Cook's United Methodist Church

January 2025 Newsletter

We exist to make followers of Jesus Christ who love God and others.

A new year, a new beginning!  My guess is there has been at least one time in your life that you set a goal for yourself of reading your Bible more faithfully, developing discipline in your prayer life, being more consistent in practicing the way of Jesus.  We’ve certainly focused on a lot of those practices in the past year.  Well, even if you’ve stopped setting new year’s resolutions or naming goals for a new year/new beginning, our minds lean in that direction.  

And, you will continue to hear encouragement and cheerleading to live the Way of Jesus from us at Cook’s UMC.  Some of the regular disciplines that Jesus included in his life are Sabbath, Prayer, Fasting, Solitude, Generosity, Scripture, Community, Service, and Witness.  We will be offering 4-week practices that introduce these experiences in small group settings throughout the year so that we can all grow in our Way with Jesus.  

We want to invite you to begin one or more of the following practices on your own or with family/close friends:

Begin a Daily Quiet Time:  Determine to spend time daily in the Presence of the Almighty, using a daily resource that will offer you a verse or passage from scripture to focus on and guide you through application of the Biblical truth you’re reading.

Daily Prayer:  Your DQT probably includes a time of prayer, but more is always better.  We’ve developed a monthly prayer guide that will help you pray over the mission and ministries of Cook’s UMC as well as these primary practices of the Way of Jesus.

Daily Time in God’s Word:  Your DQT includes a time of reading scripture, no doubt, but a verse from here and a verse from there does not help us see and understand the full scope of God’s love for us.  You can easily find a reading plan that helps you accomplish what you want with regard to the Bible.  If you focus on the New Testament and read one chapter a day, going back to the gospels after you finish Revelation (and Psalm 1 and 8, 16, 23, 37, 46, 51, 56, 62, 71, 77, 89, 95, 100, 103, 113 and 126, 128 and 150, 136, and 139 to close out the year). *

* Daily Prayer Guides will be available at our Home For Christmas service at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, December 29 and around the church building.  If you’d like help with finding the right Reading Plan/Bible for you, I am more than glad to help.  Watch bulletin announcements and email updates (as well as listening to announcements on Sundays), for the first small group practices that will begin in February.  (SPOILER: Sabbath, Prayer, and Fasting will be our first three!)

We look forward to living the Way of Jesus together! 

Be Salt and Light,

Sandra

Christmas Decorations

Please help us put away and store our Christmas decorations.

This Sunday, January 5, immediately following the 11:00 Worship Service.

If you missed the setup, this is a fabulous opportunity to fellowship and

wrap up the holiday season together until next Christmas.

May we live the grace of Christmas every day, only without all the trappings: 

May we always give generously, receive gifts gratefully, welcome others, and study your life. 

Make our house be a home with Christmas at its core, and our souls a home where Jesus always dwells. Amen.

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. 

Communion Sunday

We will be celebrating the sacrament of Holy Communion on Sunday, January 5, 2025. 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.

Cook’s Family, your generosity is overwhelming!!  We want to thank all of you for the bonuses, gifts, cards, thoughts, and prayers given to us during this Christmas season and throughout 2024.  It is such a joy to be part of this amazing family. Much Love, your Cook’s Staff

Thank you to the Chancel Choir for presenting “What Christmas Really Means” on December 15^th and to everyone who came! Thank you for all your support of the music ministry at Cook’s UMC. You are appreciated and loved!

Also, thank you to Hoss Peterson for narrating and Eric Coomer for the sound/audiovisuals. Thank you, Jack Bracey, for all your help with organizing the Orchestra and Kerrie Plump for helping lead the Christmas Cantata!

The Common Table

Rev. Sandra will pick up the tab for what wets your whistle

You are always free to stay however long you want and can.

There is no agenda; YOU bring the questions, celebrations, beefs,

and burdens and we will share them.

Love will hold us together no matter what.

Come to one or both, invite a friend, meet a new friend, just come! 

Tuesday, January 21 at Corner Pub, 6:00 pm

4136 N. Mt. Juliet Rd.

Tuesday, January 28 at Billy Goat Café, 10:00 am

3690 N. Mt. Juliet Rd.

Cook’s In Action 

2024

West Elementary Staff Snack Table

Rise Against Hunger Event

Habitat For Humanity Build

Stewardship Update!

We have received 38 pledges for a total of $255,924 and are so grateful for those who have responded. We are still short of our goal for 2025, so if you have gotten wrapped up in the holidays and forgotten to turn in your pledge card, there is still time! 

There is much for us to do here at Cook’s and the more accurate we can predict what resources we will have to live out God's vision for Cook’s, the better we will accomplish his plan. Please prayerfully consider completing a pledge card if you have not already. Cards can be found in the sanctuary, friendship hall, shelf in the central hallway and the church office.  

Ready to hit the books? 

For our next book chat, join us as we discuss "The Road to Bittersweet," by Donna Everhart. We'll share thoughts, questions and more as we grab a bite. Mark your calendar: Feb. 4 at Calabria in Mt. Juliet. Reach out to Alison Nash if you have any questions!

