Cook's United Methodist Church

May 2025 Newsletter

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

Here in the season of Eastertide, we are remembering all of Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances and His further work of preparing the disciples for his ascension. He’ll be leaving again. This time, though, the leaving will be different and their emotions, their purposes, their determination will be different, too.

In particular, I think a lot about Mary Magdalene in this season. I try to imagine what she witnessed alone and what it was like to hold onto truth when no one else would believe you. You know, she’s not the only one in the story of holy scripture that had that experience. Maybe we should be learning from them to stand firm in the Truth so we don’t have to have another nod of human approval to feel right or smart or safe. It took amazing strength for Mary to hold her place in the community of believers, taking up the work of Christ - loving others to life. No doubt, she found it in her faith, in trusting her Creator, her Redeemer, her Sustainer. I so appreciate this blessing “for others,” written by Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie, from The Lives We Actually Have:

Oh God, we are surrounded by our loves. They need you. And we need you to carry them. Let love bear up the weight of us all.

Bless our kids and grandkids. Children here and those gone. Bless the people who quicken our hearts, now and years past. Bless our parents and grandparents, strengthen our roots and our branches. Bless our pets and your creation, and the comfort they bring. Bless our friends and chosen families, all the bonds that hold us.

Thank you for this love, this absurd and wonderful love.

God, bless the memories we hold of those who have died, and release in us the fullness of being able to love them as they were in this life, and as they are now in the mystery that is beyond our sight.

God, bless all the people in pain who share this present time and space with us, whose lives are yet an unwritten book, just like ours. Come and write your words of love that we speak-in our words and our actions in ways that heal our past and stir up hope for our future.

God, I will openly admit that my plan was to rescue us all. Pry this out of my hands. Absolve my guilt. Calm my spirit. Let me allow you to do the impossible and bear up the weight of the world I am determined to carry alone.

(This blessing grew out of appreciation for the promise found in Proverbs 11:25 which says: “Those who refresh others will be enriched, and one who waters will themselves be refreshed.” NLT, paraphrased)

Sandra

It is with mixed emotions that we prepare to say goodbye to Rachel Ward, our Music Director and Accompanist. As many of you know, Rachel and Keith are expecting to welcome their third child late summer. Through much prayer and discernment, Rachel shared with SPRC recently that the changes coming for their family already are requiring more and more of her and family must come first. And so, Rachel’s last Sunday with us will be June 8. We have thoroughly enjoyed Rachel’s spirit among us and the gifts with which she has joyfully worked with us. It will be a bittersweet parting for us all, yet we are thrilled for the coming joy for their family. Watch and listen for further details as we prepare to send Rachel and her family away with the deepest of love!

New May Small Group Experience!

There are 4 spots still open for the Scripture Practice Small Group which begins on Wednesday, May 7 at 11am in the Seeker’s Classroom. The small group lasts for 4 Wednesdays, each session approximately 90 minutes and all materials are provided. Looking for skills and understandings that can make the Bible and “open book” (sorry for that) for you? This is your group!! If you are interested but the time or day is problematic, please share what would work for you … who knows, ANOTHER group could be in the making. Please let Rev. Sandra know of your interest so we can be prepared for you.

MOVIE CLASS – WEDNESDAYS AT 6 PM

Join Eric Coomer each Wednesday for John Wesley Goes to the Movies! We’ll discuss a selected film that everyone has already watched during the week. Get ready for robust conversation, fun, and community!

Trustees Committee Meeting

Monday, May 5 @ 6pm

Youth Room

Missions Committee Meeting

Wednesday, May 7 @ 6pm

Library

SPRC Meeting

Thursday, May 8 @ 6pm

Seekers Room

Book Club

Tuesday, May 13 @ 5:30pm

Calabria (Mt. Juliet)

United Methodist Men's Breakfast

Sunday, May 18 @ 7:45am

Youth Room

Finance Committee Meeting

Sunday, May 18 @ 3pm NEW TIME

Lamplighters Room

Church Council

Sunday, May 18 @ 4pm

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, May 20 @ 5:30 p.m. at Corner Pub in Mt. Juliet

Tuesday, May 27 @ 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, May 21 @ 1pm.

Church Office Closed

Monday, May 26

Memorial Day

Congregational Care Meeting

Wednesday, May 28 @ 10am

Lamplighters Room

Concerns: April Buell; MJPD K9 Aksel; Larry McIntire; Beverly Nelson; Erik & Jessica Page; Eli Pedigo;

Danny Ray; Victims of Domestic Violence

Thank You

Cook’s UMC – We thank God for You! Thank you for supporting our Wesley Foundation at Cumberland University. You all are a loved and vital part of our ministry.

Cumberland University Wesley Foundation

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.

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.

Girl Scouts, Sunday, May 4 @ 2pm (Youth Room)

Trustees Meeting, Monday, May 5 @ 6pm (Youth Room)

“How to read the Bible” Small Group, Wednesday, May 7 @ 11am (Seekers Room)

Missions Meeting, Wednesday, May 7 @ 6pm (Library)

John Wesley Goes to the Movies, Wednesday, May 7 @ 6pm (Youth Room)

SPRC Meeting, Thursday, May 8 @ 6pm (Seekers Room)

Parking Lot Reserved, Friday, May 9 @ 4:00 – 10:00pm

2^nd Tuesday @ West Elementary, Tuesday, May 13 @ 6:30am (West Elementary)

Book Club, Tuesday, May 13 @ 5:30pm (Calabria in Mt. Juliet)

“How to read the Bible” Small Group, Wednesday, May 14 @ 11am (Seekers Room)

John Wesley Goes to the Movies, Wednesday, May 14 @ 6pm (Youth Room)

Friendship Hall Reserved, Saturday, May 17

Men’s Club Breakfast, Sunday, May 18 @ 7:45am (Youth Room)

Finance Committee Meeting, Sunday, May 18 @ 3pm (Lamplighters Room)

Church Council Meeting, Sunday, May 18 @ 4pm (Youth Room)

Common Table, Tuesday, May 20 @ 5:30pm (Corner Pub)

“How to read the Bible” Small Group, Wednesday, May 21 @ 11am (Seekers Room)

CareGivers Connection, Wednesday, May 21 @ 1pm (Youth Room)

John Wesley Goes to the Movies, Wednesday, May 21 @ 6pm (Youth Room)

Church Office Closed, Monday, May 26 (Memorial Day)

Common Table, Tuesday, May 27 @ 10am (Billy Goat Café)

Staff Meeting, Tuesday, May 27 @ 11:45am (Library)

Congregational Care, Wednesday, May 28 @ 10am (Lamplighters Room)

“How to read the Bible” Small Group, Wednesday, May 28 @ 11am (Seekers Room)

John Wesley Goes to the Movies, Wednesday, May 28 @ 6pm (Youth 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)

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