April 2024 2nd Edition

APRIL 2024

SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH - WWW.2NDPRES.ORG

I don’t know if you noticed, but during Lent not a single Alleluia escaped our lips in worship. Maybe you sneaked one in at home or at work, but here in our sanctuary we didn’t say or sing Alleluia for six straight weeks. That was by design.

Banishing Alleluias in Lent is a custom that dates to the 4th century. There are those Protestants who make the argument that since every Lord’s Day is a “little Easter” it’s okay to keep saying and singing Alleluia, even during Lent. I like abstaining from them, however. It delineates Lent a little more from the time before and after it, and it makes it extra special on Easter Sunday morning when we sing, “Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia!”

Alleluia is one of a handful of Hebrew words we still use in Christian worship, along with Hosanna and Amen. These words have a depth of meaning to them. They are so expressive just as they are that the church has never wanted to translate them. Something would get lost in the translation.

Hosanna – the heart’s cry for salvation and deliverance; save us.

Amen – the word of faith-filled assent; the peoples’ word of affirmation – so be it.

And Alleluia – the shining word of praise; a transporting word that fills earth and heaven.

But not during Lent. Lent is a time of reflection, penitence, prayer, and fasting. Refraining from saying Alleluia during Lent is a form of fasting. We are meant to feel its absence. We are encouraged to long for its return, just as we long for the flowers

to return in the spring and for life to spring forth from death.

I was reading this week about a congregation where the kids made Alleluias out of cardboard and glitter on Ash Wednesday and then locked them away in a box that stayed in the sanctuary through Lent. On Easter Sunday they will open the box and take them out, as if Easter joy has resurrected their Alleluias. (I really like this idea – somebody remind me of it next year so we can do this!)

St. Augustine, the 4th century North African bishop, once said in an Easter sermon, “We are Easter people, and Alleluia is our song.” He went on to explain that being Easter people means that our faith in Jesus Christ, Crucified and Risen, must be lived out in the way we speak, think, and act, and that since Alleluia is the song we will sing forever in paradise, we need to train for it now by singing it a lot on earth. He also said that Alleluia is a song we don’t even have to voice; as long as we live justly, our lives will sing it for us.

Alleluia is our defining song. As believers, it’s unnatural for us not to sing it. So, after six weeks of silence, may you sing as many Alleluias as you can, as often as you can. May the world be alerted by their joyful sound and proliferation to what Easter has done for us – the indestructible hope it’s given us, the love we have experienced, and the promise of everlasting life. May everyone who hears our Alleluias be invited into that same hope, that same love, that same new life, for we are Easter people, and Alleluia is our song!

Grace and peace…

WORSHIP

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CONNECT

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GROW

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SUPPORT

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During Lent, we examined Jesus’ Most Pointed Questions in worship. As we move into the Easter season we are still going to be focused on questions – our own.

From Easter until Pentecost (May 19th), Pastors Tim and Sarah will be looking at some of the importantt faith questions that we have, questions such as: Is it okay to question God? What does it mean to be born again? Why does God allow so much suffering? Join us on Sundays in April and May for Our Most Critical Questions.

April 7th

Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21

Our Most Critical Questions: Is It Okay to Question God?

April 14th

Matthew 4:1-11

Our Most Critical Questions: What Do We Do When We Face Temptations?

April 21st

John 3:1-18

Our Most Critical Questions: What Does It Mean to be Born Again?

April 28th

John 4:5-42

Our Most Critical Questions: How Do We Talk to Others About God?

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04.01 DAVID HORNE 04.04 MATT CASEY 04.06 LAUREN DODSON 04.07 DEAN FARMER 04.10 MARTA VILLALTA 04.10 SARAH JONES

04.22 FAYE PENMORE 04.23 DICK DODSON 04.23 DALE HENLEY 04.24 ANNE ARMSTRONG 04.25 TRACY HORTON 04.28 ANN SIMPSON

04.11 NATALIE PRUITT 04.13 JULIE HILL 04.15 MARY HOWARD 04.19 GINNY WILLIAMS 04.19 LAURA TURNER 04.21 GERALD COOK

IF WE INADVERTENTLY MISSED SOMEONE...HAPPY BIRTHDAY! PLEASE HELP US UPDATE OUR RECORDS SO WE'LL HAVE YOUR SPECIAL DAY ON FILE.

Congratulations to Neal Henley

for setting a Hardin Valley Academy school record for indoor shot put. He also qualified for and competed in the Nike Indoor Nationals track meet in New York City in March. Neil looks forward to the outdoor track season and setting more school records.

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PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN OFFER APRIL OPPORTUNITIES Presbyterian Women will hold its April meeting on Tuesday, April 9, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Our mission speaker will be Kristi Whitehead, the director of Isaiah 117 House for Knox County. Whitehead spoke to PW over a year ago when the Knox County chapter of Isaiah House was just getting started. She agreed to return to report on the progress the organization is making in providing a temporary sanctuary for children in crisis and separated from their parents.

The Bible Study will feature a gentile woman (loving the Jewish God), wealthy and powerful in some ways but marginalized for gender in the Jewish culture. REMEMBER—All church members and visitors, both genders, are welcome to join us in study, worship, and fellowship!

