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.

GREEN (LOW) for COVID-19 transmission this week, so:
> Masks are optional for gathering in person – please respect the safety concerns of others. Masks will be available if you forget to bring your own.

> If you are unwell, we hope you will stay home and join our fellowship virtually.

Church Office Hours:

Sundays 2-6 PM

Tuesdays 5-8 PM

Wednesdays 5-8 PM

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In-person worship is at 11:00a.m. Sundays in the Sanctuary 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.

Email Prayer Chain

If you are interested in being a part of the email prayer chain, please sign up as you exit the sanctuary or email Pastor Casey. The messages will be distributed through our email lists on Realm.

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Worship This Week

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Serving This Month

*Please make arrangements to trade with someone if you will be unable to serve in this way. Any emergency changes can be handled by those present at worship.

Last Sunday at First UMC

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Missional Hub Events

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From the Pastor’s Pen

December 7, 2022

One of the bizarre parts of Jesus’ birth is how many times people are interrupted from their norm to learn about the coming Lord. 

• Zechariah (John the Baptist’s father) is interrupted from prayers. 
• Mary is interrupted from her daily work.
•  Joseph is interrupted from his sleep.
•  The innkeeper is interrupted during his busiest season ever. 
• The shepherds and their flocks are blinded by light in the middle of the evening shift. 
• The wisemen leave their homes for years to track down the King. 

Our daily patterns and predictable schedules are interrupted by Jesus’ birth. The ordering of the world, with the powerful or wealthy winning out, is flipped on its head by his coming. The basics of human and eternal consequences are replaced by compassion and mercy. 

What does that mean for your Advent and Christmas? Let yourself and your perfect planning be interrupted. Maybe that’s a new face at the table or giving more than you planned to meet someone’s needs. Maybe that’s being stopped during a planned tradition to connect or pray or care in a new way. Whatever God interrupts you with, let’s greet Jesus and the with joy.

Blessings,
Pastor Casey

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Altar Flower Sign Up

Share the beauty of God’s creation as a gift to God and our congregation.

Select your date, and  list your name and any details about the flowers. Examples – “in loving memory of _____”, “in celebration of _____”— or it can simply be a gift to the glory of God. 

• Cost $50 for a professional arrangement.
• Label your check or envelope as designated to the altar flower fund, with the date you signed up for. 
• Deadline for sign up and payment is the Sunday before.
• You may take the flowers after Sunday service or we will distribute them as we are able. 

Contact Sue Bryngelson or the church office with any questions.

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Advent Luncheon at First UMC

Wednesday, December 21, we are hosting the last of the 4 Advent worship and luncheons for Bristol area churches. A sign-up sheet is available on Sundays or contact Pastor Casey to provide part of the meal, desserts, or help serve.

This is a great opportunity to share with our local community and the offering for the 4 weeks will go to Help for Haiti ministries through First UMC.

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United Women in Faith

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A Note From Our Lay Leader

I follow a blog, Tales from the Farm, about a hobby farm in Pennsylvania.  Yesterday we were led to think about the special moments in our lives.  You know, those times when we see a breathtaking sunset or watch the sun come out after days of rain and fog. We each have those moments whatever the special moment might be.  This time of year seems to bring an abundance of them if we just look. 

Do you watch for your Christmas miracle?  I’ve done that for a few years now.  It usually comes when I’m tired and harried.  Also it takes me a little while to realize it’s happened.  Sometimes it’s in a book I’m reading.  Sometimes it is in downtown Bristol where you can offer a word of care or help to solve a problem.  Sometimes it’s just watching people be good to each other.  We need to keep our eye out for a miracle and cherish it no matter how small it may be. 

Sue

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Serve with First UMC

What is God calling you to do? What ministries bring you joy?

First UMC is adding volunteers to serve on rotations for:

• Liturgist– read the Sunday Announcements, Responsive Reading, or other speaking opportunities
  
• Sunday Ushers– Assist people before and after worship with seating and questions. Weekly or monthly rotation as needed.

• Offering Counting Teams- Teams of 2 people count the offering together each Sunday and log the results. Weekly or month rotations are available and record sheets are provided.
  
• 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
  
• 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.

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Giving to Ministries at First UMC

What can I give towards?

• General Fund- monthly expenses for upkeep and ministries
• Designated Gifts- towards a specific project or ministry
• Missions Giving- to a specific mission or a general gift to be split among our mission partners

How often should I give?

• Everyone manages their funds differently. Some give weekly when they attend worship. Other families give monthly when their income is deposited. Still others give at varying times to match a need or a project.

Our only request is that you prayerfully consider how God has called you to support the church and ministries with your fund. We challenge you to be good and faithful stewards of what is entrusted to you.

How can I give?

• In person
  • Offering envelope booklets are available for you to take home. Each include 53 undated envelopes for weekly giving, or spread them out over time if you give on a different schedule. Please pick up yours from the rear of the sanctuary.
  • Offering envelopes have returned to the pews as well. If you forget yours, please take one for identifying your giving.
• Digitally
  • ACH – contact us directly for a confidential form. This type of giving will automatically withdraw the amount your choose directly from your bank account
  • With online giving you can contribute from your checking account, or give with a debit or credit card. You also have the option to make your gift recurring.
    • Website: onrealm.org/fumcbristol/-/form/give/now or any of the “Give Online” buttons
    • Text: from your cell phone, text FIRSTUMCBRISTOL to 73256. This will open up a link for you to choose how you give.

Calendar of Events

December 8-14, 2022

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