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Breakthrough Prayer
God, help me see my seasons of waiting as open doors through which I can connect with you rather than as frustratingly closed doors to my own desires. Amen.
| | Children and Youth Sabbath Is April 12 | | Make plans to gather in worship this Sunday, April 12, for a special celebration of the children and youth of First Church! The young people will help lead worship by singing, reading, and ushering. Billy Price, FUMC's new Next Gen Ministries Director, will deliver the message in all three services. You don't want to miss this special Sunday! | | First Recovery Hosts Tom Farley on Wednesday | | First Recovery will host special guest, Tom Farley, brother of the late Chris Farley, this Wednesday, April 15, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room. Tom and Caroline Biedler will join together to share their books and talk about the recovery journey. All are welcome! For more information, contact Matt Holder (mholder@fumcor.org). | | This month's Community Celtic Worship Service will be held this Sunday, April 12, at 5:00 p.m. at Chapel on the Hill. All are welcome at this contemplative service. For more information, please reach out to Jenny Caughman (jennycaughman@gmail.com). | | Have you been considering becoming a member of First Church? If so, there is an opportunity on Sunday, April 19, for you to join the church alongside others. In order for the church to be prepared to receive you as a member, please reach out to Pastor Denna (dhornby@fumcor.org). | | Meet the Finance Department Day | | |
“Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” — Galatians 6:9
We are so grateful for your faithful and generous support. Our new finance office staff members, Prisca and Angie, are excited about what lies ahead here at First Church and would like to get to know you better at our Meet the Finance Department Day! This special event will take place on Sunday, April 26, beginning after the dismissal of the first church service.
It will be a wonderful opportunity to meet your Finance Committee and staff members. You will also have the chance to update your contact information to ensure we have the most current details on file, and to get connected in our new Church Management System, Realm. You will also be able to gain helpful information and details on how to access your information quickly and easily. More details to come in the next couple of weeks about this special “MTFDD,” so be on the lookout!
We truly look forward to meeting you and getting to know you better.
Thank you again for your continued support!
| | A new Wednesday Bible Study just started on April 8. There are two opportunities to join Pastor Ken in this study of Paul's letter to the Ephesians. Come together for study and fellowship at 10:30 a.m. (room 207) or 6:00 p.m. (room 205) each Wednesday. For more information, contact Pastor Ken (ksauer@fumcor.org). | | Our Nursery is in need of volunteers on Sunday mornings! If you would be interested in serving our church in this way, please connect with Billy at bprice@fumcor.org. Your gentle, friendly presence with some of our youngest ones is a wonderful way to give of yourself to the life of our congregation. | | Scholarship Deadline Is April 15! | | |
Scholarship Applications are now open!
Are you a graduating senior or current college student? Please visit our website to apply for scholarships made available through our church.
Applications are due by April 15. Please return completed application forms to Billy Price's office or email them to bprice@fumcor.org. If you have questions or need more information, please reach out to Billy.
| | Upcoming Opportunities From Social Concerns | | Youth Pride: Oak Ridge's second Youth Pride event will be held Saturday, May 9, from 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church (1051 Oak Ridge Turnpike). Volunteers are needed to help run the event (set up, adult supervision, run the snack booth, etc.) and to provide snacks. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Greg Smith (smit92611@gmail.com). | | |
Educational Resources at Powell Presbyterian Church (for more details on these classes, please contact Powell Presbyterian Church directly or visit their Facebook page):
- De-Clobbering (An Affirming Look at the Bible): Wednesday, April 29, from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- Ally Training: Wednesdays, May 6, 13, and 20, from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
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In the next series of the Social Concerns Committee’s Difficult Conversations, you are invited to join us for a four‑week discussion and study of The Seven Mountains Mandate: Exposing the Dangerous Plan to Christianize America and Destroy Democracy by Matthew Boedy. This study will explore the history, theology, and political implications of the Seven Mountains Mandate movement and consider how Christians can thoughtfully engage faith, democracy, and public life.
We will meet on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. on the following dates:
May 21 - Introduction to the Seven Mountains
May 28 - Matthew Boedy, author, will present on the “mandates,” with Q & A. (RSVP is requested – please call the church office at 865-483-4357)
June 4 - Conversation around the Seven Mountains
June 11 - Wrap-up and Conclusions
Together we will read, reflect, and discuss how Christian faith can be practiced with integrity, humility, and respect for democratic values. All are welcome, whether you have read the book or are simply curious to learn more.
Please join us in the Multipurpose Room for a thoughtful conversation and community.
If you have questions or would like help obtaining the book, please contact Bruce Spangler, pottspangler@icloud.com.
We hope to see you there.
| | Easter Visitation Thank You | | Thank you to the many volunteers who helped with the Easter visitation of our Stay-At-Home Saints. We had almost 30 people who visited our Stay-At-Home Saints during Holy Week and took lovely Easter flowers, Easter cards, and, in some cases, the monthly newsletter. We also have an equally dedicated group who deliver newsletters to our Stay-At-Home Saints at the start of each month. Both groups work as the hands and feet of Christ, and your efforts are greatly appreciated. First Church thanks you for your servant heart. | |
April Special Offering -
Children's Ministries
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During the month of April, our congregation will have the opportunity to support our Children and Family Ministries through our special offering. The church’s financial support for this ministry means that we can continue to provide a safe, loving, and fun environment for families.
Regular fellowship events give children and their families an opportunity to spend time with one another, connect with others, and grow in their relationship with God. In addition to these regular events, we have yearly events that could not happen without the financial support of our church family. This summer marks our fifth year creating our own Vacation Bible School curriculum. Creating our own curriculum is wonderful, but it comes with a larger financial burden as we are creating and purchasing all the materials needed to make a memorable week for the students who join us. Your financial gifts will help us bring the Bible alive for our students!
The children's ministries of First Church are filled with wonderful families who are eager to connect and be invested in First Church. We ask that you help support them by supporting this ministry through your gifts of giving or volunteering.
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Worship for April 12
Children and Youth Sunday
Scripture Readings:
Acts 2: 14a, 22-24, 29-32
Psalm 128
1 Peter 1: 3-9
John 20: 19-31
8:45 & 11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship - Sanctuary
11:00 a.m. Contemporary Worship - Multipurpose Room
Preaching: Billy Price, Next Gen Ministries Director
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In the Hospital
Chuck Melcher
Dismissed
Melinda Holder
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Offering 3-30-2026 through 4-5-2026: $28,745
2026 YTD Offering: $417,039
2025 YTD Offering: $419,705
April Special Offering (Children's Ministry): $590
Thank you to all of you who mailed in your financial gifts or continued to give online.
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