Cook’s United

Methodist Church

November 2022 Newsletter

From the Pastor's Desk

The following is a portion of an article from a weekly worship resource I often go to for a variety of inspiration. That resource is SALT . . . “an Emmy Award winning, not-for-profit production company dedicated to the craft of visual storytelling.” Bible study and commentary, remembrance of the Church’s history, art and poetry are just part of their weekly offerings. (Our Van Gogh and Scripture Lenten Study this year came from the SALT Project.) Mary Oliver’s poetry is often a part of their offerings, and this is the time of the year that “Wild Geese” call to us.

The Story of “Wild Geese”

Mary Oliver is arguably the most popular late, great poet in America today. And “Wild Geese” is arguably her most famous poem – which makes it, if not the most famous American poem, certainly one of the most indispensable. And in this age of pandemic, it’s a poem for the moment. Its central themes – loneliness, despair, hope, and consolations of the natural world – define our days.

Oliver once wrote: “Poetry is a life-cherishing force. And it requires a vision – a faith, to use an old-fashioned term . . .  For poems are not words, after all, but fires for the cold, ropes let down to the lost, something as necessary as bread in the pockets of the hungry.”

The origin of “Wild Geese” may come as a surprise. Oliver was working with a fellow poet, attempting to demonstrate the power of “end-stopped lines” – that is, lines that end with a period. Like this one:

“You do not have to be good.”

Oliver’s goal was to show her colleague how an end-stopped line can have the effect that “you’ve said something definite.” And so she wrote out a sample poem, an “exercise” demonstrating what she had in mind. Years of preparation, of writing other poems, of thinking and living and honing her craft – all these things and more resulted in an “exercise” that turned out to be fully-formed, powerful poem. And there it was: “Wild Geese.” A fire for the cold. A rope let down to the lost. Bread you can put in your pocket.

As COVID-19 grinds through its third year, one thing is clear: though the pandemic is made of viruses, it’s also made of isolation, loneliness, and even despair. And so Oliver’s message, urging us to continue to open ourselves to the natural world for solace and companionship, has never been more pressing. The repentance (or “change of mind”) we need isn’t masochistic – rather, it’s a renewal of imagination, a passionate embrace of how God’s creating is already “very good” (Gen. 1:31). (From SALT Project, week of 10/11/22)

Wild Geese

You do not have to be good.

You do not have to walk on your knees

For a hundred miles through the desert, repenting.

You only have to let the soft animal of your body love what it loves.

Tell me about your despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.

Meanwhile the world goes on.

Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain

Are moving across the landscapes,

Over the prairies and the deep trees,

The mountains and the rivers.

Meanwhile, the wild geese, high in the clean blue air,

Are heading home again.

Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,

The world offers itself to your imagination,

Calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting –

Over and over announcing your place

In the family of things.

Mary Oliver

Sandra

Communion Sunday

We will be celebrating the sacrament of Holy Communion this Sunday, November 6, 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.

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME ENDS

Daylight Savings Time Ends

Sunday, November 6 @ 2:00 AM.

Don’t forget to set your clocks back

before bedtime Saturday evening.

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. 

CURRENT INFORMATION

The most recent Newsletter, Financial Statement, and approved Church Council Minutes can be found in the metal rack by the restrooms in the Friendship Hall.

CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON

Be sure and mark your calendar for Saturday, December 10th, and plan to join us at 1:00 p.m. for our Christmas luncheon. The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12. We ask that you make your reservation by December 1st and designate on your check that it is for the luncheon. The menu will include turkey breast, dressing, mashed potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce, rolls, drinks, and a dessert. We look forward to seeing you there!

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Penny Franklin

Penny joined Cook's on October 2, 2022, by transferring her membership from another UMC.

Carol Haislip

Carol transferred her membership from another UMC to Cook's on October 16, 2022.

To all of you who told us how you loved our mother, who sent cards or spoke words of comfort, who just gave us a hug--thank you for your caring. Mom was a woman of great faith and knew where she was going when her earthly body died. We're grieving Mom's death, but not as those without hope because we know that we'll be together again. Julia Smith's family

Joyce Gaines

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.

TRUNK OR TREAT FUN

The Congregational Care team would like to say a big thank you to everyone who participated in our trunk-or-treat event. Because of those who came out with decorated cars and handed out treats and those who donated lots of wrapped candy, the afternoon was a huge success! It was wonderful to see our parking lot filled with kids, big and small, who enjoyed a wonderful afternoon.

THANKSGIVING FUN FACTS

1. What town canceled Thanksgiving because they couldn’t make pumpkin pies?

2. What professional football team has played almost every Thanksgiving since 1934?

3. What city is home to the oldest Thanksgiving parade?

4. What did President Calvin Coolidge famously receive as a Thanksgiving gift?

5. A Thanksgiving turkey mix-up inspired what popular meal trend?

6. What percentage of Americans actually eat turkey on Thanksgiving?

7. Do turkeys actually gobble?

8. According to Americans, what’s the best part of Thanksgiving?

9. What is the busiest day of the year for plumbers?

10. What did the balloons take the place of when introduced in the 1928 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?

