INSPIRE 1.26.17

Inspire Newsletter of the Central United Methodist Church

January 26, 2017 What Are You Thirsty For?

Central Lights “Everyone who drinks from this water will be thirsty again. But those who drink of
the water I will give them, will never be thirsty.” - Jesus of Nazareth
The February Central Lights program will fea-
ture guest speaker, Frank Graffeo. Frank is the What are the influences that shape our lives? What shapes our personalities and
executive director of The Joy of Music School. forms our hopes and dreams?
Central Lights will meet Tuesday, February, 7 at
10:30 am. Lunch will follow the program ($6). I’m guessing, for most of us, our primary influences are our families. Our values and
All senior and retired members and friends are beliefs begin to be shaped early on. It is when we first hear about God (or not) and
invited to attend. Visitors are always welcome. when we are likely first exposed to political and social ideology. Those influences
shape much of who we will be as we mature.
Young Professionals
However, as baptized followers of Jesus, As we mature in our
This new class is now meeting weekly on Sun- the question before us is how is HE faith, it is this water
days at 9:30 am in the Parlor on the 2nd floor. shaping my life? What values does Jesus
Their current study is “Half Truths: God Helps espouse in the scripture, and what does that gives us life
Those who Help Themselves and Other Things that say about our lives?
the Bible Doesn’t Say” by Adam Hamilton. For
further information see Katie Comen or email More than our earlier influences, more
Amanda Lay at [email protected]. than political ideology, the life and
teachings of Jesus (including his sacrificial love) must be what forms and shapes us.
Beaumont Bags When talking to the woman at the well, Jesus says, “Everyone who drinks this water
(from Jacob’s well) will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks from the water I will
We are looking for volunteers to go to Beau- give them, will never be thirsty.” (John 4:13-14)
mont Elementary School on Thursday morn-
ings at 10:00 am to stuff provided food in bags As we mature in our faith, it is this water that gives us life — this water that comes
for children who deal with food insecurities from the Jesus we follow and who shapes our lives.
over the weekend. Can you volunteer to help
stuff bags once a month? Please see the sign Even more than what our parents taught us (though what they teach us is valu-
up sheet in hallway or call the church office. able), even more than what culture or politicians suggest, it is the life of Jesus that
guides us — shapes us and forms us.
Central HUB
Like it or not, that will (or should, at least) affect how we look at the world. It should
We send out a weekly e-newsletter via email affect how we LIVE in this world. Following Jesus isn’t about one issue, either. It
to keep people up to date on important news, isn’t about a specific platform — following Jesus is about learning to love God and
reminders, and calendar events. If you would love neighbor — and letting THAT affect what we think, how we live, how we treat
like to be added to the weekly e-news list, others, how we show mercy, and how we pursue justice.
please contact the church office at 865-524-
1659 or [email protected] I challenge us all to give the words of Jesus a read
again. Then, let’s ask ourselves; Is his living water living
Church Directory in me? Or could it be that I’m drinking from my own
well?
Our church directory can be found online
and your mobile device using Instant Church What are you thirsty for?
Directory app. You can access the directory
by your email as it’s listed in our directory. Pastor Jimmy
Please let Kathy Gant, [email protected], know if
you need assistance. The digital directory is
kept up to date with changes, so if you have
a change of address, email, or phone please
let us know. If you need an updated printed
version please let the church office know.

Inspire • January 26, 2017 • Page 2

Ministry Spotlight

Beaumont Bags - Central has been given The Concerts and Lunch series offers a
another opportunity to serve! We are musical concert at 12:05 pm followed by
looking for volunteers to go to Beaumont lunch for $6/person.
Elementary School on Thursday mornings
at 10:00 am to stuff provided food in bags Monday, February 13, 12:05 p.m.
for children who deal with food insecurities Vocal Recital: Soprano Linda Williams
over the weekend. Can you volunteer to help stuff bags once a Accompanied by Pianist, Richard Sidey
month? Please see the sign up sheet in hallway or call the church
office. ‡ Monday, February 20, 12:05 p.m.
Black Oak Brass Quintet ‡
Do you use the church credit card, ask for
reimbursement, make in-kind donations, Fourth Presbyterian, continuing its anti-rac-
or request a church check for approved ism series from the Fall, hosts “Social Justice
purchases? If so, there is now a documen- for the Soul” in commemoration of Black
tation form that will need to be filled out History Month. Held on Wednesdays from
for each transaction. The purpose of this 6-8 pm during the month of February. All
form is to ensure the office has appropri- are invited. No need to have attended the
ate documentation for financial transac- conversations in the fall to participate.
tions, to identify the appropriate budget
area to be charged, and to request reimbursement or a church We would like to thank everyone for the
check when checks are next written. Blank forms will be in the prayers, calls, cards and concerns during
church office, and completed forms returned there. Receipts for Carroll’s recent health concern.  We are
purchases should be attached to the completed form. ‡ glad to have Central as our church family.
  – Lucy and Carroll Varnell
Camp Wesley Woods Booklets are now
available in the church office.  It’s time to My heartfelt thanks to Central UMC for their love, prayers and sup-
start thinking about summer camp!
You can also check out their website at port during Jack’s illness. For Jimmy’ s pastoral care and for all the
www.campwesleywoods.com  ‡
calls, cards and food. For all those who participated in his service

