the congregational newsletter of
St. John’s Lutheran Church
1 2015 Pentecost II Issue
LUTHERAN LIFE
The Saint John’s Church Council has selected Kairos and Associates to professionally advise a fall capital campaign. In the past, Kairos has helped our congregation with two successful funding appeals: “Creating Christ Connections” 2003-2006 and “Believing, Belonging, Becoming” 2006-2009. A Leadership Team met with our Kairos consultant, David Misenheimer, on Sunday, July 26, and we began organizing our campaign teams and discussing campaign objectives. The strategy is based on the biblical and theological understanding that stewardship is discipleship and that the involvement of members and friends of the congregation in this process is at the center of a spiritual journey. We are connecting the mission and vision of Saint John’s with the hopes and dreams for additional financial resources.
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The next steps in developing the ministry of Saint John’s and making some necessary capital improvements with our sanctuary will be communicated through our campaign teams which include: Leadership Team, Communications Team, Spiritual Life Team, Messenger Team, Leadership Gifts Team, Tell the Story Team, Ongoing Support/ Follow-Up Team. If you are interested in serving on one of these campaign teams, please contact Rita Schwartz (865)621-3945 and plan to attend our next team meeting. Our next team meeting date with our Kairos consultant is Wednesday, August 12 at 6:30 PM. The Church Council and members of Saint John’s will kickoff the congregational phase of the campaign in October.
A New Season of
Ministry
After nineteen years at St. John’s—including one semester at Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, one ordination, countless worship services, two retreat ministries, eighteen weeks of AFFIRM, three National Youth Gatherings, and twelve summers of WOW — I am excited to share some new developments in my pastoral role at St. John’s. Since 2000, my call description was Pastor of Family Ministries and Christian Caregiving. Recently, I had the opportunity to tweak my pastoral responsibilities, and now my call description is—DRUM ROLL, please—Pastor of Faith Formation and Leadership Development! Here is a breakdown of the specifics: • Faith Formation for Children, Youth, and Adults, including Sunday morning Christian Education classes, Ministry Programming, Nursery Ministries, Stepping Stones of Faith, Communion Instruction, Confirmation Studies, the partnership with Win Our World (WOW) Urban Ministry, and Wednesday evening Christian Education opportunities
• Faith Formation for Groups including Katie’s Sisters and Senior Adult Ministries (SAMs) • Specialized Pastoral Care including pastoral visitation and Stephen Ministry • Leadership Development including the redevelopment of the Ministry Council and ongoing support of St. John’s candidates for ministry • Worship Leadership • Et Cetera including support of Church Council and newsletter production I will still be faithfully involved in youth ministry, offering lots of support to Isaac as he embraces his new role as Youth Ministry Associate. It’s going to be a FABULOUS year! Peace and Love, Pastor Amy
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THE LOR
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to r in Chic Augustana Church (coincidentally, ago, Illino he and Pastor John attendeLutheran is where h d Augusta is familyat na Lfont, werehbaptized in the SAME uthealthough ran Churacfew years apart, e and Pasto h (co from r John w Augustana). He relocated toerKnoxville cideAtlanta. ntally, e baptize5dyears ago in although a in thand few yeaarwealth He brings to St John’s of knowledge experience e SAME fon in s apart, at t, to K A n u oxville 5 y ministry coordination gustaand church administration, na)organizational . He reloc ears ago fr ated ominternet John’s a w as it relates to the Atlantaand communications media. ealth of kn . Hesocial b r in g s o w to leand dgesinger. adm Chris isin also Rhonda St and exHis istraatitalented pewife on, minpianist r ie n c e in churc is try cmembers. oordinati and son are St John’s com h mThomas un on and org ications as anizationa it relates to media. Ch l th e internet ris is also a n d a s ta o c le ial nted pianis wife Rhon t and singe da and son r. His Thomas a re St John ’s member s.
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f Knoxville raduate fro and he’s A m UT in D LL VOL! e He will c ember wit egree in G h a Bachelo eography. r of Arts Isaac has ork of the always ha church; es d a passio pecially yo n for the ceptional uth ministr athlete, fo y . He’s also rmerly a m an m, and cu ember of th rrently clu e U T b s w and schoo im ve a s a y o l swim coa uth associa c h . Isaac will te at St Jo hn’s. 4
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
August Kinderchurch During the month of August, Kinderchurch will be offered at the 9:00 am service only. The curriculum will feature mini Sunday School lessons focusing on specific ideas and themes.
