Our Future with the UMC Information Sessions

As a follow-up to our spring conversations, Tucker First will hold three informational sessions on the options available to congregations amid the ongoing denominational divide regarding the inclusion of LGBTQIA+ clergy and congregants. These sessions are intended to provide clear information about the policies and procedures laid out by the North Georgia Annual Conference and the full range of possibilities for Tucker First as a local congregation.

Sessions will take place on Thursday evenings at 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary. We will have guest speakers offering different perspectives at the first two sessions. The third session will be a wrap-up time facilitated by our church leadership.

• August 25 | Rev. Dr. Byron Thomas, District Superintendent for the Central South District

• September 1 | Dan Parr, Lay Member at Dahlonega UMC

• September 8 | Summary and Next Steps

Church congregants are invited to submit questions ahead of time for our guest speakers to consider and respond to during their presentations. No additional questions will be taken from the floor after the presentation from each speaker.

Please submit your questions by email to Stephanie Shanholtzer at [email protected], by dropping them off at the church office, or by placing them in the drop box located in the narthex. 

Meal Train for Lynn Urda

Lynn Urda has been in the hospital and is now recovering at home from a lung procedure. Please sign up to provide a meal to the Urdas as Lynn recuperates at home. You can also give GrubHub gift cards through the Meal Train sign-up.

Click on the Meal Train logo to sign up. 

Open Door Sunday School

Begins New Book Discussion

You are most welcome to join the book review of Jesus, the Stranger. The Man from Galilee and The Light of the World.

This book is a laity focus on Jesus’ humanity in a way that looks at the numerous oppositional characters and groups reported in the gospels, the hometown folks, family members, religious leaders, and politicians. We’ll take a close-up view of the parts and, on the whole, the grand theme. 

The Open Door Sunday School class meets on Sundays at 9:45 am in room 209.

Questions? Please contact Joe Kilpatrick at [email protected]. 

Summer Heat Got You Low?

Lift your spirits by attending the 2022 Women’s “Mini-treat” Retreat on Saturday, August 13, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm in Jenkins Hall. The study focus is “Walk With God's Love and Know Your Are Beloved” with a scripture backdrop of 1 John 3:1.

The program includes fun moments, hymn singing, and sharing with those who care. We will eat lunch together, and we invite you to bring a salad to share. Please register by contacting Patti Rioux at [email protected]t. 

Safe Sanctuaries Training in August

There will be two Safe Sanctuaries training sessions in August. The first is on Sunday, August 28 at 4:00 pm, and the next is on Tuesday, August 30 at 7:00 pm. Both sessions will be in Jenkins Hall.  

The Safe Sanctuaries program is a set of books and guidelines by the United Methodist Church to protect our children and youth from emotional and physical abuse while involved in a program at our church. All adults who work with children or youth need to be trained in Safe Sanctuaries. You must retake the class if your training is over two years old. The training is 1 1/2 hours long. 

Questions? Contact Mimi Sanders at [email protected]. 

Bible Study on Romans



Pastor Anne will host an eight-week Bible study on the book of Romans. The group will meet on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 pm in Room 206 starting September 6. 

If you have any questions or would like to RSVP, please contact Pastor Anne at [email protected] or (678) 325-4033

St. Hildegard Night at Tucker First

St. Hildegard von Bingen was a 12th-century writer, composer, theologian, preacher, herbalist, healer, and mystic. Learn about this incredible woman and let her inspire your faith life. We’ll listen to Hildegard’s music, taste one of her recipes, create a unique Hildegard craft, and leave with some Hildegard-inspired spiritual practices. 

To RSVP, please contact Pastor Anne at [email protected] or (678) 325-4033.

Support the Good Samaritan Fund

The Good Samaritan Fund supports the emergency benevolence needs of members and neighbors in the community. Funds are used to provide Kroger gift cards that can be used for food or gas and emergency hotel stays. Currently, the funds have been depleted, and we cannot provide this assistance to those in need. Please consider supporting the fund. Donations can be placed in the labeled box found in the narthex, or you can give online or in the church office.   

2022-2023 Confirmation Class

Another Confirmation season at Tucker First is quickly approaching. Our next Confirmation classes begin on September 18, and we have a scheduled Confirmation Parent meeting on Tuesday, August 2. Dinner will be provided, and the tentative location is Enzo’s Pizza.

All middle school youth who have not been through confirmation are invited. Questions? Contact Chris Moss at 770-883-3095 or [email protected].

Acolyte Sign-Up and Training in August

On Sunday, August 21, there will be an acolyte lunch in Jenkins Hall following the 11:00 am worship service. We invite all current acolytes and those wishing to become an acolyte to attend. Following lunch, there be training in the Sanctuary which will include baptism, communion, and gospel procession procedures. This program is open to all children and youth in the fourth grade through high school. 

Question? Please contact Mimi Sanders at [email protected]. 

United Methodist Men Asking For

Clothing Donations

Our United Methodist Men will work at the Northlake Clothes Closet on August 10. They are asking for clothing donations (see the list on the right column. The donations can be placed in Room 209 any time between now and August 10. 

Blood Drive Volunteers and Blood Donors Needed for Next Blood Drive

Show the best of yourself and human kindness, and donate blood in August. Our next Red Cross Blood Drive will be on Thursday, August 11, from 2:30 – 7:30 pm in the Wesley Center.

​Blood donors can sign up using the green "Donate Blood" button and the site code TUCK1UMC.

Volunteers are needed to greet donors and manage the snack table. The volunteer shifts are two hours each. Touch the green button on the right marked "Volunteer Sign Up."

Questions? Contact Evelyn Burkett at [email protected] or 404-727-1582 if you have any questions.

Breast Cancer Pillow Workshop

Wednesday, August 17

Breast Cancer Pillow Workshop

Thursday, September 15

Great Day of Service 2022

Saturday, September 24