First United Methodist Church
Bristol, Tennessee
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Your Weekly e-Newsletter and Events Schedule
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Twenty-first Sunday After Pentecost
October 14, 2018
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Mark 10:17-31
Then Who May Be Saved?
Rev. Brandon Berg
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From the Pastor’s Pen . . .
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I’m pretty sure that Maryville High School offered classes like Government or Civics while I was a student there. Somehow I missed them. Maybe it was because choir took up too much of my schedule, or maybe the time I spent taking Theatre was when everybody else fit social responsibility classes into their schedule.
I don’t remember. Somehow, though, I missed out.
But, looking at the state of our society, I suspect I’m not the only person who missed out.
The deteriorating state of civility in the offices of decision-makers is part of what is leading prominent voices to cry for increasing involvement in the voting process. It thrills my peacemaking, people-involving little heart to hear those calls to action coming from across the political and ideological spectrum.
Of course, it also makes my head hurt when folks who are so obviously wrong-headed and stubborn call their like-minded peers to action. I wish they would just shut up and let those of us who are on the right side of history and of God’s Kin-dom just go ahead and make the goodness and grace happen.
But there’s also that part of me that recognizes that, however certain I am that I am on God’s side and in the right, there have been a few times – or maybe a few more than a few – when I’ve been wrong before, and I should probably leave some grace for others and for myself in the event that I happen to be wrong now.
Even though I’m not.
So even though I know I’m right, I want to encourage all of us to get as informed as possible and make our voices heard through the democratic process. Go. Make sure you’re registered. Vote.
Oh, and do that this Sunday, too. The United Methodist Church is, for the most part, governed by a representative polity very similar to the United States. We don’t get to vote often, but when we have the chance, we should take it. This Sunday, at 5:30 at Weaver UMC, the churches of the Tennessee side of the Bristol Missional Hub will hold all their Charge Conferences simultaneously. We’ll vote for our leadership and some of our finance and missional work for 2019, and we’ll hear from each church in the Missional Hub the exciting ways that the Spirit is at work.
I guess this is my call to you to Rock the Vote. Do it Sunday, do it in November. Go with the best information and the best decision you can, and trust that God’s Spirit is helping you with your personal process of discernment.
You matter. Your voice matters. Your presence matters.
Make yourself known.
And then listen for everyone else whose voice matters.
I may have missed the official classes, but I’m pretty sure that’s a bit part of what civility looks like.
Peace,
Brandon
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October is Pastor Appreciation Month
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This week’s Feed the Hungry offering will go to Family Promise of Bristol.
This program provides an opportunity for us to show God’s grace and Christ’s love to children with homeless families in the Bristol area.
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HOW TO ASSEMBLE A CLEANING BUCKET
BRING YOUR FILLED BUCKETS TO THE CHILDREN’S DEPARTMENT THIS WEEKEND.
MIKE TEAGUE WILL DELIVER THEM TO THE DROP-OFF LOCATION.
THANK YOU!
One five-gallon round bucket with re-sealable lid (14.35” h x 12.19” w x 12.19” d)
*No screw lids
*May be used, but must be free from all residual product
*Advertisements on the outside acceptable
One 32-64 oz. bottle liquid laundry detergent
One 16-40 oz. bottle liquid concentrate household cleaner
*No spray cleaners
One 16-34 oz. bottle dish soap
One 4-8 oz. pump spray air freshener (three solid, or three gel fresheners also acceptable)
One 6-14 oz. pump spray insect repellent (pack of 10-20 wipes also acceptable)
*Pump spray bottles must have protective covers
One scrub brush
*With or without handle
18 re-usable cleaning wipes
*No terrycloth, microfiber or paper towels
*Remove from packaging
Five scouring pads sponges
*No stainless steel pads with soap in them
*Remove from packaging
36-50 clothespins
One 50-100 ft. clothesline (cotton or plastic line)
24 rolls of heavy-duty trash bags (33-45 gallon sizes)
*Remove from packaging
Five N95 particulate respirator dust masks (1-3 mm thickness)
*No surgical masks
Two pairs kitchen gloves
*Durable for multiple uses
*Remove from packaging
One pair work gloves
*Cotton with leather palm or all leather
Assembly Directions:
Place all liquid items in the bucket first.
Place remaining items in the bucket fitting them around and between the liquid items.
Scouring pads and trash bags can be separated in order to fit all of the items in the bucket.
Clothes pins may also be placed in a small re-sealable bag.
Secure the lid on the filled bucket.
Important Notes:
All items must be new with the exception of the bucket and lid.
All cleaning agents must be liquid form. No powders are accepted.
If items have been omitted, label bucket. Please indicate which items are missing.
Sponges have been removed from the list of supplies due to the challenge of locating the non-cellulose sponges that prevent mildew. Non-cellulose sponges will be added to each bucket upon arrival at the affiliate warehouse.
Do not include any personal notes, money or additional material in the kits.
