Lent Devotions from Church Street UMC

Sunday, March 10, 2024

By Dan Kelley

Boon Companions

Read: Matthew 25:21

One summer in the early 2000s my wife Julia and I toured Civil War battlefields of the Western Theatre. We had started in Chattanooga at the Chickamauga Battlefield and were heading toward Florence, Alabama on US highway 72 to see Brice Cross Roads and Shiloh Battlefields. Just west of Tuscumbia we saw a large green highway sign that read “Key Underwood Memorial Coon Dog Cemetery”. We had to see that. So we turned onto Alabama 247 and went 12 miles to Coon Dog Cemetery Road. 

There among the dusty redtop Freedom Hills was a small green oasis that used to be a hunting camp. We were greeted by a tall stone column of two coon dogs treeing a raccoon. We learned that Key Underwood had loved hunting in these woods with his dog Troop. When Troop had died in 1937, Key had buried him here as a memorial to their 15 years together. He placed an old chimney stone on the grave on which he scratched “Troop was a joy to hunt with”. Other bereaved hunters followed his example, when their beloved dogs died, to bury them and mark their graves.

There were over 300 dogs buried there. To qualify they needed to be AKC recognized breeds; Redbones, Black and Tans, English Blueticks or Redticks, or Treeing Walkers. Or they needed to be Southern hunting hounds; Black Mouth Curs, Plott Hounds, Catahoulas, or Mountain Curs. And they had to have 3 witnesses that had seen them tree a coon singularly. They were not just any dogs but coon dogs. working dogs who were varmint hunters and protectors of crops and livelihoods. No poodles or lapdogs.

Many had marble or limestone headstones that were professionally carved. They listed their AKC or UKC registration and the trophies they won. Some were local champions, some were State Champions, some were National Champions, and a few were World Champions at their craft. Famous Amos was buried there. He was Ralston Purina’s “Dog of the Year” in 1984. 

While the marble headstones show the pride of the owners, the metal markers that had  welded messages or the wooden markers that had wood burned messages showed the love and companionship that was shared by the hunter and his dog.  One of my favorite was a 4 x 4 post with a dog collar and tag nailed to it. It said, “Old Blue, he weren’t the best but he was the best I ever had”.

Key Underwood reminded me of all the companions that had helped me on my spiritual journey; those who had taught me, encouraged me, and worked with me. Not all were champions but all were of a recognizable breed: loving, compassionate, and full of the Holy Spirit. And there were at least three witnesses to their ability to keep sin at bay.

In this Lenten season, as we remember what Our Lord and Savior has already done for us, let us remember those that have helped us on our way learning to follow His example.

Prayer

Dear Lord of Mercy Divine, Thank for your sacrifice, for sending your Holy Spirit to us, and for the many faithful companions you have placed in our lives to help us return to you. Help us to be good companions to others of your children that we may help them on their journey home. Amen.

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of March 6, 2024

Written by Rev. Catherine Nance

Honestly God, it has been a dreary day.

We know we are supposed to give thanks in all things, but we let the gray sky and the rain and the humidity bring us down.

We say things like, “Now, I have to change shoes. These got all wet.”

Forgive us, O God of Sunshine and Rain. As we mutter under our breath that we left our other umbrella in the office and our new one is at home, make us pause to give thanks that we have two umbrellas. Forgive us when we forget we have a choice of clothing and can dress in layers. We complain when we have to de-layer; forgive us.

Move us beyond ourselves, O Lord.

We pause now, embarrassed by our pettiness, and offer thanks to you. We are grateful for all that we have. We are grateful for the options that most of us have. When an activity is rained out, we have a dry place to go. Forgive us for grumbling.

Now that we have our good sense about us O God, we do give you thanks for this day. We have had enough to eat, we have stayed mostly dry and warm, and we have a safe place to sleep tonight. We thank you for the people we have encountered today; some strangers and some family. People who were kind to us and people who took time for us.

Before we call it a day, be with us O God, as we remember the conversations and the interactions that were meaningful. We include you in these remembrances knowing that your spirit is always present. Thank you for your blessings.

Before we pray for those near and dear to us, we think about your world. We cannot imagine what a rainy day is like in Gaza or Odesa. We simply open our heart right now and know that you hear the prayers of people all over the world. Through the power of your holy spirit, as we pray for people we know and love, may we feel a connection to all people who call out to you.

Lord, we thank you for the rain. We thank you hearing our prayers. We offer now the prayer requests from our congregation ….

We pray for ….

