First Edition Newsletter - January 9, 2013

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

January 9, 2013 | Volume 12 Issue 1 jacksonfumc.org

SEEKING GOD | KNOWING CHRIST | SHARING HIS LOVE

FIRST EDITIONFIRST EDITIONDOWNTOWN JACKSON

This Issue...

AT A GLANCE• Adult Opportunities

Page 2

• Welcome New Staff Member• Kids’ News

Page 3

• Memorials and HonorariaPage 4

• Applying Biblical Principles: God Owns it All• Women’s Ministries

Page 5

• Wednesday Evening Fellowship Classes and Weekly Opportunities

Page 6-7

• January Mission Focus: ARM• Youth News

Page 8

• A Story of Hope and Love Page 8-9

• Sunday Morning Sermon Topics 0

WEF CLASSES & WEEKLY

OPPORTUNITIESPick up a copy of the Winter 2013 brochureSee pages 6 and 7of this issue for details.

Sunday, January 13

Installation of Church Leaders

11:00 a.m. Worship Service “Sharing the Stories”

Sanctuary2013 Leadership Booklets available

Pick up a copy in Disciple Hall

First Edition January 9, 2013 page 2

Joint FUMC/First Presbyterian Church TripThe Dixie Carter

Performing Arts CenterHuntingdon, TN

January 19, 2013

Blind Boys of Alabamafoot stomping, hand-clapping gospel music celebration with GRAMMY award-winning

living legends of music

Dinner at Mallard’s Restaurant Dutch treat dinner before the performance.

Leave from church parking lot at 4:45 p.m.Cost: $30 per person (includes transportation and ticket)

Call the church office at 422-4002, Pam Jaco or register online at jacksonfumc.org

Adult OpportunitiesPam Jaco, [email protected]

FRIDAY, JANUARY 18

Program 11:00 a.m. • Luncheon 12:00 noonClayton Hall • $6.00/person

To make reservations, call the church office at 422-4002 or sign up online at jacksonfumc.org by Noon, January 14.

Please remember to call and cancel your reservation should you be unable to attend.

“Amen and His Family”presented by

Dr. Joan Hartmansharing stories from her new book

Hilarious and heartwarming tales about growing up in a Methodist preacher’s home. Joan was once a member of FUMC and is well known by many in our congregation.

Weekly Opportunities

Sunday, January 13 9:00 AM First Awakening 10:00 AM Sunday School 11:00 AM Traditional Worship Service 3:00 PM Shelley Basketball Pratice 5:00 PM Youth Winter Kickoff

Monday, January 14 4:15 PM Zumba 5:30 PM Sr. Olympic Basketball 6:30 PM Women’s Ministry Committee

Meeting 6:45 PM Boy Scout Meeting 7:15 PM Men’s Basketball

Tuesday, January 15 7:00 AM Men’s Weekly Bible Study 5:30 PM Youth Church League

Basketball

Wednesday, January 16 10:00 AM Pastors’ Bible Study 10:15 AM Invitation to Presence 12:00 PM Mid-Week Downtown

Worship Service 3:30 PM WINGS 3:30 PM WEF Open Gym 3:45 PM Girl Scout Meeting (Troop

43088) 5:00 PM Wednesday Evening

Fellowship Dinner 5:45PM ConfirmationClass 6:00 PM Handbell Rehearsal 6:00 PM WEF Programming 6:00 PM Youth Wednesday Evening

Fellowship 7:00 PM FUMC Sullivan Basketball

Practice 7:00 PM Sanctuary Choir

Thursday, January 17 4:15 PM Zumba 6:00 PM Spencer Basketball (Middle

School Boys) 7:30 PM Eblen Basketball (High

School Boys)

Friday, January 18 11:00 AM Adventures in Learning

Saturday, January 19 4:30 PM Dixie-Blind Boys of Alabama


WELCOME NEW STAFF MEMBER!Taylor Parimore began January 1, 2013 as a Youth Assistant working primarily with middle school girls. Taylor is a native of Jackson, TN, and a graduate of North Side High School and the University of Memphis. She was an active member of AOII at Lambuth University and served as an orientation leader and admissions staff. She was also a cheerleader. She is a member of Grace United Methodist Church where she spent several years working with the youth group. Taylor enjoys being with her friends, working at Outback, being at Lakeshore, and spontaneous adventures with friends. She is a welcome presence among the FUMC youth and is looking forward to getting to know everyone!

