Cook’s United

Methodist Church

October 2022 Newsletter

From the Pastor's Desk

I took my cup of coffee and my Bible out to the balcony to start my day. Vacation is time away from some routine, but there are also routines that anchor a person no matter where we are or what we’re doing. Opening God’s Word and opening myself to that Word is a priority for me. So, with gently crashing waves as my soundtrack, I propped my feet up and invited the Spirit to speak.

When I opened my Bible, a little scrap of paper came fluttering out. I didn’t immediately recognize the wording or the occasion to which it was attached. The statement settled on me, though, like a warm blanket, nestling around my shoulders, comfort soaking in deep within. I lifted my eyes and attuned my ears (and my nose) to all that was right there…

The ombre of blue sky to ocean horizon, the diamond-sparkle of sunlight on the water’s surface, the gentle crash of the waves creating little whitecaps and a song to introduce them; the smell of salt in the air, the squawking hellos of gull and tern as they hurry by to who-knows-where.

I read the statement again. And again. The statement became a question in the face of such beauty, such abundance. “This is for me?”

That’s when I remembered where I got that little piece of paper. It was a gift from God. In our own Friendship Hall, I stood in front of one of the latter stations of the cross this past Good Friday, taking in with my eyes and my spirit the truth that all Jesus endured was on my behalf. And yours, too. Before leaving that station, participants were invited to take a piece of paper like mine as a reminder of the heights and breadth, the length and depth of God’s love. “This is for me.”

That statement is true of all that makes Good Friday, well, good and it is true of all that I can see, hear, smell, and feel sitting on this seaside balcony. It is true for you, too, wherever you are sitting, standing, working, resting, …

Every moment, every experience is a gift from God, entrusted to us if we will receive it; it is grace to teach us, encourage us, challenge us, show us, draw us out, inspire us, call us.

I have no recollection of when or why I stuck that little piece of paper in my Bible. I have crystal clear memory of why I kept it in the first place: it was a moving reminder on a Friday that God loves me so much that there is no length too far for God to go on my behalf. Same is true for you, I hope you know. I knew I’d need that reminder again someday of the immeasurable love of God. Same is true for you, I guess.

Yes, some routines lead us to believe that we are in charge of and responsible for so much in life. And others are necessary no matter the day or season of our lives. Whatever this day holds for you, my hope is that you’ll look all around you. That’s right, deep breath in as you scan your vista. Notice the people, the tasks awaiting you, the tension your body is holding or releasing; notice the song of the moment - laughter or instructions, the voices of others or how you’re going on to yourself. All this… “this is for me.” Why don’t you take a little scrap of paper and write those words down. Tuck them some place safe so that you will remember some day when you need to the most… “this is for me.”       

Sandra

Communion Sunday

We will be celebrating the sacrament of Holy Communion this Sunday (World Communion Sunday), October 2, 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.

New Worship Times beginning October 2, 2022

Traditional Worship in the Historic Sanctuary

begins at 8:45 am

Sunday School / Small groups begins at 10:00 am

Worship at The Well in Friendship Hall begins at 11:00 am

New Sunday School Option!!

Don't have a Sunday School class? Haven't tried Sunday School in for-EVER?! Needing some community in your life? Have I got good news for YOU! Join Pastor Sandra for a fresh chance at building friendships with other Jesus-followers who want to grow in their faith, too. We'll meet in Room # 115 (Youth Director’s Office) at 10:00 am. So, grab your coffee and doughnut and meet us for:

October 2, 9, 16, 23: Your Goliath(s) Must Fall! Based on Goliath Must Fall by Louie Giglio, we'll take a fresh look at the looming giants that threaten your peace and learn how to win the battle against them.

October 30, November 6, 13, 20: Defying Gravity: Breaking Free from the Culture of More by Tom Berlin will be the basis of our 4-week conversation about finding freedom and peace by moving from conforming to the world to being transformed by God's grace (Romans 12:1-2). 

All materials will be provided; just bring yourself! Oh, and maybe a friend!

Trunk or Treat

Saturday, October 29 from 2:00 – 4:00 pm

The Congregational Care team will be hosting a "Trunk or Treat" event in the Cook's parking lot on Saturday, October 29, from 2:00 to 4:00 in the afternoon. We would love to have donations of individually wrapped candy/gum to be given out. Items may be left in the volunteer office (next door to Monica's office). Thanks in advance for your help!

