November 2014

from Richard

Fulfilling Our Vision Through Giving“Each one should use whatever gift they have received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” I Peter 4:10

Our Stewardship emphasis this year to support the Mission and Ministry of GUMC for 2015 has chosen the theme “Fulfilling Our Vision Through Giving”. This is a fulfillment of the “Visioning” that has gone on for more than a year to focus on five specific areas of ministry: Spiritual Discipline and Development, Evangelism, Missions, Youth, and Young Adults.

Our Stewardship response of our prayers, our presence, our giving, our service, and our witness will ensure the fulfillment of this vision. Prayerfully consider your response and come prepared to make your commitment as an act of worship on Commitment Sunday, November 2 or 9.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.” Hebrews 12:1-2

“Each of you must give as you have made up your mind not reluctantly or under compulsion for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything you may share abundantly in every good work.” II Corinthians 9:7-8

Commitment Sundays: November 2 and 9

STEWARDSHIP 2014

Other November HappeningsNovember 8 Staff Sponsored Volleyball Tournament for Imagine No Malaria

Have you signed up your team yet? Are you excited about challenging our staff team? More information inside. Financial sponsorships and commitment welcome.

November 13 Annual Charge Conference and Approval of Visioning Report

Our District Superintendent, Dr. Cynthia Davis, will lead us in this important annual meeting in our sanctuary at 6 pm. The meeting will include the official presentation of and voting upon the Visioning Team Report by Susan Smith. We will also elect our church officials for 2015.

November 16 Communion Sunday

We are shifting Communion, per stewardship commitment on November 2, to this Sunday.

November 25 Community Thanksgiving Service

We join with our friends at Germantown Presbyterian and St. George’s Episcopal here in Germantown at 6:30 pm in our sanctuary for this special worship experience. The Rev. Dorothy Sanders Wells, Priest in Charge at St. George’s, will bring the sermon.

November 30 Advent Begins

Hard to believe, but the season of Advent begins on this Sunday!

November Sermons

November 2 “The Church We Want To Be, I”

Matthew 16:13-19

November 9 “The Church We Want To Be, II”

Matthew 16:13-19

November 16 “What Children Teach Us”

Mark 10:13-16

November 23 Rev. Jack Henton “This Is The Day” Matthew 6:25-33

November 30 “The Discipline of Waiting”

Isaiah 11:1-3; 40:28-31

Visit germantownumc.org/live on Sunday mornings to

watch a live broadcast of our 9:40 and 11 am worship services.

Better NutritionPresented by Blair Mize, Schilling Nutrition Therapy, LLC

NO MORE DIETS! Don’t let dieting hold you hostage one more day. Dieting and the diet-mentality can steal your joy and even your autonomy. We live in a diet-crazed culture and navigating nutritional choices can often be overwhelming. It doesn’t have to be that way. We all want life to be a simpler and it can be.

We are very excited and pleased to begin our 2014-2015 Health and Wellness Program Year with an outstanding presentation on Better Nutrition by Blair Mize with Schilling Nutrition Therapy, LLC.

We look forward to seeing you Sunday, November 2 at 9:40 a.m. in the Mike Wilson Fellowship Hall. Learn how to eat healthy and well and have an improved quality of life by doing so.

Health and Wellness MinistryBlair is a master’s level registered and licensed dietitian who specializes in helping people eat to support a healthy, balanced lifestyle and enhance their quality of life without over-stressing. She believes in a non-diet approach that doesn’t compromise flavor or the enjoyment of food.

Blair graduated Summa Cum Laude with her Bachelor of Science in Dietetics and Nutrition from The University of Mississippi where she also completed the Coordinated Program in Dietetics. Her specialties include weight management, breastfeeding, pregnancy nutrition therapy, disordered eating, and diabetes. 

Join the ladies of GUMC for our Winter Women’s Retreat on February 6 and 7, 2015, at Pinecrest Retreat Center.

With discussions led by Yolanda Toney, plan to relax and have fun in your favorite lounge wear with delicious food and cozy fireplaces. Enjoy the chance to meet and become better acquainted with our own “Women of Worth”! Look for full details in our brochure and at germantownumc.org Registration is limited to 75 participants.

February 6 and 7, 2015 • Register Now!

Good News: Malaria is 100% PreventableUnlike many other diseases that are awaiting a cure, malaria was eliminated in the U.S. in the 1950s. However, in Sub-Saharan Africa, malaria continues to kill a person every 60 seconds. But there is hope! Imagine No Malaria is part of a global partnership and together with our partners, our generation can beat malaria once and for all.

