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

April 11, 2012 | Volume 11 Issue 7 jacksonfumc.org

SEEKING GOD | KNOWING CHRIST | SHARING HIS LOVE

FIRST EDITIONFIRST EDITIONDOWNTOWN JACKSON

9:00 a.m. Sunday School“To Love Our God”

Cantata with Choir & OrchestraChildren’s Choirs Singing

Lunch to follow in the Gym

5th Sunday Combined Worship

Corey Brice Wyatt

Trevor SpencerAlden Robertson Cardwell

Nicole Ann New

CharlesLambert Byrd

Cade Nathaniel Bishop

John Wesley Hudson, II

Clark Gregory Mitchell

Gehrig John Rabun

Kylie Madison Adams

Jill Alexis Yates

Caroline Elizabeth Vaughan

Wesley Chandler Hudson

Aline Wells Johnstone

Miles MartinRichard Warren Corley, III

Confirmation SundayApril 22 • 11:00 AM Worship Service

This Issue...

AT A GLANCE• Getting Acquainted with Our Members:

Mrs. George A. (Elizabeth) SmithPage 2-3

• Memorials and Honoraria• Adventures in Learning: Rita Randolph• Beware of Christians Movie Screening

Page 4

• Music Notes - Our American Landscape presented by

Jackson Choral Society - Donald Baskerville Guest Soloist April 15 - Terry McRoberts Organ Recital

Page 5

• Serving Opportunity• Kids’ News - Parents Night Out - Kids Who Care: Heifer Quiz• Weekly Opportunities

Page 6

• Mission Notes - April Mission Focus: RIFA - Stephen Ministry Corner• Weekly Opportunities

Page 7

• Sunday Morning Sermon Topics Page 8

April 29 • 10:00 a.m.

First Edition April 11, 2012 page 2

Greeters for Sunday, April 15Larry & Joyce Sanders, Laurie Horton, James Brown, Gene & Joyce Smith, Catherine McKnight, Ed & Ginger Hare, Laura Frances Burnett, Chip Allen, John Mays

Greeters for Sunday, April 22Jerry & Ann Woodall, Hunter & Joyce Partee, Sam & Dicky Welch, Truman Murray, Jerry & Ruth Ann Smith, Robert & Karen Hopper, Val ExumIf you are unable to greet, please find a replacement.

Greeters

SympathySympathy is extended to • Inge Poole and family in the death of her

grandmother, Vera June Rapp.• Lisa Rice and Gena Mandle in the death

of Paul Myers, son of their first cousin.

Getting Acquainted With Our Membersby Dan Camp

“Quiet minds can not be perplexed or frightened, but go on in fortune or misfortune at their own private pace, like a clock during a thunderstorm.” – Robert Louis Stevenson

The year is 1930. The “Lone Ranger” serial has just debuted on radio. Babe Ruth has just signed a two-year contract with the New York Yankees for the “unheard of” sum of $160,000. The average salary in the United States was only $1,368 per year and the unemployment rate had just reached 25% nationwide. The Great Depression is now a reality, the “Star Spangled Banner” would not be approved as the National Anthem until the following year – 1931; and the Methodist Church is still divided between its Southern and Northern branches.

Shortly after Christmas Day, 1930, an eighteen-year old bride, Mrs. Elizabeth Smith, takes her place by her new husband, George, on a pew in the sanctuary of Jackson’s Methodist Episcopal Church—South. Over eighty years later, Elizabeth (turning 100 years young this month) faithfully attends services at Jackson First United Methodist Church, always sitting, erect, stately and dignified in the same pew she shared with her husband and her family over those many years.

I visited with this amazing lady one warm early April afternoon. As she told me her life story, I drained the ink from one pen and borrowed another to furiously keep pace with the facts as they were related. Her mind is sharp. Her manner is—in a word—genteel. Nothing much gets past her. She reports her general health as “wonderful” and, by her own admission, “plays bridge three times a week!” I think of the term I have heard applied so often before to strong Southern women: “Steel Magnolia!”

In 1912, New Mexico and Arizona were granted statehood as the 47th and 48th states in the Union.

