Phone: 615-329-4464 Fax: 615-321-0975 Email:
[email protected] Website: www.clarkumcnashville.org
The Connection
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Community Concerns Class of 2014
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The Elevator VBS 2014
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Feed My Sheep Bible Trivia Birthday List Calendar Prayer List
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Stewardship In Action The Joy of Giving
At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a child, whom he put among them, and said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were fastened round your neck and you were drowned in the depth of the sea.” Matt. 18:1-3,6. NRSV. There are many people who would like to give more of their resources to help others but they are overwhelmed in debt and overextended financially. Before they can experience the joy of giving they need to find God’s order in matters of finance management, spending habits, and budgeting. It might help to have a family discussion on spending with a family who has overcome such dilemma. Giving is an act of worship. Worship involves giving honor and thanks to God. One must first give him/herself to the Lord, and then give his/her resources to help with the worship service. There is no better example than a testimony given by a ten year old child who is a rising fifth grader. Cara Croom is an acolyte, sings in the children’s choir, serves in the fellowship hall and is always looking for things she can do to help. She smiles as she works and focuses on others, not herself. When asked about the joy and happiness from serving others, this is her reply: Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matt. 19:14. NIV. Clark Memorial is not a large church; Clark Memorial is not a small church. Clark Memorial is large enough and is small enough church for everyone to have a seat at the table of fellowship and learning. Thus, we bear each others burden; we are sensitive to the struggles of ones around us, and we are just friends. There is joy in giving and receiving. Stewardship ministry in congregations like Clark is relational and enjoyable; practicable and pragmatic. Programs meet real identified needs. When a need arises, Clark members respond. There is real joy in giving because the leadership focuses on wise use of time, talent, and money around specific things the congregation can do. Our pastor preaches strong stewardship theology. The ministry is not only practical it has a biblical grounding.
June Lectionary Scriptures (Season after Easter/Pentecost) June 1 John 17:1-11 Acts 1:6-14 Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11
June 8-Pentecost Sunday Acts 2:1-21 Psalm 104:24-34, 35b John 20:19-23 or John 7:37-39
June 15 Genesis 1:1-2;4a Psalm 8 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 Matthew 28:16-20
June 29 Matthew 10:40-42 Genesis 22:1-14 Psalm 13 Romans 6:12-23
June 22 Matthew 10:24-39 Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 Romans 6:1b-11 Genesis 21:8-21
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Community Concerns By Matthew Walker, Jr. The Tennessee Supreme Court’s Access to Justice Commission has formed The Tennessee Faith and Justice Alliance (TFJA) which is a faith-based initiative to engage lawyers within their place of worship to reach more people in need of information about legal services. It will support and encourage faith-based groups in Tennessee who commit to providing legal resources to their congregations and communities. This is one of the first programs of its kind in the country created to align needs seen at the local church level with possible legal resources that are nearby, perhaps even within the same congregation. Members of the Tennessee Conference of the United Methodist Church, church leaders and volunteer attorneys gathered last January to learn more about the program, assign attorneys to congregations, and receive training on how the program works. This action initiated the pilot project. The United Methodist Church’s TFJA project is designed to pair an attorney with a place of worship. When a leader or clergy member of that congregation learns of a member’s legal need, that leader can then refer the person to the local attorney who has volunteered to serve as a resource to that congregation. That attorney in turn will provide the legal advice needed, or make connections with other resources that can provide the necessary services. The TJFA is a project of the Access to Justice Commission and was formed in 2012. The Access to Justice Commission is tasked with making recommendations to the Supreme Court of projects and programs necessary for enhancing access to justice. For more information, or if you are interested in developing a similar program in your faith-community, contact Christiana Magrans Pro Bono Coordinator at the Administrative Office of the Courts, Christiana
[email protected] 615-741-2687 ext. 1414.
