News and Events for the Week of January 5

If you are interested in joining Bluff City UMC, please mark your desire on the tear-off slip in the bulletin and drop it in the offering plate or talk to Pastor Sean.  We are considering offering a new member class in late January/early February. 

Church Council has voted to begin some renovations in the Sanctuary.  These include: replacing the fabric behind the cross, new paint, new carpet, opening up the stage area, and moving the sound booth. There will be some other electrical updates and aesthetic changes as well.  We will also be buying a new pulpit for the stage.  We will be posting a cost estimate on these items.  If anyone is interested in helping with any item, please see our Trustee Chair (Jack Hurlbert) or Pastor Sean.

Our Wednesday night activities include dinner, adult Bible study and choir practice will resume on January 15th.  We hope to see you then!

Church Council has voted to begin replacing the tables and chairs in the Fellowship Hall.  We have been able to obtain a group price for one table and 8 chairs.  The tables will be rectangular and the chairs will be foldable white composite.  Each grouping is $374.50.  We are seeking individuals, groups or classes that might like to sponsor a table set.  If you are unable to provide a whole set, but would like to contribute, you may do that as well.

On Saturday, January 18th, from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM, our Church Council and Staff will gather in the Fellowship Hall for our annual planning retreat.  Council members for 2020 are: Michael Forrester, Betty Malone, Tony Lundin, Lelia Perry, Nancy Forrester, Valerie Altman, Dan Perry, Jack Hurlbert, Mike Miller, Jin Lane, Elaine Good, Lenny Leonard, Herman Carrier, and Pastor Sean. Staff include April Bridgeman and Megan Burke. Please make plans to attend this special time of prayer and course setting for the new year.

On Sunday, January 12, we will have a special time of worship using John Wesley’s Covenant Renewal Service.  Everyone is encouraged to attend and begin the new year with a new devotion to God and a fresh call to discipleship. 

It’s a new year and we’re doing some new things! Our children and youth activities are moving to Sunday nights.  Our children will now be meeting on the first Sunday night of each month from 5-7 PM for an extended time of crafts, music, lessons and even some field trips.  Our youth will now be meeting every Sunday night from 5-7 PM.  Children will start off in the Theatre Room (upstairs in the CLC) and our youth will meet in the Senior High room (upstairs in the CLC).  We hope this new schedule will allow more of our kids to participate in these activities.  If you have any questions, please see Megan Burke (Children’s Coordinator) or April Bridgeman (Youth Coordinator). 

January Birthdays and Anniversaries

Birthdays

6 Betty Malone/Carrie Stewart Fisher
7 Wendi Johnson
8 Lance Fleenor
9 Freddie Leonard
10 Cyndy Sweet/Jean Vannoy
11 Dan Ronquillo
12 Elaine Good

News and Events for the Week of December 29

If you are interested in joining Bluff City UMC, please mark your desire on the tear-off slip in the bulletin and drop it in the offering plate or talk to Pastor Sean.  We are considering offering a new member class in late January/early February. 

Due to the Holidays, the office will be closed Monday 12/30—Friday, January 3.

Church Council has voted to begin some renovations in the Sanctuary.  These include: replacing the fabric behind the cross, new paint, new carpet, opening up the stage area, and moving the sound booth. There will be some other electrical updates and aesthetic changes as well.  We will also be buying a new pulpit for the stage.  We will be posting a cost estimate on these items.  If anyone is interested in helping with any item, please see our Trustee Chair (Jack Hurlbert) or Pastor Sean.

Our Wednesday night activities (youth, children, adult Bible study) will resume on January 15th.  We hope to see you then!

Church Council has voted to begin replacing the tables and chairs in the Fellowship Hall.  We have been able to obtain a group price for one table and 8 chairs.  The tables will be rectangular and the chairs will be foldable white composite.  Each grouping is $374.50.  We are seeking individuals, groups or classes that might like to sponsor a table set.  If you are unable to provide a whole set, but would like to contribute, you may do that as well.

