September Tidings 2023

the Tidings

Who Am I?

SEPTEMBER 2023

A college student was taking a zoology course. The final exam consisted solely of having to identify species of birds by their legs.

“This is the worst test I’ve ever taken,” the student complained to the professor. The professor countered, “And just what is your name?” The student lifted his pant leg and said, “You tell me!”

Perhaps something with which we all have struggled is our identity. If you have ever wondered, “Who am I, really?”, congratulations, you are fully human. Maybe you have even prayed for the Lord to answer that question. If so, you are in good company. Because Moses also asked that question of the Lord in Exodus 3.

If ever there was a person who suffered from an identity crisis, it was Moses. Consider, Moses was born a Hebrew male precisely at a time when orders from Pharaoh was given to kill all male Hebrew infants. Hidden in the river, he was discovered by the daughter of Pharaoh and raised as an Egyptian prince. But having learned of his Hebrew background, and upon seeing an Egyptian beating a Hebrew slave, he killed the abusive Egyptian. So, he had to leave Egypt, and he found himself as a shepherd with a tribe called the Midianites. He even married the daughter of a Midianite priest. Moses could honestly say that he was a Hebrew, an Egyptian, and a Midianite.

As a Midianite shepherd, he saw a burning bush which was not being consumed by the fire. And he went to investigate. And as he approached the bush, the Lord spoke to him, calling him to go to Pharaoh and to demand to let the Israelites go. Sometimes we listen to this story, and we might think that Moses was lucky to have God speak to him so dramatically. Some might even wish God would appear to them like that. Beware of this thought. If God speaks to you in a very dramatic way, he’s probably going to ask you to do something to change the world.

Moses received the call from God. Then Moses, the person who did not really know who he was, asked a question of the Lord. “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh?” It was a reasonable question, considering his own insecurity, and in light of Pharaoh’s power.

God replied with the words in verse 12, And God said, “I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain.”

God gave his presence and a promise.

The question, “Who am I?” The answer from God to Moses? “I will be with you, and you will worship God on this mountain.”

Ultimately, our identity is in the Lord who is with us. Left to the world, we are torn in different directions by different circumstances. In faith, we are with the presence and the promise of the Lord.

That’s who we are.

Tim Carpenter Senior Pastor

Executive Minister

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

3 Simple Rules of Social Media

Rule # 1 Do no harm.

Rule # 2 Do good.

Below is the final installment on “3 Simple Rules of Social Media” by Eric Seiberling of Resource UMC. He writes:

Rule #3: Stay in love with God.

[Rueben] Job writes that as we stay in love with God, we "find our moral direction, our wisdom, our courage, our strength to live faithfully from the One who authored us, called us, sustains us, and sends us into the world as witnesses who daily practice the way of living with Jesus."

Social media can be a powerful channel to “re-present” Christ to the community outside the church building. Stories can show how God transforms lives, communities and the world. Social media provides ways to share those stories that help all of us to “stay in love with God.”

Social media, like other ministry, can lead to emotional burnout and exhaustion. We can overextend ourselves in too many people’s lives or engage in too many concerns. We must find a balance between sharing God’s love and sustaining efforts over time.

•What stories can you tell or share online to help others stay in love with God?

•How does social media help you to stay in love with God? How does it hinder you?

•How can your social media contribution help others stay in love with God?

Handle with care

Social media is another channel to minister to those around us, but it must be used carefully. Words or comments posted online can go viral in a matter of hours. Focusing on “doing no harm, doing good and staying in love with God” can help ensure that we make a positive impact in the world.

Link to the full article: https://www.resourceumc.org/en/content/3-simple-rules-of-social-media

Rev. Dr. Scott Alford Executive Minister

Rev. Mimi White | mwhite@germantownumc.org

September

Every single September, the song by Earth, Wind and Fire: “Do you remember… the twenty-first night of September…” gets stuck in my head. Hard to find a better celebration song than “September,” and even harder to not start dancing whenever you hear it! Fall is a time to celebrate. What about you? Do you also get excited when you see the pumpkin decorations and wool sweaters reappear in stores, or when you smell burning leaves in the air or see the tree colors changing to orange, yellow, and red?

We have so much to celebrate at Prism! We have had a beautiful transition in leadership as Steve Stone passed the baton to me, we are continuing to grow, and we have one of the best praise bands in the country, The Prism Riot Band. We also have one of the most incredible worship leaders, Natalie Duncan, leading us who, by the way, is celebrating twenty years of dedicated service to GUMC this month!

Please let Natalie know how much you appreciate her when you see her! We could not run this worship service without her. We have amazing and selfless volunteers helping with set-up and take-down, transforming the OLEC into a dynamic worship space, and we are finally streaming online on YouTube and Facebook! Thank you all for your dedication to this service!

We have started off Fall with a bang. We’re in a new message series on accessing God’s Power through prayer, praise, gratitude, our words, community, and love; we held a Fall Kickoff Cookout at the OLEC; and now we’re bringing out the blue jeans, sweaters, and boots to fully celebrate a season of corn mazes, pumpkin patches, campfires and smores with friends and family.

Join us at the OLEC on Sunday mornings between 10:30 and 11am to fellowship or serve on a team a great way to meet people and make new friends! We could use your help making the coffee, setting out the chairs, and greeting folks as they come in from the parking lot. If you are interested in getting connected to a team, just call me on my cell at 901-623-0985, or email me at: mwhite@germantownumc.org. You may not realize it, but you have lots of new friends waiting to get to know you better at Prism! So put on your jeans and boots and come celebrate Sunday mornings with us!

