TIME CHANGE SUNDAY Time change Sunday. Our response is usually a groan of some sort. Fall back, right? I turn my clock back one hour, right? This adjustment to our clocks means it will not be so dark when children are getting to school in the mornings but we will start wanting to go to bed at 7:00 as the sky tells us it is time to hunker down! Time change Sunday. It is All Saints Day at our church and we will read the names of church members who have died since November 1, 2017. For some who come this Sunday, time will seem meaningless. It doesn t seem like a year.. time stopped when she died. The days are so long.. how long will I feel this way? We are reminded that grief is never finished; it just changes over time. All Saints Day focuses on celebrating the great cloud of witnesses who have gone before us, but also those who sit around us on Sunday morning. It is a joyful and somber time, all at once. Time change Sunday. It is time to think about our understanding of stewardship. You will receive a pledge card soon in the mail; it helps us plan for ministry. We emphasize each year that we are not giving to a budget; we give out of thanksgiving for all God has given us. We believe in the tithe; that is, that ten per cent of my income is designated first as God s. Brad and I have exercised tithing all through our marriage. When income was small and when income fluctuated and when income was uncertain. Something about that ten per cent off the top was stabilizing and reassuring as we worked through our finances. We give to the church first as acknowledgement that God gave to us first! It changes how we think about the money we have and the time we have and the family we have and the love we have. Time change Sunday. We ve muttered it and shouted it and thought it.. Times have really changed! We say this with heartbreak as we read of more violence. Threats of physical violence to government leaders, two Kentuckians killed because they were Black, eleven Philadelphians killed because they were Jewish. Times have really changed. We say it with amazement at how we can connect with family members overseas and how easy it is to figure a tip on our phone. Times have really changed. We say it with uncertainty as the way it has always been is challenged and we re not sure how we will fit in. Time change Sunday. As I walked into the church early Sunday morning, I heard Frances Lovell playing through the hymns on the organ for the 10:30 service. A sense of peace and thanksgiving and certainty came over me. It is well with my soul, I thought. These are difficult times, troubling times, hopeful times, and joyous times. I am thankful for the gift of Sunday morning I am thankful for that time of worship a time that is set aside no matter what else is going on, good or bad. There will always be changes in our lives and in our world some welcome and some not. But the constant for me, the sure-footing that I always talk about, is being here on Sunday mornings. Each Sunday, I remember that God has given me this time and that God is in all time. See you Sunday, Catherine Please remember to turn your clocks back one hour at 2:00 am this Sunday, November 4th
Fall Festival at 1st After a cold and rainy start to the weekend, the sun came out and the temperatures climbed to around 70, making it a great day for a fall festival. Though the wind, at times, made it difficult to keep decorations in place, the spirit of fun and fellowship in the air put smiles on the faces of hundreds of people. The main church phone number is 865-982-1273 *Please note that ALL staff emails now end with 1stchurch.org unless otherwise noted. Pastors Catherine Nance cnance ext. 111 Sarah Slack sslack ext. 107 Matt Hall mhall ext. 106 Music Terry Wilson sacmusic ext. 109 Susan Daves sdaves ext. 110 Chris Lee clee ext. 116 Dwain Pesterfield (organist) DwainP602@bellsouth.net Sarah Lawson Ingram slawson Children s Ministries Denise Johns djohns ext.113 Carmen Faircloth ceaf26@att.net Before the trunk-or-treat lines opened there were already about 200 people in line ready to get started as the volunteers put the finishing touches on their cars and stations. Getting those bags filled with candy was only part of the fun. The face painters created some stunning artwork, kids were playing games and of course the hot dogs, cotton candy, and popcorn were all big hits