TREK will be offered at 9:40 and 11:00 am and will be located in the lower level below the chapel (church side.) Our new suite will create a warm and thriving environment to develop meaningful relationships and guide students towards a Jesus-centered life. 

Our Open House will be held September 12 from 9 am to 12 pm. We hope you’ll join us to see our new space, greet staff and enjoy a time of food and fellowship!
For more information, contact Alison Bocking, Director of Student Ministries at 758-6508 or abocking@germantownumc.org

Rev. 8/19/10

As indicated earlier this spring, there has been little activity during the summer months in the selection process that will surface a successor to Rick upon his retirement next year.  Now that the vacation season is over, members of the Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) wanted to update everyone on what has happened and what is yet to come.  The process to identify our new Senior Pastor will be finalized during the next two-three weeks and we will provide frequent updates during the fall.

Here is some key information to date:

- Through Rick and others in our church, we have secured the names of approximately 15 potential candidates to date and forwarded them to the District Superintendent to be shared with the Bishop at the appropriate time.  This list includes persons from within our Annual Conference, as well as the names from persons from beyond the Memphis Annual Conference.  It is expected that another 3-5 names may be added to this list.
- None of these ministers have been contacted since the protocol is for this to be done by our Bishop, or in the case of clergy outside the Memphis Conference, for our Bishop to request that their Bishop assess their interest in our church opening.
- In addition, the Bishop and his cabinet have also begun the process of developing their own list of possible candidates for GUMC.
- A profile for a Senior Pastor for GUMC has been developed by the Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) and is still available for review on the Church’s web site.
- We are hopeful the appointment of our new pastor will be made in late fall so that the new minister could be here in early January for orientation and introduction prior to assuming his/her new duties upon Rick’s retirement.
- Our expectation is that our new minister willserve for at least 8-10 years..
- The SPRC committee will be involved in the selection process, according to Bishop Wills.  Once one or more primary candidates have been identified, the Bishop has indicated he will ask the SPRC to meet with them and offer their feedback to the Bishop.  This will probably not occur until mid or late fall.
- If members have questions, they should be directed to members of the SPRC and will be answered in subsequent issues of the Tidings.  The SPRC members are:  Henry Evans, Diane Heyman, Jim King, Frank Markus, Martha Massey, Anita Sessoms, Richard Stewart, Holly Turner and Jimmy Wright.  In addition, Steve Atkins, Rick Kirchoff, Rebecca Luter, Don Rhoads and Deborah Smith also serve on the committee.  Jan and Howard Johnson, our Lay Leaders, are ex-officio members of the committee.

Sunday mornings •  September 12-October 17 •  9:40-10:40 a.m. or Thursday mornings •  September 16-October 21 •  10:30-11:30 a.m.
Is there a Christian way of living? Is Christianity more about believing or doing? How does the story of the Bible shape the way we understand ourselves? What contributions would Augustine, Luther, and Wesley make as we wrestle with a moral problem? How do we live faithfully? What questions ought we to ask ourselves and one another as we seek to live a life worthy of the Gospel? Rev. Rebecca Luter, Minister of Spiritual Formation, will be leading this course written by Dr. Sondra Wheeler (Ph.D., Yale). The course consists of weekly readings, and the sessions include video and discussion. Join us as we learn and reflect together on these and other questions.

Cost of the participant’s guide is $10. Register for Thursday Morning Class or Sunday Morning Class, or contact Jessica Webster at 758-6511 or jwebster@germantownumc.org.

Christian Believer

Sunday evenings •  Beginning August 22 •  5:30-8 p.m.  •  Room 233
Taught by Dr. John Adams, this 30-week study of the beliefs of the Christian faith uses Scripture and the writings of early and modern church leaders to lead participants to understand the Scriptural basis and historical framework of Christian doctrine. Participants should have completed Disciple 1 or another in-depth study of the Old and New Testaments.

The study manual and book of readings are $40. Register Online Now or contact Jessica Webster at 758-6511 or jwebster@germantownumc.org.

