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

January 4, 2012 | Volume 11 Issue 1 jacksonfumc.org

SEEKING GOD | KNOWING CHRIST | SHARING HIS LOVE

FIRST EDITIONFIRST EDITIONDOWNTOWN JACKSON

Find Us Faithful

2012

WEF Resumes January 11

Pick up a copy of the new brochure of Wednesday Evening Fellowship (WEF) classes, weekly Bible studies, and activities.See pages 6 & 9 of this issue for details.

Sunday, January 15

Installation of Church Leaders

11:00 a.m. Worship Service “Find Us Faithful” • Sanctuary

2012 Leadership Booklet available Jan. 15 in Disciple Hall

Learn more... page 3

This Issue...

AT A GLANCE• Welcome New Members/Baptisms• Women’s Brown Bag Bible Study

Page 2

• Find Us Faithful -A Word From the PastorPage 3

• To God Be the Glory! - 2012 Giving Report• Adventures in Learning: Eating for

Vitality - Jan. 20• Family Fun “Polar Bear Swim” - Jan. 28

Page 4

• Confirmand Readers• Youth News: Family Night• Combined Worship - Jan. 29, 10:00 a.m.

Page 5

• Wednesday Evening Fellowship ClassesPage 6

• Children/Youth Programming• Weekly Bible Studies/Activities

Page 7

• “Stephen Ministry Begins at Home” by Sandra McKnight• January Mission Chest Needs: ARM’s

After-school program, The Hub Club Page 8

• Weekly Bible Studies Page 9

• Sunday Morning Sermon Topics Page 10

First Edition January 4, 2012 page 2

Greeters for Sunday, January 8John & Carolyn Yarbrough, Chris & Pam Carothers, Roger & Kelly Murray, Georgia Whitten, Ryan & Molly Roy, Jev Vaughan, Jim Matthews, Greg Milam

Greeters for Sunday, January 15Laurie Horton, James Brown, David & Niki Shires, John & Debbie Shires, Catherine McKnight, Ed & Ginger Hare, Chip Allen, Laura Frances Burnett, Barbara BarkerIf you are unable to greet, please find a replacement.

Greeters

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

BAPTISMS

Jerry & Heather Corley joined FUMC on December 18, 2011. Their children are Trey and Nicholas. Jerry is manager of Coyote Blues restaurant. Sponsors are Heath & Ashley Rabun.

FUMC FOUNDATION“Remember, if you have no will or trust, state laws will determine who will inherit your property at death. State laws do not include your Church or any other charity as a beneficiary without a will or trust to indicate your wishes.”To learn about FUMC’s Foundation and Planned Giving, contact Jim Scott, Chairman. 668-4775 or e-mail patandscotty@aeneas.net

SympathySympathy is extended to:• Alyssa McLoughlin in the December

19, 2011 death of her great-grandmother, Sallie Ellen Vanhoose.

Bart & Debbie Swift transferred to FUMC from another church on November 27, 2011. Bart is a juvenile court clerk and Debbie is a writer and housewife. Their sponsors are John & Carolyn Yarbrough.

First Friday of each month12 noon - 1:00 p.m.The Queen BeesMeet 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!

Women’s

Brown

Bag

Bible

Study

Women’s Brown Bag Bible Study

On January 1, 2012, Annie Wells Watson, Ella Jane Watson, and Reed Austin Hessel, grandchildren of John & Bobbie Mays, received the sacrament of baptism. Their great-grandmother is Pat Goodpaster. We welcome Annie, Ella, and Reed into the household of God!

FUMC Gym4:15 - 5:15 p.m.

Tuesdays & ThursdaysLeader: Pam McCarty

Cost: $5/session

First Edition January 4, 2012 page 3

Find Us Faithful

Have you ever considered the difference between “due north” and “true north?” Honestly, unless you’re an astronomer or a hard-core scientist, probably not.

If I understand correctly, “due north” refers to the direction a compass needle points (as in magnetic north.) True north, however, is defined as the direction along the earth’s surface toward the exact center of the North Pole. This “true north” is slightly different from year to year because the earth is constantly rotating on its axis. (This rotation takes something like 25,000 years to complete, so we’re not talking about a huge shift here at any given time.)

So - in terms of giving directions- north pretty much means north regardless of whether it’s “true” or “due.” Unless you’re the seasoned navigator of a ship or a plane, just a simple “head north” should suffice.

There are, however, times in our lives when we do need to stop and really ask ourselves some tough questions concerning the specific direction in

which we are headed and why.

