Senior Spotlight – Anna Cooper

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 Anna Cooper!

What high school are you graduating from?
The Central High School
What are your plans for next year?
College at Emory & Henry
What is your favorite bible verse?
John 16:33
If you could choose one meal to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?

sushi!!

If you could give some advice to your younger self, what would it be?
Don’t worry about the future and enjoy what happening now.
What are your top 3 favorite movies?
The School of Rock, The Sound of Music, and Phineas and Ferb the Movie: Candace Against the Universe
What is your top book recommendation?
The Remnant Chronicles
What is your favorite Church Street memory?
Going to Sterchi Lodge and making music videos with my sister and the Suters triplets.
What are you most excited about going into the next season of your life?
To try something new.
/by

April Update

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

This week in Youth Ministry…

  • Senior Banquet – Thursday, April 27 @ 6:30
  • Final NightLife of the Year – Sunday, April 30 @ 5:00
  • Summer Earlybird Registration Due – Sunday, April 30

Senior Banquet

This Thursday night, join us in Parish Hall at 6:30 to celebrate the graduating class of 2023. Please register below by noon, April 26 if you plan to attend.

Senior Banquet Helpers

We need helpers to set-up, monitor food, and clean-up for the senior banquet. Please sign up below! Specific times are included on the registration form called “Banquet Helpers.”

Final NightLife

Our last regular NightLife of the year is this coming Sunday. That is BONKERS. Join us as we wrap up this school year and look toward the summer with hope and expectancy. Reminder: Sunday, May 7 is the choral evensong service and Sunday, May 21 is our end of the year party!

Summer Registration

We’ve extended the early bird discount for a few more days! Be sure to register by Sunday, April 30 for that rate.

Senior Banquet

Banquet Serving Sign-Up

Summer Registration

High School Prayer Breakfast

We only have one Prayer Breakfast left at each location this school year. We hope you’ll join us!

  • May 2, Panera Fountain City, 7:20 AM
  • May 9, Chick-fil-A West Hills, 7:20 AM

Parent Sign-Ups

Meal Sign-Ups: Each Sunday, we serve our students breakfast and lunch. 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!

Breakfast Sign-Up

Dinner Sign-Up

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

Jenny Cross, Youth Director
jcross@churchstreetumc.org

/by

March Update

,

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

Seniors: your Senior Info form is due this Sunday, March 24!!

Lenten Worship Night

This coming Sunday night, we will have a Lenten Worship Night to prepare our hearts and minds for Holy Week and the coming of Easter. This will take place during our regular NightLife time (5:00-7:00). We will begin with dinner in the Youth Area followed by a time of worship, reflection, and prayer in Parish Hall and the Nave. Pick-up will be in the Welcome Center at 7:00 PM.

P.S. Bring your prayer beads!

Summer with Church Street Youth

Last week, our summer newsletter went out with all our info for events for summer break! We’re so looking forward to spending the summer together.  Below, you’ll see the links to the newsletter and our registration form.  Please contact Jenny if you have any questions!

Earlybird Registration: April 16 | Final Registration: May 7

Summer Newsletter

Summer Registration

Lent at Church Street

NightLife – During Lent, we are meditating on the senses and using them to draw us back to our faith on a daily basis. One of Church Street’s clergy will join us each week to share how

Palm Sunday – April 2 (Youth Lenten Worship Night during NightLife)

Maundy Thursday – April 6

Good Friday – April 7

Easter – April 9

Senior Info

It’s hard to believe it is already time to be looking toward graduation for our graduating seniors! What a joy it is to see you learn and grow. You should have already received this email via mail & email, but reminders that deadlines are coming up! Mark your calendars and be sure to submit your information. Let Jenny know if you have any questions!

Sunday, March 24 – Senior Info Due

Sunday, April 2 – Scholarship Application Due

Tuesday, May 2 – Senior Banquet

Sunday, May 14 – Senior Sunday

Senior Info

Scholarship Application

High School Prayer Breakfast

This year, we are rotating locations of our High School Prayer Breakfast. Hopefully, this will allow more students to participate! Here is this month’s schedule:

  • February 7, Chick-fil-A West Hills, 7:20 AM
  • February 14, Panera Fountain City, 7:20 AM
  • February 21, Chick-fil-A West Hills, 7:20 AM
  • February 28, Panera Fountain City, 7:20 AM

Parent Sign-Ups

Meal Sign-Ups: Each Sunday, we serve our students breakfast and lunch. 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!