The Class of 2014 Congratulations to The Class of 2014 Kimberly Isabell Jones – Trevecca Nazarene University James Croom – Head Middle Magnet School Cara Croom – Julia Green Elementary Quaylen Gipson – Springhill High School Brandon Gipson – Springhill High School Ka’Tya Brewer – Springhill Hill Middle School Zoe Christine Jones – Lighthouse Christian Zachary Aaron Jones – Nashville School of the Arts Erric (E.J.) Fox, Jr. – Aaron Academy Stephen B. Reed, Jr. – Nashville School of the Arts Dianne Carter Brown – Trevecca Nazarene University Christian Badgett – Apollo Middle Teyana D. Crump – Purpose Preparatory Academ
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June Birthdays
Feed my Sheep By Kaye Chavis Hunger is a reality for hundreds of thousands of Tennesseans. Many individuals and families do not know where their next meal will come from or if they will have any food on any given day. Did you know that 1 in 6 Americans and 1 in 4 children are at risk of hunger? Thirty percent of Second Harvest Food Bank (SHFB) clients must choose between food and paying for rent, utilities, and medical bills (SHFB, 2013). “AfricanAmericans are disproportionately affected by poverty, food insecurity, and unemployment. They are also more likely to receive emergency food assistance than their Latino and white, non-Hispanic peers” (Hunger Facts, 2014). Well, help is on the way for the Clark Memorial United Methodist Church (UMC) community. Clark Memorial (UMC), Katherine’s Pantry (KP) ministry has partnered with SHFB and will begin distribution of prepackaged food boxes for individuals and families that are needy, elderly, and to children who are in need of food and live in and around the Andrew Jackson Housing Development Apartments and Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Care Center community. Beginning June 17th and each third Tuesday of the month thereafter, Katherine’s Pantry will be open from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. in the Learning Center. Eligibility will be determined at that time. In each KP food box will be a flyer about Tennessee’s community services help line, 2-1-1. The referral services include but are not limited to utility and rent/mortgage assistance, job finding assistance, and substance abuse services. (John 21:17) He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. (Matthew 25:35) For I was hungry, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink. I was a stranger, and ye took me in. As Christians we must remember that Jesus was homeless and hungry yet Almighty God gave us a glimpse of heaven by showing believers that we should help and minister to one another as lead by the example of our blessed Lord the Christ. Volunteers are needed to help with food pick-up, prepackaging, and distribution. Please contact the church office at 615-329-4464 for more information. Sources: Feeding America.(2014). Hunger facts. Retrieved from http://feedingamerica.org/hunger -in-america/hunger-facts.aspx? http://biblehub.com/john/21-17.htm http://biblehub.com/matthew/25-35.htm Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee Partnership Manual, 2013.
Bible Trivia June Bible Explorer: What was God’s promise to Abraham when he obeyed the command to sacrifice Isaac? May Bible Explorer: For what was Stephen put to death? What method was used? (He was accused of blasphemy and was stoned to death.)
