A Newsletter Publication of First United Methodist Church, Jackson, Tennessee FIRST EDITION September 14, 2011 | Volume 10 Issue 15 jacksonfumc.org SEEKING GOD | KNOWING CHRIST | SHARING HIS LOVE FIRST EDITION 5:00 p.m. Piano Concert by Joseph Martin • Clayton Hall 6:00 p.m. Dinner $8/person Call 422-4002 to reserve seat. 7:00 p.m. Worship & Cantata with choir & orchestra Sanctuary Nursery available by reservation. SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 17 You’re invited to a “Meet and Greet” for the new Interim Bishop, Benjamin Chamness Sunday, September 18 Worship Service - 6:00 p.m. • Sanctuary Followed by a reception • Clayton Hall FUMC Welcomes New Director of Children’s Ministry by Dan Camp It is my pleasure to join with Dr. Pete McLemore, Chairperson of your Staff-Parish Committee in bringing you the great news that we have officially invited Miss Alyssa McLoughlin to become the new Director of Ministries to Children and Families at Jackson FUMC. This decision was reached after a great deal of prayer, discernment regarding our future and with the total consensus of the Children’s ministry Team and the Staff-Parish Team. Alyssa’s position will be full-time and her focus will be primarily on children while handling the coordination of Wednesday evening programming opportunities for the entire family. Alyssa will formally assume her duties here on Monday, September 26, 2011. Her first week will simply be a time of orientation, getting to know folks and of “settling in.” Kitty Allen will be flying in to spend time with her Sunday, October 2nd through Wednesday, October 5th. We feel this will enable Alyssa to continue the fine work that Kitty was doing with your children in an uninterrupted fashion. Though young in years, Alyssa has already distinguished herself in a number of ways. A Jackson native, she graduated from Lambuth University in 2008 with a B.A. in Communications and a minor in Music. She served as a Children’s Intern and Musical Assistant at Lambuth Memorial United Methodist during her time at Lambuth University. After graduation, Alyssa moved to the Charleston, S.C. area. She was employed as a buyer for a retail operation while working part-time as a youth leader and praise team leader at Point Hope United Methodist Church. Alyssa brings a strong desire and keen understanding of the need to promote a volunteer-based program which enables us to grow and change. She has a great love for the Church. Her natural intelligence and sensitivity will enable her to deal with situations in a constructive and positive manner. As a church, we have made a commitment to assist her in fully preparing herself for her new role. This fall, she will be attending a nationwide Children’s Ministry Conference in Chicago in October and a United Methodist Ministry Exploration event in St. Louis in November. Alyssa will be investigating the appropriateness of deacon’s orders in the United Methodist Church and, possibly, theological seminary. I encourage you to take some time to get to know Alyssa. As you have occasion, it would be a wonderful thing to invite her into your home for dinner or just to spend some time with you as a family. This would serve to help her get to know the children and the families of our congregation much more quickly. Please pray for her and for our Church as she begins this exciting chapter in her life and career. In closing, a few words of appreciation are certainly in order. Dr. Pete McLemore (Staff- Parish Chair), Kelly Nye (Children’s Ministry Team Chair) and Susan Crocker (Co-Lay Leader), along with their committees have worked tirelessly to help guide us through this time of decision. Kitty Allen has been so faithful to guide us in the day-to-day operations of the Children’s department by long distance from her computer and telephone in South Dakota. Catherine Seymour has helped tremendously by “standing in the gap” during this time of transition. Using skills developed in the classroom, she has, in a very short time, deeply endeared herself to our children. She and Bill deserve our sincere and heartfelt gratitude. The addition of Alyssa McLoughlin to our already strong Church staff helps ensure that we keep a focus on excellence and continue to provide the resources necessary to form the faith of the next generation! Experience the Music of Joseph Martin
Transcript
A Newsletter Publication of First United Methodist Church, Jackson, Tennessee
FIRST EDITIONSeptember 14, 2011 | Volume 10 Issue 15 jacksonfumc.org
SEEKING GOD | KNOWING CHRIST | SHARING HIS LOVE
FIRST EDITION
5:00 p.m. Piano Concert by Joseph Martin • Clayton Hall6:00 p.m. Dinner $8/personCall 422-4002 to reserve seat. 7:00 p.m. Worship & Cantata with choir & orchestraSanctuary
Nursery available by reservation.
