FIRST
UNITED
METHODIST
CHURCH
PASTOR
REV. RANDY
COOPER
[email protected]
FUMC
225 Main Street
Martin, TN 38237
Office: 731-587-2689
Fax: 731-587-1943
CHURCH
OFFICE HOURS:
Monday-Thursday
8:00am – 4:00 pm
Friday
8:00am - Noon
WORSHIP With Us
Sunday Mornings
8:30 am &
10:50 am
Sunday School:
9:45 am
STAFF:
Becca Alexander
Minster to Youth &
Young Adults
[email protected]
Marlene Sims
Administrative
Assistant
[email protected]
Cindy Hammond
Financial Secretary
[email protected]
Ken Hogan
Maintenance
Roberto Mancusi
Director of Music
[email protected]
Vicki Smith
Adult Program
Coordinator
[email protected]
Jennifer Vincent
Children’s Director
[email protected]
WORSHIP
WORSHIP WITH US…
November 22,
22, 2010
November 28 - Randy Cooper preaching: Matthew 24:36-44
December 5th - Randy Cooper preaching: Matthew 3:1-12
th
__________________________________________________________________
The Truth of Advent and Christmas
One of our Bishops named Will Willimon served as chaplain at Duke University
for a number of years. A student came to him, distressed that he may be losing his faith.
When Willimon asked him what faith he was losing, he said, “I have problems with the
virgin birth of Jesus.” Willimon suggested that he stay with Mark and John in his reading
of the gospels. And for that matter, he could read Paul as well. Neither Mark nor John
nor Paul mentions the virgin birth.
The student asked Willimon if he had to believe in the Virgin Birth to believe in
Jesus. And Willimon answered wisely: “well, in one sense, no, but in another sense yes.”
Willimon said (and I quote him): “We ask you to believe in the virginal conception of
Jesus and, if we can get you to swallow that without choking, then there’s no telling what
else we can get you to believe. Come back next week and we’ll try to convince you that
the poor are royalty and the rich are in big trouble, that God rules the world and not
nations and so on. We start you off with something fairly small, like the virgin birth, and
then work you up to even more outrageous assertions.”
Advent and Christmas are approaching. We will make “outrageous assertions”
for these next several weeks. We will be claiming that Jesus is the light of the world and
that he will one day return in glory. We will dare to say that the one born of a woman is
the one in whom and through whom all things are created and sustained; that the whole of
the creation finds its origin, meaning, and purpose in him. Alas, if such claims about
Jesus are true, then what else can we do but repent and turn to Jesus to receive the new
life he brings?
Remarkable stories lie ahead for us in this month of December. Then in January
we will move to other stories about Jesus every bit as daring. With the birth of Jesus in
all its wonder and joy, it turns out that we’re just getting started!
Let us encourage one another.
Randy
______________________________________________________________________________
ONE SERVICE SUNDAY
Sunday, November 28, is the first Sunday of Advent!
Sunday school at 9:00 a.m.
Worship at 10:00 a.m.
Revival Thanks
Thank you so much to everyone who helped make our revival such a wonderful
experience. We had about 300 people in attendance Sunday night and as many
as 150 to eat. As usual, food was a big part of revival. Thank you to everyone
who brought food for our potluck Sunday, to the United Methodist Women and
especially Aloha Prather for the delicious "Revival Soup" and desserts on
Monday, and to the United Methodist Men and the extraordinary grilling team led
by Lee Pritchett for Tuesday night. We were all moved by Rev Sky McCracken's
message each evening and by the wonderful music we heard. Thank you to our
own Chancel and Children's choirs as well as the UTM Gospel quartet and the
McCabe UMC Choir. Finally thank you to all of you who helped set up, clean up,
greet and usher and to the youth for their wonderful mission work of spreading
leaflets door-to-door.
Alicia Pinto, Witness Chairperson
Gifts Given
Given in Memory or Honor
Honor of:
Gifts have been given to the Building fund in Memory of Finis Carr, Paul Wood and Rachel Bucy.
Gifts have been given to the WE CARE fund in Honor of Jim Cannon and Bob Cheeseman.
