Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family
Week of October 4, 2023
Steve Richardson*
*Italicized excerpts are from “God of Grace and God of Glory,” hymn #577, written by Harry Emerson Fosdick
God of grace and God of glory … free our hearts to work and praise. Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, for the living of these days.
Holy God, thank you for these moments to focus our minds on your unconditional love, blessings and guidance; and on awareness of needs of others.
We come to you humbly. You remain steadfast in welcoming and embracing us in our relationship with you. But we, in turn, haven’t reciprocated very well. We find it too easy to let distractions of our culture and society divert our attention from your calls to love and serve one another. Instead, we find ourselves drawn to other callings often rooted in self-interest. And then there are those times we simply shrug our shoulders and turn away in apathy. Forgive us, Lord. God of grace…shame our wanton, selfish gladness, rich in things and poor in soul. Grant us wisdom…lest we miss thy kingdom’s goal.
We mourn with victims of violence in our very community (as well as across the world). The ripples of anguish from such losses and the subsequent fears stretch far and wide. Cure thy children’s warring madness…Grant us wisdom – – wisdom of ways and acts of love which originate with you and that deliver us from evil.
We’re grateful to be a part of Church Street United Methodist Church. It’s easy in conversation to claim it as “our” church, but we truly know it is your church, God. (Thank you for sharing it with us!) As we think about the near- and longer-term future for Church Street, open our minds and hearts to be even more supportive of this community of grace with our gifts, our service and our prayers. Crown your ancient church’s story; bring her bud to glorious flower.
We pray with gratitude for our clergy and church staff, whose daily commitments to service foster a safe, welcoming and sacred space for worship, mission, learning and spiritual growth.
We pray with thankfulness, too, for all those who volunteer in your church’s missions and ministries. Their work extends your support and grace among people in our community and membership.
As they navigate unknown and uncertain seas of their daily living, buoy all caregivers and care receivers with your renewing resilience. And among people outside the throes of caregiving, inspire all to discover ways to support those who do this challenging work.
This upcoming week will be school systems’ “fall break” for many children, youth and their families in our area. We pray that these opportunities of families’ added time together with loved ones and friends will be meaningful, uplifting and spiritually enriching. We pray, too, for their safety and their physical and mental wellbeing.
God of grace and God of glory, on thy people pour thy power. Each and every day, God, help us sense and share your unconditional love. Through your granting of wisdom and courage, move us to respond with grace to others, just as you always do for us. And with faith in your omnipotence, we ask that you receive and respond to these important prayer requests from congregation members and neighbors:
We offer prayers for ….
- A 92-year old grandfather who fell and broke a rib; prayers for comfort and healing
- All of those in hospitals
- A mother who had surgery earlier in the week; prayers for healing
- A couple getting married this weekend
- A man dealing with grief after the death of his mother for whom he was the sole caregiver
- Families still waiting on repairs to be made to home and property after storm several weeks ago
- A wife in hospice care
- A husband waiting to go home from hospital
- A member transitioning from rehab to long-term skilled nursing care
- A friend having open heart surgery
- A son grieving after father’s death
- A wife who had surgery two weeks ago; prayers for continued healing.
- A member whose family has asked for prayers as doctors make adjustments and offer hope
- Those who are seeking recovery from addiction
- A member who is having major abdominal surgery soon; prayers for healing
- A young mother diagnosed with breast cancer; prayers for her and her family as they await further diagnostics and surgery
- A husband dealing with blood clots and new medications
- The family of the Knox County Sheriff’s deputy who was killed; for all involved
We offer prayers of thanksgiving for …..
- All the animals who came to be blessed last Sunday!
- Our clergy – active and retired – during this Pastor Appreciation Month and ALWAYS!!
- For my Sunday School Class who has expressed so much love.
- A member’s successful open heart surgery! Prayers of continued strength and healing! Prayers of thanksgiving for a supportive and loving family and community.
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
All are welcome at Church Street! We believe every person is of sacred worth and created in God’s image. We welcome and celebrate the gifts God has given to all persons without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnicity, age, gender, disability, status, economic condition, sexual orientation, gender identity, or religious affiliation. We respect diversity of opinion and expressions of Christian faith. We believe God loves everyone unconditionally! As God loves us, so let us love and serve in the name of Christ.
