ONLINE ALL THE TIME!

Catherine: Why is there a picture of another church on the bulletin cover?

Clayton: That’s our church.

Catherine: Oh.

My parsonage is on the Porte Cochere side of the church. That is the door I come in. When I shake hands on Sunday morning, I am usually standing on the front steps of the church. That is what I am used to seeing. I have gone OUT through the doors that were pictured on the bulletin cover from April 12th, but I have not entered those doors more than a few times (usually coming back in from a Wesley Day School fire drill).

I did not recognize the picture as being “my church.” I have been saying that this renovation process would be a time of renewal and seeing things from a new perspective; but I – who have been here for not even a year – have gotten ‘stuck’ in how I see things. Seeing the church from a different angle totally caught me off guard.

I hope that as you wander through different hallways and find yourself in new rooms, you will not ask ‘whose church is this?’ but see this time as an opportunity to ask, “What is something new I can learn about my church?”

As you come in different doors, look around and see what you notice. Paul Baloche is the lyricist who wrote the words to the popular praise song, Open The Eyes of My Heart, Lord. I pray that during this time of renovation the eyes of our heart will be open to see what God is doing. What new things do you see? How are you seeing things

differently?

Rev. Catherine Nance

The

Church Bell Issue 9

April 20, 2015

Also in this issue:

A new way to connect with1st page 3

Helping the G.A.T.E. page 4

A mountain of VBS needs page 5

What’s happening at 1st page 7

THE CHURCH BELL Page 2

Currently, the middle hallway on the upper level of the church and the Sanctuary are undergoing renovations. Because of that, each area may be closed at times while crews continue their work. Please be advised that you may have to find alternate routes to parts of the building. Meetings and other activities may be happening in different places. Throughout the renovation process you can get updates on our website, www.1stchurch.org, under the “Renovation News” section.

Renovation Reminders Plans change

If you’ve been following the preparations for the current renovations here at 1st UMC over the years, you know there have been several changes made in “the plan.” Back when 1st Church was contemplating its move from Downtown Maryville to this location on Montvale Station Road there were several plans for what the building would look like. Just a few weeks ago, Denise Johns and Carmen Faircloth were cleaning out a storage room downstairs when they found two large framed architectural renderings of the large stone structure we use today. In the picture shown below, you will likely notice that a few of the original plans for the church building changed before it was built. Can you spot the differences in the architect’s rendering and the building we use today? As the contractors and the building committee move forward with the current renovations, there will likely be changes made to “the plan.” However, the vision of enhancing worship spaces; making the children’s area safer and more kid-friendly; and making the building more comfortable when the temperatures outside get too hot or too cold, remain the key motivators behind the work. In the words of Rev. Catherine Nance, “It’ll be great!”

Phone: 865-982-1273 Website: www.1stchurch.org

You will find individual staff contact information and a printable staff listing under the “Inside 1st” tab.

Email: info@1stchurch.org

1st UMC Staff

Sunday Worship 8:15 & 10:30 Traditional Asbury Hall, lower level

10:30 Contemporary Wesley Hall, upper level

*Please note that ALL staff emails now end with 1stchurch.org unless otherwise noted.

Pastors Catherine Nance cnance ext.111 Parker Benson pbenson ext. 106 Sarah Slack sslack ext. 107 Music Terry Wilson sacmusic ext. 109 Susan Daves sdaves ext. 110 Chris Lee clee ext. 116 Dwain Pesterfield (organist) DwainP602@bellsouth.net Children’s Ministries Denise Johns djohns ext.113 Carmen Faircloth ceaf26@att.net 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 Maintenance & Custodial Staff Paul Brown, Sherri Justice, Bryan Holder

THE CHURCH BELL Page 3

1st News Renovations underway If you’ve had a chance to peak into the Sanctuary this week or come down the middle hallway it would have been difficult not to notice the transformations going on as renovations get started. In the Sanctuary the pews, the organ, the piano and the carpet are all gone as the area gets set for a major “facelift.” Right after the pews were removed, the picture below was taken and posted on Facebook with a few words from Rev. Nance.

Meanwhile, there was much joy as workers began the transformation of what was Rev. Parker Benson’s office as you come in from the door near the Porte Cochere. The main church office is moving into that spot and staff offices will move to that middle hallway. When folks come in from that side, they will immediately be able to see the church office! How welcoming is that! Connect with 1st

While the renovations continue, staff members and volunteers are testing out a new communications platform designed to help you better “Connect with 1st.”

We told you a little about it last year with hopes of launching it in January, but there were a few delays. In the coming weeks, we will start reaching out to Sunday School classes, small groups, volunteers and individuals to help us get this ready for everyone.

If you are interested in leaning more about it now, or want to help with the launch process please send an email to chensley@1stchurch.org. Stay tuned!

