Weekly News November 14, 2025

Worship at Tucker First - November 16

Matthew 14:13-21

Abundant Grace

Rev. Stacey Rushing, preaching

11:00 am Traditional Worship Sanctuary

23rd Sunday after Pentecost

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This Sunday at Tucker First

Join us this Sunday for worship as Rev. Stacey Rushing returns to Tucker First to preach about Abundant Grace, reflecting on Matthew 14:13–21. A former youth of our church, Rev. Rushing now serves as the Director of the Housing and Homeless Council for the North Georgia Conference, and we are delighted to welcome her back to our pulpit. Our Chancel Choir will also offer a beautiful anthem commissioned and dedicated to Tom Moore, who faithfully served as our music minister from 2009–2023. We hope you will join us for this meaningful and joy-filled service!

Tucker First News and Events

Return Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes this Sunday!

Thank you to everyone who took a shoebox and filled it with Christmas items for children around the world! Shoeboxes should be brought to church on Sunday, November 16. Pastor Owen will say a blessing over the boxes, and the Christian Women’s Fellowship (CWF) will get the boxes in the mail.

For questions, please contact Ann Farnell at annfarnell1208@gmail.com.

Poinsettias Available for Advent

Help decorate our Sanctuary during the Advent season by ordering red poinsettias from the worship committee. Orders will be taken in the Gathering Room on Sunday, November 16, before and after our 11:00 am worship service. The cost of each poinsettia is $15. Purchases can be made via cash, credit card or checks payable Tucker First UMC with Poinsettia in the memo line. The poinsettias and dedication list will be presented to the church on Sunday, November 30. You may pick up your poinsettia after our Christmas Eve Service on December 24. Questions? Contact Donna Davis at 404-229-7962.

Everything is Sacred Study

During Advent, we will have a special sermon series called Reflecting the Sacred. There is a companion devotional book called “Everything Is Sacred” by Richard Rohr. Cherry Slomiany and Pastor Owen will be leading a study of the book on the following Wednesdays: November 19, December 3, 10 & 17 from 5:00-5:45 pm in the Activities Center before dinner. All are welcome to join us. Come on November 19 to hear about the book, which is a 40-day devotional, before purchasing it in time for Advent and the Wednesdays in December. If you have any questions, please reach out to either Cherry at slom3@yahoo.com or Pastor Owen at owen@tfumc.org.

Help Spread Love-Support the Preschool's Peanut Butter & Jelly Drive!

During the month of November, our Weekday Preschool is collecting peanut butter and jelly to support NETWorks Cooperative Ministry. The goal is to donate 100 jars of each to help families in need. You can drop off your donations on the ushers’ table in the Gathering Room or bring them to the church office. (Please, no glass jars).

You may also order peanut butter & jelly through the preschool’s Amazon Wishlist. Items ordered will be shipped directly to the preschool.

Kairos Prison Ministry-Call for Prayer

In the Kairos Prison Ministry, 35–40 prison residents join an equal number of “outside” volunteers for a four-day experience that could be called a retreat, a short course, or even a celebration—but whatever you call it, God shows up. Throughout the weekend, volunteers and residents meet in the prison library/chapel, following the simple yet powerful Kairos motto: “Listen, Listen, Love, Love.”

Ed Wheeler will be among the volunteers traveling to Rogers State Prison in Reidsville on November 20. He asks for your prayers—for the inmates who will participate, for the volunteer team (many of whom are seasoned in years), and for God’s presence to move among them all.

A SignUpGenius has been created for those who wish to commit to 30 minutes of prayer during the event. Whether you sign up or simply hold them in your prayers, your support makes a difference in this powerful ministry.

Help Decorate the Sanctuary for Advent and Christmas!

Join us Sunday, November 23, after worship as we help the worship team deck the halls! It’s a fun and festive way to kick off the Advent season. We’ll have a light lunch, snacks, and plenty of Christmas music to set the mood. A few strong helpers who don’t mind ladders are especially appreciated. Contact Evelyn Burkett at ehburkett@comcast.net.

Christmas Pops at Tucker First- Sunday, December 7

Join us for an unforgettable evening of holiday favorites featuring the Music Ministry of Tucker First UMC — including our children’s choirs, Church Street Station, handbells, orchestra, and more!

Come early for a time of fellowship and a delicious meal at 5:00 pm before the concert begins at 6:30 pm. Celebrate the season with family, friends, and the joyful sounds of Christmas at Tucker First!

Staff Milestone Recognitions

Staff Parish Relations has adopted a new employee recognition program to honor staff members as they reach milestone work anniversaries. This year, we are retroactively recognizing significant anniversaries from 2025, and going forward we will celebrate these milestones annually.

On Sunday, we recognized two dedicated members of our church staff:

Cindy Petersiel — Celebrating 10 years of service. Cindy began in 2015 as the preschool administrative assistant and has served as our Church Administrator since 2019. We are grateful for her steady leadership, her attention to detail, and the warmth she brings to our ministry.

Nancy Parker — Celebrating 5 years of service. Nancy joined the preschool staff in 2020 as the music teacher and now directs two of our bell choirs. Her creativity and gifts continue to bless our worship and our congregation.

We are thankful to Cindy and Nancy for their faithful service and dedication to our church family.