Rev. Mimi White

Natalie and Jim Duncan & family

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

The Congregational Care Team invites you to the The Fall Prayer Vigil

Thursday, October 5, 2023

Germantown United Methodist Church Chapel

8:00 am - 4:00 pm

As an act of public witness, prayer vigils offer the community a space to connect with God so that God’s vision can be carried out through us. As United Methodists, we understand prayer vigils to be grounded in the power of the Holy Spirit to change people’s hearts and minds and to strengthen us in our work and witness (UMC Church & Society). Participating in prayer vigils can stretch us in our prayer life.

Praying together strengthens our relationship with God and gives us an opportunity to share our burdens. When we pray together, we grow and become more comfortable worshipping together. So, do join the Congregational Care Team for the Fall Prayer Vigil in the GUMC Chapel on Thursday, October 5 from 8:00 am until 4:00 pm. Contact Yolanda Toney at ytoney@germantownumc.org if you have any questions.

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

Are

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

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

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

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

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

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

• 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.

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

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

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

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

Hospitality

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

Meet Our Hospitality Team… what a blessing to work with this remarkable group as, together, we consider what all of us at GUMC can do to help us live out our mission to be a welcoming faith community, loving God and loving others, serving Christ and sharing Him, changing lives and making disciples.

Cookies in the Narthex was implemented one year ago and is proving to be a catalyst for all church members to promote hospitality, as we all have an opportunity to welcome our guests and extend a warm welcome to everyone. This month, I’ve asked our Hospitality team members to share their thoughts about hospitality.

Hospitality is one more way we can love our neighbor. Whether a member of our church or a first-time guest, I want each person who comes to worship on Sunday to feel welcome, seen and loved, and to know we are glad they are here. As Rev. Tim Carpenter reminds us, “We are ALL guests in the house of the Lord.”

Chesley Porteous is the Hospitality Team’s contact for the Greeter Ministry. Her leadership ensures the Hospitality Team is linked to one of the largest groups in our church devoted solely to welcoming everyone…our greeters.

Hospitality does not have to be complicated. We can all smile while offering a warm hand and a heartfelt “Welcome In”.

Linda Wiggins is a greeter in the Narthex every Sunday morning before the 8:30 service. She practices what she preaches.

As a people person, being hospitable feels like second nature. Greeting people with a warm welcome and a smile can calm a person who is entering an unfamiliar space. Germantown UMC was that welcoming place for me after being out of church for almost two years. I was terrified to come back to a church, given how long I had been away. I want to give back to GUMC guests what I received… a warm welcome.

Matthew Mays is a gifted greeter, always making others feel welcome. He also maintains our on-line form for cookies in the narthex.

Because my husband and I moved often, we know what it is like to attend a new church for the first time. We’ve had some good experiences and some challenges, as well. I want GUMC to be a welcoming church not only for our members, but also for first time and returning guests looking for a church home. One person can make all the difference in making a guest feel comfortable.

June Dark is a Welcome Center Volunteer whose presence on the Hospitality Team provides a valuable link to another group whose focus is on Welcoming Everyone.

Hospitality

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

Did You Know…there are 45 greeters, 10 Welcome Center helpers, many Sunday School classes, ushers, and individual church members who are promoting hospitality every Sunday? They are living out our mission to be a Welcoming Faith Community through their prayers, by welcoming guests before and after worship, providing information and assistance to our guests, and even baking or buying cookies to share in the narthex.

Are you looking for a meaningful way to serve others by showing hospitality? Maybe you just want to learn more about greeting. I’d love to hear from you. Call or text Donna Haley at (901) 487-820 and let’s talk.

Radical hospitality goes beyond being friendly. It surprises and delights those who receive it. As a member of the Hospitality Team, I have discovered that I am the one who has been surprised and delighted by a calling to be involved on a Holy endeavor. The joy in the Narthex on Sundays feeds my soul and makes me thankful to be able to share that joy with others.

Alice Clare Colville surprises and delights me daily. She brings the joy to our team.

Hospitality is practicing the Golden Rule of “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.” Hospitality begins at home and extends everywhere else, especially at our church. It is a genuine shared welcoming feeling of belonging that is hopefully shared by others and passed on.

Cindy Lupton joined GUMC in 2022. We have benefitted greatly from the observations of a new member who joined our team at just the right time.

When I think of hospitality, I think of a positive, welcoming attitude and a big smile on your face.

Lee Harber, is always willing to fill in when we need an extra greeter, and you will always see a smile on his face and a warm and welcoming attitude.

Jesus gave us the perfect framework for hospitality in Matthew 7:12 “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” Wherever we go, we want to be welcomed and accepted, to be treated with honor and respect. Therefore, we should extend that welcome and acceptance to others, inside and outside of the church. It’s really pretty simple - just apply the Golden Rule.

Robin Tate keeps us on the straight and narrow path.

Adult Education

Mary Groh, Director

NEW ADULT SMALL GROUP STUDIES STARTING THIS FALL

We are EXCITED for classes to begin. September is a wonderful time to explore something new and energize your faith life. Below you will find a list of studies starting soon.