On April 20, 1912, Elizabeth was born on East Chester Street in Jackson to William Joseph and Minnie Mae Robbins. She had one sister, Evelyn, five years older, who passed away in 2002. Elizabeth’s father was an engineer for the G, M, & O (Gulf, Mobile and Ohio) Railroad. Her mother was a homemaker. The Robbins family

were faithful members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church (the building is now known as the Aeneas building downtown). Young Elizabeth received a treasured gift Bible from her Sunday School teacher as an award for perfect attendance.

Elizabeth attended Elementary school at College Street Elementary in Jackson and Jackson Junior High located on Deadrick Street. She was a member of the first graduating class of the High School on Allen Street. During this time, she encountered a schoolmate who also became her “sweetheart” –George A. Smith. George A. Smith was two years older than Elizabeth Robbins. (We’ll revisit that story shortly!)

When Elizabeth talks of growing up in Jackson, her memories are (again) clear and focused. Often, she will close her eyes as though the mental images are returning to her of an earlier, simpler time:

• “There were no cars in those days. We either walked or caught the streetcar.”

• “There were no electric fans, and of course, no air conditioning –at night we sweltered and fanned ourselves with a hand fan until we fell asleep.”

• “Hot water was heated on a wood-burning stove in the kitchen.”

• “We burned coal in the fireplaces for heat.” • “We didn’t know what crime was.

Sometimes, we would latch the screen door at night but often we didn’t.”

• “We left a card in the front window for the ice-man. He came by in a horse-driven wagon. He used a large set of tongs to put ice in the ice-box inside. This was our refrigeration.”

• “We carried our rugs out to be beaten instead of vacuuming them.”

• “Church and family were so very important to everything.”

• “In the winter, we’d wear long underwear and stockings for the long walk to school.”

• “Father always grew a big garden and we would walk to the small grocery store nearby.”

Turns out, that middle initial in George’s name was an absolute necessity. Curiously, Elizabeth’s older sister, Evelyn, met and married an unrelated Smith –George M. Smith from Amory, Mississippi. When explaining the family tree, care has to be taken to differentiate which “Smith family” is being referenced.

George A. Smith and Elizabeth Robbins were married on Christmas Day, 1930 in a

The family of

Elizabeth Smithinvites you to a reception

in celebration of her

100th Birthday Sunday, April 22

12:00-2:00 p.m.Clayton Hall

Elizabeth Smith

WeeklyWednesday Noon Worship Servicewith communionin the Sanctuary

First Edition April 11, 2012 page 3

small family wedding at Jackson Methodist Church (Elizabeth had transferred her membership some months prior when the relationship became serious). George A. Smith had recently borrowed a thousand dollars in order to start a funeral home. He felt he just “wanted to help people in need.” The honeymoon couple soon arrived at the South’s Grand Hotel, The Memphis Peabody, ready to celebrate their marriage. Unfortunately, a death occurred in Jackson and the phone rang (and with no employees to delegate to, the scarcity of funds overall and the reputation of a young business at stake), Mr. and Mrs. Smith returned to Jackson. The funeral was conducted and the honeymoon briefly resumed at Jackson’s New Southern Hotel.

In November of 1931, The Smiths celebrated the arrival of their first son, (Dr.) Robert Joseph Smith, now a retired Orthopedic surgeon.

In November of 1934, Mrs. Smith entered the delivery room anticipating giving birth to their second child. That second child was Jerry Smith. However, this was long before the days of sonograms, and the doctor was heard to say something to the effect of “Here comes another one!” That “other one” would be Jerry’s twin brother, Jack. Elizabeth’s comment at the time was, “Well, I wouldn’t take anything in the world for them but I don’t know what I’m going to do (how I’ll manage).” But, manage she did. Rather, manage—they all did.

George A. Smith became mayor of Jackson at age 32. When World War II came around, though elected city officials were exempt from the draft, George A. volunteered because he “didn’t want anyone to say that I shunned my duty.” Meat, shoes, gasoline, rubber, sugar were all rationed. Sacrifice and duty were just a part of life and there was never any question that this family would do whatever was required to be good citizens and faithful disciples in their daily lives.

