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Back Row (L to R): Darrin Douglas, licensed funeral director; Mason Holliday, funeral assistant; Perry Horner, funeral assistant; Marc Rush, licensed funeral director; Jim Hibbard, funeral assistant. Front Row (L to R): Brent Swanson, funeral assistant; Robert Bankston, funeral assistant; Judy Satterfield, administrative assistant; Kathy Partin, family services; Joseph Bathe, funeral assistant; Darla Rush, administrative assistant; Greg Rush, licensed funeral director. Not pictured: Jenna Eve Picou, licensed funeral director; Harold (Joe) Parker, funeral assistant; Susan Harper, after care-family support.
About Us
WRITERS
Dr. Alan Hix
Charles Finney
Dorothy Teague
Douglas Baynes
Erin Clay
Garrett Nudd
Jan Merop
John Garrod
Judy Hood
Kenneth Ware
Kristen West
Maggie Possinger
Monica Gambrell
Paula Burgner
Sandra Gilmore
Vicki Martin
Wendy Hughes
SALES
Matthew Ruckman
423-503-1410
Email: goodnewstn@gmail.com
DESIGN
Caleb Prytherch
Email: art.goodnews@gmail.com
PHOTOGRAPHER
Paula Knipp
423-310-4207
GoodNews CM
EDITOR/ARTICLE COORDINATOR
Sandra Gilmore
Email: articles.goodnews@gmail.com
PUBLISHER
Matthew and Bethany Ruckman
Cell: 423-503-1410
Email: goodnewstn@gmail.com
OFFICE
423-790-5378
WEBSITE goodnewscm.com issuu.com/goodnewscm
Hello Friends,
We want to take a moment to tell you who we are and what we are about. Our names are Matt and Bethany Ruckman and we have six beautiful children, Brendon, Kailey, Andrew, Leah Jean, Emma, and Cooper. We live in Cleveland, Tennessee, and love what this town has to offer! We have started GoodNews Christian Magazine because we feel that when God, family, and community are combined, lives will be changed.
GoodNews Christian Magazine is a complimentary, Christian lifestyle publication. You can find us throughout the community in retail establishments, churches, restaurants, and more. Our magazine opens the door for Christians to work together to grow and strengthen our community through relevant editorial and effective advertising.
GoodNews Christian Magazine is written by men and women in the community who love and serve the Lord. Our hearts are open and willing to be used by God to reach out to the community to spread the GoodNews!
Disclaimer
All of the content in the GoodNews Christian Magazine is for general information and/or use. Such contents does not constitute advice and should not be relied upon in making (or refraining from making) a decision. Any specific advice or replies to queries in any part of the magazine is the personal opinion of such experts/consultants/persons and is not subscribed to by GoodNews Christian Magazine. The information in GoodNews Christian Magazine is provided on an “AS IS” basis, and all warranties, expressed or implied of any kind, regarding any matter pertaining to any information, advice or replies are disclaimed and excluded. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement or article we deem inappropriate.
April Brings a Billet Doux
by Sandra Gilmore, Editor
If you bestow a billet doux, what have you done? Is that even in good taste or acceptable these days? Keep reading, you’ll want to know!
April typically means spring is in full swing, along with activities showing that winter is behind us. This month holds another activity that conveys the hope of the season: it’s National Card and Letter Writing Month.
Back Dated
When the Second Continental Congress established the United States Postal Service in 1775, the first recorded handwritten letter from Persian Queen Atossa in 500 B.C.would have seemed ancient history! Fast forward to 2001, and we find that the USPS has designated April as a month to focus on cards and letters emphasizing the creativity, connection, and care that’s contained in an envelope through the mail.
Back and Forth
Although this month of April has been designated for such, exchanging cards and letters has been in practice for centuries. Folks enjoy receiving something other than bills or spam in the mailbox. There are benefits from putting pen to paper, as well. The act of writing itself engages motor and sensory systems that anchor learning and retention. Writing also engages our brains to process facts and feelings. Combining the fine motor system (holding a pen) while producing a written letter engages several areas in our brains and yields positive results with both learning and creating lasting memories.
What if you just can’t bring yourself to put pen to paper for long paragraphs? Time-honored phrases such as “I love you” encircled by a heart shape convey your message with or without a long paragraph. If that’s not your style either, clip out some memes, funny photos, or comic strips and tuck in an envelope with a simple “thinking of you” written above your name. Even though you won’t be there to hear the chuckles, you’ll know ahead of time your mission will be successful.
What about a Bible verse? Use calligraphy or border fretwork to highlight a favorite verse or a verse that
comforts or encourages. The Bible is a compilation of love letters from the Lord through His children to His children. It’s diverse, instructional, and inspirational and has been preserved in many languages and translations.
No matter which format you choose, when you send a card or a letter with a handwritten message inside, a piece of your heart goes with it. If you missed Valentine’s in February, April’s celebration is another lovely chance to convey what’s on your mind and in your heart to your loved ones.
Back to the Future
When the Lord created the universe and history began, He intended and anticipated for you to be sent into the world. You are a living letter! Paul states in 2 Corinthians 3:2-3 NASB, “You are our letter, written in our hearts, known and read by all people; revealing that you are a letter of Christ, delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.”
If you’ve read this far, you are probably wondering about a billet doux. That’s a French term for “sweet letter.” Be inspired to send a “sweet letter” this month to ones you hold dear. Indeed, the Lord has given us a “sweet letter” in His Word. We can cherish His message of love through His letter to us. Share that same love!
HThe Power of Exceptional Customer Service Money Matters
Wendy Hughes with
ave you ever gone to a drive-in window during your lunch hour, only to return to the office and realize your order was wrong? What about scheduling an appointment for an appliance repair, only to be given an eighthour window for service? And let’s not even get started on being transferred six times when trying to dispute a charge—only to be disconnected! Frustrating customer service experiences like these seem all too common.
So, why doesn’t everyone offer great customer service? The answer is simple: it takes time, effort, consistency, and selflessness. These qualities, unfortunately, appear to be fading in many service industries. Yet, as someone who values being treated well, I am more determined than ever to ensure that our clients experience a welcoming and attentive environment.
A Ministry of Customer Care
I view our office as a ministry to others, always striving to create an environment where people feel valued and heard. Customer service isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about the experience. From the moment someone drives up to our office, every interaction should leave them feeling appreciated and respected.
A recent Forbes article (February 20, 2025) confirms this essential truth. Respect, honor, and dignity are fundamental expectations. It doesn’t take much to add a little kindness into the equation, and those extra moments of care can transform an interaction.
Personally, I have encountered situations where a receptionist, store clerk, or even a nurse seemed short-tempered or uninterested. Rather than letting that negativity dictate my experience, I make an effort to be friendly and engaging, which often shifts the atmosphere into something more positive.
The Power of Thoughtful Service
One company I frequently order journaling supplies from has mastered the art of customer service. Every package includes
handwritten notes expressing appreciation for my order. They also emphasize that if I am not satisfied in any way, they will make it right. This simple but thoughtful approach has built my trust and loyalty, making me unlikely to shop elsewhere.
Lessons from The High Road Leader
John Maxwell’s book, The High Road Leader, offers invaluable lessons on customer service and leadership. He writes: “Valuing people is not about giving them compliments or making them feel important. Nor is it about getting them to like you. No, it’s seeing all people’s worth as human beings, letting them know you see that worth, and helping them to feel their worth and believe it themselves.”
This philosophy is a game-changer for any workplace. Businesses that implement this kind of customer service—one that genuinely values people—will set a higher standard than the one that exists in today’s world.
Customer Service as a Christian Mission
At its core, great customer service aligns perfectly with Christian values. As followers of Christ, we are called to love one another, care for those in need, and treat others with kindness and compassion. When we put these principles into practice, the rest— outstanding customer service included—falls into place naturally. If we all made it our mission to value and serve others selflessly, we would transform not just our businesses but the world around us. A commitment to kindness, patience, and respect will never go unnoticed. In fact, it’s the secret ingredient that turns a simple customer interaction into a lasting relationship.
Let’s raise the bar. Let’s be the reason someone walks away from a business feeling heard, valued, and appreciated. Because at the end of the day, exceptional customer service isn’t just a business strategy—it’s a way of life.
Retirement planning is the process of determining how you can meet your goals through the proper management of your financial resources.
Tax planning should not only assess your tax situation at retirement and in the present, but also look towards the future.
Social security strategies are various approaches that an individual may take to maximize their social security benefits.
There is more to Medicare than meets the eye. Making the best decision for your situation at age 65 is one of the biggest retirement decisions one may make.
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The Fandangled Machine, the Bamboozled Young, and the Goodness of God
by Kristen West
Anthony and I had just pulled off the road at the east entrance of Glacier National Park.
We had barely made it into the restaurant and sat down at our table when a freak storm began to pummel the remote little area. Thunder cracked repeatedly; unusually large hailstones fell from the sky; and the wind furiously whipped against everything in its path.
The storm was so unique that even the dining room staff had pulled out their cell phones, run to the windows, and began taking pictures and videos to document the peculiar event.
Shortly after the storm began, the restaurant lost all power.
Our waiter introduced himself and took our order. Within a few minutes, he came back to our table to give us the “bad news” that we would have to pay for our dinner with cash because they wouldn’t be able to process any credit cards.
