One of our favorite things about the spring semester each year is celebrating our graduating seniors.  Welcome to the Senior Spotlight series for the graduating class of 2023!  Our seniors answered interview questions earlier this semester and it has been so much fun learning their answers! Check back in each week to get to know our seniors better and help to cheer them on as they wrap up high school and prepare for their next steps.

Meet Reese Wineland!

What high school are you graduating from?
Webb School of Knoxville
What are your plans for next year?
Attending the University of South Carolina
What is your favorite bible verse?
1 Peter 5:7
If you could choose one meal to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Chili
If you could give some advice to your younger self, what would it be?
Keep pushing forward and don’t give up!
What are your top 3 favorite movies?
1. Clueless 2. Legally Blonde 3. Howl’s Moving Castle
What is your top book recommendation?
Truth Be Told by Sue Divin
What is your favorite Church Street memory?
SLA 2022
What are you most excited about going into the next season of your life?
Meeting new people and discovering my interests.

One of our favorite things about the spring semester each year is celebrating our graduating seniors.  Welcome to the Senior Spotlight series for the graduating class of 2023!  Our seniors answered interview questions earlier this semester and it has been so much fun learning their answers! Check back in each week to get to know our seniors better and help to cheer them on as they wrap up high school and prepare for their next steps.

Meet Kitely Sherman!

What high school are you graduating from?
Hardin Valley Academy
What are your plans for next year?
Agnes Scott College: majoring in Political Science
What is your favorite bible verse?
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
If you could choose one meal to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Anything my mom makes!
If you could give some advice to your younger self, what would it be?
Don’t rush the growing up
What are your top 3 favorite movies?
Little Women (2019), Tangled, Knives Out
What is your top book recommendation?
The Year of Magical Thinking
What is your favorite Church Street memory?
Joining youth group in 6th grade :,)
What are you most excited about going into the next season of your life?
Meeting new people and places to love!

Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of May 17, 2023

Rev. Catherine Nance

O God of Alpha and Omega, God of Beginnings and Endings and Beginning Again, we can hear the strains of Pomp and Circumstance in the air and see mortarboards being tossed towards the heavens. Students are relieved and giddy; parents are relieved and tearful. Whether the graduate is a three-year old moving up to Pre-K or a young adult receiving a hood, we are grateful for your presence in their lives and in ours.  

When we move through milestones – and what is sometimes harder – watching children move through milestones, we take time to give thanks for the ways you have been with us along the way. 

The month of May brings memories and hopes and always a bit of heartache. We pray for teachers who have done their very best this year. We pray for teachers who wish they could do more and for teachers who are wondering if they still have the spark. We pray for those who teach and lead at colleges and universities; institutions which used to be places for exploration and hard questions but are now under such scrutiny. We think of students for whom school is their safe place and for others who are already dreading next school year. O God of Compassion, put the right people in paths of those who need to hear an encouraging word.  

Some joyously celebrated Mother’s Day last week and others were grieving. You know all the stories, O God. You know the desires and the disappointments and the celebrations. We pray for new mothers who are hoping for so much and for older mothers who long for their children. Mother’s Day and Decoration Day and Memorial Day … so many opportunities for celebration and honoring precious memories. We are grateful. But we are also human and know that we can break one another’s heart; and yours. Forgive us when we do not reflect the grace that you bestow. 

Fill the world with the hope that swells when we hear bands play at graduation! A drumroll and the crescendo of the horns opens our ears and hearts and spirits to possibilities. The signs of “congratulations” and balloons we pass in the neighborhood make us want to start over and do better. Forgive us when we look back with regret; fill us with “strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow!” May we see your blessings all around us and be thankful! 

There are many concerns, O Lord! Church members have poured out their heart knowing that there is strength and healing when we say the words, “please pray for me…” So, in the newness of spring and the glory of your presence, we offer thanks for the gift of prayer. 

We pray for …..

