UPCOMING EVENTS
MLK Memorial March
January 21 9:15AM
COS will once again be marching in the MLK Memorial March. The purpose of the parade is to offer the community a visual and audible display in tribute to the life and works of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Line-up will be at 8:30 AM. Step-off will be at 10 AM from the Midway, Chilhowee Park, 3300 E. Magnolia Avenue. Contact the church for carpool information or you can look for us at the parade by 9:15 AM. We will be walking with the Interfaith Worker Justice group.
Women's Spirituality Group
Every Third Tuesday - 6:30pm
The group meets for a time of learning through sharing spiritual journeys, and discussion topics vary widely. Each month this year (every third Tuesday), we are inviting one of our wise female elders to share her experience of life as a woman of faith. We gather at 6 in Shalom House to share a meal (everyone is responsible for her own food and drink) and catch up with one another. The “formal” program begins at 6:30 and ends at 8. We are an informal group, so drop in when you can.
COS Book Club
January 29 - 7-8:30PM
We will discuss Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Tracy K. Smith's Ordinary Light, "a deeply moving memoir that explores coming-of-age and the meaning of home against a complex backdrop of race, faith, and the unbreakable bond between a mother and daughter." Contact Ed Sullivan for more information
UCC Youth Winter Retreat
January 18-21
This year’s retreat will once again be held in Blowing Rock, NC. Southeast and Southern Conference youth and leaders will come together for a weekend of worship, service, snow and fun. Please keep our youth and chaperones in your prayers for a safe, fun, and interesting time away.
Sam Stapleton Photography & Book Exhibit
January 5 - February 2
Sam’s series, Stilled Life, juxtaposes the ephemeral beauty of frozen flowers with the concept of eternal beauty. His photographs are also combined with poetry in the book, Stilled Life, published by Bloodroot Mountain. Sam’s photographs will also be exhibited at Vienna Coffee House, 212 College St., Maryville, TN, 37804 from January 5 through February 2, 2019. For more info, please visit his website.
Opportunity for Service: Help for Immigrant Neighbors
Immigrant families are getting released by ICE at the border and at some detention centers and put on buses for 24-48+ hours without food, water, diapers, even underwear. Most of the families are trying to get to families in other parts of the country, but pass through Knoxville because of our location. 40-60 people are greeted a day, so supplies go fast! Coats, hats, and gloves of all sizes (no sweatshirts and thin hoodies) are especially needed. Contact Erin Bicknese, 715-292-5463 or for more information. For more ways to help, see this page for more information.
PAST EVENTS
Knoxville PrideFest & Pride Parade
June 23
Thanks to everyone who made posters, walked in the parade, and volunteered to staff our booth at PRIDEFEST 2018. 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!
COS Kids Camp - Our Beautiful Little Planet
June 18-21
We had a total of 22 kids who participated in Kids Camp this year. Our Beautiful Little Planet program focused on ecology and Creation Care; we learned about protecting our water sources, recycling, reusing by shopping at thrift stores, and saving energy. Thank you to all who helped make it happen!
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!
Wild Goose Festival
Youth Event
July 12 – 15
Our youth group attended the Wild Goose Festival and had a blast! We camped out and took part in an art, music, and story-driven transformational experience that was grounded in faith-inspired social justice.
COS Stewardship Event: Biblical Discoveries Across Jordan
October 14
Dr. Gerald Mattingly, renowned biblical scholar and archaeologist, will bring the biblical history of Jordan to life in a vivid & engaging lecture. Our visit includes time in his lab and an opportunity to explore the University Biblical Antiquities Museum.
Progressive Dinner & White Elephant Gift Exchange
12/8 - 5-9PM
The Progressive Dinner is our annual Christmas party for adults of the congregation. We will meet in a home for appetizers and fellowship from 5-6:30 PM, then move to COS at 6:45 PM for dessert and the infamous white elephant gift exchange.