Breakfast Sign-Up

Dinner Sign-Up

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

Jenny Cross, Youth Director
jcross@churchstreetumc.org

/by

Summer Newsletter

 

Register Here

/by

February Update

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

Lent at Church Street

NightLife – During Lent, we are meditating on the senses and using them to draw us back to our faith on a daily basis. One of Church Street’s clergy will join us each week to share how

Palm Sunday – April 2 (Youth Lenten Worship Night during NightLife)

Maundy Thursday – April 6

Good Friday – April 7

Easter – April 9

Senior Info

It’s hard to believe it is already time to be looking toward graduation for our graduating seniors! What a joy it is to see you learn and grow. You should have already received this email via mail & email, but reminders that deadlines are coming up! Mark your calendars and be sure to submit your information. Let Jenny know if you have any questions!

Sunday, March 24 – Senior Info Due

Sunday, April 2 – Scholarship Application Due

Tuesday, May 2 – Senior Banquet

Sunday, May 14 – Senior Sunday

Senior Info

Scholarship Application

High School Prayer Breakfast

This year, we are rotating locations of our High School Prayer Breakfast. Hopefully, this will allow more students to participate! Here is this month’s schedule:

  • February 7, Chick-fil-A West Hills, 7:20 AM
  • February 14, Panera Fountain City, 7:20 AM
  • February 21, Chick-fil-A West Hills, 7:20 AM
  • February 28, Panera Fountain City, 7:20 AM

Parent Sign-Ups

Meal Sign-Ups: Each Sunday, we serve our students breakfast and lunch. 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!

Breakfast Sign-Up

Dinner Sign-Up

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

Jenny Cross, Youth Director
jcross@churchstreetumc.org
(865) 524-0287

/by

REZ23

Friends!

I am so excited to spend next weekend together at Resurrection!! This email contains everything you need to know to prepare for this event. If you have any questions at all, please let me know.

Grace and peace,
Jenny

*Please note, the schedule for this event is different from past Resurrections and will require an earlier departure on Friday night and an earlier return on Sunday.

Preparing our Hearts

The focus verse for this year’s Resurrection is Ephesians 4:4-6 — “You are one body and one spirit, just as God also called you in one hope. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of all, who is over all, through all, and in all.”

As we do the work of packing and planning, let us also spend time reflecting and meditating on these words. Let us arrive at our sessions eager to learn more about God and His love!

Schedule

To learn more about the Resurrection event schedule, please click here. The event has moved to one session instead of two. The schedule below includes travel on Friday & Sunday.

Friday
5:00 Arrive at Church Street in the Youth Department (Chick-fil-a dinner is provided)
5:30 Meeting with students & Dinner
6:00 Depart for Pigeon Forge
8:00 Session I

Sunday
8:30 Session IV
11:00 Depart from Pigeon Forge (snacks on the road, will not eat lunch)
12:00-12:30 Arrive at Church Street

Packing List

  • Bible
  • warm, casual clothes
  • coat, gloves, hat
  • water bottle
  • shoes (good for walking)
  • pajamas
  • swim suit
  • beach towel
  • rain jacket
  • spending money (for REZ23 t-shirt)
  • toiletries
  • snack to share
  • chargers

Packing List PDF

Friday Arrival

When you arrive at Church Street on Friday, please do the following things:

  • load your luggage on the trailer
  • keep any “carry on” items with you and take them in the vans (backpacks, purses, pillows, etc) in the 11th-12th grade room – please be sure to keep all your stuff together
  • check in and turn in any forms or payments
  • put your snack in the worship room by the stage
  • grab dinner from the kitchen

Lodging

We are going to the King of the Mountain Lodge! Your rooms have been assigned in advance. We will share all our meals in the cabin and will all help out in the kitchen.

Expectations

We will talk about these more on Friday, but please keep these guidelines in mind for the weekend.

