The Mountain Volume 5 - No. 4 May 2017

New Senior Pastor Announced

Church Street Class of 2017

Faith in Action

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From the PastorA Church for the AgesPast, Present, FutureWhat a privilege to be part of a church that has a stellar past, a vital present, and a promising future.

We have celebrated a history that spans 200 years. From a small beginning on the frontier, we have grown to be one of the significant congregations of Holston Conference. During that history Church Street has survived the Civil War, two World Wars, fires, a crippling Depression, a denominational division, etc.

Our magnificent physical structure gives testimony to the faith of those who came before us. In the midst of uncertainty and economic ruin they built something for the ages. This magnificent edifice still points beyond the earth to eternity.

But we are also privileged to share in the joy of a vital present. While many downtown churches struggle to survive, Church Street is experiencing growth, especially among children, youth, and young adults. We see dozens and dozens of children and youth each week and are inspired by their choirs and programs. The excellence of our music program is widely known and appreciated. Study groups abound and congregational care is evident.

That vitality is also shown in our outreach. Every week 200 people enjoy generous servings of nourishing food. Dozens of families and individuals receive assistance with basic necessities. Significant mission giving expands our caring to the world. In the midst of division and suspicion we are trying to demonstrate that our loyalty to Christ enables us to love one another even in our differences. Thousands hear the Gospel proclaimed each week through Rejoice!

And the future looks very promising. Dozens of visitors join us each week for worship and some of them make Church Street their home. Babies and adults are being baptized, confirmation classes are being received, and volunteers are serving in significant ways. Phase One of the church’s Master Plan, Building for Christ, is beginning. With a renovated Parish Hall, more accessible entrances and restrooms, improved parking and entrances, a more accessible route to the Nave, and upgraded facilities we will be even more inviting.

It is a joy and privilege to be part of a church with a stellar past, a vital present, and a promising future. It’s also great to know that each of us can be part of making the future even more promising. Your faithful prayers and presence can make each Sunday even more inspiring. Your generous support can enable even more needed ministries and lower the cost of financing the Master Plan. Out of our love for Christ let us renew our commitment to the Church, Christ’s body.

I will uphold the Church through my prayers, my presence, my gifts, my service, and my witness.

P.S. Many thanks for your support of the operating budget. For the first time in monthswe can report a surplus. Your continued faithfulness will be a great encouragement to the new pastor. On the cover:

Celebrating Palm Sunday worship

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The Rev. Dr. Charles “Chuck” Starks is projected to be Church Street’s new senior pastor. Chuck’s first Sunday will be June 25. He currently serves as pastor of First United Methodist Church in Morristown, Tennessee, where he has been senior pastor since 2009. We look forward to welcoming Chuck, his wife Angela, and daughter Olivia to Church Street.

Five quick facts about Chuck:1. He recently organized a nine-county event to honor first responders called the “Gathering of Gratitude” that also brought together state and local elected officials and pastors from area churches including Bishop Looney.

2. He enjoys adventure! Among his favorite hobbies: downhill snow skiing and bike riding.

3. Chuck is a graduate of Emory & Henry College and Candler School of Theology where he received both his masters and doctoral degrees.

4. He doesn’t eat chicken. Yes, he eats meat. (And he loves German Chocolate Cake.)

5. He loves to laugh and looks forward to joining in the “faith and fun” at Church Street.

NEW SENIOR PASTOR ANNOUNCED Rev. Dr. Chuck Starks

Capital Campaign UpdateTwo years ago the Capital Campaign launched its First Fruits effort hoping to receive 10% or about $500,000 in early donations. Instead, you showed your generosity and commitment to the church by contributing over $1,000,000 or about 20% of our pledges.

Over the past two years, while plans were being finalized and before con-struction began, your faithfulness was evidenced by steady monthly gifts. Now that construction has begun, we have the opportunity to thank you for raising our donation total to $4,479,689 or over 80% of the total pledges.

Not only are the original pledges being fulfilled, but new members have made pledges, memorials have been made to the building fund, and unpledged contributions have guaranteed our success.

As we move into the final year of the Capital Campaign, we would ask you to continue your faithful gifts whether pledged or unpledged. Please remember that the total project will cost us several million dollars over the pledged amount and any type of donation will minimize the necessity of borrowing for the renovations.