  • A son who has had legal issues for the past several years; finally having a court date this week. Prayers for resolution.
  • Our high school seniors .. may all of them continue to listen to God’s plan for their lives. May they walk in their faith and be mindful of the blessings they are!
  • Friends who have asked for prayers – friends who are struggling with health or financial or relationship issues
  • That we would stay healthy and full of your purpose for these times.
  • A husband who is struggling with grief over his father’s death. Prayers that he can find his way and know God’s calming presence. Prayers for employment that fills his soul with happiness. 
  • A member who asks for good mental and physical health – for clarity. Prayers as she faces knee replacement surgery that she not be filled with worry and anxiety. Prayers for peace.
  • A young wife whose husband died unexpectedly this week; prayers for peace about the future.
  • Couples who are going through difficult times
  • Parents who are trying to balance all the things!
  • A family who is grieving the loss of a dear pet

We offer thanksgiving for ….

  • Successful surgery for the child with tracheotomy; thankful he and his family are adapting and growing in love. Prayers now for increased muscle strength and that he can get off of the vent.
  • Grandparents who were able to visit a granddaughter who has come through difficult surgery
  • Members of the Congregational Care Committee; thankful for the cards and letters and contact they ensure for homebound members.
  • Healthy grandbabies delivered!

We continue to pray for ….

  • Those who are grieving
  • A dear mother in rehab
  • A newborn in NICU – thankful for weight gain!

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.

Have a Prayer Request?

Submit your prayer request confidentially by clicking here.

One of our favorite things about the spring semester each year is celebrating our graduating seniors.  Welcome to the Senior Spotlight series for the graduating class of 2023!  Our seniors answered interview questions earlier this semester and it has been so much fun learning their answers! Check back in each week to get to know our seniors better and help to cheer them on as they wrap up high school and prepare for their next steps.

Meet Clara Suters!

What high school are you graduating from?
L&N STEM Academy
What are your plans for next year?
Going to Belmont University to study publishing
What is your favorite bible verse?
Lamentations 3: 22-23
If you could choose one meal to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Spaghetti
If you could give some advice to your younger self, what would it be?
Don’t worry about what everyone thinks of you, do what you think will make you happy.
What are your top 3 favorite movies?
Knives Out, Pride and Prejudice, and Murder on the Orient Express
What is your top book recommendation?
I would have to say the The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson. I love the world building and how the plot is intricately woven.
What is your favorite Church Street memory?
My favorite church street memories are all the ones where I am a hanging out with some of my best friends. Whether we were at nightlife, choir practice, on a retreat, at Panera at 7:00 am, or on a bus together for 10 hours, I always had some really meaningful, or just entertaining, conversations and experiences.
What are you most excited about going into the next season of your life?
I am excited to be able to learn more things about myself and am excited to meet new people. However, I am also extremely excited to decorate a dorm room.

One of our favorite things about the spring semester each year is celebrating our graduating seniors.  Welcome to the Senior Spotlight series for the graduating class of 2023!  Our seniors answered interview questions earlier this semester and it has been so much fun learning their answers! Check back in each week to get to know our seniors better and help to cheer them on as they wrap up high school and prepare for their next steps.

Meet Lilly Carroll!

What high school are you graduating from?
Webb School of Knoxville
What are your plans for next year?
I plan on attending the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, with a major in Marketing
What is your favorite bible verse?
Matthew 5:16 – “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in Heaven.”
If you could choose one meal to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?
chicken tenders & fries
If you could give some advice to your younger self, what would it be?
Never be afraid to be your authentic self – God will lead you to those you need to be around, you do not need to try to change to fit in with certain people.
What are your top 3 favorite movies?
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, The Wizard of Oz, and High School Musical
What is your top book recommendation?
Too many to chose from !!
What is your favorite Church Street memory?
MAD in the City – I got to know so many people that were a part of the youth group while helping our community at the Wesley House. Those memories are some I still cherish and think about to this day.
What are you most excited about going into the next season of your life?
Creating new memories and a bunch of new friendships with people! I am very excited to branch out and figure out who I am and where God will lead me in this next season.

One of our favorite things about the spring semester each year is celebrating our graduating seniors.  Welcome to the Senior Spotlight series for the graduating class of 2023!  Our seniors answered interview questions earlier this semester and it has been so much fun learning their answers! Check back in each week to get to know our seniors better and help to cheer them on as they wrap up high school and prepare for their next steps.

