You Are Welcome Here!

Women's Golf Tournament Parking Notice

Please note that during the first week of August, Green Meadow Country Club, in partnership with the LPGA Epson Tour, will be using the church's back field for additional parking for tournament participants.

This arrangement will not affect any of our regularly scheduled church activities, including Choir, Cub Scouts, or Sunday worship. Our main parking lot will remain available for church use during these events.

Please also note that if the ground is too wet, the back field will not be used for parking.

Thank you for your understanding as we support this community event.

School Supply Drive for Family Promise

The items they consistently need include:

• Three-ring binders, Sharpened pencils, erasers, pencil pouches
• markers, glue sticks, scissors,Spiral notebooks
• Pocket folders (both for binders and standard folders)
• Composition notebooks (mostly wide-ruled, with some college-ruled)
• Boxes of tissues, Germ-X, Clorox wipes

You will find a collection box in the church kitchen for any school supplies you bring.

August 2, 2026

Zechariah 8:4-5; Acts 2:46-47; John 2:1-11  

"Joy That Welcomes Others"

This Sunday we conclude our four-week series on Christian Joy by discovering that joy is never meant to be kept to ourselves. Throughout the series, we have seen that our joy is rooted in God's character—God delights in us, cares for us, and remains faithful through every season. This week, we ask one final question: What is that joy meant to do?

Through the prophet Zechariah's vision of a city filled with children at play, Jesus' first sign at the wedding in Cana, and the joyful fellowship of the early church, we will discover that Christian joy creates community, extends hospitality, and makes room for others.

During worship, we will also celebrate the beginning of a new school year with our Blessing of the Backpacks, praying for students, teachers, school staff, and all who are beginning a new season of learning and service. Whether you're returning to school, starting something new, or simply seeking a place to belong, there is a place for you as we gather around Christ's table.



We hope you'll join us for worship as we celebrate the joy that welcomes all.

This Sunday we will be

serving Communion 

Many people bring a jar or two of peanut butter on communion Sundays as an offering. The peanut butter goes to the Community Food Connection of Blount County.

The Sandal Fund

Green Meadow maintains a special fund to support church community in times of financial need, known as the Sandal Fund. Any cash left on the altar during Communion is added directly to this fund.

*For corrections, additions, or updates to the calendar,

email GreenMeadowPastor@gmail.com

Adult Sunday School 9:30

Children's Sunday School 9:30

Sunday Morning Worship 10:30

Sunday Evening Worship (Sudanese) 5:30

Please note the District Dates highlighted in yellow.

Special Meetings or Events are in orange

Blessing of the Backpacks – August 2, during worship.

Bring a bag to be blessed *

Last day to bring school items for Family Promise

Finance Meeting - August 3, 6:30 Library

Choir Practice returns August 4

2nd Thursday Social - August 13, 6:00 Pizza Hut, Alcoa Hwy

Installation of District Superintendent - August 9, 4:00, First Maryville UMC

Council Meeting – Next Meeting August 17, 6:30

No July meeting. You can read June's minutes here.

Smoky Mountain District Conference - August 23, 3:00 Seymour UMC

United Women of Faith - August 25, 12:00 Fellowship Hall

Finance Meeting -September 7, 6:30, Library

2nd Thursday Social - September 10, 6:00 Pizza Hut, Alcoa Hwy

Dedication of Natalie's Walk - September 27, 4:00

Charge Conference - October 4, 3:00 - all church paperwork will be due

in the church office on September 24.

District Day with the Bishop – November 17, Seymour UMC

*For more information on these activities and events, see below...

Groups:

• Sunday School 9:30 am - children through adult
• Sunday Lunch at Panera - following worship
• Finance Committee - Every First Monday at 6:30
• Council Meeting - Every third Monday at 6:30
• United Women in Faith 12:00 - Every fourth Tuesday of the month For the full 2026 Unit schedule, click here.
• Tuesday Bible Study 2:00 Library
• Tuesday Evening Choir 6:00 pm Sanctuary
• Tuesday Cub Scouts Pack 285 6:30 pm Education Building
• Thursday Lunch Bunch at Southland Cafe - 11:30 am
• Thursday Supper Group 6:00 pm - Second Thursday of the month: Pizza Hut on Alcoa Hwy (Hwy 129)
• Thursday NA (Narcotics Anonymous) 6:00-7:30 pm
• Earth Club events for everyone happen periodically. 

