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Beginning this Sunday, February 2, the Fellowship Class will host a seven-week study on the book Pilgrimage into the Last Third of Life: 7 Gateways to Spiritual Growth by Jane Marie Thibault. The study, which will run during the Sunday School hour each Sunday through March 16, will be led by the Rev. Bob Cantrell.
All are invited to join in this study. Participants will need a copy of the book. You can order the book from Amazon by following the link below.
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UWF Valentine's Bag Project | |
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United Women in Faith is reaching out to our wonderful community to invite you to an event that is close to our hearts. On Monday, February 10, at 1:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall, we will gather to pack Valentine's bags for our beloved shut-ins. These bags will include essential care items and awesome goodies. Homebound people can often feel isolated, but as many of us are aware in our own lives, these feelings can escalate during cold winter days. Let's show these wonderful folks that we care about them. Each bag will be personally delivered later that week.
Please contact Cara Weigel (rcweigel@comcast.net) if you have any questions.
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Did you know that First Church participates in a card ministry to serve the clients of Knox Area Rescue Ministries (KARM)? Located in downtown Knoxville, KARM provides many essential services, including an overnight shelter. Every night (365 nights/year), KARM has 300 beds available for the unhoused in the greater Knoxville area. Across a year, KARM makes available a safe overnight shelter for as many as 110,000 people! KARM also aims to have a personal, handwritten note on "every bed, every night."
That's where you come in! First Church keeps notecards (with our church logo on the front) stocked in baskets located in both the hallway outside the Sanctuary and in the Library. You are invited at any time to grab a pack of cards (they are bundled in groups of 10) and to write personal notes to be placed on beds at KARM. Once you've completed the notes, simply return them to the baskets at the church.
This is a wonderful and easy service opportunity for individuals, families, and small or large groups. If you're not sure what to say, there's a card in each basket with ideas. Completed notecards will be bundled and mailed once each month. For more information, contact Judy Smith (yahyahjude@yahoo.com).
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Trinity Knitters is Now Trinity Crafters | |
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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).
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Scholarship Applications Are Now Open | |
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Are you a graduating senior or current college student? Please visit https://fumcor.org/scholarships/ to apply for scholarships made available through our church.
Applications are due by April 15. For further information, please contact Pastor Denna Hornby (dhornby@fumcor.org).
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Save the Date for the Spring Tea on May 10 at 1:00 p.m. This is a great opportunity to invite your friends to join you for fellowship and fun with your church! Seating is limited, and reservations will open soon.
If you would like to help organize the tea this year, mark your calendar for Sunday, February 16. The Tea Team will meet in the library after 11:00 a.m. worship. Contact Pastor Denna Hornby (dhornby@fumcor.org) or Shelby Fowler (sfowler@fumcor.org) for more information.
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Several church members once again reported this week that they have received emails claiming to be from Rev. Ken, but are in fact fraudulent "spoof" emails.
If an email seems suspicious, check the sender address. Any email from an FUMC staff member will always have an @fumcor.org address.
If you receive an email like this or another that seems unusual, please do not respond. Unfortunately, this is a common problem that happens from time to time, and we are unable to prevent this illegal practice. Remember that no staff member will ever email you directly with a request for money, gift cards, or emergency funds.
Protect yourself by not replying to or otherwise responding to these fraudulent emails.
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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.
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Worship for February 2
Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany
Scripture Readings:
John 15: 9-13
1 John 4: 7-12, 21
1 Corinthians 13: 1-13
8:45 & 11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship - Sanctuary
11:00 a.m. Contemporary Worship - Multipurpose Room
Preaching: Rev. Clair Sauer, Rev. Ken Sauer
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In Sympathy
Christian love and sympathy are offered to the family and friends of Barry Saunders, who joined FUMC on December 22, 1991, and died on January 12, 2025. A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m. tomorrow, Saturday, February 1, at the Oak Ridge High School Auditorium. A private graveside service for the family will be held at another time.
In the Hospital
Charlene Reynolds (MMC)
Dismissed
Ron Ashline
Bev Davis (to NHC)
Jeff Martin (to Select - Powell)
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Our Giving
Offering 1-20-2025 through 1-26-2025: $26,105.00
2025 YTD offering: $105,184
2024 YTD offering: $98,562
January Monthly Special Offering: $1,230.00
Thank you to all of you who mailed in your financial gifts or continued to give online.
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