Weekly Prayer – October 4, 2023
Featured, prayer for todayWeekly Prayers for the Church Street Family
Week of October 4, 2023
Steve Richardson*
*Italicized excerpts are from “God of Grace and God of Glory,” hymn #577, written by Harry Emerson Fosdick
God of grace and God of glory … free our hearts to work and praise. Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, for the living of these days.
Holy God, thank you for these moments to focus our minds on your unconditional love, blessings and guidance; and on awareness of needs of others.
We come to you humbly. You remain steadfast in welcoming and embracing us in our relationship with you. But we, in turn, haven’t reciprocated very well. We find it too easy to let distractions of our culture and society divert our attention from your calls to love and serve one another. Instead, we find ourselves drawn to other callings often rooted in self-interest. And then there are those times we simply shrug our shoulders and turn away in apathy. Forgive us, Lord. God of grace…shame our wanton, selfish gladness, rich in things and poor in soul. Grant us wisdom…lest we miss thy kingdom’s goal.
We mourn with victims of violence in our very community (as well as across the world). The ripples of anguish from such losses and the subsequent fears stretch far and wide. Cure thy children’s warring madness…Grant us wisdom – – wisdom of ways and acts of love which originate with you and that deliver us from evil.
We’re grateful to be a part of Church Street United Methodist Church. It’s easy in conversation to claim it as “our” church, but we truly know it is your church, God. (Thank you for sharing it with us!) As we think about the near- and longer-term future for Church Street, open our minds and hearts to be even more supportive of this community of grace with our gifts, our service and our prayers. Crown your ancient church’s story; bring her bud to glorious flower.
We pray with gratitude for our clergy and church staff, whose daily commitments to service foster a safe, welcoming and sacred space for worship, mission, learning and spiritual growth.
We pray with thankfulness, too, for all those who volunteer in your church’s missions and ministries. Their work extends your support and grace among people in our community and membership.
As they navigate unknown and uncertain seas of their daily living, buoy all caregivers and care receivers with your renewing resilience. And among people outside the throes of caregiving, inspire all to discover ways to support those who do this challenging work.
This upcoming week will be school systems’ “fall break” for many children, youth and their families in our area. We pray that these opportunities of families’ added time together with loved ones and friends will be meaningful, uplifting and spiritually enriching. We pray, too, for their safety and their physical and mental wellbeing.
God of grace and God of glory, on thy people pour thy power. Each and every day, God, help us sense and share your unconditional love. Through your granting of wisdom and courage, move us to respond with grace to others, just as you always do for us. And with faith in your omnipotence, we ask that you receive and respond to these important prayer requests from congregation members and neighbors:
We offer prayers for ….
We offer prayers of thanksgiving for …..
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
Have a Prayer Request?
Submit your prayer request confidentially by clicking here.
Weekly Prayer – September 27, 2023
Featured, prayer for todayWeekly Prayers for the Church Street Family
Week of September 27, 2023
Rev. Catherine Nance*
A portion of today’s prayer was written by Bishop Ken Carter, UMC.
As we prepare for Blessing of the Animals Sunday …..
O God, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen: You place us in your creation, and you command us to care for it. As we look forward to Sunday and the blessing of the animals, we are mindful that they are your creatures – not ours – that we are to care for them.
In your great mercy you call us to care for all of creation,
to uphold one another, and to pray for your world.
Hear our prayers for the healing of the earth.
Your works declare glory and splendor, and you call us to praise and reverence.
Where we have degraded or destroyed earth’s bounty, forgive us.
Where we have taken beauty and majesty for granted, have mercy upon us.
Where we have become estranged from the creatures with whom we share this planet, have mercy upon us.
Renew us in the waters of baptism, refresh us with the winds of your spirit, and sustain us with the bread of life.
You have created us to be in community and so we offer prayers for those in our families, our neighborhoods, and circles of friends. For those who are struggling may they know your peace; for those who are sick, may they know your healing. As we pray for those near and dear to us, we know it is you desire for our circles to grow wider, to embrace others. As we reach for those we know so well, may our arms embrace those we would call stranger. Your Spirit transforms us into neighbors and friends.
With confidence that you hear our prayers, we offer ourselves for your good purposes,
watching and waiting for the healing of your creation as we work toward your coming reign.
We pray in the name of Jesus Christ our Savior who taught us to pray saying, Our father who art in heaven hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
We offer prayers for …..
