First Things is taking a Spring Break! Please note that there will not be a First Things weekly e-news next Friday, March 14. We'll be back with everything you need to know on March 21! In the meantime, watch for the most timely information in Wednesday's "Three Things You Need to Know"! | |
First Recovery Day of Hope | |
First Recovery and ASAP of Anderson County are hosting a day of hope this Saturday morning at FUMCOR. Everyone is welcome! | |
Lenten Sermon Series Begins Sunday | |
Celtic Worship at Chapel on the Hill | |
The Community Celtic Service is branching out! Our next service is this Sunday, March 9, at 5:00 p.m., at a new location, United Church, Chapel on the Hill (85 Kentucky Ave.)! Their pastor, the Rev. Suzanne Blokland, has participated in several of the services held here at FUMC and has chosen to lead one of her own. It will include many of the same elements, such as beautiful music, candle lighting, communion, readings, and times of quiet for reflection. This Sunday, as a nod to the season of Lent and the rebirth of spring, the service theme will be “growth begins in the dark.” For more information contact Pastor Suzanne (pastorucor85@aol.com) or Pastor Jenny (jcaughman@fumcor.org). | |
David Coffey Speaks at Grief Support Meeting | |
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David Coffey will speak at the monthly meeting of the Parents and Grandparents Grief Support Group on March 10, 4:30-6:00 p.m. in Room 203.
Several years ago, Coffey lost his 38-year-old son in an airplane crash. He will share with the group how this loss affected him, his family, and his faith.
David Coffey is well known for his leadership in nuclear-related companies and his service in the Tennessee House of Representatives. As a private citizen, he continues his advocacy and support for public education.
All are welcome! For more information, contact Pastor Ken Sauer (ksauer@fumcor.org).
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Senior Adult Luncheon Reservations Due | |
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You are invited to the March Senior Adult Luncheon, which will feature a captivating program focused on our local feathered friends presented by Luke Cole-Starr, known as the Oak Ridge Birdman.
Whether you're a bird watching enthusiast or simply curious about the nature around you, this event will provide a look into the fascinating lives of birds that call our area home.
Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to learn more about our local wildlife. The luncheon will be held in the Fellowship Hall and includes a pork loin entree. Call the church office (865-483-4357) by March 13 to make your reservation!
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Regional Construction Mission Trip | |
Members from FUMC, Kern, and friends are invited to participate in a short-term construction mission trip in East Tennessee. We are planning to go late this spring for approximately one week. A willing heart is the only criterion for attending. Meals and lodging are provided. Transportation will probably include our church bus and one or two personal vehicles. The cost of the trip will be around $250 per person. Please contact Jim Hardy (mjhardy3@comcast.net) for more information. | |
Lenten Guided Lectio Divina | |
During Lent a guided Lectio Divina recording will be available on our website and YouTube channel. Lectio Divina is Latin for divine reading, and it is a process through which we prayerfully invite God to speak to us through scripture. Each Tuesday, an approximately 15-minute recording will be available to guide you through this sacred process. We will use the same scripture readings that will be the basis for our Sunday sermons. Come on a Lenten Journey to New Life by deepening your prayer life and strengthening your relationship with God through Lectio Divina. The first episode will be available on Tuesday, March 4. Contact Jenny Caughman (jcaughman@fumcor.org) for more information. | |
Keystone Karaoke Fundraiser | |
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Each year around Easter, we visit the homebound members of the congregation to remind them that they continue to be important members of our church. This involves taking a flower to one of our members who is no longer able to physically get to church. Many of these people have been members of FUMCOR for years and years, and it is so very important and meaningful that we stay connected.
These visits take place over Palm Sunday weekend, April 11-13. Volunteers will meet in the choir room on Friday, April 11, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. to pick up flowers and get the name(s) and address(es) of the person(s) they will be visiting. Flowers can also be picked up for visitation during the week if that is a better fit for your schedule.
If you would like to help with this meaningful ministry, we ask that you sign up by March 26. This will allow time for Betty Lou to match the volunteers with the homebound members. To volunteer for Easter visitation, please either sign up on our website, or email or call Betty Lou Alspaugh (865-310-1672, alspaughbl@gmail.com) or Jenny Caughman (865-483-4357, jcaughman@fumcor.org).
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March Special Missions Offering - Sally McCaskill Scholarship Fund
In February, First Church's special mission offering will support the Sally 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 individuals, with 76 contributors in 2022.
The scholarship fund operates without staff, and apart from some printing and postage costs, 100% of contributions directly benefit students. Last year, 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 9
First Sunday of Lent
Scripture Readings:
Deuteronomy 26: 1-11
Luke 4: 1-13
8:45 & 11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship - Sanctuary
11:00 a.m. Contemporary Worship - Multipurpose Room
Preaching: Rev. Ken Sauer, Rev. Clair Sauer
Worship for March 16
Second Sunday of Lent
Scripture Readings:
Genesis 15: 1-12, 17-18
Philippians 3: 17 - 4: 1
Luke 13: 31-35
8:45 & 11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship - Sanctuary
11:00 a.m. Contemporary Worship - Multipurpose Room
Preaching: Rev. Clair Sauer, Rev. Denna Hornby
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In the Hospital
Judy Statzer (MMC)
Dismissed
None that we are aware of at this time.
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Our Giving
Offering 2-24-2025 through 3-2-2025: $28,120.00
2025 YTD offering: $286,987
2024 YTD offering: $240,118
February Monthly Special Offering: $2,731.00
March Monthly Special Offering: $465.00
Thank you to all of you who mailed in your financial gifts or continued to give online.
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