February 4, 2015 | Volume 14 Issue 3 jacksonfumc.org

SEEKING GOD | KNOWING CHRIST | SHARING HIS LOVE

DOWNTOWN JACKSON

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

FIRST EDITIONFIRST EDITION

Contemplative Lenten StudyWednesday Evenings starting Feb. 25

Join Elizabeth Neely in the Chapel (lower level) 6-7 p.m.

Join Christians around the world as we all celebrate the season of Lent, a time of contemplation, self-examination and anticipation.

Join people of faith from all over the country as we #pictureLent this year. From daily devotions to weekly themes to church activities and resources, #pictureLent is a great way to unite your family or your faith community in moving toward Easter intentionally and passionately. Check out what #pictureLent has to offer this year.

Participate in Family Lent Activities at

lecfamily.org/lent/

Ash Wednesday

February 18th Ash Wednesday Services

Downtown CampusSanctuary

Noon & 6:00 pm.

No Wednesday Evening meal or classes

Are you very busy and feeling stressed? We will place ourselves before God in solitude to find balance. Join us as we begin our study of contemplative prayer for the Lenten Season. Led by the Holy Spirit, we will lean on scripture and follow Jesus’ example of how to be alone with God in prayer.

On the Edge

A friend of mine who is a priest once wrote that the season of Lent, and Ash Wednesday in particular, reminds us that, “We all stand on the edge of our own demise.” The story of Jesus’ temptation always takes center stage during Lent, where we find that at least on three occasions, Jesus was but one step, one thought, one decision away from taking a different path than what God had laid out as the path of obedience and humility. Seeing the allure of the alternative paths we see that Jesus, too, stood on the edge of his own demise.

Yet the Lenten season provides for us the opportunity to, like Jesus, take the path of humility, self-denial, and obedience to a life of fulfilling a mission that is greater than ourselves. And in this we, like

Jesus, are empowered by the Spirit to do something spectacular even if it may fly under the radar and keep the spotlight on things other than ourselves.

As Lent swiftly approaches, I encourage you all to prayerfully consider the truth that “We all stand on the edge of our own demise” and find practical ways to set our faces toward Jerusalem, like Jesus did as he approached his calling: to not orchestrate things to fill our own selfish desires, to not steal the spotlight, to not bow down to any

other than the loving God who has made us and who through his Son Jesus gave himself to us and for us.

Peace,

Pastor JeffJeff Rudy, Associate Pastor

NEW

First Edition February 4, 2015 page 2

“FUMC is a downtown church meeting the growing needs of younger generations”

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

Parents Night OutSaturday, Feb. 14

5:30 - 9:00 p.m.(Infant - 5th Grade)

Games, Activities, and MovieDinner Provided - $6 per child, $20 Family Max.

Register at jacksonfumc.org by February 11

Like us on FacebookFUMC Jackson TN

Connect with FUMC

February 8 Children’s Ministry Team meeting, 4-6 p.m., Clayton Hall Conference Room

February 8 & 22 Kids Who Care Club, 5-6:30 p.m., at the church, a ministry and missions outreach for 4th & 5th graders

February 13 & 27 Homeschool Open Gym, 10 a.m.-12 Noon

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

Taylor Parimore, Director of Student Ministries (tparimore@jacksonfumc.org)Search for “The Current UMY” on Facebook

“FUMC is a downtown church meeting the growing needs of younger generations”

Shrove Tuesday Youth Pancake Dinner Tuesday, February 17, 5:00 p.m. Tickets for $5 each will be on sale Sunday, February 15 and at Parents Night Out, February 14.

Come support youth in church league basketball! Schedule is posted in the gym.

I want to give out a big thanks to all the volunteers who have been helping with the youth this year. Your time and love you give to all the youth is so appreciated!

