by Jan Richardson www.paintedprayerbook.com

Based on Mathew 2:2

A poem for Epiphany

This is not any map you know.

Forget longitude.

Forget latitude.

Do not think

of distances

or of plotting the most direct route.

Astrolabe, sextant, compass:

these will not help you here.

This is the map

that begins with a star.

This is the chart

that starts with fire,

with blazing,

with an ancient light

that has outlasted

generations, empires,

cultures, wars.

Look starward once,

then look away.

Close your eyes and see how the map

begins to blossom

behind your lids,

how it constellates,

its lines are stretching out

from where you stand.

An Ancient Light Copyright: Jan Richardson

You cannot see it all,

cannot divine the way

it will turn and spiral,

cannot perceive how

the road you walk

will lead you finally inside,

through the labyrinth

of your own heart

and belly

and lungs.

But step out

and you will know

what the wise who traveled

this path before you

knew:

the treasure in this map

is buried

not at the journey's end

but at its beginning.

From Circle of Grace

by Jan Richardson

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 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 Sarah Lawson slawson Katie Russell krussell 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 Technical Director Samuel Williams swilliams@1stchurch.org Maintenance & Custodial Staff Paul Brown, Sherri Justice, Bryan Holder 982-1273 General Questions info@1stchurch.org

Staff Directory information at your fingertips When you were working on those Christmas card lists were you missing addresses from members who joined 1st UMC last year, or maybe members who moved? When we put the current Church Directory together, members were also able to access it online. Whether you are on your smart phone or your computer, you can type in a name and bring up a church member’s information. To make sure the right information is getting out, we need your help. If you have access to the directory online, or you have the hard copy, please check it and make sure your information is correct. In order to have online access (or to use the app), your email address has to be entered into the online directory (This is how we keep access to it secure). If we don’t have your correct email address please send it to chensley@1stchurch.org . You can also call the church office at 982-1273 and let us know. For more information on the Church Directory and how to

get online access to it, please visit the church website at:

http://1stchurch.org/inside-1st/church-directory or just look for the “Church Directory”

under the “Inside 1st” tab.

Help us spread the word about your event Throughout the course of just one month there can be dozens of different events happening at 1st. Through our

social media channels, our website, The Church Bell, and other communications avenues, we have lots of ways to help your events be a success. In order to help us get the word out, we have developed an event promotion form. It is available on the church

website in the “Happening at 1st” section or you can get a hard copy in the church office. If you have an upcoming event, please fill out the form at least a month in advance so we can work on an effective plan to promote it.

THE CHURCH BELL page 3

Helping out in 2017

By the end of the week, it will begin feeling more like spring than winter. Why not start the year by lending a hand at the latest Habitat home build here in Blount County?

Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm, you can help with the

home going up at 207 W. Howe Street in Alcoa.

1st UMC is teaming up with the Maryville District of the UMC to build this house. We’ll keep you updated on the progress.

1st News

Thanks for giving by Greta Smith The Staff and Board of Directors of COMPASSion Counseling extend our heartfelt gratitude to 1st UMC Maryville for your overwhelming generosity through the recent Christmas offering, in addition to your financial support over these past few years. CC would not exist were it not for the benevolence of 1st UMC to our community. Now, your gifts will make it possible for us to expand our services, strengthening hope and health in our community. We’d also like to remind you that CC’s services are available to you, your friends, family, and coworkers. We value equality of care, and believe everyone in our community should have equal access to quality mental health counseling, regardless of income. Please do not hesitate to call or to send referrals. You can reach the center by calling 865-724-2325 or find us online at cccmaryville.org. Once again, our gratitude is deep and heartfelt, and may you be blessed with health in the New Year!

Several new small group studies are either up and running right now or they start soon. Here’s a quick look at the new studies. For more information or to sign up, please visit the “Happening at 1st” section of www.1stchurch.org or call the church office at 982-1273. Mondays Emmanuel - The Advent Study we were too busy for Tuesdays Study of Mark (with Bonnie VanPelt) Wednesdays Journey to Healthy Living A Bead and a Prayer Covenant Bible Study - Session 1 Just Moved: Study for Women Thursdays Men’s Bible Study Fridays Covenant Bible Study - Session 2 Sunday, January 22nd Kickoff meeting of Singles Ministry 11:30 am in room 254

The Advent & Christmas season was filled with great music, inspiring messages and plenty of opportunities for sharing the spirit of the season with others.

On the church website, we are giving you an opportunity to experience some of the hope, joy, love and peace of the season through pictures and videos.

Just visit www.1stchurch.org/Christmas to browse through a large collection of videos and pictures taken throughout December.

$22,000 was raised during the 2016 Christmas offering!

