This past month my wife and I were in a production of Stephen Sondheim’s groundbreaking musical Company at the Oak Ridge Playhouse As most of you know, we have a long history of being involved in theater, going way back to before I was in the ministry I was thinking this week about some of the things that I learned in the theater that translate into our spiritual lives.
1. Move with purpose. One of the first things an actor learns is that when you move on the stage, you should move with purpose This means knowing your purpose –the why of your moving – but also moving purposefully –moving with intention
It’s the same thing in our spiritual journeys. Knowing our purpose informs our actions in the world. Being intentional about what we do, how we interact with others, and the way we make our way through the world is not only helpful for us, but people are drawn to that kind of intentionality
2. We share a common goal. Everyone in a theatrical production – from the actors to the spotlight operator to the costumer to the floor crew backstage – are all working towards a common goal, putting together a production to share with the world. The cast and crew would literally not be together if not for their shared common goal and everything they do is part of working towards that shared goal
We, the church community, also share a common goal –to represent the Kingdom of God here on earth The Bible’s word for this is koinonia. It means “fellowship” but “fellowship with a purpose”. Our purpose is not to have good fellowship dinners or great programs or interesting classes. Our purpose is much bigger, grander, and higher than that. We are God’s chosen representatives on earth, meant to share God’s love, grace, and mercy with the world Everything we do together should be part of working towards our shared goal
3. We are servants. This one might surprise you, but the best theaters, the best directors, the best actors have the mindset that their job is to serve the audience This means that every decision – from lighting to sound to blocking to an actor’s choice in saying a line – is geared toward providing a positive experience for the people in the audience. Actors, especially, are to put their egos aside and make decisions that serve the audience, not perform in such a way as to bring them personal glory.
Those of us who follow Jesus are also servants We are called, first and foremost, to serve our God However, God calls us to serve him by serving others Jesus showed us what this looks like and calls us to follow him. This means being a servant to those we are in relationships with. This does not mean we are to be weak; actors can be strong and still serve the audience, just like Jesus was strong and still served those around him It does mean that we are called to be humble, to show grace, to seek what is best for those around us rather than ourselves, and to love our neighbor as we love ourselves
Break a leg!
Grace and peace…
Upcoming Sermon Texts and Topics
Our summer sermon series is Faith in Action: A Journey through James. James is a letter written to encourage and help Christians across the ages face the challenge of putting their faith into action. It has been called the “Proverbs of the New Testament” because it is filled with practical advice about how to live out our lives of faith, both individually and in community.
June 1st
June 8th
June 15th
June 22nd
June 29th
James 1:1-4
James 1:5-11
James 1:12-18
TBD
James 1:19-27
Faith in Action: Real Faith for Real Life
Faith in Action: The Challenge of Faith
Faith in Action: The Snares of the World
Guest Preacher: Rev. Wendy Neff, Executive Presbyter
Faith in Action: The Word at Work
Faith in Action: A Journey Through James
What does it really mean to live out the faith we hold? The Book of James offers one of the most practical and challenging guides in all of Scripture – calling us not just to believe, but to act on our beliefs.
We are currently looking for folks who are interested in serving as a liturgist for worship. Pastor Tim will provide a training this summer and you will be worked into the rotation beginning in September If you are interested in serving in this important role, please email Pastor Tim at treynolds@2ndpres.org. Additionally, Dana Hendrix, who has been serving as a liturgist and scheduling the liturgists is moving to Michigan. If you are interested in creating the liturgist schedule every 3-4 months, please let Pastor Tim know
Summer Worship Change
Beginning June 1st and continuing through Labor Day, the Worship Team is asking everyone to sit in the front half of the sanctuary during worship. Since worship attendance is usually slightly lower during the summer months, we feel this is a good way to encourage togetherness and fellowship. We will be placing a sign in the sanctuary from June-August, and we request everyone sit forward of that sign for our summer worship services. We understand this may be difficult at first for those of you who like to sit in the back, so please think of it as you are still sitting in the back, it’s just that the back has moved up!
Pentecost Offering
The Pentecost offering will be received on Sunday, June 1 and Sunday, June 8 . Pentecost celebrates the renewal of the relationship between God and the community of faith.