Imagine No Malaria and GUMCImagine No Malaria is an extraordinary ministry of the people of The United Methodist Church, putting faith into action to end preventable deaths from malaria in Africa, especially the death of a child or a mother. With a comprehensive approach to fighting this killer disease, Imagine No Malaria empowers the people of Africa to improve health infrastructure and achieve a sustainable victory over malaria.

The Memphis Conference goal between now and June 2015 is $1 million. GUMC’s goal is $30,000 by June 2015 and so far we’ve already raised and submitted close to $19,000!

How Can I Help?Participate in the GUMC Volleyball Tournament on Saturday, November 8 at 2 p.m. at the OLEC. Team registration or sponsorship is $150. The deadline to register your team is Monday, November 3.

Admission is free and concessions will be available for purchase, so bring the whole family! Kids’ activities will be available during the tournament. Please contact Ryan Boatright, Sue Hyland, or Tiffany Griffin for more info.

GUMC Volleyball Tournament Register before Monday, November 3

Calling all Mommies…to Fellowship Fridays! If you have a child from newborn to five years old, Fellowship Fridays are for you. We know the world’s a busy place, and we want to help slow things down, if only for a day. The first Friday of the month from 9:30 am until 11, you will be treated to a light brunch, a devotional, and given time to fellowship. We meet in room 339. Childcare will be provided.

The first Fellowship Friday is November 7. Contact Lisa Pierce, lpierce@germantownumc.org or Yolanda Toney, ytoney@germantownumc.org or call 754-7216 and ask for Lisa or Yolanda if you have any questions.

Advent Devotionals NeededAll members are invited to submit devotionals for use during Advent. Devotionals will be e-mailed daily in lieu of Ponderings and also printed as a booklet for those who want to keep it on the bedside table or by their favorite chair. The devotionals should relate to one of the four weekly Advent themes: Peace, hope, love or joy. For more information on how to submit a devotional, contact Bryan Barger at 752-0522 or bwbarger55@yahoo.com.

Toys Needed for Reelfoot Rural MinistriesCelebrate the Christmas season by providing new toys for the children and families located in rural West Tennessee. Families pay just $3 for each child to shop. For that price, a family can shop for five new toys for children ages 0-12 and three new items for ages 13-16. Last year we were able to assist 533 families, including 1,261 children. This ministry couldn’t exist if it weren’t for the generosity of our members! Please bring your toys to the designated bins in the Information Center. Toys will be delivered to Reelfoot on December 5.

Saturday, November 8, 2 pm • Owings Life Enrichment Center

Volunteers Needed!Room In The Inn still needs four groups to sign up. We still have these dates open in 2014: 10/28, 12/12, 12/19, 12/26, and 1/2. Contact Alise Davis at alisedavis4@gmail.com to sign up your Sunday School class, other group or you individually.

Tidings is moving to a digital format in January.

Missions

Hospital Hub Serves Weary TravelersOur long distance travel budget was stretched to the max over the summer months of 2014. With Memphis being a major distribution center in the United States, with millions of trucks traveling through annually, it is no surprise that so many people get stranded in our fair city. Many come from poorer communities south of Memphis, looking for golden opportunities to open up in the big city. Some hitch rides from OTR truckers, and get “put out” on the streets of Memphis. It is quite common for entire families to jump on the Greyhound or the wildly cheap MegaBus, purchasing tickets that will carry them as far away from their troubles as 50 bucks will take them; too many times Memphis is the point of debarkation.

After these guests have been robbed, bullied, or find themselves unable to find work, they land at the doorstep of Hospitality Hub. The month of July brought more than 70 “newly homeless” people to the Hospitality Hub for services. One was even brought to us in a taxi cab; her fare was paid by a hospital official who had discharged her. She had nowhere else to go so they delivered her to the Hub.

For more general information go online to hospitalityhub.org. For volunteer opportunities contact Eb Thomas at ethomas842@aol.com.

Rev. Ryan Boatright, rboatright@germantownumc.org

85% of respondents to last fall’s Communications survey supported changing the church’s Tidings monthly print newsletter to an e-newsletter. After considering the cost and the needs of the congregation, we have decided to move forward with a transition to a digital format.

The new format will allow a full color layout and more spreads. We can also include interactive features such as links to register for events, reader comments, and an option to clip and share specific articles. To see a sample of the new format and join the emailing list, visit germantownumc.org/tidings.

If you still wish to receive a print version of Tidings in the mail, you must fill out an opt-in form before December 15, 2014. These can be found at germantownumc.org/tidings, or you can fill out a paper copy here. To submit this form, cut it out and bring it to the Welcome Center before the deadline, or mail it to the church Attn: Communications Dept.