Christian Education Offerings in September As we live into our new worship schedule of 9:00 and 10:30 AM, we will also make a significant transition in our Christian Education offerings. During August, we will continue our time of fellowship between services, gathering in the Welcome Center for fellowship and food provided by Tender Lovin’ cookin’. During September, Krista Lee and Pastor Amy will introduce the dimensions of intergenerational learning, inviting children and parents and grandparents to worship at 9:00 and then join us for shared learning in the Sparks Fellowship Hall at 10:30. Our scriptural themes will focus around God’s invitation to learn, live, and grow. Additionally, we will provide a resource that allows the learning to continue throughout the week at home. Please plan to join us for this new expression of discipleship!
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YOUTH & FAMILIES
i to Knoxv and experience of knowledge lth ea nizational w a ga ’s or John tion and na di or co y tr is min et and social administration, tes to the intern la re it as ns io er. His communicat pianist and sing ed nt le ta a so . al hn’s members media. Chris is homas are St Jo T n so d an a wife Rhond
Hello St. John’s youth and families! in Farragut and attended te the Southeastern I wanted to let you know a little more about Affirm, th Associa ume! o Y – r lo y a T c handpicked by e will six Isaawere OL! HCamp, All of the events listed below ALL VYouth ’sSynod he d an e ill xv no of Arts including native of Kus c is a directed Pastor Amy and me because AND asloar camper, IsaaGod a Bache ber withyears em ec D in T ion for the fromI U passYoung d athe aduatethat s hain they are fun AND they are gr things love to do! one Adult way al s ha c aa Is . e’s also an Geography H in y. tr ee is gr in de m h I go bowling almost every Sunday night during Institute cially yout Youth Ministry ; espethe the UT swim k of the church of or r w be em m a summer; I live at Tyson House during the school (YAYMI) and the past ill three e, formerly hlet coach. Isaac w exceptional at swim as olyears ho sc d an year; and I’ve been doing lake parties, bible a staff member. ub ently cl team, and curr John’s. I have a passion for studies, and retreats my entire life. associate at St h ut yo a as e serv I also swam on multiple levels growing up, and working with youth, hence my coaching jobs and 4 now I’m coaching Fox Den during the summers and now my joy in taking this position at St. John’s! I’m CAK high school during the school year (September very excited about beginning the school year and through February). I went to Farragut for my primary getting to know each of you. I LOVE meeting people education, and I’m now only seven hours away from and creating new relationships, especially in the getting my degree in Geography from the University context of the church. of Tennessee. I grew up at Faith Lutheran Church So again, I can’t wait to get started! See y’all soon!
Youth Ministry Happenings YOUTH MINISTRY KICK-OFF
• Sunday, October 25 … Confirmation Luncheon
AUGUST 16 (3:00-6:30 PM) The O’Hatnicks’ Home at 2801 Williams Road Join us for family fun—everything from swimming to paddle boarding to kayaking to badminton—and opportunity to hear all about the plans for 2015-2016 Youth Ministry year! Isaac Taylor, our new Youth Ministry Associate, will be present to meet folks and hear your hopes and dreams. Please RSVP to Pastor Amy (amy@sjlknox.org) and Isaac (Isaac@sjlcknox.org) by Wednesday, August 12 so we will have plenty of food for everyone!
• Friday, November 21 and Saturday, November 22 … Youth Retreat
Other Youth Ministry Dates include: • Sunday, August 30 … Dinner and Bowling • Sunday, September 27 … Dinner and Bible Study • Sunday, October 18 … Cooking for Dinner for Tyson House and Worship
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2016 Dates include: • Sunday, January 31 • Sunday, February 28 • Sunday, April 3 • Sunday, April 24 • Wednesday, April 13 … Youth Sunday Planning (6th through 11th graders) • Wednesday, April 20 … Youth Sunday Planning (Seniors who will be preaching) • Sunday, May 8 … Youth Sunday and Graduate Reception Parents, please put these dates on your family calendar so you can plan around these important gatherings! We look forward to a spectacular year … your participation will make it complete.
PROGRAMMING
FIRST FRIDAY with St. John’s Lutheran Church
First Fridays take off again during the fall on Friday, August 7 and Friday, September 4. Join us for a time of yummy food and significant conversation; entering from the courtyard entrance with your favorite beverage in hand to share, you will find members of St. John’s enjoying appetizers and fellowship from 5:30 to 6:30 PM. From there, many folks head downtown for dinner shared at various restaurants. On August 7, we will welcome St. John’s Michael Holtz for a book signing for his recently published It’s
Not Harder than Cancer. Drawing from his cancer diagnosis and subsequent journey toward health and wholeness, he will read a selection from his book and answer questions. TLC is providing food for this special gathering…YUM! First Fridays have been going on in Knoxville for over ten years! We see this as an incredible opportunity to invite friends to experience the hospitality for which St. John’s is well known, so invite a friend to this new invitation to fun-filled relationship.