FOR MEN ONLY:  I hope that everyone had a very Merry Christmas! 

Remember our Breakfast next Saturday, January 4th.  Continue on reading Matthew 26—Mark 3.  Secret Coded Message:  JCRRA%PGY$AGCT

On Saturday, January 18th, from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM, our Church Council and Staff will gather in the Fellowship Hall for our annual planning retreat.  Council members for 2020 are: Michael Forrester, Betty Malone, Tony Lundin, Lelia Perry, Nancy Forrester, Valerie Altman, Dan Perry, Jack Hurlbert, Mike Miller, Jin Lane, Elaine Good, Lenny Leonard, Herman Carrier and Pastor Sean. Staff include April Bridgeman and Megan Burke. Please make plans to attend this special time of prayer and course setting for the new year.

On Sunday, January 12, we will have a special time of worship using John Wesley’s Covenant Renewal Service.  Everyone is encouraged to attend and begin the new year with a new devotion to God and a fresh call to discipleship. 

TODAY IS THE FIFTH SUNDAY!  For the children and staff at Holston Home for Children, this is one of the most important days of the year.  Because of the generous offerings given by donors like you, children encounter hope for a better future.  You can help us continue in our mission to provide hope and healing to children and families struggling with life’s challenges.  Please give generously today and help us change lives for tomorrow.

News and Events for the Week of December 22

If you are interested in joining Bluff City UMC, please mark your desire on the tear-off slip in the bulletin and drop it in the offering plate or talk to Pastor Sean.  We are considering offering a new member class in late January/early February. 

Due to the Holidays, the office will observe the following schedule:

Open :  Monday 12/23 and Friday 12/27
Closed :Monday 12/30—Friday January 3

Our mission challenge for the Advent Conspiracy is to spend less and give more to the Heifer Project, an organization that helps people in developing countries provide food and income for their families.  Our goal is at least $1000 as a church.  The cost of some of the items are:  A heifer ($500), goat ($120), sheep ($120), chicks ($20), alpacas ($150), pair of cattle ($1000), tree seedlings ($60), honey bees ($30), water buffalo ($250), pig ($120), clean water ($300), school of fish ($300).  Our special offering is today.  To learn more, visit www.heifer.org.

Church Council has voted to begin replacing the tables and chairs in the Fellowship Hall.  We have been able to obtain a group price for one table and 8 chairs.  The tables will be rectangular and the chairs will be foldable white composite.  Each grouping is $374.50.  We are seeking individuals, groups or classes that might like to sponsor a table set.  If you are unable to provide a whole set, but would like to contribute, you may do that as well.

If you use Amazon to do Christmas shopping, we invite you to use Amazon Smile and specify Bluff City UMC.  Thanks in advance!

FOR MEN ONLY:  I hope that everyone has a very Merry Christmas! 

Continue reading Matthew, chapters 19 –25, and on Wednesday read Luke Chapter 2, our loud, with yur family!  V.1-20.      Secret Coded message:   RGCEG@QP#GCTVJ

Be sure to make plans to attend our Christmas Eve Family Worship Service at 4:30 PM on Christmas Eve, December 24th.  This will be a candlelight service and is a wonderful way to welcome our Savior and Messiah, Jesus.  

On Saturday, January 18th, from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM, our Church Council and Staff will gather in the Fellowship Hall for our annual planning retreat.  Council members for 2020 are: Michael Forrester, Betty Malone, Tony Lundin, Lelia Perry, Nancy Forrester, Valerie Altman, Dan Perry, Jack Hurlbert, Mike Miller, Jin Lane, Elaine Good, Lenny Leonard, Herman Carrier and Pastor Sean. Staff include April Bridgeman and Megan Burke. Please make plans to attend this special time of prayer and course setting for the new year.

On Sunday, January 12, we will have a special time of worship using John Wesley’s Covenant Renewal Service.  Everyone is encouraged to attend and begin the new year with a new devotion to God and a fresh call to discipleship. 