Meet Gracie Pardue!

What high school are you graduating from?
Knoxville Catholic High School
What are your plans for next year?
I will be swimming and studying at the University of Toledo, where I will pursue my undergraduate degree in Accounting and Spanish. After that I am planning to go to law school and study to become a business attorney.
What is your favorite bible verse?
2 Corinthians 4:18
If you could choose one meal to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?
#1 from Chick-Fil-A with fries and tea
If you could give some advice to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self to not put so much pressure on my self. Everything will turn out how it’s supposed to.
What are your top 3 favorite movies?
1) Pursuit of Happyness 2) A Dog’s Purpose 3) Saving Private Ryan
What is your top book recommendation?
Where The Crawdads Sing
What is your favorite Church Street memory?
I loved going through the Confirmation process and getting to grow in my faith alongside my friends.
What are you most excited about going into the next season of your life?
I am looking forward to new opportunities and getting to meet lots of new people.

Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of May 10, 2023

Rev. Catherine Nance

Sunshine! Light of the World! Let there be light! Let your light shine! Arise, shine; your light has come! 

O God who is Light and who created Light and shares Light, we are aware of and grateful for what the power of sunshine today! This was a beautiful Wednesday. THANK YOU! Our souls as well as our bodies have soaked up your warmth! 

Make us aware of how our spirits are connected to what is happening outdoors. It is difficult to grumble in the morning when we hear birds chirping happily. We breathe in deeply as we leave our temperature-controlled offices to go outdoors. Our lungs perk up with the fresh air. We give you thanks for this connection to creation. Forgive us when we forget that we are part of your creation. Forgive us when we forget that we are called to be stewards of this gift. May we take time to notice sky, earth, rivers, and creeks. We even thank you for all critters; they remind us that we humans were not the only ones on your mind as you said, “Let there be ….” 

Gracious God, we pray that all may feel the warmth of your light and sense the brightness of your love. We know that we are called to be light bearers and light reflectors! Give us the strength and humility to live into those roles. There seems to be so much darkness and strife – we are weary of hearing news and breaking news and updates on breaking news! Yes, we know. We know all the things that are happening in the world. How can we not know with all of the alerts? Honestly, God, we find ourselves becoming numb and losing our empathy. Please shine a light on someone near us; shed a glimmer of hope on a situation nearby where we can focus our attention and prayers and love. We do pray for “your world,” O God, but sometimes we need a smaller picture. We pray for large categories of people; make our prayers have intention! 

We pray for the hungry …. we know about our guests at Soup Kitchen and those who receive extra ‘weekend backpacks’ of food. Thank you for these dear souls, Loving God, whom we have the honor to nourish. 

We pray for the sick …. We can picture people in our neighborhood or in our Sunday School class. These are dear ones who are hurting right now and we are thankful for the ways we can reach out to them and share your love. 

We pray for the lonely …. We are sure there are so many in the world! Thank you for helping us see that one person in our line of vision, O God! May our attention to them be a healing balm. 

Thank you for hearing our prayers at the end of the day. We have so much to be thankful for! 

We offer the requests from our congregation ….. 

We pray for ….

  • A neighbor’s son who has been having seizures and has been in an induced coma for weeks. Please pray that his doctors will be able to figure out what is causing his seizures. Also pray for his Mother, Father, Sister, and Wife as they are with him in St. Louis at a brain specialty hospital.
  • A church member who will be in rehab after surgery to repair a broken hip; prayers for healing and strength. Prayers of thanksgiving for a loving family!
  • Those who have had a family member or loved one die this past week.
  • Recent graduates of the Getting Ahead class at Beacon of Hope; may they continue to feel the confidence and support of this community.
  • Our high school seniors who will lead in worship this Sunday
  • A member’s brothers who need healing and a sense of well-being
  • Family members who live in other countries
  • Family members who are sick; especially older ones who have pneumonia

