswell is the founder and board chair of Legacy of Legends CDC, which addresses the trauma caused by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) and developing resilient communities. So what are ACES? They include abuse, whether physical, emotional, and/or sexual; physical and/or emotional neglect; household dysfunction including illness, incarcerated relatives, and mothers who are treated violently. Commissioner Caswell spoke frankly and movingly about his own ACES and how former MPD Chief Toney Armstrong’s mentorship ameliorated his trauma. Left unaddressed, the toxic stress caused by ACEs can lead to public safety and health issues, including suicide and crime. To address the effects of ACES, he has established his 7P’s (parents, pastors, principals, police, politicians, proprietors, and partners) Community Collaboration, which he hopes to establish in every county commission district. He urged all of us to come out of our “silos” and work together for the benefit of the children.

Our thanks to Commissioners Avant and Caswell for an inspiring and well-received presentation. If you would like to learn more about or donate to support their work, click on Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis or Legacy of Legends CDC (or scan the following QR codes with your mobile device.)

Please join us for our next presentations. On Sunday, August 20, U.S. Attorney Kevin Ritz will speak on civil and human rights, followed by Senior Rabbi Micah Greenstein of Temple Israel on Sunday, November 19.

Scan for Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis

Scan for Legacy of Legends CDC

Sanctuary Flowers

Flowers for the Sanctuary are a treasured way to enhance worship, while honoring or remembering a loved one, celebrating a birthday or anniversary, or honoring a friend. The current cost of donating flowers is $125.00. For more information, please call the church at 754-7216.

To donate sanctuary flowers: Go to the GUMC website and click on the “Donate Flowers” button. Complete the order form and submit your payment online, or stop by the welcome center desk and pick up an order form. You may either leave the completed order form and payment at the front desk or mail it to: GUMC, Attn: Sanctuary Flowers, 2331 S. Germantown Road, Germantown, TN 38138.

Additional Information: Requests will be honored on a first come, first served, basis. If two donations are made for the same Sunday, we will contact the person submitting the second request and ask for an alternate date. Flower and color preferences are accepted, and attempts will be made, but not guaranteed. Preferences are needed a month in advance. We will recognize the persons being remembered /honored and the donor in the bulletin by the following notation:

The Sanctuary Flowers gracing the sanctuary today are given to the Glory of God and in memory/honor of___________________ on ___________. Given by __________________.

Thank you to all who donate flowers and the many volunteers of the GUMC Flower Ministry!

Did you know?

On Monday morning, the sanctuary flowers are arranged into smaller bouquets and delivered to church members who are sick and those who can no longer attend worship. We have volunteers who arrive early on Monday morning to arrange the flowers and volunteers who then deliver them. Along with the flower arrangement, the recipient receives the worship bulletin and a card that reads:

These flowers have been in the chancel of the church. They have heard the hymns that have been sung, the prayers that have been offered, and the sermon that has been preached. Now they come to tell you, in their silent way, of God’s love and care, and to remind you of our prayers that God will bless you with Hope, Happiness and Health.”

Germantown United Methodist Church

Would you like to become a part of this ministry?

Contact Tom Davis –tdavis@germantownumc.org or call 901-758-6513.

Music Ministry

Sometimes you just have to tell a good story. On the morning of May 8, I heard a little scratching around in the ceiling above my head. That I hear things others don’t isn’t unusual. What was strange in this case was my location, the Narthex! I wrote it off to an abundance of enthusiasm, or perhaps a lack of sleep! It was a Monday morning after all. I figured I was hearing things and went on downstairs to my office to embrace the busyness of the day.

After some time at my desk, I heard it again. The scurrying of little footsteps. This time it wasn’t above me, but below me, at my feet, which were under my desk! I heard the sounds go out into the hallway. When I sprang from my desk to see what was the matter, I saw the culprit. We’ll call him Zacchaeus, for he listened and came down out of his tree. Yep, a squirrel had made his way to my office. Intrepidly, I sealed him into the Men’s robing room and called for backup.

Then came the two heroes of the day. Rev. Dr. Scott Alford and Mr. Phil Conine. These two squirrel wranglers tried to throw a tablecloth on Zacchaeus to gather him up. After many attempts, that method was abandoned. Eventually, after the intervention of the Holy Spirit, Zacchaeus was placed into the tub pictured here. We don’t see old Zach in the tub as he’s latched onto the lid in hopes of freedom. Freedom did come, as he was eventually released into the wilds of Germantown.

