November 2022 2nd Edition

A few weeks ago, after I had preached on the Ten Commandments, a worshiper stopped at the door on the way out and asked, “Pastor, do you think that Tennessee football is a false idol?”

My reply: “No there’s nothing false about them this year! They are just regular old idols!”

For those of us who are fans of the University of Tennessee, it’s been a long time since we have been this excited about our football team It seems impossible to believe that we have gone from asking, “Will we qualify for a bowl game?” to “Will we qualify for the College Football Playoffs?” in such a short amount of time. The light we saw at the end of the tunnel last year turned out not to be a train, and people are noticing It’s not just those of us who are long suffering, die hard fans who are noticing that Tennessee’s light is shining brightly this year, either. Pastor Sarah, who doesn’t usually follow football, said she was on her couch watching the game and cheering on the Vols on the 3rd Saturday in October True to her compassionate nature, Sarah told me she was mainly happy and excited for all of her friends who are such fans of the Vols and who have suffered so many disappointments in recent years.

I received 27 texts and emails from people after the victory over Alabama, some of whom I haven’t spoken to in years Some of them said they had to do a Google search to track me down, just to let me know how excited they were for me and other Vols fans

hat describes how Vols fans g g ere is a level of excitement on campus and in this town that is palpable and tangible. The scene in Neyland Stadium following the Alabama game riveted the nation because it was an expression of joy the kind of joy that is contagious

Like Tennessee fans, for many years the Israelites longed for deliverance from adversity. They were not waiting for a winning football season, however; they were waiting for the Messiah the One who would be the Light of the World, the One who would restore them to their mission of being a Light to the Nations, the One who would deliver them from oppression

Of course, when he came, he wasn’t what anyone expected They expected a military and political leader who would help them defeat their bitter rival, the Roman Empire They expected a King who would lead them to first place in the Middle Eastern Conference. They got neither of those things.

Not everyone accepted the Messiah they got But some did And for those who did, the excitement and joy they experienced was palpable and tangible It was so great that we are still talking about it, singing about it, and celebrating it 2,000 years later.

Our Advent theme this year is Light of the World People still walk in darkness People still need to see a great light May they see, through our excitement and joy, the coming of the Light into the world

Grace and peace…

We are

November 6th

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Narrative Lectionary, Year 1.

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DON’T FORGET TO FALL BACK

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a native of Costa Rica. She came to the United States to

her college education. After earning her bachelor’s degree in Arts and

from Calvin University, Marta

to Los Angeles to start her professional career.

as an

moved to Knoxville in 2020 to be close to her sister. Marta is married to Ernie and together they have two beautiful girls, Olivia (4) and Victoria (3). She is also a stepmom to Emily (22) who is a

her

at UTK and Ernie Jr. (20) who joined the Airforce

from High School and is currently overseas. In addition to her new role at our church, she serves as a substitute at

where her

attend.

View from John Knox Center Dining Room Balcony

R E S B Y T E R I A N W O M E N I N T H E

R E S B Y T E R Y O F E A S T T E N N E S S E E

O H N K N O X C E N T E R R E T R E A T

Five Second Presbyterian Church representatives traveled to the John Knox Center (owned by the Presbytery of East Tennessee) near Kingston, Tennessee, for a day’s Presbyterian Women’s Retreat on October 8, 2022 Traditionally, all the individual PW groups in the Presbytery of East Tennessee have a retreat or gathering each fall and each spring.

This fall retreat was the first in person gathering since the

pandemic started. The scenery was lovely, the discussions lively, and our featured speaker, Nancy Dimmock, was inspirational Along with her and her husband’s mission duties, they raised eight children six adopted.

It was a pleasure to renew old friendships with PW association members and learn about the many services that John Knox Center provides to children and adults within our Presbytery year round.

Our Presbyterian Women’s group meets on the second Tuesday of each month.

On November 8,

The year

in the Fellowship Hall

'

Study,

invited!

the New Testament” continues in

the Samaritan woman at the well. John 4:1 42.

Our outreach subject for November will be West View School with either the school

JOIN

the

Coordinator representing the school.

J O H N K N O X C E N T E R H O S T S R E T R E A T

P W N E W S A T S E C O N D C H U R C PH W N E W S A T S E C O N D C H U R C H

SMALL S& MALL S& MALL & MIGHTY MIGHTY MIGHTY

This month’s Small and Mighty event was a hole in one, as 50 youth from 10 churches gathered with their youth leaders and volunteers to take a swing at Top Golf on Sunday, October 16th. Youth and leaders alike had a blast as they played games and ate dinner. It was our biggest Small & Mighty event yet, and we hope to continue the momentum! Churches who were able to join us at TopGolf were Bethel, Erin, Farragut, First Pres (Oak Ridge), First Pres (Knoxville), First Pres (Lenoir City), Fountain City, Highland, Lake Hills, and Second Pres (Knoxville). In collaboration with the MAST Program at Maryville College (Maryville Adventures in Studying Theology), Jessica Lewis brought a slew of Maryville College goodie bags for everyone to take home and some MC gear for raffle prizes to end the event. Thanks to everyone for such a fun night!

