Cook's United Methodist Church

September 2025 Newsletter

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

The work of ministry is a call of God for both pastor and layperson, similar yet different for every Jesus-follower. The gifts we’ve been given by the Holy Spirit as well as our experiences, our dreams, our heartaches, our tendencies, our foibles … they’re all in unique combinations for each of us. I’ve been thinking about my ministry a lot lately. I began serving as a pastor at 32 years of age and this year is my 32nd year shepherding local churches (while still being a sheep). These are some common lessons from our work together - shepherd and flock - in any place.

1. The most important task of ministry for clergy and laity is to serve and please God. It is NOT to make the church - or any faction of it - happy. That work may include saying things, leading the church to do things that are uncomfortable for both of us.
2. The pastor is not a package deal. I don’t go to work with my spouse. And I can’t be his pastor. He deserves a relationship with a spiritual leader that can support him fully in his spiritual journey.
3. Because I’m new to you doesn’t mean ministry is new to me. While ‘you’ have never been ministered to/led by a female pastor, an unmarried pastor, a younger pastor or older pastor doesn’t mean that the pastor-in-question has no experience or idea how to be in ministry to and with you.
4. Most church-goers have a disproportionate understanding of personal power and influence. Either we don’t believe we have any power or influence to speak of, or we believe we have more than we do. It is not our own power (due to money or reputation or longevity or …) but the power and authority of Christ in us to live and serve that matters. The wielding of worldly power (always power OVER another) within the Church has devastating effects.
5. “Everybody wants to change the world, but nobody wants to change the toilet paper.” We want things to be comfortable for us, to our liking, but no one wants to BE THE ONE who stops that kid from running in the hall or the one who makes the coffee stronger or weaker. Every little thing really is your job and mine.
6. Your emergency is not necessarily an emergency for the other person.  The Church is most often a busy place and not just for staff. It is an act of love to respect the demands on another’s time and energy that you know nothing about. Prepare them with a heads-up instead of expecting them to stop what s/he is doing to attend to you.
7. “People are saying” are toxic words with no power. They introduce criticism, even a threat, with no teeth. Scripture clearly teaches us that if you have something against another person, go to that person to work it out. If you are not prepared to “own” your concern or name the one on whose behalf you bring it, it’s best kept to yourself.
8. You can believe about the same amount of criticism as you can believe the praise you receive. Both criticism and praise are found on the ends of the conversational spectrum. We do well to receive both with a grain of salt.
9. It’s best to start a conversation with a question, not a statement. We grow in understanding and have a better chance at a healthy community when we begin with learning where another “stands” instead of asserting our own opinion or expectation. There will be time for that later … when you understand better.
10. Social media can be helpful or hurtful; choose wisely. For an age much different than the one in which I began pastoral ministry, Social media platforms are helpful to spread the word about life events at Cook’s. These platforms can be hurtful ways of getting news, teaching doctrine, checking on friends in a time of difficulty … shall I go on? Social media is not a dependable source of factual information, but rather a rich source of gossip, hurt, etc. when we take what we find there as “gospel,” pun intended.

What lessons would YOU add to the list for our work together?

Sandra

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, September 2 @ 5:30pm (Corner Pub)

Tuesday, September 16 @ 10:00 am (Billy Goat Café)

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.

Communion Sunday 

We will be celebrating the sacrament of Holy Communion on Sunday, September 7, 2025. 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.

United Methodist Men’s

Club Breakfast

Sunday, September 21 @ 7:45am

Youth Room

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, September 17 @ 1pm.

Men of Cook’s

Thursday, September 25 @ 11:15

Corner Pub (Mt. Juliet)

Book Club

It's never too late to join the book chat!

Our next book will be "The Frozen River," by Ariel Lawhon. 

Mark your calendar for 

Sept. 16 at 5:30pm, 

place Town Square Social on the square in Lebanon.



We'll see you there!

Bring your children, your grandchildren and tell your neighbors and friends!!! Cooks UMC will be having a Parents Night Out on September 27, 2025 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm for ages 2 years old to 12 years old. 

There will be games, pizza, crafts and a movie. Please reserve your child’s spot by completing the google form below so we can have important information and plan activities. 

Parents Night Out Registration Link (click here - Google Form)

All workers have had a background check, and we follow Safe Sanctuary policies and guidelines. If you have questions, please email us at: info@cooksumc.org

Sonya & Matthew; Sandra Carney; Evan Davis; Joe Kennedy; Bill Markie;

Mike Mullins’ Mom; Eli Pedigo; Erik & Jessica Page; Wanda Shaver

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.

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

When I said a mountain of snacks, you took me seriously and on Sunday, you created Mount Snickety-Snack for our first responders! We took 4-5 laaarrrrge bags of granola bars and fruit, muffins and cookies and brownies, snack mix, crackers, candy and more to each of four stations at the city and county level. And, we have the privileged responsibility of praying for them every day ... especially the days on which we rest, but they never do.  



Your act of generosity was the sort of abundance that God specializes in and my heart is still overflowing just thinking about a kitchen full of snacks meant for someone else's pleasure. Thank you, Cook's UMC, for being the hands and feet of Jesus for our neighbors!

