April 8, 2015 | Volume 14 Issue 6 jacksonfumc.org

SEEKING GOD | KNOWING CHRIST | SHARING HIS LOVE

DOWNTOWN JACKSON

A Newsletter Publication of First United Methodist Church, Jackson, Tennessee

FIRST EDITIONFIRST EDITIONApril 19

Confirmation Sunday11:00 a.m. Worship Service

During the past year, these young people have reflected on what it means to be members of the church, to use their gifts for God, and to live their lives as followers of Christ.

On Sunday, April 19, FUMC welcomes each into this congregation!

Holland van BuurenMax Speight

Lily Carothers

Savannah SpencerAnna Marie Speight

William Hudson

Reagan Carney

Jake Koehler

Mark Matlock Audrey Reddick Ella Shelton

Andrew Coy

Edward Havercamp

2015 Spring & Summer

Adventures at FUMCPick up a card in church lobbies. Invite your friends and neighbors!

Check out events atjacksonfumc.org

Everyone invited to aSpecial Church-Wide Event

Spring FestYouth Fundraiser

April 22 • 5 p.m.

• Pancake Supper $5/plate• Petting Zoo

• Corn Toss Tournament • Silent Auction

Wednesday Evening Fellowship Concludes April 15

First Edition April 8, 2015 page 2

First Friday ForumApril 10Noon-1:00 p.m.Clayton HallCost: $7/personYouth Town Girls with guest speakers, Dr. Pepper Pratt and Paige Bledsoe. Youth Town is a Christ-centered residential treatment center.

Baptism

Youth Week 2014

Ann “Annie” Ellen Heit, daughter of Scott and Kelly Heit, was baptized March 22 during the First Awakening service. Annie’s siblings are Greyson, Sullivan, Leila, and Allison. We welcome Annie into the family of God!

“The Current” YouthOpen to 7th-12th graders

Taylor Parimore, Director of Student Ministries (tparimore@jacksonfumc.org)Search for “The Current UMY” on Facebook

“FUMC is a downtown church meeting the growing needs of younger generations”

Plan now for Youth Summer Adventures!Faith Building • Team Building • Missions • Service in Christ

Big Stuf Camp | June 26-29 Sign-up closed.Chaperones & CDL Driver needed.Contact Taylor if you can help.

Reelfoot Work Camp | July 5-10Contractor needed.Contact Taylor if you can help.Register at jacksonfumc.org

UMC Youth Week | July 22-26Register at jacksonfumc.org

Everyone is invited!Jackson District Choir FestivalSunday, April 12 • 6:00 p.m.Northside UMC257 N. Highland Ave.Jackson, TNCome and hear FUMC’s Sanctuary Choir with combined voices of several United Methodist churches in the Jackson area!

Open to ALL MEN of the Memphis Conference of The United Methodist Church (West Tennessee and Western Kentucky). Music by “The Finchers”. 5 p.m. - Food service begins | 7 p.m. - Program beginsCost: $15 per person

Archers Chapel UMC, 356 Archer's Chapel Rd., Frog Jump, TN (Crockett County/Brownsville District)

Join the fun with the men from FUMC! if interested in riding the church bus to the “Fish Fry at Frog Jump”, contact JOHN E YARBROUGH jeytpta56@bellsouth.net

PARENTS DAY OUT

Mondays & Wednesdays9:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Ages 8 weeks - 5 years

To register, contact Ashley Taylor,

ataylor@jacksonfumc.orgto secure your child’s spot.

Hurry, spaces are limited!

Kids@FirsNow registering for Fall

First Edition April 8, 2015 page 3

Adult OpportunitiesPam Jaco, pam@jacksonfumc.org

For Men Only

Coffee & ConversationThursday mornings

9-10:00 a.m. • April 30Room 117

Come get out of the “grind” and spend an hour at Coffee and Conversation. All men are welcomed!

“Save Your Stories, Leave a Legacy”

Workshop

There is so much inside each of us that our children and families do not know! Join Andrea Woods, a writer and former FUMC staff member, for a morning in which you will explore ways to create an Intentional Legacy through crafting letters, stories, memoirs, poetry — and perhaps even music — to tell the personal, vital stories that have informed your life.