Advent ADevotionals dvent Devotionals

Advent begins on Sunday, November 27th. The theme for Advent this year is Light of the World. Advent Devotional Booklets will be available online Wednesday, November 23rd and in the Narthex and the Atrium on Sunday, November 27th. If you are interested in writing a devotion for the Advent Devotional Booklet, please contact Pastor Tim by Friday, November 11th.

The Preschool of 2nd Presbyterian Church had its Fall Musical Production on October 6th.

Missed the in person event? you can still check it out on the church's YouTube archives.

Our Christmas Music Program will be in the Church Sanctuary on December 1st., at 5 :30 p.m.

Preschool Christmas music Pprogram reschool Christmas music program

DAN AND ELIZABETH TURK

Dan and Elizabeth work as advisors to FJKM in the fields of environment and health, respectively.

The FVEE has established a center to help promote fruit growing, especially many of the world’s best varieties of grafted mangos, on a national scale.

The Turks serve with the PC(USA)’s partner church, FJKM, as it ministers to the population in the areas of health, environment, agriculture and safe drinking water. FJKM believes that Christian witness should include ministry both to the physical and spiritual needs of God’s people and care for all of God’s creation.

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Dan works with the FJKM’s Fruits, Vegetables, and Environmental Education (FVEE) project. With per capita income less than $250 per year, many Malagasy people have difficulty feeding their families. Due to ongoing deforestation, many of Madagascar’s endemic plants and animals are threatened with extinction. FJKM is responding to these needs by helping people grow fruits and vegetables to improve their nutrition and get out of poverty. The FVEE promotes environmental awareness by planting native trees at FJKM churches, seminaries and primary and secondary schools Dan helps pastoral students learn to grow fruits and vegetables The new pastors use these skills to help their communities and families achieve improved food security and nutrition.

Elizabeth’s main focus with the FJKM is in the area of community health and HIV/AIDS, especially in training, program design and implementation. The FJKM’s health professionals at rural dispensaries work to prevent and treat the major illnesses that threaten health: malaria, measles, diarrhea and pneumonia. The dispensaries also provide access to important services like family planning. When funds permit, Elizabeth assists the FJKM’s efforts to help communities gain access to safe drinking water Elizabeth also serves on the FJKM National AIDS Committee FJKM trains pastoral students in AIDS prevention and has a youth peer education program designed to help youth live positively according to biblical principles.

Dan and Elizabeth Turk: Co workers. Presbyterian Mission Agency. (n.d.).

October 25, 2022,

Leilla White and her daughter Brenda Lutz made all these hats for children at West View Elementary and Isaiah House and donated them at the October meeting of the Arts and Crafts Circle of Presbyterian Women.

Also, a special thank you to Linda Sue Byrd from the Preschool for her donation of hats.

The hats for Isaiah House were delivered on October 24. Other hats made by members of the Arts and Crafts circle will be given to West View soon.

If you cannot join us on the third Thursday of the month to knit, you can knit from home. We have some new yarn in brighter colors.

We are also working on placemats for the church's Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners!

Those purchasing school coupon books, in addition to those contributing money toward coupon books to be given to parents of children who couldn't afford to buy one or contributing to the discretionary fund of the school, are to be THANKED!!! You have given $1,160 to our adopted school.

CASWELL MANOR

Caswell Manor will be VMC’s second permanent supportive housing site with 48 one bedroom apartments each with a private kitchen and bathroom. Permanent supportive housing works to solve chronic homelessness. Caswell Manor will build on the success of Minvilla Manor to place more people in permanent, stable housing VMC and its community partners will offer all the necessary services to ensure a positive, lasting, and cost effective outcome.

New residents will need basic housekeeping items listed below as they move into their new apartments

Bins are in the Atrium for donation drop off. Donated items should be new.

Questions? Contact Charlotte Klieman at kliemanchar@gmail com or Leonard Bailey at lbailey@chartertn.net

Below is a Wish List for Caswell Manor's 48 apartments to come online soon. Help make our neighbors feel welcome as they move into their NEW HOME!

Kitchen

Pots and pans

Coffee pot

Dishes (set of 4)

Sharp knives

Cutting board

Can opener

Flatware (serve 4)

Glasses (set of 4)

Dish draining rack

Dish towels

Ice trays

Dish detergent

Trash can and bags

Paper towels

Bathroom

Towels and washcloths

Shower curtain/rings

Toilet paper

Toilet brush

Laundry detergent

Laundry basket

All purpose cleaner

Broom and dustpan

Mop and bucket

Bedroom Sheets (twin)

Blanket/comforter

Pillow

clock

STEWARDSHIP DEDICATION SUNDAY

On Sunday, November 20th, during worship, you will have the opportunity to turn in your pledge card for 2023. You will receive a special mailing about this during the first week of November. Copies will also be available in the Atrium and Narthex. If you cannot be present on November 20th, you may turn in your pledge cards to the church office any time during church office hours or fill out a pledge form on the home page of the website (www.2ndpres.org). Your support for the mission and ministry of Second Presbyterian Church is needed and appreciated.

FROM SESSION

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Wall on October 9, 2022.

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in Second Presbyterian Church with

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