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Cook’s United
Methodist Church
June 2022 Newsletter
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From the Pastor's Desk
One sadness I hold about my Dad passing before this season of my ministry is that you haven’t been privileged to meet or know him. I realize I am biased, but others would bear witness, too … Lynn Leatherwood is one amazing man. Though imperfect in many ways, Daddy was faithful to God’s design and desire for him in so many more. As a tribute not just to my Daddy, but to all who have fathered us, nurtured us, companioned, and schooled us, I want to offer my gratitude for just a few of the gifts they have given us in their living. May you find ways to give voice and action to your gratitude for those men who have nurtured you.
My Daddy taught me that “I can …” I can do just about anything. I can do the things I didn’t want to do like mowing the grass or helping him measure and cut wood when building something. I can set up the tent in the rain and help my sister with homework. And I can do the things that – at first thought – I tell myself, or agree with someone else, that I cannot do. Like change my oil, or get through trigonometry class, or cross the swinging bridge at Fall Creek Falls, or ask for help. I can because God’s Spirit is my helper and God promised me that nothing is impossible for God. My Daddy taught me that.
My Daddy taught me to appreciate life. He wanted his girls to know (well, he wanted everyone to know) the joy and wonder of God’s gift of life. Daddy taught us to acknowledge even look for the beauty of Indian paintbrush on the trail, noticing how fragile yet how strong it is; he taught us the same about Queen Anne’s Lace and how to avoid it unless you wanted chiggers to set up camp in your most inconvenient places. We learned to appreciate the time and energy and sacrifice it took for milk and beans and beef to appear on our table; we learned to appreciate the time and energy and sacrifice that it took for our Sunday School teachers and softball coach and choir directors to pour knowledge, confidence, and companionship into our lives. The best part of learning appreciation is knowing that my life is different because of Indian paintbrush, because of sharing roasted peanuts with my Daddy (from the same field he grew them with his Daddy), and because of other voices Daddy introduced me to that introduced me to wonderful life experiences.
My Daddy taught me to learn and keep on learning. A natural outgrowth of appreciation, really, is a curiosity to understand (and, so value even more) the beauty and glory, the “how’s” and “what’s” and “why’s” of a thing. A lifelong learner, Daddy was always growing in understanding and appreciation of the stuff of life. Like, how to take a better photograph (of Indian paintbrush, let’s say) or how to grow beans in a suburban backyard or how to build this and how to fix that … When you’ve been taught that you can, that life (all of it) is a gift to be appreciated, you kind of want to know more how things work toward goodness. You never know what you might learn new that you can do or that you appreciate.
And Daddy taught us how much Jesus loves us. We didn’t realize he was teaching this so much as we just listened to his stories of how he came to believe that he could never be separated from God’s love in Jesus. And, that we couldn’t, wouldn’t be either. One of my favorite childhood memories is of a plastic coin holder that he kept in his pocket. It was oval-ish and you pressed in the sides to make it pop open. Even when there wasn’t change enough in there for the gumball machine or a piece of candy at the Sears’ counter, there was always his little silver cross-in-my-pocket. It sure bore witness to me that Daddy lived his life by the rule of Divine Love. And, that I could, too. All I needed to do was know that I could, appreciate the lessons from my Daddy, and keep on learning on my own. My Daddy taught me that and I am grateful.
Sandra
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Evangelism: A Witness to Love Not a Dirty Word
Our understanding and practice of evangelism are too often captive to stereotypes and false perceptions. Lewis Center Director F. Douglas Powe Jr. says we can redeem evangelism by moving beyond evangelism as marketing or manipulation to reclaim a Jesus-inspired vision of evangelism: witnessing to God’s transforming love in authentic ways.
Do people in your church avert their eyes or run quickly in the opposite direction when the subject of evangelism comes up? For many, the word itself conjures up unpleasant images of someone yelling at the top of their lungs on a street corner or strangers knocking on the door on a Saturday morning. Such stereotypes make it difficult for individuals and congregations to embrace a positive, effective approach to evangelism. How can we liberate our understanding and practice of evangelism from the weight of this emotional baggage?