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Walker, Matthew Jr. Lee, Althea Johnson, Andrea Heath, Curtis Morton, Willa Roberts, Esque Wallace, Ludye Fielder, Fred Jr. Badgett, Tiffaney Foreman, Umeka Hall, Rebecca Lytle Dobbins, Gwendolyn Barrie, Don Dowell, Deloris Drake, Bria Mauri'Anne Talbert, Melvin Atchison, II, Calvin Fielder, Fred Sr. Breaux, George Dowell, Ta'Kensnia J'Naye Hildreth, James II Johnson, Lucius Kirk, Melvin Walls, Robert Jr. Alexander, John B. Pride, II, Welton Woodard, Janice Cowley, Orrin A. Sr. Douglas, William Morgan, Christine Nicole Burge, Marcel Chavis, Paula Flowers, Walter Howard, Jerry
The Connection Clark Memorial United Methodist Church 1014-14th Avenue North Nashville, TN 37208-3099 Pastoral Team Rev. Dr. Kennard Murray, Senior Pastor Rev. Richard Stewart, Pastoral Care Rev. Elizabeth Williams, Associate Pastor Support Team Marilyn Magee Talbert, Spiritual Formation Coordinator George A. Breaux, Worship Coordinator Rebecca Lytle Hall, Lay Leader Office Administrative Team Janice M. Johnson, Administrative and Pastor’s Assistant Edna McDaniel, Church Secretary Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
June Calendar of Events
Non Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Nashville, TN PERMIT # 1765
Deadline for Next Submission to “THE CONNECTION” Sunday, June 15, 2014
Our Prayer List
Mr. Paul M. Adams 02 Church Council w/Bible Study - 5:30 pm Mrs. Willorene Alexander 05 Health, Welfare & Preventive Ministry - 5:30 pm Mrs. Annie Anthony 07 Community Health Fair w/Clothing Giveaway Mr. Bobbie Barksdale Andrew Jackson Courts - 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 pm Dr. & Mrs. James Brown, Sr. 08 2014 Graduate's Day Recognition Mr. Timothy Carroll 10 Stewardship - 4:30 pm Mrs. Sarah Chavis 14 Good Samaritans - 9:00 am Mrs. Thelma Clanton 14 VBS Team Meeting - 11:00 am Mrs. Helen Coleman 15 Father's Day Mr. Maurico Croom 16 Committee on Finance - 5:30 pm Mr. Julius Crump 19 Board of Trustees - 6:00 pm Mr. Stanley Crump 22 Men's Day Celebration - 8:00 am & 10:45 am Ms. Janice Davis 23 Staff Parish Relations Committee - 5:30 pm Mrs. Barbara Douglas 28 UMW Leadership Team - 9:00 am Mrs. Lena Pearl Farrell 24 UMW General Meeting -10:00 am Mrs. Elizabeth Frierson 24 UMM General Meeting - 10:00 am Mr. Larry Golden 29 Ministry Fair - 12:30 pm Dr. Edward Graves 29 Nashville OIC Commencement - 5:00 pm Mrs. Edna Griffin Mrs. Ruth Handy 03, 10, 17, 24 Liturgical Dancers-4:30 pm Dr. James Ladson 03, 10, 17, 24 Prayer Support-5:00 pm Mrs. Michele Lee 04, 11, 18, 25 Morning Manna/Communion & Prayer Worship Service - 7:00 am Ms. Geraldine Lloyd Mid-Day Meditation & Communion Worship Service - 12:00 noon Mrs. Elizabeth Lowe Basic Beginners Bible Study - 6:00 pm Mrs. Martha Roberts Mr. Derrick McDaniel Mrs. Susie McClure Choir Rehearsals Mr. Donnie Morton Agape Singers-Thursdays- 6:30 pm Hand Bells- Saturdays- 10:00 am Mr. Talmar Parham Imani Choir- Saturdays- 2:00 pm Sanctuary Choir- Wednesdays- 7:00 pm Mrs. Linda Parker Clark Male Ensemble-Wednesdays- 6:00 pm Youth Choir- Saturdays- 11:30 am Mr. Lee Pennington Mr. Ralph Perkins Choir Rehearsal dates and times subject to change Mr. David Pruitt Mrs. Ann Redd Mrs. Elizabeth Payton Rollins Mrs. Tiffinea Reid-Breaux Mr. Edward Sadler The Clark Family extends sympathy to Sam (Gayle) Houston in the loss of his cousin, Mrs. Marjorie Saxton Marilyn (Bishop Melvin) Talbert in the loss of her brother, and James Roberts in the loss Mr. Robert Schow of his mother, Cleota Roberts-Mallard. Ms. Dorinda Sheffield Mr. Arthur Tidwell *Mrs. Margaret Tucker-Gray Mr. Raymond Wensahter “To ensure announcements are publicized for the bulletin and the projection screen on Mr. James White Sunday, please submit them by 12:00 noon on Wednesday to the church office. It will be at Mrs. Rosalyn Yette the discretion of the church office to make revisions to the announcements.” *Nursing home/Assisted Living