PENTECOST III OCTOBER | NOVEMBER
A PUBLICATION OF ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH
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have a wonderful collection of coffee mugs! What’s special about them is not so much the mugs. It’s not even the coffee. It’s the way they remind me of connections, to people I love. There’s a creamcolored, thick-handled mug from Claire’s Cornercopia, a New Haven restaurant on the corner of College and Chapel, where I used to meet my mom for lunch. There’s an oversized Blue Ridge ParkwayCherahola Skyway mug, bought en route to a hike with a friend and our sons. There are several NPR mugs, from annual fund drives, when I was first taking world news seriously and wanted to help reliable reporting happen. Each morning, as water boils, beans grind, and I open my kitchen cabinet, I’m reminded of connections, to people I love. These past months, what’s gotten me through — what’s gotten a lot of us through — is connections. I call one member of our church to check on her, and she tells me of another who’s been feeling disconnected. I realize I’d left that person messages but hadn’t heard back. Come to find out, that number was no longer working. I get the right number and call, and the next day I’m on her porch with flowers from our garden. One connection leads to another, which opens yet another. In Hosea, God remembers leading Israel out of slavery. “When Israel was a child I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son… I taught Ephraim how to walk, I took them up in my arms… I led them with cords of human kindness, with bonds of love.” What led God’s people, from fear to love, was loving connection. Our choir meets on Wednesdays, by Zoom, to sing together, and even with time delays and digital glitches, to hear their voices feels better to me than any optimized cathedral recording, because it makes the connection, to people I love. We’re in a moment in our world, when many have forgotten about connection. In the midst of that, God leads us through love: cooking teams making meals for elders, people of all ages making deliveries and porch visits; hot meals provided every Monday and Thursday, to hundreds of people living with homelessness; rainbow-colored freezer pops, given to add that extra bit of love; and Sunday school classes on how we can work, to build a better world. The parts of Hosea I skipped before show what gets in the way of connection. “The more I called them, the more they went from me; they kept sacrificing to Baals, and offering incense to idols… they did not know that I healed them.” We get distracted and offer ourselves to things that do not heal. It’s important to open the cabinet of our hearts, to remember and renew relationships, and to make new ones! If you’re feeling disconnected, I encourage you — as I encourage myself — reach out, reaffirm, or make anew, a loving connection. Be part of God’s liberating movement of love.
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he long season of Pentecost concludes with festival worships that celebrate heritage, remember the saints of all ages, and honor a servant King. The prayers of these festival days will shape our communal life.
On October 25, shades of red and bold music and the gift of “saved by grace through faith apart from works of the Law” will draw us into the Reformation Sunday. This prayer will highlight a re-forming tradition: “Almighty God, gracious Lord, we thank you that your Holy Spirit renews the church in every age. Pour out your Holy Spirit on your faithful people. Keep them steadfast in your word, protect and comfort them in times of trial, defend them against all enemies of the gospel, and bestow on the church your saving peace, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.” All Saints Sunday on November 1 will center our attention on those who have died, those who rest eternally in perpetual light. White paraments remind us of the hope of salvation through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. These words of comfort will shape our prayer and worship: Almighty God, you have knit your people together in one communion in the mystical body of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Grant us grace to follow your blessed saints in lives of faith and commitment, and to know the inexpressible joys you have prepared for those who love you, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. And the Christian year will conclude on Christ the King Sunday on November 22, with white paraments and a King enthroned on a wooden cross, a throne that symbolizes both Christ’s victory over death, and at the same time, anticipates the consummation of all things yet to come. Acknowledging Christ as our merciful ruler, we go forth that his reign may be known in our loving words and deeds. This prayer embodies the victory and the future hope: O God of power and might, your Son shows us the way of service, and in him we inherit the riches of your grace. Give us the wisdom to know what is right and the strength to serve the world you have made, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
We come full circle in our Christian year and begin anew, all to the glory of God!