Beyond manipulation and marketing
Negative perceptions about evangelism often flow from the idea that evangelism involves “doing something to someone else.” To evangelize is to convert, alter, or redirect the life of another person. The onus is on the believer to do something that changes the life of the nonbeliever. Defined in this manner, evangelism objectifies its “targets” and feels coercive.
Others think of evangelism in terms of marketing or advertising. The aim is to impress people, often with superficial appeals designed merely to get them in the door. While this approach may seem less heavy-handed, the truth is those on the receiving end can still feel objectified and manipulated.
Witnessing to God’s transforming love
Evangelism at its core should bring us closer to God and our neighbors. The Greek root word for evangelism is euangelion, which means good message or news, in particular, the good news of the transforming love of Jesus. Our role is not to do anything to anyone else but to witness to our own experiences of this transforming love. No disrespect to Hallmark but the real impact of love cannot be marketed. And evangelism can never be reduced to a campaign to manipulate or entice others to become believers or churchgoers.
To counter these misguided perceptions of our evangelistic task, we need merely look to the Gospels, the ministry of Jesus, and his holistic approach to inviting others to experience something new. Jesus never manipulated, marketed, or coerced. He was not focused on numbers or increasing his own notoriety by sharing God’s love. Instead, he helped people move toward wholeness and offered the good news that this is possible for all regardless of one’s circumstances.
The real deal
When we read about Jesus’s encounters with others, what becomes evident is that what you see is what you get. Jesus is not pretending to be something he is not. He is not making misleading promises. In many instances, in fact, Jesus’s words make people really consider if discipleship is for them (Matthew 19:20-22).
Those invited to follow Jesus are invited to journey with a community that may not always get it right but works hard at helping others experience who they really are so that what they see is what they get. Authenticity is key.
Authentic evangelism in the virtual realm
If true evangelism is inviting others to experience God’s transforming love as Jesus did, what does it look like in our new virtual reality? It is easy to see how online ministry can fall into the trap of marketing or simply trying to manipulate people into coming to church in person. How do we maintain a more holistic perception of evangelism given our new virtual reality?
While the modality of connecting is different in the digital realm, the goal is the same. It is still about sharing and helping others experience God’s transforming love. Connecting with others virtually does not change this emphasis. We are called to help others experience God’s transforming love and journey with them in becoming disciples.
Therefore, it’s important not to rely on online worship as your sole connecting point. Consider ways individuals can deepen their connection to the community in the virtual sphere. It may mean having virtual small groups where a deeper level of conversation can occur. It may mean one-on-one time with the pastor to listen to their story. But it’s important to find ways to help them deepen their connection to the community. When these various virtual entry and connecting points invite people into authentic relationship, they become something much more than a marketing pitch.
Evangelism should bring us closer to God and our neighbor, even if it is a virtual connection with our neighbor. Does this require more work in the virtual sphere? Absolutely! Even as Jesus shares the road, discipleship is not easy. Neither is redeeming evangelism from misconceptions and negative stereotypes. But Jesus gives us the vision to guide our work.
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Wilson Rides
Wilson Rides is seeking Volunteer Drivers who are compassionate, caring and have a safe, clean, reliable car to use. Volunteer Drivers are the heart and soul of our program, and we are seeking individuals who can spare 1 or 2 hours a month in order to provide rides to seniors 55+ to places they need to go in Wilson County; medical appointments, pharmacy, grocery store, hair salon, barber, senior center, and FREE rides to vaccination and booster shot appointments for its members. Wilson Rides will be holding an in person VolunteerTraining/Orientation Program in the very near future. Everyone is welcome to attend even if you are unsure about volunteering. For those that want to move forward and give rides, this is a requirement. For more information on becoming a Volunteer Driver visit http://bit.ly/WRdrive . For Volunteer Training/Orientation registration, email [email protected] or call 615-622-5557.
