First United Methodist Church of Bristol, Tennessee

Your Weekly e-Newsletter and Events Schedule

Welcome to In-Person Worship Again….

If you are uncomfortable with worshiping in person or unable to join us for whatever reason, please tune in as we live-stream the service on Facebook.

> Enter the narthex doors beside the sanctuary.

> Wear a cloth mask that covers your mouth and nose until you are seated if you are vaccinated; if you are not fully vaccinated wear your mask continuously.

> Wear your mask when participating in singings and readings.

> Maintain at least six feet of space between yourself and anyone outside of your immediate household.

> Minimize your use of the lavatory and sanitize the spaces you use, and

> Exit the Sanctuary through the side doors closest to the parking lot.

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From the Pastor’s Pen
August 19, 2021

It’s been a bit wet outside this week. Personally, I’m loving it. Not only is it slowly greening our crispy lawn back up, but it cools down the body while I’m running in this late-summer heat.

The trouble is getting moving.

This morning, I ran at Sugar Hollow since I was already dropping Sarah off for pre-season Cross Country practice. After a few seconds of drizzle, I already felt myself start to cool off. Had I been more shortsighted, I’d have climbed back in the car and found something to read on Kindle. Cold is not fun. But a handful of things convinced me otherwise:

(1) I was already dressed to run,
(2) I was already here, and
(3) I knew that it would only take a half mile or so for my body temperature to climb, and 68º with a misty drizzle would feel superb.

Sometimes things are difficult to start. Lots of things are still that way for me. It can be hard to remember that a thing that’s difficult or nerve-wracking to start will mostly likely end up being alright. It might even be nifty. It might even be worthwhile.

We might just be thankful for it later.



So give that difficult thing a shot (I say to myself). If it’s a worthwhile thing, there’s a good chance that it’s a holy thing. If it’s a holy thing, God is already calling you to it, and God is going to empower you for the task anyway. So even if you feel like you’re not ready, God is already ready for you.

Go for it.

It’s just a little rain.

Peace,
Brandon

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Earthquake in Haiti

A 7.2 magnitude earthquake hit Haiti on Saturday, August 14.  This was followed by torrential rains from tropical storm Grace which hampered rescue efforts.  The latest statistics show that nearly 2,000 people have lost their lives as a result of the earthquake, with many more injured.  Add to this news the fact that Haiti is dealing with the covid-19 pandemic and political instability. 

We have heard the good news that the children from the Help for Haiti Children’s Shelter are safe.  The area where members of our church family, Leferne and Melila Preptit, are from is in a location that was in the earthquake’s path.  There is an immediate need for basic medical necessities. 

Leferne plans to travel to Haiti as soon as he can make arrangements and he is hoping to take extra luggage filled with as many supplies as he can pack to aid with the relief efforts.

Below is a list of requested items.  There will be a collection box in the church narthex for those wanting to bring their donated items on Sundays until Leferne is able to travel to Haiti.

Haiti Earthquake Relief 

• Acetaminophen 500 mg
• Tylenol 500 mg
• Advil
• Aspirin
• Aleve
• Zyrtec for allergy
• Triple Antibiotic Ointment
• Ibuprofen
• Imodium A-D Anti-Diarrheal caplets and soft gels
• Plastic for Tent
• Toothpastes
• Towels and hand towels
• Blanket sheets
• Bar Soaps

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Calendar of Events

Aug 18 – 26, 2021

First United Methodist Church
Rev. Brandon Berg, Pastor (276.237.6498) 
322 Vance Dr., Bristol, TN 37620
www.fumcbristol.org

Our Vision – Building A Community Where Anyone Can Become A Deeply Committed Christian