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From Richard
As we enter February, there are many opportunities awaiting us as we seek to reach, become, serve, and worship as a congregation faithful to Christ's call.
Lent Awaits Lent begins on February 22 with our 7 p.m. Ash Wednesday service in the sanctuary. This is consistently a high spiritual moment and so I hope you will plan to be present.
As we move along the journey of Lent, our worship and sermon focus will be On The Road With Jesus. Each Sunday from Ash Wednesday through Easter Sunday, April 8, we will be looking at particular scenarios in Jesus' life and ministry and learning how they speak to our lives.
Recognizing our Longest Serving Members We have a new ministry team titled History Awareness, which is chaired by Howard-Jan Johnson and Sam-Martha Massey. Working with our Church Historian Carole Turner and others, this group is planning a special celebration on April 15 of Germantown United Methodist Church history and of our longest serving living members. The worship services will speak to our history and to the countless acts of service given by so many over these many years.
We'd like in particular to recognize those living members who have been in membership for 50 years or more. If you have been a member here at GUMC for at least 50 years or you know of someone who needs to be recognized with such achievement, please contact Renee Pearl at 754-7216 before March 15.
Conversations with the Senior Pastor As Rev. Richard Smith nears the completion of his first year as Senior Pastor at GUMC, he is eager to meet with any groups or classes who would like to talk about our present and future in ministry and mission. He found it highly beneficial to meet with various groups within his first few months here and he welcomes this opportunity again.
If your group would like to schedule a time for a conversation with our pastor, please contact Renee Pearl at 754-7216. The time we have set aside will be Wednesday evenings from 6:30-7:30 p.m. through April 25.
We welcome Sunday School classes, small groups, or a group of individuals to participate. These will be open-ended conversations with the general focus being, "What do you think God wants us to be doing to be more faithful to Christ's call?"
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February Sermons
February 5
"Dealing With Difficult People"
Colossians 3:12-14; Romans 12:16-18
February 12
"Mountain Top Experiences"
Mark 9:2-13
February 19
"On Being the Church"
Matthew 16:13-19
February 22
Ash Wednesday
"On the Road With Jesus I: A Crossroad Moment"
Luke 4:1-13
February 26
"On the Road With Jesus II: At a Wedding"
John 2:1-12
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| Adult Education
The following classes require registration. Sign up online at germantownumc.org or contact Jessica Webster at 754-7216.
Faith Sharing
January 31-February 21 * Tuesdays 6 p.m. (Rm 338)
Facilitated by Rev. Julie McKenna and Rev. Richard Smith
One of the most unnerving aspects of Christ's call for most of us is the idea that we are called to "share our faith," to "share the good news of Christ and his Church with others." In these four sessions you will learn how we each can do this comfortably, lovingly, sensitively, and yet faithfully.
Death and Resurrection of the Messiah
January 31-March 31 * Tuesdays 6:30-7:30 p.m. (Rm 232)
Facilitated by Terry Aust
Filmed on location in Israel and throughout the Middle East, the Faith Lessons DVD series is an adventure in biblical learning. You will discover why Jesus turned the world upside down with his compelling call to follow him. Teacher and historian Ray Vander Laan brings together history, culture, and geography to illuminate the Gospels. Eight DVD lessons supported by an interactive Discovery Guide will let you walk with Jesus through the days of his ministry on this earth. The insights you gain will transform your reading of the Gospels and inspire a deeper faith commitment. Cost of the book is $8.
The Way of Prayer
March 1-May 10 (skipping March 15) * Thursdays 9:45-11:45 a.m. (Rm 338)
Facilitated by Rev. Rebecca Luter
Have you wanted to pray but wanted to know how to pray? Do you want to deepen your prayer life? The Way of Prayer is a 10-week journey that explores the nature of prayer and different prayer forms. Topics include How Do You Pray?, Praying By Heart, Praying with Scripture, Praying for Others, etc.
Clergy Bible Study
Tuesdays 10-11 a.m. * March 20-April 24 (Rm 338)
March 20-April 24 * Facilitated by Rev. Julie McKenna
Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians: Take a refreshing plunge into the Bible and join in this Immersion Bible study of these three powerful books. We will explore the needs of our personal faith and discover new insights into God's Word, our individual lives, and our walk with God. As Bishop W. Walker says, "This unique Bible study makes Scripture come alive. Participants are invited to move beyond the head into the heart of faith."