As we look at the wonderful things happening around our church, we realize that we are a blessed congregation! Your generosity demonstrates this very clearly. Thank you.

Bill and Jo Terry

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Welcome New Members

Karen Wooten joined by transfer of membership from Beaver Ridge UMC, Knoxville, TN on March 12 at the 8:30 a.m. service.

Maria Dahunsi joined by transfer of membership from the Redeem Christian Church of God, Nigeria on March 12 at the 8:30 a.m. service. Pictured with her family: Stephen, Sarah, and Stephanie.

Laine Thomas joined by transfer of membership from Fairview UMC, Maryville, TN on March 12 at the 8:30 a.m. service.

George and Deborah Crawford joined by transfer of membership from First UMC, Seattle, WA on March 12 at the 8:30 a.m. service.

Donna Connolly joined by transfer of membership from the Seventh Day Adventist Church, Long Island, NY on March 19 at the 8:30 a.m. service.

Todd and Sarah Bateman (son Cooper, nine months old) joined by transfer of membership from First Presbyterian Church, Chattanooga, TN on March 19 at the 8:30 a.m. service.

Tim Kazmier (father) and Kaitlin Kazmier (daughter) joined by transfer of membership from All Saints Catholic Church, Knoxville, TN on March 19 at the 11:00 a.m. service. Pictured left to right: Isabella, Kim, Tim, Kaitlin Kazmier and Alex Tweel.

Stephanie Posner joined by transfer of membership from First UMC Oak Ridge, TN on Wednesday, March 10 at the noon service.

Therese Zaltash joined by transfer of membership from Upper St. Clair UMC, Pittsburgh, PA on April 30 at the 11:00 a.m. service. Pictured with Scott McFarland.

Not pictured: Jason and Ashley Hamilton joined during the 8:30 a.m. service on April 30. They joined during the worship service where their son John Kirby was confirmed; daughter Claire is also a member.

Prayers. Presence.

Gifts. Service. Witness.

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Groundbreaking

Church Street United Methodist Church officially celebrated the groundbreaking of the Building for Christ project on Sunday, April 23. A rainy and celebratory morning for Church Street!

In celebration of the groundbreaking, leaders of the Building for Christ project, our oldest and youngest members, children and youth representatives, Church Street leaders, and capital campaign chairs helped break ground on the project. We were also joined by Bishop Mary Virginia Taylor, Knoxville District Superintendent Nathan Malone, retired Church Street senior pastor Andy Ferguson, representatives of Johnson and Galyon Construction, Hartman-Cox Architects, SmartBank, and Mayor Rogero’s office.

Construction on the project has begun! Take a few minutes to check out the progress as you drive by.

The Tale of the Golden Shovel

Amy Cathey’s commitment to the Building for Christ project has been inspiring. As chair of the Building Committee, she has worked to ensure that every detail, both large and small, has come together to make the building project a reality.

It seemed only fitting that Amy would hold Church Street’s own “golden shovel” during the groundbreaking ceremony. This particular shovel has been used in the groundbreaking ceremonies of Church Street in 1930, of the Education Building in 1963, of the Family Life Center in 1986, and now for the church’s expansion in 2017.

The shovel is permanently housed in the History Room (room 202) in a frame gifted by Mr. A. Lionel Edney. The shovel serves as a reminder of both the deep history of Church Street and an invitation to progress and change in the name of Christ.

Celebrated

Photo by Robert Cathey

“The responsibility and the privilege rest upon us to cause a building to rise here that shall be a house of this people of God and a place devoted to the worship of almighty God and to the glory of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

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Class of 2017Molly Armstrong L&N STEM AcademyPlans to Attend: Pelissippi then transfer to the University of Tennessee

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8:18

Ella CatheyKnoxville Catholic High SchoolPlans to Attend: University of Virginia

Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. Proverbs 16:24

Kamryn DagelMaryville High SchoolPlans to Attend: University of Tennessee

God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. Psalm 46:5

Robert “Pearce” DurranceDr. Paul L. Kelly Volunteer Academy (Dec. 2016 graduate)Still deciding what his future holds.

