For decades, Asian and Asian American brothers and sisters in the faith have richly blessed Christ Church through ministry and fellowship together. Our ministry across the street and around the world has led to many moments of rejoicing together (Romans 12:15). 

We have hosted the Memphis Chinese Evangelical Church for their services and Bible Studies for years. We have had joyful services together in worship, locked arms together on the mission field at Cup of Nations and shared meals together in Wilson-Ross. 

We have taken numerous trips overseas to serve with our Global Partners as they demonstrated their hearts to reach their nation with the Gospel. We have learned and profited greatly from their teaching, and have been encouraged to participate in their efforts for evangelism in our city and around the world. 

Yes, we have been richly blessed and have had many reasons to rejoice together.

As that verse in Romans 12 calls us to rejoice with those who rejoice, it also calls us to weep with those who weep. The two commands of this verse stand together, and to do one and neglect the other shows a lack of understanding of its entirety. 

This morning, our Asian American brothers and sisters in the faith are waking up in grief to the news that six Asian American women were killed in Atlanta last night. While there is still information to come in regards to motive, this news has come as another tragedy to this community and one that I pray we pause, reflect, grieve, and weep with our brothers and sisters in Christ over.

To our Asian and Asian American brothers and sisters in Christ in our church, in our city and around the world, we are weeping with you. Our prayer is that we do not remain silent in the face of such evil, but present the Gospel in word and deed to the watching world as we declare that Asian lives are made in the image of God (Gen 1:26) with full dignity, value, and worth. 

Any targeted violence and hate speech towards these fellow image-bearers must continue to be seen as antithetical to the Gospel we proclaim and God we serve. Therefore, we weep with them for the rise of racial violence that they have faced since the start of the pandemic- violence at a higher rate this year than in previous years. 

We weep with them as xenophobic and racist terms have been tolerated as jokes in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. We weep with them over our resounding silence and complicity in the face of these things, even in a year with frequent discussions on racial justice.

Today, we weep together, but as we look around towards the Lenten season that we find ourselves in. As we look towards the coming cross of Easter, we know that this weeping will one day lead us to eternal joy, as we join together united in Christ around His throne, as God will be glorified through the praise and worship of a diverse and multi-ethnic group of image-bearers (Rev 7:9). 

Yes, we weep today, but we hold confidence that that weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning (Ps 30:5).

Often, we think of this verse in terms of our personal lives or of those we love. Yet, what if we consider this verse in terms of Christ Church in 2020. Who could’ve imagined that the witness and ministry of the church would be as vibrant and creative as it has been this year?

As you read through this extended list of ministry opportunities and testimonies, be reminded that God is certainly “working all things for His good” in the midst of a pandemic! 

Serving & Outreach: Coronavirus Response

At the beginning of the pandemic, we provided lunch to frontline workers serving at 43 Christ Community Health Services Clinics across the city—1,500 individual meals! Member and former CCHS Board Chair Rebecca Kernan shared: “The wonderful love of Christ abounds in our community, and on behalf of the leadership, providers and staff of CCHS I want to thank Christ Church for all of the support, prayers and presence over the last few weeks.” 

We continue to support frontline workers through our recent You Are Not Alone Initiative. So far we’ve received 137 responses to whom we will send special gifts to these brave men and women working in hospitals and schools. 

Serving & Outreach: Education

When Shelby County Schools announced all virtual learning this fall, working parents needed a safe place for their children. Christ Church stepped up to host a YMCA Virtual Learning Site. Seabrook Hall is transformed during the week, serving the 60 families enrolled. We are intentional to share the Good News with these families. One way is through a weekly Bible Club hosted by our Children’s Ministry team and volunteers. Just last week, each child received their own Bible as a Christmas gift from Christ Church.

At Cornerstone Prep, we supported students through our Blessing of the Backpacks 2nd Mile Offering providing supplies for virtual learning in homes and now at sites throughout the neighborhood. In addition, our Young Adult Ministry built 16 picnic tables for students who have now returned. School principal Hannah Hudson shared: “Thank you for giving your time, talents, energy to organize the picnic table project! We are grateful our students have an outdoor space available to them during COVID-style elementary school.” 

