The United Methodist Reporter

Volume 152 Number 39

Reporter.Memphis-UMC.org

January 27, 2006

Briefly…

cutline: Joe Ranager

Chaplain of the Year at Methodist Le Bonheur

The United Methodist Association of Health & Welfare Ministries (UMA), a national network of United Methodist related organizations, has named Chaplain Joseph Ranager, lead chaplain, department of pastoral care for Methodist Le Bonheur Germantown Hospital, as chaplain of the year.

Recipients of this award are selected based on an outstanding sense of Christian ministry by demonstrating leadership within the appointed organization, the local church, and at local, state, regional and national levels of professional associations and societies. Recognition of Ranager’s achievements will take place March 18 in St. Louis.

Crypt in Memorial Park Mausoleum for sale

Deluxe Companion Crypt (two spaces), includes interment fees and inscription fees. Located in Memorial Park Mausoleum, Memphis, near front door, spaces 17 & 18. Current market value is $13,574. Will accept offers. United Methodist Neighborhood Centers of Memphis, Inc. Call for more information, 901-323-4993, ext. 222.

Positions Available

• Part time Director of Audio Services, St Paul UMC, Lakeland, TN. Varied work schedule, to include contemporary and traditional worship services on Sunday mornings; Thursday evening rehearsals and other times as required. Qualifications: applicants should have a strong Christian faith; a minimum of five years’ experience with Audio Engineering required. Responsibilities include all aspects of St. Paul’s audio ministries, including planning, staffing and training of volunteers; operations; and budget preparation/management. Compensation package negotiable based on experience. Send resumes to St. Paul United Methodist Church, Attention: Michael Cain, Chair, Staff/Parish Relations Committee, 2949 Davies Plantation Road, Lakeland TN 38002-8215, or by e-mail to schamness@stpaul-lakeland.org. For further information, contact the church at 901-387-0007. Deadline for resume is February 17, 2006.

• Full time Youth Director, St Paul UMC, Lakeland, TN. 750-member church in fast-growing suburb of Memphis needs a Youth Director for vibrant and growing youth ministry. The successful candidate will be responsible for all Junior High and Senior High programming, including Sunday mornings and evenings, Wed. night programs and more. Qualifications: applicants should have strong Christian faith; education related to youth ministry, or equivalent experience (3+ years) required. Competitive salary and benefits available. For contact information, see above. Deadline for resume is February 17, 2006.

Wesley School to relocate

The Wesley School, a school for special needs children housed at Crossroads UMC, is investigating relocation. The school works with children who have various learning disabilities, auditory processing disorders and language based learning difficulties. If you know of an available building, please email Kim Winstead at KPWIN1@aol.com.

The horse has changed... what about the message?

Bishop Dick Wills, a modern day circuit rider, sits on his Harley outside the R. E. Womack Chapel at Lambuth University.

By Rick Schmidt

Director, Lambuth University Relations

_In September, the Memphis Conference celebrated Lambuth Day. It was a reaffirmation of the long and close association between the United Methodist Church and the University since 1843.

All told, more than 100 United Methodist churches participated along with Lambuth faculty, staff, and students who went forth to join with these congregations in celebration.

It was a day to remember and appreciate the past, and one of abiding faith in and hope for the future. In these uncertain times, it is reassuring to know that a United Methodist-affiliated faith-based institution still exists to nurture students and prepare them not just for life, but for a life of service. To that end, Lambuth remains committed to the Memphis Conference that has helped share in its mission.

What follows is a closer look at our historic connection to the United Methodist Church from the point of view of Bishop Richard J. Wills.

In December 1784, the famous Christmas Conference of preachers was held in Baltimore at Lovely Lane Chapel to chart the future course of the movement in America. It was at this gathering that the movement became organized as The Methodist Episcopal Church in America.

Even with the establishment of churches, the circuit rider continued to be an important person. In the early church, circuit riders covered a wide territory on horseback and made many pastoral visits. Methodist circuit riders met with people on the edge of a forest, in a shanty or in local homes — wherever the message could be spread. They were saddlebag preachers.

Lest you think circuit riders are a thing of the past, you need to meet Bishop Richard J. Wills. His life is one of traveling, tending to his flock — in this case, the pastors and churches of The Memphis and Tennessee Conferences.

He came to this Conference spirit led, but by his own admission, unaware of what lay before him. He describes what he does as interesting work dealing with an incredibly multi-faceted job. We caught up with him on one of his many “saddlebag” trips to Jackson and the Lambuth campus.