SATURDAYSEPTEMBER 17
You’re invited to a “Meet and Greet” for the new Interim Bishop, Benjamin Chamness
Sunday, September 18Worship Service - 6:00 p.m. • SanctuaryFollowed by a reception • Clayton Hall
FUMC Welcomes New Director of Children’s Ministryby Dan Camp
It is my pleasure to join with Dr. Pete McLemore, Chairperson of your Staff-Parish Committee in bringing you the great news that we have officially invited Miss Alyssa McLoughlin to become the new Director of Ministries to Children and Families at Jackson FUMC. This decision was reached after a great deal of prayer, discernment regarding our future and with the total consensus of the Children’s ministry Team and the Staff-Parish Team. Alyssa’s position will be full-time and her focus will be primarily on children while handling the coordination of Wednesday evening programming opportunities for the entire family.
Alyssa will formally assume her duties here on Monday, September 26, 2011. Her first week will simply be a time of orientation, getting to know folks and of “settling in.” Kitty Allen will be flying in to spend time with her Sunday, October 2nd through Wednesday, October 5th. We feel this will enable Alyssa to continue the fine work that Kitty was doing with your children in an uninterrupted fashion.
Though young in years, Alyssa has already distinguished herself in a number of ways. A Jackson native, she graduated from Lambuth University in 2008 with a B.A. in Communications and a minor in Music. She served as a Children’s Intern and Musical Assistant at Lambuth Memorial United Methodist during her time at Lambuth University. After graduation, Alyssa moved to the Charleston, S.C. area. She was employed as a buyer for a retail operation while working part-time as a youth leader and praise team leader at Point Hope United Methodist Church.
Alyssa brings a strong desire and keen understanding of the need to promote a volunteer-based program which enables us to grow and change. She has a great love for the Church. Her natural intelligence and sensitivity will enable her to deal with situations in a constructive and positive manner. As a church,
we have made a commitment to assist her in fully preparing herself for her new role. This fall, she will be attending a nationwide Children’s Ministry Conference in Chicago in October and a United Methodist Ministry Exploration event in St. Louis in November. Alyssa will be investigating the appropriateness of deacon’s orders in the United Methodist Church and, possibly, theological seminary.
I encourage you to take some time to get to know Alyssa. As you have occasion, it would be a wonderful thing to invite her into your home for dinner or just to spend some time with you as a family. This would serve to help her get to know the children and the families of our congregation much more quickly. Please pray for her and for our Church as she begins this exciting chapter in her life and career.
In closing, a few words of appreciation are certainly in order. Dr. Pete McLemore (Staff-Parish Chair), Kelly Nye (Children’s Ministry Team Chair) and Susan Crocker (Co-Lay Leader), along with their committees have worked tirelessly to help guide us through this time of decision. Kitty Allen has been so faithful to guide us in the day-to-day operations of the Children’s department by long distance from her computer and telephone in South Dakota.
Catherine Seymour has helped tremendously by “standing in the gap” during this time of transition. Using skills developed in the classroom, she has, in a very short time, deeply endeared herself to our children. She and Bill deserve our sincere and heartfelt gratitude.
The addition of Alyssa McLoughlin to our already strong Church staff helps ensure that we keep a focus on excellence and continue to provide the resources necessary to form the faith of the next generation!
Experience the
Music of
Joseph Martin
First Edition September 14, 2011 page 2
Sympathies• Sympathy is extended to the family
and friends of Harrell Elliott in his death on Saturday September 3, 2011.
• Sympathy is extended to Thomasine Witherspoon in the death of her sister Mary Arthur Hilliard Parish in Lake Charles, LA on Sunday September 4, 2011.
• Sympathy is extended to David Fite and family in the September 10, 2011 death of his brother Lee Powers Fite.
• Sympathy is extended to Donna Ellis and family in the death of her mother Elizabeth Donner Patterson on Saturday, September 10, 2011.
Greeters for Sunday, September 18Garey & Jan Littrell, Frank & Charlotte
Zerfoss, Greg & Amy Mitchell, Emmett Barker, Kathryn Jobe, Jim McLemore, Rick McAmish, Robert
Hopper, Preston Miller
Greeters for Sunday, September 25Bill Hetzler, Laurie Horton, John & Carolyn Yarbrough, Paul & Theresa
Sarah ClaytonIf you are unable to greet, please find a replacement.
