|
Breakthrough Prayer
God, part the floodwaters of my fear that you will not always provide, as you guide and set me on the solid ground of relying on your Spirit's power. Amen.
| | |
Second Saturday Servants is a new opportunity for you to help out First Church “by our service." The church needs YOU to help with projects both inside and outside the building. The May focus will be organizing spaces, cleaning pews, and garden cleanup.
Our first meeting will be this Saturday, May 9, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. near the front entrance of the church.
If you can’t attend the May event, please add us to your calendar.
Questions? Contact Janet Townsend (townsend1625@gmail.com) or Gielda Reese (gieldareese@gmail.com).
| | Oak Ridge Youth Pride Event | | Everyone is invited to join the Social Concerns Team, First Church friends, and the broader Oak Ridge community for the second annual Youth Pride event this Saturday, May 9, from 12:00 - 5:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church (1051 Oak Ridge Turnpike). For more information or to volunteer, please reach out to Greg Smith (smit92611@gmail.com). | | New Bible Study Opportunity | | A new Bible Study just began! Come join Pastor Ken every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. (room 207) or 6:00 p.m. (room 205) and learn more about Paul's first letter to the Corinthians. For more information, contact Pastor Ken (ksauer@fumcor.org). | | Please RSVP for Difficult Conversations | | |
In the next series of the Social Concerns Committee’s Difficult Conversations, you are invited to join us for a four‑week discussion and study of The Seven Mountains Mandate: Exposing the Dangerous Plan to Christianize America and Destroy Democracy by Matthew Boedy. This study will explore the history, theology, and political implications of the Seven Mountains Mandate movement and consider how Christians can thoughtfully engage faith, democracy, and public life.
We will meet on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. on the following dates:
May 21 - Introduction to the Seven Mountains
May 28 - Matthew Boedy, author, will present on the “mandates,” with Q & A. (RSVP is requested – please call the church office at 865-483-4357)
June 4 - Conversation around the Seven Mountains
June 11 - Wrap-up and Conclusions
Together we will read, reflect, and discuss how Christian faith can be practiced with integrity, humility, and respect for democratic values. All are welcome, whether you have read the book or are simply curious to learn more.
Please join us in the Multipurpose Room for a thoughtful conversation and community.
If you have questions or would like help obtaining the book, please contact Bruce Spangler, pottspangler@icloud.com.
We hope to see you there.
| | Ecumenical Storehouse Volunteer Opportunity | | Volunteers are needed in June for the Ecumenical Storehouse. In 2026, First Church is only responsible for providing volunteer leaders for one month. June is it! Volunteers are needed for warehouse and office duties on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings from 9:30 a.m. until 12:00 noon. No heavy lifting is required. For more information or to sign up, please call or text Barbara Hudak-Scheirer at 731-780-5689 or follow the link below. | | Summer Shoppe Is Coming Soon! | | |
Summer Shoppe planning is in full swing, and we need your help!
This year, the Summer Shoppe will be held on Saturday, June 6, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon, with set-up on June 5 from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
This year's Summer Shoppe will be serving a minimum of 50 families and 200+ individuals who need support with food and hygiene items. Our two biggest needs are financial support for purchasing the items and volunteers to help set up and distribute.
As we all know, food costs are rising. We can make the largest impact by purchasing in bulk. Financial contributions will help make that happen, and they are incredibly appreciated. If you would like to make a financial donation to the Summer Shoppe, you can do so on the church website. Please have all donations submitted by May 15th to ensure orders are placed in time for delivery.
If you would like to be hands-on, we would love your help with set-up and/or distribution! The setup includes sorting food items, organizing, and setting up rooms for hygiene, books, and toys. We would really like to have 10-12 volunteers to help with set up. On distribution day, we need people to staff each room, help load vehicles, and assist with breakdown after the event. Again, 10-12 volunteers would be greatly appreciated. To sign up for a volunteer slot, please fill out this volunteer form.
Thank you for being the hands and feet of Jesus, for loving your neighbors, and for feeding the hungry.
| | |
Vacation Bible School is almost here! Participant registration is now open. You can follow the link below to register your child today.
Also, there are multiple ways to serve at VBS! If you are interested in volunteering to servce our children that week, please follow the volunteer sign-up below. Email Billy Price (bprice@fumcor.org) for any questions you may have.
| | The Church Council met this past Tuesday, May 5, for their regularly scheduled meeting. Follow the link below for a summary of what's happening around First Church, and what plans are in the works! | | First Steps CDC Is Nationally Accredited | | |
First Steps has reached an exceptional milestone by earning national accreditation—an achievement that highlights excellence far beyond state licensing requirements. While the program already holds an outstanding 98% quality rating from the state, national accreditation affirms that First Steps meets the highest standards in early childhood education and care.
