First United Methodist Church

101 E Blythe Street Mailing Address: P O Box 25

Paris, Tn. 38242

(731) 642 4764

www.parisfumc-tn.org

Catch First United Methodist Church rebroadcast on

WHNY 104.7FM, 97.5FM and AM 1000 at 9:30AM or

TV CHANNEL 195 @ 11:00 AM

Live stream service @ our Facebook page

PROJECT BRIDGE “REVAMPED”

Finding new ways to be in ministry beyond the walls of the church, during this Pandemic is challenging all of us. Our Project Bridge planning team has also had to do come creative thinking.

Last summer, when Project Bridge began, adult volunteers and college interns provided one-on-one reading coaching, character-building activities and lots of loving support for 17 early elementary children. This team of adults developed trusting relationships with the children, which helped them achieve measurable success in improving their reading skills on returning to school last fall. Plans were well underway to offer Project Bridge again this summer on a larger scale. We planned to assist even more children who needed extra support in developing their abilities in reading. But then along came COVID-19.

Because it’s now necessary to practice “safe distancing,” to avoid the possible spread of the virus, our Project Bridge plan-ning team has created a new way to inspire and encourage all the rising First Graders of Henry County. During the week of July 20-23, adult volunteers will be taking Project Bridge on the road, to our county and city elementary schools. Visiting one of our four schools, each morning, First Graders, who attend their school’s orientation, will be entertained with big mouth puppets who act out the story of Armadilly Chili.

In a Texas-style adaptation of a traditional folktale, the characters, Tex the tarantula, Mackie the bluebird, and Taffy the horned toad refuse to help Miss Billie Armadilly prepare a batch of chili but nevertheless expect to eat it when it's ready. After hearing the story, then small groups of children will rotate with generous spacing, among four different centers to en-gage in some fun learning activities from the story.

Grant funding will provide copies of the book for each child to have their own to keep. A few more adult volunteers are needed to assist with the small group transitions. If you are available for from 9:30-12:30 on any or all of the mornings of July 20-23 and would like to find out how you might help, please contact Jane Etheridge (731-707-0930) or any member of the leadership team (Vicky Boyd, Bonnie Cloar, Fran Jenkins, Linda Massa, Bonnie Stiles, Emily Walker, and Joy Weathersbee). We urge you to prayerfully consider helping a child get excited about the coming school year. We believe you will receive a blessing from helping in a small way.

On Wednesday, July 1, at noon CT, The United Methodist Council of Bishops, the General Commission on Religion and Race, the General Board of Church and Society and the United Methodist Women in-vite you to join in a Denomination-wide Town Hall conversation at UMC.org/EndRacism, where we will take a deep dive into the true (and sometimes suppressed!) history of our nation and church.

FROM REBELLION TO REVOLUTION - Just as God fashioned all that is out of primordial chaos, God is surely able to bring to life something new out of all the chaos we've experienced in recent weeks. If you're interested in hearing how the leadership of our larger Methodist connection (PAN Methodism) is responding, then join in this Virtual Worship Service and Call to Action live-streamed on Facebook at Black Methodists for Church Renewal-Memphis Conference, this Sunday, June 28th at 3 p.m.

CONCERT OF PRAYER Our Council of Bishops has asked that United Methodists around the world join together in prayer at 8:46 a.m. and p.m. for 8 minutes and 46 seconds, the time the officer held his knee on George Floyd’s neck. We are asked to pray for all persons of color who suffer at the hands of injustice and oppression. Pray for our church as we take a stand against racism. Just imagine the power of a concert of prayer heard around the world!

