First Things for June 27, 2025

https://files.constantcontact.com/5a433099001/715d0215-de75-4b54-8c09-fdbace872183.png?rdr=true

First Things Online

Please note that First Things e-newsletter will be taking a summer break next week on the July 4th holiday. First Things will be back on Friday, July 11th!

First Church 101

Do you have questions about FUMC, Methodism, or theology in general? Then join us this Sunday, June 29, after the 11:00 a.m. services for First Church 101. We will meet in the Welcome Center at noon. Wear your walking shoes! We will take a tour of campus, meet church staff, and answer your questions. We look forward to sharing this time with you! Contact Pastor Denna Hornby (dhornby@fumcor.org) for more information.

Coffee in the Community Summer Update

Calamity's Coffee will be closed for the month of July as they prepare for the opening of their second location. During July, we will meet on Mondays at 9:00 a.m. at Panera Bread for Coffee in the Community. We hope to see you there to start our week off together with fellowship and casual conversation. Contact Pastor Denna (dhornby@fumcor.org) with any questions.

Independence Day Holiday Closure

In observance of Independence Day, the church offices, Keystone, and First Steps programs will be closed Thursday, July 3, and Friday, July 4. This includes all activities and meetings.

We invite you and your friends to gather on the front lawn of the church on Friday, July 4, to watch the Oak Ridge city fireworks display. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and snacks or drinks to share and enjoy wonderful fellowship with our community!

New Grief Support Group Begins in July

The death of a loved one impacts every dimension of our lives. Trying to avoid the impact of such a loss only deepens our loneliness and sense of isolation. But there is a way toward healing and hope when we join with others who are grieving and willing to help “bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2) in a safe, confidential setting.

Beginning Thursday, July 17, FUMC will offer a 7-week Grief Support Group for those who have lost loved ones or suffered other losses. The group will meet each Thursday, from July 17 through August 28, 4:30 - 6:00 p.m., in Room 203.

Co-facilitators of the Grief Support groups are Gielda Reese, a retired school teacher who lost a 14-year old daughter to cancer, and retired pastor Bob Cantrell. The public is invited to attend. Attendance is limited. Registration is encouraged. For more information or to register, contact Pastor Ken Sauer at (865) 483-3675 or ksauer@fumcor.org.

Stephen Ministry Training Coming This Fall

FUMC has a 35-year tradition of offering Stephen Ministry support to our congregation. Help us continue that tradition. In conjunction with Grace Lutheran and First Cumberland Presbyterian Churches, we will be offering a training course this fall for those interested in becoming a Stephen Minister. Classes are held once per week for a total of 17 weeks beginning September 23, 2025. The classes cover a broad spectrum of topics, including Christian caregiving, effective listening, confidentiality, maintaining boundaries, and process-oriented relationships. If you have any interest in pursuing this vital and personally gratifying ministry, please contact Rev. Ken Sauer or any of our Stephen Leaders and Ministers (fumcor.org/stephen-ministry).

Volunteers Needed for Ecumenical Storehouse

Did you know that FUMCOR has been a part of the Ecumenical Storehouse ministry since it was established in 1984? This ministry is operated by volunteers from 11 community congregations on a rotating basis. The storehouse accepts, stores, and distributes household goods to families in need. The storehouse has two new volunteer opportunities.

We are seeking volunteers with availability on Saturday mornings to assist clients. Moving and lifting furniture is involved. There is direct involvement with clients. We are hoping to extend our ministry to Saturday afternoons in the future. Opening to clients on Saturdays is a direct result of the needs of some of our clients, who work during the week.

We are also seeking volunteers who are "handy." Are you able to occasionally take on a small project at home? Rewire a lamp? Clean upholstery? Make a rickety table stable? We have projects for you.

First Church also has a team that picks up donations on the first weekend of each month. We need “younger” folks to help lift and load donations.

The continued success of this ministry depends on our volunteers. For more information, please contact Barbara Hudak-Scheirer at 731-780-5689 or bhs4639@gmail.com. For more information on the Ecumenical Storehouse, please visit this website.

Thank you for your consideration of this important ministry.

June Special Missions Offering -

Family Resource Center

This month’s special offering will benefit the Family Resource Center of Oak Ridge. Housed in Willow Brook and Glenwood Elementary Schools, the Family Resource Center (FRC) offers a wide variety of services to our Oak Ridge Schools students and their families. Student programs include Food for Kids (which is organized and coordinated by volunteers here at FUMC, along with volunteers from other churches), school supplies, a clothing closet, and tutoring programs. The FRC also offers community resource networking, case management, and emergency assistance to families in need, covering rent, utilities, medications, gasoline, food, clothing, and transportation. Other adult programs include parenting and budgeting classes, as well as job skills and resume assistance.

According to the FRC’s website, its mission “is to assist 'at-risk’ children and their families in the prevention and eradication of problems that interfere with their ability to become fully functioning and independent members of their community.”

The Family Resource Center is a vital community resource right here in Oak Ridge. Please give generously to support its crucial mission!

Give Today