Greeters
WELC
OME New Members & Anyone Interested
You are invited to attend
Newcomer ClassesWho Are We?
Sundays, Through October 210:00 - 10:50 a.m.
Clayton Hall Conference Room
CONFIRMAND READERS
Charles Lambert Byrd - September 25I am 11 years old and attend the University School of Jackson as a sixth grader. I have been on the honor council, play the trumpet, and play football for the Bears. Some of my interests are pitching in baseball, the Lego Club and building with Legos, playing X-Box and Wii, biking, and playing with my brother, Big-boy. I also enjoy watching football and the military channel with my dad. When I was 2 months old, on my dad’s birthday, Dec. 19, I was baptized in this church. My sister Courtney is a sophomore at Old Miss and my parents are Joe and Anita Jo Byrd. I’m excited about confirmation and learning more about my faith this year.
Brice Wyatt - September 18I was born on May 18, 2000, on my parents fourth anniversary. I am in the sixth grade at the University School of Jackson. Some of my interests are soccer, basketball, mixed martial arts, playing Wii, PS2, and riding my bike. I also like to eat lots of food, but I won’t eat some things.
FUMC Kids’ NewsProverbs 22:6 - Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.
Planting FaithSept 18 Gathering 10:00 a.m. and Sunday School
Sept 25 Kindergarten and 1st grade Bible presentations at the 11:00 a.m. service
Sunday School starts at 10:00 a.m. and ends at 10:50 a.m.Please pick up your child in his/her classroom.
Watch for details in September 28 issue!
Our Journey...Now What?
First Edition September 14, 2011 page 3
The Upper Room Sunday School Class
is excited to host guest teacher,
Joey Williams, Sept. 18 - Oct. 11
The class will also host a get-together at Pam and Mike McCarty's house, 95 Alta Vista Drive, September 18th at 6 p.m.
All class members and others interested in joining the class for food and fellowship are invited!
Pam and Mike will be providing the meat and class members are asked to bring a side dish or dessert.
Wesley Fellowship Sunday School Class
Invites anyone interested!Sunday, September 25
10:00 a.m.Clayton Hall
Penny Kendall (wife of Dr. John Kendall)
presents
"Quaker Religious Life"Scenes from Penny's Early
Christian Life
College Life Class
Sundays Room 107
10 a.m. All college students and recent graduates are always welcome!
What can we hope to accomplish through our participation in the Room In the Inn program, started three years ago by Area Relief Ministries, a faith-based, non-profit organization whose mission is to strengthen our community by providing services that alleviate suffering, promote dignity, and foster hope for those in need?
How about the satisfaction of giving a man a safe place to spend the night, a good dinner and breakfast? How about knowing that a man who is having a hard time will have the opportunity to go to a day shelter at Area Relief Ministries called Open Arm where he can wash his clothes, check for job opportunities on the computer, receive Christian hospitality from a trained counselor who can direct him in a positive way, and just be with people who care for a few hours? How about a homeless man through Open Arm getting a ride to his job, having health counseling with the Health Department, having access to a volunteer doctor or dentist for emergency care, getting an opportunity to work on his GED or attend technology school, taking computer classes or accessing a tutoring program? How about someone just willing to listen, offer hope, and help a homeless man find his way out?
There are so many causes of homelessness: mental health problems, drugs and alcohol, lack of opportunities, veteran related
issues and mostly, lack of a support system. There is no family to come to their aid and help in times of trouble; no one to help with financial issues; no church to support them; no one who just cares what happens to them.
Area Relief Ministries’ commitment to help these homeless men begins first with the forty-six Jackson and Madison County churches who participate in Room in the Inn, a program to help men in crisis. The men are screened for drugs and alcohol or other serious problems. The churches give relief through food and shelter.
Secondly, through the “Valley of Transformation*” used at Open Arm, these men in crisis are given a chance to rehabilitate, to develop, and to be transformed. True development out of homelessness takes time. Like any community, family or church, some will succeed, some will try and fail, and some will never make it. However, with the help of many “Disciples of Jesus Christ,” all working together, we can be part of this wonderful ministry.
2010-2011 ROOM IN THE INN Progress Report:
159 Homeless men given food and shelter13,644 Meals served by 46 churches5,546 Beds provided for 180 days6,035 Volunteers from churches26,699 Volunteer hours served$29,952.70 Given by participating churches in extra values i.e. clothing, toiletries, special needs, etc.
