A Weekly Update of Good News from John Knox

SteepleTalk

Find out what's going on and what's coming up

in the life and ministry at John Knox Presbyterian Church.

Today, we are hearing about the strong possibility of another winter storm coming into our area this weekend. The staff have gone back and forth with the question: What do we do?

As of today (Thursday), we are in a "wait-and-see" pattern. This means that we are asking you to bear with us, as we wait-and-see what the next forecasts may tell us.

So, please keep checking your emails over the next day or so. We will be sending out a final decision one way or another!

Thank you for your patience.

This Sunday's Worship

Join us this Sunday, February 1 at 10:00 AM

"A Failure to Communicate!"

Hebrews 1:1-4, 2:5-12

In person: Sanctuary

Digitally: YouTube, Facebook, or John Knox App

Click here to access the Worship Bulletin.

Audio Visual: Bobby Mock

Communion: Jacob deMaine and Peggy Thompson

Liturgist: Anna Cain-Robinson

Ushers: Stevie Greene, John Adamson, John Kendall, Carter Schaaf

and John Brumley (Head Usher)

Come one and come all to the Battle of the Bowls! Each year on the Sunday of the ‘Big Game’ John Knox gathers in the Fellowship Hall after worship to sample, enjoy, and (graciously) judge submissions for our chili cookoff. Whether you’re bringing your award-winning chili or just coming to eat your way through the lineup, this is one game you won’t want to miss. Come ready to tackle the toppings, blitz the beans, and kick off the big day!

Bring chili or be a judge!

Click here to provide food for our youth!

Some Bad Things Are Good

Winter Weather: is it good or bad? This topic could start many interesting conversations! If you were talking to members of the John Knox Quilters you might find that the answer is that bad weather can make extra time to work on the creation of fun and interesting quilts. Sewing is, after all, an "inside job".

On Thursday January 22, the weather forecast was GRIM- a major winter storm is coming with ice, snow and low temperatures. Members of the JK Quilters loaded eight (8) warm cheerful quilts and headed for Triune Mercy Center. These will be distributed to folks needing warm cover to weather this storm and have for many years to come.

The JKPC Quilters meet weekly - Thursday mornings from 10 AM - 12 PM in the last room of the Classroom hall (right side). We need and welcome new members. We can teach you (even beginners) and have machines and tools available.

JK Quilters do varied projects during the year. In 2025 we completed the following projects:

*Two batches of quilts to First Presbyterian of Black Mountain, NC for Helene Relief (16)

*One batch of Quilts to Covenant Presbyterian of Asheville, NC for Helene Relief (7)

*Quilts for the Guatemala Refugee families we welcomed (8)

*Quilts for Side by Side participants (3)

*Quilts for JKPC Veterans (2)

Saturday, January 31

K4-1st Grade - Davis

9:15am @ Buncombe St. (Drake Hall)

2nd-3rd Grade Girls - Casteel

12:00pm @ Westminster Pres. 2

2nd-3rd Grade Boys - Hardiman

8:30am @ First Baptist 1

2nd-3rd Grade Boys - Cox

2:30pm @ First Baptist 1

Middle School Boys - Hendrix

9:30am @ First Pres (Court 1)

In case of last minute changes, please confirm games through the CLBBY website.

From Property & Operations

Between the John Knox Sanctuary and Shannon Drive stand six large oak trees, with an additional oak near the upper driveway entrance. These trees have been a cherished part of the JK campus since the sanctuary was built more than 50 years ago. They have provided a peaceful, protected, and nurturing setting for generations, and we love them dearly.

Unfortunately, as these trees have matured, they have begun to take an increasing toll on our campus infrastructure. Their root systems are damaging our driveways—requiring repeated root removal and re-paving, interfering with sewer lines, and creating persistent shade along the front of the sanctuary. This lack of sunlight on the building prevents proper drying, which has led to mold growth and rotting wood and necessitates periodic repairs. These challenges are similar to those we addressed during the renovation of the area in front of the John Knox Chapel in 2018.

At the encouragement of P&O, the Session thoroughly considered the pros and cons of our situation. While the decision was not an easy one, the Session supported P&O’s recommendation that removal of these trees is the best option to prevent recurring expenses, mitigate storm-related damage, and improve overall safety of the area. Additionally, the Session decided against replanting trees in this area so that future Sessions would not have to wrestle with the same difficult decision.

Over the next few months, you will see significant renovation activity in this area. This will include:

· Removal of the trees and stumps

· Addition of fill soil and grading of the area

· Installation of ~ 17,000 square feet of zoysia turf grass

· Installation of lighting at the JK sign located near the street

This initiative will create a turf area similar to the heavily used green space in front of the chapel and will be a valuable enhancement to the overall aesthetics and functionality of the JK campus.

I am excited to be involved in this project - it will play a key role as we continue to make John Knox Presbyterian Church a vibrant & welcoming organization. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact me in person or by phone.

Miller McClintock

Moderator - P&O Committee