Register for these classes online at www.germantownumc.org or scan this code with a mobile device:

ABIDE – A Study of 1, 2, & 3 John (A Women’s Bible Study)

Wednesdays, August 30 - November 8 (skipping Sept. 27)

9:45-11:45 am, via Zoom; Cost: $28.00

Facilitator: Chesley Porteous | chesleyporteous@gmail.com | (901)268-4884

How can we hold onto assurance of our faith? How can we discern the truth from a lie? How can we know God loves us? In this 10-session study of 1, 2, and 3 John, author, Jen Wilkin will help us discover how the apostle John's words call Christians to recall a great salvation and to abide in the truth. He reminds an early church facing division, deception, and doubt to hold fast to what they know and to live like they believe it. And John reminds us as well.

Scripture and the Wesleyan Way

Tuesdays, September 5 - November 14 (skipping Oct. 3, 10, 17)

6:30-7:30 pm; Cost: $16.00

Facilitator: Terry Aust | terry.aust@yahoo.com | (901)279-4025

The Bible was central to John Wesley’s faith and the Christian movement he founded. In this study, authors Scott and Arthur Jones use John Wesley’s sermons to illuminate the Bible passages at the heart of Wesley’s understanding of what it means to be a real Christian. Bishop Jones and his son Arthur show how the teaching of Wesley address questions that many of us in the twenty-first century still struggle with today.

Bible Stories for Grown-Ups

Reading Scripture With New Eyes

Tuesdays, September 19 - October 31 (skipping Oct. 10)

9:30-11:00 am; Cost: $14.00

Facilitator: Mary Groh | mgroh@germantownumc.org | (901)754-7216

In this six-session Bible study, we will consider stories many of us read as children including Noah’s Ark, the binding of Isaac, Jonah and the big fish, Jesus and Zacchaeus, Jesus healing a blind man, and the parable of the talents. Author Josh Scott reimagines these stories and opens new visions for us to understand well known pieces of Scripture. When you see how Josh opens up the six Bible stories in this study, you’ll be inspired to engage with the whole Bible in a whole new, grownup way.

Adult Education

Jesus and His Culture

Wednesdays, September 6 - October 11

6:00-7:00 pm

Facilitator: Rev. Tim Carpenter | tcarpenter@germantownumc.org

We will follow the life of Jesus in the gospels in the context of his times and his culture. Through Holy Land images, archaeology, cultural understandings, and Bible Study, we will seek to understand the implications of the gospel accounts of Jesus' life for our own time.

Daniel:

Faithful

in All

Circumstances (A Young Men’s Bible Study)

Wednesdays, September 13 - November 1 (skipping Oct. 11)

6:00-7:00 pm | Cost: Free

Facilitator: Gerald Toney | agtoney1516@icloud.com

While we most often remember Daniel as the one in the lions’ den, there was a lot more to his life. In this seven-session study by Bryan Chapell, we will explore the first six chapters of Daniel as we learn about how to remain faithful in all circumstances. Daniel ran into several trying situations that may have caused him to lose faith or bend from his beliefs, but Daniel stayed strong.

Monday Monthly Book Group

4th Monday of each Monday 10:00 am | Room 338

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

September 25: The Yellow Fever Revenge by Jackie Flaum

October 23: The Nature of Fragile Things by Susan Meissner

For questions, please contact Mary Groh.

November 27: The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams

Adult Education

Mary Groh, Director | mgroh@germantownumc.org |

Save the Date!

GUMC Women’s Retreat

Saturday, January 27 | 8:30 am-4:30 pm

Mike Wilson Fellowship Hall

Look for more information and how to register in the October Tidings.

Stewardship

From Fruit for Celebrating the Offering

by Melvin and James Amerson…

Moses in Deuteronomy 15:7 said, “Do not be hard-hearted or tight-fisted toward your needy neighbor.” Bearing a hard heart or a closed hand prevents blessings from flowing out to others in need. When we give generously, we are able to be a blessing to others while maintaining a caring heart and open hand. Let us present our gifts unto the Lord for the good of others.

Finance

Jim Dodge, Finance Chair

“Where Friends Meet”

“Thereforeencourageoneanotherandbuildeachotherup, justasinfactyouaredoing.”

Elder Care Ministry

Susan Crowson, Director |

A Note from Susan

It’s a blessing to join GUMC as Director of Elder Care Ministries. My training began suddenly, days after my mom passed away, when I became the primary caregiver for my father with undiagnosed Alzheimer’s disease. Unprepared and thrust into a dire situation, the Lord gave me a fervent passion to help adults plan and prepare for all aspects of future care. For almost twenty years now, I’ve been in various positions in the geriatric field Alzheimer’s Association Program and Advocacy Manager, Certified Dementia Practitioner, Baptist Memory Care Center manager, Associate Chaplain Baptist Desoto Hospital, Aging Life Care Manager, Geriatric Planning Clinical Practice, and now here at GUMC to be with you.

I devote my prayers, passion, creativity, experience, and joy to supporting our older adult members and their families in their elder care journey.

What is GUMC’s Elder Care Ministry? With an amazing team of volunteers, these are ways our ministry supports aging church members and their families.

• Homebound Ministries - We reach out to church members who are homebound through:

 Flower Ministry - Volunteers make Sunday altar flowers into smaller floral arrangements which are delivered by another team of volunteers to bless our homebound members.

