news & updates
August 2019
Ministry Spotlight

Greenwood UMC Prayer Labyrinth

During their 150 year homecoming on August 11, Greenwood United Methodist Church in Greeneville dedicated their newly constructed prayer labyrinth and bell tower. The church invites anyone in the community and district to visit.

Prayer labyrinths date back to the Middle Ages and are used in many cultures and religious traditions as a walking meditation or path of prayer. Unlike a maze, a labyrinth has no wrong turns or dead ends. It is a continuous, winding path from the outside to the middle, with walkers returning the same route back out.

We asked Greenwood member Lucas Wiggins to share more information about this project and what it means to the church and community.

Where did the idea for a prayer labyrinth come from?

The idea really took form from visiting Lake Junaluska where they have a labyrinth next to the chapel. But, it really originated some years ago during a young meeting and wanting to do a project for the church. It didn't happen at that point due to funds and really just not in line with God's timing.

What research did you do?

Our research mainly consisted of internet photos of other labyrinths; from dirt paths to five acre cobblestone. There are truly any form you think of.

Now, I can't really talk just about the labyrinth because our bell tower was the focal point of the project. It was the main reason to start the project.

Our church bell was purchased around the year 1900 and was hung in the original church in 1901. It was most likely purchased by the women's group. When the new church was built (in the 1960s) the bell was brought over and hung on a steel frame in front of the building. It was hardly ever used.

June Laughlin, one of the few original members of the old Greenwood church that is still living, wanted something done about the bell. Well, I had an idea in my head and of course this was the perfect time to bring up the prayer labyrinth and construct it.

Who did the work? Was it volunteers, or did you hire it done?

Being in construction, I knew this wasn't going to be cheap or easy to do. I contacted a good friend that does our masonry projects. He made a few calls to suppliers and "BAM!" the material was donated. He said he would provide the labor for 1/2 the normal cost. So, a project that would have cost around $25,000 or $30,000 ran around $7,000. Donations and our memorial fund covered that cost. There was a lot of hard labor and many hours of it involved, but my friend asked not to be named in any acknowledgment.

Why did Greenwood want to offer this to your community?

I have to say when I first came to Greenwood they were in a drought , not that there weren’t good people there or uninterested but they just needed that person that pushes them that extra little bit. I guess I must have been that person. Within just a few years we built the gigantic ark playground for the community to use although we had few kids at the time. It was a big leap of faith and when you drive by and see all the community kids on it, that just warms your heart.

The next year we started the outdoor crucifixion scene on Good Friday which is from 9 until 3. Then we added to our fellowship hall the following year and then this year we decided to do the bell tower and labyrinth. 

I guess in saying all that I believe it is our duty as children of God to give back as much as possible to the community whether it be the playground or the labyrinth or even standing on a cross for six hours reminding them that HE shed his blood to wash our sins away. It’s just another avenue to allow people that might not normally darken the doors of a church to seek a place to worship. All we can do is to plant the seed. 

Greenwood UMC is located at 645 Sam Doak Street in Greeneville. The pastor is Rev. Rick Ballard. You can learn more about the church and see additional photos on their Facebook page.
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In the meantime, to keep up with district events, click here to access our Google calendar.
Fresh Expressions Vision Day
Saturday, February 1, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm, Knoxville, TN
This is a one-day training event that provides an opportunity to discover what it means to be the Church in new and creative ways.
Holston Minister's Spouse Retreat
March 6-8, 2020, Pigeon Forge, TN
Running the Race is the theme of this year's retreat, with guest speaker Rev. Brooke Hartman of Powell UMC, Knoxville. Deadline to register is January 31.
Job Opportunities
Jonesborough UMC Youth Director
Jonesborough United Methodist Church is looking for a new Youth Director to begin January 1st. Their current youth director is retiring on December 31st. This will be a part-time position including 20-25 hours a week; Sunday mornings from 8:30 am - Noon and Wednesday Evenings from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm; and other outings like: Mission Trip, Resurrection, and Parking cars for Jonesborough Days and Storytelling. For more information or to apply please call Pastor Karen Lane at 540-239-9179 or email at [email protected]
Wheeler UMC Administrative Assistant
Wheeler United Methodist Church in Blountville, Tn. has an opening for a part-time (18 hour/week) Administrative Assistant. The successful applicant would provide administrative support for staff as well as members of Wheeler UMC. The requirements include strong people skills (ability to be welcoming), able to maintain church calendar, bulletin, newsletter, etc. Familiarity with Microsoft Word-processing software, MS Publisher, MS Outlook, MS Excel, and ICON (church management software) would be most helpful. 
 
Applicants should provide resume to: Search Committee, Wheeler United Methodist Church, 211 N Sanders Street, Blountville, Tn. 37616. Electronic submission may be made at:  [email protected] . The resume must be received by December 12 th . 
Wheeler UMC Director of Youth Ministry
Wheeler UMC in Blountville, Tn. seeks a Part-Time Director of Youth Ministry (grades 6-12). Flexible hours, to be negotiated with Pastor and Staff Parish Committee—with a minimum of 6 hours per week. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Plan, implement, and attend weekly activities for the youth during the school year that include Bible study, worship, fellowship and fun! The successful applicant will assist the pastor in the teaching of a Confirmation class as needed, work effectively with parents to foster support of the youth program, work alongside other church staff members as a team player. Applicants should provide resume to: Search Committee, Wheeler United Methodist Church, 211 N. Sanders Street, Blountville, Tn. 37616. Electronic submission may be made at  [email protected] . The resume must be received by December 12th.