Our Mission & Vision

Our church mission is to make Disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the World.

God has a vision for First United Methodist Church in Jefferson City Tennessee: We believe God envisions us as a diverse Community of Faith who:

  • passionately seeks and worships the living God,
  • boldly demonstrates the love of Christ while striving to serve the need of the local community as well as people in need around the world,
  • prayerfully grows in the faith, knowledge, and understanding of God in the world while actively encouraging others to live in Christ, and
  • confidently shares the Good News of Jesus Christ and His salvation for all.

 

The “Home Team:”

Our staff is a dedicated team which 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

 

 

Lloyd J. Jones, Pastor

Pastor Lloyd arrived here at First Church July 2017 with his wife T. J. Neal.  He has a passion to preach, teach and help others come to a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.   Bible study comes alive when you participate in one of his classes.   His passion for life, for God, is contagious.   You’ll want to get to know him!
 
 
 

 

 

Laura Ritter, Music Director

The Bible has a lot to say about music, and Laura really helps us hear it through many voices.  Laura received her Master’s of Music in Choral Conducting from the University of Illinois and her Bachelor’s in Music Education from Furman University.  She received further instruction in organ performance from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.  She has served as choral director at Walters State Community College since 1994 and assumed the position of Assistant Dean of Humanities in 2010.   Laura was involved in the children’s and youth choirs at First Baptist Church of Morristown during her childhood, where she developed a passion for sharing music in worship with people of all ages.  She is the artistic director of the Lakeway Children’s Choir in Morristown and also a company member of Encore Theatrical Company.  For more information about the music ministry and opportunities at FUMC, please contact Laura at

laura.ritter@ws.edu

 
Mary John Wilson, Director of Children’s Ministry

Mary John Wilson

Mary John Wilson is the Director of Children’s Ministry. She grew up in First Church  and has helped with children for as long as she can remember. She has taught 5th grade at Rush Strong School since 1995 and enjoys leading young mathematicians to “a-ha moments.” She also delights in teaching children about God’s love and encouraging them to become disciples of Jesus. Mary John is a planner and organizer and hopes to grow the children’s ministry at FUMC. If you would like more information about children’s programming at FUMC, you may contact Mary John at: maryjohnwilson@gmail.com.
 
Greg Ritter, Director of Youth Ministry

Greg Ritter

Our Director of Youth Ministry, Greg Ritter, has been involved with our Youth since 2014, serving in various support roles within the ministry before taking the director’s role in 2017. His passion for young people shows in every corner of the ministry.  When reflecting on the ministry, he says, “Our goal within our Youth Ministry is to nurture and develop a Christ-centered skill set that will last a lifetime. We try to accomplish this through weekly Bible studies, service projects and many other events (Resurrections, Mission Trips, etc.). In addition we also encourage an environment for the students to have fun and strengthen their relationships as a group.” Greg also is a Human Resources Manager at Navistar, Inc in Knoxville, and you maycontact him at greg.ritter@navistar.com
 

Cindy Curington

Cindy Curington, Office Manager

During the week, when you first enter the church offices, Cindy’s smiling face is the first to greet you.   Cindy has a heart for serving and a compassion for those in need.

 

 

 

Worship times and styles

We recognize that individuals are closest to God when they are able to worship in the style in which they find comfort. For that reason, we offer two worship services on Sundays; each service has its own feel

  • 8:15 am — Our chapel service takes place (surprisingly) in our Worship Timeschapel. The smaller venue draws the worshipers close. The music is designed with piano-led congregational songs.
  • 10:00 am — Our sanctuary service is a larger venue and draws upon what is often considered a traditional worship service design. Our Chancel Choir brings beautiful choral renditions to the anthem.  We are often blessed not only by God’s word, but by a variety of special music to enhance the worship experience.