July 2025 Cook's UMC Newsletter

Cook's United Methodist Church

July 2025 Newsletter

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

For most of the summer of ‘25, the Cook’s family will be learning from the stories of Jesus in worship. We began on June 22 with the story - the actual experience - between Jesus and a Jewish woman who’d literally been bent over for 18 years. Those kinds of stories live on to teach lessons and point to truth for generations.

But, did you know that parables - fictional tales concocted to draw the spiritual into the ‘real world’ - account for about one third of Jesus’ teaching. That’s a lot! The far majority of his parabolic teaching shows up in at least three of the four gospels - the parable of the Sower and the parable of the Mustard Seed, for instance. However, there are a few that are ‘remembered’ only by one gospel writer: the parable of the 10 Bridesmaids (Matthew), the parable of the Seed Growing Secretly (Mark), the parable of the Good Samaritan and the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke), to name a few.

Did you notice that I’ve not mentioned John’s gospel yet? That’s because John uses quite a bit of symbolic language and included analogies from Jesus (namely, the I AM statements), John doesn’t include a single parable in his gospel. Shocker! Or maybe not … you might know already that the first three gospels - Matthew, Mark and Luke - are called the synoptic gospels because each of them are a general summary of sorts of Jesus’ life AND they offer the same basic chronology and memory of how things happened with the disciples close by. John varies in his presentation of chronology and memory, but is not a contradiction.

The power of ‘story’ is real. Impactful experiences like the one Jesus had with the bent-over woman change the trajectory of our lives because we are changed body, mind and soul. Parables hold a similar power in that we are invited to consider a new way of thinking and, so, believing through imagining being ‘present’ in the made-up story. We MUST use parables and symbolic language and such to engage with spiritual truth because, as rich as it is, language still falls short in its ability to translate the power and beauty and hope of the reality of God-with-us.

Those great stories - experiences or parables, either one - are just great … well, stories … if we don’t learn from them. And our education will always be marked by change - change in belief and, so behavior - always. That time I ran out of gas on I-240 during rush hour because I forgot to check the gas gauge? That was the last time that happened; I learned. But, what about Jesus’ lessons on being inconvenienced and still offering abundant care to those in need (parable of the Good Samaritan) or forgiving someone with welcome abandon (the parable of the Prodigal Son) or even being indiscriminate in the way we share kindness, joy, and truth of the gospel rather than by convenience or comfort (the parable of The Sower)? Have those stories changed us because we learn from our Master?

Come learn with us as we get to know our Story-Telling Savior better in July.

Sandra

1^st Annual CommUnity Fest

July 26 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

If you have been wondering about our inquiry about a booth for a special event – here is the answer!

We are having our 1st Annual CommUnity Fest – with emphasis on U -our church and community family. We are one!

We invite you to come and be a part of our newest community outreach event! There will be booths, kids’ place, music, food, and an opportunity to meet our neighbors, with even more to come! Flyers will be coming soon. Be thinking of where you can hand these or place them in your areas. Help us get the word out!

We are asking you to join us! Help us make it more than we imagine! We need people to help set up and tear down, help with the kids’ place (hourly shifts), runners for needs, greeters, etc. (There will be a sign-up sheet on Sunday)

This is a way for us to serve together in a fun way by – working, shopping, playing, and enjoying everything with our community!

Mostly, we need your prayers to make this dream a reality. Community is important to our lives together in the church and in our neighborhoods!

PS. Any questions? (booth info, sign ups, etc. ideas) get in touch with Edna at 615-516-2439

United Methodist Men’s Club Breakfast

Sunday, July 20 @ 7:45am

Youth Room

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

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

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, July 16 @ 1pm.

Unity Sunday

June 29, 2025

What a fun time we had!!!

Next Unity Sunday will be

August 31st

Current Information

The most recent Newsletter, Financial Statement, 2025 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).

July Schedule

Missions Committee Meeting, Tuesday, July 2 @ 6pm (Library)

Friendship Hall Reserved, Friday, July 4 @ 10-11am

Common Table, Tuesday, July 8 @ 5:30 pm (Corner Pub)

Finance Meeting, Sunday, July 13 @ 3:00 pm (Lamplighters)

Church Council, Sunday, July 13 @ 4:00pm (Youth Room)

Common Table, Tuesday, July 15 @ 10:00 am (Billy Goat Café)

CareGivers Coffee, Wednesday, July 16 @ 1pm (Youth Room)

United Methodist Men’s Breakfast, Sunday, July 20 @ 7:45am (Youth Room)

Trustees Meeting, Monday, July 21 @ 6pm (Youth Room)

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

Congregational Care Meeting, Wednesday, July 23 @ 10:00am (Lamplighters)

CommUnity Fest, Saturday, July 26 @ 9:00 – 3:00

TKD Mondays, Tuesdays & Fridays @ 6pm (Friendship Hall)

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

Hello, Wesley campus ministry friends and supporters! Thank you, thank you, thank you for another great year!

It was another fantastic year at Cumberland University for Wesley, and we are working this summer on preparing for '25-'26 with our student leaders. In August, we'll welcome new and returning students to campus and expect record growth again this year. Before we begin, we want to celebrate our growth and kick-start the year with a family-friendly fundraising event to help secure our financial goals for ministry. Whether you play or not, we want you to be part of our upcoming Cornhole celebration! We need teams, donors, bakers, judges, and more! See below for ways to get involved and reply with any questions.

You're invited to our first ever Wesley Cornhole Tournament!

Wesley Fellowship Cornhole Tournament & Celebration

Sunday, August 3rd from 3 - 6 PM

at Lebanon First UMC Gym and Pavilion

There will be prizes and fun for all ages, and it's a great way to get involved and give back.

No plans to play? Come cheer on your friends and neighbors!

There will be baked goods, popcorn, and more!

Volunteer, Sponsor or Donate at: https://forms.gle/8UWFV8qffdWQiJxy5

Follow and Share Event on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/share/12M5754iDug/

Flyer and more at: https://linktr.ee/CUatWesley

Fun fact: You'll have the opportunity to support (or maybe even sabotage) your favorite pastors and presidents in a bonus round! If you know of a pastor or president in our community who would be willing to join us for a little fundraising fun, please share their information with me, and I'll be sure to extend a personal invitation.

We can't wait to C U at our Cornhole Celebration on Sunday, August 3rd in Lebanon! Your support makes campus ministry possible (and keeps it thriving) in our community. Would you plan to join us and share this with others? Let's make this a fun celebration and a great kickoff to a wonderful year in ministry together!

With gratitude,

Whitney R. Simpson

Cumberland University Wesley Fellowship

Campus Minister

Voice/Text: 615.200.7255

Connect: https://linktr.ee/cuatwesley

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.

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.

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

615/449-2573

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