Welcome Brochure

Welcome to our mission WE ARE A WELCOMING COMMUNITY OF FAITH COMMITTED TO: Loving God and loving others, Serving Christ and sharing Him, Transforming lives and making disciples.

Traditional Service:

10:30 a.m.

Meets in the main church building in the Sanctuary at 2331 S. Germantown Rd.

Prism Alternative Service: 10:30 a.m.

Meets in the OLEC Gym at 2323 West St.

germantownumc.org 901-754-7216 2331 S. Germantown Rd. Germantown, TN 38138

A Message from our

Senior Pastor Welcome!

Greetings and a warm welcome to you! We are delighted that you’ve taken a moment to learn more about our church community. Whether you are a lifelong believer, someone exploring faith for the first time, or someone simply seeking a place to belong, we open our doors and our hearts to you.

Germantown United Methodist Church strives to be more than just a congregation, but a family united by love, grace, and a shared desire to grow closer to God and one another through Christ. Our mission is simple yet profound: “We are a welcoming community of faith, committed to loving God and loving others, serving Christ and sharing him, transforming lives and making disciples.”

What to Expect When you step through our doors, expect a warm smile, a friendly handshake, and an atmosphere of joy and grace. Our goal is to blend heartfelt worship, meaningful messages, and moments of reflection, all designed to inspire and uplift. Whether you prefer traditional worship or contemporary praise, there’s a space here for you to connect with God in your own way.

Beyond Sunday mornings, we offer a variety of opportunities to get involved. From small groups that dive deeper into scripture, to outreach programs that serve our neighbors, to fun events for kids, teens, and families—there’s something for everyone. We believe faith is not just a moment in time but a journey we walk together. If you’d like to learn more, feel free to visit our website at www.germantownumc.org.

You Are Enough No matter where you are in life—whether you’re celebrating a season of joy or navigating a time of challenge—you are welcome here just as you are. We’re a community that embraces imperfections, offers encouragement, and celebrates the unique gifts each person brings. We know that we all are broken, but that God’s salvation is a gift of God’s grace. Like a stained-glass window lit by the sun, broken pieces illuminated by the light of Christ can be a beautiful thing.

Join Us Again!

Once again, welcome! We look forward to meeting you again and to find how God might shine his light through us together.

Blessings in Christ,

Tim Carpenter Senior Pastor

Adult Education There’s a Seat Saved for You

The Christian faith is grounded in the love and grace of God, experienced through Jesus Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit. The Christian life is our response to God’s love and grace. The church calls our response to God: Christian discipleship.

Discipleship focuses on actively following in the footsteps of Jesus. As Christian disciples, we are not passive spectators but energetic participants in God’s activity in the world.

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Sunday School classes varying from all different ages and life stages meet each week at 9:00 a.m.

For more information, contact Mary Groh at 754-7216 or mgroh@germantownumc.org.

Small Group Studies While worship is central to Germantown United Methodist Church (GUMC), it is only part of the disciple making experience of following Christ. Small group studies enhance the worship experience by providing opportunities to learn more about the Bible, discuss current issues, develop close personal friendships, grow in faith and learn how to apply the Christian faith in real life situations. For more information contact Mary Groh at mgroh@germantownumc.org or call 901-754-5093.

Monthly Book Group Fourth Monday of Every Month 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Room 338 There is no need to register, just purchase the book (or check-out from the library) and join us for a spirited discussion!

Care Ministries 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.

Welcoming First-Time Visitors GUMC welcome bags, with information and cookies, are provided for first-time visitors. Volunteers may occasionally bake, phone, and/or deliver welcome bags to guests’ homes or meet on Sunday at church.

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 for one year with a person, who has suffered a close familial loss. 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 You will call assigned persons to check in with them monthly or bi-monthly (determined by you). These people may be ill, shut-ins, or may be absent from church for several Sundays.

Meal Ministry Occasionally a person or family may appreciate a meal during a difficult time. You would make or purchase a meal and deliver it.