Wills’ views on Lambuth and Memphis Conference

“This summer, I presided over the Memphis Annual Conference and saw the show of hands of those who had attended Lambuth. It was a sea of hands that rose in the crowd. But I was not totally surprised about the large percentage of Lambuth graduates, because you see, Lambuth is not new to me. I taught in the Schools of Christian Mission which were given at Lambuth, so I have been on campus before, and already knew the value of Lambuth to the Memphis Conference.

“In the short time I have been here, I have already seen the close connection of Lambuth to the United Methodist Church. Lambuth nurtures people called into the ministry, and because of that, is an essential part of the ministry of the Memphis Conference and the United Methodist Church. I know the Memphis Conference has a big investment in, as well as concern and care for Lambuth. I think everyone in the Memphis Conference wants Lambuth to succeed.

“Lambuth provides a faith-based framework where students can enter into a real quest for special knowledge in their college education and do it in the context of a Christian atmosphere. It is a wonderful place, a safe place, and a place to get an outstanding education within a Christian atmosphere.”

Wills’ view of the future for connection between Lambuth and the United Methodist Church

“I hope the Memphis Conference continues to invest in higher education, hope to plant a lot of new churches, and hope that the churches that are struggling become healthy and growing,” he said.

“To do that, the church has to put a priority on young people and children. In any church, the allocation of resources signifies what is important to that church. Unless we are willing to put resources into the development of children and a strong youth ministry, I’m afraid we won’t do well with this younger generation. This applies to all churches in the Conference.

Lambuth does a good job in the churches ... hosting events on the campus ... and Lambuth has a wonderful opportunity to attract young people with its Christian atmosphere. It is a wonderful multi-faceted university, with collegiate sports, great academics, and a strong faith-based foundation. I just think it’s got a lot going for it.

My goal is to see an even closer relationship between Lambuth and the Memphis Conference than exists today ... and it is close today. A lot of that has to do with President Zuker. He’s extremely passionate about the school’s connection to the United Methodist Church, and that is a very big factor in our working together to reach young people and provide them with a good education.”

Oh, and the motorcycle?

“I’ve always loved them and have had several over my lifetime. It’s one of the great pleasures of my life to hit the open road on my Harley.” •

RRM Toy Store & Food Drive a success

‘I am a grandmother with the responsibility of raising 2 children on my own. Without the help of the toy store at Reelfoot Rural Ministries, their Christmas would be bleak.’ — Mary

Packing food boxes at Reelfoot Rural Ministries.

Setting up the Toy Store was a labor of love for the many volunteers.

By Michael Blake

Executive Director, RRM

_An outpouring of love during the Advent season of 2005 stocked shelves at Reelfoot Rural Ministries with urgently needed food for hungry families in Northwest Tennessee and Southwestern Kentucky. That same love also delivered truckloads of toys to the RRM Toy Store for children who would otherwise have found nothing under their Christmas trees.

Annually, Reelfoot Rural Ministries promotes the Toy Store and Food Drive throughout the Memphis Conference. Individuals, organizations and churches respond faithfully every year.

During the Advent season of 2005, when the need increased, somehow through the Spirit of God, people found ways to increase their stewardship of care. Hands and hearts reached out with volunteer help, in-kind gifts and financial support.

During the Food Drive, 19,756 pounds of food were received. The schools in the area doubled that amount. Since the need for food increased by 30% last year, this outpouring of love was a welcome sight. Recently, one United Methodist Church working with the Hunters for the Hungry Program gave eight processed deer (all in one pound packages) for distribution.

The Toy Store was equally well supplied. By the first week of December, over 9,000 toys were bought, and money for toys was sent. On the fourth day of the Toy Store, $1700 worth of toys were bought to supply the growing needs. We even added an extra day for shoppers.

Christmas Toy Store 2005 permitted 1,873 children to find toys selected by their parents or guardians under their Christmas trees. Of that number, 152 were teenagers.