Serving & Outreach: Children

You exceeded expectations by providing 130 Red Tubs as Christmas gifts for foster parents to share with the children in their care. That’s $34,000 in gifts for these families and support for the ongoing holistic care that the Memphis Family Connection Center provides to adoptive and foster families in the city. 

Serving & Outreach: Mission ‘Trip’

Internationally, we were still able to participate virtually with YUGO—our partner in Mexico. You contributed $9,000 to help build a family a home. The mother of the family said: “This home is a long-awaited answer to prayer. It is a dream come true. A huge and unexpected surprise. I am so grateful, first to God for providing this blessing but also to everyone who contributed to make this dream a reality. Watch this video to see more.

Special Needs Ministry

Special Needs Ministry hasn’t missed a beat in the past nine months. From the Virtual Memphis Joy Prom to numerous Pop-Up events and one-on-one lunches. We have offered Sunday school, Total Tuesdays/exercise and Breakfast Club each Friday (Zoom and in person). One parent recently wrote: “You have no idea what the Zoom calls and special activities have meant to our daughter and her friends. Your ministry is a God send!” 

ALPHA

Christ Church launched 10 ALPHA Groups with 100 people participating. A number of those involved have not been in a Community Life Group before. One long-time member said: “I did not have high expectations for ALPHA, but it ignited a passion for evangelism I haven’t had in a long time. I can’t wait to start another one and invite friends who do not know Jesus.” 

Sports Ministry

Sports Ministry quickly pivoted this fall to an in-house football and soccer league with 361 kids participating in our Fall Sports Program. Yes, even in a pandemic—with safety procedures in place—we hosted 361 kids each weekend. Praise God! One lay leader in the ministry said: “This ministry often serves as the front door to Christ Church for many families by teaching sports fundamentals in a Christ-centered environment. The relationships built between participants, their coaches and their families are impactful and create a real sense of community.” 

Student Ministries

Student Ministries offered both online and in-person ministry opportunities over these past nine months and transitioned back to all in-person ministry gatherings in a tent in the Courtyard in September. Students were able to grow spiritually through weekly gatherings: Sunday school, Sunday Night Bible Studies and Wednesday Night Refuge. Student Ministries also provided relational connections and discipleship opportunities by hosting one-on-one meet ups after school, Student Leadership Team Huddles and team gatherings. Additionally, the ministry is so grateful to all of the adult leaders who continued to show up in the midst of this pandemic to minister to and disciple their D-Groups this past fall.

Fitness Ministry

Fitness Ministry hosted online and in-person classes for an average of 70 people daily. This became a vital ministry for many adults in the community looking for the physical outlet in the midst of the pandemic. Our dedicated instructors served these folks physically and spiritually in a time that could otherwise be isolating for so many. One participant shared: “The Zoom fitness classes were more than just exercise, but I felt a sense of community as participants shared prayer requests and Jan (Averwater) prayed at the end of the class. You don’t get that in most fitness classes!”

CARE Ministries

CARE Ministries: Countless hours were spent calling members, and several thousand cards were mailed by staff and volunteers to care for those in seasons of celebrations and heartache…offering Jesus, the hope of the world. The Care team also hosted two Thrive groups to support those who have experienced anxiety during these days. Material for New Hope Grief Care, including a six-week guide and companion book Faith and Grief: Questions You’re Asking, was designed and developed. Two groups, “Loss of Spouse” and “Adult Loss of Parent,” piloted the material. One group co-facilitator found that her own experience of grief from the death of her father was explored again: “When Jacky asked me to be a part of the New Hope grief group, my initial response was – what if I can’t do it? After much prayer, I felt like this was something the Lord had prepared me for. I never dreamed being one of the leaders of the group would also lead to healing for myself…” New Hope Grief Care will offer loss specific care groups beginning in February 2021. 

New Members

The pandemic provided new ways to reach new people. We hosted eight Discover Christ Church gatherings on Zoom and in person. This year a total of 42 people joined the church, and an additional 27 students went through Confirmation. That’s 69 new members! One new family shared: “We truly love our church. We visited Christ Church for a Saturday service and again that Sunday morning and loved it…I became involved in the UMW; our oldest attends youth group. I helped lead New Hope Grief group meetings with Jacky (Gatliff), and we both have led small group studies and are very involved in Sunday school. The biggest blessing happened about two months ago when our 9-year-old accepted Christ and was baptized by Shane. Christ Church means so much to us. It’s hard to put into words just how much.” 