You don’t have to have previous writing experience! Anyone can do this!

May 14 • 9:30-12:00 p.m.FUMC MezzaninePre-registration required.

Contact Pam at 422-4002 or pam@jacksonfumc.org

FRIDAY, APRIL 17

For reservations, call the church office at 422-4002 or sign up online at jacksonfumc.org by the April 13.

Mitzi Mathenia

Presents a Spring concert – songs and piano

Program 11:00 a.m. Luncheon 12:00 p.m. Clayton Hall • $7.00 per person

FRIDAY, MAY 15

“Our Quilted Past”The Impact of the feedsack

presented by Sarah Bliss Wright

of Minor Scale Productions Mobile, Alabama

The story and exhibit of quilts and other household items made from Cotton feed and flour bags such as those from the historical Bemis Mill in Bemis, TN

COMING SOON ACTSMen’s Weekly Bible Study

7-7:45 a.m. TuesdaysThe Book of Acts

Clayton Hall Conference Room

Pastor’s Bible Study: Colossians10-11 a.m. Wednesdays

Room 118 (Religion for Life)

Pastor’s Bible Study: The Book of Daniel6-7 p.m. Wednesday

Room 119

Weekly Bible Studies

First Edition April 8, 2015 page 4

“FUMC is a downtown church meeting the growing needs of younger generations”

Children’s MinistryJenni Thorn, Director of Children’s Ministry (jthorn@jacksonfumc.org)

April 11- Parents’ Night Out, 5:30-9:00 p.m. Cost: $6 per child, $20 family max. Register by April 8April 12- Kids Who Care Club, 5:00-6:30 p.m. at the home of Elise Havercamp, 22 Windover RdApril 19- Children’s Ministry Team meeting, 4-6 p.m.April 26- VBS volunteer and participant registration between services in Disciple HallApril 26- Kids Who Care Club, 5:00-6:30 p.m. at the home of Henry Piercey, 110 Stonehaven Cir.

Sock CompetitionIn Sunday School, we learned about Jesus’ washing the disciples’ feet. We learned about servanthood through the example of Christ. We want to continue this lesson with a little healthy competition between the Sunday School classes. Bring in NEW SOCKS of all shapes, colors and sizes to be donated to those in need.The class that brings in the most pairs of socks between through April 12 will get a donut breakfast on April 19.

Kids Who Care Club Trip to St Jude and Laser QuestSunday, May 3, 12:30-7:30pm$30 per person, covers dinner & laser tagWe will be taking the church bus but will need a couple of parent drivers too. Deadline to register is April 27.

Kids Music Day CampJune 8-12, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.Grades K-5th • Cost: $50This mini-fest camp offers a unique experience for kids to prepare and perform a musical. Children will enjoy fun activities with lunch provided each day. There will be a musical performance on June 12 at 5:30 p.m. Register at jacksonfumc.org or call the church office, 422-4002.

Join the Team for Bible Blast to the Past!June 22nd-26th9:00 a.m.-12 p.m.

VBS participant and volunteer registration During Spring Fest, Wednesday, April 22 & Sunday morning, April 26 in Disciple Hall. Volunteers are needed in the following areas:

Shepherd/Crew Leader– Each age group needs volunteers to lead them to each section of this adventurous day!

Discovery Ruins—This year’s VBS has fun and exciting crafts and experiments for everyone to do!

Games– We need leaders to help with the fun games that our kids will enjoy everyday at VBS.

Missions Quest Cave—Kids will learn how the lesson applies to their lives through missions and service.

Backtrack Bazaar– Our kids will need a snack each day to help them stand strong for God.

Timeless Truths Tent– Every day our kids will not just hear, but experience the Bible story of the day.

Preschool Playful Pasture- Join our preschoolers as they venture back in time to experience the Bible stories through crafts, games, stories and more. Contact Jenni Thorn at jthorn@jacksonfumc.org if you are willing to help.

