Church Street 101
A guide to those many terms you hear at Church Street!
Please note: This guide is not intended to be a church history lesson or a primer of Christian theology, but an informative, at-a-glance piece specifically about what we hear at Church Street.
A. Orin Bishop Lecture Series
Lecture series led by Biblical scholars and teachers. This annual event is dedicated to the memory of A. Orin Bishop, active church and community leader, student of the Bible, and devoted husband, father, and grandfather who exemplified in his life the timeless message of the Bible.
Acolyte
A person who assists in worship. An acolyte’s responsibilities include lighting and extinguishing the candles, distributing and collecting offering plates, and assisting with baptisms and Holy Communion.
Acts of the Apostles
The Spirit Advent drama workshop, located on the third floor of the Education Building, room 311.
Advent (& Advent Wreath)
Marks the beginning of the church year and includes the four Sundays prior to Christmas devoted to preparing to celebrate the birth of Christ. The liturgical color for Advent is purple symbolizing royalty. The Advent Wreath has four candles, one for each of the four Sundays of Advent. A white candle called the Christ Candle in the center is lit on Christmas Eve. Traditionally the candle lit on the third Sunday is pink, and the other candles are purple.
Advent Crafts Festival
A festive time of fun, fellowship and craft-making. The festival is usually held on the evening of the first Sunday of Advent.
Affirmation of Faith
A profession or statement of important beliefs that the church maintains are true. Many affirmations of faith exist, and Church Street uses several that are found in the back of the hymnal (i.e., The Apostles Creed, The Nicene Creed, etc.).
All Saints/All Souls Sunday
The Sunday closest to November 1st, when the church honors those in the congregation who have died during the past twelve months.
Altar
The focal point of the sanctuary where the offerings are presented and the elements of bread and wine are consecrated in Holy Communion. Our altar is carved marble of Leonardo’s The Last Supper.
Altar Guild
Group which cares for the altar, vestments, candles and altar linens. The group prepares the Sanctuary for worship.
Altar Rail Kneelers
Fifteen cushions, stitched by the Altar Guild Needlepoint Committee, that tell the life of Christ. They stay in front of the altar rail for worshipers to kneel on.
Annual Conference
The basic organization body of The United Methodist Church. The term is both a regional unit and the meetings held by those regional units each year. There are 68 annual conferences in the United States. Church Street is a member of the Holston Annual Conference. Each year an equal number of lay members from local churches and ordained clergy gather for annual conference sessions to worship together, to address social concerns, to conduct business, and to approve programs and budgets. Every four years this body elects delegates to Jurisdictional and General Conferences. Holston Conference churches send clergy and lay representatives to Annual Conference in June to Lake Junaluska. (See the chart on page 48).
Appalachia Service Project - ASP
Summer and fall mission trips to help with home repair in nearby Appalachian communities.
Apportionments
The expenses of church administration in the conference and beyond that every local United Methodist church is expected to pay.
Art of the Covenant
The Spirit Adventure art workshop, located on the third floor of the Education Building, room 314.
Ascension Sunday
The 7th Sunday after Easter. It celebrates the last appearance of the risen Christ and his reception into heaven, 40 days after the resurrection.
Ash Wednesday
The first day of Lent.
Ashes
A sign of mortality and penitence. Traditionally, ashes are made from the palms of the previous Palm Sunday, stored and then used to make a cross on the forehead of parishioners who kneel in penitence and prayer on Ash Wednesday.
Baptism
Through baptism, we are initiated into Christ’s Holy Church and given new birth through water and the spirit. Baptism is one of two sacraments in The United Methodist Church (the other being Holy Communion). Persons of all ages may be baptized in The United Methodist Church.
Baptismal font
At Church Street the 8-sided stand at the front of the Nave that holds the water for infant baptism. A small brass receptacle is used at the altar.
“Beauty of Holiness Window”
The magnificent window behind the altar. The window is designed to glorify the expression of the full Christian life as described in Galatians 5:22. The name of the window is from Psalm 96:9: Worship the Lord in the Beauty of His Holiness.
Benediction
A blessing at the conclusion of a worship service used to dismiss the congregation.