Zacchaeus took the old saying to heart, “All God’s creatures got a place in the choir!” I pray that you’ll find your way to my office, and to the Men’s robing room, as well. You should follow the guidance of Zack and offer yourselves to musical service! (No animals were harmed in the making of this story.)

Soli Deo Gloria! ~Todd Wilson

Membership

Germantown United Methodist Church welcomed Leigh Adams into membership on Sunday, April 30, at our 8:30 traditional worship service. She joined by transfer of her membership from Belmont United Methodist Church in Nashville. Leigh has joined Wesley 2.0 Sunday School Class. Her Welcome Friends are Dianne and Bryan Barger.

When asked what about Germantown UMC made her want to become a part of our church community, she replied, “As a fourth generation United Methodist, I have been waiting to join a congregation that fully embraces our promise of ‘Open Hearts. Open Minds. Open Doors.’ GUMC is the place I have been searching for where my daughter and I can actively grow and serve our community.”

Leigh Adams

Mary

Adult Education

Director

Summer Bible Study

No Other Gods – The Unrivaled Pursuit of Christ

Wednesdays, June 14 – August 9 (skipping July 5)

9:45-11:45 via Zoom

Often, idols are obvious – money, power, fame. But subtler idols can sometimes take the form of sweet loved ones, Instagrammable interiors, and busy seasons of ministry.

In this 8-session study from Kelly Minter, we will learn to identify the functional gods you may be unknowingly serving and the lies they tell. We will evaluate the modern-day idols in our culture and embrace a deeper, more meaningful relationship with Jesus.

Facilitated by Chesley Porteous. Cost: $25.00

To register, go to germantownumc.org and click on open registrations or scan this QR code with a mobile device.

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.

June 26: Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson

August 28: The Ride of Her Life by Elizabeth Letts

July 24: Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Patti Callahan

Scan to register

Germantown United Women in Faith (GUWF)

Gina Bartz, President | women@germantownumc.org

GUWF Provides Thank-You Lunch for GUMC Staff

To thank the dedicated staff of GUMC for all their support, Germantown United Women in Faith’s Celebration Circle prepared and served lunch to thirty staff members on April 24 in the Fellowship Hall. Laura Solomon organized the effort on behalf of GUWF, Sally McLain and Diane Smith decorated the tables, and GUWF Celebration Circle members prepared and joyfully served the meal. GUWF greatly appreciates all the assistance provided by GUMC staff to support the efforts of Germantown United Women in Faith.

Germantown United Women in Faith (GUWF)

Gina Bartz, President | women@germantownumc.org

Enhancements to GUWF Library Provide Additional Resources for Women

The Germantown United Women in Faith (GUWF) Library, located in Room 231 near the chapel, has been updated and reorganized. Trish Stephenson, Program Resources Chair, and Leanne Bailey, Social Action Mission Coordinator, have rearranged the space to include three beautiful bookcases generously donated by Maureen MacKay-Drummond. These bookcases will provide the library committee with the opportunity to increase the educational resources offered to our members.

The library committee is dedicated to providing materials for small group programming and books on a wide variety of topics including biographies, current events, devotionals, home and family missions, the modern-day church, and societal issues, as well as children’s selections. To enhance the library’s collection, a book donation program was launched in 2023 that allows anyone to donate money to GUWF earmarked for a book purchase in honor or memory of a person of their choice. The book will be specially selected with the honoree’s interests in mind. A bookplate will be placed inside the cover as a permanent reminder of both the giver and recipient. You can access the donation form here or contact Trish Stephenson at trishleathers@icloud.com. You can also scan the following QR code from a mobile device.

United Women in Faith (UWF) is committed to educating women as reflected in our mission statement:

We seek to connect and nurture women through Christian spiritual formation, leadership development, creative fellowship, and education so that they can inspire, influence, and impact local and global communities.

To fulfill this vision, members are encouraged to read a diverse range of books, either individually or as part of a group. Participation in the UWF Reading Program rewards the completion of a selected list of books with a Certificate of Recognition and provides a wonderful avenue of fellowship marked by lively discussions of interesting topics.

It is our hope that the expanded resources of the GUWF Library will inspire personal and spiritual development, study, and exploration of ideas. If you are interested in learning more about these programs, please contact Trish Stephenson.

Scan for donation form

College Ministry

Lauren Wright Hobbs Nursing Scholarship - 2023

A scholarship has been established through Germantown United Methodist Church to benefit a student from our church who is pursuing a degree in nursing. This scholarship is named for Lauren Wright Hobbs who loved serving others in the nursing profession. Lauren was a long-time member of our church who lost her battle with cervical cancer at the age of 29 in October of 2013.