Such questions might be: • Does my life have meaning? • What is my definition of success? • Who am I trying to impress? Why? • Does where and what I choose to

spend my time, energy and money on match what I say I hold in highest regard?

• What do I want my life to look like in ten years?

• Is my work meaningful and rewarding? Does it enrich the lives of others?

• Do I have enough resources to accomplish my goals in life?

No doubt, these are good and necessary questions. They are questions we should all ask ourselves from time to time. As Christians, however, we should take care that we don’t simply answer them in terms of what is most personally rewarding for us, what makes us feel the best about ourselves or makes us feel good about how others perceive us.

These questions may be helpful or revealing to us to some extent, but, taken alone, they do not necessarily point us in the direction God might have for our lives.

We remember that Jesus instructed us to be “salt and light” (Matthew 5: 13-16) to the entire world. Salt was used in Jesus’ day as a preservative to prevent the bacterial decay of meat and other foods. Light drives out darkness. We are to act as agents of “salt and light” as we seek to change the world around us for the better.

Together, we are beginning a new year in our life together as the community of Jackson First United Methodist Church. In the past year, I believe we learned a great deal about each other. I believe we have come to

know, love and respect one another in deep and lasting ways.

Some very exciting changes are on the horizon at Jackson First UMC. These include improvements to our physical facilities, increased emphasis on missions and a mutual challenge to one another to lead lives that are increasingly honest, more filled with inquiry and more willing to risk for all the right reasons.

We’re going to work on finding ways to encourage one another (daily) to be “salt and light” in our homes, our work places and our communities.

Being “salt and light” is not an easy charge. Our culture sends an almost constant message that accumulation of things and the experience of pleasure are the only things of lasting value. Please don’t buy that—even for a moment. Don’t accept success or pleasure as the direction or the trajectory for your life. Instead, set your sights—in this New Year—on being faithful to the charge of becoming “salt and light” to the world.

Mother Teresa, that tiny and amazing woman, was once asked by an interviewer if she felt her life had been “successful.” Measuring her words carefully, she corrected the interviewer in the kindest way by simply responding, “We are not here to be successful; we are here to be faithful.”

My prayer for all of us in this new year is that we carefully consider where we are headed and that we may be “found faithful” in all things.

First Edition January 4, 2012 page 4

Adult OpportunitiesContact Pam Jaco, pam@jacksonfumc.org, 422-4002

2012 Altar FlowersThere are still several Sundays open for anyone who wishes to provide Altar Flowers in 2012. Please sign up on the Altar Flower Calendar located in Disciple Hall if you wish to do so. Be sure to leave us your phone number so we can contact you regarding details.

Altar Flowers are a wonderful way to honor or memorialize a loved one, family member, or simply to the glory of God...

Program 11:00 a.m. • Luncheon 12:00 noon • Clayton Hall • $6.00/personTo make reservations, call the church office at 422-4002 or sign up

online at jacksonfumc.org by Noon, January 16. Please remember to call and cancel your reservation should you be unable to attend.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 20

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.

Polar Bear Swim at YMCASaturday, January 28 Family Fun 3:00-5:00 p.m.Cost: $1 per personSign up onlinejacksonfumc.org

Guest Speaker:

Jane NuckollsClinical Nutrition Service, Methodist Healthcare

“Eating for Vitality”

Do you have a family member actively serving in the military?If so, please contact Tricia Odom, 422-4002 or todom@jacksonfumc.org, with name and address to be added to the church prayer list.

To God Be the Glory!2012 Giving Report

December was an awesome month for giving at FUMC! The church not only met, but exceeded its goal for December by $26,277! Our goal for the year was exceeded by $63,000. Of that overage, $57,000 represents 2012 pledges given in 2011, which really helps the cash flow going into 2012.

Our budgeted expenses are fully funded, including our annual giving to the Memphis Conference. To God be the glory!

Watch for a detailed 2011 financial report in the February newsletter.

First Edition January 4, 2012 page 5

CONFIRMAND READERSMiles Martin - January 8My name is Miles Martin. I am 11 years old. I am in the 6th grade at USJ. My parents are Jerry and Sallie Martin, and Pam Martin. I have two sisters, Madison and Alaina. I enjoy playing golf and watching Mississippi State football games.

Gehrig Rabun - January 15My name is Gehrig Rabun. My parents are Heath and Ashley Rabun. My brother is Maddux. I go to school at USJ. I love playing football, baseball, and basketball. I enjoy playing Xbox with friends. I have been a member here since I was 2 years old.

