First United Methodist Church of Bristol, Tennessee
Your Weekly e-Newsletter and Events Schedule
Welcome to First UMC! We are so blessed by your part in our faith community.
Sunday worship is at 9:30 AM in the Sanctuary AND can be viewed on the church YouTube page or through the link on the church Facebook page.
Church Office Hours:
Tuesdays 1-3 PM
Fridays 1-3 PM
Connect to Pastor Casey email, Facebook, and Instagram.
Email Prayer Chain
If you are interested in being a part of the email prayer chain, please email Pastor Casey. The messages will be distributed through our email lists on Realm.
Worship This Week
October 8, 2023
Scripture: Matthew 16:21-28 Ecclesiastes 2:9-11, 22-26
Sermon: Wise Choices….. Rev. Casey Ann Irwin
Serving in Oct
Liturgist
10/1
10/8
10/15
10/22
10/29
*Please make arrangements to trade with someone if you will be unable to serve in this way. Any emergency changes can be handled by those present at worship.
Last Sunday at First UMC
Chancel Choir News
Make a joyful noise unto the Lord! Everyone is invited to be a part of the choir. We share simple, high quality songs so that the trained and untrained singers all have a way to share their gifts.
Choir is increasing how frequently we sing in worship. Join us for rehearsals Sundays after church
Next presentation: October 8
Not convinced you can sing with us? Check out this brief clip of our finale from September 24!
From the Pastor’s Pen
October 5, 2023
Fall is finally here, though the temperatures keep varying! This is my favorite of the seasons. Cooler weather, wearing sweaters and scarves, and no more mosquitoes! As I watch the leaves change colors and see the last crops being brought in, I hear the echo of these words from Jesus, in Luke 10:2:
“He said to them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest.”
Jesus told the first disciples, long ago, that the time for harvest has begun. But even then, there was a problem, too few workers. Our Lord never let his people worry, though. Instead, he instructed them to pray. In our community, we may feel just like the first disciples did, wondering where everyone is and who will do the work with us. But we can hold on to the promise that Jesus made, that if we pray, God will provide what we need. As we enter into this season of harvest, and thanksgiving, I invite you to join me in praying for our community of faith, and who God will send us to harvest, or to be a part of the work our Lord has called us to do.
Blessings,
Pastor Casey
Contact Pastor Casey if a youth you know needs transportation!
Parish News!
Our 2-point charge partnership with Virginia Avenue has new opportunities for you to serve!
Food Pantry set up is on Tuesdays 9-10 AM
Food Pantry distribution is Wednesdays 2-4 PM
Next dates are October 3 and 4 Volunteers are welcome any of the posted times!
Donations are appreciated and can be brought to Virginia Avenue on MWF mornings or left in the donation bins at the sanctuary doors.
monetary, canned goods, or hygiene and personal care items
Fellowship Luncheon Saturday October 12 at 11:30 AM at Virginia Avenue UMC
Soup and Sandwiches Provided, Bring your favorite dessert and join us as we get to know each other!
Adult Day Out Saturday, October 14th, 2023 11:30 AM
Virginia Avenue UMC & First UMC
Everyone is invited to join us for a Combined Adult Day Out/ Fellowship Luncheon
Soup and Sandwiches will be provided by Virginia Avenue UMC
Bring your favorite dessert and join us for this great time of Fellowship!
Where: Virginia Avenue UMC fellowship hall
When: October 14th, 2023
Time: 11:30 AM
Who: the congregations of First UMC and Virginia Avenue UMC
Help for Haiti Art Bazaar
Saturday, November 11, 10-4 at First UMC Bristol
How you can help:
– Artists, Crafters, Bakers bring your best to donate for sale.
Accepting donations the week leading up to the sale. Contact Pastor Casey to donate early
– Serve the day of as a greeter, cashier, or on the set-up and clean-up crew.
– Shop with us and bring a friend! We have professional and hobbyist work– paintings, sculptures, jewelry, blankets, woodworking, musical instruments, and more. Seasonal items available for holiday decorating and gifting.
