May 7, 2014 | Volume 13 Issue 8 jacksonfumc.org

SEEKING GOD | KNOWING CHRIST | SHARING HIS LOVE

DOWNTOWN JACKSON

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

FIRST EDITIONFIRST EDITIONThis Issue...

AT A GLANCE

• Join the VBS Zoo CrewPage 2

• Celebrating Children’s MinistryPage 3

• Adventures in Learning - May 16Page 4

• Team Haiti... Their Story Page 5

• Mission Corner• Employment Opportunities

Page 6

• Women’s Ministries Page 7

• Habitat for Humanity• “The Current” Youth• Stewardship Spotlight

Page 8

• MemorialsPage 9

• Sunday Morning Sermon Topics Page 10

Happy Mothers Day!Sunday, May 11

Senior Recognition DaySunday, May 11

11:00 a.m. Worship ServiceBible Presentation at 9:00 a.m. Worship

June 9-139:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. K-5th Grade | $50

Kids’ Music Day Camp

Mini Fest 2014It’s camp time... right here at FUMC! Kids’ Music Day Camp, Mini-Fest 2014, offers a unique experience for K-5th grades to prepare and perform the musical “The Big Fish”. Fun activities, games and lunch each day.

Register at jacksonfumc.org or call 422-4002

Haiti Mission TeamTheir story... page 5

Mission Trip

FUMC

Sign up today!

First Edition May 7, 2014 page 2

Children’s MinistryJenni Thorn, jthorn@jacksonfumc.org

Join the Zoo Crew for Weird Animals VBS! July 14-179:00 a.m.-12 p.m.

Volunteers are needed in the following areas:• Shepherd/Crew Leader – Each age group needs volunteers to lead them to each section of this adventurous day! • Imagination Station – This year’s VBS has fun and exciting experiments for everyone to do!

• Untamed Games – We need leaders to help with the fun games that our kids will enjoy everyday at Weird Animals. • KidVid Theater – Kids will learn how the lesson applies to their lives through this daily video .

• Critter Café – Our kids will need a snack each day to help them stand strong for God. • Bible Adventure – Every day our kids will not just hear, but experience the Bible story of the day.

Come by the table in Disciple Hall, Sunday, May 18 and sign up to be a part of the Zoo Crew!

Calendar of Events

Senior Recognition Sunday, May 11 8:30 AM Worship Service-

Andrews Chapel Campus

8:55 AM First Awakening Service-Downtown Campus

9:45 AM Sunday School- Andrews Chapel Campus

10:00 AM FUMC Sunday School 10:00 AM Senior Recognition

Brunch 11:00 AM Traditional Service-

Downtown Campus

Monday, May 12 9:00 AM Kids@First Parents Day

Out 5:30 PM Trustees Meeting 5:30 PM Senior Olympic

Basketball Practice

Tuesday, May 13 7:00 AM Men’s Bible Study 9:30 AM Knit in the Month of May 4:15 PM FitFirst

Wednesday, May 14 11:00 AM Parents Day Out End of

Year Program 4:00 PM Piano Recital 6:00 PM First Awakening Worship

Team Rehearsal 7:00 PM Sanctuary Choir

Thursday, May 15 8:00 AM Garden Tour 4:15 PM FitFirst 5:30 PM Senior Olympic

Basketball Practice

Friday, May 16 11:00 AM Adventures in Learning

Saturday, May 17 9:00 AM Youth Fundraiser West

Tennessee Antique Car Show

Calendar subject to change. Please call the church office, 422-4002 or

check the calendar at jacksonfumc.org

Family Fun Day@ Safari ParkMay 24 • 10:00 a.m.Bring a picnic lunch for your family. Free hotdogs! Magic shows!$6 Adults, $4 Kids

First Edition May 7, 2014 page 3

Celebrating Children’s Ministry

by Bobbie Mays, Director of Communications

A “Come and Go” Appreciation Brunch on Sunday, May 4 honored FUMC teachers and

leaders of infants-5th grade.

Each week FUMC is blessed to have the commitment of more than seventy-five women and men in Children’s Ministry as Sunday School teachers, nursery workers, Wednesday Evening Fellowship teachers, music leaders, or as W.I.N.G.S mentors to disadvantaged kids. What inspires them to serve throughout the year? Jenni Thorn, Interim Director of Children’s Ministry, invited responses to the following three questions.