We told him that would be fine.
Minutes later he returned to revise his former statement.
“We can take your credit card after all,” he said with a smile. “It appears as though our manager has a new fandangled machine that can run your card even though the power is off.”
We finished our meal and gave the server our card.
He returned with a rectangular, carbon paper form that had been “slid” through a manual credit card imprinter (a device commonly used in the 1960’s – 80’s before the advent of electronic payment terminals).
Anthony and I laughed out loud!
This “new fandangled” machine brought back a wave of childhood memories for us. But, for this sweet, 26-year old young man who had never seen one of these devices in action before, he was bamboozled to think that there was a way to process credit cards without electricity!
He didn’t know what he didn’t know.
And, neither do we.
God is the only one with wisdom and knowledge that expansive. He sees everything; He knows everything; and
He is so gracious with us. Psalm 139 tells us how He's fashioned our days and His thoughts about us are too many to count (vs. 16 - 18).
As Christ-followers, it seems like many times we get stuck thinking God expects us to know everything about Him. If we can’t recite Scriptures like we’ve seen our pastor do or unravel all the details of the Gospel at the drop of a hat, we can be tempted to think God’s somehow unhappy or displeased with us.
Yet, the simplicity of walking with God is that He understands we are children and we don’t know what we don’t know. We learn and grow along the way.
According to James 4:17 NKJV, though, there is a universal truth that everyone inherently knows.
“…to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.”
All of us can yield ourselves to God’s Spirit today as He leads, guides, and shows us how to do good – minute by minute and hour by hour – to everyone we cross paths with.
We don’t need a new fandangled device to show us how to do that! We just need a surrendered and willing heart and mind.
Boldly Go…Somewhere
by John Garrod
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” 2 Timothy 1:7 KJV.
“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing,” said Helen Keller. I like adventure, and I watch a lot of YouTube videos of other people having great ones: Wingsuit flying, sailing around the world, cozying up to wild animals, MMA fights.
And then there’s me, squeezing 12 items through in the “10 Items or Fewer” line at the grocery story. Yeah, fearless stuff; my trademark.
Being a man, and a Christian man at that, presents what may seem to be a dilemma for adult males. (Well, maybe two; there’s the question of skinny jeans being manly, too, but…) On one hand, we’re called to be the rocks of our families, the anchors that hold fast during the storms, strong and steady. Predictable, stable; we should be bastions of wisdom. Right?
But within men also resides a thirst for… more. It is more than just a desire. Author John Eldredge inWild at Heart says that men face a core, existential question, one they spend their lives answering or avoiding: Am I enough? There are many versions of this; it morphs to us individually. Am I enough of a man to raise my kids? Am I enough of a good (fill in your job title) to warrant a promotion? Am I enough of a good husband to keep my wife happy? And a crucial one, especially when God whispers “I have more for you…” into our ears: Am I enough to rise to this challenge?
Flooding my mind came all the memories of failure from my first foray into higher education. Those were B.C. (Before Christ) days for me, and I left as a failure, a disappointment. Now, God was calling me to go back and revisit those days of shame. Could I possibly be enough?
Fortunately, God has not yet called me to step to the edge of an alpine cliff and leap out in a wingsuit. Nor has He asked me to step into the ring with Jon Jones, today’s UFC Heavyweight Champion. But almost 8 years ago, He called me to face an equally formidable task: To return to college at age 52.
What I couldn’t see; what we can’t possibly see when He calls us to new adventures, is what He can see. He can see the plans He has for us; not to harm us but to grow us, to develop our faith, our capacity for more. The very fact that He has breathed a dream into your ear should be enough to quell your fears of it. But the excitement of an adventure is woven into the unknown. To know fear and do it anyway; that is what makes the faith – and the victory – sweeter. He knew what he had for me: Three degrees (so far) and a new career. I look back on those days of fear, and the faith to act in spite of them, as some of my greatest days. So I encourage you: Embrace your adventure!
John Garrod is father of 6, husband of 1, an ESOL teacher in Dalton, GA, a Lee U graduate (c/o ‘19), a U.S. Army veteran and a member of South Cleveland Church of God.
The
dNews for Women
The Value of Leftovers
by Vicki Martin
Iclosed my eyes and tried to imagine the busy, little kitchen as the oven door opened, releasing the tantalizing aromas of sweet, warm butter and tender, flaky biscuits.
I could almost hear the soft rumbles of stomachs growling in protest as the large family of eight sat nearby waiting for their plates and appetites to be filled.
What took me by surprise about the nostalgic story my mother-in-law shared with me one day was the single item most wanted by all on those early mornings so many years ago.
Her mother called it a ‘pone.’ It was the small bit of leftover dough that was shaped and placed in the pan alongside all the other perfectly formed biscuits.
It wasn't always pretty.
It was made up of the scraps, the leftovers after all. Yet, it was the most wanted, most coveted, tiny, little biscuit.
The one all the children fought over.
She laughed as she recalled begging her mother for what had become her favorite biscuit.
As I thought about her heartwarming recollection of the small, pone biscuit, I began to wonder, “why did that little, misshapen, lump of leftover dough become the one everyone wanted?
It's so easy these days to compare ourselves to others.
Social media makes everyone's lives seem unrealistically ideal. Unhealthy views are formed of seemingly perfect jobs, perfect spouses, perfect families, perfect vacations, and sadly, even perfect ministries as we scroll through the endless photos and posts we see daily.
In reality, nothing and no one is without flaws.
John chapter 6 tells the miraculous account of Jesus feeding the five thousand with a little boy’s simple lunch. However, there's a part of that story that is often overlooked. Jesus instructed the disciples to gather the leftovers. In verse 12 He told them to “...gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.” The bits and pieces that were leftovers served a purpose. They may have seemed insignificant compared to the miracle that had just taken place, but Jesus knew the value of leftovers. Nothing is worthless or meaningless when placed in His hands.
You may feel small or perceive that your life is nothing more than leftovers made up of unfulfilled dreams, hopes, and ambitions.
*Be encouraged today that, “Small things are not always contemptible. It all depends on the hands in which they are.”
Don't throw away or toss something in the trash that God has blessed you with just because it doesn't appear to measure up to everything or everyone around you.
1 Corinthians 4:7 NKJV queries, “For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?” This verse reminds us of the very important truth that, “Little is much when God is in it.“
Why not take the scraps and gifts God has given you and allow His Hands to shape it into something of great value? Being in the Hands of God makes all the difference.
You never know. What appears to be the insignificant, the scraps, the leftovers of today may just be the very thing that everyone wants most tomorrow.
*(The quote "Small things are not always contemptible. It all depends on the hands in which they are" is attributed to Fyodor Dostoevsky, the famous Russian novelist, philosopher, and author of works like Crime and Punishment and The Brothers Karamazov).
Vicki Martin lives in Cleveland, Tennessee. She is a minister’s wife and a mom. Vicki has written articles for The Old Schoolhouse Magazine. She loves to write, cook, and collect antiques.
Local Education; Global Opportunity
Angela Coates Ramona Thompson
Crissy Graham
Anna K. Carden
The Passion of the Christ: The Good News of the Cross
by Kenneth E. Ware, M. Div.
Easter, juxtaposed to Christmas, is one of the most celebrated holidays in America. Although many have attempted to paganize its true perspective, it carries within its meaning, the person, passion, and power of God’s unconditional love towards mankind. Its main message is centered on the death, burial, and triumphant resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Charged and labeled by the Roman officials as “The King of the Jews,” the excruciating painful death of Jesus Christ is indicative of the fact that He is truly the King. The Good News of the Cross is broadcasted all throughout the New Testament, so that men may believe that Jesus Christ is truly the Son of God.
I. A Violent Cup
Jesus suffered excruciating violence at the hands of finite sinful men. In English the word “crucify” comes from the Latin word “excruciatus” meaning “to torment with extreme torture.” It is where the English word “excruciating” comes from. Many people believe when Jesus prayed to His Father “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away
from me . . .” (cf. Matt.26:39), that somehow He wanted the Father to give Him a pass and thus avoid crucifixion.
The cup of which Jesus referenced in His prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, was a bitter cup, a brutal cup, and a bloody cup. First of all, as a bitter cup, Jesus was given mitigated gall to drink while he was hanging on the cross for our sins (cf. Matt.27: 27:34; Ps. 69:21). Our Lord did not need a pain killer because He is the Pain Killer.
Next, as a brutal cup, Jesus was blind folded, beaten in His head and face, slapped and spat upon in His face, pierced in His side with a spear and flogged with a leather lead-tipped whip by Roman Soldiers, a.k.a. a “Cat-O-Nine Tails” (cf. Matthew 26:67,68 ; 27:26; Mark 14:65; John 19:34). The prophet Isaiah says, “He was marred more than any man and His form more than the sons of men” (Isa.52:14).
Finally, it was a bloody cup. Luke notes that as Jesus prayed with such agony of spirit, “His sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood” (cf. Luke 22:44). Both blood and water flowed out of Him as He was pierced in His side by the Roman soldiers (cf. John 19:34).
II. A Vicarious Cross
Jesus’ death on the cross was a necessary, voluntary, and substitutionary sacrifice for the sins of the entire human race (cf. John 10:18; Heb.2:9; 1 John 2:2). The cross of Christ was historically significant in that it was a suffering cross, a substitutionary cross, and a sacrificial cross.
