November 8, 2017 | Volume 16 Issue 11 jacksonfumc.orgDOWNTOWN FOR GOOD

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

FIRST EDITIONFIRST EDITION

Annual Church Family Thanksgiving Dinner

A feast for all with Frank Lawrence’s famous smoked turkey and all the fixins!

Wednesday, Nov. 15 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the GymSuggested donation: $10 Adults,

$5 Children, $25 Family Max.

Judge Jimmy Butler, Chair of Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) announced to the congregation on October 15 the appointment by Bishop McAlilly of Dr. Eddie Bromley. He will be our associate pastor effective January 1, 2018.

FUMC welcomes Associate Pastor Eddie Bromley and family! A little bit about the Bromleys… Eddie is a graduate of Eastern Kentucky University, Asbury Theological Seminary, Memphis Theological Seminary, and has 1 1/2 years post-doctoral work with the University of Middlesex, London. He plays bass and a little guitar and is a Rock n' Roll fanatic. He is an avid reader and an undying Chicago Cubs fan. Eddie also enjoys writing, having authored two books, “The God Dare” and “The Twelve Days of Christmas: Rediscovering an Ancient Tradition” (Christian Heritage Series Book 1). He already has a couple more in the works for next year… as he says, “when I can find time to put the words in writing!”

His wife, Stacy is a physician assistant who works in family medicine at the Jackson Clinic (Milan office). She and Eddie have been married 23 years. Michiah is a 16 year old junior. He is an honor student and a basketball player. Caleb is a 13 year old 8th grader who loves playing music and editing videos.

In the midst of our plenty, help fill the “Blessing Box” for those in need! Bring items below to the Thanksgiving Dinner and place in chests located in the gym. (Read story p.5)

Non-perishable food: • noodle cups • pasta • canned fruits • ramen• canned tuna • fruit cups • snack crackers • soup• vienna sausages • canned vegetables • snack pack tuna & crackers

Toiletries: • soap • toothpaste • deodorant • toothbrush • band-aids • shampoo (full or hotel size)

STAFF NEWS

First Edition November 8, 2017

Baptisms

William Austin Stokes received the sacrament of holy baptism on Sunday, Oct. 22 in the First Awakening Service. “Will” is the son of Elizabeth and Austin Stokes.

page 2

Adultivities

Welcome New Member

Caroline Frances Raper received the sacrament of holy baptism on Sunday, Oct. 15. She is the daughter of Rachel and Tyson Raper.

Welcome Dawn Lusk who joined at the 11 a.m. service on Oct. 29. Her son, Mason Hanback joined last year through his confirmation class. Dawn transferred her membership from another United Methodist Church.

Children’s MinistryJenni Thorn, Director of Children’s Ministry (jthorn@jacksonfumc.org)

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

Saturday, December 9Boys & Girls, Grades 1-6

Linden Valley Baptist Camp 1225 Baptist Camp Rd, Linden, TN

See Christmas! Hear Christmas! Taste Christmas! Experience Christmas!

• Music with Jeff Slaughter • Story of first Christmas • Holiday games • Creative crafts • Christmas Bells

• Bakery fun • Live Nativity... and more!Meet at FUMC at 8:45 a.m. and will return by 5:00 p.m.

$30/person for meals & activities. Deadline is November 15!

Register at jacksonfumc.org or use the FUMC app.

Drop & ShopSaturday, Dec. 91 p.m. - 5 p.m.

FUMC GymSnacks • Movie • Games

Cost: $6 per child, $20 Family Max.Infant - 5th Grade

Sign up at jacksonfumc.org

First Edition November 8, 2017 page 3

CHRISTMASDOWN HOME

IN DOWNTOWN JACKSON

First United Methodist Church

Margaret Harrison, Director of Music and Worship Arts (mharrison@jacksonfumc.org)

Music Notes

’Tis the Season’—Sounds echoing around the church these days remind us that another Advent and Christmas Season is almost here. Preparation has been taking place for weeks to make this a joyous celebration of the birth of our Savior through music and worship.

This year’s calendar allows us to celebrate “Christ the King” Sunday following Thanksgiving and then move into Advent on the First Sunday of December. Advent Season will be full of wonderful music and worship experiences presented by all of our choirs and ensembles.

