first edition newsletter – march 2, 2016

March 2, 2016 | Volume 15 Issue 5 jacksonfumc.org

SEEKING GOD | KNOWING CHRIST | SHARING HIS LOVE

A Newsletter Publication of First United Methodist Church, Jackson, Tennessee

FIRST EDITIONFIRST EDITION

Daylight Saving Time Begins

March 13Set your clocks forward

one hour Saturday night!

Palm Sunday | March 20 8:55 a.m. Contemporary Worship 11:00a.m. TraditionalWorship Procession of Palms and Children’s Choirs

Holy Thursday | March 24 7:00 p.m. Tenebrae - A Service of Darkness Music, readings, The Lord’s Supper, Lenten Hunger Offering

Good Friday | March 25 12:00 p.m. JAMA Community Worship Service

Saturday, March 26 AndrewsChapelCampus 3820BrownsvilleRd.Hwy70 3-5:00 p.m. Easter Eggstravaganza and Cookout Rain date: March 27

Easter Sunday | March 27 6:45 a.m. Sunrise Service at The Amp, 91 New Market St., Jackson. Joint service hosted by Mt. Zion MissionaryBaptistChurch,St. Luke’sEpiscopalChurch,and First United Methodist Church Rain location: Farmer’s Market

FUMC Downtown Campus 200 S. Church St. 8:30a.m. TraditionalWorship with Communion 8:55 a.m. Contemporary Worship 11:00a.m. TraditionalWorship

Nursery is available for 3 years and under for all services at the Downtown Campus.

Easter Sunday Sunrise Service

at the AMP Next to the Farmer’s Market

Community-Wide Everyone is invited!

Sermon Series7 VirtuesMarch 6 FortitudeMarch 13 Temperance

Lent

Lenten Devotions are available on the table in Disciple Hall. Written by members of the congregation, these same devotions are posted daily on Facebook at FUMC Jackson, TN and through daily church e-news.

Lenten Devotions, Part III (March 7 - March 26) will be available Sunday, March 6.

Devotion for March 3“Plant Your Mustard Seed”

Luke 13:18-21

In this passage, God is showing us that we can accomplish great things in His name even though we start small. With the proper nurturing of our faith and preparation through our worship, growth and accomplishment for God’s kingdom can and will occur.

Each of us has a gift given to us by God that can be used in the best interest of all who enter the doors of Jackson First United Methodist Church. No gift is too small, for God uses all things offered for His purposes. Will you be one that plants the “seed of growth” to be enjoyed by all that we may prosper together for the good of building the kingdom of God here in our community?

Prayer: Lord, help me to use the gifts you have given me to serve your kingdom. Amen.

Diane Sanford

Hosted by First United Methodist Church, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, and Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church

Jenni Thorn on The Virtue of Justice

March 276:30 am Gathering with opening music

6:45–7:15 am Worship

Coffee will be served compliments of the host churches and Woodstock Bakery.

Bring chairs and blankets, possibly a flashlight… casual dress Rain location – Farmer’s Market pavilion

First Edition March 2, 2016 page 2

Wednesday Evenings Winter/Spring - 1st Session:

Through March 16Dinner 5:15-6 p.m. $6 Adults, $4 Children, $20 Family Max.

Menus for MarchMarch 2: “Breakfast for Dinner”

March 9: Tacos, Enchiladas (Chicken/Beef), Refried Beans, Rice, Chips & Salsa

March 16: Catfish Dinner, Slaw, White Beans, Green Beans, Hushpuppies, Salad, and Rolls

Classes/Activities 6-7:00 p.m.• Living a Life with God • Chuck Knows Church• Pickleball • “The Current” Youth• Kingdom Kids

No WEF March 23Spring - 2nd Session:

March 30 - April 27Watch for New Classes

in the March 16 Newsletter

Sunday, February 28th, FUMC welcomed Jeffery Anthony into membership. Jeffery transferred his membership from another denomination at the First Awakening Service. Jeffery has been singing in the Sanctuary Choir. We rejoice in his decision to become a part of our church family!

