Raleigh Ringers in Concert | | |
Please plan to join us tomorrow, Saturday, June 21, at 3:00 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room for a free concert given by the Raleigh Ringers.
Founded in 1990, The Raleigh Ringers is an Emmy-nominated, internationally-acclaimed concert handbell choir based in Raleigh, North Carolina. The group has been dazzling audiences with unique interpretations of sacred, secular, and popular music, including rock ‘n’ roll tunes for which the group has become noted, along with original compositions written specifically for The Raleigh Ringers.
Under the direction of David M. Harris, The Raleigh Ringers has performed in 39 States and the District of Columbia, as well as in France, England, and Canada. They have also appeared live on the nationally syndicated “Bob and Tom Show” radio show and on the “Hour of Power” at the Crystal Cathedral in California. In addition to eight albums, The Raleigh Ringers has released two full-length holiday concert videos.
The Raleigh Ringers performs on one of the most extensive collections of bells and bell-like instruments owned by any handbell ensemble in the world. The current grand total is 35 octaves composed of 377 individual pieces of equipment. To hear a sample of The Raleigh Ringers’ music, to see a concert schedule, or to learn more about the group, visit their website. Please contact Josh Sumter (jsumter@fumcor.org) for more information.
| | Please remember, as we gather for worship each Sunday morning, to utilize the Chamber of Commerce parking lot across Tulane Avenue from the church building if you are in good health and blessed to be able to walk easily. This ensures that the parking spaces closer to the building are available for those who might struggle with mobility challenges. Thank you for loving our neighbors! | | First Church launched a brand-new, totally redesigned website earlier this week! Because this was a "ground-up" build, things not only look different, but may be in a different place. Additionally, information is still being added, pictures updated, and navigation perfected. The new site will continue to evolve and change over the next several weeks. In the meantime, enjoy exploring the new fumcor.org! | | Do you have questions about FUMC, Methodism, or theology in general? Then join us for First Church 101 on Sunday, June 29, after the 11:00 a.m. services. We will meet in the Welcome Center at noon. Wear your walking shoes! We will take a tour of campus, meet church staff, and answer your questions. We look forward to sharing this time with you! | | New Grief Support Group Begins in July | | |
The death of a loved one impacts every dimension of our lives. Trying to avoid the impact of such a loss only deepens our loneliness and sense of isolation. But there is a way toward healing and hope when we join with others who are grieving and willing to help “bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2) in a safe, confidential setting.
Beginning Thursday, July 17, FUMC will offer a 7-week Grief Support Group for those who have lost loved ones or suffered other losses. The group will meet each Thursday, from July 17 through August 28, 4:30 - 6:00 p.m., in Room 203.
Co-facilitators of the Grief Support groups are Gielda Reese, a retired school teacher who lost a 14-year old daughter to cancer, and retired pastor Bob Cantrell. The public is invited to attend. Attendance is limited. Registration is encouraged. For more information or to register, contact Pastor Ken Sauer at (865) 483-3675 or ksauer@fumcor.org.
| | Opportunities To Serve The Community | | Last Call for Summer Shoppe Donations | | |
We are pleased to share that we will be launching our first-ever Summer Shoppe in June of 2025. The focus of this Shoppe will be to provide food and hygiene items to families referred to us by local school systems. Summer is particularly challenging for many families facing food insecurity, as fewer resources are available to assist them during the summer months. If you would like to sponsor a family, $200 will cover the cost of food and hygiene supplies for a family of 4 to 6, or you may contribute an amount of your choosing. We are appreciative of every donation.
If you would like to make a physical donation*, we are looking for the following items:
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Laundry Pods
Bob's Laundromat Gift Cards
Razors
Toothpaste
Deodorant
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Shampoo
Conditioner
Body Wash
Bar Soap
African American Hair Care products
| | *If you are making a donation of any of the goods listed above, please drop them off in the Shoppes Room, which is 306. | | The Wednesday evening Community Meal Team is in need of dishwashers and cooks. This is a fun group that is doing a lot of good. If you are able to help, please contact Tere Murchio at 973-800-4880 or by email at tmurchio@gmail.com. Thank you! | | An Update from Josh Sumter | | |
Dear First Church family,
I have been in a period of discernment for some months now. Thanks to the urging of the Holy Spirit (and a few helpful nudges from Denna Hornby and Sue Lynn Johnson), I have decided to pursue ordination as a Deacon. I am still in the early stages, but as some of you now know, I will be attending Emory University’s Candler School of Theology this fall to pursue a Master of Arts in Religion and Leadership. I have heard from others that there have been worries that I might be leaving, but I am not going anywhere anytime soon. The program I have chosen is a hybrid one. This means that most courses are taken online with a few week-long intensive courses each year. I am working with our wonderful Staff-Parish Relations Committee to find ways to lessen my load here at the church. I will still be Organist and Choirmaster, but I will be finding people to help with various ensembles. This will not only allow me to focus on coursework as I enter “19th grade,” but will also serve our Music Ministry as fresh ideas are brought by new leaders. Even after all criteria are met and I am (hopefully) ordained, I will not be made to itinerate as deacons are not required to do so. I am thankful to this church that has supported my ministry and will continue to support my ministry as it evolves.
Gratefully,
Josh Sumter
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June Special Missions Offering -
Family Resource Center
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This month’s special offering will benefit the Family Resource Center of Oak Ridge. Housed in Willow Brook and Glenwood Elementary Schools, the Family Resource Center (FRC) offers a wide variety of services to our Oak Ridge Schools students and their families. Student programs include Food for Kids (which is organized and coordinated by volunteers here at FUMC, along with volunteers from other churches), school supplies, a clothing closet, and tutoring programs. The FRC also offers community resource networking, case management, and emergency assistance to families in need, covering rent, utilities, medications, gasoline, food, clothing, and transportation. Other adult programs include parenting and budgeting classes, as well as job skills and resume assistance.
According to the FRC’s website, its mission “is to assist 'at-risk’ children and their families in the prevention and eradication of problems that interfere with their ability to become fully functioning and independent members of their community.”
The Family Resource Center is a vital community resource right here in Oak Ridge. Please give generously to support its crucial mission!
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Worship for June 22
Second Sunday after Pentecost
Scripture Readings:
Isaiah 61: 1-2a, 2c-3
Psalm 22: 5-31
Galatians 3: 23-29
Luke 8: 26-39
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
First United Methodist Church mourns the loss of Mabel Yee, who joined FUMC on July 23, 2017, and died on June 13, 2025. We ask for prayers for Mabel's daughters, Pat and Priscilla, and all of Mabel's family and friends. A funeral service will be held at FUMC on Saturday, July 26, at 1:00 p.m., followed by a reception.
In the Hospital
Dan Nagle
Dismissed
Jeff Martin
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Our Giving
Offering 6-9-2025 through 6-15-2025: $28,807
2025 YTD Offering: $677,066
2024 YTD Offering: $607,958
June Monthly Special Offering: $1,522
Thank you to all of you who mailed in your financial gifts or continued to give online.
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