_______________________________________________________________________________
From Our Missionaries……
“At Mujila Falls we are adjusting to the imperfect human economy as we become more attuned to the
perfect, God-driven economy. Our cattle and goats are milking, our chickens are laying eggs, and our fields
are filled with corn, soybeans, peanuts, vegetables and fruits. We are still providing milk for our daycare
center, eggs and vegetables for the local market, and jobs for about 200workers. Mostly, we surely hope for
a better future through Christ. Your prayers and support for the people of Zambia, and especially, Mujila
Falls Agriculture Center will bring people into God’s Economy.”
The Rev. Paul L. Webster, missionary, Northwest Province, Zambia
_______________________________________________________________________________
FMF Dinner
Dec 1: Meatloaf, Au Gratin Potatoes, Green Beans, Rolls, Cake
Dec 8: Parmesan Chicken, Salad, Corn, Rolls, Cake
There will only be 2 more FMF before Christmas, December 1, and December 8.
_______________________________________________________________________________
JOY RINGERS
Need more joy in your life? Then the Joy Ringers need you! The Joy Ringers Choir is ringing in the New Year and
starting back up in January. We practice on Monday nights from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. and will perform at least twice
this spring. Never been a ringer? No problem—we’ll teach you! Contact director Derek Cook (587-5051) or
Jennifer Head (281-4182) for more information.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
WEDDING
Dr. and Mrs. Kevin Lee Hammond request the honour of your presence at the
Marriage of their daughter, Melissa Ann to Eric Christopher Haynes
Saturday, December 4, 2010 at 6:00 p.m.
First United Methodist Church Martin, TN
Reception will follow at The Lindell
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Serving in November……
November……
Finance Stewards
Van Driver
Nov 28: Tommy Bryant
Nov: Lee Pritchett
Dec 5: Jerry Crosser
Nursery Workers
Acolytes
Nov 28: (ONE SERVICE) Lindy Johnson, Carly Unger,
Nov 28: Matthew 7 Daniel Mancusi
Judy Bowers
Dec 5: Lindy Johnson, Magen Beard, Amy Belote
Dec 5: EmilyGrace & Ainsley Frayer
Bread Minister
Children Greeter
Nov: Charity Riley/Dee Pritchett
Nov: Tori Ary
Meal Ministers
Nov: Lori Manley, coord., Jacqueline Gilliam, Pat Page, Stacy West, Sandy Davis
8:30 Communion Servers
Nov 28: Dale/Nancy Overton, Vernon/Aloha Prather, Jan Harrison, Jennifer Vincent, Carolyn James
Dec 5: Dale/Nancy Overton, Vernon/Aloha Prather, Jan Harrison, Jennifer & Garrett Vincent
_______________________________________________________________________________
We Grieve With……Erica
Bell upon the death of her niece, Memphis Bree Griffin.
With……
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
THANK YOU
We would like to extend our thanks to the talented and dedicated ladies that put their time and talents into the
beautiful table topper for the Christmas Bazaar. It will be a centerpiece of our home for the holidays and something
we will treasure for many years.
Sincerely, Trina Jackson Resser and Family
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Lost and Found
A Wesley Study Bible in a black zippered leather cover with a picture on the front was found in the church. If it is yours, you
may pick it up in the church office.
Vicki’s
Vicki’s Vineyards
Adult Ministries and Programs
Office Hours: Mon-Tues 8-12; Wed. 8-5
Emmaus Reunion Group Meeting
Bring a brown bag supper and we will make agape for the upcoming Chrysalis Walk in January. We will meet in
the Fellowship Hall at 6:00 p.m. on December 7.
Christmas Gift to the Community Concerts, Friday, December 3, 2010 (First Baptist Church Jackson, TN) 12:00 Noon.
Jordan Tang leads The Jackson Symphony Chamber Orchestra and the Union University Singers in a musical telling of the
Christmas story. Bus will leave our parking lot @ 9:00 a.m. We’ll eat at the Cracker Barrel and attend the noon concert.
Please call the church office to reserve your spot.
