ON SECOND Thought...
Last month in this space I wrote about the difference between focusing on health and focusing on growth I want to say that right now this congregation is one of the healthiest congregations I have served or worked with in my time as a pastor. It hasn’t always been this way, of course, but over the last 8-10 years we have done some hard work together and it is paying dividends. No congregation is perfect, of course, and there is always room to grow, but I just want to let you all know that –from my perspective – we are in a pretty good place
One area that we have worked hard on in recent years is being very clear about our purpose and designing our organizational structure and ministry around it. Our purpose is slightly different than our vision, which we recite together every communion Sunday. We start to get at our purpose by asking two questions: 1) What business are we in? and 2) How’s business?
Most churches believe they are in the membership business; that our job is to create good church members So if “the membership business” is the answer to question 1, then question 2 must be answered quantitatively by measuring specific benchmarks of success. These usually end up being what are called the ABC’s of church life: Attendance, Building, and Cash. Are worship and other events being attended by a large and growing number of people? Is the building full and sufficient for the congregation’s ministry? Is there plenty of money on hand and is the budget balanced?
Not unlike the Rotary Club, Kiwanis Club, or Country Club, ABC churches expect members to pay their dues, attend the meetings, follow the rules, be on a committee, and come to the special celebrations (Christmas and Easter). In ABC churches ministry happens in the building. More attention is paid to the structure of the church than the spiritual vitality of its members Congregational life is envisioned as a business model, with the pastor being the CEO of the corporation
This is not the goal set for ministry by the Scriptures. Christian churches are not in the membership business; we are in the discipleship business. Jesus tells us in Matthew that we are to go into the world and make disciples. That is our purpose. We are not called to get people to come to church; we are called to take the church into the world.
So if we are in the discipleship business, how do we measure success? By seeing significant growth in the spiritual lives of those who call this church home, regardless of their membership status. Our focus is not on growing the organization, but growing individuals within the organization. Our focus is on fostering relationships, because, biblically, disciples are made and grow through relationships, not programs.
ABC churches prioritize survival of the organization. Disciple-making churches want people to become alive in the fullest sense of the word – filled and refilled with God’s Spirit as we live abundant lives. ABC churches focus on the growth of the organization. Disciplemaking churches care first and foremost about the health and growth of its members and believe that healthy members lead to a healthy organization, no matter the size.
At 2 , we believe that being healthy means being in the discipleship business, focused on the spiritual growth of our members, not the growth of our organization. We have arranged our organizational structure to reflect the discipleship journey: Worship, Connect, Grow, and Go. These are what the leadership teams in our congregation are focused on – providing space to Worship God in spirit and truth to experience the presence of God; Connecting with one another in the community of faith to build significant relationships; Growing and maturing in our faith and knowledge; then Going into the world to join in God’s mission.
Table of Contents Table of Contents
ermon Texts and Topics
We are currently following the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) on Sunday mornings.
February 1st
February 8th
February 15th
February 22nd
1 Corinthians 1: 18-31
Matthew 5: 13-20
1 Corinthians 13: 1-13
Romans 5:12-19
God’s Foolishness
Light of the World
Love
The Gift of Grace
PickupyourJanuary-February UpperRoomDevotionals!
Love Your Neighbor 2026
Love Your Neighbor Knox (www.loveyourneighborknox.org) is a diverse, inter-faith collection of Knoxville houses of worship who unite every February to spread love in our community and remind our neighbors that we have more in common than not and that everyone is worthy of being loved. This is the sixth year we have joined with Love Your Neighbor Knox to highlight a message of love during February by Displaying Love (with banners and signs), Preaching Love (proclaiming a message of love during February), and Serving with Love (collecting for 2nd Harvest Food Bank during their slowest season of the year). We will be a drop-off location for donations to 2nd Harvest and encourage everyone to help feed our hungry neighbors by bringing canned food to share. If you would like a yard sign, there are a limited number available in the church office.