Recipients must be members of GUMC and attending nursing school now or in the coming fall semester. The $3,000 scholarship will be awarded to the student who best fits the model that Lauren exemplified in her love of nursing. Applications may be obtained by contacting Karen Oppenheim at karen.oppenheim@gmail.com. All completed applications must be received by Monday, June 26. The Scholarship committee will review and select the recipient prior to July 7, 2023. The scholarship will be awarded for the 20232024 school year.

Donations can be made to this scholarship fund by writing your check to GUMC with Lauren Wright Hobbs Scholarship noted in the memo line. 2023 is the tenth year for this scholarship that is dedicated to the memory of Lauren and her love of nursing. The Emmaus Sunday School Class is honored to establish this scholarship in her name.

Mental Health Tip 23: Get Some Fresh Air

Sometimes you just need to step away from what you’re doing and get some fresh air. Getting regular exercise is important for mental health, but simply taking a relaxing walk can help soothe your mind. Plus, it may literally force you to take a breather when you need one.

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: $15 fee for AARP members ($20 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.

Our Handy Helpers are waiting for your call…

Spring has sprung, and the Handy Helpers ministry team is waiting to hear from you. If you are a GUMC member over 60 years of age, have a hard time physically keeping up with

minor home repairs or maintenance because you are ill or incapacitated, and have homeowner’s liability insurance, there is a group of volunteers ready to assist you. Services are provided without labor charges, but the cost of the materials used is to be paid by the person receiving the service. Handy Helpers can do light carpentry, plumbing, electrical repairs, routine outdoor maintenance, and computer trouble-shooting.

To put in a job request, please contact the Handy Helpers Coordinators, Ron or Nina Gaddy, 754-1238.

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

Summer Elementary Sunday School Volunteers

We need volunteer teachers for the summer! Our regular teachers finished their school year commitment on May 21. We need parents or other adults to volunteer to help teach the Elementary kids from 9:30-10:30 each week through Sunday, July 30. All lessons and materials will be ready. Please register to volunteer online at our website under What’s Going On- Open Registrations.

Here’s the link to register: https://www.signupgenius.com/ go/20f0548aaad2fa3f85-elementary1#/

Or scan this QR code from a mobile device:

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

Summer Dodgeball/ Gaga Ball

June 21 2:00 – 4:00

Worship Reminder

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

If you are looking for some great fun, summer dodgeball/gaga ball is for you! Join us at the OLEC to play some dodgeball, gaga ball, basketball, and eat popsicles. This event is free of charge and friends are welcome. Kids entering grades 3-6 only, please. Register online (or scan QR code from a mobile device.)

In this hands-on camp, we will explore three specific types of mission: innerchurch, urban, and rural. The idea is that each child will have a chance to experience different types of work, hopefully creating an appetite for missional work. Some days we will make our lunches here at church, and other days we will explore some Memphis eateries. We will finish each day with some seriously fun capture the flag, gaga ball, basketball, or other games. Registration is open on the church website. Cost is $115 which includes all activities, transportation, food, and a T-shirt.

Space is limited. Scan to Register

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

Mission and Movie Monday

June 19 10:00 am- 2:00 pm

Get out of the hot summer heat and join some friends for crafts, lesson, lunch, and a movie. Children have an incredible heart for missions but no way to generate income to financially support them. At MMM, we will learn about a different local, national, or international mission. We then create some high-quality crafts and then sacrificially donate them to be sold in the fall to generate money for a chosen mission. After our hard work, we will enjoy a pizza lunch and flop in the bean-bag chairs for a movie and treat. This is a great way to learn, give, and have fun – out of the summer heat! Cost is $5/child. Please register and pay online (or scan the QR code below from a mobile device.) Our nursery will be open for preschool-age siblings of elementary children who are attending MMM.

Lakeshore Camp

July 23-39, 2023

280 kids, youth, and adult volunteers are participating in GUMC’s Vacation Bible School in late May through early June. VBS 2023 is STELLAR—Shine Jesus’ Light! Please pray for our participants as we explore the vastness of God’s power and the depth of His love for all of us.