Anyone who knows Bob, Jack, or Jerry today knows they are deeply sensitive and caring men. Their loving devotion to their mother is evident in so many ways. However, I dared ask their mother if they had ever “tested” her when they were young. With a sly smile, she acknowledged that indeed that might have happened a time or two.

The family would reside for forty-four years at a Spanish/Mediterranean Villa with a Terra Cotta roof (built in 1948) on Campbell Street. This is the home where Elizabeth’s “boys”

Mrs. Elizabeth Smith with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Not pictured: Mary Elizabeth Smith & children

would grow up.

Though she has enjoyed them all, she considers perhaps the 1950s to be one of her favorite decades. “It was a busy, happy time. The children were finishing school. The grandchildren were just coming along. Life was full and rich.”

Family is so important to Mrs. Elizabeth Smith. She speaks lovingly of her daughters-in-law, her “boys,” her grandchildren and their children. Here are some of her thoughts on that subject:

• “Marriage is a commitment to love someone. Learning to give and to take. Never go to bed angry.”

• “I have been so blessed by a wonderful, loving family.”

• “Remember to pray always for your children by name each night.”

Any spare time was filled by some combination of the following civic duties:

• Serving as a Red Cross “Gray Lady” for some 35 years delivering flowers, mail and good cheer to hospital patients.

• Serving as hostess for many City events and official functions.

• Participation (along with her husband) in Parent-Teacher Associations, Boy Scouts, Youth Programs at Jackson First Methodist and various other aspects of Church life and leadership.

I asked Elizabeth if she had any advice to offer in terms of longevity. “What,” I asked, “is your secret?” Her reply was brief and to the point: “I never smoked cigarettes. I never drank alcohol. I eat whatever I want for the most part and I am a big believer in exercise.” Other than fracturing a hip four years ago, her health has been almost flawless.

On Christmas Eve, 1993, some eighteen months after moving into their new home at Winfield Place (named in honor of a friend and beloved member of Jackson First, Winfield Pope), her beloved husband of almost sixty-three years suffered a heart attack and died suddenly. Tears still come to her eyes when she speaks of this great loss of the only “sweetheart” she has ever known. It is, however, the Christian faith they shared together in married life which has kept her strong.

I asked Elizabeth to share a few of her thoughts about faith and the Christian Life:

• “Some people say, ‘I don’t have to go to a Church building. I can worship on the lake –fishing or outside in nature.’ But the Bible says we are to gather together…Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am in their midst. It is so important to go to Church.”

• “The Very Heart of the Gospel is this: “For God so Loved the World that He sent His only Begotten Son that Whosoever Should Believe In Him Should Not perish but have Eternal Life.” (John 3:16 quoted from memory.)

• “(paraphrased) Don’t try to separate faith from family. They are inseparable.”

• Favorite Scripture Passages: The 23rd Psalm and I Corinthians 13

• Favorite Hymns: “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” and “His Name Is Wonderful.”

It’s hard to find a way to sum all this up! One hundred years of faithful, joyful living. A dedication to Church and Christ’s way that should serve as a model to us all. We celebrate –as the entire Church family—the 100th birthday of a remarkable lady, Mrs. George A. (Elizabeth) Smith!

In closing, allow me to share with you the prayer that Elizabeth prays each night as she goes to bed. May it inspire you in the same way it has me!

“….Lord, You’ve Been So Good to me! I’ve been so blessed by my family, my Church, my many good friends… (Here she calls each family member, each friend by name). I’ve been so Blessed! Thank you, Dear God.”

Happy 100th birthday to Mrs. George A. (Elizabeth) Smith!