Scout Sunday is February 15th
For over 100 years, Boy Scouts has enjoyed the support of religious organizations. Our own Troop 6 was founded on January 29, 1915 and is the oldest troop in the Great Smoky Mountain Council. Second Presbyterian Church has been the charter organization since 1916. Together we have enriched the spiritual lives of youth for over four generations. We will celebrate this long history of common service together, as members of Troop 6, and their families will join us in worship.
The Annual Congregational Meeting will take place following worship on Sunday, February 8th. The meeting will be held in conjunction with our annual Souper Bowl fundraiser and luncheon. The luncheon and the meeting will take place in Hudson Hall (gym).
An electronic signup sheet has been created so you can sign up to let us know what kind of soup, salad, or dessert you are bringing to share. A link to the signup is on the home page of our website or you can scan the QR Code here. If you don’t want to sign up electronically, just call the church office and let us know. Please bring a recipe card to place in front of your soup, so that members of the congregation can take pictures of the recipes they like. Our young people will be collecting canned goods and/or monetary donations for 2nd Harvest Food Bank
You may also call the church office during business hours and let us know. Attention, kids - wear a jersey, team shirt, or anything "sporty" in the spirit of Super Bowl Sunday!
Don’t forget to bring a recipe card for your soup!
Second’s Winter Weather Policy
We’d like to offer a reminder of our winter weather policies for inclement weather. Please remember to check Realm or the website if you are unsure. If we know of any cancellations, we will post them there.
Sunday Worship: Worship will not be cancelled due to weather, though there may be some last-minute modifications to the worship service. Please use your own discretion, however, in deciding whether to come. Safety is of primary importance; stay home if you don’t feel you can make it here safely. You can always join virtually!
All Other Activities (Choir, Committees, Fellowship, etc.): These will be determined on a case-by-case basis. The chairperson or director will make the call and contact participants. There is always the option of meeting virtually! The church office will be closed only in the event of extreme weather.
Ash Wednesday Service – February 18
The season of Lent begins on Wednesday, February 18th. We will celebrate with a service of Imposition of Ashes in the Sanctuary at 6:00 p.m.
Don’t Miss Out On...
WOME
Our NEXT Food & Friends is February 8th and all college students and young adults are invited to join us at the Souper Bowl luncheon! If you are interested in hosting a future Food & Friends, let Pastor Tim know.
PW continues its Bible Study on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 from 10:15-11:30. All members and visitors are welcome to join for a Hymn Sing with Pastor Tim and Bible Study with Helen Grant. February’s lesson focuses on Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son and his brother as told in Luke 15:11-32. Jesus’ message tells us that God offers grace and love, not because of what we do, but because of who we are beloved children of God. In addition PW will also present a brief report on the news that the Interfaith Health Center has opened a new, large facility on Middlebrook Pike near the Red Cross headquarters. Join us for study, worship and fellowship on Tuesday, February 10, from 10:15-11:30.
ChangetheDate!
The Arts and Crafts group of PW is changing their monthly meeting date from the third Thursday to the FOURTH WEDNESDAY (we will still be meeting at 10:00 a m in room 227 upstairs) This month we will begin making birthday cards to be sent to the congregation. Of course, those who wish may continue to work on making plarn for sleeping mats for homeless neighbors, and others may want to knit or crochet hats The important thing is to come and enjoy the fellowship!
2ND READERS
Second Readers will meet Wednesday, February 18, at 11:30 at the Buckingham Clubhouse. Our book is Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng. Bring your lunch and join us for our discussion of this book.
This is a casual group and all are welcome to join us. Questions, call Margaret Sullivan, 865-363-3967. Hope to see you there!
Prayer Stations Return This Month!
