04.23 2ND EDITION

Have you heard of ChatGPT?

processing tool driven by AI technology that produces human-like conversations to answer questions and assist people with tasks such as composing emails or essays. Reviewers have called it extremely sophisticated. Harvard Business Review calls it a tipping point for AI. University professors say it’s changing how college coursework is done.

ChatGPT works by responding to a prompt. Ask it a question, it will answer the question. Tell it to write something, it will write something. So I thought I’d give it a whirl. I put in – “Write a newsletter article about Easter and Resurrection.” This is what I got…

As Easter approaches, it's a time to reflect on the significance of the holiday and what it represents to Christians around the world. Easter is a celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, an event that is at the very heart of the Christian faith.

The resurrection is the cornerstone of Christian belief, the moment when Jesus rose from the dead, three days after his crucifixion. This event is recorded in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, and it is a central tenet of Christian theology. The resurrection is seen as proof that Jesus was indeed the Son of God, and it is the basis for the hope of eternal life for all believers.

So far, I’m not that impressed. This sounds like a dry high school essay.

For Christians, the resurrection is a symbol of new life and new beginnings. It represents the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and life over death. It is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope and a chance for redemption.

Christians to come together and celebrate this event with their families and communities. It is a time to reflect on the meaning of the resurrection and to give thanks for the sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross. It is also a time to share the message of hope and love with others, and to reach out to those who may be in need.

Getting better, but still just explaining what Easter is…

In a world that can often feel dark and hopeless, the message of Easter is more important than ever. It reminds us that even in the face of adversity, there is always the possibility of new beginnings and a brighter future. It is a message that resonates with people of all ages and backgrounds, and it is a testament to the power of faith and the enduring message of love.

So as we celebrate Easter this year, let us remember the true meaning of the holiday and the hope that it brings. Let us come together in faith and love, and let us share the message of the resurrection with those around us. May this Easter be a time of renewal and joy, and may we all be blessed with the hope and promise of new beginnings.

Whoah…that’s really good. Even Artificial Intelligence knows the power and import of Easter for our world today! Amen!

Happy Easter to you all!

That’s how ChatGPT signed off. Not bad. But you know I always prefer…

Grace and peace…

The Narrative Lectionary takes us through the end of Matthew as we enter the Easter season, then moves into Acts during the last two weeks of the month. For those of you who were with us last year for our journey through the entire book of Acts, don’t worry! There are only two passages from Acts before we move into Romans in May.

2nd 6 th 9th 16th 23rd 30th

MATTHEW 21: 1-17

JESUS' TRIUMPHAL ENTRY

PALM SUNDAY

MATTHEW 26: 17-30; 27:27-61

MATTHEW 28: 1-10

THE LAST SUPPER & CRUCIFIXION

MAUNDY THURSDAY

THE RESURRECTION EASTER

MATTHEW 28: 16-20

THE GREAT COMMISSION

ACTS 10: 1-17, 34-38

ACTS 13: 1-3; 14:8-18

PETER'S VISION

PAUL'S MISSION

5th SUNDAY WORSHIP IN FELLOWSHIP HALL

Sanctuary Sanctuary

A service of communion ending with Tenebrae.

Sacred Heart Cathedral

This service is presented by the Bearden Area Ministerial Association

The children will gather in the Narthex prior to the service to receive palms and then parade through the sanctuary during the singing of the 1st hymn

On Thursday, April 6th we will celebrate the sacrament of communion at a service commemorating Maundy Thursday. “Maundy” comes from the Latin word maundatum, which means “commandment”. It refers to the Last Supper when Jesus, after washing the disciples’ feet, instructs them, “I give you a new commandment. As I have done for you, you also should do for one another.”

The service will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary and will last approximately an hour. We will journey with Jesus from Table to Trial.

Everyone is invited to take part in our annual “Flowering of the Cross” on Easter Sunday morning! Bring flowers from your yard, garden, store, or even the side of the road with you to worship. Then on Easter Sunday morning prior to the service, come and place your flowers on the cross as you enter the sanctuary before you take your seat. Following the service (weather permitting), our Fellowship Time will be outside in the courtyard between the sanctuary and chapel, and the flowered cross will be placed there for all to see.