  • A preschool special ed teacher who is having to deal with extreme behaviors from students; pray for safety, wellbeing, and peace of mind. God bless all the students
  • A grandmother who has been diagnosed with multiple cancers; prayers for discernment in next steps for treatment
  • A member who has moved to skilled nursing care and rehab after a stroke
  • A dear friend who was so active and now unable to walk
  • A woman seeking employment that will bring her joy and will help her family
  • A father in the hospital whose health is declining. May sons feel God’s guidance and strength
  • The health of a newborn; may parents make good decisions
  • One who is traveling overseas for school
  • For children who are adjusting to life after the sudden death of their mother
  • A member whose brother died
  • One who is working with new doctor for second opinion; praying for discernment

We continue to pray for ……

  • A friend who has started drinking again
  • One waiting on test results from doctor
  • One going through a divorce
  • A family dealing with many health issues and employment issues as they relocate
  • Victims of Israeli-Hamas war
  • Loved ones who are transitioning from ‘home alone’ to ‘assisted living’
  • Caregivers who feel they are alone.
  • Those whose grief is deep

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.

Lent Devotions from Church Street UMC

Sunday, March 3, 2024

By Dona Bunch

Little Acts of Lent

Read: Zechariah 4:6

Each little act of love matters. The day of big things is coming, but until then, we are not to neglect the day of small things. Zechariah’s words again ring true: “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts”.

When I was a child, my church had little coin holders for kids during Lent. Each week we put a dime of our allowance in the slot instead of spending it on candy or other treats. We were learning the spiritual discipline of Lent.

Lent is one of the “big” religious seasons of the year. As  Christmas celebrates the birth of Christ, Lent acknowledges His death and ultimate resurrection. What is a bigger event than resurrection?

To commemorate this season, Christian churches use the practice of fasting,  sacrifice, and denial as participatory actions.  Because Lent is so big, we feel our observation should be equally huge. I often have trouble deciding on something big enough to be worthy of the cross. Sacrificing coffee or chocolate doesn’t do it,  and fasting is just beyond me.  

I was reading an article by a novelist who spoke of eschewing the “bigness” of best sellers and tv appearances and all things that authors dream about in favor of the small, daily acts that eventually turn an idea into a printed book. She sang the praises of  going small.

It struck me that maybe the “bigness” of Lent was what made me so tentative. Maybe I could focus on actions and sacrifices that were smaller but still  meaningful. 

After all, Jesus was the ultimate minimalist. He cared nothing for material things and encouraged others to think similarly. He was the  very model of small, individual acts of service. So, what if we gave up  the grand gesture for the small act? 

  • We could give up self-ness for otherness. We could help someone who’s suffering by providing for their needs, be it food or the comfort of a friend.
  • We could give up our love of the physical – new clothes, that new Apple watch – for meaning without cost, maybe family time or calls to loved ones far away.
  • We could give up the pain we’ve been holding from past experiences and recapture the peace that’s been lost.
  • We could give up noise for solitude and quiet – like  walking without a podcast or taking a break from scrolling and tv.

Ultimately, we would be giving up “bigness” for the small miracles, the quiet moments of prayer, silence, reflection, and service  that draw us ever closer to the heart of God. And when we’re renewed and refreshed, the bigness of Easter might move us even more.

Prayer

Precious God, help us to recognize the bigness of your sacrifice, and show us ways that our small, human acts can express our devotion and love to You. Amen.

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of February 28, 2024

Written by Rev. Tim Best

Gracious Lord,  

For the mercies of today; for rest, for work, for food, and for fellowship with others we give you thanks and praise. As we come to the end of another day help us to find rest and renewal in you. Lift from our spirits the burdens of the day. Where we have caused harm or pain today, strengthen us that tomorrow we might seek forgiveness and restored relationships.  

We are thankful for the food we have had today. All that sustains and nurtures is a gift to us from your loving hand. We acknowledge that some of us have had too much, and some of us did not have enough. Create in us generous hearts that whether we have much or little, we would see all we have as a gift. We are thankful that our church family was able to host neighboring churches and community members. Bless those who worshipped and fellowshipped with us today. May the world see and find in us, Church Street UMC, a place and a people where there bodies and their hearts can be fed by your gospel love.   

We are thankful for this community of faith; May your Spirit continue to be at work in and through this congregation to shape us by the the love of your cross. As we continue to journey through Lent, bless and guide those who are participating in a special study, class, or prayer group. Renew their love, dedication, and joy through their faithful study and service. We ask for your guidance in all our missions and outreach ministries. May our neighbors come to know your love through the the ministries of this community.   