Operation Inasmuch

Andrews Chapel CampusNeighborhood Outreach

Saturday, Feb. 28 9:30 a.m. - Noon

How you can help!“Operation Inasmuch”, is a mission project for the FUMC Andrews Chapel campus.Volunteers are neeeded to canvas the Huntersville Community, targeting a 2 mile radius from the church. The Madison County Fire Department is teaming with us to provide free smoke detectors to those in need. On Saturday, February 28, we will gather the information and then the Fire Department will return to install the smoke detectors. Be sure to wear your FUMC apparel!

Questions or to Volunteer: Kathy Abrams (901-494-5024 or kabrams25@aol.com) or T. Robert Hill (deerrun@aeneas.net).

“And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”

- Matthew 25:40 (KJV)

First Edition February 4, 2015 page 3

You are doing something really, really important. I know it's not easy. I see you with your arms overflowing, and I know you came to church already tired. Parenting is tiring. Really tiring.

I watch you bounce and sway trying to keep the baby quiet, juggling the infant car seat and the diaper bag as you find a seat. I see you wince as your child cries. I see you anxiously pull things out of your bag of tricks to try to quiet them.

And I see you with your toddler and your preschooler. I watch you cringe when your little girl asks an innocent question in a voice that might not be an inside voice let alone a church whisper. I hear the exasperation in your voice as you beg your child to just sit, to be quiet as you feel everyone's eyes on you. Not everyone is looking, but I know it feels that way.

I know you're wondering, is this worth it? Why do I bother? I know you often leave church more exhausted than fulfilled. But what you are doing is so important.

When you are here, the church is filled with a joyful noise. When you are here, the Body of Christ is more fully present. When you are here, we are reminded that this worship thing we do isn't about bible study or personal, quiet contemplation but coming together to worship as a community where all are welcome, where we share in the Word and Sacrament together. When you are here, I have hope that these pews won't be empty in 10 years when your kids are old enough to sit quietly and behave in worship. I know that they are learning how and why we worship now, before it's too late. They are learning that worship is important.

I see them learning. In the midst of the cries, whines, and giggles, in the midst of the crinkling of pretzel bags and the growing pile of crumbs, I see a little girl who insists

on going two pews up to share peace with someone she's never met. I hear a little boy slurping (quite loudly) every last drop of his communion wine out of the cup, determined not to miss a drop of Jesus. I watch a child excitedly color a cross and point to the one in the front of the sanctuary. I hear the echos of "Amens" just a few seconds after the rest of the community says it together. I watch a boy just learning to read try to sound out the words in the worship book or count his way to Hymn 672. Even on weeks when I can't see my own children learning because, well, it's one of those mornings, I can see your children learning.

I know how hard it is to do what you're doing, but I want you to know it matters. It matters to me. It matters to my children to not be alone in the pew. It matters to the congregation to know that families care about faith, to see young people... and even on those weeks when you can't see the little moments, it matters to your children.

It matters that they learn that worship is what we do as a community of faith, that everyone is welcome, that their worship matters. When we teach children that their worship matters, we teach them that they are enough right here and right now as members of the church community. They don't need to wait until they can believe, pray or worship a certain way to be welcome here, and I know adults who are still looking to be shown that. It matters that children learn that they are an integral part of this church, that their prayers, their songs, and even their badly (or perfectly-timed, depending on who you ask) cries and whines are a joyful noise because it means they are present.

I know it's hard, but thank you for what you do when you bring your children to church. Please know that your family -- with all of its noise, struggle, commotion, and joy -- are not simply tolerated, you are a vital part of the community gathered in worship.

Dear Parents With Young Children in Churchby Jamie Bruesehoff (Printed with permission from her blog “I Am Totally *That* Mom” )

Tuesdays, 7-7:45 a.m.Men’s Weekly Bible Study

The Book of ActsClayton Hall Conference Room

ACTS

Pastor’s Bible StudyColossians

Wednesday Mornings10-11 a.m.