Children’s Ministry Sunday School

for all ages is offered from 9:00-10:00 am every Sunday Preschool Stepping Stones

The Hamilton Nursery is open from 8:45 a.m. to 11:30 am for children starting at birth - pre-kindergarten.

We also have preschool Sunday School lessons at 9:00 am.

KidsQuest (Kindergarten - 5th Grade) Elementary Sunday School will meet from 9:00-10:00 am in the Huddle (room 240).

WORSHIP ON WEDNESDAY - For ages birth - 5th Graders Wednesdays 6 pm - 7:30 pm (during the school year) Worship on Wednesday offers kids Christian fellowship and faith-building fun. Dinner starts at 6 pm in the Fellowship Hall, followed by K-5 worship and small groups upstairs; preschoolers meet in the Hamilton Nursery. Weekly registration ($3/ child) is required for meal planning.

FALL FAMILY FEST A church-wide celebration with kid-friendly costumes, inflatables, face painting, balloon twisting, pumpkin painting, putt-putt, and games hosted by adult Sunday School classes. Free—no registration required.

ADVENT WORKSHOP In preparation for the Advent season, families can create their own Advent wreath, decorate ornaments, and create other Advent crafts. There will also be light refreshments. No registration is required for this FREE event.

CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS MARKET At our Children’s Christmas Market, preschool and elementary kids can shop $5 high-quality, wrapped gifts for family and friends while learning about fair trade and purposeful giving. Bring $5 per gift—no registration required.

JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM Families with young children (and older people who are children at heart) are invited to attend this special GUMC tradition.

Children will walk the path of Jesus’ birth. After learning the reason we share gifts at Christmas, children will have a chance to share their wish list with the Jolly Ol’ Guy himself. Registration is required for this free event.

EASTER EGG HUNT Join us for our annual Easter Egg Hunt at McVay Gardens (behind the Owings Life Enrichment Center), featuring crafts, a petting zoo, train rides, photos, and a visit from the Easter Bunny! Free event; registration required.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL Children who are four years old through children entering 6th grade are eligible to participate in VBS. If your child is younger than that age, we have a special Volunteer VBS just for them which is available (free of charge) to the children of volunteers. For more info, contact one of our Children’s Ministry Directors.

IGNITE 4TH AND 5TH GRADE RETREAT 4th and 5th graders travel to a local retreat facility for a one-night retreat with a focus on worship, fellowship, and team building. This retreat typically takes place in early February. Registration required.

5TH AND 6TH GRADE MISSION CAMP - Students entering 5th and 6th Grade This week of discovery leads children through a variety of mission opportunities. Children will work in inner-church missions, urban missions, and rural missions. This is a transforming week for children as they get a taste for different types of mission opportunities available and begin deciding where they feel most led to serve.

LAKESHORE SUMMER CAMP Each summer GUMC takes a crew to Lakeshore for Elementary camp (ages 8-12) and Middle School (ages 12-14).

Many of our youth will be serving as camp counselors as well. If you are interested, please register through Lakeshore’s website (https://lakeshorecamp.org/) MUSIC & ARTS CAMP Is your child a budding actor/actress? Does he/she love performing in front of others? Music & Arts Camp is for children who have completed 1st-5th grade.

Hayley Heard Associate Director - Elementary 901-754-7216 ext. 128 hheard@germantownumc.org

Janelle Crist Associate Director - Nursery 901-754-7216 ext. 109 jcrist@germantownumc.org

Elder Care Contact Rev. Linda Gabriel, Elder Care Minister at lgabriel@germantownumc.org to inquire about any of the following services for you or your loved ones:

Helping Care for Members who are Homebound

- Oversees Communion Ministry to Homebound Individuals

Visiting Members in Assisted Living Facilities Promote and Advocate Awareness of Aging Needs Provide support for church members regarding aging, planning for care, transitions, etc.

