December 9, 2015 | Volume 14 Issue 20 jacksonfumc.org

SEEKING GOD | KNOWING CHRIST | SHARING HIS LOVE

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

FIRST EDITIONFIRST EDITION

Come and celebrate

“A Very Simple Christmas” Andrews Chapel CampusDecember 13 at 5:30 p.m.

• Guest musicians, William and Jill Donnell and their son, Braden will lead this time of Christmas worship.

• Communion will be served and the offering will go toward helping one of our own. • Everyone is invited to stay afterward for cookies and egg nog.

You’re invited to a service of

Carols andCandles

with Choir and Orchestra

Sunday, December 206:00 p.m. • Sanctuary

Reception to followNursery provided

Are you feeling ”blue” because you are facing the holidays without a loved one? Maybe you are living with cancer or some other illness and wondering about your future. Perhaps you are confronting life after a separation or a divorce. Or, maybe you have lost a job or you are dealing with financial concerns.

Whatever the reason, if you or someone you know is hurting and you are looking for a service that recognizes your suffering, you are invited to journey from the darkness toward God’s light.

Christmas Eve Communion Service

Communion Only: 5:30 PM*Nursery provided

Dec. 24 • *4:00 PM

Christmas Eve Candlelight

Communion Service

3820 Brownsville Road Hwy 70

Andrews Chapel CampusDowntown Campus

Dec. 24 • 5:30 PM

At all of our Christmas Eve services, we will be receiving altar rail offerings which will be used directly to assist families closely related to our congregation who need help with the basic necessities of life. Your generosity last year was simply amazing. In 2015, to date we have provided $11,697 in direct assistance – helping with rent, utilities, clothing, food and other basic needs for 23 families. Your gifts have made a difference in the lives of others!

Caroling at the Downtown Christmas Parade

Sunday, Dec. 13 • 4:00 p.m. • Sanctuary Nursery Provided (Infants - Age 3)

Sometimes “Merry Christmas”is just “Not So Merry”

Blue Christmas Service:A Service of Healing and Hope

First Edition December 9, 2015 page 2

Confirmand Readers

Merry Christmas from FUMC Staff!

My name is Henry Piercey. I play football and baseball. I love to go hunting with my dad. I’m in the 6th grade at USJ. I have attended FUMC all my life and was baptized here as a baby. My parents are William and Nancy. Samuel

is my 6 year old brother. Ila Katherine is my baby sister. I am excited about going through confirmation this year and look forward to going on retreats so I can learn more about God and His disciples.

My name is Jett Stephenson, I am 11 years old. I have a pretty large loving family. I have 2 brothers and 1 sister. I attend school at Chester County Jr. High School. I enjoy playing baseball, swimming, riding for wheelers, and hanging out with friends and family. I have gone to FUMC my entire life. I am also going through confirmation right now. I am enjoying this journey and getting closer to God.

Front Row: Marilynn Eblen, Pam Jaco, Taylor Parimore, Tricia Odom, Leslie Lewis, Beverly Denton, Susan Crocker; Back Row: Jacki Hoveskeland, Dolores Bosco, Jeff Rudy, Bobbie Mays, Harold Nerren, Glynn Graves, Jan Kelley, Alberta Herron, Adam Anderson, Darian Krimm, Dan Camp, Jenni Thorn

Welcome Church FamilyOn November 22nd, we welcomed two families into membership.

Greg and Paula Yates transferred their membership from another denomination. Paula is a school teacher and Greg has recently retired. Greg and Paula have already become very active in the life of Jackson FUMC.

Tyler Alan Floyd, son of Laura and Matt Floyd, received the Sacrament of Holy Baptism on November 22. We joyfully welcome Tyler into the household of God!

Also joining was the Fugate family. Mary, Joshua, and their son Jared just recently moved to Jackson. Joshua is the manager of Papa John’s Pizza.

Meals for New MomsA ministry to support families adjusting to life with another person to love.

Let us know of any FUMC members who are expecting or recently have had a new baby including foster and adoptive families.

Is this you? Don’t be shy... we are here to serve you!

Contact Susan Crocker or Jenni Thorn to make or receive a meal.scrocker@jacksonfumc.org or jthorn@jacksonfumc.org

staffprhoto

The next issue of the First Edition Newsletter will be published January 6, 2016

First Edition December 9, 2015 page 3

April 30-May 6, 2016

Be a part of our third

Mission to Haiti

Coordinators: Susan Crocker or Gregg Mitchell. For more information, contact Susan at 731-267-7238 or scrocker@jacksonfumc.org

Don’t miss this opportunity to serve!Now is the time to register for the mission and airline tickets.