VBS

...

Wednesday Evening Fellowship

Concludes April 15Dinner 5-6 p.m.

$7 Adults, $4 Children under 12, $24 Family Maximum.

Menu: April 15: Salad Buffet: Shrimp/Ham/Slaw/Vegetable Salad and more!Bread, Desserts

Classes/Activities 6-7 p.m.

• Contemplative Prayer Study on Wednesday evenings from 6-7 p.m. in the Chapel (lower level) with Elizabeth Vaughn-Neely, leader

• Yoga is Back! Beginner/Intermediate. Join Linda Segerson from The Yoga Center, in the Mezzanine Activity Center. Cost: $5 per class. Needed: stretchy clothes, towel, yoga mat. Questions? Contact Marilynn Eblen, marilynn@jacksonfumc.org.

• Men Only Open Gym - Come in and shoot, scrimmage, or just hang out!

• Pastors’ Bible Study on the Book of Daniel - Leaders, Dan Camp and Jeff Rudy, Rm. 119

• Tech Talk- Leader, Luke Woodruff, Rm. 118- Learning today’s technology, PCs, tablets, smart phones, internet, e-mail, social networking, online shopping and security.

• Table Talk - Enjoy down time and fellowship. Coffee and dessert available in Clayton Hall until 7 p.m.

• Children’s and Youth Programming

Stewardship Spotlight

Refinished Sanctuary Doors

First Edition April 8, 2015 page 5

Freedom, Faith and Friendshipby Bobbie Mays, Director of Communications

Thirty-five years ago, FUMC members, Emmett and Barbara Barker began a journey with the Daniel (Danny) Luc family, a Chinese-Vietnamese family who escaped from Saigon as “boat people” to come to America. With only the clothes they were wearing and $20 to begin their new life, theirs is an amazing story of survival, hope and faith! The Barkers invited Danny to share about their life at Adventures in Learning.

Danny was born in a Chinese Christian family in Vietnam and lived in the capital city of Saigon. In his teenage years, he remembers asking God, “Why do we live on this earth? Do you have any plans for me?” He said God told him in Jeremiah 29:11 that he had plans to “prosper you and give you hope and a future.”

In March of 1965, the US Marines landed in central Vietnam which marked the beginning of the Vietnam War. “Funeral processions for the deceased South Vietnamese soldiers became a common scene on the street of Saigon. Will I be next? Was I born just to face a senseless death?, he asked God. In 1966, Danny was drafted into the South Vietnamese army. Because he spoke English, he served as an interpreter to the US military advisory team. For the next six years, he had several close encounters on the battlefield. Friends died around him and the camp was overrun by the enemy.

Again, he turned to God. “What do I do?” God promised him that he would be with him always. When Danny was lost in the jungle during the war, God blinded the enemy with light which saved his life.

In April of 1975, Saigon fell to the Communists. Many homes were destroyed and many people died. After the fighting stopped, Danny received the Silver Star award for his honorable military service. Standing next to him that day was Major Thomas Davidson from Lewisburg, TN. Soon, many citizens were able to leave the city, but Danny was not allowed. He was most concerned because of his association with his American friend, Major

Davidson. However, when an investigation was carried out on Danny, his military record did not reflect that connection. So, while that was good news, the bad news was he was sent to work in labor camps. Because of this, he was not able to work or get a job.

What he did do was marry his special girlfriend, Joyce and together they began witnessing for Jesus Christ. Their only hope, and for others like them, was in church. A very small Christian church was started, people came and it became a great opportunity to witness.

In June of 1979, Danny, his wife, their two small children and some other relatives arranged to get on a boat to leave Vietnam and start a new life in the United States. Their only possessions were the clothes they were wearing. After six days of sailing on the open turbulent seas without any food in an overcrowded boat filled with nearly 350 people, they arrived on a small island in Malaysia. For nine months, they stayed in a refugee camp in Indonesia sharing the gospel and building a small church.