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The Congregational Care team would like to thank you for your participation in our Mother’s Day box lunch fundraiser. Because of your generosity, we raised $514. We appreciate your continuing support. |
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Thank you to all who have donated food for SALT! We are well stocked now but do need boxes or cups of mac 'n cheese, a variety of canned vegetables, and canned meats. We do have LOTS of green beans right now! During the summer months we do not deliver frozen items due to the chance of thawing. We try to provide canned meats and food that contains meats such as chili, spaghettios, beef stew, and soups instead. The number of households that we serve has grown to 185, three of which are in local motels. Thanks also to those who are saving boxes for us to use for our food boxes. Keep them coming! We use over 350 boxes a month and to buy them would be cost prohibitive. The size needed is roughly 14" x 14" x10" although there is some flexibility in the size.
Joyce Gaines
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Communion Sunday
We will be celebrating the sacrament of Holy Communion Sunday, June 5, 2022. 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
June 19 @ 8:15 am
Congregational Care will be honoring our fathers with a waffle and bacon breakfast. Everyone is invited to come and enjoy some good food and Christian fellowship. Please look for sign-up forms inside your Sunday bulletin.
Please have your order in by June 12.
All tips go to United Methodist Men’s Group.
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Jim & Sharilyn Adair
1818 Lawnview Point
Mt. Juliet TN 37122
Jim & Shari joined the Cook’s family on May 15, 2022
and come to us from Pennington UMC.
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Jan Seagraves
532 Lakeshore Drive
Old Hickory TN 37138
Jan joined Cook’s on May 22, 2022 and comes to us
from St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in Nashville.
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Partnership with West Elementary School
Everyone’s Wilson, an ecumenical effort inviting Christian churches in Wilson County to work together for the good of our community owns four primary initiatives: Everyone Fed (addressing hunger), Everyone Free (addressing addiction), Everyone Safe (addressing community violence, especially domestic violence), and Everyone Ready (helping every student be prepared for the next season in his/her life.)
As a part of the Ready Initiative, Cook’s UMC has been invited to be one of two partner churches supporting West Elementary School. Dr. Plummer, in conjunction with Wilson County Schools and on behalf of the staff and faculty of West Elementary, has expressed hope and willingness in this new way of partnering that will allow us closer contact with students as well as teachers and staff.
If you would like to be a part of the Cook’s West Elementary Ready Team, mark your calendar and sign up now (alongside others who will be support partners for other schools). Ready Initiative Volunteer Training is set for Tues., June 28 @ 6:30 pm at The Fellowship at Mt. Juliet. We know that preparing well helps us to serve well. So please share this training opportunity with your church and then personally invite prospective volunteers to attend.
To Register for the Volunteer Training, please click the link or scan the QR code.
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We look forward to seeing you there and thank God for the privilege of helping your church engage in the Ready Initiative as we serve students, educators, and families in Wilson County.
Ready Initiative Volunteer Training
Tuesday, June 28 at 6:30 p.m.
The Fellowship at Mt. Juliet
490 Industrial Drive, Mt. Juliet, TN 37122
Now’s our chance to love our community kiddos in Jesus’ name and by his power! Let’s show up for our greatest treasures!
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Serve Day
Another function of unity and collaboration through Everyone’s Wilson is that we – the Church – can do more together than we could ever dream of doing alone. And you’re invited to show up with your neighbors and friends and church friends in force! Saturday, July 16 from 9a – Noon we will have the opportunity to help with many projects that serve our community by loving our neighbors, followed by a lunch together to celebrate the power of the love of Christ shown to each other. More details are coming soon about various projects across Wilson County; you will have the freedom to register yourselves for a particular project or to be assigned to a place of greatest need. Watch our information outlets for more details and let’s get to work … loving our neighbors, serving our city!
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Random June Holidays
3 National Donut Day
6 Drive in Movie Day
8 Best Friends Day
10 Iced Tea Day
11 Corn on the Cob Day
13 Sewing Machine Day
18 World Juggling Day
18 International Picnic Day
22 Onion Ring Day
26 Chocolate Pudding Day
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Trustees Meeting
Monday, June 6 @ 6pm
Youth Room
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Missions Team
Tuesday, June 7 @ 6pm
Library
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Tennessee-Western Kentucky Annual Conference
Wednesday, June 15 – Friday, June 17
Brentwood UMC
The 2022 Annual Conference Planning Team is pleased to announce an in-person event that promises to fill the sanctuary – and beyond! This inaugural gathering of the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Annual Conference will be on June 15-17, 2022 at Brentwood UMC, 309 Franklin Road, Brentwood TN 37027. Our theme this year, “The River of Life Unites Us,” is a celebration both of the various rivers that unite us geographically and the life that is collectively ours in Jesus Christ.
