Worship Update
The First Church COVID 19 Task Force met this week and recommended extending our suspension of in-person worship services for an additional 3 weeks through Sunday, February 7th. Our task force will continue to monitor the situation and make recommendations in 3-week increments.
This decision was made for several reasons. The COVID 19 numbers (number of active cases, hospital beds available, etc) in east Tennessee are improving, but continue to remain at dangerous levels. Governor Lee's office also continues to encourage places of worship to "continue to utilize virtual or online services."
While we earnestly desire to return to in-person worship as soon as we responsibly can, we strongly believe the best course of action for the next 3 weeks will be to maintain offering only our online worship service.
I recognize there are likely folks that will disagree with this decision and would prefer we offer in-person worship immediately. Please know I want to get back to in-person worship more than anyone!! However, as the shepherd of this church I must do all I can to "protect our flock" and remaining closed for this short period of time remains the most faithful course of action for our church.
If you have any questions concerning this decision or if there is any way I can serve you as your pastor please do not hesitate to contact me. Please be in prayer for our church, for all those that have suffered because of COVID, and for us to remain dedicated to sharing the love of Christ in all we do.
Grace and Peace,
Troy
This decision was made for several reasons. The COVID 19 numbers (number of active cases, hospital beds available, etc) in east Tennessee are improving, but continue to remain at dangerous levels. Governor Lee's office also continues to encourage places of worship to "continue to utilize virtual or online services."
While we earnestly desire to return to in-person worship as soon as we responsibly can, we strongly believe the best course of action for the next 3 weeks will be to maintain offering only our online worship service.
I recognize there are likely folks that will disagree with this decision and would prefer we offer in-person worship immediately. Please know I want to get back to in-person worship more than anyone!! However, as the shepherd of this church I must do all I can to "protect our flock" and remaining closed for this short period of time remains the most faithful course of action for our church.
If you have any questions concerning this decision or if there is any way I can serve you as your pastor please do not hesitate to contact me. Please be in prayer for our church, for all those that have suffered because of COVID, and for us to remain dedicated to sharing the love of Christ in all we do.
Grace and Peace,
Troy
Staying Connected & Serving
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Face Masks for UT Medical CenterOur Sewing Ministry has been busy making masks for UT Medical Center! If you would like to participate, you can find sewing and drop-off instructions HERE!
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Online Worship Service
January 24, 2021
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First United Methodist Church
3316 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919 865.525.0435 9:30 Sunday School 10:45 Sanctuary Worship |