Mullins Messenger. March, Ken. Mullins United Methodist Church 4 North Mendenhall Road Memphis, TN

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1 Mullins Messenger Mullins United Methodist Church 4 North Mendenhall Road Memphis, TN March, 2017 Ever wonder just what are we getting ourselves into when it comes to the days and weeks before Easter? Lent is a forty day span of Devotion and Discipline (the forty days don t include Sunday because they are always celebrated as a day of resurrection). On one hand it is a time of probing consideration of our human condition, including sin and its deadly consequences for both individuals and society, AND a time for an equally intense consideration of the new possibilities offered to us in Jesus Christ and what that means for practical living. Both of these focuses shape our Lenten journey. As you know it all starts on Ash Wednesday, this year on March 1 st, which is a powerful way to set the tone for the whole journey. Ash Wednesday helps us be fully aware of sin and our disobedience. By the end of the journey, which is captured in our celebration of Palm-Passion Sunday, Holy Week and the Easter Celebration, we are bathed in the love of God s grace and sacrifice as we are rediscover divine redemption. The Lenten journey historically has been traveled in one of three ways: (1) It has been a formative journey for those who are seeking God anew either by living into the baptismal vows made on their behalf or preparing for baptism. (2) For the baptized, active in their faith, it has been a time of reassessment and renewal as they grow deeper and live more boldly as a disciple of Jesus their Savior. (3) Finally, for those who have wandered from their faith these Forty Days are a time for reconnection and restoration both to God and the faith community. My hope is that you will lean into God s call upon your life this Lenten Season and allow God s grace and love to draw you deeper in love with your savior and God s people. See you in church this Sunday, Ken 1

2 Jewelry Repair Ministry At Trezevant Manor Mullins members Martha Harmon and Brenda Carson have developed a special relationship with some residents of Trezevant Manor that many other Mullins members may not know about. It all began a few years ago when mission-minded Ruth Shapard, Dr. Steve Shapard s mother and a Trezevant resident, had a dream to offer a service to the residents involving jewelry repair. Ruth loved the mission of Maanza A Leza. She invited Brenda Carson to come to her apartment, repair jewelry, and donate the proceeds to the Maanza A Leza ( Hands of God ) mission to support the village of Sichebeya, Zambia. Brenda accepted, Ruth was pleased, but unfortunately after only a few months Ruth had to move to the assisted living section of Trezevant where there would be no place for the service to continue. Fast forward to 2016, when the Trezevant activities director contacted Brenda to see if the jewelry repair service could resume in a common area where all would have access. Martha and Brenda went several months in 2016 and have been invited back in Who knew that the Mullins mission to Sichebeya, Zambia would cause such a ripple effect? Now Mullins is connected with some lovely ladies and gentlemen who live right here in our community. As Brenda says, When Mullins does God s work, there is no limit to the blessing. New Members It is a joy for Mullins to welcome our newest members, Mukanyanga Muzyamba Kambol, Jacques Kambol, and Deborah "Debi" Kambol. The Kambols joined our congregation February 5th. They reside at 6834 Coral Hill Drive, Bartlett Jacques, who has been a missionary to Brazil and the Congo, is seeking a Master s degree at Memphis Theological Seminary. Mukanyanga "Muka" Muzyamba, who is from Sichebeya, Zambia, has a 13-year connection to Mullins through the Maanza A Leza mission. Their daughter, who will be two on March 22 nd, is named for Mullins member Debi Gray, with whom the Kambols are residing in Memphis. It is a blessing to have the Kambols at Mullins. UMW Invitation Special guests at the upcoming general meeting of the Mullins United Methodist Women will be our congregation s newest members, the Kambol family! The meeting will begin at 10:30 am Tuesday, March 7 in the Fisher Wing parlor. Visitors are encouraged to attend. If you want to Earthly Angels Re-Visit Youth stay for lunch in the Fellowship Hall ($4) please call the office for reservations. Hope to see you! 2

