Cook's United Methodist Church

April 2025 Newsletter

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

27 days in. As of April 1, we have “spent” 27 of the 46 that are the season of Lent. No joke. Let me ask, what have you done with those days? In Ash Wednesday worship we offer and receive this charge: observe a meaningful Lent. It is completely up to “you” to decide what will bring meaning to these days as we move toward Jesus’ cross and an empty tomb. The Christian church has traditionally leaned upon three pillars for this season of penitence and expectation: prayer, penitence and fasting. There are so many more practices to let go of or to add to our daily living that would draw us closer to God. 

You probably already know what Lent is; do you know how we got here? Not just to day 28 in this season of Lent, but to mark this as a meaningful season in the first place? 

As belief in Jesus as Son of God, Savior began to sweep across the world, it is easy to imagine that uniform teaching and practice of that faith would be difficult at best, not to mention the training of leaders. Bishops were named to oversee geographical areas of Christians in the Eastern Church and in 325, those bishops came together to work out common understandings in faith as well as responses to heresies and false teachings that were prominent. (Things like this: Jesus didn’t really die, he just swooned … that’s how “resurrection” was possible.) 

At this Council - the Council of Nicaea - it was agreed upon that the Christian Passover (Easter) would be celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon after spring equinox (usually March 21). Then, they decided that the period of celebration would be 40 days because of the many 40-day seasons in scripture: 

● God caused/allowed rain to fall on the earth for 40 days and nights after Noah’s obedience along with his family’s (Genesis 7) 

● Moses spent 40 days and nights on the top of Mt. Sinai receiving instructions from God (Exodus 24) 

● Elijah walked 40 days and nights to Mt. Hored fleeing Jezebel’s wrath after the confrontation between God and the prophets of Ba’al (1 Kings 19) 

● Jesus was in the wilderness for 40 days and nights preparing for his public ministry - praying, fasting and being tempted by the devil (Matthew 4, Mark 1, Luke 4) 

The Council of Nicaea did not complete the configuration of the season of Lent. In 601, Pope Gregory decided that the Lenten season would be 46 days (40 days, not including Sundays) and fixed Ash Wednesday as the start of Lent. Pope Gregory I (next-level leadership of the Church, anchored in Rome - the Western Church) promoted 40 days of fasting, prayer and almsgiving with fasting characterized by 1 full meal, no meat for 40 days. Sundays were considered Feast Days because every Sunday was considered a celebration of Christ’s Resurrection, so … no fasting on Sundays. 

Historically, the self-imposition of ashes was recognized as a meaningful outward expression of the interior work of mourning, repenting or making a petition to God. Cases in point: 

● Mordecai learned of a plan in motion that would result in the annihilation of the Jews and covered himself in sackcloth and ashes (Esther) 

● Job emphasizes his repentance to God by taking on dust and ashes (Job) 

● Daniel seeks God in prayer in the midst of his exile and takes on ashes and sackcloth (Daniel) 

● King of Nineveh repents to God on behalf of his people and calls the nation into a time of penitence including sackcloth and ashes (Jonah) 

So, further, Pope Gregory I promoted the imposition of ashes in the shape of the cross on the foreheads of worshippers as a preferred way of marking (no pun intended) Ash Wednesday as the beginning of a meaningful Lent. 

For the sake of a growing faith community hearing a definitive word about how they could/would observe the season of Lent, Pope Gregory I’s work was tremendously helpful. * We no longer wear ashes for 40 days, neither do we wear sackcloth for 40 days; what do we do to make Lent meaningful? Maybe you are collecting coins for Lent as an act of prayer and almsgiving in one. Maybe you are leading yourself, even your family, in a daily or weekly focus on devotion to God for the sake of transforming your hearts and lives. Maybe you are fasting or reading the Bible or some other practice that will make your daily life look more like that of Christ. 

If not, now’s your chance. We have 19 days more. There are so many ways to make deep meaning of the holy season. There is a list of worship and fellowship opportunities elsewhere in this newsletter; we hope that one or more will hold meaning for you. More than that, we hope and pray that you will be courageous and commit yourself to a deeper discipline of time with God this season and beyond! 

*However, his strong ways only stuck in the craw of equal leadership that was anchored in Constantinople (the Eastern Church). This division only worsened and grew until 1054 when the Pope and the Patriarch of Constantinople excommunicated each other as the Church split, leaving the world with the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church. 