Strengthen your marriage in 2017 Many times your day to day relationship with your spouse becomes mundane and almost mechanical. How would you like to take your marriage relationship to a deeper level? Come join us at the next Marriage Encounter United Methodist Weekend being held in Charlotte, NC, beginning Friday, February

17th at 8:00pm through Sunday, February 19th at 4:00pm. This would be the perfect post-valentine gift for you and your spouse! You can sign up online at www.encounter.org ($100.00 reservation fee).

Questions? Contact Ron & Carol Werker at luvwerks@bellsouth.net

or call Ron at 414-8912 or Carol at 577-8910.

THE CHURCH BELL page 4

1st News

A year for healthier living Many people make New Year’s Resolutions to lose weight, eat more healthy foods or just kick some bad habits. In the spirit of this month’s “Healthy Living” sermon series, the first Conversation Matters of the year will help you get on the right path for achieving some of those goals for 2017. Kelly Forester will join us to talk about the new Healthier Tennessee Initiative. Through community partnerships, this initiative works to help reduce childhood obesity, promote physical activity and promote healthy lifestyle choices. Come join us later this month and learn more about how you can participate.

Healthy Living with Kelly Forester

January 29th

5:00 pm

Asbury Hall

Tom Baker Author of One Dog’s Faith

January 25th at Noon Asbury Hall Lunch is $5

According to his website, Tom Baker has worked in the radio and tv business for more than 35 years. He’s also an avid musician, author and public speaker. This month he’ll share more about his faith journey and his love for dogs.

Some worship services also available through

www.facebook.com/maryvillefumc

THE CHURCH BELL Page 5

This Wednesday, January 11th, the Rev. Gary Hinline (Pastor at First Christian Church, Maryville) comes to CR. He’ll be telling his amazing story of losing 238 pounds, going from a weight of 458 to 220 pounds. He’s also a pretty passionate cyclist, riding his bicycle up to 150 miles each week. Following the service at 6:30, there will be a question and answer session.

Coming up at Celebrate Recovery– Maryville

Wednesday, January 11th - Rev. Gary Hinline Wednesday, January 18th - Matt Hall

www.crmaryvilletn.com

Journeys with Matt Hall Late last year, the Appalachian Trail Ministry chose Matt Hall of Hillsville, Virginia to be this year’s AT Chaplain. This young man is active in the Out of the Box Ministry in Hillsville and has an incredible story of recovery. He is also participating in Emory & Henry College’s Defining Moments program which is designed to help people discern God’s call to ministry. On January 18th, Matt will be coming to Celebrate Recovery to share his story and talk about his next journey along the 2,000 mile-plus trail stretching from Georgia up to Maine.

Each Wednesday 5:30 Light Meal 6:30 Worship

7:40 Share Groups

A new ministry is forming here at 1st UMC to serve the single, divorced, and widowed. CAST (Community Adult Singles Together) will kick off with a Coffee and Conversation get-together in Room 254 at 11:30 AM on Sunday, January 22. During this time together, we will share our ideas and begin to assemble an activity calendar. All adult singles are welcome to attend. Please bring your calendar and inspirations.

To RSVP or for more information, please contact Dana Hogan at 865-583-9330.

See you on the 22nd! Also, please save the date for our first event, an Everything Chocolate Valentine party from 1:00 to 3:00 pm on Sunday, February 12. Bring your favorite chocolate creation to share.

Let’s start a conversation Sunday, January 22nd 11:30 am in room 254

News

THE CHURCH BELL Page 6

Confirmation Class dates set

If you are currently in the 6th grade, you need to know that Confirmation Class begins on January 22nd at 5:00pm in room 202.

Classes will be held on the following Sunday nights: January 22nd January 29th February 5th

February 12th February 19th February 26th

Every class will begin at 5pm in room

202 and be finished by 6:30. We ask that you drop off your child at the front doors of the sanctuary and also pick your child up in this same place. Each week, dinner will be provided to all confirmation class members. A special confirmation service will be held on Sunday evening March 5th at 5:00 pm in the sanctuary. Dinner will be provided after the service for all confirmation members and their families. If you have any allergy issues or sensitivities please contact Denise Johns at djohns@1stchurch.org or call her at 982-1273 so we can plan for everyone to participate! Pastor Catherine and Denise are so looking forward to spending time with this wonderful group of children.

Denise Johns Children’s Ministry Director

djohns@1stchurch.org 865-982-1273

While the snow still clings to the ground, it is already time to start thinking about Vacation Bible School this summer! Please save these dates, June 4th through June 7th. Each of those nights from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm, we’ll have plenty of activities to get your children interested in learning more about God. It takes many volunteers to make the event a success, so why not set aside this time to help out with this wonderful program? Stay tuned for more information!

This Advent and Christmas season you helped the children of the church raise more than $1300 for Heifer International.

The money will be used to purchase several different animals which in turn will

positively impact the lives of people in communities around the world. Thank you so much

of your contributions!

If your child is planning on going to Resurrection this year (January 20th - 22nd) you need to register soon. The cost is $125 and there are two large cabins reserved with room for 30 people in all.