40% stays with our congregation to support local ministries with children, youth, and young adults.
25% supports Young Adult Volunteers, serving in communities around the world, and growing as leaders through transformative Christian service.
25% supports Ministries with Youth, including the Presbyterian Youth Triennium.
10% is devoted to children-at-risk and supports efforts to improve education and provide safe havens.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
6/5 6/5 6/7 6/7 6/8 6/10 6/14 6/17
Kim Hudgens
Barbara Lamping
Tim Reynolds
John Henley
Jim Thuesen
Aria Robertson
Mary Alice Callaway
Mike Turner
Jess Tucker
Mary Farmer
Janis Smith
Margie Gill
Bonnie Krabbenhoft
Owen Wall
Lochlan Kennedy
Sherri Lee
IF WE INADVERTENTLY MISSED SOMEONE... HAPPY BIRTHDAY! PLEASE HELP US UPDATE OUR RECORDS SO WE'LL HAVE YOUR SPECIAL DAY ON FILE.
June Picnic
Presbyterian Women is completing its 2025-2026 study year with its annual June picnic on Tuesday, June 10, at the Pavilion at the First United Methodist Church about one mile west of 2nd Church from 11:00-1:00. All 2nd Church members and visitors are welcome!
The Methodist Church has been most generous in sharing its Pavilion behind the church. It sits near the river, is covered and has nearby parking, both standard and handicapped. (The rainy day location option will be in our own Fellowship Hall).
PW will be focusing the program on the Boy Scout Troop which has been in an historic partnership with 2nd Church for over 100 years We have been promised some Celtic entertainment during the picnic’s program!
Second Readers will meet at the Buckingham Clubhouse on Wednesday, June 18. Our book is Switchboard Soldiers by Jennifer Chiaverini. We will meet at 11:30 so bring your lunch and join us for a discussion of this most interesting book about the women who served most effectively facilitating communication during WW1. Questions, call Margaret Sullivan at 865-363-3967. All are welcome and we encourage you to give this group a try
Faith in Action Summer Bible Study
This summer our Bible study will coincide with our summer sermon series, Faith in Action: A Journey through James. Each week we will gather with Pastor Tim to discuss (in more depth) the sermon and study the passage that he preached on the previous Sunday. This is a great chance to delve deeper into the book of James than we are able to do on Sunday morning. The class will meet in the Mary Chambers Room at 10:30 am on Tuesdays in the Barbour Room all summer long. We hope you will join us!
rents and church members who shared their g the week they were learning all about music fferent instruments.
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 hundreds of 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.
The Knoxville First Seventh-Day Adventist Church, our neighbor at 3611 Kingston Pike, provided breakfast, dinner, and overnight housing for four families the week of May 11-18. Volunteers from 2nd Presbyterian were honored to serve the evening meal on Friday, May 17th. Doug Barbour was our chief chef, with Sarah Morgan & Janis Smith assisting. Doug also volunteered to sleep in the house, should any needs arise, and stayed that night. Tara & Charlie Sturdivant and Kirsty Bleyl & Andrew Butler assisted Carolyn Hansen of the Seventh Day Adventist Church and Compassion Coalition to close the house on Sunday, when the guests had departed.
Family Promise believes that every family's future begins with a home and 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.
We will have another opportunity to help serve with members of the SDA Church August 24-31. Please note those dates in your calendar. If you are interested, please contact Kathy Duggan or Janis Smith via email or text.
Kathy: kduggan55@gmail.com / (865) 441-8683
Janis: smithjb1@gmail.com / (615) 260-7784”
GO Team Report – May 2025
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.
The team meets on the first Thursday of each month at 1pm in the Barbour Room. Next meeting June 5.
April Disbursements:
• Presbytery of East Tennessee - $1,150. This will be the monthly disbursement for the year for a total of $13,800.
• Sunset Gap - $3,000. Sunset gap community center is a Christian based organization uniting people of all faiths by providing programs that contribute to the physical, social, economic, and spiritual growth of the people of Cocke and Sevier counties https://sunsetgap weebly com/
• West View Elementary Teacher Appreciation Week Kickoff Breakfast - $450 from West View designated fund.
Volunteer activities for May:
• May 2 – Ten church members attended the Emerald Youth Foundation Breakfast and sat together at the table sponsored by 2nd Pres.