Bible
Holy scriptures of the Old and New Testaments; written over a long period of time by a variety of authors, but all under the guidance and inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
Bishop
The highest official of The United Methodist Church; serves as both a spiritual and administrative leader of an annual conference. Church Street and its clergy are under the jurisdiction of the Bishop of the Holston Annual Conference.
Book of Discipline
Book containing the doctrine, administration, organization, law and procedure of The United Methodist Church. The Book of Discipline is updated and amended at each General Conference.
BOOMSDAY! Event
The annual Labor Day week-end event at Church Street with food and fun activities, held prior to the city’s massive fireworks display.
Bowing
A sign of reverence and honor. Clergy at Church Street bow as they approach the altar during a worship service.
Breezeway
The covered areas that connect the Main Building to the Church Life Center and Education Building.
Candles
The use of candles in the church grew out of processional torches which were carried in and placed beside the altar. The light of the candles symbolize the light of Christ.
Chancel
The elevated area in the front of the Sanctuary where the altar, lectern, pulpit, organ, and choir seating are located.
Chancel Steps
The six steps leading up to the chancel that remind us of the six hours Jesus hung on the cross.
Chapel
The beautiful area of worship located just off the Nave.
Chapel Mosaic
In the Chapel, the wall behind the altar which depicts a cross with the Evangelists’ symbols and twelve icons of Christendom.
Charge Conference
The annual meeting of a local United Methodist church. The district superintendent calls the meeting and is the presiding officer. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Chi Rho
A monogram using the first two letters of the Greek word for Christ. It is often used in church decorations and is found on the wall behind the main altar at Church Street.
Child Day Care Center
A pre-school multicultural learning center for children, ages 2 to kindergarten. For more information, contact the Child Care Center Director at 524-3511.
Childcare
Offered for infants and toddlers during all Sunday activities. Childcare for children, ages 5 and under, must be requested for other events.
Children’s Address
The time in the worship service when the children gather on the chancel steps to listen to a special message from the minister.
Children’s Worship
Offered after the Children’s Address during Sunday morning worship services. This service is for children, 4 years through second grade, who have completed an orientation class with their parents.
Chrismon Trees
The evergreen trees placed in the Nave during Advent, decorated with white and gold Christian ornaments called Chrismons. Each ornament symbolizes Christ and the Christian faith. The word “chrismon” comes from Christ monogram.
Christ
Originally a title meaning the anointed one. Soon it became a name for Jesus. Greek for the Hebrew term, Messiah.
Christ the King Sunday
The last Sunday of the church year when we acknowledge and celebrate the kingship of Christ.
Christianity
The religion derived directly from Jesus Christ. It is based on the Bible as sacred scripture.
Christmas
The day we celebrate the birth of Christ, December 25.
Christmas Eve Services
Candlelight services with Holy Communion held at 5 pm and 11 pm on Christmas Eve. These traditional services follow a musical prelude that begins at 4:30 pm and 10:30 pm. A service designed for families with young children is held at 7:30 pm.
Church Council
The administrative body of a local church which makes decisions regarding the overall mission and ministry of the church in regards to policy, finances, staffing, lay leadership, and property.
Church Library
The Joseph McCluskey Library, located in room 104 of the Main Building. The library houses a wide variety of Biblical reference, study and secular books, tapes and literature. Materials may be checked out for a three-week period or used in the library.
Church Life Center
The newest part of the church campus built and dedicated in 1989. Often called the CLC, it includes the gym, Youth Ministry, and the Kay Senior Care Center.
Church Office
The office for church clerical staff located in room 107 of the Main Building. Office hours for clerical staff are Monday – Friday from 8 am until 4:30 pm. The church office phone number is 524-3048.
Church Year
The calendar of the church seasons, which celebrate the life of Christ. The church year begins with Advent and continues with Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, Pentecost, Kingdomtide, and culminates with Christ the King Sunday.
Circle
An ancient symbol for eternity and unity, being without beginning and without end; often seen surrounding a cross in the structure and adornments at Church Street.
Circle, UMW
A small group of United Methodist Women (UMW) who meet regularly for study and spiritual growth. UMW is comprised of several such groups.
CLC
The acronym for the Church Life Center.
Clergy
In United Methodism, only those who have been ordained as deacons or elders. These persons are also ministerial members of an Annual Conference. The word clergy comes from the Latin, clericus, meaning priest.
