First United Methodist Church of Bristol, Tennessee
Your Weekly e-Newsletter and Events Schedule
Welcome to In-Person Worship Again….
If you are unable to join us for whatever reason, please tune in as we live-stream the service on Facebook.
> Masks are optional – please respect the safety concerns of others.
> Minimize your use of the lavatory and sanitize the spaces you use
> If you are unwell, we hope you will stay home and join our fellowship virtually.
LOCATION Adjustment:
UPDATE: Sound System revamp is in motion. We are waiting on parts to come in to begin the installation.
Due to the sound problems in the sanctuary, Administrative Council has moved the Sunday service to Tankersley Hall until the sanctuary sound equipment is updated.
In-person worship is at 11:00a.m. Sundays in the Tankersley Hall (temporarily)
AND can be viewed on the church Facebook page.
If you have not connected to FUMC via Facebook, please go do that.
You can also connect to Rev. Irwin on Facebook, on Twitter, and on Instagram.
Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
July 3, 2022
Send Me
Rev. Casey Irwin
Last Sunday at First UMC
Third Sunday After Pentecost
June 26, 2022
Prelude; Betty Curtis, pianist
Hymn of Praise 117—O God, Our Help in Ages Past
Affirmation of Faith: The Apostle’s Creed- UMH 881
Gospel: Matthew 6:25-34
“Why Worry?” Mia Foote
Hymn of Benediction 500—Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart
Postlude; Betty Curtis, pianist
From the Pastor’s Pen
June 26, 2022
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
| Our paths are crossing for a season, hopefully a long one. While my first “official” day with you is July 1, I’ve been meeting people, setting up details, and praying for our path together. This path is a bit unorthodox— the congregation is moving from a full-time pastor to a half-time pastor. I am an elder on loan from a different Annual Conference, and I will continue teaching Middle School while serving at First with you. I am overjoyed to be stepping back into the role of pastor. I trust God has us together for redeeming work in this world. I trust God has us together for caring for each other. Most importantly, this path is a blessing! You have such a legacy of compassion, giving, and justice. I am honored to walk this blessed path with you. I hope we find this path fruitful as we grow in knowledge and love together. Since it’s our first week together, I’ll include a bit about myself and my family. I’ve been married to Blake for 13 years (in August). We have 2 children- K.B. is 12 and Miriam is 8. We each have our own pet, for a total of 2 dogs and 2 cats. Blake and I currently teach at Sullivan Central Middle School. He is 6th grade English and I am 7th grade Math and Science. First UMC is my 4th appointment as a United Methodist Elder, and I have been a pastor for 11 years. While I especially enjoy worship arts, I find most of my ministry has centered around connecting churches with local mission work and community development. For fun, my children and I all dance with Center for the Performing Arts in Kingsport. We especially love to tap! As a family, we enjoy casual hiking and rock climbing. I dabble in guitar, voice, and a variety of crafts, but my favorite thing to do is read fiction. Next week, I will be sharing some available times to meet with families and groups, so we can get to know one another’s lives and ministries. In the meantime, feel free to contact me at pastor@fumcbristol.org or directly with my phone number- 423-635-9576. I look forward to meeting all of you soon. Blessings, Pastor Casey |
The Love Beyond Borders campaign aims to raise funds for the equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines around the world. The initiative has emerged from First United Methodist Church, Boise, ID and seeks to engage The United Methodist Church in supporting COVAX alongside UNICEF, the key vaccine delivery partner.
All funds raised will be sent to UNICEF for this project. More information about Love Beyond Borders is here.
A Note From Our Lay Leader
(Editor’s Note: yes, this is last week’s letter, Sue will be writing again soon. Her previous message is worth repeating until then 😉
A lesson learned.
I have been glued to the January 6 hearings. Yes, I’m one of those. The last one brought tears to my eyes as I heard about a family with a daughter who was in her last stages of cancer. She had to listen to obscenities about her father. Then a daughter testified about the threats and harassment she, her mother, even grandmother falsely received. “They” did that!”
Before those witnesses who were hurt by their honesty or false accusation, three men testified to their upholding the rules even under great duress. Christian faith played a part in at least one man’s decision to do what he felt right even if it caused him much discomfort. It did bring much pain! (They were also “They.”)
These were all “they.” You can’t define a group without really knowing them.
My mind has begun to open, and I don’t want to be “us” and “them.” Families can’t agree on everything. Why do I think our churches or country can! It’s time to find those things we agree about and cherish. Then leave those we don’t at the door. Can we?
It’s time to do the work of the church.
Sue
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For each publication, information is needed by noon on Wednesday.
Calendar of Events
June 30- July 6, 2022
Sundays
9:30 a.m. Sunday School
11:00 a.m. Morning Worship
6:08 p.m. Bristol Hub Youth at Reynolds Memorial UMC
7:00 p.m. AA Meetings
Tuesdays 7:00pm
7:00 p.m. AA Meetings
Thursdays 7:00pm
7:00 p.m. AA Meetings
July 3
First Sunday for Rev. Casey Irwin
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 