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The first-ever Summer Shoppe served 37 families and 178 individuals in June. Several families were in tears as they left, overwhelmed at how much was shared with them. One of the moms hugged a Shoppe volunteer and said, "I don't know how you all do it, but this church always seems to come through when it's needed the most."
The donations from the people of this church made this possible. A huge thank you to every person who stepped up to volunteer, who wrote a check, who brought in fruit cups - you made this possible for these families.
If you would like more information about getting involved with the Shoppes Committee or if would like to volunteer for the Christmas Shoppe, please reach out to Ashley Craven at fumcorshoppes@gmail.com.
| | New Grief Support Group Begins Next Week | | |
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- 483-4357 or ksauer@fumcor.org.
| | Upcoming Children's Events | | New Beginnings Welcomes Dr. Tanya Vargas | | |
On Sunday, July 27, at 10:00 a.m., the New Beginnings Sunday School Class will be joined by Tanya Vargas. Tanya is a retired pediatrician and is involved with an organization called Together Podemos. Together Podemos is a nonprofit organization that serves Oak Ridge, Anderson County, and surrounding counties with the mission to empower and support our Hispanic neighbors through education, workshops, and resource connections. They strive to create a space where Hispanic families feel welcomed, valued, respected, and included while preserving their Hispanic heritage.
All are invited to join the New Beginnings Class and hear from Dr. Vargas to learn more about how we can best be the hands and feet of Christ to our neighbors who are currently facing significant fear and uncertainty. If you or your Sunday School Class or small group is interested in joining this special presentation, please let Melanie Fillauer know by emailing wkfillauer@comcast.net.
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First Recovery launched almost four years ago with a generous donation and a big dream. Today, First Recovery is a growing and vital ministry in the Oak Ridge area. Offering services like recovery coaching, treatment and sober living placement, employment resources, prayer and support groups, and sober social activities, FUMCOR's Recovery Ministry is addressing critical needs in our area.
Sustaining First Recovery into the future requires securing enduring funds now. This year, First Church will establish a permanent endowment for First Recovery. Our big dreams continue! A $3,000,000 endowment will fully fund First Recovery, meaning that every church budget dollar or every grant dollar helps to grow and expand the ministry. This may seem ambitious, but we would love to launch the endowment with $1,000,000. To make this possible, a generous donor will double every dollar donated, up to $50,000!
We hope you will join in support of First Recovery at "Burgers and Bluegrass" on September 21. Tickets are $85 each and are on sale now. Enjoy music by "The Missing Goats," a tasty Fire & Salt burger, and a live auction, all while supporting a great cause!
To purchase your tickets, follow the link below or call the church office during regular business hours (865-483-4357). Can't make the event but still want to support the First Recovery endowment? You can donate here (enter the amount you wish to donate in the "Fundraising Events - First Recovery Endowment" line).
Thank you for helping us secure the impact of First Recovery for years to come!
| | Interactive Worship in August | | We are so excited about a special worship opportunity in August. You don't want to miss this! During the month of August, we will worship together through intergenerational, interactive experiences in all three worship services. Conversational messages between the pastors will be reinforced with opportunities for personal reflection and interactive prayer stations. There will be time to get to know each other better and connect more deeply with our Creator as we explore John Wesley's Covenant Prayer. For more information, please contact Pastor Clair (csauer@fumcor.org). We are excited to grow with you through this worship experience! | | |
Check out the newest addition to the Jones Memorial Library, I Can Do Hard Things, by Gabi Garcia. Although written for children, these affirmations are pertinent for adults, too. Come by the library today to check out our newest book!
| | 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. | | Donations Needed for Medical Mission | | |
A medical mission team that includes FUMCOR members Jim and Sheila Michel and George and Tere Murchio will be traveling to Panama in September. The team is requesting donations of certain medical supplies in support of their work in Panama. If you are able to donate any of the following items, please drop them off in the church office during normal business hours, or contact George Murchio (georgemurchio@gmail.com). The needed items are:
- triple antibiotic ointment - 36 tubes
- anti-fungal cream - 36 tubes
- hydrocortisone cream - 36 tubes.
Donations are needed by July 31. Thank you for your support!
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July Special Missions Offering -
Second Harvest of East Tennessee
| | This month’s special offering will benefit Second Harvest of East Tennessee. More than 213,000 East Tennessee children, seniors, and families are unsure where their next meal will come from. When you give to Second Harvest, $0.95 of every dollar is spent directly on hunger relief projects for our food-insecure neighbors, such as Food for Kids, Mobile Food Pantries that reach individuals in their own communities, and empowerment services that connect people to resources to end the cycle of poverty. | |
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Worship for July 13
Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
Scripture Readings:
Deuteronomy 30: 11-14
Psalm 25: 1-10
Colossians 1: 1-2, 9b-14
Luke 10: 25-37
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
First United Methodist Church mourns the loss of Jeff Martin, who joined FUMC on October 22, 2023, and died on July 9, 2025. Please be in prayer for Jeff's friends and all who knew and loved him. Service arrangements are incomplete at this time.
In the Hospital/Dismissed
None that we are aware of at this time.
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Offering 6-16-2025 through 6-22-2025: $10,737.85
2025 YTD Offering: $687,804
2024 YTD Offering: $619,313
June Monthly Special Offering (Family Resource Center): $1,623
Offering 6-23-2025 through 6-29-2025: $9,715.31
2025 YTD Offering: $698,044
2024 YTD Offering: $645,793
June Monthly Special Offering (Family Resource Center): $2,464
Offering 6-30-2025 through 7-6-2025: $34,860.51
2025 YTD Offering: $732,904
2024 YTD Offering: $665,713
July Monthly Special Offering (Second Harvest): $400
Thank you to all of you who mailed in your financial gifts or continued to give online.
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