We offer prayers of thanksgiving for ….
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
Have a Prayer Request?
Submit your prayer request confidentially by clicking here.
Weekly Prayer – September 20, 2023
Featured, prayer for todayWeekly Prayers for the Church Street Family
Week of September 20, 2023
Pat Bellingrath
God, we come to you tonight with hearts full of love and gratitude for all the ways you are at work in our lives. This time of year when the leaves are beginning to change and the air becomes crisp and cool, we look for hope and renewal in ourselves. The hot days of summer are over, and we are looking ahead to the joys of Advent. May we be reminded that you are the God of all seasons and allow us to see with fresh eyes, the change and peace that can be found in the beginning of a season.
We find ourselves, oh Lord, in the midst of challenging times in our church and in our world. When we read the newspaper or watch the news, may we embrace our connection to every human being in the world, each of whom bears the image of you, God. We are called, through prayer and action, to participate in the work of healing and caring for each other and all creation.
For those of us who are struggling or feeling disconnected from you, may we know that we are not alone. God, we are searching for something to heal us, something to strengthen us, something to give us peace, something to give us a better life. We search for ways to look better, to live better, ways to sustain our planet, ways to end gun violence. We search for ways to eradicate racism, cures for our diseases, ways to end homelessness, ways to end child hunger. We search (and yearn) for a reality to end our loneliness, to soothe the hurts we feel and for the pain of others to be healed. So, it seems we are all searching for you, God.
May we find you, oh Lord, in this changing of the seasons, in praying for others, in simple moments in our daily lives, in our relationships with one another, in our journeys of forgiveness, in our longing for justice and equity, and in moments of despair and in moments of joy. May we find you in places where we are uncertain or afraid. May we find you in the faces of our neighbors. For how can we deepen our connection with you unless we deepen our connections with one another?
As the leaves change into beautiful and vibrant hues, may we, too, be transformed. May we walk together in love, in hope and in faith. Oh God, who extends to us a kin-dom of justice and peace, healing and wholeness, of unity and equity, may we be the ones to live these here on earth each and every day. Amen.
We pray for …
We give thanks for …
We continue to pray for…
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
Have a Prayer Request?
Submit your prayer request confidentially by clicking here.
Weekly Prayer – September 13, 2023
Featured, prayer for todayWeekly Prayers for the Church Street Family
Week of September 13, 2023
Rev. Catherine Nance
We pause O Loving God, to acknowledge that you are our Creator and that you are God of the Universe.
You know what a leap it is for us, to look up from our routine to acknowledge that there is a WORLD out there beyond our world. Forgive us for being consumed by our routines and our concerns. We focus on ourselves and what is troubling us. We often even forget to pray, wanting to be in control and take care of things ourselves!
So, here we are, O Lord! We put our hands down, our tasks aside, and our hearts are now open. You know how it takes effort on our part physically to prepare ourselves. Deep breaths, turning the volume off on devices, closing our eyes, emptying our minds of worries.
There, Lord; now we are ready now to pray!
And there you are: you who are always present and who are always ready to listen.
You already know what is on our hearts, but thank you for giving us space and time to say them aloud.
We pray for family members and friends who are going through difficult times …
We pray for work situations that need resolution …
We pray for those close to us who are facing health crises …
We pray, we pray, we pray …
And, there O Lord, we feel that you have embraced us into your world of caring and knowing. We cannot imagine all the others who are praying right now, but yet, you have included us in their voices. We feel a strength from this gift of intercessory prayer. Not just praying FOR one another, but praying with one another. People we do not even know are joining their hearts and voices with ours just now.
We began with confession of how small our world is, and now you have opened your world to us. You have heard each prayer and embraced each of us. In that expanse of your love, we feel unity with one another and have experienced the magnitude of your grace!
As we return to the routine of evening — children’s schedules – homework – supper – meetings – practices – settling down and settling in – checking on parents – as we return to our routines, may we feel the assurance that we have stopped to give thanks for your abiding presence.
We include these requests in our own prayers, knowing that you hear all ….
We pray for …
We give thanks for …
We continue to pray for…
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
Have a Prayer Request?
Submit your prayer request confidentially by clicking here.