This year during Lent, there will be prayer stations set up in the church. (Stay tuned to find out their exact location!) These prayer stations will be interactive and offer a variety of methods for prayer as well as a range of things to lift up in prayer. They will be open and available for use any time that the church is open, so you can come do them all at once or a couple at a time. And you can come back and do them as many times as you like. We hope this will make for a meaningful Lenten practice for those who participate. The stations will be available beginning on Ash Wednesday, February 18th through Good Friday, April 3rd.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
2/1
2/9 2/11 2/12 2/13 2/14
Lindsay Casey
Neal Peebles
Cameron Kite
Bobbie Denton
Garrett Kite
Becca Kite
2/14 2/16 2/21 2/23 2/24 2/24 2/29
Christina Young
Margaret Walther
Andrew Butler
Leonard Bailey
Doug Barbour
Bill Ragsdale
Haley Wall
IF WE MISSED SOMEONE...HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
PLEASE HELP US UPDATE OUR RECORDS SO WE'LL HAVE YOUR SPECIAL DAY ON FILE.
Our children!
SPC youth and youth alumni gathered during Christmas break for dinner at Olive Garden. A great time of fellowship, good food, and good laughs was had by all!
Pastor’s Bible Study
We are currently studying the Hebrew Bible books of Ezra & Nehemiah. These small but important books (which are a unified book in the Hebrew Scriptures) chronicle the time after the Babylonian exile when the Israelites returned to Jerusalem and what happened when the people rebuilt their lives and their city, restoring hope and purpose to their community.
Dear Second Presbyterian Church, I want to take the time to thank you and express my sincere gratitude for choosing me as a recipient for this scholarship. I grew up in Knoxville, so attending the University of Tennessee has always been my dream. However, during my senior year of high school, I was going through a difficult time, and because of financial challenges, I believed that going to this school would not be possible. Because of your generosity, I can proudly say that I will continue studying animal science as a rising sophomore in the Herbert College of Agriculture at the University of Tennessee. I am a member of the Pre-veterinary Club, Latin American Student Organization, and participate in Vols for Christ and hope to join more clubs in the future. Building friendships and forming new relationships is something I love about UT. Having a sense of community is something that has helped me conquer this new season of life. While studying at UT Knoxville, I hope to keep pursuing animal science and go to veterinary school to attend the College of Veterinary Medicine in hopes of becoming a doctor in veterinary medicine. This scholarship has been a true blessing, so thank you again for your generosity and support for my education.
Sincerely,
Brisa Villatoro
GO Team Report – January 2026
Disbursements:
Presbytery of East Tennessee - $1,300
2nd Pres/Westminster Pres Breakfast for West View Teachers $129 West View Elementary - $1,006. Deposit for 5th grade trip to Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont. This is the initial payment for the spring two-night trip. Funding is from the West View Designated Fund. The session has approved up to $10,000 for this trip as requested by the GO Team.
Activities for January:
Glenn and Barb Lamping traveled to Cuba, taking with them items in need by the people of Cuba. The cost of the items was funded from the GO Team budget. The Lampings report that the over-the-counter medications and personal care items were donated to the Church of the Holy Cross of Jerusalem in Havana during the mission trip to Cuba. Father Mateo was very appreciative, and the items will be given to the people in need around Havana. These donations will allow Father Mateo’s church to be a blessing to the community in great need.
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. The team relies on the generosity of the congregation to fund their efforts and welcomes recommendations for donations and volunteer opportunities. The team welcomes new members who wish to serve. Next meeting is Thursday, February 5 at 1:00pm, in the Barbour room.
West View Supplies Collection Box
This box, located in the atrium, has a current list of supplies needed. Please check the current needs listed at the collection box as they will be updated from time to time.
Family Promise of Knoxville has helped hundreds of families with children experiencing homelessness since its beginning in July, 2005. Knoxville's Family Promise program is one of more than 200 affiliates nationwide, who have assisted thousands of children and adults. Through the support of local churches, Family Promise offers a place of safety, shelter, and certainty by utilizing the space available at its members' churches to provide meals and overnight housing. During the day, adults receive case management services or work, if they are employed. Children and teens are in school, while day care is provided for young children.
