first edition newsletter - april 08 2015
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First Edition Newsletter - April 08 2015TRANSCRIPT
April 8, 2015 | Volume 14 Issue 6 jacksonfumc.org
SEEKING GOD | KNOWING CHRIST | SHARING HIS LOVE
DOWNTOWN JACKSON
A Newsletter Publication of First United Methodist Church, Jackson, Tennessee
FIRST EDITIONFIRST EDITIONApril 19
Confirmation Sunday11:00 a.m. Worship Service
During the past year, these young people have reflected on what it means to be members of the church, to use their gifts for God, and to live their lives as followers of Christ.
On Sunday, April 19, FUMC welcomes each into this congregation!
Holland van BuurenMax Speight
Lily Carothers
Savannah SpencerAnna Marie Speight
William Hudson
Reagan Carney
Jake Koehler
Mark Matlock Audrey Reddick Ella Shelton
Andrew Coy
Edward Havercamp
2015 Spring & Summer
Adventures at FUMCPick up a card in church lobbies. Invite your friends and neighbors!
Check out events atjacksonfumc.org
Everyone invited to aSpecial Church-Wide Event
Spring FestYouth Fundraiser
April 22 • 5 p.m.
• Pancake Supper $5/plate• Petting Zoo
• Corn Toss Tournament • Silent Auction
Wednesday Evening Fellowship Concludes April 15
First Edition April 8, 2015 page 2
First Friday ForumApril 10Noon-1:00 p.m.Clayton HallCost: $7/personYouth Town Girls with guest speakers, Dr. Pepper Pratt and Paige Bledsoe. Youth Town is a Christ-centered residential treatment center.
Baptism
Youth Week 2014
Ann “Annie” Ellen Heit, daughter of Scott and Kelly Heit, was baptized March 22 during the First Awakening service. Annie’s siblings are Greyson, Sullivan, Leila, and Allison. We welcome Annie into the family of God!
“The Current” YouthOpen to 7th-12th graders
Taylor Parimore, Director of Student Ministries ([email protected])Search for “The Current UMY” on Facebook
“FUMC is a downtown church meeting the growing needs of younger generations”
Plan now for Youth Summer Adventures!Faith Building • Team Building • Missions • Service in Christ
Big Stuf Camp | June 26-29 Sign-up closed.Chaperones & CDL Driver needed.Contact Taylor if you can help.
Reelfoot Work Camp | July 5-10Contractor needed.Contact Taylor if you can help.Register at jacksonfumc.org
UMC Youth Week | July 22-26Register at jacksonfumc.org
Everyone is invited!Jackson District Choir FestivalSunday, April 12 • 6:00 p.m.Northside UMC257 N. Highland Ave.Jackson, TNCome and hear FUMC’s Sanctuary Choir with combined voices of several United Methodist churches in the Jackson area!
Open to ALL MEN of the Memphis Conference of The United Methodist Church (West Tennessee and Western Kentucky). Music by “The Finchers”. 5 p.m. - Food service begins | 7 p.m. - Program beginsCost: $15 per person
Archers Chapel UMC, 356 Archer's Chapel Rd., Frog Jump, TN (Crockett County/Brownsville District)
Join the fun with the men from FUMC! if interested in riding the church bus to the “Fish Fry at Frog Jump”, contact JOHN E YARBROUGH [email protected]
PARENTS DAY OUT
Mondays & Wednesdays9:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Ages 8 weeks - 5 years
To register, contact Ashley Taylor,
[email protected] secure your child’s spot.
Hurry, spaces are limited!
Kids@FirsNow registering for Fall
First Edition April 8, 2015 page 3
Adult OpportunitiesPam Jaco, [email protected]
For Men Only
Coffee & ConversationThursday mornings
9-10:00 a.m. • April 30Room 117
Come get out of the “grind” and spend an hour at Coffee and Conversation. All men are welcomed!