New Member

Church Family News… A Callingby Bobbie Mays, Director of Communications

Not unlike many families, Chris and Kelly Nye lead a busy life of work, school, church, sports and various other activities. They are the parents of two daughters, Meredith, an 8th grader; Mary Kinsley, a 3rd grader; and son Braden who’s in the 5th grade. In a few months, they will be gaining another son, a precious two and half year old toddler.

Their story…

For a long time, Kelly has felt that God has been working in her life to someday care for and raise an adopted child as a part of their family. Even before she and Chris started their family, there were subtle signs that adoption would be a part of God’s plan for their lives. During the past six years, a few people have come into her life who have adopted. One day last spring, Braden’s school project was to name three things he would like to have if he could have anything he wanted. His answer: an X Box, an i-Pad and a little brother.

Their process of adoption began a year ago. At first they considered being foster parents with the intention of adopting. But after further investigation and through contacting Hannah’s Hope in Memphis, as well as other agencies, they learned they could only adopt a baby, not an older child, in America. Knowing that the family really wanted a toddler and that international adoptions overseas are faster, they opted to move in that direction. Through prayer, conversations, research, phone calls, more prayer and encouragement from friends, the Nyes made their decision to adopt a special needs child from China.

A couple of weeks ago, the Nyes received word that their new son is Yan An Guo (pronounced Gwah).

The family is aware that An Guo is developmentally delayed and has issues with one leg. Kelly, a physical therapist, and Chris, a teacher, feel their occupations will

equip them with the necessary tools to work with their new son. Currently, they have received their LOA (letter of intent) and now await immigration approval. Kelly and Chris will travel in May to China to meet their son for the first time and bring him back to join his new sisters and brother.

Chris, who admits this adoption is not his idea, says he has not had the same passion for as long as Kelly has. For him, God speaks through music. Chris, a singer on the First Awakening praise team, has followed the group Audio Adrenaline for several years. One of their songs, “Kings and Queens,” conveys a message that, while difficult for him to hear, has helped him understand in his words, “giving of yourself.” The lyrics are—

Little hands, shoeless feetlonely eyes looking back at me

Will we leave behind the innocent too brief on their own, on the run

when their little lives have only begun.

Chorus: Boys become kings, girls become queens

Wrapped in Your majestyWhen we love,

when we love the least of these They will be brave and freeShout Your name in victory

When we love, when we love the least of these.

What Chris and Kelly both know is that God’s hand is very much a part of their decision. Kelly, who has grown up in this church, is in her third year as a devoted and dedicated leader of the Confirmation Class. She and Chris both are committed to carrying out God’s purpose when asked to be leaders. Together, they feel it is so important that “our church believe that this is the Christian service we’ve been called to do. We are stepping outside our comfort zone.” Chris says, “Adopting An Guo is not about us. The kids will have a brother for a life-time. We plan, we anticipate, we save for the future, and we invest. We are at a point in our lives where it would be easy for us to think about investing in ourselves and things that make life better for us. We don’t have all the answers, but we know that God knows and that has to be enough. If we relied on our own knowledge, we would not do this.”

The Nyes are excited and filled with anticipation. Yes, they have concerns. They ask for prayers from the church as they continue on this new journey. There is a fund through the West Tennessee Healthcare Foundation, Adoption and Family Matters, for those interested in making a donation. You would need to designate your donation to the Nye adoption.

When Chris and Kelly bring home An Guo, it will be a great day as they begin this new and exciting chapter in their lives!