To book an appointment with the Pastor, click here

Go to Apple store for Apple devices or Play store for Android devices and download the Instant Church Directory app today!

Although this directory is best viewed from a phone, you can go to members.instantchurchdirectory.com and create an account to view this directory. If we have your email address, you can access this directory.

Mailing a check to the church?

You can send it to: Green Meadow UMC

P.O. Box 485 Alcoa, TN 37701

Or send a payment through Venmo @GreenMeadowUnitedMethodistChurch

Choir Rehearsals Begin Tuesday, August 4

Choir rehearsals begin on Tuesday, August 4, at 6:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. If you enjoy singing and would like to help lead the congregation in worship, you are invited to join us.

The choir's primary ministry is leading the congregation in worship through music each Sunday. Throughout the year, we also prepare special anthems and other musical offerings that are shared during worship services and for special seasons such as Advent and Easter.

Adults and youth are welcome to join. No previous choir experience or formal musical training is required — only a love for music and a willingness to serve through worship.

Whether you have sung in a choir for years or are considering it for the first time, this is a wonderful opportunity to become part of a welcoming and meaningful ministry. Come sing with us as we praise God and help lead the church in worship.

Jesus welcomed people from every walk of life — fishermen and tax collectors, religious leaders and outsiders, saints and sinners. Yet every encounter carried the same invitation: "Follow me."

In this eight-week series, we will discover what it means to keep Jesus at the center of our life together. Rooted in Scripture and the Wesleyan understanding of grace, we will explore how Christ welcomes us, shapes us, and sends us into the world. Together, we will learn how Open Hearts. Open Minds. Open Doors. becomes more than a motto — it becomes the way we follow Jesus and invite others to take the next step in discipleship.

August 9: A Church Centered on Jesus

Hebrews 12:1–3 | Mark 1:14–20

Jesus' first invitation was simple: "Follow me." Before we are known for anything else, we are called to center our lives and our church on Christ, who leads us into a life of grace, love, and discipleship.

August 16: A Church Where Grace Comes First

Titus 3:3–7 | Luke 19:1–10

Jesus welcomed Zacchaeus before his life was transformed. God's grace always goes before us, meeting people where they are and inviting each of us to take the next step in following Christ.

August 23: A Church with Room at the Table

Romans 15:1-7 | Luke 5:27–32

Jesus made room at the table for people others overlooked. As we follow Christ, we become a community where hospitality creates opportunities for belonging, growing, and discovering God's transforming love.

August 30: A Church Known by Love

1 John 4:7–21 | Matthew 22:34–40

Jesus taught that the greatest commandments are to love God and love our neighbors. Following Christ means growing in the holy love that John Wesley described as the heart of the Christian life.

September 6: A Church Where Everyone Is Growing

Philippians 1:3-11 | Mark 2:13–17

Jesus called ordinary, imperfect people to follow him and patiently shaped them into disciples. We are all works in progress, encouraging one another as we grow in grace together.

September 13: A Church That Helps People Take the Next Step

2 Peter 1:3-11 | Philippians 3:12–16

The Christian life is not about arriving but about continuing to follow Jesus. Wherever we are on the journey, Christ calls us—and our church—to keep moving forward in faith.

September 20: A Church with Open Hearts for All

Isaiah 56:1–8 | Acts 10:1–35

Jesus continually expanded the boundaries of God's welcome, and Peter learned that no one is beyond God's grace. Following Christ means opening our hearts to all whom God is drawing into the family of faith.

September 27: A Church Sent into the World

Ephesians 4:1–16 | Matthew 28:16–20

Jesus sends every disciple into the world with the good news of God's love. Centered on Christ and strengthened by grace, we are called to make disciples by inviting others to follow Jesus alongside us.