“Save Your Stories, Leave a Legacy”
Workshop
There is so much inside each of us that our children and families do not know! Join Andrea Woods, a writer and former FUMC staff member, for a morning in which you will explore ways to create an Intentional Legacy through crafting letters, stories, memoirs, poetry — and perhaps even music — to tell the personal, vital stories that have informed your life.
You don’t have to have previous writing experience! Anyone can do this!
May 14 • 9:30-12:00 p.m.FUMC MezzaninePre-registration required.
Contact Pam at 422-4002 or [email protected]
FRIDAY, APRIL 17
For reservations, call the church office at 422-4002 or sign up online at jacksonfumc.org by the April 13.
Mitzi Mathenia
Presents a Spring concert – songs and piano
Program 11:00 a.m. Luncheon 12:00 p.m. Clayton Hall • $7.00 per person
FRIDAY, MAY 15
“Our Quilted Past”The Impact of the feedsack
presented by Sarah Bliss Wright
of Minor Scale Productions Mobile, Alabama
The story and exhibit of quilts and other household items made from Cotton feed and flour bags such as those from the historical Bemis Mill in Bemis, TN
COMING SOON ACTSMen’s Weekly Bible Study
7-7:45 a.m. TuesdaysThe Book of Acts
Clayton Hall Conference Room
Pastor’s Bible Study: Colossians10-11 a.m. Wednesdays
Room 118 (Religion for Life)
Pastor’s Bible Study: The Book of Daniel6-7 p.m. Wednesday
Room 119
Weekly Bible Studies
First Edition April 8, 2015 page 4
“FUMC is a downtown church meeting the growing needs of younger generations”
Children’s MinistryJenni Thorn, Director of Children’s Ministry ([email protected])
April 11- Parents’ Night Out, 5:30-9:00 p.m. Cost: $6 per child, $20 family max. Register by April 8April 12- Kids Who Care Club, 5:00-6:30 p.m. at the home of Elise Havercamp, 22 Windover RdApril 19- Children’s Ministry Team meeting, 4-6 p.m.April 26- VBS volunteer and participant registration between services in Disciple HallApril 26- Kids Who Care Club, 5:00-6:30 p.m. at the home of Henry Piercey, 110 Stonehaven Cir.
Sock CompetitionIn Sunday School, we learned about Jesus’ washing the disciples’ feet. We learned about servanthood through the example of Christ. We want to continue this lesson with a little healthy competition between the Sunday School classes. Bring in NEW SOCKS of all shapes, colors and sizes to be donated to those in need.The class that brings in the most pairs of socks between through April 12 will get a donut breakfast on April 19.
Kids Who Care Club Trip to St Jude and Laser QuestSunday, May 3, 12:30-7:30pm$30 per person, covers dinner & laser tagWe will be taking the church bus but will need a couple of parent drivers too. Deadline to register is April 27.
Kids Music Day CampJune 8-12, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.Grades K-5th • Cost: $50This mini-fest camp offers a unique experience for kids to prepare and perform a musical. Children will enjoy fun activities with lunch provided each day. There will be a musical performance on June 12 at 5:30 p.m. Register at jacksonfumc.org or call the church office, 422-4002.
Join the Team for Bible Blast to the Past!June 22nd-26th9:00 a.m.-12 p.m.
VBS participant and volunteer registration During Spring Fest, Wednesday, April 22 & Sunday morning, April 26 in Disciple Hall. 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!
Discovery Ruins—This year’s VBS has fun and exciting crafts and experiments for everyone to do!
Games– We need leaders to help with the fun games that our kids will enjoy everyday at VBS.
Missions Quest Cave—Kids will learn how the lesson applies to their lives through missions and service.
Backtrack Bazaar– Our kids will need a snack each day to help them stand strong for God.
Timeless Truths Tent– Every day our kids will not just hear, but experience the Bible story of the day.