Sandra

The Cook’s UMC Chancel Choir will present “Redeemed by the Blood of the Lamb” during Palm Sunday 8:45 AM Worship Service. Please come join us and listen to some beautiful music! If you are interested in singing with us, please contact Rachel Ward at rachel@cooksumc.org. Practices are on Wednesday evenings at 7 PM. There will also be 2 extra rehearsals on Saturday, April 5 and April 12 at 10 AM-12 PM. 

Book Club

It's never too late to join the book chat!

Our next book will be "Between Two Kingdoms," by Suleika Jaouad. 

Mark your calendar for May 13, 5:30pm at Calabria. We'll see you there!

EXTRA, EXTRA!!

In addition to weekly worship at 8:45 and 11 am as well as Sunday School at 10 am each week, we hope that you’ll be with us for the following opportunities designed to make this season a meaningful Lent for us all: 

Sunday, April 13 – Worship, including Easter Cantata by Cook’s Chancel Choir 8:45 a.m. in Sanctuary 

Thursday, April 17 – Maundy Thursday Worship 6:30 p.m. in Friendship Hall 

Friday, April 18 – Interactive Stations of the Cross 9a - 6p, Friendship Hall 

Sunday, April 20 – Sonrise Worship, 6:30 a.m. at Cook’s Pavilion* 

Church Family Breakfast (by UMM), 7:45 a.m. in the Youth Room 

Traditional Worship, 8:45 a.m. in Sanctuary 

The Well (Modern Worship), 11:00 a.m. in Friendship Hall 

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, April 8 @ 5:30 p.m. at Corner Pub in Mt. Juliet

Tuesday, April 15 @ 10 a.m. at Billy Goat Coffee Cafe in Mt. Juliet

Practicing the Way: Prayer

You pray but you are still grappling with what prayer is, how to do it ‘better,’ or why we’re to do it at all. You want your prayer life to be vibrant but some of the time it feels like your words to God are bouncing (back) off the ceiling. Prayer is a joyful discipline in your life, yet you want to grow even deeper in your communication with God. THIS IS YOUR CHANCE! Practicing the Way: Prayer is a small group that will focus on prayer as a discipline that helps us know God’s heart. The Word of God promises us that the “prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective,” James 5:16. Does powerful mean that God automatically says ‘yes’ when you ask? Is prayer effective when what you ask for comes to pass? Or are there other ways to understand prayer as powerful and effective? Prayer is a discipline that has a far wider effect than just between God and the one doing the praying. 

Participants are asked to sign up through the church office or with Edna Vaughan. Materials will be provided and distributed during the first meeting. Mark your calendar now and join us on Mondays, beginning April 7 in Lamplighters Room, 5:30 – 7:00 pm Facilitator: Edna Vaughan

NEW MOVIE CLASS – WEDNESDAYS AT 6 PM BEGINNING APRIL 9

Do you love movies? Have you ever thought about them from a Christian perspective and how they can inform our lives and our faith?  Beginning April 9 at 6 pm, join Eric Coomer each Wednesday in April and May for John Wesley Goes to the Movies! Each Wednesday we’ll discuss a selected film that everyone has already watched during the week. The first week we will simply discuss our favorite movies and what we'll be doing in the class. 

John Wesley once said, “Art is more than art. Art is entertainment, art is education, art sets fashion, tone, and ultimately, becomes the standard by which we judge and conduct affairs here below.”

Get ready for robust conversation, fun, and community!

Communion During Lent

Our focus during this Lenten season is The Bread of Life and, so,

we will celebrate the sacrament of Holy Communion every week.

You are invited to join us at Table each week according to this schedule:

Sun., Apr. 6 - 8am in Room 111 and 11am during worship at The Well

Sun., Apr. 13 - 8am in Room 111 and 11am during worship at The Well

Thurs., Apr. 17 - 6:30pm at Maundy Thurs. worship (Friendship Hall)

Sun., Apr. 20 - 8am and 11am during worship at The Well

(111 is the Shine Room #)

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, April 16 @ 1pm.

Trustees Spring Clean Up

Saturday, April 12 @ 9:00 am

Volunteers Needed to help with:

Weed, feed & seed the lawn around the sanctuary entrance.

Fix / reinstall the stop sign near the east entrance.

Install reflector posts near the west entrance.

Attend the flower beds near Friendship Hall.

Plant a tree near the ramp entrance.

Clear the gutters.

Check / maintain the playground equipment.

Paint the entrance doors at Friendship Hall.

Clear / bag remaining leaves.

Any other projects that present themselves.