Contents of kits or the containers of kits should not be imprinted with cartoon characters, advertisements, religious, patriotic, military or camouflage symbols.
Packing & Shipping Instructions:
Packed buckets cannot exceed 70 pounds.
Complete two packing lists, one for your records and one for the shipping box.
Place the shipping label/packing list on the outside of the box.
Please send a check to Sager Brown for the total number of buckets times $3 per bucket for the cost of sponges and shipping. One check may be written for the entire donation.
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Last Week We Celebrated World Communion Sunday
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Mark 10:2-16
Let Them Come to Me
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Fairest Lord Jesus, ruler of all nature,
O thou of God and man the Son,
Thee will I cherish, thee will I honor,
Thou, my soul’s glory, joy and crown.
Beautiful Savior! Lord of all the nations!
Son of God and Son of Man!
Glory and honor, praise, adoration,
now and forevermore be thine!
~Munster Gesangbuch, 1677
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One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he
could touch and bless them. But the disciples scolded the parents for
bothering him. When Jesus saw what was happening,
he was angry with his disciples. He said to them,
“Let the children come to me, Don’t stop them!
For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children.
I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God
like a child will never enter it.” Then he took the children in his arms
and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them.
~Mark 10:13-16
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Phil Hage sang, As We Come Into His Presence.
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Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
praise God, all creatures here below;
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Praise God, the source of all our gifts!
Praise Jesus Christ, whose power uplifts!
Praise the Spirit, Holy Spirit!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
~Thomas Ken, 1674
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And so, in remembrance of these your mighty acts in Jesus Christ,
we offer ouselves in praise and thanksgiving
as a holy and living sacrifice,
in union with Christ’s offering for us,
as we proclaim the mystery of faith.
Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again.
~The Great Thanksgiving
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How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
is laid for your faith in his excellent word!
What more can he say than to you he hath said,
to you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?
~in Rippon’s A Selection of Hymns, 1787
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We will go from this place,
to sit at the side of those forgotten by the world,
as we are welcomed by their grace and God’s holy presence.
(c) Thom M. Shuman
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Five-Week Study in Progress
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Alzheimer’s/Dementia: Ministry with the Forgotten by Bishop Kenneth Carder
offered in two sessions:
Wednesday mornings at 11:00 a.m.
Sunday evenings at 7:00 p.m. – Tankersley Hall
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A Spin-off of the Fellowship Class
Unafraid and Unashamed: Facing the Future of United Methodism
by Wil Cantrell
Open to Any and All to Join for Now or Any Time
Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. starting in Tankersley Hall
Bring a snack to share!
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5th and 6th Grade Bible Study
Wednesdays 6:30-8:00
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M.A.F.I.A.
Downtown Photo Hunt
Wednesday, October 17, 6:30 p.m.
meet at the church
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Church Work Day
Saturday, October 13
9 a.m. – 12 Noon
Jobs for Everybody
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Charge Conference
Sunday, October 14, 2018, 5:30 p.m.
Weaver United Methodist Church
132 Peoples Road
Bristol, TN 37620
Please put this important meeting on your calendar.
This is our opportunity to voice your vote for leadership
within the local church.
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Youth Festival of Gifts and Talents
Annual Competition
Sunday, October 21, 4:00 p.m.
Pleasant View United Methodist Church
18416 Lee Highway
Abingdon, VA
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Youth-Sponsored Chili Cook-off
Sunday, October 28, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
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M.A.F.I.A. Enjoying a Recent Hike to the Dam
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Recipes from Unity Sunday
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Kathy Mack’s Summer Oatmeal (Muesli)
1 1/2 c. old fashioned oats
1c. Milk
1 Tbsp. low sugar fruit preserves, any flavor
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 Tbsp. honey
Stir together. Cover and chill overnight. Stir in chopped fresh fruit or berries. Serves 2-3.
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Click Links Below for Recipes to Karoline’s and Brandon’s Breakfast Bake and Ham & Egg Cups
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SUMMER CAMP MISSION
We need to cover
last summer’s campers
and give to support
next summer’s campers.
Cost per week of
camping:
~$400.00
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Dear Members of First United Methodist Church:
Thank you for your gift for the pool bath-house. Through gifts like yours, we MET the $40,000 match! Thank you for supporting this effort.
We are continuing to encourage donations for the pool bath-house so that we can start construction with sufficient funds to fully pay the construction cost. If you know of someone who would like to participate in helping to fund this project, please ask them to mail their donation to us or to call me for more information.
I hope you’ll keep Camp Bays Mountain in mind as a possible location for events you plan for family, friends, or church groups.
Thank you for your generous support! It will allow us to meet our mission to share God’s love through Christian witness and camping. Your gift is not just one to build buildings, but to enrich lives of children and youth.
Thank you again for your support of Camp Bays Mountain.
Sincerely,
Mary Boehms
Development Officer
423.349.8401
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First UMC –
Thank you for your recent gift which will be used to help fund our new bath house at Camp Bays Mountain. This is a required building at camp and will be enjoyed for campers for years to come! Thank you again!