Yan An Guo

First Edition March 2, 2016

Throughout the season of Lent, you’re invited to consider how you might want to help. You may bring your gift to the Maundy Thursday

service, March 24, give online, or write a check at anytime to FUMC designated on the memo line for “Lenten Hunger Offering”. To give at jacksonfumc.org, select Give (top-right), then Give Now. Designate “Special Offerings” as the fund and “Lenten Hunger Offering” as the memo.

page 3

Guest Speaker: Ed Labry, “A Great American Hero (Christian), a

life story of General Charles Campbell”

7-8 a.m. | Clayton Hall Tuesday, March 29

Donations accepted... $5 suggestedMenu: Bacon, eggs, sausage, biscuits,

fruit, pastry, juice and coffee

Prayer Breakfast

Men of all ages welcome!

Mission Corner

Join the Great Day of Service Team! Sign up now for in-house projects at FUMC or off-site work in the community on Saturday, April 9. To register, stop by the table in Disciple Hall to fill out an information sheet or e-mail your information to Heather Taylor at [email protected].

Music NotesMargaret Harrison, Interim Director of Music and Worship Arts ([email protected])

First Friday ForumMarch 412:00-1:00 p.m.Clayton HallLunch Cost: $7/personGuest Speakers: A. J. Massey, Chairman of this year’s Relay for Life andGina Myracle from the Kirkland Cancer Center

Handbell FestivalThe Prime Ringers Handbell Choir had a great time on Saturday, Feb. 27, participating in the citywide handbell festival at First Baptist Church on Highland Avenue. Six choirs came together and made beautiful music for the glory of God by ringing handbells in a mass performance. Many thanks go to organizers for the hard work they put in to make this a great day of ringing in our own bell choir, we still have a couple of open spots where ringers are needed to complete the full contingency of bells which we are fortunate to have. Please consider coming and joining this great group of musicians.

Easter MusicWant to join in singing Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus on Easter Sunday morning in the 11 a.m. worship service? The invitation will be made to everyone in the congregation who wishes to come forward and sing to be included in this glorious Easter morning

anthem. For those who might like to rehearse ahead of time, copies will be available and a short 7:00 p.m. rehearsal will be held each week from now until Easter Sunday. Feel free to rehearse ahead of time, or just simply plan to come forward on that Sunday morning when the invitation is given.

New MembersThe Sanctuary Choir welcomes new FUMC member Jeffery Anthony who joined our church family and is a valued member of the choir. We also welcome Patrick Teer back to the tenor section, as well as new intern Rose Black who will be singing and sharing her gift of violin with us over the next few months. We continue to welcome new and returning members to the choir. Rehearsals for Tenebrae Service, Palm Sunday, and Easter continue each Wednesday evening at 7:00 p.m. in the choir room.

Blessings,Margaret


“The Current” YouthOpen to 7th-12th graders

Taylor Parimore, Director of Student Ministries ([email protected])Search for “The Current UMY” on Facebook

“FUMC is a downtown church meeting the growing needs of younger generations”

March 11-13SPRING RETREAT @ LAKESHORESign-up deadline: March 5th!Cost: $125NEED CHAPERONES!Sign up at jacksonfumc.org

April 3Confirmation SundayCelebration

SPRING EVENTS2016

Children’s MinistryJenni Thorn, Director of Children’s Ministry ([email protected])

Search for “The Backyard - Jackson FUMC Children’s Ministry” on Facebook

It’s that time again! Time to bring in Easter Eggs. We need 2,000 filled Easter Eggs. Boxes will be located in

Newman Center, near the welcome desk, and in the Children’s wing.

Easter Eggstravaganza Saturday, March 26 • 3-5pm • Andrews Chapel

June 6-July 27, 2016Monday and Wednesday9 a.m.-2:30 p.m.Ages 8 weeks – 5th gradeTo register or for more information, contact Jenni Thorn, [email protected]

FUN FOR ALL AGES! CARNIVAL

GAMESCAKE WALK

PETTING ZOO COOKOUT

AND MORE!