A little background… In the late 70’s, Alex Luc, the older brother of Danny, was married and in seminary at Trinity College in Deerfield, IL, where Barbara and Emmett lived at that time. The Barkers were in need of reliable sitters to care for their two children, Melanie, 15 and Dan. 6, when traveling on business. They felt that a “young Christian couple in seminary would be a safe choice with whom they could entrust their children.” The arrangement worked well and as they got to know more about Alex, they learned of the difficult situation for his family as Christians when the Viet-Cong took over Saigon.

In January, 1980, Alex called the Barkers explaining about his family’s escape as “boat people” and that they were living in a refugee camp in Indonesia. They had been approved to come to the United States provided they could get a sponsorship from an American family. Barbara and Emmett agreed to be their sponsors and in March, 1980, Barbara met Danny, Joyce and their two year old daughter at O’Hare airport in Chicago.

The First Presbyterian Church in Deerfield also assisted initially with the sponsorship. When the Luc family arrived, Barbara took them to Chinatown where the Chinese had a vacant apartment for them to live. The living conditions were not good so their church made arrangements for them to move to another location. Barbara helped the family get acclimated to the community, transporting them to get health checkups, green cards, and eventually seeking jobs for them. “Daniel was obviously quite intelligent and with his experience working with the US military, he knew how to operate.”

Danny’s first job was with a manufacturing company working with wiring. Recognizing his potential, the company gave him every opportunity to work as many hours as he wanted. As Barbara shared, “this part of the story ends twenty years later, when Daniel and a friend bought the company. Eventually, he sold his company and in 2006, he retired. But God wasn’t finished with him. God wanted Danny to take on a bigger challenge. Through much prayer and thought, he sold his shares of the business. Today, he works full time for Chicago Chinese Christian Missions motivating and equipping Christ’s followers in ministry to go back to China to spread the gospel making China a Christian nation. Mid-west college campuses where several thousand students from China are working on advanced degrees are visited by the Missions organization. They lead them into participation in Christian groups with hopes they will accept Christ before they return to China. Their ministry also works with Northwestern University’s graduate school bringing business executives from China to Chicago for a series of management seminars.

His high standards of hard work, a heart for God and for education define Danny and his family. The longtime friendship Emmett, Barbara, Daniel and Joyce continue to enjoy has brought them together for numerous family celebrations. God works in such amazing ways. Thank you Barbara and Daniel for sharing this remarkable story!

Emmett Barker, Danny and Joyce Luc, and Barbara Barker

Adventures in Learning March Program

“Boat people” from Saigon

First Edition April 8, 2015 page 6

Memorials & Honoraria

IN LOVING MEMORY OF

ALINE LEECHRebekah Circle (Music)Jerry & Mona Ward

JOHANNA PAULYFamily Life Forum Sunday School Class

THOMAS D. MURRAYBilly & Peggy PateHope Voegeli

DR. JAMES BARKERLowell & Mary Ann StonecipherLee & Susan SheppardDavid & Janis Fite (Pastors’ Fund)James & Emily FreemanPeggy RobbinsLouanne & King BondLarry & Joyce SandersMartha & Jerry KizerEmmett & Barbara BarkerJerry & Mona WardDon & Patricia Bridges

JOHN MAYMyrna DupreeCraig & Tom Stallings Family (Pastors’ Fund)Lynn Tisdal

GEORGE GRIFFITHLaura Burnett (Music)David & Janis Fite (Pastors’ Fund)May ScottUpper Room Sunday School ClassPeggy RobbinsLouanne & King Bond

HELEN EDWARDSRebecca H. Hill

BETTY DETERMEYERBilly & Peggy PateBetsy Babb (Sanctuary Doors)Inez BurkeGary & Deborah BoltonJerry & Mona Ward

HAROLD EVANSLouanne & King Bond

PAUL CROSSBetsy Babb (Sanctuary Doors)

DR. GEORGE W. “BUDDY” SHANNONWOODY WOODSON Craig & Tom Stalling Family (Pastors’ Fund)