Women’s Ministry

Women’s Ministry Director Laura Greenwell had big plans for 2020. While most events were cancelled, that didn’t stop the women of Christ Church from making a difference. One cancellation that the girls from Bing Dance House always look forward to was the annual Soup for the Soul event. However, Director RaSheema Thomas and Laura were thwarted in providing a fun, engaging Bible study. Laura and RaSheema dropped off ingredients for Laura’s Taco Soup at each girls house, and then they set up  a virtual cooking class to make the soup with the girls. This is just one example of many from our Women’s Ministry. Laura shared: “It took a lot of creativity, but oh how God worked during this dark time shining the bright light of Hope.”

Career Transition Group

The Career Transition (CT) Group has been meeting at Christ Church since 1979 and was the first one in the city. David Lanthier has led CT for the past nine years, and the group averages 10-12 participants each week. When the pandemic hit, the CT group immediately started meeting on Zoom. One recent participant shared: “I have been through the CT Groups several times, and their importance and what they mean to me is beyond measure. I am so thankful for Dave Lanthier,  Ginger Holland and all the members  for their friendship and support. This support is what gets you through when you are feeling down.”

East Ministry Center

Pandemic could not stop an East Ministry Center tradition from happening. More than 120 people came to our Trunk or Treat drive through with 60 percent of the participants from outside of our church body. The community was able to experience joy in the midst of trial while receiving the truth of scripture given to them as they came through the drive through.

Young Adults

On election night 2020, our young adult’s community gathered to be able to have a panel where they could submit any question they had on their spiritual faith or life. Four members from local ministry partners and members of church staff shared as we united under the cross of Christ. Our community responded as the church served and serves as the perfect place to wrestle with tough questions.

Children’s Ministry

Just last week, Liz Wilds, a church member and nurse at Methodist University Hospital, contacted the church to see if the elementary kids in Sunday school could make three posters of encouragement for a really, really overwhelmed nursing staff. The children made NINE posters that were delivered to the hospital. On her Facebook, Liz shared this quote from E.E. Hale: “I am only one, but still, I am one. I cannot do everything, but still, I can do something. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I CAN DO.” And she continued:

“Thank you to the precious children of Christ Church Memphis for sparking JOY today through your artwork. Y’all, this has been quite a year. However, find something that makes a positive difference… and do more of that! Whether it’s sending artwork to healthcare workers, checking in on friends via FaceTime, running an errand for someone who can’t get out, leaving goodies on a porch… I hope that you find something to be the light to others in a world that needs YOU so much!“

THANK YOU for supporting the ministry of the church. You have been faithful throughout the pandemic, and as a result lives have been changed. Pray expectantly. God is working out all things for His glory! 

If you would consider Christ Church for your year-end giving, click here.

Guest post by Rev. Dr. Chris Carter, Christ Church Pastor

“And you shall remember the Lord your God…” (Deuteronomy 8:18) 

“And you shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the Lord your God brought you out from there by His mighty hand and by His outstretched arm…” (Deuteronomy 5:15) 

We all have that deep need from time to time to enter that still room within us where the past lives on as a part of the present, where the dead are alive again, where we are most alive ourselves to turnings and to where our journeys have brought us. The name of the room is Remember -– the room where with patience, with charity, with quietness of heart, we remember consciously to remember the lives we have lived.

Frederick Buechner

The gravest danger for God’s people is forgetting their story: who they are and whose they are. Moses reminds every generation of the faithful to remember, to pay deliberate attention to who God is and what God has done. This year of pandemic is also the 65th anniversary of Christ Church. God has worked and been present among us since 1955. Together, we have much to remember! 

Although we began with 600 charter members, only 11 remain with us on earth:

Virginia Boone, Jane Fransiola Browndyke, Tom Campbell, David L. Grant, Virginia Hollon, David L. Kelley, Pat Kelsey, John A. Montgomery, Barbara Ogles, Edward R. Richmond and Andrew A. Sippel Jr. 