Saturday, October 29th

Please use this link for registration:

https://volunteerhabitatnashville.cloud9strategies.com/wilson-fall-2022-cooks-umc/

AFTER VOLUNTEERS SIGN UP: They will receive automated emails containing GENERAL information about the build including directions to the site, a basic schedule, build information, and the safety handbook. These emails will be sent prior to their build (10, 3, and 1 day prior). For volunteers to receive this information, they must be entered in the system.

Pastor Appreciation Month

and

Pastor Sandra’s Birthday

Not only is October Pastor Appreciation Month, but it is also Pastor Sandra’s Birthday on October 9 and this one is a BIG one! Let’s shower her with cards and prayers on her birthday showing her just how much she means to us.

This year we are excited to announce that we will hold the 5^th annual Chili Cookoff at Wilson Bank & Trust during Oktoberfest on October 15^th between 11-2pm. We will gather on the West Lawn (across Castle Heights Blvd behind brick entrance gate), to eat chili, to raise awareness about homelessness in Wilson County and to hear about the work of Compassionate Hands, to enjoy great fellowship, and to have a little healthy competition.

We are also excited to announce that we have a sponsor. Modern Woodmen of America is graciously matching our fundraising up to $2,500. We are so grateful for this wonderful partnership.

Someone will walk away as the 2022 Compassionate Hands Chili Champion, Non-Chili Champion, and People’s Choice Champion.

NO TICKETS REQUIRED but this is one of our yearly fundraisers – so dropping at least a $5.00 donation in the bucket would be greatly appreciated.

There are many ways for you to participate!

You can enter to be chili contestant by emailing [email protected]. There is a $30 entry fee. You can also donate time or items to help make the event a success.

If you cannot attend and want to keep unhoused friends safe this winter, please donate via PayPal, tithe.ly or mail a check to PO Box 1156, Lebanon TN 37088.

God keeps blessing our work in amazing ways – come take a tour to see what happens when the church works together! Our facility allows us to offer year-round services beyond winter shelter and it provides offices and meeting space for staff and volunteers. Great stuff . . . thanks for being part of it!

If you have further questions, please email Shelia at [email protected] or call/text her at 615/426-5758.

2022 Chili Cookoff Contestant Details

Details: This year the Chili Cookoff is in collaboration with Wilson Bank & Trust Oktoberfest October 15. Although the Oktoberfest begins at 9:30 am and ends 4:30 pm we will not begin our Chili Cookoff event until 11:00 and will end at 2:00 pm however, if we have chili and hotdogs left, we will serve them until 4:30 pm. If you run out of your chili, you may leave with your crockpot and minimum décor as they have stated they do not want us to tear down until 4:30 pm.

Your arrival time: Be there no later than 10:15 am as we do have to gather all chilis in small cups for the judges to make their decisions. You may bring your decorations and chili starting at 7:00 and no later than 10:15 am.

Parking: We have a place to park close by. It is at Smiles by Samantha at 727 West Main Street. We will have orange cones there as well as two volunteers. This will be for you and other volunteers that will be serving. This WILL NOT be for anyone else, no family and friends, as we are limited on spaces. Other parking for guests and attendees is at Immanuel Baptist and shuttle will be running. You can still turn onto Mitchell House St by Regions Bank, (text Shelia at 615/426-5758) to let her know and someone will be right there at the end of the sidewalk to retrieve your containers chili/supplies and then you can drive around back of Regions Bank, and it will take you down to the parking lot.

Can you have a theme: YES, please do, however you will be partnered with one other chili contestant on your table so don’t plan on bringing a lot of decorations. We will have tables decorated with fall décor already, but you can decorate over it. If you want to decorate your table, it will need to be done by 9:00 am at which time you could bring your chili and turn it on low.

Condiments & other foods: We will have sour cream, shredded cheese, oyster crackers, ketchup/mustard (packets) on a table in small cups with lids so no need to bring your own. If you do bring some different fixins, please have prepared in single servings. No bowls with spoons or be prepared to serve your guests yourself. We will also have wrapped hot dogs, desserts, and water.

Categories to enter: Holy Smokes (hot & spicy and must be labeled “hot”), Best Chili, Best Theme, Best non-chili item (soup, gumbo, etc.). All of these are awarded by judges. There is also People’s Choice award that will be decided by attendees voting.

Entry Fee: $30 can be paid by choosing PayPal or tithe.ly or check can be written to Compassionate Hands and mailed to PO Box 1156, Lebanon TN 37088.

