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From Richard
Well, here we are entering 2012. As a church family we ended 2011 with the wondrous celebration of the Advent-Christmas season and we begin this new year ready to move into continuing multiple opportunities for growth, service, and spiritual renewal. Let me mention some of the special things happening this month. In addition to these, pay attention to the new study offerings led by clergy and laity during the weeks.
Special Sundays
January 8: Communion will be on this Sunday in lieu of January 1.
January 15: We will consecrate our primary church leaders for 2012 at the 11 a.m. service.
January 22: This will be Evangelism Sunday. We will look at the call to evangelism for us a church and for us as individuals.
January 29: We've designated this as Health and Wellness Sunday; celebrating our health, wellness, and recreation ministries and discerning God's call for us to take care of ourselves.
February 19: Our youth from Discovery Weekend will lead the 11 a.m. worship service.
I hope you will make participation in worship a true priority as you enter this new year!
Primary Church Leaders for 2012
I hope you will be in prayer for these and other leaders in our congregation whom God has given the significant task of working with me, our clergy-program ministry-administrative staff, and with the congregation to discern God's will for Germantown Methodist this year.
I hope you know that each of them is available to you for any needed conversations about the well-being of our church. In particular, keep in mind that our Lay Leaders are specifically designated as a liaison between the Senior Pastor and the membership.
Joy Cook, Chairperson, Church Board
Joel Myers, Vice-Chair, Church Board
Clayton and June Dark, Lay Leaders
Henry Evans, Chair, Staff-Parish Committee
Joe Williams, Jr. - Chair, Finance Committee
John Ueleke, Chair, Endowment Committee (Chair of Trustees to be elected in January.)
Church Board Meets January 23
The first meeting of our Church Board is Monday, January 23 at 6:30 p.m. The Church Board is the primary decision-making body of our church. All church members are welcome to attend! Please call the church office at 754-7216 by January 15 if you need childcare. We welcome our new Chair, Joy Cook, as she leads us in this meeting. |
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January Sermons
January 1:
"God's Hospitality: Martha Stewart or Something Else?"
Rev. Julie McKenna
Matthew 25:31-44
January 8
"Encounter On The Mountain"
Communion Sunday
Exodus 3:1-12
January 15
"Understanding and Dealing With Depression"
I Kings 19:1-11
January 22
Evangelism Sunday
"It's Easier Than You Think"
Matthew 28:16-20; Acts 1:8-9
January 29
"Living Well"
Romans 12:1-2; I Corinthians 10:31 |
| Adult Education
Did you know how hard it is to do almost anything in isolation? Study after study and program after program have shown how important it is to have a partner or group encouragement in doing something hard that takes sustained effort. Think Weight Watchers. Or a support group. Or a walking buddy. Or following Jesus.
That's one of the reasons we offer so many opportunities at GUMC to connect with others. If you're not in a group now, this is a great time to start. Check out the course offerings-early morning, during the day, or in the evenings. There are times and studies for everyone. Call Rev. Rebecca Luter or Marian Carruth at 754-7216 for help finding a Sunday School class, study or group that is right for you. Take an exercise class offered by our Health and Recreation Ministry. Volunteer as a greeter, or help with any number of ministries at GUMC. Get involved with our many outreach missions and experience change in your own life as you change someone else's life. Your life will be enriched by learning and serving with other Christians.Click here for a list of our upcoming classes and Wednesday night activities.
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Wednesday Night Dinners
5:30 p.m. (Mike Wilson Fellowship Hall)
January 11-February 15 and February 29-March 7
Cost for dinners is $7 for adults and $4 for children (ages 4-12); children 3 and younger eat free. For the January 11 dinner, please make your reservations by noon on Tuesday, January10.
Click here for menus and more information.
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Faith Builders Institute
For Children Preschool-5th Grade
Starts Wednesday, January 11
The FBI (Faith Builders Institute) wants your child! Your assignment, if you choose to accept it, will be to meet us beginning January 11 at 6:15 p.m. at FBI Headquarters.We will begin sleuthing through the Bible and discovering God's 10 most important rules. Secret agents will meet in three separate groups (preschool, K-2nd grade, and 3rd-5th grade) to break God's not-so-secret code. FBI will run from 6:15-7:30 p.m. from January 11-March 7 (skipping Ash Wednesday).