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Wednesday Night Dinners
5:30 p.m. (Mike Wilson Fellowship Hall)
Wednesdays through March 7 except Ash WednesdayMake reservations by Tuesday at noon by calling 754-7216 or sign up at germantownumc.org. Classes for adults and youth are offered from 6:30-7:30. Children's classes are offered from 6:15-7:30 p.m. Wednesday Night Classes for Adults
6:30-7:30 p.m. * No registration needed.
Time of Your Life (Through February 8) * Facilitated by Dick Carruth
Study series, Time of Your Life, by Andy Stanley
Simplicity in Everyday Life
This study will focus on how, as Christians, we can simplify our lives and leave a lighter footprint on our environment.
February 1 - Your Money or Your Life: The Place of Money in Modern Life
February 8 - Broader Impacts of Our Everyday Food Choices
February 15 - Widening Our Circle of Community: Journey to the Abundant Life
II Corinthians Study
Rev. Steve Atkins leads this in-depth study of Paul's second letter to the church at Corinth. Bring your Bible and your eagerness to understand more fully what Paul is saying and what it means for us.
Youth
Synergy (Grades 6-8) 6:30-7:30 p.m. * OLEC
Synago (Grades 9-12) 7-8:30 p.m.
Children 6:15 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
All classes conducted on the main campus.
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Registration for Discovery Weekend
2012 is now open!
All youth in grades 6-12 are invited to join us for the biggest and best weekend at GUMC! Come on out and experience God's love through youth talks, hilarious skits, amazing D-groups, awesome food, and incredible fellowship! We want to extend a special invitation to our Confirmands! Sign-up now at germantownumc.org. Parents, if you would like to volunteer at Discovery Weekend, please contact Jeanne Miller for a list of opportunities.
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Health & Recreation Ministry
Owings Life Enrichment Center Tiffany Griffin, Director, 753-3100 SPRING BREAK CAMP at the Owings Life Enrichment Center. Details coming soon! New at the OLEC
30-Minute Abstravanga. Feel like your core is always left shorthanded after class? Pay some attention just to that mid-section-25 minutes of abs burning fun, non-stop core exercises that mix weights, pilates, crunches, stability, body weight and basic abs exercises. This class is sure to get that mid section ready for spring break and summer vacation, shape-up post baby or tone up that extra layer that just won't go away from the holidays. Join us at 10:35 a.m. in the OLEC Dance Room immediately following Pedal and Pump! This class begins February 7 and is led by Jen Boyle.
Name Change: The Beginner Boot camp taught by Judy Oros is now called "Tune up and Move" and is held Monday and Friday at 8:15 a.m. in the OLEC Dance Room. It's the same great class!
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 Monday and Wednesday from 6-7 p.m. Please call the OLEC at 753-3100 for more information. Space is limited.
Badminton is coming to the OLEC on Thursday mornings. Please call 753-3100 and let us know if you're interested. More details coming soon.
February OLEC Special
Buy a $40 punch card and receive two free passes to one of the following three classes:
Zumba: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at 9:30 a.m.; Monday and Wednesday at 6:00 p.m.;
Saturday at 9:30 a.m.; Core Fitness: Thursday at 10:45 a.m.; 20/20/20: Wednesday and Friday at 9:30 a.m.February Massage Special
(Available February 7-29). A one-hour massage is $45. Appointments are limited. Please call Carol Panasuk at 292-5913 for more information. Gift certificates are available and may be purchased at the OLEC. Sports Update
Basketball season ends later this month. Thanks to all of our dedicated volunteer coaches and parents who have given their time and energy this basketball season.
Soccer and T-ball/Baseball registration is in full swing! Registration is online only at germantownumc.org and ends February 23. The fee is $70 and you may pay online when you register. For more information, contact Patrick Peavy at 753-3100, ext. 402.
Soccer season runs March 22 through May 5 and each team will play six games. T-ball season runs May 24 through June 28 and each team will play 10 games.
Ways to Reduce Stress - OLEC Top 20
- PRAY. Go to bed on time and get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
- Say "No" to projects that won't fit into your time schedule or that will compromise your mental health.
- Simplify and unclutter your life.
- Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
- Pace yourself and take one day at a time.
- Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, pray to God for guidance, and then try to let go of the anxiety. If you can't do anything about a situation . . . forget it.
- K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.
- Eat right and get enough exercise. (The OLEC is just the place for you!)
- Get enough rest.
- Get organized so everything has its place.
- Every day, find time to be alone.
- Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray.
- Make friends with godly people.
- Carry a Bible, download a Bible app to your smartphone, or keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.
- Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good "Thank you, Jesus!"
- Laugh! Take your work seriously, but yourself not at all.
- Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can) and be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
- Sit on your ego and remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
- Talk less; listen more and SLOW Down.
- Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before.
Melissa's Art Classes for Kids
All art classes are taught by GUMC member Melissa Cychowski, who has over 18 years of Visual Arts teaching experience! Contact Melissa Cychowski at ecychowski@comcast.net or 753-2071 for more information about each class, to be placed on the e-mail list, for a schedule of classes, or to see examples of the projects! Festive Fleur-de-Lis for Everyone!
Friday, February 3, 6-8 p.m., ages 9 and up
"Chili Peppers & Lemons" Double Painting Workshop
Saturday, February 4, 3-6 p.m., ages 9 and up
BFF Heart to Heart Workshop
Friday, February 10, 6-8 p.m, all ages (7 and up!)
Grace's Snowman
Saturday, February 11, 12:30-2 p.m., all ages (5 and up!)
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Health and Wellness Speaker Discusses Depression
Everyone is invited to join us in the Mike Wilson Fellowship Hall on Sunday, February 19 at 9:40 a.m. as Donna Tosches, Director, Methodist Healthcare Employee Assistance Program, discusses the signs and symptoms of depression. Are you able to recognize depression when you see it (or experience it)? How can you help yourself or someone else if it is suspected?
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.
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| Older Adult Ministry
Our activities are open to singles and couples age 55 and older regardless of church membership.
Brown Bag Lunch, Friday, February 3
Rachel Shankman, Senior Director, Memphis Office, Facing History and Ourselves will discuss "Facing History and Ourselves: Reflections from a Second Generation Holocaust Survivor." This presentation will be Friday, February 3, 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.
Learn How to Improve your Memory at the March Brown Bag Lunch
Do you have trouble remembering people's names or faces? What about your to-do list or things to buy at the grocery? There always seems to be something that slips our mind, and those forgotten things seem to increase as we age. Les Risner, owner of Dale Carnegie of the Mid-South, is going to offer us fun tips as we all discover how to remember almost anything at the March Brown Bag Lunch Series, an adventure in learning sponsored by the Older Adult Council.
TOPIC: "How to Remember Almost Anything"
SPEAKER: Les Risner, Owner, Dale Carnegie of the
Mid-South
WHERE: Mike Wilson Fellowship Hall
WHEN: March 2. Program starts at 11 a.m.; lunch 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 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
COST: $23 per person includes reserved seat.
DEPARTURE: 6:45 p.m. from 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
XYZs to Meet Will Rogers in April!
Come with us on a journey into the roots of the American experience when we see Will Rogers Now! featuring Lance Brown at the Bartlett Performing Arts and Conference Center. This portrait in words, theatre, and song of a genuine gentle hero is a fascinating collection of newspaper articles, radio monologues, and off-the-cuff comments that still ring true today. History, hilarity, and even a few rope tricks-join in the fun.
WHERE: Bartlett Performing Arts and Conference Center
WHEN: Friday, April 13
COST: $15 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, March 16
AARP 55 Alive Driver Safety Program Class
March 13 and 14 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Germantown United Methodist Church and AARP will present the "55 Alive Driver Safety Program," an instructional defensive driving course for people age 55+. This 8-hour course is scheduled for March 13 and 14 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in Room 339. Cost is $12 for AARP members ($14 for non-members) payable to AARP. 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 fewer accidents and tickets. For reservations, call Ray Malone at 309-5966.
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Stephen Ministry
Sometimes Valentine's Day Isn't Happy
For some people, Valentine's Day is a painful reminder of a broken relationship, the death of a loved one, a recent relocation, a chronic illness, or another life challenge.If you are going through a difficult time, our Stephen Ministers can bring Jesus' love (God's "ultimate Valentine") back into your life. Stephen Ministers 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 struggle. Our Stephen Ministers are ready to care for you.
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
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Germantown United Methodist Women
"Cooking With Joy" Dinner and Silent Auction
Saturday, February 11, 6:30 p.m., the Pickering Center
GUMW Joy Circle will host its 9th annual fundraiser at the Pickering Center on February 11 at 6:30 p.m. The event benefits the Joy Circle's mission, Memphis Business Academy, a Memphis City Charter school located in Frayser. Enjoy the delicious homemade pastas and pizzas prepared by Steve Gibson while shopping the silent auction! Tickets are $40 and must be purchased in advance. Deadline to buy tickets is February 5. To purchase tickets contact Lauren Boswell at lrboswell@bellsouth.net or 848-0373.