We honor these 11 and that cloud of witnesses who have gone before us (Hebrews 12:1); so many names and faces that cause our hearts to sing and soar with praise. To jog our memories in the coming year, we will feature a story of the month for as long as you can remember and are willing to tell! So please get me your stories! Send to chrisc@christchurchmemphis.org.

Our first story is shared by Roy and Mary Ann Thurmond, a delightful couple who have been members of Christ Church for more than 50 years. I know you will enjoy! 

Roy:
I moved to Memphis with my first wife Alice and son Clay in 1964. We joined Christ Church and the Lamplighter class. Our daughter, Lauren, was born in 1965. In 1967 Alice passed away, being the first Lamplighter loss. The class took me and my two children on as a “project” and stayed by my side through that hard time. They raised memorial funds to purchase one of the two tall stained glass windows in the back of the Sanctuary facing Poplar Avenue. In 1968 when I met and married Mary Ann, the church and Sunday school class took her on as a new daughter in Christ. These two incidences sealed my “connection” to Christ Church and kept me here for these 56 years.

I have enjoyed participating in service projects at the church:

–I helped build Christ Church’s first Habitat house for Charles Hall (who was on our maintenance staff); 30 years later I helped with a restoration project on the same house.

–I enjoyed working with Dick Klenz on what we called Christ’s Carpenters. That led to the start of SOS (Service Over Self), which Dick was heavily involved with for many years.

–I have loved ushering. Ushers at first passed around the round trays that held the communion elements.

–I enjoyed other projects: Reelfoot Rural Ministries, painting the Salvation Army headquarters on Summer Avenue, repairing houses with SOS, Christ Feeds, baking cookies for Kairos Prison Ministry (yes, I did that, not Mary Ann), working Vacation Bible School and many others.

Mary Ann:
The greatest gift Roy Thurmond gave me, besides asking me to marry him (after 3 ½ weeks of dating!), was to bring me to Christ Church where I was made family. Our first date was a Lamplighter bridge party, then to watch Roy pitch a Lamplighter softball game and always to worship every Sunday morning and Sunday night. (We used to have those services then.) Three years later we added daughter Debbie to our family. The many “clouds of witnesses” were there for us, ministering in times of trouble and sharing deep and rich friendships. This wonderful church has always had the vision of proclaiming the Gospel first, with visionary leadership in missions and outreach. 

So many privileges and ways to serve God have been made possible through the Lamplighter class and the church: being active in UMW and Bible studies, teaching precious elementary children for several years, helping clean up following a tornado in Nashville, working Christ Feeds, helping paint the Salvation Army classrooms on Summer Avenue, raising money for clean water wells, the MYF supper with food from biblical recipes — where the meat was barbecue goat! 

I remember being a part of the outdoor tent revival in what’s now the Poplar entrance space and Cy’s field. Cars honked as they passed by. And it was a privilege to see Corrie ten Boom visit our Sanctuary and hear her deep, but quiet, voice. It was also a privilege to stand in the pulpit with our youngest child, taking a turn to read aloud a portion of the Bible during the 24/7 “Biblethon” over a weekend. Youth spent the night sleeping on the pews and reading in the gaps when no one else signed up. The last chapter of Revelation was read from the pulpit in the Sunday morning service. 

One meaningful project was to be chosen to needlepoint the “Holy Spirit” kneeler for the Sanctuary. Many a time I’ve knelt there at our always open altar, praising God, finding solace at time of need — thanking Him for His presence in my life and in the lives of those who walk through our doors. 

One of the most meaningful places to see God at work has been serving on the Funeral Guild, to share that experience and walk alongside with those who have lost loved ones. 

And who can forget the Christmas Eve services where the world finally stood still, where a darkened Sanctuary with only one candle glowing was enough to chase away the darkness as His light was shared. Thank God for the great host of witnesses who have gone before us, demonstrating God’s goodness through the dark places and through the lens of the coming future in the home He has prepared for us. As the last chapter of Revelation states, “Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all.” God is good. Praise Him! Amen!

