g{x _ z{à{éâáx The monthly newsletter of Salem United Methodist Church Clarksville, Tennessee Inside this issue: Happy New Year Salem!

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1 g{x _ z{à{éâáx The monthly newsletter of Salem United Methodist Church Clarksville, Tennessee January, 2015 Inside this issue: Belize Mission Trip United Methodist Women Church Council Training Thank You 2269 Seven Mile Ferry Road Clarksville, TN Phone: Fax: salem@salemumc.us Clarksville District Training 3 Weather Policy Updating Your Contact Information Family Ministries Thanks 4 4 Youth News 5 New Church Sign New Sound System Understanding Apportionments 2015 Church Council January Birthdays Kids Coloring Page Happy New Year Salem! 2015 is here, and what a great year is in store. Why do I know it will be a great year? Well, as I told the children on December 28, I made a resolution! Why do I suddenly hear the sound of groans in the distance? Now, before you write off my notion as wishful thinking by an eternal optimistic in dreamland, give me a moment to explain. First, I don t have one resolution that is going to make all the challenges, disappointments, or failures that will occur in 2015 go away. I haven t discovered all the secrets of the universe, let alone the secret to happiness, but what I have been exploring throughout the last couple years are disciplines that help me grow with intentionality. One discipline I commit to weekly is a phone conference with a covenant group. These men hold me accountable to what I say I am going to do - physically, spiritual, mentally. Another discipline is creating space to read - Scripture is certainly a part of my reading list, but I read a lot of articles, blogs, and books. I m no bookworm, but I have been shocked at how my mind grows in understanding and wonder the more I read. How are disciplines different from resolutions, you might ask? Well, with a discipline I know that I must take the time to grow into the practice as where a resolution, if not fully planned, might not really be resolved in our heart and mind. Of course, just as easily as I grow into a specific practice, I can quickly fall away if I don t make it a habit, or discipline. What does all of this mean? Well, take a minute to look at your daily routines and habits. Want to change something? If you answered yes or even hesitated, then take a minute to lift that desire to God. You don t have to name all that you want to change in one prayer! Now, the next steps are a little trickier, and are certainly not as easily defined. No matter what area of your life you decide to change, the motivation behind the change is one of the key aspects we must consider. For instance, does the change I desire bring glory to God and strengthen who God has created me to be? We are a people called to grow in the love of God and love of neighbor, and testing our resolutions in light of God s calling for us is a good place to weed out the stuff that simply gets in the way. Whatever your resolutions, disciplines, or habits might be this year, know that God meets you where you are, but promises to never leave you there! Life is the journey, so let s see what God has in store for us! Blessings, Brian Prayer Requests salemprayerchain@gmail.com Website salemmethodistchurch.com

2 Page 2 The United Methodist Women annually recognize a person in our church family who we feel continually goes above and beyond in their service to Salem UMC. We chose two people to recognize in 2014 and to give UMW Special Mission Recognition. We were proud to bestow this honor on Ted Elsner and David Morgan. Certificates and gold pins were awarded on December 7, Salem UMW appreciate all you do! The UMW and Worship committee will take down the Christmas decorations Saturday, Jan 10 at 9:00. All members please try to be there to help! Our next meeting will be Monday, January 12 at 7:00 PM. From the Family of Kenny Goodwin, Thank you for the past year and eight months of support, prayers, encouragement, and visits. Your love has helped sustain us during a very difficult time. Thank you to the Women s Ministry who so gra- ciously provided and served an after-funeral funeral meal. For all those who gave us love and support so freely, thank you, you will always be re- membered by our family. March 7-15, 2015 Please keep praying for Salem s Mission Team to Belize. They are: Delaney Austin, Garrett Austin, Brian Bryant, Mike Bryant, Myranel Bryant, Alfred Byard, Pam Byard, Stephanie Carson, Pat Cornell, Linda Elsner, Erin Gannaway, Ben Grayer, Josie Griffey, Nita Heilman, Michael Johansen, Abney Parchman, Kara Peters, Cassidy Reeves, Jason Scott, Payton Scott, Danny Smith, Barbara Stinnett, Steve Stinnett, Keith Vaughn, Betty Venczel, and Trae