Kids @ First

SUMMER CAMP

Rain Date: March 27

FUMC 2016 Soup Kitchen DatesMonday, March 21 - Saturday, March 26

Families welcome! Will you help? Sign-up today.

Questions? Contact Linda Clayton at 731-217-0090.

Your generous gifts of sweaters, coats, gloves and hats helped children at Arlington. Many of the kids don’t have proper clothes to wear in the winter.

Note of Appreciation

On behalf of Arlington Elementary and myself, I want to thank you again for your generous gifts! I took everything over to the school this past week and they were thrilled! My friend, Joy (who is the secretary) was going to send an e-mail out to each teacher. They will let her know the children that have the greatest need for these items.We appreciate you thinking about us and in such a special way.

Lots of love,Judy Lafont

Warm Your Heart

Offering Challenge for Lenten Hunger OfferingThe class that brings in the most will receive a donut breakfastTotals as of Feb. 14: Kindergarten/1st Grade: $1 2nd/3rd Grade: $10.294th/5th Grade Boys: $6.21 4th/5th Grade Girls: $20.79


FRIDAY, MARCH 18

For reservations, call the church office at 422-4002 by 12:00 p.m. March 14.

Program 11:00 a.m. | Luncheon 12:00 p.m. Clayton Hall | $7.00 per person

Adult OpportunitiesPam Jaco, [email protected]

For Men Only Coffee &

ConversationThursdays, 9-10:00 a.m.

Room 117All men are welcomed to this

fun and growing group!

“Save Your Stories, Leave a Legacy” Workshop

Thursday, Mar. 10, 20169:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Mezzanine

Join Andrea Woods in exploring ways to create an Intentional Legacy through crafting letters, stories, memoirs, poetry, music — to tell the personal, vital stories that have informed your life.

You don’t have to have writing experience... anyone can do this!

Pre-registration required. Contact Pam at 422-4002 or [email protected]

Volunteers needed March 3rd and 4th forsortingandpricingandonSaturdayforsales.

Now is a good time to clean out closets and attics!Alldonationsareacceptedwiththeexceptionofadultclothingandshoes.Itemsshouldbecleanandingood working order.

WewillbeginreceivingdonationsandsettinguponThursdaymorning the 3rd. Pleasedonotbringyourdonationstothechurch prior to the 3rd.

Questions?PleasecontactSueHarvey,[email protected].

A benefit for missions

Saturday, March 57:00-11:00 a.m.

Gym

UMW

Dr. Niles Reddick Vice Pro-Vost, University of Memphis-Lambuth

Beloved author of novels and short stories

“Flash Forward”

Bach to the Beatlesand Brunch

April 10 • 12:30 PMDelicious brunch at Chandelier Cafe followed by attending the Jackson Symphony Brass Quintet performance, Bach to the Beatles, at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church Parish Hall

Cost: $37 (brunch & concert)

Meet at Chandelier Café (Inside the Neely House) at 12:30 PM for a delicious brunch.Concert at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church begins at 2:30 PMContact Pam to reserve a spot (limit 20): 731.267.1059 or [email protected]


Calendar of EventsCalendar subject to change. Please call the church office, 422-4002 or check the calendar at jacksonfumc.org

Sunday, March 6 8:55 AM First Awakening Service-

Downtown Campus 10:00 AM FUMC Sunday School-Downtown

Campus 11:00 AM Traditional Service- Downtown

Campus 4:00 PM Children’s Ministry Team Meeting 5:00 PM Kids who Care Club 5:00 PM “The Current” Youth 5:30 PM “Soul Sisters” Final Downton

Abbey Episode (offiste)

Monday, March 7 8:00 AM Tennesssee River District

Operational Team 9:00 AM Parents Day Out 3:15 PM Hub Club 5:30 PM Senior Olympic Basketball 7:00 PM Men’s Basketball

