December 2018
Newsletter
Pastor’s Message
Ad-vent . Noun. The arrival of a notable person, thing or event. The first season of the Christian Church year, leading up to Christmas and including the four preceding Sundays. With regard to Christian theology – the coming or second coming of Christ. From Latin: ad- (to) and venire (come).

The definition and explanation above do nothing to touch the excitement and anticipation of the season that we – those who know and are known by Emmanuel – celebrate with bated breath. May we be careful not to exchange the breathless advent of Jesus, Messiah for a different kind of breathlessness.  It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of making everything from tree to home sparkle; it’s exhausting to make, then tackle the never-ending lists for party preparations, family gatherings, and gift giving. Often, what we find at the end of a busy season is that we’ve spent much time and many resources on preparations that leave us feeling as if something is still a bit undone.

A meaningful Advent season begins with what seems like incongruent realities. Intention and surprise. Because we know God is a God of surprises, we can choose to make ourselves watchful for whatever God is doing and will do next. God surprised Zechariah and Elizabeth with more than a son in their old ago; God surprised them with the prestigious task of preparing the one who would call for preparation for the One who is our salvation. Gabriel, on mission for God, also surprised Mary while doing her regular chores (some think) and Joseph while he was sleeping with the news of their chosenness. God surprised them again when the moment came inconveniently and in isolation yet filled with the joy of bringing new life into the world. God surprised the shepherds when the angel choir was sent to sing for joy over them and with them. God surprised the wise men when they risked everything they had in search for God’s salvation … and found a toddler in the arms of his mother.

We see in the first Advent of Christ how God works and how important it is to be ready and available when He comes. For, Emmanuel – God with us – is true. My prayer for each of us is that we are watching for stars that point the way, listening for angel song that reminds of the joy in every day, and trusting in the good news that Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us! May we not become distracted with the chosen necessities of the season, but choose instead the true necessities of watching and waiting for the arrival of salvation! His name is Jesus!

Merry Christmas!
Sandra
Advent Decorating
Saturday, December 1
10:00 am

Please come help us decorate the church for the Advent Season.
Youth Chili Cook Off & Silent Auction
Saturday, December 1
4:00 pm
Tickets $10 each and can be purchased from any of the youth, the church office or cooksumc.org/chili. The youth use the money raised for their summer mission trip and winter retreat. Come out and support our youth at their 3rd annual chili cook off.
Breakfast with Santa
Saturday, December 8 th 9:00 am
Parents and children will enjoy all-you-can-eat pancakes, bacon and sausage. Kids can make a craft to bring home. Remember to bring your camera to capture this favorite family tradition. Don’t miss out on this memorable event! 
Advent / Christmas Schedule
Advent Decorating -- Saturday, December 1 st 10:00 am - Noon, Sanctuary
Breakfast with Santa -- Saturday, December 8 th 9:00 am Friendship Hall
UMM Sponsored Breakfast -- Sunday, December 16 th 8:15 am, Youth Room
Christmas Cantata -- Sunday, December 16 th 9:30 am, Traditional Service
Christmas Caroling -- Sunday, December 16 th 3:00 pm, Meet in Friendship Hall
Blue Christmas Service -- Sunday, December 16 th 5:30 pm, Sanctuary
Candlelight Communion -- Christmas Eve 3:00 pm, Traditional, Nursery Available
Candlelight Communion -- Christmas Eve 8:00 pm, Evening Service
Leadership Training Event
Sunday, December 9 from 3:30-5:00 pm.
For all those serving on a ministry team and/or Cook's UMC Church Council in the coming new year, thank you for your willingness to serve. We will gather in the Cook’s Youth Room and all materials will be provided. Thank you, in advance, for making room for this event in your busy schedule. Please let the Church Office know whether you will be with us or not. 
Come Ring For A Change!
Once again families and groups are adding ringing and singing around The Salvation Army kettle as part of their Christmas tradition. If you can volunteer for an hour, you will be blessed to see how generous people are! As you ring or sing and greet people you will know that this money is  making changes in people’s lives here in Wilson County!  This money keeps the Lake Street Learning Center & The Roast open. It also helps more than 700 families with food, Christmas gifts, gas, and winter housing. Thank you for scheduling an hour or two by calling Sergeant Tom at 615-784-9555 or see more at: www.wilsoncountysalvationarmy.com
Christmas Cantata
“Glory to the Newborn King”
Sunday, December 16 th 9:30 am
Cook’s Friendship Hall
Cook's UMC Directory
The Cook’s Church Directory is now updated with pictures from October and the Long-Range planning forms. In an effort to be fiscally responsible of our office supplies, we are asking for a $5 donation for any hard copies as they will be printed with Cook’s supplies. Please provide your money to Monica in the office and she will then provide a copy. Please remember the most up to date directory will always exist on the app and the most current hard copy will be on the website. Visit Cooksumc.org under the Members tab for information. The directory can be accessed on the website using the password of cooksumc .
Wednesday Night Fellowship Meals
Please pre-order and pay for your meals using the envelopes in the sanctuary pews, on shelf in the main hall or in the Friendship Hall. Place the envelopes with money in the offering plate or turn into the church office no later than noon the Tuesday before. There will be a limited amount of food for those that don't pre-pay. DECEMBER MENU: 5 th BBQ, Baked Beans, Slaw, & Dessert; 12 th Chicken & Rice Casserole, Green Beans, Rolls & Desserts; 19 th NO Meal; 26 th NO Meal.
College Student of the Month
Brittany McCarthy
318 Cypress Glen Drive
Mt. Juliet TN 37122