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Father's Day Breakfast
Sunday, June 19 @ 8:15 am
Youth Room
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July Newsletter Deadline
Wednesday, June 22
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Congregational Care
Thursday, June 23 @ 10am
Lamplighters Room
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Discipleship Team
Thursday, June 23 @ 5pm
Library
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Handling the Uvalde Impact
Not one of us has adequate words or wisdom to “handle” the most recent violent events in our world or their on-going wake of questions, fears, anger, sense of powerlessness …
The Baltimore-Washington Annual Conference concisely offered the following resources as help for responding to and caring for our children, grandchildren. I believe that they are helpful reminders to be easy with ourselves, too.
“There are a number of resources that might help parents and church leaders talk with children about the school shooting in an age-appropriate way:”
From the Fred Rogers Institute:
From the National Association of School Psychologists:
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Fun Juneteenth Celebration to support the Wilson County Black History Project
to renovate Historic Pickett Chapel!
Cook's Praise Team to play at 2:00 PM!
When: Saturday, June 18th
Time: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Where: 209 Market St. Lebanon, TN
Free to the public… Booths… Food… Music… Kid Zone…
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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.
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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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Dot Creasman,
Billie East,
Boots & Judith Mabb,
Phil & Gladys Pennington,
Judy Smith,
Lorraine Stadelman,
Norman & Ruby Walker,
Jim Webster
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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 [email protected] or to the church office [email protected] or [email protected].
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June Trivia Questions
Fathers in the Bible
1. Abraham was father to both Ishmael and Isaac. Which of the following statements is not true.
a. Ishmael was firstborn, but he was not the child promised to Abraham.
b. Abraham was 86 when Ishmael was born and 100 when Isaac was born.
c. Abraham got jealous when Ishmael was born.
d. Abraham was torn by loving both sons equally.
2. There is a promise attached to the command, “Honor your father and mother …” Which of the 10 commands is this and what is that promise?
a. 3, so that you will be wealthy
b. 5, so that you’ll have a long life in the land God is giving you
c. 6, so that you will be respected in the land
d. 8, so that you will be honored by others
3. David was the father of many, including Absalom, Adonijah, and Solomon. With which son(s) do the following true statements refer?
a. He was known to be quite handsome.
b. He tried to usurp the throne while David was still alive.
c. To date, he was the youngest to be chosen King of Israel.
d. He tried to manipulate his stepmother into having power that result in his kingship.
e. His death was the result of getting his hair caught in tree limbs while he was running from battle.
f. God gave him the opportunity to ask for anything and it would be granted; he asked for wisdom.
4. Jesus called God Abba. “Abba” comes from which language and is best translated to mean:
a. Aramaic; Father, “I submit to your authority”
b. Hebrew; Daddy, “you are the highest of all”
c. Greek; Father, “you love me the most or best”
d. English, Daddy, “your love is an intimate love for me”
5. Of fathers below whom we meet in the New Testament (listed below), which are real, and which are made up?
a. the father whose son blew his inheritance by partying and irresponsible living
b. the landowner whose son (sent to collect “rent”) was killed by the workers left in charge by Father
c. the father who had two sons – one promised to help in the vineyard and never went; the other refused but relented and repented, going to help
d. the father whose son had a disease similar to epilepsy
6. Jairus’ daughter was at the point of death and begged Jesus to heal his little girl. Which of the following statements is not true about this biblical report:
a. Jairus’ daughter was actually dead when Jesus arrived.
b. Jairus’ trust in Jesus was suspect to some because Jairus himself was a Jewish leader.
c. The whole community witnessed Jesus raise Jairus’ daughter.
d. This miracle was interrupted by another miracle: the healing of the woman who touched Jesus’ hem.