Blessing of the Backpacks will be on August 9 during both services. Mark your Calendars! Back to School Bake Sale is on August 30
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PROGRAMMING
Emory Place
Block Party Saturday, August 29th, 12 noon – 9 pm
Celebrate the culture and crafts of our neighborhood at the Emory Place Block Party, Saturday, August 29th from 12 noon until 9 pm. Come out and meet the neighbors of St. John’s, see what’s happening with neighborhood businesses. There will be food, vendors, live music and more.
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And a special treat – our own ministry coordinator CHRIS CLAY will be playing some live jazz with his band at the block party. Check out the Emory Place Block Party facebook page for details or ask Chris for more information.
God’s work. Our hands A Lutheran day of Service. Sunday, September 13th is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate who we are as an Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) congregation – one church, freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor. For the past two years, thousands of members from across this church have dedicated one day to serve communities in ways that share the love of God with all people. The date for 2015 is Sunday, Sept. 13. Whether it’s gathering food items to fill shelves at a local food pantry, cleaning up a public park or volunteering at a homeless shelter, your service activities offer an opportunity for us to explore one of our most basic convictions as Lutherans: That all of life in Jesus Christ – every act of service, in every daily calling, in every corner of life – flows freely from a living, daring confidence in God’s grace. Visit www.ELCA.org/dayofservice for more information about started on planning your day of service today!
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LUTHERAN LIFE
Katie’s Sisters Ministry Following a spring retreat and planning meeting, Katie’s Sisters, a ministry of fellowship and faith formation for the women of St. John’s and their friends, is officially launching with an exciting line up of events. Check out these opportunities: • Sunday, August 23 … Casual Sunday Congregational Picnic in the Courtyard at 11:30 AM • Friday, August 28 … Sips and Strokes at St. John’s at 5:30 PM • Saturday, October 24 … Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure at World’s Fair Park at 8:30 AM • Mid-November … Cookie Collection for College Student Care Packages • Monday, November 30 … Advent by Candlelight at St. John’s at 7:00 PM
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• Early January … Collection of Starbuck Gift Cards for College Student Send-Off Letters • Saturday, January 23 … Resolution Reboot, a workshop about healthy living as a year-round lifestyle, led by Angie Hamstead at St. John’s • Friday, March 4 and Saturday, March 5 … Katie’s Sisters Retreat at Tuckaleechee Inn in Townsend, TN • Early April … Cookie Collection for College Student Care Packages More details to follow in worship bulletins, via e-mail, and on the church website at www.sjlcknox.org!
Habitat House Build Volunteers
Great News…there are several opportunities to become involved! We will need 30 volunteers for the Blitz on Saturday, October 17th! • October 17th - Blitz Day Involves starting with a floor, building the exterior walls, setting the trusses, and decking the roof - the house will be “in the dry” at the end of the day. We will need 10-15 volunteers for three more Saturdays in October, November and December. Here are the work plans for each day. • October 24th - Interior Walls Consists of building and setting walls and installing topplate, dead-wood, and cabinet blocking. Volunteers will work most of the day. Completion of the roof should be early-tomid afternoon. • October 31st - Siding Work begins on the ground and finishes on scaffolding or ladders. • November 21st - Paint Interior Walls Houses are typically already cut-in, and work consists of rolling 2 coats of paint on all of the walls. • December 5th - Install Trim - Measuring, cutting, and installing baseboards and door trim. Some caulking may be involved. Work is planned Set Cabinets Work (for several people) is planned. Matt Whitehead @ mattdwhitehead@gmail.com is our Volunteer Coordinator. In order to sign up, here is the link to do so on-line: http:// web.kindable.com/knoxvillehabitat/Event/ About/701j0000000eNSMAA2
We have also launched our fundraising goal of $15,000. Thanks to a partnership with Church Street United Methodist and David and Sandy Martin, they will be providing the other 2/3 of the funds or $30,000. Plan to consider your participation with financial support as well! We have a great team and each would like more assistance, so get involved. The Habitat team members are: Project Coordinators Neil Fischer Dale Teague Volunteer Coordinators Matt Whitehead Family Nurturer Dale Teague Food / Refreshment Coordinator Nancy Maland Fund Raising Coordinator Jim Ley Publicity Coordinator Chris Clay Project Chaplain Bill Lawhon Recycling Coordinator Open PLAN TO BECOME INVOLVED! Contact: neilfischer22@gmail.com or dbteague@comcast.net for more information.
