SECOND EDITION SEPTEMBER 2026
SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 2NDPRES.ORG
ON SECOND
Thought...
This summer, my wife and I had the privilege telling the beautiful, true story of how residents from small towns in and around Gander, Newfoundland, welcomed and cared for over 7,000 stranded passengers whose 38 planes were forced to make an emergency landing there on September 11th, 2001. Even though what happened over the 5 days those passengers were on the northeast tip of North America was due to a terrible tragedy, Come from Away is ultimately about community, kindness, and the resilience of the human spirit. And it took a community to tell the story.
A congregation is a group of people who believe that something more can be accomplished by joining with others. The Scriptures tell us that the early church experienced koinonia¸ a Greek word usually translated as “fellowship”. This, however, misses an important dimension of the word. Koinonia is more than just being together, more than just hanging out and doing things together; it’s being together for a common purpose or to achieve a goal. Koinonia is about accomplishing more together than we can alone.
There were 15 of us in the cast and we rehearsed almost every day for 6 weeks leading up to opening night. The director, music director, costume designer, set designer, lighting designer, and prop manager had already been at work for over a month by the time we started rehearsals. The stage manager and assistant stage manager were present from the first day of rehearsals. When we got to the final week of rehearsals we added four spotlight operators, 2 floor crew, 6 band members, and a sound designer. That’s 36 people working together for one purpose – to tell the story faithfully and honestly so that a real-time human connection with the audience could be made in order to have a shared emotional experience.
Healthy congregations are focused on mission. Healthy congregations work together for one purpose – to tell the story of Jesus faithfully and honestly so that a real-time connection with other humans might be made in order to share life together. There are many ways we tell the story: through our words, our deeds, our witness, our worship, our service, our sacrifice, our hospitality, our work for justice, and through our love.
In addition to those 36 people, there were also the volunteers who built the set, worked as ushers, manned the ticket booth and concession stand, and did publicity for the show. There was the writer, the composer, and the producers of the original production who gave us the story to tell in the first place. Every person played a part in the telling of the story and every part was important to our shared purpose. Together, we accomplished more than we could have alone. When people come together, we are able to create something new, discover fresh possibilities; we learn how to flourish. When we come together, we participate in the phenomenon of expanding and deepening life. This is true for a cast putting together a play, an athletic team pursuing a championship, a marching band preparing for a halftime show, and it is true of a congregation.
At 2nd Pres Knox our vision for living out our mission is: 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. Staying focused on this vision, on accomplishing our mission together, this is what helps us be a healthy congregation. Together we can accomplish more than we can alone. Grace and peace...
Table of Contents Worship Connect Grow Go Support
4 5 10 14 18
Worship
Upcoming Sermon Texts and Topics
As we turn the corner into fall, we will be returning to the Revised Common Lectionary for our Sunday preaching texts. The RCL is a three-year cycle of readings from the Bible for use in Christian worship. It is used by many denominations around the world and provides a structured way to engage with Scripture throughout the liturgical year, encompassing major festivals and seasons. Each week the RCL provides 4 different Scripture passages: one each from the Hebrew Bible, Psalms, Gospels, and Epistles. We are currently in Year A which focuses on the Gospel of Matthew.
September 6th
Matthew 18:15-20
Reconciliation
September 13th
Genesis 50:15-21
God’s Intentions
September 20th
Matthew 20:1-16
The Laborers in the Vineyard
September 27th
Matthew 21:23-32
Doing God’s Will
The September-October edition of The Upper Room devotional series is available in regular and large print pick yours up today! They are located in the atrium and at both sanctuary entrances.
4
Connect
The next gathering of Second Readers will be Wednesday, September 16, at 11:30 a.m. at Buckingham Clubhouse. Bring your lunch and join us for a discussion of The Correspondent , by Virginia Evans. All are welcome to join us and if you have questions about our group, call Margaret Sullivan at 865-363-3967. If you have further questions, call Margaret Sullivan at 865-363-3967.
Join us for Arts & Crafts!
The Arts and Crafts group of PW meets on the FOURTH WEDNESDAY at 10:00 a.m. in room 227 upstairs. Come and enjoy the fellowship!
We’re Back! Presbyterian Women gatherings return this month! Our next gathering will be Tuesday, September 8, at 10 a.m. in the LIBRARY (note the change in location going forward). All are welcome! The Bible Study this year will concentrate on Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians and the Fall study is entitled The Corinth that Paul Chose.
5
th
Happy 10 Anniversary, Pastor Tim!
A great time was had by all at the 10 year anniversary celebration for Pastor Tim on August 9th. We are are thankful for Tim’s decade of ministry, and we hope for many more years to come!
l for Tim’s fu k n a th o ls a We are y! beautiful famil
6
The Connect Team wishes to thank everyone for their attendance at such a wonderful and fun celebration! There are many people to thank for their preparation and thoughtful planning – Tim Wright and Doug Barbour for initiating the plans; set up crew: Cheryl Ragsdale, Liz Peebles, Joe Clarke, Leslie Mathews, and Nichole Duran; catering arrangements and food prep: Lisa Henley, Nichole Duran, and Liz Peebles; photography: Matthew Lowe; to those who stayed to help with teardown afterwards (including those who volunteered to wash the tablecloths!). And of course, to all of YOU - for your gifts, your cards, and your presence that made Tim feel so very loved by Second Pres. We are blessed, indeed!