TOM VOEGELIBilly & Peggy Pate

JAMES MATTHEWSPeggy Robbins

DEBBIE GAINESBilly & Peggy Pate

IN LOVING HONOR OF

PAUL CLAYTON (On his birthday)Anne Barker & Family

Calendar of EventsCalendar subject to change. Please call the church office, 422-4002 or check the calendar at jacksonfumc.org

Sunday, April 12 8:30 AM Worship Service -

Andrews Chapel Campus

8:55 AM First Awakening Service - Downtown Campus

9:45 AM Sunday School - Andrews Chapel Campus

10:00 AM Sunday School - Downtown Campus

11:00 AM Traditional Service - Downtown Campus

5:00 PM Kids Who Care Club 5:00 PM “The Current” UMY

Monday, April 13 9:00 AM Kids at First 5:30 PM Finance Committee

Meeting 5:30 PM Sr. Olympic Basketball 7:00 PM Boy Scout Troop 12

Tuesday, April 14 Senior Adult Day at

Lakeshore 7:00 AM Men’s Bible Study 4:30 PM FitFirst 5:30 PM J-Town AAU Basketball

Wednesday, April 15 9:00 AM Kids at First

Sunday, April 19 Confirmation Sunday 8:30 AM Worship Service-

Andrews Chapel Campus

8:55 AM First Awakening Service-Downtown Campus

9:45 AM Sunday School - Andrews Chapel Campus

10:00 AM FUMC Sunday School 10:00 AM Confirmation Brunch 11:00 AM Traditional Service -

Downtown Campus 4:00 PM Children’s Ministry

Team Meeting 4:00 PM Choral Society Concert 5:00 PM “The Current” UMY

Cook out party

Monday, April 20 9:00 AM Kids at First 5:30 PM Sr. Olympic Basketball 6:00 PM Welcoming Ministry

Team Meeting 6:30 PM Mission Focus Group

Meeting 7:00 PM Boy Scout Troop 12

Tuesday, April 21 7:00 AM Men’s Bible Study 4:30 PM FitFirst 5:30 PM J-Town AAU Basketball

6:00 PM Stephen Ministry Continuing Education

Wednesday, April 22 9:00 AM Kids at First 10:00 AM Pastor’s Bible Study 2:30 PM WINGS 4:00 PM Hub Club 5:00 PM Open Gym-Youth 5:00 PM Between Friends Book

Club 5:00 PM “Spring Fest” Pancake

Supper - Downtown Campus

6:00 PM “The Current” UMY 6:00 PM Handbells 7:00 PM First Awakening

Worship Team Rehearsal

7:00 PM Sanctuary Choir

Thursday, April 23 9:00 AM Coffee & Conversation 3:15 PM Hub Club 4:30 PM FitFirst 5:30 PM Sr. Olympic Basketball

Friday, April 24 10:00 AM Homeschool Gym

Saturday, April 25 4:30 PM Room in the Inn

10:00 AM Pastor’s Bible Study 11:30 AM Annual Conference

Planning Meeting 2:30 PM WINGS 3:45 PM Girl Scouts 4:00 PM Hub Club 5:00 PM Open Gym-Youth 5:00 PM WEF Dinner -

Downtown Campus 5:45 PM Men’s Open Gym 6:00 PM WEF Classes/Activities 6:00 PM “The Current” UMY 6:00 PM Handbells 6:00 PM Pastor’s Bible Study 6:00 PM Recreation Team

Meeting 6:00 PM SPRC Meeting 7:00 PM First Awakening

Worship Team Rehearsal 7:00 PM Sanctuary Choir

Thursday, April 16 9:00 AM Coffee and Conversation 3:15 PM Hub Club 4:30 PM FitFirst 5:30 PM Sr. Olympic Basketball