On Sunday, April 16th, we will celebrate our Presbyterian Scottish heritage with a Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan Service during worship April 16th is also the date of the Battle of Culloden, the final battle of the Jacobite rising of 1745, in which British troops ultimately defeated the Scottish Highlanders who wished to restore a Stuart to both the British and Scottish thrones

The Kirkin’ o’ the Tartans was created by Dr. Peter Marshall on April 27, 1941, at the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church, Washington, D.C. In those dark days for Britain in World War II, Dr. Marshall, pastor of the church and twice chaplain of the United States Senate wanted to raise funds for British War Relief and revitalize the pride of Scottish Americans in their heritage.

Our next 5th Sunday Worship in the Fellowship Hall is on Sunday, April 30th! Worship that day will be a little less formal th

Let’s do brunch!

Join us before church at 9:15 am on Palm Sunday (April 2) in the Fellowship Hall and get the day started right!

Please bring a favorite breakfast casserole, pastry, or fruit. The church will provide coffee and drinks. We have some great cooks at Second and we know you’ll want to attend!

Friends and guests are welcome.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Easter Sunday Fellowship Time

Our post-worship Fellowship Time on Easter Sunday will be in the Sanctuary Courtyard (between the sanctuary and the chapel), weather permitting.

WE’RE HAVING LUNCH WE’RE HAVING LUNCH WE’RE HAVING LUNCH TOGETHER AND HONORING TOGETHER AND HONORING TOGETHER AND HONORING OUR SPRING GRADUATES! OUR SPRING GRADUATES! OUR SPRING GRADUATES!

Please join us in the Fellowship Hall immediately after worship on April 30th for lunch and a celebration of Second’s graduates.

All are invited, including guests. No need to bring anything except yourself and your appetite!

We’ll see you there!

CompassionateCuisine CompassionateCuisine

AT WORK AT SECOND

At the Presbyterian Women’s meeting on March 14, 2023, Leslie Matthews provided a report on the mission outreach of the Compassionate Cuisine group at Second Presbyterian Church. She explained that the outreach program began during the pandemic years when many church activities wereonhiatusorgreatlylimited.

Compassionate Cuisine has now evolved into a small core of folks who gather and deliver carry-out meals twice a month (the first and third Wednesdays of the month) to both church members and non-members who may be homebound or have limited access to balanced meals Leslie coordinates the planned menus, the preparation, and the delivery of food. Members of the team either prepare or purchase enough food for the portions needed for each day. The team gathers at the church, divides the selected foods into appropriate portions, packages the food, and delivers itthatafternoon

The group is faithful to their tasks but would welcome others who would

RESBYTERIAN WOMEN PRESENT RESBYTERIAN WOMEN PRESENT APRIL PROGRAM APRIL PROGRAM

Presbyterian Women will meet the second Tuesday, April 11 from 10-11:30 a.m., in the Fellowship Hall. All church members and visitors are welcome.

A Men of Valor representative will present a program about its local effort working with men newly released from prison. (Genevieve Turner recently gave a brief mission, statement at a worship service at Second Church about Men of Valor). To quote from their literature, “Men of Valor is committed to winning men in prison to Jesus Christ. Our purpose is to equip them to enter society as men of integrity becoming givers to the community instead of takers”. The organization is dedicated to saving lives and reducing the high percentage of recidivism among released prisoners. More information about Men of Valor can be found by visiting their website at men-of-valor.org

PW continues its year-long Bible study about gentiles converted to the Way in the first century The subject for April 11 features the story of Lydia who was a very well-to-do trader of purple-dyed goods in Philippi and became an active convert to the Way from the teaching of Paul on his second missionary journey (Acts 16:11-40).

SECOND readers

APRIL 12 at 11:30 a.m.

APRIL 12 at 11:30 a.m.

APRIL 12 at 11:30 a.m.