I Still Want To Receive Tidings By Mail

Full Name

Address

City

State Zip

Income Expense

Actual for Month 250,627 255,802

Budgeted for Month 218,504 265,539

Difference for Month 32,122 (9,736)

Actual YTD 2,254,615 2,483,500

Budgeted YTD 2,264,803 2,425,430

Difference YTD (10,187) 58,070

Income Over/(Under) Expense

This Month (5,175)

YTD (228,884)

September Financial Summary

United Methodist Women

November UMW LuncheonShyara Miles, a native of Sri-Lanka and the creator of the nonprofit program, Isaiah 613, will share with us at the next United Methodist Women Luncheon on November 11, 2014 in the Owings Life Enrichment Center (OLEC) at 11:30 am.

All women are invited to attend. Please reserve your spot online or by calling the church at 754-7216. The cost is $10, and you may pay at the door.

Every woman who is a member of Germantown United Methodist Church is a member of the United Methodist Women even if you are not a member of a Circle (small group). However, any of the Circles would welcome you.

If you wish to join a Circle and you would like information, please contact Tina Gregory, tvgregory111@gmail.com, or Yolanda Toney, ytoney@germantownumc.org.

JOY Circle Presents Check to Frayser School

JOY was had by all on September 25, 2014 when members of the GUMW Joy Circle presented a check for $24,500 to Memphis Business Academy, a Memphis charter school located in Frayser. The check represented proceeds from Golfing with JOY, a golf scramble organized by JOY Circle, which was held at Spring Creek Ranch in Collierville on August 25.

“We want to thank all of our sponsors and donors, and of course the 104 golfers who joined us in supporting Memphis Business Academy in August,” says Joy Circle Chair Anna Graunke. “MBA is making a difference in the lives of so many in the Frayser community, and we are blessed to be able to play a small role in bringing hope and encouragement to these kids.”

Joy Circle enjoys partnering with Memphis Business Academy in many other ways besides an annual fund raiser; Joy members participate in hands-on activities as

well. These include providing a cupcake for every student celebrating a birthday, treat bags for all students who make honor roll, tutoring for elementary students, and prayer cards for teachers.

The most recent opportunity for support came when the Joy Circle learned that students were on a waiting list to join the band because they couldn’t afford a musical instrument. Joy members put out a call to the GUMC membership asking for donations of any used instruments to give students on the waiting list. These instruments have been passed along to some very excited young students who can now join the band. If you have an old instrument not being used anymore and wish to donate it, please contact Joy Circle member Janet Harlan at 378-2376.

“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion, to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.  They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations.” Isaiah 61:1-4

Advent and Christmas Events at GUMC

Advent WorkshopWednesday, November 19, 6:30 pm (following the church-wide Thanksgiving dinner)Bring a wreath to refurbish while enjoying holiday refreshments.

First Sunday of Advent Sunday, November 30The Sunday following Thanksgiving is the beginning of Advent this year, when the first candle of the wreath is lighted.

Alternative Christmas Market Sunday, December 7, 9 am-12:30 pmMike Wilson Fellowship HallSupport various missions supported by GUMC by purchasing gifts that give twice! You will receive a card with the name and description of the mission to give to your loved ones at Christmas.

Children’s Choir Concert and Plum Pudding FestivalSunday, December 7 • 5 p.m.Our Children’s choirs combine for this musical retelling of the Christmas story with manger scene, beloved carols, and the parade of the Plum Puddings by the choir dads.

UMW Christmas Cookie ShoppeSunday, December 139 a.m.-noon • Nursery/Preschool areaCome select from over 100 different kinds of homemade beautiful cookies and candies to give to your family and friends. Cookies are $8/lb.

Milk ‘n’ Muffins Sunday, December 13, 9-11 am, Fellowship Hall

The 24th Annual Community Carol FestivalSunday, December 14 • 6 p.m.Chancel Choir combines with orchestra for an evening of seasonal music. Favorite carols are sung, plus less familiar carols in interesting vocal settings. This year’s theme is “Light of the World.”

Christmas Eve Services Wednesday, December 24Families and Young Children: 3 pm and 4 pmHoly Communion: 6 pm, 7:30 pm, and 11 pm

Wednesday Nights at GUMC

Our popular midweek venue features a delicious dinner, classes for adults and children, Chancel Choir rehearsal . . . and fellowship!. If you’ve never experienced a Wednesday night at GUMC, don’t miss this opportunity!

Wednesday Night Dinners in NovemberThere are two dinners left! Remember to register the Monday before by noon.

November 5Lasagna, rotel chicken spaghetti, Italian green beans, zucchini casserole, creamed spinach, garlic bread, fruit, green salad, assorted desserts

November 12Pork Tenderloin, wild rice, black eyed peas, green beans, yellow squash, rolls, fruit, green salad, assorted desserts

All meals include Lemonade, Tea, and Coffee.

