Ministry News & Events
May 13, 2013 Bulletin
May 13, 2013 Ministry Events
May Tidings
Announcements Receive Daily E-Devotionals. If you would like to receive Ponderings, an e-devotional from Rev. Richard Smith sent Monday-Friday, contact Donna Thurmond at dthurmond@germantownumc.org. The devotionals include a Scripture passage and thoughts for further reflection.
College and Young Professionals Sunday School Class. Whether you’re right out of high school, still in college or grad school, working professionally or at home with your family, this class is for you. Today’s class is a meet and greet for our new high school seniors that will be joining us. This class is part the new Young Adult Ministry at GUMC and as our group grows, we’ll add opportunities for fun, for study, for worship, and for service. We meet on Sundays at 11 a.m. in Room 231. A social is planned for May 30. Look for more details in next Sunday’s bulletin or stay up to date on everything at facebook.com/GermantownYoungAdults.
April Financial Summary. While April income fell slightly short of budgeted revenue by $16,880.72, overall actual income through April now exceeds budgeted income by $45,283.29. Overall operating expense is 3% under budget so far in 2013, yielding a year to date income over expense of $58,899.04 compared to $5,434 at this time last year.
Love Offering for Rev. Gail Bruno. Because of her health, Rev. Gail Bruno is unable to accept an appointment from the Memphis Annual Conference for 2013-14. She will be on unpaid, medical leave until her health is restored to the point that she can serve. Although Gail is hopeful that a new treatment regimen will prove to be effective, we don’t know how long she will remain on leave. In the meantime, in order to maintain her medical coverage she must pay the quarterly premiums. She will incur treatment expenses that are not covered by healthcare coverage, and she will have day-to-day living expenses. If you would like to make a Love Offering to assist Gail, the church has designated an account to receive funds. To respond, simply make your check out to GUMC and note for “Gail Bruno Offering.” Sharon Panis will record your offering. Gail has certainly blessed us in her ministry. Perhaps in this way we can demonstrate our love, appreciation, and support. Please share in an expression of our appreciation by attending a reception for Gail in the Mike Wilson Fellowship Hall on Sunday, May 19, following the 11:00 a.m. service.
GUMC Nametags. Ever wanted to speak to someone in church but were embarrassed because you forgot their names? Afraid to introduce a new person to fellow church members because you might call a name wrong? There are about 3,800 members of GUMC, so it would be difficult to recall everyone’s name. Let’s help make our church as friendly as possible by wearing our nametags. If you don’t already have a nametag, you may order one at germantownumc.org (under Registrations) or pick up a form at the Welcome Center. The cost is just $10 each. Nametags are magnetic so they won’t destroy clothes. Orders are ready in approximately two weeks. You will be notified when your nametag arrives. The Evangelism Team will be taking orders in the narthex on Pentecost Sunday, May 19.
Health & Recreation Ministry
Tiffany Griffin, Director, 753-3100, tgriffin@germantownumc.org
Patrick Peavy (sports), 753-3100, ppeavy@germantownumc.org
• May Massage Therapy Special in Honor of Mother’s Day—one hour Swedish massage for $50. Call Carol Panasuk at 292-5913 to make an appointment. Gift certificates are available for purchase at the OLEC.
• T-Ball games begin May 23. Thanks to all who are participating!
• Camp Expo 2013. We are offering an afternoon camp, Monday-Thursday, June 10-13, for children ages 6-12. This is the same week as VBS! The camp is from 12:15-5 p.m. at the OLEC. If your child is attending VBS, one of our staff will accompany your child to Camp Expo. Participants will be grouped by age (6-8, and 9-12). All supplies and instruction included. Participants need to bring a lunch as well as a water bottle and a snack. Activities include: Painting, cooking activities, Yoga, Pickleball, and movin’ and groovin’ with Hip Hop and Zumbatomic dancing! Cost is $185. Register online at germantownumc.org.
• May OLEC punch card special will feature Core & More (former Pilates). Buy a 10-class punch card for $40 and receive 1 free pass to our Core & More class. Monday & Wednesday at 4:45 p.m. A Pilates based class with additional strength and resistance training elements with a strong emphasis on abdominal muscles. Beginner to advanced—led by Judy Oros.