As a suffering cross, the punishment and penalty of sin was taken out on the Son of God, Jesus Christ. The word, “cross” embodies the New Testament Greek word σταυρός “stauros” which was a Roman instrument of crucifixion. Now, the cross may seem to be a foolish folklore to the unbelieving. Ahhh, but to those who are being saved, it is the power of God (cf. 1 Cor.1:18).
As a substitutionary cross, Jesus Christ died in man’s place. He voluntarily died in our stead. Since God’s holiness demands justice, Jesus offered Himself on the cross as a sacrifice for sin once for all mankind (cf. Heb. 7:27).
Finally, as a sacrificial cross, Christ died for our sins so that those who believe by faith would be at peace with God. III. A Victorious Comeback
The end of Jesus’ agony did not conclude in defeat. The end of His agony concluded in victory (cf. John
20:1-18; 1 Cor.15:54-57). Death was defeated by the One who has power over death, Jesus Christ. It is the power of the resurrection that transforms lives. The resurrection of Jesus Christ separates Christianity from all cults and religions of the world. No wonder Jesus could raise the dead during His earthly life and ministry, for He Himself is indeed the Resurrection and the Life (cf. John 11:25-26). Friend, who or what are you putting your trust in? Is it religion, religious leaders, money, power, fame, material things, or good works? If so, all of those things will sadly disappoint you at some point in life. Put your trust in Jesus Christ. He died for man’s sins. He was buried and He rose from the dead with all power to give eternal life to all who believe in Him by faith. By grace through faith, only He can save you from the power, pollution, and penalty of sin.
Kenneth E. Ware, M.M., M.A.B.S., M. Div. a graduate of Temple Baptist Seminary, is Pastor of New Sholar Avenue Baptist Church in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He’s also a Christian Writer and an Expository Bible Teacher at Samford University Ministry Training Institute (MTI). He and his wife, Tonia, have been married 29 years.
The Golf Tee: Finding Balance in Life through God’s Guidance
by Charles Finney
Today, we gather under the shelter of God's grace to reflect upon a seemingly mundane yet profoundly meaningful object: the golf tee. Though it may appear as a simple tool for a leisurely game, it carries within it profound lessons about balance, foundation, and reliance on divine guidance.
In the Book of Psalms, we find wisdom that resonates deeply with the symbolism of the golf tee. *Psalm 37:2324 KJV tells us, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.” Here, we are reminded that our paths are directed by the divine, and even in times of stumbling, God's hand is there to lift us up.
Just as a golfer carefully places the tee to provide a stable foundation for the ball, we must diligently
establish our foundation in God's Word. Proverbs 3:5-6 advises us, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” When we trust in God wholeheartedly and align our lives with His will, we establish a solid base upon which to navigate life's challenges.
Consider the golf tee as a metaphor for balance. Just as it balances the ball, we are called to maintain equilibrium in our lives. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 reminds us of the seasons of life, emphasizing the importance of balance and moderation. Whether we are experiencing joy or sorrow, success or failure, we must strive to maintain our spiritual equilibrium, knowing that God is with us in every season.
The concept of balance is central to the Christian life. We are called to balance our devotion to God with our responsibilities in the world, our spiritual growth with our service to others, and our pursuit of holiness with our engagement with culture. This balance is achieved through a reliance on the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to live godly lives in an ungodly world.
Moreover, the golf tee teaches us about preparation and patience. Before striking the ball, the golfer carefully places the tee, ensuring it is aligned for the perfect
shot. We must diligently prepare ourselves spiritually through prayer, study of God's Word, and fellowship with other believers.
Similarly, we are called to prepare ourselves spiritually and patiently await God's timing. Isaiah 40:31 assures us, “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” By patiently trusting in God's timing, we can soar to new heights and accomplish His purposes in our lives.
The golf tee serves as a reminder of our need for humility. Just as the tee lifts the ball off the ground, we must humble ourselves before God, recognizing our dependence on Him. James 4:10 admonishes us, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” When we humble ourselves and acknowledge our reliance on God, He exalts us according to His perfect plan. The humility exemplified by the golf tee serves as a stark contrast to the pride and self-sufficiency often prevalent in our society. As followers of Christ, we are called to humble ourselves before God and others,
Southern Charm
recognizing that apart from Him, we can do nothing (John 15:5). It is through humility that we experience God's grace and favor in our lives.
The seemingly ordinary golf tee holds profound spiritual significance. It teaches us about the importance of foundation, balance, preparation, patience, and humility in our walk with God. The golf tee serves as a tangible representation of spiritual principles found throughout Scripture. Just as the tee provides a stable foundation for the golf ball, our lives must be built upon the solid rock of God's Word (Matthew 7:24-27). Without a firm foundation in Christ, we are susceptible to being swayed by the winds of adversity and temptation.
Let us, therefore, heed the wisdom of the golf tee and strive to live in accordance with God's Word, trusting in His guidance and provision every step of the way.
*All Scriptures are KJV.
can help you find a plan
right for
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Leaving a Legacy vs. Being a Legend
by Erin Clay
The terms “leaving a legacy” and “becoming a legend” are often used interchangeably, but they possess distinct meanings. While a legend might be remembered for their stories or achievements, a legacy emphasizes the impact and positive influence one leaves on others.
During my youth, a friend shared a song that profoundly affected me. It posed the poignant questions: "Did you tell people about Jesus? Did you show them kindness and love?" Although I cannot recall the exact lyrics, the song's message profoundly impacted my understanding of a meaningful life. It underscored the importance of living in a way that leaves a lasting, positive impact on those around us, even after our departure from this world. Sadly, my friend passed away prematurely, but her legacy of love and kindness continues to inspire me and those who knew her.
My aspiration is to live a life that demonstrates my love for the Lord and directs others towards Him through my actions. I am acutely aware of my imperfections and daily shortcomings, but this remains my aspiration. I yearn to live boldly, love unconditionally, and leave a positive imprint on the lives of those around me.
This distinction between legacy and legend is evident within my own family. My father, a true legend in our eyes, possesses a collection of captivating stories that solidify his legendary status. However, his most significant contribution lies in the legacy he leaves behind – instilling in us the values of kindness, deep love, and hard work.
My mother, on the other hand, exemplifies the power of a life lived as a testament to faith. Growing up, she consistently guided me and my friends towards biblical wisdom, offering guidance and counsel on the challenges we faced. Regardless of who was present, she fearlessly and unapologetically shared the Bible, demonstrating the impact of a life lived as a bold disciple of Christ.
This distinction between legacy and legend underscores an important Christian principle: our ultimate objective
should not be to attain fame or renown but to live a life that reflects the character of Christ and leaves a lasting legacy of love, compassion, and service to others. This entails living out our faith boldly and authentically, sharing the Gospel with those around us, and demonstrating God's love through acts of kindness and service.
As Christians, we are called to be “salt and light” in the world (Matthew 5:13-16), influencing those around us with our faith and demonstrating the transformative power of Christ's love. This is the true essence of leaving a lasting legacy – a legacy that transcends our own lives and continues to impact future generations.
“You are the salt of the earth. But suppose the salt loses its saltiness. How can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything. It will be thrown out. People will walk all over it. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill can’t be hidden. Also, people do not light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand. Then it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine so others can see it. Then they will see the good things you do. And they will bring glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:13-16 NIRV).
Erin Clay and her husband are Sunday School teachers at Calvary Baptist Church. She has lived
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God’s Leftovers
by Garrett Nudd
In a small village house a young mother was caring for her two children. Word had traveled that Jesus was coming. The boy asked his mother if he could go see Jesus. Reluctantly, his mother agreed. When your child wants to see Jesus, you let them go.
Excitedly, he brushed his teeth, ran his fingers through his messy hair, and raced for the door.
“Wait!” his mother said abruptly. She hugged and kissed him and handed him a small basket of food on his way out. Moms think of everything, don’t they?
As the disciples worked their way through the crowd looking for food, the boy stood silent.
Remember what it felt like when you were in school, and the teacher asked the class if anyone wanted to read aloud or explain how to do the math equation? Head down. Straight face. Squint your eyes, just slightly, grit your teeth and act like you’re deep in thought.
Maybe if I don’t make eye contact, they won’t notice me, the boy thought.
But some guys standing not far from him saw his basket and pointed it out to the disciples.
“He’s got food! Look, right there in the basket!”
The disciples asked the young boy if he wanted to meet Jesus.
Suddenly, the shy young boy was the main attraction. Center stage. Imagine Jesus’s face as He meets the young boy. Welcoming. Engaging. Inviting.
Jesus smiled as the young boy handed Him the basket. Shyness was replaced with curiosity. Anxiety gave way to excitement.
He had no idea what was about to happen, but he couldn’t wait to find out. A plot twist unlike any other, and he had a front row seat.
Jesus took the basket in His hands, stretched it toward Heaven, and blessed the food. And that’s when the miracle happened. Jesus reached into the basket and pulled out a loaf. Then He pulled out another loaf. Then He pulled out a fish. Then a third loaf and then a fourth loaf. Then a fish.
Inventory records indicate that the basket contained five loaves and two fish, right?
