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.
Office Hours Adjustment:
Church Office Hours:
Sundays 2-6 PM
Wednesdays 4-8 PM
July Only
Tuesdays 9 AM-1PM
Beginning in August
Tuesdays 4-7 PM
New Pastor Onboarding with the Annual Conference
Do you have ministry our church needs to be doing? Are there opportunities we should restart? Are you excited for where God is leading us in the future?
Everyone is invited to join us after worship on Sunday, August 7th for lunch and dialogue.
All pastors that have moved in Holston Annual Conference are sent a Facilitator to guide our group through the conversation about what works, what doesn’t, who we are, and who we hope to be. Email or call Pastor Casey with any questions.
Sunday August 7th— 12-2 PM — Lunch is provided
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.
Seventh Sunday after Pentecost
July 24, 2022
Scripture: Luke 11:1-13
Sermon: Rev. Casey Irwin
Last Sunday at First UMC
July 17, 2022
6th Sunday After Pentecost
Prelude – Betty Curtis, pianist
Hymn of Praise – 545— The Church’s One Foundation
Scripture: Luke 10:38-42
Welcoming the Pause – Rev. Casey Irwin
Hymn of Benediction – UMH 98 — To God Be the Glory
Postlude – Betty Curtis, pianist
From the Pastor’s Pen
July 21, 2022
| From 2020 until now, we’ve struggled with how to gather together, and even now some of us cannot risk our health to spend time in large groups. However, we know we can gather in some ways and I hope to see more of us find ways to connect. On Sundays, we have some simple opportunities to share in faith and friendships with one another. We currently have one Sunday School class meeting at 9:30 on Sundays in the Shaw-Anchor room, discussing a weekly Scripture reading. Any age is welcome to join. Drop in as you are able, or study with us every Sunday. Between Sunday School and Worship, we are restarting our Common Grounds Coffee Fellowship in Tankersley Hall. Currently we’ll offer coffee, and hot water for tea or hot chocolate. So arrive a little early for Sunday Worship and spend some time sharing together in the name of Christ. If you would like to join the prep team or provide additional refreshments, sign up here. We are currently setting dates for more opportunities to gather as we work on our building, study Scriptures together, or just gather for some fun. I pray that in the coming weeks you enjoy some time together with friends, family, and strangers, all in the name of Christ. Blessings, Pastor Casey |
Ernestine Blanton
November 6, 1926 – July 17, 2022
Please be in prayer for the Blanton family. Ernestine was loved by all at First UMC and her beautiful artwork continues to reflect her beauty of spirit.
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
811 will be an important number for people needing emergency counseling in crisis situations. Mental health has been on many minds lately. I wonder if my memory slips are just normal me trying to do too much or something more serious. Right now I think they are just me… I hope. We all have been through so much the last few years above the normal problems life often presents. Getting back carefully to be with people helps ease the feelings of loneliness. Being able to share with each other is grand!
Casey talked about pausing last Sunday. Read the story of Martha and Mary. Mary paused. Be kind to yourself as you come out of the Covid coma. Find a way to help. Find a person to visit or call. Find a way to pause.
See you Sunday!
Sue
Meet the Pastor!
Pastor Casey would like to get to know you and your family. We have sign-ups available– through this Google Form or in-person on Sundays– to meet for coffee, a meal, a visit at your home or at the Pastor’s Office. We hope everyone connected to the church will choose a time and get to know our new Pastor.
Serve with Sunday Worship
What is God calling you to do? What ministries bring you joy?
First UMC is adding volunteers to serve once a month on a rotation for:
- Liturgist– read the Sunday Announcements, Responsive Reading, or other speaking opportunities
- Sunday Coffee Fellowship – Turn on the coffee pot and set out the fixin’s. Such a simple task is a great way of enjoying time together as the family of God.
- Videographer – It’s easier than it sounds! If you’re not familiar with Facebook Live, Pastor Casey or another leader will have the account open for you– just click “Go Live” and rotate the tripod if we need a different camera angle
- Attendance Cards – Set out and collect the cards or pew pads each week, and record who attends. Tracking online attendees is an added plus if you know how!
- Administrative Tasks – Choose one or several areas to serve– proofread the bulletin, check the church voicemail, run DVD and newsletter copies weekly for shut ins, address church mailers.
- Gardening and Weeding – You choose your schedule to maintain a beautiful and inviting environment at our building.
Reply here via email or check with Pastor Casey for more opportunities to use your gifts in God’s Kingdom.
Send Your Pictures, News, and Announcements to Publish in the Newsletter
For each publication, information is needed by noon on Wednesday.
Calendar of Events
July 21-27, 2022
Sundays
9:30 a.m. Sunday School
11:00 a.m. Morning Worship – Masks are optional at this time. We are following the CDC Guidelines.
6:08 p.m. Bristol Hub Youth at Reynolds Memorial UMC
7:00 p.m. AA Meetings
Tuesdays
7:00 p.m. AA Meetings
Thursdays
7:00 p.m. AA Meetings
July 24
4:00 p.m. Trustees
July 31
12:00 p.m. Potluck with the Pastor
3:00 p.m. Church Council Meeting
August 7
12:00-2:00 p.m. Lunch and New Pastor Onboarding with the Annual Conference
August 21
4:00 p.m. Trustees
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 