There is no fee, but registration is required. For further information regarding the program or to volunteer, contact Lisa Pierce at 756-4198. Click here to sign up online. |
Got Children's Books?
Please help the confirmands collect their goal of 1,500 children's books for MCS tutoring program and Midsouth Literacy Family program. Drop boxes are set up at all entrances to the church, OLEC, Grace Place and Fellowship Hall. New and gently used children's books from
infants-5th grade are accepted.
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Health & Recreation Ministry
Owings Life Enrichment Center Tiffany Griffin, Director, 753-3100 Youth Basketball
Youth basketball games will resume on Saturday, January 7. Kindergarten games begin on Sunday, January 8. Questions? Contact Patrick Peavy at 753-3100. January OLEC Special
Buy a $40 punch card and receive two free passes to one of these classes: Core Fitness, Tighten and Tone, Mat Pilates
Personal Training at the OLEC
The cost is $35/hour for members and $45 for non members. There are also special rates for group personal training. The number one reason people hire personal trainers is to lose weight and get into shape. If you made a resolution to lose the fat and build the muscle, a trainer can keep you on track and help you realize that goal.
Need to Tighten and Tone?
Check out the OLEC's basic strength and cardio combination class, appropriately named "Tighten and Tone." This class is beginner friendly, yet challenging and fun. Wednesdays 8:15-9:15 a.m. Mat Pilates tones you from head to toe. Join us and experience one hour of Swiss ball, resistance bands, hand weights and the Pilates magic ring. Mondays/Wednesdays 4:45 p.m. and Tuesdays/Thursdays 8:15 a.m.
Senior Fitness
Get a great workout that is designed specifically for senior adults; easy on the joints and is therapeutic and helpful for those with joint pain, arthritis, fibromyalgia, and other joint-related disparities. Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
New Classes for the New Year
Power Spin and Strength: A specialized class for the cyclist in you combined with other strength and conditioning components. This class will be led by personal trainer Todd Hinton and will be meet in the cycling room on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6-7 p.m. This class begins on Monday, January 16.
Muscle up and Move: Class led by Judy Oros. Stay tuned for more details.
Health and Wellness Sunday
As part of our worship services on January 29, we will reflect on taking care of our bodies and the daily challenge of making healthy choices. Don't miss this chance to meet some of the OLEC staff and instructors. Stay tuned for details on the Open House at the OLEC where you'll have a chance to sample all that the Health and Recreation Ministry has to offer.
Did the Christmas Holiday increase your stress level?
Check out these classes and recover from the Holiday Chaos.
Dr. Bob's Yoga and Relaxation classes are a more gentle system of yoga that focuses on the relaxation aspects and benefits. Dr. Robert Hughes has been teaching yoga since 1975 and has worked for UT Department of Community Medicine and the Mid-South Medical Center Council in the 1980's and has been teaching yoga for decades at the University of Memphis. Classes are held on Thursdays from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Adult Education Building in the Emmanuel classroom.
Nite Nite Yoga: A time of exercise and relaxation for the busy man or woman. Taught by Amy Morse who is undergoing classical training in Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. Thursdays 7:30-8:45 p.m.
Yoga: Using movement with breath, increase your strength, coordination, concentration, and body awareness while calming your mind and reducing stress. Challenge yourself at your level and leave feeling more balanced, on the mat and off. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 10:30 a.m.; Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:15 a.m. with Cheryl Pettit; Saturday mornings at 8:30 with Sara Carr.
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Prayer Requests.To submit a prayer request, please contact Linda Terrell at 754-7216, ext. 127. In the event of an after-hours emergency, pastoral help is available by calling our Emergency Pastoral Care number at 412-5776.
Receive Daily E-Devotionals
If you would like to receive Ponderings, an e-devotional from Rev. Richard Smith sent Monday-Friday, please contact Donna Thurmond.The devotionals include a Scripture passage, thoughts from Richard, and questions for further reflection. Check our website for archived devotionals.
Sanctuary Flowers Flowers in the sanctuary are often placed to commemorate special occasions, remember a loved one, or serve as an offering and act of worship. The cost of helping provide flowers is now just $50 per family, and multiple commemorations may be listed each Sunday. For more information, contact Mary Anne Gibson at 754-7216, ext. 100.