Weekly Prayer – September 6, 2023
Featured, prayer for todayWeekly Prayers for the Church Street Family
Week of September 6, 2023
Rev. Catherine Nance
This prayer was adapted from a prayer written by Christine Longhurst whose worship blog is called re:WORSHIP. Christine teaches at Canadian Mennonite University.
O God, just as You rescued the people of Israel from slavery in Egypt, setting them free to worship and serve You,
so You have also rescued us, setting us free from slavery to sin and selfishness, and inviting us into relationship with You and one another. We praise You for the love and mercy You have shown toward us.
We pray that the words we speak in worship and the rituals we observe are acted out in our daily living. May we trust you whether we find ourselves in familiar surroundings or heading on an uncertain journey. May we always be certain of your faithfulness towards us.
We pray for those who do not have what they need in order to survive; those without enough food and water, medical care, shelter, or security. Open our hearts to see the needs in our world, and to respond with Your love.
We pray for those who are living with serious illness or injury,
who face each day with uncertainty or pain,
who find themselves wondering what the future holds.
Open our hearts to see the needs of those around us,
and to respond with Your love.
We also pray for Your church, the Body of Christ on earth.
We pray that we would be a living example of Your love in our world, treating one another with compassion and respect, settling differences with love and integrity, bound together by our common allegiance to You.
Open our hearts and lives to your ongoing presence among us,
so that we would grow in faithfulness and love.
May our living always bring honor to Jesus Christ our Savior – it is in his name we pray and offer the prayer he taught us…
We pray for …
We continue to pray for ….
We offer thanksgiving for …
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
Have a Prayer Request?
Submit your prayer request confidentially by clicking here.
September Update
UncategorizedSunday Schedule:
Worship – 8:30AM & 11:00AM
Sunday school – 9:45-10:45AM
NightLife – 5:00-7:00PM (begins 8.27)
At a glance…
NightLife
NightLife is back in action! We are starting our new study “The Superpowers of Jesus” this week. We will study the miracles of Jesus during his years of public ministry.
Join us from 5:00-7:00 in the Youth Area for a $5 dinner, fellowship, study, and worship.
If you are new to NightLife, we hope you’ll consider taking the NightLife Challenge and commit to being with us 4 weeks in a row to see if it’s a good fit for you. (We think it will be!)
SLA Registration
Fall is nearly here which means one of our favorite weekends of the year is just around the corner! SLA (Spiritual Life Advance) is our annual fall retreat. We spend a weekend away at camp to renew and reset – taking time to worship and study with intention and hope.
SLA Registration is officially open! Check out the info below to learn more and head to the link to sign-up!
When: November 10-12
Where: Camp Bays Mountain
Cost: $115 (early bird), $135 (final)
Earlybird Registration: September 17
Final Registration: October 3
SLA Registration
Football Parking Fundraiser
For each of Tennessee’s home football games, we have the incredible opportunity to park cars on our campus and raise money for our Youth Department and Youth Choir. Each weekend, we tithe (give 10%) of our earnings to a Parking Lot Maintenance Fund, and the remaining is divided evening between the two groups.
It requires a significant amount of volunteer support to make this fundraiser work, and we ask all families to volunteer for at least two shifts during the season. Please use the link below to sign up and learn more.
We need lots more hands to make this season happen. Please check out the sign-up and find two shifts to serve.
Football Volunteer Sign-Ups
Kick-Off Follow Up
On August 20, we celebrated a new year of Youth Ministry altogether in Parish Hall. We shared a meal, worshipped together, and heard about what we have in store for this year.
Below, you’ll find the links to our forms/surveys. Please take some time to fill those out (it won’t take long!) to help us plan for the year ahead.
As always, if you have any questions, reach out to Jenny at @jcross@churchstreetumc.org.
Annual Release Form
Student Survey
Parent Survey
Youth Ministry Meals
Each Sunday, we serve our students breakfast and dinner. We ask families to volunteer to help make these meals happen! The sign-ups are below. If every family signs up for one breakfast and one dinner each, we will have nearly every week covered!
Youth Breakfasts
Youth Dinners
Have you viewed our page on Church Street’s website? Check it out!
Jenny Cross, Youth Director
jcross@churchstreetumc.org
Weekly Prayer – August 30, 2023
Featured, prayer for todayWeekly Prayers for the Church Street Family
Week of August 30, 2023
Rev. Catherine Nance
I see the moon and the moon sees me.
