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Breakthrough Prayer
God, may your Holy Spirit's power overshadow my mind, thoughts, will, and agenda for what you desire to birth anew in me, through me, and around me. Amen.
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| All are invited to Evening Grace worship this Sunday in the Chapel at 6:00 p.m. We will reflect on humility and spiritual growth as we turn our character defects over to God. First Recovery Women's Coordinator, Brandi Pedigo, will share a message. Wonderful, uplifting music will be provided by Trent Gilmore. All are invited to this special time of praise and worship. For more information, contact Matt Holder (mholder@fumcor.org) or Brandi Pedigo (bpedigo@fumcor.org). | | Fall Break fun continues with another special activity planned for the youth! All youth in 7th-12th grade are invited to a picnic at Melton Lake Park this Sunday, October 4. The youth will gather at Melton Lake Park (Melton Lake Drive, Oak Ridge) at 1:00 p.m. If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Billy Price (bprice@fumcor.org) or CJ Huskey (nextgenassistant@fumcor.org). | | Thank You Reception for Billy Price | | |
Hi families at First Church,
I wanted to let you know that, with bittersweetness, I am stepping down from my position as Next Gen Ministries Director. My last Sunday will be October 11. I feel that in order to grow, this ministry deserves more energy and availability than I can give while still meeting the needs of my own young family. This has been a difficult decision to discern and make, but I give my full support to Mr. CJ and Ms. Aedan as they maintain the activities of this ministry for the time being. I hope you will support them as well.
Please know that it has been an honor to serve you in this place. I have absolutely enjoyed and loved the relationships I've made with you over these last ten months. Despite being a shorter stop on the journey than I'd anticipated, know that I cherish my time with you here at First Church. I pray God has been able to use our efforts over these past ten months, and I hope God will continue to bless all the children and youth in this place as they continue to grow in their love for God and love for others.
With sincere love,
Billy Price
First United Methodist Church is grateful for the ministry of Billy Price, who has served as the Next Gen Ministries Director since January. If you would like to say, "Thank you," and wish Billy well, the SPRC will be hosting a cookies and punch reception for Billy in the Welcome Center from 10:30-11:00 a.m. on Sunday morning, October 11.
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Connection is special.
Jesus teaches, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, then you will produce much fruit." (John 15: 5) These words remind us that our lives are shaped by connection. We are connected to Christ, who nourishes and sustains us, and through Christ we are connected to one another.
Stewardship season is around the corner, and as we look toward Commitment Sunday on October 25, we invite you to consider how God is calling you to connect and commit. Mark you calendars and join us for a Stewardship Town Hall on Sunday, October 18, at 10:00 a.m., or follow the link below to learn more, connect, and commit.
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Bring your friends and play Mahjong every Monday beginning this Monday, October 5, from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. in the Parlor (Room 203). The church has 3 sets for you to borrow. Come join the fun!
Questions? See Pastor Denna or email dhornby@fumcor.org
| | The second Saturday is coming up on October 10! The Second Saturday Servants gather at the church on the second Saturday of each month from 9:00-11:00 a.m. to work on cleaning and organization projects. Everyone is invited to share their gifts "by your service." For more information, contact Gielda Reese or Janet Townsend. | | Help Support Trunk or Treat | | |
This year's Trunk or Treat will be held on Friday, October 30, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the lower and upper parking lots.
We are looking for candy donations as well as volunteers. Food and drinks will be provided. For any questions, contact CJ Huskey at nextgenassistant@fumcor.org.
All of First Church is invited to put on your best costume, bring a friend, and have fun!
| | New Bible Study Begins October 14 | | A new study on the Gospel of Luke will begin on Wednesday, October 14. There are two opportunities to take in this study each Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. in Room 207 and 6:00 p.m. in Room 205. Contact Pastor Ken for more information (ksauer@fumcor.org). | | October Senior Adult Luncheon | | |
Mark your calendar for a special afternoon of food, fellowship, and music on Wednesday, October 21, beginning at 12:00 p.m. in Multipurpose Room.