Jeff Wadley
Director
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Dear First United Methodist,
Thank you for your donation to Bristol Faith in Action. As a result of your generosity, we will provide emergency financial assistance to our most vulnerable neighbors. We appreciate your generosity!
Sincerely,
Bristol Faith in Action
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2018 Holston Evangelism Conference
State Street UMC
Sunday November 4
2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
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Cost $10.00 at the door.
Books available for purchase on site.
Childcare provided.
Sponsored by the Holston Conference Witness Team and Discipleship Teams.
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District Discussion on General Conference
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Monday, November 12, 7:00 p.m.
State Street United Methodist Church
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Worship in Children’s Church Last Week
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We all belong to groups. We are part of a family, a school, a church, and
perhaps a team among others. Children are part of a special group – we are
loved by Jesus! We are never too tall or too short, too young or too old to be
treasured by Him.
The children are continuing to collect items to fill a bucket for flood victims.
Please help us help others!
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Could you use a new magazine or
would you like to buy some delicious candy or nuts
while also helping the Girl Scouts?
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Rebekah and Sarah Berg have online stores. Links are provided below.
The girls would like you to know they are working together to reach their goals.
Thus, please do not feel pressured to buy items from each of them.
Thank you in advance for your purchases!
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United Methodist Women Look Toward Unity
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KINGSPORT, Tenn. (Oct. 2, 2018) — United Methodist Women (UMW) from every district in Holston came together Sept. 15-16 for their 45th annual meeting and officer training at Meadowview Resort and Conference Center in Kingsport. It was a time to worship, fellowship, and learn about each position UMW circles have at their local churches. Read about this event in “The Call.” Click Here.
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Church Finds New Life as Immigrant Welcoming Center
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Jose Antonio Marchas Novela recounts the threats of violence that caused him to flee Mexico with his wife, Irlanda Lizbeth Jimenez Rodriguez, and their 1-year-old son, Jose Antonio. The family took shelter at the Christ United Methodist Ministry Center in San Diego while seeking asylum. Read more in “The Call.” Click Here.
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God’s Grace Flows Freely Over Wall Between Nations
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The Methodist Church of Mexico and The United Methodist Church
in the U.S. share communion each Sunday on beach divided by a
~The Call
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Church Offers Sanctuary to Woman Facing Deportation
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Maria Chavalan Sut, an indigenous woman from Guatemala, avoided deportation by taking sanctuary at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church. Read more.
~The Call
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Florida Church Responds to Anti-gay Vandalism with Love
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A vandal’s attempt to deface a church sign with anti-gay graffiti backfired when
the congregation responded with a message of love. Read more.
~The Call
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Send Your Pictures and Announcements
to Publish in the Newsletter
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Send your photos and announcements for the Newsletter
call Carol at 423.652.2811 M-Th, 9-2.
For each publication, information is
needed by noon on Wednesday.
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Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for? (Audience) Why should they care? (Benefit) What do I want them to do here? (Call-to-Action)
Create a great offer by adding words like “free” “personalized” “complimentary” or “customized.” A sense of urgency often helps readers take an action, so think about inserting phrases like “for a limited time only” or “only 7 remaining!”
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Your Church Event and Planning Calendar
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Week of October 11 – October 17, 2018
Thursday, October 11
6:00pm-Yoga with Jean-Yoga Studio
6:30pm-Mankind Project-Youth Room
8:00pm-AA
Friday, October 12
5:30pm-Belly Dancing Class-Yoga Studio
6:30pm-Belly Dancing Class-Yoga Studio
7:00pm-NA
Saturday, October 13
9:00am-Church Work Day (until noon)
Sunday, October 14
9:30am-The River Contemplative Worship Service-TH
(Childcare is provided from 9:30am to 12:00pm.
Children may be picked up at any time.)
9:30am-Sunday School Hour
10:00am-Common Ground Service-Chapel
11:00am-Traditional Worship Service-Sanctuary
12:15pm-Choir Rehearsal-Choir Room
5:30pm-Charge Conference=Weaver UMC
7:00pm-Alzheimer’s Study-Library
8:00pm-AA
Monday, October 15
6:00pm-Belly Dancing Class-Yoga Studio
Tuesday, October 16
8:00am-Men’s Prayer Group-TH
8:00pm-AA
Wednesday, October 17
11:00am-Alzheimer’s Study-Library
5:30pm-Fellowship Study Group-TH (Bring a snack to share)
6:30pm-BeTween Bible Study (5th and 6th Graders)
6:30pm-Youth (MAFIA)-Downtown Photo Hunt-meet at the church
To make changes or additions to the calendar contact Alan Gorrell 423-652-7377
or Sandy Gorrell 423-652-1987.
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First United Methodist Church
Rev. Brandon Berg, Pastor (276.237.6498)
322 Vance Dr., Bristol, TN 37620
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Our Vision–
Building A Community Where Anyone
Can Become A Deeply Committed Christian
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First United Methodist Church of Bristol 