So shop til you drop as the proceeds support our ministry of raising and educating these children in a nation of political upheaval. How can your gifts support kingdom work?
All Saints Sunday is coming soon. We at First would love to celebrate the lives of all your saints. We specifically take time on All Saints Sunday to honor any members or their immediate family who have passed since November of last year. While we keep a record in the church office, please let us know any people we may have overlooked. Our deadline for printing the information is November 2.
United Women in Faith
Next meeting is October 10 at 5 PM
Bring your dinner and join us for fellowship, mission and our book study.
Haven’t read the book? No problem, join us anyways for a great time together.
Altar Flower Sign Up
Share the beauty of God’s creation as a gift to God and our congregation.
Select your date, and list your name and any details about the flowers. Examples – “in loving memory of _____”, “in celebration of _____”— or it can simply be a gift to the glory of God.
- Cost $56 for a professional arrangement.
- Label your check or envelope as designated to the altar flower fund, with the date you signed up for.
- Deadline for sign up and payment is the Sunday before.
- You may take the flowers after Sunday service or we will distribute them as we are able.
Photo by Cyndi Carnehan
Contact Sue Bryngelson or the church office with any questions.
Send Your Pictures, News, and Announcements to Publish in the Newsletter
For each publication, information is needed by noon on Wednesday.
Giving to Ministries at First UMC
What can I give towards?
- General Fund- monthly expenses for upkeep and ministries
- Designated Gifts- towards a specific project or ministry
- Missions Giving- to a specific mission or a general gift to be split among our mission partners
How often should I give?
- Everyone manages their funds differently. Some give weekly when they attend worship. Other families give monthly when their income is deposited. Still others give at varying times to match a need or a project.
Our only request is that you prayerfully consider how God has called you to support the church and ministries with your fund. We challenge you to be good and faithful stewards of what is entrusted to you.
How can I give?
- In person
- Offering envelope booklets are available for you to take home. Each include 53 undated envelopes for weekly giving, or spread them out over time if you give on a different schedule. Please pick up yours from the rear of the sanctuary.
- Offering envelopes have returned to the pews as well. If you forget yours, please take one for identifying your giving.
- Digitally
- ACH – contact us directly for a confidential form. This type of giving will automatically withdraw the amount your choose directly from your bank account
- With online giving you can contribute from your checking account, or give with a debit or credit card. You also have the option to make your gift recurring.
- Website: onrealm.org/fumcbristol/-/form/give/now or any of the “Give Online” buttons
- Text: from your cell phone, text FIRSTUMCBRISTOL to 73256. This will open up a link for you to choose how you give.
Calendar of Events
Sept 28- Oct 4, 2023
Sundays
9:30 a.m. First UMC Worship
10:30 a.m. Common Ground Fellowship Worship (Chapel)
10:45 a.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal
6:00 p.m. Addilyn Memorial UMC Bible Study
7:00 p.m. AA Meeting
Tuesdays
10:00 a.m. First UMC Bible Study
7:00 p.m. AA Meetings
Thursdays
7:00 p.m. AA Meetings
Wednesdays
6:30 p.m. Virginia Avenue UMC Bible Study
1st & 3rd Saturday
4:00 p.m. Man-Hu Ministries Shabbat Worship (Fellowship Hall)
Saturday, October 14
11:30am Fellowship Luncheon at Virginia Avenue
Sunday, October 15
3:00 p.m. Bristol Youth at Stickley Farms
Sunday, October 18
2:00 p.m. Food Pantry at Virginia Avenue
Sunday, October 23
4:00 p.m. Trustees Meeting
Sunday, October 28
4-6 p.m. Trunk or Treat at Addilyn UMC
Sunday, October 29
3 p.m. Charge Conference at State Street UMC
Saturday, November 11
10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Art Bazaar Fundraiser for Help for Haiti
First United Methodist Church
Rev. Casey Irwin, Pastor
322 Vance Dr., Bristol, TN 37620
www.fumcbristol.org 423-652-2811
Our Vision – Building A Community Where Anyone Can Become A Deeply Committed Christian
First United Methodist Church of Bristol 