CollegeLife
Thriving ministry to serve college age students and young adults at Church Street.
Commons
Room 120 in the Church Life Center. This pleasant multi-purpose room with fireplace and adjacent kitchen is used for classes, small receptions and gatherings.
Communion
A Sacrament of Christian worship which commemorates Christ’s final supper with his disciples. One of two sacraments in the United Methodist Church (the other being Baptism). All persons are invited to participate.
Community Christmas
An annual Church Street event when guests from the inner city and community shelters come together with Church Street members to share a meal and re-enact the Christmas story. This annual event is usually held the second Sunday in December.
Community Worship
An informal worship service open to all Church Street members and guests from the inner city and community shelters. The service is held on Thursdays at 6:30 pm; a light snack supper follows the service.
Confirmand
A candidate for confirmation.
Confirmation
A public profession by an individual confirming his or her faith in Christ.
Confirmation Class (6th Grade)
At Church Street, a special Sunday School class for sixth graders that meets from September through April and is held to prepare them as they examine and contemplate their decision to profess Christ as their Lord and Savior. Topics include United Methodist beliefs, the life of Jesus Christ, Christian discipleship, worship, the Bible and what it means to be a member of the church.
Connick, Charles J. (1875-1945)
The renown stained glass artist from Boston who was the designer and creator of the beautiful stained glass windows in our church.
Consecrate
From Latin, to make sacred. In the communion ritual, consecration is the setting apart of bread and juice and praying over the elements. Churches and altars are also consecrated or “set apart” for exclusive service to God.
Courtyard
The outdoor area at Church Street that is surrounded by the Nave, Chapel and Main Building.
Covenant
A bond entered into voluntarily by two parties, as in the relationship between God and Israel. Christ initiated the new covenant between God and humankind. Holy Matrimony is a sacred covenant.
Craft Room
Room 122 in the Church Life Center. The room was designed to be used for craft activities and is now used for meetings and by the Kay Senior Care Center.
Creed
A formal and authorized statement of important points of Christian doctrine. Creeds (such as the Nicene Creed and the Apostle’s Creed) are a regular part of the services of worship of The United Methodist Church, and are included in the United Methodist Hymnal. Latin for "I Believe."
Cross
The symbol of the Christian faith and the instrument of Jesus’ death.
CUBS
The Sunday evening fellowship for children 4 and 5 years old. Children learn the Bible through crafts, games, stories and videos. CUBS is an acronym for Children’s Unbelievable Bible Study.
Deacon
An ordained clergy person within the United Methodist Church whose service is to minister to those in need, working with laity and relating the church to the world. In the United Methodist tradition, the ordained deacon is not subject to itineration.
Disciple Bible Studies
In-depth Bible Study series taught by certified instructors. Disciple studies usually last 32 to 34 weeks.
District
Organizational unit of United Methodist churches in a specified area. Church Street United Methodist is part of the Knoxville District. There are 12 districts in the Holston Annual Conference. (See chart on page 48.)
District Superintendent
A clergy person who is the administrator of a particular district.
Divine Rhythm
The Holston Conference young adult event held in Gatlinburg or surrounding area each January.
Dove
A symbol of the Holy Spirit. At Church Street on Pentecost, a representation of a dove leads the procession through the Nave. The dove is also seen on clergy vestments and paraments.
Downtown Cooperative Ministry
An organization made up of the five large downtown churches in Knoxville that hosts interdenominational events such as Community Lenten Services and Pulpit Exchanges. The churches include Church Street UMC, First Baptist, First Presbyterian, St. John’s Cathedral, and Immaculate Conception Catholic.
Doxology
Song of praise and thanksgiving to God. It is sung by the congregation as the offering is brought to the altar.
Education Building
The building that houses the Children’s Ministry, a few adult Sunday School classes, and the Child Day Care Center.
Elder
An ordained clergy person whose responsibilities include word, sacrament and order. In the United Methodist tradition, all appointed elders are subject to itineration, or reassignment to other churches, upon the request of the bishop.
Epiphany
The annual celebration of the manifestation of the divinity of Christ to the gentiles; represented by the visit of the Magi (wise men). Epiphany Sunday at Church Street falls on the Sunday closest to the sixth of January.