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uesday Bible Study at 12:00 noon via Zoom continues … The October/November schedule looks like this:
October 13 The Laborers in the Vineyard (Matt. 20: 1-16) October 20 The Widow and the Judge (Luke 18:1-8) October 27 The Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31) November 3 A Conclusion to Parables Please feel free to read each Gospel lesson prior to our study, listening for the phrases that captivate your heart and questions that engage your mind. If you’d like to purchase Levine’s book, you can order from Amazon via the following link: https://www.amazon.com/Short-Stories-Jesus-Enigmatic-Controversial/ dp/0061561037/ref=sr_1_2 Here are the details for the recurring Zoom meeting; feel free to use this meeting ID information each week, joining us at zoom.com. The Meeting ID: 980 2680 6446. Please let me know if you have any questions! I look forward to learning together!
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ur study focusing on Social Justice continues on Sundays at 10:15am via ZOOM. The series continues looking at the ELCA statement on criminal justice. Also, we’ll continue the discussion of the recent film, JUST MERCY, that we began last Sunday. We’ll continue this series until about Thanksgiving, and you’re welcome to jump in on any Sunday. The ZOOM Meeting ID is 831 964 325. I look forward to talking with St. John’s members about the movie on Sunday at 10:15 by Zoom.
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oin us as we Open The Scripture and study! Join the conversation! Sundays beginning at 11am via ZOOM. The ZOOM meeting ID is 889 2940 4373
Here’s what we are covering: Week 1 – I Corinthians 1:1-30 Whose am I? Week 2 – 1 Corinthians 3:1 – 4:5 What Then Am I? Week 3 – 1 Corinthians 6:12 -20, 10:23 – 33 It’s Not All about Me? Week 4 – 1 Corinthians 12:1-31 What Am I Good For?
Confirmation Kick-Off Sunday, November 8 at 10:30 AM St. John’s Courtyard
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hat is Confirmation in an ELCA Lutheran church?
Confirmation, which is now commonly called Affirmation of Baptism, is the time when young—and not so young—people declare for themselves they will live out the promises made at the time of their baptism. The time spent in confirmation classes is intended to explore faith, both personal and corporate, so students can make an affirmation of baptism in the hope and trust God will continue to lead and guide them in all the aspects of their lives now. Middle schoolers and their families are invited to Confirmation Kick-Off in the St. John’s courtyard on Reformation Sunday, November 8 at 10:30 AM. Masked and socially distant, we will share red-velvet cupcakes and Shirley Temples, test our Reformation IQ, and discuss the families’ preference for how we study and learn during this unusual time. Please RSVP to Toni in the Church Office at 865.523.3330.
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e continue to find different ways to connect and experience community together here at St. John’s. Here is a snapshot of the ways we are providing ministry opportunities and creating connection for ALL AGES!
NoonDay Prayer Weekly prayer at 12noon will be broadcast via FACEBOOK LIVE every Wednesday. Access by going to the St. John's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/sjlcknox
NoonTime Bible Study Tuesday 12Noon Bible Study continues via ZOOM. The virtual meeting is easily accessed by logging on to Zoom.com, then entering a Zoom Meeting ID number which we share on the home page of our website at https://www.sjlcknox.org and our Facebook page.
Compline / Evening Prayer Thursday at 8:30pm. Pastor John Tirro leads us for a time of song and prayer on Thursday evenings beginning at 8:30pm. Join him on his Facebook page or the St John’s Facebook Page.
Sung Morning Prayer Weekly prayertime on Tuesday with music led by Pastor John at 11:35am broadcast live via our FACEBOOK page and Pastor John’s personal Facebook page every Tuesday.
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Sunday Worship Online Sunday at 9am. We provide a LIVE worship experience led by our Pastors at 9am on Sunday mornings on our YouTube Channel and our Facebook page. The service is archived & can be viewed at any time after the service. Log onto Youtube.com and search for St. John’s Lutheran Knoxville.
Sunday Faith Formation Sunday at 10:15am and 11am. Join us for Faith Formation via Zoom on Sunday mornings. There are two offerings, the first at 10:15am and the second at 11am. Join us for one, or both. The Meeting IDs are shared on our website and Facbook page.
Sunday School To Go Weekly opportunities for our kiddos (pre-school to 5th grade) to interact through video recorded bible stories and downloadable activities. Video content is provided via our website at www.sjlcknox.org. Content is published every Sunday.
I’m frequently updating the website and posting to our Facebook page, so I suggest you make regular checks to both places for updates or changes to scheduled events/connections. As Communications Director of St. John’s, I’m happy to assist in getting you connected with any and all these options. Reach out via email at chris@sjlcknox.org or you can call or text me at 404-246-2795 and I’m happy to troubleshoot any problems or simply help you GET CONNECTED! Communications Director
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rene’ Brown writes: “I understand connection as the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship.”