Buckingham Clubhouse Buckingham Clubhouse Buckingham Clubhouse

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP

Grief and loss are part of the human experience At some point in our lives, we will all have to navigate the grieving process. Some may experience a health crisis, causing a limit that changes their physical and emotional activity. Many experience loss through the death of a loved one or a close relationship. Caregivers also experience a need for help and contact when dealing with long-term care for someone Margaret Walther, drawing on her years of experience as a nurse and caregiver, is starting a support group here at Second Pres. to address some of these issues The group is meant to offer encouragement and provide information and resources on many topics, including but not limited to Hospice.

Please join us for an interest meeting on April 20, 2023, at 10:30 a.m., in the church library

For more information contact Margaret Walther at (513) 716-7714

GRADUATION TIME IS HERE!

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The CONNECT TEAM is hosting a Gra worshiponApril30th.Thecongregation

BeginninginApriltherewillbebaskets graduate’snameforthecongregationto Giftcardsarealsoaccepted.

Brooke Frohlich, church member and choir member, will graduate on May 19th from the University of Tennessee with a Master of Science in Social Work. She will also be receiving her Trauma Treatment Certificate. She plans to work as a therapist. Brooke will be married on May 27th and will live in Greeneville after the wedding.

Max Jones is graduating from Pellissippi Community College this May with a degree in Criminal Justice. Max will be working for the Knoxville Police Department while he continues to get his Bachelor’s degree. On May 13th he will be marrying Emma Ryan.

Seth Reynolds will graduate from the University of Tennessee with a major in Journalism and Electronic Media and a minor in Cinema Studies. Seth is currently interning with Jupiter Entertainment working on the show “Snapped!” After college, he plans to stay in Knoxville and find work in the Video Production field.

Lily Reynolds is graduating from Bearden High School. She will continue her education at Austin Peay State University. She plans to major in theater and either major or minor in medicine for a physician’s assistant. Lily’s interests are singing, dancing, babysitting, performing, and reading.

Will Pruitt is graduating from the University of Tennessee with a BS in Economics. He has a minor in Music Business and Music Composition.

Join our Youth Group as they host our Annual Easter Egg Hunt. Easter Sunday at 9:45 a.m. in the preschool playground area for our youngest disciples.

All families with young children are invited to participate

WEST VIEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

BREAKFAST FOR TEACHERS AND STAFF

On Monday, March 20, the GO Team provided and served breakfast from Chick-Fila-A for the teachers and staff at Westview Elementary School. The breakfast was to welcome them back from spring break and show appreciation for what they do every day for the kids

The picture includes those in the team as well as Westview Principal Amy Brace.

Second Pres supports Westview in many ways during the year.

Coming up in May is the Westview Carnival!

The Second Pres Go Team will be hosting a table for 10 at the Tuesday, April 25, Men of Valor Annual Breakfast. This breakfast is the main fundraiser for MOV. Breakfast will be at The Press Room on Broadway beginning at 7:00 and ending promptly at 8:30. Randy Boyd will be the guest speaker. There will be other speakers from the MOV program and testimonials.

Men of Valor which has been established at Valor Ridge in Nashville for 25 years has recently opened its Valor Way facility in Knoxville that houses men recently released from incarceration in Tennessee. While at Valor Way, men engage in in-depth Bible study as well as mentoring, goal setting, money management, job interview skills, job placement, and individual and group counseling. Evidence of the success of the program is that for those who complete the one-year program recidivism is reduced from the average in Tennessee of 70% to 15%.

MOV also focuses on problems caused for the families of prisoners which are especially important as 7 out of 10 children of prisoners will also be incarcerated at some point in their life. MOV programs begin while men are incarcerated and continue after release for those accepted into the program.

More information about Men of Valor may be found at www.men-of-valor.org

If you are interested in attending the breakfast, please contact Leonard Bailey by April 13 by phone or text at (865)207-4947 or by email at lbailey@chartertn.net

The One Great Hour of Sharing Offering will be received on Palm Sunday, April 2, and Easter Sunday, April 9

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance

Presbyterian Hunger Program Self-Development of People

Please write One Great Hour of Sharing on your check and place it in the offering or mail to the Church Office

Do you need help around your house? Yard work?