Episcopacy
The office of bishop. Episcopacy is also the organizational system of The United Methodist Church in which bishops preside over an annual conference.
Evangelists’ Symbols
The traditional symbols of the four evangelists: Matthew as a winged man; Mark as a winged lion; Luke as a winged ox; and John as an eagle. These symbols can be seen in the mosaic behind the altar in the Chapel.
Financial Peace University (FPU)
A 13-week program on personal finance. All material is Biblically-based and taught via entertaining video written and narrated by Dave Ramsey, popular Christian financial counselor.
Fish
A symbol of Christ. In Greek, the first letter of each of the words Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior spell “fish.”
Four Course Fellowship
A monthly fellowship dinner where groups of eight persons take turns providing an appetizer, a salad, an entree, and a dessert at a different home during a four-month rotation.
Gathering Place
The assembly room for Spirit Adventure where children in grades 1-5 gather each Sunday morning before being dismissed to their workshops. It is located on the second floor of the Education Building in room 214.
General Conference
An important meeting of the national/international United Methodist Church, held every 4 years.
Gloria Patri
A traditional song of praise sung by the congregation, which begins: Glory be to the Father. At Church Street, this generally follows the Affirmation of Faith.
God’s Gang
A Sunday afternoon fellowship group for children in grades 1-5. Children enjoy recreation, games, and Bible-based studies.
Good Friday
Friday in Holy Week; the annual commemoration of the crucifixion.
Gospel
The good news which God has accomplished through the death and resurrection of Christ. The Gospel is found in the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
Gothic
The style of architecture reflected in Church Street United Methodist Church.
Gym
Located on the main floor of the Church Life Center. The gym has a full size basketball court and a walking track.
Habitat for Humanity
A nonprofit, nondenominational Christian housing organization which builds simple, decent, affordable houses in partnership with those who lack adequate shelter. Local Habitat affiliates coordinate house building and select partner families.
Heavenly Box Office (HBO)
The Spirit Adventure movie theater workshop, located on the second floor of the Education Building, room 216.
High Altar
The principal altar of a church. Our high altar is the raised carved white marble altar in the Sanctuary.
History Room
Room 202 of the Main Building which contains photographs and artifacts of Church Street.
Holston Annual Conference (also Holston Conference)
(1) The conference-wide gathering held each June at Lake Junaluska Assembly in North Carolina. One year pastoral appointments are announced at the close of the conference proceedings.
(2) An organizational unit of The United Methodist Church. Individual churches make up districts and districts make up conferences. Church Street UMC is a member of the Holston Annual Conference. Geographically, the Holston Conference covers East Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, and Northern Georgia. (See chart on page 48.)
Holston Conference Office
The main office of the Holston Conference located in 217 South Rankin Road, Alcoa, Tennessee.
Holston Home for Children
The conference-sponsored Children’s Home in Greeneville, TN. Our Fifth Sunday Offerings benefit this worthy cause.
Holy Week
The seven days commemorating the Passion of Christ, beginning with Passion/Palm Sunday and culminating with Easter Sunday.
Homily
A short sermon on a biblical text.
Honorarium
Gifts, usually financial in nature, given in honor of a living person.
Hunger Helper Market
A market of fresh garden produce, flowers, plants, and homemade goods brought in by members and sold during Sunday morning in the summer. A project of the Stewardship Committee, proceeds usually benefit a local and international charity.
Hymn
A religious poem set to music so it may be sung during worship.
Hymn of Dedication
Final hymn in a worship service. This is the usual time for persons to join the church, profess their faith, pray at the altar or request prayer.
Hymnal
A collection of hymns printed and bound together for use in worship.
Igniting Ministry
The ongoing television and welcoming ministry of The United Methodist Church using the theme: Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors.
Intinction
A means of receiving communion by dipping an edge of the bread into the juice. The moistened bread is then eaten.
Invocation
A prayer, early in the worship service or in a meeting, asking for God’s guidance.
Itinerate, Itineration
All clergy under appointment from the bishop are periodically reassigned to other churches to carry out pastoral duties.
Jesus
Jesus of Nazareth who is the incarnate second part of the Trinity.
Jim Fleming Biblical Lectures
Biblical lecture series presented each fall by renown teacher, archeologist, and scholar, Dr. Jim Fleming.
