Burgers and Bluegrass Success | | |
The first-ever Burgers and Bluegrass Fundraiser for First Recovery was held on September 21 at Fire & Salt. The lively evening combined great food, music, and fellowship to benefit First Recovery, FUMC’s ministry serving individuals and families affected by addiction. Guests enjoyed a classic burger dinner while tapping their toes to bluegrass favorites performed by “The Missing Goats,” and generous bidding during the live and silent auctions added to the excitement.
Nearly $110,000 was raised to establish a permanent endowment for First Recovery, helping to ensure long-term funding for its comprehensive range of services. First Recovery offers weekly speaker meetings, peer support groups, treatment and sober living placement, recovery coaching, CPRS peer support, employment resources, sober social activities, prayer groups, and 12-step guides—all designed to promote healing and stability.
By blending community spirit with meaningful giving, Burgers and Bluegrass not only raised funds, but also celebrated the strength and hope at the heart of the recovery journey.
It's not too late to contribute to the new First Recovery endowment. You can give online to "Fundraising Events: First Recovery Endowment." Thank you for your support!
| | Homebound Visitation Opportunity | | |
Each month, a special First Things print edition is prepared for our homebound members. This publication is one way to keep everyone apprised of all the wonderful ministries and activities happening around First Church. The monthly publication also presents an opportunity for congregants to connect with our homebound members, and for the homebound members to experience the loving presence of a brother or sister in Christ.
If you are interested in visiting a homebound member and delivering the First Things monthly print edition, you can pick up the October newsletter (labeled with the homebound member's name and address) from the round table outside the narthex this Sunday morning, September 28. We kindly request if you opt to deliver a newsletter(s), you visit the member within a week to ensure timely delivery. Any newsletters not picked up will be mailed on Monday morning. For more information, please contact Betty Lou Alspaugh (alspaughbl@gmail.com).
| | Upcoming Opportunities Sponsored by Social Concerns | | |
October 3, 7:00 p.m. - Knox Pride Parade, Gay Street, Knoxville (staging begins at 5:00 p.m.)
October 12, 12:00-4:00 p.m. - Secret City Pride Festival, Oak Ridge Unitarian Universalist Church
For more information, contact Greg Smith (smit92611@gmail.com).
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On Sunday, October 5, we will celebrate World Communion Sunday in all three worship services. World Communion Sunday is a special time to recognize and celebrate the unity of the body of Christ around the world and across differing cultures and ethnicities. You are invited to help us celebrate with your gifts and traditions!
There are several opportunities to participate in our celebration of World Communion Sunday:
-Prepare a bread from your ethnic heritage (please contact Debbie Clark by Oct. 2, if you plan to make bread for communion - dcc6357@gmail.com).
-Share liturgy in a language other than English (please contact Pastor Clair - csauer@fumcor.org to help lead liturgy).
-Wear clothing that represents your cultural heritage.
"For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ." -1 Corinthians 12: 12
| | Special Sunday School Program | | |
On Sunday, October 5, during the Sunday School hour, a special program "Welcoming Death: An Invitation to Deeper Aliveness. Who knew death could be so inviting?" will be offered in the Fellowship Hall. All are invited to hear this presentation by Rev. Dr. Billy Daniel.
In a world that whispers euphemisms—passing, departing, expiring—we’ve lost the courage to say the word “death,” let alone face it. What if turning toward our deaths could awaken in us a richer, more grounded life? "Welcoming Death" is a dialogue of honest souls ready to explore what too many avoid: the tender, terrifying, and transformative truth that we are dust, and to dust we shall return. This engagement is not about seeking one’s death; it is about facing one’s death head-on. In that stillness, we find room for breath, for presence, for becoming fully alive. Gather as we create together the sacred and much-needed space to ask the spiritual, practical, and all-too-often delayed questions—questions that, when left unspoken, leave loved ones lost in confusion and pain.
The Rev. Dr. William “Billy” Daniel is a spiritual director and palliative care chaplain with Covenant Health Care. He is the author of Inhabited by Grace, Christ the Liturgy, and a forthcoming book entitled The Path of Jesus Consciousness. A fellow pilgrim on the path, Billy draws from over 25 years of walking with the living and the dying, the grieving and the grateful, weaving together story, silence, and soulful inquiry to help participants face their fears, to experience the unexpected joy and beauty that awaits. It’s not simply a matter of dying well. It’s about living well, all the way to the End.
