From the Pastor's Desk
Who are you? Chances are you answered that question with your name, or with the name of an important relationship such as spouse or parent. You may have even answered with the name of a responsibility that rests with you or work to which you give yourself – accountant, instructor, manager, gardener, cook, dreamer ... We identify ourselves in all sorts of ways, referencing who we share life with, the circumstances of our life (past or present), our capacities, our responsibilities, our dreams.
 
Ever ask that same question of this church family, “Who are we?” Our responses, for the most part, will be formed the same way as our answers about ourselves as individuals; you would probably answer by naming our work, our responsibilities within and beyond the church building, our hopes, and, most probably, our relationship to and with God.
 
Who are we as United Methodist Christians? What do we hold in common with any others who consider themselves Wesleyan in the way they follow Jesus, if anything at all?
 
You are encouraged to experience a new small group opportunity during which we will get to know one another better (and ourselves, too) by considering foundational questions about our identity, even the identity of God. First, a bit about the study; then, the ways you can be a part…
 
“Who Are We? A Journey From Head to Heart” is a small group experience developed by the Baltimore-Washington Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church.  This group journey is designed to help us tackle these refined questions: One, who are we as the people of God? And two, who are we as the people of God called Methodists?  Digging into that first question, we will look to the Bible, to Church history, and to our own experiences to consider:

  • the nature of God (do you think of God as an aloof power, a loving Parent, etc.?)

  • the relationship we can have with God

  • our own experiences with deliverance, wilderness, and the Promise of God

  • knowing God by many names (do you/can you know God as Rock, Mother Hen, Counselor, etc.?)

  • vision and prophecy today (how are the voices of ancient prophets relevant for us today?)

  • moving toward wholeness/liberation (how might the Israelites’ sojourn informs ours?)
 
Now, how can you be a part of this exciting experience? There are several ways:

1. You can let the Church Office know when your small group would like to start (and how many copies of the material you’ll need); we are glad to print the “Who Are We?” materials for your already existing small group. (The Baltimore-Washington Annual Conference has graciously made these available at no cost beyond the cost of reproduction.)

2. You can join the Faith Searchers Sunday School Class for an experience of “Who Are We?” They are set to begin on Sunday, July 31 at 10:45 a.m. (Let them know you’re coming, and they’ll save you a seat and have materials for you.)

3. You can join us on Sunday evenings at 6:15 p.m. beginning on Sunday, July 31 for a pot-luck supper and small group experience. If you are not a part of a small group or Sunday School class, this would be a great chance to meet others in the same “boat!”

4. You can rally a few of your friends or let’s-be-friends and set your own time/place to gather and lead yourselves in this experience. It really is that easy! Just let us know when you’ll start and how many sets of the materials you’ll need.
 
Change, transition, and transformation are always a part of our journeying as those who follow Jesus. As we grow in Christ, we submit more and more of ourselves to him and find more and more of his grace, his mercy, his Life revealed in us. This experience of asking and answering questions together to clarify who we are as children of God will be a rich time of unifying this Body of Christ known as Cook’s United Methodist Church. We sincerely hope and pray that you’ll join us as we grow!

Sandra
Communion Sunday
We will be celebrating the sacrament of Holy Communion Sunday, July 3, 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.
July Finance &
Church Council Meetings
Due to conflicting schedules of many council members, the July Finance and Church Council Meetings will take place on Sunday, July 17th  (the 3rd Sunday of July) at the normal times. 
Finance Committee
Sunday, July 17 @ 3pm
Lamplighters Room
Church Council
Sunday, July 17 @ 4pm
Youth Room
Dear Cook’s,
Thank you so much for your donation to the Mt. Juliet Help Center! You are making a difference in the lives of the people we are able to serve because of donors like you. We appreciate your support!
Sincerely, Carolyn Smith, Director
Celebrations
Your response to the Ready Initiative!
 
Concerns
Darlene; Wendy; Jeremy, Dezi & Remy; Grover Alspaugh; Kyle Clark; Lois DeJonge;
Carol Haislip’s daughter; Everett & Janey Horton; Wanda Large; Billie Jean Martin;
Paul McCulloch; Joanne McKay; David Mercer; Judy Parrish; Julia Smith;
Jean & Herman Phillips; Jason Sorey; Phil & Gladys Pennington; Faye Walker;
Wayne & Becky Pratt; Marie Riggins; Pat Stutesman;
John Wright; Bishop Bill McAlilly
Communities/individuals impacted by violence.
Those without shelter or community.
World leaders. The Church Universal. The UMC
Serve Day
Saturday, July 16 from 9am to 12pm
Join us Saturday, July 16th 9am – 12pm to serve Wilson County!
We will partner with churches across our county to provide them with opportunities to serve our local community and share the love of God
through practical acts of kindness. Simple acts of selfless
love can open hearts to Jesus, and together we can make a difference!