  • You will travel in the same van all weekend. No switching around.
  • The chaperone who checks your room at night will also be your chaperone in the Convention Center.
  • You must stay in groups of 3 at all times.
  • There is a Starbucks kiosk at the Convention Center. We will not be using it. The lines are too long and you miss part of the session when you get in line. There will be coffee at the cabin if you are wanting some.
  • Your rooms in the cabin will be assigned.
  • Everyone will have different tasks throughout the weekend to help things run smoothly and contribute to our group. Please do your jobs in a timely and joyful way!
  • There is a movie room in the cabin. You can bring movies to watch remembering:
  • they must be G or PG rated
  • lights out still means lights out – even if it isn’t done
  • movies will be voted on by the majority planning to watch – democracy, people
  • There is also a pool and hot tubs at the cabin. There will be designated times for these to be used.
/by

January 2023 Update

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

On Sunday, February 12 we will have a regular scheduled evening instead of a Super Bowl party. We will have a Disco themed NightLife game night. For those who want to watch the Super Bowl at home, feel free to pick up anytime before kick-off at 6:30. For those who are not interested, we will have regular pick up at 7:00.

Functional Faith Series

During NightLife, we are in a series called Functional Faith. Last night, we discuss building a Bible reading routine. Below, you’ll find some of the resources we discussed!

App:

  • YouVersion Bible App

Plans:

  • Gospel Plan — Read one chapter a day. Start in Matthew, then read Mark, Luke, and John.
  • Psalm Plan — Begin in Psalm 1. Read one psalm a day, or split one psalm into two days if it is long.
  • Chronological Plan — Seach “chronological” on the YouVersion app “Plans” page and choose one.
  • Themeatic Plan — Use the YouVersion Bible app “Plans” page. Choose or search a theme and find a corresponding study.

Helpful Rhythms:

  • Pray, Read, Practice Stillness, Think about God’s Presence
  • Pray, Read (scripture), Write, Read (devotion or nonfiction spiritual growth book), Pray

Visioning Worksheet

Visioning Guide

Gratitude Lists

*The gratitude lists includes a page for monthly gratitude (a line a day) or weekly gratitude (space for a couple of sentences or several bullet points). We invite students to do this individually or families to adopt this practice together! These would be great for the fridge or discussion around a meal.

REZ 2023

We had a great time at REZ23!  We spent time in meaningful worship, enjoyed fellowship with one another, and spent lots of time together in the kitchen!  Below, you’ll find the link to the shared photo albums to upload your pictures from the weekend.

REZ23 Photos

High School Retreat

The last weekend of February (the 24-26), we are offering a High School retreat to Sterchi Lodge. Here are some things we are considering for that weekend:

– lots of fun

– a hike to Max Patch

– worship

– devotions/mini sessions/talks

– s’mores

We will be doing a study of the book The Liturgy of the Ordinary. This will help us to look at the sacred acts that are already taking place in our lives and how to move into a place of worship and prayer with intention.

This retreat is for current 9th-12th graders. If you would like to register, use the link below! The cost for this retreat is $40.

Retreat Registration

Confirmation Retreat

This weekend, our 6th graders and their families are traveling to Lake Junaluska for our Confirmation Retreat. We will spend time in worship and fellowship while learning more about our faith and walking with Christ.

For 7th-12th graders, we will have a regular Sunday for both Sunday school and NightLife.

High School Prayer Breakfast

This year, we are rotating locations of our High School Prayer Breakfast. Hopefully, this will allow more students to participate! Here is this month’s schedule:

  • January 10, Chick-fil-A West Hills, 7:20 AM
  • January 17, Panera Fountain City, 7:20 AM
  • January 24, Chick-fil-A West Hills, 7:20 AM
  • January 29, Panera Fountain City, 7:20 AM

Parent Sign-Ups

Meal Sign-Ups: Each Sunday, we serve our students breakfast and lunch. 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!

Breakfast Sign-Up

Dinner Sign-Up

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

Jenny Cross, Youth Director
jcross@churchstreetumc.org
(865) 524-0287

/by

December Update

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

Christmas Eve & Christmas

Join us for worship!

Saturday, Dec. 24 – Christmas Eve

  • 12 Noon: Traditional Candlelight Communion service with soloist
  • 3 pm: Family Service geared toward families with small children
  • 7 pm: Online Worship Premiere (service available for viewing any time after 7 pm premiere)
  • 5:30 and 10:30 pm: Traditional Candlelight Communion service, prelude featuring a prelude by the Parish Adult Choir (nursery for young children will be available at the 5:30 pm service only)

Sunday, Dec. 25 – Christmas Day

  • 11 a.m. worship service only (no 8:30 service and no Sunday School)

REZ 2023

Each year, an event is held for Holston Conference Youth called Resurrection. Our group enjoys time together in a cabin in Pigeon Forge and attends worship sessions throughout the weekend.

