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Breakthrough Prayer
God, I ask for your help to demolish any habits, fears, and thoughts that prevent your light from shining genuinely through me as a witness to others. Amen.
| | The United Women in Faith (formerly United Methodist Women) will hold their Bakeless Bake Sale this Sunday, May 17. As you exit from church services, UWF members will be holding baskets to receive your donations. All donations help continue the UWF's financial support for 22 local and regional organizations that support women and children. A brochure listing the organizations is located on tables near the worship areas. We accept checks made out to "United Women in Faith" or "UWF." (Please note: Gifts to UWF are not tax deductible.) Thank you for your support! | | 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 (Watch online)
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) (Watch online)
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.
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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.
| | 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.
| | 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. | | Second Saturday Servants Success | | |
This month’s Second Saturday workday was a success! Pews, chairs, and doors were cleaned in the Sanctuary. The grounds around the Sanctuary entrance and Memorial Garden are now weedless. Thank you to the 12 parishioners who arrived and cheerfully set to work. Please join us for our next workday on June 13th!
| | Corinthians Bible Study Continues | | 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). | | The Church Council met on 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! | | Opportunities to Enjoy Re-Creation | | 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.
| | 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! | |
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Worship for May 17
Seventh Sunday of Easter
Scripture Readings:
Acts 1: 6-14
Psalm 68
1 Peter 4: 12-14, 5: 6-11
John 17: 1-11
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 family and friends of:
Jeffrey Kidd, who joined FUMC on June 4, 1995, and died on May 4, 2026. A receiving of friends will be held at FUMC from 12:00 noon - 2:00 p.m. tomorrow, Saturday, May 16.
Randall Weir, who joined FUMC on September 23, 1963, and died on May 5, 2026. A celebration of Randall’s life will be held on June 5 at Weatherford Mortuary. The family will welcome friends at 3:00 p.m. with a service at 5:00 p.m. The burial service will be on June 6 at 10:00 a.m. at Oak Ridge Memorial Garden.
Betty Louise Mowrer, the mother of David Mowrer, who died on May 8, 2026, in Kingston.
In the Hospital
Lee Garrott
Bill Kilday
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Offering 5-4-2026 through 5-10-2026: $16,515.14
2026 YTD Offering: $548,666
2025 YTD Offering: $559,541
May Special Offering (First Recovery): $1,494
Thank you to all of you who mailed in your financial gifts or continued to give online.
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