First Edition April 11, 2012 page 4

Adult OpportunitiesContact Pam Jaco, pam@jacksonfumc.org, 422-4002

Memorials & Honoraria

IN LOVING MEMORY

Donna Rhodes (Wife of Charles Rhodes; Mother of Charli Manhein) West Tennessee Antique Car Club BancorpSouth, Jackson, Tennessee Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Sander Hunter & Suzanne Welles (Missions) Ann Murchison Ralph Leverett

Dylan Kirk (Son of Cindy and Scott Kirk; Grandson of Tharon and Cecil Kirk) Kathryn & Tyler Swindle Greg & Denise Stuart (Pastors’ Fund) King & Louanne Bond Ralph Leverett Donna Overstreet Ann & Ernest Lawrence Bettie Graves Allycin & Greg Alexander Upper Room Sunday School Class Glynn & Sally Graves

Zoey Jean Frazier (Daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Stephan Frazier; Great granddaughter of Martha Lynn Fisher) Kathryn & Tyler Swindle Bettie Graves Doris Freeman

Joyce Koehler (Mother of Bob Koehler)James & Lynne Barker

Paul Meyers (Cousin of Gena Mandle & Lisa Rice) Hunter & Suzanne Welles (Missions) Ann & Ernest Lawrence

Bertha Young (Mother of Tammy McCoy) Donna Overstreet

Mr. & Mrs. A. B. WardMr. & Mrs. Roger Murray, Sr. Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Ward (Easter Offering)

IN LOVING HONOR OF

Jan Littrell Nancy Ganier

Paul Clayton Religion for Life Sunday School Class

(Reelfoot)

Youth News & Events

THIS SUNDAYAPRIL 154:00 PM

CLAYTON HALLDoors open at 3:30 PM

Popcorn & drinks during movieHotdog supper afterward

SEE THE TRAILER AT BEWAREOFCHRISTIANS.COM

April 22 - Confirmation Sunday Youth programming this night will consist of a “Welcome to The Current” party for our Confirmands. Stay tuned for more details.

April 29 - Current Worship and Dinner OutAn evening of games and prayer stations, followed by dinner at Moe’s. Parents, pick youth up from Moe’s by 7:30 p.m.

FUMC FOUNDATION“Life insurance is a way to make a larger gift to the Church than you might otherwise be able to afford. Consider naming the church as a beneficiary of an insurance policy.”To learn about FUMC’s Foundation and Planned Giving, contact Jim Scott, Chairman. 668-4775 or e-mail patandscotty@aeneas.net

Program 11:00 a.m. • Luncheon 12:00 noon • Clayton Hall • $6.00/personTo make reservations, call the church office at 422-4002 or

sign up online at jacksonfumc.org by Noon, April 16.

FRIDAY, APRIL 20Rita Randolph

OF

RANDOLPH’S GREENHOUSESPRESENTS

A History of Horticulture:Short Stories About Growing Up

in the Nursery Life

First Edition April 11, 2012 page 5

April 18 - Last WEF until Fall

Wednesday EveningFellowship (WEF)

Dinner 5-6:00 p.m. • Clayton Hall$6 Adults, $3 Children, $20 Maximum

Music NotesDarian Krimm, Director of Music and Worship Arts

Donald Baskerville Guest VocalistChristian vocalist, Donald Baskerville, will sing during 11:00 a.m. WorshipSunday, April 15thDonald’s extraordinary vocal gifts, showing influence from both gospel and jazz, delight and inspire all who hear him.

Terry McRoberts Organ RecitalSunday, May 20

2:30 p.m.First United Methodist Church

Featuring: Bach’s Fantasia in G Major, Schumann’s Pieces for Pedal Piano, Op. 58, Gerre Hancock’s Air, and the Small Preludes and Intermezzos, Op. 9 by Hermann Schroeder. For more information contact Terry McRoberts at tmcrober@uu.edu or Jackson First United Methodist Church at 731 422-4002.

Vacation Bible SchoolJune 25-28

9:00 AM - NoonPre K-5th GradeRegister at jacksonfumc.org

Kids’ Music Day CampMINI FEST 2012

June 11-159:00 AM - 2:00 PM

K-5th Grade • Cost $50Register at jacksonfumc.org

4th & 5th Grade Bible Trivia StandoffBible Trivia All-stars challenge the pastors. Come watch this intense battle of the spiritual wits! 5:45 p.m. • Clayton Hall

Yoga Pilates Fusion Class6:00-7:00 p.m. • MezzanineFee: $3 per class • Led by Certified Instructor, Rachel White

Members in Missions - Cancelled

Broadway • Folksongs • Spirituals • Copland • Bernstein... and more!