2010-2011 OPEN ARM Progress Report
57 men found housing28 men found employment 1 man completed his GEDSeveral men are attending classes at Jackson State Community College. Many more are finding a way through their despair and out of homelessness.
The 2011-2012 Room In The Inn season begins on October 1, 2011. Our church is blessed with a wonderful facility, close proximity to the Area Relief Ministries building, and an abundance of members who want to be servants for Christ. What a wonderful opportunity for all of us to heed Jesus Christ’s message found in Matthew 25:33-46!
An orientation for those who wish to participate will be held at FUMC in the next few weeks. Watch for more details!
* Credited to Donald Jordan, http://prezi.com/epwb2xacjej7/arm-we-are-who-we-serve
First Edition September 14, 2011 page 4
If you have pastoral concerns such as illness or death and
need to get in touch with Dan Camp, Senior Pastor, feel free to call him on his cell
phone, 501-6254.
SAVE THE DATE!
UMM Fall Fish FryTuesday, October 4
6:00 p.m.at David and Laurie Horton’s Farm
All men and women of the church are invited Fish, hush puppies, slaw and trimmins’ provided by the men. Women, please bring your favorite homemade desserts!
RSVP by September 29 422-4002 (church office)Questions? Contact Robert Hopper, UMM President, 217-7635 or [email protected]
FUMC Gym4:15 p.m.
Tuesdays & Thursdays
Leader: Pam McCartyCost: $5/session
Prayer BreakfastSeptember 27 • 7:00-8:00 AM
Breakfast Donation $5 • Clayton HallSpeaker: Mark Griffy, President of the Memphis Affiliate of PETWant to make a difference in someone’s life using your hands? See demonstration. Learn how you can help build a PET (Personal Energy Transportation) vehicle that allows handicapped persons around the world to become mobile.
This project is for all wood workers and handy men. Come and Invite your friends!
FISH IF YOU WISH!!!
WRAP: September
Mission Focus
Wo/Men’s Resource & Rape Assistance Program empowers adult & child survivors of domestic and/or sexual violence to enrich the quality of their lives. WRAP collaborates with the community to achieve a violence free society.
September Mission Chest Needs: • Toilet paper • Paper towels• Kleenex • Diapers• Snacks for children
These items may be placed in the Mission Chests located in the church lobbies through the end of the month.
December 8-9 SAVE THE DATE!Come experience the famous “Rockettes Christmas Spectacular” followed by a night at the glorious Opryland Hotel decorated in all its holiday splendor. Next day, lunch and sightseeing in Historic Franklin.
Leave all the driving to us - transportation on a chartered bus provided.
Reserve your spot today... Call Pam at 422-4002 or email [email protected]
Friday, October 21
Christmas at Opryland
Hoteland Rockettes
Christmas Spectacular
plus Historic Franklin decorated for Christmas
First Edition September 14, 2011 page 6
Weekly Opportunities
Sunday, September 18 9:00 AM First Awakening Service 10:00 AM Sunday School 10:00 AM Newcomer Classes 11:00 AM Traditional Service 5:00 PM “Current” UMYDinner Out Pick up children at Zaxby’s at 7:30 p.m. 5:00 PM Support Group/Aging
Parents 6:00 PM “Meet and Greet” Interim
Bishop Benjamin Chamness Reception to follow
Monday, September 19 10:00 AM Moms on Monday 5:30 PM Sr. Olympic Basketball 6:30 PM Committee on Nominations/
Leadership Development 7:00 PM Boy Scouts - Troop 12 7:30 PM Men’s Basketball
Tuesday, September 20 7:00 AM UMM Bible Study 1:00 PM Staff Meeting 3:00 PM United Methodist
Conference Meetings 4:15 PM Zumba 6:00 PM Stephen Ministry Cont. Ed
Wednesday, September 21 10:00 AM Invitation to Presence 10:00 AM Pastors Bible Study 3:30 PM WINGS (Witnessing IN
God’s Sanctuary) 3:30 PM Open Gym 5:00 PM WEF Dinners 5:30 PM Angel Choir Practice 5:45 PM Confirmation Class 6:00 PM “Current” UMY Good News Choir Practice Children’s Programming First Awakening Band First Samuel Study Prime Ringers Spiritual Parenting Stewards of Creation Being Prayer Financial Peace University 6:30 PM Celebration Singers Practice 7:00 PM Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal
Dinner 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.$6 Adults, $3 Children, $20 Family Maximum
Classes/Activities 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.Financial Peace UniversityMore than one million families have attended Financial Peace University with amazing results. On average, these families paid off $5,300 in debt and saved $2,700 in just the first 90 days! This class is a 13-week, two-hour commitment. Visit www.daveramsey.com.Fee: $95 • Rm. 118 (Religion For Life) Leaders: John New & David Eblen
Stewards of Creation: A Scriptural Study of SustainabilityThis 6-week course explores the connections among scripture, theology, and creation stewardship. Participants will receive a framework for their own understanding and actions regarding these issues which affect us all. Rm. 114 (former Emmaus Class) Leaders: Phillip Ryan & David Hollis
Spiritual ParentingThis 11-week class empowers parents to be the primary nurturers of their childrens’ faith. Families will be transformed as they learn how to create space for God-encounters in everyday life.Book Fee: $10 (optional) • Rm. 112 (Followers) Leaders: Ryan & Molly Roy, Tim & Inge Poole, Chris & Kelly Nye, and Daryll & Jenny McGuire.