Jurisdiction
Individual churches make up districts, districts make up conferences, and conferences make up jurisdictions. Church Street UMC is a member of the Southeastern Jurisdiction.
Kay Senior Care Center
An outreach ministry that offers daily care, companionship, and stimulation for memory-impaired older adults who cannot stay home alone during the day. The center is located in the Church Life Center, room 123. Contact the Kay Center Director at 521-0292 for more information.
Kinder Singers
A six-week session of music instruction for 4 and 5 year olds offered occasionally during the year.
Knoxville District
Church Street UMC is a member of the Knoxville District of the Holston Annual Conference of the Southeastern Jurisdiction of The United Methodist Church.
Labyrinth
An ancient tool for prayer and meditation in the form of a path. Church Street’s canvas labyrinth is available for prayer walks on the last Sunday of the month and at other special times throughout the year.
Laity
Members of the church. It gets its name from the Greek laos meaning people.
Lake Junaluska
The conference and retreat center for the Southeastern Jurisdiction of The United Methodist Church, located in western North Carolina.
Lay Leader
The primary lay representative of the congregation. Church Street currently has four lay leaders.
Lay Member (also Lay Person)
A baptized member of a local United Methodist church.
Leadership Training
Specific program held the end of January to acquaint and motivate new church leaders to specific and general responsibilities.
Lectern
The elevated reading stand at the left front of the chancel; it is not as high as the pulpit.
Lectionary
An assigned three-year schedule of passages of scripture for each week of the church year.
Letter of Transfer
In The United Methodist Church, a letter written to a new member’s former church to notify that church of the change in membership.
Lent
The preparatory season before Easter, from Ash Wednesday until sunset Easter Eve.
Lily
A symbol found in church ornamentation associated with the Virgin Mary and the resurrection. At Church Street, a lily can be purchased in honor or memory of special loved ones and are used as decoration on Easter Sunday.
Litany
A liturgical prayer read responsively by the congregation and the clergy.
Liturgical Colors
The color of paraments, stoles and bulletins which changes based on the season of the church year. By tradition, our church has chosen to use the following: Purple: Advent and Lent; Red: Pentecost; Green: Kingdomtide; White: All Saints Sunday, Ascension Sunday, Baptism of our Lord, Christmas Day & Christmastide, Easter & Eastertide, Memorial Services, and Trinity Sunday.
Liturgy
The ordered corporate worship of the church; from the Greek word for public service.
Lord’s Prayer
The prayer taught by Jesus to his disciples as recorded in Matthew 6:9-13 and Luke 11:2-4.
Lord’s Supper
The term used by John Wesley to describe the Eucharist or Communion.
M.A.D. in the City
A popular youth inner city mission with Wesley House. M.A.D.means Making a Difference.
Magnolia Parking Lot
Informal name for the parking lot next to the Main Building at the corner of Henley and Main where a big magnolia tree is located.
Main Building
The original structure that houses the Sanctuary, Chapel, and Parish Hall, as well as several offices and classrooms. The first church service in the main building was held on Jan. 31, 1931.
Marble Inset
Marble from the original church on Church Street located in the floor of the narthex. Under the inset is a listing of members at the time of the fire which destroyed the building in 1928.
Master Arts Series
The “arm” of Church Street’s music program that reaches out, both within and beyond our walls, to foster and promote the sacred and performing arts. Concerts and recitals by internationally acclaimed artists and performing ensembles are presented. Performances of major choral works by our Parish Adult Choir and orchestra are also sponsored by the Master Arts Series. This series is funded by support from individuals, free-will offerings taken at concerts, and The Charles and Rachel N. Cochran Music Endowment Trust Fund.
Maundy Thursday Service
The worship service, held on the Thursday before Good Friday that includes Holy Communion and the stripping of the altar. This service prepares our minds and hearts for the reflection of Good Friday and the joy of Easter.
Membership vows
Vows taken by a person wishing to become a member in any United Methodist Church. “I will be loyal to The United Methodist Church and support it with my prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness."
Memorial
Gifts, usually financial in nature, given in memory of a person who is deceased.
Messenger (The)
Our weekly churchwide newsletter, placed in literature racks and mailed (or emailed) to church members..
Methodist
Derives from the methodical way the Holy Club approached personal religion.
