Cook's UMC Newsletter

July 2023

From the Pastor

Annual Conference begins today and I woke up excited for my drive to downtown Memphis. It’s been a minute since I’ve done that. And, I have never made the drive from Olive Branch (where my sister lives and where I’m staying) to Front Street. I’m familiar with both ends of the journey and lots of stops in between - summer afternoons at Maywood Beach, goodies from the Sno-Cream Castle, hearing B.J. Thomas at Cook Convention Center, watching the ducks parade at The Peabody, wonder-ing at fireworks over the Mississippi on the 4th of July, and walking blisters on my feet with hundreds of others to raise money for children served by the March of Dimes and St. Jude.

The 35-minute-drive was a wonderful mix of “oh, I remember this road!” and “whew, it’s been a while since I was there last!” with “oh no! so-and-so isn’t there anymore!” and “I won’t ever see that place without thinking of that day or that person!”



Got me to thinking about my whole story. Y’all may not know all the chapters of my story, but you know the culmination of summer afternoons at Maywood Beach mixed with the songs of B.J. Thomas, Mylon LeFevre and Broken Heart, and Petra mixed with summer camp weeks mixed with family reunions in the country mixed with all manner of joy and heartbreak and meeting Jesus and being met by God and…

Forgetting parts of my story is like forgetting who I am fully. It’s the same for you. And, for the Church. The more chapters, the longer the history and the longer the history the harder it is to know it all. Yours, anybody’s, even the Church’s. But, to know who we are is to know Whose we are. Remembering our whole story is to stay connected to our Creator, our Redeemer, our Sustainer and Sanctifier.

Tell me, what do you know of how Cook’s was planted on the hill here or how 3 crosses were “planted” on the rise? Tell me, what do you know of the Cook or Vivrette family or the Bass’ or the York’s? Tell me what you know of the youth who have been leaders in the Cook’s church family until we had no youth? Tell me about the faithful Jesus-followers on whose shoulders we stand today.

I wonder what chapters of the Cook’s UMC story of which we are unaware. We don’t know what we don’t know, huh.

Living in the past does not lead to health. Living with our heads in tomorrow is only pretense. We have only this moment, yet this moment is the next step in the journey, our whole journey.

I am struck by Bishop Greg Palmer’s words of exhortation around Jesus’ words in John 15. He’s preached today, opening Annual Conference, by lovingly reminding us that abiding in Christ is the ONLY way to know life, the only way to be fruitful, the only way to know God and yourself fully. As branches, we have been grafted into Him through Christ.

Tell me how he has sustained you and pruned you and I’ll tell you how he’s included me and is transforming me. Abiding with each other will help us abide with Christ more fully. Doing that and letting the rest of life work out, can you imagine the adventure of the chapters to come? May we be ready today for all that comes because we are abiding with the Master.

Sandra

Communion Sunday

We will be celebrating the sacrament of Holy Communion on Sunday, July 2. If you will be worshipping/celebrating with us from home, please gather bread (or tortillas or crackers, etc.) and juice (if you don't have grape, any juice or liquid will suffice) enough for everyone in your household. We look forward to celebrating God's grace in this very special way.

Samaritan Fund                 

The dollars in this fund are used to help those in our community with immediate needs. The money used to fund this account comes from donations left on the altar rail during communion.

Your generous Samaritan Fund donations made it possible for Cook's to pay off $1,000 of unpaid lunches for West Elementary Students. What a relief this is for parents and students starting a new school year this fall.

Come One, Come All

“Behold, I am going to do something new,” Isaiah 43:19

The Disciple Team would add “something new and FUN!!!”

Calling all animal lovers, seamstresses, story tellers, cooks,

costume creators, builders, actors, minstrels,

village people (you’re singing it aren’t you?)

We need all of you to help with two new Cook’s UMC events!

In October we are hosting a Blessing of the Animals.

In December we are presenting “One Night in Bethlehem”.

Pastor Sandra talked about “co-mission” partnering with God and each other.

This is your opportunity to “co-mission” in two exciting events

for our church family and our community!

Text or call Edna Vaughan (615-516-2439) or Kathryn Kimball (615-516-2434)

if you want to be on a planning team or tell us your interest. Dates will be posted soon.

We need you to help create these great events!

Calling all donut lovers!

Would you like a different selection or bakery??

Here is your opportunity.

On behalf of the Discipleship Com. I’ve been bringing the donuts.

It is time to share the fun.

We need a Sunday School class, committee, or individuals to sign up for the Donut Brigade.

Sign up for a month or a year! Your choice of donuts.

Have donuts in place by 9:30 at the latest, donate them or be reimbursed.

Call Kathryn, 615-516-2434 or the office

United Methodist Men’s Club Breakfast

Sunday, July 16 @ 7:45 am

Cook’s Youth Room

Everyone is invited!

Caregivers Coffee Connection

Wednesday, July 19 @ 1:00 pm

Cook’s Youth Room

We are starting a Caregivers Support Group, meeting on the third Wednesday of the month at 1:00. This is to offer respite, support, and connection for those who are caregivers. Our purpose is to surround each other with support and friendship as we encourage the journey of a Caregiver. If you or someone you know would benefit from a loving time of encouragement or just a place meet and have coffee, desert and conversation please know you are welcome to meet with us. If you have any questions call Judy at 615-417-9002.