This year’s theme is One Faith, One Hope, One Lord. And we’re looking forward to this weekend away. Here are our details:

Earlybird: Due December 4 – $115
Regular: Due December 23 (EXTENDED) – $135
Event Date: January 20-22, 2023
Location: LeConte Convention Center | Pigeon Forge, TN
Lodging: King of the Mountain Lodge | Hearthside Cabin Rentals

Use the links to register with our group and learn more about Resurrection!

REZ23 Registration

Resurrection Website

High School Prayer Breakfast

This year, we are going to rotate locations of our High School Prayer Breakfast. Hopefully, this will allow more students to participate! We will begin after Labor Day. The first two dates & locations are:

  • December 6, Chick-fil-A West Hills, 7:15 AM
  • December 13, Panera Fountain City, 7:20 AM

If you are interested in a prayer breakfast near your neighborhood, let Jenny know!

Parent Sign-Ups

Meal Sign-Ups: Each Sunday, we serve our students breakfast and lunch. 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!

Breakfast Sign-Up

Dinner Sign-Up

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

/by

November Update

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

Thank you to everyone who was a part of our Thanksgiving Basket project! We could not have done it without you. The food we packed together is going to serve people throughout the Knoxville community this weekend. What a gift to be able to love our neighbors in this special way.

Advent with Church Street Youth

This Sunday begins the season of Advent! A time in the life of the church where we intentionally prepare our hearts for the coming of the Christ-child. There are so many opportunities to participate in Advent together this year. Mark your calendars!

Advent Study (during the Sunday School hour)

  • Prepare the Way for the Lord: Advent and the Message of John the Baptist by Adam Hamilton

Sunday, November 27

  • Advent Missions Night (during NightLife time, THEME NIGHT: Christmas Sweaters)

Sunday, December 4

  • Advent Craft Festival will be in the evening from 5:00-7:00 (potluck dinner, volunteers needed to lead craft stations)

Sunday, December 11

  • Youth & Children lead worship at both 8:30 & 11:00
  • Youth Christmas Party begins at 12:15 following worship (festive attire encouraged, $5 white elephant gift swap)

REZ 2023

Each year, an event is held for Holston Conference Youth called Resurrection. Our group enjoys time together in a cabin in Pigeon Forge and attends worship sessions throughout the weekend.

This year’s theme is One Faith, One Hope, One Lord. And we’re looking forward to this weekend away. Here are our details:

Earlybird: Due December 4 – $115
Regular: Due December 18 – $135
Event Date: January 20-22, 2023
Location: LeConte Convention Center | Pigeon Forge, TN
Lodging: King of the Mountain Lodge | Hearthside Cabin Rentals

Use the links to register with our group and learn more about Resurrection!

REZ23 Registration

Resurrection Website

 

High School Prayer Breakfast

This year, we are going to rotate locations of our High School Prayer Breakfast. Hopefully, this will allow more students to participate! We will begin after Labor Day. The first two dates & locations are:

  • November 22, Chick-fil-A West Hills, 7:15 AM
  • November 29, Panera Fountain City, 7:20 AM

If you are interested in a prayer breakfast near your neighborhood, let Jenny know!

Parent Sign-Ups

Meal Sign-Ups: Each Sunday, we serve our students breakfast and lunch. 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!

Breakfast Sign-Up

Dinner Sign-Up

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

 

/by

SLA Info 2022

SLA Info

On November 11-13, we are heading to the mountains for a weekend of intention 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.

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 Locust Springs Christian Retreat Center (Greeneville, TN)
Sunday
12:00 — Lunch at Locust Springs
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
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 9.
  • Release Form — Everyone must complete release forms for both Church Street & Locust Springs.  Please use the links below to access them.
  • Rooming — Students will be sleeping in cabins with 8 individuals per room.
  • Sickness Policy — If a student becomes ill while we are at Doe River, we will contact parents and ask that you plan to come and pick them up.

Church Street Youth Annual Release Form

Locust Springs 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 your 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 created a 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.
/by