Midweek Worship Service
Brief worship and communion service, held each Wednesday at 12 noon in the chapel. Special midweek services are held during Advent and Lent.
Mini-Messenger
An informal church newsletter, printed for most Sundays and available in Sunday School rooms.
Missionary
Clergy or lay person commissioned to work on designated projects in the United States or in foreign lands.
Mouse Pad
The Spirit Adventure computer workshop, located on the second floor of the Education Building, room 213.
Mt. LeConte Overnight Hike
Annual August hike to Mt. LeConte Lodge, high in the Smoky Mountains above Gatlinburg.
Narthex
The entry area to the Nave.
Nave
The part of the Sanctuary where the congregation sits during worship. It gets its name from the Latin navis meaning ship.
Nicene Creed
One of the creedal statements of faith, dating from the fourth century, offered during a service of worship.
Night Life
Sunday evening fellowship program for youth in grades 6 through 12.
Offering
The money collected during worship services. Offerings may be used for the general fund or may be collected for special purposes.
Offertory
Anthem sung or musical selection played while the offering is collected.
Old Bookstore
Once used as a book store, room 121 in the Main Building. The room is now used as a Sunday School class.
Old Chapel
Room 306 of the Main Building, originally designed as a chapel. The room is now used for classes, special meetings, and labyrinth prayer walks.
Open Communion
The practice of The United Methodist Church, which invites persons of all faith traditions to partake of the consecrated elements.
Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors
The theme of the Igniting Ministry campaign of The United Methodist Church.
Ordination
The ritual action which sets apart and confers authority on a person giving them clergy status.
Outreach Ministry
The actions of the church to reach outside of its borders, which are directed toward non-members.
Palm/Passion Sunday
The Sunday prior to Easter Sunday, a reminder of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem prior to his arrest and crucifixion.
Paraments
The colored cloths located on the altar, pulpit and lectern. The colors of the paraments change depending on the time in the church year.
Parish
People and area served by the local church.
Parish Adult Choir
The 50+ member choir that provides musical leadership during the 11:00 am worship service each Sunday.
Parish Hall
Church Street’s multi-purpose room, located on the first floor of the Main Building, designed for meals, meetings, and receptions.
Parish Youth Choir
A choir for 6th through 12th graders that provides musical leadership during the 8:30 am worship service each Sunday.
Parlor
Room 103 in the Main Building used for special meetings and gatherings. This room is also known as the Cox Parlor.
Paschal Candle
The large candle used during Easter to signify the presence of the risen Christ among his people. Church Street’s Paschal Candle is carried in the Easter procession and is lighted for worship services until Ascension Sunday. It is lighted for baptisms and funerals.
Passover
Jewish festival celebrated every spring in remembrance of the exodus from Egypt.
Pentecost
The day the Holy Spirit was given to the first Christians. This story is told in the Book of Acts, chapter 2. Pentecost is celebrated on the fiftieth day after Easter.
Pledge
A promise to give annually a certain amount of money to the church enabling the church to plan and budget for the coming year.
Poinsettia
Traditional Christmas flower. At Church Street, poinsettias are purchased in honor or memory of special loved ones and are used as decoration through Christmas Eve.
Ports-of-Entry
The ways that single adults participate in our Singles Ministry. The six “ports of entry” are Study, Spiritual, Survival, Support, Service, and Social.
Prayer Room
A special room set aside for prayer. Our prayer room is located in room 206 across the hall from the Chapel.
Processional Cross
The large cross on a staff which leads the processional at services of worship.
Program Council
The organizational body of the church which evaluates, coordinates, and implements the nurture, outreach, and witness ministries of the church.
Pulpit
The raised stand at the front of the Nave where the gospel lessons and preaching are offered.
Questination
Youth Sunday School, based on a rotation model where teachers rotate weekly through classes, teaching on a given topic.
Rabbi’s Retreat
The Spirit Adventure miscellaneous activity room, located on the third floor of the Education Building, room 313.
Rejoice!
Church Street’s weekly television ministry. This 30-minute program features a scripture lesson and sermon from the clergy and musical selections from the Parish Adult Choir. The show airs Sunday mornings at 8:30 am on WVLT-TV and at various times on CTV (Community Television) cable station, channel 12.