Jesus reached into the basket again and pulled out a sixth loaf and then a seventh. And then more fish.
Again and again and again and again and again and again Jesus reached into the basket and pulled out more food. And when everyone had eaten their full, twelve heaping baskets remained.
When you give everything you have, God multiplies it so there is more than enough—more than you could ever imagine.
It’s the untold story that I think is so fascinating that I’m sure it was shared over and over and over again. Imagine five thousand people going to bed that night with the biggest smiles on their faces. They hadn’t planned on eating anything. They were intentionally skipping a meal to spend time with Jesus. But what they received was so much MORE THAN. They were treated
to dinner and a show. Wait, actually, it was the meal of a lifetime! What they witnessed that day was truly amazing. I bet they sure were glad they had put aside whatever they were supposed to be doing—whatever other priorities they had—to spend time with Jesus.
Let’s go back to the young boy. Imagine him racing home, running as fast as his little legs would carry him. I can see him busting through the front door, screaming with excitement.
“Mom! Mom! Mom! You’re never gonna guess what happened!”
“Shhhhh, son, the baby is sleeping,” his mom replied.
“But Mom, I’ve gotta tell you! Oh, my goodness, it was so exciting! There were so many people, Mom! And no one brought food and it was time to eat and the disciples asked me if I’d share my food with Jesus and Jesus took my food and He used it to feed everyone!”
“Wait, what?” his mother said. “Calm down. Slow down. Tell me again.”
“Mom, Jesus used our food! The food you packed for me! Mom, there were so many people there and everyone ate as much food as they wanted! Everyone ate until they were full and when we were done there was so much food left over! All because you packed my lunch.
“Thank you so much for letting me go. Thank you, Mom, for letting me see Jesus. Oh, and look mom, I brought you some leftovers. You can eat too. Open the basket, you’ll see!”
Jesus is a master of MORE THAN.
Garrett Nudd serves as director of communications for AdventHealth Georgia. His recent book, MORE THAN: Discovering How Your Story Reveals God’s Beautiful Truth About You, challenges readers to shift their paradigm from less than to MORE THAN.
for Everyone What Is Your Way?
by Dr. Alan Hix
The first Star Wars series that debuted on Disney+ was The Mandalorian. In that series, Mandalorians live by a creed that defines their identity, values, and way of life. The often-repeated phrase, “This is the Way,” serves as a reminder of their commitment to that code. For them, the Creed was not just a set of rules but a way of life that not only defined their identity, but it shaped their actions and bound them together as a unique people.
Mandalorians dedication to the Creed is reflected in the practice of never removing their helmets in front of others, as well as in their commitment to give their lives defending others in need. “This is the Way” signifies that a Mandalorian lives and dies by the Creed.
In the Book of Acts, the first Christians were referred to as “The Way.” This name reflects not just a belief system, but a distinct way of life centered around following Jesus Christ. The use of the term “The Way” shows that Christianity was seen not merely as a new religion. It signifies that believers’ had been transformed in such a way that the purpose and focus of their lives had been redirected to a new path. In Acts 9:2, Saul (later Paul) seeks to persecute “any there who belonged to The Way,” showing that early Christians were recognized by their distinct lifestyles and commitment to the teachings of Jesus. The name “The Way” reflects the belief that Jesus is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6), and that following Him means adopting a way of life that is radically different from the surrounding culture.
For the early Christians, belonging to “The Way” affected every aspect of life—how they treated others, how they responded to persecution, how they lived in community, and how they worshiped. The early creeds, like the Apostles' Creed, emerged from this context to define the core beliefs that shaped this way of life. It begins with “I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth,” anchoring the believer's identity in a relationship with God. This creed provided a foundation for what it meant to be a follower of “The Way,” emphasizing key truths such as the divinity of Christ, the resurrection, and the hope of eternal life.
When early Christians recited the creeds, it was an act of worship and a declaration of their allegiance to Christ. These early creeds, such as the Apostles’ Creed, provided a framework for understanding the world, making moral decisions, and living out the Christian faith in a hostile environment. Much like the Mandalorian Creed, they offered a sense of identity and belonging, uniting believers in a common purpose and mission.
In both worlds, reciting a creed is more than just words; it is a way of life. For Mandalorians, "This is the Way" signifies a life of honor, loyalty, and adherence to their ancient code. For Christians, “The Way” is the path of following Jesus, demonstrated by love, sacrifice, and a commitment to the disciples’ teaching about Jesus. In each case, their creeds defined who they were, what they believed, and how they lived.
As believers, reflecting on these early statements of faith that reflect early Christians’ commitment to “The Way” can inspire us to live out our faith with the same dedication and purpose. In the same way, we are called to let the truths of our faith shape our identity and direct our lives. This is our way—the way of Christ.
About The Author
Dr. Alan Hix is Professor of Christian Studies at Shorter University. In addition to being and educator, he has served churches as a pastor, been involved in mission trips to Africa, Canada, and Alaska, and participated in archaeological excavations in Israel for several years.
PuroClean of Cleveland: A Legacy of Service and Restoration
In times of crisis, when homes and businesses are devastated by fire, water, mold, or other disasters, PuroClean steps in to provide expert restoration services.
As a leader in the property damage emergency services industry, PuroClean operates across the U.S. and Canada, with each franchise independently owned and operated. Among them, PuroClean Property Damage Experts of Cleveland, TN, founded by Charles Atkins and his family in 2014, stands out as a source of hope and resilience.
From humble beginnings with just one technician and a single vehicle, PuroClean of Cleveland has grown into a powerhouse in the restoration industry. Today, the company boasts a fleet of vans, box trucks, trailers, and state-of-the-art equipment, employing up to 45 team members on any given day. PuroClean has the capability of deploying thousands of pieces of restoration equipment including but not limited to air movers, dehumidifiers and industrial generators to handle restoration projects of any size, from small residential repairs to large-scale commercial disasters.
A Business Rooted in Faith and Service
Despite its growth, one thing has remained constant— the Atkins family's commitment to serving God and their community. To them, PuroClean is not just a business but a ministry. Their team is dedicated to helping families and businesses rebuild their lives, offering professional service with a personal touch. Their technicians are
IICRC-certified, ensuring the highest standards in the industry. They continuously update their skills through PuroClean Academy’s ongoing education and training programs. This commitment to excellence ensures that PuroClean of Cleveland remains on the cutting edge of restoration technology.
24/7 Emergency Services with a Personal Touch
Disasters don’t wait for business hours, and neither does PuroClean. Their 24/7 emergency response team ensures that every call is answered by a dedicated professional. Whether working with homeowners or insurance companies, PuroClean guides clients through the entire restoration process, making a stressful situation more manageable. Their services include but not limited to: water damage restoration, fire and smoke damage repair, mold remediation, biohazard cleanup including trauma scene clean-up, hoarding, and COVID deep cleaning, crawlspace encapsulation, HVAC duct cleaning with the Rotobrush Beast. For a full list of services, visit www.puroclean.com/ppde-tn.
National Disaster Response Team
PuroClean of Cleveland is honored to be a leader of PuroClean Corporate’s National Disaster Catastrophe Response team, an elite group of franchises ready to deploy during large-scale disasters. Their dedicated Disaster Team ensures that local services in Cleveland are never disrupted while they assist in recovery efforts across the country.
Over the years, PuroClean of Cleveland has responded to major disasters, including:
• Easter (2020) Tornado – Assisted in Chattanooga, including demo and dry-out of a multimillion-dollar apartment complex.
• Texas Polar Vortex (2021) – Provided restoration for approximately 150 apartments.
• Colorado Wildfires (2021) – Conducted smoke and soot restoration for homes.
• Louisiana Hurricanes, Kentucky and Arkansas Floods, and Florida
• Tornadoes – Provided vital recovery services.
• Dresden, TN Tornadoes (2021) – Assisted seven businesses and collaborated with Fort Campbell’s Staff Sergeant William Atkins and his platoon in cleanup efforts.
• Western NC (2024) – water mitigation, demo and dry out following the flooding caused by Hurricane Helene
• KY and WV (2025)- water mitigation, demo and dry out following the devastating flooding
Restoring More Than Property: A Personal Testimony
The impact of PuroClean’s work is best illustrated through the words of those they’ve helped.
“Charles was God sent. He is my hero,” Phillip Barrier, Avery County Manager, Newland, NC.
“PuroClean has helped our church tremendously during the recent flood. Flood waters rose to 5 feet in our church basement. PuroClean was at our church the very next day assessing the damage. Charles Atkins and his crew got to work quickly getting the flood waters out of our basement, and cleaning up all things(which was basically everything). Then they used their equipment to dry up the whole basement. This is normally a long process, but our church is ready for reconstruction within a little over a week. PuroClean was a lifesaver for us. They relieved us from a lot of stress. They were extremely professional, prompt, informative, hard working, and courteous during the whole process. We highly recommend PuroClean for any job that requires this type of service,” Bishop Mike Smith, Pastor of Maple Street Church of God, Hazard, KY.
Community Outreach: A Season of Giving
Beyond disaster response, PuroClean of Cleveland is deeply committed to giving back. In December 2024, Breleigh Atkins Rhodes, Charles’s daughter, led a heartfelt Christmas outreach in Newland, North Carolina. The initiative provided: 1,000+ gifts and 60 bicycles to children, food assistance for over 200 families, coats and toys for nearly 500 children.