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.

Parents Night OutFriday, February 8

5:30 - 8:30 p.m.Dinner Provided - $5 per child (Infant - 5th Grade)

Reservations required by Wednesday, February 6To register, call the church office, 422-4002 or go to jacksonfumc.org or http://bit.ly/Uwk3RN

at Jackson YMCA 1:00-3:00 p.m.Saturday, January 12 Family FunCost: $1 per personSign up at jacksonfumc.org

Polar Bear Swim

Kids Who Care ClubMeets January 13 • 5:00-6:30 p.m. • Dinner Included

Weekly Opportunities

Sunday, January 20 9:00 AM First Awakening 10:00 AM Sunday School 11:00 AM Traditional Worship 3:00 PM Children’s Council Meeting 3:00 PM Shelley Basketball Pratice 5:00 PM Current UMY

Monday, January 21 ChurchOfficeClosed-

Martin Luther King Day 10:00 AM Rebekah Circle Meeting

Tuesday, January 22 7:00 AM Men’s Weekly Bible Study 10:30 AM Note Writing Ministry 5:00 PM Wesley Foundation - U of M

Lambuth 5:30 PM Youth Church League

Basketball 7:00 PM Boy Eagles Scouts Court of

Honor

Wednesday, January 23 10:00 AM Pastors’ Bible Study 10:15 AM Invitation to Presence 12:00 PM Mid-Week Downtown

Worship Service 3:30 PM WINGS 3:30 PM WEF Open Gym 5:00 PM Wednesday Evening

Fellowship Dinner 5:45PM ConfirmationClass 6:00 PM Handbell Rehearsal 6:00 PM WEF Programming 6:00 PM Youth Wednesday Evening

Fellowship 7:00 PM Sullivan Basketball Pratice 7:00 PM Sanctuary Choir

Thursday, January 24 4:15 PM Zumba 6:00 PM Spencer Basketball (Middle

School Boys) 7:30 PM Eblen Basketball (High

School Boys)

Friday, January 25 12:00 PM Women’s Brown Bag Study - A Soul Sisters Production

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

First Edition January 9, 2013

page 4

Memorials & Honoraria

IN LOVING MEMORY OF

James Boswell (Husband of Anne Boswell) Edna Rice (Altar Guild) Gertrude Driver Frances Spencer

Robert “Bob” March (Husband of Carlene March) Doris Townsend

Linda Dunaway (Mother of Donna Hampton) Sandra & Nip McKnight

Bobby Barnes (Husband of Gloria Barnes) Patricia Stegall

Julian Allen (Father of Kimberly Allen) Robert & Paula Jones

Richard Murchison (Husband of Ann Murchison) Jackson Evergreen Garden Club David & Janis Fite (Pastors’ Fund) Don & Julia Erickson

Ed Spencer (Husband of Frances Spencer) Don & Julia Erickson

Miriam Janice Muma (Sister of Rev. Dan Camp) Jerry & Mona Ward (Christmas Offering) David & Janice Fite (Pastors’ Fund) Jennie Longmire

Dora Jane Ross, Glenna Popp Don & Julia Erickson

Janie Young (Wife of Freddy Young, III) Jerry & Mona Ward (Christmas Offering)

Linda Boggess Haws, Dixon Corum David & Janis Fite (Pastors’ Fuind)

Dylan Kirk, Jill Hanks Jennie Longmire

Mary Virginia Cox, Kristin Ann Cox Dr. & Mrs. Charles Cox (Pastors’ Fund)

Edward Spencer, Edward Pierce, Julia Hatter Inez Burke Edward C. Burke, Jr. Deborah & Gary Bolton Beth & Joe Abrahams

Mrs. Elizabeth Exum Anderson Janell Rogers

William Trently The Trentlys (Christmas Communion)