What does Tending God’s Garden mean to you?

Come share your thoughts on January 11, 2025.

Session to begin at 9am in Cook’s Friendship Hall

Snacks & Lunch will be provided.

Putting your name on a sign-up sheet or 

contacting Monica to RSVP gets you a spot.

SALT (Serving at the Lord’s Table)

REVISED NEED LIST

UNSWEETENED CEREAL; CANNED SOUP & SALTINE CRACKERS (4 sleeves to a box) 

All donations can be left in totes in back hall.

Concerns

Mrs B.; Billy Daniel; J. L. Driver; Franklin; Tom Gordon; Tom Hughes; Beverly Lamberson;

Gladys Pennington; Pelfrey Family; Hoss Peterson; Lennis Radar; 

Ray Family; Kris Williams

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.

Mt. Juliet Police Department Chaplain Program

MJPD is proud to announce the revitalization of its Chaplain Program, a crucial initiative that provides spiritual and emotional support to officers, staff, and the community. With the guidance of Chaplain Wink Chase and Retired Chief James Hambrick, the program has been enhanced to better serve the department and community.

As part of this revitalization, the department officially welcomed nine chaplains during a special ceremony, where they took their Oath of Office administered by Chief Mullins. These dedicated individuals will offer encouragement, guidance, and comfort to the team and the wider community, including providing an important layer of support to community members in less-than-fortunate situations.

"Our chaplains bring an invaluable layer of support to our department and the community," said Dep. Chief Tyler Chandler. "Their dedication to service embodies our commitment to compassion, professionalism, and positive relationships within Mt. Juliet. They will also serve as a critical resource for residents facing challenging times, ensuring they feel seen, supported, and cared for."

The following chaplains were officially introduced during the ceremony:

- Wink Chase

- Sandra Clay, serving at Cook's United Methodist

- James Hambrick, serving at First Missionary Baptist Church of Franklin

- Pattie Laird

- Kevin Page, serving at Church Alive

- Jarod Smith, serving at New Tribe Church

- Steve Stewart, serving at Cathedral

- Kevin Varpness, serving at King & City Church

- Travis Watkins, serving at Generation Changers Church



The revamped Chaplain Program not only enhances the support available to officers but also strengthens the department's outreach and assistance to those in need within the Mt. Juliet community.

With these nine chaplains officially on board, the Mt. Juliet Police Department looks forward to continuing its mission to serve and build stronger ties with our community. We are grateful for each of their support to our community.

Church Office Closed, Wednesday, January 1

Youth Room Reserved, Saturday, January 4 @ 9am to 3pm

Take Down Christmas Decorations, Sunday, January 5 following worship

Oliver Academy returns, Tuesday, January 7 @ 7am to 3pm

Tending God’s Garden, Saturday, January 11 @ 9am (Friendship Hall)

Finance Committee, Sunday, January 12 @ 3:30pm (Lamplighters Room)

Church Council, Sunday, January 12 @ 4pm (Youth Room)

CareGivers Connection, Wednesday, January 15 @ 1pm (Youth Room)

Men’s Club Breakfast, Sunday, January 19 @ 7:45am (Youth Room)

Church Office Closed, Monday, January 20

Common Table, Tuesday, January 21 @ 6pm (Corner Pub)

Congregational Care, Wednesday, January 22 @ 10am (Lamplighters Room)

Common Table, Tuesday, January 28 @ 10am (Billy Goat Café) 

Staff Meeting, January 28 @ 11:45am (Library)

Fridays from 4am – 7am Kitchen Reserved for UMM

Wednesdays @ 7pm Choir Practice (Seekers Room)

Last 2 Tuesdays of month @ 7pm Women’s Ensemble Practice (Seekers 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)

Tuesday & Thursdays Oliver Academy 7:00 am – 3:00 pm 

Home Centered

Ralph & Miriam Appleby,

Dot Creasman,

Gladys Pennington,

Norman & Ruby Walker

Caregivers Coffee Connection

A Caregivers Support Group meets the third Wednesday of the month at 1pm in Cook’s UMC Youth Room. Our purpose is to surround each other with support and friendship as we encourage the journey of a Caregiver by offering respite and support. If you or someone you know would benefit from a loving time of encouragement or just a place to meet and have conversation, please know you are welcome to meet with us. If you have any questions, call Judy at 615-417-9002.

NEXT Meeting Wednesday, January 15 @ 1pm.

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.

Cook’s Inclement Weather Policy

Sunday worship schedules will depend on the weather / road conditions on those mornings. A decision will be made as quickly as possible and will be posted on Facebook as well as email communication sent. Please use your own discretion on those days.

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 the church office.

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.

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.

Electronic Bank Draft If you are interested in this easy and convenient way of giving, please contact the church office.

Mailing Address: PO Box 397, Mt. Juliet TN 37121

7919 Lebanon Road, Mt. Juliet TN 37122

615/449-2574

www.cooksumc.org

Sunday Schedule

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

10:00am Sunday School

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