Thanks to the vision of Nancy Maland and Ruth Crowley and with the help of lots of support folks who drove and visited, connections were made with many of the seniors of our congregation. The food of First Saturday Brunch was fabulous; the conversations were even more spectacular. > We will continue Porch Visits in November, working in conjunction with the pastoral staff and additional volunteers! > Another opportunity for connection—St. John’s Pen Pals—will launch in October as folks, families and individuals, commit to reaching out via snail mail. This would be a GREAT chance for little ones to color pictures to decorate refrigerators of new family friends. To sign up, please contact Toni in the Church office at 865.523.3330 or toni@sjlcknox.org. This expression of love will officially run through Lent, and our hope is to invite pen pals to sit together, if safe, at Easter Brunch. > In November, Communications Specialist, Chris Clay, will curate a daily video series on St. John’s Facebook page that explores where members found “Surprised by Joy” during this unusual time. Weekly family Zoom calls, rediscovering a hobby or personal passion, reconnecting with a friend from the past, savoring a beautiful day … tell us about your experience! To participate as one of our twenty-six storytellers, please contact Chris at chris@sjlckmox.org. > During the Advent and Christmas seasons, we will once again publish an “in-house” devotion book, available in print form and on various social media platforms. Stay tuned for additional details as we care well for one another through Christ connections! Together, we will be seen … heard … valued!
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lan to join us on Sunday November 22nd for our annual Hanging of the Greens. Details are forthcoming as to what this tradition to prepare our hearts and decorate our worship space and facilities for the Advent season with respect to health and
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dvent Midweek Worship will happen on Wednesdays, Dec 2, 9 and 16 beginning at 6:30pm. Stay tuned for worship service theme and broadcast details to come.
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s always, St. John’s will offer a Christmas Eve worship experience that will be special. We are still working on the how this time will be shared with regard to limitations of gathering due to Covid restrictions. Whatever we plan will take place on Thursday, December 24th! STAY TUNED!
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here is a need for an update to the information we have in the church database regarding our members.
Recent events, including a move to a new church database software, and the transition to a new senior pastor, require our congregation to update our records. This update will also help us create more effective communication, not only between the pastors, church staff and council, but also with our entire membership and ministry connections. In order to update — we will need your help. Toni and/or Chris will be reaching out to confirm the information we currently have and inquire if you would like to update anything. There will be multiple ways you can update, from DO-IT-YOURSELF where we will give you a specific log in to do the updating — all the way to a FULL ASSIST where Toni or Chris will fill in the update on your behalf with your help. We hope to have the update completed by the end of November — so look to hear from Toni or Chris soon to begin the process. Thanks in advance for your help with this update!
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enri Nouwen writes: “Each day holds a surprise. But only if we expect it can we see, hear, or feel it when it comes to us. Let's not be afraid to receive each day's surprise, whether it comes to us as sorrow or as joy It will open a new place in our hearts, a place where we can welcome new friends and celebrate more fully our shared humanity.” When the enormity of life with the novel corona virus began to register, it was hard to imagine joy anywhere; at every turn, there seemed to be something to question or fear. Life was upside down and inside out! Yet God was still God, and joy popped up in unexpected places. As a way of celebrating God’s faithfulness, St. John’s is proud to present “Surprised by Joy,” a Facebook series curated by Chris Clay and shared by members of our church family. Please be looking for this corporate opportunity to celebrate the beautiful surprises God presents along the way!