• May 2 – West View Carnival – Volunteers popped and sold popcorn. Many jazzy jars were donated. Eighteen cakes (homemade and bought) were collected and delivered to the school for the cakewalk. In addition, approximately 300 soft drinks were donated This is the main fundraising event for the school
• May 5 – The GO team provided and served breakfast to teachers and staff as the kickoff event for Teacher Appreciation Week at West View.
• May 7 – Three members attended the Compassion Coalition meeting of member churches. The agenda included opportunities for members to be in service to families without housing or other resources.
• May 11 – 18 Family Promise. Volunteers helped host families during the week by preparing the house at the SDA Church, preparing and serving an evening meal, and providing overnight hosts.
• May 30 – The GO team will be providing and serving breakfast to participants in Resource Center programs at Volunteer Ministry Center.
West View Supplies Collection Box – This box located in the atrium has a current list of supplies needed. As a result of generous donations, several deliveries to West View have already been made this year Please check the current needs listed at the collection box as they will be updated from time to time.
GOing and Serving in 2025 – Watch for upcoming volunteer opportunities at VMC, KARM, and Love Kitchen, West View, and others in upcoming weekly newsletters.
Coming up in June and July – Love Kitchen, KARM, and FISH.
New Ministry Team Leadership
With the Class of 2028 taking its place on the Session and the Class of 2025 rolling off, we have new Ministry Team Leadership for the coming year. Below are the elders co-leading each Ministry Team of the congregation. If you have questions or want to find out how to get involved in a particular ministry of the congregation, please reach out to one of the people listed below:
Worship
Connect
Grow
Go
Support
Preschool
Betsy Foster betsyfoster47@gmail com
Cheryl Ragsdale cherylintennessee@yahoo com
Monica Casey monicacasey@bellsouth net
Leonard Bailey lbailey@chartertn net
William Owen wandgowen@aol com
Cleston Jones clesjones@comcast.net
John Gill jwgilljr@bellsouth net
Geoffrey Kennedy geoffrey n kennedy@gmail com
Kathy Duggan kduggan55@gmail com
Clara Hardin cghardin59@gmail com
Doug Barbour dhbar1@gmail com
Lauren Dodson april551960@gmail com
Summer Staff Vacations
Summer means vacation time and family trips, and this year also a sabbatical! Staff members will be out of the office the following dates:
Pastor Sarah will be on sabbatical from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Pastor Tim will be on vacation June 19 -23 . Rev. Wendy Neff, Executive Presbyter for the Presbytery of East Tennessee, will fill the pulpit on Sunday, June 22 . th
nd
Jack Rosamond will be on vacation May 30 – June 9 . th th
Nichole Duran will be on vacation from July 7 to July 17 . th th
Received the Treasurer’s Report. Received reports from the Pre-School and Ministry Teams as
The staff at the Preschool would like to thank you fo served during Teacher Appreciation
Continue to Help Us Be Good Stewards
You have all been doing a great job at turning off the lights if you are the last one to leave the building in the evening. Please keep up the good work! If you are leaving the building and see a light on, please turn it off on your way out, even if you think someone else might be coming later. Thanks for helping us conserve energy and be good stewards of our resources!
10:30 am Faith In Action Bible Study (Barbour Room) 11:00 am Presbyterian Women (First United Methodist) 6:00 p.m. Worship Team (Barbour Room ) 7:00 p.m. Ukirk Basketball
10:30 am Faith In Action Bible Study (Barbour Room) 4:30 pm Connect Team (Barbour) 5:00 pm Facilities Team (Zoom) 7:00 pm: UKirk Basketball 10:30 am Faith In Action Bible Study (Barbour Room) 9:00 a.m. FISH Pantry (Fellowship Hall) 7:00 p.m. Ukirk Basketball (Gym)
10:30 am Faith In Action Bible Study (Barbour Room) 6:00 p.m. Session Meeting (Barbour Room ) 7:00 p.m. Ukirk Basketball (Gym) 5
10:30 am Faith In Action Bible Study (Barbour Room) 4:30 pm Connect Team (Barbour) 5:00 pm Facilities Team (Zoom) 7:00 pm: UKirk Basketball
