NOVEMBER 2ND EDITION 2025 WEB by 2ndPresKnox

SECOND EDITION

ON SECOND Thought...

These are anxious times. Every day there seems to be another crisis, another violation of a long-established norm, another news story or social media post to be angry about Inflation is up 3% just in the last month Grocery prices are also up 3% over last year Beef prices are at an all-time high. The price of coffee is up 21%, while electricity bills are up 10%. The average price of a new car surpassed $50,000 for the first time in September. Healthcare costs are about to triple. And as of this writing, SNAP benefits will not be available after November 1 This means 690,000 Tennesseans will have difficulty putting food on the table st

To make things more complicated, it’s almost Thanksgiving There will be many who will not be able to afford a Thanksgiving meal this year. There will be many who will not be celebrating because a family member or loved one has been deported or is being detained. There will be many who will wonder how to even celebrate Thanksgiving when there is so much turmoil in our land There are many who are struggling to find something to be thankful for right now

Even in non-anxious times, the Thanksgiving holiday can be complicated for many Some struggle because they are far from family and want to be closer. Some struggle because family is closer and they want them to be farther away. Then there are those who don’t have much family to begin with, or those who are grieving the loss of a family member this time of year. Even those who are close to family both physically and emotionally may not relish the table conversation during these divisive times

In his letter to the Philippians, the Apostle Paul says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:6-7)

Paul reminds us to give thanks, even in the less than thankful moments, even in less than certain times It isn’t that he’s asking us to be thankful because we are anxious; he’s not even saying that thankfulness is the solution to anxiety What he does seem to be assuming is that even when we are anxious because of all the aforementioned issues, we can still find something to be thankful for. We can still live grateful lives with grateful hearts.

For what? Most people would say something like friends, family, chocolate, or Rick Barnes As wonderful as these things may be, however, these things do not endure We will say goodbye to our loved ones at some point and Rick Barnes will one day retire Chocolate may outlast us, but our ability to enjoy sadly comes to an end at some point. So, what is something that we can unreservedly give thanks for, even when we are anxious or don’t know what there is to be thankful for?

I think it’s this. Despite all our anxiety, frustration, fear, outrage, worry, anger, despair, or any of the other things we might currently be feeling, God is in control It may not always seem like it, it may not always feel like it, it may not always be obvious to us, but it is something we affirm. The Bible teaches it, history reveals it, and we can trust that it is true. God has done the enduring work of redemption in Christ Jesus, in which we find hope. God promises that, even now, he is working to bring about justice and that all things work together for good for those who love God

When we affirm this, when we believe this, we become people who find peace beyond understanding in the midst of any circumstance, no matter how dire We become grateful people who are able to say God’s steadfast love endures forever. Happy Thanksgiving!

Grace and peace…

Upcoming Sermon Texts and Topics

We are currently following the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) on Sunday mornings. The RCL is a widely used three-year cycle of Bible readings for use in Christian worship, designed for use by various denominations. It provides a structured way to engage with Scripture throughout the liturgical year, encompassing major festivals and seasons, and provides a common set of readings from Scripture that Christians across the world hear together.

November 2nd

November 9th

November 16th

November 23rd

November 30th

Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4

2 Thess. 2:1-5, 13-17

Isaiah 65:17-25

Luke 23:33-43

Isaiah 2:1-5

When the Wicked are Winning

The Day of the Lord God’s Kingdom Come, God’s Will Be Done

What If...Jesus Hadn’t Been Crucified?

Wake Up & Get Ready!

2nd!

All Saints Sunday

All Saints Sunday is this Sunday, November 2 . If you have a friend or loved one who has passed away in the last year and would like their name to be read in worship, please email Pastor Sarah (smorgan@2ndpres.org). nd

November19th,wewillbemeetingatthe

BuckinghamClubhouse Ourbookis

WaitingforChristmasbyLynnAustinand MariannThuesenwillleadourdiscussion.

Allarewelcomeandallmeetingsareat 11:30andhopefullyyouwillbringyourlunch andjoinus.

Ifyouhaveanyquestions,pleasecall MargaretSullivanat(865)363-3967

Presbyterian Women meets Tuesday, No Hall All are welcome to join us for Hym with Helen Grant.

PRESBYTERIANWOMENMEETNO

ABIGTHANK YOUTOALLWHO PARTICIPATEDIN THEPRESCHOOL FALLFESTIVAL!!!

Oakes Farm

DIDYOU

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, will provide breakfast, dinner, and overnight housing for four families the week of December 7- 14. Volunteers from 2nd Presbyterian have been able to assist with an evening meal one day during the week and with getting the house ready for guests on the Sunday the week begins and closing the house the following Sunday. Doug Barbour has been a consistent volunteer sleeping in the house one night, should any needs arise. Training is available for anyone who can spend an overnight..

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.

Please note December 7 - 14 in your calendar and consider if you might help serve with members of the SDA Church. If you are interested, please contact Janis Smith via email or text: smithjb1@gmail.com / (615) 260-7784.

GO Team Report – October 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: November 6th

Volunteer activities in October:

October 15 – Five volunteers served at Love Kitchen. Over 500 meals were portioned for later delivery 200 meals were portioned and served onsite

October 15 – Six volunteers prepared a home cooked evening meal for 40 students This meal was in support of UKirk’s Wednesday evening food and fellowship followed by a casual worship service.

October 29 – The GO Team sponsored a booth/table at the Preschool Fall Festival

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. GOingandServingin2025–Watchforupcoming volunteeropportunitiesatVMC,KARM,

Disbursements:

PresbyteryofEastTennessee-$1,150.Thiswillbethemonthly disbursementfortheyearforatotalof$13,800.

CentroHipano-$2,000.Thisdonationincluded$670retainedfor localusefromthePentecostSpecialOffering WorldCentralKitchen-$2,000forprovidingfreshmealsinresponse tohumanitarian,climate,andcommunitycrises InterfaithHealthCenter-$1,000forprovidingcomprehensive, affordablecaretoworkinguninsuredorunderservedindividualsin thegreaterKnoxvillearea. VolunteerMinistryCenter-$1,250donationforsponsorshipof8at theannualCarrytheTorchLuncheononDecember10th. MontgomeryVillageMinistry-$2,000.Thisministryislocatedinthe MontgomeryVillageapartmentcommunityofSouthKnoxvilleand hostschildren’sprogramsandassistsresidentswiththeirneeds andconcerns.

Received an update from the Vision Task Force regarding their work Received a Vision Task Force update. Approved spending up to $10,000 from the West View Fund for approximately 33 fifth-grade West View students to attend a three-day trip to the Great Smoky Mountain Institute at Tremont.

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

TuesdayReynolds InterimChurchAdministrator jrosamond@2ndpresorg

PRESCHOOLSTAFF

LindaSueByrd

Director lsbyrd@2ndpresorg

HollyGrimm

AssistantDirector hgrimm@2ndpres.org

CONTACTUS:

SecondPresbyterianChurch

2829KingstonPike

Knoxville,TN37919

Ph.865.523.2189

Fax865.637.2617

www2ndpresorg

THE SECOND EDITION

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.

2ndpres org 2ndpresknox/ SecondPresbyterianChurchKnoxville/ follow us on social media

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