We pray for all who are in any sort of need. We pray for those who have had surgeries, those who have been sick, and those who seek answers from doctors. Give strength to their bodies and courage to their hearts. Fill all of us with compassion and mercy for those who suffer. When we see those suffering from loneliness, move us by your Spirit to stand in solidarity and relationship. We pray for those separated from those they love by service, imprisonment, or due to employment.  

We pray for the coming of your kingdom of peace. In the midst of a world that knows violence and peace so well, make your church to be a sign of peace and justice for all the world to see. Where division and hatred divides your people, heal us and draw us together in devoted service to you. We pray for those who feel they have no hope; may your church be a beacon of hope in the midst of the sufferings of the world and may we proclaim that in the midst of their sufferings your love stands with them.  

In a spirit of hope and trust we offer these prayer concerns of our congregation up to you, gracious God.  

We pray for ….

  • A grandmother who is in hospital waiting on tests results; had a biopsy on a mass.
  • A friend who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer
  • One who is looking for a safe place to live; also needs a job
  • One who is struggling with work issues; seeking forgiveness
  • A member who is in rehab after a stroke
  • Those who have been hospitalized; may they feel your strength as they continue to recover.
  • A family in the loss of grandmother
  • A member who is asking for God’s guidance in decisions about treatment options; waiting on second opinion. Prayers for peace of mind and healing as she learns more about situation.
  • One waiting on tests results.
  • Family members who do not yet know Christ as Savior. 
  • A granddaughter’s anxiety and OCD.
  • Grandchildren who are having a difficult time in current family situation.

We give thanks for ….

  • New friends at youth group!
  • The birth of a baby boy!
  • A new college Sunday School class.
  • The sermon and lectures from our Bishop Lecture Series guest, Edgardo Colón-Emeric

We continue to pray for ……

  • A friend who has started drinking again
  • Members of extended family who are not believers inChrist
  • A friend who is missing her son
  • One going through a divorce.
  • A family dealing with many health issues and employment issues as they relocate
  • A faithful companion – a beautiful and dear pet who is having health issues; praying for strength for all God’s creatures!
  • Dear friends; a husband who is in ICU with infection and other concerns, and for his wife
  • One who continues to grieve for her husband while dealing with some family tensions
  • Victims of Israeli-Hamas war
  • Loved ones who are transitioning from ‘home alone’ to ‘assisted living’ 
  • Caregivers who feel they are alone.
  • Those whose grief is deep 

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.

Lent Devotions from Church Street UMC

Sunday, February 25, 2024

By Nancy Carmon

Examen

Read: Psalm 51:10-12

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” 

Recently while reading in my devotion guide I discovered a faith practice that I plan to use during Lent. It is called the Prayer of Examen. It is a prayer of reflecting on the events of the day in the presence of God. This style of prayer was originally developed in the 15th century by St. Ignatius of Loyola and typically includes five steps: rest, request, reflect, reconcile, and renew. 

Rest — take some time to rest in gratitude for today’s gifts including the presence of God. 

Request — give thanks for the Holy Spirit and invite the Holy Spirit’s presence during your prayer time. 

Reflect — as you review the interactions with others and your thoughts of the day, think about whether you were moving towards or away from God.  

Reconcile — identify where you need to change in your relationships and interactions with God and others. 

Renew — look forward to tomorrow and ask for God’s guidance. 

Pray — Restore in me an open heart and renew my delight in your presence. Sustain me through the day and night by the power of your Holy Spirit.

Perhaps this Prayer of Examen might be your Lenten practice this year.

Prayer

Restore in me an open heart and renew my delight in your presence. Sustain me through the day and night by the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Have a Prayer Request?

Submit your prayer request confidentially by clicking here.

Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of February 21, 2024

Tonight’s prayer is the one prayed last night at Church Council by Youth Representative, Pauline Schneiter. It was meaningful to all of us who heard and prayed it last night. Please pray it together now …. 

Dear Lord, 

Through all the troubles our world faces, thank you for the opportunity to gather together. Offer your grace to hearts in our community that are in mourning. We offer our own hearts to your will so we might fulfill our roles as comforters and advocates. Even without the understanding of your great power, allow our faith to stand strong.   

For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building. (from I Corinthians 3:9) 

We pray for ….

  • Families in our congregation who are preparing for funerals this week
  • All who are grieving 
  • For one who is looking for a safe place to live; also needs a job
  • For a member who is in rehab after a stroke
  • For those who have been hospitalized; may they feel your strength as they continue to recover.
  • For a friend who has started drinking again
  • For members of extended family who are not believers inChrist
  • For a friend who is missing her son
  • For one going through a divorce.
  • For a family dealing with many health issues and employment issues as they relocate
  • For a faithful companion – a beautiful and dear pet who is having health issues; praying for strength for all God’s creatures!