Room 118 (Religion for Life)

Weekly Bible Studies

Pastor’s Bible StudyThe Book of Daniel

Wednesday Evenings6-7 p.m. • Room 119

The Stephen Ministry invites anyone interested

to hear Guest speaker, Jan Boud“Providing Support for

Alzheimer’s Patients Caregivers”

February 16 • 6-7:00 p.m.Rm. 118 (lower level) Questions? Contact

Tharon Kirk, 660-4354

First Edition February 4, 2015 page 4

Calendar of Events

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

check the calendar at jacksonfumc.org

Sunday, February 8 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 4:00 PM Children’s Ministry Team

Meeting 4:00 PM “The Current” UMY 5:00 PM Kids Who Care Club 7:30 PM Middle School Girls Basketball

Monday, February 9 9:00 AM Kids at First 5:30 PM Senior Olympic Basketball 7:00 PM Boy Scout Troop 12 7:00 PM Men’s Basketball

Tuesday, February 10 7:00 AM Men’s Bible Study 9:30 AM “Morning Jolt” Women’s

Group 4:30 PM FitFirst 6:00 PM Church Youth Leage Basketball

Wednesday, February 11 9:00 AM Kids at First 10:00 AM Pastor’s Bible Study 2:30 PM WINGS 5:00 PM Open Gym-Youth 5:00 PM WEF Dinner / Downtown

Campus 6:00 PM WEF Classes/Activities 6:00 PM “The Current” UMY 6:00 PM Handbells 7:00 PM First Awakening Worship Team

Rehearsal 7:00 PM High School Girls Basketball

Practice 7:00 PM Sanctuary Choir

Thursday, February 12 9:30 AM Leaving a Legacy Workshop 4:30 PM FitFirst 6:00 PM Church Youth Leage Basketball

Friday, February 13 10:00 AM Homeschool Gym

Saturday, February 14 5:30 PM Parent’s Night Out

Sunday, February 15 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

Wednesday Evening ClassesThrough February 25

$7 Adults | $5 Children (under 12) | $24 Family MaximumPrices and menu subject to change.

Menus:February 11 - Pork loin, tilapia, zucchini and squash casserole, wild rice, salad, roll, dessert

February 18 - No WEF classes or meal. Ash Wednesday Worship Service - 6:00 p.m.

Through February 25, 2015 • 6-7 PMIt’s not too late to join a class or activity!

• Women’s Book Discussion • Tech Talk• Pastors’ Bible Study on Daniel • Table Talk• The Jesse Tree Felt Advent Calendar • Gym for Men

Terry McRoberts will present

a faculty Piano Recital “Sound and Silence”Tuesday, February 17

7:30-8:30 p.m. Hartley Recital Hall in Jennings Hall at Union University

The program will include Two Pieces for Left Hand, Op. 9 by Alexander Scriabin, Le tombeau de Couperin by Maurice Ravel, and the Wanderer Fantasy by Franz Schubert. The Scriabin pieces are performed in honor of the one hundredth anniversary of the death of the composer, and the Ravel suite was composed in honor of eighteenth century keyboard works in France. The Schubert piece is a technical tour de force, and a good time for all.

There is no admission charge, and the public is invited to attend.

Music NotesDarian Krimm, Director of Music and Worship Arts

The New Year is in full swing and the First Awakening team is praying and hoping for new volunteers! Any proficiency level, any instrument, any age!Please speak with Amanda Larsen Wells after the service or send an e-mail to alarsenwells@jacksonfumc.org.

Many hands make light work…we’d love to have you join us!

