Cook's United Methodist Church
June 2024 Newsletter
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We exist to make followers of Jesus Christ who love God and others. |
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Summer is here! And, for U.S. Methodists that means Annual Conference is right around the corner.
As a matter of fact, the Annual Conference that we – Cook’s UMC – is a part of will be held June 17-19, 2024, at Murfreesboro First UMC. To inform and to refresh our understanding as a UM Christian family, please allow me to walk us through a brief overview of the why’s and what’s of this important conference.
What is Annual Conference? That phrase holds two meanings for United Methodists: one, Annual Conference refers to a portion of the people called United Methodist who live, worship, and minister within a specific geographical area. We are a part of the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Annual Conference which includes over 121,000 members in 534 local congregations across most of the state of Tennessee and the state of Kentucky from Lake Barkley/Kentucky Lake west to the Mississippi River. And two, the phrase “Annual Conference” refers to an event. You guessed it: an annual gathering of representatives (both clergy and laity) from all the churches in our Annual Conference (the people) to attend to the business of the Church and her mission/ministries.
Is it just business? Not at all! Every Annual Conference (the event) is a product of much preparation bathed in prayer. Laity and clergy representatives do not come together for the sake of business alone but prepared to be led by God’s own Holy Spirit in ALL the work of Annual Conference (event): worship, study, accountability, and fellowship AND what will follow when we are back to our life as a local church family. That preparation often includes “pre-work” in local church bodies. This year we have been asked to use curriculum written for us by our Annual Conference (the people) leadership: ACTS Continues. We are discovering anew the good news through a preaching series and small group study of this material from May 12 through June 23. Times of worship and study during Annual Conference (the event) are in some ways a culmination of the revelation of the good news for us through both local church life and Annual Conference (the people AND the event) life.
How will we “conference”? Before we look at the specific work of Annual Conference (the event), we need to remember how John Wesley, the originator of the Christian people called Methodists, expected us to work together. Whether as individual Christians seeking to grow more deeply in love with God and more faithful in ministry in the name of Jesus OR as growing bodies – local congregations – of such people, John Wesley held members to the hard work of “holy conferencing” (sometimes called ‘Christian conferencing’ or ‘holy conversation’). This kind of work in community is “honest, direct, piercing conversation with other Christians that was intended to help the participants grow in holiness” (Rev. Kevin Watson, Wesleyan studies professor). This kind of holy conversation “isn’t something that we bring with us to difficult conversations; it is something God does for us and in us” (John Wesley). [Bishop Sally Dyck, now retired, wrote a study guide in 2012 called “Eight Principles of Holy Conferencing.” You can find a synopsis of such conversation in this newsletter.]
What will we do on June 17-19? Well, the work of Annual Conference (the event) is this: lay delegates elected to represent every congregation in our Annual Conference (the people) along with clergy of our Annual Conference (the people) gather to …
- Worship – We engage in Spirit-led worship daily as a full body; we also include as an act of worship the ordination and commissioning of clergy to serve in this Annual Conference (the people).
- Study – Our preparatory study culminates during Annual Conference (the event) as we share times of reflection and discernment for us as representatives of individual local churches as well as for the whole of our Annual Conference (the people).
- Fellowship – We are encouraged to share meals together and “catch up” much like a family reunion (because we are!) across our three days together.
- Accountability – Delegates together review the administrative work of the Annual Conference (the people) hearing reports and projections about the effort and impact of ministries across the Annual Conference (the people). An annual budget is set and leadership for Annual Conference teams and committees are elected.
Who will represent Cook’s UMC at Annual Conference (the event) 2024? Kathryn Kimball and Edna Vaughan are your elected lay delegate and alternate lay delegate. (Only one will vote on any given issue/question.) As clergy, I represent you as well. So does Monica Cox. She has been chosen by the Cumberland River District (the subset of the TWK Annual Conference [the people] to which we belong) to serve as an at-large member. At-large members are always lay persons who are added to the voting number so that there is always a 1:1 balance between laity and clergy. The charge of any delegate – laity or clergy, at-large or local church – is to NOT vote one’s own preferences but to vote for that which has the Church’s faithfulness in mind. And by Church, we mean the whole of United Methodism not just “our” local congregation.
One positive from pandemic days is that we – not just delegates, but ANYone – has the option to participate in Annual Conference (the event) in-person or online. As your delegates, we encourage you to check out the exciting work of Annual Conference this year either in-person or online. We’d be glad to save you a seat. Or you can find access to the Annual Conference (the event) livestream by going to www.twkumc.org.