Resurrection
(1) This term refers to God’s raising of Jesus Christ from the dead. This miracle of new life is promised to his followers.
(2) The Holston Conference youth event held in Gatlinburg each January.
Rose Window
A circular window whose mullions and traceries generally radiate from the center and are filled with stained glass. The term is suggested by the resemblance of the window with its traceries to the rose and its petals. Church Street’s rose window is over the south balcony.
Rotation Sunday School
At Church Street the model used for grades 1-5 in which children study one lesson for five weeks, rotating among five workshops where they explore the lesson from five different learning approaches.
Sabbath
The day of the week set apart for worship and rest. In the Christian Church, the Sabbath is Sunday.
Sacrament
An outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace ordained by Christ himself. The United Methodist Church observes Holy Communion and Baptism as sacraments.
Sacristy
The small room from which the altar guild prepares the Sanctuary for worship.
Sanctuary
From Latin, meaning holy place; the large room used for worship. The nave is the part of the sanctuary where the congregation sits.
Seder
The meal commemorating the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt; celebrated on the eve of the first day of Passover. At Church Street, the Seder Meal is observed prior to the Maundy Thursday Worship Service.
Shrove Tuesday
The day before Ash Wednesday; also called Fat Tuesday.
SingleVision
The monthly newsletter of the Singles Ministry at Church Street.
Solo Flight
A Single Parent Support Group; sponsored by the Singles Ministry.
Soup Kitchen
Outreach ministry that uses volunteers to provide a balanced meal to the homeless and those in need each Thursday in Parish Hall.
Southeastern Jurisdiction
Church Street UMC is a member of the Southeastern Jurisdiction of The United Methodist Church.
Spirit Adventure
The name of the rotation model Sunday School for elementary children. Children (grades 1-5) experience the Bible in new and creative ways, including study, games, computers, movies, art and drama. Children meet at the Gathering Place and then disperse to a particular class for the day’s activities.
Spiritual Life Advance
The annual inspirational fall retreat for Church Street youth.
Stained Glass Windows
Used in churches to beautify the space, bring glory to God, and tell Biblical stories. Our 58 stained glass windows were created by Charles J. Connick and installed between 1941 and 1960.
Stations of the Cross
At Church Street, fourteen portable prints with accompanying scriptures and prayers, displayed during Holy Week. Persons can pause at each station for meditation on the successive stages of Christ’s suffering, death, and burial.
Sterchi Lodge
The church-owned 47-bed modern retreat facility located on a mountain-top 80 miles from downtown Knoxville on the Tennessee/North Carolina border.
Stewardship
The devout use of money, time and ability.
Stole
A narrow fabric scarf in liturgical colors worn over the shoulders by ordained elders and deacons. The deacon wears the stole like a sash, over the left shoulder and fastened under the right arm which remains free to serve. An elder wears the stole around his or her neck symbolizing the yoke of Christian servanthood.
Stripping the Altar
The ceremonial removal of all ornaments, candles and cloths from the altar at the conclusion of Holy Communion on Maundy Thursday, which suggests the stripping of the body of Jesus by his captors.
Sunday School
A program of study on Sunday mornings for all ages. Church Street’s Sunday School begins at 9:40 am. There are classes for all ages.
Teacher Appreciation Breakfast
Annual breakfast buffet and fellowship time, usually held in the spring, in honor of teachers and leaders in the education ministry of the church.
Teaching Christ
The statue in the entry way of the Church Life Center. Designed by artist Jim Gray, the statue is positioned so children can see it closely and touch it.
"The Call"
The monthly newspaper of the Holston Conference.
"The Fire"
(1) During Sunday evening service on Feb 19, 1928, a fire started in the attic of the original church building on Church Street and burned it to the ground. The building was not rebuilt there but was rebuilt at the current location at Henley and Main.
(2) Another fire occurred on April 9, 1991. It originated in the Parish Hall area and caused extensive smoke and water damage to Parish Hall and the Nave.
The Homepage
Name of the newsletter that covers the news, events and information for Church Street youth and their families.
The Messenger
The weekly newsletter sent to church members. It’s filled with items of upcoming events, programs, church calendar, church family information, and a “reflections” article. The Messenger can also be found online on this web site. [Select NEWS & EVENTS; then select Newsletters.]