 Home Communion Ministry can be given to designated members who are homebound.

 Visits and calls to older adults who are unable to attend church. These visits may be at their residence, inpatient hospital/rehab, or senior living community.

• Life Transitions Support and Planning - Life transitions are never easy. We are here to offer support and help you navigate some of these difficult life transitions, such as hospice and palliative care, columbarium burial planning, loss of a loved one (bereavement care), and major moves.

• Other ways we help our older members includes: lending medical equipment, Handy Helpers (see page 24), delivering meals, making community support resource referrals, Vial of Life (lifesaving information for medical emergencies), etc.

• Conversations Series - There are many conversations that are necessary as loved ones age. One such subject, “Let’s Talk about Future Care” is being offered to the public on October 21 (see page 11). As a geriatric consultant, I am available to speak on other issues related to aging, such as: “Let’s talk about...driving, memory, advance directives, long distance care support, supporting loved ones living alone.” These are 20-30 minute lessons relevant to all adult members, no matter the age. Please contact me if you are a church member and would like me to meet with your circle group, Sunday school class, etc.

Elder Care Ministry

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

• Health and Wellness Ministry OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE

This ministry is taking shape and is a great opportunity for folks with health or medical background to use their skills for our older adults. Volunteers oversee and manage prevention support and events for our members, such as:

 Hearing and blood pressure screenings, blood drives, CPR

 LifeLine for preventative health screenings

 Vial of Life to promote medication management

 Automated external defibrillators (AED’s) on campus

 Health, wellness events and seminars

Please reach out to leaders, Betty Duke (bettybduke@gmail.com or 901-494-4580) or Erica Perkins (ericalperkins84@gmail.com or 901-604-9434) to express your interest in volunteering.

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.

Erica McBride—Youth Ministries Volunteer

This month we are spotlighting GUMC Youth volunteer, Erica McBride! Erica volunteered as an adult leader on one of GUMC Youth’s summer mission trips, BigStuf. BigStuf is a church worship camp in Panama City Florida, in which students get to worship God with music, hear from various speakers, and enjoy small group discussions, as well as having beach and pool fun! Erica was a rockstar this year, as she led a small group, chaperoned at the pool and the beach, helped brainstorm logistics, and made the trip wayyy more fun! Thanks so much, Erica!!

When asked what she loves about volunteering, Erica replied: “I enjoy volunteering for BigStuf because you get to really know the youth in small group settings and are able to connect on their level in a fun, high energy environment. I enjoy helping at Element throughout the school year as I can, to continue supporting the youth ministry at GUMC, as they are our future!”

We truly, truly, could not do our overnight trips and retreats without wonderful parent volunteers like Erica. Not only do these volunteers help keep our youth safe, but they also serve as incredible mentors and leaders for some of our youngest church members. They truly uphold the vow that the entire church makes at baptisms and do everything they can to “increase their faith, confirm their hope, and perfect them in love.” If you feel called to serve our GUMC young people in a similar way, please contact Chloe Granberry at 901-832-4496 or cgranberry@germantownumc.org. We have a place for you!

Missions

Anne Fritz, Chairperson | clarissafritz@att.net

Team Read in Schools Resumes After COVID

After our last Team Read session in April, my second grader tucked a new book under his arm and turned to go. He’d scored off the charts in learning foundational or sight words, and the worn Atlas was the reward he asked for. Suddenly he stopped.

“Are you coming back?” he asked. “Will I see you next year?”

“You’ll be in third grade. But I’ll look for you in the halls,” I told him.

The Team Read program started by Germantown United Methodist and Caldwell-Guthrie Elementary in 2011 wants coaches for the new school year — and the need for second grade coaches has never been greater.

A third grader who can’t read is four times more likely to drop out of high school than a student who can read...

Then

COVID hit.

Prior to the pandemic, Team Read, which teaches the 1,000 foundational words of reading, boasted 1,500 coaches in 53 schools in Shelby County. Student gains averaged 200 to 250 words. Students are expected to gain 100 words annually.

These foundational or sight words are critical—the first 300 words on the Team Read list represent about 67 percent of all the words third grade students encounter in their reading. Students must know these words instantly. A study done by then Memphis City Schools in 2013 showed Team Read students did slightly better in reading tests than students without coaches. The program began to spread Jackson, Selmer, Huntsville, Ala.

Latest figures from Shelby County show only a fourth of third graders can read on grade level and if they can’t read by then, they’re lost. A third grader who can’t read is four times more likely to drop out of high school than a student who can read, according to an Annie E. Casey Foundation study.

Team Read aims to turn students around before they reach third grade. Team Read coaches help second graders who are on the cusp of reading and gives them a needed boost to be good readers.

How? Team Read coaches must pass a background check, learn the Team Read steps, and donate an hour a week of their time. Coaches

...Continued

Missions

Anne Fritz, Chairperson | clarissafritz@att.net

have two students for 30 minutes each. Students have two coaches a week for an hour of coaching.

All materials are provided, including an outline of the six-step Team Read method of drilling students on foundational words such as ‘the,’ ‘you,’ and ‘were.’ It’s easy, and the paper, pencils, white boards, flash cards, books, and other materials are there.

It turns out to be fun. After all, as a comedian once aid, “Ninety percent of success is showing up.”