Sunday, April 224:00 p.m.

Location: Northside United Methodist Church2571 N. Highland Ave., Jackson, TN

$10 General Admission$5 Students

Tickets available at the door.Ticket Outlets: The Baker’s Rack, Potters Garden,

The Green Frog, J. Kent Freeman

OurAmerican Landscape

15 FUMC members participatingDarian Krimm, Conductor

First Edition April 11, 2012 page 6

Weekly Opportunities

Sunday, April 15 Confirmation Retreat continues 8:30 AM Kid’s Who Care Club - Heifer

Equals Hope (table) 9:00 AM First Awakening Service 10:00 AM Sunday School 11:00 AM Traditional Service 4:00 PM “Current” UMY - Movie

Screening 5:00 PM Kid’s Who Care Club

Monday, April 16 9:15 AM Staff Prayer Time 9:30 AM Women’s Circle - Rebekah 5:30 PM Sr. Olympic Basketball 7:00 PM Boy Scouts - Troop 12 7:30 PM Men’s Basketball

Tuesday, April 17 7:00 AM UMM Weekly Bible Study 9:00 AM Mugs & Muffins Bible Study 4:15 PM Zumba 5:30 PM Missions Committee Meeting 6:00 PM Stephen Ministry Meeting

Wednesday, April 18 10:00 AM Pastors Bible Study 10:00 AM Invitation to Presence 12:00 PM Mid-Week Downtown Worship

Service 3:30 PM WINGS (Witnessing IN God’s

Sanctuary) 3:30 PM WEF Open Gym 3:45 PM Girl Scout Meeting 5:00 PM WEF Dinner 5:30 PM Angel Choir Practice 5:45 PM All Stars vs. Pastors 5:45 PM Confirmation Sunday - Practice 6:00 PM Good News Choir Practice 6:00 PM Prime Ringers 6:00 PM Yoga Pilates Fusion Class 6:15 PM First Awakening Band

Rehearsal 6:30 PM Celebration Singers Practice 7:00 PM Sanctuary Choir

Thursday, April 19 4:15 PM Zumba 5:30 PM Sr. Olympic Basketball

Friday, April 20 11:00 AM Adventures in Learning - Rita

Randolph 5:30 PM Parent’s Night Out

Saturday, April 21 9:00 AM Catering Date

Sunday, April 22 - Confirmation Sunday 8:30 AM Kid’s Who Care Club - Heifers

Equal Hope (table) 9:00 AM First Awakening Service 9:00 AM Communion for Confirmands,

Parents, and Mentors 10:00 AM Brunch 10:00 AM Sunday School 11:00 AM Confirmation Service

Serving OpportunityIn addition to church functions, Clayton Hall is often used during the week for luncheons, meetings, banquets and civic events. Our regular Sunday morning tech personnel are unable to help with these outside events. We need people who are willing to be trained on sound board and video screen operation. No experience required, just a willingness to learn! People who are trained and work non-church/outside events will be offered compensation for their services. To learn more, please contact Darian Krimm at 422-4002 or dkrimm@jacksonfumc.org.

FUMC Kids’ NewsProverbs 22:6 - Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.

Parents Night OutFriday, April 20 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Dinner Provided - $5 per childReservations required by Wednesday, April 18

Register at jacksonfumc.org or call the church office, 422-4002

Kids Who Care Club Spring Fundraiser

Heifer Quiz!How much do you know

about heifers?Donate money to the jar with the correct

answer!Question #1

A dairy cow produces how many gallons of

milk every year?