Mission Trip

FUMC

Time to register

NOW!

Looking for a Family Christmas Project?

Sign up at jacksonfumc.org and Mark Johnstone will contact you about serving at one of the three sites available (Kroger Stonebridge, Macys, and Sam’s Club). Make it fun by dressing up, bringing your dogs, playing music, singing carols and/or wearing FUMC apparel! Bring the family! For more information call Mark at 668-1812, Ext (302), or e-mail mark@johnstonegroup.net

Sign up to volunteer at jacksonfumc.org

Bell RingingSaturday, December 19

SERVING OPPORTUNITIESDeck the HUB Christmas Drive • Dec 17th, 2015

This Christmas season, you’re invited to participate in the annual Deck the HUB event for the families of Hillcrest Circle. Each year a fun event is planned for Hillcrest neighbors to provide families with something to read, something to wear, something they want, and something they need.

How can I serve?

3 easy ways:1) Donating Goods - Items include: Uniforms, Jackets, Winter accessories, and more. Contact ahudgins@areareliefministries.org with the subject line “I’m interested in collecting items!”2) Volunteering - Help with set up and activities. Contact ahudgins@areareliefministries.org with the subject line “Sign me up to help!”3) Supporting Financially - Email ahudgins@areareliefministries.org with the subject line “We’d love to help!”

First Edition December 9, 2015 page 4

Day Trip to See the Eagles at Reelfoot LakeThursday , Jan 14th 8:00am- 3:00pm (Inclement weather date Jan 21st)

The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently announced results showing the largest population of breeding bald eagles in the U.S. since World War II.

Everything is included for $45.00 All you need to do is dress warm and bring some binoculars. Bus ride, snacks, private tour with a Ranger, and lunch at a local favorite restaurant! Join Susan Crocker, Director of Women’s Ministry and Pam Jaco, Director of Older Adult Ministry for a fun day out seeing God’s magnificent birds! Only 13 spots are available and we want you to come, so go ahead and make a reservation online ONLY at jacksonfumc.org

Altar Guild MemorialsIf 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 Dec.15. Names will be listed in the Sunday bulletin, Dec. 20. Mark your check “Christmas decorations” and include a note with the name(s) as you would like them to appear. Mail to: FUMC, Attn. Dolores Bosco, 200 S. Church St., Jackson, TN 38301

• Living a Life with God- Elizabeth Vaughn-Neely, leaderWe will be using scripture to strengthen our spiritual foundation for faith and enhance our experience with God through thought and discussion. As we delve into our study, it is hoped that you will be drawn into the traditional spiritual life by enriching our relationship with our God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

• Chuck Knows Church- Rm. 118 Scott Murray, leader

• Pickle Ball- Gym Ron Harris, leaderMore information below.

• Line Dancing- MezzanineEsther Milam, leader Need a little more “oogie” in your

boogie? Join Esther in the Activity Center Mezzanine. Learn some new dance steps, have some fun, make a new friend or two! Beginning January 13 through February 17.

• Christians, Muslims, and JesusWhat does this all mean? Turn on the news and you are bombarded from all fronts with frightening images. Ben Mitchell is going to help us sort it out and answer your questions. He is the Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Union University and Graves Professor of Moral Philosophy. A real smart guy!

Don’t miss this opportunity for two nights ONLY January 13th and 20th. Be informed!

Start off the New Year with Wednesday Evening Fellowship (WEF)

2016 Winter/Spring Session 1: Jan. 13 - Mar. 16 No classes on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 10.

Meal 5:15-6:00 p.m. $6 Adults, $4 Children, $20 Family Max.Classes/Activities 6:00-7:00 p.m.

What is Pickleball?People have been asking that question a lot lately because Pickleball is almost here!! Pickleball is a paddle sport created for all ages and skill levels. The rules are simple and the game is easy for beginners to learn, but can develop into a quick, fast-paced, competitive game for experienced players.

The Basics1. A fun sport that combines many elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong.2. Played both indoors or outdoors on a badminton-sized court and a slightly modified tennis net.3. Played with a paddle and a plastic ball.

Join Ron Harris in the FUMC gym January 13 at 6:00 p.m. for a Pickleball exhibition and orientation. Pickleball instruction and games will be held in the gym on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 -7:00 pm through Feb. 17th.

Recreation NewsMarilynn Eblen, marilynn@jacksonfumc.org

First Edition December 9, 2015 page 5

Women’s MinistriesSusan Crocker, Director of Women’s Ministry, scrocker@jacksonfumc.org

jacksonfumc.org

Website

Soul Sisters FUMC

Facebook

SoulSistersFUMC

Instagram

Join the email list. Send your request to Susan to be added.

