The Basics

Labor Day Weekend is the "unofficial" end of summer and the start of "fall and football".  A few years ago we had the idea to bring the fun of tailgating and church together in one super event and it was so much fun we've made it a "tradition."


On Sunday, September 3rd the event returns with a morning of  fun, fellowship, music and worship.  This year's event will feature several different types of music you might hear on a Sunday morning here at 1st Church.  The speaker is former Maryville College Coach Phil Wilks.  


Sunday School Classes and other church groups set up tailgating stations in the parking lot for everyone to enjoy.  Come taste what's cooking beginning at 9:00 am.  (Setup begins at 8:45 am).   


10:30 am worship is under the big tent.  A brief communion only service at 8:15 am will happen in the Sanctuary.


Tailgating Schedule

  • 8:15 am   Communion only service (Sanctuary)
  • 8:45 am   Tailgating setup
  • 9:00 am   Tailgating begins
  • 10:30 am  Worship under the big tent

Tailgating Checklist

  • Each tailgating station needs to provide beverages.
  • Bring lawn chairs for tailgating, chairs for worship are provided
  • Be sure and greet folks at other tailgating stations
  • The Holy Communion Service and Tailgate Worship services will NOT be streamed.

Due to this event, we will not have Sunday School or Kids Own Worship.  The nursery WILL be open for children 3-years-old and younger. 

 

Watch the video for a taste of the All-Church Tailgate Event!



How do I participate?

The All-Church Tailgate is for people of all ages.  While several Sunday School classes set up tailgating sessions, Rev. Sarah Slack also sets up a "Welcome Tent" where if you aren't part of a group, you have a place to come, hang out, share some delicious dishes and take part in the fun.  The church will provide water in bottles, but each tailgating station is encouraged to bring drinks (like coffee & juice) to share. 


While bringing a breakfast dish to share is certainly a part of the fun, you are not obligated to do so.  Just come enjoy the bounty of God's gifts along with the fun and fellowship that goes with it.


  For the tailgating portion of the morning, you might want to bring your lawn chair.  Seating for worship will be provided. Rev. Nathan Irwin is organizing the event.  If you have questions please contact him.   


email nathan 

What do I need to bring? 


Tailgating starts at 9:00 am, so if you want to set up a station be there at 8:45 am to set up.  Water (in bottles) will be provided, but each group should bring drinks for their station, like coffee and/or juice. 


If you aren't part of a group, you can bring your breakfast dish or treats to the "Welcome Tent" .


Worship happens at 10:30 am, outside. (An 8:15 am worship service with communion will happen in the Sanctuary).


If you have kids younger than 3-years-old that need care during the event, the nursery will be open. 


Throughout the event, we encourage you to take (and post) pictures to let everyone share in the fun.   Just use #1stTailgate or tag Maryville First United Methodist Church in your posts on Facebook. 


1ST UMC MERCHANDISE

At this year's All-Church Fall Tailgate Kickoff we will have some new swag available for purchase and some items for free.  Just be on the lookout for the Merch table. Our plan is to introduce a new theme each Fall at the Tailgating event.  This year, we focus on our steps of discipleship (to reach, connect, equip and send) and to Go.Do.  


T-shirts are available in adult sizes XS to 3X but quantities are limited.  We are able to order more shirts in the future so if we don't have your size make sure you get on our order list. We also have our theme in a 4-inch water resistant decal and our 22 oz. stadium cups.  With a t-shirt purchase ($10) you will also get a decal.  Decals by themselves are $1.  The stadium cups are FREE while supplies last.  The merch table will also have other free items to help you spread the word about 1st UMC Maryville.  


We will only be taking cash or check at the event, NO debit or credit cards.