God bless the moon and God bless me.
Tonight is the Super Blue Moon, O God! You have set the cosmos in place and have given human beings the ability to observe, to be in awe, and to put names on the patterns and rhythms of the sky.
We thank you for astronomers who document movement of the planets and write down calculations; we thank you for engineers and physicists who build telescopes and for astronauts who explore space. So much knowledge is almost too great for us, O God! We think of the psalmist who wrote, “When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have established; what are humans that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them?”
No wonder that we resort back to childlike prayers whose words are so simple!
I see the moon and the moon sees me.
God bless the moon and God bless me.
We are in awe of the night sky. O God, who stretched the spangled heavens, we are grateful for twinkling stars and spinning planets; we hold our breath as cloud formations change and as moon and stars hide and then peek out again. What a gift it is to look up into the sky and know that people all around the Earth are also looking upward in admiration of your beauty.
Help us keep that sacred connection, Lord, when we awake in the morning and no longer look up but look straight ahead. Even though the sun is shining, may it still be our prayer that you are blessing us all – all who share the moon. We all share in your grace and love.
We are mindful of those who are dear to us who need our prayers. We say things such as, “they have so much on them right now.” We augment our prayer to include your Earth; our planet is under so much stress right now! Fires and hurricanes. Pollution and scorching heat. May we remember that the earth is part of your beloved creation as much as we are. You care for us all.
I see the moon and the moon sees me; God bless the moon and God bless me.
We join in prayer for those in our church family who have requested prayer …..
We pray for …
We continue to pray for ….
We offer thanksgiving for …
We offer the prayer Jesus taught us ….
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
Have a Prayer Request?
Submit your prayer request confidentially by clicking here.
Weekly Prayer – August 23, 2023
Featured, prayer for todayWeekly Prayers for the Church Street Family
Week of August 9, 2023
Rev. Catherine Nance
We turn to you, O God of Wednesday, with our mid-week concerns. We know you are the Lord of all days! There are no mini gods over each day! But there is a particular bent to our posture of prayer at mid-week. We have forgotten the inspiration of Sunday, routine that we thought was so grounding has consumed us, and we feel we might not make it to the respite of the weekend.
So, Lord of mid-week, thank you for meeting us here. Re-orient us to the hymn* we sang last Sunday, “Jesus shall reign where’er the sun does its successive journeys run …. To Jesus endless prayer be made, and endless praises crown his head …”
We have let other powers and concerns reign over us; we have forgotten the power of prayer and praise. Endless … the hymnwriter sings. O God of Wednesday, forgive us for setting you aside last Sunday afternoon. We greet you here, tired and wasting time feeling guilty for not praying earlier. Refresh us with your forgiveness, revive us with your welcoming spirit, and assure us you hear our prayers – the sporadic ones if not the endless ones.
May our prayers be energized knowing that they are a form of praise as well. We pray to the one who we believe has power and love enough to change us, to heal others, and to transform the world. We do offer praise. O God, help us to live into that praise. Help us to praise you with our actions as well as our lips.
Re-orient us towards the psalm we offered last Sunday …. O God, be gracious to us and bless us and make your face to shine upon us, that your way may be known upon earth, your saving power among all nations. May we live in a way that reflects your light shining on us. It is tempting to absorb it all and not share outwardly. Help us work with that balance, O God, so our footsteps and handiwork reflect your love in us.
There is much tragedy in our community and world. Many are grieving the loss of a young man who offered so much hope and encouragement to others. The numbers of deceased are rising in Maui and we hear of migrant deaths at sea. May our responses to tragedy always be grounded in your love for the whole world. As we pay attention to our own hurt, may we also look around to see how we may offer empathy. Lord, we give thanks that you are with us and shine a light out of the darkness.
There is also much joy! Forgive us when we fail to praise you for the joy! Let every creature rise and bring honors peculiar to our King! We thank you for the opportunity to offer prayers of intercession, but may they be made in a thankful response to your life and love. We hurt so badly when someone we love hurts. May the hurt turn us even nearer to you and bring us a sense of peace. Not numbness. Not apathy. But a deep peace that brings a stillness – even when we ask why, even we cry ourselves to sleep, even when there seem to be no answers. We are grateful for that inner stillness that recalibrates our spirits to you.
