SMALL GROUP REGATHERING

Currently we offer two outdoor spaces for the use of your small groups. 

  • The Friendship Shelter will be available for groups up to 50 people. 
  • The Porte Cochere will be available for groups up to 20.


Groups may reserve these spaces on the following schedule: 

  • Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 10:00 to 11:00 am
  • Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from  6:30 to 7:30 pm  


Outdoor space will be available on a first reserved basis. A church staff member will be on site to welcome your group and help if needed. A space can be reserved for up to one month consecutively and will need to be reserved again after each month.

  • The group leader will be required to turn in an attendance record to the on site staff member before leaving. Though temperature monitoring is not required we will have touch-less thermometers available if requested by groups. Disposable masks will also be provided for those who do not have their own mask. 
  • To limit exposure groups are allowed 1 hour maximum to meet, this includes gathering and exiting time so please plan on lessons no longer than 40 minutes. See below for more information and to reserve a space for your group.
  • No food or drink are allowed because of the face mask requirement. Please leave all food and drinks in your vehicle.
  • Please note that it is the group leader's responsibility to share all requirements with each group member who will be attending.
  • Tables will NOT be available for use. 

The 1st UMC Regathering Team is exploring the use of some indoor space for small groups.  If you are interested please contact Nathan Irwin at nirwin@1stchurch.org.


Steps for reserving meeting space for your group:

1. Review the 4 Non-Negotiables listed below.


2. Choose which space and time works for your group.


3. Click the registration link at the bottom of this page and fill out the online form to register your group.


4. If you have questions or need help please contact Rev. Nathan Irwin at nirwin@1stchurch.org or 865-591-5234.


4 Non-Negotiables

(taken from Bishop's Regathering Guidelines)

1.  Protective Face Mask

Masks MUST be worn by all church attendees. Those who are unable to wear masks, including children under two, anyone who has trouble breathing, or anyone who is unable to remove the mask without assistance should remain home.

2. Social distancing

A minimum of 6 feet must be implemented in the seating of household participants. This means that room attendance limits must not be exceeded.

3. Attendance recording

It is required to document EVERYONE who is in attendance with their contact information for the purpose of being able to contact them if someone were to become sick or exposed.

4. Cleaning and contact

Sanitizing and disinfecting are necessary for public spaces, especially high-touch places such as railings, door handles, seating, and restrooms. Church staff will sanitize rooms after each use, but please limit contact with high touch surfaces as much as possible to ease this process.

Reserving a Space

  • Choose the space that you wish to reserve below and click "select."
  • Choose the date
  • Select the available time slot that you want
  • Fill out all required info (name, email, phone number, group name, group size)

If you have questions or need help please let us know by contacting Rev. Nathan Irwin nirwin@1stchurch.org.