The smallest member of our teardown crew!
7
SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS 9/2 Bill Broome 9/6 Clara Hardin 9/7 Jimmy Cheek 9/11 Drew Wall 9/12 Nancy Smythe 9/14 Henry Casey 9/23 Donna Matlock
9/24 Lisa Henley 9/26 Robert Morgan 9/26 Pam Turner 9/26 Brent Beals 9/27 Kathy Tallent 9/29 Brayden Beets 9/30 Linda Sue Byrd
See a name that we missed? Let us know in the church office so we can update our records accordingly!
8
ol o h c s e r P s e Pr d n o c Se
Congratulations to our PreK students at the SPC Preschool who officially graduated on August 17. It was a fun day for the graduates and their families. Way to go, Pre-K Class of 2026, and good luck in Kindergarten!
Special congratulations to our very own "in-house" grads, Garrett Kite, Finley Kennedy, James Morgan, and Faye Penmore!
In other news. . .
g n i n r u t e r a We HIRTY! T The Preschool of Second Presbyterian is celebrating 30 years of learning, friendships, growth, and love! Our anniversary celebration will take place on Monday, October 19 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. in the fellowship hall and gym. Please save the date and look for upcoming details about this exciting event in the bulletin and Friday e-news. We look forward to celebrating next month! 9
Recap: Youth & Youth Alum Outing to
Grow
Always ready to eat!
10
Who’s coming with us next time?!
Returning this Fall! Growth Groups are what we call our small-group ministry at 2nd Pres Knox. We were created for connection and the Christian life was never meant to be lived alone. Growth Groups help build meaningful relationships so we can support one another in faith and life. Each group includes 8–14 people who meet weekly to study, share, and encourage one another on their faith journeys.
Meetings typically last 60–90 minutes and may include light refreshments at the beginning or end. Each group is also encouraged to hold one social event and complete one service project each quarter. Members choose the day, time, and location that work best for them, meeting either in a home or at the church. The study is based on Sunday’s sermon and guided by questions provided in the weekly bulletin. The remaining time is devoted to sharing and praying with and for one another.
Joining a Growth Group requires a nine-week commitment to attend weekly meetings and complete the homework in advance. This commitment helps members build strong relationships, get to know one another, and create the trust needed for openness and vulnerability. Registration for the fall quarter is open September 6–20. You may register through our website, Realm, a bulletin insert, or by calling the church office. Fall Growth Groups will meet from the week of September 27 through the week of November 29, with no meeting during Thanksgiving week. If you are interested in facilitating a Growth Group, please contact Pastor Tim. All facilitators will join Pastor Tim for lunch, discussion, and training after worship on September 20.
To learn more, visit the Growth Groups page on our website for additional information and frequently asked questions.
11
A new Sunday School class begins September 13 through November, led by Liz Peebles. The class will meet at 9:30 a.m. in the library. Materials for this class are located in the church office at no charge!
The Pastor’s Bible Study will resume on Thursday, September 17th, at 10:30 a.m. We will read and discuss Walter Brueggemann’s book, Chosen? Reading the Bible Amid the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict. In it, Brueggemann examines how the situation in modern-day Israel raises difficult questions for many Christians as they read biblical accounts of God’s saving actions with the Israelites. Together, we will consider these questions and explore how to understand God’s promises to the biblical people often called Israel in light of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine today.
The Presbyterian Older Adult Ministries Network is holding a conference at First Presbyterian September 15-18.
POAMN Older Adult Ministry Conference
The keynote presentation, Discern AI: Faithful Leadership in an Age of Artificial Intelligence, will be led by Rev. Dr. Andy Morgan (First Presbyterian Church, Knoxville). He will explore artificial intelligence through the lens of Christian discipleship and the church's call to love God, self, and neighbor. Participants will gain a practical understanding of Al, its growing influence on congregational life, and why Al literacy is becoming an essential ministry skill.
12
Learn practical strategies for helping your congregation navigate misinformation, deepfakes, online scams, and the erosion of trust. Hear how Al also offers promising opportunities to expand accessibility for people with disabilities and neurodiverse learners.
Scan this QR code for more information! Online registration ends on September 4, but onsite registration is available as long as there is space!
Bring the family out to the SPC playground on September 19th for a time of play, fellowship, and fun as we welcome the season of FALL! Pizza will be provided, and in the event of bad weather, the fun will take place in the gym. We look forward to seeing you there - bring friends!