Willis. Each of these missionaries pays $1,750 for airfare, room and meals. This does not include construction costs. The team will be completing a building which will serve as a dormitory for future mission teams. They will also be working with the children at the Methodist Elementary School across the street. Your support in prayer and your monetary gifts are greatly appreciated. With Love, Sheila, Melissa, Wes, Stacey, and Ben Church Council Training Meeting January 10, :00 AM 12:00 Noon Church council training on Saturday, January 10th from 8:00 am until noon. Breakfast will be provided. All members of church council/committee chairpersons are encouraged to attend. Pastor Brian and I are looking forward to the new year with some exciting changes as we live into our new mission statement and we want you to be a part of this awesome time in our church. Please call me if you have any questions. I look forward to seeing you there! Susan Austin, Church Council Chair (931)

3 Page 3 Page CLARKSVILLE DISTRICT LOCAL CHURCH LEADERSHIP TRAINING United Methodist Churches are diverse in their ministries, personalities, locations, and outreach. But there is one thing they share in common, the desire to Make Disciples of Jesus Christ. That is the mission and purpose for existing. This event has been planned with the goal of reaching out with the Gospel of Jesus. This is an opportunity for church leaders to come and learn the basics for their position! It s also an opportunity to share stories of success (and failure) from other churches. SAME WORKSHOPS TWO LOCATIONS: Sunday, January 25, 2015 Waverly First UMC 115 W. Main St., Waverly, TN 3:00 p.m. WORKSHOPS OFFERED: Sunday, February 8, 2015 Madison Street UMC 319 Madison St., Clarksville, TN 3:00 p.m. Staff/Parish Relations Committees - DS Rev. Roger Hopson and Dr. Cynthia Hopson SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES- Rev. Dr. Robert Webster CHILDREN S MINISTRY Mrs. Jodi King CHURCH COUNCIL -- Rev. Dr. Jim Capps LAY SERVANT MINISTRIES Dr. Bruce Myers YOUTH AND SOCIAL MEDIA Mr. Brandon Devlin and Rev. B. J. Brack, Jr. STEWARDSHIP Rev. Dr. Philip Jamieson (Waverly Location Only) CREATING COMMUNITY - BUILDING A SMALL GROUP CULTURE IN YOUR CHURCH Rev. Jared Wilson (Madison St. Location Only) Schedule for each Day 2:30 pm Gathering and Registration 3:00 pm Welcome and Time of Worship Together 3:30 pm Break up into different classes ALL COMMITTEE CHAIRS AND COMMITTEE MEMBERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND

4 Page 4 Salem UMC will not hold meetings or functions if the Clarksville/Montgomery County School System is closed or closes early. On Sundays, despite weather or power outages, we will always strive to have worship at 10:30 a.m. (The church office may or may not be open, or may close early or open late. Always call first!) In all cases, please use your personal discretion to determine if it is safe for you to leave your home and travel to church. Family Ministries would like to say "thank you" to those of you that donated money or delivered food boxes. We delivered 67 food boxes for Thanksgiving and 70 food boxes for Christmas along with 20 hams to Manna Cafe. What???? I DIDN T KNOW THAT! Have you ever wondered why you don t hear about current prayer requests or receive the church newsletter or why your birthday isn t listed in the newsletter or is listed incorrectly? It is probably because we don t have your current contact information. In an effort to serve you more effectively we need you to update your contact information for the church office again this year EVEN IF YOU THINK WE ALREADY HAVE ALL OF YOUR INFOR- MATION. As you know, we now use an Online Church Directory which is linked to our church database. Please access the directory and make sure your information is correct. NEED A PHONE NUMBER OR AN ADDRESS OF A CHURCH MEMBER? Make sure you check our online church directory! You can access the online church directory at any time for church members phone numbers, addresses, etc. Just go to the church website, and click on the link CHURCH DIRECTORY. It will ask you to enter your address. (If we don t have your address, you will not be able to access the system. You will need to contact the church office so we can enter your information in the database first.) Keep that window open and they will send you a password. Once you have your password, go back to the open window and enter the code and you re all set. PLEASE update your own information and then go to the church directory option at the top of the page to see the entire directory. If you have any trouble or you don t have access to a computer, please contact Angela in the church office. We want to make sure we and members of the Salem family can reach you!

