Advent Devotional Week 3 – Joy

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Joy
Monday, December 16
By Laura Still
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“In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” 

John 1:4-5

 

You’ve got to be kidding, joy? Right now?

When Catherine asked me to write an Advent devotion about Joy, I was not in a good mood. It was a gray, gloomy day that turned suddenly cold, making the short hours of daylight even shorter. I had an evening event that I felt insufficiently prepared for, I had been chilled all day, and it was spitting rain. And the state of the nation and the world—let’s not even go there, except to say I’d been in a struggle with existential dread most of the year, looking for light in a tunnel that keeps stretching away into the darkness.

And yet, even in the deepest shades of night, there are points of light, far away like the stars. But also near, sparks kindled and candles lit by others who are on the same journey as I am, trying to find a way forward. Small as they are, these tiny glimmers form a chain that lets me put one foot in front of the other, looking for that next glow of radiance that lifts up my soul. So, on a day when I’m dragging my feet, feeling my way along the wall in a black funk, here comes Catherine, reaching for my hand in the dark, and holding out a candle, to rekindle the fire I’ve let go out.

Joy is like that. It appears ephemeral, a brief glow, a warm moment. But it’s really like a string of bright beads, each adding its particular color and brilliance to illuminate the whole. It is contradictory because it somehow takes intention and work, but it is also unexpected, appearing in circumstances no one can foresee. It cannot be forced or caged, but it can find its way through every barrier, physical or mental, and ignite in the lowest places of the spirit.

It can happen without warning, anywhere, at any time, but it comes most often in the presence of others. Of people reaching out to lift up someone else. Joy cannot exist without love, which means focusing not on ourselves and our own needs, but finding ways to help those around us. We become the people of God in community, not by being brilliant in ourselves, but by reaching out in the night to take someone’s hand and pass the light along the chain.

 

A candle goes out

but its light is not gone.

Changed, it rises

carried by currents

we cannot see,

expands

from existing in one place,

one time,

into all places, all times.

 