Singing, Dancing, Laughing, and Eating!

What do all these things have in common? It’s the Cook’s Talent Show! Get ready for another fun-filled evening of acts followed by some yummy ice cream. Saturday, July 22 at 7:00 in the Friendship Hall is the 8th annual talent show which is already filling up with some great acts. You don’t want to miss this yearly tradition! Interested in signing up? Pick up a sign-up form in the office or see Rick DeJonge. This year there will be a “house” band with piano, bass, and drums to accompany anyone doing a musical number. 

Ice Cream Social

Immediately following the Talent Show

Saturday, July 22

Sunday, July 23

One Worship Service

10:00am in Cook’s Friendship Hall

Sunday School @ 8:45am

Church Potluck Dinner

Sunday, July 23 @ 11:30am

Cook’s will provide the meat, drinks, and paper products. 

If your last name begins with A-L please bring a side dish.

If you last name begins with M-Z please bring a dessert.

West Elementary School

We are collecting school supplies for West Elementary. There will be a tote in the central hallway and one in the Friendship Hall for all supplies.

Classroom Supply Lists

 Kindergarten

1 Pack Regular Crayola Markers

1 Plastic School Box

1 Fiskars Blunt Tip Scissors

1 Pack of 5 Highlighters (Different Colors)

1 Box of Sharpened Pencils

1 Pack of Skinny Expo Dry Erase Markers

1 Primary Lined Journal Composition Book

5 Spiral Notebooks, Single Sheet, Wide Ruled

6 Boxes 24 Count Crayola Crayons

12 Elmer’s Glue Sticks

Wish List (Optional):

Play-Doh; Clorox Wipes (no bleach);

Tissues; Card Stock (any color); Copy Paper (white)

First Grade

1 Composition Book

4 Spiral Notebooks (single subject, wide ruled)

1 Pack of Block Erasers

1 Pair of Blunt Tip Scissors

1 Plastic School Box

1 Pair Headphones (no ear buds)

2 boxes of 24 count Crayola Crayons

2 packs of Sharpened Ticonderoga Yellow Pencils

4 Two Pocket Folders (1 red, 1 blue, 1 green & 1 your choice)

4 Glue Sticks

Wish List (Optional):

1 Bottle of Germ-X; Clorox Wipes (no bleach);

1 Pack of Skinny Black Expo Markers; Tissues;

Loose Leaf Primary Lined Paper (dotted lines); Astrobright Paper

Second Grade

1 Set of Headphones (no ear buds)

1 Supply Box

1 Pair Blunt End Scissors

2 Boxes 24 Count Crayola Crayons

2 Wide Ruled Composition Notebooks

1 Wide Ruled Spiral Notebook

2 Packages 24 Count #2 Ticonderoga Pencils

2 Packages of Erasers

3 Three Prong Plastic Pocket Folders (red, blue, yellow)

4 Glue Sticks

Wish List (Optional)

1 Pack Colored Skinny Expo Dry Erase Markers; Tissues;

Bleach Free Disinfectant Wipes; Copy Paper

Third Grade

1 Green Plastic 3-hole Folder Without Prongs

1 Yellow Plastic 3-hole Folder Without Prongs

1 Blue Plastic 3-hole Folder WITH Prongs

1 Red Plastic 3-hole Folder Without Prongs

1 Pair of Fiskars Scissors

1 3-ring Zipper Pouch

1 Pack (24 Count) of Crayola Crayons

1 Pack (12 Count) of Colored Pencils

1 Handheld Pencil Sharpener with Shavings Catcher

1 Pack of Cap Erasers

1 (4-pack) Skinny Highlighters in Different Colors

1 (4-pack) Skinny Black Expo Markers

1 Pair of Earbuds

3 One-Subject Spiral Notebooks (100 pages)

8 Glue Sticks

48 Pre-Sharpened Ticonderoga Pencils

Wish List (Optional):

Hand Sanitizer; Clorox Wipes (no bleach); Kleenex;

Paper Towels; Astrobright Color Copy Paper

Fourth Grade

1 (12 Pack) Expo Markers

1 Pair Fiskars Sharp Scissors

1 Pack (12 Count) of Colored Pencils/Crayons

1 Pack Thin Tip Markers

1 Pencil Pouch or School Box for Supplies

1 Set of Earbuds

2 (4 Pack) of Multicolored Highlighters

3 Packs (24 Count) Pre-Sharpened Pencils

2 Composition Notebooks, Wide Ruled

2 Pack of Post-It Notes

3 Packs Cap Erasers

4 Plastic Folders with Prongs & Pockets

1 One-Subject Spiral Notebook, Wide Ruled

1 Pack Wide Ruled Notebook Paper

2 Glue Sticks

1 Pack Index Cards

Wish List (Optional):

Hand Sanitizer; Expo Markers; Lysol or Clorox Wipes (non-bleach);