First Edition April 11, 2012 page 7

Weekly Opportunities

12:00 PM 100th Birthday Reception for Elizabeth Smith

4:00 PM Jackson Choral Society Concert

5:00 PM Confirmation Party with Youth

Monday, April 23 9:15 AM Staff Prayer Time 10:00 AM Worship Planning 11:00 AM Executive Meeting 1:30 PM Staff Meeting 5:00 PM Trustees Meeting 5:30 PM Sr. Olympic Basketball 7:00 PM Boy Scouts - Troop 12 7:30 PM Men’s Basketball

Tuesday, April 24 7:00 AM United Methodist Men Meeting

and Breakfast 9:00 AM Mugs & Muffins Bible Study 4:15 PM Zumba 6:00 PM Stephen Ministry Meeting

Wednesday, April 25 10:00 AM Pastors Bible Study 10:00 AM Invitation to Presence 12:00 PM Mid-Week Downtown Worship

Service 3:30 PM WINGS (Witnessing IN God’s

Sanctuary) 5:30 PM Practice for All Children’s

Choirs 6:00 PM Prime Ringers 6:00 PM First Awakening Band

Rehearsal 7:00 PM Sanctuary Choir

Thursday, April 26 4:15 PM Zumba 5:30 PM Sr. Olympic Basketball

Friday, April 27 11:00 AM Law Day Banquet - Rainey &

Kizer 6:00 PM Art & Soul

Saturday, April 28 12:30 PM Screwtape Letters - Nashville,

TN 4:30 PM Room in the Inn

At the home of Betsy Dement,

401 Bascom Road

Tuesdays, through May 1Fellowship begins at 9:00 AM

Study from 9:30-10:30 AM“Simply Relevant: Savor the Moments”

Mugs & Muffins

Stephen Ministry Cornerby Tharon Kirk

The class of ten Stephen Ministers at FUMC is a little over halfway through their training program. The commissioning service for new Stephen Ministers will take place on May 20th. We are excited that we will be increasing the number of trained Stephen Ministers in our congregation. Our trainees are working extremely hard. The course involves preclass reading assignments, in-class lecture, discussion and role playing. All of these activities work together to help trainees gain knowledge and skills that will be important in continuing our Stephen Ministry program.

A recurring emphasis of Stephen Minister training is confidentiality. What a care receiver says to his or her Stephen Minister is held strictly confidential. Even the identity of the care receivers is kept confidential from other Stephen Ministers. During the coming weeks training topics include: Using Mental Health Resources; Care For Those Grieving, Depression; Supervision; and How To Make a First Caring Visit. Once the training is completed and persons are commissioned, then they will be available to serve in our ministry. But the learning doesn’t end when a person is commissioned. Stephen Ministers meet once a month for continuing education. The goal is to continually enhance Stephen Ministers’ skills and help them learn new ways to care for others. We want Stephen Ministers to provide the very best care possible for their care receivers.

Mission Notes

April Mission Focus

RIFA is participating once again in the Feinstein Challenge where $1,000,000 will be divided among hunger fighting agencies depending on the donations they receive during March and April, meaning every dollar or donation will be matched. Please give generously. They are very low on food and need donations as well as monetary gifts.

Mission Chest Needs: • canned pasta • evaporated milk • baked beans • easy mac and cheese• fruit cups • canned soup • corn • peanut butter & jelly• cake mix • diapers (all sizes) • deodorant • shampoo & conditioner • toilet paper • paper towels • underwear • socks

These items may be placed in the Mission Chest located in the church lobbies through the end of the month.

Rebekah Circle MeetingApril 16 • 10:00 AM

at the home of Barbara Lifsey380 Tige Hopper Road

Co-hostess - Frances PipkinSpeaker - Judge Christy Little

Tennessee Performing Arts CenterJames K. Polk Theater - Nashville

Call the church office, 422-4002, or sign up at jacksonfumc.org

April 28 • 4:00 PM

First Edition April 11, 2012

NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDJACKSON, TENN.PERMIT NO. 116

jacksonfumc.org

Sunday Morning Worship

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

A Stephen Ministry Congregation

A Safe Sanctuaries Congregation

Traditional Worship ServiceSanctuary • 11:00 a.m.

First Awakening Contemporary Worship Service Clayton Hall • 9:00 a.m.

Sunday School

10:00 a.m.

DOWNTOWN JACKSON

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SundayApril 15

SundayApril 22

ConfirmationService

“What’s Doubt All About?”David Hollis, preaching • Scripture: John 24:36-48

“Teach Your Children Well“Dan Camp, preaching

Next newsletter publication is April 25

The flowers on the altar April 15 are placed in loving memory of Otto R. Rahm by Nancy Rahm and family.