11. What famous Christmas song was originally written to be sung on Thanksgiving?

ANSWERS

1. Colchester, Connecticut – In 1705 a frigid bout of cold weather in the middle of October led to the Connecticut River freezing, so settlers couldn’t get their liquid sugar on time. Thus, the townspeople decided to postpone Thanksgiving for a week. 

2. The Detroit Lions

3. Philadelphia – The Philadelphia Gimbel Brothers Department Store parade in 1920 had only 50 people, 15 cars and a fireman dressed as Santa Claus. Today, it’s much bigger and called the 6abc Dunkin’ Donuts Thanksgiving Parade. It was the inspiration behind the Macy’s Day Thanksgiving Day Parade which started in 1924.

4. A live raccoon – In November 1926, Vinnie Joyce of Nitta Yuma, Mississippi, sent the 30^th President of the United States a live raccoon to be served as Thanksgiving dinner. However, the President became so smitten with the furry animal that he pardoned it and adopted it as a pet. He named it Rebecca.

5. Frozen TV Dinners – In 1953, a Swanson employee accidentally ordered 260 tons of turkeys. Salesman Gerry Thomas came up with the idea of filling 5,000 aluminum trays with the turkey – along with cornbread dressing, gravy, peas, and sweet potatoes. The 98-cent meals were a hit. Within a single year, over 10 million were sold and a whole industry was born.

6. 88%

7. Only male turkeys actually gobble. Female turkeys cackle instead.

8. The leftovers.

9. Black Friday – Roto-Rooter reports that kitchen drains, garbage disposals and toilets require more attention the day after Thanksgiving than any other day. 

10. Live zoo animals.

11. “Jingle Bells” – It might be thought of as a Christmas song now-a-days, but it was actually written to be sung on Thanksgiving Day. Created in 1857 by James Pierpont, it was so popular during the Christmas season that the name officially changed from “One Horse Open Sleigh” to “Jingle Bells” in 1859.

Dot Creasman

Billie East

Judith Mabb

Phil & Gladys Pennington

Norman & Ruby Walker

Jim Webster

DECEMBER NEWSLETTER DEADLINE

Get your submissions for the December newsletter to the

church office by November 28, 2022.

cooksumcoffice@comcst.net

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.

Rise Against Hunger

Saturday, November 12 from 9am – 1pm

Cook’s 4^th Annual Meal Packing Event

Saturday November 12^th

9:00am-1:00pm (Two 2 hour shifts to choose from)

Sign up online and/or donate using the volunteer link:

http://events.riseagainsthunger.org/CooksUMC2022

Like last year, we plan to pack over 15,000 meals to be shipped to an area of great need somewhere in the world. This is our costliest mission at $5745, but that comes to less than 40 cents per meal and includes the shipping. Donations can be made through our dedicated link above or make a check to Cook’s with Rise Against Hunger to Cook’s UMC. Contact Eric Alspaugh 615-299-6601 if you have any questions or need assistance signing up. 

Trustees Meeting

Monday, Nov. 7

6:00 pm

Seekers Room

SPR Committee Meeting

Tuesday, Nov. 8

6:00 pm

Youth Room

Rise Against Hunger

Saturday, Nov. 12

Friendship Hall

Finance Committee

Sunday, Nov. 13

3:30 pm

Lamplighters Room

Church Council

Sunday, Nov. 13

4:00 pm

Youth Room

Girl Scouts Meeting

Monday, Nov. 14

6:30 pm

Lamplighters / Shine Rooms

Congregational Care

Wednesday, Nov. 16

10:00 am

Lamplighters Room

Cantata Rehearsal

Saturday, Nov, 19

Men's Club Breakfast

Sunday, Nov. 20

7:45 am

Youth Room

Discipleship Meeting

Wednesday, Nov. 23

5:00 pm

Library

Church Office Closed

Thursday & Friday

November 24 & 25

Girl Scouts Meeting

Tuesday, Nov. 29

6:30 pm

Lamplighters / Shine Room

A big thank you to Oliver Academy

for mulching our children’s playground.

The school will be on break the week of Thanksgiving.