Consider attending a Presbytery-wide meeting of PWs in Chattanooga on Saturday, April 20, 2024. Consider applying to attend the national PW meeting in St. Louis on August 8-11, 2024. Ask Helen Grant or Mary Farmer about scholarships for this once-every-three-year event.

nd PRESBYTERIAN DISCOVERY LUNCHEON

If you are interested in joining 2nd Presbyterian Church, know someone who is, or just want to know more about being Presbyterian, we invite you to come to our Discovery Luncheon following worship on Sunday, April 28th. Pastor Tim will lead us in learning about the Presbyterian Church, the Reformed Tradition, and 2nd Presbyterian Church.

Following the luncheon, those wishing to unite with this congregation in membership will be given the opportunity to do so. There is no cost for the lunch, but we do ask that you make a reservation in advance by calling the church office or registering with the QR code by Thursday, April 25th at noon.

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Second Readers will meet Wednesday, April 10, at 11:30 a.m. at the Buckingham Clubhouse.

Our book is Still Life by Louise Penny.

Charlotte will lead our discussion.

Bring your lunch and join us!

For questions, call Margaret Sullivan at 865-363-3967.

2ND WEDNESDAY

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Our next 2nd Wednesday Dinner program will be on April 10th Join us on April 10th as KARM’s Pastor Mychal Spence joins us to lead us in an exploration of the organization’s programs which reach out to help the homeless and hurting both inside and outside the ministry’s walls. Dinner will be catered by members of KARM’s Abundant Life Catering program which trains chefs and others who will be working in the restaurant industry, and will include pot roast, sautéed green beans, green salad, yeast rolls, and assorted cookies for dessert. (Voluntary donations are appreciated).

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TEAM REPORT The GO Team is responsible for extending the ministry of 2nd Presbyterian beyond the church both locally and globally through financial donations and volunteer activities. They rely on the generosity of the congregation to fund their efforts and welcome recommendations for donations and volunteer opportunities.

February Disbursements: Presbytery of East Tennessee - $1,100.

Maryville College Scholarship - $2,500. Maryville College Scholarship: Our scholarship is a Church and College Fellowship scholarship awarded to a first-year or transfer student who is an active member of a Presbyterian USA or Cumberland Presbyterian church. Recipients provide three hours weekly in volunteer service in a church, giving help and learning church leadership.

Montreat Conference Center - $2,000. Barn Update Fund. For renovations to the Barn including bathrooms, floors, ventilation, lighting, sound system, a new stage, and more.

Camp John Knox - $1,500. General Donation.

Men of Valor (Valor Way Knoxville) - $1,000. Men of Valor is committed to winning men in prison to Jesus Christ and discipling them. The purpose is to equip them to re-enter society as men of integrity – becoming givers to the community rather than takers.

Volunteer Ministry Center - $1,300. Allocation to fund the costs of four breakfasts provided and served at the VMC Resource Center during 2024.

West View Elementary School - $150. Allocated for food and supplies for the celebration of being named a Reward 24 school.

Volunteer activities for March: March 19 – Volunteers hosted an after-school celebration for about 50 teachers and staff at West View Elementary. This celebration was in recognition of being named a Reward 24 School.

March 29 – Volunteers to provide and serve Chick-Fil-A breakfasts in the Volunteer Ministry Center Resource Center.

GOing and Serving in 2024 – Watch for upcoming volunteer opportunities at VMC, KARM, and Love Kitchen, 8 West View, and others in upcoming weekly newsletters. Coming up in April and May – KARM and VMC.

West View Elementary School is looking for volunteers for their Carnival on May 3, from 4:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m., set up beginning at 3:00 p.m., clean-up happening from 7:00-7:30 p.m. They need: Volunteers to assist in staffing booths with teachers (2nd will be in charge of the popcorn booth, so we'll need volunteers for that too).

Volunteers to circulate and give breaks to those staffing booths.

Volunteers to show up and do whatever is needed.

If you are not able to volunteer but still want to help, they also need: Concession items: individual packages of chips, cookies, etc.

Cakes for the cakewalk.

Jazzy Jars (jars of any size filled with items kids will like - legos, gumballs, small plastic animals, candy, etc.)

Gift baskets and/or gift cards for their silent auction.

If you are interested in volunteering, donating items or have any questions, feel free to contact Pastor Sarah Morgan, smorgan@2ndpres.org or Leonard Bailey, lbailey@chartertn.net

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HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE MARCH STATED SESSION MEETING AND MARCH CONGREGATIONAL MEETING Received the Treasurer’s Report.

Received reports from the Preschool and Ministry Teams as information.

The Congregation elected Elizabeth Peebles and Doug Mathews to the 20242025 Nominating Committee.

Approved a Sabbatical for Sarah Morgan in 2025.

OFFICE CLOSINGS & STAFF VACATIONS

The Church Office will be closed on Easter Monday, April 1st.

Pastor Tim will be out of the office on vacation from Tuesday, April 2nd through Saturday, April 6th.