Paper Towels; Tissues; Command Strips/Hooks;

Ziplock Bags; Packs of Assorted Colored Paper; Packs of White Copy Paper

Fifth Grade

1 Pair Earbuds

1 Park Fiskars Small Sharp Scissors

2 (12 Count) Packs Colored Pencils

1 Pack Cap Erasers

1 Screw-On Lid Pencil Sharpener

1 (4 pack) Highlighters

1 Zippered Pencil Pouch

3 Packs Wide Ruled Filler Paper

2 Packages of Pre-Sharpened #2 Pencils

7 Plastic Folders with Pockets & Prongs

4 Composition Books, Wide Ruled (not spiral notebooks)

8 Glue Sticks

8 Expo Marks (black or colorful)

Wish List (Optional):

Glue Sticks; Tissues;

Lysol or Clorox Wipes (non-bleach); Black Sharpies

Needed from Cook’s

Canned Mixed Vegetables; Rice (1 or 2 lb. bags) &

Canned Beans (e.g., northern, pinto, black, kidney, pork & beans)

All donations can be left on the cart in the back hallway.

NEW ITEMS NEEDED:

Toilet paper (4-roll package)

Paper towels (single roll-larger package can be divided)

Laundry detergent (55 oz. or less)

Dishwashing detergent (30 oz. or less)

Bar soap (individually wrapped)

Shampoo

Toothpaste

Cook's UMC, Thank you for the beautiful flower arrangement. Your thoughtfulness in our time of grief is much appreciated. Camille Lame (Alex's parent).

Camille is one of the Oliver Academy teachers who lost her son on May 15, 2023.

Backpack Program

The Church at Pleasant Grove is sponsoring the Backpack Program for 5 schools in our area: Springdale Elementary, Stoner Creek Elementary, West Elementary, Mt. Juliet High School and Wilson Central High School. They need help in stocking their shelves. Items requested are: Instant Oatmeal Packages; Individual Mac & Cheese; Pudding Cups (non-refrigerated; Ravioli, Spaghetti-O's; Granola Bars; Fruit Cups; Applesauce; Juice Boxes (avoid those with lots of sugar). There will be a cart in the back hallway at church for your donations. 

Home Centered

Dot Creasman, Billie East, Judith Mabb,

Phil & Gladys Pennington,

Norman & Ruby Walker

Current Information

The most recent Newsletter, Financial Statement, 2023 Officers / Committee Members Listing, and approved Church Council minutes can be found in the literature rack in the back hallway (just outside the Friendship Hall).

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.

Social Media

We would love to showcase the activities of Cook’s and our families. If you, your Sunday School Class or Small Group would like to share news of upcoming events or pictures of your events on Cook’s website, Facebook page, Instagram or Twitter please send those to Alison Nash anashvillegirl82@gmail.com.

July Calendar of Events

Friendship Hall & Kitchen Reserved, Saturday, July 1, ALL DAY

“Sacred Slow” Study, Monday, July 3 @ 12:30pm

Trustees Team Meeting, Monday, July 3 @ 6:00 pm

Church Office Closed, Tuesday, July 4 – HOLIDAY

Finance Team Meeting, Sunday, July 9 @ 3:30pm

Church Council Meeting, Sunday, July 9 @ 4:00pm

SPR (Staff Parish Relations) Team, Tuesday, July 11 @ 6:00pm

United Methodist Men’s Breakfast, Sunday, July 16 @ 7:45am

“Sacred Slow” Study, Monday, July 17 @ 12:30pm

Worship Team Meeting, Monday, July 17 @ 3:30pm

Care Givers Connection, Wednesday, July 19 @ 1:00pm

Discipleship Team Meeting, Thursday, July 20 @ 5:00pm

Cook’s Annual Talent Show, Saturday, July 22 @ 7:00pm

Ice Cream Social, Saturday, July 22 immediately following the Talent Show

Sunday School, Sunday, July 23 @ 8:45am

One Worship Service, Sunday, July 23 @ 10:00am

Potluck Meal, Sunday, July 23 @ 11:30am

Congregational Care Team, Wednesday, July 26 @ 10:00am

“Sacred Slow” Study, Monday, July 31 @ 12:30pm

Mondays @ 9:30 am Bible Study (Youth Room)

Thursdays @ 6:00 pm Boy Scouts (Youth & Shine Rooms)

Mondays, Tuesdays & Fridays @ 6:00 pm TKD (Friendship Hall)

In Person Giving

An offering basket is available at the back of the Friendship Hall

during all worship services, or you can drop your offering off

by the church office during regular business hours.

Online Giving

You can give online at www.cooksumc.org or

text cumc to 73256

Electronic Bank Draft

If you are interested in this easy and convenient way of giving,

please contact the church office.

7919 Lebanon Road

Mt. Juliet TN 37122

www.cooksumc.org

615/449-2573

Sunday Schedule

8:45am Traditional Worship (Sanctuary), Facebook Live & YouTube

10:00am Sunday School

11:00am “The Well” Worship Service (Friendship Hall), Facebook Live & YouTube