50+ Luncheon
Mark your calendar for the change in date for our monthly meeting December 14, we will have lunch together and
then enjoy a program of Christmas music, stories and fun. Bring a friend at 11:30 a.m. on December 14!
Entertainer Bill Cosby to be at Lambuth University
Lambuth University will present “An Evening with Bill Cosby” on Tuesday, April 5, at 7:30 p.m. at the Carl
Perkins Civic Center in downtown Jackson. Tickets for the April 5th show go on sale Monday, November 15, at the
Carl Perkins Civic Center Box Office. For more info, call the Box Office at 731-425-8587. For tables and
sponsorship info, contact Ellis at 731-425-3259 or [email protected] .
Advent Material
Advent material will be available in the sanctuary beginning November 28. Pick up a copy of “A Grand Miracle”
based on the thoughts of C.S. Lewis. Spend time in daily devotion throughout the Advent Season.
Christmas Extravaganza
First United Methodist Church is presenting the first ever impromptu “Christmas Extravaganza” and you can have a
leading role. EVERYONE is invited to participate in this production on December 15. Beginning at 5:15 p.m. we
will enjoy a FREE soup, cornbread and crackers dinner and then move to the sanctuary at 6:00 p.m. where costumes
will be provided and casting will begin. NO Practice Necessary….Just an impromptu production of the “Jesus
Story”! We will have hot chocolate and cookies after the “extravaganza” in the Narthex. You are expected and
invited!
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
BECCA’S
BLURBS”
BECCA S “BLURBS
BLURBS
Ski Trip this year will be December 31st- January 3rd (don’t worry, you don’t go back to school until the 5th )! We will be
staying at the Wyman Center and skiing two days at Hidden Valley Ski Resort in Eureka, MO. This is a new place for us and it
is MUCH closer, only five hours away, and so we have more time to ski. You can check it out at www.hiddenvalleyski.com .
Don’t you worry; we will ring in the New Year right with night skiing and fireworks on the slopes. YOU DO NOT WANT TO
MISS THIS TRIP! So who can go? This trip is open to all church members and friends who would like to attend. Parents,
this is a great trip for you to chaperone. In the past, this has literally become a family trip. Younger non-youth aged siblings
are welcome to attend if they are accompanied by the same gendered parent. College aged graduates of the UMYF are also
welcome to attend! Sign me up, where do I sign?? The cost is $265, which includes: 3 days skiing and rentals (this is the
most skiing we have ever done), 3 breakfasts, 2 dinners, 3 nights of lodging, and a shirt. What a deal! Youth will be
responsible for meals on the mountain and meals to and from Eureka. A deposit of $50 is due by November 29th! This is
only about one week away. You can call the church office and have your child’s name placed on the list and pay your
deposit at another time. However, anyone who has not paid their deposit by November 29th may lose their slot as any
unpaid slots will be released to any guests who may want to accompany someone who has paid. The balance of $215 is due
no later December 12th. Any financing issues that need to be addressed can be brought to me by the parent. CHAPERONES
ARE NEEDED AND PAID SPOTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR ADULTS WILLING TO CHAPERONE AND DRIVE! There are a limited
number of spots available, so call and sign up today (587-2689)!
PLEASE NOTE THE EXTENDED DATE OF SKI TRIP SIGN UP TO NOVEMBER 29th!
Consider an alternative Christmas gift this year…
Did you know you can provide a scholarship that will help a youth go attend our trips? You can do so as an honorarium or
memorial if you would like. Scholarships are needed for our upcoming Ski Trip. Please contact Becca if you would like to
provide one!
CHRISTMAS SHOPPING FOR CARL PERKINS Saturday, December 4th
Thanks to an anonymous donation from a generous donor, the youth will be Christmas shopping for the children of the Carl
Perkins Center! Save the date for this huge blessing and lesson of giving to others. We will meet at the Fellowship Hall at
7:30am to go shop and bring the gifts back to wrap them and deliver the gifts to Carl Perkins Center! We should be done by
11:00 or 11:30am. We are needing anyone who would like to participate in Christmas Shopping to sign up please! Many
adults are needed to make this event possible. ALL church member who would like to participate need to sign up by
emailing Virginia Grimes at [email protected] as soon as possible!
