In observance of the Juneteenth holiday today, the church building and offices are closed. This includes all meetings and activities, as well as First Steps CDC and Keystone Adult Day Programs.

Breakthrough Prayer

God, may your Spirit's resurrection-strength power bring new life to all situations or circumstances in my life that seem "dead." Amen.

Mahjong with Mah-people

Come join our congregation and friends as we learn to play Mahjong!  

Classes will be taught by Knox Tiles and will meet June 30 (Mahjong 101) and July 7 (Mahjong 102 - The Charleston) from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. All supplies will be provided.

After classes, we hope that groups will form to play together, have fun, and fellowship! We look forward to sharing this time together!

Details to know:

•  Space is limited. Please RSVP soon by emailing Pastor Denna Hornby (dhornby@fumcor.org).

•  Cost is $45 for both classes, payable to Knox Tiles at the Venmo site provided at registration. If you prefer to pay by cash or check, please contact Melissa Charles at 865-607-4110.

Questions? Contact:

Pastor Denna at dhornby@fumcor.org

Melissa Charles at 865-607-4110

Melanie Fillauer at 865-719-2623

Gospel of John Bible Study

Weekly Wednesday Bible Study with Pastor Ken just began a new study. This is a great opportunity to jump in for an in-depth exploration of the Gospel of John. There are two opportunities each Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. (Room 207) or 6:00 p.m. (Room 205). Contact Pastor Ken for more information (ksauer@fumcor.org).

Ice Cream Social

What's the best thing in the world on a hot summer day? Ice cream, of course! It's time to dust off the old ice cream maker and pull out those "tried and true" recipes (or polish the spoon and empty the stomach). First Church is having an Ice Cream social on Sunday evening, July 5, following Evening Grace worship. Gather on the front lawn (we'll move to the MPR if the weather requires) to enjoy homemade (or not) ice cream, a little bit of friendly competition (who does it best?), and plain old-fashioned fellowship. It's guaranteed to be a great summer evening with even better company. All are welcome!

Summer Choir

Join Summer Choir this June and July! No experience or long-term commitment is required—simply show up in the choir room on any Sunday at either 8:25 a.m. or 10:40 a.m. to participate. Summer Choir is a great opportunity to sing, meet others, and contribute to worship during the summer months. For more information, contact Josh Sumter at jsumter@fumcor.org.

Upcoming Women of the Bible Study

A new short-term Bible Study is in the works, and your input is important as this study is planned and prepared. During the late summer and fall, Pastor Clair will lead a 12-week study (likely in two 6-week segments or three 4-week segments) about women in the Bible. The study will loosely follow the new book, Her Faith Still Speaks, edited by Sheri Carder Hood with contributions from Holston Conference Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett and FUMC's own Rev. Stella Roberts. Stella will lead the lesson about Ruth, as that was her contribution to this book.

If this study sounds interesting to you, please follow the link below to complete a survey intended to gauge interest and determine the best meeting time.

If you would like to purchase the book, you can find it on Amazon or through Market Square Books, but it is not required for participation in the study. For more information, please contact Pastor Clair (csauer@fumcor.org).

Ecumenical Storehouse Volunteer Opportunity

Volunteers are needed in June for the Ecumenical Storehouse. In 2026, First Church is only responsible for providing volunteer leaders for one month. June is it! Volunteers are needed for warehouse and office duties on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings from 9:30 a.m. until 12:00 noon. No heavy lifting is required. For more information or to sign up, please call or text Barbara Hudak-Scheirer at 731-780-5689 or follow the link below.

Thank You From Summer Shoppe

This year, the Summer Shoppe served 53 families and 248 individuals, up from 36 families and 178 individuals last year, a 40% increase. Each family received about a month’s worth of groceries tailored for middle schoolers at home alone during the day, including easy-to-prepare meals and snacks like cereal, ramen, peanut butter, rice, and more. Families also received essential hygiene items such as soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, and sunscreen. To make summer fun, children could choose toys like bubbles and chalk, as well as books to enjoy at home.

Special thanks to Bob’s Washboard Laundromat for providing gift cards, and the Anderson County Democratic Party Neighbor2Neighbor committee for donating laundry detergent.

This effort required significant physical and financial resources, costing about $16,000. While we are grateful for the continued support of the FUMCOR congregation, additional donations are urgently needed to sustain the program and plan for the Christmas Shoppe. If you’d like to help, contact Ashley Craven at fumcorshoppes@gmail.com.

Thank you to all the volunteers whose hard work made this outreach possible and ensured every family felt cared for and supported. We hope everyone enjoys this Summer Shoppe Recap video!

Around the Community

June Special Offering -

Reconciling Ministries Network

Worship for June 21

Fourth Sunday After Pentecost

Scripture Readings:

Isaiah 55: 10-13

Psalm 65: 9-13

1 Corinthians 15: 51-58

Luke 6: 39-42

Matthew 10: 24-39

8: 45 & 11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship - Sanctuary

11:00 a.m. Contemporary Worship - Multipurpose Room



Preaching: Rev. Clair Sauer, Rev. Ken Sauer

Our Giving

Offering 6-8-2026 through 6-14-2026: $31,225.70

2026 YTD Offering: $704,264

2025 YTD Offering: $677,066

June Special Offering (RMN): $945

Thank you to all of you who mailed in your financial gifts or continued to give online.

Pastoral Staff

Ken Sauer, co-lead pastor

ksauer@fumcor.org

Clair Sauer, co-lead pastor

csauer@fumcor.org

Denna Hornby, associate pastor

dhornby@fumcor.org

Pastor on call:

865-272-9862 (call or text)

pastor@fumcor.org (email)