What led you to serve in Children’s Ministry? “I enjoy the curiosity of young children and their excitement and interest in learning something new. I feel the fascination they have for the new things they learn.” – Joy Weiss, Kindergarten teacher

“I grew up in a wonderful church which had a great Christian influence on me. I felt like I wanted to teach the children at First United Methodist Church (FUMC) about God and His love for each of us.”- Val Exum, 1st grade teacher

“Children have an amazing amount of energy. It is challenging and satisfying to lead them into ways that bless and honor the Lord our God.” - Lisa Hay, Director of Children’s Choirs

“…the opportunity to individually consult underprivileged young people.”- Mike Simmons, WINGS Tutor/Mentor

“Emily Richards was our children's director at the time. She convinced me it would be

an awesome experience to be Foster's first Sunday school teacher. So as you can see, I started with preschool and have been promoted. “- Valerie Johnstone, 4th and 5th grade teacher

” I love children and I wanted to contribute to the Church in some capacity. Teaching Sunday School gives me the opportunity to teach the Bible stories I grew up learning in the church. It has been a great and fun opportunity.” -Lauralee Hise, Preschool teacher

“My parents always modeled for me that being a part of a church family meant helping at church, just like at home. Whether we were cleaning the building, mowing grass, teaching Sunday School, or singing with the choir, they showed me about being Christ's hands and feet in a very tangible way. It made a life-long impression on me and we're enjoying passing on the joy of serving with our daughter.” -Inge Poole, Substitute Sunday School teacher

What is your favorite thing about Children’s Ministry?

“I love reading the Bible stories to the children and answering their questions. I also love the crafts we do each week that go along with the stories. The children are so engaged and together we have so much fun.”- Lauralee Hise

“The children and their parents telling me that they talked about their Sunday School lesson during the following week.”- Val Exum

“I love getting to know each child. It is so rewarding as a leader to observe the children grow as musicians and as Christians.”- Lisa Hay

“…the personal relationship that develops with the young person.”- Mike Simmons

“My favorite thing is easy....the kids! We have the most amazing children at FUMC. I learn as much from them as they do from me. I cannot wait to see what all the children that have come thru my room do to make this world a kinder one.”- Valerie Johnstone

“The deep faith of the children and their perspective when they explain something they understand. “- Joy Weiss

“My favorite part of working with kids is just getting to share time with amazing children... helping them realize their own talents, interests, and value as well as getting to have fun together. First United Methodist Church (FUMC) provides many varied opportunities for kids with lots of ways for them to enjoy coming to church and being involved with our church family.” – Inge Poole

What is the one thing you will always remember about serving in Children’s Ministry?

“Since this was my first year teaching, I will remember each of these children in such a special way, seeing their faces as they learn about Jesus and the Bible.“ - Val Exum

“...the fulfillment of the desire to improve the life and the long term potential of the young person.” - Mike Simmons

“I will always remember the smiles and hugs!” - Lisa Hay

“As in all things I do, I never underestimate the ability, knowledge, and compassion of a child.” - Joy Weiss

“I love the way all the youth still come by each week for hugs and candy. But my best memory is probably from my current 4th and 5th graders. Mark (Valerie’s husband) comes in our room every week. The kids asked me one week if they could call me “Mrs. Val”. In the past, it's always been “Mrs. Valerie”. Mark calls me Val (the same with my dad and sisters). The children wanted to call me the same name he uses because they love me too.”- Valerie Johnstone

“I love how the children interact with each other. They are growing up right before my eyes and it is such a treat to teach each and every one of them.”- Lauralee Hise

Thanks be to God for all who are dedicated to guiding FUMC children to learn and grow in their understanding of God’s Word.

If you are interested in serving in Children’s Ministry, talk to Jenni or e-mail her at jthorn@jacksonfumc.org

…Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.”

- Matthew 19:14

First Edition May 7, 2014 page 4

Adult OpportunitiesPam Jaco, pam@jacksonfumc.org

FUMC/First Presbyterian Church Joint Trip

Garden Tour – May 158:30 a.m. • Cost: $10

Tour the spectacular garden of Jimmy Williams in Paris, TN. Jimmy is a well known Tennessee gardener who has been on the TV gardening show called “Volunteer Gardener”. He has also written articles for Fine Gardening magazine. Rita Randolph will travel with us as our gardening expert and tour guide.Dutch treat lunch.

To reserve a spot, call the church, 422-4002, or email Pam at pam@jacksonfumc.org

Program 11:00 a.m. • Luncheon 12:00 noonClayton Hall • $6.00/person

To make reservations, call the church office at 422-4002 or sign up online at jacksonfumc.org by Noon, May 12.

Please call and cancel your reservation should you be unable to attend.

FRIDAY, MAY 16CHANGE OF PROGRAM

featuring vocalist

Darian Krimm accompanied on piano by

Margaret Harrison

photo by Tina Ramsey (tinaramsey.blogspot.com)Used with permission.