News and Events for the Week of December 15

If you are interested in joining Bluff City UMC, please mark your desire on the tear-off slip in the bulletin and drop it in the offering plate or talk to Pastor Sean.  We are considering offering a new member class in late January/early February. 

Our mission challenge for the Advent Conspiracy is to spend less and give more to the Heifer Project, an organization that helps people in developing countries provide food and income for their families.  Our goal is at least $1000 as a church.  The cost of some of the items are:  A heifer ($500), goat ($120), sheep ($120), chicks ($20), alpacas ($150), pair of cattle ($1000), tree seedlings ($60), honey bees ($30), water buffalo ($250), pig ($120), clean water ($300), school of fish ($300).  Our special offering will be on Sunday, December 22.  To learn more, visit www.heifer.org.

Church Council has voted to begin replacing the tables and chairs in the Fellowship Hall.  We have been able to obtain a group price for one table and 8 chairs.  The tables will be rectangular and the chairs will be foldable white composite.  Each grouping is $374.50.  We are seeking individuals, groups or classes that might like to sponsor atable set.  If you are unable to provide a whole set, but would like to contribute, you may do that as well.

If you use Amazon to do Christmas shopping, we invite you to use Amazon Smile and specify Bluff City UMC.  Thanks in advance!

FOR MEN ONLY:  Gentlemen,  our next meeting will be on January 4th.  Continue reading Matthew chapters 13 – 18.
Secret Coded Message:  CUM#UGGM $ MPQEM

Please plan to stay after worship today for our annual Christmas luncheon. 

There will be a brief Church Council meeting today after the Christmas luncheon next  in the Sanctuary. All Council members are urged to attend.  We will be discussing a SPR motion as well as recommendation from the Sanctuary renovation team.

We need a few people to help bundle postcards for our annual Christmas mailing.  If you can help for an hour or two on Tuesday morning, the 17th, please see Pastor Sean, our secretary Betty Malone, or our Witness chair Lelia Perry.  Thanks in advance!

Be sure to make plans to attend our Christmas Eve Family Worship Service at 4:30 PM on Christmas Eve, December 24th.  This will be a candlelight service and is a wonderful way to welcome our Savior and Messiah, Jesus.  

Next Sunday, December 22, will be our children’s play during the regular worship service.  Please plan to come out and support our kids.

On Sunday, December 29th, we will have a special Watchnight Worship Service during our regular Sunday morning worship time. This will be modeled after John Wesley’s own Watchnight services that he led in early Methodism.  It is an excellent time to prepare ourselves for the coming new year. 

News and Events for the Week of December 8

The J.O.Y. Club (Just Older Youth) will be going to Dollywood on December 13 at  8:30 A.M.  Contact Sammy Waid for further details (870-310-1068)

Our mission challenge for the Advent Conspiracy is to spend less and give more to the Heifer Project, an organization that helps people in developing countries provide food and income for their families.  Our goal is at least $1000 as a church.  The cost of some of the items are:  A heifer ($500), goat ($120), sheep ($120), chicks ($20), alpacas ($150), pair of cattle ($1000), tree seedlings ($60), honey bees ($30), water buffalo ($250), pig ($120), clean water ($300), school of fish ($300).  Our special offering will be on Sunday, December 22.  To learn more, visit www.heifer.org.

Hopeful Hearts Tree—The Outreach Team plans to provide an opportunity for those who want to help make Christmas a little brighter for some children.  We have received several names from Bluff City Elementary and Middle School as well as some names within our own congregation.  The tree is in the Narthex and there are just a couple of names left.  Please consider adopting one of these children today.   Thank you in  advance for sharing the love of Christ with these children.

Church Council has voted to begin replacing the tables and chairs in the Fellowship Hall.  We have been able to obtain a group price for one table and 8 chairs.  The tables will be rectangular and the chairs will be foldable white composite.  Each grouping is $374.50.  We are seeking individuals, groups or classes that might like to sponsor a table set.  If you are unable to provide a whole set, but would like to contribute, you may do that as well.

