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Breakthrough Prayer
God, break through any resistance in me to invest and multiply your powerful gifts. May I become a true servant. Fill me with confidence, eagerness, and willingness to be used for your greater purposes. Amen.
| | Easter is nearly here! We look forward to celebrating with you in Sunday worship. Please note that due to the forecasted rain, the Sunrise Service will be held in the Chapel. | | The Easter Egg Hunt is a "go," rain or shine! In the event of rain, please meet in the Sanctuary at 10:15 a.m. | | New Worship Experience Begins Sunday | | |
First Sundays at 6:00 p.m. in the Chapel.
We have an exciting new addition to our community called Evening Grace. The new service kicks-off this Sunday, April 5th, at 6:00 p.m.
We often think of "recovery" as being for a specific group of people, but the truth is, we are all recovering from something—whether it’s grief, stress, broken relationships, or life’s daily challenges.
This monthly service will feature innovative music and messages rooted in the 12 Steps, applicable to every single one of us. It’s a unique, intentional space to find healing and connection. We hope to see the whole congregation there as we launch this new chapter on Easter night in the Chapel. For more information, contact the church office (865-483-4357).
| | New Bible Study Beginning | | A new Wednesday Bible Study will kick off next week on April 8. There are two opportunities to join Pastor Ken in this study of Paul's letter to the Ephesians. Come together for study and fellowship at 10:30 a.m. (room 207) or 6:00 p.m. (room 205) each Wednesday. For more information, contact Pastor Ken (ksauer@fumcor.org). | | Children and Youth Sabbath Is April 12 | | Make plans to gather in worship next Sunday, April 12, for a special celebration of the children and youth of First Church! The young people will help lead worship by singing, reading, and ushering. Billy Price, FUMC's new Next Gen Ministries Director, will deliver the message in all three services. You don't want to miss this special Sunday! | | Upcoming Opportunities From Social Concerns | | Youth Pride: Oak Ridge's second Youth Pride event will be held Saturday, May 9, from 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church (1051 Oak Ridge Turnpike). Volunteers are needed to help run the event (set up, adult supervision, run the snack booth, etc.) and to provide snacks. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Greg Smith (smit92611@gmail.com). | | |
Educational Resources at Powell Presbyterian Church (for more details on these classes, please contact Powell Presbyterian Church directly or visit their Facebook page):
- De-Clobbering (An Affirming Look at the Bible): Wednesday, April 29, from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- Ally Training: Wednesdays, May 6, 13, and 20, from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
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For the April Senior Adult Luncheon, Kris and Hans Christen will explore the question, "Can you still hear the buzz?" Kris and Hans are outdoor enthusiasts who are passionate about protecting the natural beauty of the world around us. Before retiring, Kris worked as a science writer and editor for various publications, and Hans worked as a research scientist at ORNL. In their presentation, they will address the importance of pollinators in our environment and to our food supply. With over 15 years of experience as beekeepers in East Tennessee, they will explain how honey is produced and highlight what each of us can do to help pollinators.
The menu is sliced roast beef with horseradish sauce, mashed potatoes with gravy, broccoli casserole, dinner rolls, and chess squares.
Please RSVP by April 9 by calling the church office at 865-483-4357.
| | First Recovery To Host Tom Farley | | |
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
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)
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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Spring has arrived, and it's time for short sleeves! Do you have a First Church t-shirt? Shirts are just $12 (or a donation). They are high-quality cotton and are very comfortable. It's not only a nice garment but also provides name recognition for our church while we are active in the community. Currently, we have all sizes available from small to 2XL. See Pastor Denna to get your shirt!
| | Last Chance To Sign Up for Fall Collette Trip | | |
There is still time to sign u pto travel to the English countryside next fall. The Collette deadline is April 14 for deposits ($698 ea.) and travel insurance ( $549 ea.), both of which are discounted through that date. From October 14 - 23, the 10-day trip
includes flights, land transfers, luggage handling, a professional tour guide, along with eight breakfasts and five dinners.
We will meet with other travelers on our tour in London, then travel to iconic Stonehenge, where prehistoric natives lived over 4,000 years ago. Farther southwes,t we’ll find Cornwall’s sandy beaches and cliff,s where tin mines once flourished and the
BBC’s “Poldark” was filmed. Then there are the Cotswolds, a picturesque region in southern England known for its rolling hills, charming villages, and beautiful countryside.
Should you be interested in this trip, brochures are in the church office. To register, please call Kay Moss at 865-850-6521. To learn more, call Collette at 1-800-852-5655 and ask for more information about Booking #1356983, “Discover Shades of the English Countryside,” departing on October 14, 2026. You can pay your deposit and travel insurance online with a credit card.
If you have any other questions, call Kay Moss.
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April Special Offering -
Children's Ministries
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During the month of April, our congregation will have the opportunity to support our Children and Family Ministries through our special offering. The church’s financial support for this ministry means that we can continue to provide a safe, loving, and fun environment for families.
Regular fellowship events give children and their families an opportunity to spend time with one another, connect with others, and grow in their relationship with God. In addition to these regular events, we have yearly events that could not happen without the financial support of our church family. This summer marks our fifth year creating our own Vacation Bible School curriculum. Creating our own curriculum is wonderful, but it comes with a larger financial burden as we are creating and purchasing all the materials needed to make a memorable week for the students who join us. Your financial gifts will help us bring the Bible alive for our students!
The children's ministries of First Church are filled with wonderful families who are eager to connect and be invested in First Church. We ask that you help support them by supporting this ministry through your gifts of giving or volunteering.
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Worship for April 5
Easter Sunday
Scripture Readings:
Acts 10: 38-43
Psalm 118: 1-2, 14-24
Colossians 3: 1-4
Matthew 28: 1-10
John 20: 1-18
7:00 a.m. Sunrise Service - Memorial Garden
8:45 & 11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship - Sanctuary
11:00 a.m. Contemporary Worship - Multipurpose Room
Preaching: Rev. Ken Sauer, Rev. Clair Sauer, Rev. Denna Hornby
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In Sympathy
Please be in prayer for the families and friends of:
Dean Niehaus, who joined FUMC on February 6, 1994, and died on March 26, 2026. Service arrangements are incomplete at this time.
Patricia "Pat" Coffey, who joined FUMC on November 28, 1976, and died on April 1, 2026. A celebration of life will be held at FUMC on Thursday, April 9, at 7:00 p.m., with a receiving of friends from 5:00-7:00 p.m.
In the Hospital
None that we are aware of at this time.
Dismissed
Ed Ducko (to Patricia Neal)
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Offering 3-23-2026 through 3-29-2026: $26,867
2026 YTD Offering: $388,294
2025 YTD Offering: $386,024
March Special Offering (McCaskill Scholarship): $1,015
Thank you to all of you who mailed in your financial gifts or continued to give online.
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