3 Handbell Festival and Special Concert Mullins is again hosting the annual River City Ring March 3-4 in the church gymnasium. Bell choirs from Memphis and the Mid- South will participate in a clinic conducted by West Virginia resident Tim Waugh, leader of BRONZE, a professional bell choir based in Charlotte, N.C. Special Note: There will be a 30-minute closing concert at 2:30 Saturday, March 4 which is free and open to the public. It is quite an amazing sound to hear a hundred people ringing the same piece of music. This is something wonderful to experience at Mullins. Don t miss it! Spring Potluck Spring is almost here! Make your plans to attend the Mullins Spring Potluck Sunday, March 26, immediately following the 10:50 service. Bring a dish or two to share and bring a friend or family member to share in the fellowship. Can t wait to see you all there! ---Family Life Committee Easter Clothes Donations It s time again for outfitting children at the Salvation Army Purdue Center for Easter. New clothes for girls and boys sizes 4 14 are needed. Some of the children have never had new clothes and arrive with only the clothes on their backs. Monetary donations will help buy shoes, underwear, etc. New clothes or money may be turned into the church office or given to Nancy Blankenship by April 2. Thank you! Casseroles Needed Following the Easter Sunrise Service, we will gather in the Fellowship Hall for a delicious hot breakfast featuring yummy breakfast casseroles. If you would like to make and bring a casserole please call the office or contact Cyndi Watkins. Thank you for your willingness to extend hospitality this way! Thank You from Ellen Weaver Thank you so much to everyone who donated to the Dollars for Scholars program on my behalf. Because of your donations, I was able to reach the $1,000 amount needed to enter the scholarship, in hopes that the amount will be doubled, or potentially even tripled. I really appreciate the support from my church, and I am definitely looking forward to my future at Huntingdon College. ---Ellen Weaver Altar Flowers The 2017 Flower Calendar is posted on the church office window. Please note that we will have flowers during Lent this year. If you would like to sign up, please contact the office. The cost is $40 per arrangement. Senior Health Fair Seniors are invited to a health fair at White Station Church of Christ, 1106 Colonial Road, Tuesday, March 14 from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. Admission and parking are free. There will be health screenings and vendors with information about senior housing, home health, insurance, legal issues, and more. For more information, call

4 Going to Church is Good For You: Part II (A Message for Teens and the People Who Love Them) Last time, we talked about some of the physical benefits of being present and active in church. In this issue, we ll look at some of the mental benefits. In truth, people who are active in worship and small groups develop what I like to call brain gain! Tending to our faith is a life-long process that requires regular input and care. The earlier a person starts, the better. The accidental founder of Methodism knew this. John Wesley, succinctly described the plan of discipleship in what he called The General Rules. As Christians, we are to (1) do no harm by avoiding evil of every kind; (2) do good to all people; and (3) attend upon all the ordinances of God like participating in worship, taking Communion, reading the Bible, praying, and more. (See Wesley s Small Group Model for Today at UMC.org/ What we Believe) that parents want the best for their children and youth. Research shows that being a part of a faith community teaches them what they need to really live a life of abundance! See you in church. Rev. Camille In his article, The life benefits of regular church attendance: Gleanings from real research, Rev. Neil MacQueen lists these amazing findings and encouragements for church families: Over time, we come to learn and understand what our individual core values are, i.e., honesty, compassion, love, service and so on. At the same time, we are learning to integrate these core values into our lives. As this learning becomes habit, we begin to experience what it means to be a person of integrity. Without regular community support, small group study and corporate worship, we are more prone to the push and shove of cultural demands that use up so much of our time and can steer us off course. Attending church regularly, especially as a family, has been shown to help young people learn good social and organizational skills. And most young people that attend church and small groups perform better in school! I know increase the average life expectancy of your children by 8 years significantly reduce your child s use and risk from Alcohol, Tobacco and Drugs dramatically lower their risk of suicide help them rebound from depression 70% faster dramatically reduce their risk for committing a crime improve their attitude at school and increase their school participation reduce their risk for rebelliousness reduce the likelihood that they would binge drink in college improve their odds for a very happy life provide them with a life-long moral compass provide children with a caring extended family get them to wear their seatbelts more often statistically improve the odds that they will lead an active church life in their adult years 4

5 Angels Re-Visit Mullins Youth When the Mullins church van crashed on the way to a youth retreat last July, the first people to stop and help were Brandi Richard of Nashville and Ross Smith of Florida, who happened to be traveling nearby. The couple called 911, administered first aid, and stayed until professional personnel and most of the parents arrived. In appreciation, the youth made handmade crosses (from the tread of the tires) and sent them to Brandi and Ross. In return, the interstate angels came to Memphis February 11th and 12th to visit the youth and to engage in a service project for Mullins, raking and bagging leaves! They worshipped with us on Sunday, including wearing angel wings for the children s sermon! How wonderful to have their continued presence in the life of our congregation. Brandi and Ross visit with Rev. Camille Kathy Carter and Barbara Kercher admire some of the shawl handiwork Thank You Dear Friends, Thank you so much for the beautiful prayer shawl. You are so thoughtful to think of me! I appreciate your prayers, cards and calls. It s wonderful to have such a caring church family! ---Ben Dean Malone The letter above is typical of sentiments expressed by grateful recipients of prayer shawls provided by the Mullins Congregational Care ministry. Please contact the church office if you or a family member would like to receive a special shawl. We are grateful for those who support this ministry of care for our loved ones. 5