Post written by Senior Communications Director Jo Ellen Druelinger

Even in this crazy year, God is doing great things among us -– and while most don’t get to see all that happens on a regular Tuesday at Christ Church, it is often way more than we know. Such was the case on December 15, 2020 as the generosity of Christ Church was on full display, and it was an experience worth sharing. 

First, staff members were invited to a ‘stop by’ Christmas party where CFO Jay Phebus dressed in full Santa costume handed out love offering gifts to each staff member along with delicious individually boxed treats. With air hugs, elbow bumps and masked faces, the staff enjoyed a quick glimpse of their teammates and are grateful for the gifts.

Next, the Lamplighters class hosted a surprise commemorative ceremony honoring Dr. Jim Eoff who has taught the class for 45 years. Yes, you read that right -– 45 years! While only a few past presidents of the class could be present, the entire class was invited to watch live on Facebook as a new painting was unveiled to honor Dr. Eoff. The class commissioned Kerry Peeples to do the painting, and after collaborating with her dad, Maxie Dunnam, the work was based on Mark 4-19. The name of the painting is “And he taught them.” As Kay Floyd presented the painting, she also shared about other paintings now hanging in what was once a bare corridor just west of the Sanctuary. There will be more information to come about each of the paintings, but if you are in the building, you are invited to view these beautiful pieces that depict the stories of the Bible.

Even as this long season of Dr. Eoff’s Bible teaching was being celebrated, just down the breezeway in Seabrook Hall more than 40 elementary students received a Bible of their very own. Each Tuesday, our Children’s Ministry team and volunteers host “Bible Club” for the children attending the YMCA Virtual Learning Center, and as a Christmas gift, the Bibles were given at the last club of the year. Even with wiggles from a long day of learning, the children dug into the colorful Word finding stories they wanted to learn more about, and our patient staff and volunteers were happy to share how special this gift –- and the gift of Jesus at Christmas –- really are to each of us.

We are ever so grateful for those who work to keep our ministries creative and vital and for those who teach the Word from the oldest to the youngest. THANK YOU! We remember God’s promise from Isaiah:

As the rain and the snow
    come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
    without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
    so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
    It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
    and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

(Isaiah 55:10-11)

For those who are grieving and those who love them:

The holiday season is filled with so many activities and expectations and is arriving during a most unusual time. This year, we are all living in the shadowlands—nothing feels as it should as the shadow of the unknown hovers around each of us.

And even so, some of us are living in even deeper shadows that feel even darker and extend even wider that come with experiencing grief from the death of someone we have loved. This year, each of us is either grieving or knows well someone who is.

While people are decorating for the holidays earlier than usual hoping to push back the shadows, what options do those whose grief is fresh have other than to go into hiding and reappear on January 2? What choices can we make?  

Is there hope to be found in the holidays for those who grieve? 

The hundreds of grievers I have had the privilege of knowing as a grief counselor and educator and now as a pastor have taught me several important things that are helpful for those who are grieving to know and do during these days:

1) Talk about your grief.  

Every griever has three needs: 

to find the words for their grief
to say the words out loud
to know the words have been heard. 

This may seem obvious, but you probably have already found it difficult to find friends or family who hesitate to talk with you about your grief. Why the silence? Usually it’s because they are afraid you will become sad and teary. Just because you may not be talking about your grief with every word doesn’t mean your heart isn’t feeling it in almost every moment. It is harder and the shadows darken when you feel you canNOT talk about your grief. So TALK!  

Speak about what you are missing this year. Remember the memories (both the sweet and the not so sweet) of seasons past. You will be honoring your loved one and caring for your heavy heart when you do. As you speak your grief, you will be giving permission to others to speak of their own. 

2) Be creative in bringing their name into these days.  

Consider beginning Thanksgiving or Christmas gathering—no matter whose present this year—with a special moment to remind each of you of the person who is not there. It can be a simple prayer, a toast, a candle-lighting or just a few quiet moments. Rather than working feverishly to avoid saying the name, it’s much better to take the opposite approach and to deliberately find a time to specifically mention the name. Remember to say their name and not just use a pronoun. Deliberately say, “David ate the Christmas cookies faster then I could make them” or “Oh, how Mary loved watching Thanksgiving football.”