Tuesday, March 8 7:00 AM Men’s Bible Study

Wednesday, March 9 9:00 AM Parents Day Out 1:00 PM Worship Planning Meeting 3:30 PM Open Gym for K-5th Grade 3:30 PM WINGS 4:30 PM Girl Scout Cookie Sale 5:00 PM Welcoming Ministry Meeting 5:15 PM WEF Meal 5:30 PM Youth Open Gym 5:45 PM Confirmation Class 6:00 PM Handbells 6:00 PM WEF Classes/Activities

6:30 PM Youth Meal 7:00 PM First Awakening Team Rehearsal 7:00 PM Youth Programming 7:00 PM Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal

Thursday, March 10 9:00 AM Coffee and Conversation 9:30 AM Legacy Writing Workshop 5:30 PM Senior Olympic Basketball

Friday, March 11 5:00 PM “The Current” Youth Retreat

Saturday, March 12 5:00 PM “The Current” Youth Retreat 10:00 AM Member Birthday

Sunday, March 13 5:00 PM “The Current” Youth Retreat 8:55 AM First Awakening Service-Downtown

Campus 10:00 AM FUMC Sunday School-Downtown


Campus 5:30 PM Worship Service- Andrews Chapel

Monday, March 14 9:00 AM Parents Day Out 3:15 PM Hub Club 5:30 PM Senior Olympic Basketball 7:00 PM Men’s Basketball

Tuesday, March 15 7:00 AM Men’s Bible Study

Wednesday, March 16 9:00 AM Parents Day Out 10:00 AM Pastor’s Bible Study 1:00 PM Worship Planning Meeting 3:30 PM Open Gym for K-5th Grade 3:30 PM WINGS 3:45 PM Girl Scouts 5:00 PM Leadership Meeting 5:15 PM WEF Meal 5:30 PM Youth Open Gym 5:45 PM Confirmation Class 6:00 PM Handbells 6:00 PM WEF Classes/Activities 6:30 PM Youth Meal 7:00 PM First Awakening Team Rehearsal 7:00 PM Youth Programming 7:00 PM Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal

Thursday, March 17 9:00 AM Coffee and Conversation 5:30 PM Senior Olympic Basketball

Friday, March 18 11:00 AM Adventures in Learning

Saturday, March 19 4:30 PM Room in the Inn

Sunday, March 20 8:55 AM First Awakening Service-

Downtown Campus 10:00 AM FUMC Sunday School-Downtown


Campus 5:00 PM “The Current” Youth

Memorials & Honoraria

IN LOVING MEMORY OF

CARL W. SUNDSTROM, JR., CAPT. USNR (RET.)The Craig and Tom Stallings Family (Pastor’s Fund)

COLONEL BOB and SHERRY MITCHELLThe Craig and Tom Stallings Family (Pastor’s Fund)

NETTIE LOUISE BROWNThe Craig and Tom Stallings Family (Pastor’s Fund)

GERALDINE ENNISLarry and Frances Smith

BETTY MORRISJohn and Barbara NewMollie BirdRoger and Rebecca SmithEvelyn Johns Borden

W. HAMILTON PARKSDr. and Mrs. James Wilson and Family

BRETT DENTONThe Craig and Tom Stallings Family (Pastor’s Fund)

Evelyn Johns Borden

TROY SMITHThe Craig and Tom Stallings Family (Pastor’s Fund)

DONNA OVERSTREETJohn and Barbara NewEvelyn Johns Borden

BOB HAZLEWOODWilliam and Sharon Seippel

BUTCH CASHONRoger and Rebecca Smith

TOM McCARTERRoger and Rebecca Smith

JOSEPH HILLEvelyn Johns Borden

ROBERT SULLIVANRoger and Rebecca Smith

JAMES BARKERMark and Gerry Aldrich

NEMA MOOREDicky and Sandra Welch

EMILY FREEMANGeorge and Elizabeth DementEd and Ginger HareDoris FreemanJohn and Barbara NewJudith HazlewoodRobert SnyderJoan TomlinJada SlaytonDr. and Mrs. Jesse Miller, Jr.Dr. and Mrs. James Wilson and FamilyRoger and Rebecca SmithEvelyn Johns BordenLarry and Joyce SandersJimmy and Sally WilliamsPat and Wanda Scanlon