This effort was made possible by PuroClean and volunteers from The Men and Women of Action, Operation
Compassion,
Parkview Church of God, Hearts and Hands for Christ and several other community organizations. Their mission was simple: to bring hope and joy to a community still recovering from Hurricane Helene’s devastation.
Disaster Relief Efforts in North Carolina
When Hurricane Helene struck Western North Carolina in 2024, flooding caused widespread destruction. PuroClean of Cleveland quickly deployed its Large Loss Disaster Response Team to Avery County to assist in restoring homes and government buildings. Their services included: muck out and cleaning, structural drying with industrial equipment, and removal of contaminated materials, antimicrobial and antibacterial treatments. Additionally, they helped restore six flooded grocery/retail stores, ensuring they could reopen quickly to serve affected communities.
A Commitment to Excellence and Service
Even though the PuroClean team serves in national disasters, they always have crews to serve hometown folks with commercial and residential property damage needs. PuroClean's foremost commitment is to their friends and family of East TN. PuroClean of Cleveland is ranked among the top 5-10 0/0 of PuroClean franchises nationwide, a testament to their relentless dedication to customer service and restoration excellence. Yet, they remain a well-kept secret in the restoration industry—one that the Cleveland, TN, community is lucky to have.
With over 50 years of combined industry experience, Charles Atkins and his PuroClean team are more than just restoration experts—they are a family dedicated to serving others with integrity, compassion, and faith. Every job receives the same level of care and professionalism because at PuroClean of Cleveland, clients aren’t just job numbers— they’re part of the family.
For those in need of emergency restoration services, PuroClean of Cleveland is always just a phone call away at (423) 790-3500. When disaster strikes, you’ll be greeted not by an automated message, but by a caring voice ready to help: “How may we help you?"
Extracting Water
Matt system to dry hardwood floors
for Everyone Washer Disaster
by Monica Gambrell
For a period of time, my oldest son, Daniel, tried the prodigal lifestyle. Around the age of fifteen he decided he couldn’t learn from anyone else’s mistakes; he must make his own. So he turned away from every precept he had been taught from birth. Daniel is one of the brightest minds I’ve ever encountered, but during this time he used that mind in some pretty creative ways to be as disobedient as possible.
Daniel loves working with his hands, and the formal school setting was not enough to engage him fully. Once, I received a frantic call from his second-grade teacher. The school was experimenting with the concept of herding 50-60 children into two connected rooms with two teachers and two assistants. Maybe that worked with children who didn’t suffer from ADHD, but it didn’t turn out to be good for my son. His teacher told me he systematically removed every drawer knob in both classrooms! Whew! That child! I’ve never known him to sit near something and not touch it – even now in his 30’s!
I received a different call from his high-school shop class teacher years later. (And yes, there were many calls in the interim.) Daniel had taken a flat washer and placed it on his finger like a ring. The teacher tried everything possible to remove it to no avail. It’s very likely that Daniel was just trying to get sent home to escape the school setting. Little did he know! My husband, Bear, was a no-nonsense kind of parent. We couldn’t afford to send
Daniel to the emergency room, so Bear proceeded (to my horror) to get the hack saw and start cutting it away! Just one slip and Daniel may have lost a finger! During the whole operation, Daniel kept asking if he would have to go back to school. The operation was successful and Bear drove Daniel straight back to finish the school day.
How often do we try desperately to escape the things we dread? Maybe there’s a conversation you don’t want to have, but you know it’s needed. Maybe there’s forgiveness that needs to be given, but you aren’t sure you can do it. Maybe you put off writing a book because you didn’t think you were good enough to pull it off. Any of these scenarios sound familiar? There are consequences to our avoidance; some are severe. We all pay for our sins of commission as well as our sins of omission.
Colossians 3:25 NASB, “For the one who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and that without partiality.”
Father God, You are pure and just. To fail to mete out consequences when needed would not be justice. There are times when we, like sheep, all go astray. And we must know that when we walk away from the safety and comfort afforded us by obedience to You, we will face Your justice. May we stay securely where obedience puts us in deep, sweet fellowship with You.
Gò0 dNews for your Taste Buds
Roasted Butternut Squash with Maple and Sage
For a simple and delicious Easter side dish, try Roasted Butternut Squash with Maple and Sage. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of butternut squash with the rich flavors of maple syrup and aromatic sage, creating a flavorful addition to your holiday table. It’s easy to prepare and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for a stress-free Easter meal.
Ingredients
• 1 large butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon dried sage (or 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped)
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh sage leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Squash:
• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
• Peel and seed the butternut squash. Cut it into 1-inch cubes, ensuring they are roughly the same size for even roasting.
2. Season the Squash:
• In a large bowl, toss the butternut squash cubes with olive oil, maple syrup, dried sage, ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Make sure the squash is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
3. Roast the Squash:
• Spread the seasoned squash cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure that the squash roasts evenly and becomes caramelized.
• Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the squash is tender and golden brown on the edges. Stir the squash halfway through the roasting time to ensure even cooking.
4. Garnish and Serve:
• Once the squash is roasted, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with fresh sage leaves if desired.
Tips for Success:
• For extra flavor, you can add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts before roasting.
• If using fresh sage, add it during the last 10 minutes of roasting to prevent burning.
Walking Through Heaven
by Judy Hood
I was walking through heaven, and what did I see?
It was my Lord, looking back at me.
He said, “My child, come over here.”
It was then my heart filled with cheer. He said, “Come with me and take my hand.
I’ll show you through my marvelous land.”
As we walked quietly by the Crystal Sea, I felt how wonderful it is to be free.
We came to a garden of flowers. How beautiful were they!
All the colors were so vibrant in their splendid array. In the grove where the fruit trees beautifully grew. They were so succulent. I ate not one, but two! He introduced me to the folks of old.
In the midst, I saw all the jewels that sparkled and glowed. Heaven is so bright, brighter than the sun.
I could tell we will enjoy and have lots of fun.
As He showed me to my mansion up on a hill, My heart skipped a beat; oh, what a thrill!
As He kissed me and headed for His throne, I knew I was gonna love this place; it’s so good to be home!
You can get Judy Hood’s poetry books at the Cleveland Public Library.
A Ministry of Heart
Holistic Care For The Family: Redeemed Wellness & Chiropractic
Dr. Chance Johnson is a holistic chiropractic kinesiologist who focuses on the unique individual and assesses the entire body in each visit through structural care, chemical and nutritional imbalances, and mental/emotional work. He sees patients of all ages and walks of life: pregnant women, athletes, infants, children, adults, and elderly.
Dr. Johnson explains, “You are not a one-sizefits-all protocol. You were created uniquely and should be treated as such. We believe that each individual has a God-given innate ability to heal when the right roadblocks are removed. There is a vast difference in treating the symptoms and treating the cause of those symptoms.”
At Redeemed Wellness & Chiropractic you’ll find a holistic healing approach from three aspects: structural, emotional, and chemical.
Structural
The nervous system controls the function of every cell, organ, and system of the body. Optimal function requires optimal connection. Any interference with the communication between the brain and the body results in dysfunction and in disease, better put “dis-ease.”
Dr. Chance uses advanced chiropractic techniques to identify and correct structural challenges.
Emotional
Feelings of stress, being overwhelmed, anger, depression, and anxiety have an underlying source.
Dr. Johnson sums it up this way, “Any emotion not expressed, gets repressed into our body and our organ system; until they get expressed in the form of disease, dysfunction or a behavior we’d rather not display.”
Neuro Emotional Technique (NET) is a way to find current day stressors that may relate to traumas (big or little) in one’s past that are suppressing the function of one’s physiology. NET allows the mind and body to be congruent and function optimally.
Chemical
Toxicity and deficiency are the two underlying sources of imbalance in the body. With the use
of professional applied kinesiology along with neurological desensitization, Dr. Johnson addresses the fields of dysbiosis (Lyme, fungus, parasites, bacteria, virus, etc.), food sensitivities, toxic metals, hormone imbalance, as well as chemical and electromagnetic deficiencies.
Getting Started
Redeemed Wellness & Chiropractic has massage therapy, red light therapy, and ionic foot soaks available to all. If you’d like holistic care with Dr. Chance, a new patient visit is required to establish care. Follow-up visits, known as a “Lifestyle Visit” encompass structural adjustments, emotional work (NET), and chemical/nutritional testing— ultimately taking stressors off the body so it can better heal and function the way God intended it to. Take the first step with a call (423) 207-2829 or email at connect@drchancejohnson.com to set up an appointment.
Dr. Chance is a holistic chiropractic kinesiologist that utilizes muscle testing to assess and treat the entire body with structural care, chemical/nutritional imbalances, and mental/emotional (NET) work.
STRUCTURAL - any interference with the communication between our brain and our body results in dis-ease and dysfunction. We use advanced chiropractic techniques to identify and correct structurally.
EMOTIONAL - feelings of stress, anger, overwhelm, depression, and anxiety have an underlying source. Whatever we don't express in life, we will repress until it gets expressed in the form of dis-ease, dysfunction or a behavior or characteristic we don't like about ourselves.
Dr. Chance uses Neuro Emotional Technique as a way to find current day stressors that may relate to traumas (big or little) in your past that are suppressing the function of your physiology today.