A transformation

not seen but felt,

in our deepest darkness

we hold the spark

inside us

join hands to form

the chain of light

darkness

cannot

overcome.

~~~

Prayer

Dear Lord,

Let me remember your word is a light on my path and a lamp to my feet, and you are beside me every step of the way.

Open my heart to your gift of unfailing love and the joy you offer in Christ in all times and all places, in doing work to glorify your name.

Amen.
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Hurricane Helene Flood Relief – How You Can Help!

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As flood waters continue to impact East Tennessee, the Carolinas, Florida, and Georgia, our neighbors need our help as they assess damage, navigate power and water outages, and rebuild. If you’re looking for ways to support the flood relief efforts, here are a couple of ways to give your resources and time!

VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME

Church Street United Methodist Church, and all our neighbors, have been invited to help organize and inventory supplies, accept donations, and hand out water at Trinity United Methodist Church in Greeneville, TN. A sign-up sheet has been put together to help plan. On some days as many as 50 people are needed, and on some days there are carpool options available. Read the volunteer details on the sign-up form to confirm. Follow the link below to sign up.

Greeneville, TN Volunteer Sign Up – Google Sheets

DONATE ITEMS
United Methodist churches across our area are teaming with Trinity United Methodist Church in Greeneville, TN to provide needed flood relief items that they will distribute.

Requested items are:

  • Cleaning Supplies: Sponges, spray disinfectant, dish soap, laundry detergent, Clorox wipes, trash bags
  • Hygiene Items: dry shampoo, deodorant, adult briefs (small & medium)
  • Paper Goods: paper plates, Kleenex, Ziplock bags, plastic cups, paper towels, toilet paper
  • Food Items: canned food items, baby formula, dry pet food (cat and dog)
  • First Aid Items: alcohol, peroxide, band-aids
  • Flood Clean up: Flat nose shovels, work gloves, mud boots, vinegar, borax
  • Batteries: all sizes

These items can be collected at Church Street UMC, or at Concord UMC. Please be aware that there are other organizations collecting. If there is a drop off closer to you, that is fine. If you have any questions, contact the Concord UMC church office at 865-524-3048.

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Weekly Prayer – May 15, 2024

Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of May 15, 2024

Written by David Martin, Church Street member

Tonight’s prayer is one that church member, David Martin, wrote and shared with Pastor Catherine recently. This is a prayer that he offers each morning. Perhaps it could be your morning prayer as well. 

Magnificent Creator and Lord of All! 

All that I am I lay at your feet.  

To serve you is my greatest desire.   

Light my path and protect my way so that I may be found faithful. 

Let my actions always be a gesture of gratitude for your goodness.   

Let my eyes always be fixed on your splendor especially when the gloom of darkness feels imminent.  

Let me live today knowing that you hold tomorrow.  

Let the light of your Grace radiate from deep within me, transforming lives – revealing your glory! 

Let my life be a celebration of your sacrifice and victory at the cross.   

Let me be in Christ! 

Magnificent creator and Lord of All! 

All that I am I lay at your feet.  

In your Son’s name I pray. Amen. 

We pray for ….

  • Those who are grieving after the death of a parent
  • One who has a long recovery ahead
  • A member who is hurting because of family dynamics
  • One who is discerning vocation
  • Parents who are struggling with plans and budgets for camps and summer programs

We continue to pray for ……

  • Family members who continue to deal with cancer … all the tests and new treatments and waiting and follow up appointments. May they feel God’s healing presence in the midst of it!
  • Friends who are beginning the journey of “some type of dementia.” Prayers of thanksgiving for doctors who study our brains, for researchers who have developed better testing, for social workers, for loving family members, and helpers all around!
  • Friends and family members who are going through a troubling time.
  • Adult children trying to make good decisions about next steps in work and school and life!

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for ….

  • Those who serve in our military (May 18 is Armed Forces Day)
  • Church members and Stephen Ministers who offer such meaningful support
  • The little things
  • A member who has been hospitalized out of town is coming home

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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May Update

Sunday Schedule: 
Worship – 8:30AM & 11:00AM
Sunday school – 9:45-10:45AM
NightLife – 5:00-7:00PM ($5 dinner)

At a glance…

  • Final Summer Registration: May 15 (TOMORROW!!)
  • End of the Year Party: May 19 (This Sunday!!)
  • Senior Spotlights: start this week!!
  • Lots of exclamation points!!!!!!!

End of the Year

The end of the year is upon, which means our regularly scheduled events are a little different here on out. We have finished our NightLife routine and are looking toward summer!

  • May 15 – Summer Registration Due
  • May 19 – End of the Year Party (5:00-7:00 PM in the Youth Area)
  • May 26 – Group Sunday school (no evening activities)

This school year has truly been a joy. Serving our youth is a gift that I do not take for granted. This year has been one of growth and hope in the midst of fear, loss, and anxiety. I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that the Holy Spirit is walking with each of us.

Thank you to our Seniors who lead us in worship this past Sunday. What a joy to have you share the love God has shown to you with such intention and grace. Reflecting on Psalm 23 felt so special — a beautiful reminder of God’s deep and abiding love for His people. I am so glad that He is our Good Shepherd, our Creator & Redeemer, our Kind Companion. Thanks for allowing me to walk through this year with you.