I will give them an everlasting name that will not be cut off. (Isaiah 56:5)

3) Do what you want to do for you—not what others expect of you. 

It is going to take some energy and thought for you to define your boundaries. During this season in the best of times, boundaries fall down. They do so even more when we grieve. Grief isn’t just about our emotions but engages all of who we are mentally, physically, socially and spiritually. Do you find yourself easily distracted by things you can’t even remember? It’s because you’re grieving. Are you wondering why you are so tired? It’s because you’re grieving. Finding it hard to initiate connecting with friends and family? You’re grieving. Do you have conflicted thoughts and feelings about God and what you believe about Him? It’s because you’re grieving.  

You are the one who will determine what is the next thing you need to do, what is best for you to do or what to do at all. Each of us will grieve in our own way and on our own schedule. Be guided by the reality that there is no right or wrong way to celebrate the holidays after a loved one has died.

Does sending Christmas cards sound overwhelming? Then don’t do it. Or maybe sending the cards this year will provide tender moments for you as you write the names of family and friends on the envelopes. It’s your choice. 

Is it too much to think about attending a Christmas Eve service this year, which is already guaranteed to be different than those past? If so, know that there will be some wonderful and creative opportunities to attend a Christ Church service as you watch online. It’s your choice. Take the pressure off of making these holidays just like the ones from years past. 

Somehow, kind Jesus, lead me through the season.  

4) Prepare Him room.  

Christmas always cost something, but it can cost more not to celebrate. There is no denying that a death alters our traditions and celebrations. But the Truth that the season returns us to each year is that God sent His Son Jesus at just the right time to do what was necessary for us to be sons and daughters of God—because that is who we are. This may be just the right time for you to know that reality in a new and more tangible way.

How can you prepare Him room?

Try using a new Advent devotional. (You may want to pick up Not Yet Christmas: It’s Time for Advent – A Daily Reader by J. D. Walt or Come Let Us Adore Him by Paul David Tripp). If you look for one on your own, the best ones will offer a scripture and a short reading for each day of Advent. There are many that you will find good to have in this season. You may find that you will hear the old story in a new way because of your experience of grief, and that could be a really good thing.

The familiar carols can become a prayer for those moments when we simply can’t find the words to offer. The tunes and the words bring a flood of memories, even tears. But they can also enliven us and become a song of hope. This may not be the year to sing aloud, but by listening attentively, we can make the music in our hearts that we can’t get to cross our lips. “Once in Royal David’s City” instantly takes me back to being an elementary age child at River Road United Methodist Church in Richmond, Virginia. As in many Christmas Eve services, this carol opened the worship and was much loved by my mother. Because she taught me to eagerly anticipate hearing it, sweet and tender memories of her, joined by teary eyes, surface in those moments.

Lord, this season reminds me that whenever I am weak, You are strong. 
Is it all right if I grieve around You?  I feel like I have to act strong in certain places and with certain people. 
But You know that I need a place just to be a griever, full of questions, full of tears at times, overwhelmed by absence. 
Thank you for being close to my broken heart. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 
-from A Decembered Grief

5) Receive Him now.

Early in Advent, you will hear the familiar words:  

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. For those who lived in a land of deep shadows – light! Sunburst of light! (Isaiah 9:2, MSG)

This verse tells each of us where our story begins as it shows us not only about what is to come but also who we are. The light, Jesus, did not come to those who were clean and hopeful. Rather, He came to those who are in deep darkness. He comes to make His mercies known to those who are grieving.

Jesus came to carry us when we can’t face the thought of moving through the days that lead up to Thanksgiving and Christmas day. God is our ever-steady, ever-present strengthening Father who holds our hands, lifting us up when our legs buckle beneath us and our hearts feel fragile and worn. 

Even in this season, filled with grief, if you permit Him, He will come to you, a griever, and will ‘make His blessings flow’ through moments, through songs, through scents, through people, through memories and through hope that is an anchor for our soul, firm and secure.

When love came down, it brought gifts of hope and gladness with it. Unwrap the gifts. He is here for you and will never forsake you. Receive Him now.