Weeknight VBS: May 31-June 2 from 5:30-8:00 am (OLEC Gym)

Weekday VBS: June 5-9 from 9:00 am – noon

We are taking a crew from GUMC to Lakeshore for this week of fun and fellowship. This designated week is for elementary (ages 8-12) and middle school (ages 12-14) students. Many of our youth will be serving as camp counselors. If you are interested in attending this week, please register through Lakeshore’s Website (https://lakeshorecamp.org/) and then drop an email to Callie Beaver or Natalie Adkinson. We will try to help coordinate carpooling and answer any questions you may have about sleep-away camp.

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

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

On April 22, GUMC youth had their annual Daddy Craw Festival! This year’s festival is the first in-person Daddy Craw we have had since 2019, and we had over 150 people attend! In addition to crawfish, Ted Horrell and the Monday Night Card played live music, and we had a bouncy house, cornhole, and other outdoor games as well. The crawfish was incredibly delicious, and we could not have asked for better weather. We are already dreaming about next year’s festival!

As this year draws to a close, GUMC youth recognized our graduating high school seniors! In the week leading up to Senior Sunday, Senior Bibles were set out in the welcome center for church members to sign a time-honored GUMC tradition. After Reverend Tim’s address to the graduating seniors, they were presented their Bibles and knelt as the church prayed for their future journeys.

Besides being presented with their GUMC Senior Bibles, many of our seniors also participated in the Senior Banquet. Senior Banquet is a delightful event in which the achievement of our GUMC youth graduating seniors is recognized. The seniors and their families partook in a delicious meal provided by Jay McKinney, and they were served by a group of GUMC youth underclassmen. Along with this recognition, each year one senior is awarded a Scholarship by the appointed youth committee, and this year our scholarship was awarded to Bailey Jessop. Congratulations Bailey!

Looking forward, we have many summer trips and missions planned for 2023! We will update you on our summer adventures in forthcoming Tidings!

Germantown United Methodist Preschool (GUMP)

Sarah Sutton, Director | ssutton@germantownumc.org

Germantown United Methodist Preschool has wrapped up another great school year! We are so proud of all of our little friends and their growth this year. At GUMP, we focus on all areas of child development and strive to build confident learners. Each year we remain committed to our goal of being a child-focused and play-based preschool. We ended our school year with sweet class parties and precious End of the Year Programs! We are so grateful for the support of our administrative team, teachers, preschool parents, and GUMC, which are all instrumental in the success of GUMP.

We hope our GUMP families are enjoying summer activities, relaxing with family and friends, soaking up the sun at the beach or pool, or having adventures right at home. This year we are happy to be able to offer 4 summer camps at GUMP for our current students age 2-6. Each week has an exciting theme including space and dinosaurs! We wish all of our families a safe and fun summer break, and we look forward to welcoming them back in August!

The end of one school year brings preparation for the next. We have many things to accomplish to get ready for the 2023/24 School Year. Each summer we deep clean classrooms, organize, order supplies, and prepare for the upcoming year. Before school begins, our teachers and staff will come together for in-service to prepare for the new year and strengthen our skills in the classroom. GUMP invites wonderful professionals to share their knowledge to help us grow in our abilities to serve and prepare our children.

Enrollment continues to increase for the 2023/24 School Year. GUMP is continuing to meet parents and their children interested in our program. During this time, we share all the wonderful aspects of our preschool with incoming families. If you have any questions or wish to come visit GUMP, please call the preschool office at 901-753-3109.

Owings Life Enrichment Center (OLEC)

Gordon Kelly, Director | gkelly@germantownumc.org

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

Pickleball at the OLEC

Mondays 12:00 pm-3:00 pm | Tues-Fri 9:00 am-12:00 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 Monday nights!

Monday nights from 5:30pm-7:30pm. $3 for church members

$5 for guests

Spring Soccer and T-Ball

Our soccer and T-Ball seasons have finished. Our kids learned a lot and had so much fun! Look for the Fall Soccer Registration online in July!

Owings Life Enrichment Center (OLEC)

Gordon Kelly, Director | gkelly@germantownumc.org

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

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.

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

NEW Class!

Fit 4 Mom

Exercise specifically designed for expectant mothers. Wed 6:00-7:00 pm in the OLEC dance room

Open Gym Time

Monday: 3 pm - 5 pm

Tues, Wed, Thurs: 12 pm - 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 June 2023

Class Prices

$5.00 - Walk Fit, Chair Class, Gentle Yoga

$10.00 - Core & More, Weights & Conditioning, Tighten & Tone, and Pilates

$7.00 - Vinyasa Yoga

$89.00/month - Stroller Fit, unlimited classes

• 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.