Family Advent Night will feature our Children’s Choirs; Adventures in Learning attendees will be entertained by the music of Jubilate Ensemble; worshippers on Sunday, December 10 will hear the strains

of “Sing Joy to the World”, a cantata with choir, soloists, and full orchestra; combined worship services on December 17 and 24 will include music by First Awakening band and singers; Carols and Candles on Sunday Evening the 17th, will follow our usual “Lessons and Carols” format with music by choirs, handbells, children, chamber orchestra and ensembles, concluding with the candlelight service as we take the light into the world to share with all.

What a season of joy and beauty is being planned to enhance all of our worship services throughout the season! Let’s put these dates on our calendars right now and begin to prepare our hearts for the season as we anticipate celebrating the coming of our Savior to earth.

Sunday, Dec. 10 • 9:30 a.m.Advent Cantata with Full Orchestra - SanctuarySunday, Dec. 17 • 6 p.m. | Reception 7 p.m.Carols & Candles with Choir and Chamber Orchestra - SanctuarySunday, Dec. 24Christmas Eve Services 9:30 a.m. Combined Worship - Sanctuary 10:30 a.m. Sunday School 4:30 p.m. Communion Service - Sanctuary 6:30 p.m. Candlelight Service at Andrews Chapel 3820BrownsvilleRd.HWY70•Jackson,TN

Family Advent NightWednesday, Dec. 6

5:30-6:30 p.m.Supper in Clayton Hall

6:00-6:30 p.m.Children’s Musical with Drama Team and Liturgical Dancers

6:30-7:30 p.m.Activities in the gym include: • Candy cane walk• Advent wreaths• Cookie decorating• Christmas cards for those in need• Photo booth

Meal: • Best Soup & Desserts contest• Bring your all-time favorite soup

and/or dessert to share! • Salad, bread, drinks and (chicken

nuggets for the kids) provided by the church.

8:55 & 11 a.m. Worship Services10:00 a.m. Sunday School

9:30 a.m. Combined Worship10:30 a.m. Sunday School

Sunday, Dec. 3

Sundays, Dec. 10-31

STAFF NEWS Judge Jimmy Butler, Chair of Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) announced to the congregation on October 15 Margaret Harrison is now full-time Director of Music and Worship Arts.

First Edition November 8, 2017 page 4

Carol Singing on the Church StepsDowntown Christmas Parade

Join in the fun...Come and sing!

Dec. 4 • 6:15 p.m.

FRIDAY, DEC. 8

To reserve seating, contact Barbara Barker at bbarker157@aol.com

(preferred) or 731-668-4435. Deadline for reservations is noon on

Tuesday, Dec. 5.

Program 11:00 a.m. Luncheon 12:00 p.m.

Clayton Hall • $7 / person

Senior Adult Ministries

“Music of Jubilate” under the direction of

Margaret Harrison

Madison/South Mission Sector Tennessee River District United

Methodist Church

AnnualCharge ConferenceNovember 19, 2017“Passionate Leaders Following Jesus into

Mission”

4 p.m. Come and Worship - Dr. Richard Clark, District

Superintendent, preaching

First United Methodist Church Jackson welcomes Madison/

South Laity and Clergy

Adultivities for everyone

ADULTIVITIES

Meet at the Movies Sunday Afternoon, November 12 “Murder on the Orient Express”Meet at 3:15 p.m. INSIDE Hollywood Cinema on Vann Drive.

Text Susan if attending (731-267-7238)

November 11

Veterans DayIn remembrance and thanks

for those who served.

2017Advent

Calendar of Devotionsavailable in church

lobby.Available

Sunday, Nov. 26

Pick up a copy!

Legacy Writing Workshop

“Save Your Stories, Leave a Legacy”

Thursday, Nov. 16, 20179:30-11:30 a.m.

Mezzanine

Contact: Andrea Woodsandowoods@gmail.com

First Edition November 8, 2017 page 5

Mission CornerSERVING OPPORTUNITIES

God Moments through the Blessing Boxby Scott Murray

If you haven't noticed yet, there is a little white box sitting to the left of the portico in the rear parking lot of our church. It has written on the front, “Take what you need. Bring what you can. Above all be blessed.”

I was asked to share stories that have taken place at this little box…little “God Moments”.

• I could share the story about a woman asking a church member if the items in the box were available for anyone and was visibly relieved when she could grab a few items to make dinner.

• I could share a story about a gentleman who discovered the box empty when he looked inside needing food, but stayed to see if he could help someone who was having trouble with their car.