DivorceCare

Thursday evenings •  September 16-December 16 •  6:30-8 p.m.
DivorceCare is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences. Don’t go through separation or divorce alone. Jim and Jennifer Harrell, lay members of Germantown UMC, will be leading this support group. Both Jim and Jennifer have been part of DivorceCare groups in other churches and have led DivorceCare support groups in the past. They understand what you are going through and want to help. You’ll discover valuable DivorceCare resources to help you deal with the pain of the past and look forward to rebuilding your life. Each of the 13 weeks, you will watch a 30-40 minute DVD in which you will hear from Christian divorce recovery experts and the stories of people who’ve healed from separation or divorce. Then, you will have the opportunity to discuss the video as a group and also share challenges and the victories you are now experiencing. You will receive a workbook that provides a daily Bible Study to help you discover what God is saying in the midst of your situation.

The cost of the workbook is $12. Register Online Now or contact Jessica Webster at 758-6511 or jwebster@germantownumc.org.

Irresistible Invitation   —  Responding to the Extravagant Heart of God

Thursday evenings •  September 23-October 28 •  6-7:30 p.m.
In this new six-week study by Maxie Dunnam, participants will have the opportunity to discover God’s desire for a deeper relationship. God invites us into the richness of a life lived with abundant grace, love, and communication with the very One who made us. Facilitated by Marian Carruth, this is a participatory study designed for those who want to go deeper into their faith and move into a fuller relationship with God.

The cost of the book and workbook is $25. Register Online Now or contact Jessica Webster at 758-6511 or jwebster@germantownumc.org.

Invitation to Psalms

Tuesday evenings •  September 21-November 9 •  6:30 p.m.
The human emotions expressed in the book of Psalms rise to peaks of joy and descend into valleys of despair. In the Psalms, the promise of the reign of God meets the historical experience of God‘s people. Faith in God’s faithfulness collides with human experiences of pain and suffering, enslavement, oppression, and exile. God’s people—given voice in the Psalms—struggle to make sense of who God is and who they are, and in so doing, they have composed a collection of moving testimonies of grace, glory, sorrow, and beauty unmatched in sacred literature. Terry Aust will facilitate this Disciple short-term Bible study that offers greater understanding of how these ancient texts of praise, lament, worship, and prayer can still speak to us and for us.

Cost of materials for this course is $15.  Register Online Now or contact Jessica Webster at 758-6511 or jwebster@germantownumc.org.

Love and Marriage

Wednesday Evenings •  October 27-November 10 •  6:30-7:30 p.m.
Between work and children and a thousand different commitments, sometimes the relationship you value the most slides to the back burner. Learn how to bring it back to the forefront this fall in a three session seminar with Christina Burns, LPC/MHSP. If you want to reconnect and really enjoy each other again, let’s talk about setting priorities, exploring new communication styles, and just having fun together.

There is no fee. Register Online Now or contact Jessica Webster at 758-6511 or jwebster@germantownumc.org.

Worship: From Early Jewish Practice to Now

Wednesday evenings •  October 13-November 10 •  6-7 p.m.  •  Room 339
Rev. Steve Atkins will explore the history and development of worship from early Jewish practices, through developing Christianity, the Protestant Reformation, up to our present worship practices. The group will look at biblical foundations of worship, rituals, and the role of worship in our faith as Christians. No registration is required and there is no cost. Participants should bring their Bibles (and a friend)!

— Women’s Studies —

Beth Moore Bible Study: Believing God

Wednesday mornings •  September 8-November 17 •  9:45-11:45 a.m.
Believing God explores what it means to believe God—not just to believe in God. Through studying the lives of Abraham, Moses, and others from Hebrews 11 as examples of persons who believed God, Beth Moore encourages women to deepen their own trust in God and to receive a fresh word from God. Chesley Porteous will be the facilitator for this 10 week study.

The cost of the book is $15. Register Online Now or contact Jessica Webster at 758-6511 or jwebster@germantownumc.org.

Beth Moore Bible Study:  “A Heart Like His”

Wednesday afternoons •  September 8-December 1 •  12 Noon-2 p.m.
“A Heart Like His” is an 11-week in-depth study of King David, focusing on his years as God’s chosen king of Israel . The study demonstrates how God loved and was able to use David despite his disobedience, and it offers many lessons for those seeking to have a heart like God’s. The cost of the book is $15. Childcare will not be provided.
The cost of the book is $15. Register Online Now or contact Jessica Webster at 758-6511 or jwebster@germantownumc.org.