CANTATA DINNER TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
The Cantata Dinner is scheduled for Sunday evening, December 5th! We will be serving from 5:00-6:30! Your $5 ticket will
get you spaghetti, dessert, a drink, some of the best service in town from the youth of your church, and wonderful musical
entertainment by some of our youth as well. Come let us SERVE you! All proceeds from the Cantata Dinner go to benefit
the Building Fund. Tickets are available from now until December 3rd in the office!
HOST HOMES NEEDED FOR PROGRESSIVE DINNER!
The youth will have their annual end of the year Progressive Dinner, in which they travel to different church member’s home
for a three course meal, on December 19th. We currently have a site for our Senior High Main Course but need 4 more host
homes! Please consider having the youth in your home this holiday season! Host homes are responsible for providing the
space and the drinks. All food is provided by parents! Please consider taking part of this special evening for our young
people.
Children’s Chat
with Jennifer
Office Hours: Mon, Tues, Wed. 8:00-2:00
F.I.S.H. – Wednesday night, December 1st from 6:50-7:30. 3rd -5th graders will meet in the 4th & 5th grade
classroom for mission. Item to bring: Baby items for Agape House.
Veggie Tale Movie Event: It’s a Meaningful Life showing Wednesday night, December 8th in Sanctuary
starting at 6:30. Bring the whole family & enjoy a night together. Come to a special Christmas Praise Worship at
6:00 as we sing Christmas Carols and stay for the newest Veggie Tale!
Christmas Pageant Extravaganza!
Wednesday night, December 15th. EVERYONE is encouraged to come for soup and the fixin’s at 5:15 in the
Fellowship Hall. We will then go the Sanctuary at 6:00 for our Christmas Pageant. No practice necessary! There is
a part for everyone! Costumes provided! What a wonderful way to be a part of Jesus’ story! We will fellowship
with cookies & hot chocolate following the pageant in the Narthex. Don’t miss it!
WANTED!
We are looking for two rocking chairs to be placed in the sanctuary for young mothers. Contact the
church office if you have one to donate or would like to contribute toward the purchase of one. THANKS!
UPCOMING:
November 28 – 1St Sunday of Advent, ONE SERVICE SUNDAY!
December 1 – F.I.S.H.
December 8 – Last FMF, Veggie Tale Movie after Praise Worship
December 15 – “Christmas Pageant Extravaganza!”
Children’s Library Focus Bookshelf: Advent & Christmas
The Scarecrow’s Dance in honor of Grayson Gilliam by Lana Coates
The Story of Queen Esther in memory of Carolyn Doss by Lynn Gibson
The Christmas Baby in memory of Memphis Griffin, Erica Bell’s niece, by Jack, Jennifer, Garrett & Teddy Vincent
*
All
Women
are invited
to attend a
Christmas Brunch
In the Fellowship Hall
Saturday, December 11, 10 p.m.
Sponsored by United Methodist Women
Special program
Harpist
Jenny Bradshaw
BUDGET
Receipts year to date
$505,171.38
Expenses year to date
Programs
$ 30,582.35
Staff
234,869.96
Office
17,030.73
Property Maint.
74,784.92
Apportionments
89,614.25
Total expenses to date
$ 446,882.21
BUILDING
Contributions received to date
1,563,509.11
Amount borrowed
1,413,644.94
Monthly loan payment
10,705.79
Loan balance
854,958.42
Contributions on hand
(Available for loan payments)
Regions
Certificate of deposit
$ 4,214.31
33,000.00
_______________________________________________________________________________
Come celebrate the Advent season with our annual choir Lessons & Carols. This year, it will
be Sunday, December 5m at 7:00 p.m. As is tradition, the youth will be hosting a dinner prior to
the performance at 5:30 p.m. This year, the choir is fortunate and blessed to have members of St.
Jude’s Catholic Church joining us for this concert. Because they are sharing their talents with us,
the choir will be performing this Lessons & Carols at St. Jude’s the following Sunday, December
12, at 4:30 p.m. We hope you will join us for some wonderful readings and special music as we
usher in this holiday season. See you there!