• I could share the story about a person

who witnessed another person, who obviously appeared to be in need, place items in the box for others.

• I could share a story about a man far from home who left a prayer request for us to call and pray for his ailing mother. He also wrote a “thank you” for the food he gathered from the Blessing Box.

Instead, I would like to challenge you to discover “God Moments” while interacting with this little white box. Brochures with more information are in the foyer just inside the doors.

November Mission Focus: Reelfoot Rural Ministries Toy Drive

For gift ideas, go to jacksonfumc.org, and search for “Monthly Mission Focus” or scan the QR code to the right.

Trip to deliver toys will be Monday, Nov. 27

Leave church at 9 a.m.

How to Participate:• Select an ornament from the Christmas tree in Disciple Hall.• Purchase item(s) for age range provided on the ornament.• Bring unwrapped gifts or donation to the tree display in Disciple Hall through the last Sunday in November.

If you would prefer to make a donation, you may use the FUMC app or make a check to FUMC. Note Reelfoot Toy Drive on the memo line. Place in the offering plate or mail to FUMC c/o: Dolores Bosco, Financial Assistant, 200 S. Church St. Jackson, TN 38301

Add an icon to your iPhone for jacksonfumc.org• Open the Safari Browser, go to jacksonfumc.org• Press the icon.• Select the icon “Add to Home Screen”

Thoughts on Gratitude

“Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has many- not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.”

- Charles Dickens, 1812-1870

“To be grateful is to recognize the love of God in everything He has given us…and He has given us everything. Every breath we draw is a gift of His love, every moment of existence is a grace, for it brings with it immense graces from Him.”

- Thomas MertonThoughts on Solitude

“Hem your blessings with thankfulness so they don’t unravel.”

(Unknown)

“Lord, help me to be grateful for what I have, to remember that I don’t need most of what I want, and that joy is found in simplicity and generosity.”

- Adam Hamilton

Miss Sunday’s Sermon?

jacksonfumc.org

Go to the Media tab and select from the

list of Sermons.

First Edition November 8, 2017 page 6

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

Sunday, November 12 8:55 AM First Awakening Service 10:00 AM Sunday School 11:00 AM Traditional Service 4:00 PM Congregational Care Meeting 5:00 PM Room in the Inn 5:00 PM Confirmation Class 5:00 PM Worship Arts for Kids (WAK) 5:00 PM Disciple Fast Track 5:00 PM Youth Small Groups 6:00 PM Sunday Evening Meal

Monday, November 13 6:45 AM UT Conference 9:00 AM Parents Day Out 5:30 PM Senior Olympic Basketball 5:30 PM Foundation Board Meeting 6:00 PM SPRC Meeting

Tuesday, November 14 6:45 AM UT Conference 7:00 AM Men’s Bible Study 9:00 AM UMFTC Meeting 6:30 PM Hands Up! Preschool

Parenting Class

Wednesday, November 15 6:45 AM UT Conference 9:00 AM Parents Day Out 11:00 AM Ladies Knitting Group 11:30 AM Rotary Club Lunch Meeting 5:30 PM Thanksgiving Dinner 5:30 PM Wednesday Evening Book

Study 6:00 PM Handbells 6:30 PM First Awakening Rehearsal 7:00 PM Sanctuary Choir

Thursday, November 16 6:45 AM UT Conference 9:00 AM Coffee and Conversation 9:00 AM Conference Small Group

Meeting 9:30 AM Legacy Writing Workshop 10:00 AM Worship Planning with Altar

Guild and Lunch 5:30 PM Senior Olympic Basketbal 7:00 PM Open Pickleball

Friday, November 17 No church events scheduled

Saturday, November 18 No church events scheduled

Sunday, November 19 8:55 AM First Awakening

Service 10:00 AM Sunday School 11:00 AM Traditional Service 3:00 PM Jubilate 3:00 PM Charge Conference 4:00 PM Kids Who Care Club 5:00 PM Confirmation Class

5:00 PM Worship Arts for Kids (WAK) 5:00 PM Disciple Fast Track 5:00 PM Youth Turkey Bowling 6:00 PM Sunday Evening Meal

Monday, November 20 9:00 AM Parents Day Out 5:30 PM Finance Committee Meeting 5:30 PM Senior Olympic Basketball