6 Worship at the River Following a calling on my heart to get out of the sanctuary and go to the people, I have proposed and will help coordinate a 5 th Sunday Worship Service on the bank of the Wolf River. The first trip out will be Sunday, April 30. Specific details will follow soon. If you would like to be a part of this outreach ministry and help with the planning/coordinating of this event, please let me know as soon as possible. Luanne Hearn, , hearnfam@juno.com Witness at Mullins By Brenda Carson, Co-Chairman of Evangelism Being the hands and feet of Christ with our witness vow can begin right here at Mullins. None of us are exempt from the witness vow added at the General Conference in 2008 and begun Jan. 1, Some joined Mullins United Methodist Church prior to that action word being added to the following membership mantra: prayers, presence, gifts, and service. The word witness was added to help United Methodist members, new and old, recognize responsibilities not only to show up, but to show forth God's saving love in all we do. This begins at home where members practice showing their witness to those who visit our congregation. These practices may make some uncomfortable. Challenge yourself while practicing witness! The following table is meant to give members ideas on how to begin being the hands and feet of Christ to those who visit our church worship services. INDIVIDUAL Look around you before or after worship and introduce yourself to someone that you don't know. Sit beside someone you don t know in order to communicate with the visitor and find out about his/her interests. Ask someone that you don't know well to accompany you to lunch or another activity. SMALL GROUPS Think about which small group would work best for a visitor and refer him/her to a member of that group for follow-up. If you notice a visitor has a good voice, refer them to the small group where he/she can use that talent, Choir. (Other possibilities: UMW, Sunday School, handbells, men s prayer breakfast, community orchestra, Maanza beading group, a Wolf River canoe group, etc.) Ask someone that you don't know well to visit your small group or come to Wednesday night dinner with you. Mullins has always been a friendly, welcoming church. Please, consider taking your witness a step further with one of the ideas above. Your vows to uphold the United Methodist Church with your prayers, presence, gifts, service and WITNESS can begin at Mullins and continue as you leave the campus to go into the rest of the mission field. 6

7 April Birthdays and Anniversaries Birthdays Name... April Don Mayhan... 1 Rita Hilgenhold... 3 Joe Cooper... 4 Johnny Johnson... 4 Dow Crews... 5 Jeff Scruggs... 5 Margaret Carbaugh... 5 Jason Denbo... 6 Kenneth Sigman... 8 Marge Gresham Dot Collins Norah Denbo Ella Waddell Jane Hobson Gerry Gardner Cecilia Cordera Miriah Denbo Ed Bowen Bill Phillips Margaret Methvin Kay Ledbetter Colton Kennedy Jason Waddell Anniversaries: Scott & Tina Campbell... 5 Richard & Margaret McNeil... 9 Andy & Terrye Mastin Anthems for March MARCH 5 - SHUT DE DO! Sonny Johns joins Chancel Choir to add Latin percussion and rhythm to this arrangement by Randy Stonehill. The timely message, that one should renounce darkness and embrace the source of light, is delivered in repetitious fun. MARCH 12 - LISTEN TO THE LAMBS, a hauntingly beautiful arrangement of the spiritual by Howard Helvey, is appropriate for any time of contemplation, especially so during Lent. MARCH 19 - Our offertory, FOR THE BEAUTY OF THE EARTH, is arranged by Brian Childers, and will be played by Mullins Ringers with Jennifer Whitehead, flute. Our anthem, WHEN I SURVEY THE WONDROUS CROSS, is arranged by Jay Rouse. The Folk tune "Wally Wally" is the foundation for this Lenten offering. The traditional Isaac Watts text is a magnificent fit. This, too, will feature a flute solo by Jennifer Whitehead. MARCH 26 - THE POWER OF THE CROSS. This arrangement of Keith Getty's hymn is a witness to the power of the cross. Subtle vocal counterpoint illumines the prosaic verses, and signature Hayes harmonies lead to a powerful, unforgettable ending. Chancel Choir works hard to prepare for each Sunday. We lift our voices in praise of our Savior and Lord. I hope you enjoy and find meaning in these offerings. Blessings, Tom 7