Travel to the Holy Land Rev. Steve Atkins will be leading a 12-day trip to the Holy Land June 6, 2012. For more information contact Rev. Steve Atkins at 299-2365. Manna House Clothes Closet
Help is needed in sorting and re-bagging clothes donated to our church for Manna House. If you'd like to help, contact Lindsay Butler at 758-6516. Thank you to everyone who has given items for the guests at Manna House! Communion for the Homebound
Volunteers are needed to deliver communion to the homebound once every three months. Two volunteers go to two or three individuals to deliver communion the first Sunday afternoon of each month between the hours of 1 and 3. Please call Beverly Rhoads, 758-6513, for further details or email brhoads@germantownumc.org. TIPS From Your Creations Cares Ministry Team
With an average annual rainfall in the Germantown area of over 52", you may consider using a rain barrel to collect water for your lawn and garden needs. Rain barrels are available in a variety of sizes and even attractive designs and are easy to install. Since mosquitoes are prevalent in our area, experts advise ensuring your barrel is topped with a fine screen and that you use your collected water within 10 days to prevent mosquito larvae from hatching. Rain barrels are locally available at most hardware and home improvement stores or online from a number of vendors. If you're already using a rain barrel, let us know! For more information about tthe Creation Care Ministry, contact Anne Fritz. |
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| Older Adult Ministry
Our activities are open to singles and couples age 55 and older regardless of church membership.
January Brown Bag Lunch Program
Diane Hampton, Executive Vice-President, Memphis in May, will teach you "How to Create Your Own Bucket List." This presentation will be Friday, January 6, in the Fellowship Hall. The program starts at 11 a.m. 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.
February Brown Bag Lunch:
Rachel Shankman to Offer Personal Reflections on the Holocaust
Facing History and Ourselves is an international educational and professional-development organization that encourages students from diverse backgrounds to explore the connections between history and the moral choices they confront in their own lives. Rachel Shankman will discuss her connections with history as a second generation holocaust survivor at the February Brown Bag Lunch Series, an adventure in learning sponsored by the Older Adult Council.
TOPIC: "Facing History and Ourselves: Reflections from a Second Generation Holocaust Survivor"
SPEAKER: Rachel Shankman, Senior Director, Memphis Office, Facing History and Ourselves
WHERE: Mike Wilson Fellowship Hall
WHEN: February 3, 2012. Program starts at 11 a.m.;
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 Beverly Rhoads, 754-7216, ext. 107.
XYZs to Attend Lenten Series and Tour Newburger Mansion in February
As part of our observance of Lent, we are going downtown to listen to Phyllis Tickle preach at the Lenten Preaching Series at Calvary Episcopal Church and eat lunch at the Calvary Waffle Shop. A brilliant storyteller and author of some two dozen books on religion and spirituality, Tickle has special insight into how and what Americans believe. Her books and lectures bring the subject of spirituality back to the table and into day-to-day conversation. On the way home, we will tour the Beaux Arts-style mansion that houses the Memphis Theological Seminary. Built in 1912 and dubbed "a small castle," the house was inspired by Joseph Newburger's travels in Europe.
WHERE: Calvary Episcopal Church and Memphis Theological Seminary
WHEN: Monday, February 27, 2012
COST: $3 cost plus lunch on your own.
DEPARTURE: 10 a.m. from OLEC parking lot. (Be there by 9:45 a.m.)
RESERVATIONS: Call Luci Cromer, 755-0803, Louise McGhee, 755-3463, or Gretchen Blair, 755-0797. You must make your reservation Monday, January 23.
XYZs to See "Chicago" at Theatre Memphis in March
Step back into the roaring twenties as we experience the freewheeling time of prosperity, movies, the automobile, and jazz-with a little murder thrown in. This sharp edged satire features a dazzling score that sparked immortal staging by Bob Fosse. Chicago won six Tony Awards including Best Revival and later the Academy Award as Best Picture of the Year. Join us as we follow Roxy Hart on her quest for the "American Dream," fame, fortune, and acquittal!
WHERE: Theatre Memphis
WHEN: Saturday, March 17, 2012
COST: $23 per person includes reserved seat.
DEPARTURE: 6:45 p.m. from the OLEC parking lot.
(Be there by 6:30 p.m.)
RESERVATIONS: Call Luci Cromer, 755-0803, Louise McGhee, 755-3463, or Gretchen Blair, 755-0797. You must make your reservation before paying.
DEADLINE FOR MONEY and RESERVATIONS: Friday, February 17.