Tuesday, November 21 7:00 AM Men’s Bible Study 8:00 AM Organ Tuning 10:00 AM Worship Planning 7:00 PM Sanctuary Choir

Wednesday, November 22 11:00 AM Ladies Knitting Group

Thursday, Nov. 23 & Friday, Nov. 24 Thanksgiving Holiday Church Office Closed

Saturday, November 25 No church events scheduled

Sunday, November 26 8:55 AM First Awakening Service 10:00 AM Sunday School 11:00 AM Traditional Service 3:00 PM Jubilate 5:00 PM Worship Arts for Kids (WAK) 5:00 PM Disciple Fast Track 5:00 PM Youth Small Groups 6:00 PM Sunday Evening Meal

Monday, November 27 8:30 AM Trip to Reelfoot Rural Ministries 9:00 AM Parents Day Out 5:30 PM Senior Olympic Basketball

Tuesday, November 28 7:00 AM Men’s Prayer Breakfast 10:00 AM Worship Planning

Wednesday, November 29 9:00 AM Parents Day Out 11:00 AM Ladies Knitting Group 11:30 AM Rotary Club Lunch Meeting 5:30 PM Wednesday Evening Book

Study 6:00 PM Handbells 6:30 PM First Awakening Rehearsal 7:00 PM Sanctuary Choir

Thursday, November 30 9:00 AM Coffee and Conversation 5:30 PM Senior Olympic Basketball 7:00 PM Open Pickleball

Friday, December 1 No church events scheduled

Saturday, December 2 10:00 AM District Clergy Brunch

Sunday, December 3First Sunday of Advent 8:55 AM First Awakening Service 10:00 AM Sunday School 11:00 AM Traditional Service 3:00 PM Jubilate 4:00 PM Worship Arts for Kids (WAK)

Dress Rehearsal 5:00 PM Confirmation Class 5:00 PM Disciple Fast Track 5:00 PM Youth Small Groups 6:00 PM Sunday Evening Meal

Monday, December 4 8:30 AM Tennessee River District

Operational Team Meeting 9:00 AM Parents Day Out 5:00 PM Christmas Parade/Caroling on

the Church Steps 5:30 PM Senior Olympic Basketball

Tuesday, December 5 7:00 AM Men’s Bible Study 10:00 AM Worship Planning

Wednesday, December 6 9:00 AM Parents Day Out 11:00 AM Ladies Knitting Group 11:30 AM Rotary Club Lunch Meeting 5:30 PM Family Advent Night 5:30 PM Missions Team Meeting 6:00 PM Handbells 6:30 PM First Awakening Rehearsal 7:00 PM Sanctuary Choir

Thursday, December 7 9:00 AM Coffee and Conversation 5:30 PM Senior Olympic Basketball 7:00 PM Open Pickleball

Friday, December 8 11:00 AM Adventures in Learning 5:00 PM Room in the Inn

Saturday, December 9 8:45 AM Journey Christmas at Linden

Valley Baptist Camp 1:00 PM Drop and Shop

Sunday, December 10Second Sunday of Advent 9:30 AM Advent Cantata With

Orchestra 10:30 AM Sunday School 3:00 PM Jubilate 5:00 PM Confirmation Class 5:00 PM Worship Arts for Kids (WAK) 5:00 PM Disciple Fast Track 6:00 PM Sunday Evening Meal

First Edition November 8, 2017 page 7

Youth NewsOpen to 7th-12th graders

Christian Hesling, Youth Pastor (chesling@jacksonfumc.org)Search for “The Current UMY” on Facebook

Sunday, November 19 5-7 p.m. in the Youth Center

We'll be hosting a Thanksgiving celebration to remember!

Join us for an evening of fellowship, feasting, and yes...

bowling turkeys! More details to come!

TheCurrentChristmasCelebration

Join us Wednesday, December 20

5:30-7:30 p.m. at Jackson FUMC for our annual

Christmas Celebration!

We'll feast, play games, have our ugly sweater competition, and much more!

We're excited for Christmas and we hope that you are too!

2017 Confirmand Readers for Worship ServicesEmma Robinson - Nov. 12I am in the sixth grade at USJ. I have a brother named Eli in the 8th grade. My favorite subject is art. My two dogs are Titan and Ranger. I enjoy country music and reading books by Mary Downing Hahn.

Julia Roy - Nov. 19I am a sixth grader at USJ where I’m a middle school cheerleader and I enjoy hanging out with my friends. My parents are Ryan and Molly Roy. I have a sister named Gracie and a dog named Lucy.