Preschool Playful Pasture- Join our preschoolers as they venture back in time to experience the Bible stories through crafts, games, stories and more. Contact Jenni Thorn at [email protected] if you are willing to help.
VBS
...
Wednesday Evening Fellowship
Concludes April 15Dinner 5-6 p.m.
$7 Adults, $4 Children under 12, $24 Family Maximum.
Menu: April 15: Salad Buffet: Shrimp/Ham/Slaw/Vegetable Salad and more!Bread, Desserts
Classes/Activities 6-7 p.m.
• Contemplative Prayer Study on Wednesday evenings from 6-7 p.m. in the Chapel (lower level) with Elizabeth Vaughn-Neely, leader
• Yoga is Back! Beginner/Intermediate. Join Linda Segerson from The Yoga Center, in the Mezzanine Activity Center. Cost: $5 per class. Needed: stretchy clothes, towel, yoga mat. Questions? Contact Marilynn Eblen, [email protected].
• Men Only Open Gym - Come in and shoot, scrimmage, or just hang out!
• Pastors’ Bible Study on the Book of Daniel - Leaders, Dan Camp and Jeff Rudy, Rm. 119
• Tech Talk- Leader, Luke Woodruff, Rm. 118- Learning today’s technology, PCs, tablets, smart phones, internet, e-mail, social networking, online shopping and security.
• Table Talk - Enjoy down time and fellowship. Coffee and dessert available in Clayton Hall until 7 p.m.
• Children’s and Youth Programming
Stewardship Spotlight
Refinished Sanctuary Doors
First Edition April 8, 2015 page 5
Freedom, Faith and Friendshipby Bobbie Mays, Director of Communications
Thirty-five years ago, FUMC members, Emmett and Barbara Barker began a journey with the Daniel (Danny) Luc family, a Chinese-Vietnamese family who escaped from Saigon as “boat people” to come to America. With only the clothes they were wearing and $20 to begin their new life, theirs is an amazing story of survival, hope and faith! The Barkers invited Danny to share about their life at Adventures in Learning.
Danny was born in a Chinese Christian family in Vietnam and lived in the capital city of Saigon. In his teenage years, he remembers asking God, “Why do we live on this earth? Do you have any plans for me?” He said God told him in Jeremiah 29:11 that he had plans to “prosper you and give you hope and a future.”
In March of 1965, the US Marines landed in central Vietnam which marked the beginning of the Vietnam War. “Funeral processions for the deceased South Vietnamese soldiers became a common scene on the street of Saigon. Will I be next? Was I born just to face a senseless death?, he asked God. In 1966, Danny was drafted into the South Vietnamese army. Because he spoke English, he served as an interpreter to the US military advisory team. For the next six years, he had several close encounters on the battlefield. Friends died around him and the camp was overrun by the enemy.
Again, he turned to God. “What do I do?” God promised him that he would be with him always. When Danny was lost in the jungle during the war, God blinded the enemy with light which saved his life.
In April of 1975, Saigon fell to the Communists. Many homes were destroyed and many people died. After the fighting stopped, Danny received the Silver Star award for his honorable military service. Standing next to him that day was Major Thomas Davidson from Lewisburg, TN. Soon, many citizens were able to leave the city, but Danny was not allowed. He was most concerned because of his association with his American friend, Major
Davidson. However, when an investigation was carried out on Danny, his military record did not reflect that connection. So, while that was good news, the bad news was he was sent to work in labor camps. Because of this, he was not able to work or get a job.
What he did do was marry his special girlfriend, Joyce and together they began witnessing for Jesus Christ. Their only hope, and for others like them, was in church. A very small Christian church was started, people came and it became a great opportunity to witness.
In June of 1979, Danny, his wife, their two small children and some other relatives arranged to get on a boat to leave Vietnam and start a new life in the United States. Their only possessions were the clothes they were wearing. After six days of sailing on the open turbulent seas without any food in an overcrowded boat filled with nearly 350 people, they arrived on a small island in Malaysia. For nine months, they stayed in a refugee camp in Indonesia sharing the gospel and building a small church.
