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Breakthrough Prayer
God, may your Holy Spirit's power overshadow my mind, thoughts, will, and agenda for what you desire to birth anew in me, through me, and around me. Amen.
| | We are in need of Ushers for the Contemporary service. Just two or three more people would make a significant difference for those who have already been serving faithfully. There are a few specific details to go over for this role, so please email Paul Davis at pdavis@fumcor.org. | | Would you like to learn more about the Lord's Prayer and other prayers of Jesus? Come join the Fellowship Class as Pastor Denna leads a journey into the prayers of Jesus. The study will meet on March 8, 15, and 22 at 10:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Contact Pastor Denna for more information (dhornby@fumcor.org). | | March Senior Adult Luncheon | | Come enjoy music by "The Missing Goats" and a delicious menu of grilled chicken and roasted potatoes at the Senior Adult Luncheon on March 18. Reservations are required, so call the church office (865-483-4357) no later than March 12 to secure your spot. | | Come join Gielda Reese during the Lenten season as she shares scriptures and guides the group in visio divina, "divine seeing," in which we connect with God through art in a contemplative and prayerful way. The Lenten Visio Divina group will meet March 3, 10, 17, and 24 at 10:00 a.m. in room 204. Contact Pastor Denna (dhornby@fumcor.org) for more information. | | Lamps Needed for Holy Week Worship | | First Church has a special Maundy Thursday Worship Service planned for Holy Week. We would like to create an inviting space that includes some lamps. Rather than purchasing lamps for this once-per-year service, we would like to borrow these lamps. If you have any of the lamps pictured below that you are willing to loan the church for about a week (beginning no later than March 27), please reach out to Paul Davis (pdavis@fumcor.org). We need one of the tall, tripod-style lamp, and five of the other table top lamps. | | Are you looking for a new way to put prayer into practice as we wrap-up the 28-day Dynamite Prayer experience? You are invited to join in intentional prayer for our church every Sunday at 10:00 a.m. in the Chapel. Contact Melinda Holder for more information (m.psalm119.71@gmail.com). | | Meet Finance Assistant, Angie Hunter | | |
First Church has a new Finance Assistant, Angie Hunter! Angie is a native East Tennessean who was valedictorian of her high school class and earned degrees from Roane State Community College, Tennessee Tech University, and the University of Phoenix.
Angie is a Christian, wife, and mother of two, who currently lives in the Mossy Grove area of Morgan County. She has completed internships at ORNL and K-25 and has worked with Boeing, the Coalfield Public Library, and Life Choices Medical Center. She also worked at the FUMC Mother's Day Out program one summer while she was in college!
In her spare time, Angie enjoys gardening, cooking, and handicrafts like crochet, cross-stitch, and diamond art.
You have the opportunity to meet Angie and our other Finance Department personnel (staff and volunteers) at the upcoming Meet the Finance Department Day. This special event will take place on Sunday, March 29, beginning after the dismissal of the first church service.
It will be a wonderful opportunity to meet your Finance Committee and staff members, and you will also have the chance to update your contact information to ensure we have the most current details on file. 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!
| | Next Saturday at First Church! | | |
As we prepare for this June’s Summer Shoppe, we have the opportunity to purchase some of our needed items in bulk at a discounted price. We are looking for individuals or groups that may wish to sponsor the following items:
- Sunscreen - We can purchase 81 bottles for $79.50. Requesting one order.
- Assorted adult-size toothbrushes, individually wrapped - We can purchase 864 of these for a total cost of $258.75. Requesting one order.
- Sidewalk chalk, 24 pieces/box - We can purchase 48 boxes for $72.25.
Any amount you’d like to donate to the Shoppes account at the church will be used to purchase additional items, such as food, health and hygiene items, and small outdoor toys for the kids.
How does this work? Orders will need to be paid for via the Shoppes Church account. If you or your group would like to sponsor one or more of these items, please contact Nancy Kile or Ashley Craven at fumcorshoppes@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you.
| | The Children's Choir is gearing up for our celebration of Children's Sabbath on Sunday, April 12. All children in kindergarten through 5th grade are welcome to be part of the Children's Choir, which rehearses each Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. in room 306. Contact Josh Sumter (jsumter@fumcor.org) for more information. | |
March Special Offering -
Sallie McCaskill Scholarship
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In March, First Church's special mission offering will support the Sallie McCaskill Scholarship Fund. Sallie McCaskill dedicated her life to education. She was an educated woman who aimed to help college-bound students from Anderson County. McCaskill assisted these students in finding tutors and often provided help herself. When McCaskill passed away in 1993, it was only right that her legacy of supporting minority students continued. Thus, the Sallie McCaskill Memorial Scholarship was established.
To date, over 200 scholarships totaling nearly $300,000 have been awarded to minority students from Oak Ridge High School, with most recipients coming from the Scarboro Community. This money is designated for the first year of college and can be used for any 2 or 4-year program. Students are interviewed by a committee of volunteer adults who assess their academic achievements, leadership roles, and aspirations for the future. The cost of tuition for the program to which the students have been accepted is also taken into consideration. This scholarship program stands out as most of its contributions come from community members.
The scholarship fund operates without staff, and apart from some printing and postage costs, 100% of contributions directly benefit students. In 2024, four students each received $2,550. Our church has supported this fund for several years, and with your help, we can continue to make a significant impact in assisting deserving students in advancing their education this year. You can contribute to this Special Mission Offering in the same way you make your regular donation. Just remember to mark it as “March Mission Offering” or “Sallie McCaskill.”
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Worship for March 8
Third Sunday in Lent
Scripture Readings:
Romans 5: 1-11
Psalm 95
John 4: 4-30, 39-42
8:45 & 11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship - Sanctuary
11:00 a.m. Contemporary Worship - Multipurpose Room
Preaching: Rev. Ken Sauer, Rev. Clair Sauer
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In Sympathy
Please be in prayer for the families and friends of:
Sam Snow, who joined FUMC on December 1, 1963, and died on February 12, 2025. Services will be held at FUMC on Friday, March 6, with a receiving of friends at 1:00 p.m. followed by a celebration of life at 2:00 p.m.
Robert Moss, husband of Kay Moss, who died on February 24, 2025. A celebration of life will be held at FUMC on Friday, March 6, at 7:00 p.m. with a reception following in the Fellowship Hall.
Charlene Reynolds, who joined FUMC on April 15, 1955, and died on December 17, 2025. Services will be held at FUMC on Saturday, March 7, with a receiving of friends at 12:00 noon, followed by a celebration of life at 1:00 p.m.
Mike Cates, who joined FUMC on February 22, 1981, and died on January 28, 2026. Services will be held at FUMC on Sunday, March 8. The receiving of friends will begin at 1:00 p.m., followed by a celebration of life at 2:00 p.m., starting in the Memorial Garden and continuing in the Fellowship Hall.
In the Hospital
None that we are aware of at this time.
Dismissed
Neal Smith
Alma VanHull
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Offering 2-23-2026 through 3-1-2026: $46,392.50
2026 YTD Offering: $287,945
2025 YTD Offering: $288,037
February Special Offering (Community Meals): $650
Thank you to all of you who mailed in your financial gifts or continued to give online.
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