Corinne Sullivan - Nov. 26I am the 11 year old daughter of Jamie and Jason Sullivan. I have attended FUMC my whole life and was baptized in 2006. My sisters are Natalie and Sarah and I am a sixth grader at USJ where I enjoy playing basketball, soccer, and making movies with my friends. I have a dog named Cotton and a fat cat named Elouise. I look forward to learning more about our church and becoming a member this year.

Preston Miller - Dec. 3I am in the 6th grade at USJ. My parents are Allison and Preston Miller. I have a sister, Madeline in the 7th grade, and a brother, William, in kindergarten. I love sports and sports trivia. My favorite sport is basketball, but I also play football, baseball, tennis, and golf. I really love to read and hang out with my friends. I look forward to confirmation this year and learning more about the Bible.

Christmas Celebration 2016

First Edition November 8, 2017 page 8

Memorials & Honoraria

IN LOVING MEMORY OF

WOODY FORBESJanis and David Fite (Music)Alice and Carl KirklandPaula and Mike Butler

EDNA RICE(Craig Stallings’ mother)Patsy and Chuck CampDebbie and John ShiresTeresa EubanksBetty McKenzieJanet CainAlice and Carl KirklandHelen AllenPaula and Mike Butler

CHRIS HOLT(Esther and Greg Milam’s son)Debbie and John ShiresMary Kate AllenPaula and Mike Butler

EMILY FREEMANJanis and David Fite (Pastor’s Fund)

JIMMY WARDJudith HazlehurstAlice and Carl Kirkland

JIMMY and ELAINE WARDJanis and David Fite (Pastor’s Fund)

LIBBY MURPHYJanis and David Fite (Pastor’s Fund)

JOHN QUINNJanis and David Fite (Pastor’s Fund)

CAROLYN CROCKETT(Lynn Menendez’s Mother)Mary Ann MaddenPaula and Mike Butler

NANCY RAHMPatsy and Chuck CampDebbie and John ShiresBill and Sandra PerkinsAlice and Carl KirklandPaula and Mike Butler

MARGARET WILSON(Jim Wilson’s mother)Friends in Faith Sunday School ClassDenise and Greg StuartPam and Joel PerchikJames and Lisa WilsonLina and Fred BowyerLaura and David Camp

JOSEPHINE MURPHYPaula and Mike Butler

JACK LAWRENCEPaula and Mike Butler

NORMA McCARTY(Mike McCarty’s mother)Paula and Mike Butler

RICHARD MOOREEsther and Greg Milam

JAMES NEWMONRay and Liz BryantEd and Ginger HareWilliam and Judy HoltFriends and family of Ferrell PavingPhil and Francie LewisJames ThompsonCharles BatemanLina and Fred BowyerSharon MatthewsClifford DamronTerry and Susie SturdivantTim and Tabby WorkmanFriends at Simpson Construction Co.Pete StricklinJane and Bob FergusonSummer and Barry FergusonLaura and David CampWilliam Shackelford, Jr.

WILLIAM MORRIS(Herron Morris’ brother)May ScottAlice and Carl KirklandPaula and Mike Butler

ALTA KELLY(Liz Bryant’s sister)Janis and David Fite (Pastor’s Fund)

GERRY DAVIS(Becky Baxter’s mother)Upper Room Sunday School Class (Pastor’s Fund)

ANN TIPTON HORN(Frannie Smith’s sister)Janis and David Fite (Pastor’s Fund)May ScottEsther and Greg MilamDuncan and Joan McInnisEdward and Connie HockadayAnn and Ernest LawrenceBill and Sandra PerkinsTom and Donna EllisPaula and Mike Butler

IN HONOR OF:

MARGARET HARRISONJim and Roberta Price

DEBRA OWENJim and Roberta Price

LISA HARPERJim and Roberta PriceBettie Betterman (Pastoral Care)

CAROLYN AND PAUL CLAYTONJim and Roberta Price

HOLLAND VAN BUURENMART VAN BUURENBas and Amy Van Buuren (Youth)

November 5, 2017All Saint’s Sunday

In remembrance of:

Grace Celeste Rayl Lett

Margaret Inez Carlock

Ellen Parsons

Evelyn Meriwether

Courtney Carnell Ellis

Bettie Frances Gray Graves

Billy Mack Ennis

William Moss Lacy, Jr.