5 Page 5 YOUTH NEWS RAMBLEWOOD SERVICE PROJECT GIRLS CHRYSALIS The next Girls Chrysalis flight is set for January 17-19, at Fellowship UMC in Murfreesboro. The cost is $75, but if our girls sold stock in 2014, the UMYF will pay half. The registration deadline is January 3. We have several girls who are eligible to attend, but those who have already committed are: DELANEY AUSTIN, KIRSTEN MEAKER, and PAYTON SCOTT. Let s begin praying for their Chrysalis experience even now. Salem s youth will begin a new monthly service project, Saturday, January 3. We have committed to working with the elementary aged children at Ramblewood through May with hopes of it continuing indefinitely. If you remember, when Salem held their Reach day on September 20, our intention was to develop an ongoing relationship with the Ramblewood residents, so the youth ministry is trying to do that. On the first Saturday of each month, we will gather at Ramblewood at 10:00 A.M. to share a Bible story through story and drama, then reinforce it with art, crafts, music, etc. We plan to serve a snack lunch, then play with the children until 1:00 P.M. We welcome anyone who wants to be part of this ministry. For your information, Salem will continue to have a presence in serving meals with Manna Café. Scott DeLano and a small group want to keep participating in that ministry. If that is where you feel called, please contact Scott for more information. COUNCIL YOUTH The UMYF counselors and S.A.L.T. members will hold their monthly council meeting, Sunday, January 4, at 4:00 P.M., in the Fellowship classroom. Please make every effort to attend with pencil, a 2015 calendar, and fresh ideas for the new year. WARMTH IN WINTER 2015 Warmth in Winter is an annual retreat sponsored by the Tennessee Conference Youth Council. The weekend of January 30-February 1, 2015, Salem s youth will travel to Murfreesboro to participate in this 34-year old event. This program takes place at the Embassy Suites (where we will stay) and Convention Center. Youth may continue to register up until the time of the retreat, but will have to pay more as we get closer to the event. This year s theme is The Truth: You Matter To God. The world is great at telling us we don t matter, that we re not enough, or good enough. God has a different reality for us. Only our creator can truly define our worth. Throughout scripture we are reminded how valuable we are to God. At Warmth in Winter we will explore how the truth about God s love for us can and should define how we live in the world. POLLEY, and LANDON TANKERSLEY. This will be an especially exciting Warmth in Winter for Salem. This is the first time we have had a praise band to participate in the Battle of the Bands. On Saturday, January 31, at 2:45 P.M., youth bands from all over the Tennessee Conference will share their talents on the convention center stage. We are so proud of our youth praise band and won t be surprised by their performance in this competition. We will be cheering loudly for OLIVIA ALLISTON, STEPHANIE CARSON, CHRISTO- PHER DAVIS, KIRSTEN MEAKER, ABNEY PARCHMAN, KARA PETERS, JORDAN If t-shirts are pre-ordered by January 13, the short-sleeved shirt will cost $12 and the long-sleeved, $20. If you wait and buy your shirt at the event, the short-sleeved shirt goes up to $15 and the long-sleeved, to $25! So, if you want a shirt, you must get your size and money to Nonnie by Sunday, January 11. Salem has a record number of participants this year. Presently, we have 46 youth and 14 adults going to Warmth in Winter. ALL Salem youth are urged to turn in paper work and fees today. Don t miss this opportunity to renew your spiritual life and make new friends.