Joe Bowman Jane Bowman-Trently (Christmas

Communion)

Our Neighbors: Frannie & Larry Smith Louanne & King Bond Kathy & Ray Butts Glenn Fesmire Grace Ann & Ben House Martha & Jerry Kizer Joe, Anita Jo, Courtney & Charles Lambert

Byrd

Dan Camp, David Hollis, Mary Beth Bernheisel, Cecil Kirk, Allison & Jeremy Tubbs Larry & Frannie Smith (Pastors’ Fund)

Jim & Pat Scott, Larry & Nancy Brooke Ray & Liz Bryant (Capital Improvements)

Phyllis Maley, Jim Weaver Tom & Donna Ellis Jev, Carolyn, Peyton & Caroline Vaughan

(Capital Improvements)

David Horton, Tracy Adams, Kelly Nye SarahSullivan(Confirmation)

Ms. Alyssa McLoughlinMs. Shelby HensonMrs. Dawn BarrixMrs. Cyd TeagueMrs. Susan CrockerMrs. Peggy McGuire Corinne Sullivan (Children’s Ministry)

Mary Beth BernehiselNick Nelson Natalie Sullivan (Youth)

Sally & Jimmy Wallace Gertrude Driver (Children’s Ministry)

FUMC Pastors: Dan Camp, David Hollis, Mary Beth Bernheisel Jev, Carolyn, Peyton & Caroline Vaughan

(Pastors’ Fund)

Frannie Smith Jev, Carolyn, Peyton & Caroline Vaughan

(Pastors’ Fund)

Ruth Ann & Jerry Smith, Mrs. Elizabeth Smith James & Anne Barker (Christmas Offering)

Grady Neely, Mike Milson, Emmett Barker, Jim Barker Cecil & Tharon Kirk (Community Gardens)

Jim Holmes, David Hollis, Debra Owen, Andrea Woods, David Eblen Cecil & Tharon Kirk (Stephen Ministry)

Dan Camp, David Hollis, Mary Beth Bernheisel, FUMC Office & Support Staff, Cecil & Tharon Kirk, Genesis SS Class Ralph Leverett (Christmas Eve Communion)

William Russell Rice, Sr., Thomas H., Virginia & James Keith StallingsMr. & Mrs. James T. Stevens, Sr.Dr. & Mrs. Harold VinsonJohn Nuckolls, Mr. David Nuckolls & Mrs. Bernice JessupColonel & Mrs. Forrest V. DurandGeorge Boyd Craig & Tom Stallings Family

IN LOVING HONOR OF

Paul & Carolyn Clayton, Don & Julia Erickson, Jim & Roberta Price, Jim & Ida Holmes, Sue Harvey Ralph Leverett

Mrs. Edna Rice Craig & Tom Stallings Family

Sue Harvey, Carolyn & Paul Clayton, Tharon & Cecil Kirk Inez Burke & Family

Gena Mandle, Mark Owen, Sue Harvey, Jim Weaver, Terry Bivens, Peggy Pate Jennie Longmire

Bob & Peggy Huffman Their Children & Their Spouses (Christmas

Communion)

Betsy Dement, Wanda Scanlon Todd & Lee Driver (Christmas Communion)

FUMC Ministers & Church Staff Tom & Donna Ellis

Doug & Jennie Gibson Blair Driver (Christmas Eve Communion)

Shelby HensonAlyssa McLoughlin Blair, Ellen & Wallace Driver

Joy Weiss, Sue Harvey Ellen & Wallace Driver (Christmas Eve

Communion)

My Friends: Leila, Jeannne, Carlin & Kathryn Phyllis Armstrong (Christmas Eve Communion)

Donna Overstreet, Jane Ramer Beth & Virginia Bates (Christmas Eve

Communion)

Nancy & Larry Brooke Betsy & Alan Dement (Capital Improvements)

Tim & Inge Poole Beth Bates

Joe H. Byrd, Jr. (On His Birthday, December 19) Anita Jo, Courtney & Charles Lambert


SoulSisters

SoulSisters

Tuesday, Jan 29th 6:00-8:00 p.m.Nursery provided

Bring a dish and recipe/link from Pinterest to Clayton hall.