Jenny

Summer Registration – Due May 15!

Summer is just around the corner! We’d love for you to join us for all our summer programming. Use the link below to check out our newsletter and register.

  • Operation Backyard – June 28-29
  • Ocoee Rafting – June 30
  • MAD in the City – July 7-11
  • Smokies Game – July 28

Final Registration Date: May 15

Summer Info

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!

Sunday School Breakfasts

NightLife Dinners

Have you viewed our page on Church Street’s website? Check it out!

Jenny Cross, Youth Director
jcross@churchstreetumc.org

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SLA Info 2023

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SLA Info

Next week is SLA week! On November 10-12, we are heading to the mountains for a weekend of intentional worship, fellowship, study, and prayer.  It is one of the highlights of the year for many of us!  Please use the info below to prepare your hearts and minds for the days ahead. If you have any questions at all, email Jenny at jcross@churchstreetumc.org!

Schedule

Friday

5:30 — Arrival at Church Street (Youth Area) & Load Trailer

5:45 — Dinner in Youth Area

6:15 — Brief group meeting

6:30 — Departure for Camp Bays Mountain (Kingsport, TN)

 

Sunday

12:00 — Lunch at Bays Mountain

12:30 — Pack & Clean Up

1:00 — Depart from Locust Springs

2:30 — Arrival at Church Street

 

Packing List 

A printable/saveable version of this packing list is available below.  That way you can have your own checklist as you get ready!

  • sleeping bag or twin sized linens
  • pillow
  • Bible
  • water bottle
  • warm clothes, casual clothes (bring a flannel if you have one)
  • pajamas
  • shoes for walking & hiking
  • coat, gloves, & hat
  • rain jacket (just in case)
  • towel
  • toiletries
  • snack to share (individually packaged please!)
  • chargers

Packing List

 

Additional Info

  • Late Arrival/Early Departure — If you have a conflict and need to either arrive late or leave early, please let Jenny know the specifics by Wednesday, November 8.
  • Release Form — Everyone must complete release forms for both Church Street & Bays Mountain.  Please use the links below to access them.
  • Rooming — Students will be sleeping in bunk rooms with 8 individuals per room. We will all be in one lodge.
  • Sickness Policy — If a student becomes ill while we are at SLA, we will contact parents and ask that you plan to come and pick them up.

Church Street Youth Annual Release Form

Bays Mountain Waiver

Preparing for SLA

Our prayer for this weekend is that it would be one of restoration, connection, and hope.  SLA stands for Spiritual Life Advance, and we are believing that God will grow our faiths as we spending time with Him away from the pressures of everyday life.  Here are some ways you can intentionally prepare your hearts and minds for this special time.

  • Prayer — Spend time in intentional prayer leading up to SLA.  Ask God to be with you and protect you, to help you learn and grow, to heal brokenness, and restore joy.  Lift up anything on your heart to Him!
  • Worship — We have a worship playlist of all the songs we will be singing over the weekend.  Listen to it over the next couple of weeks! Listen here.
  • Reflection — Consider where you find yourself at this point in the school year.  Worn out? Excited? Hopeful? Discouraged? Disconnected? Stuck? Energized? Bring those things to Him and come to SLA aware of where you are in your life.
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September Update

Sunday Schedule: 
Worship – 8:30AM & 11:00AM
Sunday school – 9:45-10:45AM
NightLife – 5:00-7:00PM (begins 8.27)

At a glance…

  • Regular NightLife this Sunday!
  • We need more parking help this season. Especially for the 9/30 game – 7:30 kick-off and LOTS of open volunteer slots.
  • SLA final registration is due October 3!

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

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Weekly Prayer – June 14, 2023

Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of June 14, 2023

Rev. Tim Best

God of Abraham,

We thank you for the many blessings you pour out upon us. We are thankful for summer camps for children, sunny days outside, rainy nights that seem to leave the world refreshed the next morning. We are thankful that you desire to bless the world, and draw each of us close to you. Help us to hear the ways you are calling each of us. Help us to name our blessings and to share them with the world.

We pray for those who do not feel blessed. We pray for those who are struggling. For those who struggle with sickness, with loneliness, with relationships, and those who are facing any sort of trouble. We pray for those who are oppressed or ignored. You called Abraham from of his home and promised him a future. Be with those who have no home and worry about their future. May we see the blessedness in all people, and share the promise of your future with all the world. Abraham and Sarah trusted in you as they left everything they knew. Help us to trust in you and  be willing to follow you wherever you call us.

How wonderful it was to see our future, the youth of Church Street, lead the music in worship this week. We are truly a blessed community to have dedicated staff, volunteers, and students, committed to praising and glorifying you through song. We are so thankful that our youth returned safely from their choir tour. We know that many others were blessed by their performances last week, just as we were blessed to hear them this past Sunday. Continue to bless and teach our youth and children through all of our programs this summer. We have already been so richly blessed by our children and youth, watch over them as they continue to bless and teach us as a church family.