GUMC has three schools this year: Belle Forest Community School lead by Head Coach David Forell, Parkway Village with Head Coach David Flaum, and Winchester Elementary headed by Head Coach Anne Fritz. In addition, GUMC Head Coach Jackie Ross Flaum is helping the Germantown Kiwanis Club establish a Team Read at Germantown Elementary.

Each school will set the days and times coaches will be able to take students from class and go to the coaching area. In the past, the times are in the mornings, and there are multiple days from which to choose. Team Read runs from mid-September to early April. If you get sick or go on a trip, not to worry. Team Read has a plan to handle it. If you can’t coach on your usual day, no problem. Go on a different day, if your students don’t have another coach that day. Community is important to Team Read. You’ll soon have a list of coaches at your school. Carpool, go to lunch or brunch, get to know each other.

As I left Parkway Village Elementary in April, my student’s last words reverberated in my head.

“Are you coming back?”

GUMC, are you coming back?

For more information, or if you are interested in volunteering for Team Read, please contact Jackie Ross Flaum at jrflaum@yahoo.com.

Anne Fritz, Chairperson | clarissafritz@att.net

Weekend Food Program Returns!

The Weekend Food Program began in 2013. This program was a way to provide food-insecure schoolchildren with six meals for their weekend use. These children get food at their schools, usually breakfast and a good lunch, but often go to homes where food is scarce or lacking altogether.

In the greater Memphis area, one in three children go home to little or no food. Child hunger has increased from 21% to 30%. The good news is that after talks with the leaders of the Mid-South Food Bank, our church and its dedicated volunteers will once again go to the Food Bank twice a month and pack bags of food for the children in need!! On Friday afternoons, the children in most need in our city schools will be provided with a bag of food containing six easy to prepare and eat meals which will help get them through the long weekend away from school.

We all know that growing children need to have good nutrition to do well in school, stay focused, and thrive. These children that we will be helping live but a half hour from our church door! It is sad to think of a child heading to bed with an empty stomach, but that is just what is happening, through no fault of their own.

How can I help?

• Please sponsor a child or make any donation to help in combatting the problem. The food will be given weekly to the children September through May, at a cost of $300 per child per year. Sponsor one child or sponsor two or three. Give through our church by making a check or online donation to GUMC and designating it for the Weekend Food Program. The church will send the funds to the Mid-South Food Bank.

• Volunteer with us! Contact Barbara Schanson at barcons@comcast.net for questions or to join the volunteer group. You will be blessed!

Missions

Anne Fritz, Chairperson | clarissafritz@att.net

Dear friends of Germantown UMC,

Words cannot express the depth of gratitude we feel for your continued support of the ministry of Hannah’s Hope. As we approach the one-year anniversary of the abortion ban in Tennessee, our staff is fielding at least a 30% increase in calls from pregnant women seeking counseling and/or adoption services. We are currently working with two special needs children, who will require extended services from our agency, on adoptive placements. We are working with several women who are considering making adoption plans for their babies who will be born within the next three months. This creates a busy season in our ministry, and we are grateful to support so many pregnant women in crisis and their vulnerable children.

Many of you are aware that we faced some significant financial challenges in the spring of this year and gave generously to help us bridge the funding gap. We are making steady progress toward the stabilization of our finances thanks to the efforts of our staff and Board members who have joined together to reimagine our funding formulas and expand our network of supporters throughout West TN. In addition, we are excited to announce a new $53,000 grant, from UTCHS, which will enable us to fund more focus on our work with underserved populations in rural West TN through May 2024. We are working to secure more grant funding to ensure that our services can continue even if adoption numbers continue to be unpredictable. We are committed to securing the future of our ministry and the women and children in which is serves.

We are all looking forward to our first in-person fundraiser since the pandemic.

We invite each of you to join us on September 30 at 6:00 pm at our Celebrating

Hope

Dinner & Silent Auction at Emmanuel United Methodist Church 2404 Kirby Rd. , Memphis, TN

Use this QR code for event details and to purchase tickets.

Music Ministry

Rev. Todd Wilson, Minister of Music

Dell Harriman Music Ministry Endowment Fund

Established by Dr. Mark and Patty Harriman, the Dell Harriman Music Ministry Endowment Fund provides funding for music programs of Germantown United Methodist Church which she supported so faithfully.

Dell Scott was born in Swartz, LA in 1923. She passed away ninety-nine years and ten days later. She was raised a Baptist, but became a Methodist when she married Willard Harriman on Christmas Day 1942. She lived in Hamburg, AR and many other U.S. towns while Willard completed his Army Air Corps training before leaving to fight WW II in Egypt. They raised four sons.

Dell’s great loves at Germantown United Methodist Church were the Gilbert Sunday School Class and the Music Ministry, especially the choir. She knew many hymns by heart, and she used to joke that the choir sounded wonderful on any given Sunday, but that she only heard one voice, her son’s!

Dell, because of her great humility, would be both humbled and thrilled to have anything named after her. The Dell Harriman Music Ministry Endowment will honor Dell’s tremendous faith and support GUMC’s wonderful music program in perpetuity.

The Fund will be used to sponsor concerts and educational workshops with industry leaders for our traditional worship community. The Fund will provide opportunity for the commissioning of new sacred music and will subsidize Music Ministry educational travel and performance opportunities to locations such as Lake Junaluska, St. Simon’s, and John Wesley’s England. All contributions to the Fund will remain as principal, with only the interest from contributions being utilized. Proceeds from the Fund will be accessible in full for any need identified by the Minister of Music.