For more information, please reach out to Pastor Jenny (jcaughman@fumcor.org).
| | Retirement Reception for Jenny Caughman | | |
Following the 11:00 a.m. worship services on Sunday, October 12, there will be a reception for Rev. Jenny Caughman as she moves into retirement. This will be an opportunity to celebrate Jenny's loving and diligent care of this congregation over the last 14 years in her roles as visitation and spiritual care pastor. Mark your calendars and stop in to share your well-wishes, love, and gratitude with Jenny.
| | October Senior Adult Luncheon | | The October Senior Adult Luncheon on October 15 will feature a pulled pork BBQ. The program will be estate sale specialist, Elaine Graham, addressing "Downsizing Dilemmas." If you would like to attend the October Senior Adult Luncheon, please call the church office (865-483-4357) no later than October 9 to make your reservation. | | Support Ecumenical Storehouse | | |
During the month of October, First Church volunteers will help to oversee the Ecumenical Storehouse. We have volunteer opportunities in the office and the warehouse. No heavy lifting is required.
Volunteers are needed on Tuesday, Thursday, and/or Saturday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Even if you are only available for an hour, your help is still appreciated!
If you have questions or would like to sign up to volunteer, please contact Barbara Hudak-Scheirer at 731-780-5689 or bhs4639@gmail.com
| | Willing Workers Set Work Day for October 25 | | Need a little help with your fall to-do list? The Willing Workers are ready to help you with an extra set of hands on Saturday, October 25. Light bush trimming and hauling, putting up water hoses for the winter, changing out batteries and light bulbs are just a few of the tasks that the “W W s” can do for you at your home. Please contact Mark Diemer at (865) 483-5410 to schedule your appointment and let him know of your specific needs. Blessings to all at this wonderful time of the year and we will see you soon! | | Dedication of Mosaic Honoring Mary Jacq McCulloch | | |
On Wednesday, September 24, a group assembled for the dedication of the mosaic made to honor the life, faith, and service of Mary Jacq McCulloch. Mary Jacq was a long-time member of FUMC and raised her three children here. She served as a preschool teacher and director of Christian Education. When she died from Covid in 2020, her family sought a way to honor who she was and how much she was loved and appreciated.
One of Mary Jacq's daughters, Julie McCulloch Brown, is an artist and made this beautiful Zebra Swallowtail Mosaic in honor of her mother. When deciding just where it should be installed, they remembered their mother's love of nature and children. For this reason, a spot was chosen just outside of the playground, facing the Turnpike, close to the children but not subject to their unbridled exuberance.
Stop by and see this beautiful piece of artwork, which so wonderfully and symbolically expresses our faith.
| | This week's Prayer Walk will step-off from Calhoun's at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, September 29. All are welcome! | | Bethlehem: An Advent Journey | | |
Have you chosen your Advent study yet? Please consider Bethlehem: An Advent Journey, written by the Rev. David Graybeal. David is a United Methodist Pastor and member of The Holston Annual Conference who has served churches in southwestern England and east Tennessee. He is also an adjunct professor of religion at Tennessee Wesleyan University. Dave will be here at First Church on December 14 at 4:00 p.m. to discuss his book. Look for more information about that event as the date draws closer. If you would like a copy of Bethlehem: An Advent Journey, books are available to pick up in the office for $12.
| | Help Our Community Assistance Ministry | | Did you know that every donation you make to KARM can help our financial assistance ministry? When you set up an account at KARM and designate the church as your beneficiary, each time you make a donation, our church will be credited. Each quarter, based on the amount of donations made for our church, we receive a "return" in the form of gift cards, which we distribute through our community assistance ministry. To participate, just go to the donation center and set up an account. Each time you make a donation, they will ask for your phone number to credit your donation to our church. Register the church as your beneficiary to help friends in need in our community. | |
September Special Offering -
Youth Ministry
| | The Special Offering for the month of September will support FUMC’s Youth Ministries. This growing ministry engages youth in 7th-12th grades through Sunday School, weekly youth gatherings, and regular fellowship activities. Additionally, First Church provides a Student Lunch each Thursday during the school year. This is for ORHS juniors and seniors who have off-campus lunch. Over 85 students were fed at our second lunch this school year! Investing in today’s youth is necessary in growing the body of Christ. Teaching young people in the church and helping them grow in their relationship with God can prepare them to serve Christ in all they do. As a result, this nurtures the congregation and allows the church to flourish. To support the September Special Offering, follow the link below. | |
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Worship for September 28
Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Scripture Reading:
Amos 6: 1a, 4-7
Psalm 146
1 Timothy 6: 6-12
Luke 16: 19-31
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 the Hospital
None that we are aware of at this time.
Dismissed
Sandra Voina
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Offering 9-8-2025 through 9-14-2025: $21,912.35
2025 YTD Offering: $995,003
2024 YTD Offering: $921,442
September Special Offering (Youth): $2,190
Thank you to all of you who mailed in your financial gifts or continued to give online.
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