United Methodist MenThe November UMM breakfast is Saturday, November 8, 8:00 a.m. in the Mike Wilson Fellowship Hall. Our guest speaker is Ed Roberson, Interim CEO of Christ Community Services. Cost of the breakfast is $5.00 payable at the door. Call the Church Office, 754-7216, for reservations. Annual members need only call in their regrets.

Welcome New Members!

Melissa and Drew Mullady (9/28) Jen and Ken Young (9/14)

Don’t Forget the November Brown Bag Lunch Program!Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell will discuss “The Challenges Facing Shelby County.” This presentation will be Friday, November 7, 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 Memphis Movie Palaces

at the December Brown Bag Lunch!Memphis has always been a theatrical town—a crossroads in the center of America for entertainment as well as commerce—and movies are among the many things that travel through the city. From vaudeville palaces on Main Street to the nickelodeons on Beale Street, these theatres helped shape the culture of the city.

Native Memphian and local historian Vincent Astor has a special fondness for movie houses, and he will share a chronicle with memories for Memphians of all ages to enjoy at the December Brown Bag Lunch Series, an adventure in learning sponsored by the Older Adult Council. If you are looking for a unique Christmas gift for someone special, he will have his books to sell and autograph after his presentation. There will be a crossing guard on West Street to help with overflow parking.

TOPIC: “Memphis Movie Theatres”SPEAKER: Vincent Astor, Author, Historian, and Film Buff WHERE: Mike Wilson Fellowship HallWHEN: December 5. 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 Beverly Rhoads, 754-7216, ext. 107.

XYZs Celebrate a Sanders Family Christmas in December!Sanders Family Christmas is the sequel to the wildly successful bluegrass gospel musical Smoke on the Mountain. It’s December 24, 1941 and the lovable, quirky Sanders clan has gathered for one last performance at the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church before young Dennis is shipped out for boot camp. Stories to warm the heart and tickle the funny bone are woven together with 25 feel-good Southern Gospel Christmas favorites. Give yourself an early Christmas gift and join us!

WHERE: Circuit PlayhouseWHEN: Friday, December 5, 2014COST: $22 per person includes reserved seatDEPARTURE: 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, November 7

XYZs Remember I Love Lucy in January!Beat the winter blahs with some humor and come with us to see What Would Lucy Do?, a tribute to the life, career, and antics of Lucille Ball. A Hollywood-based actress-impressionist who recreates the magic of the world’s most beloved comedienne, Suzanne LaRusch first played Lucy Ricardo on special assignment to Universal Studios and quickly came to the attention of Lucie and Desi Arnaz, Jr. who authorized her to portray their mother’s comic genius. We have very few seats left for this sold-out performance, so make your reservation NOW!

WHERE: Bartlett Performing Arts & Conference CenterWHEN: Friday, January 30, 2015COST: $18 per person includes reserved seatDEPARTURE: 6:45 p.m. from OLEC parking lot. (Be there by 6:30) RESERVATIONS: Call Luci Cromer, 755-0803, Louise McGhee, 755-3463, or Gretchen Blair, 755-0797. Make reservations before paying.DEADLINE FOR MONEY and RESERVATIONS: Friday, Dec. 19

Older Adults Luci Cromer, 755-0803 • luci2@comcast.net

Our events are open for all adults age 55 and older, singles and couples, regardless of church membership. Mark your calendar and make your reservations for these events today!

Non-ProfitU.S. Postage

PAIDGermantown, TN

Permit No. 20Germantown United Methodist Church2331 South Germantown RoadGermantown, TN 38138www.germantownumc.org901-754-7216

Editor’s Note: The deadline for submitting articles for Tidings is the 10th of the month prior. Submissions received after this deadline are not guaranteed to run.

Church-wide Thanksgiving DinnerWednesday, November 19 • 5:30 - 6:30 pm at the OLEC Followed by Advent Workshop (Children’s Ministry area)

Turkey and gravy, dressing, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, corn casserole, broccoli and rice casserole, rolls, cranberry salad, potato salad, fruit salad, green salad, and assorted desserts.

Adults: $9 • Children (ages 4-10): $4 • Children (3 and younger): Free

Pay online at germantownumc.org. Dinner tickets will be sold in the Fellowship Hall on Sunday, November 16 between worship services. Reservation with payment is due by noon on Monday, November 17.

Following dinner, everyone is invited to prepare for the Christmas season at our ADVENT WORKSHOP. Prepare your Advent wreath together as a family or bring an old wreath to refurbish while enjoy holiday refreshments and making Christmas crafts.