About – Mission & Leadership

The mission of Estill Springs United Methodist Church (ESUMC) is to love God, to love others, and to magnify the name of Jesus Christ. The vision of our church is to glorify our God and Savior, Jesus Christ, to make true disciples throughout all the nations by means of missionary activity and support, to minister the ordinances, to edify believers, and to do all that is sovereignly possible and biblically permissible to magnify the name of Jesus.

Leadership Team:

Our leadership team recognizes the authority of God, and realizes that we are shepherds who serve under the Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ. We desire to devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the Word. Our passion and goal is to equip the believers for the work of the ministry until we all attain maturity in the fullness of Christ.

Pastor – Charles Smith

Chairperson – Bill Peters

Secretary – Patricia Parsons

Choir Director – Clarence Collison

What we believe:

Apostle’s Creed:

1. I believe in God the Father, Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth:

2. And in Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son, our Lord:

3. Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary:

4. Suffered under Pontius Pilate; was crucified, dead and buried: He descended into hell:

5. The third day he rose again from the dead:

6. He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty:

7. From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead:

8. I believe in the Holy Ghost:

9. I believe in the holy catholic church: the communion of saints:

10. The forgiveness of sins:

11. The resurrection of the body:

12. And the life everlasting. Amen.

Ministries

Jesus told us, his disciples, to make disciples of all nations. One of the most important values of this church is our mission to the world. It begins in our own community, and spreads overseas to every nation. Church members are involved in a variety of ministries.

Mission Outreach

ESUMC is thrilled to be part of the spread of God’s kingdom around the world. We are a co-sponsor of the Rock Creek Snack program to provide an afternoon snack to those who need one. We participate in the Multi-County Cancer Support Network (MCCSN) each September by sponsoring a walking team and providing a significant donation. We support missions world-wide through our giving to the United Methodist Council on Relief (UMCOR) and other activities. We deliver over 200 items a month to Good Samaritan of Franklin County. We support “Operation Christmas Child” and Campora Christmas Angels annually. We encourage all of our people to respond to God’s call for laborers, whether it means that they move to a foreign country or live and minister in our own community.

Music & Drama

God-honoring worship is something we strive for. Many church members get involved in our music and drama ministry. Some play their instruments. Some are vocalists. Others are involved in the choir. Still others get involved in drama. These volunteers are an important part of the ministry of our church, using their talents and gifts to glorify God.

Ushers

The usher team at our church fills an important role. They are involved in directing attendees to their seats, ensuring the safety of the building during services, guiding traffic, helping visitors, answering questions, providing direction, unlocking doors, locking doors, and generally ensuring that the service can proceed problem-free. The usher team is a servant-hearted group of men and women whose ministry is integral to church life.

Media & Technology

Using media to spread the gospel is a privilege of this church. In an age of widespread technology, we have a stewardship to use these tools as best as possible for kingdom purposes.

Prayer Warriors

Prayer cannot be overestimated. Prayer moves the hand of God. Our Church is a body of believers dependent upon prayer, and committed to God’s sovereignty. Each Sunday, during the morning service, a team of volunteers is praying for the ministry of the Word. Throughout the week, volunteers from our Prayer Warriors team pray for their pastor, a list of church members, any special requests, and missionary prayer needs. Each Wednesday, the church comes together for a special time of prayer and Bible study.

Get Involved

Our church is not a place for spectators. It is a place for team members. Whether you are a five-year old child, a ninety-five year old grandmother, a busy mom, or a businessman with big responsibilities, we want you to be a part of our vibrant church community. Here is how you can learn, serve, and grow at this church.

Bible Study

Often, small groups of people are better able to interact and learn about a topic than larger groups are. For that reason, our church has small Bible studies held at church. The size of the group is anywhere from six to twelve people. At a time designated by your group leader you can participate in the small group study.

Sunday School

Sunday School meets at 9:30 every Sunday morning.

1) Older Adults -Taught by Clarence Collison. This group meets in the Education building and the focus of their study comes from a structured series of books on books of the Bible.

2) Middle Aged Adults – Taught by Bill Peters. This group meets in the kitchen area of the Jack Allen Facility for a structured lesson, typically either a book of the bible, a book study, or topic study. Coffee is provided.

3) Young Adults – Taught by Lora Frost. All are welcome! Single or married.

4) High School/Jr High School – These lessons are very “now” oriented with use of scripture and discussion to reinforce a positive and uplifting message to our high school and junior high aged youth.

5) Elementary Age

6) Younger Children

Sisters of Faith

Women of the Church meet every second Tuesday at 1:00 PM in the Jack Allen Family Life Center.

United Methodist Men (UMM)

Accountability among men is an act of integrity. Accountability is designed to protect, encourage, and develop men of all ages. Our men convene for breakfast at 8:00 am on the second Sunday of each month. There, they plan and discuss the needs of the Church. A friendly discussion of everything from “who won the game last night” to “we must pray for brother ______ who is in the hospital”, brings the men together. We hold an annual chili supper fundraiser in January that is open to the public.

Over 50’s

Once you get past fifty, the fun has just begun. Whether retired, just plain tired, or active as ever, the over-50 group of ESMC provides refreshment, ministry, and times of valuable interaction. A mentoring ministry gives older believers a chance to meet with and help younger believers grow in Christ.

Events Calendar

Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday is one of the most popular and important holy days in the liturgical calendar.

Ash Wednesday opens Lent, a season of fasting and prayer.

Ash Wednesday takes place 46 days before Easter Sunday, and is chiefly observed by Catholics, Orthodox, Lutherans, Anglicans and Methodist along with other Christian groups.

Ash Wednesday comes from the ancient Jewish tradition of penance and fasting. The practice includes the wearing of ashes on the head. The ashes symbolize the dust from which God made us. As the priest applies the ashes to a person’s forehead, he speaks the words: “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” Alternatively, the priest may speak the words, “Repent and believe in the Gospel.” Ashes also symbolize grief, in this case, grief that we have sinned and caused division from God. Writings from the Second-century Church refer to the wearing of ashes as a sign of penance.

We welcome all of you to join us in this most special service.

Multi-County Cancer Support Network Fundraiser and Walk-a-thon

We have a fundraiser to pay for our MCCSN walking team. It is an honor for use to support our local Cancer Society. Bob Walker is our Point of Contact. Come and join us for this worthwhile activity. From the home page, under information, you will find a link to the local MCCSN Chapter’s website with updated information and current schedule of events.

Christmas Season Celebrations and Activities

Christmas Eve Celebration of Christ’s Birth (Contemporary Praise and Worship – Communion served)

UMM Chili Supper

January brings the cold winter weather, and also the warm hearts of Church family and delicious Chili together for fellowship, some contemporary Christian music, and an evening of talk and togetherness. All are invited to attend for a nominal fee that is used by the UMM for one of their many projects or support of youth/those in need around this area.

Warmth in the Winter

An annual FUN-raiser for our UMYF, this year we plan to participate with other Christian youth in an event in Nashville, TN. Come on and join us for a sleep-over, study of God’s word, entertainment and Christian contemporary music.

Hours-Directions-Contacts

Office Hours: Please call to meet with Pastor Smith or contact him at umbeeson@juno.com

Church Location: 215 Eastbrook Road, Estill Springs, TN 37330.

Address: P.O. Box 113, Estill Springs, TN 37330

Church Telephone (answering machine) : (931) 649-5561

Estill Springs UMC