UPCOMING EVENTS
Blue Christmas
Dec 18 at 7PM
We hold this special evening prayer service every year as a refuge & comfort for those who find the holidays to be difficult for any reason, and for all who seek to be reminded of the sacred dimensions of this season. Join us for a time of prayers, scripture, and music meant to remind us that God’s presence is for those who mourn & for those who struggle; and that God’s light still shines into every dark corner of our world. There will be a time for anointing with oil for healing during the service as well. Childcare provided.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Dec 24 from 6:30-7:30PM
Join us on Christmas Eve for our annual, peace-filled, intergenerational worship celebration on the most special night of the year. The promises have come true, the waiting is over — Jesus Christ is born. All month in December we anxiously await the birth of our Savior. Now, on Christmas Eve, we turn our hearts and minds to God. No child care, but all ages are welcome! There will be no additional services the next morning.
Annual Welcome the Stranger Christmas March
Dec 19 at 11:30-1PM
Remembering that Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus are portrayed as political refugees fleeing to Egypt in the Gospel of Matthew, you are invited to join our pastor and others from the wider community in marching and rallying in support of refugees and immigrants, our neighbors and friends. ALL are welcome! We will gather at First Baptist Church in Downtown Knoxville, then march towards Market Square for a rally at 1 PM. Bring your family, friends, neighbors, and a sign or banner showing your support of welcoming immigrants and refugees. See you there! Co-sponsored by BRIDGE Refugee Services, the Riverside Catholic Worker House, and a host of other supporting organizations, including COS.
Lessons & Carols Service
Dec 29 at 11AM
On this Sunday, join us for an informal worship service that will begin at 11 AM. Celebrate the Christmas Season with prayers, readings, and, of course, carols! Child care provided. NOTE: The Early Worship Service, Choir, Youth and Sunday Morning Discussion will NOT meet this Sunday.
Sound System Team Request
Want to know who is doodling on their bulletin or fiddling with their phone during John’s meditation? Here is your chance. The Sound System Team is in need of two or three volunteers to help run the system during the 11:00 service. If we can get a couple more folks, you are looking at serving around once a month or less; you sign up when you are willing and available. It is an easy task and training will be provided. Contact Frank Harvey if you are possibly interested. And remember, you are being watched!
COS Meal Volunteers Needed
The Congregational Care Team invites all who are interested in providing meals for COS friends and members in need to join the Meals Team. We are currently looking for volunteers who can prepare and/or deliver meals on an as-needed basis. Please email Kaylen Mallard if you are interested in volunteering.
COS Loss Support Group
The group is open to anyone and everyone at COS who has experienced loss in some significant way. No matter who you are, how old you are, what you look like, how you self-identify, all are welcome to attend. If you have experienced any loss -- a job, pet, relationship for example – you are welcome to attend this facilitated support group. If you have questions, please contact Ceil Sheahan.
Sunday Morning Adult Studies
Sundays at 9:30AM in Shalom House
The Bible Study Group is now reading the book of Ecclesiastes from the Old Testament, along with the companion book, “The Way of Solomon” by Rabbi Sami Shapiro. Other companion texts on Ecclesiastes by Rabbi Shapiro are “Ecclesiastes: Annotated & Explained” and “The Tao of Solomon.”
The Adult Discussion Group is discussing Joan Chittister’s new book: The Time Is Now – A Call to Uncommon Courage.
Women's Spirituality Group
Every Third Tuesday - 6:30pm
All women are invited to join us for prayer, fellowship, and learning. We gather at 6 PM in the Shalom House for dinner and catch up (bring your own food) and the official "program" begins at 6:30, ending at 8:00. This month we'll determine topics of interest to explore throughout the year. Please join us!
PAST EVENTS
COS Music Jam
March 9 at 6-8PM
Come to the COS Music Jam! Informal, laid back, no expectations, except to come and listen, sing, play tunes. Bring an instrument; bring a friend; bring a couple of songs to share with copies of lead sheets or music. All are welcome regardless of ability; just need the willingness to participate and share the music!