Calendar of Events

Sunday, May 18 8:30 AM Worship Service -

Andrews Chapel Campus

8:55 AM First Awakening Service-Downtown Campus

9:45 AM Sunday School- Andrews Chapel Campus

10:00 AM Safe Sanctuaries Recertification

10:00 AM FUMC Sunday School 11:00 AM Traditional Service-

Downtown Campus 3:00 PM Children’s Council

Meeting 3:00 PM Nancy Rahm’s 80th

Birthday Reception Monday, May 19 5:30 PM Senior Olympic

Basketball Practice

Tuesday, May 20 7:00 AM Men’s Prayer Breakfast 9:30 AM Knit in the Month of May 4:15 PM FitFirst 6:00 PM Stephen Ministry

Meeting

Wednesday, May 21 5:00 PM Bookclub 6:00 PM All Groups Tables of 6 6:00 PM First Awakening Worship

Team Rehearsal 7:00 PM Sanctuary Choir

Thursday, May 22 4:15 PM FitFirst 5:30 PM Senior Olympic

Basketball Practice

Friday, May 23 No church events

scheduled

Saturday, May 24 10:00 AM Family Fun Day and

Picnic at Safari Park

First Edition May 7, 2014 page 5

Team Haiti by Susan Crocker, Team Leader

Although the tremors faded more than four years ago, so many challenges remain in Haiti after the 2010 earthquake that devastated much of the nation. Haiti is an hour and a half off our U.S. border, yet it is the poorest country in the world. The World Bank notes that more than half of Haiti’s population lives on less than $1 a day, while about 80 percent of the country lives on less than $2 a day.

Fifteen of us from FUMC went to Haiti to assist the Live Beyond mission in their medical clinic and with food distribution. Dr. David and Laurie Vanderpool head the Live Beyond mission. David says, “We have a mission site near a town called Thomazeau, as well as hunger relief projects, building projects, and water purification.”

It was amazing to see God’s work come alive through the team members and the Haitian people.

I have snapshots in my mind’s eye of each person and their commitment to Christ’s children in Haiti and I’d like to share them with all of you.

Ruth Gaddis - She spent hours each day rubbing scabies cream on babies and adults while sitting in a camp chair out in a field. All the while, offering a loving smile and ministering spirit.

Bill WhiteHe also was in the

scabies area and was so patient and tender with each person coming his way. Bill was that guy you looked for when you needed help…always willing to lend a hand.

Lorie WhiteLorie was our “lab.” She tirelessly administered pregnancy tests and pricked fingers for blood glucose. She had no medical experience, but quickly became our valued team member administering tests . She could find anything in the lockers of supplies.

Sarah White, Carrie & Richie Duborg, and Courtney EllisThey were the intake folks that first saw the patients. Picture an open field with a clinic of concrete floors, a tin roof and no walls. The Haitians heard there was a clinic so they ran to line up and see a doctor. These team members measured, weighed and charted each person arriving. It was a hot and long job, but they were so patient and kind in the chaos.

Peter McLemore and Traci CarneyThe heroes of the trip! Peter pulled close to 250 teeth with Traci assisting. Traci was the light holder, the hand holder, and prepared and cleaned the instruments. Peter tirelessly pulled and pulled teeth. The guy was amazing and never took a break. He taught John how to numb up the patients so they would be ready for him. What a life changing thing these guys did.

John YarbroughHe was the tall man in charge of crowd control. He kept everyone orderly and in the right line for medical or dental treatment. My favorite memory is of John entering the orphanage where two little boys hurled themselves at

John to be picked up. They never left his side. What a great guy!

Jason Sullivan,John CrockerThe ophthalmologist and the radiologist did primary healthcare. They passed out worm medicine and pain pills and listened to each patient as they sat and listed their primary problem. Jason brought a pair of glasses he passed out at the orphanage to a little girl who had severe vision problems. John said his dental hours would be posted soon.

Cecil Kirk and Garey LittrellPatients rotated through all the stations and at the end of the clinic each person was named and personally prayed over. Cecil and Garey spent hours and hours with an interpreter praying for each person. Their stamina was truly inspiring. Voodoo is rampant in Haiti, so Garey and Cecil made sure each person knew Jesus loved them and would protect them from evil.

My favorite image is of Garey leaving the Port-a-Prince airport in his socks. He left his shoes with a poor man. So Garey walked through Haiti, Miami and Nashville airports in his sock feet so another could have shoes.

It was my privilege and pleasure to lead this group and we thank all of you for your prayers, and especially for the hand written notes from the Sunday School classes.