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LUTHERAN LIFE
An end is only a beginning in disguise. Craig D. Lounsbrough
Craig D. Lounsbrough writes “An end is only a beginning in disguise.” With the beauty of life and the hope of resurrection held in a gentle tension, the Stephen Ministers of St. John’s invite you to a special gathering on Sunday, September 13 at 1:30 PM to discuss end of life issues. Featured speakers include Dr. Ron Rimer and Scott Griswold, an attorney who specializes in the trusts, estates, and the legal realities of medical care at the end of life. This event is free and open to the public! Please invite your friends to join you.
• Packages of children’s underwear • New or gently used pull up shorts and pants • Children’s magazines • Gift cards which can be shared with the teachers
Have you considered sharing one hour a week of your time with a young student at Christenberry Elementary? Currently we have 11 members mentoring, six mentors to middle and high school students, three in other elementary schools and only two at Christenberry. St. John’s has made a commitment to providing mentors to this inner city neighborhood school and we would love to have you join us in making a difference in our community. We need you to make a difference in a child’s life, at Christenberry and in the community. St. John’s members generously provided dessert to the staff and teachers end of school luncheon. Following is the thank you note we received: As we get ready for school we could use help in gathering the following items for Christenberry:
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• Any items you might think that teachers would enjoy receiving • Winter jackets Prayerfully consider joining this effort to change our inner city starting with an elementary school children. Please, if you could share just one hour of your time each week, give Thea Peterson a call at 591-4803 to talk further about this opportunity to serve. To Our St. John’s Family: Thank you so much for your constant support and prayers throughout the school year. Your faithfulness is an inspiration to us all. We also wanted to thank you for the delicious desserts that your folks provided at the end-of-year luncheon. What a sweet surprise! We are so very blessed. Thanks Again, Christenberry Staff.
Highways and Byways For over thirty years, Preacher Bob has led Highways and Byways ministry for the homeless of our community. In partnership with Powell United Methodist Church, Saint John’s entered this ministry partnership in the fall of 2007 and the chronically homeless have met in our fellowship hall for worship every Thursday night, August through May, for seven years.Preacher Bob Burger continues to recover from
multiple health complications. After two months in the hospital, he is now in a rehabilitation facility. Due to Preacher Bob’s illness and extensive recovery, Highways and Byways has been postponed indefinitely as we pray for Bob’s continued recovery. Thanks to members of Saint John’s, especially Jon Efteland, Rita Schwartz and members of TLC, who have participated in this ministry over the years.
The Knoxville Church The Knoxville Church is a multi-cultural, nondenominational Church, who for the past 20 years has been blessed to share in ministering across the greater Knoxville area. Over the past four years, the Knoxville Church has shared facilities with the First Christian Church located at the corner of Fifth and Gay, right behind Saint John’s. The First Christian Church was recently sold to a developer and major renovations will begin in August. Seeking a new meeting venue for their worship and mid-week activities, the Knoxville Church leaders approached Saint John’s Church Council with a
proposal that was unanimously adopted. Beginning in August, the Knoxville Church will use the Saint John’s fellowship hall on Sunday afternoons for worship. They will also use several classrooms for a small group that meets mid-week. The Knoxville Church has contracted with Saint John’s for $2,000 per month for the use of this space. Lead Minister of the Knoxville Church, CJ Wakefield, met with our Church Council on Monday, July 13. We are thankful to welcome these brothers and sisters in Christ to Saint John’s and we look forward to growing in this relationship of ministry.
The Volunteer Group, NA The Volunteer Group of Narcotics Anonymous was established in 2001 and met at First Christian Church until 2010. After relocating to the Tabernacle Baptist Church for the past four years, the Volunteer Group has requested space at Saint John’s for their weekly meetings. The Saint John’s Church Council unanimously approved this group for weekly facility use beginning in August. The group will meet on Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30 – 6:30 PM.
This NA group provides a vital resource for our community by giving recovering addicts a place to meet. By sharing experience, strength and hope, this group helps people discover a better way to live beyond addiction. A support group is vital to recovering addicts. Members and friends of Saint John’s are invited to attend this recovery program. Your support and questions about this ministry may be directed to Darrell Murrell (865)438-3132.