From over 150 written comments we received, here are four:

“I am a grandmother with the responsibility of raising 2 children on my own. Without the help of the toy store at Reelfoot Rural Ministries, their Christmas would be bleak.” — Mary

“I am a single parent and raising 3 children. I don’t expect handouts, but everything is a big help. I work hard to raise my kids.” — Janice

“My husband and I are having a tuff time at this point in our lives. In 2003, I lost my firstborn due to an accident. Now we are blessed with a baby girl. Also, in 2003, my husband was diagnosed with MS, and I am the only one able to work. Too, our girl has a heart condition, and we have to go to St. Jude to have her heart checked.” — Alice

“The Toy Store means a lot to me. I’d like to say thank you for making Christmas an enjoyable holiday. Thank you and God bless you all.” — Judy

These four expressions are typical and say far more than any statistics ever could. Hearts have been touched, and God, through you, has made it happen at Reelfoot. •

Trinity UMC youth raise $1900 for disaster relief

Trinity youth sponsored a Tango Fiesta to raise money to help alleviate the suffering caused in Central America by the hurricanes and tropical storms of 2005.

Ramsey (right) and Tangophilia’s Georgeta Vaidean.

By Lee Forbes-Belue

_The youth group of Trinity United Methodist Church in Memphis hosted Tango Fiesta on January 14 to raise money for natural disaster relief in Central America.

The event, which featured tango lessons by Tangophilia of Memphis, and Latin-American fare, raised $1,900 that will be donated for relief and long-term recovery in Central America through the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR).

“We wanted to do something to help those in the Central American region who were devastated by the hurricanes and tropical storms of 2005,” said Trinity youth member and Tango Fiesta coordinator Shelley Ramsey.

“Raising money was our main goal, but we also wanted people to have fun, and Tango Fiesta was a perfect fit,” she said.

With the support of Conference Youth Coordinator Deborah Suddarth, Trinity staff, and District Superintendents John Holt and Sharon Lewis-Karamoko, Ramsey, a junior at White Station High School, got word to area schools, other United Methodist youth groups (including St. John’s, Colonial Park, Mullins, and Galloway UMC), and the Evergreen neighborhood regarding the event. She and her fellow youth were thrilled when about 150 willing “tango-ers” arrived.

“I’m so excited,” stated Ramsey, “to see that this many youth and adults are willing to come out and support this important cause for our Central American neighbors.”

In addition to their charitable contribution to Central America by way of UMCOR, the youth of Trinity United Methodist Church are involved in several humanitarian and outreach causes including a yearly mission trip, food and clothing drives and “adopting” Memphis area children and families in need. •

More information is available by calling the church office at (901) 274-6895 or visiting trinotes.net

UMVIM training set for May 5-7 in Lineville, Alabama

By Daphne Moses

_United Methodist Volunteers in Mission Training is scheduled for May 5-7 in Lineville, Ala.

Join us at the SIFAT Campus (Servants in Faith and Technology) in Lineville for a weekend of training for team leaders and team members as well as Individual Volunteers. Training will be led by the staff and experienced leaders of United Methodist Volunteers in Mission, Southeastern Jurisdiction.

Individual Volunteers will receive invaluable information about effective and meaningful medium-term mission service, as well as placement assistance.

Team Leaders/members will receive a wealth of information on preparing an UMVIM team for service, including such topics as effective project selection, cultural sensitivity for teams, logistics, and finance.

It will be a joyful weekend of fellowship and learning on the beautiful SIFAT campus. This event always proves to be one of the highlights of the year, as spirits are lifted and hearts inspired to more effective service to Christ and His church.

The cost is $140 which includes room and board, instruction and materials.

Here is a direct link to the registration form: http://www.mollyguard.com/event/21830295 •

Graffiti Playground wins grant

_Graffiti Playground, a dance, drama, arts, music education and performance program housed at Galloway United Methodist Church in Memphis, was recently granted $6,000 by The Shared Mission Focus on Young People. Money for the grant comes from the World Service Fund.

The purpose of the grants is to fund dynamic, creative ministries with young people. Graffiti Playground, self-described as a program “to give young people with talent a haven where they can perfect their craft... Providing a family-like atmosphere, we will support gifted and talented children, teens and young adults in all their pursuits in a place where they are safe, nurtured, appreciate and loved.”

Included among the programs receiving grants for 2006 are:

• 1ForGud, Abo, Finland;

• Bishop’s Young Adult Initiative, Colorado;

• Camp: A Time for Recovery & Renewal, Monrovia, Liberia;

• Engaging Future Religious Leaders, Illinois;

• Ilocos S. District Christian Youth Dev., Ilocus Sur, Philippines; and

• Kirch im Container, Berlin, Germany.

Applications for grants are due July 1. Contact, (877) 899-2780, Ext. 7184. •