Mail Chimp

scrocker@jacksonfumc.org731.267.7238

Susan

SoulSistersBetween

Friends Book Club

5:00-6:00 p.m. Mezzanine

January 20The Dovekeepers

by Alice Hoffman

Upcoming Events in 2016Thursday, Jan 14 - Reelfoot Eagle TripSunday, Jan 31 Things your Southern Mama Taught You... Biscuit Baking with AmyWednesday, Jan 20 - Between Friends Book ClubWednesday, Jan 20, 27, Feb 3, 10, 17, 24 - Morning Jolt 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Beloved Biscuits & MoreSunday, January 31 3:00-5:00 p.m.Join Amy Elizer in the FUMC Kitchen to learn the secret of 4 different biscuit recipes... and more Southern Mama Tips and Tricks.

Hands on class… $10.00 for supplies and you take home the biscuits for dinner.

Don’t miss this fun afternoon! Limited space, so sign up now at jacksonfumc.org

Painting Advent Holy Family with Carrie Duborg

Trip to see Myrtle Rose Emerson and her life-sized Santas

First Edition December 9, 2015

Memorials & Honoraria

IN LOVING MEMORY OF

PAUL RICEMark and Debra Owen

BUTCH CASHONThe Cashon Family (Pastor’s Fund)

BETTY MORRISMark and Debra Owen (Playground)Russell Larson (Playground)Leila LawrenceBruce and Phyllis MaleyCathy Wright (Playground)Brenda King Hawkins

JOHN NELSONBetsy and Alan DementFrank, Carroll, Caroline and Joseph HallElaine DooleyJim MidyettWesley Fellowship ClassLeila LawrenceRay and Elizabeth BryantMark and Debra OwenHope VoegeliCathy Wright (Playground)Mary HairstonEd and Ginger HareKen Marston and Family

IN HONOR OF

BOBBIE MAYSRoberta and Jim Price

MR. and MRS. JAMES C. KINGBrenda King Hawkins

page 6

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

Sunday, December 13 8:55 AM First Awakening Service-Downtown

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

Campus 2:00 PM Shelton Basketball 4:00 PM Blue Christmas Service 5:30 PM Worship Service- Andrews Chapel

Campus

Monday, December 14 9:00 AM Parents Day Out 5:30 PM Finance Committee Meeting 7:00 PM Men’s Basketball

Tuesday, December 15 7:00 AM Men’s Bible Study 4:00 PM Staff Tech Training 6:00 PM Tech Team Training 6:45 PM Middle School Boys Basketball

Practice

Wednesday, December 16 9:00 AM Parents Day Out 10:00 AM Pastor’s Bible Study 3:45 PM Girl Scouts 6:00 PM Handbells 6:00 PM Tech Team Training 7:00 PM First Awakening Worship Team

Rehearsal 7:00 PM Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal

Thursday, December 17 9:00 AM Coffee and Conversation 7:00 PM High School Boys Basketball

Practice

Friday, December 18 No church events scheduled

Saturday, December 19 9:00 AM Carols and Candles Rehearsal

Sunday, December 20 8:55 AM First Awakening Service-Downtown

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

Campus 4:30 PM Shelton Basketball 6:00 PM Carols and Candles 7:00 PM Carols and Candles Reception

Monday, December 21 11:30 AM Staff Christmas Lunch 7:00 PM Men’s Basketball

Tuesday, December 22 7:00 AM Men’s Bible Study 6:45 PM Middle School Boys Basketball

Practice

Wednesday, December 23 No church events scheduled

Thursday, December 24 Christmas Eve Holiday Church Closed 4:00 PM Christmas Eve Service 5:30 PM Christmas Eve Communion Service

(Communion Only) 5:30 PM Christmas Eve Communion Service -

Andrews Chapel

Friday, December 25 Christmas Day Holiday Church Closed

Saturday, December 26 4:30 PM Room in the Inn

Sunday, December 27 8:55 AM First Awakening Service-Downtown

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

Campus 5:30 PM Worship Service- Andrews Chapel

Campus

Monday, December 28 10:00 AM Breakthru 7:00 PM Men’s Basketball

Tuesday, December 29 7:00 AM Men’s Bible Study 6:45 PM Middle School Boys Basketball

Practice

Wednesday, December 30 3:45 PM Girl Scouts 7:00 PM First Awakening Worship Team

Rehearsal

Thursday, December 31 No church events scheduled

Friday, January 1 - Sunday, January 3 8:55 AM First Awakening Service-Downtown

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

Campus

Monday, January 4 8:00 AM Tennesssee River District

Operational Team 7:00 PM Men’s Basketball

Tuesday, January 5 7:00 AM Men’s Bible Study 5:30 PM Youth Church League Basketball