8 Our Service March 5: Children s Sermon: Debi Gray Liturgist: Lisa McLeroy Altar Flowers: In honor of the birthday of Diana Wright, by friends March 12: Children s Sermon: Luanne Hearn Liturgist: Lisa McLeroy Altar Flowers: March 19: Children s Sermon: Margaret Carbaugh Liturgist: Lisa McLeroy Altar Flowers: In honor of Susan Tutt, by friends March 26: Children s Sermon: Rachael Scarbrough Liturgist: Lisa McLeroy Altar Flowers: In honor of the birthday of Carol Baker McCord, by Hal and Diana Baker March Ushers: New Directions Class, Charles Carter, head usher Prayer List RECENT CONCERNS: Carolyn Carter at home Gerry Gardner---at home Bill Pickel---Kirby Pines Rehab #165 Larry Clayton---Baptist Hosp., Room 3139 OUR SYMPATHY: ---To the family of Nancy Whitley, who passed away January 31 in Arkansas --To the family and friends of Martha Rice Siler --To Margaret and Dave Brown, on the loss of her sister, Leah O Donnell Our Presence *********** Feb Feb Feb Feb am Chapel Sunday School :50 Worship Honoring Our Loved Ones Budget: In honor of Thalina Marques by Jim and Linda McKinley In memory of David Campbell by Sally Lehning, Susan Tutt In memory of Martha Siler by Robert Laney, the Read family St. John s Ministry: In memory of David Campbell by Lyndall Jones In memory of Dennis Shelby by Lyndall Jones In memory of Martha Siler by Helen Addington Music Fund: In memory of Martha Siler by Thomas Cowan 8

9 March Calendar Meetings and Special Events Wednesday, March 1 Ash Wednesday Service, 6:30 pm Friday- Saturday, March 3-4 River City Ring (Handbell Concert, 2:30 Saturday, Gym) Sunday, March 5 Egg Hunt planning meeting, noon Monday, March 6 Church Women United, 9:30 am, Buntyn Pres. Tuesday, March 7 10:30 a.m., UMW General Meeting, parlor (Special Guests, the Kambol family) Friday, March 10 Concord Talent Show, noon Sunday, March 12 Daylight Savings Time begins Monday, March 13 SCS Spring Break (thru Fri. March 17) Finance Meeting, 7 pm Thursday, March 16 Manna House Foot Clinic Monday, March 20 Administrative Council, 7 pm Tuesday, March 21 UMW Circle Meeting, 10:30 am, parlor Thursday, March 23 Staff Meeting, 9:30 am Saturday, March 25 Concord Auction, Esplanade Sunday, March 26 Potluck Lunch, noon Youth Council LOOKING AHEAD: April 9----Palm Sunday April 13---Maundy Thursday service April 14---Good Friday service April 15---Children s Egg Hunt April 16---Easter Sunrise Service Easter Breakfast 10:50 Easter Celebration Daylight Savings Begins Sunday, March 12 Don t Forget to Change Your Clocks! General Weekly Schedule: Sundays 9:00 a.m., Chapel Communion Service 9:45 a.m., Sunday School 10:50 a.m., Worship, Sanctuary 4:00 p.m., Youth Mondays 5:50 p.m., Handbells 6:30 p.m., Cub Scouts/Boy Scouts Wednesdays 7:00 a.m., Men s Prayer Breakfast 5:45 p.m., Fellowship Dinner 6:15 p.m., Children and Youth Programs 6:30 p.m., Adult Program 6:30 p.m., Choir Rehearsal Thursdays 6:30 p.m., Mullins Community Orchestra ********************************** Staff Notes: Camille away March 5-10 Rachael away March 9-16 Please note: The submission deadline for the April Mullins Messenger will be noon on Monday, March 27 th. Please submit information to the church office as soon as possible. Thank you! 9

10 Senior Pastor Rev. Ken Stewart Minister of Youth and Recreation Rev. Camille Bradley Director of Music Ministries Tom Machen Organist/Pianist/Director of Handbells Andre Duvall Director of Children s Ministries Rachael Scarbrough rachael@mullinsumc.org Administrative Assistant Susan Tutt susan@mullinsumc.org Housekeeping and Maintenance Geraldine Finley & Tina Campbell Wednesday Night Menus Please call the office for reservations by Monday for either Meals to Go or dine-in, if you have not requested to be on the permanent list. ($7 Adult, $5 age 12 and under, $25 family max) March 1---Barbecue Chicken, garlic cheese grits, peas, cole slaw, buns, rolls, pudding March 8---Meat Loaf, rice, broccoli, rolls, salad, ice cream sandwich casserole March 15---Irish Potato Bar (with meat options), salad, cake March 22---Pork Loin, green rice, salad, biscuits, lemon pie March 29---Lasagne, Italian Salad, garlic bread, ice cream Mullins United Methodist Church 4 North Mendenhall Road Memphis, TN