Please join us on Wednesday evenings in the Pathfinders Classroom through December for a special 3 week Advent Bible Study.  We will be using Max Lucado’s “Because  of Bethlehem” series.  

If you use Amazon to do Christmas shopping, we invite you to use Amazon Smile and specify Bluff City UMC.  Thanks in advance!

FOR MEN ONLY:  Gentlemen, continue reading the Gospel of Matthew.  6 more chapters this week, 7 – 12.
CODED MESSAGE:  VJG#DGCVKVWFGU

Please plan to stay after worship next week for our annual Christmas luncheon.  The meat (ham and turkey) will be provided by the church and we ask everyone to bring a side or dessert  If you are not able to bring anything, please plan on staying as there is always plenty. 

There will be a brief Church Council meeting after the Christmas luncheon next Sunday in the Sanctuary.

News and Events for the Week of November 24

The Community Thanksgiving Service will be on Wednesday, November 27 at 6:30 PM at  First Baptist Church of Bluff City.  Mike Carrier of Bluff City Baptist will bring the message.  Due to this service , all Wednesday night activities here at BCUMC will be cancelled.

There will be an SPR meeting immediately after worship service today  in the Pathfinders Classroom.  If you are on SPR, please plan to stay for this brief meeting.

There will be an Open House at the Cox House, on December 1 from 12:30—3:30 and on December 7 from 11:30—3:30.  Refreshments will be served.

The J.O.Y. Club (Just Older Youth) will be going to Dollywood on December 13 at  8:30 A.M  Contact Sammy Waid for further details (870-310-1068)

Hopeful Hearts Tree—The Outreach Team plans to provide an opportunity for those who want to help make Christmas a little brighter for some children.  We have received several names from Bluff City Elementary and Middle School as well as some names within our own congregation.  The Outreach Team will have the tree with all names available in the narthex starting next Sunday, December 1.  Thank you in advance for sharing the love of Christ with these children.

We will be having poinsettias to purchase for $6.00 each.  If you wish to purchase a poinsettia in memory or honor of someone, please see Elaine Good.  Please turn in orders by Sunday, December 1.  The poinsettias will be in the sanctuary on December 8.

FOR MEN ONLY:  Gentlemen,  as we approach the end of the month,  we are also coming to the end of Proverbs.  Finish up, chapters 24 -31. 

SECRET MESSAGE:  DG@VJCPMHWN#CNYCAU

Please make plans to join us next Sunday, December 1, for our Hanging of the Greens service.  This is the time we decorate our Sanctuary for the Christmas season and you will learn the meaning behind the various decorations and traditions. Many people in the congregation, including our youth and children, will be taking part in the service.  It is a joyful time of worship!

Congratulations to Bluff City UMC!  We were informed this week that BCUMC is 14th in the Holston Annual Conference (out of 839 churches) in terms of our giving increase to the Conference Fair Share in 2019.  This money goes to support ministry and missions around the world.  Way to go, way to give!

We will be starting a new sermon series on December 1 called “The Advent Conspiracy.”  Let’s all learn to Worship Fully, Spend Less, Give More and Love All!

News and Events for the Week of November 17

This morning, we welcome Will Martin from Holston Home for Children in Greeneville as our guest speaker.  Please make Will feel welcome here at Bluff City UMC. If you would like more information on Holston Home, please see Will after church.  He has information on all the ways you can be involved in this wonderful ministry.

The Fellowship meal will be at 5:15 pm this Wednesday, 11/6. The menu will be  Chicken Casserole, salad and dessert.   Youth, Children and Adult programs begin at 6:00 PM and Choir Practice at 7:00 PM.

FOR MEN ONLY:  Keep on reading Proverbs Chapters 10-15.  If anyone would like to donate to the table and chairs, see Dan Perry.!  CODED MESSAGE:  RTQX7+CXQKF#KOOQTCN@YQOCP

The Community Thanksgiving Service will be on Wednesday, November 27 at 6:30 PM at  First Baptist Church of Bluff City.  Mike Carrier of Bluff City Baptist will bring the message.