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LUTHERAN LIFE
SERVICE
TIMES After an amazing experience of 10:00 AM worship at Saint John’s during June and July, a new worship schedule is being offered beginning Sunday, August 2: Two Worship Services - 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM. During August there will be opportunity in the Welcome Center for fellowship and “finger food” between services (10:00 - 10:30AM). Our new Faith Formation program for children, youth and adults will be introduced in September. There will be no Sunday School during August. We hope this new worship schedule will promote continued fellowship and growing participation with our faith community as we develop new Sunday morning opportunities for faith formation, small group ministries and passionate worship.
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We believe the 9:00 AM worship may appeal to families with children and youth as we will offer faith formation activities beginning in the fall at 10:15 AM. We also hope the 10:30 AM worship will appeal to those of you who enjoyed our 10:00 AM summer worship. Small group ministries will continue to develop and will be encouraged to consider meeting at 11:30 AM on Sunday mornings. Continued conversation and fellowship over Sunday lunch promises to inspire and develop our relationships and shared ministry. As we meet one another for worship and faith formation on Sunday morning, we trust and believe this new schedule has the potential to help us grow deeper in our experience of Christian community. Thanks for your faithful partnership in ministry!
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Konnie Anderson Garry Menendez Deborah Sousa Turner Rogers Brady Hopkins Karalyne Ley David Jagels Marjorie Hansen Michael McWilliams David Cash Christopher Hegseth Shannon O’Hatnick Deanna Lloyd Christine Oehler Ann Crytser Marva Solt Toni Denton Elizabeth Lewis Nancy Wolfe Tom Wainner Lisa Beckman Lars Cooter Ryan Cooter Karen Robbins Sharon Stancher Ella Kate Smith Betty Kyle Mike Pursiful Katherine Perkinson Jackie Tucker Keith Beckwith Lisa Minton Connor Gilbreath Madeleine Trout Loudon Rogers Ron Rimer Dexter LaBrooy Darrell Murrell Aaron Delgado Emilie Casey Lakiea Chapman Mary Eikenberry Jeanne Misenheimer David Trout Victoria Schwahn Mary Constantine Holden Giesecke Conner Williamson Kay Burnette Olga Eisenhower August Warren Joaquin Bocangel Renee Busse Thomas Westphal
SEPTEMBER
AUGUST
BIRTHDAYS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 18 19 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
Mike Haynes Tia Kalmon Norma Bradley Phyllis Collins Eunice Carlson Candy Robertson Aubrey Metelka Nathanial Kimzey Linda Cash Josh Misenheimer Matthew Long Jimmy Reed Ida Bradford-Wyrick Katherine Rutherford David Maples Sylvia Countess Lynn Menendez Todd Whitehurst Laura Cash Frank Metelka Gary Anderson Jean Smith Caleb Parton Preston Fields Odessa Clark Carolyn Ray Jessica Bocangel Cody Parton Morgan Hancock David Lynn Scott Rogers Cami Brewer Sara Griswold Jennifer Rieger Cindy Krusenklaus Pam Lawhon Chuck Maland Herman Demmink Grace Shattuck Peter Keyes Peter Crowley Lola Bocangel Mary Rimer Scott Schwahnn Shaunta Ray Benson Hopkins J.T. Maland Brittney Greene Don Hansen Emlyn Cobble Pam Shealy Carrie Click Abigail Busby Lee Ley Louise Hegseth Sheri Swan
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St. John Lutheran Church 544 Broadway, NW Knoxville, TN 37917
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
CHURCH LEADERSHIP AND STAFF
Stephen Misenheimer Senior Pastor steve@sjlcknox.org Amy C. Figg Pastor of Faith Formation and Leadership Development amy@sjlcknox.org John Tirro Pastor of Congregational Life and Campus Ministry john@sjlcknox.org Deborah Dunne-Sousa Minister of Music Isaac Taylor Youth Associate Isaac@sjlcknox.org
Sylvia Countess Parish Deaconess Sylvia@sjlcknox.org
Mary Elizabeth Peterson & Lisa Minton Nursery Assistants Lisa Foxwell facility@sjlcknox.org
Krista Lee Christian Education Director Christopher Clay Ministry Coordinator Chris@sjlcknox.org Toni Denton Administrative Assistant toni@sjlcknox.org Thea Peterson Kids Hope USA Director
Phone: 865-523-3330 Fax: 865-524-7895 E-mail: INFO@sjlcknox.org Website: www.sjlcknox.org
Stephen Douglas Darrell Murrell Facility Staff
2015 NEWSLETTER PUBLICATION SCHEDULE Issue
Article Deadline
Pentecost III September 21
Mail Date September 30
Advent November 9 Christmas
November 19
Epiphany
December 17
December 7