May God be glorified by all we do as Cook’s UMC and the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Annual Conference (the people).
Sandra
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Eight Principles for Holy Conferencing
[a synopsis]
(written by Bishop Sally Dyck)
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Every Person is a Child of God. “If he won’t love the person he can see, how can he love the God he can’t see? The command we have from Christ is blunt: Loving God includes loving people. You’ve got to love both.” (1 John 4:20-21, The Message)
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Listen Before Speaking. “Welcome with open arms fellow believers who don’t see things the way you do. And don’t jump all over them every time they do or say something you don’t agree with.” (Romans 14:1, The Message)
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Strive to Understand from Another’s Point of View. “He humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death – even death on a cross.” (Philemon 2:8, NRSV)
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Strive to Reflect Accurately the Views of Others. “I tell you, on the Day of Judgment you will have to give an account for every careless word you utter; for by your words, you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matthew 12:36-37, NRSV)
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Disagree without Being Disagreeable. “Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 5:1-2a, NRSV)
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Speak about Issues; Do Not Defame People. “The simple moral fact is that words kill.” (Matthew 5:22, The Message)
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Pray, in Silence or Aloud, Before Decisions. “Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” (Luke 6:28, NIV)
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Let Prayer Interrupt Your Busy-Ness. “Pray without ceasing.” (I Thessalonians 5:17, NASB)
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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.
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Communion Sunday
We will be celebrating the sacrament of Holy Communion on Sunday, June 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.
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Father’s Day Breakfast
Congregational Care will be preparing a surprise breakfast
in honor of Father’s Day on Sunday, June 16.
Everyone is welcome. All proceeds will go to our Men’s Club.
Sunday, June 16 @ 7:45am (Cook’s Youth Room)
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Project Transformation
June 24-27 from 9:15 – 12:15
Cook’s dates to read for Project Transformation will be June 24 – 27 from 9:15 – 12:15 each day at Matthew’s Memorial UMC. We need 7-10 volunteers. Please contact Carol Haislip cfh2963@yahoo.com or 615/496-6535 if you are interested in helping or have any questions. All volunteers must be background checked through the church office prior to June 24. Please check with Monica in the office for a form. Carpooling from Cook’s is available, but you MUST be at church by 8:25. If you wish to meet at Matthew’s Memorial UMC the address is: 300 Anderson Lane, Madison TN.
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Current Information
The most recent Newsletter, Financial Statement, 2024 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).
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2024 TWK Annual Conference
The third meeting of the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Annual Conference will be in Murfreesboro, TN on June 17 - 19, 2024. More information and submission guidelines for reports and resolutions can be found at twkumc.org/AC2024.
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If interested in signing up for the talent show, sign-up sheets available at the church. Deadline is June 30, 2024. If anyone has any questions, please contact Rachel Ward, Music Director at rachel@cooksumc.org | |
For nine years now, we have made the last Sunday of July an opportunity to celebrate who we are as Cook’s UMC with friends and former pastors visiting, sharing ol’ hymn favorites, dinner on the ground, a Talent Show and ice cream social, church-wide mission projects and community outreach activities.
THIS year we’re taking the whole month of Sundays! Cook’s UMC’s Church Council is inviting you to make your plans now to join us each Sunday in July as we celebrate the history and legacy of Cook’s UMC at the same time we commit ourselves anew to unity in community.
One worship experience each week: 9:30am in Friendship Hall
One common table: Holy Communion (July 7) plus goodies to eat and drink each week
One gathering place for fellowship: easy to hug necks and make new friends
One Body focusing on our identity in Christ: The Character of a Methodist*
We discovered at the last Church Council gathering on Sunday, May 19 (of 50+ people!) that almost half of those gathered have been a part of our church family 5 years or less. It is fair to say that we are still getting to know ourselves. A month of worshipping together, studying together, and fellowshipping together will only encourage our unity which is God’s call to us in scripture.
“ … lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
Ephesians 4:1b-3
So, bring your Bible and a curiosity to know your church family better. A willing Spirit among us and within us will make July 2024 an amazing time for Cook’s United Methodist Church! You won’t want to miss a thing!
* We will be using John Wesley’s work, The Character of a Methodist, as the center of our study together. Good folks who are currently teaching in any one of our Sunday School classes will be leading us and all the material that you will need will be provided at no cost.