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)

Thanks to everyone who has been bringing boxes and food donations for SALT! Both have been much needed lately. Because of the increase in numbers served, we are asking our partner churches to "adopt" certain foods to supply to SALT. That helps in assuring a variety of the needed foods. There are tote bags available in the church volunteer office (next to Monica’s office) for ease in transporting donations. All donations can be left on the cart in the back hallway. 

Mobile Food Pantry -- October 15, 2022

Please email Joyce Gaines [email protected] if you can volunteer to help with this event. Volunteers need to arrive at the pantry by 7:45 am to get set-up for the gates to open at 9:00 am and usually finish by noon. The pantry is located at:

Leeville UMC

7019 Hickory Ridge Road

Lebanon TN 37090

Please pray for all in our community who struggle with hunger and homelessness. SALT is just one of the organizations who help them, and we could not do it without the support of all our partner churches.

Random October Holidays

1 World Vegetarian Day

1 International Coffee Day

2 World Farm Animals Day

4 National Golf Day

 10 National Handbag Day

16 Dictionary Day

22 Smart is Cool Day

23 Mother-in-Law Day

25 World Pasta Day

30 National Candy Corn Day

West : READY!

Are you ready to head West?!

There will be plenty for us to do to show our support for the West Elementary Community and it is NOT too late for you to be a part of this great effort. First thing to do - please register as a volunteer via the Everyone’s Wilson website, www.everyoneswilson.org, if you haven’t done so. (Please note: registering does NOT obligate you to any day, time, project, or event. It does, however, identify you as a safe and cooperative partner with/to West Elementary.) You get registered and we’ll get you trained!

You will have the opportunity to help in the following ways:

Classroom Support (suggested 1 to 1 ½ hours once a week to once monthly)

--- teacher support: filing, organizing lesson papers, etc. (some tasks may not require being present on campus)

--- classroom support: reading to class or reading with individual student(s)

--- student support: helping with sight words or other specific learning tasks

Cheerleaders (from 30 minutes to an hour, occasionally, to encourage often unrecognized staff)

--- Praise Parade for Bus Drivers/Crossing Guards (hold signs, cheer as student drop-off occurs), date TBD

--- Praise Parade for Administrative Staff and Teacher Appreciation Days, date TBD

--- Stocking and Hosting Blessing Cart+ for Bus Drivers/Crossing Guards (1 hour a month during drop-off)

--- Delivering West supplies after Church-wide drives (times TBD)

Renovation Crew (dates/times vary but workdays will be held afternoons, weekends, and on school’s out days)

--- Help with deconstruction of treehouse deck

--- Help with building of replacement deck

--- Help with hauling off scraps and trash from projects (requires a trailer or truck)

--- Help with planting and maintaining large pots at entrances (front and back) to school

And we will be calling on ALL Cook’s members and friends to help with the collection of all kinds of things during the school year for special projects. 

+ The Blessing Cart holds small appreciation ‘gifts’ like “hot hands” and coffee in cold weather or water/sodas and fruit in warmer weather and ChapStick, mints, snacks, etc., for all weather.

Dear Cook’s UMC,

Thank you so much for your donation to the Mt. Juliet Help Center! Donors like you allow us to continue to meet the growing need for food and utility assistance in our community. We are truly grateful for your support! Sincerely, Carolyn Smith, Director

A great big THANK YOU to our Worship Committee for giving our beautiful Sanctuary a good thorough cleaning before we resume worship services in there Sunday,

October 2. Kathryn Kimball, Edna Vaughan, Judy Leavitt & Carolyn Ricketts

Great Food & Fellowship

If you missed our Potluck Lunch on Sunday, September 25, you missed a great time. Thanks to our Congregational Care Team for purchasing the chicken and organizing everything. It was fabulous seeing everyone together and the food was incredible!!!!

Trustees Meeting

Monday, Oct. 3

6:00 pm

Seekers Room

SPR Committee Meeting

Tuesday, Oct. 4

6:00 pm

Youth Room

Missions Meeting

Tuesday, Oct. 4

7:00 pm

Seekers Room

Finance Committee

Sunday, Oct. 9

3:30 pm

Lamplighters Room

Church Council

Sunday, Oct. 9

4:00 pm

Youth Room

Youth Room Reserved

Monday, Oct. 10

9:00 am -9:30 pm

Youth Room

Lay Leadership

Tuesday, Oct. 11

6:30 pm

Youth Room

Men's Club Breakfast

Sunday, Oct. 16

7:30 am

Youth Room

Parking Lot Reserved

Sunday, Oct. 16

1:00 - 4:00 pm

Girl Scouts Trunk or Treat

Friendship Hall Reserved

Sunday, Oct. 16

2:00 -5:00 pm

Girl Scouts Meeting

Tuesday, Oct. 25

6:30 pm

Lamplighters / Shine Rooms

Congregational Care Meeting

Wednesday, Oct. 26

10:00 am

Lamplighters Room

Discipleship Meeting

Thursday, Oct. 27

5:00 pm

Library

Trunk or Treat

Saturday, Oct. 29

2:00 - 4:00 pm

Drive-Thru

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.