• GUMC Family night at the Redbirds is Saturday, June 22 at 6:05 p.m. as they take on the Iowa Cubs. Please purchase your tickets by Monday, June 9 at germantownumc.org. For this special Faith and Family Night, the tickets are only $20 per person and includes a buffet dinner, pre-game concert, and post-game fireworks. Buffet includes: Hot dogs, nachos and cheese, potato chips, peanuts, popcorn, sliced watermelon, ice cream, soft drinks (Served from 5-7:30 p.m.) Tickets will be available for pick up in the Fellowship Hall on Sunday, June 16. After June 16 tickets may be picked up at the OLEC.
• GUMC All Sports Camp is scheduled for June 24-28 and July 22-26. Registration for the June camp will begin today, May 12 through Sunday, June 16. Camp hours are 9 a.m.-2 p.m. and costs $95. This fee includes all sports activities for the week, lunch each day, and a t-shirt.
Missions Ministry
Eb Thomas, Committee Chairperson, ethomas842@aol.com
Next Sunday, May 19! Pedal Aid: Picnic and Bicycling! Register online at germantownumc.org. Register by May 13 and a T-shirt is included! All members and friends are encouraged to attend this family-oriented Kenya Missions fundraising event at Shelby Farms Park on Sunday afternoon, May 19! You do not have to be a bicycling enthusiast to participate—just come and enjoy the afternoon at Shelby Farms and know you are supporting a very worthwhile mission. A picnic consisting of hot dogs and hamburgers and all the trimmings including Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream will be served from 12:30-2:00 p.m. A youth bicycle rodeo begins at 1:30 p.m. with a 30-mile bicycle ride for more seasoned cyclists beginning at 2 p.m. There are also shorter rides available around Patriot Lake, the Chickasaw Trail, and the Greenline. Cost is $25 for adults and $15 for children. Unable to attend but still want to support Kenya Missions? Register as a ghost rider. Questions? Contact Barry Smith at bssh@bellsouth.net.
Mt. T.O.P.’s Adults in Ministry trip is June 23-29. Anyone interested in helping someone less fortunate with a renovation project or teaching a teenager a life lesson, sport or craft (cooking, writing, fishing, tennis, etc.) please contact Doug Warner at 755-9729 or dougwarner1946@gmail.com.
Older Adult Ministry
Luci Cromer, 755-0803, luci2@comcast.net
Our Handy Helpers are Waiting for Your Call. Spring has sprung, and the Handy Helpers ministry team is waiting to hear from you. If you are a GUMC member over 60 years of age and have a hard time physically keeping up with minor home repairs or maintenance, Handy Helpers can do light carpentry, plumbing, electrical repairs, routine outdoor maintenance, and computer trouble-shooting. Services are provided without labor charges, but the cost of the materials used is to be paid by the person receiving the service. To put in a job request, please contact the Handy Helpers Coordinators, George Milam, 752-1445, or Charles Waters, 758-2425.
Senior News—AARP 55 Alive Driver Safety Program Class! GUMC and AARP will present the “55 Alive Driver Safety Program”, on June 24 and 25 from 9 AM-1 PM. The class will meet in Room 339 (Fellowship Forum classroom) in the Ministry Center, and the 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. Call Ray Malone at 309-5966 to register. This class will be closed at 28 participants, so sign up soon.
Germantown United Methodist Preschool
Registration is underway at GUMC’s weekday preschool, welcoming children ages 9 months to 5 years for the fall. If you would like more information, please call 753-3109, or visit www.mygump.org.
Children’s Ministry
Lisa Pierce, Director, 758-6512, lpierce@germantownumc.org
Vacation Bible School. “Everywhere Fun Fair: Where God’s World Comes Together!” June 10-14, 9 a.m.-noon. VBS is for children ages 4 (by 9/30/13) through rising 6th grade. Register online at germantownumc.org. Younger children of VBS volunteers can enjoy their own “Fun Fair” nursery with music, games, and Bible stories while their parent volunteers.
VBS Volunteers Needed! Register at germantownumc.org or contact a staff member if interested: (R-1st-R-3rd) Janelle Crist, jcrist@germantownumc.org); (R-4th-6th) Lauren Boswell, laurenboswell@comcast.net; Preschool-Rising K, Angie Hopper, hopshome@earthlink.net.
Youth Ministry
Jason Baker, Director, 758-6515, jbaker@germantownumc.org
Sue Hyland, Associate Director, 758-6516, shyland@germantownumc.org
Element. Element, our entry level youth program, meets on Sunday nights at the OLEC from 6-8 p.m. Element will not meet tonight due to Mother’s Day. Enjoy your time with family, and see you next week for our final spring Element!
