September is the traditional time we turn our thoughts and minds toward the support of our ministries at Emmanuel. 2025 was an unusual year as our financial future was uncertain and we found ourselves at a deficit at the end of our initial pledge campaign. However, through our Renewed Call to Stewardship Campaign in early 2025, we met the deficit challenge and pledged an achievable budget. We are an organization totally dependent upon the financial gifts and support of our members and friends.
Our 2026 Stewardship Campaign is entitled: “The Tie That Binds.”
It also will be the title of our new worship series during the month of September. This series will focus on our values at Emmanuel UMC and the way we are bound together in Christ by sharing the values of generosity, education, hospitality, and community.
Generous Giving
It’s time again for consideration to be given to the support of Emmanuel UMC. As the members and friends of Emmanuel UMC have done in the past, let’s bind together our hearts in Christian generosity and love to support the ministries of the church through our generous giving and build our part of the Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.
Wednesday Nights
Youth Discipleship Groups (D-Groups)
Wednesdays | 6:15–7:15 PM | Youth Lounge
Our Youth Discipleship Groups (D-Groups) are back! Each week, students will gather in the Youth Lounge breaking into small groups divided by
D-Groups are designed to help students go deeper asking ques ons, sharing life, and learning how to live as disciples in today’s world. We look forward to seeing all of our middle and high school students!
Listening
Church History Class
Led by Wayne Hamm
Church History Class will start again on Sunday September 7th and will continue until Sunday November 23rd at 4:30 -5:30 pm in the Prime Time class (L13).
This class will continue within the Ante Nicene period.
We will focus on the results of the Jewish Roman wars for the “Christian” community, particularly the literary response. It will include the non-canonical literature of the period which includes the Apostolic Fathers, the Apologists and the Early Church Fathers. Many of our videos for this class will be by Ryan Reeves from Gordon-Condon Theological Seminary and will last about 28 mins The primary goal of this class is to provide you with a working knowledge of why the Council of Nicaea was NEEDED.
An educa onal opportunity…
On September 24-26, Emmanuel UMC is joining with other ecumenical partners to share in a educa onal event en tled: “Wisdom Then and Now: From Embers to Fire.”
This event will explore the importance of racial jus ce and beloved community in troubled mes.
Registra on for the event can be made using a QR code located on the flyer found on the Core Values Board across from the church office under the heading of “educa on.” A $100 registra on fee covers entrance fees to venues, 5 meals, transporta on, and entertainment opportuni es. Here is website link: h ps://centenarymemphis.com/2025/08/16/ ecumenical-memphis-pilgrimage/
Adult Sunday Discipleship
Sunday School Classes 10am
We have many avenues to get plugged in during this me. Connect with Luke, pastor of discipleship & outreach, to find a good fit for you.
The Middle, Unity, Discovery, & Wesley classes will study Lessons from the Le ers together in the Fellowship Hall September 7– November 2.
Coffee is available in the Fellowship Hall.
Community
Emmanuel Prayer List
As of 8/24/2025
REHAB/HOSPITALS
John Carlson Nancy Cochran
Nadine Finley Shirley Riddle
Nursing Care, Assisted Living, & Rehab
David Barron Dot Fuller Merna Keeney
Margaret Miller June Pretti Margaret Reaves
John Sander Rose Strange
DEATHS
Larry Caldwell Father of Mary Lynn Caldwell 08-03-25
Dick Cochran Husband of Nancy Cochran 08-06-25
Doug Irvine Husband of Debbie Irvine 08-20-25
BIRTHS
Oliver Uwe Thomas Son of Elisa & Drew Thomas Grandmother Vickie Thomas
n rmar n@emmanuelmemphis.org
kpresley@emmanuelmemphis.org
jkinzer@emmanuelmemphis.org
dbaker@emmanuelmemphis.org
mmorse@emmanuelmemphis.org
Fowkes afowkes@emmanuelmemphis.org
aadams@emmanuelmemphis.org
Monthly Stewardship Report
As of 08/24/2025
Year to Date Budgeted: $769,293
Year to Date Actual: Giving: $722,857 Expenses: $732,326
A scholarship has been created at Memphis Theological Seminary for a Methodist student in memory of the Rev. Dr. Autura Eason-Williams, our former Metro District Superintendent, who was tragically murdered while serving our district.
Dr. Eason-Williams was a graduate of the seminary. Informa on about the scholarship and how you may support it can be found on the Core Values Board across from the church office under the heading of “generosity.”
Here is the website: memphisseminary.edu/rev autura-eason-williams/
Serving
Sunday Sept. 21 @ Noon Fellowship Hall
Book Discussion: Melinda Gates
The Moment of Li
Lunch provided dona ons appreciated
Food Pantry Mee ng and Training
All are invited to become involved with the Food Pantry Distribu on! October 5 in the Community Room We will hold a mee ng at noon and begin training at 1pm
Please contact Jennifer Gann if you are interested in helping on distribu on days. Usually the 3rd Sunday & Thursday of the month. jjgann4@gmail.com
Join the team each Thurs. at 10am in our Project 20/20 room to help sort/clean glasses and prepare shipments for Missions Team as the glasses travel the world!
Dona ons of used glasses, readers & sunglasses are all welcome! Everything can help!
Belonging
Our School (EUMK) is GROWING!
Take a look at these beau ful new renovated spaces! This is the former Youth Lounge/ Rec Room. Now a STEAM (Imagina on) Room, early & a ercare spaces, & room for one-on-one therapy (speech, OT, etc).
Thursday, September 11th
6pm Room M2 Potluck
A new year of Book Club will open with a potluck and discussion of our two Night Watch by Jayne Ann Phillips All the Broken Places by John Boyne.
We like to add new members, and the potluck is a great first meeting. You don’t have to have read either book or bring a dish. Just let me know at 901-848-7050 (Linda Lloyd) if you’d like to join us.
You can help pick the next book for October’s Banned Book week.
If you have an interest in being part of a day group please let me know!