Don't know what Pinterest is all about... bring your favorite dish and we will tell you.

Soul Sisters wants your best women's ministry ideas for 2013.

So, invite a friend and come for some fun!

presents

Pinterest Potluck Party

God Owns It All“God Owns It All” is the chapter heading in a book by a Christian author whopresentsthischapterfirstasthefoundation for money management and giving. God does own it all! That is the teaching of Psalm 24:1 which says,

“The earth is the Lord’s.” Psalm 50:10 saysthatallofthebeastsofthefieldbelong to God, and that the cattle on a thousand hills are His. Haggai 2:8 says that God even owns the silver and gold in all the mines.

Now, He allows us to use what rightfully belongs to Him, but God continues to retain the ownership. We are managers and stewards of what God

has entrusted to us. Someday, when we stand before Him, we shall give an account of what kind of job we have done in managing the resources which God has allowed us to use.

That’s why every spending decision becomes a spiritual decision. Every time we use some of God’s money, we are making a decision which has eternal ramifications.

Are you using money and possessions as if they belong to you, or are you making spending decisions with the full realization that it all belongs to God?

Women’s MinistriesMary Beth Bernheisel, [email protected]

Women’s Brown Bag Bible StudyJoin us on your lunch break

for a time of refreshment and renewal. Women of all ages

and stages invited.

January 25Noon - 1:00 PM

4th Friday of each month 111 - Murray Guard Drive, Suite B, conference room

SoulSisters

The College Life Class had a great Christmas party this year! Thanks especially to the Pete and Nancy McLemore family for hosting at their house and to the FUMC Higher Education Team for providing food. If you are a student or parent of a student, please remember to contact Jan Kelley or David Hollis with any changes regarding contact information so that our students can be kept in the loop.

Inclement Weather Alert

In case of inclement weater, please refer to any of the following for updates on whether the church is open or closed.

•jacksonfumc.org•FUMCJacksonTNonFacebook•ThomasMediaRadioStations: 107.7 / 106.9 / 102.3 / 95.7 FM•WBBJChannel7

APPLYING BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES

Come and be blessed... bring a co-worker or friend!

Wednesday Noon Worship Service

with Holy Communionin the SanctuarySinging • ScripturePrayer • Reflection


Ask a PastorBring your questions about God, church, United Methodism or Christianity. Each week you will have the opportunity to submit your questions to David Hollis who will lead the group in exploring and discussing at least three questions.

“Fathered by God”A Study in the Path to ManhoodA study led by Mike Butler and Dave Bratcher based on John Eldridge’s recent book which shares the title.

YogaYoga is back! Join Marion Cone as she leads you through a time of exercise and relaxation. Meets on the Activity Center Mezzanine. $5 per class or $25 for whole session. Needed: yoga mat and stretchy clothes. A few yoga mats available – first come, first served. Need more info? Contact Marilynn Eblen at [email protected]

The Space Between A four-week class led by Mary Beth Bernheisel that will help you understand the changes your teen (or soon-to-be teen) is experiencing, and help you effectively parent them. Based on research by Dr. Walter Mueller, this is a class not only for parents of teenagers, but for parents whose children will be teenagers someday! You may purchase the book for $8 from Mary Beth at any time. The book is a helpful resource but not necessary for taking the class.

Exploring Human LanguageFor the vast majority of us, the gift of human language is integral to our lives, and yet it often remains taken for granted and minimally understood. As committed believers, our words (and actions) are an essential means of spiritual growth, outreach, and community development. Integrating faith and linguistics, Union University professor Phillip Ryan presents a five-part series that explores the complexities of human language, from language and the mind to language and society, in an attempt to better illuminate this mysterious, complex, and powerful tool.

Rest Your SoulsA time of after-dinner rest and conversation for women of all ages.