We give thanks for ….

  • The birth of a baby boy!
  • A new college Sunday School class.

We continue to pray for ……

  • For dear friends; a husband who is in ICU with infection and other concerns, and for his wife
  • One who continues to grieve for her husband while dealing with some family tensions
  • Victims of Israeli-Hamas war
  • Loved ones who are transitioning from ‘home alone’ to ‘assisted living’ 
  • Caregivers who feel they are alone.
  • Those whose grief is deep 

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.

Sunday Schedule
Worship – 8:30AM & 11:00AM
Sunday school – 9:45-10:45AM
NightLife – 5:00-7:00PM ($5 dinner)

At a glance…

  • There will be no NightLife on Sunday, March 10 due to Spring Break.
  • Lenten Worship Night is March 17!
  • Seniors – don’t forget to complete our online forms!
  • Summer Registration is out! Earlybird is April 21 and regular registration is May 15.

Lenten Worship

On Sunday, March 17 we will have our annual Lenten Worship Night.  We will begin with dinner downstairs as usual, then move to Parish Hall and the Nave for a night of prayer, reflection, and worship.  This is a way for us to be intentional about growing our faith and drawing closer to Christ in the heart of Lent.  We hope you’ll join us!

Senior Info

Attention all Graduating Seniors! We have lots of information for you about the season ahead.  We want to honor and celebrate you.  So, please fill out our Senior Info form, apply for Scholarships, and mark your calendar to lead worship on May 12!

Senior Info Form

College Scholarships

Bring a Buddy Recap

Last Sunday, we had SO MUCH FUN at Bring a Buddy NightLife! What a joy to have so many friends join us for the night. Here are a few things to remember:

Friends are always welcome. It doesn’t have to be an official Sunday for you to bring someone with you.

We had a great discussion about our Spiritual Gifts. This coming Sunday, we will have a follow up discussion. Come ready to learn more about your specifics gifts!

If you weren’t here Sunday night, use the link below to access our Spiritual Gifts Inventory & Assessment. Parents — feel free to do this test yourself so you and your students can share together!

Spiritual Gifts Inventory

Spiritual Gifts Assessment

Summer Newsletter

Summer is just around the corner! We’d love for you to join us for all our summer programming. Use the link below to check out our newsletter and register.

Operation Backyard – June 28-29

Ocoee Rafting – June 30

MAD in the City – July 7-11

Smokies Game – July 28

Summer Info

Youth Ministry Meals

Each Sunday, we serve our students breakfast and dinner. We ask families to volunteer to help make these meals happen! The sign-ups are below. If every family signs up for one breakfast and one dinner each, we will have nearly every week covered!

Sunday School Breakfasts

NightLife Dinners

Have you viewed our page on Church Street’s website? Check it out!

Jenny Cross, Youth Director
jcross@churchstreetumc.org

Lent Devotions from Church Street UMC

Sunday, February 18, 2024

By Rev. Catherine Nance

Teach Me, O Lord

Read: Psalm 25:9

“He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.”

Here we are. First Sunday of Lent. For some of us it may feel like a do-over or a restart. It was just seven weeks ago that we made resolutions and promises and set goals. Things we were going to change. Things we were going to do better. Be better in 2024.

Maybe today, we tell ourselves those same things. Really going to do it this time. 

There is nothing wrong with setting goals at the start of a new year. However, using the season of Lent as a second chance calendar for self-improvement is … well, missing the mark. That is what happens when we start with ourselves. What do I need to improve? What do I want to change? Instead of starting with Self, the Psalmist begins with God. To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, in you I trust. Make me to know your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth. The emphasis and focus is on God. Not me. I am still the recipient of grace and teaching and truth, but it is God’s grace. God’s teaching. God’s grace. God’s goodness. 

Before I make a list of things I want to do or give up during Lent, I will make time to pray. What is it that God desires for me this Lenten season? 

Prayer

Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long. Amen. (Psalm 25:5)

Have a Prayer Request?

Submit your prayer request confidentially by clicking here.

Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of February 14, 2024

Written by Steve Richardson

God in heaven and in our midst, source of agape love, in your graciousness hear our prayers. 

The ancient writer said you created us in your image, God. Even though we might question what that means about your physical appearance, we’re confident about one trait of your image: You, the God of love, infused in each of us the innate ability to love. Jesus affirmed this in his straightforward command: “Love one another.”  He never would have told us this so succinctly if we were not capable of doing so.  