A little background… In the late 70’s, Alex Luc, the older brother of Danny, was married and in seminary at Trinity College in Deerfield, IL, where Barbara and Emmett lived at that time. The Barkers were in need of reliable sitters to care for their two children, Melanie, 15 and Dan. 6, when traveling on business. They felt that a “young Christian couple in seminary would be a safe choice with whom they could entrust their children.” The arrangement worked well and as they got to know more about Alex, they learned of the difficult situation for his family as Christians when the Viet-Cong took over Saigon.
In January, 1980, Alex called the Barkers explaining about his family’s escape as “boat people” and that they were living in a refugee camp in Indonesia. They had been approved to come to the United States provided they could get a sponsorship from an American family. Barbara and Emmett agreed to be their sponsors and in March, 1980, Barbara met Danny, Joyce and their two year old daughter at O’Hare airport in Chicago.
The First Presbyterian Church in Deerfield also assisted initially with the sponsorship. When the Luc family arrived, Barbara took them to Chinatown where the Chinese had a vacant apartment for them to live. The living conditions were not good so their church made arrangements for them to move to another location. Barbara helped the family get acclimated to the community, transporting them to get health checkups, green cards, and eventually seeking jobs for them. “Daniel was obviously quite intelligent and with his experience working with the US military, he knew how to operate.”
Danny’s first job was with a manufacturing company working with wiring. Recognizing his potential, the company gave him every opportunity to work as many hours as he wanted. As Barbara shared, “this part of the story ends twenty years later, when Daniel and a friend bought the company. Eventually, he sold his company and in 2006, he retired. But God wasn’t finished with him. God wanted Danny to take on a bigger challenge. Through much prayer and thought, he sold his shares of the business. Today, he works full time for Chicago Chinese Christian Missions motivating and equipping Christ’s followers in ministry to go back to China to spread the gospel making China a Christian nation. Mid-west college campuses where several thousand students from China are working on advanced degrees are visited by the Missions organization. They lead them into participation in Christian groups with hopes they will accept Christ before they return to China. Their ministry also works with Northwestern University’s graduate school bringing business executives from China to Chicago for a series of management seminars.
His high standards of hard work, a heart for God and for education define Danny and his family. The longtime friendship Emmett, Barbara, Daniel and Joyce continue to enjoy has brought them together for numerous family celebrations. God works in such amazing ways. Thank you Barbara and Daniel for sharing this remarkable story!
Emmett Barker, Danny and Joyce Luc, and Barbara Barker
Adventures in Learning March Program
“Boat people” from Saigon
First Edition April 8, 2015 page 6
Memorials & Honoraria
IN LOVING MEMORY OF
ALINE LEECHRebekah Circle (Music)Jerry & Mona Ward