and the many who attended. It is comforting to have a very caring

church.  - Nancy Brown  ‡

Youth at Resurrection 2017

16 Youth & 4 Adults from
Cetral UMC traveled to
Resurrection, a Youth
Conference in Pigeon
Forge, TN - January 20-22

Inspire • January 26, 2017 • Page 3

Lunch and Learn: Celebrating Our Past, Continuing the Journey

As we near our 90th anniversary celebration on March 26, it is good to gather together and celebrate what God has been
up to in and through Central. You’re invited to attend Lunch and Learn: Celebrating Our Past, Continuing the Journey
on February 26, right after worship. We’ll celebrate what we’ve been able to accomplish over the past few years through
Phase I of our master plan, and look ahead to Phase II and where we feel God might be leading us. This will be a helpful
refresher for those who have been at Central at least four years, and a good way for people who are newer to learn about
what has taken place over the past five to six years. As we get closer, we’ll have RSVP forms so that we can plan according-
ly. If you know you are planning to attend, go ahead and let the office know. There is NO cost, and child care will be provid-
ed. Lunch and presentation will be no more than an hour and fifteen minutes.

WOW Dinner Group

The Central WOWs women’s dinner group (Women of Worship) is open to all women who’d enjoy a casual night out with
friends, and want to get better acquainted with others in the Central UMC community.  Just dinner-no program, no cooking! 

 
SAVE THE DATES!  
Central UMC WOWs 2017
4th Thursday of every month -  6 p.m. 

 
·  Thursday, February 23 - A Dopo Pizzeria (new restaurant  owned by former Central Choir soloist Jessica Strutz and hubby Brian near Central UMC)

·  Thursday, March 23 -  TBA ·  Thursday, April 27 - TBA ·  Thursday, May 25 - TBA ·  Thursday, June 22- TBA 

Please email Sue Renfro at [email protected]  for more information, and especially to RSVP.
Hope to see you then!  (Please feel free to invite others, but please include them in your reservation.)

Mark Your Calendar !

Thursday, February 23 Sunday, April 16 – 10:45 am Worship
Fulton Community Parnters Luncheon Easter Sunday

Sunday, February 26 - 12:00 noon Sunday, April 23 – 10:45 am Worship
Lunch & Learn: Easter Cantata

Celebrating Our Past, Continuing the Journey Sunday, April 23 – 10:45 am Worship
4th & Gill Home Tour
Wednesday, March 1 Thursday, April 13
Ash Wednesday Service Maundy Thursday Service Monday, May 8
Fulton Baccalaureate
Sunday, March 26 – 10:45 am Worship Saturday, April 15
90th Anniversary Celebration Bunny Breakfast Saturday, May 13
UMW Flea Market

INSPIRE (usps 097-740) is published monthly by Per. Post. Pd.
Central United Methodist Church, 201 3rd Ave.,
Knoxville TN 37917-7286.

Periodicals postage paid at Knoxville TN 37950

Address Service Requested.
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Knoxville TN 37917-7286

Our Vision: Making Christ known by extending hospitality, serving the community, and embracing all.

Central Scrapbook Our Staff

MLK March Rev. Jimmy Sherrod
on
Pastor
Monday, January 16 865-805-5373
[email protected]
Altar Arrangments for
“The Faith We Sing” Sermon Series Ashley Garren

Administrative Assistant
[email protected]

John Lansford

Director of Children & Youth
[email protected]

Lauren Gangaware

Children’s Ministry Assistant
[email protected]

George Hayden

Music Director
[email protected]

Charles Parham

Organist and Security
[email protected]

Carolyn Cottrell

Pianist
[email protected]

Perry Starkey

Food Services
[email protected]

Jeff Criswell

Custodian
[email protected]

Doug Johnson

Facilities Manager
[email protected]