We continue to pray for …

  • A church member dealing with nerve disease; prayers for relief from pain
  • The precious child who had a tracheotomy last week; prayers for healing. Also prayers for his parents and baby brother as they strive for health and routine.
  • A young father receiving chemotherapy
  • So many in our congregation who are dealing with caregiver issues for aging parents, chronically ill spouses, adult children with addiction issues …. Lord, in your mercy!
  • A brother in rehab regaining his strength and balance

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for  …

  • Two babies born in our congregation! Grateful for the gift of life and love! Prayers for both families!
  • A baby who is still in NICU ‘moved up’ to a crib; continues to gain weight and make strides!
  • For adults who not only “work with” children and youth in our church, but who see them as “their children and youth!”

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.

Have a Prayer Request?

Submit your prayer request confidentially by clicking here.

One of our favorite things about the spring semester each year is celebrating our graduating seniors.  Welcome to the Senior Spotlight series for the graduating class of 2023!  Our seniors answered interview questions earlier this semester and it has been so much fun learning their answers! Check back in each week to get to know our seniors better and help to cheer them on as they wrap up high school and prepare for their next steps.

Meet Carly Galbreth!

What high school are you graduating from?
Webb
What are your plans for next year?
I am attending Wake Forest.
What is your favorite bible verse?
I don’t like favorites, but my verse of the year is Matthew 6:34.
If you could choose one meal to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?
açaí bowls
If you could give some advice to your younger self, what would it be?
don’t complain when days feel long, because one day you’ll want the days to be longer. also, give more hugs.
What are your top 3 favorite movies?
Newsies the Musical (the broadway version on Disney+), Legally Blonde, Princess Bride
What is your favorite Church Street memory?
every moment from the two choir tours i’ve been on
What are you most excited about going into the next season of your life?
Learning new things and meeting new people

Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of May 3, 2023

Rev. Catherine Nance

We come together in prayer this evening – knowing that is only through the power of your grace and the mystery of the Holy Spirit that we are able to commune with you and with one another. This is more than an email we clicked on, O God, (we do thank you for technology); this is a way of connecting. We heard in our scripture Sunday that the apostles devoted themselves to prayer and that contributed to the growth of the community. So, we pause here to think about people in our congregation who are praying alongside us now …. 

We think of those who sit near us on the pew … we think of those who type in ‘good morning!’ on the YouTube Rejoice chat. We think of those who are not able to come to the building but who depend on these emails and prayers for connection. What a gift it is to imagine others beside us. 

As we offer thanks to you for the gift of creation, we can imagine others saying, Thank you, Lord! We look at the mountains; others who pray tonight look across plains while some hear ocean waves splashing as they whisper, “Thank you, Lord, for your creation!”  

As we pray collectively, we acknowledge that we have the same needs and desires —  the same fears and hopes.  We join in prayer with those who are struggling to find a sense of peace, a sense of community, a clear path. You know the decisions and situations we face, O Loving God. Thank you for your calming spirit. If we would simply listen to your voice assuring us we are loved and that we are precious in your sight, we would not waste our energy on worry. Forgive us when we look to you as an ‘outcomes manager,’ instead of the Source of our Being. We want to hurry up and make things perfect (or more honestly, easy or comfortable). Remind us of whose we are and how your presence gives us a steadiness for each day.  

Great Physician, we pray for healing for ourselves and loved ones. We are grateful for so many advances in medical technology and pharmacology, but we become impatient or resentful when we do not ‘feel better’ right away or when a pill or procedure does not ‘fix’ everything. Help us to tend to our bodies well, O God. We are fearfully and wonderfully made! Give us patience as we heal and give us holy encouragement to make good decisions for our health. And when we have done all we can and our bodies still decline and illnesses invade, may we turn to you for solace and strength. We pray for those who struggle with pain.  Make us sensitive to the hurts, the anguish, the illnesses that are usually not visible to us. We offer prayers for those who are suffering with mental illness, with shame, with hurtful relationships and other situations that are normally kept private. May we let others know that the community of believers is a safe place to say, “I need help.” 