Study of I Samuel: One Who Hears GodStudy the life and times of one of Israel’s great leaders and prophets in this 11-week study. Interested in knowing more about a book of the Bible that has inspired poets and authors from William Shakespeare to William Faulkner? Rm. 116 (Chapel) • Leaders: Dan Camp & Cecil Kirk
Being Prayer: Prayer in the Moving, Prayer in the MakingIn this interactive class, participants will explore kinesthetic, embodied prayer as a way of enlivening and deepening their relationship with the creative and creating God who made us, who loves us, and who moves through us without ceasing. Class members will take a look at how they are already moving and making their prayers, and learn new ways to deepen their relationship with God through simple creative activities and movements. Mezzanine • Leaders: Andrea Woods & Tharon Kirk
LEARN • CONNECT • GROW
First Edition September 14, 2011
page 7
Weekly Opportunities
Saturday, September 24 8:00 AM Conference UMW Day 6:30 PM Wedding
Sunday, September 25 9:00 AM First Awakening Service 10:00 AM Sunday School 10:00 AM Newcomer Classes 11:00 AM Traditional Service 5:00 PM “Current” UMY Bible
Study
Monday, September 26 10:00 AM Moms on Monday 5:30 PM Sunday School Challenge
Meeting 5:30 PM Sr. Olympic Basketball 6:30 PM Task Force on Momen’s
Ministry 6:30 PM Committee on Nominations/
Leadership Development 7:00 PM Boy Scouts - Troop 12 7:30 PM Men’s Basketball
Tuesday, September 27 7:00 AM United Methodist Men -
Speaker “Mark Griffy” 8:00 AM Conference Event/Older
Adult 4:15 PM Zumba
Wednesday, September 28 10:00 AM Invitation to Presence 10:00 AM Pastors Bible Study 3:30 PM WINGS (Witnessing IN
God’s Sanctuary) 3:30 PM Open Gym 5:00 PM WEF Dinners 5:30 PM Angel Choir Practice 5:45 PM Confirmation Class 6:00 PM “Current” UMY Good News Choir Practice Children’s Programming First Awakening Band First Samuel Study Prime Ringers Spiritual Parenting Stewards of Creation Being Prayer Financial Peace University 6:30 PM Celebration Singers Practice 7:00 PM Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal
Elizabeth Patterson (Mother of Donna Ellis) Alicia Franco
Harrell Elliott Larry & Frannie Smith Beth Standley Elaine Dooley Charles & Georgia Roth
Catherine Elliott Hellmann Elaine Dooley
Mary Arthur Parish (Sister of Thomasine Witherspoon) Ann & Ernest Lawrence Peggy Jimerson
Barnett Scott (Husband of May Scott) Alicia Franco Elaine Dooley Peggy Robbins & Family Beth Edwards Arrie Edwards Bob & Judy Hazlewood Jerry & Florence Hornsby Religion for Life Sunday School Paula Whitson Jamie & Jason Sullivan Val & Jimmy Exum (Pastors’ Fund) Alan & Betsy Dement (Capital Improvement) Barton Webb Gay & Harold Cashon Mr. & Mrs. John Sharpe Harris Lake Smith Dr. & Mrs. Ruffin Craig Dr. & Mrs. James Spruill & Family Ashley & Trey Teague Nancy & Larry Brooke (Capital Improvement) Dr. & Mrs. Larry Williams Mona Hicks Jim Hicks John & Jackie Hicks Edward & Gayle Crocker Ed & June Critchfield Sally Dabney Elizabeth & Bob Castleman Harold & Edith McLeary Frances & John Tipton Myrna Dupree Dr. & Mrs. Bob Vegors Ed & Connie Hockaday Lina & Fred Bowyer Rev. Tillman & Belinda Mays Lee & Todd Driver Emily Lewis Kathryn Jobe Charlie & Dorothy McKnight Lancaster Liz Garrard Mrs. Leo Martindale Sally & Jimmy Wallace Bill & Mary Jane Woodruff Lynne & Bob Shuttleworth (Music) Dianne & Charles Taylor Mr. & Mrs. Corbin Hamil Hugh, Sue, Dorothy & Suzanne Harvey (Capital