CHEMICAL - Toxicity and deficiency are the two underlying sources of nutritional imbalances in the body. Dr. Chance uses Professional Applied Kinesiology to address the fields of dysbiosis (ex.. Lyme, fungus, parasites, bacteria, virus, etc.), food sensitivities, toxic metals, hormone imbalances, chemical and electromagnetic field sensitivity, nutrient deficiencies, as well as neurological desensitization techniques.
Ionic
Rhonda Vest McClure
618-8575
for Health & Fitness
365 Reasons to Smile
by Sandra Gilmore, Editor
What do chocolate, the second-most commonality among people, blue vs red, and/or 3 million miles have in common?
If you could reap high benefits by this time next year with low investment, even without much thought invested, would you change a daily habit? Paying attention to this one factor in your health can change your first impression, your heart health, your finances, your relationships, and your potential for success. That kind of daily change packs a wallop for sure. Is there truly such a “silver bullet” that yields so many benefits?
Yes, and it’s an easy one to launch and maintain. In fact, the sooner you launch this daily program, the better. With the New Year upon us, and resolutions on everyone’s minds, have you included dental health on your list? Start Today, Right Away
Brushing, flossing, cutting back on sugar intake, and regular dental check-ups are some of the basic components of dental health. How often should you brush and floss? Twice per day. Beat the Sweets
Sugar intake affects the teeth and gums by causing tooth decay and gum disease along with inflammation and infection. If inflammation and infection only stayed in the mouth, it could be addressed much easier. But, inflammation and infection spread throughout the body, especially to the heart and lungs, even the kidneys, and the brain.
Pick some of your favorite fruits and vegetables as alternatives to sugars. Drink more water. This is especially helpful because certain medications can cause dry mouth. A simple sip of water several times per day can offer improvement.
Given the mention of beating sweets, how does chocolate enter the equation? Researchers determined the impact on the heart and brain of a chocolate bar. (Generally speaking, chocolate makes us happier than any other food.) Then, they compared the impact of someone’s smile on one’s heart and brain to the impact of a chocolate bar. The smile of a friend creates the same impact on the brain and heart as 200 chocolate bars! But wait, it gets better. Stay with me here. When the person smiling at you is a loved one, the amount increases to the equivalent of 600 chocolate bars.
Can it get better? Yes! When the smile is from a child, the impact on the brain and heart equates to the impact of 2,000 chocolate bars! Taking care of your –and your child’s– dental health is a key component in the smile someone receives from you and your loved ones.
An Extra Birthday Present
An annual visit to the dentist can be an extra birthday present you give yourself and your family. Check your calendar and coordinate an annual dental check-up around your birthday. It’s an easy way to remember and include it in your yearly schedule.
Measure the Treasure
What can keep you motivated toward a daily habit of dental health? Here are some fun facts:
Americans use about 3 million miles of dental floss per year. Blue toothbrushes are more commonly used compared to red ones.
Dental disease is the second highest common ailment, second only to the common cold.
Americans spend more on soft drinks/sodas than routine, daily dental care products – more than double!
One Trip Around the Sun
So what’s an easy New Year’s resolution to impact your overall health? Simply paying attention to daily dental health. You don’t have to attend classes. You don’t have to learn complicated routines or procedures. You don’t even have to share your goal with anyone (although accountability helps). Practice dental hygiene 365 days and see the rewards by this time next year!
Gò0 dNews for Gardeners
Transformed
by Dorothy Teague
Being an avid gardener, I enjoy planting flowers alongside my vegetables to welcome in the pollinators. I love to sit and watch the butterflies and the bees dancing their way around to each flower, drinking in the nectar. Each and every butterfly is beautiful and unique, showing off their colorful wings. But, that’s not how they began life. They go through different stages to get to the beautiful part. Butterflies are but one of God’s creatures that go through “metamorphosis,” which means transformation. In the “larva” stage they are a caterpillar
where they eat constantly to grow quickly. Then, in the “pupa” stage, they weave themselves into a cocoon and stay there while the cells actually mutate and transform into butterfly parts. In the “adult” stage, the beautiful butterfly emerges, being able to fly now instead of being bound to the earth (The Academy of Natural Sciences, Drexel University, 2018).
This is a picture of the Christian’s life. We are born into sin and as we live our lives and commit sins, we become stained and ugly in God’s sight. But then when we turn from our sins and accept Jesus, He washes our sins away
and makes us clean in God’s sight. When God looks at us, all He sees is Jesus and His blood that now covers us. Second Corinthians 5:17 KJV says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new.” At the moment of salvation when we accept Christ, we start living for Him, but that certainly doesn’t make us perfect at that moment. We are constantly being transformed day by day as we move closer to Christ through our journey with Him. Second Corinthians 3:18 NKJV says, “But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord the Spirit.” Our lifelong goal as a Christian is to look and act more like our Lord, to be transformed into the image of Christ. How do we do that? We are to renew our minds daily by cleansing them with the Word. Romans 12:2 NKJV, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and perfect will of God.”
As we step into springtime, may we all reflect on how God takes all of His creation (and even the critters we may not like) and brings beauty out of each one. Little by little, taking baby steps, we are being changed into the image of Christ. We are being transformed, like the butterfly from an ugly creature who crawls the earth, to a beautiful creature with wings to fly. One day, we too will fly from this place up to our Heavenly home! “And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6 ESV).
Dorothy Teague is a Tennessee native, who resides in McMinn County with her husband, Lewis, on their farm. After
for Life
Built on the Foundation of God
by Paula Burgner
Have you ever noticed that some old things seem to be around forever, whether it’s a church, a house or a barn or even an old vehicle? Ever wonder how those buildings and vehicles can still be standing when it looks as though they have been through the worst storms that could have ever come their way? Those things are the ones that were built with love. But most of all, they could have the blessing of God over them as someone in the generation before could have cried out to God asking him to protect and bless the plans that they had laid out before them.
This can also be applied in life to someone who was lost and without God. Then, you notice that later on in life that person has now accepted God into their heart. This is usually because someone before them, whether it was a friend or family member, kept crying out to God asking for His mercy to come upon that individual. This is how Gods’ blessing works. When we make sure that He gets the glory, He will always see that our prayers are carried out.
The Bible tells us this in John 14:13 KJV, “And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the father may be glorified in the son.” Whatever the Lord builds, nothing will affect it and nothing will be able to tear it down.
However, when that moment comes, you will realize that you must surrender your life to the Lord and ask Him to come into your heart. Once this takes place and you make God the first priority in your life, you will notice the blessing of the Lord coming upon you. Nothing can be shaken when the foundation starts with God. The Bible tells us this in 1 Corinthians 3:9-15 KJV, “For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.” You will learn that God’s word can hold things together so tightly that nothing will be able to tear it apart.
When you go through life lost without accepting God into your heart, it can feel as though everything around you will start to crumble and fall apart, just like when you take an Oreo and mash it up in your hands. Often life can feel like this from time to time. At some point in your life, you will start to see how others around you are so put together and they seem like they are always so prosperous.
The art of giving your life to God is that He can make something out of what someone may see as nothing. Just remember when you begin the building of something, it can be starting a family, a job, restoring a vehicle, or giving your life to God, always remember everything we do in this life is for His glory. The Bible speaks of this in 1 Corinthians 10:31 KJV “Whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”
Paula Burgner is a strong-willed, outgoing girl who loves spending time with her husband and working out. She believes in her heart that you can do anything you put your mind to. Paula is the author of a new book, Grounded by God’s Grace.
Nfor Everyone Waiting
by Maggie Possinger
o matter what phase of life you’re in, have you ever found yourself waiting for the next one?
A 15-year-old might say, “I can’t wait until I’m 16 and can finally drive.”
A 25-year-old might say, “I can’t wait until I’m married and finally have my own family.
A 40-year-old might say, “I can’t wait until I get to retire and finally relax.”
A 60-year-old might say, “I can’t wait until my kids get married and I get to spoil some grandkids.”
And the sayings go on and on.
I, myself, have fallen into the “waiting season.” A time when I don’t seem to be satisfied with where I am in life, and rather than living in the moment, I think too much about the future and yearn for its arrival. Then, when I get the thing I was waiting for, I move on and wait for the next thing in my life to occur.
I don’t believe I do this on purpose. In fact, I think this mindset is built over time. I don’t try to anxiously wait for something or be unsatisfied with my current phase of life, but small thoughts can often lead to bigger ones.
Even a thought as simple as “I can’t wait for the weekend” can make me unsatisfied with the day I am presently in. Before long, I’m constantly wishing for the weekend and a whole month has gone by!
I recently watched a video on social media in which a woman named Claudia spoke on the topic of waiting. In her video, she said, “The focus of your life should never be the absence of something; it should always be the presence of Christ.”
This struck me. Am I focusing too much on what I lack rather than what is right in front of me? In my “season of waiting,” am I remaining idle in my walk with Christ? Am I missing out on opportunities to minister to
someone because I’m too busy “waiting” for the Lord to bless me?
Why do I wish for the weekend to come? Is it because I get to relax, hang out with friends, clean my house, or do that growing pile of laundry? Sometimes on the weekend, I spend most of my time at my apartment. How is the Gospel of Jesus being shared from my solitude?
