FUMC Bristol Newsletter May 18th-May24th, 2017
Worship and the Arts at First UMC
Where artistic expressions of faith are welcome
and enhance our common worship!
 
Vital Congregation Sermon Series
What would it be like if we abandoned the church and put up our
‘Sorry We’re Closed” sign?   How would it affect the neighborhood, the community, the world?   On the one hand, the benefit would be immeasurable as far too many folks ‘hide’ in the comfort of the church walls; and on the other hand, it would be tragic as the traditions, liturgy,  music, sacramental theology, beauty and community within the church walls have much to offer souls in search of a ‘home.’
That said, keep in mind, that there are some people (due to pain,, disbelief or discomfort) who will never darken the door of ‘church’ as we know it.
Vital Congregations understand that
Engaging Disciples in Mission and Outreach is

 a non-negotiable! If our church followed this admonition even more than it already does (thanks be to God), what would it mean to be inside the church building less and less and in the community even more?
The beauty is that the church would NOT have to close its doors in order to be more missional, but on any given day, it means we could find our congregation as much at home on the streets of Bristol with the people as in the walls of the church.  How’s that for a Win/Win?!
Come join us for Week 3 in our series!
Vital Congregation Series
Drivers of Vital Churches
(Using Scripture, Denominational Statistics and Personal Interviews to tell the story)
May 21   Engaged Disciples in Mission and Outreach

May 28   Small Group Ministries and their Absolute Necessity for Future Sustainability (It’s about belonging and community!)
June 4:  Strong Children’s and Youth Ministry Programs  (Holy Communion)

June 11:   “Weird Church” and Next Steps (Weird Church by Beth Ann Estock and Paul Nixon)
June 18:    Welcoming and New Pastor and Parsonage Family in a Vital Church Fashion!  
                 
Mothers’ Day Sighting!
It was a delight to have Madge and Lisa Gray in worship with us for Mother’s Day.  Madge is a resident at Broadmore Assisted Living Center where her daughter Lisa ( RN) is a frequent guest and all-around friendly helper to staff and residents.
It is always such a blessing when folks are able to return to church, even if only occasionally!

Music.. a Spiritual Experience
Pictured is Kelly Logan playing her trumpet in worship this past Mother’s Day. The title of the selection was “My Soul Has Found a Resting Place,” a medley of familiar hymns. It was a technical masterpiece and spiritual experience for those present.
Folks leaving Sunday School (after The River) even stopped in to see who was behind the mesmerizing trumpet.
Thanks for sharing your talent with us Kelly!
We look forward to the next time!
This Mother’s Day, Chris Gorrell made quite the fashion statement with his colorful Flamingo Suit!  Pastor Michelle even invited him to come forward to assist her with the Children’s Sermon. The kids enjoyed both his leadership and his attire!
Here Chris is pictured with his Mother, Sandy Gorrell.    This color-coordinated Mother and son captured our attention and our hearts this special Sunday.
Welcome our New Parsonage Family!
The Reverend Brandon Berg and wife, Karoline
Noah, Sarah and Rebekah.
Brandon’s first Sunday with us will be July 2
Watch this spot for more updates about Brandon and his family 

Children’s Department on the Go!
This week, our children learned about
Paul and Tabitha in Sunday School. They made a mat and then celebrated the beautiful weather playing outside.
Goodbye and Hello
On June 11, we say goodbye to Michelle at a family covered dish lunch following the 11 o’clock service. Please plan to join us as we wish Michelle and Gary a fond farewell. In the next weeks we will be accepting contributions to a love offering. If you wish to contribute, please mark your check or offering as “Love Offering.”
On July 2, we welcome our new minister to the pulpit. A celebration will be announced in a few weeks.
Spring Parsonage Photos
Sunday’s Feed The Hungry Offering
Our “Feed the Hungry” offering this week is for Local Missions. This mission helps members of our church family and other immediate local mission needs.
Reading Buddy Banquet  Photographic Highlights
 
Friday May 12 at First United Methodist Church, Bristol
Our program now spans three schools:
Anderson Elementary,
Avoca and Fairmont.
We celebrate some 9 or so reading buddies from First Church alone!
 
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
June 12-15, 6 pm-8:30 pm
 
PLANNING MEETING FOR VOLUNTEERS
TUESDAY, MAY 23, AT 6:30 PM.
ADDILYNN MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
FUMC Teens will be traveling to Black Mountain for the 2017 Christian Leadership Conference at YMCA Blue Ridge
Friday-Saturday-Sunday May 19-21
84 Blue Ridge Circle Black Mountain, NC 28711
828-669-8422
Thanks to All Who Participated in Work Day May 6th !!

*Applied new safety tape on stage steps and sanctuary step
*Cleared Tankersley steps of obstructions
*Repaired exit signs in Tankersley Hall
*Replaced bulbs in outdoor lights at Tankersley back doors
*Cataloged circuit boxes; removed paper labels
*Plugged openings in circuit boxes
*Weeded bushes on Ed Wing side of church
 
 
Behold!
2017 Annual Conference
Lake Junaluska, NC
June 11-14
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 Calendar & Events Schedule 
   Week of May 18th – May 24th
 

Thurs, May 18:   6:00pm-Yoga with Jean-Yoga Studio

                          8:00pm-AA

 
 Fri, May 19:     5:30pm-Belly Dancing Class-Yoga Room
               6:30pm-Belly Dancing Class-Yoga Room 
                    8:00pm-NA
               
 Sat, May 20:     9:00am-Holston Quilters Guild, TH  
                     8:00pm-NA
                        
 Sun, May 21:       9:30am-Sunday School Hour
9:30am-The River Service, TH
10:00am-Common Ground Service, Chapel
11:00am-Traditional Worship, Sanctuary
(childcare is provided from 9:30am to 12:00pm;children may be picked up at any time)
5:00pm-Finance Committee, Library
6:00pm-Administrative Council, TH
8:00pm-AA
Mon, May 22:   6:00pm-Belly Dancing Class-Yoga Room
                   7:00pm-Hispanic Congregation PVUMC
                   8:00pm-NA
                       
Tues, May 23:    8:00am-Men’s Prayer Group-TH
                    8:00am-Meals on Wheels
                    6:30pm-VBS Planning-Addliynn UMC
                    7:00pm-Martha Circle
                    8:00pm-AA
               
Wed, May 24:    6:30pm-Youth Activity
                    7:00pm-Chancel Choir
                  
 To make changes or additions to the calendar
          contact Alan Gorrell 423-652-7377 
        or Sandy Gorrell 423-652-1987.
Our Vision-
Building A Community Where Anyone
Can Become
A Deeply Committed Christian

First United Methodist Church

 322 Vance Dr., Bristol, TN 37620

       www.fumcbristol.org
First United Methodist Church of Bristol Tennessee, 322 Vance Drive, Bristol, TN 37620