NOVEMBER TRIVIA QUESTIONS

As we enjoy fresh apple cider, the changing leaves, and cooler temps, let’s think about Harvest Time in Ancient Israel:

1. Below is a list of important days in Israel’s life, historically, religiously, and spiritually; they are in order of the Jewish calendar year. Connect the special day(s) with their recognized significance

a. Feast of Unleavened Bread (Passover)

b. Feast of Pentecost (Shavuot)

c. The 9th of Ab

d. Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah)

e. Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)

f. Feast of Tabernacles (Succoth)

g. Last Great Day (Shemini Atzeret)

h. Day of Dedication (Hanukkah)

i. Lots (Purim)

Harvest + Remembering Wilderness Years

Failure of Haman's plot against the Jews

Destruction of the Temple (586 B.C. + A.D. 70)

Sacrificies for the sins of Israel

Last day of Succoth

Restoration of the temple in 164 B.C.

Calling God's people to reflection / repentance

Birth as a Jewish nation + deliverance



Harvest + giving of Torah on Mt. Sinai

2. Of the list of holy days listed above, circle those of least importance to the people of Israel. 

3. Grain harvest in ancient Israel was the most critical harvest because grain made up nearly half of an ancient Jew’s diet.  WHEN and HOW the harvesting happened, then, was crucial to the highest and best yield. The following are the steps used.  Can you put them in order?

Cutting

Finished Maturation

Shaking

Creating a Stand of Sheaves

Winnowing

Tying into small bundles

Beating

Storing

4. 'Wavesheaf’ is another way of saying first fruits offering. God asked for first fruits as a sign of trust in and gratitude for God’s provision. After the offering is made, the wavesheaf would be given to the priestly order for food. But why is it called a wavesheaf?

a. Waving = part of offering the bundle to the priests upon arrival at the Temple

b. Waving = part of harvesting the grain in the act of offering it as a gift to God

c. Waving = signaled gratitude for God’s provision and sought God’s approval and pleasure in the act of offering

d. Waving = part of passing the offering on to the priests as commanded by God

5. Scripture refers to Jesus Christ as the First Fruits. Who made the statement? 

Peter

Paul

Timothy

James

6. What does Jesus’ acceptance by God as the Wavesheaf or First Fruits offering mean for you?

That, through Jesus, you are a part of God’s spiritual harvest

That, through Jesus, you are acceptable to God and bring God delight

That, through Jesus, you are an instrument of ministry to/for others

None of the above

 All of the above

October Trivia Answers

1. How many books are a part of the New Testament?

20

27

31

36

2. Of the biblical writers below, who did not contribute to the New Testament?

Matthew

Mark

Luke

James

Philip

Paul

3. John is different than the other gospels in many ways. Which of the gospel stories below is not/are not in the gospel of John?

a full list of the 12 disciples

exorcisms (or deliverance from demons)

Jesus’ birth

Jesus’ genealogy

None of these are in John’s gospel

4. Of the Biblical stories below, which appear only in the Gospel of John?

Jesus turned water to wine

Jesus met Nicodemus at night

Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead

Jesus washed his disciples’ feet

none of the above

all the above except “none of the above”

5. What is the shortest book of the New Testament?

Titus

2 John

3 John

Jude

6. Paul writes about the full armor of God and names several pieces of spiritual armor parallels literal armor that a soldier would wear. What body part(s) is/are not covered or referenced?

Feet

backside

shoulders

head

7. Paul also writes about the fruit borne in a believer’s life because of the Holy Spirit. Which of the following IS a fruit of the spirit named by Paul?

Dignity

hope

integrity

Joy

mercy

purity

8. The Book of Hebrews records a “Hall of Faith”, yet the writer says he/she did NOT have time to tell about who …?

David

Gideon

Jeremiah

Samuel

All the above

None of these

9. Of the well-known New Testament stories below, which one(s) is/are parables and not an actual happening?

The Prodigal Returns

The Bridesmaids who were unprepared

The Persistent Widow before the Judge

The Persistent Widow before the Judge

They’re all actual happenings

They’re all parables

November Calendar of Events

Trustees Meeting, Monday, Nov. 7 @ 6pm

SPR Meeting, Tuesday, Nov. 8 @ 6pm

Rise Against Hunger, Saturday, Nov. 12

Finance Meeting, Sunday, Nov. 13 @ 3:30 pm

Church Council, Sunday, Nov. 13 @ 4pm

Girl Scouts, Monday, Nov. 14 @ 6:30 pm

Congregational Care, Wednesday, Nov. 16 @ 10am

Cantata Rehearsal, Saturday, Nov. 19 @ 8am

UMM Breakfast, Sunday, Nov. 20 @ 7:45 am

Discipleship Meeting, Wednesday, Nov. 23 @ 5pm

Church Office Closed, Thurs & Fri, Nov. 24 & 25

Girl Scouts, Tuesday, Nov. 29 @ 6:30 pm

Mondays @ 9:30 am Pastor’s 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)

Sunday Schedule

8:45 am Traditional Worship (Sanctuary), Facebook Live & YouTube

10:00 Sunday School

11:00 "The Well" Worship Service (Friendship Hall), Facebook Live & YouTube

Daily Devotionals

Monday-Thursday 8:30am on Facebook Live