Heart to Heart Celebration Luncheon
Tuesday, February 14, 11 a.m.
All ladies are invited to attend a luncheon on Tuesday, February 14 at 11:30 a.m. at the Owings Life Enrichment Center. Our speaker will be Kathleen Kruczek, co-director of Manna House. Manna House is a house of hospitality located in Midtown Memphis. They provide showers, clothing, coffee, sanctuary and a 'dose of dignity' to the poor and homeless. Reservation deadline is Wednesday, February 8. The lunch is $10 and child care is free if requested with your reservation. Please bring your travel size soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpastes, etc., for use by the Manna House guests.
Lent By Candlelight
Monday, February 20, 6:30 p.m.
Women, prepare your hearts and minds for the season of Lent at this third annual event on Monday, February 20, at 6:30 p.m. 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 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.Semi-Annual Children's Boutique
Sell your children's gently worn Spring and Summer clothing and more at the semi-annual Children's Boutique March 28-31. Consignors will receive 70% of the sales price and Germantown United Methodist Women receives 30% for mission projects. To participate, go to germantownumc.org to view complete instructions and important dates. Contact info@gumwclothingsale.com if you have any questions.
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United Methodist Men's Breakfast
Saturday, February 11, 8 a.m.
All men are invited to our February 11 breakfast to be held at 8 a.m. in the Mike Wilson Fellowship Hall. Our speakers will be Rev. Rick Pinkston, Director, and Marc Tate, Chairman of the Board, of the Wesley Foundation at the University of Memphis. Please call the church office at 754-7216 or signup online at germantownumc.org. |
Missions
2012 Mission Trip to Kenya - July 26-August 11, 2012
We have several openings for our short-term mission trip to Kenya July 26-August 11, 2012. The primary focus will be to work with AIDS orphans through the Hope Companions project. We will also work on various projects in support of Maua Methodist Hospital. For more information, please contact John Phillips at 756-5434 or johnandleda@gmail.com. Mountain T.O.P. Friend's Weekend
Camp Cumberland Pines
February 29 - March 3 If you're looking for a late winter service project to get out of the house this is it. Friend's Weekend is open to anyone who would like to help get the camp ready for Summer 2012. Camp Cumberland Pines will host 3,000+ campers during 2012 and we want them to have the best experience possible. We will be building a roof over the worship area, renovating two of the boy's cabins, remodeling the women's bathroom in Friend's cabin, and other projects as volunteers allow. This is a wonderful weekend of camaraderie and fellowship while accomplishing a lot of work for the Lord. If you would like to join us, please call Doug Warner at 755-9729. Habitat for Humanity Spring Build 2012
We will be building the 35th and 36th houses where Germantown United Methodist Church has been the major sponsor during Habitat's Spring Build. Our first house was completed in December of 1986. Ed and Sue Clark, members of GUMC, began sponsoring a house the last three years, so we are now building two each year. The Spring Build will begin Friday and Saturday, March 9-10. This is the most fun weekend as we are erecting walls and putting on the trusses and roof so you see the most difference from the beginning of the day to the end. We will need some younger, stronger people to help these first two days. There is a morning and afternoon shift each Saturday work day through April. You may work either or both shifts or you are welcome even for an hour or two if you wish. There is plenty of work to be done and we would love to see a few Sunday School classes or Bible Study groups come out as a team to help. You can work on either of the two houses we will be building. The site is close to the airport in Trinity Park where we will be completing the last 9 of 38 houses in this Habitat subdivision on Park Lake Drive off Winchester. Please contact Doug Warner, 755-9729, to schedule a team, get directions, or have any other questions. |
VBS 2012: June 11-15, 9 am-noon
Grab your snorkels and fins! We're in for a Deep Sea adventure that's sure to make a splash as we Dare to go Deep with God!
Operation Overboard is an interactive, energizing, Bible-based program that gives children a chance to go deep in their faith. Children ages 4 (by 9/30/12) through rising 6th grade will become divers-in-training as we plunge into God's Word and discover stories of deep faith. Registration will begin in April.
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Germantown United Methodist Preschool
In 1974, our church began a weekday preschool ministry with a committed group of church members who wanted to offer a meaningful Christian environment for their own children and those in the comunity to learn and play together during the week.
Germantown United Methodist Preschool (GUMP) has grown, evolved, and remains a wonderful, loving, and nurturing environment for young children. GUMP currently has openings for ALL ages, 9 months-5 years for the 2012-2013 school year. The office is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Call 753-3109 to set up a tour. For more details, visit www.mygump.org.
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