Your participation in developing the Fund is encouraged and may be done online by using the “Online Giving” tab found in this link: https://www.germantownumc.org/ways-to-give-2022/ or simply scan the following QR code from a mobile device. Select the Dell Harriman Music Endowment Fund in the drop-down menu. Cash, checks, and estate planning gifts may be directed to the church office.

Questions regarding fund management may be directed to GUMC’s Executive Minister.

Testimony Youth Choir resumes Sunday, September 10

5 pm | Choir room

Scan to give

Youth are always welcome to participate in both short-term and long-term commitments! We rehearse weekly for about an hour, sing approximately once each month for a morning worship service, present special music during seasonal opportunities such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, Lent and Easter, and will be taking a trip to Lake Junaluska in summer of 2024! (For real this time! Dates are set for June 24-28, and ALL worship arts members are invited to attend: youth choir, children's choir, adult choir, handbell choir, and even theatre and liturgical dance in worship!). We hope you will join us!

If interested, please contact Tim Wise, Testimony Director, at twise@germantownumc.org.

Music Ministry

Rev. Todd Wilson, Minister of Music |

Children’s Choir

Our choir rehearsals will begin Sunday, September 10 at 5:00pm Choirs meet in the Children’s Education Wing on the second floor. Just walk down the hall past the Sanctuary turn right at the end, and you will be in the right place.

Cherub Choir

Age 3 - Transition/Jr. Kindergarten

Directed by Mary Groh

Meets Sundays 5:00-5:45 pm Room 260/262

Alleluia Choir

K-2nd grade

Directed by Peggy Warner

Meets Sundays 5:00-6:00 pm Room 257

Hosanna Choir

3rd-5th grade

Directed by Libby Schielke

Meets Sundays 5:00-6:00 pm Room 240 (The Huddle)

The Cherub Choir explores simple rhythms, matching pitches, and fun songs. A parent is encouraged to participate with their child each week. This is a wonderful opportunity for your child to get a great start in music and to have fun with Mom or Dad! The Cherub Choir sings in the Sanctuary for the Christmas and Spring concerts.

The Alleluia Choir rehearsal time is spent either on the floor singing simple songs and rounds, or marching around the room with musical activities. They also learn more complicated anthems for worship services and programs. The children sing by themselves or with the Hosanna Choir frequently during the year. They also sing for the Christmas and Spring programs.

The Hosanna Choir prepares music for worship and special programs. Besides singing several times during the year for the worship services, they also sing for the Christmas and Spring programs. The Hosanna and Alleluia Choirs present a musical in the Spring (rehearsals begin in January). Choreography and props round out the exciting production, sure to be a highlight for your child!

We’re looking forward to an exciting year with your children singers! If you have any questions, please contact any one of us.

Libby - (libby5959@att.net)

Mary - (mgroh@germantownumc.org)

Peggy - (peggywarner51@gmail.com)

Germantown United Women in Faith (GUWF)

Gina Bartz, President | women@germantownumc.org

ANNUAL CINNAMON ROLL BAKE FOR MISSIONS

On Sunday, October 1, and Sunday, October 15, we will be on hand to take your Cinnamon Roll Bake pre-orders in the Fellowship Hall and Owings Life Enrichment Center (OLEC)! We bake a limited number of rolls from scratch, so it is very important that you pre-order. The cost is only $12 per dozen and payable by cash, check, or credit card (including a small handling fee). Pickup will be in the OLEC gym on October 17, 18, and 19. You will choose your specific pickup date/time when preordering, and a reminder will be sent.

We welcome baking helpers! Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and lots of laughter with women at the church on our baking days, October 17-19, in the OLEC. Each baking day morning, we make the dough from scratch and set it aside to rise. The dough is dipped in warm butter and dredged in cinnamon, and then it is knotted, proofed, and baked. The rolls may be frozen and reheated. Be the first to smell these warm, sweet, delectable rolls come out of the oven!

Contact Stephanie Adams at (901)488-4748 or monacodog@aol.com to sign up to help on baking days. No experience is required, and we have great teachers!

The proceeds from your purchases help the many missions of Germantown United Women in Faith.

Thank you for your support!

GUWF Children’s Consignment Sale

Germantown United Women in Faith would like to thank everyone who supported the Fall/Winter Children’s Consignment Sale. It was a tremendous success, and we couldn’t have done it without all of our wonderful volunteers, consignors, shoppers, and GUMC staff support. All proceeds from this event will benefit the many missions of GUWF.

Save the date!

Our Spring/Summer sale is March 22-23, 2024. We'll see you in the spring!

Germantown United Women in Faith (GUWF)

Gina Bartz, President | women@germantownumc.org

September Speaker Luncheon

Sept 12, 11:30 am | Fellowship Hall

All women are invited to join us for a catered meal, warm fellowship, and an inspirational message from Cathy Pope at our GUWF September Speaker Luncheon on September 12, 2023, at 11:30 am in the Mike Wilson Fellowship Hall.

Cathy Pope has served as the President and CEO of the Mid-South Food Bank since August 2019. Her previous positions include President and CEO of Feeding the Gulf Coast and Executive Director for Meals on Wheels of Middle Georgia. She has nonprofit experience with the Susan G. Komen Foundation as well as the Fuller Center for Housing in Macon, Georgia.