Come and bring a friend, neighbor, or coworker

Mid-Week Downtown Worship Service

Wednesdaysat Noon

in the SanctuarySinging • Reflection

Scripture • Communion

The Family Life ForumSunday School Class

begins new studySunday, January 8

10:00 a.m.“When All Else Fails... Read the Instructions”

by Jim Moore, former associate pastor at FUMC

Anyone interested welcome!

New Location for RIFA Soup Kitchen Sign-ups

Newman Center,

Lower Level

The Current Youth Family NightSunday, January 29Dinner at 5:00 p.m.Program at 5:45 p.m.featuring Bill Seymour, former President of Lambuth University, “Making the Final College Choice”

Souper Bowl Luncheon Fundraiser

Proceeds to benefit RIFA

Sunday, February 5, 2012Following Sunday School and Traditional worship.

SOUP, SANDWICHES, and MORE!

Current UMY “BIG GAME BASH” 5:00 p.m. in the Youth Area

Youth News & Events

“Find Us Faithful”

Combined Worship

January 29 10:00 a.m.

Sunday School will not meetSanctuary

“Soup Smorgasbord” in the Gym following worship

First Edition January 4, 2012 page 6

Weekly Opportunities

Sunday, January 8 4:30 PM Room in the Inn 9:00 AM First Awakening Service 10:00 AM Sunday School 11:00 AM Traditional Service 3:30 PM Stuart/Camp Basketball 5:00 PM “Current” UMY Bible Study

Monday, January 9 1:30 PM Staff Meeting 4:00 PM Foundation Officers Mtg. 5:30 PM Sr. Olympic Basketball 6:30 PM Women’s Ministry Committee

Meeting 7:30 PM Men’s Basketball

Tuesday, January 10 7:00 AM UMM Bible Study 9:00 AM Mugs and Muffins 4:15 PM Zumba 5:45 PM Youth League Basketball

Wednesday, January 11 10:00 AM Pastors Bible Study 10:00 AM Invitation to Presence 12:00 PM Mid-Week Downtown

Worship Service 3:30 PM WINGS (Witnessing IN

God’s Sanctuary) 3:30 PM WEF Open Gym 4:00 PM Confirmation Reading

Rehearsal 5:00 PM WEF Dinners 5:30 PM Angel Choir Practice 5:45 PM Confirmation Class 6:00 PM Good News Choir Practice 6:00 PM Prime Ringers 6:30 PM Celebration Singers Practice 7:00 PM FUMC Harris Basketball

Thursday, January 12 4:15 PM Zumba 5:30 PM FUMC Eblen Basketball

Friday, January 13 11:00 AM Grandmother’s LAP (Love

And Praise) Group 6:00 PM Boy Scout Event 6:00 PM Stephen Ministry Retreat

Want to Know What’s Happening Each Week at FUMC? Sign up for Weekly E-Blasts to receive in your inbox on Fridays!To subscribe to this and e-mail newsletters, go to jacksonfumc.org and click the envelope icon.

Dinner 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. • Clayton Hall$6 Adults, $3 Children, $20 Family Maximum

Classes/Activities 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

New Year! Fresh Start!Discover new opportunities to grow,

learn, and connect!Wednesday Evening Fellowship (WEF)

Starting January 11, 2012

Study of II SamuelThis eleven-week study will be a continuation of the Fall study of King

David, one of Israel’s greatest leaders. Covering the forty years of David’s reign, the book of II Samuel offers a glance at God’s grace and hope through personal struggle. Chapel, Newman CenterLed by Dan Camp & Cecil Kirk

5 Conversations You Must Have with Your Son

Written by the same mother who wrote the popular “5 Conversations You Must Have with Your Daughter,” this 5-week study will offer a fresh

perspective on elements of raising godly sons. “Don’t define manhood by the culture’s wimpy standards.” Followers, Room 112Leaders David and Marilynn Eblen, Nathan and Angela Spencer

Receiving the Sacraments: By Water and the SpiritFocusing on a United Methodist

understanding of Baptism, this five-week course will offer an historical, theological and practical study of this sacrament.Religion for Life, Room 118Jan. 11th-Feb. 8thLed by David Hollis

Yoga Pilates Fusion ClassA fusion of both yoga and pilates, this class offers the challenge of stability, balance, strength and focus. This class is appropriate for all fitness levels and ages. Bring a yoga mat and wear comfortable clothing.Mezzanine • Led by Certified Instructor, Rachel WhiteFee: $5 per class or $30 for all 8 sessions

First Edition January 4, 2012

page 7

Weekly Opportunities

Saturday, January 14 8:00 AM Stephen Ministry Retreat 9:00 AM Boy Scout Event

Sunday, January 15 9:00 AM First Awakening Service 10:00 AM Sunday School 11:00 AM Traditional Service 3:30 PM Stuart/Camp Basketball 5:00 PM “Current” UMY 5:00 PM Support Group/Aging Parents