Obed Point Hike
December 19
COS Outsiders hiked Obed Point Trail on March 29th. Ann Harvey was a wonderful guide, and all involved has a great time. Be on the lookout for the next hike!
Community Dinners
April & May
Community Dinners are back. These are a great way to get to know your fellow members and COS. Please consider attending a dinner where you have never been before to get to know someone new! Charts to sign up are on the table in the back of the church sanctuary.
Appalachian Fest IV
April 27 at 5:30 PM
A celebration of the beauty, culture, creativity, and cuisine of the Appalachian region and her people (us) – through music, poetry, stories, & good food.
Bring: yourself, friends, family, Appalachian style food (soup & beans can be vegan if you leave out ham hocks and such; corn bread can also be made vegan-wise). Admission is free!
Knoxville PrideFest & Pride Parade
June 22
Thanks to everyone who made posters, walked in the parade, and volunteered to staff our booth at PRIDEFEST 2019. It was a joyful day and a great way to express the extravagant welcome of COS and God’s Love toward all
Blue Christmas Worship
December 19
We hold this special evening prayer service every year as a refuge and comfort for those who find the holidays to be difficult due to their losses, hurts, or worries. This service also serves as a time during Advent for many of us to pause and be reminded of the spiritual dimensions of this season. Join us for a time of prayers, readings, and special music meant to remind us that God’s presence is for those who mourn and for those who struggle, and that God’s light still shines into every dark corner of our world.
Santa’s Workshop
12/8 - 9AM-12PM
COS kids will share a light breakfast, make gifts for their families, and get their picture taken with Santa! Parents---you get a morning off to shop or just rest. We will be taking donations to cover the cost of materials and as a fundraiser for the youth group. Suggested donation is $10 per child but give whatever you can...we want all our little elves to participate!
Hero's Journey with Harry Potter" Vacation Bible School
Sundays, June 9th, 16th, and 23rd from 5:45 until 8 PM
We are doing VBS a little differently this year...instead of gathering every evening for a week, we will gather on 3 consecutive Sunday evenings for VBS, then share some songs with the congregation during worship on the 4th Sunday. Dinner and childcare for 3 and under will be provided. And plan to attend worship on June 30th to hear the children sing!
Keeping Families Together Immigration Rally
June 28
Thanks to everyone who showed up at the keeping Families Together rally to support immigrant families in our community and protest policies like 287-G locally and the Trump Administration’s zero tolerance policy at the border. Your presence and your voice make a difference to our neighbors!
COS Youth Mission/Service Immersion Trip
July 7 - 12
Asheville Youth Mission gives young people an opportunity to explore the hidden needs and struggles of those who are living on the margins within and around a beautiful tourist town. Groups work with a variety of agencies working with those who are homeless, in poverty, or food insecure, both in urban and rural settings.
COS Fall Picnic
October 14
Thanks to all who joined us for our fall picnic. We enjoyed our picnic lunch, folding chairs, great hiking and blankets and took in the fall beauty of East Tennessee.
MLK Memorial March
January 21
Thanks to everyone who represented COS over the MLK weekend – at the MLK Community Forum on Friday, the Women’s March on Saturday, inside giant puppets (made by the Collins family!) and in the streets at the MLK March on a COLD Monday (over 20 COS’ers at last count), at the Jobs with Justice banquet on Monday night, and in other settings as well! Your presence is a faithful witness for social justice!
Children’s Christmas Pageant Practice
December 15
Parents please have your children at COS by 10 AM sharp (let Tonya know if you’ll be late.We will fit costumes and run through the pageant about 3 times. If your child has lines, you will receive them via email early in the week so they can practice at home. If you haven’t already, please contact Tonya if your child wants to participate. All are welcome!
Get ready for the big performance during worship on Sunday!
MLK Memorial March
January 21
Thanks to everyone who represented COS over the MLK weekend – at the MLK Community Forum on Friday, the Women’s March on Saturday, inside giant puppets (made by the Collins family!) and in the streets at the MLK March on a COLD Monday (over 20 COS’ers at last count), at the Jobs with Justice banquet on Monday night, and in other settings as well! Your presence is a faithful witness for social justice!