First Things for February 21, 2025

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Music and Worship Arts Week

Registration deadline is this Sunday, February 23!

Join us for Music and Worship Arts Week (MWAW) on the campus of beautiful Lake Junaluska, North Carolina. MWAW is a fun time to be together as worship leaders, musicians, artists, dancers, actors, and pastors for education and renewal in a spirit of inclusivity and grace. There are opportunities for children’s choir, middle high choir, senior high choir, young adult choir, adult choir, handbells, orchestra, and dance!

Attendees can expect to share a house right up the street from all the rehearsals and other activities. A week of music, fun, and fellowship, all for only $100 for each adult and $50 for each child or youth. To register, please submit a registration form along with payment in the form of cash or check made out to FUMCOR with "Music Week" in the memo line. Please reach out to Josh Sumter (jsumter@fumcor.org), Denna Hornby (dhornby@fumcor.org), or Shelby Fowler (sfowler@fumcor.org) for more information.

Help the Ecumenical Storehouse in March

First UMC is scheduled to be the volunteer group running the Ecumenical Storehouse throughout the month of March. Office and warehouse volunteers are needed. If it's been a while since you last volunteered, or if you have not volunteered in the past, this is a great opportunity to serve our local community. No heavy lifting is required. The times for volunteering are each Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday morning in March.

If you have questions or would like to sign up please call, text, or email Barbara Hudak-Scheirer: 731-780-5689, bhs4639@gmail.com.

Family Board Game Day, March 2

Coffee in the Community

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.

Facilities Team Transitions

First Church is thankful for the work of Brian Drummond, whose last day as our Assistant Facilities Manager is today, February 21.

In evaluating this opening in the facilities team and the needs of First Church, the Staff-Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) has consulted with Facilities Manager, Mike Corcoran, and the Trustees Committee. The SPRC has approved hiring a part-time Facilities Team Member to work evenings and weekends. Interested parties can find more information at the link below.

Facilities Team Opening

Help Plan Oak Ridge's Future

Trinity Knitters is Now Trinity Crafters

The Trinity Crafters (formerly Trinity Knitters) are expanding our group from knitters and crocheters to anyone who would like to craft. We meet in room 207 on the third Thursday of each month at 10:00 a.m. Anyone is invited to bring what you are working on and share conversation about your creation or anything under creation.

Can't make it to the social hour? We also provide yarn if you're interested in making prayer shawls, hats, or scarves for our community giveaway that happens at Christmastime. We can never have too much! If you have questions or would like to donate yarn, please call the church or Bonnie Schreiber (865-414-0787).

February Special Offering - Wednesday Night Community Meals

In February, First Church's special monthly offering will support the Wednesday Night Community Meals. Did you know this important outreach ministry of First Church is not funded through the general budget but rather through grants and donations? Approximately 180 meals are packed by volunteers each Wednesday evening, meaning over 9,000 meals are served annually. Your support of the Community Meal Program serves a critical need in our community while also opening doors to life-giving fellowship.

Give Today

Worship for February 23

Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany

Scripture Readings:

Genesis 45: 3-4, 7-10

Psalm 37: 1-11

1 Corinthians 15: 35-36, 42-44, 50

Luke 6: 27-38

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

FUMC mourns the loss of Sandy Smathers, sister of George Smith, who died on February 17, 2025, in Enka, North Carolina. Please be in prayer for George and all of Sandy's family and friends.

In the Hospital

None that we are aware of at this time.

Dismissed

Laura Anderson (to Knoxville Rehabilitation Hospital)