Tough Hope

By: Andy Ferguson

 “For a child has been born for us, a son given to us. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.”Isaiah 9.6, 7

 

Most people are drawn to babies. I am drawn to babies. This passage from Isaiah speaks of a newborn king, a male child. It doesn’t matter; we are deeply touched by a birth whether a baby girl or boy.

So, what does a newborn baby stir in us? There is something in the human DNA that prepares us to welcome and protect a newborn child. In addition, there is a spiritual dimension to the coming of a child, too. The birth of a baby, even in the grimmest times, stirs up hope. I would even say that the hope a baby calls up in us is a tough hope – refusing to be discouraged by the world’s circumstances or any limits their home might impose.

In the long-ago days Herod was a tyrant over Israel. When Jesus was born, darkness smothered the land. It smothered lives and communities and the futures of all in Israel. People looked around and saw no possible relief from the awful oppression. Still, the angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds that dark night with a message of hope. God is moving! God’s intention is your future. “A child has been born for us…”

This Christmas, there seem to be worries at every turn. The coming of the Christ is our hope. In Christ, God is presenting our future. In Christ, the final word on our lives and every life is the one which God speaks. And this is God’s gift of hope this Christmas.

 

Prayer

Lord, let me wait expectantly with the Christmas shepherds in the darkness – wait for the coming of Your hope. Amen

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WEEKLY PRAYER – 12/10/2025

Week of December 10, 2025

Pastor Sam Dzobo

___________________________ 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (MSG)

“Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.”

Gracious God,

Fill us again with the deep joy that flows from knowing you hold us. Tune our hearts to pray continually and to recognize your presence in every moment of our lives and in every encounter we share. We thank you for the joys experienced and lived among us today, for signs of grace, moments of encouragement, and for the ways you are moving in our lives, families, church, and communities. For these gifts, we give you thanks.

We also lift before you the concerns we carry in our hearts and minds, the burdens, the struggles unspoken, and the people whose needs weigh heavily on our hearts. Meet each one with your compassion, your strength, and your peace.

We pause now, O God, and in this sacred silence, we speak the names of those we are praying for today… (You may name individuals aloud or silently before God.)

Teach us gratitude that endures, even in hard places. Strengthen our hands for ministry, renew our spirits with grace, and let our work today reflect the hope we have in Christ. Amen.

 We pray for …

  • A sister who had bypass surgery yesterday; prayers for good recovery.
  • A four-year old granddaughter having surgery; prayers for her parents and all who care for her as she heals.
  • A member grieving the death of his brother.
  • A daughter grieving the death of her mother after a long illness.
  • All of the churches that are opening as warming centers; our volunteers
  • A member and her sister as they continue to make decisions for their mother
  • A family grieving the death of their mother; prayers of thanksgiving for a close family and a wonderful life!
  • One who is anxious about labor and delivery.

We continue to pray for …

  • All of our homeless neighbors
  • A couple hoping for pregnancy

We give thanks for ….

  • The birth of a healthy granddaughter
  • Successful surgery for brain aneurysm for son-in-law’s mother!
  • Those who gave so much time to decorate the nave and Parish Hall. Our building is beautiful and welcoming to all this season!

We pray all of these in the name of Christ, who taught us to pray ….

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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ADVENT DEVOTIONAL – WEEK TWO

ADVENTure

By: Elaine Eberhart

“Then Mary said, ‘Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.’” Luke 1:38 NRSVUE

We witness the power and the consequences of saying yes to God when we read the angel’s prophetic invitation to Mary to bear Jesus into the world. We also see in Mary’s story how God’s invitation may come with great risk to our comfort and our notions of who we are and what our lives should be. Mary said yes, knowing that Joseph could end their betrothal. Her family and community could abandon her, leaving her without a home or support. Her entire life could be upended in a moment, but though young and alone and troubled by the angel’s message, she said yes. She trusted God to sustain her as she partnered with God in the birth of Love for all people.

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Prayer

O One who calls us to the way of Jesus, we are listening for your invitation to join you in bringing love to our hurting world. Like Mary, we may be afraid or troubled by your call, but we trust that you are with us as we bear your love that brings light to dark places and restores our hope in your future. Amen.

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Weekly Prayer – December 3, 2025

Week of December 3, 2025

Rev. Catherine Nance

___________________________

O God of all the days of the week … we are confused this evening about what today is!

We had Thanksgiving Day and then Black Friday (which seems to have started before Thanksgiving and is still going?). The First Sunday of Advent was the last Sunday of November. Cyber Monday. Giving Tuesday.

Today is Wednesday.

Tonight is the time we gather as a church family and acknowledge that whatever day it is and regardless of what kind of day it has been, your presence has been with us.

In this season of Advent, help us to live each day in hopeful expectation and in hopeful assurance that you are with us. You are coming to us. You have been with us.

We pause this evening with church members and friends to give thanks for the ways you have revealed yourself to us already. We have food to eat and a warm place to be. We are grateful for people with whom we have interacted. We are thankful for this email that reminds us we are not alone and there are people praying for us right now!