“I love standing in the sanctuary while it is empty – no pews, no altar, no furnishing. After a few moments of silence and noticing the light coming in through the stained glass, I realize how full this room is – God’s presence, saints past and present, hope. This room is never empty." -

Rev. Catherine Nance

Sesquicentennial Celebration

For the past 150 years, the people of 1st United Methodist Church, Maryville have been serving the community through Christ in countless ways

This past Sunday, you may have noticed a new logo on the cover of the worship bulletin. Developed by Epic Nine productions here in Maryville, this logo will be making its way on a number of things as we celebrate the Sesquicentennial of 1st UMC (That’s 150 years!).

A committee is working on a grand celebration to be held at the Maryville Greenbelt Amphitheater on July 5th. As the details are worked out, you’ll be hearing much more about it. The celebration will include special speakers, guest entertainers and an exciting worship service, and some great food.

Hope to see YOU there!

Easter Offering The next Habitat for Humanity home build comes up in 2016 and giving toward the mission is off to a great start. On Easter Sunday as more than eleven-hundred people gathered here for worship, YOU gave $18,000 above normal tithing for this year’s Easter Offering. That money will go toward the $48,000 needed to buy materials for the home build. If you would still like to contribute, just write a check to 1st United Methodist Church with “Easter Offering” on the memo line.

Future church office location

THE CHURCH BELL Page 4

Keeping yourself safe The Maryville Police department will be here on April 29th

bringing you tips on how to avoid scams, what to do to protect yourself is someone breaks in to your home and

much more.

J.O.Y. Fellowship Lunch April 29th at Noon

Wesley Hall

Lunch is available for $5. Please sign up by calling the church office at 982-1273 or going online to

www.1stchurch.org .

What is grief? (taken from helpguide.org)

Grief is a natural response to loss. It’s the emotional suffering you feel when something or someone you love is taken away. The more significant the loss, the more intense the grief will be. You may associate grief with the death of a loved one—which is often the cause of the most intense type of grief—but any loss can cause grief, including:

The more significant the loss, the more intense the grief. However, even subtle losses can lead to grief. For example, you might experience grief after moving away from home, graduating from college, changing jobs, selling your family home, or retiring from a career you loved. If you are experiencing grief, come to and feel the

love of Christ.

Divorce or relationship breakup Loss of health Losing a job Loss of financial stability A miscarriage Retirement

Death of a pet Loss of a cherished dream A loved one’s serious illness Loss of a friendship Loss of safety after a trauma Selling the family home

Over the past few years, members of the Bayou Mission Team from here at 1st UMC have been working to make one woman’s home livable. Thanks to that work, Stephanie (pictured in the b&w dress above), is now smiling and finally enjoying life in her “new” home.

Several UMW members baked birthday cakes and delivered them to guests at “The GATE earlier this month. The women served cake and enjoyed playing games with the folks gathered for the party. The UMW from 1st UMC have been invited to come back and do it all again, bringing even more chocolate cake.

Upcoming Events: District Day Apart May 2nd Maryville District UMW's Day Apart will we held on May 2nd at Mountain View United Methodist Church located at 3200 Maryville Pike, Knoxville TN. Topic is "Be Still and Know" Discovering New Ways to Connect with God. Speaker is Gaye King, who will be showing us how to make Protestant Prayer Beads. The $8 fee covers materials for beads and light refreshments. You can register online at www.maryvilledistrictumw.holston.org.

Wesley House Tablescapes May 9th One of the main fundraisers for Wesley House, the annual Tablescapes event is planned for Saturday May 9th. UMW has sponsored a table this year which will be decorated by Donna and Suanne. Individual tickets are $30 each. To purchase a ticket at our table, please contact Donna Doede. It is a wonderful, colorful event with lively children entertaining the guests.

THE CHURCH BELL Page 5

Children’s Corner Contact: Denise Johns, djohns@1stchurch.org or 982-1273

Just around the corner! Plans are underway for an exciting Vacation Bible School here at 1st UMC—Maryville. In order to make it a success WE NEED YOUR HELP! This year’s theme is Everest: Conquering Challenges with God’s Mighty Power. Lots of items are needed to help us create our base camp and help the children on this adventure. If you have any of the items listed below, please consider letting us borrow them during this year’s VBS (May 31st through June 3rd). Hiking boots Sleeping bags Small pop-up tents Lanterns Gloves Climbing ropes Snow skis Picks Backpacks Camp Cook-out items Buckets Sun goggles Shovels Ski clothing Fire pit Faux rocks Artificial Christmas trees of all sizes!