It’s during the week, I encounter those who may not know Jesus. During the work week, I get to share God’s love at work, in class, in my extracurriculars or in a church small group.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I don’t think it’s wrong to wish for the weekend, a stable job, or grandkids. However, the problem comes when the wishing and the waiting take over my life.
Psalm 27:14 NLT says, “Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.”
Another Psalm that describes how we, as Christians, should wait is Psalm 62 NLT, “I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him” (Verse 1). “Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him” (Verse 5).
To anyone who has found themselves, like me, “waiting for the next big thing to happen,” I encourage you to wait “patiently” and “quietly.” Although easier said than done, when we trust and hope in Christ, we can rest assured in His timing.
Since adopting this new mindset, I’ve found more fulfillment in my days. I try to remember the moments of frustration, happiness, weariness and excitement because they all culminate into another day the Lord has granted me on earth. I’ve also become more spontaneous, opting to do random activities because I’m trying to enjoy each and every day.
I don’t want to reach the end of my life and realize I never enjoyed it because I was always waiting. I urge you to live in the present. It’s a cliché phrase, but you can never return to tomorrow, and luckily, the future is in good hands.
Maggie Possinger is currently a student at Lee University. She can usually be found writing, reading, or coffee shop hopping. When not in school, she resides in Clear Spring, Maryland.
for Kids Look to the Ant
by Jan Merop
Hello, Kids! This article is part of our Chatty Critters and Friends series. Check in future issues for another installment in this series.
“Psst…oh camera man!”
The photographer looked around wondering where that high, squeaky voice was coming from. No other person was around.
“It’s me,” said the tiny red ant.
Nearly dropping the camera, the photographer stared in shock at the ant.
“Don’t come too close. I bite,” the ant warned.
The man burst out laughing knowing he could crush the ant with his big foot. Until he heard the ant’s warning again, “Don’t be fooled by my size. My bite is nasty and there’s strength in numbers!”
And then the photographer remembered a time when he had accidentally stepped backwards into an ant hill. Suddenly he was crying out in pain as not one, but an army of fire ants attacked his leg, traveling down into his socks and between his toes. He brushed and smacked at them, removing his shoes and socks to get rid of them! But, they had left their painful, burning, blistery bites.
The ant continued, “Some kids pick up a harmless black ant and let it crawl on their hand. You’ll find those ants sniffing out sweets at your picnic, too! And, if you’re a daring soul intrigued by insects, you might like having an ant farm. Enclosed in glass, people of all ages can watch how we work together. We are organized; building homes and storing up food. Ants may be tiny creatures, but we are fascinating to watch, especially when you can do so through the safety of glass. And since you can’t burrow under the earth like we can, it’s the only way to get the inside scoop.”
The tiny red ant ~ or fire ant as it is known in these parts ~ is just as busy as his many cousins; but, not to be allowed near bare toes, fingers, or skin anywhere.
Small rounded sand hills are built by busy and hardworking red ants in front and back yards; fields and meadows. Some sandy hills get so big they become quite the mansions.
It seems the ants never tire of the job they must do to provide. And no matter the obstacle - be it sandaled foot or work shoe - they rebuild and never give up.
But count on it: fire ants will set your skin on fire if you dare to step on their humble home or majestic mansion.
“That’s right,” said the ant fearlessly. “I will defend, rebuild, and supply my home.”
So, admire them from a distance. God made them the way they are and He gives us common sense to respect them…and even learn a lesson or two.
Proverbs 6: 6-8 NKJV
The Ant and You
Exploring Truth Through God’s Creation
“Go to the ant, you sluggard (that’s someone who’s lazy), Consider her ways and be wise, which, having no captain (like on a team or in the military), overseer or ruler (like a boss, president, or king), provides her supplies in the summer (so not to starve in winter), and gathers her food in the harvest.” (to be full).
Learn from the ants’ untiring energy and will power.
Watch as they plan, organize, and persevere (never giving up)
They remind us to be wise, work hard in school and at home… always doing our best.
So don’t give up!
God will bless your hard work and provide for all your needs. Do everything with all your heart to please Him.
Gò0 dNews for Seniors Puzzles
by Douglas Baynes
Puzzles. I would venture to say that not one person who is reading this has not at one time in their life done, or attempted a puzzle. I said “done” a puzzle, that would invoke the idea that it was easily or quickly accomplished. My wife said she did them as a kid and I had found one called the “The Polar Express.” I thought this would be fun entertainment for the rainy weekend we were having. So I cleared the dining room table, put on a pot of coffee, and boiled some water for Annie’s tea. I opened the box and dumped the contents on the table. I propped up the box so that wonderful picture of the Polar Express going through the snowy mountains would be a good guide for piecing it all together. So far so good.
Then Annie came in and looked at it allllllll. There were a lot of little cardboard pieces. Not being a puzzle person, I thought they were all pretty much alike. I thought there were 100 pieces of interlocking cardboard for an afternoon of fun. Did you know that there are puzzles with 1000 pieces? I can see the moon at night, and how far is that away? But without my reading glasses, it can be a challenge for me to see up close. My 12”x 24” winter picture was not a 100 piece puzzle but 1000! That extra zero changed our afternoon entertainment into a four week ordeal. We sorted the pieces. Annie found all the edging first. Ok this is going to plan. I was tasked with all the black pieces that formed the engine. That took till my coffee got cold.
wood flooring by the table. Without the picture on the box we would have never gotten it done. We finally finished it. Annie glued it all together and it is framed and hangs in my train room.
Ever thought how our lives are like that big picture, full of pieces to be fit just into the right place? Ever have those moments when you look back at events in your life and have that “OH, I see now” moment? If that would not have happened, this would not have worked out just at the right
time. At 73 I look back and could write a book of all those picture puzzles moments in our life that now I see how they all fit together.
So as night fell we left it all on the dining room table. If you’ve done one of these you know how this all played out. It’s there on the table but you cannot walk past it without slowing down and just glancing at it. Mmm, you pickup a piece and as you rub it between your thumb and index finger you just know you can find that one place for it….and no. You drop it like a bad habit and walk on to the kitchen. Or at least I did till I thought I would have to replace the
Roman 8:28 KJV says, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” Just a thought, but I think one day we will all get to look back at that picture puzzle of our life and say, “oh, I see how it all fitted together!”
Doug and Annie, his wife of 43 years, attend First Baptist Church of Cleveland, TN. He is an author and Annie is a speaker and teacher at various women’s meetings. Retired now, they spend their summer months traveling the USA in their RV.
