August 2023 Newsletter

Cook's UMC

August 2023

Newsletter

We just celebrated the eighth week of Ordinary Time... only 18 more to go. But, don't let that moniker fool you - these days, this season is no ordinary time. Every Sunday we gather for worship and fellowship in the name and power of Jesus is extraordinary, a reminder of the power of the love that God holds for us.

So, why the label "Ordinary Time"? Let's back up a step or two ...

Did you know that the Church observes a calendar that is beyond just January then February, and so on? The universally recognized way of celebrating life with God is similar in many ways to how the Hebrews began remembering and commemorating life with God. For instance, their worship and sacrifices around the time of harvest would be a bit different from the same acts when they were remembering God's gift of the Law while in the Sinai desert or, even before that, God's deliverance from slavery to liberty, land, and new life.

There are two 'great' seasons in the Church year, Christmastide (celebration of Emmanuel, God With Us) and Eastertide (celebration of Jesus' Resurrection and, so, ours!). Then, there are two seasons of preparation, each before one of those two great seasons - Advent before Christmastide and Lent before Eastertide. And there are a few single Sunday celebrations like Epiphany (celebrating the revelation of God in Christ) or Pentecost (the coming of God's Holy Spirit on all God's people).

Roughly half of the Church year is spent in high holy celebration or preparing for it. That leaves a big chunk of time that isn't centered around preparing for or remembering a particular experience, promise, or consequence of life with God. That's what we mean by Ordinary Time.

Again, don't let that label fool you. Each Sunday during this stretch of time is ripe with holy moments as we join our individual lives with God to the others who love God and are called according to God's purpose (Romans 8:28).

As a church family, Cook's will spend the next six weeks to dig deeply into Jesus' admonition to abide in Him. Our intent is to hear God's truth in Christ as individual disciples AND as a part of the Body of Christ. We believe our listening and responding will lead to more abundant life for us branches and certainly better quality (and quantity!) fruit for loving our neighbors and this world - all promises that come with abiding in Christ and abiding in love together.

I'm excited about the extra-ordinary time (hee heel) ahead of us; we hope you are, tool

Sandra

Communion Sunday

We will be celebrating the sacrament of Holy Communion on Sunday, August 6. 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; Monica Cox; Amy Del Gatto; Lynda Gentry;

Everett & Janey Horton; Patti Lewis; Saundra London’s sister;

Boots and Judith Mabb; Paul McCulloch;

Phil & Gladys Pennington; Amy Peterson;

Hoss Peterson; Danny Ray; Jimmy Riggins;

Shauna Schultz’s Mom

Healing of families in discord.

Those experiencing tragedy, violence, and lack.

The ministry and witness of Cook’s UMC.

Thank you for all who brought food and provided help at our potluck dinner on July 23. We had a great time fellowshipping and enjoying some great food together. Cook’s Congregational Care Team

Thanks to all for your prayers, positive thoughts, and cards during my recent knee replacement surgery and recovery. Your concern and kindness were greatly appreciated. Kathy Eads

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.

Missions Team Meeting

Wednesday, August 2 @ 6pm

Cook's Library

Trustees Team Meeting

Monday, August 7 @ 6pm

Cook's Youth Room

Staff Parish Relations Team

Tuesday, August 8 @ 6pm

Cook's Youth Room

Finance Team Meeting

Sunday, August 13 @ 3:30pm

Lamplighters Room

Church Council

Sunday, August 13 @ 4pm

Cook's Youth Room

Care Givers Coffee

Wednesday, August 16 @ 1pm

Cook's Youth Room

Discipleship Team

Thursday, August 17 @ 5pm

Cook's Library

United Methodist Men's

Breakfast & Meeting

Sunday, August 20 @ 7:45am

Cook's Youth Room

Worship Team

Monday, August 21 @ 3:30pm

Cook's Library

Congregational Care Team

Wednesday, August 23 @ 10am

Lamplighters Room

Cook’s UMC (all rooms)

Tuesday, August 8 @ 7 – 8:30 pm

Oliver Academy

Parent/Youth Tour

Cook’s Youth Room

Sunday, August 6 @ Noon – 8pm

Birthday Party

The Sacred Slow

Small Group

Monday, August 7 & August 21 from 12:30 – 2:00 pm

Seeker’s Room

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,

Phil & Gladys Pennington,

Norman & Ruby Walker

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.

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.

August Calendar of Events

Missions Team Meeting, Wednesday, August 2 @ 6:00 pm

Youth Room Reserved Sunday, August 6 @ Noon

“Sacred Slow” Study, Monday, August 7 @ 12:30pm

Trustees Team Meeting, Monday, August 7 @ 6:00pm

SPR (Staff Parish Relations) Meeting, Tuesday, August 8 @ 6:00 pm

Oliver Academy Student/Parent Tour, Tuesday, August 8 @ 7:00pm

Finance Team Meeting, Sunday, August 13 @ 3:30pm

Church Council Meeting, Sunday, August 13 @ 4:00pm

Care Givers Connection, Wednesday, August 16 @ 1:00pm

Discipleship Team Meeting, Thursday, August 17 @ 5:00pm

United Methodist Men’s Breakfast, Sunday, August 20 @ 7:45am

“Sacred Slow” Study, Monday, August 21 @ 12:30pm

Worship Team, Monday, August 21 @ 3:30 pm

Congregational Care Team, Wednesday, August 23 @ 10:00am

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

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

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.