7 from Kevin - October 2023
Kevin Jeske-Polyak • September 28, 2023
- Compassion Coalition is a member based organization that exists to help the collective church respond to the "gap needs" that often go unmet in our city. They help Knoxville churches by informing them of needs in Knoxville; equipping them through training; connecting them to areas of need and empowering them to serve in our community. Currently, Compassion Coalition has more than 50 member organizations including groups representing the following faith traditions: Episcopal, Anglican, Baptist, Catholic, Church of Christ, Lutheran, Methodist, Nondenominational, Presbyterian, Reformed, and Seventh Day Adventist.
- By organizing people in congregations and organizations, Justice Knox builds the power of people to successfully hold our community leaders accountable to justice and fairness. The organizing process follows a three step cycle of listening, research, and action. Not one of these elements is more important than another, and each helps us grow, learn, and increase our faithfulness to the Knoxville community. Currently, Justice Knox has more than 20 member organizations including the following: St. James Episcopal Church, Battlefield Farm, Church of the Savior, United Church of Christ, Church Street United Methodist Church, Cokesbury United Methodist Church, Episcopal Church of the Ascension, Episcopal Church of the Good Samaritan, Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, Erin Presbyterian Church, First Baptist Church, Knoxville, First Presbyterian Church, Heska Amuna Synagogue, Commonwealth Church, Messiah Lutheran Church, Mt. Olive Baptist Church, New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, Payne Avenue Missionary Baptist Church, St. John 23rd Catholic Church, Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church, West Knoxville Friends Meeting, and Westminster Presbyterian Church.
- The St. James Handbell Ensemble plays during Sunday worship services about once a month from September through May. Besides playing for the congregation, they participate in handbell festivals, conferences & workshops, and other special events. They play everything from traditional, sacred and hymn tunes, to classical, pop, and just-for-fun arrangements. Currently, the St. James Handbell Ensemble is comprised of members representing the following churches: St. James Episcopal, First Presbyterian Church, Beaver Creek Cumberland Presbyterian, Westminster Presbyterian, Second Presbyterian, Trinity United Methodist, First United Methodist, First Methodist Alcoa, and Church of the Ascension.
- Tyson House is an ecumenical worshiping community located at the University of Tennessee - Knoxville. It's core values include Worship (word and sacrament), Community (affirming and relationship), and Discipleship (faith formation, leadership development, & outreach). The ministry is made possible by the generous financial and relational support of the Episcopal Church and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America.
- The faith community partners of the Volunteer Ministry Center (VMC) are at the very heart of its mission in preventing and ending homelessness in our community, providing financial support, volunteers, and community support for programs and services to serve those experiencing homelessness. VMC Meal Groups prepare and serve a meal a month to 40-50 of our neighbors who are in a case management relationship working to achieve housing. Currently, Volunteer Ministry Center church member organizations represent the following faith traditions: Episcopal, Baptist, Catholic, Latter Day Saints, Lutheran, Methodist, Muslim, Presbyterian, and Unitarian.
- Church partners are so essential to Knox Area Rescue Ministry (KARM) which is Church and Volunteer Rooted. Because serving the poor and needy is a call to the Church and therefore, God’s people, KARM seeks to be a place where His people can use their God-given gifts and talents to fulfill that call. As such, they seek to engage volunteers from local churches in every aspect of the ministry. Currently, KARM has more than 100 member organizations including groups representing the following faith traditions: Episcopal, Baptist, Church of God, Community Church, Interdenominational, Lutheran, Methodist, and Presbyterian, among others.
- The
St. James Prison Ministry Group
offers support to incarcerated neighbors in maximum security by providing visits and mindfulness meditation classes. This support also takes the form of sending books, writing letters, providing blank greeting cards for inmates to maintain contact with loved ones, and helping them plan for their release. Currently, the Prison Ministry consists of neighbors
representing the Episcopal
and Buddhist faith traditions.
Lent is a season when we are particularly called to consider our sins and to amend our ways. Many of the messages we hear in our culture tend to focus on the sins of an individual. The witness of scripture places as much emphasis on corporate sins. In the story of Jonah, the whole city is called to repent. Prophets like Amos deliver the call for all those in power to stop mistreating the poor. In Nehemiah 5, we hear the story of Nehemiah gathering a great assembly to call for the leaders to stop the unfair lending practices harming their community. As faithful people, we are called to consider the ways that our life together touches the lives of others.
I am writing this on the Feast of St. Joseph (March 19). This character in God's salvation story has an intriguing supporting role. He chooses to protect Mary and the expectant child despite the possible scandal. Joseph finds himself fleeing for Egypt to protect the newborn Jesus. We don't otherwise hear much from or about Joseph in scripture. He is a faithful person who sought to follow God in tough situations.
Get ready to jingle all the way to the "Smoky Mountain Ring" - a sensational showcase of talent and community spirit! Join us on Saturday, April 5 @ 4:30 pm at Grace Lutheran Church, (9076 Middlebrook Pike), where The Bells of St. James will be ringing in harmony with several other talented handbell choirs under the expert guidance of clinician Brenda Austin. This vibrant concert is more than just a musical event; it's a heartwarming celebration of connection, inclusivity, and the joy of coming together as a community. We can't wait to see you there!
Friends and Neighbors, We enter the season of Lent. Lent can seem very focused on the individual. For sure, we are called to consider our sinfulness and mortality. We do not stay there, but turn our hearts to God's forgiveness and grace.
Get ready to flip for joy because Shrove Tuesday is THIS TUESDAY (Mar 4)! Join us in the Parish Hall at 6 pm to 8 pm for a delightful evening filled with fluffy buttermilk pancakes and a smorgasbord of toppings that'll make your taste buds dance! Were even bringing out some classic, time-honored shrove pancake recipes that are sure to warm your heart. But wait, theres more! Come hungry and bring your family and friends for a night of fun, laughter, and the chance to snag some awesome door prizes! Trust us, you won't want to miss out on this delicious community gathering. Tickets are flying fast, so grab yours now for just $5 (adults) and $2 (children). And hey, if you're feeling the call to help out, we'd love to have you volunteer! Arrive at 5 pm to help with setup and prep so we can make this event a huge success together! RSVP at THIS LINK today! Remember, this isn't just about pancakes; it's about coming together as a community, sharing joy, and supporting our outreach initiatives.
Friends and Neighbors, I don't want to get too far ahead, but Lent is approaching. The tradition of the Church calls for a time of fasting and repentance. That often involves giving something up or taking something on. I recommend that folks keep it simple and be kind to themselves. We aren't doing these things to earn God's favor. We take up these practices to turn our hearts towards God. This turning of our hearts could be called "devotion".
Friends and Neighbors, We live in a world that bombards us with information. Here I am adding to the mix of ideas and thoughts coming your way. I am reminded of how Jesus often took time to go away to pray. Even without cell phones and constant news, Jesus and those around him were well aware of their world's contentious politics and problems. Jesus spoke to those problems and acted to meet the needs of people. He also empowered his followers to do the same things he did. Jesus took time to pray, teach, and be with folks at meals. Connecting with God and our community nurtures and feed us in the midst of all the demands on our attention.