Pastor’s Message

Everyone’s Wilson

The inaugural event for this new ecumenical initiative in Wilson County is Wednesday, May 1 . We hope that you will join other Cook’s friends as well as friends of Jesus across Wilson County as we come together for great fellowship and prayer.  Charlie Daniels Park is the place, from 6 – 8 p.m. is the time. (All Wednesday night activities have been suspended so that you can participate in this great event.)

The preparation for this kick-off event has been months in the making. For approximately a year, clergy from across the county have been gathering for prayer and to plan how we – the Body of Christ – can more effectively make a difference in our neighborhoods. We certainly hope you can be with us on Wednesday, but even if not, please join us in prayer for our county and its cities/towns and for the next opportunities for us to gather for encouragement and unity as the people of God. The information below about the formation of Everyone’s Wilson will help you understand the initiative and the direction we are moving; that information can shape your conversations with friends, Sunday School classes, etc., and most definitely shape your conversations with God. Thank you, in advance, for standing with us as we love our neighbors!

Consider God’s instruction to the Israelite exiles: “This is what the Lord of Armies, the God of Israel, says to all the exiles I deported from Jerusalem to Babylon: ‘Build houses and live in them. Plant gardens and eat their produce. Find wives for yourselves and have sons and daughters. Find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage so that they may bear sons and daughters. Multiply there; do not decrease. Pursue the well-being of the city I have deported you to. Pray to the Lord on its behalf, for when it thrives you will thrive.’ “ (Jeremiah 29:4-7)

Everyone’s Wilson invites each Jesus follower and each congregation of Jesus followers to move from concern over ‘how’s our church doing?’ to ‘ How’s our city doing ?’

Everyone’s Wilson Mission : a network of Gospel-centered churches working together for the good of every person in Wilson County

Everyone’s Wilson Vision : to mobilize a Gospel movement in our community that serve the most vulnerable among us, unites all kinds of people, transforms lives, and advances Jesus’ kingdom

Everyone’s Wilson has identified four pockets of vulnerability in Wilson County and is making these our priorities
·     Everyone Fed (working to end food insecurity in our county)
·     Everyone Free (working to prevent and offer resources toward the treatment of addiction)
·     Everyone Safe (working to address growing teen violence and making our community safe)
·     Everyone Ready (working to ensure preparedness for next life stages for all our children)

Everyone’s Wilson is focusing on three primary initiatives through which we will address our priorities: prayer, partnerships (between schools, churches, and local businesses), and gatherings – the first of which is this Wednesday!

It is our dream to be a Whole City for the Whole City. Is it yours?
Sandra
UMW Bake Sale
Sunday, May 5th
10: 30 am
Need a dessert for Mother's Day Dinner? Want a treat for your mother? UMW is having a Bake Sale to treat the women of Cook's between 9:30 am church service and Sund ay School. We'd be grateful for any contributions to sell. Bring items already priced.
Children’s Ministry Team
Sunday, May 5 th @ Noon Cook’s Library
Friendship Hall Reserved
Sunday, May 5 th
All Day
Trustees Team
Meeting
Monday, May 6 th  
6:30 pm
United Methodist
Women
Tuesday, May 7 th   
10:00 am
Cook’s Mission Team
Tues., May 7 th  
6:30 pm Room 107
MISSION FUNDS REQUEST
To support Habitat for Humanity on Saturday, June 15 from 7:00 am to 3:30 pm. Our goal is $6,000 in donations and 25 volunteers by May 7. Checks to be made payable to Cook’s UMC and marked for “MISSIONS”. Volunteers aged 16 and 17 must be accompanied by parent. Also need food and drink volunteers on June 15. Sign-up sheets are on the shelf in the central hallway.  


Friendship
Hall
Reserved
Saturday,
May 18 th
9-5pm
Men’s Club Breakfast
Sunday, May 19 th
8:15 am
Sunday
May 19 th
Finance Team 3 pm
Church Council 4 pm
Cook’s Book Club
The May selection for Cook's Book Club is " Hillbilly Elegy" by J. D. Vance. We will gather for discussion of Vance's book on Tuesday, May 28 at 11:30 am in the Cook's UMC Library. You are welcome to bring your lunch when you meet us.