Brittany is a sophomore at UT Chattanooga
Caroling for Our Homebound
Please join us on Sunday, December 16th at 3:00 pm for caroling for our homebound. We will meet at the church and carpool. After, we will return to the church to exchange cookies. If you would like to exchange cookies please bring 6 bags of 6 cookies. Come have fun and spread the Christmas Spirit.
“Reserved” Parking Spots
Per current laws, because of the slope in the west parking area, the trustees cannot create “Handicapped” parking spaces on the west side of the building. However, they have put “Reserved” signs in some of the spots for handicap attendees.
Homebound

Dick Estes              Martha Gatlin              Mary Elizabeth Webster   
Electronic Giving Available
Electronic giving helps you stay current with your planned giving especially when on vacation or traveling. All records are locked in the church office, increasing confidentiality, while paper checks (which contain the same information) are part of the weekly counting process with rotating money counters. Contributions continue to be reflected on your year-end contribution statement, and contributions can be canceled or altered (such as the amount or change the bank account) at any time by simply contacting the church office. If you are interested in this easy and convenient way of giving please contact the church office.
December Meetings / Activities

Advent Decorating
Sat., Dec. 1st 10:00 am

Youth Chili Cook-Off, Silent Auction
& Sample Sale
Sat., Dec. 1 st 4:00 pm

Trustees Team Meeting
Monday, December 3 rd 7:00 pm

United Methodist Women’s Luncheon
Tuesday, December 4 th 11:30

Breakfast with Santa & Mrs. Claus
Saturday, December 8 th 9:00 am

Leadership Training
Sunday, December 9 th 3:30 pm

M.O.M.S. Bible Study
Tuesday, December 11 th 9:30 am

Cantata Rehearsal & Set-Up
Saturday, December 15 th 9:00 am

United Methodist Men’s Club Breakfast
Sunday, December 16 th 8:15 am

Christmas Cantata & Worship
Sunday, December 16 th 9:30 am

Caroling for Homebound & Cookie Exchange
Sunday, Dec. 16 th 3:00 pm

Christmas Eve Candlelight Services
Mon., December 24 th 3:00 & 8:00 pm

Church Office Closed
Tuesday & Wednesday, December 25 th & 26 th

Abbreviated Church Office Hours 10:00 – 12:00
December 27 th & 31 st

Church Office Closed
Tuesday, January 1 st

If there is a meeting/activity not listed, please notify the church office.
Are You on Facebook?
You can help us spread Cook's news! It's easy: first, be sure to "Like" Cook's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/cooksumc/). Then keep your eye out for announcements, inspiration and invitations to worship. When they show up in your FB feed, "Like" or "Share" the posts. The more who do, the more people see it, even if they're not yet members and/or don't “Like” the CUMC page. Have photos from a church event or something you want to promote on social media? Send info/photos to Alison Nash or to the church office.
7919 Lebanon Road, Mt. Juliet TN 37122
615/449-2573
www.cooksumc.org
Sunday Schedule
9:30 am Traditional Worship in our Sanctuary
10:45 am Sunday School Hour
5:30 pm Acoustic Worship in our Sanctuary