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hroughout much of 2020, St. John’s Lutheran Church Council has discussed how to responsibly develop our Feeding Ministries and be faithful to those around us. SJLC currently supports several feeding ministries, including Volunteer Ministry Center, 53 Loaves (Bread Ministry), A Place at the Table, Highways and Byways, Family Promise, and Smokey’s Pantry at Tyson House. Multiple meetings showed our shared passion for these ministries, but they also revealed a particular concern related to Knoxville Area Rescue Ministries (KARM). KARM requires applicants for employment to sign a statement of faith agreeing that: “...the covenant of marriage can only be made between a man and a woman. In addition Scripture teaches that the practice of homosexuality, and all sexual relations and or activity outside of the marriage of a man and woman is fundamentally wrong, and causes great harm to those who practice it.” This statement is at odds with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Social Statement on Human Sexuality, which affirms God’s love for all God’s children, recognizes sexuality in many forms as a gift from God, and insists upon just treatment for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. We take seriously both our responsibility to acknowledge discriminatory practices, and our calling to show grace, be faithful, and encourage dialogue. We invited KARM into listening meetings at several points throughout this process, but they did not attend. After careful deliberation and discussion over several months, the Council has approved a motion to end the feeding relationship with KARM, but to invite them into future conversations about human sexuality. Our St. John’s family has a passion for reaching out to our neighbors in need at Fifth and Broadway. We hope this moment, which proved to all of us our passionate, mutual commitment to feeding the hungry, will grow our relationships and invite more of our membership to take part in our ministries to the hungry. We ask for your prayers and your participation. We want you to be involved. To find out more or join in, please talk to the pastors or church council.
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n the interest of continued transparency, it's important for every member of the church to know how giving relates to the approved budget. We are in the first quarter of our fiscal year in September, and this report was provided the week of October 11. Gifts to the general budget are welcome, as is giving for specific needs such as the Savings account or other areas lifted up by our ministry teams. Budgeted giving through October: Actual giving through October 6th:
$220,084 $145,352
To ask specific questions, please contact Finance Team Leader Jessi Grieser at jessgrieser@gmail.com. Additionally, members of Church Council will entertain financial questions at the State of the Church Zoom meeting on Sunday, November 1.
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We had an “In-Person Outdoor Celebration to celebrate Pastor Amy’s Installation, Pastor John’s 10th ordination anniversary and Debbie’s 50th anniversary playing organ.
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BIRTHDAYS
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Eric Krautner John Stancher Karen Hylton Vyvette Solt Chrystal Brewer Libby Stinnett Richard Bender Chris Wise Deaver Shattuck Bill Cathcart Amy Hamer
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Rowan Daugherty Susie Racek Tom McGalliard Nathan Wise Wilma Miller Herta Olive Whitney Sharp Scarlett Lucia Thrasher Dani Warren Anna Chappelle Josie Whitehead Jonathan Freeman Terry Hamer Sarah Bast Ryan Click Linda Welch
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Camille Wilson Diane Boxx Mary Sue Bjorklund David Hegseth Richard Hunley Scott Hamstead Casie Holt Bill Wing Thea Peterson Mason Bucklin Rosalind Nicole Bucklin Sharon Gamble Sarah Lowe Bob Dewald Pat Krogmann Will Trout Matthew Freeman
Emma Brooks Mack Cook Beck Hamstead Scott Krogmann Sarah Morgan Todd Richesin Jim Friedrich Sarah Holtz Monica Krogmann Joe Miller Lissa Lay Rivers Chapman Pat Keyes Julie Sharp Linda Efteland Bob Sharp Reid Zinser Preston Tucker Annie Rose McDermott Barry Thompson Ryan Lee
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Hailey Hamer Donna Foster Wilburn Howard Capito Lee Gagle Joseph Ray Helmut Busse Barbara Thompson Jon Efteland Chris McKerny Lee Ballard Lee Metelka Pam Thompson Sydney Trujillo
Lisa Johnson David Thomas Jennifer Roberts Bari Gerbig Barbara Teague Elisabeth Bernard Will Wing Dreama Feezell Will Boyd Charlotte Miller Arlene McCarthy Andrea Menendez
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ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH 544 Broadway, NW Knoxville, TN 37917
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
CHURCH LEADERSHIP & STAFF Amy Figg Ley Senior Pastor amy@sjlcknox.org
John Tirro Pastor of Worship & Campus Ministry John@sjlcknox.org
Christopher Clay Director of Communications chris@sjlcknox.org
Deborah Dunne-Sousa Minister of Music sousa@esknoxville.org
Darrell Murrell Facility Staff facility@sjlcknox.org
Thea Peterson Kids Hope USA Director Thea@sjlcknox.org
Phone:: 865.523.3330
Toni Denton Administrative Assistant toni@sjlcknox.org Mary Elizabeth Peterson, Lisa Minton & Bailey Morgan Nursery Assistants
Fax: 865.524.7895 Email: INFO@sjlcknox.org Website: www.sjlcknox.org