God, I’m not asking for miracles throughout this season. 
I’m asking to recognize Your movements in my life.
I’m asking to catch Your whispers. 
I’m asking to sense Your presence in what I think are my darkest moments, when I think I can’t go on. 
God, I’m asking for moments when I can see Your grace as clearly as footprints in freshly fallen snow or wet sand along a beach.
-Howard Ivan Smith, A Decembered Grief

Irma joined Christ Church on June 1, 1958 (we will do the math for you—that was 62 years ago!). She’s been a very active member attending Sunday school and every SALT luncheon she was able.

Senior Associate Pastor Rev. Dr. Chris Carter had this to share about her: “My family and I just love Mrs. Irma. Without a doubt, she is one of the most magnetic, merry and motivating persons we’ve ever met! She is an INSPIRATION!”

Irma, we all wish you well and look forward to celebrating year 100 with you in 2021!

God gave us an amazing gift when He gave us music. Music has the ability to express what our hearts are longing to say. In Job 38:6-7 God tells Job that He set the earth’s foundations and put its cornerstone in place while the morning stars sang together and the angels shouted for joy. Music was there in the very beginning! God Himself sings. We know this because Zephaniah 3:17 says, “The Lord your God is with you. The mighty One will save you. The Lord will be happy with you. You will rest in His love. He will sing and be joyful about you.” When we sing, we are reflecting our Father in heaven. Because of these things, I believe music is a universal language that every human can understand. Every nation can sing the music to “Jesus Loves Me.” Although the lyrics may be in different languages, the notes are still the same, and because of that, we have the ability to praise God together in one accord.  

Over and over again, we are encouraged to sing praises to God by the people of both the Old and the New Testaments. When the Israelites came out of Egypt and walked through the Red Sea, they responded in song. Miriam, Moses’ sister, grabbed her tambourine and began to sing praises to God for the amazing miracle. When Paul and Silas were in prison because of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, they sang songs of praise to God and prayed. As they were singing, God sent a miracle in the form of an earthquake to burst their bonds and free them. However, they didn’t move from their spots because they were confident in God’s plan for them. Instead their behavior not only saved them but also many of their fellow prisoners as well as their jailor, whose entire family was saved.

We may not be walking in the middle of the Red Sea or sitting in an awful prison, but living in the midst of a pandemic isn’t exactly where we would like to be right now. Would you agree? We can sing praises to God just like Miriam, Paul and Silas. God has done wonderful things, and He is worthy to be praised. There is nothing that is outside His control. When we sing, we are refreshing our memories of what God can do. I am looking forwarding to singing praises to God with the children of Christ Church!

STARTING THIS SUNDAY!
Starting Sunday, Oct. 4 from 4-4:45 p.m., join Nina McCarver for our virtual Alive! Children’s Choir practices via Zoom. Contact Nina for more information.

60 Miles on the Appalachian Trail for Cuba

–by Ken Stewart
Over the past eight months, the struggles from the Coronavirus have affected all of us in difficult ways. Yet, after communication from our Cuban brothers and sisters, I realized our struggles have been but a small part of what they have been living with in these difficult days.

Will you please join with me to raise money to help feed our brothers and sisters in Cuba?

Beginning September 27, I will be hiking a portion of the Appalachian Trail, 60 miles in the North Carolina mountains, raising funds to provide the basics of nourishment for the Cuban people. 100 percent of money raised will go to feed families through the Cuban Methodist Church. You can pledge so much per mile or give any amount—everything is helpful.

Thank you in advance for your generosity, and please pray for our brothers and sisters in Cuba and for the upcoming hike.

>>To support Ken on his journey for Cuba, click here.

Ride 2 Rosemary: Team cycling event to support the fight against cancer

–by William Merriman
On October 3, the Ride 2 Rosemary Team of more than 50 men will depart on the 10th annual five-day journey, covering over 500-miles from Memphis to Rosemary Beach, Florida. This is William’s story as posted on the team’s Facebook page.

Please welcome one of our NEW riders to the R2R team, William Merriman! William is the son of Keith and Jennifer Merriman and brother to Ben, Winston and Maddie Grace. William and his dad Keith will both be riding this year—another one of our father/son duos on the R2R team. William has been mountain biking for about 10 years now and only in the last year has he taken up road cycling —it’s all just riding a bike, right? 