CONCERNS

Shawn Baker; Kyle Clark; Lois DeJonge; Brooke Harris;

Everett & Janey Horton; June Hurston; Jim & Connie Kendrick’s son, Matt;

Les & Diane Kimball; Judith & Boots Mabb; David Mercer;

Bishop Bill McAlilly; Paul McCulloch; Phil & Gladys Pennington;

Jean & Herman Phillips; Julia Smith

Those impacted by Hurricane Ian.  Our West Elementary partnership.

Those impacted by violence.  Those experiencing homelessness.

The boldness of the Body of Christ.

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, 

Everett Horton, 

Judith Mabb,

Phil & Gladys Pennington,

Jean Phillips,

Judy Smith,

Norman & Ruby Walker,

Jim Webster

Cook’s New Website

If you’ve not checked out our newly revised website, please take a few minutes to do so www.cooksumc.org 

If you’d like to advertise an upcoming event, share news/pictures from a past event or have a question please contact

Paige Worrell @ [email protected].

October Trivia Questions

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

A and B are missing from John

B and C are missing from John

A and D are missing from John

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 _e_ (write the letter exempt)

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

September Trivia Answers

1. Who was the first to do the “job” as reported in the Bible:

The first carpenter? Bezalel

The first employed woman? Hagar

The first farmer? Cain

The first priest? Melchizedek

The first prophet sent to the Northern Kingdom of Israel? Amos

The first prophetess? Sarah or Miriam or Huldah

The first seamstress? Eve

The first shepherd? Abel

Bonus: What was the first employed woman’s job? a maid (servant)

2. Bezalel and Oholiab were empowered by God to help build a tabernacle. Circle the name of the skill(s) they did NOT use in accomplishing that huge task?

Carpentry

Metalwork 

Forging

Embroidery

Baking

Weaving

Perfumery

Carving

Pottery

3. The first generation of disciples left their vocations to follow Jesus. Circle the name of the job(s) which were held by the 12 before they met Jesus.

Tax agent

Medical Doctor

Fisherman

Metalworker

Carpenter

Political Anarchist

Baker

Priest

Legal Expert

4. Paul found it not only necessary (for income) but also helpful (for an evangelistic avenue) to be bi-vocational. Name his “job” (other than evangelism): tentmaking or leatherwork

Bonus: Name 2 of his partners in that second job as well as their relationship with each other. Priscilla and Aquilla, spouses

5. In 2020, women held 50.04% of the U.S. workforce (not including farm workers or the self-employed [Bureau of Labor stats]). The female “workforce” in scripture is amazing as well. Match the following women with their respective work:

Abigail (political liaison)

Deborah (judge)

Dorcas (clothes designer)

Esther (queen)

Huldah (prophet)

Lydia (spinster)

Martha (household manager)

Miriam (worship leader)

Puah (midwife) 

October Calendar of Events

Trustees Meeting, Monday, Oct. 3 @ 6pm

SPR Meeting, Tuesday, Oct. 4 @ 6pm

Missions Committee, Tuesday, Oct. 4 @ 7pm

Finance Committee, Sunday, Oct. 9 @ 3:30 pm

Church Council, Sunday, Oct. 9 @ 4pm

Youth Room Reserved, Monday, Oct. 10 from 9:00 am – 9:30 pm

Lay Leadership, Tuesday, Oct. 11 @ 6:30 pm

Men’s Club Breakfast, Sunday, Oct. 16 @ 7:30 am

Eastside Parking Lot Reserved, Sunday, Oct. 16 from 1-4pm

Friendship Hall Reserved, Sunday, Oct. 16 from 2-5pm

Girl Scouts, Tuesday, Oct. 25 @ 6:30 pm

Congregational Care, Wednesday, Oct. 26 @ 10am

Discipleship Meeting, Thursday, Oct. 27 @ 5pm

Drive-thru Trunk or Treat, Saturday, Oct. 29 from 2:00 – 4:00 pm

Habitat Build, Saturday, Oct. 29

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