Tithing
The Biblically-mandated practice of giving 10% of one’s income to the work of God.
T.N.T. (Thursday Nights Together)
A weekly gathering of single adults for fellowship, networking, a program, and a shared meal. T.N.T. is the cornerstone of Church Street’s Singles Ministry.
Transfiguration
An event in Jesus’ life in which his appearance was changed, Moses and Elijah appeared with him, and God’s voice spoke from Heaven. At Church Street, Transfiguration Sunday is observed on the seventh Sunday after Epiphany..
Trinity (Triune God)
Three aspects of God visualized as the “Father, Son and Holy Spirit” or “Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer.”
Trunk or Treat
A fun time in the fall in the Magnolia Parking Lot when children “trick or treat” among decorated car trunks.
United Methodist Church
In 1968 the Methodist Church merged with the Episcopal United Brethren (EUB) to form The United Methodist Church.
United Methodist Emblem
The symbol of The United Methodist Church. The cross and flame are ancient symbols of Christ and the Holy Spirit.
United Methodist Women (UMW)
An organization of women linked to district and conference with emphasis on missions. Circles are subgroups of UMW which meet monthly either in homes or at church for study, fellowship and an emphasis on mission. Service Circle meets once a month to knit and sew items for area hospitals and nursing homes.
"Upper Room" Devotional
A daily devotional booklet, published quarterly by Upper Room Resources. A small number of copies can be found in the church literature racks.
Usher
Lay person who greets and assists people at a worship service. They collect the offering, distribute bulletins, and direct parishioners to Holy Communion.
Vacation Bible School
A fun program of Bible stories, crafts, and music offered to children ages 3 through fifth grade. Vacation Bible School meets for 3 to 5 days each summer.
Vestments
The distinctive clothing, such as albs, robes and stoles, worn by those taking leadership roles in the worship service.
Walk Through Bethlehem
Annual event when Parish Hall is converted to the streets of Bethlehem as they might have appeared when Christ was born. Open to the entire community, Walk Through Bethlehem is held on the second or third Sunday of Advent.
Walking Track
Located above gym floor and accessed via stairs at end of the Church Life Center.
Web site
www.churchstreetumc.org
Wedding
A Christian service of worship which joins the bride and groom into a new Christian home.
Wedding Guidelines
The Wedding Committee, a sub-committee of the Altar Guild, works with couples planning their weddings at Church Street. Wedding policies are published in a Wedding Guideline booklet.
Wednesday Noon Adult Fellowship (WNAF)
Lunch and informative speaker series for adults of all ages. This group meets in Parish Hall on the 4th Wednesday of the month.
Wender Bible Study
Popular Bible Study, led by Dr. Charles Wender, on Sunday afternoons.
Wesley, Charles (1707-1788)
Younger brother of John Wesley and a leader in the Methodist movement. He was the prolific hymnwriter of more than 5,000 hymns.
Wesley House
A local United Methodist ministry to inner-city children and families.
Wesley, John (1703-1791)
One of the greatest evangelists in the history of the Christian Church and founder of Methodism.
Wesley Quadrilateral
The four factors that John Wesley believed illuminates the Christian faith. They are scripture, tradition, reason and experience. Scripture is always primary.
Wesley Woods
One of the Holston Conference camps. This camp is located in the mountains south of Maryville, in Townsend, Tennessee.
WHO (Widowed Helping Others)
A support group for widowed persons, sponsored by the Singles Ministry.
Women's Retreat
A gathering of Church Street women, held each year for spiritual renewal and fellowship.
Word on the Street
CollegeLife’s online newsletter for college students.
Worship
The practice of the Christian community gathering to praise God, to offer thanks to God and to engage in certain special acts such as Baptism and Holy Communion. Worship also includes a sermon, scripture reading, and music.
Worship
Sunday worship services are held at 8:30 am and 11 am in the nave/sanctuary. Wednesday communion services are held at 12 noon in the Chapel. Thursday’s Vespers are held at 5:45 pm in the Chapel. Community worship, also on Thursday, is held at 6:30 pm in room 120 of the Church Life Center.
W.O.W.
The hospitality program that welcomes visitors to Church Street. WOW means Word of Welcome.
www.churchstreetumc.org
Church Street's web site.