Barbara Cooch Lifsey

Laura Jobe Clemmons

Elaine Anthony Pounds Dooley

Frances Inez Burke

Wilson Boyd Fleming

Helen Dew Newman

Frances Elaine Jones Ward

James Allen Ward

Jack Lawrence, Sr.

Joe David Casey

Josephine Murphy

Joseph Woodrow Forbes, Jr.

Elizabeth Parrish Vann

Edna Earle Curdts Rice

Paul Featherston Douglass

Nancy Tate Rahm

James Andrew Newmon, Sr.

First Edition November 8, 2017 page 9

Women at FirstSusan Crocker, scrocker@jacksonfumc.org

Between Friends Book Club11 a.m. at the Baker’s Rack

Wednesday, November 15Sky McCracken’s favorite book:“A Prayer for Owen Meany” by John Irving. “When someone you love dies, and you’re not expecting it, you don’t lose them all at once; you lose in pieces over a long time—the way the mail stops coming, and the scent fades from the pillows and even from the clothes in closet and drawers.”

Wednesday, December 20“Still Life” by Louise Penny - a great murder mystery

Dec. 146:30 p.m.

Come and enjoy at Baudo’s!Open to all women

Bible study, discussion, and meal

UMWLydia Circle

Gosh, there’s so much to do!

Who do I call?

Susan Crocker731-265-6344 731-267-7238

Facebook:Women at First

Instagram:women_at_first

Join the email newsletter.Email Susan to request

scrocker@jacksonfumc.org

Direct Line Cell

$25 includes ride and admission fee

Dutch Treat Lunch

6 spots left

The Dixon GalleryFashion Made of Paper

The Exquisite Art of Isabelle de Borchgrave

Reserve at jacksonfumc.org

Meet at the Movies Sunday Afternoon, Nov. 12Meet at 3:15 p.m. INSIDE Hollywood Cinema on Vann Drive.

“Murder on the Orient Express”Text Susan if attending(731-267-7238)

First Edition November 8, 2017

Altar Guild Memorials and HonorariaMemorials and honoraria are now being accepted for use in decorating the church during the Advent season. If you would like to make a donation in memory or in honor of a loved one, please mail or bring your contribution to the church office by December 14. Names will be listed in the December 17 Sunday bulletin. Please mark your check “Christmas decorations” and include a note with the name(s) as you would like them to appear.

Mail to: First United Methodist ChurchAttn: Dolores Bosco, 200 S. Church St.Jackson, TN 38301

Worship Committee MeetingOctober 24, 2017

Greetings to the faithful!

First let me say thank you for a great meeting Tuesday evening. Getting such a congenial, yet energetic group together like this one has been long in coming ... but worth the wait.

The first question for us to ponder was what is our purpose and in what specific ways can we best serve the church?

A definition as to our purpose is as follows: the Worship Committee is to give support to our Worship Staff in creating meaningful and Spirit-led ways of engaging the congregation in experiencing the worship of God through music, scripture, prayer and preaching.

It was decided that this committee would be overseen by the Minister of Music and Worship Arts, Margaret Harrison and our Senior Pastor, Sky McCracken.

We are considered the "eyes and ears" of the congregation and of both Sunday morning Worship Services. It was suggested that the congregation know who the committee people are by placing the names in the bulletin a few times and on the screen before First Awakening?

It was also suggested that a representative from Communion, Altar Guild, Ushers, and AV be part of the Worship Committee to best capitalize on good communication practices. There was a strong consensus that the Worship Committee work closely with Altar Guild, particularly during the holiday seasons of Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter.

In addition, a discussion was raised about

children and their understanding of the Lord's Supper.

Some felt that our children needed to be better prepared to receive communion during our worship services.

Two suggestions to remedy this would be to offer our children, ages 3-6 years, age appropriate materials that could be taught explaining the reasons for communion and how to receive it with reverence. A second consideration was to serve the children during Children's Church. These two thoughts are not mutually exclusive. Why not creatively teach our children about Communion regardless as to where it is received . A search into curriculum for this age group was suggested.

One very exciting discussion Tuesday evening was our need to revitalize the Prayer Ministry. Anyone involved in the prayer ministry of recent past knows how essential it was to the overall spiritual health and mission of the church. In fact, we can have NO mission or ministry without it! It was suggested that the Prayer Ministry would fall under the "pillar" of Worship. More on this later.

