THE HOPE OF EASTER

Whether you feel like all the news out there is bad or you feel that we've become too divided, it's good to know that there is one piece of good news that can UNITE us all!  The GOOD NEWS of Christ's resurrection is the focus of Easter, but it's a message we carry with us all through the year. 


We celebrate the good news of Christ's death and resurrection because it is a reminder of us continually being made new by God's love and saving grace. Beginning at sunrise and throughout the rest of the day we proclaim the GOOD NEWS, sing it together, and soak in the whole experience because the fear that came just days before has been replaced with an abundance of joy. 

EASTER IS FOR EVERYONE

EASTER SUNDAY WORSHIP

7:00 AM - SUNRISE SERVICE AT MONTGOMERY RIDGE INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL  (835 Montgomery Lane, Maryville)

8:15 AM - TRADITIONAL WORSHIP (Sanctuary, upper level)

10:30 AM - TRADITIONAL WORSHIP (Sanctuary, upper level)

10:30 AM - CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP (Asbury Hall, lower level)


As Easter is celebrated there is room for EVERYONE to experience hope in a world where so many continue to feel hopeless. If this will be your 1st time at 1st Church, please click the button below to learn more about what to expect when you arrive. 


1ST TIME AT 1ST


Easter is a shared experience of Christians around the world, one that lasts for several weeks. And although different congregations and parishes may celebrate it in different ways, the message is one of unity in Christ.  Scroll down for a look at the events happening in the days leading up to Easter and on Easter Sunday, April 9th.



This Easter we are making it a bit easier for you to invite someone to church during this time.  We have a lot going on and social media is a great way to extend the invitation to others.  

EASTER INVITES

HOLY WEEK and EASTER EVENTS

Hang tight while we look up scheduled events...

2023 EASTER OFFERING


Since 1994, 1st UMC has been a fervent supporter of the Habitat for Humanity program here in Blount County helping with 15 home builds (and many others through the work of 1st Church Members working on other builds.)   In 2023 we are one of the sponsors for a Faith Build in memory of Warren Harris, a committed Habitat Volunteer and member of Monte Vista Baptist Church in Maryville. 


Broadway UMC, the Holston Conference of the UMC, New Providence Presbyterian and Monte Vista Baptist Church are a few of the other sponsors of this home build. 


This Easter we hope you will consider making an offering above and beyond your regular giving to help us fund our portion of this Faith Build for Habitat for Humanity.  Each gift helps offer hope and new beginnings to a family already working to make dreams become a reality. 


GIVE TO EASTER OFFERING


You can also put your gift in an envelope and place it in the offering plate on Sunday morning.  Just mark your check with "Easter Offering". 


To mail a gift, please send your check to:

1st United Methodist Church

804 Montvale Station Road

Maryville, TN 37804

WHAT IS LENT?

Lent is a season of forty days, not counting Sundays, which begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday. Lent comes from the Anglo Saxon word lencten, meaning “lengthen” and refers to the lengthening days of spring. The forty days represents the time Jesus spent in the wilderness, enduring the temptation of Satan and preparing to begin his ministry.


The origins of Lent were that one was to leave their old life behind, to fast and prepare to be baptized in a new way of living, During the Lenten Season we will be reflecting on the importance of this time of the year while  looking at other seasons of 40 days. 


Sundays in Lent are not counted in the forty days because each Sunday represents a "mini-Easter" and the reverent spirit of Lent is tempered with joyful anticipation of the Resurrection.


(Sources: Ask the UMC)

RESOURCES FOR LENT

During this Lenten Season we invite you to sign up for our Daily Devotions written by 1st UMC Members and Staff.  

These will go into your email inbox each day fromFebruary 22nd - April 8th.

You can also read the devotions here on the website and on our Facebook & Twitter pages.  


DAILY DEVOTIONS FOR LENT


SIGN UP FOR DAILY DEVOTION EMAILS



Our worship focus for the Lent is "Seasons of 40 days."  Since Lent is 40 days (not counting Sundays) we thought we would look at other

40 day periods in the Bible and draw lessons from them.   This focus happens on Sunday mornings at 8:15 & 10:30 during all three worship services.

CHECK OUT OUR WORSHIP FOCUS FOR LENT

LENTEN SEASON EVENTS AT 1ST CHURCH

Hang tight while we look up scheduled events...