First United Methodist Church
Bristol, Tennessee
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Your Weekly e-Newsletter and Events Schedule |
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Transfiguration Sunday
February 23, 2020
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Transfiguration by Lewis Bowman |
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Matthew 17:1-9
It Is Good to Be Here
Rev. Brandon Berg
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I need to share this epiphany with you. It’s important. It’s a transformative observation, something that can potentially shift the way we look at each other and at our communities.
I can tend to understand imago Dei, the concept that we are made in the image of God, in a singular sense. I can point to individuals and say he or she or you (singular) are made in the Divine image. You (singular) bear the lovingkindness of God.
But I confess that I cannot, in good conscience, do that for myself. I cannot see myself as God-Bearer. I know myself too well for that. I know how messed up I am. I know how deeply flawed I have been, and I reckon I’ll just continue on that trajectory.
But…
(1) that just proves how poorly I know myself and my belovedness of God, and
(2) that assumes that this particular little pile of dust and breath, this chunk of carbon chains and water, is even remotely capable of containing the whole of Divine Essence. Of course I can’t do that. Only one person has ever done that, and he is unique in all creation.
I am not Jesus.
I am not all that there is to God, a perfect imago Dei. And I don’t have to be.
But I reflect something of God. Or I refract something of God. Or I bear something of God.
That’s all I can do, so it’ll have to be enough.
Chew on this one for a while, friends. It’s a pretty amazing promise. You aren’t everything there is to holiness, but you are holy. Everything you are is designed to reflect something about God. Embrace that. Love that, because you can bet that God does.
Peace,
Brandon
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Our Feed the Hungry Offering Sunday
Will be for Local School Missions
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This fund helps families in need within the Bristol School System. |
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How do we walk with Christ—daily follow him, grow in him, and faithfully serve him? |
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Plan now to participate in this five-week study led by Pastor Berg.
Starts Wednesday, March 4 at 6:00 p.m.in Tankersley Hall.
Let Carol know if you plan to participate, and she will make sure we have enough
books for everyone.
Books are $14.00. You may make a donation to the church.
We will share a meal together prior to the study.
March 4 Menu: Pizza and Soda by Sue Dietz and Carol Johnson
March 25 Supper by Sue Bryngelson, P.G. Mueller, and Lucy Lewis
March 11, 18, and April 1 are open for volunteers. Call Carol to sign up.
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Last Sunday at First UMC
Matthew 5: 21-37 Growing into Spiritual Maturity
by Rev. Brandon Berg
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We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord;
We are one int he Spirit, we are one in the Lord;
And we pray that all unity will one day be restored.
And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love,
yes, they'll know we are Christians by our love.
We will work with each other, we will work side by side;
We will work with each other, we will work side by side;
And we'll guard human dignity and save human pride.
And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love,
yes, they'll know we are Christians by our love.
All praise to the Father, from whom all things come;
And all praise to Christ Jesus, His only Son.
And all praise to the Spirit who makes us one.
And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love,
yes, they'll know we are Christians by our love.
~Peter Scholtes
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Neither the one who plants
nor the one who waters is anything;
but the only one who is anything
is God who makes it grow.
Go and grow, friends,
nourished and connected to each other
and to the One who is
your Source, your Nourishment, and your Breath.
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All women of the church are invited to:
United Methodist Women's meeting
Tuesday, February 25
6:00 p.m.
Tankersley Hall.
If you are not already participating, let 2020 be your year to get to know the ladies
of First's UMW by working alongside them. Support exciting mission and
ministry projects. You will be blessed!.
Bring a snack to share Tuesday evening!
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Feb. 26 – St. Luke UMC – (Jane Taylor, DS)
March 4 – Reynolds Memorial UMC – (Sean Glenn, Bluff City UMC)
March 11 – First UMC (Natalie Justice, Marion, VA)
March 18 – State Street UMC (David Jackson, Emory UMC)
March 25 – Addilynn Memorial UMC (Annette Warren, Cedar Bluff UMC)
April 1 – Virginia Avenue UMC (Estel Williams, Edgefield UMC)
April 8 – Sinking Springs UMC (Mary K Briggs, Emory & Henry)
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Services 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Lunch served 12:30 p.m.- 1:00 p.m.
Everyone welcome.
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Stand Up for Caregivers!
Protecting and advocating for the health and wellbeing
of adult caregivers
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We have been given access to en excellent resource for adult caregivers.
Click on the link below to benefit from all the valuable information provided by
Ms. Beverly Nelson. Our special thanks to Ms. Nelson for making her research
available to us.
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"Sacred Conversations on Race:
Working Toward a Beloved Community"
April 26
2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Pleasant View UMC
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First United Methodist Church
extends heartfelt
love and prayers
to the McGrady Family
in the passing of their
Lifelong Friend,
Whitney.
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The Church gratefully
acknowledges a gift
to the Memorial Fund
in memory of
Don Tankersley
by Earl and Peggy Wilson.
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Holston Annual Conference |
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June 7-10, 2020
Lake Junaluska, NC
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Our community and local churches have a need that Camp Bays Mountain is fulfilling. Last year forty-two campers made first time decision to follow Christ and thirty-nine indicated a call into ministry while at summer camp.
Consider a gift to enable Camp Bays Mountain to complete its funding.
When you give to camp, you are investing in the next generation.
Mail checks to Camp Bays Mountain, PO Box 2706, Kingsport, TN 37604.
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Finance Committee Report January 2020 |
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Balance as of January 31: ($1257.29)
Please note that we are beginning to build a deficit for the first month in 2020. Monthly giving will help us to see where we can expect to be in a few months. If you give through stock sales, etc. , please let the Finance Committee know so they may use that information to help calculate planning of spending. You are not asked to give an estimated amount. Carol can keep a list for the committee. She may be reached Tuesday through Thursday most weeks.
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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 Tu-Th, 9-2.
For each publication, information is
needed by noon on Wednesday.
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Your Church Event and Planning Calendar |
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February 20-27, 2020
Thursday, February 20
6:00pm-Yoga with Jean-The Upper Room
8:00pm-AA
Friday, February 21
5:30pm-Belly Dancing Class-Yoga Studio
6:30pm-Belly Dancing Class-Yoga Studio
Saturday, February 22
Sunday, February 23
9:30am-The River Contemplative Worship Service-TH
9:30am-Shaw-Anchor Adult Sunday School
10:00am-Common Ground Worship-Chapel
11:00am-Traditional Worship Service-Sanctuary
12:15pm-Choir Rehearsal-Choir Room
8:00pm-AA
Monday, February 24
6:00pm-Belly Dancing Class-Yoga Studio
Tuesday, February 25
6:00pm-Martha Circle-TH
8:00pm-AA
Wednesday, February 26
6:30pm-Youth Activity
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 