Friday, April 17 11:00 AM Adventures in Learning

Saturday, April 18 4:30 PM Room in the Inn

Altar Guild Easter Memorials & Honoraria

IN LOVING MEMORY OF

DEVON DOOLEYElizabeth ClowPat & Richard Whitmore

PAUL KRONEConnie Krone

WAYNE E. JOSLINGERALD F. BORDENHOMER E. JOHNSEvelyn J. Borden

ERLYN WEBBROBERT (BOBBY) WEBBBarton, Elizabeth & Zac

REV. & MRS. CLARENCE E. HARE, JR.Ed & Ginger Hare

TOM VOEGELIHope Voegeli

DR. BARNETT SCOTTHis Family

BILL & ROSALAND MORRISDICK & BLANCHE NUNNHerron & Betty Morris

LUCY BUTLERJames Butler

GEORGE A. SMITHROBERT JOSEPH SMITHMARY HELEN BARKERROGER HARRIS BARKERJAMES HARRIS BARKERRuth Ann & Jerry Smith

GEORGE GRIFFITHThe Albert Fowlkes Family

DR. JAMES BARKERJudy & Terry Holt

JIMMY DOAKDorothy Doak

IN LOVING HONOR OF ELAINE DOOLEYElizabeth ClowPat & Richard Whitmore

ELIZABETH SMITHRuth Ann & Jerry Smith

First Edition April 8, 2015 page 7

SoulSisters

Between Friends

Book Club

Wednesday, April 15 5:15 p.m. • Mezzanine

A discussion of “The Boys in the Boat”

by Daniel J. BrownBe out in time for 6 p.m. classes.

Women’s MinistriesSusan Crocker, Director of Women’s Ministry, scrocker@jacksonfumc.org

Mother-Daughter Afternoon TeaSunday, May 172:00-4:00 • K-5th

24 Spots Available • $15/child, Moms free • Register at jacksonfumc.org

20 Windwood Drive

“Teapots with Character”What pours out of your spout?

Crafts, flower bouquets, &

tea party

Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” 1 Timothy 2:12

SPRING EVENTS

APRIL-MAYgrowing • connecting • serving

Women’sMinistry

Wed. April 15 Between Friends Book Club 5:15 p.m. Mezzanine Sun. May 17 **Mother-Daughter Tea Party - 2-4 p.m. (K-5th grade) $15 per child Mom’s free. 20 Windwood DriveTue. May 19 **Antiques Road Trip with Gene Smith to Collierville, TN 8 a.m.-5 p.m. $25Wed. May 20 Between Friends Book Club 5:15 p.m. MezzanineFri. May 22 Night out at the Amp - Downtown Jackson 6:30 pm. - Bring a chair

** SIGN UP ONLINE ONLY at jackonfumc.org - limited space available Your reservation and payment will hold your spot.

Oxford Book Club Trip

Congratulations UMW for

collecting over $3000 for

missions! Great work!

Sue Harvey and Hope Voegeli

Antiques Road Trip with Gene Smith

Tuesday, May 19 8:00-5:00 • Cost: $25Did you know Gene is an antiques expert? He can tell you fascinating things about Grandma’s treasures. He has over 50 years of experience buying and selling antiques. We are going Sheffield Antique Market, Lunch, and Dixie Pickers on the square in Collierville,TN. Make your reservation ONLINE ONLY at jacksonfumc.org. When you register and pay that will hold your place on the trip.

Sunday Morning Worship

NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDJACKSON, TENN.PERMIT NO. 116

jacksonfumc.org

First United Methodist Church200 South Church StreetJackson, Tennessee 38301 Address Service Requested(731) 422-4002

A Stephen Ministry Congregation

A Safe Sanctuaries Congregation

DOWNTOWN JACKSON

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SundayApril 12

SundayApril 19

Andrews Chapel Services:8:30 a.m. Worship Service9:45 a.m. Sunday School

FUMC Downtown Services:8:55 a.m. First Awakening10:00 a.m. Sunday School11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship

“Ants in Your Pants”Tom Hazelwood, preachingJohn 20:19-31

Jerry Jeffords, preaching

“In Defence of Thomas“Jeff Rudy, preachingJohn 20:19-31

Dan Camp, preaching

Communion

Special music, readings, and messages of hope and love reminds us of the Good News of Jesus Christ!

Thanks for the many serving hearts, helping hands, and warm hospitality during Holy Week.

Our Journey From Palm Sunday to the Cross and Resurrection…