September 2023 Newsletter

Cook's UMC

September 2023

Newsletter

This coming Sunday (9/3) brings the conclusion of our sermon series: Abiding in Christ. Jesus invites those who love him to abide in him – to remain, to stick close, to be grafted in – and, so, to know life in abundance. A quick summary of all we have learned results from abiding in Jesus:

· Abiding deepens your relationship to the point that you become a friend of God

· Abiding reveals your “belonging” to Jesus and to all those who love Him

· Abiding allows you to participate in the grace-filled work of God

· Abiding reveals the depth of God’s provision for you

· Abiding opens us to Holy Spirit patience with God’s work and timing

· Abiding makes peace possible within and between even in the middle of a storms

· Abiding ushers in Divine strength for persevering

· Abiding dispels fear because we know God’s protection

· Abiding opens us to a flow of Divine encouragement that preserves us

· Abiding leads to the bearing of fruit in each of us that “feeds” others

· Abiding helps us welcome the process of perfection even though it includes pruning

· Abiding leads to celebrating the goodness of God and glorifies God

· Abiding increases our joy (God’s grace recognized/acknowledged) because Jesus is our focus

· Abiding increases our confidence and faith in God because we more fully depend on Him

· Abiding reveals and allows that we are rooted in Love Himself and live by love

Why spend so much time focusing on this one invitation from Jesus Himself? Because it is the beginning, middle, and end of new and eternal life! Being grafted into Jesus by submitting to Him as Savior and True Friend is the spark of new life, yet it is our decision (over and over and over and …) to REMAIN in Jesus allows the unfolding of all that we’ve discovered and more.

One of the crucial discoveries that comes to us as we abide in Christ is that we not only belong to Jesus, but also to every other one who loves Him and follows Him. We belong to each other. That very reality led the Apostle Paul to use the human body as a metaphor to talk about the Church Universal, the Family of God, the Body of Christ (in the world!).

God created us in community and for community. The revelation of God’s nature comes early in scripture (Genesis 1:26); the danger of loneliness and isolation for humans does as well (Genesis 2:18). Later this month we will begin exploring the blessings and expectations of being a part of this household of God, of being a member of the Body of Christ.

We encourage you to invite friends and co-workers, neighbors, and family to join us as we grow in our understanding and viability as members of the Body of Christ. Two easy ways to do that is to use your social media platforms: first, “like” or “love” the posting of worship from the Cook’s Facebook page (doing this more often makes our posts show up in your feed more often) and, second, simply “share” our worship videos of one or both Sunday experience on your page/with your friends along with a short invitation to join you the next week.

It is good to be a part of the Body of Christ!

Sandra

Communion Sunday

We will be celebrating the sacrament of Holy Communion on Sunday, September 3. 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.

Molly Alspaugh; Ethan Fesler; Joanna Fitzpatrick; Amy Del Gatto;

Lynda Gentry; Scott Hart; Paul McCulloch;

Mummert Family & Friends in Bob’s passing;

Amy Peterson; Danny Ray

Those affected by the Glass Creek Apartment Fire & the wildfires in Hawaii.

Families in discord.

Those experiencing tragedy, violence, neglect and lack.

The ministry and witness of Cook's UMC

Welcome to Cook’s UMC

As we navigate the remaining interview process and decisions, we are blessed to have incredible help from some new friends. A huge welcome to Cook’s UMC to Randi Driscoll, Michelle Cuchia, and Jonathon Snow. We are grateful for your talent and willingness to help us out; mostly, we are grateful for your presence and your servant’s heart among us. You help make us a better family. Thank you!

UMCOR – Hawaii Relief

Wind-driven wildfires on Maui have prompted evacuations and caused significant loss of life and widespread damage. UMCOR is coordinating with the California-Pacific Annual Conference to process an initial grant for emergency supplies such as shelf-stable food, water, hygiene items and tools to help survivors recover belongings. As first responders continue to provide initial aid in the area, please join UMCOR in prayer for those affected. Gifts can be made in the following ways:

Online at https://umcmission.org/advance-project/901670
By toll-free telephone call: 1-888-252-6174
By check made out to Global Ministries/UMCOR with “Advance #901670-Hawaii” written on the memo line and mailed to Global Ministries/UMCOR, GPO, P.O. Box 9068, New York, NY, 10087-9068
By check made out to Global Ministries/UMCOR with “Advance #901670-Hawaii” written on the memo line and given to any United Methodist church.