Before we adjourned for the evening it was decided that we would meet quarterly unless a need arose requiring our attention. Mike McCarty has agreed to invite a couple more persons from the First Awakening service to join this committee. Good things are happening! May God direct our steps.

Blessings,

Sally Rainey, ChairWorship Committee

Worship Committee Members: Elizabeth Atkins, Jennie Longmire, Sue Harvey,

Lorie White, and Mike McCarty.

Interesting facts about 1917• November 29th of 1917 was

Thanksgiving• Only 14% of the homes had bathtubs• Fuel for cars was only sold in drug

stores• America entered WWI

Please come help her celebrate!

November 29, 20173:00- 4:30 PM at Jackson Meadow

3 PM Greeting, Proclamation, & Cake Cutting

Hosted by Pam and Les Jaco, and all of Margie's family.

RSVP to Pam at 731-267-1059

100

Margie Thompson is turning

Church office closed Nov. 23-24 in observance of

Thanksgiving

“Let our hearts overflow with thankfulness.”

Colossians 2:7

page 10

First Edition November 8, 2017

7-8 a.m. Clayton HallTuesday, Nov. 28

Program:“Kirkland Cancer Center”

Prayer Breakfast

Men of all ages welcome!

Have an Event to Schedule?• Fill out a form under the Events tab at jacksonfumc.org or at the reception desk. • Approval is subject to room availability AND other scheduled calendar events.• After review of your proposed event, you will be notified the event has been

officially added to the FUMC calendar (which is also published in the app).• Please do not promote your event until it has been confirmed and placed

on the official church calendar.

Quick Reference GuideIf you have questions: Contact EmailPastoral Care Jan Kelley jkelley@jacksonfumc.orgEvent Scheduling Tricia Odom scheduling@jacksonfumc.orgFacilities Tricia Odom todom@jacksonfumc.orgFinances Jacki Hoveskeland jhoveskeland@jacksonfumc.orgMemorials & Contributions Dolores Bosco dbosco@jacksonfumc.orgCommunications Bobbie Mays bobbie@jacksonfumc.orgFood Service Leslie Lewis llewis@jacksonfumc.org

Men at FirstMEN AT FIRST

JacksonFUMC

For Men of All Ages

Coffee & ConversationThursdays, 9-10 a.m.

Room 117

Men’s MinistryTuesday Morning

Bible Study7:00-7:50 a.m.

Dave Bratcher, leaderClayton Hall Conference Room

Church Council Newsby Bobbie MaysDirector of Communications

Church Council met November 6 and the main topics of conversation were security and Andrews Chapel. Trustees Chair, Jev Vaughan, shared the future for Andrews Chapel has not yet been determined. The Trustees would appreciate any comments from the congregation on what to do with Andrews Chapel. Please share any thoughts with Jev by Jan.1, 2018.

Security was discussed in light of recent church tragedies in the news. There were a number of concerns brought up about churches being a target. What are we doing? Sky McCracken recently met with Will Dougan, owner of Golden Triangle Defensive Tactics in Memphis for a walk-through of the church for a security check. With several areas needing to be addressed, this company provides training for churches and will be meeting soon with the Trustees. Meanwhile, immediate measures are taking place for the safety and security of our congregation.

Committee reports shared were from SPRC, Finance, Trustees, Missions, Youth, Children’s Ministry, Senior Council, Congregational Care, Men at First, Adultivities and Women at First.

page 11

Sunday Worship

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PAIDJACKSON, TENN.PERMIT NO. 116

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

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OR CURRENT RESIDENT

The next publication of the First Edition Newsletter will be Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2017

Sunday, November 12

Sunday, November 19

Sunday, November 26Christ the King SundaySunday, December 3First Sunday of Advent

FUMC Downtown Services:8:55 a.m. First Awakening • Clayton Hall10:00 a.m. Sunday School11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship • Sanctuary

8:55 a.m. Christian Hesling, preaching “Faith & Football, what football and sport culture can’t teach us about the Church” • Acts 2:42-47 11 a.m. Rev. Larry Daniel, preaching “Options” • Daniel 3:8-14

Sky McCracken, preaching • Matthew 25:14-30

Sky McCracken, preaching • Matthew 25: 31-46

CommunionSky McCracken, preaching • Mark 13:24-37