Cook's United Methodist Church
September 2024 Newsletter
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We exist to make followers of Jesus Christ who love God and others. |
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“Come, follow me.” No telling how many people have heard that invitation from Jesus in the 2,000+ years since he offered it first. And no doubt the invitation comes right in the middle of ordinary, daily living whether the words were heard while mending fishing nets after a long night of work or in the words of a song of praise sung in worship on a Sunday morning like every other Sunday morning. And, as many people that the invitation has been delivered to in as many places as our ordinary lives take us … that’s how many different responses Jesus has gotten.
Some of us are so ready to yield ourselves to him that we drop our ‘nets’ and run after him. Some, however, feel the press of obligations and responsibilities and want to do both – follow Jesus but take care of _______________________ first. Jesus had some tough words for those who thought they could juggle it all (Luke 9), because he knows that, try as we might, our default in busyness and stress if to move our own spiritual health and connection with God to the bottom of the list. We may or may not get around to it. Which is no real followership at all.
Becoming a disciple is an interesting process. That word, “disciple,” is also one of those words we use in church life assuming everyone knows what it means. Oxford Dictionary defines a disciple as “a follower or student of a teacher, leader, or philosopher.” A follower or student of Jesus does so, hopefully, for an entirely different kind of outcome than, say, a student of John Coltrane (jazz great) or Ansel Adams (internationally known photographer and conservationist) or even Nate Bergatze (clean comedian). A student of one of these three persons will take information like timing in storytelling from Nate or how to leverage shadows as well as light in capturing images from Ansel and how to create an inspiring musical piece with unexpected progressions and unpredictable timing from John. In essence, information enables one of their students to make music or photographs or jokes like their teacher.
For a Jesus-follower, gain and mastery of information is not necessarily the outcome. YOU becoming holy is. By spending time with Jesus, coming to know Jesus, learning what Jesus did and how he did it, we make room for God in us in such a way that transformation happens. We begin to order our lives like Jesus, think like Jesus, respond to life’s circumstances like Jesus, EVERYTHING like Jesus! [This transformation or process is also called ‘sanctification’ which means we become more and more holy like God.] This is God’s intent and God’s desire for each of us so we can trust that there is a way.
Transformation, or sanctification, requires much more than memorizing scripture verses, maturing in our prayer ‘life,’ prioritizing time with God. Becoming holy as Jesus is holy requires time and community. I believe the best word to describe this learning process for a disciple of Jesus is apprenticeship. The apprentice learning process looks something like this:
Master does and apprentice watches > Master does, and apprentice helps >
Apprentice does and Master helps >Apprentice does and Master watches.
Jesus called many disciples at one time. They found comfort and companionship with one another though they were all focused on one Master. The same is true for us. The Tennessee-Western Kentucky Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church – our own conference – claims as a primary value that “the local church is the disciple-making center.” Every Christian tradition and denomination understand the impact of the local church this way. So, Cook’s UMC is preparing to make 2025 a year of intentional apprenticeship to Jesus. Before we get to learning Jesus’ Way and walking that Way ourselves, we want to understand the full measure of apprenticeship that is our “yes” to Jesus’ invitation.
We invite you to seriously look at your own discipleship journey with Jesus by sharing in an 8-week small group with others that will clarify and encourage you in prioritizing time with Jesus and walking His Way. You can find details for that offering elsewhere in this newsletter. Then, as we plan for a new year don’t be surprised to hear the invitation to consider how you Sabbath because you apprentice with Jesus, how you communicate with God differently because you are growing in love for God, how you cultivate time for solitude so you can tune to the voice of God beyond the noise of this world, and more!
[If you cannot make this small group opportunity work with your schedule, we highly recommend reading John Mark Comer’s book, Practicing the Way, and checking the seriousness of your commitment to Jesus with painstaking honesty. Praying for you and for our church family to be a light on a hill for Christ!
Sandra
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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.
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Communion Sunday
We will be celebrating the sacrament of Holy Communion on Sunday, September 8. 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.
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TEA’S ON ME
Got a question about the Bible that’s been bugging you for a while? This new opportunity is for you. Wonder why Methodists do the things we do how we do them? You’re not alone AND this new opportunity is for you. Got an idea that you think could help our church be her best? This new opportunity is for YOU!