Mission buckets for Zimbabwe This annual hands-on mission project is coming up soon. This year, because of the renovations, all items are asked to be kept at home until May 22nd. The buckets will be filled on the morning of Saturday, May 30th from 9:00 am until Noon. Needed items: 1 bag sugar (4- 5 lb.) 1 bag self-rising flour (4 - 5 lbs.) 1 bag rice (2 lb.) 1 bag dried beans (2 lb.) 1 powdered milk (10 oz. or less) 1 box old-fashioned oats (18 oz. or less) 1 bottle cooking oil (48 oz. or less) 1 box Splenda/sucralose (50 ct. or less) Canned Ham (one 2-lb size or two 1-lb size)

Please contact Jewel Rankin at 981-2770 or Kristi Crandall at 681-3879

for more information.

Church Directory Update

We’ve been getting several questions regarding the Church Directory. It is still in the works and the first draft has been printed. We are currently looking over it to see what needs to be updated and that includes pictures. Many of you have asked us to use pictures from the last directory, which we were able to do. Many more of you sent in pictures or had us take them for you. However, we still need some pictures, especially updated family pictures (cause we know some families have gotten bigger since the last directory and the kids have aged a bit too!).

If you have a picture you would like to submit you can bring it by the office and we’ll scan it or you can go online to www.1stchurch.org to submit one. Just go to the “1st Look” section and click on “Church Directory.” There you will find a link to our online directory. Once finished, there will not only be printed copies, but also a directory you can access online!

You may bring your items to the church office with your name on them and pick them up after VBS. We would like to collect these items within the next three weeks or just let us know you can bring them before VBS begins.

Thanks to all of you for helping making this VBS the Best VBS on Earth!

THE CHURCH BELL Page 6

Memorials & Honorariums

Music Fund

In memory of: Given by:

Conrad Krack Amanda Painter

Tony Rust Karl & Sherry Miller

Tony Rust Paul Hawkins

Jack Stewart Kathleen Stewart

In honor of: Given by:

Janis Cunningham Anonymous

Janis Cunningham Gerald & Betty Smith

Children’s area update

In memory of: Given by:

Tom Axley Karen Axley

Welcome Table

In memory of: Given by:

Tom Axley Carl & Jean McDonald

Tom Axley ALCOA 25-year Club

Tom Axley Karen Axley

Juanita Morton Mike & Ibby Davis

Juanita Morton Janie Haley

Juanita Morton Shannondale Community Assoc.

Juanita Morton Rob & Fran Goddard

Juanita Morton Karl & Sherry Miller

Juanita Morton Betsy Halliday

Gwen Norris Ivanell Farber

Jack Stewart Ivanell Farber

Roy Smith Mike & Ibby Davis

Mary Taylor’s Sister Ivanell Farber

In honor of: Given by:

Janis Cunningham John & Julie Rochelle

Chancel Choir Fund

In memory of: Given by:

Tony Rust Mike & Ibby Davis

Family Promise

In memory of: Given by:

Tom Axley Karen Axley

Boy Scouts

In memory of: Given by:

Tom Axley Karen Axley

Building Fund

In memory of: Given by:

Roy Smith George & Marjorie Bess

Roy Smith Bob & Peg Haresnape

Roy Smith Barbara & Bryan Steverson

Memorial Fund

In memory of: Given by:

Paul Edwin James & Shirley Anderson

Mike Matzek Heritage SS Class

Roy Smith Robert & Edith Sponerbarger

Organ Fund

In memory of: Given by:

Tony Rust Charles & Barbara Barton

UMW Gifts to Mission Wesley House, - Knoxville, TN: Given by local unit, UMW Jubilee Project—Sneedville,TN: Given by local unit, UMW Church and Community Worker—Willow, AK: Given by local unit, UMW South Sudan Women’s Center,Africa: Gifts from Local Unit UMW, Circle #1 and Jane Robinson Gifts in mission in memory of: Donna Landgren: Given by local unit, UMW Mary Lib Jackson: Given by local unit, UMW John Corey: Given by Circle #1 Mary Jane Lepird: Given by Circle #1 Kathryn Canby: Given by Mary Kay Hamlin Grace Cabbage: Given by Linda Richards Gifts in mission in honor of: Ginny West Case: Given by Linda Richards Loranita Parsons: Given by Linda Richards Frances Lovell: Given by Mary Kay Hamlin Marian Hamlin: Given by Mary Kay Hamlin Marceil Peery: Given by G.W. and Elaine McIntosh Marceil Peery: Given by David and Gail Reeder