Glass Creek Relief & Injured Firefighter Fund

LINK TO MJ4HOPE:

In the aftermath of the tragic apartment fire this past Saturday, the city has pointed those interested in donating to affected and displaced residents through the following organization:

https://mj4hope-donationdisaster.square.site/

Habitat for Humanity Build

Saturday, October 14

Cook’s has partnered with Lebanon 1^st UMC again this year to work with Habitat for Humanity. Volunteers are needed to help with the build and provide food for the workers. Please see Eric Alspaugh or Brooks Harper if you are interested in helping with this great mission.

Oliver Academy

Oliver Academy will resume classes Tuesday, September 5. They meet on Tuesdays & Thursdays and use many of our classrooms, just as they did in 2022. Please be mindful of this when stopping by the church on these days.

Choir Practice Resumes Wednesday, Sept. 6 @ 7pm

Church Office Closed

Monday, September 4, Labor Day Holiday

Observed the first Monday in September, Labor Day is an annual celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers. The holiday is rooted in the late nineteenth century, when labor activists pushed for a federal holiday to recognize the many contributions workers have made to America’s strength, prosperity, and well-being.

Trustees Team Meeting

Tuesday, September 5 @ 6pm

Cook's Library

Missions Team Meeting

Wednesday, September 6 @ 6pm

Cook's Library

Finance Team Meeting

Sunday, September 10 @ 3:30pm

Lamplighters Room

Church Council

Sunday, September 10 @ 4pm

Youth Room

Staff Parish Relations Team

Tuesday, September 12 @ 6:00pm

Lamplighters

Men's Breakfast / Meeting

Sunday, September 17 @ 7:45am

Cook's Youth Room

Worship Team Meeting

Monday, September 18 @ 3:30pm

Cook's Library

Caregivers Coffee Connection

Wednesday, September 20 @ 1:00pm

Cook's Youth Room

Discipleship Committee

Thursday, September 21 @ 5:00pm

Cook's Library

Congregational Care Team

Wednesday, September 27 @ 10:00am

Lamplighters Room

The Sacred Slow

Small Group

Mondays, Sept. 11 & Sept. 25

from 12:30 – 2:00 pm

Seeker’s Room

A Word of Gratitude and Encouragement

Terry and I will be venturing to the Gulf Coast again for a time of rest and renewal. I am extremely grateful for a church family that doesn’t “play while the cats away.” I want to express my deepest appreciation to Kathryn Kimball and to Scott Hughes who will be preaching on September 10 and September 17, respectively. Kathryn serves as the Lay Leader for Cook’s UMC and brings a wealth of experience and training as a Diaconal minister to us and to this opportunity. Scott serves as the Associate General Secretary for World Service Discipleship Ministries with the United Methodist Church. He, too, brings a wealth of experience and training in following Jesus to this opportunity to teach, inspire, and encourage us through God’s Word and our worship. Thank you, as a church family, for welcoming our brother and sister!

SALT (Serving at the Lord’s Table)

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

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,

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.

September Calendar of Events

Office Closed, Monday, Sept. 4 – HOLIDAY

Oliver Academy Returns, Tuesday, Sept. 5

Trustees Team Meeting, Tuesday, Sept. 5 @ 6:00pm

Missions Team, Wednesday, Sept. 6 @ 6:00pm

Finance Team Meeting, Sunday, Sept. 10 @ 3:30pm

Church Council Meeting, Sunday, Sept. 10 @ 4:00pm

“Sacred Slow” Study, Monday, Sept. 11 @ 12:30pm

SPR (Staff Parish Relations) Committee, Tuesday, Sept. 12 @ 6:00pm

United Methodist Men’s Breakfast, Sunday, Sept. 17 @ 7:45am

Worship Team, Monday, Sept. 18 @ 3:30pm

Care Givers Coffee Connection, Wednesday, Sept. 20 @ 1:00pm

Discipleship Team Meeting, Thursday, Sept. 21 @ 5:00pm

“Sacred Slow” Study, Monday, Sept. 25 @ 12:30pm

Congregational Care, Wednesday, Sept. 27 @ 10:00am

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

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

Tuesdays & Thursdays 9:00 am – 3:00 pm Oliver Academy

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.