First Edition February 4, 2015 page 5

Calendar of Events

11:00 AM Traditional Service- Downtown Campus

12:00 PM Prospect and New Member Lunch

4:00 PM “The Current” UMY 7:30 PM Middle School Girls Basketball

Monday, February 16 5:30 PM Senior Olympic Basketball 6:00 PM SPRC Meeting 6:00 PM Stephen Ministry - Providing

Support for Alzheimer’s Patient Caregivers

7:00 PM Boy Scout Troop 12 7:00 PM Men’s Basketball

Tuesday, February 17 7:00 AM Men’s Bible Study 9:30 AM “Morning Jolt” Women’s Group 4:30 PM FitFirst 5:00 PM Shrove Tuesday Pancake

Supper 6:00 PM Church Youth League

Basketball

Wednesday, February 18 9:00 AM Kids at First 10:00 AM Pastor’s Bible Study 12:00 PM Ash Wednesday Noon Service 2:30 PM WINGS 3:45 PM Girl Scouts 5:00 PM Open Gym-Youth 5:00 PM Between Friends Book Club 6:00 PM “The Current” UMY 6:00 PM Ash Wednesday Service 6:00 PM Handbells 7:00 PM High School Girls Basketball

Practice 7:00 PM Sanctuary Choir

Thursday, February 19 8:00 AM Regional Small Business

Summit 11:00 AM Soul Sisters “Let’s Meet for

Lunch!” 4:30 PM FitFirst 5:30 PM Middle School Boys Basketball

Practice 6:30 PM High School Boys Basketball

Practice

Friday, February 20 11:00 AM Adventures in Learning

Saturday, February 21 4:30 PM Room in the Inn

Sunday, February 22 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 4:00 PM “The Current” UMY 5:00 PM Kids Who Care Club 7:30 PM Middle School Girls Basketball

Adult OpportunitiesPam Jaco, pam@jacksonfumc.org

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20

For reservations, call the church office at 422-4002 or sign up online at jacksonfumc.org by Noon, Feb. 16.

Mitzi Mathenia

will play the piano and sing some favorite songs. Other program

highlights will include four “mystery couples” sharing their love stories.

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

Clayton Hall$7.00 per person

“Save Your Stories, Leave a Legacy”

Workshops Will continue on the second

Thursday February-May

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!

When: 9:30-12:00 p.m. • February 12, March 12, April 9, May 14Where: FUMC MezzanineHow: Pre-registration required. Contact Pam at 422-4002 or pam@jacksonfumc.org

First Edition February 4, 2015 page 6

Memorials

IN LOVING MEMORY OF

FRANK PARDUEDoris TownsendMark & Debra Owen (Youth/Pastors’ Fund)Jake & Joan McInnisNancy Rahm (Music)

HELEN EDWARDSDavid KennedyBettylu MarsdenDick Nunn Sunday School

RUTH CRITCHFIELDReligion for Life Sunday SchoolLee & Susan Sheppard

BETTY DETERMEYERJim & Emily FreemanJake & Joan McInnisPaul & Mary DouglassDr. & Mrs. Bob HazlewoodKenneth MauckBob & Margaret FreemanLoretto CroftonDr. & Mrs. Charles BrayBetty & Herron Morris (Sanctuary Doors)Nancy Rahm (Music)Andrew & Lori BucherBill & Laura Frances BurnettCarol Murchison

JOHN HAMMONSHarold & Lynn Wood (Andrews Chapel)The following donations are designated to the Andrews Chapel Cemetery FundLaura & Jay CofieldThe Harris Family – Ruth, John & Mary, David & KarenBruce & Nelle McPherson

DR. BOB SMITHBetty & Herron Morris (Sanctuary Doors)Ernest & Ann LawrenceHarold & Gay CashonCarl & Alice KirklandLarry & Frannie Smith

SUZANNE TIPTONDoris TownsendBetty & Herron Morris (Sanctuary Doors)Harold & Lynn Wood (Andrews Chapel)Hope Voegeli

TOM VOEGELIBetty & Herron Morris (Sanctuary Doors)Doris TownsendHarold & Gay CashonNancy & Steve Hurst

JAMES MATTHEWSDoris TownsendCarl & Alice KirklandLarry BrookeKen Marston & FamilyFUMC - Wings TutorsKay & Bob CarneyNancy Dowtin (Wounded Warrior)

DEBBIE GAINESCarl & Alice KirklandCokey Martindale

ED MARTINCarl & Alice KirklandKen Marston & Family

MONA HICKSCarrie McCutcheon

RUSSELL RICE Betty & Herron Morris (Sanctuary Doors)Carl & Alice Kirkland

MUNROE RILEYCarl & Alice Kirkland

Thanks to your generosity and support

for the Youth Souper Bowl of Caring and Kids Who Care Club Bake Sale

Sunday, February 1,$504

was raised for RIFA!