Gracious God, we know that Jesus Christ is the fullest revelation of your love for Abraham and for the world. Through Jesus the whole world is blessed by Abraham. In Jesus the whole world is invited into Abraham’s family. In Jesus we see that you keep your promises and that even when it seems that only death remains, your love bursts forth into newness of life. Grant that we may always cling to the hope of your mercy and grace.

We pray for ….

  • A daughter who is having a difficult pregnancy; prayers for her family. Prayers that migraines will cease and/or that docs can offer alternative medication.
  • A member who had surgery for broken leg; prayers for healing and patience
  • A young mother
  • So many in our church family who are dealing with a variety of diagnoses, waiting on tests, sorting out medical lingo; prayers that they not be overwhelmed by info but surrounded by God’s Calm.
  • A friend who had spinal surgery on Monday.
  • A mother/grandmother who had knee replacement on Tuesday.
  • A father in ICU at UT hospital; prayers for strength and healing
  • Couples in our church who are wanting to have children and who are waiting …
  • A mother in the unexpected death of her son; prayers for his work colleagues also.

We give thanks for ….

  • Excellent rehab after surgery; so thankful for the good options we have!
  • Friends who have shown support since injury.
  • Answered prayers on cancer surgery! Thankful for the wonderful medical team and good friends!

Help us to always see the blessings in our lives, as we pray that prayer the 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.

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End of the Year Reflection

Almost Summer!

It’s hard to believe this school year is coming to a close and summer is nearly here. We have lots of exciting things going on this summer — MAD in the City, Operation Backyard, Bible studies, Hang Times. But before we jump right into what is next, let’s take a moment to pause, reflect, and give thanks for the year we are finishing.

Here are some questions to help you look back and practice gratitude for all God has done this school year.

  1. Where have you experienced growth this year?
  2. Can you think of a time when you experienced peace even though your circumstances were stressful? What was that like?
  3. How has your faith changed since August?
  4. What are you thankful for that happened this school year? Pause and make a list. And add to it as things come to mind over the days ahead.
  5. What is something you are hopeful about in the summer ahead?

If you would like to reflect alongside the Psalms, here are some recommendations:

  • Psalm 23 – The Lord is My Shepherd
  • Psalm 27 – The Lord is My Light and My Salvation
  • Psalm 46 – God is Our Fortress
  • Psalm 61 – Lead Me to the Rock
  • Psalm 80 – Restore Us, O God
  • Psalm 91 – My Refuge and My Fortress
  • Psalm 95 – Let Us Sing Songs of Praise
  • Psalm 103 – Bless the Lord, O My Soul
  • Psalm 139 – Search Me, O God, and Know My Heart

More details for summer are coming. But for now, let us pause, pray, and praise. God is good and worthy of our worship.

Grace and peace,

Jenny

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Senior Spotlight – Clara Suters

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One of our favorite things about the spring semester each year is celebrating our graduating seniors.  Welcome to the Senior Spotlight series for the graduating class of 2023!  Our seniors answered interview questions earlier this semester and it has been so much fun learning their answers! Check back in each week to get to know our seniors better and help to cheer them on as they wrap up high school and prepare for their next steps.

Meet Clara Suters!

What high school are you graduating from?
L&N STEM Academy
What are your plans for next year?
Going to Belmont University to study publishing
What is your favorite bible verse?
Lamentations 3: 22-23
If you could choose one meal to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Spaghetti
If you could give some advice to your younger self, what would it be?
Don’t worry about what everyone thinks of you, do what you think will make you happy.
What are your top 3 favorite movies?
Knives Out, Pride and Prejudice, and Murder on the Orient Express
What is your top book recommendation?
I would have to say the The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson. I love the world building and how the plot is intricately woven.
What is your favorite Church Street memory?
My favorite church street memories are all the ones where I am a hanging out with some of my best friends. Whether we were at nightlife, choir practice, on a retreat, at Panera at 7:00 am, or on a bus together for 10 hours, I always had some really meaningful, or just entertaining, conversations and experiences.
What are you most excited about going into the next season of your life?
I am excited to be able to learn more things about myself and am excited to meet new people. However, I am also extremely excited to decorate a dorm room.
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Beneath the Cross

Daily Lent Devotions from Church Street UMC

Holy Saturday, April 8, 2023 — Morning

By Verna McClain

Beneath the Cross

As a youth, I would walk to my church on Sunday evenings for my MYF, as it was then called. It was safe to walk around our small town, even at night. I always sang in a choir, so music was a part of my daily life. “Beneath the Cross of Jesus” spoke to me; especially parts of the second verse: “Upon that cross of Jesus mine eyes at times can see the very dying form of one who suffered there for me.”

I have dedicated myself to serving Christ throughout my life in whatever form I was called on to serve. I was a short-term missionary for the Methodist Church in Brazil after college and as a social worker in Knoxville for over 50 years, I was serving God in helping children, youth and adults to have better lives. So I still find myself singing or humming this song written back in 1872.

Prayer

Beneath your cross, Jesus, I fain would take my stand; the shadow of a mighty rock within a weary land. Amen.

Have a Prayer Request?

Submit your prayer request confidentially by clicking here.

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