This week we focus on our Worship Ministries - the ministries that make our Sunday morning worship possible. Some of these ministries are more visible, and others are behind-the-scenes. All of them are vital and help us to worship God in the beauty of holiness (and the holiness of beauty).

Yesterday, you received an email with video reflections from those who are already participating in these ministries, sharing where they find joy in their service – and inviting you to do the same. Prayerfully consider where you might find your joy. You may sign up for any of this week's highlighted ministries HERE.

If you missed yesterday's Ministry Month email with the reflection videos, you may see it by going to: https://conta.cc/3pqIY0f

Sun., August 21 - 11th Sunday After Pentecost - Ministry Month!

Join us on Friday, August 26 from 5:30-7 pm for the first of our FOURTH FRIDAY FUN & FELLOWSHIP parties!

Each month, there’ll be a different theme. For August, we’re calling this inaugural event “FUN FRIDAY FIESTA”. Sangria, margaritas, and non-alcoholic drinks will be available, along with plenty of chips & guacamole, cheese dip, crackers, veggies, etc. We’ll even have music & games!!

Let’s get together and have some summer fun. If you can’t stay the whole time, that’s ok. On your way to dinner? Stop by on your way. Had an early dinner? Stop by on your way home….whatever fits your schedule. Come as you are – see you there!

Mark your calendars now for Sunday, August 28 after the late service - we're planning a Party on the Pavement!!

All children, youth, and their families are invited for an informal gathering, right after church. We encourage you to pack a picnic lunch, bring your bikes, scooters, or skates and we'll have some fun. More details will follow soon. Oh, and Popsicles will be served!

We are hoping to get back to full time Rotation Sunday School in September. Many of our teachers have taught for 15 or more years and have decided it is time to step back. 

I need at least 6 teachers each Sunday to be able to have Rotation Sunday School. If you enjoy children and want to learn and receive more than you give or teach, let me know. The lessons are explicit and easy to follow. You can also choose an area of interest: legos, games, cooking, computer, drama. You do not have to commit for the whole year, but can commit to teach a 2 week rotation several times a year.

Also, if you feel unsure about teaching, you can serve as a helper in the room. We require 2 adults in each class, so serving as a helper to the teacher is a great need and help. Please let me know at [email protected] if you are willing to help out. I would so appreciate hearing from you.

Thank you! - Ann Backus

If you love computers and games, please volunteer to help in our Rotation Sunday School Computer lab. So many people are afraid of the computers and games, but this is one of the children's favorite workshops and I really need the volunteers to get this workshop up and running.

If you don't want to teach, I can work it out so that there is another teacher to do the lesson and your job would be getting the computers running and explain how to play the game. You can commit in 2-3 week intervals which would cover a rotation. Please let me know at [email protected] if you can help us get this going for our children who have missed so much during the covid break.

Thank you! - Ann Backus

Are your children Sunday School aged? We would LOVE you to register your child(ren) so we can learn a little about them and have all contact information up to date. Go HERE to register your child. Thank You!!

I am so excited to resume our Good Sam Youth Programming for Fall 2022-23.

We have all kinds of new ideas and events this fall, and I hope that you will find ways for your family to engage in the offerings. Please reach out to me ([email protected]) with questions, concerns, barriers to attendance, etc. I am here to help!

We will have Diocesan youth activities, which provide our youth a chance to connect with others from across Knoxville and East TN. These events include Happening (high school retreat), New Beginnings (middle school retreat) and various other retreats and events for youth. **The first one is Sept 9-11th for middle/high schoolers at Grace Point!

We will also have a few mission trips, both overnight and weeklong, that are typically open to youth 12+.

We will do Confirmation class for 9-12th graders over the course of the year, with a few meetings, designed to fit your busy schedules while providing a meaningful experience.

There will also be fundraising opportunities to help increase the funding we have for youth programming and mission work.

A very preliminary schedule of some highlighted events includes:

And SO MUCH MORE!

I look forward to seeing you all soon!

These were found at Good Sam and have been there for a few weeks. If they are yours, please contact the church office at [email protected] or 865-693-9591.

The Cash In The Plate For August goes to Wesley House Community Center.

The mission of Wesley House Community Center is focused on providing high-quality, affordable, and accessible childcare services as well as opportunities for social connections in the senior citizen population. Their programs include the Summer Time Enrichment Program (STEP) a 9-week program supporting East Tennessee children, from kindergarten through eighth grade. Their Wellness In Senior Education, or WISE, program provides food, fun, and fellowship to underserved senior citizens. The Wesley House Community Center also offers after-school services for 9 Knox County schools.

You can make an online cash plate gift to the cash in the plate on the Good Sam online giving page. There is an option on the giving page to give to the "Cash in Plate". As always, you may also send a check to Good Samaritan. (Please designate that it is for "Wesley House" in the memo line).