Opportunity to Serve Our Youth & Children For the past several years, Liz Peebles has supported our young people by sending cards and gifts and helping plan the annual graduation luncheon. Liz plans to step back from this role at the end of the school year in May 2027. If you are interested in continuing this ministry, we would love to hear from you! Please contact our Student Ministries Director, Holly Grimm, at hgrimm@2ndpres.org, or Liz Peebles at enp3613@gmail.com.
13
GO Team Report – Aug. 2026 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 Go Team always welcomes new members who wish to serve! Their next meeting is Thursday, September 3, at 1:00pm, in the Barbour room.
Activities in August:
GO
Disbursements:
Presbytery of East Tennessee - $1,300 Vine School Health Clinic - $2,000 Love Kitchen - $1,000 Living Waters for the World - $4,000 Morgan-Scott Project - $3,000 PCUSA Disaster Readiness Campaign - $1,000. Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) raises funds to help congregations and communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from long-term natural and human caused disasters. Our gift will be matched.
August 1 – 30+ Volunteers from Second Pres worked to prepare the school grounds and helped teachers prepare their classroom for the beginning of the school year at West View Elementary School (WVES). This is the 18th year that Second Pres has led this activity. Volunteers from Westminster Pres and Clear Defense Pest Control also assisted with the total number of volunteers (50+). August 3 – Volunteers provided and served a welcome back breakfast to teachers and staff at WVES in conjunction with Westminster Pres. August 19 – Volunteers served lunch at KARM (pictured below); 300+ were served August 23 – 30 Family Promise - Volunteers will help prepare the house at SDA Church for incoming unhoused families. Volunteers will also prepare and serve a meal during the week and assist with closing the house at the end of the week.
Thank you for your generous donations you help provide each year for our friends at West View! Hardcopies of this list are available in the church office on Kathryn’s desk.
GO-ing and Serving in 2026: 14
Watch for upcoming volunteer opportunities at KARM, West View Elementary, Compassion Coalition, and others in upcoming weekly newsletters.
It’s that time of year! School Coupon Books are on sale with proceeds going to benefit Knox County Schools, and we are supporting the many needs of West View Elementary in this way! Please help by buying a book or two, if you are able. Coupons in these books are for deals at local attractions, restaurants, retail stores, mechanics, and more. Below are answers to some frequently asked questions:
1. Cost: $20.00. 2. Books are also available by digital download. 3. West View keeps 75% ($15.00 of each book sold) 4. You might consider donating the equivalent of purchasing (West View would keep 100%). SALE DATES: September 10 – September 30 (Place your order for delivery) Before worship in atrium or after worship during fellowship time
For more info, contact: Sandra Butler, sandyb446@comcast.net or (865) 659-4416. Thank you for your support of our friends and neighbors at West View Elementary!
Thank you to all who came out to help at our annual West View Work Day on August 1st! The faculty and staff were so appreciative of the ways we helped prepare their building (inside and out!) for the upcoming school year. It truly is amazing to see what happens when hands and hearts come together for a few hours - turn to the next page to see pictures of the hard work (...and, perhaps, a little fun!) in action!
15
What a crew!
16
Photos submitted by Matthew Lowe and Margie Gill. Thank you!
17
Support
August Session Highlights
Review of the treasurer’s report and ministry team reports Pastors’ report on celebrations/concerns and update on activities and administrative issues Approval of Session Action Form from the Personnel Committee to make the position of Family Faith Formation a full time position in hopes of having more applicants. Next Session meeting - Sept 15th at 6 p.m. in the Barbour Room.
Give Online
Visit us at www.2ndpres.org/give, text 2ndPresKnox to 73256 OR scan the QR code here.
JULY BUDGET REPORT
18
Preliminary
JULY
YTD 2026
BUDGET 2026
TOTAL GIFTS
$116,210.47
$684,360.87
$893,040.00
TOTAL EXPENSES
$70,981.05
$512,128.01
$994,188.00
EXCESS (SHORTAGE)
$45,229.42
$172,232.86
($101,148.00)
September 2026
15
THE SECOND EDITION
2ND PRES KNOX
WELCOMING + FAITHFUL + HOPEFUL
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 Holly Grimm Children & Youth Ministry Coordinator hgrimm@2ndpres.org Sarah Warner Organist swarner@bellarmine.edu SUPPORT STAFF Kathryn Paden Church Administrator admin@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.
follow us on social media 2ndpres.org
2ndpresknox/
SecondPresbyterianChurchKnoxville/
MINISTRY TEAMS & MODERATORS
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
ELDERS
CLASS OF 2027 Betsy Foster John Gill William Owen Cheryl Ragsdale CLASS OF 2028 Geoffrey Kennedy Kathy Duggan Lauren Dodson Cleston Jones CLASS OF 2029 Andrew Butler Becca Kite Glenn Lamping Janis Smith
WORSHIP Betsy Foster John Gill Andrew Butler CONNECT Geoffrey Kennedy Becca Kite Cheryl Ragsdale GROW Kathy Duggan GO Lauren Dodson Glenn Lamping SUPPORT William Owen Janis Smith PRESCHOOL Cleston Jones