January 9th-February 6th

February 20th-March 20th

Room: 114

Room: 109 - Genesis

Room: 118 - Religion for Life

Room: Clayton Hall Conference Room

Room: 117 - Upper Room

Room: Mezzanine

January 9th-March 20th

Dinner & Classes each WednesdayDinner 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. • Clayton Hall • $6 Adults, $4 Children, $20 Family Max.

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

Wednesday Evening Classes

SoulSisters

ASK APASTOR

Greeters for Sunday, Jan. 13John & Carolyn Yarbrough, Chris & Pam Carothers, Roger & Kelly Murray, Georgia Whitten, Ryan & Molly Roy, Jev Vaughan, Robert Nelson, Greg Milam

Greeters for Sunday, Jan. 20Laurie Horton, Kelly Nye, Jerry & Ann Woodall, Bill & Peggy McGuire, Catherine McKnight, Ed & Ginger Hare, Jim & Emily Freeman, Barbara Barker

Please find a replacement if you are unable to greet. If you are interested in volunteering for the Greeter Ministry, contact Bill Hetzler at [email protected]

Greeters

CONGRATULATIONS!We joyfully celebrate the birth of Gage Harrison Van Dell, son of Lora and Guy Van Dell and grandson of Garey and Jan Littrell. His great grandmother is Verla Brasher.

Friday, Feb. 8 | 7:30 p.m.Sunday, Feb. 10 | 3:00 p.m.

First Baptist Church, JacksonAdmission: $5

featuringThe Jackson Choral Society

The Jackson Youth Orchestraand area musicians

Tickets: 661-5345 or at the door

Union University Department of Music

presents

by Benjamin Britten


Weekly Classes & ActivitiesMen’s Bible StudyEnjoy a cup of coffee and discussion every Tuesday except the last of each month.Tuesdays • 7:00-7:45 a.m.Room 206, Clayton Hall Conference Room • Leader: Dave Bratcher

United Methodist Men’s Monthly Prayer Breakfast Last Tuesday • 7:00-8:00 a.m.Clayton Hall

ZumbaDitch the workout and join the party!Mondays & Thursdays 4:15-5:15 p.m. Gym • Cost: $5/classLeader: Pam McCarty

Women’s Brown Bag StudyA Soul Sisters production

Join us on your lunch break for a time of refreshment and renewal. Women of all ages and stages invited.Starting January 25

Fourth Friday • Noon-1:00 p.m. 111 Murray Guard Dr., Suite B, Conference Room

Pastors’ Bible StudyThis group is open to anyone who wants to deepen their knowledge of and connection to the Bible. Wednesdays • 10:00-11:00 a.m. Starting January 9Room 206, Clayton Hall Conference Room • Leader: David Hollis

Invitation to PresenceThis study of Spiritual Classics: Selected Readings on the Twelve Spiritual Disciplines is a continuation from last season, but newcomers are welcome! Wednesdays • 10:15-11:30 a.m.Starting January 9Room 109 • Book Fee: $12Leader: Andrea Woods

Music MinistryAnyone interested in participating in the choir, handbells or praise team, please contact Darian Krimm (422-4002 or [email protected]). All are welcome!

Older Adult ActivitiesAdventures in LearningJanuary 18 – Dr. Joan Hartman on her book “Amen and His Family”February 15 – Mitzi Mathenia Musical PresentationMarch 15 – Buddy McKnight, Board Certified Sports Physical Therapist, and his side kick “Bubba bones” will tell us “How to get your back…back”11:00 a.m. Program followed by lunch • Clayton Hall • Cost: $6/personReserve your spot by the Monday before the event. Call 422-4002.

SoulSisters

Children/Youth ProgrammingYouth Programming “The Current”Wednesday & Sunday5:00-7:00 p.m.

Youth Winter KickoffJanuary 135:00-8:00 p.m.

Children’s Programming “The Backyard” Wednesdays, Starting January 95:00-6:00 p.m. Dinner & Open Gym, 6:00-7:00 p.m. Music and Group TimeAt 6:00 p.m. parents sign in kids in the gym and sign kids out at 7:00 p.m. in their classes.

Girl Scouts - Brownies/Daisies 1st/3rd/5th Wed. • 3:45-5:00 p.m.