Do unto others as you would have them do to you. Matthew 7:12

Anderson Fuller Webb School of KnoxvillePlans to Attend: Auburn University

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13

Erin GambleKarns High SchoolPlans to Attend: University of Tennessee

She is clothed in strength and dignity and she laughs without fear of the future.Proverbs 31:25

Erin JohnsonPowell High SchoolPlans to Attend: University of Tennessee

Do your best to present yourself to God as one ap-proved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15

Will NorrisWest High SchoolPlans to Attend: University of Tennessee

Trust the Lord with all your heart; lean not on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5

Nick StrongJefferson Co. High SchoolPlans to Attend: University of Tennessee

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference. -Robert Frost

Jeffery “Graham” SullivanWest High SchoolPlans to Attend: University of Tennessee

You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Romans 8:9

Sarah YoungSouth Doyle High SchoolPlans to Attend: University of Tennessee

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life;of whom shall I be afraid?Psalm 27:1

Alexander RichterBearden High SchoolPlans to Attend: University of Tennessee

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isiah 40:29-31

Seniors Not Pictured: Audrey Hall, Scott Hammond, Kate Haskins, Dawson Kitts, Elizabeth Page, Gabriel Poveda, Joanna Reed, and Ellen Wade

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Recently, Church Street attorneys have been able to put their faith and law degrees into action by providing assistance at several recent free legal advice clinics sponsored by the Tennessee Faith and Justice Alliance. The clinics were held at Beacon of Hope, Colonial Heights UMC, and St. Luke’s Episcopal Church where Church Street attorneys donated their time to provide legal advice on everything from family law and estate planning to contract disputes and debt collections, just to name a few.

“It’s an awesome ‘God moment’ when lawyers from all different practice backgrounds can help churches reach out to those in need,” one Church Street attorney said. Church Street attorney volunteers included Jonathan Cooper, John Eldridge, Jerry Gulley, Joanna O’Hagan, Rachel Hurt, and Ian Hennessey. In addition, fellow Church Streeters Blythe Gulley, Dona McConnell, Tresa Childs, Stephanie Blue, and Don Ferguson provided their support by doing client intake. One client who was helped at a recent clinic said, “It is a great thing that you all are doing. People need hope.” We give thanks for all those who put their faith into action to serve.

Celebrating ConfirmationThe 2017 Confirmation Class by the numbers:

• 22students• Asetsoftwinsandaset oftriplets• 679fooditemscollected forBeaconofHope• $340donatedtoHeifer Project• 35weeksofclass

Welcome Church Street’s newest confirmands and members: Sara Logan Cada, Anna Hays Cooper, Lillian Claire Owen Dansereau, Kathryn Elissa Duncan, Rachel Jo Duncan, Chance Maddox Bowen Fanduzz, Wayland Fletcher Freeman, John Kirby Hamilton, Alana Katriel

Johnson, Jackson Russell McNutt, Emma Taylor Mynatt, Jordan Elaine Mynatt, Emmy Victoria O’Hara, Grace Caroline Pardue, Kitely Mae Sherman, Clara Ruth Suters, Elizabeth Ann Suters, William Henry Suters IV, Giselle Henrae Speckhart Takvoryan, Raymond Parker Warwick, Katherine Lynne Wilhoit, and Reese Elizabeth Wineland.

Isbells Honored A group of grateful travelers recently honored Rev. Rick Isbell and Sue Isbell, Church Street’s for-mer director of children’s ministries, with a permanent

sculpture for the Prayer Room. The bronze praying angel figure was cast in Chicago and was donated by members of the 2017 Holy Land Tour Group. Each week Rick faithfully compiles and shares a list of prayer concerns, which inspired the symbol of gratitude. Sue Isbell has guided eight excursions to Israel and Rick has joined her in leading seven of these fascinating tours.

Stay tuned for information about the next journey to the Holy Land, tentatively planned for January 2019.

Faith in ActionAnd what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8

Volunteer attorneys Bill Coley, Jason Long, Ian Hennessy & Katie Goodner

John Eldridge serves during the Legal Aid Clinic at Colonial Heights UMC.

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Hallelujah! Hallelujah!