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.

ORANGE (HIGH) for COVID-19 transmission this week, so:
> Masks are STRONGLY encouraged for gathering in person – please respect the safety concerns of others. Masks will be available if you forget to bring your own.
> Please sit with members of your household at a reasonable distance from others
> Sanitize the spaces you use
> 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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*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

Weather Reminder

As icy winter weather quickly approaches, please use your best judgment for driving to the church in this season. We have the opportunity to worship virtually with Facebook and YouTube recordings, an online bulletin, or a DVD of worship can be requested from Pastor Casey.

Any cancellation of services will be shared no later than 10 AM on our website and Facebook.

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Jubilation Retreat 2023

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From the Treasurer … GIVING STATEMENTS

Thursday the giving statements will be emailed.  These will give your giving information for the 2022 year.  If you do not receive one and feel you should, please contact Sue Dietz.

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Missions Committee is re-forming. We are looking for people in the congregation who want to reach our local community and/or coordinate the planning and monetary resources. 

Our goal is to reach and support our community in the name of Christ.

Opportunities include:

• Planning Committee
• Fundraising
• Networking
• Advertising
• Assembling Care Packages
• Volunteering at Events

First decision-making meeting will be set based on participant availability. Please contact Pastor Casey with any questions.
Sign up via email or on the sign-up sheet in the sanctuary.

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From the Pastor’s Pen

January 19, 2023

And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming. If you know that he is righteous, you know that everyone who does what is right has been born of him.

– 1 John 2:28-29

Recently while reading church articles online, I stumbled across this phrase “Do what God says, not Greg.” My name is not Greg, but the principle still stands. It reminds me of a saying that was very popular to wear on clothing and knick-knacks when I was a child, “What Would Jesus Do?” or “WWJD?”. We can pull together all the advice and best practices in the world, but our actions should follow what God asks of us.

Many times we do hear the ways of God best through connecting with others, or listening to our leaders, or reading someone else’s words. However, the final step of discerning faith-filled choices comes as we seek God’s ways in our prayers and our actions.

So when you approach God throughout the day today, consider both what you have been taught and what you encounter with God. Not just what you say to do or what I say to do, but what God ultimately prompts us to do.

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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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

January 19-24, 2023

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