First Edition May 7, 2014 page 6

Mission Corner

Employment Opportunities:

Director of Student Ministries

First United Methodist Church is seeking a Director of Student Ministries to partner with them in their mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. This welcoming, vital, and dynamic downtown church currently has a strong youth program (grades 6-12) that we are hoping to make even stronger. Primary tasks include communicating the vision of the program to the staff and the congregation, creating opportunities for the youth to connect with the larger congregation, budgeting for the program, and creating and facilitating opportunities for students to learn and grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Applicants must be hospitable, spiritually mature, adept at recruiting and delegating, and excellent communicators. Please apply by sending a resume and cover letter by May 27, 2014 to: Rev. Dan Camp, Senior Pastor, Jackson First United Methodist Church, 200 South Church St., Jackson, TN 38301

Parents’ Day Out Teachers Needed

Mondays & Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. beginning at the end of August, 2014. CPR certification and previous work experience with children required. Call Ashley Taylor at 422-4002 to apply.

Monthly Mission Focus Collection:The Care Center for Women and ChildrenThis group provides shelter for women with children, available to those meeting the eligibility requirements. The Care Center offers food, shelter, some counseling, and other needs of women and children.May Collection Items: Dishwashing liquid, Clean-ing supplies for entire house, Febreze, Air Freshener, Kitchen size garbage bags, Gallon size freezer bagsPlease bring items the last Sunday of the month and put them under the “Way to Give Arch” in the main lobby.

Adopt a child for six weeks of summer camp.$250 sponsors one child.

www.areareliefministries.orghub@areareliefministries.org731.868.1581

Questions? Contact Sharon Matthews, sharonmatthews43@yahoo.com

$250 Changes the Future

Fienstein ChallengeThanks to your generosity, $1,200 and 240 pounds of food were received for RIFA in April.

The sons of Nancy Rahminvite you to a receptionin celebration of her80th BirthdaySunday, May 183:00-5:00 p.m.Disciple Hall

Save the Date!September 7

Bishop McAlilly preaching at 8:55 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Worship Services

First Edition May 7, 2014 page 7

Women’s MinistriesSusan Crocker, scrocker@jacksonfumc.org

Knitting in the Month of May

Tuesdays, May 13, 20, 27 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Meet in the LibraryHave you ever wanted to knit those cute scarfs everyone is wearing? Come and learn this month . Everyone is welcome to bring a project and some yarn. We would love to have experienced knitters, along with those that just saw some cute yarn at the store and wanted to get started.

WATCH FOR SUMMER EVENTS!

growing • connecting • serving

Women’sMinistry

Stop by the women’s table outside of the library for more event details! Sign up at jacksonfumc.org, call the church office, 422-4002 orSusan Crocker at scrocker@jacksonfumc.org

SoulSisters

Between Friends Book Club

Wednesday, May 215:15 PM • Mezzanine

“The Chaperone” by Laura Moriarty

Books available at Books-a-Million, The Book Lady, and Amazon.com

If you have participated in Tables of 6, come and bring a salad to share.RSVP for childcare, jthorn@jacksonfumc.org

Tables of 6 Final Party Celebration!May 21 6:00-7:30 p.m. Mezzanine

Mother-Daughter Tea Party

Many thanks to the Soul Sister servers who helped make the “Tea Party” a success! Wanda Scanlon, Darleen Lawrence, Carolyn Vaughan, Lane Camp, Dee Dee Crowder, Susan Crocker, Caroline Vaughan, Wells Johnstone, Mary Parker Johnstone.

First Edition May 7, 2014

FUMC FOUNDATION“The gifts you make in your estate plan continue to carry the love and grace of God across time. Consider how you might make a lasting gift and leave a legacy for your Church.”

If you would like more information about the Foundation, please contact Jacki Hoveskeland at 731.422.4002 or stop by the church office.

1st

FirstThings

Stewardship Spotlight

Your Capital Improvements Dollars At Work

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

Mary Beth Bernheisel, mbernheisel@jacksonfumc.org

Lock-in at Dulin’s (Cordova, TN) | June 13We’ll start off at CrossFire where we’ll spend part of our time doing crazy physical chal-lenges and the other part of our time playing on their cool equipment. Then we’ll head next door to Dulin’s Sports Academy where we’ll spend the night playing soccer, using the batting cages, and maybe even getting a few minutes of sleep.Cost: $35 | Deadline to register: June 2Details: Leave the church at 5:00 p.m. on June 7 and return at 11:00 a.m. on June 8Bring dinner to eat on the way and snacks for our time together. We provide breakfast.Needs: Several adults to chaperone

Reelfoot Rural Ministries | June 15-20This is our combined middle school/high school summer mission trip. Jackson FUMC youth have had a long-standing relationship with Reelfoot, and we’re going to rekindle that relationship this summer! This is going to be a life-changing week of hard work and real friendships. We will hold an informational meeting, so look out for a date and time!Cost: $250 | Deadline to register: May 18 Details: We will leave after the 11:00 a.m. service on June 15 and return by 5:00 p.m. on June 20. | Needs: Tools and adult chaperones

HAVE YOU

SIGNED UP?