There will be an Open House at the Cox House, on December 1 from 12:30—3:30 and on December 7 from 11:30—3:30.  Refreshments will be served.

The Silver Seniors have two day trips planned.  They will be going to the Thomas Amis House, in Rogersville on November 22 at 10:00 a.m. and to Dollywood on December 13 at  8:30 A.M.  Contact Sammy Waid for further details (870—310-1068)

Thank you so much for your very generous donation of the basket full of apple butter and other apple-theme items.  We truly appreciate your support! 

Sincerely,

May Hughes School PTSA

Hopeful Hearts Tree—The Outreach Team plans to provide an opportunity for those who want to help make Christmas a little brighter for some children.  If you know of a child who could benefit from a little extra help at Christmas, please see Barbara Gilmer, Kim Lundin or Nancy Forrester.  We hope to have the names available on the tree by Sunday, December 1 so folks can begin selecting their child.

We will be having poinsettias to purchase for $6.00 each.  If you wish to purchase a poinsettia in memory or honor of someone, please see Elaine Good.  Please turn in orders by Sunday, December 1.  The poinsettias will be in the sanctuary on December 8.

News and Events for the Week of November 10

The Fellowship meal will be at 5:15 pm this Wednesday, 11/6. The menu will be Chili, salad and dessert.   Youth, Children and Adult programs begin at 6:00 PM and Choir Practice at 7:00 PM.

Church Council has voted to begin replacing the tables and chairs in the Fellowship Hall.  We have been able to obtain a group price for one table and 8 chairs.  The tables will be rectangular and the chairs will be foldable white composite.  Each grouping is $374.50.  We are seeking individuals, groups or classes that might like to sponsor a table set.  If you are unable to provide a whole set, but would like to contribute, you may do that as well.

FOR MEN ONLY:  Keep on reading Proverbs Chapters 10-15.  If anyone would like to donate to the table and chairs, see Dan Perry.!  CODED MESSAGE:  RTQX7+CXQKF#KOOQTCN@YQOCP

The Community Thanksgiving Service will be on Wednesday, November 27 at 6:30 PM at  First Baptist Church of Bluff City.  Mike Carrier of Bluff City Baptist will bring the message.

We are overwhelmed by your show of generosity and appreciation during Pastor Appreciation Month in October.  As a family, we are so thankful to be in this wonderful church.  As your pastor, I could not imagine a better place for me to begin ministry.  You have loved on us from day one.  And we just say THANK YOU!  May the Lord bless and keep you!

Pastor Sean, Bethany, Luke, Will, Anna

The flowers on the alter are shared in memory of Sara Katherine Tabor by her daughter, Sherry Collins.  Mrs. Tabor attended BCUMC 2009—2011.  Please be in prayer for the family of Mrs. Tabor.

There will be an Open House at the Cox House, on December 1 from 12:30—3:30 and on December 7 from 11:30—3:30.  Refreshments will be served.

The Silver Seniors have two-day trips planned.  They will be going to the Thomas Amis House, in Rogersville on November 22 at 8:00 a.m. and to Dollywood on December 13 at  8:30 A.M.  Contact Sammy Waid for further details (870—310-1068)

News and Events for the Week of November 3

The Fellowship meal will be at 5:15 pm this Wednesday, 11/6. The menu will be Shepherd’s Pie, salad and dessert.   Youth, Children and Adult programs begin at 6:00 PM and Choir Practice at 7:00 PM.

Church Council has voted to begin replacing the tables and chairs in the Fellowship Hall.  We have been able to obtain a group price for one table and 8 chairs.  The tables will be rectangular and the chairs will be foldable white composite.  Each grouping is $374.50.  We are seeking individuals, groups or classes that might like to sponsor a table set.  If you are unable to provide a whole set, but would like to contribute, you may do that as well.

The Three Rivers District lay servant training event for fall 2019 will be held at Gray UMC on Saturday, November 9 from 8:30 AM—4:30 pm.  Registration fee is $25.00 and should be mailed to Three Rivers District Office, 110 May Street, Johnson City, TN   37615.  Lunch will not be provided.  For more information, please see the office.

