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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.
| | Keystone Karaoke Is Tomorrow! | | Parent's Night Out Is Back! | | Monday is the last day to register your child(ren) for the return of Parents' Night Out. The kids get to enjoy spaghetti and chicken nuggets, games, and fun, and you get a Valentine's Date Night! Registrations must be made no later than this Monday, February 9. Scan the QR code or follow the link below to get your kid(s) registered today! Contact Billy Price (bprice@fumcor.org) for more information. | | New Prayer Group Begins Sunday | | |
The Community Celtic Worship Service—a monthly partnership of three Oak Ridge churches—welcomes the Rev. Dr. William “Billy” Daniel as this month’s guest. This contemplative service invites us to slow down, listen for the Spirit, and find rest through prayer, silence, and beautiful music.
Rev. Dr. Daniel, a spiritual director and palliative care chaplain with Covenant Health, will offer a reflection titled The Wound of Love. Many will remember his Sunday School class at FUMC this past October.
This month’s service, hosted by FUMC, will feature music from the Carillon handbell choir, a clarinet and piano duet, and a cappella vocal pieces. Join us this Sunday, February 8, at 5:00 p.m. for a peaceful moment of respite. For more information, contact Jenny Caughman (jcaughman@fumcor.org).
| | Plan to gather on Ash Wednesday (February 18) for a pancake supper at 5:30 p.m., followed by Ash Wednesday Worship at 7:00 p.m. All are invited to this special Community Meal, but to help us prepare for you, please call (865-483-4357) or email (officemanager@fumcor.org) by February 13 to let us know you'll be there. | | Church Council Plans for 2026 | | |
The Church Council had its first meeting of 2026 on February 3. With a new year comes new leadership for some of our committees, including Keys Fillauer as the new Church Council chairperson. The Council received reports from all committees and ministry areas and addressed organizational questions to ensure faithfulness in carrying forward the work of First Church in 2026.
The Finance Committee recommended to the Church Council a general operating budget of $1,525,826 for 2026, and it was approved. This represents a modest $4,000 increase over the 2025 budget. However, pledged giving and other projected income is 10% below the amount needed to meet the budget. The Church Council's decision reflects a desire to move forward across all ministry areas, trusting God's guidance and God's people to ensure we meet our church and community needs. God has richly blessed First Church as we have been faithful in the past and continue into the future.
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The 28-day Dynamite Prayer experience continues this week in worship as we consider the power of the Holy Spirit at work within and through us.
If you ordered a copy of the Dynamite Prayer book, it will be available for pick-up in the Welcome Center this Sunday during the Sunday School hour or in the church office during normal business hours. The $10/book cost is due at pick-up.
During the month of February, look for a Breakthrough Prayer or Prayer Hold on our social media each day.
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The Blessing Box outside St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church is for community use. Take the food and supplies you need, and donate whatever you can. It’s best to drop donations at the St. Stephen’s church office, which is inside the drive-thru entrance. Office hours are 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday. The most-needed items are: canned meats, ravioli/spaghetti cans with easy-open tops, peanut butter, protein bars, individual tuna packs, feminine pads, adult pull-ups, water, and protein drinks. Contacts: Vicki Hinkel (vhinkel@comcast.net) at FUMC or Suzanne Norman (snorman04@comcast.net) at St. Stephen’s.
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February Special Offering -
Community Meals
| | The special monthly offering for February will support the Wednesday Night Community Meals. Did you know this important outreach ministry of First Church is not funded through the general budget but rather through grants and donations? Approximately 180 meals are packed by volunteers each Wednesday evening, meaning over 9,000 meals are served annually. Your support of the Community Meal Program serves a critical need in our community while also opening doors to life-giving fellowship. To support the January Special Offering, mail a check to the church with "Community Meals" in the memo line, or follow the link below. | |
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Worship for February 8
Dynamite Prayer Series
Scripture Readings:
2 Peter 1: 1-3
Psalm 112: 1-10
1 Corinthians 1: 21-25
Ephesians 3: 14-21
8:45 & 11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship - Sanctuary
11:00 a.m. Contemporary Worship - Multipurpose Room
Preaching: Rev. Clair Sauer, Rev. Ken Sauer
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In Sympathy
Please be in prayer for the families and friends of:
Elizabeth "Beth" Frisbee Crum, who joined FUMC on May 17, 1998, and died on January 31, 2026. Service arrangements are incomplete at this time.
James "Jim" Parks, who joined FUMC on July 19, 1981, and died on February 4, 2026. A funeral service for Jim will be held at FUMC this Sunday, February 8, at 3:00 p.m. A receiving of friends will begin at 1:30 p.m.
In the Hospital
Jennifer Ducko
Jerry Johnson
Dismissed
Gerald Boyd
Dan Nagle
Rae Smith
Carol Stoops
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Offering 1-19-2026 through 1-25-2026: $26,501
2026 YTD Offering: $92,651
2025 YTD Offering: $105,184
January Special Offering (Community Assistance Fund): $1,115
Thank you to all of you who mailed in your financial gifts or continued to give online.
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