Pastor Sandra invites you to bring your questions and ideas and join in conversation over tea or coffee … on her! There’s no agenda except to listen to one another, fellowship together, perhaps meet a new friend, and spend time together. Mark your calendar for one or all the following opportunities: bring a friend or meet a friend and join Pastor Sandra:
Wednesday, September 18 at Mt. Juliet Donuts (8:00-9:00 a.m.)
Monday, September 30 at Just Love Coffee (3:00-4:00 p.m.)
Tuesday, October 8 at The Paper Mill (9:00-10:00 a.m.)
Thursday, October 24 at Cracker Barrell [MJ] (5:30-6:30 p.m.)
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Like to read?
We had such a good time chatting about "American Dirt," we decided to do it again! Join us Oct. 8 at 5:30pm to discuss Kristin Hannah's "The Women." We'll share our thoughts, questions and insights over a relaxed discussion and a tasty bite. Place is TBD, closer to the date. (Reach out to Alison Nash if you have any questions.)
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Fifth Sunday Special Days
Your generosity of spirit and willingness to set aside your preferences and practices for a few weeks allowed us this past July to have a grand time worshipping as one body all at the same time. We recognize what a sacrifice Sunday School classes made and are deeply appreciative. Thank you again for your generosity and to all those who gave their time, talent, and leadership to help us those Sundays, we are so very grateful!
Your Cook’s Church Council talked about the benefit of such a time at both July and August Council meetings. In reflection and wisdom, the Council recommends incorporating more times of fellowship and celebration of unity into the life of our Church family. Here goes …
We will set aside 5th Sundays as a special time of unified worship and intentional fellowship beginning Sunday September 29. Our schedule for that Sunday will be:
8:45 am Sunday School in our designated places
10:00 am Worship in Friendship Hall
Followed by Table Fellowship with ‘Dinner on the Grounds’
(Please bring a side or a dessert to add to the fare.)
Please note that Sunday School classes will meet as individual classes in their designated spaces; we’ve asked you to meet before worship to make the transition to a meal a bit easier.
{Our last 5th Sunday of the year will be December 29. We’ll have details about that day of worship and fellowship ready for you at the beginning of Advent.]
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Practicing The Way – The Course
This small group experience may be the closest thing to being in the “inner circle” of Jesus that you’ve ever experienced. Want to know truly what it’s like to apprentice to Jesus, to follow him the way Peter and James and Andrew and the gang did? There are 2 options to choose from:
Tuesdays, 6:30-8:00 pm Thursdays, 10:00 am
September 10, 17, and 24 September 12, 19, 26
October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Your workbook and accompanying videos will be provided at no cost; you will need to purchase the Practicing the Way book by John Mark Comer.
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The dinner you arranged for us was fantastic! Thank you for your kindness and generosity. Yours truly, House Pastor Elijah and the Nashville Community
Project Transformation Tennessee
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Current Information
The most recent Newsletter, Financial Statement, 2024 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).
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Worship Styles in the Church
In my experiences with working in church music ministry there has always been confusion or misunderstanding about the different styles of worship. God created us with the capability to sing and create music. Music is an important part of worship and praise to God. There are so many bible verses about music throughout scripture.
"Addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart" ~ Ephesians 5:19
Christian worship often captures four stages: gathering, word, table, and sending. These stages are said to reflect God's movement in the lives of his people. There are several different types of worship that Christians can engage in, including:
Liturgical: A formal type of Christian worship that takes place in a church and follows a particular worship practice. It often involves a priest or minister leading the congregation in prayers with set responses, and can include readings, singing hymns, and other practices.
Traditional: A style of worship that often involves hymns, organ/piano music, and scripture lessons. This worship style refers to religious structures and customs that have been handed down through generations.
Contemporary: Contemporary means “existing, occurring, or living at the same time: belonging to the same period of time.” (Random House College Dictionary, 1997, p. 285) Contemporary worship means worship that is meaningful for people living in the modern world now and often has a Praise Team lead the worship songs. The music is filled with more modern-day worship songs while still having the same mission of showing and teaching God’s love as the other worship styles aim to do.
God created different worship styles as a way that Christian’s can connect and praise Him. Everyone is different when it comes to the style of worship that they prefer. However, we must remember that it doesn’t matter which worship style you prefer or what you believe should be the appropriate style of music. God only wants us to praise Him and rejoice in everything He is doing and still doing in our lives. We must have our hearts and minds focused on God and always remember how much He loves us!
My hope is that God continues to work through this congregation to love and serve others, and we are confident that God will continue to use us as we strive to live out our purpose: to make followers of Jesus Christ who love and serve others. (Mission statement of Cook’s UMC)
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:1-2)
Blessings,
Rachel Ward, Director of Traditional Music Ministry and Accompanist
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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.