6 Page 6 Apportionments Signs of Change at Salem! If you are reading this article, and wonder what changes we ve had at the church, then please come back as soon as possible! We ve missed you, and want to share some of the exciting changes to our facilities, not to mention share some of the really great ministry opportunities coming in the near future. Now, on to the changes in our building! November welcomed a new sign in front of the church, installed by the wonderful people at Harrison s Signs. Come by anytime of day and night to see what s happening at Salem. We are still learning to use this wonderful gift of technology, but we hope it helps keep you informed about Salem s happenings! Thanks Trustees! Great choice of sign! Sounds Good, Salem! December welcomed some much needed sound upgrades in the sanctuary. We installed a new soundboard (after the last board shorted out), additional speakers, and updated some outdated equipment, in the hope of creating a clearer, more articulate sound for music, vocals, and instrumentation. Did you notice? Can you hear more clearly? Richard Schmidt from Agape Audio blessed us with his gifts and graces during this project, as did the trustees as we moved slowly toward its completion. Thank you for giving generously to assist us in making these needed changes. Is this a new word for you? If so, please take a moment to explore a little about what it means for Salem UMC. Have you ever heard the phrase, we can do more together than we can by ourselves.? Salem is a congregation of the United Methodist Church. In the United Methodist Church we use words such as connectionalism to describe our united nature. Undeniably, we have our disagreements, but together the United Methodist Church in the TN Conference does much more in partnership than any of us could imagine on our own. Let me share! Here s a rough breakdown of our apportionments: 2015 Tennessee Conference Ministries Clarksville District Ministries Southeastern & Worldwide Ministries Special Ministries in TN TOTAL = $34,316 = $4,019 = $10,254 = $2,813 = $51,402 What does that really mean? Well, when broken out into more descriptive groups for the Annual Conference approx. 50% supports ministerial support (clergy health insurance & retirement, clergy in campus ministry and other extension ministries), 33% supports benevolences and ministries (such as Miriam s Promise, Martin Methodist College, Wesley Foundations in TN, and ministries such as Africa University, World Service, and our work in the National and World Council of Churches), 7% in Administrative Costs, and 6% in District Ministries (local ministry in Clarksville District). Now, this is a mere footnote, so please don t stop the conversation here. On the bulletin board outside the office is a four page breakdown for 2014 of all ministries or you can go to tnumc.com/administration-and-finance/ apportionments.html to discover more. Thank you for being an active part of supporting ministry locally and globally, and for seeking to be a good steward. Lives are being changed by the love of God in Jesus Christ.

7 Page 7 SALEM UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2015 COUNCIL CHAIRS AND MINISTRY TEAMS COUNCIL CHAIR Susan Austin (14) COUNCIL SECRETARY Dianne Stevens LAY LEADER: Diane Baird (14) LAY DELEGATE TO ANNUAL CONFERENCE Diane Baird (12) ALTERNATE TO ANNUAL CONFERENCE Julie Nicholson (15) PASTOR/PARISH/STAFF RELATION CHAIR Bobby Moore (14) TRUSTEE CHAIR Phillip Morris ( ) ONE HEART ADOPTION MINISTRY Emily Byard Gray (13) & Jessica Morris (13) UNITED METHODIST WOMEN Kathleen Hayes (14) NOMINATIONS VICE CHAIR TBD in January CHURCH LIBRARIAN & HISTORIAN Pat Cornell (08) EDUCATION/DISCIPLESHIP CHAIR Kristie Vertrees (14) EVANGELISM/ OUTREACH CO-CHAIRS Diane Baird (06) FINANCE CHAIR Pam Kelley (10) MISSIONS CHAIR Brian Bryant (09) HIGHER EDUCATION & CAMPUS MINISTRY Jim Kela (12) STEWARDSHIP CHAIR TBD in January WORSHIP CHAIR Carolyn Adams (09) CHILDREN S COUNCIL CHAIR/SAFE SANCTUARY Susan Cornell CHILDREN S CHURCH SHINE Susan Cornell (10) Jonna Yarbrough (12) ADULT MINISTRIES CHAIR Jessica Morris (15) SENIOR ADULT MINISTRIES CHAIR Sandra Simms (06) BENEVOLENCE CHAIRS Sandra Coyle (14) COMMUNICATIONS CHAIR Ron Watson (13) YOUTH REPRESENTATIVES SENIOR: Ben Grayer JUNIOR: Delaney Austin SOPH.: Samantha Miller FRESHMAN: Trey Vertrees MEMORIALS Brenda Brewer, Linda Elsner (05) LONG RANGE PLANNING CHAIR Alfred Byard (12) TECHNOLOGY Wes Mixon (15) CHIEF SHEPHERD Jerry Wright (12) F.U.E.L. REPRESENTATIVE Carol Ussery (05) HARTWELL COCKE 50TH ANNIV. SCHOLARSHIP Carolyn Adams (05) DISTRICT STEWARD Tom Neville (12) MEMBERSHIP CHAIR Valerie Watson (12) A/V POINT PERSONS WORSHIP TECHNOLOGY Jessica Morris ( ) Trampas Morrison ( ) GREETERS/HOSPITALITY Becky Redman (12) SPRC Bobby Moore (Ch), Kristen Hoyt, Donna Wright, Betty Venczel, Emily Gray, John Polley, Sandra Simms, Don Pierce, Scott Delano EVANGELISM Diane Baird (Ch), Jerry Wright, Donna Wright, Susan Cornell, Myranel Bryant DISCIPLESHIP Kristie Vertrees (Ch), Jonna Yarbrough, Susan Cornell ENDOWMENT Pam Kelley, Buddy Bumpus, Carolyn Pierce, Phillip Morris, Alfred Byard, Pastor (ex-officio) FINANCE Phillip Morris, Brian Marcoulier, Susan Austin, Alfred Byard, Pam Kelley (Ch), Bobby Morre, Diane Baird STEWARDSHIP Alfred Byard, Jill and Will Rodgers, LAY LEADERSHIP Linda Elsner, Jerry Wright, Kay Hendricks, Kevin Yarbrough, Patty Morrison, Tracy Delano, Wade Morgan, Larry Fuller, Linda Matthews WEDDING LIASONS Jessica Morris, Kara Zahn TRUSTEES Daniel Zahn, Harold Etling, Keith Vaughn, Phillip Morris, Ted Elsner, Nailon Puckett, Don Parchman, Lisa Joiner, Angie Seay, Levi Grayer

8 Page 8 Salem United Methodist Church Pastor: Rev. Brian Marcoulier Youth Minister: Myranel Bryant Administrative Assistant: Angela Counts Custodian: Mike Bryant Nursery Coordinator: Deborah Morris Musicians: Richard Hayes, Julie Waskiewicz, Myranel Bryant, Abney Parchman, Olivia Allison, Kara Peters, Stephanie Carson, Kirsten Meaker, Beth Biter Joseph s Coat Of Many Colors Genesis 37:3 We re on the Web! salemmethodistchurch.com Tom Neville Jan 1 Ben Morrison Jan 1 Katie Watson Jan 1 Kelly Mullins Jan 1 Ashley Ulrey Jan 2 Raeleigh May Joiner Jan 2 Jerry Wright Jan 3 Margie Hite Jan 4 Carlie Carmon Jan 6 Dawson Swift Jan 6 Bryce Freeman Jan 6 Stacey Irish Jan 6 Christine Lang Jan 7 Dicky Trotter Jan 7 Carole Kirby Jan 7 Michael Bossard Jan 8 Jessica McCall Jan 10 Micah Herndon Jan 10 January Birthdays Paige Baxter Jan 11 Sydney Irish Jan 12 Mark Pierce Jan 12 Steve Seay Jan 12 Betty Wall Jan 12 Katie McCall Jan 14 Jamie Schmid Jan 16 Susan Austin Jan 17 Toni Fisher Jan 17 Henry Penna Jan 17 Barry Bellamy Jan 19 Nikki Marcoulier Jan 20 Christopher Hilliard Jan 20 Isac Van Wormer Jan 21 Josh Baggett Jan 22 Brittnye Mayes Jan 23 Kim Griffey Jan 23 Mason Smith Jan 24 Calvary Kids Page: Garrett Austin Jan 25 Jackson Morris Jan 25 Jacob Mayes Jan 26 Barbara Morgan Jan 27 Fay Miler Jan 28 Melinda Hunter Jan 29 Gracie Carmon Jan 29 Michael Hougland Jan 29 Traci Smithson Jan 30 Elizabeth Wooton Jan 30 NEWSLETTER DEADLINE IS THE 15TH OF EVERY MONTH Salem UMC is a Safe Sanctuary congregation. All of our childcare workers are screened and accountable to Safe Sanctuary guidelines to promote the safest possible environment for our children.