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Stephen Ministry
Are You Experiencing a "Winter in Your Life?"
In addition to the cold weather outside, many people experience "winters" in their personal lives. A recent loss through death, divorce, or relocation may leave many feeling lonely. A hospitalization, cancer diagnosis, or ongoing medical problems may lead to the feeling of isolation. The loss of a job, the fear of layoffs, or a financial setback can devastate one's self-esteem. Family and personal struggles may leave individuals with nowhere to turn for support.
If you are going through a difficult time, our Stephen Ministers can bring God's warm love back into your life. They provide confidential, one-to-one Christian care. They will meet with you privately on a weekly basis to listen, support, and encourage you, to pray with and for you, and to walk with you for the duration of your crisis.
To find out more about Stephen Ministry and how you or someone you know could be matched with a Stephen Minister, talk with Betty Duke, Lillie Kay Mitchell, Cliff Wentworth or
Our Stephen Ministers are ready to care for you!
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Germantown United Methodist Women
"Cooking With Joy" Dinner and Silent Auction
Saturday, February 11
The 9th annual Cooking with Joy Dinner and Silent Auction fundraiser hosted by the Joy Circle will be held February 11 at the Pickering Center. The event benefits Memphis Business Academy, a Memphis Charter School. Tickets are $35 and must be purchased in advance.
After January 23 tickets will be $40, so buy early! To purchase tickets contact Lauren Boswell at lrboswell@bellsouth.net or 848-0373.
Heart to Heart Celebration Luncheon
Tuesday, February 14, 11 a.m.
The Germantown United Methodist Women will kick off 2012 with a luncheon just in time for Valentine's Day! All ladies are invited to attend the "Heart to Heart" Celebration Luncheon on Tuesday, February 14 at 11 a.m. at the Owings Life Enrichment Center. Last year's list of speakers were all outstanding, and GUMW promises to continue this! Our speaker will be "unveiled" shortly. Look for details soon. Reservation deadline is Thursday, February 9. The lunch is $10 and child care is free if requested with your reservation. Join us for fellowship, lunch and a stimulating speaker to revive the mind and nourish the soul.
Lent By Candlelight
Monday, February 20, 6:30 p.m.
Prepare your heart and mind for the season of Lent at this third annual women's event. We'll enjoy coffee and dessert in the Fellowship Hall then convene in the Chapel for special music and a time for reflection and devotion. Childcare is available. Make your reservation for this free event (including childcare) at germantownumc.org or contact Laura Meanwell at 309-3456 or meanwellmail@att.net by February 15. If you would like to host a table and/or provide a dessert, please let Laura know.
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United Methodist Men's Breakfast
Saturday, January 14, 8:00 a.m.
David Waters, award-winning editor and columnist for The Commercial Appeal will be our guest speaker. The cost is $5 each payable at the door. Reservations are requested. Please call the church office at 754-7216 or signup online at germantownumc.org. |
Missions
Habitat "Home Team Huddle"
The volunteers for Habitat for Humanity of Memphis eagerly anticipates 2012 when they expect to complete their 400th home in the Memphis area. The upcoming 8th Annual "Home Team Huddle" on Super Bowl Sunday, February 5, is an important part of their fundraising effort. This year, we're calling on every Sunday School class that hosts a Super Bowl Sunday party to "huddle up" for Habitat in an effort to raise money for this critical work. To sign up to host a party, contact Shanda Wicker at 322-3504. 2012 Mission Trip to Kenya - July 26-August 11, 2012
Team members are needed for GUMC's sixth mission trip to Maua, Kenya, scheduled for July 26-August 11, 2012. The primary focus for our Kenya missions is our work with Aids orphans through the Hope Companions project. We will also work on various projects in support of Maua Methodist Hospital. Informational meetings will be held on January 8 at 11:00 a.m. and January 11 at 6:30 p.m. in Room 240 (Gilbert classroom). Please contact John Phillips at 756-5434 or johnandleda@gmail.com for more information. Donate Your Aluminum Cans
Recently, Hugh Colville and Leiland Duke transported the aluminum cans collected at GUMC to recycling. The cans totaled 216 pounds which brought $123.12. That amount was sent to the Church Health Center. Please remember that only aluminum cans are accepted! (No plastic or steel cans.) Thanks to everyone who participates in this ministry. The drop-off point is behind the church air conditioning enclosure, adjacent to the youth area entrance.
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