New Sunday School Study Begins August 9

Join us as we begin Exodus, Numbers: Adventures in the Wilderness on Sunday, August 9, at 9:30 a.m. This study follows Israel's journey from slavery in Egypt through the wilderness, exploring God's faithfulness, guidance, covenant, and provision. Together, participants will discover how these stories of trust, obedience, and God's enduring presence continue to speak to our faith today. Everyone is welcome!

New Book Study Begins

Tuesday, August 11 at 2:00 p.m.

Discover the transforming power of the Holy Spirit in our new book study, The Holy Spirit by Adam Hamilton.

The Holy Spirit is God's active presence and power at work in the world and in our lives. Through the Spirit, we are comforted, guided, empowered, and transformed as followers of Christ. In this engaging study, Adam Hamilton explores what Scripture teaches about the Holy Spirit — from the Hebrew Bible to Jesus' promises in the Gospels, the coming of the Spirit at Pentecost, and the teachings of the New Testament.

Whether you are new to Bible study or looking to deepen your faith, this study offers an accessible and meaningful exploration of the Spirit's work in our daily lives.

The study begins Tuesday, August 11, at 2:00 p.m. If you would like to participate, please contact Pastor Jennifer to reserve your copy of the book. Books will be available August 2 before or after worship.

Family Promise Week of Service – August 17–22

Our next Family Promise week of service is coming up August 17–22. During this week, volunteers are needed to provide a meal for our guest families or serve as a host.

If you would like to help with a meal or learn more about volunteering as a host, please contact Mary Lynn Roy mlroy865@hotmail.com.

Thank you for supporting this important ministry of hospitality and care for families in our community.

Walking Together in Prayer Weekend

Holston Conference

The United Methodist Church

August 29–30, 2026

Join Churches Across the Holston Conference in Prayer

Holston Conference Congregational Development Team(s) invites every congregation to participate in Walking Together in Prayer Weekend on August 29–30, 2026 (or another day in August that best fits your congregation's schedule).

Together, we will prayer walk our neighborhoods, schools, businesses, and communities, asking God to guide us, deepen our love for our neighbors, and reveal where the Holy Spirit is already at work.

"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." - Jeremiah 29:13

What is Prayer Walking?

Prayer walking is simply gathering in small groups of two to four people, so we do not overwhelm our neighbors as we walk through the community/neighborhood in prayer. As we walk, we listen for God's leading, pray for the people and places around us, and seek to join in the work God is already doing in our neighborhoods. Through this simple act of prayer and presence, God awakens our hearts to see our community with fresh eyes, deepens our compassion for those around us, and reveals new opportunities to share God’s love.

Every congregation can participate

• Walk in groups of 2-4 people.
• Pray around your church community/neighborhood.
• Partner with neighboring United Methodist churches in the community, if desired.
• Prayer driving is better for some communities, driving and praying for your community works, too.

What We Ask of Every Church

• Choose one day during August 29–30 (or another day in August). The prayer walk can take about 25 minutes or longer.
• Create a team.
• Let your District Administrative Assistant know when your church will be prayer walking.
• Gather after the walk to reflect on what God revealed.
• Check out our Prayer Walk Resources page for more ideas.

If you are interested in creating or being in a team,

email greenmeadowpastor@gmail.com

Together, we will unite in prayer across the Holston Conference as one connection, boldly loving our neighbors through prayer.

Each week, the bulletin includes Continuing the Conversation: Living the Word Together, a few short questions connected to the sermon that invite reflection on how God’s Word shapes daily life.

These questions can be used over lunch after worship, around the dinner table, in a small group, or in conversation with a friend. The hope is simple: that the sermon continues beyond the benediction through thoughtful conversation and lived discipleship.

We invite all women to join in our purpose "to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ; to develop a creative, supportive fellowship; and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church. We are turning “faith, hope and love into action on behalf of women, children and youth around the world.” 