Monday, January 16 Church Offices Closed Martin Luther King Holiday

Tuesday, January 17 7:00 AM UMM Bible Study 9:00 AM Mugs and Muffins 4:15 PM Zumba 5:45 PM Youth League Basketball 6:00 PM Stephen Ministry Meeting 6:30 PM Foundation Meeting

Wednesday, January 18 10:00 AM Pastors Bible Study 10:00 AM Invitation to Presence 12:00 PM Mid-Week Downtown

Worship Service 3:30 PM WINGS (Witnessing IN

God’s Sanctuary) 3:30 PM WEF Open Gym 3:45 PM Girl Scout Meeting 4:00 PM Confirmation Reading

Rehearsal 5:00 PM WEF Dinners 5:30 PM Angel Choir Practice 5:45 PM Confirmation Class 6:00 PM Good News Choir Practice 6:00 PM Prime Ringers 6:30 PM Celebration Singers Practice 7:00 PM FUMC Harris Basketball

Thursday, January 19 4:15 PM Zumba 5:30 PM FUMC Eblen Basketball 5:30 PM First Awakening Band

Rehearsal

Friday, January 20 No Events Scheduled

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

Want your newsletter by e-mail?To subscribe to e-mail newsletters, go to jacksonfumc.org and click the envelope icon shown here. The newsletter may be viewed as a PDF at jacksonfumc.org (click the purple button) or as an interactive document at issuu.com/fumcpublications

Weekly Bible Studies/Activities

Children/Youth Programming

Angel Choir (Preschool)5:30-6:00 p.m.Worship Room

Good News Choir(Grades K-1)6:30 - 7:00 p.m.Gathering Room

Celebration Singers(Grades 2-5)6:00-6:30 p.m.Gathering Room

Children’s Programming “First Kids”Wednesdays, 5:00-7:00 p.m. Supper, Gym, Choirs, and Bible Class.

Youth Programming “The Current”Wednesdays and Sundays, 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Pastors’ Bible StudyLed by one of the pastors, this group is open to anyone who wants to deepen their knowledge of and connection to the Bible. Wednesdays • 10:00-11:00 a.m. • Room 206, Clayton Hall Conference Room Leader: David Hollis

Invitation to PresenceThis Bible study is for women who are committed to living the examined life together as they seek to become more and more the persons whom God designed them to be. Leader: Andrea WoodsWednesdays • 10:00-11:30 a.m. • Room 109, Genesis RoomBook Study: “Spiritual Classics” by Richard Foster. Book Fee: $12

Men’s Bible StudyMeets on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Tuesdays. 7:00-7:45 a.m. Enjoy a cup of coffee and discussion.Room 206, Clayton Hall Conference Room • Leader: Dave Bratcher

Women’s Brown Bag Bible StudyFirst Friday of each month • 12 noon - 1:00 p.m.Join us on your Lunch Break for a time of refreshment and renewal. Women of all ages and stages invited!The Queen Bees. 2732 Highland Ave. Meet in the Sunroom.

NEW! Mugs and MuffinsJoin Mary Beth Bernheisel for this six-week study on “Steadiness in God”Tuesdays Jan. 17-Feb. 21 • For Women of all ages and stages9:00 a.m. • Fellowship • 9:30-10:30 a.m. Bible StudyHome of Paulette Coy, 2947 Bells Highway, Jackson, TN

ZumbaDitch the workout and join the party! Tuesdays & Thursdays • 4:15-5:15 p.m. • Gym • Fee: $5 per sessionLed by Pam McCarty, certified Zumba instructor

Mugs & Muffins

First Edition January 4, 2012 page 8

Memorials & Honoraria

IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Dr. Robert Moody Williams (Husband of Joan Williams) Ray & Mary Nelle Hight Bob & Judy Hazlewood

Barnett Scott (Husband of May Scott) Jeanne Hanafee

Clifford Armstrong (Husband of Phyllis Armstrong) Jeanne Hanafee Phyllis Armstrong (Christmas Offering)

Jim Berryman (Husband of Bettye Berryman) Bettye & Family

Mrs. John Nelson (Wife of Dr. John Nelson) Dr. John R. Nelson

Loy LongEffie Mae BrillPaul KroneErlyn WebbEdna AlgeaLouise ThompsonDanny Dudley Inez Burke (Budget)

Loy LongHays Frankland, Sr. Laurice Long Loyce Ann Frankland Hays Frankland, Jr.