FEBRUARY

YTD 2024

BUDGET 2024

TOTAL GIFTS

$97,903.70

$264,497.94

$833,965.00

TOTAL EXPENSES

$63,546.48

$120,454.86

$841,294.00

EXCESS (SHORTAGE)

$34,357.22

$144,043.08

( $ 7,329)

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9:15 a.m. Choir Practice 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Faith, Science & The Future Class (Barbour Room) 10:30 a.m. Worship 10:45 a.m. Childrens Church 11:30 a.m. Discovery Luncheon (Mary Chambers Room)

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5:30 p.m. Preschool Staff Small Group (Youth Room)

5:30 p.m. Preschool Staff Small Group (Youth Room)

10:00 a.m. Staff meeting (Barbour Room) 5:30 p.m. Preschool Staff Small Group (Youth Room)

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23 9 a.m. Fish Pantry (Fellowship Hall) 1 p.m. GROW Team meeting (Zoom)

6 p.m. Session meeting (Barbour Room)

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10:00 a.m. Presbyterian Women (Fellowship Hall) 6 p.m. Worship Team (Barbour Room)

5:30 p.m. Preschool Staff Small Group (Youth Room)

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2 4:30 p.m. CONNECT Team (Barbour Room) 5:00 p.m. Facilities Support Team (Zoom)

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3 p.m. Budget Finance Suppport Team (Zoom) 5:30 p.m. Vision Task Force (Barbour Room)

CHURCH CLOSED Easter Monday

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9:15 a.m. Brunch 9:15 a.m. Choir Practice 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Faith, Science & The Future Class (Barbour Room) 10:30 a.m. Worship 10:45 a.m. Childrens Church

9:15 a.m. Choir Practice 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Faith, Science & The Future Class (Barbour Room) 10:30 a.m. Worship 10:45 a.m. Childrens Church

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9:15 a.m. Choir Practice 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Faith, Science & The Future Class (Barbour Room) 10:30 a.m. Worship 10:45 a.m. Childrens Church

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S U N

2 p.m. Compassionate Cuisine (Atrium)

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10 a.m. REALM Leaders Training (Small Conference Rm) 10 a.m. West View Partner Coalition (Barbour Room) 6:30 p.m. Bible Study(Library)

9:30 a.m. REALM Class (Small Conference Room) 2 p.m. Compassionate Cuisine (Atrium) 6:30 p.m. Bible Study (Library)

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11:30 a.m. 2nd Readers Book Club (Buckingham Clubhouse) 6:00 p.m. 2nd Wednesday Dinner & Program (Fellowship Hall) 7 p.m. Choir Practice (Sanct.)

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W E D

(Room 227) 12 noon Realm Class (Small Conf Rm) 6 p.m. Preschool Board Mtg (Zoom)

1 p.m. GO Team Mtg (Barbour Rm)

T H U

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12 noon REALM Leaders Training (Small Conference Room)

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18 10 a.m. Arts & Crafts

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4 p.m. Deadline for 2nd Edition Newsletter

S A T

2ND PRES KNOX

WELCOMING + FAITHFUL + HOPEFUL

THE SECOND EDITION SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 2829 KINGSTON PIKE KNOXVILLE, TN 37919

CLERGY STAFF Pastor Tim Reynolds Pastor/Head of Staff treynolds@2ndpres.org Pastor Sarah Morgan Transitional Associate Pastor for Congregational Life & Mission smorgan@2ndpres.org PROGRAM STAFF Matthew Mimbs Director of Music & Arts mmimbs@2ndpres.org John Lasater Organist jdlasater77@gmail.com Holly Grimm Children & Youth Ministry Coordinator hgrimm@2ndpres.org SUPPORT STAFF Bonnie Smith Church Administrator bsmith@2ndpres.org Marta P. Villalta Media & Communications Coordinator mvillalta@2ndpres.org Julie Hill Receptionist 2ndpresJulie@gmail.com PRESCHOOL STAFF Linda Sue Byrd Director lsbyrd@2ndpres.org Holly Grimm Assistant Director hgrimm@2ndpres.org -------------------------------------------------------CONTACT US: Second Presbyterian Church 2829 Kingston Pike Knoxville, TN 37919 Ph. 865.523.2189 Fax 865.637.2617 www.2ndpres.org

Responding in gratitude to God's love and grace, we are a welcoming, faithful, and hopeful community, following Jesus and serving him in the world.

ELDERS

MINISTRY TEAMS & MODERATORS

CLASS OF 2024 Ileen Cheek Joe Clarke Angela Jones Mary Kay Sullivan

WORSHIP Ileen Cheek Elizabeth Seastrunk

CLASS OF 2025 Zachary Burch Lisa Henley Elizabeth Seastrunk Terry Weaver CLASS OF 2026 Leonard Bailey Doug Barbour Monica Casey Clara Hardin

CONNECT Joe Clark Terry Weaver GROW Zach Burch Monica Casey GO Leonard Bailey Clara Hardin SUPPORT Mary Kay Sullivan Angela Jones Doug Barbour PRESCHOOL Lisa Henley