Cathy currently holds numerous positions on volunteer boards. She is a member of Feeding America’s Policy Engagement and Advocacy Committee (PEAC), where she works to address domestic hunger and related issues with policymakers. Additionally, Cathy serves as Secretary for the Central Region Association of Food Banks, representing 96 of the 200 food banks affiliated with Feeding America. She also serves on BancorpSouth’s Corporate Community Advisory Council and is a member of the Safety Net Collaborative and the Food Insecurity and Accessibility Collaborative in Memphis, Tennessee.

Cathy has a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Georgia Southwestern State University, a Master of Arts in Political Science from Georgia State University, and an MBA in Finance from Texas Christian University.

Please join us as we learn about the Mid-South Food Bank’s mission to change lives by eliminating hunger in the Mid-South. The organization’s commitment to serving others is a wonderful example of doing “Everything in Love.”

Older Adults

Luci Cromer, Chair | 901-755-0803

| luci2@comcast.net

Don’t Forget the September Brown Bag Lunch Program!

David Wayne Brown, Executive Director of CrimeStoppers of Memphis and Shelby County, will talk about “CrimeStoppers of Memphis and Shelby County: Preventing Crime by Catching Felons.”

This presentation will be Friday, September 1, 2023, in the Fellowship Hall. The program starts at 11 am with lunch at Noon. Bring your own sack lunch; the church will supply the beverages.

Call Luci Cromer, 755-0803, for more information. No reservations are needed. There will be a crossing guard on West Street to help with overflow parking.

Learn About Surviving Scams at the October Brown Bag Lunch!

Every year, we learn about the latest scams and how criminals try to defraud us. But, do you know what to do if you have been the victim of a scam or fraud? Who do you call and how do you save your personal information, passwords, money? Daniel Irwin, Director of Public Relations and Outreach for the Better Business Bureau of the Midsouth, is going to give us a Fraud Survival Guide and tell us how to protect ourselves in our homes, on our phones, in the store, or on our computers at the October Brown Bag Lunch Series, an adventure in learning sponsored by the Older Adult Council.

TOPIC: “Scam Survival Guide”

SPEAKER: Daniel Irwin, Director of Public Relations and Outreach, Better Business Bureau of the Mid-South

WHERE: Mike Wilson Fellowship Hall

WHEN: October 6, 2023. Program starts at 11 am; lunch is at Noon.

COST: FREE the church will supply beverages.

RESERVATIONS: No reservations are needed. Just bring your sack lunch and enjoy the program and the fellowship.

QUESTIONS? Call Luci Cromer, 755-0803, or Susan Crowson, 758-6508.

**There will be a crossing guard on West Street to help with overflow parking.**

Daniel Irwin BBB of the Midsouth

Older Adults

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

XYZs Hear Sweet Caroline: Neil Diamond Tribute in October!

For over 35 years, Jay White has brought the music and charismatic stage presence of American music legend Neil Diamond to countless crowds. A lifelong fan himself, Jay White has received praise from Neil Diamond, even appearing with him on the Stages DVD Box Set. With music like “Cherry, Cherry,” “America,” and “Song Sung Blue,” this show provides the quintessential Neil Diamond concert experience, with the same energy and artistry Neil delivered over his incredible 50-year career, close to home.

For a preview of this show, Google Jay White Tribute to Neil Diamond – You Tube.

WHERE: Bartlett Performing Arts and Conference Center

WHEN: Saturday, October 7, 2023

COST: $30 per person includes transportation and reserved seats.

DEPARTURE: 1:45 pm from OLEC parking lot. (Be there by 1:30 pm.)

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

DEADLINE FOR MONEY and RESERVATIONS: Thursday, September 14

XYZ’s Tour Mid-South Food Bank in November!

The Mid-South Food Bank was founded in November 1981 as a MIFA program. In 1988 it became an independent 501 (c3) charity. It serves more than 300 charitable feeding programs in 31 counties in West Tennessee, North Mississippi, and East Arkansas. These agencies include food pantries, youth programs, soup kitchens, shelters, day care centers, residential programs, senior programs, and rehabilitation programs. In 2019, it moved to its current 150,000 square foot facility, enabling it to put all 3 storage and distribution facilities under one roof. We are going to get a guided tour of this facility and learn more about the operations of the Food Bank. After our tour, we will eat lunch at Dale’s Restaurant in Southaven, Mississippi.

WHERE: Mid-South Food Bank

WHEN: Thursday, November 9, 2023

COST: $3 cost plus lunch on your own. PLEASE BRING 3 CANS OF FOOD PER PERSON TO DONATE TO THE FOOD BANK.

DEPARTURE: 9:15 am from OLEC parking lot. (Be there by 9 am.)

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

DEADLINE FOR MONEY and RESERVATIONS: Monday, October 9

.

Older Adults

Todd Wilson, Director of Music | twilson@germantownumc.org

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 October 12 and 13 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, October 12 & 13, 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.

Our Handy Helpers are waiting for your call…

The leaves are starting to turn, 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, 901-754-1238.

Youth

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

GUMC Youth Ministry has concluded our 2023 summer season! Throughout June and July, our youth group served our local and peripheral communities through our summer missions. Summer missions have been a phenomenal opportunity for our youth to learn the value of ministry through service, as we experience what it is like to be the hands and feet of Jesus in a new way! Our group was involved in serving local missions such as Service over Self, Catholic Missions, and the Memphis Food Bank, as well as serving at Mountain T.O.P. in Eastern Tennessee. Many of our missions required us to work in the scorching summer heat, but the heat is no match for the sense of community garnered through serving our neighbors.

