Church Council Retreat Highlights | | On August 22 and 23, the Church Council gathered for a retreat at Camp Wesley Woods in Townsend. Though it was rainy outside, that did not dampen the work happening inside as the Council discussed First Church's many ministries and our hopes and plans for the future. Church Council Chairman Dan Ingersoll has prepared a summary of the retreat. You can read more below. | | Choir Boot Camp Is Tomorrow | | Stewardship Ministry Fair | | The Stewardship Ministry Fair is set for September 14, from 9:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Mark your calendars and set aside a few moments to browse displays in the Fellowship Hall and Welcome Center that highlight the many ministries of First Church and ways that you can get involved! Contact Pastor Clair for more information (csauer@fumcor.org). | | Small Group Opportunities This Fall | | |
As Autumn approaches, we have some exciting new small group opportunities. Mark your calendars for the following:
- Join Pastor Ken for a new Bible Study, "What does the Bible really say about heaven, hell, and the afterlife?" There are two opportunities to join this study each Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. (Room 207) and 6:00 p.m. (Room 205)
- Beginning September 15, join Pastor Denna each Monday morning for an easy prayer walk. This event follows Coffee in the Community at Calamity’s Coffee, which meets at 9:00 a.m. We will meet at the Oak Ridge Arboretum at 10:30 a.m. for time together, prayer, and a fun hike. Stay tuned for more opportunities, including alternative weekdays and weekend options as well.
-
New offering: On Thursday, September 25, from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m., Bruce Spangler will host Coffee and Difficult Conversations in the Multipurpose Room. The topic of the evening is: “The Violent Take It by Force: The Christian Movement that is Threatening Our Democracy.”
- On Wednesday, October 8, join Pastor Denna in the Fellowship Hall from 12:00–1:00 p.m. for “Lunch and Learn!” Send Pastor Denna any questions that you have been pondering, and she will choose one for discussion that day.
- Beginning Tuesday, December 2, join Gielda Reese and friends for Visio Divina during Advent! Visio Divina is “divine seeing.” It is the practice of praying with a work of art. By incorporating art into prayer, Visio Divina invites us to bring our sense of sight as well as our imagination into our relationship with God. Gielda will be guiding us every Tuesday morning from 10:00–11:00 a.m. in Room 204 as we create our own artwork and grow in Christ this Advent season!
- On Sunday, December 7, we will have a church-wide Christmas Cookie Swap! Choose your favorite recipe and bring three dozen cookies to the Fellowship Hall at 2:30 p.m. Although not a small group per se, it will be a fun fellowship event to enrich our celebration of the Advent season. We will enjoy cookies and fellowship before going to the Lessons and Carols program presented by the FUMC Music Ministry beginning at 4:00 p.m.
Please contact Pastor Denna with questions or for more information: dhornby@fumcor.org.
| | Senior Adult Luncheon Is Back for the Fall | | Senior Adult Luncheons resume on September 17. The menu for September will feature a spiced apple cider marinated pork loin, catered by Whitney Dodd. The program will be "History of the Blues" by Doug Harris and Robert Higginbotham. Doug and Robert, two masterful Blues musicians, will share a delightful program of music, soul, and history. Both artists began their musical journeys in a church choir. This is a program that promises to keep your foot tapping and your spirit lifted. Reserve your seat by calling the church office (865-483-4357) by September 11. | | Children's Ministry Volunteer Opportunities | | We are thankful for many wonderful staff, parents, and volunteers who have stepped up to help keep our Children, Youth, and Family ministries running smoothly as we search for new leadership. If you are interested in volunteering, particularly in the Children's Ministry area, please reach out to Shannon Blijlevens (404-332-7444, shannon.blijlevens@gmail.com). Shannon, a parent and volunteer, is helping us organize coverage for children's Sunday school and worship. She is happy to talk to you more about volunteer opportunities. | | Share Your Covenant Prayer | | During the final worship services of the Covenant Prayer Series this past Sunday, all were invited to write their own Covenant Prayer. If you would like to share your Covenant Prayer with our congregation, we would love to include it as a prayer resource in a Midweek Devotional one week! Simply email your prayer to Pastor Clair (csauer@fumcor.org) and let her know if you wish it to be shared with your name or anonymously, then be on the lookout for your prayer in the Wednesday Midweek Devotional emails. We are grateful for your willingness to share and the opportunity we all have to strengthen our relationships with one another and with God as we join together in prayer. | | Travel to the Rocky Mountains | | Adult Ministries is sponsoring a trip via air, Mountaineer Railroad, and motor coach to the Rocky Mountains and five national parks in Utah next June 1 - 9. A trip chosen for its brevity, beauty, and benefits, it will be explained by Collette Representative, Patrick Kinsella, on Wednesday, September 17, at 4:30 p.m. in room 207. Come to learn of the travel arrangements, the itinerary, and the stipend returned to FUMC from those going. If you have questions, please call Kay Moss (865-850-6521). | | The September Community Celtic Worship Service will be held next Sunday, September 14, at 5:00 p.m. at United Church Chapel on the Hill. | |
September Special Offering -
Youth Ministry
| | The Special Offering for the month of September will support FUMC’s Youth Ministries. This growing ministry engages youth in 7th-12th grades through Sunday School, weekly youth gatherings, and regular fellowship activities. Additionally, First Church provides a Student Lunch each Thursday during the school year. This is for ORHS juniors and seniors who have off-campus lunch. Over 85 students were fed at our second lunch this school year! Investing in today’s youth is necessary in growing the body of Christ. Teaching young people in the church and helping them grow in their relationship with God can prepare them to serve Christ in all they do. As a result, this nurtures the congregation and allows the church to flourish. To support the September Special Offering, follow the link below. | |
|
Worship for September 7
Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Scripture Reading:
Psalm 51: 1-15
1 Timothy 1: 12-17
Luke 15: 1-32
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 the Hospital
Linda Varnell
Discharged
Pat Ryan
Judy Statzer
| | |
Offering 8-25-2025 through 8-31-2025: $17,858
2025 YTD Offering: $902,336
2024 YTD Offering: $850,362
August Special Offering (First Recovery): $2,765
Thank you to all of you who mailed in your financial gifts or continued to give online.
| | | | |