William Russell Rice, Sr.Thomas H. StallingsVirginia StallingsJames Keith StallingsMr. & Mrs. James T. Stevens, Sr.Dr. & Mrs. Harold VinsonJohn NuckollsMr. David NuckollsMrs. Bernice JessupCol. & Mrs. Forest V. DurandGeorge Boyd Craig & Tom Stallings Family

(Pastors’ Fund)

IN LOVING HONOR OF

Henry Harrison Wesley Fellowship Sunday School

(Capital Improvements)

Thomasine Witherspoon Carole J. Brown

Dan CampDavid HollisMary Beth BernheiselDarian Krimm Kathryn Jobe (Pastors’ Fund)

Mrs. Edna Rice Craig & Tom Stallings Family (Pastors’ Fund)

Mission Notes

January Mission Focus: Area Relief Ministries (A.R.M.)

January Mission Chest Needs - A snack drive for ARM’s after-school program, The Hub Club.

• Fruit snacks• Chips• Granola bars • Drinks

These items may be placed in the Mission Chest located in the main lobby.

For more information about Area Relief Ministries, please visit: areareliefministries.org

STEPHEN MINISTRY BEGINS AT HOME

by Sandra McKnight

The skills developed in Stephen Ministry training can make us better parents, friends, and spouses. We

cannot be a Stephen Minister to our friends or family, but we can be better listeners which can make us more understanding, affirming, supportive, and loving.

As women and mothers, our training often is to try to “fix”. We can put a bandage on skinned knees, but hurt feelings can only be heard. One of the hardest parts of being parents of adult children is accepting the fact that we are no longer in charge. We need to remember not to give advice, just listen. We feel helpless because there is nothing we can “do”. We can still “be” loving and listening.

Every day each of us wants someone to hear us and value who we are. Every day we can be that someone that God uses to bring that love to our hearts.

The most important principle that we learn as Stephen Ministers is that God is the CURE-giver and we strive to be care-givers.

God always goes before us in every situation. Jesus is there - the Healer.

First Edition January 4, 2012 page 9

Join Mary Beth Bernheisel

for a six-week study on

“Steadiness in God”

Men’s Bible Study

Enjoy a cup of coffee and discussionMeets the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Tuesdays

7:00-7:45 a.m. Room 206, Clayton Hall Conference Room

Leader: Dave Bratcher

Invitation to PresenceThis Bible study is for women who are committed to living the examined life together as they seek to become the persons God designed them to be.

Leader: Andrea WoodsWednesdays • 10:00-11:30 a.m. Room 109, Genesis RoomBook Study: “Spiritual Classics” by Richard Foster. Book Fee: $12

Advent Appreciation! Many thanks to...Gena, Mike and their volunteer kitchen crew, for the delicious food for “The Wonder of Christmas” luncheon and the reception following Carols & Candles. (Not all volunteers pictured)

Jim Weaver and his crew for all the quick-turnaround setups and “behind-the-scenes” work for Adventures in Learning, Carols & Candles, Christmas Eve Services, and Christmas Day Worship!

Mugs & Muffins

Wee

kly B

ible

Stud

y Op

port

unit

ies

Tuesdays, January 17-February 21For Women of all ages and stages9:00 a.m. • Fellowship9:30-10:30 a.m. • Bible StudyHome of Paulette Coy 2947 Bells Hwy, Jackson, TN

Pastors’ Bible StudyLed by one of the pastors, this group is open to anyone who wants to deepen their knowledge of and connection to the Bible. Wednesdays • 10:00-11:00 a.m.Room 206, Clayton Hall Conference Room Leader: David Hollis

NEW

First Edition January 4, 2012

NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDJACKSON, TENN.PERMIT NO. 116

jacksonfumc.org

Sunday Morning Worship

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

A Stephen Ministry Congregation

A Safe Sanctuaries Congregation

Traditional Worship ServiceSanctuary • 11:00 a.m.

First Awakening Contemporary Worship Service Clayton Hall • 9:00 a.m.

Sunday School

10:00 a.m.

DOWNTOWN JACKSON

Like us on FacebookFUMC Jackson TN

Follow us on Twittertwitter.com/jacksonfumc

SundayJanuary 8

SundayJanuary 15

“Fulfilling All Righteousness”Dan Camp, preaching • Scripture: Matthew 3: 13-17

“Practicing Our Faith”Dan Camp, preaching • Scripture: I Timothy 4: 6-16

Next newsletter publication is Jan. 18

SEEKING GODKNOWING CHRISTSHARING HIS LOVE