Assessing social, emotional, and familial problems precipitated by an illness, and providing referrals to appropriate help.

Serving communion to those who are homebound.

Contact Richard Mattox, Elder Care Coordinator at rmattox@germantownumc.org to inquire about any of the following services for you or your loved ones:

Estate Planning and Giving Weekly Flower Ministry Prayer Shawl Ministry Upkeep and lending of medical equipment for home use

Germantown United Methodist

Preschool

GUMP is a three-star rated program with TN-DHS and has a developmentally appropriate curriculum based upon the TN Early Learning Developmental Standards.

50

years of Germantown United Methodist Preschool were celebrated in December of 2024.

PRESCHOOL HOURS: 9:30 am - 2:30 pm EXTENDED CARE HOURS: (OPTIONAL) Before Care: 7:30 am - 9:30 am After Care: 2:30 pm - 5:30 pm

GUMP serves children 9 months to 5 years of age in a friendly, student centered family atmosphere A classroom called G.R.A.C.E is offered for children with special needs Extra curricular activities include Chapel for all age levels and Music classes for ages two and up

Health & Recreation The (OLEC) is a full service exercise facility.

Membership is free to church members.

Weight and Cardio Rooms

Membership includes access to the walking track, the cardio room and the weight room equipped with state of the art equipment.

Yoga Classes GENTLE YOGA - MONDAYS & WEDNESDAYS 3:30-4:30 PM VINYASA YOGA - MONDAYS 5-6 PM & WEDNESDAYS 2-3 PM Gentle yoga and Vinyasa Yoga both embrace the yoga philosophy of connecting the mind, body and spirit. This is accomplished through mindful breathing and physical movement.

FIT4MOM Classes

STROLLER STRIDES - MONDAY MORNINGS 9:30 - 10:45 AM BODY BOOST - MONDAY EVENINGS 6:15 - 7:15 PM BODY IGNITE - WEDNESDAY EVENINGS 6:15 - 7:15 PM STROLLER BARRE - WEDNESDAY & FRIDAY MORNINGS 9:30 - 10:45 AM FIT4Mom provides fitness classes and a network of moms to support every stage of motherhood.

Pickleball

Mornings: Mondays: Noon - 3 PM Tuesday - Friday: 9 AM - Noon Evenings: Monday - Thursday: 5:30 – 7:30 PM Times are subject to change week to week. Please visit germantownumc.org/gym or call the office at 901-753-3100.

For more information regarding the gym, contact Gordon Kelly at gkelly@germantownumc.org.

Health &Recreation

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Team Sports BASKETBALL & T-BALL Contact Kim Marsh to inquire about any of our team sports at kmarsh@germantownumc.org

Martial Arts TUESDAY & THURSDAY NIGHTS Beginner Class - 5:45 PM Advanced Class - 6:45 pm Ages 12 and Up. Open to: Families Couples Individuals First 2 weeks are free that’s 4 free sessions!

Senior Fitness Classes WALK FIT - TUESDAYS 10-11 AM • 4 basic steps that move to music • Vertical pilates for balance and a strong core • Choose 1, 2, 3 miles and the level of intensity all in the same class CHAIR CLASS - THURSDAYS 10-11 AM • Circuit training, calorie burning, core, quad and strength building • You will notice improvement and balance after only a few classes Hours of Operation: Monday - Thursday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Friday & Saturday: 8:00 AM - Noon

Germantown United Women in Faith If you are looking for the camaraderie of Christian women, fellowship while serving others, and the opportunity to make lifelong friends, consider joining one of GUWF’s many circles (small groups.)

All women are welcome to attend Germantown United Women in Faith events.

FAITH ACTION SISTERHOOD

“Let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action.”