A copy of “Where the Crawdad's Sing " by Delia Owens is available for check-out in the church library. Our club unanimously recommends this as a great read with rich imagery, beautiful reflection on the human spirit, and a thrilling plot development. 
S.A.L.T . Food Drive
Sunday May 26 th
Items Needed:
Canned Tomatoes, Crackers, Canned Fruit and Canned Meat.
Whenever possible low sodium and low sugar food options are preferred. 
Cook’s Congregational Care
are organizing to begin a Shepherding Ministry that would work to keep us in touch with one another in the ebbs and flows of life. If you are interested or have more questions about the role of a shepherd, please contact Bonnie Johnson, Sheila Alford, or Sandra Clay by May 12 th . Thank you!!!!!
Church
Office
Closed
Monday
May 27 th
in recognition of
Memorial Day
Congregational
Care Meeting
Thursday
May 30 th
10:00 am
Stewardship
Thursday, May 30 th
6:30 pm


My Dear Cook's Family, thank you for all the prayers, cards, calls and food given to our family during both my surgery and Todd's. We are so very blessed to be part of the Cook's Family. Much love, Monica
Flower Calendar
The flower calendar is available for sign ups
outside the church office. The cost is
$30.00 and is due before flowers can be
ordered.

Home Bound
Dick Estes
Martha Gatlin
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Cook’s Vacation Bible School is planned for July 7-11
(Sunday – Thursday) from 6:00 – 8:00 pm with dinner served at 5:30 pm every night. Look for more details to come.  
Samaritan Fund
Cook’s Samaritan Fund is part of our Missions Program. The dollars in this fund are used to help those in our community with immediate needs (utility bills, medication, gas or rent). Each applicant is required to present photo identification and a copy of the bill they are requesting assistance with to the church office on Wednesdays and Thursdays between 11:00-1:00 pm. The money used to fund this account comes from the dollars left at the altar rail during communion. 
Wednesday Night Fellowship Meals
Cost $5.00 per adult, $2.00 for ages 5-11, ages under 5 years eat free. Please pre-order and pay for your meals using the envelopes in the sanctuary pews or on the shelf in the main 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.  

MAY MENU:
1 st NO MEAL
8 th Beef & Noodles, Mashed Potatoes, Corn, Salad, Rolls & Dessert
15 th Taco Bar & Dessert
22 nd Meatloaf, Mac ‘n Cheese, Peas, Rolls & Dessert

Are You on Facebook?
You can help us spread Cook's news! It's easy: be 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.
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.
May Meetings / Activities
Everyone’s Wilson – Wednesday, May 1 st 6-8pm (Charlie Daniels Park)
Children’s Ministry Team – Sunday, May 5 th @ Noon
Friendship Hall & Kitchen Reserved – Sunday, May 5 th ALL DAY
Staff Meeting – Monday, May 6 th @ Noon
Trustees Meeting – Monday, May 6 th @ 6:30 pm
United Methodist Women – Tuesday, May 7 th 10:00 am
M.O.M.S. Small Group – Tuesday, May 7 th 10:00 am
Missions Team – Tuesday, May 7 th 6:30 pm
Friendship Hall Reserved – Saturday, May 18 th 9-5pm
Men’s Club Breakfast – Sunday, May 18 th 8:15 am
Finance Team Meeting – Sunday, May 18 th 3:00 pm
Church Council – Sunday, May 18 th 4:00 pm
Staff Meeting – Monday, May 20 th @ Noon
S.A.L.T. Food Drive – Sunday, May 26 th
Office Closed – Monday, May 27 th
Cook’s Book Club – Tuesday, May 28 th 11:30 am
Congregational Care Team – Thursday, May 30 th 10:00 am
Stewardship Meeting – Thursday, May 30 th 6:30 pm
If there is a meeting/activity not listed, please notify 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