Cleaning? Neal Henley is available! Neal is raising money to attend Young Life camp this summer since the youth trip to Montreat conflicts with his football commitments.

If you would like to hire Neal, please contact him at (865) 209-7176.

ONLINE GIVING AVAILABLE BEGINNING APRIL 1ST

Second Presbyterian Church is pleased to announce that online giving is now available for those who wish to utilize this method of giving. Online giving is not replacing other forms of giving but is being offered in addition to what we currently have. You may continue to give in whatever manner you have been giving, or you may wish to utilize online giving It’s your call! We are offering it mainly as a way for visitors who do not carry cash or virtual worshipers in other parts of the country to have an avenue for supporting our mission and ministry. Information about online giving will be included in the bulletin each week and in pew cards placed in the pew racks

There are several different ways to give online:

Website: Go to the home page of our website (2ndpres.org), click the “Give” tab at the top right of the page, and follow the prompts

Text: Simply text 2ndPresKnox to 73256 and follow the prompts. (73256 spells “Realm”, a new communication app that you will hear more about this summer )

QR Code: Scan the QR Code with your phone’s camera and it will take you to the online giving portal where you can follow the prompts.

Please note: The company we are using to provide online giving charges a processing fee per transaction (1% for bank account debits, 3% for credit card charges) Those who choose to give electronically will have the option of whether to include the processing fee as part of their gift or to ask that the church pay the processing fee.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE FEBRUARY ELECTRONIC MEETING AND MARCH 2023 STATED SESSION MEETING

Received reports from the Preschool and Ministry Teams as information.

Received the Treasurer’s Report.

Approved the recommendation of the Facilities Committee to use Fund 23 Building and Grounds to pay for lighting refurbishment in the driveway and parking lot done by Massey Electric for $15,380.

Approved the request from Zach Burch and Ginny Williams for the baptism of their son, Brentley, on Sunday, March 12, 2023.

FEBRUARY BUDGET REPORT

8:30 a.m. WORK DAY

GOOD FRIDAY (Church Closed)

12:00 p.m. Lenten Book Study (Barbour Room) 1:00 p.m . GO team (Barbour Room) 7:00 p.m. Maundy Thursday Service (Sanctuary)

2 p.m. Compassionate Cuisine (Atrium)

4:30 p.m. CONNECT team (Barbour Room)

11:30 a.m. 2nd Readers Book Club (Buckingham Clubhouse) 6:00 p.m. Worship Team (Barbour Room)

10:00 a.m. Arts & Crafts (Room 227) 10:00 a.m. Grief Support Group (Library)

2 p.m. Compassionate Cuisine (Atrium)

5:00 p.m . Facilities Support Team (Zoom) 9:30 a.m. Presbyterian Women (Fellowship Hall) 6:00 p.m. Worship Team (Barbour Room) 6:00 p.m. Session Meeting (Barbour Room)

Room) EASTER MONDAY (Church Closed) 6 p.m. GROW team (Zoom) 10:00 a.m. Staff Meeting (Barbour Room) 12:00 p.m. Preschool Board Meeting (Zoom)

4:00 p.m. Deadline for 2nd Edition Newsletter

4:00 p.m. Preschool Staff Meeting and Dinner (Mary Chambers) a

9 a.m. Fish Pantry (Fellowship Hall)

3 p.m. Budget Finance Support Team 2022 (Barbour Room) 6 p.m. Sara Woodard Mission Report (Fellowship Hall)

T h e e v e n t s i n c l u d e d i n t h i s c a l e n d a r w i l l t a k e p l a c e a s l i s t e d i f w e a r e i n C O V I D P h a s e G r e e n o r Y e l l o w , B U T N O T i f R e d . P l e a s e s e e t h e h o m e p a g e & c a l e n d a r o n o u r w e b s i t e , 2 n d p r e s . o r g w i t h u pt od a t e i n f o r m a t i o n o n C O V I D P h a s e c h a n g e s a n d n e w c r i t e r i a , a s w e l l a s r e a lt i m e c a l e n d a r u p d a t e s .