If you can/will, please sign up outside the Friendship Hall to help with snacks sometime during our UNITED July.
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Fellowship Donuts
Volunteers needed to bring donuts for our fellowship time (between first service and Sunday School). There is a sign-up sheet on the wall next to the donut table across from the coffee pots by friendship hall. 4-5 dozen needed each Sunday and must be here by 9:15am. Keep your receipt to be reimbursed by the office. Tax exempt forms available in the office.
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Baby Irie; Beatrice Bender; Ken Cowan;
Sandra Carney’s Dad; Ethan Fesler & Family;
Shelia Mays Harper; Janice Isbell; Judy Leavitt;
Henry Mabb; Danny Ray; Dave Scheu; Roberta Yatsinko
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SALT (Serving at the Lord’s Table)
CANNED MIXED VEGETABLES; RICE (1 lb. bags)
CANNED BEANS (northern, pinto, black, kidney, pork & beans)
TOILET PAPER (4-roll package)
PAPER TOWELS, LAUNDRY & DISHWASHING DETERGENTS
BAR SOAP (individually wrapped)
SHAMPOO, TOOTHPASTE
All donations can be left in totes in back hall.
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Cook's donated 150 jars of Peanut Butter
to SALT in the month of May.
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Trustees Team
Monday, June 3 @ 6:00pm
Youth Room
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Missions Team
Wednesday, June 5 @ 6:00pm
Library
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Worship Team
Thursday, June 6 @ 5:30pm
Library
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Father’s Day Breakfast
Sunday, June 16 @ 7:45am
Youth Room
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TWK Annual Conference
Mon. - Wed. June 17 - 19
Murfreesboro First UMC
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CareGivers Connection
Wednesday, June 19 @ 1:00 pm
Youth Room
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Discipleship Committee
Thursday, June 20 @ 5pm
Library
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Project Transformation
Monday - Thursday, June 24 - 27
9:15 - 12:15
Matthews Memorial UMC
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Congregational Care
Wednesday, June 26 @ 10am
Lamplighters Room
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Backpack Program
The Backpack program supports our neediest children. Students are supplied with food items to bridge the weekend gap during the school year. The Church at Pleasant Grove sponsors the Backpack Program for 5 schools in our area and they need help 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). All donations can be left in the totes in back hallway.
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Home Centered
Ralph & Miriam Appleby, Dot Creasman, Billie East, Gladys Pennington, Norman & Ruby Walker
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Calendar of Events
Trustees Team Monday, June 3 @ 6pm (Youth Room)
Missions Team Wednesday, June 5 @ 6pm (Library
Worship Team Thursday, June 6 @ 5:30pm (Library)
Sanctuary & Friendship Hall Reserved Friday & Saturday, June 7 & 8
Father’s Day Breakfast Sunday, June 16 @ 7:45 am (Youth Room)
TWK Annual Conference Monday – Wednesday, June 17-19
CareGivers Connection Wednesday, June 19 @ 1pm (Youth Room)
Discipleship Team Thursday, June 20 @ 5pm (Library)
Project Transformation Monday – Thursday, June 24 – 27
Congregational Care Team Wednesday, June 26 @ 10am (Lamplighters Room)
Mondays @ 9:30am Bible Study (Youth Room)
Thursdays @ 6:00pm Boy Scouts (Youth Room & Shine Room)
Mondays, Tuesdays & Fridays @ 6:00pm TKD (Friendship Hall)
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Church Potluck Dinner
Sunday, July 28
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.
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Caregivers Coffee Connection
A Caregivers Support Group meets the third Wednesday of the month at 1pm in Cook’s UMC Youth Room. 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 to 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.
NEXT Meeting Wednesday, June 19 @ 1pm.
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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.
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In Person Giving An offering plate is passed around during traditional worship service in the sanctuary and an offering basket is available at the back of the Friendship Hall during "The Well" worship service, or you can drop your offering off by the church office during regular business hours. | |
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Online Giving You can give online at www.cooksumc.org or text cumc to 73256.
Standard text message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies. Text HELP to 73256 for help. Text STOP to 73256 to cancel.
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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
615/449-2574
www.cooksumc.org
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Sunday Schedule
8:45am Traditional Worship (Sanctuary), Facebook Live & YouTube
10:00am Sunday School
11:00am "The Well" Service (Friendship Hall), Facebook Live & YouTube
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