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Calendar of Events
Church Office Closed, Monday, Sept. 2 (Labor Day Holiday)
Worship Meeting, Tuesday, Sept. 3 @ 6pm (Library)
Missions Meeting, Wednesday, Sept. 4 @ 6pm (Library)
Library Reserved, Sunday, Sept. 8 @ 2-3pm
Bishop Meet & Greet, Sunday, Sept. 8 @ 4-6pm (Brentwood UMC)
Practicing the Way Class, Tuesday, Sept. 10 @ 6:30pm (Seekers Room)
Practicing the Way Class, Wednesday, Sept. 11 @ 10am (Seekers Room)
Teacher/Leader Appreciation Dinner, Wednesday, Sept. 11 (Youth Room)
Men’s Club Breakfast, Sunday, Sept. 15 @ 7:45am (Youth Room)
SPR Meeting, Sunday, Sept. 15 @ Noon (Youth Room)
Girl Scouts, Sunday, Sept. 15 @ 2-4pm (Youth Room)
Finance Meeting, Sunday, Sept. 15 @ 3:30pm (Library)
Church Council, Sunday, Sept. 15 @ 4pm (Seekers Room)
Lay Leadership, Monday, Sept. 16 @ 6pm (Seekers Room)
Practicing the Way Class, Tuesday, Sept. 17 @ 6:30pm (Seekers Room)
Tea’s On Me, Wednesday, Sept. 18 @ 8-9am (Mt. Juliet Donuts)
Practicing the Way Class, Wednesday, Sept. 18 @ 10am (Seekers Room)
CareGivers Connection, Wednesday, Sept. 18 @ 1pm (Youth Room)
Discipleship Meeting, Thursday, Sept. 19 @ 5pm (Library)
Staff Meeting, Tuesday, Sept. 24 @ 11:45am (Library)
Practicing the Way Class, Tuesday, Sept. 24 @ 6:30pm (Seekers Room)
Congregational Care Meeting, Wednesday, Sept. 25 @ 10am (Lamplighters Room)
Practicing the Way Class, Wednesday, Sept. 25 @ 10am (Seekers Room)
Fifth Sunday Worship & Meal, Sunday, Sept. 29 @ 10am (Friendship Hall)
Tea’s On Me, Monday, Sept. 30 @ 3-4pm (Just Love Coffee)
Trustees Meeting, Monday, Sept. 30 @ 6pm (Youth Room)
Wednesdays @ 7pm Choir Practice (Seekers Room)
Last 2 Wednesdays of month @ 6pm Women’s Ensemble Practice (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)
Tuesday & Thursdays Oliver Academy 7:00 am – 3:00 pm
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SALT (Serving at the Lord’s Table)
CANNED MIXED VEGETABLES; RICE (1 lb. bags)
CANNED BEANS (northern, pinto, black, kidney, pork & beans)
TOILET PAPER (4-roll package)
PAPER TOWELS, LAUNDRY & DISHWASHING DETERGENTS
BAR SOAP (individually wrapped)
SHAMPOO, TOOTHPASTE
All donations can be left in totes in back hall.
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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.
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Home Centered
Ralph & Miriam Appleby, Dot Creasman, Billie East,
Gladys Pennington, Norman & Ruby Walker
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Caregivers Coffee Connection
A Caregivers Support Group meets the third Wednesday of the month at 1pm in Cook’s UMC Youth Room. This is to offer respite, support, and connection for those who are caregivers. Our purpose is to surround each other with support and friendship as we encourage the journey of a Caregiver. If you or someone you know would benefit from a loving time of encouragement or just a place to meet and have coffee, desert and conversation please know you are welcome to meet with us. If you have any questions, call Judy at 615-417-9002.
NEXT Meeting Wednesday, September 18 @ 1pm.
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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.
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Bishop David Graves
Bishop David Graves’ passion is sharing Jesus, seeing the overlooked, joining God in transforming lives, and changing the world one person at a time. His study of leadership permeates all his work as a pastor, district superintendent and bishop. As a pastor, Bishop Graves led a small-membership church to become a medium-sized congregation and later a medium-sized church to become a large-membership congregation. He has a heart and hands for missions and has led several short-term (local, national, and international) mission teams. The Acts 1:8 model for missions came alive in the churches he has served. These churches raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for mission work, plus trained laity in hands-on ministry
As a district superintendent, Bishop Graves implemented a district strategy that empowered both clergy and laity with leadership tools for effective and vital ministry. This strategy revitalized several churches that experienced growth in worship attendance and membership; Sunday School and small group discipleship; missional giving and professions of faith. On Christmas Eve 2014, through a district offering, the Kingsport District generously gave more than $230,000 for the District Partnership with Giru, South Sudan.