Thank you for hearing our prayer on this Wednesday, O God of all days. Thank you for understanding our rhythms and our ups and downs of attentiveness. As we look towards Thursday, we know that you go with us, and whatever tomorrow brings, we will have you by our side.
We pray for …
We give thanks for ….
We offer the prayer Jesus taught us ….
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
Have a Prayer Request?
Submit your prayer request confidentially by clicking here.
*Note – Last Sunday’s opening hymn was Jesus Shall Reign UMH 157 written by Isaac Watts and inspired by Psalm 72. The Psalm last Sunday was Psalm 67; the sung refrain was Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you!
August Update
YouthSunday Schedule:
Worship – 8:30AM & 11:00AM
Sunday school – 9:45-10:45AM
NightLife – 5:00-7:00PM (begins 8.27)
At a glance…
NightLife
NightLife this past week was good for the soul. Spending time around the table, worshiping together, and having small group discussions was a joy. We meet from 5:00-7:00 in the Youth Area and have a $5 dinner each week.
If you are new to NightLife, we hope you’ll consider taking the NightLife Challenge and commit to being with us 4 weeks in a row to see if it’s a good fit for you. (We think it will be!).
Please note: there will not be NightLife on Sunday, September 3 due to Labor Day Weekend. We’ll be back on September, 10!
Kick-Off Follow Up
This past Sunday night, we celebrated a new year of Youth Ministry altogether in Parish Hall. We shared a meal, worshipped together, and heard about what we have in store for this year.
Below, you’ll find the links to our forms/surveys. Please take some time to fill those out (it won’t take long!) to help us plan for the year ahead.
As always, if you have any questions, reach out to Jenny at @jcross@churchstreetumc.org.
Annual Release Form
Student Survey
Parent Survey
Football Parking Fundraiser
For each of Tennessee’s home football games, we have the incredible opportunity to park cars on our campus and raise money for our Youth Department and Youth Choir. Each weekend, we tithe (give 10%) of our earnings to a Parking Lot Maintenance Fund, and the remaining is divided evening between the two groups.
It requires a significant amount of volunteer support to make this fundraiser work, and we ask all families to volunteer for at least two shifts during the season. Please use the link below to sign up and learn more.
We need lots more hands for the first game on September 9!! Please consider volunteering. Shifts will be 8:45-1:15 and 12:45-5:15!
Football Volunteer Sign-Ups
Youth Ministry Meals
Each Sunday, we serve our students breakfast and dinner. We ask families to volunteer to help make these meals happen! The sign-ups are below. If every family signs up for one breakfast and one dinner each, we will have nearly every week covered!
Youth Breakfasts
Youth Dinners
Have you viewed our page on Church Street’s website? Check it out!
Jenny Cross, Youth Director
jcross@churchstreetumc.org
Weekly Prayer – August 9, 2023
Featured, prayer for todayWeekly Prayers for the Church Street Family
Week of August 9, 2023
Today has been a beautiful day; a cooler day. We give you thanks, O God, for what we call pleasant weather. We have enjoyed the way ‘outside’ feels today as we have shared stories about how the winds and the tornado affected us and our neighbors just two days ago. We are amazed at the power of wind and the seemingly random selectiveness of a tornado’s touchdown. Some neighbors had holes in the roof, some have huge trees uprooted. Others only have a little debris in their yard. Make us mindful of the magnificence of your creation, O God, but also the fragility. May we as a nation and a world care about the earth, the skies, and the seas. All that you called good. A tornado in August in East Tennessee, O Lord, gives us pause.
We pray that today has been a good and productive day for those who had to tend to insurance paperwork, who waited on utility workers to come, and had to manage the regular routine. We pray for schools who are sorting schedules and students with not enough teachers and staff. We pray for caregivers who are getting loved ones to appointments and perhaps have to take a different route.
You know the storms we face, Loving God. You know there is more debris in our lives than tree limbs and downed power lines. As we see stray limbs and crooked street signs in the coming days, help us remember that there are those who are still hurting over a tornado that happened two days ago, or a conversation that happened a month ago, or a death that happened six weeks ago, or a divorce that happened twelve years ago ….
O God who can bring us so much comfort when we open ourselves to you, may we experience a spiritual calming and an assurance that you are with us this day and every day. We pray for those in our church family who have offered these requests ….
We pray for ….
We continue to pray for ….
We give thanks for ….
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
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