Contact: Glenda Eastridge 865-984-8682 eastridge_gs@bellsouth.net

Mission U, July 17-19, 2025 at State Street UMC

Meetings are held monthly on the 4th Tuesday at noon

for shared lunch, program, and action.

For the full 2026 Unit schedule, click here.

On the last Sunday of each month, we pass the Blessing Bucket and share a blessing and an offering. These connectional ministries help our understanding that congregations can do more together to transform the world for the sake of Jesus Christ. To see 2026's full list click here.

Our United Methodist Social Principles remind us,

"We affirm that all creation belongs to God... Human beings,

nonhuman animals, plants, and other sentient and nonsentient beings participate in the community of creation, and their flourishing depends upon the care of all God's creation." 

August 2026

Start with something. Choose one or two easy changes to make, perhaps swapping single-use water bottles for a reusable one or refusing plastic bags. Commit to your action and allow it to lead you to another “something” you can do for Earth.

Work together. Join or create a local effort, perhaps to clean up a waterway or to help plant a pollinator garden. Or donate to a large-scale organization that can use your support to make a greater difference.

Stay ambitious. The goal is big change. Start with a small action, but keep your eyes, mind, and heart open to opportunities that move you—and those with you—closer to what you desire for the sake of Earth and all its inhabitants.  

Act for the good of all. Individual actions have a collective impact. For example, when one person installs solar panels or buys an EV, it signals that renewable energy is desirable. When more individuals buy in, that creates demand, which drives down cost, expands investment, creates jobs, and pressures politicians to deliver for their constituents. Apply the same principle to all the places you can act for good. 

If a move is on your timetable, flatten any shipping boxes you receive and store them for when you need to start packing. If you’ve just moved, advertise through your networks to find someone who can use the boxes again.

Use and reuse the same natural fiber dryer balls 1,000-plus times instead of single-use, chemical-laden dryer sheets. Think of the difference for your wallet, your health, and the landfill.

For packed lunches for school, purchase foodstuffs in the largest package available and then divvy them out into reusable containers for the day. Avoid the trash of “snack size” packaging that adds to the landfill, teach your children an alternative to the throw-away culture, and empower them to do something good for the environment.

Change your light habits. To save money and Earth, transition to LED bulbs. Also, engage the whole family in turning off lights when they are not in use. This easy practice is a reminder to care for Earth in other actions too.

Avoid the toxic trio: food, plastic, and heat. Do not cook meals in a sealed plastic bag. Don’t heat up leftovers in plastic in the microwave. The heat releases chemicals from the plastic into the food you consume. 

Tree planting season (September–March) is coming. Now is the time to investigate potential tree sources and planting services, including local government, nonprofit foundations, and nursery businesses. Trees pull down carbon from the atmosphere and nourish the soil, provide habitat and food for birds and other pollinators, and give shade in the summer and allow sun in the winter, reducing the need for fossil fuel energy.

Church Finance

Year to Date Giving: $70,136

Estimated Year-to-Date Expenses: $75,100

Annual Budget: $150,200

July 26, 2026

Sunday School - 20

Worship - 53

May - June

Peanut Butter 79 lbs

*To add someone to the Circle of Prayer, email greenmeadowpastor@gmail.com

Dianne Scent: Prayers for David with physical therapy.

Scotland Eastridge: Great-Grandfather

Amy Wolz will have a heart ablation on August 7

Tracy Gormley and Beverly Jordan: mother, Pat, has been placed on hospice. (And sister to Pam Gildrie)

July Lovely: Wayne Drinnen in the CCU at Blount

July Lovely: Nadine Henegar in CCU at UT

Those Grieving

Pam Gildre: Carrie, dealing with cancer

Mary Lynn Roy: Sharon Mitchell, liver cancer.

Hilde Phipps: brother Doug cancer.

Cindy Wells: Dennis Walker

Our Nation and the political unrest

Seedbed Initiative – praying for next steps in ministry

Julie Hamlin: Nephew, Tim Kopf.   

Dan Moore: Margaret with ongoing health issue