Improvement) Tammy McCoy John & Barbara New Patrick Teer Family (Pastors’ Fund) Hunter & Suzanne Welles (Pastors’ Fund) Charles & Georgia Roth
Kathryn Fonda (Mother of Kaye Hill) Alicia Franco Mrs. Leo Martindale Sally & Jimmy Wallace Bill & Mary Jane Woodruff Hugh, Sue, Dorothy & Suzanne Harvey (Hospitality) Tammy McCoy Patrick Teer Family (Pastors’ Fund) Hunter & Suzanne Welles (Pastors’ Fund) Tyler & Kathryn Swindle Chuck & Patsy Camp Greg & Esther Milam Brad & Beverly Denton Cathy Benson
David Tipton (Brother of Sue Harvey) Alicia Franco Sally & Jimmy Wallace Tammy McCoy John & Barbara New Patrick Teer Family (Pastors’ Fund) Hunter & Suzanne Welles (Pastors’ Fund) Greg & Esther Milam Brad & Beverly Denton Cathy Benson David & Karen Welch Clinton & Lee Ann Evans
Margaret “Bitsy” Woodson (Sister of Reba Dudley) Sally & Jimmy Wallace Dianne & Charles Taylor Hugh, Sue, Dorothy & Suzanne Harvey (Capital Improvement)
Erlyn WebbClifford Armstrong Mrs. Leo Martindale
Jerry Barrix (Husband of Phyllis Barrix, Father of Jerry Barrix) Lynne & Bob Shuttleworth (Music)
John Townsend (Husband of Doris Townsend) Dianne & Charles Taylor Chuck & Patsy Camp
Allen & Beverly FailMarjorie McLemore Alicia Franco
Women’s Brown Bag Bible StudyFridays starting October 7
12 noon - 1:00 p.m.The Queen Bees
Meet in the Sunroom
2732 Highland AvenueJoin us on your Lunch Break for a time of refreshment and renewal. Women of all ages and stages invited!
Moms On Mondays • 10:00 am - NoonBring your children to play in the church gym and
enjoy the company of other MOMs!No reservations necessary
Invite your friends and enjoy the fellowship!
Women’s
Brown
Bag
Bible
Study
Alive and Kicking!by Mary Beth Bernheisel
A funny thing happened when the Task Force on Women’s Ministry met together to figure out how to jumpstart women’s ministries at FUMC—we found out that we already have a thriving women’s ministry in our midst! From service opportunities to Bible studies to retreats, there are more than a dozen ways for women to plug into ministry and mission at FUMC. And pretty soon we’ll have a fabulous new brochure that will outline all of those opportunities. When you see it, take one home for your reference and then give one to a friend.
As we began listing all of these life-giving ministries, we were able to see some gaps that we needed to fill. And that’s what we set
out to do. So get out your calendars, iPads, Blackberries, and datebooks, and make note of these new ministries.
Women’s Brown Bag Bible Study will begin on October 7 and meet on the first Friday of every month from 12:00-1:00pm on the sunporch at The Queen Bees, 2732 N. Highland Avenue. Bring your lunch and enjoy an hour of fellowship and devotion to help you recharge and renew. No preparation necessary. Just come and allow yourself to be fed—from your lunchbox and from the Word.