7. Paul had no children of his own but felt toward one who travelled with him like he was Paul’s son. Who was he?
a. Silas
b. John Mark
c. Barnabus
d. Timothy
8. Paul instructs fathers to raise their children in “discipline and instruction of the Lord.” In this same passage, he also instructs fathers to NOT do something. What is that something? (Ephesians 6:4)
a. don’t provoke your children to anger
b. don’t allow your children to be lazy
c. don’t punish your children
d. don’t disappoint your children
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May Trivia Answers
1. An Old Testament mother came up with the idea to secure having an heir through her servant then resented the servant once the child was born. Name the mother and her servant. Sarah and Hagar
2. One of our Old Testament ancestors had what we would call today a “bonus mom”. Name the ancestor and his mom or his bonus mom. (Did you catch the hint?) Moses, Jochebed and Bithiah
3. Hannah waited a long time for a child of her own. True or false: In her painful waiting, her husband asked if his love wasn’t more important than that of a child and her “pastor” called her out on being drunk when she was really just praying. True
4. Samson’s mother was told by an angel of the Lord to raise her son according to a Nazirite vow. That meant his mom and dad raised him to refrain from what three things? Cutting his hair, drinking anything fermented, or coming in contact with a dead body
5. There’s a prominent Old Testament ancestor whose family is named in detail … well, all except his mother. Jewish legend says her name is Nitzevet. Who is her “baby”? David
6. True or false: A major prophet from the Old Testament compares the comfort God promises those who love Him and trust in Him to the comfort a mother offers her child. True (Isaiah)
7. There are two well-known mothers-in-law mentioned in scripture, one from the Old Testament and one from the New Testament; both women are “loved” well by their in-laws. Name these two women. Ruth (one of Naomi’s daughters-in-law) and Peter’s mother-in-law
8. Jesus was God’s only Son, born of Mary, a virgin at his birth. But was he Mary’s only son/child? No; he had at least 4 brothers – James, Joseph, Simon and Judas – and unnamed/unnumbered sisters. (References are found in all 4 gospels).
9. A woman seeking Jesus’ favor and healing powers for her dying daughter was hushed by Jesus’ disciples and indirectly called a dog by Jesus. Yet, this mother responded with courage by doing what? She argued with Jesus about who deserves the gifts of faith in Jesus.
10. The mother of James and John (wife of Zebedee) asked Jesus for a particular favor for her sons. What was her audacious request and what would it mean for her sons? She asked that one would sit on his right and one on his left in his kingdom; this would mean they had authority and power greater than others and just less than Jesus in the governance of the Kingdom.
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June Calendar of Events
Trustees Meeting, Mon., June 6 @ 6:00 pm
Missions Team, Tues., June 7 @ 6:00 pm
Tennessee Western Kentucky Annual Conference, June 15-17
Father’s Day Breakfast, Sun., June 19 @ 8:15 am
Congregational Care Team, Thurs., June 23 @ 10:00 am
Discipleship Team, Thurs., June 23 @ 5:00 pm
Mondays @ 9:30 am Pastor’s Bible Study (Youth Room)
Thursdays @ 6:00 pm Boy Scouts (Youth & Shine Rooms)
Mondays, Tuesdays & Fridays @ 6:00 pm TKD (Friendship Hall)
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Current Information
The most recent Cook’s Newsletter, Financial Statement,
and approved Church Council Minutes can be found in the
metal rack by the coffee station in Friendship Hall.
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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.
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Online Giving
You can give online at www.cookumc.org or
text cumc to 73256
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Electronic Bank Draft
If you are interested in this easy and convenient way of giving, please contact the church office.
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7919 Lebanon Road, Mt. Juliet TN 37122
615/449-2573
www.cooksumc.org
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Cook’s Vision
To be a welcoming congregation dedicated to worshiping God, growing disciples in Christ, and serving the community through the Holy Spirit.
Cook’s Values
*Vital Worship *Selfless Mission
*Genuine Care
*Growth in Discipleship
Cook’s Strategy
*Engage *Connect
*Equip *Send
Cook’s Mission
To know Christ and to make
Christ known.
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Sunday Schedule
9:30 am Traditional Worship (Friendship Hall), Facebook Live & YouTube
5:30 pm Acoustic Worship (Friendship Hall), Facebook Live & YouTube
Daily Devotionals
Monday-Thursday 8:30am on Facebook Live
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