BEFORE

McAlilly Grant Helps Cook’s UMC Become More Accessible

by Kelly R. Forth, Trustee Chair, Cook’s UMC

Cook’s United Methodist Church, located in Mt. Juliet in Wilson County Tennessee, was organized in 1819 as the Old Cook’s Campground. The first small sanctuary was built in the mid 1840s with the larger current sanctuary built in the 1890’s. Since then, the church has had many additions, such as a large Friendship Hall and a sanctuary renovation.

While newer additions included handicap accessibility as part of the design, the old sanctuary – while beautiful and maintaining its original charm – is challenging for some worshippers to enter. Heavy doors and high steps on the front and steps at both the east and west entrances required persons in a wheelchair to go in through Friendship Hall and the newer sections to get to the sanctuary. The accessibility issue prevents some folks from attending. 

With the help of the Bill and Lynn McAlilly Grant for Church Accessibility, we were able to address several issues and provide direct access to the sanctuary. A new ramp eliminates the side steps and enables people with canes, crutches, or wheelchairs to enter safely. An automatic push-button door makes it easy for anyone to open the door and enter the building.

Existing members are excited about coming to church and using the ramp. We also hope the new entrance encourages persons who had been homebound due to accessibility issues to come out and try it.

Thank you, ENCORE Ministry Foundation for the Bill and Lynn McAlilly Grant that helped make our new entrance a reality and Cook’s UMC more accessible and welcoming for all who attend. 

AFTER

Update to Facebook Live Videos

Facebook is updating their policies concerning live videos. This will impact Cook's in the length of time previous live videos will be stored, deleting them after 30 days. You will still be able to watch Facebook Live videos (worship services, Wilmore Wednesdays, etc.), but after 30 days the videos will be automatically deleted. If you are looking for a video older than 30 days, those should still be available on our YouTube channel (unless copyright restrictions do not allow us to publish a video to YouTube). 

SALT (Serving at the Lord’s Table)

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

All donations can be left in totes in back 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 left on the altar rail during communion.

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.

Home Centered

Miriam Appleby,

Dot Creasman,

Gladys Pennington,

Norman & Ruby Walker

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.

Men’s Small Group Lunch, Wednesday, April 2 @ 11:15am (Corner Pub in Mt. Juliet)

Missions Committee, Wednesday, April 2 @ 6:00pm (Library)

Fasting Small Group, Wednesday, April 2 @ 6:30pm (Youth Room)

Cantata Practice, Saturday, April 5 @ 10am – Noon (Sanctuary)

Girl Scouts, Sunday, April 6 @ 2-4pm (Youth Room)

Prayer Small Group, Monday, April 7 @ 5:30pm (Lamplighters Room)

Trustees Meeting, Monday, April 7 @ 6pm (Youth Room)

Second Tuesday @ West Elementary @ 6:30am

Trustees Outside Workday, Saturday, April 12 @ 9am

Cantata Practice, Saturday, April 12 @ 10am – Noon (Sanctuary & Seekers Room)

Easter Cantata, Sunday, April 13 @ 8:45am (Sanctuary)

Finance Committee, Sunday, April 13 @ 3:30pm (Lamplighters Room)

Church Council, Sunday, April 13 @ 4pm (Youth Room)

Prayer Small Group, Monday, April 14 @ 5:30pm (Lamplighters Room)

CareGivers Connection, Wednesday, April 16 @ 1pm (Youth Room)

Maundy Thursday Service, Thursday, April 17 @ 6:30pm (Friendship Hall)

Stations of the Cross, Friday, April 18 @ 9am – 6pm (Friendship Hall)

Easter Sonrise Service, Sunday, April 20 @ 6:30am (Pavilion)

Easter Breakfast, Sunday, April 20 @ 7:45am

Easter Traditional Worship, Sunday, April 20 @ 8:45am (Sanctuary)

Easter Sunday School, Sunday, April 20 @ 10:00am (individual classrooms)

Easter “The Well” Service, Sunday, April 20 @ 11am (Friendship Hall)

Church Office Closed, Monday, April 21

Prayer Small Group, Monday, April 21 @ 5:30pm (Lamplighters Room)

Staff Meeting, Tuesday, April 22 @ 11:45am (Library)

Congregational Care, Wednesday, April 23 @ 10am (Lamplighters Room)

Prayer Small Group, Monday, April 28 @ 5:30pm (Lamplighters Room)

Wednesdays @ 7pm Choir Practice (Seekers Room)

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

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