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First Things Online

Board Game Day Is Sunday

Bibles for Hurricane Victims

Tennessee Overdose Prevention is collecting new or used Bibles for Hurricane Helene victims in Northeast Tennessee and Western North Carolina. If you would like to donate a Bible, collection boxes are be located in the Church Office and in the Welcome Center. Bring your Bible donation(s) no later than this Sunday, March 2, to share this special gift with our neighbors experiencing especially challenging times.

Coffee in the Community Begins Monday

Join your pastors every Monday at 9:00 a.m. at Calamity's Coffee (219 Jackson Square, Oak Ridge) for a coffee hour. It's a fun way to begin our week together and create community! We begin Monday, March 3! See Pastor Denna Hornby (dhornby@fumcor.org) for more information.

Ash Wednesday Observance

Senior Adult Luncheon

You are invited to the March Senior Adult Luncheon, which will feature a captivating program focused on our local feathered friends presented by Luke Cole-Starr, known as the Oak Ridge Birdman.


Whether you're a bird watching enthusiast or simply curious about the nature around you, this event will provide a look into the fascinating lives of birds that call our area home.


Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to learn more about our local wildlife. The luncheon will be held in the Fellowship Hall and includes a pork loin entree. Call the church office (865-483-4357) by March 13 to make your reservation!

Lenten Guided Lectio Divina

During Lent a guided Lectio Divina recording will be available on our website and YouTube channel. Lectio Divina is Latin for divine reading, and it is a process through which we prayerfully invite God to speak to us through scripture. Each Tuesday, an approximately 15-minute recording will be available to guide you through this sacred process. We will use the same scripture readings that will be the basis for our Sunday sermons. Come on a Lenten Journey to New Life by deepening your prayer life and strengthening your relationship with God through Lectio Divina. The first episode will be available on Tuesday, March 4. Contact Jenny Caughman (jcaughman@fumcor.org) for more information.

Lenten Sermon Series Begins March 8

David Coffey Speaks at Grief Support Meeting

David Coffey will speak at the monthly meeting of the Parents and Grandparents Grief Support Group on March 10, 4:30-6:00 p.m. in Room 203.


Several years ago, Coffey lost his 38-year-old son in an airplane crash. He will share with the group how this loss affected him, his family, and his faith.


David Coffey is well known for his leadership in nuclear-related companies and his service in the Tennessee House of Representatives. As a private citizen, he continues his advocacy and support for public education.


All are welcome! For more information, contact Pastor Ken Sauer (ksauer@fumcor.org).

Help the Ecumenical Storehouse in March

Keystone Karaoke Fundraiser

March Special Missions Offering - Sally McCaskill Scholarship Fund


In February, First Church's special mission offering will support the Sally McCaskill Scholarship Fund. Sallie McCaskill dedicated her life to education. She was an educated woman who aimed to help college-bound students from Anderson County. McCaskill assisted these students in finding tutors and often provided help herself. When McCaskill passed away in 1993, it was only right that her legacy of supporting minority students continued. Thus, the Sallie McCaskill Memorial Scholarship was established.


To date, over 200 scholarships totaling nearly $300,000 have been awarded to minority students from Oak Ridge High School, with most recipients coming from the Scarboro Community. This money is designated for the first year of college and can be used for any 2 or 4-year program. Students are interviewed by a committee of volunteer adults who assess their academic achievements, leadership roles, and aspirations for the future. The cost of tuition for the program to which the students have been accepted is also taken into consideration. This scholarship program stands out as most of its contributions come from community individuals, with 76 contributors in 2022.


The scholarship fund operates without staff, and apart from some printing and postage costs, 100% of contributions directly benefit students. Last year, four students each received $2,550. Our church has supported this fund for several years and, with your help, we can continue to make a significant impact in assisting deserving students in advancing their education this year. You can contribute to this Special Mission Offering in the same way you make your regular donation. Just remember to mark it as “March Mission Offering” or “Sallie McCaskill.”

Give Today

Worship for March 2

Transfiguration Sunday


Scripture Readings:

Exodus 34: 29-35

Psalm 99

2 Corinthians 3: 12-18

Luke 9: 28-43


8:45 & 11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship - Sanctuary

11:00 a.m. Contemporary Worship - Multipurpose Room



Preaching: Rev. Ken Sauer, Rev. Clair Sauer

Worship Service Livestreams

In Sympathy


We ask for prayers for Pat and Jan Ryan, along with Andrew, following the death of Pat's mother, Fay Ryan, on February 21 in Maryland. Please be in prayer for the Ryans and all of Fay's family and friends.


In the Hospital


Judy Statzer (MMC)


Short-Term Rehabilitation


Laura Anderson (Knoxville Rehabilitation Hospital)

Bev Davis (NHC, Oak Ridge)

Charlene Reynolds (NHC, Oak Ridge)

Jeff Martin (Select Physical Therapy, Powell)

Our Giving


Offering 2-17-2025 through 2-23-2025: $37,962.35

2025 YTD offering: $258,866

2024 YTD offering: $220,810

February Monthly Special Offering: $2,681.00


Thank you to all of you who mailed in your financial gifts or continued to give online.

Pastoral Staff

Ken Sauer, co-lead pastor

ksauer@fumcor.org

Clair Sauer, co-lead pastor

csauer@fumcor.org

Denna Hornby, associate pastor

dhornby@fumcor.org


Jenny Caughman, pastor of spiritual care

jcaughman@fumcor.org


Pastor on call:

865-272-9862 (call or text)

pastor@fumcor.org (email)

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