IN HONOR OF

ANN MURCHISONMollie Bird

BO, TODD and MAE MARGARET CLAMPITTDr. and Mrs. Bob Clampitt

JOHN YARBROUGHDoris Freeman


Book ClubMarch 16

5:00-6:00 p.m. Mezzanine

Women’s MinistriesSusan Crocker, Director of Women’s Ministry, [email protected]

[email protected]

Susan

Soul Sisters FUMC

Facebook

2016 Spring Events Sunday, March 65:30 p.m. Final Downton Abbey at Pam McCarty’s. Bring an appetizer to share. (Waiting list only)

Tuesday, March 22 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Day Trip to Millstone Nursery in Memphis - “Come to the Easter Garden, a Holy Experience”. Van, program, and lunch included. $30 (Waiting list only)

Thursday, March 31 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Day Trip to “Cheekwood in Bloom” in Nashville. (Waiting list only)Van, ticket and lunch included. $55

Tuesday, April 5 5:00-7:00 p.m.Soul Sister’s presents “Simplify Your Life” with speakers Carol Ryan and Rev. Latricia Trull. Mark your calendar now- for dinner and a fun night out!

Sunday, April 17 4:00 p.m.Save the Date for Jackson Choral Society “The American Spirit” at Northside UMC and dinner out. Details coming soon.

Thursday & Friday, April 28-29Pottery Tour in Greenwood, MS and Alluvian Hotel. (Waiting list only)Van, snacks, hotel and breakfast, Viking Cooking School demo and lunch included. $175.

Friday, May 6 Memphis Day Trip to Urban Barn Market and Antiques and dutch treat lunch at the Beauty Shop. Van and ticket included. $25

Signups at : jacksonfumc.org under the events tab

Day Trip to Millstone Nursery in Memphis - “Come to the Easter

Garden, a Holy Experience”Tuesday, March 22

9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. • $30Don’t miss this fun day out to Millstone including lunch. I just love to wander around Millstone and find interesting plants and gift items for your home and garden. Join me for a fun day out!

April 5th • 5-7 p.m.Come and hear Carol Ryan and Rev. Latricia Trull give tips to help you make your life more enjoyable and a bit more stress free.

We will have dinner, our fabulous door prizes and a lot of fun. $15 / ticket or a Table for 8: $110. This is a perfect time to bring a friend or get a table together for a girls night out.

Beloved Biscuits and More

Book Club Party at the ComeUnity Cafe

Sunday Worship

NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDJACKSON, TENN.PERMIT NO. 116

jacksonfumc.org

First United Methodist Church200 South Church StreetJackson, Tennessee 38301 Address Service Requested(731) 422-4002

A Stephen Ministry Congregation

A Safe Sanctuaries Congregation

Like us on FacebookFUMC Jackson TN

Follow us on Twittertwitter.com/jacksonfumc

A United MethodistWelcoming Congregation

Sign up for e-newsletters and weekly happenings at jacksonfumc.org under Contact.

Sunday,March 6

Sunday,March 13

Andrews Chapel Services:2nd and 4th Sunday Evenings5:30 p.m. Worship Service

FUMC Downtown Services:8:55 a.m. First Awakening10:00 a.m. Sunday School11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship

Sermon Series: 7 Virtues: “The Virtue of Fortitude”Jeff Rudy, preaching | John 18:33-37

Sermon Series: 7 Virtues: “The Virtue of Temperance”Dan Camp, preaching | Luke 21:34-45; 1 Cor. 10:1-13

No worship service

Communion

Communion

Sermon Series7 Virtues

first edition newsletter – march 2, 2016

Documents