Kids Who Care ClubJanuary 13, February 24, March 175:00-6:30 p.m.

Easter Egg HuntMarch 24 • 2:00-4:00 p.m. University of Memphis at Lambuth

FUMC FOUNDATION SUPPORTS DOLLARS FOR SCHOLARS PROGRAM

Each year through the United Methodist Dollars for Scholars program, the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation(UMHEF) provides $1,000 matching scholarships to United Methodist students who have received a $1,000 scholarship from their local United Methodist church to help them attend a United Methodist-related college, university or seminary.

This year the FUMC Foundation will be making a $2,299 contribution to the Dollars for Scholars in support of this program.

SAVE THE DATE!All Greeters, Green Coats, and Safety

Team members are invited to an

Appreciation and Training Dinner

February 24th 5:30-8:00 p.m.Clayton Hall

More details to follow

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 charityasabeneficiarywithoutawillortrust to indicate your wishes.”To learn more about FUMC’s Foundation and Planned Giving, contact Jim Scott, Chairman. 668-4775 or e-mail [email protected]


Youth News & Events

The Current UMY now has a Twitter (@TheCurrentUMY) and an Instagram (thecurrentumy). Follow us for updates on the Current!

Upcoming DatesJanuary 13Current UMY Winter Kickoff 5:00-8:00 p.m

February 3Super Bowl Party (details to be announced)

February 9Pancake Relay vs. the youth from St. Luke’s Episcopal at the Downtown Mardi Gras Parade. First four to contact Mary Beth will be included on the team.

Wednesday Night Small Groups 6:00-7:00 p.m.

Sunday NightYouth Worship

5:00-7:00 p.m.Join us and bring your

friends!

View the Youth Calendar

http://bit.ly/109inoZ

Mission Notes

January Mission Focus

A Story of Hope & Loveby Bobbie Mays

For several years, Jackson FUMC has participated in Habitat for Humanity on an every other year basis. In 2004, Ann Woodall, the new Missions chairman, was assigned by the Habitat program to be the “Nurturer” to the Williams family for whom the Habitat house was being built. Discover how this “house” became a home and how God continues to work through FUMC, one Sunday School class and this family.

Ann, a retired guidance counselor, wasted no time getting to know Steva Williams and her three children, Quenterius, an 8th grader, Quentin, a sophomore in high school and Temeka, a high school senior. Immediately, she became quite interested in Temeka and her college future. A talented basketball player on her high school team, Temeka enrolled in the Fall of 2004 at Lambuth through coordinated efforts of Lambuth staff and Ann.Butearlyoninherfirstsemester,she had to drop out of college. Things were not going well at home as her mom had mental problems which presented many hardships for them including losing their Habitat house. As the oldest child, Temeka, who was mature beyond her age, compassionate and responsible, saw the need and knew the importance of keeping her brothers together as a family.

During this time, Ann, also a member of the Religion for Life Sunday School, shared with the class about the plight of the Williams children and the numerous challenges facing them. Any one of those obstacles would have been enough to discourage them, to make their situation feel so hopeless causing them to give up altogether. But through the unconditional love of Temeka to do whatever it took to keep her brothers together and the outpouring of love and support provided by this Sunday School class and FUMC, darkness turned to light.

Temeka applied for and received subsidized housing for herself and her brothers so that they could continue to live as a family. She held down a part-time job but still yearning to attend

January Mission Chest NeedsA snack drive for ARM’s after-school program, The Hub Club. •Fruitsnacks •Chips •Granolabars •DrinksThese items may be placed in the Mission Chest located in the main lobby.

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


college, she enrolled at Jackson State Community College where she also played basketball. Soon after returning to school, she became pregnant. Living together as a family, the father was attentive to their baby son caring for both the baby and her brothers. Both mom and dad worked jobs in shifts to supplement their income. Temeka then had a second child forcing her to drop out of school once again, be a mom and begin working full time on the late shift at the bowling alley. The boys’ father attended and graduated from Lane College where he, too, played basketball. Presently, he is a school teacher at Brownsville, TN and is now working on his Master’s degree in Education.