On March 19, Director Julie Martin received official notice that First Steps was accredited by the National Early Childhood Program Accreditation (NECPA). This recognition reflects a rigorous evaluation process covering curriculum, health and safety, staff qualifications, communication, and classroom environments. Following an extensive review outlined in a 140-page standards manual, an all-day on-site visit on March 9 confirmed the program’s commitment to quality in every detail—from engaging classroom interactions to well-maintained facilities and playgrounds.
Accreditation is reviewed annually, with comprehensive site visits every three years. Fewer than 10% of child care centers nationwide achieve this distinction. First Steps is the only accredited center in Oak Ridge and one of just four in the greater Knoxville area—a powerful testament to the dedication, professionalism, and excellence of its staff and program.
| | New Stephen Ministers Graduate | | April 28th marked the completion of 17 weeks of Stephen Ministry training for ten enthusiastic souls representing four different congregations. The graduating class includes: Bill Alender, Leah Baker, Debbie Buchanan, Lynne Burchell, Donnie Macklin, Mary Murray, Teri Smith-Pearson, Alan Owen, Terry Pfeiffer, and Linda Triolo. We encourage you to congratulate these people for enduring 40+ hours of training and for their dedication to the Stephen Ministry program. They will be formally commissioned as new Stephen ministers on Pentecost Sunday, May 24, in the 11:00 a.m. traditional service. | | |
Back Row: Donnie Macklin, Bill Alender, Debbie Buchanan, Lynne Burchell, Alan Owen
Front Row: Teri Smith-Pearson, Linda Triolo, Terry Pfeiffer, Leah Baker, Mary Murray
| | |
The new Realm Connect online directory is live! Approximately 100 people have already gotten their profiles set up in our new church management system and online directory, Realm Connect.
Through Realm Connect, you are able to update and add personal information on your own, upload profile pictures, view your financial statements and giving at any time, and see pictures and contact information for other church members (an online, on-demand church directory)!
Everyone with an updated email address in the church database received an invitation to Realm Connect last Saturday evening. If you did not receive an email but would like to get signed up for Realm Connect, please call the church office at 865-483-4357.
| | Wheelchairs are one of the most-requested items at Spark, a local non-profit that helps connect people with disabilities with the adaptive tools and technology needed to live life with maximum independence and dignity. Recently, after a significant increase in the number of requests, Spark currently has no wheelchairs available. If you or anyone you know might have a wheelchair that is no longer needed, please call 865-219-0130 or email sparky.ettac@gmail.com. Your tax-deductible donation can literally be a life-changing gift. Thank you! | |
May Special Offering -
First Recovery
| | The May special offering will benefit the First Recovery ministry. First Recovery offers help, hope, and healing to individuals struggling with substance misuse disorder. Ministries like First Recovery show us how faith-based healing, recovery coaching, and peer encouragement can be transformative. They offer a blueprint of second chances rooted in spiritual care and human dignity. First Recovery is a vital and growing ministry that serves a significant need in our community. Your support is greatly appreciated! | |
|
Worship for May 10
Sixth Sunday of Easter
Scripture Readings:
Acts 17: 22-31
Psalm 66: 8-20
1 Peter 3: 13-22
John 14: 15-21
8:45 & 11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship - Sanctuary
11:00 a.m. Contemporary Worship - Multipurpose Room
Preaching: Rev. Ken Sauer, Rev. Clair Sauer
| | |
In Sympathy
Please be in prayer for the family and friends of:
Connie Horne, who joined FUMC on February 17, 1980, and died on May 1, 2026. A service for Connie and Terrell (who died on April 25) will be held at FUMC this evening, Friday, May 8, at 6:00 p.m. with receiving of friends beginning at 5:00 p.m.
Phyllis Jacobson, who joined FUMC on May 10, 1959, and died on April 30, 2026. A service will be held at a later date.
Jeffrey Kidd, who joined FUMC on June 4, 1995, and died on May 4, 2026. Service arrangements are incomplete at this time.
Marilyn Rouse, who joined FUMC on August 12, 2012, and died on May 4, 2026. The family will hold a private graveside service.
Nancy Vath, who joined FUMC on January 20, 1985, and died on May 3, 2026. A celebration of Nancy's life will be held on Sunday, May 31, at 3:00 p.m., with a receiving of friends beginning at 2:00 p.m.
Randall Weir, who joined FUMC on September 23, 1963, and died on May 5, 2026. Service arrangements are incomplete at this time.
Perry Martin, mother of Jenny Caughman, who died on April 25, 2026. A celebration of life will be held in Maine at a later date.
In the Hospital
None that we are aware of at this time.
Dismissed
Sandy Elkins
Sandra Voina
| |
| |
Offering 4-27-2026 through 5-3-2026: $37,785.64
2026 YTD Offering: $532,151
2025 YTD Offering: $541,426
May Special Offering (First Recovery): $855
Thank you to all of you who mailed in your financial gifts or continued to give online.
| | | | |