Bishop Graves has served as the episcopal leader of the Alabama-West Florida Conference since 2016. In addition to serving Alabama-West Florida, Bishop Graves began overseeing the South Georgia Conference in September 2021. He is now the resident bishop of both Annual Conferences.
Prior to being elected a bishop in 2016, Bishop Graves served as the Senior Pastor of Church Street United Methodist Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. Before that, he served six years as the district superintendent for the Kingsport District of the Holston Conference of the United Methodist Church. In 2011 and 2012, he served as Dean of the Cabinet. He has been an ordained pastor in the United Methodist Church for over 35 years and previously served as Senior Pastor of Ooltewah United Methodist Church, a large-membership church in Chattanooga, Tennessee, for 11 years. Prior, he served as pastor of two Kingsport area churches, St. Matthew and Mountain View United Methodist. He was on staff and was given his first appointment at Hixson United Methodist Church in the Chattanooga area where he served for 11 years.
Bishop Graves is a native of Knoxville, Tennessee, and graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Candler School of Theology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, with a Master of Divinity.
He and his wife Nancy have two children, Casey and Gregg. Casey is married to her husband Bryan, and they reside in Kingsport with their son Brooks and daughter Lucy. Gregg resides in Chattanooga.
All are invited to the Welcome Reception of Bishop David & Nancy Graves!!!
Sunday, September 8, 2024, from 4-6 pm (remarks at 5 pm)
Brentwood United Methodist Church’s Haney Hall
309 Franklin Road, Brentwood TN 37027
Hosted by: Brentwood UMC, TWK United Women in Faith, Committee on Episcopacy, TWK Connectional Table, Cabinet & Staff
PLEASE RSPV: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeIOctc0au0BNJIwmUPIQyrr9U3H94aRxblh7WusfLljwZ_gw/viewform
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Concerns
Franklin; Cynthia Cain; Ken Cowan; Sandra Carney’s Dad; Joanna Fitzpatrick;
Lonnie Hodge; Betty & Joe Kennedy; Saundra London & Family in death of nephew;
Vicki Pelfrey; Hoss Peterson; Jen Smith; Alexa Stakely; Randy Starnes;
Karen Tanner; Dvonia Yates
Mission & Ministry of Cook’s UMC
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Office Closed Monday, Sept. 2 (Labor Day Holiday)
Oliver Academy Resumes Tuesday, Sept. 3 (7am – 3pm)
Worship Meeting Tuesday, Sept. 3 @ 6pm (Library)
Missions Meeting Wednesday, Sept. 4 @ 6pm (Library)
Men’s Club Breakfast Sunday, Sept. 15 @ 7:45am (Youth Room)
SPR Meeting Sunday, Sept. 15 @ Noon (immediately following “The Well” Service)
Finance Committee Sunday, Sept. 15 @ 3:30pm (Library – note room change – this Sunday ONLY)
Church Council Sunday, Sept. 15 @ 4pm (Seekers Room – note room change – this Sunday ONLY)
Lay Leadership Monday, Sept. 16 @ 6pm (Seekers Room)
CareGivers Connection Wednesday, Sept. 18 @ 1pm (Youth Room)
Discipleship Meeting Thursday, Sept. 19 @ 5pm (Library)
Staff Meeting Tuesday, Sept. 24 @ 11:45am (Library)
Congregational Care Meeting Wednesday, Sept. 25 @ 10am (Lamplighters Room)
Trustees Meeting Monday, Sept. 30 @ 6pm (Youth Room)
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Please note that for your records the church now has a PO Box.
Cook's United Methodist Church
PO Box 397
Mt. Juliet TN 37121
Please send all correspondence, contributions, etc., to the new PO Box above. This adds an extra level of security for those wishing to mail their offerings.
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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. | |
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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.
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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
615/449-2574
www.cooksumc.org
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Sunday Schedule
8:45am Traditional Worship (Sanctuary), Facebook Live & YouTube
10:00am Sunday School
11:00am "The Well" Service (Friendship Hall), Facebook Live & YouTube
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