Mugs and Muffins will begin in January, times and places to be determined. This will be a weekday morning Bible study focused on helping us find balance in our lives. We will begin with a 6-week study and continue after that based on the interest of participants. Keep your eyes peeled for more information!
If you have any suggestions or questions about women’s ministry at FUMC, please feel free to email me at [email protected] or call me at 422-4002.
NEW
First Edition September 14, 2011
A Visit to Cookson CenterPart 1 of 2 by Tharon Kirk
On September 2nd, six of us boarded one of the FUMC buses and headed to the Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma to have an immersion experience and visit with Meri Whitaker, the missionary we help support at Cookson Center. We stopped in Little Rock to pick up Elizabeth Vaughan Neely and arrived at the center around 5:30 pm. We were housed in the lodge, a building used part of the year to house volunteer groups who come to do mission work. After unpacking the bus, David started preparing our dinner while the rest of us met with Meri to learn about work of the center.
Cookson Center was established in 1948 as a ministry to the Native American population in rural Oklahoma. Meri has been there almost 25 years now. The tri-county area served comprises 3 of the 4 poorest counties in Oklahoma. Many of the Native Americans still lack running water and indoor plumbing. The area is hilly with lots of hollers and many people live in rather isolated places without transportation.
Many of the problems seen are those created by poverty. Although the Cherokee Nation
page 9
is one of the largest employers in all of Oklahoma, the unemployment rate is quite high. Alcohol and drug abuse are common problems. The small town of Vian, where we attended church, has the highest rate of rape per capita in the country and nearby Sallisaw ranks #2 in the nation in terms of its per capita crime rate. We also learned that the Cherokee Nation ranks #2 in the nation in terms of the number of white supremacists who live there. (There are lots of places in those hills which are out of sight and where supremacists groups have set up training camps!)
After dinner, Meri gave us a tour of the Center. When she came 25 years ago, there were only two buildings. Now there are nine with 22 staff members. Most of the staff members have powerful stories of how, through the Center and Church, they experienced the wonderful transforming power of God’s grace in their lives. Several staff are former prisoners and many were enslaved to alcohol or drugs or came from abusive situations.
Among the programs that Cookson offers are two daycares, a children’s program, a youth program, and a senior citizen program which serves a meal. According to Meri, 38% of all children living in the Cherokee nation go to bed hungry. To help address this, the center always provides a meal with each of the programs and a backpack with snacks is sent home with each child on Thursdays. The Center provides layettes for new mothers and a backpack filled with school supplies each fall for the children who attend Cookson Center. The Center has a community garden (Grady and I really liked that!) that helps supply vegetables and fruit for use in their own programs and to share with the community. Each Spring, they provide seed for those who want to start their own gardens
as well as plants started in the Cookson greenhouse. In addition, a family can receive 12 baby chicks. (Meri said the post office called her immediately when the baby chicks arrived in April and wanted her to come get them ASAP. There were 14,000 baby chicks in boxes at the post office!!)
Because unemployment is a major issue, Cookson tries to establish cottage industries to help provide employment for people. They currently have two women who run God’s Handiwork – embroidering of altar cloths, stoles, tee shirts, etc. They also have a silk screening shop. There is a craft store where local Native American crafts are sold. A thrift store provides clothes and household items at very modest prices and a new program, Recycle Rebound, which we thought was great, makes door mats out of old tires. We all bought one and will be glad to show you.
At Christmas time, the Center has a Christmas Store where families are allowed to pick one item for each family member and receive a basket of food. The Health Resource Center offers a variety of health services including special screenings, referral resources, mental health resources, and where Alcoholics Anonymous, AI-Auoit and Alateen hold regular meetings.
TO BE CONTINUED SEPTEMBER 28
Altar Guild MemorialsFirst Church Altar Guild is now accepting memorials and honoraria for use in decorating the church during the Advent season. If you would like to make a gift in memory or honor of a loved one, please mail or bring your contribution to the church office by Friday, December 2. Names will be listed in the Christmas Newsletter, December 14, and the Sunday bulletin, December 18. Please mark your check “Christmas Decorations” and include a note with the name(s) as you would like them to appear. Contributions may be sent to: FUMC, Attn. Charlene Barnett, 200 S. Church St., Jackson, TN 38301. If you have any questions, please call Charlene at the church office, 422-4002 or email [email protected].