O God of Advent, come to us! Make yourself known – especially to those who are struggling. Many are struggling with difficult decisions, family tensions, health concerns, and financial worries. Some are struggling as they look for new purpose and meaning after a relationship or job has ended. May we find our source of meaning and joy in you, O God!

We say things like ‘time has flown by! Where has the year gone!’ May we look back and see that you have been with us. May we look ahead to this month of December as a gift. A gift of time to prepare our hearts anew for your coming again.

This is the evening you have provided for us! May we find our rest and our comfort in you!

Thank you for hearing our prayers on behalf of those who have requested them and for those whom we hold dear in our hearts….

We pray for …

  • One who is looking for work that is meaningful and will support family.
  • A child who is having a difficult time at school as the semester ends.
  • A mother in rehab; praying for strength and the ability to be at home.
  • A young man dealing with loneliness; isolation because of health issues.
  • All of the churches that are opening on below freezing nights
  • People to be kind at work; particularly one co-worker who is experiencing a lot of frustration.

We continue to pray for …

  • One who is waiting on reports from recent medical testing
  • Teenagers who are  having a difficult time at school
  • A woman in ICU awaiting coil procedure for aneurysm
  • For friends and family of a woman who died in a tragic accident
  • A friend awaiting liver transplant
  • A friend who is paralyzed after an accident
  • All of our homeless neighbors
  • A couple hoping for pregnancy

We give thanks for ….

  • Being able to be with family for Thanksgiving.
  • Safe travels in the midst of busy airports and delays!
  • A new grandson.
  • My oncologist who took time to explain things.

We pray all of these in the name of Christ who taught us to pray ….

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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Weekly Prayer – July 30, 2025

Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of July 30, 2025

Steve Ricahardson

God in heaven and in our midst: Where did July go? It seems like Independence Day was just last week! But the hot days and not-so-cool nights this week remind us that summer is far from finished. In spite of the heat right now, though, you’ve blessed in our spot of the world with four seasons. There is a nice balance to that, and we are grateful. Maybe with the rapid pace of the passage of time, cooler days of late-summer/early-fall will be with us in the blink of an eye.

We really do want to make the best use of each day you give us. Each one is, after all, the day you have made and given us, one for which we can rejoice and be glad. From our own experiences, we know that, indeed, we rejoice and feel especially glad whenever we help build and support your Kingdom. Inspire us to do so every day.

Yet there are also many days – – especially in 2025’s times of turmoil and abrupt change – – when we are filled with anxiety, restlessness, worry, uncertainty, and the frustrations of waiting…waiting for answers, for help, for justice, for healing, for medical needs, for opportunities to move forward. We wonder why things can’t simply be “just right,” and we long for that. Calm our souls and jittery minds with your loving, compassionate presence, dear Lord. Help us be still and know you are always with us. During such moments of stillness, fill us with spiritual strength, wholeness and inspiration.

Thank you, gracious God, for Church Street United Methodist Church. Thank you for the clergy, staff, members who volunteer in so many ways, and congregational leaders who give freely of their time, talents and skills. Thank you for everyone who participates in this community of faith through worship, praise, singing, serving, seeking and learning. Thank you for Church Street’s openness, hospitality and welcoming of all.

We pray for ….

  • A member having a lung biopsy today.
  • A member who has been laid off; looking for work.
  • One who is grieving the death of a dear friend and mentor.
  • A husband who is recovering after a heart attack.
  • A member who is recovering from surgery and will go to rehab; prayers for her as she grieves over the recent death of her husband.
  • A son dealing with the death of his mother who had been in hospice care; prayers for the father.
  • Teachers and administrators who are preparing for the new school year.
  • One who is retiring.
  • A brother-in-law who was just diagnosed with double pneumonia. He has a long history of health issues. Also, prayers for him and his wife as they struggle through a difficult phrase in their marriage.
  • A student who had bone flap surgery this week; prayers for his family and medical team as he prepares for discharge home later.

We continue to pray for ….

  • One who has had heart episodes and has been in hospital; now at home recovering.
  • A great-niece who is acting as sole caregiver for family member next week while others are traveling.
  • One healing from surgery.
  • Couples who are wanting to be parents; those waiting on IVF results.
  • All who are receiving cancer treatments and dealing with the waiting in between scans and treatments.
  • A niece who has a long road of recovery ahead; continued prayers for strength.
  • Members of our families who are adjusting to being in assisted living or memory care facilities; the transitions are hard for the caregivers. May all know God’s peace.
  • Family members and friends going through difficult times.
  • Young adults who are struggling to find meaningful work.

We give thanks for ….

  • A wonderful pediatrician!
  • World leaders responding to crisis in Gaza.

Once again, we now join together now in prayer with others in our congregation for these special requests and petitions. Please, merciful Lord, know of our collective pleas for your holy responses…

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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Advent Devotional Week 3 – Joy

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Joy
Monday, December 16
By Laura Still
_____________________________ 

“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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