Children and Family Ministries invites you to celebrate the end of the school year at the annual Glow Dance Party tonight from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Contact Shelby Fowler (sfowler@fumcor.org) for more information. | | Register now for Vacation Bible School! Students Pre-K (5 years) through 6th Grade can join us for a week of fun as we learn about the Fruits of the Spirit through engaging Bible stories, crafts, games, and more! | | New First Things Monthly Print Publication | | |
As of June 2025, First Church has a new First Things monthly print edition. You’ve likely seen many iterations of First Things through the years, as FUMC adapts to changing times and changing needs.
The pastors are often asked, “How is the church doing?” The new First Things monthly is designed for our homebound members and is intended to help answer that question for all who are wondering.
While this new newsletter is designed to help our homebound church family and community members stay connected with all the amazing ministries and activities happening at FUMC, everyone might enjoy the content or the way it is presented. A link to a PDF of the First Things monthly will always be in this weekly First Things e-News, and the latest newsletter will be highlighted near the beginning of each month.
| | |
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:
| | |
Laundry Pods
Bob's Laundromat Gift Cards
Razors
Toothpaste
Deodorant
| | |
Shampoo
Conditioner
Body Wash
Bar Soap
African American Hair Care products
| | New Grief Support Opportunities | | |
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.
For the past two years, a grief support group for parents and grandparents who have lost children has been meeting on the second Monday of each month. The group will continue to meet, but with a broader focus. Some who have attended the 7-week Grief Support Groups have indicated an interest in attending a monthly support group. With this in mind, we invite anyone who has attended a previous grief support group to join with parents and grandparents who have lost children at our next meeting on Monday, June 9, 4:30 - 6:00 p.m., in Room 203.
Additionally, 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.
| | Volunteers Needed for the Ecumenical Storehouse | | |
Did you know that FUMCOR has been a part of the Ecumenical Storehouse ministry since it was established in 1984? This ministry is operated by volunteers from 11 community congregations on a rotating basis. The storehouse accepts, stores, and distributes household goods to families in need. The storehouse has two new volunteer opportunities.
We are seeking volunteers with availability on Saturday mornings to assist clients. Moving and lifting furniture is involved. There is direct involvement with clients. We are hoping to extend our ministry to Saturday afternoons in the future. Opening to clients on Saturdays is a direct result of the needs of some of our clients, who work during the week.
We are also seeking volunteers who are "handy." Are you able to occasionally take on a small project at home? Rewire a lamp? Clean upholstery? Make a rickety table stable? We have projects for you.
First Church also has a team that picks up donations on the first weekend of each month. We need “younger” folks to help lift and load donations.
The continued success of this ministry depends on our volunteers. For more information, please contact Barbara Hudak-Scheirer at 731-780-5689 or bhs4639@gmail.com. For more information on the Ecumenical Storehouse, please visit this website.
Thank you for your consideration of this important ministry.
| |
June Special Missions Offering -
Family Resource Center
| | |
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!
| |
|
Worship for June 1
Ascension Sunday
Scripture Readings:
Psalm 47
Acts 1: 1-11
Luke 24: 44-53
8:45 & 11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship - Sanctuary
11:00 a.m. Contemporary Worship - Multipurpose Room
Preaching: Rev. Clair Sauer, Rev. Ken Sauer
| | |
In Sympathy
Christian love and sympathy are expressed to the families of:
Gerald "Cotton" Boroughs, who died on November 9, 2024. A funeral service will be held at the church at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 31. Receiving of friends begins at 1:00 p.m.
Beverly "Bev" Davis, who died on March 29, 2025. A funeral service will be held at the church at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 1. Receiving of friends begins at 1:00 p.m.
Kelly Luckmann, who died on March 25, 2025. A graveside service will be held at Oak Ridge Memorial Park at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 5.
Chuck and Debbie Fritts in the death of Debbie's brother, Benjamin McNew, who died on May 27, 2025. A visitation will be held in Cookeville on May 31.
In the Hospital/Dismissed
None that we are aware of at this time.
| | |
Our Giving
Offering 5-19-2025 through 5-25-2025: $9,162.75
2025 YTD Offering: $585,244
2024 YTD Offering: $540,540
May Monthly Special Offering: $1,888.00
Thank you to all of you who mailed in your financial gifts or continued to give online.
| | | | |