Offers 9 Circles, or small groups, that women may choose to join Supports 11 local and 2 international missions Hosts 4 major fundraisers each year for missions Raised over $50,000 for missions in 2024 Hosts 5 guest speaker events each year Hosts the annual women’s Lent by Candlelight evening Have fun while growing and serving together 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. www.germantownumc.org/womeninfaith

For information, contact GUWF Membership Coordinator Chesley Porteous ~ chesleyporteous@gmail.com

Men’s Ministry Men’s Sonrise Bible Study TUESDAYS AT 6:30 AM

Join us on Tuesday mornings at 6:30 am in the Mike Wilson Fellowship Hall to study the Bible and other spiritual resources.

No registration required

Rutherford Men’s Prayer Group WEDNESDAYS AT 6:30 AM

Join us on Wednesday mornings at 6:30 am in the Mike Wilson Fellowship Hall to pray for the congregations needs.

United Methodist Men’s Breakfast

EVERY SECOND SATURDAY OF THE MONTH DOES NOT MEET JUNE-AUGUST Meet for breakfast and support local mission organizations such as Manna House, Jacob’s Well and other local groups in need.

Food Gleaning and Redistribution The Rutherford Men’s prayer group supports the Sunday “food gleaning and redistribution” ministry where donated food from Trader Joe’s is taken to the less fortunate.

Safety Team Members of the safety team continue to train for medical incidents and other safety and security needs for the congregation.

Missions ALTURAS MINISTRY A ministry that helps children who have the lowest economic resources in San Jose, Costa Rica. Led by our very own GUMC missionary, Amy Speake.

CHURCH HEALTH A faith-based non-profit with services spanning all ages that treats the body as a whole.

CROSSLINK A medical supply ministry that equips medical mission teams with medical supplies and medicines as they share the Gospel.

GOLDEN CROSS A ministry located in Cordova, TN, that aims to enhance the quality of life for all seniors served by Wesley Living.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY A ministry that seeks to put God’s love into action and brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope.

HANNAH’S HOPE A ministry that helps pregnant women in crisis explore healthy options, providing the option of adoption with a Christian family.

HOPE WORKS A ministry that provides hope in Jesus Christ and opportunities for sustainable work through education and lifelong services.

JACOB’S LADDER Their mission is re-imaging a broken community with new housing, community resources, and building green spaces and parks.

JACOB’S WELL A ministry that serves the homeless and disenfrachised in Memphis, TN.

Missions

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KENYA MISSIONS Members from GUMC go on mission trips to Kenya to build houses,deliver medical supplies, and administer medicine amongst other extensive work while there.

LABOR OF LOVE A day where local congregations come together on Labor Day to deliver MIFA meals to senior citizens, package 20,000 meals for the hungry, and drop off goods to the Mid-South Food Bank.

LALIMYE’ MISSIONS A Christ-centered children’s home for orphaned girls located in Haiti.

LAPUERTA UMC La Puerta Abierta is a multicultural United Methodist Church located in St. Paul, Minnesota that speaks Spanish and English.

MANNA HOUSE A ministry that offers hospitality to homeless and poor guests and blesses them with hygiene items, showers, and clothing.

MID-SOUTH FOOD BANK A ministry that provides food for families, children, and seniors and aims to end hunger in the Mid-South.

MIFA A ministry that supports the independence of vulnerable seniors and families in crisis through high-impact programs.

MOSCOW MINISTRY A ministry that provides a variety of mission based programs for youth and adults, including repair projects and day camp programs.

MOUNTAIN T.O.P. A ministry that serves the homeless and disenfrachised in Coalmont, TN. NEIGHBORHOOD CHRISTIAN CENTER A ministry that helps people in need find stability and sustainability through Christ-centered programs.

PROJECT TRANSFORMATION A literacy program which partners children and college-age adults and churches to improve the literacy and spiritual development of children.

For more information regarding missions, contact Anne Fritz at annefritz214@gmail.com.