BigStuf is a middle and high school youth retreat in Panama City, Florida. Free time at the beach and pool, late night milkshakes, a competitive volleyball tournament (WE WON!), and amazing lessons from our weekly speakers are just some of the things that made this week so special. We ended the week tired and sunburnt, but our spirits, minds, and love for God were rejuvenated.

We are very excited for our 2023-2024 programming to begin! We will have our Element kickoff in the OLEC gym on September 10 at 6 pm

Synergy and Synago will start back up on September 6!

Contact Chloe for more details, or visit our webpage on germantownumc.org to see the full calendar.

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

Join us for Sunday School | Sundays 9:30-10:30 am

Our new classes of Sunday School have begun! All children and youth were promoted to the next grade level on August 6.

Children in K-5th grades meet in the Huddle (room 240) on Sunday mornings for large group lesson, then proceed to individual classrooms in the education wing for small group activities.

Preschool and younger meet in the Hamilton Nursery to the north of the Sanctuary.

Sixth graders meet for Trek/Confirmation class in the Oasis at the OLEC during Sunday school hour.

All Parents: Please be sure to fill out a new registration form for the 20232024 school year so that we have all of your updated contact information. You may do so online at germantownumc.org under Open Registrations. Also, please let us know if you are not receiving our children’s ministry emails, since this will remain our primary form of communication.

Volunteers Needed!

Be sure to follow us on our Facebook page for updates at Germantown United Methodist Children’s Ministry.

Children’s ministry relies on dedicated volunteers to help lead or assist with our programs and events. Currently, we are looking for:

• Adults to assist with our Wednesday night program (WOW) that begins September 6 (6-7:30 pm)

• Adult volunteers for elementary Sunday School to serve as subs when our regular teachers are out. (Sundays 9:30-10:30 am)

If you would like more information or are interested in volunteering for our ministry, please contact Callie Beaver, Natalie Adkinson, or Janelle Crist.

3rd Grade Bible Presentation and Retreat

Sunday, September 24, our third graders will receive their Bibles during all three worship services. In anticipation of this time-honored event, we will host a Third Grade Bible Retreat on Friday, September 22 from 6:00-9:00 pm on the main campus. We start the evening with dinner and then move on to a special worship service for our third graders. Afterward, we will play some Bible-centric games and have loads of fun! This is a free event, but registration is required. To register your child, please go to germantownumc.org and click on Open Registrations.

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

WOW (Worship on Wednesdays) with Kids

Wednesdays | 6:00-7:30 pm

All children welcome (ages birth - 5th grade)

We will resume our WOW Worship on Wednesdays with Kids on September 6!

Grades K-5 meet in the Fellowship Hall

PreK and younger meet in the Hamilton Nursery

Our mid-week elementary program, which runs during the school year, provides a variety of opportunities for children to experience Christian fellowship and develop a closer relationship to Christ. This is our children’s ministry equivalent of “youth group”. We start with a child-friendly dinner in the Fellowship Hall, followed by age-appropriate worship with music and a Bible story. We close with small group time, where we enjoy discussion, games, and crafts.

Children who are pre-kindergarten and younger will have an age-appropriate Bible lesson, playtime, and craft. Parents of preschoolers are welcome to get their children’s dinners in Fellowship Hall, then take them up to the nursery where the little ones will eat.

Pre-registration is required and can be found on our church website (Look for WOW under Open Registrations).

Learning to Use My Bible

Wednesdays 6-7:30 pm

Starting September 27

Carla McCrary and Janice Cate will be teaching our “Learning to Use My Bible” class on Wednesday nights (Sept. 27-Nov. 8) as part of our WOW (Worship on Wednesdays) programming. The kids will eat dinner with the large group then move into a small group for their special third grade Bible class. Please register online for the weeks you can attend. Come join us on Wednesdays!

Important upcoming events:

September 6 WOW (Worship on Wednesday) resumes

September 10

September 22

September 24

October 28

November 16

December 9

Children’s Choirs resume

Third Grade Bible Retreat on main campus

Third Grade Bible presentations during Sunday worship services

Fall Fest at McVay Gardens

Advent Worskshop

Journey to Bethlehem/Children’s Alternative Christmas

Owings Life Enrichment Center (OLEC)

Gordon Kelly, Director | gkelly@germantownumc.org

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

Basketball Registration is open!

We have teams for Boys and Girls, Kindergarten – 5th grade.

Cost is $135 - Includes team registration fees, Junior Grizzlies uniform, basketball, and tickets to a Grizzlies game! An end of season party will also be provided.

Kindergarten league:

• Games on Friday early evenings

• Games begin in early January 2024

First through fifth grade leagues:

• Games on Saturdays

• Games begin December 2, 2023

All leagues end in Mid-February.

Practices will be weeknights, beginning in November. (practice days to be determined by the coaches.)

Call or email Kim Marsh at 901-753-3100 or kmarsh@germantownumc.org if you need more information.

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

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.

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 September 2023

Locations:

Class Prices

$5.00 - Walk Fit, Chair Class, Gentle Yoga

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

$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.

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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