Back by popular demand after a stellar 2024 performance, “Passin’ Thru” is returning to FUMC! This dynamic five-piece band delivers a high-energy blend of contemporary folk that will have you singing along. Be ready to experience timeless classics from legends like Gordon Lightfoot, John Denver, and Roger Miller—reimagined with a vibrant, fresh sound.
Our luncheon will be catered by Whitney Dodd Chambers and will feature a delicious menu of apple cider-marinated pork loin, brown sugar and cinnamon apples, macaroni and cheese, green beans, dinner rolls, and carrot cake.
Bring your friends, bring your family, and join us for familiar tunes and wonderful community fellowship!
The cost is $15 per person. Please contact the Church Office at 865-483-4357 by October 15 to reserve your place. We look forward to sharing this memorable afternoon with you!
| | Next Gen Ministries Updates | | |
Next Gen Ministries made some changes at the start of the school year, and we think folks have adjusted well to those. The nursery (now located in room 206) continues to be a lively place every Sunday morning! And our FIRSTKids Sunday School classes (grades K-3 in room 305 & grades 4-6 in room 306) have adapted well to the new spaces this month as they've studied a curriculum on hearing from God. Also, several of the children participate in the Children's Choir, which rehearses on Tuesdays from 4:00-5:00 p.m. in room 306. All kids PreK-4th grade are encouraged to join!
The youth had a great time attending a worship night at Concord UMC with other local UMC youth last month! Our youth continue to meet on Sundays from 1:00-3:00 p.m. up in the Youth Loft. There they spend quality time checking in with each other, listening to worship music, discussing and reflecting on a lesson, and fellowshipping over games and activities. And as you saw above, they have a couple of outings coming up over Fall Break!
We remain grateful for those who have stepped up and answered the call to volunteer in the nursery and children's classrooms! If anyone else is ever interested, simply reach out to Billy (bprice@fumcor.org) or CJ (nextgenassistant@fumcor.org)
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Our Senior Travelers enjoyed a day at the Mennonite community at Muddy Pond in Monterey, TN. We saw sorghum making and spent time in the sorghum mill, which was hot! We also enjoyed lunch and shopping in their country stores and leather shops.
Mark your calendars for our next Senior Traveler trip on Wednesday, November 11. We will be enjoying a luncheon cruise on the Knoxville Star Riverboat. We depart the church parking lot at 10:00 a.m. and return in the afternoon. The cruise leaves at noon and lasts an hour and a half. The menu is herb-roasted chicken breast, fragrant saffron rice, seasoned green beans, fresh broccoli salad, warm homemade cobbler, freshly baked buttermilk biscuits, and freshly brewed coffee, iced tea, soft drinks, and other non-alcoholic beverages.
The cruise requires a minimum number of passengers, so please make your reservation with Pastor Denna by October 21. The cost is $40, and scholarships are available. Please contact Pastor Denna (dhornby@fumcor.org) with questions. We hope you will join us!
| | Connect with Realm Connect | |
October Special Offering -
Trustees Contingency Reserve Fund
| | The Special Offering for the month of October will support our facilities and the work of FUMC’s Trustees by bolstering the Trustees Contingency Reserves Fund. This year, maintenance on all 59 HVAC units in the building was completed, and the MPR floor was refinished. This is routine maintenance work required every 3-5 years to ensure the longevity of our church facilities. The Trustees Contingency Fund helps keep our facilities functioning through routine maintenance projects and when unexpected needs arise. We are so grateful for your support! If you would like to support the October Special Offering, follow the link below or mail a check to: First UMC, 1350 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge, TN 37830. Notate “monthly offering” in the memo line. | |
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Worship for October 4
Nineteenth Sunday After Pentecost
Scripture Readings:
Exodus 20: 1-4, 7-9, 12-20
Psalm 19
Matthew 21: 33-46
Philippians 3: 1-14
8: 45 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship - Sanctuary
11:00 a.m. Contemporary Worship - Multipurpose Room
Preaching: Rev. Denna Hornby
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Did you know that FUMC publishes monthly financial reports? If you would like to learn more about how your gifts support First Church's ministries, you can view the financial reports in the church office during regular business hours.
Thank you to all of you who mail in your financial gifts or continue to give online.
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