There will be a Songfest  at University Parkway Baptist benefitting Family Promise of Greater Johnson City on Sunday, November 3 at 3:00 PM featuring Carson Peters & Iron Mountain.  Admission is free.

FOR MEN ONLY:  Gentlemen, let’s begin our challenge of reading Proverbs.  31 chapters, 1 chapter per day until next meeting.

SECRET MESSAGE:  LGUWU $ NQXGU#AQW!

3D Small Group will meet Saturday, November 9 at 8:30 AM in the fellowship hall.  Discussing “Because of Bethlehem” by Lucado.

November and December are the busiest months for Rockhold Food Pantry.  They will be distributing canned food and turkeys on Saturday, November 16th.  We will be accepting canned goods and monetary donations by Wednesday, November 13th.  Checks can be made to the Bluff City UMC and designate Rockhold on the memo line.

The Community Thanksgiving Service will be on Wednesday, November 27 at 6:30 PM at  First Baptist Church of Bluff City.  Mike Carrier of Bluff City Baptist will bring the message.

News and Events for the Week of October 27

The Fellowship meal will be at 5:15 pm this Wednesday, 10/30. The menu will be Chicken Alfredo, salad and dessert.   Youth, Children and Adult programs begin at 6:00 PM and Choir Practice at 7:00 PM.

Church Council has voted to begin replacing the tables and chairs in the Fellowship Hall.  We have been able to obtain a group price for one table and 8 chairs.  The tables will be rectangular and the chairs will be foldable white composite.  Each grouping is $374.50.  We are seeking individuals, groups or classes that might like to sponsor a  table set.  If you are unable to provide a whole set, but would like to contribute, you may do that as well.

Our Charge Conference is today,  Sunday, October 27, at 3 PM and it will be held at Blountville UMC.  All of Church Council members are encouraged to attend, but everyone is welcome.  This will be a celebration of what God has done through our church in the last year and we will be celebrating with several other churches as well. 

Trunk or Treat will be October 31 from 5:30-7:30 pm at the Wesley Center.  If you would like to donate candy or help with the event, please see Lelia Perry or Megan Burke.  There will be a tub for candy donations in the Information Center.

The  First Annual Meeting of the Three Rivers District United Methodist Women will meet at  Blountville United Methodist Church, 3390 Highway 126, Blountville, TN   37617  on Saturday, November 2.  Registration will begin at 8:45 AM and the business session will begin at 9:30 AM.  Registration will be $10.00 and will cover the cost of lunch and programming incidentals.  Registration forms and money should be sent to Lynice Broyles, 126 Mesa Drive, Johnson City, TN  37615 by  October 25.  All women are invited to attend.

The Three Rivers District lay servant training event for fall 2019 will be held at Gray UMC on Saturday, November 9 from 8:30 AM—4:30 pm.  Registration fee is $25.00 and should be mailed to Three Rivers District Office, 110 May Street, Johnson City, TN   37615.  Lunch will not be provided.  For more information, please see the office.

There will be a Songfest  at University Parkway Baptist benefitting Family Promise of Greater Johnson City on Sunday, November 3 at 3:00 PM featuring Carson Peters & Iron Mountain.  Admission is free.

FOR MEN ONLY:  Gentlemen, remember to think about names for the men’s group.  Remember Proverbs 22:1.  See you on Nov. 2nd for breakfast.

November Birthdays and Anniversaries

Birthdays

2 Cherry Reynolds
3 Josh Durham
4 Daniel Chambers
10 Billie Stewart
18 Cory Armstrong
19 Jennifer Armstrong
24 Joan Williams
25 John Ryan
26 John Perry
29 Evelyn Hurley
30 Gabrielle Francis

Anniversaries

4 Scott and Cathey McClelland
6 Dan and Alicia Ronquillo
15 C. P. and Virginia Lane
16 Allen and Paula Durham