Wednesday, January 6 9:00 AM Parents Day Out 3:45 PM Girl Scouts 5:45 PM Confirmation Class 7:00 PM First Awakening Team Rehearsal 7:00 PM Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal

Thursday, January 7 9:00 AM Coffee and Conversation 7:00 PM High School Boys Basketball

Practice

Friday, January 8 12:00 PM First Friday Forum

Saturday, January 9 4:30 PM Room in the Inn

Sunday, January 10 Leadership Sunday 8:55 AM First Awakening Service-Downtown

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

Campus 5:00 PM Kids who Care Club 5:00 PM “The Current” Youth 5:30 PM Worship Service- Andrews Chapel

Campus

First Friday ForumJanuary 812:00-1:00 p.m.Clayton HallCost: $7 per personAnnual Address by Mayor Jerry Gist and Mayor Jimmy Harris

First Edition December 9, 2015 page 7

Adult OpportunitiesPam Jaco, pam@jacksonfumc.org

For Men Only Coffee & ConversationThursdays, 9-10:00 a.m. Room 117All men are welcomed to this fun and growing group!

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22

For reservations, call the church office at 422-4002 by 12:00 p.m. Jan. 18.

Program 11:00 a.m. | Luncheon 12:00 p.m. Clayton Hall | $7.00 per person

A presentation by The Jackson Symphony Association

featuringPeter Shannon, Lee Warren, and some members of the

Jackson Symphony Orchestra “Music and Healing”

“Save Your Stories, Leave a Legacy” Workshop

Thursday, Jan 14, 20169:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. | MezzanineJoin Andrea Woods in exploring ways to create an Intentional Legacy through crafting letters, stories, memoirs, poetry, 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!Pre-registration required. Contact Pam at 422-4002 or pam@jacksonfumc.org

December Mission Focus: Hannah’s HopeHannah’s Hope is an adoption agency located in Bartlett.

Birth Mother Needed Items: Always Super (Mega Pack), Always Overnight (Mega Pack), Dermaplast Spray, Nursing Pads (Plaxtexi, Lansinoh, etc.), Tuck Pads, Bath & Body Lotion, Tote BagComfort Items: Pedicure Set (Slippers, Nail Polish, Polish Remover, Emery Boards, Toe Separators, Nail Clippers), Small Candle, Sweet TreatDrop items off in the collection box in your Sunday School class or place in the “Way to Give” arch the last Sunday of December.

Note of AppreciationMany thanks to the Altar Guild for the beautiful decorations for this Advent season!

Welcome home college students! Get back together for the holidays during the Sunday School hour, 10-10:50 a.m. in the College Life classroom on the lower level on Sunday, December 13, 20 and 27. Grab a cup of coffee, donuts and orange juice… come and rekindle friendships or make new ones!

Join the pastors for Advent Sunday School lessons each Sunday in the Chapel. Hosted by the “Friends in Faith” Sunday School, this is open to everyone. Lessons are from the book, “The Gift of New Hope.” based on the revised common lectionary.

Church Directory News: Miss getting your picture made for the new church directory? You may submit a color photo either by dropping off at Bobbie’s office or e-mail to bobbie@jacksonfumc.org by December 18. Photo should be at least 4x6. All originals will be returned. Please tape name(s) and phone number on back of photo…do not write directly on picture.

Complimentary 8x10 photos are ready to pickup at the church office.

Men’s group sang out at the Thanksgiving Dinner!

Sunday 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

Like us on FacebookFUMC Jackson TN

Follow us on Twittertwitter.com/jacksonfumc

A United MethodistWelcoming Congregation

Sign up for e-newsletters and weekly happenings at jacksonfumc.org under Contact.

Sunday,December 133rd Sunday of Advent

Sunday,December 204th Sunday of Advent

Sunday,December 27

Andrews Chapel Services:2nd and 4th Sunday Evenings5:30 p.m. Worship Service

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

“Joyful Waiting“Jeff Rudy, preaching | Phillipians 4:4-7

4:00 p.m. “Blue Christmas Service”Larry Daniel, preaching

6:00 p.m. “Service of Carols and Candles”with Choir and Orchestra

“A Very Simple Christmas“Dan Camp, preaching

“Why Me“Dan Camp, preaching | Luke 1:39-45Childrens choir, both services

Jeff Rudy, preaching “Covenant Renewal Service“Jeff Rudy, preaching

No worship service

Communion

Communion

Journey through the Advent Season“Living in

Expectation”