Trek Sunday School Update. Trek Youth Sunday School is rolling on this spring with exciting Middle School and High School lessons at both 9:40 and 11 a.m. Trek meets in the lower level across from the Chapel. We’re always looking for adults to journey with our youth through teaching. Interested in viewing a list of available series? Contact Jason Baker.
Synergy (Middle School) and Synago (High School) Small Groups. We have just one week left! Both small groups meet on Wednesday nights. Questions? Contact Jason Baker.
Youth Summer Missions Sign-Ups Open at germantownumc.org! Trips are first come, first serve. Questions about SOS Jr. High, SOS Sr. High, or Mountain T.O.P? Contact Jason Baker.
Youth Summer Missions Training, Sunday, May 19, 2-5 p.m. at the OLEC. If you are signed up for a mission trip, please join us for a mandatory training session where we’ll cover tool basics, team building, work site safety, and ways that we can serve our neighbors in the most Christ-like way. There is no cost, and you don’t need to bring anything with you. Just show up!
College Scholarship Awards. Each year, we award two separate scholarships to high school seniors named in memory of Mike Wilson and Jim Roberts. Congratulations to Tanner Lowery on receiving the Mike Wilson Scholarship and to Rachel Burgess for the Jim Roberts Scholarship. Our thanks to the GUMC Board of Trustees for its work in evaluating the many scholarship applications this year.
Summer Spiritual Enrichment Opportunities
Monday Monthly Book Group. (10:30 a.m., Room 338). No advance sign-up is required. For more information, contact Jan Johnson at jshjohnson@gmail.com.
May 20—Kisses for Katie by Katie J. Davis;
June 24—The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
Priscilla Schirer Study: He Speaks to Me (Wednesday mornings, June 19-July 24, 9:45-11:45 a.m., Room 339) Priscilla Schirer uses the account of God speaking to Samuel to show how God speaks to us today and how we can discern God’s voice and position ourselves to respond. Facilitated by Chesley Porteous. Cost for the class is $30. The student book will be available at the first session. Childcare is available by reservation. Register at germantownumc.org.
Methodist Traditions and Beliefs (Wednesdays, July 24 and 31, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Room 339) The United Methodist Church traces its roots back to John Wesley, an Anglican priest in the Church of England in the 1700s. Wesley and early Methodists were particularly concerned about inviting people to experience God’s grace and to grow in their knowledge and love of God through disciplined Christian living. As both an offering for our prospective members and as an opportunity for our members, Rev. Richard Smith will be teaching a two-part class on United Methodism. Come learn more about our Christian roots, our Wesleyan heritage, foundational documents, mission and ministry.
Adult Sunday School
Mary Groh, 754-5093, mgroh@germantownumc.org
Each week we will highlight one of our adult Sunday School classes:
FAITH & REASON: Our class operates as a book club. Our process is to select a book, independently read an agreed amount each week and discuss the reading assignment during class. We identify and read books that promote thought-provoking, faith-based discussions, by authors ranging from Luke Timothy Johnson and N.T. Wright to Brian McLaren, and Marcus Borg. Couples and singles, ages 36-65. (9:40 a.m., Room 231, Chapel Building)
Wednesday, June 19 | 6:15 p.m.
“What Is the Role of The Church In Our
Modern Health Care Crisis?”
Gary Shorb, President & CEO
Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare
“One of the things we’re very committed to is serving the entire community. We have facilities in all quadrants of our community. As a result of that, we’re the largest TennCare provider in the state and the second largest provider of services to charity patients, right behind the Med, in the state. We’re very connected to the church and intentional about our faith based connection and mission.”
“I think one of the biggest issues that has to be addressed is the total lack of alignment we have between physicians, managed care organizations and hospitals. It’s all right now, activity driven, instead of outcome driven. We’ve got to figure out how we’re going to come together with some shared responsibility, shared financial incentive, to change the focus to outcomes and results.”
Wednesday, July 17 | 6:15 p.m.
“What Is Our Christian Response to Islam?”
Dr. Steve Stone, Lead Pastor
Heartsong United Methodist Church
With over 1.5 billion adherents, Islam is the world’s second-largest religion after Christianity.
At Heartsong Church in Cordova, Steve Stone and his congregants put out a sign welcoming incoming neighbors at the Memphis Islamic Center. The church then allowed their Muslim neighbors to use their sanctuary as a makeshift mosque throughout Ramadan while the Islamic Center was under construction. Stone and Heartsong received extensive national media coverage for their efforts.