So, Lord, help us learn ways to better reflect this facet of your sacred image. Sometimes it is hard to love, especially when our self-interests take over. Other times, it’s easy to just step aside, taking no initiative at all when love is needed. Forgive us, God, when we fail to live as people imitating your image of love. Accept our repentance, particularly on this Ash Wednesday. Through your merciful compassion, revive us with new hope and energy to be ever-more obedient to Jesus’ charge: “Love one another.” 

Also as Jesus taught, we plea that your kingdom comes, that your will is done, among us on this Earth as you have already done in heaven. Sometimes we casually presume that only you can make this happen. Help us acknowledge that we, too, have roles and purposes in your kingdom coming. Again, keep us mindful that Jesus told us how: “Love one another.” 

Yet circumstances of suffering and strife do exist that are out of our control. For these we pray with faith and hope that you instill peace in war-torn and conflict-laden areas; heal the physical and mental illnesses beyond scientists’ abilities to remedy; reveal passages for moving forward to people experiencing loss, separation and grief; rehabilitate lands shattered by natural disasters; restore social justice and equity for all your children; rouse mutual self-respect among all people; and lead all humankind to accept and adhere to the way of living espoused by our Savior: “Love one another.”    

Thank you for Church Street United Methodist Church, our base for our journeys through the Lenten season. Thank you for the wisdom and spiritual insights shared by members’ and pastors’ Lenten devotions. Thank you for clergy, staff, teachers and volunteers who forge paths for growth, learning, mission, fellowship and transformation. Thank you for reawakening our minds and hearts to your clear call: “Love one another.”      

Merciful God, please hear these needs and prayers of others in our church community. Surround each person with your loving embrace and comfort… 

We pray for ….

  • Our clergy and staff as they lead us through this Lenten Season.
  • For dear friends; a husband who is in ICU with infection and other concerns, and for his wife
  • One who continues to grieve for her husband while dealing with some family tensions
  • Comfort for those who grieve …. Many funerals this past week, this weekend, and next week
  • Victims of Israeli-Hamas war
  • Loved ones who are transitioning from ‘home alone’ to ‘assisted living’ 
  • Those for whom Valentine’s is a difficult day
  • The family of the deputy in Maryville and all affected by gun violence

We give thanks for ….

  • The birth of a baby boy!
  • The opportunity to provide an educational opportunity for our Holston Hispanic Ministry Team
  • Sunshine that lifts our spirits!
  • The one-hundredth birthday of a dear church member and friend!

We continue to pray for ……

  • Caregivers who feel they are alone.
  • A member who has brain tumor; may she feel God’s comfort and healing presence
  • Children who were recently hospitalized; prayers for continued strength and healing
  • Our youth and young adults who carry so much inside

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.

Lent Devotions from Church Street UMC

Wednesday, February 14, 2024

By Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett

Lenten Love

Read: Psalm 51: 1-17

This year we experience a calendar rarity as the U.S. Valentine’s Day and Western Christianity’s Ash Wednesday fall on the same day. (The last three times this happened were in 2018, 1945 and 1934). Though these two special observances are quite different in focus, they have a commonality. Both point toward love.

The legends and history around the origin of Valentine’s Day are manifold and the subject for another time. In short, contemporary societies across the globe associate this international holiday with romantic love.

On the other hand, Ash Wednesday emphasizes God’s love as it launches Lent, the six- and one-half weeks season of the Christian year that highlights Jesus’ life and ministry. Ash Wednesday and Lent have been observed in the Western Christian Church for centuries. This season highlighting human mortality, penance, and Jesus’ suffering culminates in the greatest expression of love the world has ever known- our Savior’s death on the cross. Three days later, on Easter Sunday, we observe Jesus’ Resurrection from the dead, the world-changing first century event that broke the power of sin and death.

In addition to reminding us of God’s amazing love for humanity, Ash Wednesday and Lent provide us with avenues to respond to Jesus’ actions on our behalf. Some people give up a favorite food during Lent, like chocolate or desserts. Others add actions to their lives such as serving at a food pantry or doing a daily good deed. The point in Lenten observances is not to earn God’s favor or to demonstrate how “holy” we are. Rather, Lenten practices are a way to express our gratitude for Jesus’ love in our lives.

The fourth verse of a great Issac Watts hymn beautifully states the why of observing Lent. “Were the whole realm of nature mine; That were an offering far too small; Love so amazing so divine; Demands my soul my life my all.” https://hymnary.org/hymn/UMH/298

February 14 is a day when we celebrate love. This year, with Ash Wednesday falling on Valentine’s Day, for Christians the emphasis expands to God’s love. How will you respond to God’s love this Lenten season?

It is a joy to serve as your bishop. Blessings!

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