too. Youth Ministries Nathan Irwin nirwin ext.202 Administrator Mark Blodgett mblodgett ext. 103 Communications Clayton Hensley chensley ext.100 Membership Secretary Jane Sanders jsanders ext. 101 Welcome Table Amelia Geis-Scott ameliageis@yahoo.com Technical Director Samuel Williams swilliams 982-1273 Maintenance & Custodial Staff Paul Brown, Sherri Justice 982-1273 Our Church Family Thank you to everyone who came out to the Fall Festival at 1st. If you took pictures at the event be sure and tag them #1stFallFest or post them on our timeline on Facebook. You can also find plenty of pictures of the big event on all our social media channels. Birth announcement Emmaline Meyer Click was born on October 23rd weighing 6 lbs. 15 oz. and measuring in at 20 inches long. Her parents are Ryan and Maggie. Proud grandparents are Moe & Suzanne Click and great grandparents, Helen & Tom Click. THE CHURCH BELL Page 2
1st News Opportunity to learn more about The Way Forward In February of 2019, a special called session of the General Conference of The United Methodist Church is considering recommendations surrounding issues of human sexuality and the unity of the church. A few weeks from now, our senior pastor, Rev. Catherine Nance and Rev. Laura Rasor from Broadway UMC will host special informational sessions to give you a look at: How the United Methodist Church works The historical background of disagreements about human sexuality The recommendations that will be considered at General Conference. These sessions will be about 90-minutes long and will be offered on a variety of days and at both churches. We hope you will take the opportunity to attend one of these special sessions. Catherine and Laura will be present at each session and the same material will be addressed. Just come and attend whichever session best fits your schedule. LEARNING SESSION OPTIONS Sunday, November 25th at 7:00 pm at 1st UMC Monday, November 26th at 8:00 am at 1st UMC Wednesday, November 28th at 5:00 pm at Broadway Sunday, December 2nd at 2:00 pm at Broadway Tuesday, December 4th at 10:30 am at 1st UMC Tuesday, December 4th at 7:00 pm at Broadway Charge Conference set for November 18th This year s Charge Conference for 1st UMC will be part of a cluster Charge Conference which also includes Fairview, Carpenters, Pleasant Hill, and Peck s Memorial churches. THE CHURCH BELL Page 3
1st News Alternative Gift Fair THIS SUNDAY, November 4th, you can get a jump start on your Christmas shopping as the Alternative Gift Fair returns. This year there are more than 15 vendors setting up in Wesley Hall and room 202 where you can shop the world, all in one place. These non-profit and fair trade groups along with several church mission groups will have hundreds of items available for sale. Remember for each gift bought you are giving twice. Vendors coming this year include: (Learn more about each vendor at 1stchurch.org/gift-fair) Beautifully Made Artisan Market Compassion Counseling Friday Folks Craft Group The Gate Good Neighbors Grace Home for Children Humane Society of East Tennessee Just Art Kenya Partners Lions Club International Latvia Partnership Moja Foundation Olive Branch Olive Oil Shop the World Tradewinds United Methodist Women Welcome Table A time to give thanks! It's that time of year when everyone in the church comes together to give thanks for all that God has done for us, and to enjoy a great meal. Please bring a side dish or dessert to share The church will provide the meats and beverages. This year, Tim Priest, the football color analyst for the Vols Radio Network will be the guest speaker. He is a member of Concord United Methodist Church. Please let us know you are coming by signing up online at 1stchurch.org/thanksgiving or calling 982-1273. Helping people in need Thanks to everyone who brought in coats for our October Go.Do. Donation drive. All of them are on their way to Knox Area Rescue Ministries to be used in that organization s Coats for the Cold program. At the end of November we ll be collecting items for the Porter Elementary School Food Pantry (items listed on the right). This pantry started three years ago when the Parent Teacher Organization at the school became aware of teachers purchasing food for their students because the students were coming to school very hungry. Any student can use the food pantry, no questions asked.