PRAYER REQUESTS:

Brighton Gardens (Brentwood) – Marjorie Van Dyke Glenmary (Memphis) – Paul Russell

Morningside – Bunny Selby Morningside of Cookville – Jennie McGlohn

Plumley - Jim Adams, Keith Odom

Paris Healthcare – Covie Byars, Donna Cooley, Oma Klingenberg, Jimmy Mann,

Regional Health Extended Care Hospital (The MED) - Rick King (on palliative care)

RoseStone – Katie Younker St. Thomas - Julia Presson , back surgery

Weakley County Nursing Home – Helen Pentecost

Don Davenport - home from Cain Creek Debra Odom - recovering from a fall Wayne Lich - Lois Ramme’s father Jim Bob Weatherly - possible transplant Patsy Henry - upcoming hip replacement June 30th Whitney Ikemire - daughter of Chris & Tracy Courtney Stephen Rowlett Joe Geary - having a pacemaker Methodist, North

ONGOING PRAYER CONCERNS: Russell Baatz, Leesa Beecham, Tonie Belarictk, Jean Cloar, Corey Boden, Frances Nichols Cochrum, Dora Corey, Judy Curd, Peggy Franz, Greg Frary, Abigail Frizzell, Sharon Harrington, Daryl Harris, Dolores Harvie, Cassandra Hobbs, Carl Honniker, Betty Joan Hoyt, Jace Jones, Rob Keltz, Kenneth McBride, Martha McCollum, Cooper McElwain, Joe Pat Moody, Jim Morgan, Rachel Morgan, Natalie Norwood, Ronnie Paschall, Mi-chael Perry, Nick Phifer, Dale & Lois Ramme, Taylor Beth Roney, Ann Ross, Trudie Ross, Gail Sharpe, David Stan-ton, Shirley Swanson, Tommy & Jan Swor, Douglas Taylor (Phyllis’ brother), Martha Taylor, Martha Tittle, Jake Wade, Lee and Barbara Walgora, Mary Lee Walker, Ryan Wheat.

THE MILITARY: Hudson Bradley, Michael Brewer, Jamie Burton, Jaxon Cook, Callon Conger, Angie Davis, Jason Dea-ton, Alex Dye, Jimmie Fry, Chris Gay, Hayden Goodwin, Colin Harris, Matthew Hart, Sebastian Hayward, Josh Hearnsberger, Dillon Jackson, Jason Meadows, Michael D. Merrell, Cory Merritt, Austin Paschall, Jon Rhodes, Adam Ross, Britney Simpson, Loren Steele, Aaron Thompson, Thomas Thompson, Lexy Klopfenstein Veliz, Nathan Watson, Doug Winchester, Jakob Womack.

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Just a quick reminder that Second Harvest Donation Boxes are located at Kroger and Lakeway IGA. We were able to

serve 79 households this past Tuesday with our drive-thru distribution. If you would like more information on how

to volunteer at Second Harvest, talk to Elyse Bell at 731 431 7674.

The Mid-week Connection on Facebook Live, will take a short break for the month of July. We hope you have en-

joyed the great conversations we have been having this month, and August is already being planned.

OPERATING BUDGET RECEIVED THE WEEK OF 06/21/20

OPERATING BUDGET AMOUNT RECEIVED YTD

$9107.00

$272,940.00

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN AMOUNT RECEIVED YTD

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN FUND BALANCE AS OF 06/25/20

$127,420.17

$17403.17

Hey PFirst Kids & Parents!!

Due to summer schedules and a number of our families with young children

not yet being comfortable with inside group activities, we have determined

that it is best to forgo our alternative Vacation Bible School plan at this

time.

Please continue to have your children looking for their weekly mailing.

This year, due to COVID-19, the Family Resource Center is having the Back

to School Bash as a drive-thru event. They have asked First Methodist to

provide blunt tip scissors and composition books. If you prefer not

to shop for these items, but would like to donate, please send a check to

the office and in the memo line write B2SB.

DAILY LECTIONARY READINGS

Friday, June 26, 2020: Psalm 13; 2 Chronicles 20:5-12; Galatians 5:7-12

Saturday, June 27, 2020: Psalm 13; Genesis 26:23-25; Luke 17:1-4

Sunday, June 28, 2020: Genesis 22:1-14 and Psalm 13; Jeremiah 28:5-9 and Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18;

Romans 6:12-23; Matthew 10:40-42

Monday, June 29, 2020: Psalm 47; Genesis 22:15-18; 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12

Tuesday, June 30, 2020: Psalm 47; 1 Kings 18:36-39; 1 John 4:1-6

Wednesday, July 1, 2020: Psalm 47; Isaiah 51:1-3; Matthew 11:20-24

Thursday, July 2, 2020: Psalm 45:10-17; Genesis 25:19-27; Romans 7:1-6

Friday, July 3, 2020: Psalm 45:10-17; Genesis 27:1-17; Romans 7:7-20

Hospital Snacks are still needed

for the first week in July. Please

drop your individually wrapped

snacks off by Monday morning,

June 29th. If you would like to

give a donation, we will shop for

you. Thanks!!