McVay Counseling Mission In faithfulness to the call of Christ, Germantown United Methodist Church provides the McVay Counseling Center. We see the ministry of GUMC as providing quality, affordable counseling from licensed professional counselors for members of the church as well as people in the community. This ministry is undergirded by the belief that as people experience pain and emotional turmoil in their lives, the church is an appropriate place to turn.

Services • • • • • •

INDIVIDUAL COUNSELING FAMILY COUNSELING MARITAL THERAPY HYPNOTHERAPY TRAUMA RECOVERY GRIEF COUNSELING

• • • • •

PAIN MANAGEMENT DIVORCE RECOVERY DEPRESSION/ANXIETY THERAPY EATING DISORDER THERAPY PERINATAL MENTAL HEALTH

Dewaine Rice, Director Ed.D., LPC-MHSP, NBCCH (Fellow) 901-758-6523 drice@germantownumc.org

Catherine Null MS, LPC-MHSP 901-300-0463 cnull@germantownumc.org

The McVay Counseling Center offers quality, affordable counseling support to the broader community with a message of hope and healing, regardless of faith, religious preference, or background.

Music Ministry The express purpose of the Music Ministry of Germantown United Methodist Church is to proclaim the Gospel in music and to serve God and the community of faith with our talents. Germantown United Methodist Church has a long and rich history of serving God, the church, and our community, through music. If you are seeking a church that makes music an opportunity for service, look no further than Germantown United Methodist Church.

For more information regarding our music ministry, contact Todd Wilson twilson@germantownumc.org

THE CHANCEL CHOIR

The Chancel Choir, our main traditional service ensemble, welcomes singers post–high school who wish to serve God through music. The choir leads worship weekly, performs seasonal events, Evensong services, and occasional major works with orchestra. Rehearsals are Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. (August–June) in the Choir Suite.

THE CONTEMPORARY PRISM RIOT PRAISE BAND

The Prism Riot Praise Band features singers and instrumentalists who lead music for Contemporary worship, blending hymns and current Christian songs with drums, bass, guitar, keyboards, and more.

TESTIMONY CHOIR

Testimony Choir offers youth (grades 6–12) a chance to serve through music and build fellowship.

They rehearse Sundays at 5 p.m. (September–May) and regularly lead worship, with the Holy Thursday service as a yearly highlight.

MATINS HANDBELL CHOIR

Matins Handbell Choir is a group of skilled ringers that prepares music for worship and occasional concerts. They rehearse challenging pieces showcasing advanced handbell techniques. Rehearsals are Sundays at 6:15 p.m. (from the Sunday after Labor Day through mid to late May) in the Handbell Studio.

CHERUB CHOIR

The youngest, Cherub Choir, ages 3 - junior k focuses on pairing movement with song and discovering biblical stories told in music. Cherub Choir invites an adult (parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle) to stay in the room to participate alongside the child chorister. They meet for 45 minutes in room 136.

ALLELUIA CHOIR

The Alleluia Choir, 1-2 grades, incorporates movement and rhythm into their activities. This group also receives an introduction to healthy singing tone and participates regularly in our worship services. They meet for one hour in room 257.

HOSANNA CHOIR

The Hosanna Choir, 3-5 grades, is for our oldest children. An understanding of our hymns and hymnal, continued development of singing tone, and leadership in worship are part of Hosanna Choir activities. They meet for one hour in room 240, The Huddle.

These choirs meet from the Sunday after Labor Day until early May.

WESLEY CHIMES

Wesley Chimes offers children in 2nd–5th grade a chance to make music through chime ringing and music instruction. They meet Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. in the Handbell Studio for 30 minutes.

Youth Ministry GUMC youth engages all students in discipleship to love radically, live differently, and serve consistently as faithful followers of Christ.

Element

6:00 PM IN THE OLEC - SUNDAY NIGHTS We will eat dinner together, play some games, and then transition into a time of worship before breaking into small groups.

Trek (Sunday School) 9:00 AM IN THE OLEC OASIS - SUNDAY MORNINGS Trek starts at 9:00 am and ends at 10:00 am; just in time to attend the 10:30 am church services.