The Fall Festival at 1st had a huge turnout judging by the 700 hot dogs given away and people asking for more! At least three of the families present were former guests of Family Promise. One of those families frequently attends programs at 1st UMC and helps host current Family Promise guests as their way of giving back. Spooktacular Family Night on October 13 at the Parkview Drive-In was another well attended event, and it benefited Family Promise. What a blessing to have taken in more than $17,000. Just ahead, 1st UMC will host families from November 4th through the 11th, the last hosting for 2018. Thank you to all of the wonderful volunteers who faithfully serve this life-changing mission. As Thanksgiving draws nearer there are many reasons to count one's blessings. Those who are no longer homeless because you give just a few hours of your time are especially thankful. Happy Thanksgiving and Blessings, Mavis Ziegler and Amy Large Co-Coordinators of Family Promise at 1stUMC Where the Wild Things Are: Animals in and Beyond the Bible Dr. Phillip Sherman, Maryville College November 28th at Noon in Asbury Hall Lunch costs $5 Sign up online at: 1stchurch.org/joy-fellowship or call 982-1273 Coming soon Celebrate Recovery Meets Each Wednesday 5:30 Light Meal 6:30 Worship 7:40 Share Groups THE CHURCH BELL Page 5 November 21st Gratitude November 14th A salute to Veterans November 28th Don Thompson
NEWS A grand success! Thank you so very much for all the time and effort you donated to make the Fall Festival at 1st a grand success! There were more than 1200 people who spent time on the church parking lot on Sunday afternoon. This community outreach could not be done without all the wonderful volunteers from our church. A special thank you to the Civitan Club that volunteers to cook and wrap more than 700 hotdogs on Sunday afternoon! This annual event is fun for people of all ages and it certainly was great to see some of the senior members of our church dancing for a moment to the music that was played! One just never knows who had the best time at the Fall Festival at 1st! Sunday School leader needed in January Do you like to spend time with children? Do you enjoy sharing your faith story with others? Are you a life time learner? Do you enjoy crafts? If you can answer yes to a couple of these questions then you need to contact Denise Johns about a current opening in the Children s Sunday School department at djohns@1stchurch.org. Children s Christmas Program Please mark your calendars for December 2nd. That evening starting at 5:00 the children will present their special holiday program. Following the program, come down to Asbury Hall and enjoy food and crafts for all ages. Everyone is invited to this special event so be sure and bring your family and friends! The Christmas Story for Kids Tuesday, December 4th Monday, December 10th 6:00 to 7:30 pm Christmas is a special time for children, especially when they get to hear the story about the birth of Jesus. This year, Ms. Denise and the 1st Kids Ministries team invite you and your children to come for a special dinner and story time where the kids will learn more about the Christmas story in the Bible and take part in activities to help them learn more about the birth of our Savior. Keep watching for more details. November 11th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm Maryville Youth Bonfire (1st Maryville, Broadway and Fairview) Cunningham Farm Registration for Resurrection 2019 opens on November 1st The event is coming up January 25th to 27th. Rev. Nathan Irwin Director of 1st Youth nirwin@1stchurch.org 865-982-1273 THE CHURCH BELL Page 6
Memorials & Honorariums Contemporary Worship In honor of: Chris Lee Michael & Mary Lee Memorial Fund Marvin Eaves Marty Miller Rusty Post Welcome Table Rocky & Julie Rochelle Rocky & Julie Rochelle Rocky & Julie Rochelle Cathy Watson In honor of: Jocelyn Malone AB Goddard Marvin Eaves Bill Taylor Bill Taylor Bill Taylor Joe Malone Jerry & Linda West Jerry & Linda West Cheryl Miller Ronald & Pat Akard Clara Martin A.T. & Virginia Bennett Jim, Heidi, Harold Kevin & Amy Millslagle Lifelong Learning Center Staff In Memoriam: Ruchelle Post Entered the Church Triumphant October 14, 2018 Rusty was one of our Bell Ladies. She helped with the newsletter mailings for several years. Missions Fund Jane Robinson Jerry & Linda West 2018 Estate Bequests Music Fund In honor of: Randy Rogers Jimmie Eaves & Leslie Roberts Melba & Jack Bruce Ivanell Farber Sara Margaret Depew Nell St. Clair Margaret Thomas Christian sympathy extended to: Linda Dilgard in the death of her brother, Willie Lane, Jr. on October 7th. The Andy Hartsell family in the death of his mother, Mary Ann Comer Hartsell on October 6th. THE CHURCH BELL Page 7
Maryville First United Methodist Church 804 Montvale Station Road Maryville, Tennessee 37803 Phone: 865-982-1273 Change Service Requested NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID MARYVILLE TN PERMIT NO. 113 ONLINE ALL THE TIME! www.1stchurch.org The next regular edition of The Church Bell comes out on November 26th If you have something to submit, the deadline for submissions is November 21st