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Mark 10:45
2022 Cook’s Talent Show
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 30 at 7:00 in the Friendship Hall is the 7th 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.
West Elementary School Supplies
During the month of July, Cook’s Congregational Care Team will be collecting school supplies for West Elementary. You can find a list of the supplies needed in your bulletin and hanging above the cart in the hallway, just past the Friendship Hall. As you bring in donations, please put them on the cart in the hallway.
SALT Needs
Variety of Canned Goods: canned meats, soup, mixed vegetables, carrots, beef stew, SpaghettiOs’s. PLEASE NO GREEN BEANS. Boxes: The size needed is about 14"x14"x10", although other sizes can be used if they are roughly the same in volume. Depth is one of the more critical dimensions -- at least 8".  We use over 350 boxes a month. Please take a Cook’s tote from the rack by the door for your donations and place them on the cart in the back hallway.
Church Office Closed
Monday, July 4 in observance of Independence Day Holiday.
Random July Holidays
2 I Forgot Day
5 Workaholics Day
12 National Different Colored
Eyes Day
17 Yellow Pig Day
 19 Stick Out Your Tongue Day
26 National All or Nothing Day
27 Take Your Pants for a Walk Day
28 Milk Chocolate Day
29 National Talk in an Elevator Day
SPR Committee
Tuesday, July 5 @ 6pm
Youth Room
Missions Team
Wednesday, July 6 @ 6pm
Seekers Room
UMM Breakfast
Sunday, July 17 @ 8:15 am
Youth Room
Finance Committee
Sunday, July 17 @ 3pm
Lamplighters Room
Church Council
Sunday, July 17 @ 4pm
Youth Room
Congregational Care
Thursday, July 28 @ 10am
Lamplighters
Discipleship Team
Thursday, July 28 @ 5pm
Seekers Room
2022 Cook's Talent Show
& Ice Cream Social
Saturday, July 30 @ 7pm
Friendship Hall
"Who Are We" Small Group
& Potluck Dinner
Sunday, July 31 @ 6:15pm
Friendship Hall
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.
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.
Dot Creasman,
Billie East, 
Boots & Judith Mabb,
Phil & Gladys Pennington,
Judy Smith,
Lorraine Stadelman,
Norman & Ruby Walker,
Jim Webster
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]. 

July Trivia Questions



1.         How many “versions” of the Creation story are there in Scripture?
 
2.         Of the Ten Commandments that God gave Moses (to give to the Israelites), which one comes with a promise?
 
3.         What kind of oil was to be used for the lamp just outside the Holy of Holies and how long did God say it was to burn each day?
 
4.         Of the sacrifices that God instituted (burnt, tribute, peace, sin, and/or guilt offerings), which one left no portion for the priest(s) to eat? 
 
5.         Which three bodies of water are integral to the Promised Land: Red Sea, Dead Sea, Sea of Galilee, Jordan River, and/or Euphrates River? 
 
6.         Which King of Israel was actually “in line” for the throne as King of Judah by virtue of birth? 
 
7.         Which prophet was so furious at being mocked that he cursed the kids who made fun of him? 
 
8.         Of the following, _________________ is not a type of psalm we find in the Bible: community, enthronement, imprecatory, lament, and thanksgiving? 
 
9.         Why is “Wisdom” characterized as female by Solomon in the proverbs he wrote?  
 
10.   Which of the following kinds of Biblical literature are not found in the Old Testament:  Law, History, Wisdom Literature, Prophecy, or Epistle(s)? ** 
 
Bonus Question #1: Whose job was it, as a kid, to keep the lamp trimmed/burning in the Temple when he heard God call him to a different kind of service? 
 
Bonus Question #2: Apocalyptic literature is found in both the Old and New Testaments; which Old Testament book(s) and New Testament book(s) are apocalyptic? 

June Trivia Answers

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. (Absalom, Adonijah) 
b. He tried to usurp the throne while David was still alive. (Absalom, Adonijah) 
c. To date, he was the youngest to be chosen King of Israel. (Solomon) 
d. He tried to manipulate his stepmother into having power that result in his kingship. (Adonijah) 
e. His death was the result of getting his hair caught in tree limbs while he was running from battle. (Absalom) 
f. God gave him the opportunity to ask for anything and it would be granted; he asked for wisdom. (Solomon) 

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 (parabolic) 
b. the landowner whose son (sent to collect “rent”) was killed by the workers left in charge by Father (parabolic) 
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 (parabolic) 
d. the father whose son had a disease similar to epilepsy (real) 

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
July Calendar of Events

Staff Parish Relations Committee, Tuesday, July 5 @ 6pm
Missions Committee, Wednesday, July 6 @ 6pm
Friendship Hall Reserved, Tuesday, July 12 @ 9:00 – Noon
UMM Breakfast, Sunday, July 17 @ 8:15 am
Finance Committee, Sunday, July 17 @ 3pm
Church Council, Sunday, July 17 @ 4pm
August Newsletter Deadline, Friday, July 22
Congregational Care, Thursday, July 28 @ 10am
Discipleship Team, Thursday, July 28 @ 5pm
Talent Show & Ice Cream Social, Saturday, July 30 @ 7pm
“Who Are We” Small Group & Potluck Dinner, Sunday, July 31 @ 6;15 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)
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.
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.cookumc.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
615/449-2573
www.cooksumc.org
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.
Sunday Schedule
9:30 am Traditional Worship (Friendship Hall), Facebook Live & YouTube
10:45 Sunday School

Daily Devotionals
Monday-Thursday 8:30am on Facebook Live