Synergy 6:00 PM IN THE OASIS OR LOFT - WEDNESDAY NIGHTS Synergy is a Bible Study discussion group for all middle school students.

Synago 7:15 PM IN THE OASIS OR LOFT - WEDNESDAY NIGHTS Synago is a Bible Study discussion group for all high school students.

High School Prayer Breakfast On Tuesday mornings, high schoolers meet for Bible Study and fellowship before school. During fall and spring, we meet behind Houston High School at 6:30 a.m. and during the winter, we meet at the Starbucks on Houston Levee Rd. at 6 a.m. This Bible Study is for all high school students and does not exclude any who do not go to Houston!

Confirmation If your child is in 6th grade and would like to go through the GUMC Confirmation class, please contact Chloe. Chloe Granberry 901-832-4496 cgranberry@germantownumc.org

Stay Connected TO LIVE STREAM OUR SERVICES OR WATCH PAST SERMONS OR SPECIAL EVENTS GO TO: germantownumc.org/im-new/#livestreams DON’T MISS OUT ON WHAT’S HAPPENING AT THE CHURCH! Subscribe to our Email Newsletters by visiting germantownumc.org, Click “Sign Up & Events” and go to the Communications Hub section.

Click “Subscribe to GUMC emails” or scan the QR code.

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Church Snapshots

Why we joined...

Upon membership, we ask each new member what it was about GUMC that made them want to join the congregation and here are some of their answers: “After my dad died almost two years ago, Glenna Rodgers invited my mom to Prism. Mom attended Prism and talked about it over and over, saying I should give it a try. I hadn’t been to church in many years, but I wanted to get closer with God, so I am happy I came to Prism with my mom.”

- Austin Anthony “We come from different Christian backgrounds. When we combined our lives, it was important to find a church that offered something we both could connect to. We also wanted a church that wasn’t too big or too small. We believe we found that with GUMC! We appreciate both the traditional and Prism worship services, the quality of the pastors, and the many things we can get involved with as new parents and younger professionals. We look forward to having our son become active here as well and grow spiritually as he gets older.”

- Stephen and Lauren Hoffman “Choir - the director, the people, the sound! Everyone was so friendly after our first visit. Within three days, we had five emails, a cookie delivery and coffee with the choir director! Welcome is an understatement. We felt like everyone was a long-lost friend.”

- John and Beth Kitson “I visited over ten churches in about a year and most of them did not provide a Holy Spirit moment during the worship service or Sunday school. I attended GUMC Sunday worship service and the Celebration Sunday School Class, and the Holy Spirit was in the building! I have been visiting now for about four months, have made numerous friends in Christ and am ready to commit to a new church home.”

- Rob Jolly *I have never felt a warmer, more welcoming congregation. The Agape Sunday school class, that I have become a member of, is a special group of people, and I look forward to seeing them and learning through attending the classes. I have felt for a long time now that I wanted to become an active member of a church, that something was missing in my life. GUMC feels like a good fit for me. I love that there are many opportunities for service within the church and in the community.”

- Sally Hensley “At first, it was experiencing the peace and holiness of the Lord during worship. And now, in addition to that, is the welcoming body of Believers with so much opportunity to serve others.

And also, all the prayer support that is in abundance.”

- Veda Wilson “We were overjoyed to find a faith community that truly lives and breathes the message of Jesus – radical love and forgiveness. The warm and welcoming nature of the congregation really drew us in. When we missed a couple of weeks, people said things like ‘we missed you’ and ‘we’re glad you are back.’ Being noticed as part of a large group felt like a hug from God.” - Joe and Anne Mahoney

Our Campus MAIN CAMPUS

GERMANTOWN UNITED METHODIST PRESCHOOL

OWINGS LIFE ENRICHMENT CENTER

ADULT EDUCATION BUILDING

MCVAY COUNSELING CENTER

THE COTTAGE