What motivated you to join the R2R team? My father was one of the founders of the ride, and for the past 10 years, I have been an avid spectator, cheerleader and supporter of the ride and all the riders. I had always thought (dreamed really) of one day doing the ride, but, having played soccer all of my life including in college, I spent more time with soccer cleats on my feet rather than cycling ones. However, over the past year, I graduated from college, retired from soccer after sustaining a series of injuries and found my way back in Memphis. In the midst of navigating all these changes, none of which were easy, my dad gave me a glimpse of that old dream, and I took it heartily! I am VERY glad to be riding this year and taking on a new journey with a phenomenal group of men.

How has cancer impacted your life? I have not had any of my immediate family members, and until just recently none of my close friends, go through the battle with cancer, but when confronted with this question, I am reminded of the words of poet/priest John Donne: 

No man is an island entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main; if a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as any manner of thy friends or of thine own were; any man’s death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind. And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.

Whenever I hear of a friend of a friend or a mother or father or cousin of a friend who has passed away or see Facebook posts asking for prayers or grieving, I am reminded of the preciousness of life, both of others and my own, and am in turn motivated to view my time on earth as not my own but as a gift from the Lord, which I hope to steward well. Honored to ride for such a cause and to play a small part in a great battle.

Stephanie, one of my good friends and coworkers, was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. The doctors do not know the full extent of the cancer, but she may have to go through chemotherapy and have procedures done. That being said, I am dedicating my ride to her this year. And just as I will be fervently riding on the bike for her, I will be praying for her just as fervently and intentionally.

>>To support William on his journey benefiting West Cancer Foundation, click here.

Although not born in Memphis, Caldwell considers Memphis home. Her family moved to town when she was 2 years old, and she stayed in town until she graduated from Booker T. Washington High School. After graduating she joined the Marine Corps and transitioned to Detroit, but Memphis had a hold on her heart, so she moved back in 1983. When she moved back to Memphis, Caldwell said she can remember tuning in every day to hear Perceptions from Maxie Dunnam on the radio and how much it brightened her day.

She has two daughters. The oldest is a purchasing agent for the VA hospital, and the youngest started the first full service nail school in the state. She was also the first African American Park Ranger in the State of Tennessee. 

After 26 years of working for the Board of Probation and Parole for the Tennessee Board of Corrections, Caldwell retired for the first time. But she couldn’t sit still and returned to work as an adjunct professor and dean at ITT Technical Institute. She also taught undergraduate sociology at Mid-South Community College. 

After retiring from teaching adults, she wanted something to do, and that’s when she began working with children, which led her to the YMCA and Christ Church. 

“I’m having fun,” Caldwell said. “I’m excited. I came in here excited, and I want to continue to be excited.” 

With the first week of the virtual site in the books, Caldwell said things couldn’t have been any more rewarding. 

“You all have amazed us; you have stolen our hearts,” she said. “Everything we’ve asked for, we’ve gotten, and I can’t say that about every work experience. You can feel the spirit, the love and concern. You didn’t just open your doors, but you opened your hearts.”

In addition to the Play-Doh Drive, children attending The Journey at the East Ministry Center made thank you stars out of salt dough to give to nurses at Le Bonheur in conjunction with the Play-Doh Drive. Because of COVID-19, the Play-Doh Drive ended abruptly, and Le Bonheur stopped accepting donations.

Recently, Le Bonheur was able to accept the nearly 40 containers of Play-Doh, but was unable to accept the salt dough stars. 

Brad Bogue, Senior Director of Family Ministry, wanted to be sure the stars were donated to nurses working directly with COVID patients. With the help of Christ Church member Liz Wilds, who works in healthcare, the stars made their way to nurses in the COVID units at Methodist University Hospital. Liz recently delivered 61 packages to hospital staff. 

“With this being month five of the pandemic, these will really brighten everyone’s day in the units,” said Liz. “Literally, this is what the hands and feet of Jesus look like—homemade gifts with a message from Christ Church. I have really enjoyed getting to talk about our wonderful church to people during this.”