Rev. Sandra –

Thank you for partnering with Wesley for our cornhole tournament. We had a fun and successful day and look forward to more celebration to come!

With gratitude – Whitney – Cumberland Wesley Foundation

Compassionate Hands

Thank you for all you do to invest in the work of this ministry loving the poor! Meriah Anderson -- Thank you for all you guys do in the name of Christ. You truly bless Wilson County. Mark Taylor -- We are so grateful for your faithful service. Marcy -- Thank you for all you do! God Bless, Amber -- Thank you for partnering with us in caring for our guests. The men look forward to Friday morning breakfast in the winter! Blessings, Karen -- Thank you for all that you do for Compassionate Hands and our guests. Melissa -- Thank you so much for all y’all do! Chelsea -- Thank you all so much for your support! Shelia

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.

Cook’s Chili Bowl 2025 is just around the corner - Saturday, October 11, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Dust off your best chili recipe and come show off. Loosen that throwin’ arm up and enter yourself (and your bestie) in our Boss of the Toss Cornhole Tournament, too. There’s room for you - even your whole family - at one of two Scarecrow Workshops (life-sized!) as well.

To make our neighbors feels really welcome, we need some extra help. If you can/will provide the following, please “sign-up” through Monica (cooksumcoffice@comcast.net) or Sandra (revsandra@cooksumc.org) and we will respond ASAP! Thanks, in advance, Friends!

We need:

➔   Newspapers (as many as possible)

➔   6 cornhole sets, including bags (to borrow)

➔   2 greeters for the Chili Bowl Cook-Off, 4:00-5:30 p.m.

➔   2 greeters for the Chili Bowl Cook-Off, 5:30-7:00 p.m.

➔   6 scorekeepers for Cornhole games each hour, 4-5 p.m., 5-6 p.m., & 6-7 p.m.

➔   2 Bracket Managers for Cornhole Tournament progress, 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Cook's Shirts Available

See Monica for order form and payment

Women’s V-Neck Short Sleeve

Bella + Canvas Tri-Blend

50/25/25 polyester, pre-shrunk combed ringspun cotton, rayon tri-blend material

Available Sizes: S  M  L  XL  2XL

White, Grey, Black, Navy, Blue, Purple, Red, Yellow -- $36.00

Men’s V-Neck Short Sleeve

Bella + Canvas Tri-Blend

50/25/25 polyester, pre-shrunk combed ringspun cotton, rayon tri-blend material

Available Sizes: S   M   L   XL   2XL  3XL

Youth Sizes: YS  YM  YL  YXL

White, Grey, Black, Navy, Blue, Purple, Red, Yellow -- $36.00

Women’s Sport-Tek Competitor Long Sleeve V-Neck Performance Shirt

100% Moisture-Wicking Polyester

Available Sizes:  XS  S  M  L  XL  2XL  3XL  4XL

White, Grey, Black, Navy, Blue, Purple, Red, Coral

$36.00

Bella + Canvas Tri‑Blend Long Sleeve T-shirt

Available Sizes: S  M  L  XL  2XL  3XL

pre-shrunk cotton, polyester, rayon tri-blend material

White, Grey, Black, Navy, Blue, Red, Olive, Emerald, Oatmeal

$43.00

Sport-Tek Women's RacerMesh Performance Polo

100% polyester flat back mesh with PosiCharge technology; Tag-free label; Moisture-wicking

Available Sizes: S  M  L  XL  2XL  3XL   4XL

White, Grey, Black, Navy, Blue, Red, Gold

$40.00

Nike Dri‑FIT Micro Pique Performance Polo

100% polyester Dri-FIT moisture-wicking fabric

Available Sizes: S  M  L  XL  2XL  3XL  4XL

White, Grey, Black, Navy, Blue, Red, Gold

$71.00

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.

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).

September Happenings

Office Closed, Monday, September 1^st

Common Table, Tuesday, September 2 @ 5:30pm (Corner Pub)

Missions Meeting, Wednesday, September 3 @ 6pm (Library)

Trustees Meeting, Monday, September 8 @ 6pm (Youth Room)

Common Table, Tuesday, September 9 @ 10am (Billy Goat Café)

Lay Leadership Meeting, Tuesday, September 9 @ 6pm (Seekers Room)

Finance Meeting, Sunday, September 14 @ 3pm (Lamplighters Room)

Church Council, Sunday, September 14 @ 4pm (Youth Room)

Book Club, Tuesday, September 16 @ 5:30pm (Town Square Social)

CareGivers Connection, Wednesday, September 17 @ 1pm (Youth Room)

United Methodist Men’s Breakfast, Sunday, September 21 @ 7:45am (Youth Room)

Friendship Hall Reserved, Sunday, September 21 from 2pm – 9pm

Congregational Care Meeting, Wednesday, September 24 @ 10am (Lamplighters Room)

Men of Cook’s Lunch, Thursday, September 25 @ 11:15am (Corner Pub)

Parents Night Out, Saturday, September 27 (Friendship Hall)

Staff Meeting, Tuesday, September 30 @ 10:30am (Library)

Oliver Academy, Tuesdays & Thursdays 7:30am – 3:00 pm

Choir Practice, Wednesdays @ 7pm (Seekers Room)

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

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

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