Construction begins Saturday, May 17Habitat Meadows Subdivision - Lot #105

32 Clark Cove | Jackson, TN 38301

Newly resurfaced parking lot.

World Music Drumming Collection for children’s music program.

page 8

First Edition May 7, 2014

Needed Donations for Parents Day Out1. Metal cabinet with doors 2. Small bookshelves 3. Easel 4. Specific Toys: (new or gently used)• Wooden and/or cardboard blocks • Mega blocks & Trio building blocks • Toy cars & car mat• Baby dolls, doll stroller, doll bed• Dollhouse & dolls/furniture• Train set• Kids work bench & tools • Housekeeping toys - ironing board/iron,

vacuum, etc.5 Adult Glider rocking chair - new or gently used6. Double stroller - new or gently used.

Mondays & Wednesdays

9:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Ages 8 wks - 5 yrs

Kids @ FirsPARENTS DAY OUT

Register now for Fall 2014

731-422-4002 or kidsatfirst@jacksonfumc.org

Memorials & Honoraria

IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Verla Brasher (Mother of George Brasher, Carolyn Walker, & Jan Littrell) Greg, Denise, Nicholas, & Benjamin Stuart

Mary Bond (Mother Dr. King Bond) Mr. & Mrs. Bill Lawrence

Lee & Frances Bond Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Yandell

Nancy Brooke (Wife of Larry Brooke, Mother of Betsy Dement & Laura Camp)(funds designated to the sanctuary doors as per family request) Mr. & Mrs. Bill Lawrence Ray & Pat Warren Cyndi Warren Schmidt

Floyd W. Dodds Betty D. Betterman (Easter Fund)

Nancy Ganier (Grandmother of Allison Havercamp) Garey & Jan Littrell

Mona Hicks (Mother of James Hicks III & John Hicks) Mr. & Mrs. Bill Lawrence

Harlon Lett (Husband of Grace Lett) Mr. & Mrs. Bill Lawrence

Paul Watlington (Father of Mrs. Lee Sheppard) Mr. & Mrs. Bill Lawrence

Annie Murray (Mother of Truman Murray & Douglas Murray) Dicky & Sandra Welch Camille Judy Carolyn Douglas, Lauren & Quinn Garey & Jan Littrell

James Stevens Jr., CDR, USNR (Ret) (Husband of Jane Stevens, Father of Priscilla Farris, Brother of Barrett Stevens) Craig & Tom Stallings Family (Pastors’ Fund)

Lucy Butler (Wife of James F. Butler) Dicky & Sandra Welch Marileen B. McGough Martha & Jerry Kizer Woody & Eliza Forbes Byrd & Byrd, PLLC Atty at Law (Altar Guild) Betty Menees Rosalind & Barry Whetstone Lina & Fred Bowyer Fred Bowyer III Mary Burns Ken & Peggy Marston Don & Kay Thomson Nancy L Choate Kenneth & Reba Dudley Anderson (Altar Guild) Beth Bates Harry & Rebecca Lane (Pastors’ Fund) Jean Schmitt (Pastors’ Fund) Carol Bynum Murchison

“My body and my heart fail, but God is my heart’s rock and my share forever.”

-Psalm 73:26 NIV

Men of all ages welcome!

Prayer BreakfastTuesday, May 20 • 7-8 a.m.

Clayton Hall • Cost $5“Haiti Mission

Team Stories” by John Yarbrough and Bill White

Menu: Bacon, eggs, sausage, biscuits, fruit, pastry, juice and coffee

Mission Trip

FUMC

page 9

Sunday Morning 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

DOWNTOWN JACKSON

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SundayMay 11

SundayMay 18

Andrews Chapel Services:8:30 a.m. Worship Service9:45 a.m. Sunday School

“Don’t You Know Me?”Dan Camp, preaching John 14:1-14

“Don’t You Know Me?”Dave Bratcher, preaching John 14:1-14

“Valid Entry”Dan Camp, preaching John 10:1-10

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

FUMC Haiti Mission TripLorie & Bill White, guest speakers