Discerning the Voice of God

Wednesday mornings •  September 15-November 2 •  9:45-11:45 a.m.
Do you have a hard time knowing what God is saying versus what others are saying? This Bible study is designed to help participants know the voice of God: God’s language, character, and tone of voice. By growing closer to God through Scripture, participants will be able to discern God’s voice from the voice of strangers. This study, by Priscilla Shirer, provides a personal study experience plus viewer guides for the group video sessions of this women’s Bible study.

The cost of the materials is $25. Register Online Now or contact Jessica Webster at 758-6511 or jwebster@germantownumc.org.

Moms Blessing Moms

Wednesday mornings •  September 15-November 10 •  10:30 a.m.-12 noon or Thursday evenings •  September 16-November 11 •  6:00-7:30 p.m.
Whether you are pushing a stroller with a toddler wiggling in it or pushing your foot through the floorboard while your teen learns to drive, you will find practical ideas in this group study to give you more energy, encouraging help from God’s Word, and plenty of empathy from one busy mom to another.  We will learn together through a Bible study by Lysa TerKeurst called Am I Messing Up My Kids . . . and Other Questions Every Mom Asks. As a mother of five, she knows about the worrisome questions that come with parenting This study will be co-facilitated by a mom in the middle of the craziness of motherhood and a mom who has survived raising children! Please join us as we support each other in Christian fellowship. We’ll share tips, swap stories, and be encouraged.

Cost of the book is $15. Register for Wednesday Morning  or Thursday Evening Class, or contact Jessica Webster at 758-6511 or jwebster@germantownumc.org.

Women’s Retreat: A Time of Rest and Renewal

Make plans to join us October 15-16 at Pinecrest again this year. Our time together will be centered around the hymn “The Lone, Wild Bird.” What does it mean to sing “I am yours! I rest in you, Great Spirit, come, rest in me, too”? Come seeking rest and allow God to rest in you as we share in Bible study, fellowship, incredible meals, hiking and enjoying nature, and the comfort of quiet moments rocking on the porch. We will begin Friday at 1 p.m. and conclude Saturday at 2 p.m. The cost is $30 for one day, $60 for both days (includes lodging). Please encourage your friends to join us for the weekend. Pinecrest is located just 37 miles east of Memphis near LaGrange.

Register Online Now or contact Jackie Lewis at
754-7216, ext. 121, or jlewis@germantownumc.org.

— For Children —

KABOOM! Discovering Who God Is

Wednesday evenings • September 8-October 27 •  6-7:30 p.m.
Join us for a fun, 6-week Wednesday night program for children in senior kindergarten-2nd grade. This program provides an energetic learning environment that encourages children to love God deeper and know Him better. Through hands-on science experiments, games, crafts, and stories, children will explore the character traits of God in a way that will leave lasting impressions on their hearts. Come feel the power of God! KABOOM!
Space is limited. To register your child, contact Janelle Crist at jcrist@germantownumc.org.

Learning to Use My Bible

Wednesday evenings •  September 29-November 10 • 6-7:30 p.m.  • Room 261
This program is designed for 3rd-5th graders who have received their first Bibles and are interested in digging in and learning more about how to use them. This 6-week course will provide children the opportunity to acquire and practice Bible skills through a variety of creative, self-paced activities. Now is the time to lay the foundation for the special importance the Bible will have in your child’s lifelong faith journey.
To register your child, contact Janelle Crist at jcrist@germantownumc.org.

Wednesday Night Dinners

Family Night Dinners will be back on Wednesday nights from September 15 through October 6 in the gym at the Owings Life Enrichment Center. We are excited to bring back this popular gathering of the whole church family and hope that you will make this a special night out for your family. There will be special guest speakers following each dinner. Leonard’s BBQ will provide the food – an entrée, green salad, two sides, dessert and drink. Dinner will be served from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Cost for dinners will be $8 for adults and $4 for children (ages 3-12); children under 3 eat free. Childcare will be provided from 6:15-7:00 (during the speaker), for those children who would prefer to play! Make your reservations online or call the church at 754-7216 no later than noon Tuesday of that week.