JOHANNA PAULYFamily Life Forum Sunday School Class
THOMAS D. MURRAYBilly & Peggy PateHope Voegeli
DR. JAMES BARKERLowell & Mary Ann StonecipherLee & Susan SheppardDavid & Janis Fite (Pastors’ Fund)James & Emily FreemanPeggy RobbinsLouanne & King BondLarry & Joyce SandersMartha & Jerry KizerEmmett & Barbara BarkerJerry & Mona WardDon & Patricia Bridges
JOHN MAYMyrna DupreeCraig & Tom Stallings Family (Pastors’ Fund)Lynn Tisdal
GEORGE GRIFFITHLaura Burnett (Music)David & Janis Fite (Pastors’ Fund)May ScottUpper Room Sunday School ClassPeggy RobbinsLouanne & King Bond
HELEN EDWARDSRebecca H. Hill
BETTY DETERMEYERBilly & Peggy PateBetsy Babb (Sanctuary Doors)Inez BurkeGary & Deborah BoltonJerry & Mona Ward
HAROLD EVANSLouanne & King Bond
PAUL CROSSBetsy Babb (Sanctuary Doors)
DR. GEORGE W. “BUDDY” SHANNONWOODY WOODSON Craig & Tom Stalling Family (Pastors’ Fund)
TOM VOEGELIBilly & Peggy Pate
JAMES MATTHEWSPeggy Robbins
DEBBIE GAINESBilly & Peggy Pate
IN LOVING HONOR OF
PAUL CLAYTON (On his birthday)Anne Barker & Family
Calendar of EventsCalendar subject to change. Please call the church office, 422-4002 or check the calendar at jacksonfumc.org
Sunday, April 12 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 Sunday School - Downtown Campus
11:00 AM Traditional Service - Downtown Campus
5:00 PM Kids Who Care Club 5:00 PM “The Current” UMY
Monday, April 13 9:00 AM Kids at First 5:30 PM Finance Committee
Meeting 5:30 PM Sr. Olympic Basketball 7:00 PM Boy Scout Troop 12
Tuesday, April 14 Senior Adult Day at
Lakeshore 7:00 AM Men’s Bible Study 4:30 PM FitFirst 5:30 PM J-Town AAU Basketball
Wednesday, April 15 9:00 AM Kids at First
Sunday, April 19 Confirmation Sunday 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 Confirmation Brunch 11:00 AM Traditional Service -
Downtown Campus 4:00 PM Children’s Ministry
Team Meeting 4:00 PM Choral Society Concert 5:00 PM “The Current” UMY
Cook out party
Monday, April 20 9:00 AM Kids at First 5:30 PM Sr. Olympic Basketball 6:00 PM Welcoming Ministry
Team Meeting 6:30 PM Mission Focus Group
Meeting 7:00 PM Boy Scout Troop 12
Tuesday, April 21 7:00 AM Men’s Bible Study 4:30 PM FitFirst 5:30 PM J-Town AAU Basketball
6:00 PM Stephen Ministry Continuing Education
Wednesday, April 22 9:00 AM Kids at First 10:00 AM Pastor’s Bible Study 2:30 PM WINGS 4:00 PM Hub Club 5:00 PM Open Gym-Youth 5:00 PM Between Friends Book
Club 5:00 PM “Spring Fest” Pancake
Supper - Downtown Campus
6:00 PM “The Current” UMY 6:00 PM Handbells 7:00 PM First Awakening
Worship Team Rehearsal
7:00 PM Sanctuary Choir
Thursday, April 23 9:00 AM Coffee & Conversation 3:15 PM Hub Club 4:30 PM FitFirst 5:30 PM Sr. Olympic Basketball
Friday, April 24 10:00 AM Homeschool Gym
Saturday, April 25 4:30 PM Room in the Inn
10:00 AM Pastor’s Bible Study 11:30 AM Annual Conference
Planning Meeting 2:30 PM WINGS 3:45 PM Girl Scouts 4:00 PM Hub Club 5:00 PM Open Gym-Youth 5:00 PM WEF Dinner -
Downtown Campus 5:45 PM Men’s Open Gym 6:00 PM WEF Classes/Activities 6:00 PM “The Current” UMY 6:00 PM Handbells 6:00 PM Pastor’s Bible Study 6:00 PM Recreation Team
Meeting 6:00 PM SPRC Meeting 7:00 PM First Awakening
Worship Team Rehearsal 7:00 PM Sanctuary Choir
Thursday, April 16 9:00 AM Coffee and Conversation 3:15 PM Hub Club 4:30 PM FitFirst 5:30 PM Sr. Olympic Basketball
Friday, April 17 11:00 AM Adventures in Learning
