|
Following the 11:00 a.m. worship services on Sunday, October 12, there will be a reception for Rev. Jenny Caughman as she moves into retirement. This will be an opportunity to celebrate Jenny's loving and diligent care of this congregation over the last 14 years.
Additionally, there will be a special Book Sale featuring a wide selection of popular novels and more! This Jones Memorial Library event is held in partnership with Pastor Jenny, who is generously downsizing her personal library. Jenny will also have some framed pictures and other memorabilia available. It's the perfect chance to find your next great read, find a cute knick-knack, and support a good cause at the same time!
All proceeds will go to benefit our Community Meal Fund, helping us continue to serve those in need.
Come greet Jenny, then browse, buy, and give back!
| | If you are new to the church and have questions or would like a tour, please plan on attending Jenny Caughman’s retirement reception, where we will gather and begin our tour for First Church 101 this Sunday, October 12. Be sure to wear your walking shoes! Contact Pastor Denna for more information (dhornby@fumcor.org). | | Join Social Concerns for Secret City Pride | | |
Oak Ridge's first-ever Pride event, "Secret City Pride," will be held on Sunday, October 12, from 12:00-4:00 p.m. at the Oak Ridge Unitarian Universalist Church. All are welcome! For more information, contact Greg Smith (smit92611@gmail.com).
| | |
The Celtic people have always had a deep connection and a reverent relationship with the earth. Celts feel close to God by recognizing and honoring the sacredness of creation. In this way, they are very similar to Native Americans, many of whom both view and relate to the earth with deep reverence. As a nod to Monday being Indigenous Peoples’ Day, this month’s Community Celtic Service will focus on the sacredness of the earth and the benefits of relating to her as such.
Through beautiful music, scripture, and readings from the Celtic tradition and Choctaw Nation, we will explore the benefits of being in a respectful relationship with the Earth. Author J. Philip Newell explains how Celts, intuitively, “have known within themselves the goodness of the natural, the sacred origin of what is deepest in our nature and in all nature.” This monthly service, a collaboration between three Oak Ridge Churches, is a time of quiet when we are invited to pause, recognize the good in the world, and recharge ourselves spiritually and physically.
FUMC will be hosting this month’s service, which will take place this Sunday, October 12, at 5:00 p.m. All are welcome. For more information contact Pastor Jenny (jcaughman@fumcor.org).
| | New Wednesday Bible Study on Matthew | | UWF Sunday and Blanket Collection | | |
On Sunday, October 19, First Church will observe United Women in Faith (UWF) Sunday. We will welcome guest preacher, Rev. Leah Burns, in the Traditional services. You can read more about Leah by following the link below.
| | |
Additionally, part of the day's celebration will include collecting blankets before and after all worship services. Please bring new or gently used blankets, which will be donated to the Ecumenical Storehouse. Alternatively, you can make a cash donation, which will be given to the local unit of Church Women United (CWU). The CWU movement has held a vision of Christian unity and prayerful action since 1941. If you wish to donate by check, please make checks payable to UWF (not FUMC). UWF appreciates your support.
| | Student Lunch Service Opportunity | | |
Are you free on Thursday mornings from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon? Student lunch needs you! We have had a couple of people become unable to help and would appreciate your support on 5th Thursdays in particular. Please reach out to Pastor Denna Hornby for more information (dhornby@fumcor.org).
| | Willing Workers Set Work Day for October 25 | | Need a little help with your fall to-do list? The Willing Workers are ready to help you with an extra set of hands on Saturday, October 25. Light bush trimming and hauling, putting up water hoses for the winter, changing out batteries and light bulbs are just a few of the tasks that the “W W s” can do for you at your home. Please contact Mark Diemer at (865) 483-5410 to schedule your appointment and let him know of your specific needs. Blessings to all at this wonderful time of the year, and we will see you soon! | | Stephen Ministry Training Rescheduled | | The Stephen Ministry training class, originally scheduled to start in September, has been postponed until January, so you still have time to sign up for this special opportunity. The class will run on Tuesday evenings for 17 consecutive weeks beginning January 6 and ending April 28. Classes will be held from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. If you are interested in joining the class, please contact Pastor Denna (dhornby@fumcor.org), Dan Ingersoll (dingersoll3@comcast.net), Anne Leitnaker (anne.leitnaker@gmail.com), or Peg Ashline (ashline27@bellsouth.net) no later than November 21. For more information, check us out at fumcor.org/stephen-ministry. | | A Note from the Staff-Parish Relations Committee | | |
The Staff-Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) shares that Linda Bowen has submitted her resignation from her position as Business and Finance Director at FUMCOR. We are deeply grateful for her faithful service and commitment to our church’s ministries. Please see Linda's note below.
Dear Members and Friends of the First United Methodist Church Family,
After much prayer and reflection, I have decided to step down from my position as Director of Business and Finance at First United Methodist Church in Oak Ridge, and my last official day will be November 7, 2025. Serving this congregation over the past twelve years has been a tremendous honor and blessing in my life.
Throughout my time here, I have been privileged to help steward the church’s financial resources and support its ministries so that the mission of Christ could continue to grow and thrive. Working with our pastors, staff, committees, and congregation members has been a joy, and I have been continually inspired by your faithfulness, generosity, and dedication to serving others in the name of the Lord.
As I move forward into a new opportunity outside of this role, I will carry with me deep gratitude for the trust, friendship, and encouragement you have extended to me. I will miss serving this church family and being part of such a committed and compassionate community of believers.
May God continue to bless and guide this congregation in all that you do for His glory.
With heartfelt thanks and love,
Linda Bowen
Please join us in wishing Linda God’s blessings in her next chapter.
SPRC is actively working with church leadership to ensure a smooth transition and continued stability across all ministries. We appreciate your prayers and support during this time of change.
| | Monday Fellowship Opportunities | | Bethlehem: An Advent Journey | | |
Have you chosen your Advent study yet? Please consider Bethlehem: An Advent Journey, written by the Rev. David Graybeal. David is a United Methodist Pastor and member of The Holston Annual Conference who has served churches in southwestern England and east Tennessee. He is also an adjunct professor of religion at Tennessee Wesleyan University. Dave will be here at First Church on December 14 at 4:00 p.m. to discuss his book. Look for more information about that event as the date draws closer. If you would like a copy of Bethlehem: An Advent Journey, books are available to pick up in the office for $12.
| |
October Special Offering -
(Trustees) Building Contingency Fund
| | The Special Offering for the month of October will support our facilities and the work of FUMC’s Trustees by bolstering the Building Contingency Fund. The Office and Vienna Road parking lots were recently resealed and repainted. This is routine maintenance work required every 5-10 years to ensure the longevity of our parking lots. The Building Contingency Fund helps keep our facilities functioning through routine maintenance projects and when unexpected needs arise. To support the October Special Offering, follow the link below. | |
|
Worship for October 12
Eighteenth Sunday After Pentecost
Scripture Reading:
Habakkuk 1: 1-4; 2: 1-4
Psalm 37: 1-9
2 Timothy 1: 1-14
Luke 17: 5-10
8:45 & 11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship - Sanctuary
11:00 a.m. Contemporary Worship - Multipurpose Room
Preaching: Rev. Jenny Caughman
| | |
In the Hospital
Dan Nagle
| | |
Offering 9-29-2025 through 10-5-2025: $20,231
2025 YTD Offering: $1,033,852
2024 YTD Offering: $960,216
October Special Offering (Trustees): $845
Thank you to all of you who mailed in your financial gifts or continued to give online.
| | | | |
