R. Fred Zuker

Zuker Named President of Lambuth University

Dr. R. Fred Zuker was elected the 7th President of Lambuth University. He will take office in June.  Harbert L. Alexander, chair of the university’s Board of Trustees and co-chair of the search committee, made the announcement following a unanimous vote of the board. 

“We are extremely fortunate to have Dr. Zuker coming to Lambuth,” said Alexander. “Dr. Zuker is immensely respected and known as a successful educational leader. He was selected from more than 75 applications and nominations... He is a strong advocate for academic excellence and an outstanding leader who looks forward to working with all constituencies to nurture the growth of the institution.” 

Dr. Zuker’s career in higher education has encompassed a wide range of experiences from admissions and financial aid to advancement and alumni relations. He has been the leading spokesperson for five institutions–most recently as Vice-President and Dean of Alumni and Student Services for the University of Dallas. He received his A.B degree, his M.Ed. in guidance and counseling, and his Ph.D. in counseling psychology from Duke University.

His focus in the practice and teaching of psychology has concentrated on better understanding student families as they go through the transition from high school to college.

Saint Luke’s UMW to celebrate Seuss Birthday

It’s Dr. Seuss’ 100th birthday anniversary, and the Poplar Pike Playhouse is bringing his timeless tales to the stage with the Memphis and Mid-South area debut of Seussical the Musical.  On May 13, 7:00 P.M.., at the Poplar Pike Playhouse, Germantown High School,  St.  Luke’s United Methodist Women will sponsor a mission project performance. All proceeds will go to missions and everyone is invited. Tickets are $20.00. A reception will be held at Intermission. Call Saint Luke’s UMC (901) 452-6262 for ticket information. 

Positions available

•Administrative/Financial Secretary: Aldersgate UMC, Memphis. – Will maintain church financial records, receive and disburse church funds. Must have experience and working knowledge of accounting skills necessary for payroll and banking as well as excellent computer skills. Responsible for clerical needs; i.e. weekly newsletter, weekly bulletin, correspondence, filing. Experience with Shelby Systems preferred. Excellent interpersonal skills required. 32.5 hours per week. Salary commensurate with experience and education. Submit resumes to SPR Committee, Aldersgate UMC, 4459 Willow Rd., Memphis, TN 38117

Bethlehem UMC benefit set May 1 at Crump Center

On Saturday, May 1, Bethlehem United Methodist Church is hosting a benefit at the Crump Community Center. The activities, which include a yard sale, bake sale, silent auction and food, begin at 11 A.M... Bill Morris and The Gospelaires, Maxine Phillips and The Doodads, B. B. Young and The Canaan Land Boys, David Wilkerson and Thank God for Kids will entertain.

Jammin’ on the Corner

East Trinity UMC (corner of Paul Coffman and Mifflin Road, Jackson) is staging ‘Jammin’ on the Corner’ which features Key Notes Bluegrass Band on May 14, 7-9 P.M. Bring your lawn chair.

Knitting with prayer at Scenic Hills

Knitters pray for healing over every stitch of prayer shawls

 

By Cathy Farmer 

Annette Cole will never wash the prayer shawl knitted for her by the women of Scenic Hills United Methodist Church.

“It has a fragrance that means so much to me,” explained the long-time church organist, cradling it in her arms. “They knitted it during the winter, passing it from one to the other during worship services. The mingled fragrance of their hand lotion is still in it.”

A wonderful smell isn’t the only thing knitted into the lovely purple and aqua prayer shawl. With every click of the needles, the women of Scenic Hills prayed for healing, prayed for God to wrap Annette in His love.

“I have lung cancer,” Mrs. Cole said quietly. “I found out last May.”

She was forced to take a leave of absence last December after 28 years as church organist when a combination of radiation and chemotherapy left her feeling extremely fatigued. It was a long, scary winter.

“Then, in February, on a cold night, Becky Halvorson, a member of the church, came to my house,” she said. “She was carrying the shawl and a note. The note said the shawl was hand knit especially for me with great love and faithful prayer. Blessings and peace, joy and healing to you, it said. And they all signed it.”

After Becky left, Annette quickly slipped off her housecoat and wrapped the warm, fragrant shawl around her shoulders.

“I had such a sense of comfort, warmth and peace,” she said. Then she opened her Upper Room and began her nightly devotional.

“Even though we’re out of winter and it’s warm now, I still like to put the shawl around my shoulders as I pray. I feel surrounded by their prayers and I know I am,” Annette said.

 Knitting as spiritual formation

Renee Dillard, one of the Scenic Hills knitters who also works for Methodist Hospice in Memphis, first learned about knitting prayer shawls for people who are healing or grieving from Susan Herron, the wife of one of the hospice chaplains.

“Susan came to Hospice and taught some of our staff and volunteers to knit,” Renee said. “We began knitting for our patients. Knitting with prayer becomes an exercise in spiritual formation – a blessing to both the knitter and the receiver.”

The excitement of the hospice workers over the prayer ministry spread to Scenic Hills United Methodist Church.

Renee said Mrs. Herron came to the church, shared her story, and taught the women to knit.

“We’re channeling our knitting through our United Methodist Women’s group, although we’ve invited the men to participate as well, and one has!” she said.

 Prayer works

Renee says the ministry is still evolving but the group has already knitted and given several prayer shawls to members and relatives of the congregation.

“Prayer works,” she stated positively. “Knowing that people are in prayer for you is healing. The prayer shawls allow a person to be wrapped in that prayer, to know they have been prayed for one row, one stitch, at a time. That is powerful.”

One of the very first shawls knitted by the Scenic Hills women was delivered to Mary Elizabeth Parker. Mrs. Parker, also a member of the church, discovered that she had lung cancer over two years ago.

“I was so pleased, so very pleased when they brought me the shawl,” she said. “I use it quite frequently and I’m getting better and better.”

Mrs. Parker said the mass in her lung was discovered during a chest x-ray taken to prepare for surgery on her spine.

“I’m clear of cancer now,” she said, “but I still use my prayer shawl. When I have a flare-up of arthritis, I get it out and put it around me. It’s such a comfort to me.

“It’s not so much the shawl, though,” she explained. “It’s what’s behind it: the love, thoughts, and prayers of all the people in my church.”

 A new way to reach out to the people you love

Mrs. Dillard says the knitting ministry is a new way of viewing prayer and of reaching out to the people you love.

Annette Cole agrees.

“The March 8 devotional in the Upper Room was about a woman from Spain who does ironing for people,” Mrs. Cole said. “As she irons, she prays for them. She said she believes it’s a wonderful way to wrap people in love, God’s love.

“How perfect that devotional felt to me as I sat wrapped in the prayer shawl knitted for me with love by the women of Scenic Hills.”

 For more information about the Prayer Shawl Ministry, contact Mrs. Dillard during the day at (901) 380-8177.