Saturday, April 18 4:30 PM Room in the Inn
Altar Guild Easter Memorials & Honoraria
IN LOVING MEMORY OF
DEVON DOOLEYElizabeth ClowPat & Richard Whitmore
PAUL KRONEConnie Krone
WAYNE E. JOSLINGERALD F. BORDENHOMER E. JOHNSEvelyn J. Borden
ERLYN WEBBROBERT (BOBBY) WEBBBarton, Elizabeth & Zac
REV. & MRS. CLARENCE E. HARE, JR.Ed & Ginger Hare
TOM VOEGELIHope Voegeli
DR. BARNETT SCOTTHis Family
BILL & ROSALAND MORRISDICK & BLANCHE NUNNHerron & Betty Morris
LUCY BUTLERJames Butler
GEORGE A. SMITHROBERT JOSEPH SMITHMARY HELEN BARKERROGER HARRIS BARKERJAMES HARRIS BARKERRuth Ann & Jerry Smith
GEORGE GRIFFITHThe Albert Fowlkes Family
DR. JAMES BARKERJudy & Terry Holt
JIMMY DOAKDorothy Doak
IN LOVING HONOR OF ELAINE DOOLEYElizabeth ClowPat & Richard Whitmore
ELIZABETH SMITHRuth Ann & Jerry Smith
First Edition April 8, 2015 page 7
SoulSisters
Between Friends
Book Club
Wednesday, April 15 5:15 p.m. • Mezzanine
A discussion of “The Boys in the Boat”
by Daniel J. BrownBe out in time for 6 p.m. classes.
Women’s MinistriesSusan Crocker, Director of Women’s Ministry, [email protected]
Mother-Daughter Afternoon TeaSunday, May 172:00-4:00 • K-5th
24 Spots Available • $15/child, Moms free • Register at jacksonfumc.org
20 Windwood Drive
“Teapots with Character”What pours out of your spout?
Crafts, flower bouquets, &
tea party
Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” 1 Timothy 2:12
SPRING EVENTS
APRIL-MAYgrowing • connecting • serving
Women’sMinistry
Wed. April 15 Between Friends Book Club 5:15 p.m. Mezzanine Sun. May 17 **Mother-Daughter Tea Party - 2-4 p.m. (K-5th grade) $15 per child Mom’s free. 20 Windwood DriveTue. May 19 **Antiques Road Trip with Gene Smith to Collierville, TN 8 a.m.-5 p.m. $25Wed. May 20 Between Friends Book Club 5:15 p.m. MezzanineFri. May 22 Night out at the Amp - Downtown Jackson 6:30 pm. - Bring a chair
** SIGN UP ONLINE ONLY at jackonfumc.org - limited space available Your reservation and payment will hold your spot.
Oxford Book Club Trip
Congratulations UMW for
collecting over $3000 for
missions! Great work!
Sue Harvey and Hope Voegeli
Antiques Road Trip with Gene Smith
Tuesday, May 19 8:00-5:00 • Cost: $25Did you know Gene is an antiques expert? He can tell you fascinating things about Grandma’s treasures. He has over 50 years of experience buying and selling antiques. We are going Sheffield Antique Market, Lunch, and Dixie Pickers on the square in Collierville,TN. Make your reservation ONLINE ONLY at jacksonfumc.org. When you register and pay that will hold your place on the trip.
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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SundayApril 12
SundayApril 19
Andrews Chapel Services:8:30 a.m. Worship Service9:45 a.m. Sunday School
FUMC Downtown Services:8:55 a.m. First Awakening10:00 a.m. Sunday School11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship
“Ants in Your Pants”Tom Hazelwood, preachingJohn 20:19-31
Jerry Jeffords, preaching
“In Defence of Thomas“Jeff Rudy, preachingJohn 20:19-31
Dan Camp, preaching
Communion
Special music, readings, and messages of hope and love reminds us of the Good News of Jesus Christ!
Thanks for the many serving hearts, helping hands, and warm hospitality during Holy Week.
Our Journey From Palm Sunday to the Cross and Resurrection…