Cleveland Church Directory
African Methodist Episcopal
Price Memorial AME Zion 254 Dooley Street NE, Cleveland, TN 37311
Anglican
Mission Cleveland 1165 Church St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311
Apostolic
First Apostolic Church Of Cleveland 4859 Freewill Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (229) 343-6880
Assembly of God
The Collectives Church 1976 Westland Dr SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 641-0193
Triune Assembly 301 Sunset Drive Cleveland, TN 37312
Baptist
Antioch Baptist Church
2807 Old Alabama Rd. SW McDonald, TN 37353
Avenue Church
1720 Perry St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-0489
Beacon Baptist Church 505 Corvin Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-7056
Bellefounte Baptist Church
132 Bellfounte Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 336-2312
Bethel Baptist Tabernacle 3165 Buchanan Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-5820
Berean Baptist Church
2355 Bucks Pocket Rd SE, Old Fort, TN 37362 (423) 478-1697
Big Spring Baptist Church 1415 Hardwick St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-1101
Blue Springs Baptist Church 699 Blue Springs Church Rd SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-0932
Candies Creek Church
294 Old Eureka Rd Charleston, TN 37310 (423) 479-3731
Cedar Springs Baptist Church 723 Cedar Springs Church Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-5506
Center Point Baptist Church 1205 Lower River Rd NW Charleston, TN 37310 (423) 336-2133
Cleveland Cowboy Church 3040 Blythe Rd. Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-7936
Cloverleaf Baptist Church 2290 Waterlevel Highway Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 339-3617
Clingan Ridge Baptist Church 2412 Georgetown Road, NW Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 472-3511
Covenant Baptist Church
249 Calhoun Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 559-2653
Dalton Pike Baptist Church 3055 Benton Pike NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-7606
East Cleveland Baptist Church 1145 Arnold St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-8728
Echos of Mercy Baptist Church 535 Durkee Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 715-9739
Elkmont Baptist Church 4030 Old Freewill Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 479-4600
Emmanuel Baptist Church 1227 Powerline Dr NE, Cleveland, TN 37323
Farmland Community Church 1675 Greendale Dr. SE Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 473-9891
First Baptist Church 1275 Stuart Road Cleveland, Tennessee 37312 (423) 709-9100
Galilee Baptist Church
665 Old Chattanooga Pike SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 241-2740
Henegar Baptist Church 7423 Mouse Creek Rd. Cleveland, TN 37312
Hopewell Baptist Church 188 Old Georgetown Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 479-3763
Lebanon Baptist Church 1411 Old Parksville Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-6700
Macedonia Baptist Church 3119 Spring Place Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-1713
Maple Street Baptist Church 1700 Maple St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 478-3622
Maranatha Baptist Church 453 Blue Springs Ln SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 614-8991
Michigan Avenue Baptist Church 2741 Benton Pike NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-8891
Mt Carmel Baptist Church 7619 Blue Springs Rd, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-1620
New Friendship Baptist Church 1344 Chatata Valley Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 476-6007
New Salem Baptist Church
175 Ladd Springs Rd, Cleveland, TN 37323
North Cleveland Baptist Church 2815 Ocoee St N, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-8524
Oak Grove Baptist Church 4452 Bates Pike SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-9125
Old Pathway Baptist Church 224 Rymer Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37323
Parkway Baptist Church 185 Meadow Ln SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 339-5522
Philadelphia Baptist Church 910 30th St SE, Cleveland, TN 37323
Philippi Baptist Church 2325 Old Harrison Pike NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-5385
Pleasant Grove Baptist Church 799 Inman Street East Cleveland, Tennessee 37311 (423) 476-4081
Public Church 850 17th St. NW Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 458-4405
Ridgeview Baptist Church 1501 S Ocoee St, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-5119
Samples Memorial Baptist Church
371 Samples Chapel Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 476-2329
Shenandoah Baptist Church 138 Osment Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 339-0103
Shiloh Baptist Church 357 Highway 64 Ocoee, TN 37361 (423) 338-4292
Shiloh Baptist Church 3406 Blair Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 479-5755
Stuart Park Baptist Church 850 17th St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-6741
Tasso Baptist Church 164 Old Charleston Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 559-2114
Temple Baptist Church 3070 Harrison Pike, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-6813
Thompson Spring Baptist Church 5660 Bates Pike SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 790-1823
Union Baptist Church 797 Hughes Lake Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 559-1720
Valley View Baptist Church 4657 Spring Place Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-7707
Waterville Baptist Church 4555 Dalton Pike SE, Cleveland, TN 37323
(423) 472-5582
West Cleveland Baptist Church 1959 Westland Dr SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-8927
Westwood Baptist Church 4001 Georgetown Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 472-1534
White Oak Baptist Church 2043 White Oak Valley Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 559-2359
Catholic
St Therese Catholic Church 900 Clingan Ridge Dr NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-8123
Charismatic
Cleveland Christian Fellowship 695 S Ocoee St, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-2642
Church of Christ
North Bradley Church of Christ 1510 Stuart Road NE, Suite 207 Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 473-3298
Church of God
Community Chapel Church of God 807 Blythe Ave SE Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-2143
Church of God Sanctified, Inc. 746 First Street N.E. Cleveland, TN. 37311 (423) 479-3895
East Cleveland Church of God 900 15th St NE Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-3389
Fellowship of Praise Church of God 931 Inman Street East Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-3121
Grace Community Church of God 4745 Mouse Creek Road NW, Cleveland, TN 37312. (423) 614-0708
Heritage Fellowship Church 4635 South Lee Hwy McDonald, TN 37353 (423) 476-6316
International Worship Center Centro Internacional de Adoración 533 Central Ave. NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-1977
Kinser Church of God 141 Kinser Road Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 476-7400
Lakeview Community Church 105 Pound Street SE Cleveland, TN 37323 (423)-790-5805
North Cleveland Church of God 335 11th St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-5513
Michigan Avenue Church of God 515 Minnis Road NE (423) 284-7573
Mt Olive Church of God
3522 Harrison Pike, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-3381
Mt View Church of God
210 Roadway Dr SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (706) 455-3528
Pine Hill Church of God 1484 Old Alabama Rd McDonald, TN 37353 (423) 488-0939
South Cleveland Church of God 1846 Volunteer Dr SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-6382
Westmore Church of God 2440 Legacy Pkwy NW Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 479-3415
Church of God of Prophecy
Cleveland Spanish COGOP 2610 Grove Ave. Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 473-7199
Durkee Road COGOP 201 Durkee Rd. Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 472-4384
Keith Street Ministries COGOP 4000 Keith ST. NW Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-2448
Peerless Road COGOP 3301 Peerless Rd. NW Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 303-2680
Spring Place COGOP 2530 Spring Place Rd. Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-6414
Wildwood COGOP 140 Wildwood Ave Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-6584
The Church of God
The Church of God Jerusalem Acres 1826 Dalton Pike SE Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-1597
Community
Fellowship in Christ 1025 Beech Circle NW Cleveland TN 37312 (423) 314-2382
Disciples of Christ
First Christian Church 3625 N. Ocoee Street Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 472-6682
Episcopal Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church 320 Broad St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311
Lutheran
First Lutheran Church 195 McIntire Ave NE, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 472-6811
Latter-day Saints
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 4200 Pryor Rd N.E. Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 503-6394
Methodist
Big Springs Methodist Church 1196 Hardwick St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311
(423) 476-5242
Black Fox United Methodist 1820 Old Chattanooga Pike SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 339-1908
Broad Street United Methodist 155 Central Ave NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-5586
First United Methodist Church 3425 Ocoee St N, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-4504
Mt. Zion Methodist Church 7223 Georgetown Rd Cleveland, TN 37312
Pleasant Grove Community Church 3043 Pleasant Grove Church Rd SW Cleveland, TN 37311
Red Hill United Methodist Church 527 Red Hill Valley Road SE Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 728-5413
Tasso United Methodist 1106 Tasso Ln NE, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 479-4457
Trinity United Methodist Church 731 1st St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 614-7900
Valley Head Methodist Church 920 Mouse Creek Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 472-0575
Wesley Memorial Methodist 3405 Peerless Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 472-9578
Pentecostal
Faith Memorial Church 910 17th St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-6281
First United Pentecostal Church 4095 Peerless Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-9436
Revolution Life Church 1525 Jones Ave SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 310-7287
Full Gospel House of Prayer 1500 Wildwood Ave. Cleveland, TN
Nazarene
Cleveland First Church Of The Nazarene 2712 Henderson Ave. Cleveland, TN 37312 423-472-7371
New Hope Church of the Nazarene 4514 Waterlevel Highway Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 473-3379
Non-Denominational
Benton Pike House Of Prayer 2615 Peach Orchard Hill Rd, Cleveland, TN 37323
Christian Fellowship Ctr 895 6th St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-9591
Church Alive Ministries 6315 Mouse Creek Road NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-8133
Church At Grace Point 2595 Old Freewill Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 728-5050
Cleveland Community Chapel
1823 Forest Ridge Dr. Cleveland, TN 37311
Cleveland Cornerstone Church 533 Broad St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-1775
Community Hall Church 1305 6th Street Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-2178
Crossroads Community Church 1000 South Lee Highway Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 716-2871
Dwelling Place Church International 523 Urbane Road NE Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 790-5200
Eagle’s Chapel Church 133 Beaty Dr NW Cleveland, TN 37312
Eleven22 Church 1701 South Lee Hwy Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 488-4526
Evening Light Gospel 200 20th St SE Cleveland, TN 37311
Freedom Fellowship Church 3555 Blue Springs Rd, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 478-0654
God’s Family Fellowship 2823 South Lee Hwy Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 458-4490
Graceway Chapel 221 14th St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 728-2226
Jacob’s Tent Fellowship 1080 Montgomery Ave NE, Cleveland, TN 37311
The Journey Church 3191 South Lee Hwy, McDonald, TN 37353 (423) 728-4100
Living By Faith Ministries 1175 King Edward Avenue Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 457-9072
Living Stones Church 4165 Peerless Rd NW Cleveland, TN 37312
Living Word Church 930 25th Street NW Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 339-3028
Mount Zion Prayer Center 650 25th Street NW Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 478-5044
New Life Bible Church 155 S Ocoee St, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-3882
Redemption To The Nations 2750 Keith Street NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 591-7886
Restoration Fellowship 211 Trewhitt Dr SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-4249
Rock Bridge Community Church 3635 Georgetown Rd, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 641-1485
The Sanctuary 1203 Smith Dr. Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 478-2843
Tasso Christian Church 1135 Tasso Lane, Cleveland, TN 37312
(423) 479-2705
The TRIBE 1175 King Edward Avenue SE Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 380-8802
Tri-State Cowboy Church 200 Natures Trail SW, McDonald, TN 37353 (Building 3) (423) 303-8954
United Christian Church 2200 Peerless Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-4277
Unity Christian Ministries 2419 Georgetown Rd NW Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 473-9338
Walker Valley Community 787 Lauderdale Memorial Hwy Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 336-9696
Wings Of Love House Of Prayer 855 5th Street SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 716-5394
Presbyterian
Charleston Cumberland Presbyterian Church 8267 N Lee Hwy, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 336-5004
First Cumberland Presbyterian 161 2nd St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-6751
First Presbyterian Church 433 N Ocoee St, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-5584
Flint Springs Cumberland Presbyterian Church 515 Flint Springs Rd Cleveland TN. 37323 (423) 284-6397
Prospect United Cumberland Presbyterian Church 310 New Murraytown Rd. NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-6181
St James Cumberland Presbyterian 151 Short St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-5762
Trinity Presbyterian PCA 1780 Stuart Rd. NE, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 559-9595
Seventh Day Adventist
Bowman Hills Adventist 300 Westview Dr NE Cleveland, TN 37312
Cleveland Fellowship Church 211 Trewhitt Drive Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 671-7497
East Cleveland Seventh-Day 801 Howard Circle SE Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-9299
Ladd Springs Seventh-Day 5860 Bates Pike SE Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 476-1889
Zion Assembly
Zion Assembly Church of God 5512 Waterlevel Hwy, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 476-3337
