UPCOMING EVENTS
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!
For a list of all of our Christmas events at COS this year, please click here.
Special Presentation: Inside Palestine
12/9 - 9:30-10:30AM
Jim Harb and Dr. Laurel Goodrich will present an illustrated talk on their recent trip to Palestine and Israel, reflecting on the land and current conflicts; people they met and their life stories, encounters with the ongoing military occupation, and prospects for peace and reconciliation in these troubled lands. Meet in the Shalom House.
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.
Congregational Meeting
12/9 - after church
Brief COS Congregational Meeting (no potluck) at the end of worship on Sunday to approve our annual budget and elect officers for 2019
Marketplace Open Enrollment
Ends 12/15
HEALTH CARE Reminder: Marketplace Open Enrollment has started and lasts until December 15. Now is the time to visit HealthCare.gov to get ready for this year’s Open Enrollment and review your 2019 plan options.
International Institute of Restorative Practices
12/2 6-8pm
A national expert from the International Institute of Restorative Practices will be in Knoxville. Anyone in our congregations or the community who wants to understand more about restorative practices is welcome to attend. There will be a presentation with time for questions and answers. The event is a true potluck; so bring any food that you would like to share. Meet at First Presbyterian Church, 620 State Street.
Also, mark your calendars for the next Justice Knox Team Assembly— our Research to Action Kick-Off: Tuesday, December 11, 6-8:30 PM at St. James Episcopal Church.
Opportunity for Service: Help for Immigrant Neighbors
You may have heard that 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. Volunteers are need to help out - please see this page for more information.
Blue Christmas Service
12/19 7-8pm
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. Child care provided.
Memorial Service for Rev. John Lackey
12/15 3pm
Please join us for the Memorial Service for our Pastor Emeritus, John Lackey. It will be a service of remembrance and celebration of John’s life and ministry. Please hold Glendon and the whole family in your prayers during this time of loss.
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
COS Kids Camp - Our Beautiful Little Planet
June 18-21
We had a total of 22 kids who participated in Kids Camp this year. Several of our families were out of town for the week which made for a lighter attendance. However, the fun and learning were not diminished! 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!
Labor Day Folk Dance, Sing-along & Picnic
May 28
Our annual folk dance and sing-along was a great success! We had lots of atendees and everyone had a great time. Most of us were even willing to dance! up. Thanks to Joan Paul and her team for organizing!
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!
A Season of Thanksgiving Basket Auction
August 5
We had a fun evening of fellowship, food, and fundraising for COS. Baskets included a birdwatching package, collections of books for kids of all ages, and a hiking themed basket. There was even a pig themed basket! Thanks for all who turned out!
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.
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!