Temeka, still determined to complete her college degree, enrolled at Bethel University taking online courses in Business Management. She received her BS and is now in management at J.C. Penney’s in Jackson. Through their successful careers, they no longer had to continue to live in subsidized housing nor rely on food stamps, as they have been able to pay their own rent and buy food.

Quentin graduated from Northside High School and attended UT. The entire time he was in college, he also worked and was able to graduate in four years earning his degree in accounting. Larry and Nancy Brooks, members of the Religion for Life Sunday School, helped Quentin with a summer internship at Lockheed Martin in Texas. Following his graduation, he was hired permanently with the company as an accountant in Ft. Worth, Texas, where he now resides and works. Already another one of his dreams and goals has come to fruition as he has traveled abroad with his job!

Pictured is Quentin Williams presenting AnnMurchison, long time Sunday School President, withacertificateofappreciationtotheReligionfor Life Sunday School class for all they have done for their family.

page 9

Quenterius, the youngest in the family, loved sports and played football in the 7th grade. But, because he had no transportation he was unable to continue playing in the following grades until his junior year. When he was a senior, he was offered and accepted a football scholarship to play at Bethel University. For Quenterius, studying has always required extra work on his part. It became apparent that he needed to be tested to see what hisacademicdifficultywas.Notuntilasophomore in college was he diagnosed with severe dyslexia. Afterward, the college began working more closely with him to provide skills that could make learning easier so that he could better perform the assignments for his academic work. Encouraged to read out loud so that he can process words, his roommates continue to work with him, too. In his 4th year of college, it will take Quenterius a little longer to graduate but he is well on his way to earning his degree. He has no income and when he quit playing ball, he lost his housing so the Religion for Life Sunday School is paying his rent and utilities. The class also takes care of liability car insurance, car repairs, books, and other incidentals each semester. The FUMC Foundation provides for his meal plan.

Besides the church funding the initial outlay for the Habitat House, gas and food were also provided to this family. The Religion for Life Sunday School class donated furniture, kitchen utensils and other furnishings for Temeka’s apartment when she had nothing. They bought her a used car so that the family would have transportation. Different members took the children shopping for clothes. The class set up a Williams Fund, which now only goes to Quenterius. ReflectingontheWilliams’,Annsharedthat

while “it may take a village to raise a family, for this one, it takes a church and a Sunday School. Don’t be afraid to take the next step. Build a relationship.” Citing the WINGS tutoring and mentoring ministry as another example, Ann said, “there are other deserving people who are also in need of help and certainly other Sunday School classes, groups and individuals have also gone above and beyond to reach out to them.”

Patsy Camp, another class member shared, “Temeka became the mother of the family and did something that most of us probably could not do as well. She has been the only home they have ever had. And, Ann Woodall, who stepped in to help and practically “adopt” this family, has been their anchor and the class liaison.” Today, through Temeka’s love and continued outreach to her own mom, who is now coping well with her illness, Steva occasionally takes care of Temeka’s two boys, Talon and Dalon.

On Sunday, December 23, 2012 the Williams family joined the Religion for Life Sunday School for their “family” Christmas celebration. There was much excitement and anticipation from both the class and the Williams. You could feel it in the air! Temeka had already been to workearlythatmorningandarrivedfirst,followed by Quentin who had driven in from Ft. Worth, Texas, and Quenterius who had been home from college and brought her two boys. The room was filledwithsomuchjoy,laughter,andshared love. They were home. They were together. They will always be there for one another. They are each other’s family.

Religion for Life Sunday School Christmas gathering with the Williams family.


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 • 8:55 a.m.

Sunday School

10:00 a.m.

DOWNTOWN JACKSON

Like us on FacebookFUMC Jackson TN

Follow us on Twittertwitter.com/jacksonfumc

SundayJan. 13

LeadershipSunday

SundayJan. 20

“Serving in the Church“Mary Beth Bernheisel, preaching • Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:8-16

“Qualified to Lead” Dan Camp, preaching • Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:1-7

First Edition Newsletter - January 9, 2013

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Transcript of First Edition Newsletter - January 9, 2013