Sunday, April 26, 2015 8:15 AM Traditional Worship, Asbury Hall 9:15 AM Sunday School 10:30 AM Traditional Worship, Asbury Hall 10:30 AM Contemporary Worship, Wesley Hall 11:30 AM Informational Meeting, NJ Mission Trip,151 5:10 PM Celebration Singers, 252 5:15 PM Evensong Handbells, 252 6:00 PM Youth, 152 Monday, April 27, 2015 3:30 PM Joy Singers Tour Rehearsal 7:00 PM Recovery, 12 Steps (Women), Room 205 Tuesday, April 28, 2015 6:00 PM Devoted Fitness, Asbury Hall 7:00 PM AA, 128 7:00 PM Pickleball, Asbury Hall Wednesday, April 29, 2015 10:00 AM Covenant Bible Study,Session 2, 205 12:00 PM J.O.Y. Fellowship Luncheon, Wesley Hall Celebrate Recovery 6:00 PM Light Meal, Asbury Hall 7:00 PM Worship, Asbury Hall 7:00 PM The Landing, program for youth 8:10 PM Share Groups, Various Rooms 6:30 PM Covenant Bible Study, Session 2 7:00 PM Dude’s Study, Taco Bell 7:30 PM Chancel Choir, 249 Thursday, April 30, 2015 6:00 AM Men’s Bible Study, 254 5:00 PM Welcome Table, Asbury Hall 6:00 PM Youth Ladies Study, Panera Bread 6:30 PM Compassion Counseling Center Meeting, 205 7:00 PM AA, 128 Friday, May 1, 2015 10:00 PM Covenant Bible Study, Session 1, 205

Greeters:

8:15 Traditional

Gary & Sherry Hensley Ron & Mary Cate

10:30 Contemporary

The Brinkley Family The Smith Family

10:30 Traditional Barry & Lynn Mathis Bill Wells

Acolyte: Drew Barton

Greeters:

8:15 Traditional

Lila Eby Larry & Hilda Chesney

10:30 Contemporary

Don & Marsha McPherson Gerry & Jane Sanders

10:30 Traditional Jim & Rita Warner Dallas & Amber Monroe

Acolyte: Lane Pinkerton

Sunday Commitments: May 3rd

Sunday, May 3 2015 7:35 AM Morning Glory rehearsal, 249 8:15 AM Traditional Worship, Asbury Hall 9:15 AM Sunday School 10:30 AM Contemporary Worship, Wesley Hall 10:30 AM Traditional Worship, Asbury Hal 5:10 PM Celebration Singers, 249 5:15 PM Evensong Handbells, 252 6:00 PM Youth, 152 Monday, May 4, 2015 12:00 PM Congregational Care, 254 3:30 PM Joy Singers Tour Rehearsal (4th-6th) 7:00 PM Recovery—12 Steps—Women, 205 Tuesday, May 5, 2015 10:00 AM Covenant Bible Study, 205 6:00 PM Devoted Fitness, Asbury Hall 7:00 PM AA, 128 7:00 PM Pickleball, Asbury Hall Wednesday, May 6, , 2015 10:00 AM Covenant Bible Study,Session 2, 205 Celebrate Recovery 6:00 PM Light Meal, Asbury Hall 7:00 PM Worship, Asbury Hall 7:00 PM The Landing, program for youth 8:10 PM Share Groups, Various Rooms 6:30 PM Covenant Bible Study, Session 2 7:00 PM Dude’s Study, Taco Bell 7:30 PM Chancel Choir, 249 Thursday, May 7, 2015 6:00 AM Men’s Bible Study, 214 5:00 PM Welcome Table, Asbury Hall 6:00 PM Youth Ladies Study, Panera Bread 7:00 PM AA, 128 Friday, April 24, 2015 10:00 AM Covenant Bible Study—Session 1, 205

HAPPENING AT Sunday Commitments: April 26th

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

REBA GAMBLE

TURNS 101 ON APRIL 25TH!

THE CHURCH BELL Page 7

NJ Mission Trip Informational Meeting April 26th at 11:30

Maryville First United Methodist Church 804 Montvale Station Road

Maryville, Tennessee 37803 Phone: 865-982-1273 / Fax: 865-983-5408

Change Service Requested

www.1stchurch.org

US POSTAGE PAID

MARYVILLE TN PERMIT NO. 113

NON-PROFIT ORG

The next edition of The Church Bell will be published on May 2nd!

On April 19th nearly 30 youth and a few adult chaperones headed out to Sevierville for dinner at

Sakura Asian Restaurant.

Nathan Irwin, Youth Director nirwin@1stchurch.org

Sermons Online Whether you missed a sermon or just want to hear it again, check online to see if it is there. The sermons are available to stream or to download. We are hoping to get some older sermons online as well, so keep checking. To hear sermons online: Visit www.1stchurch.org . Click on the Worship at 1st Tab. Click on “sermons online” Find the sermon you want or scroll down the

page to launch the media player where you can sort sermons by title, date or service!

Youth Summer Trip Dates Jr. & Sr. High Assembly - June 29th through July 3rd Grundy, VA Mission Trip - July 5th through July 10th

Charleston Beach Trip - July 19th through 21st