ON GOING OPTIONS FOR WORSHIP AT PARIS FIRST Last Sunday, our church family worshiped both in-person and virtually. While a few folks were comfortable in gathering with our safe guidelines in place, the majority of our congregation are understandably choosing to continue connecting with our 11:00 Livestream on Facebook or through our delayed broadcast on Cable Station 195 or by listening to the radio broad-cast. We continue to encourage anyone with a health condition that places them in a high-risk category, to worship in the safety of their homes. We ask that all who choose to attend in-person worship, self-monitor in order to protect others, by worshiping from home if you’ve had fever in the prior week or have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID -19.

SAFE GUIDELINES For our 8:30 service in the CLC, please enter through the back glass doors that go directly to the gym. No coffee or break-fast will be served initially. For the 11:00 service in the Sanctuary, please enter at Poplar street or at the front of the sanctuary. • Wear a face mask “to protect others.” Masks are provided if you don’t have your own. • Sanitize hands upon entering the building. • Refrain from physical contact. • Maintain safe distancing of at least 6 ft from others.

• Please bring your own bulletin from home, only a few will be available for guests. • Attendance pads and offering plates will not be passed. Baskets will be available as you enter and exit, where you may

place your offering. • Dismissal will be directed so that there is not “bottle necking” at the doors. • Only one person in restrooms at a time. Clorox wipes are provide for you to clean any touched surfaces before leaving. • There will be no children’s church or nursery at this time Children are always welcome in our worship!

The “Martin Mower” This week Dr. Rob’s 2011 Cub Cadet LTX1040 Lawn tractor received an opening bid of $600. If you’ve been thinking you’d like to make a bid, now’s the time. Just call the church office to place your bid or to arrange a time to check out the mower. The Trustees will be taking bids until July 1st. A new battery and oil change should have it in good working order. Pro-ceeds from the sale of the Cub Cadet will go toward our Capital Improve-ments.

Dear Tennessee River District Clergy and Laity, As you may already know, Dr. Richard Clark is retiring on June 30, 2020. For 30 years, Dr. Clark has faithfully served in min-istry as an active United Methodist pastor. For the past 8 years, he has been a District Superintendent, overseeing the transi-tion of the Jackson District to the expanded Tennessee River District. During his tenure of service as our Superintendent, Dr. Clark has challenged our pastors and local churches to discover, equip, connect, and send lay and clergy leaders who shape congregations that offer Jesus Christ to a hurting world, one neighborhood at a time. He reminded us of our Wesleyan DNA, that the discipleship that happens in networks of small, cov-enant groups has the power to affect transformational change in our lives and world. As a sign of our appreciation and gratitude for his servant leadership as our Superintendent and in recognition of his many faithful years of ministry, you are invited to mail a card or letter to Delores Smith 24 Corporate Blvd. Jackson, TN. 38305 expressing your well wishes for Dr. Clark’s retirement. If you would like to contribute to a financial gift being collected to honor Dr. Clark’s service, you may mail a check made out to Tennessee River District UMC and designate gift in the memo line. Thank you for considering celebrating Dr. Richard Clark’s retirement in these alternative ways, especially in these uncertain days of pandemic crisis. We give thanks to God for Dr. Clark’s faithful service and missional witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Sincerely, Rev. Sharon Lewis-Karamoko, Chair of District Committee of Superintendency Members: Mrs. Sharon Crawford, Lay Leader, Rev. Dennis Vance, Secretary; Mr. Ray Bryant Mr. Jim England; Rev. Linda Hilliard; Rev. Jimmy Carter, Rev. Amanda Hartmann Westmoreland

Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

June 28, 2020

Chiming of the Hour

Prelude “There is a Balm in Gilead” June Feger

Welcome and Announcements Rev. Joy Weathersbee

Call to Worship “Majesty, Worship His Majesty” Choir

Hymn of Praise “Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me” UMH #361

Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in Thee; Let the water and the blood, from Thy wounded side which flowed,

Be of sin the double cure; save from wrath and make me pure.