Either contact Nathan Irwin (nirwin@1stchurch.org) to register or visit the “1st Youth” section under the “Grow with 1st” tab at www.1stchurch.org where you will find a link to the online registration form.

Youth fellowship and worship is each Sunday night at 6:00 pm.

Chancel Choir Fund In memory of: Given by: Doris Starner Mike & Ibby Davis

Family Promise

In memory of: Given by: Jack Bruce Marvin & Jimmie Eaves Jack Bruce Friends Jack Bruce Darleen Thompson Jack Bruce Hope Lewis Jack Bruce Ralph, Melby & Lesa Petree Jack Bruce Melvin & Roma Bridges

Wildfire Relief Fund In honor of: Given by: Ron & Barbara Hammond Doug & Emily Smith

Memorial Fund

In memory of: Given by: Helen Calloway Friends at RBM Co. Helen Calloway David Ogle Helen Calloway Ross E. Rogers Helen Calloway Bo & Shirley Henry Helen Calloway Steve & Ruth West Helen Calloway Friends Helen Calloway Joseph & Rebecca Swann Helen Calloway James & Peggy Payne Helen Calloway Pinnacle Bank Helen Calloway Maxine Humphrey Helen Calloway Ernie & Pat Blankenship Helen Calloway Friends Helen Calloway JAT Oil, Inc. Helen Calloway Dan & Jan McCoy Helen Calloway Jerry & Frances Hodge Helen Calloway Marvin & Jimmie Eaves Helen Calloway Peter & Karen Gale Helen Calloway T. Hickman & S. Thompson Helen Calloway Carolyn Forster Helen Calloway Monday Lunch Bunch Helen Calloway John & Lydia Gibson Helen Calloway Rich & Melissa Bernhardt

In Memoriam

Raven Nichole Sterling Joined First Church: April 12, 1992 Entered the Church Triumphant: December 23, 2016

Helen Calloway Joined First Church: November 17, 1957 Entered the Church Triumphant: December 25, 2016

Dick Phelps Joined First Church: August 28, 1988 Entered the Church Triumphant: January 1, 2017

Memorials and Honorariums

Our Church Family

Christian sympathy extended to:

Glenn and JoAnn Doig in the death of his father in December.

Melba Bruce in the death of her husband Jack on

December 28th.

Organ Fund In memory of: Given by: Helen Calloway Mike & Ibby Davis

Recovery Fund In honor of: Given by: Steve & Sandra Monroe Dallas & Amber Monroe Leslie Ragland Tim & Amy Jordan Cindy Wilson Tim & Amy Jordan In memory of: Given by: Glen Doig’s Father Larry & Lynn Ladd

Welcome Table In honor of: Given by: Blanche Badgett Ivanell Farber Catherine Nance Susan Daves Sarah Slack Susan Daves Parker Benson Susan Daves Mary Beth West Comm. Stephen & Jennifer Daves John & Julia Story John & Shari Lyons

THE CHURCH BELL Page 7

Maryville First United Methodist Church 804 Montvale Station Road

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

Change Service Requested

US POSTAGE PAID

MARYVILLE TN PERMIT NO. 113

NON-PROFIT ORG

Sundays * 7:35 am Morning Glory Chorus, 249

* 8:15 am Traditional Worship, Sanctuary

* 9:15 am Sunday School (Various rooms)

*10:30 am Traditional Worship, Sanctuary

*10:30 am Contemporary Worship, Asbury

* 4:30 pm Youth Handbells, 252, 254

* 5:10 pm Celebration Singers, 249

* 5:15 pm Evensong Handbells, 252

January 22nd

11:30 am CAST (Singles Ministry), 254

Mondays *10:00 am Emmanuel Study, 205

* 3:30 pm Children’s Choirs

(*No choirs on January 16th)

Primary Praise (K-1st), 254

Merrymakers (2nd/3rd), 249

Joy Singers (4th - 6th)

Tuesdays *10:00 am Bible Study (VanPelt), 152A

* 7:00 pm Pickleball, Asbury Hall

Wednesdays *10:00 am After The Boxes Are Unpacked Study, 254

*10:00 am A Bead and a Prayer Study, 205

* 4:00 pm Covenant Bible Study 1, 205

* 5:30 pm Celebrate Recovery Light Meal, Asbury Hall

* 6:30 pm Celebrate Recovery Worship, Asbury Hall

* 7:40 pm Celebrate Recovery Share Groups (various rooms)

* 7:30 pm Chancel Choir, 249

Thursdays * 6:30 am Men’s Bible Study, 254

* 5:00 pm Welcome Table, Asbury Hall

January 12th

10:00 am Knit Together Ministry, 205

January 19th

6:30 pm Trustees, 202

Fridays *10:00 am Covenant Bible Study - Session 3, 205

Saturdays * 9:00 am Pickleball, Asbury Hall

Happening at

www.1stchurch.org