We pray for our country O Lord; we are horrified and saddened by more reports of violence; neighbors attacking neighbors; we pray for police officers and EMT personnel who must respond. Our hearts are with the communities in Henrietta, Oklahoma and Cleveland, Texas. We ache for all of those who were on Interstate 55 in Illinois and now know how life can be disrupted – or ended – in an instant. It is easy to read news stories and feel such grief or outrage, and then it fades away as we move on with our day. Let us linger for a moment and remember the ripples in community, O God. One victim of a crash is someone’s father who is someone’s friend who is someone’s teacher who is someone’s ….  When tragedy is too overwhelming, may the knowledge that you are aware of all the ripples soften our hearts. May we be kinder to the people in our everyday connections. We never know how that might ripple out to others. Turn our outrage and grief into civility and respect for all people. Move us to whatever action will bring you glory. May our church offer opportunities for all people to live in harmony with one another that we might be a beacon of light and hope.  

We pray for our government leaders; may they serve out of respect for humanity and obedience to you. Guide and direct them to follow your vision of community. Guide us all in the path of discipleship, so that, as you have blessed us, we may be a blessing for others. May our words and actions empowered by your love bring the promise of the kingdom near.  

We pray for ….

  • A niece who serves as a chaplain in a hospital; recently diagnosed with cancer. So thankful for successful surgery, but it leaves her unable to have children. Prayers for all the layers of healing …
  • A family whose child has died after a long struggle; prayers for extended family and friends. Thankful for caring staff at St. Jude’s Hospital.
  • A friend’s little boy with several health issues had a tracheotomy this morning. Prayers for the family – mom, dad, and younger brother – as they navigate new procedures and home health care and being a family.
  • A friend whose father was killed in the ‘dust bowl’ crash on I-55 in Illinois
  • Our local politicians
  • Teachers as the school year winds down and students’ attentions are elsewhere!
  • One of our Soup Kitchen neighbors who asked for prayer
  • A 99-year old friend who had three blood clots in leg removed; prayers for healing as she looks forward to 100th birthday celebration next week!
  • A member  who has been diagnosed with a chronic pain ailment; praying that doctors may find effective medication
  • A family who is saying goodbye to a beloved father and uncle at age 94. May his memory be for a blessing!
  • The family and friends of a 55-year old daughter/mother/friend who died from cancer. Grateful to hold on to her mantra, “Faith over fear.”

We continue to pray for ….

  • A young father receiving chemotherapy
  • So many in our congregation who are dealing with caregiver issues for aging parents, chronically ill spouses, adult children with addiction issues …. Lord, in your mercy!
  • A brother in rehab regaining his strength and balance

Prayers of thanksgiving for …

  • A a son in Peachtree City who had successful surgery for colon cancer; prayers for continued healing as he moves forward with chemotherapy. 
  • Clear scans
  • The ability to have surgery when needed
  • Birth of a granddaughter and for good health!

We offer this prayer in the name of our Savior Jesus who taught us to pray saying: 

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.

Have a Prayer Request?

Submit your prayer request confidentially by clicking here.

One of our favorite things about the spring semester each year is celebrating our graduating seniors.  Welcome to the Senior Spotlight series for the graduating class of 2023!  Our seniors answered interview questions earlier this semester and it has been so much fun learning their answers! Check back in each week to get to know our seniors better and help to cheer them on as they wrap up high school and prepare for their next steps.

Meet Reagan Hill!

What high school are you graduating from?
West High School
What are your plans for next year?
I am attending the University of Tennessee.
What is your favorite bible verse?
Psalm 23
If you could choose one meal to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?
My dad’s panko bread fried chicken with Texas Roadhouse yeast rolls.
If you could give some advice to your younger self, what would it be?
Appreciate the workload you have in the grade your in. Also stop procrastinating all the time.
What are your top 3 favorite movies?
Shawshank Redemption, Interstellar, and La La Land.
What is your top book recommendation?
Not Here to Stay Friends
What is your favorite Church Street memory?
Its kind of a collection of memories. The many children’ worship lessons with Ms. Sue and the smell of the candles during Advent.
What are you most excited about going into the next season of your life?
I think going to the college I have wanted to go to since I was a little kid. The University of Tennessee.