Not the labors of my hands can fulfill Thy law’s demands; Could my zeal no respite know, could my tears forever flow, All for sin could not atone; Thou must save, and Thou alone.

Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to the cross I cling; naked, come to Thee for dress; helpless, look to Thee for grace;

Foul, I to the fountain fly; wash me, Savior, or I die.

While I draw this fleeting breath, when mine eyes shall close in death, When I soar to worlds unknown, see thee on Thy judgment throne,

Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in Thee. Sharing of Joys and Concern, Pastoral Prayer and The Lord’s Prayer Scripture Reading Genesis 22:1-18 Hymn of Preparation “Here I Am, Lord” UMH #593

I, the Lord of sea and sky, I have heard my people cry All who dwell in dark and sin, My hand will save

I who made the stars of night, I will make their darkness bright Who will bear my light to them? Whom shall I send?

Refrain: Here I am, Lord, Is it I, Lord? I have heard You calling in the night; I will go, Lord, If You lead me, I will hold Your people in my heart.

I, the Lord of snow and rain, I have borne my people’s pain. Who will bear my light to them? My hand will save.

I will break their hearts of stone, give them hearts for love alone. I will speak My word to them. They turn away. Refrain

I, the Lord of wind and flame, I will tend the poor and lame. I will set a feast for them, My hand will save

Finest bread I will provide, ’til their hearts be satisfied I will give my life to them, Whom shall I send? Refrain

Message “When Perceptions and Promises Conflict” Rev. Joy Weathersbee

Gift of Music “Sanctuary” Choir

Hymn of Invitation “I Surrender All” UMH #354

All to Jesus I surrender, All to Him I freely give I will ever love and trust Him, In His presence daily live

Refrain: I surrender all, I surrender all, All to Thee my blessed Savior, I surrender all

All to Jesus I surrender, Humbly at His feet I bow Worldly pleasures all forsaken, Take me, Jesus, take me now Refrain:

All to Jesus I surrender, Make me Savior wholly Thine Let me feel the Holy Spirit, Truly know that Thou art mine Refrain:

All to Jesus I surrender, Lord, I give myself to Thee Fill me with Thy love and power, Let Thy blessings fall on me Refrain:

All to Jesus I surrender, Now I feel the sacred flame Oh the joy of full salvation, Glory, glory to His name. Refrain:

Benediction

Response “Amen” Choir

Postlude “Te Deum” by Charpentier John Massa, organ At the conclusion of the service dismissal will be directed by rows. Please exit the building without lingering inside so that we can maintain our safe distancing without bottle necking in the doorway. Baskets will be placed at the exits for your offering.

We hope you enjoyed the flowers on the altar this morning, they came from the garden of Terry and

Mary Jane Murphree. If you would like to donate an arrangement for Sunday morning, please contact the church office. Thank you.

The church office hours will resume our normal schedule of Monday - Thursday, 8:30am - 5:00pm,

Friday 8:30am - 3:00pm. We do not close for lunch. However, we will be closed this Friday due to the in-dependence day holiday.

Come hear that big band sound!

The Paris Big Band will wow you with tunes from artists like Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, and many more as your toes start tapping and a big ol' smile crosses your face. Under the direction of Michael Holden, the Paris Big Band fea-tures many talented area musicians who bring this music from the Golden Age to life! The best part.....it's FREE to the public. Mark your calendars and tell your friends, and come on out for the Paris Big Band! Doors open at 2:00 PM. Donations encour-aged. Masks are strongly encouraged, but not required. We will limit the building to 50% capacity (300) and ask folks to be seated in family groups.

Senior Appreciation Luncheon - Wednesday, July 1st For the last several summers our Congregational Care Committee has hosted a celebratory luncheon to express ap-preciation for the senior members of our congregation. This year our in-person luncheon will instead be a carry out picnic box. If you’ve received an invitation, please call the church office to confirm if you will be picking up you picnic lunch or if you need to have yours delivered.