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
April 14, 2024
Scriptures: Matthew 28:16-20 Acts 1:1-11
Sermon: What’s Next? …. Rev. Ray Amos
Serving in April
Liturgist
4/7 Breakfast Church
4/14 Sue Dietz
4/21 Dawn Shores
4/28 Leferne Preptit
*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.
Other opportunities to serve:
We have added refreshments back to Sunday mornings! If you are able to contribute snacks or juice one week, sign-up with Sue Dietz as we establish a rotation. All items need to be at the sanctuary by 9:10 on Sundays.
We are looking for people to serve in pairs as Greeters for Sunday morning worship. Welcome our congregation and visitors with a smile, a bulletin, and an umbrella when needed. Contact Pastor Casey to get on the schedule!
Last Sunday at First UMC
Chancel Choir News
Choir is increasing how frequently we sing in worship. Join us for rehearsals Sundays after church. Anyone and everyone can make a joyful noise unto the Lord as we share simple, high quality songs of faith.
Choir rehearsals are after worship on Sundays
Next presentation: April 28
Not convinced you can sing with us? Check out this brief clip of our finale from September 24!
From the Pastor’s Pen
April 11, 2024
As we continue the road to General Conference, the following is information about a prayer vigil opportunity for Holston Conference. Please consider signing up or at least adding the suggestions to your prayers.
Much of what happens at General Conference is not directly affecting the local church, but many decisions will have a trickle down effect. Other decisions will affect the perception of the United Methodist Church to those outside the denomination. Pray for clarity, for peace, and for practical godly choices. Amen.
Friends,
Holston clergy and laity are invited to be part of a prayer vigil during the upcoming General Conference, April 23-May 3 in Charlotte, NC. You have an opportunity to sign-up individually or for your congregation to fill a large block of time to pray in 30-minute segments the 48 hours prior to General Conference as well as throughout General Conference. To signup click here
During your designated time, please find a quiet place at your home or church to pray. The theme “And Know That I Am God” is from Psalm 46. Prayerfully read and meditate on this scripture passage reflecting on ways that you, your local church, churches throughout Holston and the United Methodist Church can more faithfully “be still and know that I am God.”We invite you to pray for our delegation – Amanda Onks, Rev. Amy Sumrall, Anne Travis, Becky Hall, Rev. Caleb Frazier, Rev. David Graybeal, Dawson Kitts, Del Holley, Donna Mosby, Rev. Dr. Josh Kilbourne, Rev. Kim Goddard, Rev. Kristen Burkhart, Rev. Lauri Jo Cranford, Rev. Dr. Mark Flynn, Rev. Mary Thompson, Nate Roark, Rev. Paul Seay, Rev. Dr. Randy Frye, Reagan Kelly, Rev. Sarah Varnell, Rev. Sharon Bowers, and Rev. Wil Cantrell. Other prayer suggestions include:Pray that all we do will be done in love.Pray that we may all conduct ourselves with mutual respect.Pray for discernment as decisions are made. Pray for our Bishops who will be presiding during the Conference.Pray for the worship teams and leaders who guide the delegation’s work.Pray for the staff and volunteers in Charlotte, NC who will be serving us while we are there. If you wish to pray with the daily schedule or current news please use these resources for updated information:
General Conference Agenda & Schedule
Advanced Daily Christian Advocate
Thank you for participating in this prayer vigil as we, across Holston, pray together for our leaders and our denomination.
Blessings,
Pastor Casey
We are saddened to share that Richard McCallum passed away late on Sunday, March 24. Beverly and their children and grandchildren are in our prayers, even as we celebrate that Richard is home with our Lord.
Thank you to everyone who has expressed their condolences or was a part of the services. Memorials can be sent to First United Methodist Church.
Parish News!
Parish Council Meeting this week was a successful start. If you would like to be a part of this group, with representatives from the other churches on our parish, please let Pastor Casey know. The 2nd meeting will be scheduled soon.
Vision & Action Meeting
We had a great first meeting with some immediate steps to try. As we head towards Easter, one of the highest attended Sundays of the year, what else is God inviting us to do? Join us for round 3 of Vision & Action Meetings on Sunday, April 21st at 1:30 pm in the Sanctuary.
If you cannot attend, send your ideas with a friend or email: pastor@fumcbristol.org. God has given us a vision, we need to seek out the tasks we are called to. Who will join us in discerning our way forward?
Virginia Avenue Food Pantry distribution is Wednesdays 2-4 PM
Next distribution is April 17
Donations are appreciated and can be brought to Virginia Avenue on MWF mornings or left in the donation bins at the sanctuary doors. The Food Pantry accepts donations of: monetary, canned goods, or hygiene and personal care items
United Women in Faith
Next meeting is Tuesday, May 14 at 5:00 PM in the Library
Bring your dinner or a snack to share and join us as we fellowship, pray, and study together.
Yard Sale News!
We may be months away from October, but spring cleaning is just around the corner. Any items you are donating for the fall yard sale can be brought to the former Dorcas Room (W108) in the Education Wing. We accept anything in usable condition for resale to support missions in our community.
Camp Bays Mountain Summer Adventures
Summer seems ages away, but summer camp registration in the Holston Conference has already begun. If you would like to support our young people in their faith-filled week of summer adventure, please designate your gift to Camping.
Clinch Mountain District News
Ever wonder what’s happening with our district ministries and events?
Sign up for the district e-newsletter by following this link : http://eepurl.com/hiPafv
Altar Flowers
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.
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.
Calendar of Events
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)
Upcoming Events
Wednesday, April 17
2-4 p.m. Virginia Avenue Food Pantry
Saturday, April 20
4:00 p.m. Virginia Ave. Family Fellowship Meal
Sunday, April 21
1:00 p.m. Church Council Meeting
2:30 p.m. Vision & Action Meeting at First
4:00 p.m. Trustees Meeting
Sunday, May 19
4:00 p.m. Pentecost Party on the Lawn
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 