Stewardship Spotlight

Thanks to staff member, Jerry Hooper, who replaced the old floor tiles in the freight elevator with this new design.

FitFirst Celebrates First Anniversary! by Marilynn Eblen, Director of Recreation

Every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon in the church gym, a group of amazing, fun women, who love the idea of making a party out of a workout crank up the music and work it out! Our group has slowly grown this year and new people continue to add energy, fun and friendship to the mix. While several of us are active members at local fitness centers, we still love and continue our FitFirst time. We all agree that having FitFirst friends keeping us accountable and supported has made the difference in helping us keep our commitment to better health and fitness.

If you are looking for a place to start your fitness journey, we invite you to check out FitFirst. Tuesdays/Thursdays, 4:30 – 5:30, FUMC gym, FREE! Contact Marilynn Eblen at 422-4002 or marilynn@jacksonfumc.org for more information.

First Edition February 4, 2015 page 7

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

Find us on Facebook: “Soul Sisters Jackson FUMC”

Let’s Meet for Lunch 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.Feb 19th - ComeUnity CafeLadies, come on out for a lunch-bunch group. Yes, life is busy… you are busy...but a girl’s gotta eat. Grab a friend and come on out for lunch!

2015 WINTER EVENTSgrowing • connecting • serving

Women’sMinistry

Tue, Feb Morning Jolt in the Library 9:30-10:30 a.m. “People Can’t Drive You Crazy If You Don’t Give Them the Keys”Wed, Feb WEF Women Book Discussion “Hands Free Mama”* 6-7 p.m. Th, Feb 12 Cooking in the Big Easy with Leslie 5:30 p.m. Church KitchenTh, Feb 19 Let’s Meet for Lunch ComeUnity Cafe 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.Wed, Feb 25 Between Friends Monthly Book Club* 5:15 p.m. MezzanineWed, Mar. 11 Liberty Garden Tour and Lunch 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.Wed, Mar. 18 Between Friends Monthly Book Club* 5:15 p.m. MezzanineWed, Mar. 25 Between Friends Book Club Trip to Oxford, Mississippi

*Childcare provided with reservation.

Morning Jolt

Come as you are - gym clothes or ready for the day!In and Out in an Hour

Tuesdays in February

9:30-10:30 a.m. in the Library

Books available for $10

Liberty School Garden Tour and LunchWednesday, March 1110:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

We will tour the hydroponic gardens, have first dibs to buy spring plants, and eat a

delicious lunch. Don't miss this fun day out!

$10.00 for tour and lunchMeet at Liberty, 3470 Ridgecrest

Limited number of seats, RSVP to Susan 731-267-7238

SoulSisters

Between Friends

Book Club

Wednesday, Feb. 185:15 p.m. • FUMC Mezzanine

Class will dismiss for 6:00 p.m. Ash Wednesday Service

New York Times best seller about survival and strength.

Cooking Class in The Big Easy Join Leslie in Susan's Kitchen as she teaches us her secret tricks to prepare Gourmet Gumbo and Perfect Pralines!

Feb. 12th • 5:00-7:00 p.m.20 Windwood Drive

15 spots available $15.00 saves your spot

RSVP to Susan, 731-267-7238 or scrocker@jacksonfumc.org

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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SundayFebruary 8

SundayFebruary 15

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

Dan Camp, preaching Bud Hamilton, lay speaker

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

“It’s All About Grace”Jerry Jeffords, preachingRomans 3:21-26

“Grace: Part IV - Triumphant Grace”Jeff Rudy, preachingRevelation 21:1-7

Communion