Our neighbors at Knoxville First Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 3611 Kingston Pike, will provide dinner and overnight housing for four families e week of February 15-21. Volunteers from SPC will have the honor to serve n evening meal on Wednesday February 18th. The time commitment is 5:30 - 7 PM. In addition, help is needed to ready the house for guests on Sunday the 15th from 4-5 PM and close the house on Sunday the 22nd from noon1 PM. Doug Barbour will coordinate and host dinner on Wednesday and will also be an overnight host that night. Please be in touch with Doug if you are interested in learning more about the responsibilities of the overnight hosts or can help with dinner on Wednesday.
Family Promise believes that every family's future begins with a home, Nearly 90% of families in the program secure affordable housing within nine weeks. While in the program parents are equipped, encouraged, and empowered to pursue their dreams of home-ownership and independence. It is really a wonderful experience to sit with families while they dine, watch them interact with their kiddos, and share stories of their days. It's also rewarding to both ready the space and close it up - as both are done with prayer for each family.
If you are interested, please contact Janis Smith via email or text: smithjb1@gmail.com / (615) 260-7784
We’d love to take this time to thank TuesdayReynolds for her hard work and dedication as our Interim Church Administrator since October. This position requires a great deal of organization, focus, patience, skill, and heart, and Tuesdayhas been such a friendly face in the office for all who visit th building during the week. Though Kathryn has assumed he duties in this role (thanks to Tuesday’s guidance and training), you still maysee Tuesdayin the office from time to time, either to help out or to sayhello. . .and f course, at church on Sundays Thankyou,Tuesday
January 2026 Session Highlights
Elected William Owen to represent 2 at the Presbytery meeting on Saturday, February 14 nd th
Approved the 2026 Budget
Elected Vicki Eleazar as Church Treasurer for 2026
Received the final report of the 2025 Nominating Committee
Approved a $546 expenditure from the Youth Fund to cover the cost of the van rental used for Christmas Caroling
Renewed Sarah Morgan’s contract for another year with a 4% raise
2ND PRES KNOX
WELCOMING + FAITHFUL + HOPEFUL
CLERGYSTAFF
PastorTimReynolds
Pastor/HeadofStaff treynolds@2ndpresorg
PastorSarahMorgan
TransitionalAssociatePastorfor CongregationalLife&Mission smorgan@2ndpres.org
PROGRAMSTAFF
MatthewMimbs
DirectorofMusic&Arts mmimbs@2ndpresorg
HollyGrimm
Children&YouthMinistryCoordinator hgrimm@2ndpres.org
SarahWarner
Organist swarner@bellarmine.edu
SUPPORTSTAFF
KathrynPaden ChurchAdministrator admin@2ndpresorg
PRESCHOOLSTAFF
LindaSueByrd
Director lsbyrd@2ndpresorg
HollyGrimm
AssistantDirector hgrimm@2ndpres.org
CONTACTUS:
SecondPresbyterianChurch
2829KingstonPike
Knoxville,TN37919
Ph.865.523.2189
Fax865.637.2617 www2ndpresorg
ELDERS
CLASS OF 2026
Leonard Bailey
Doug Barbour
Monica Casey
Clara Hardin
CLASS OF 2027
Betsy Foster
John Gill
William Owen
Cheryl Ragsdale
CLASS OF 2028
Geoffrey Kennedy
Kathy Duggan
Lauren Dodson
Cleston Jones
MINISTRY TEAMS & MODERATORS WORSHIP
Betsy Foster
John Gill CONNECT
Geoffrey Kennedy
Cheryl Ragsdale GROW
Monica Casey
Kathy Duggan GO
Leonard Bailey
Clara Hardin
Lauren Dodson SUPPORT
Doug Barbour
William Owen
PRESCHOOL
Cleston Jones