Announcements + Sunday Recap

SERMON RECAP

Enjoy Life!

August 21, 2022 || Ecclesiastes 9:1-12

MAIN POINT: The choice is yours: stay bitter or start enjoying life’s good gifts.

1. One thing in life is certain (v.1-6).

2. Many things in life are uncertain (v.11-12).

3. A few things make life good (v.7-10).

“Ride a bike, see the Grand Canyon, go to the theater, learn to make music, visit the sick, care for the dying, cook a meal, feed the hungry, watch a film, read a book, laugh with some friends until it makes you cry, play football, run a marathon, snorkel in the ocean, listen to Mozart, ring your parents, write a letter, play with your kids, spend your money, learn a language, plant a church, start a school, speak about Christ, travel to somewhere you've never been, adopt a child, give away your fortune and then some, shape someone else's life by laying down your own.” David Gibson

If you missed this past Sunday or couldn’t write the quotes down fast enough, we have a link for you below.

TGKIDS RECAP

TGKids

The heart of TGKids is to help children understand that the Bible is all about Jesus! Below is the story, scripture, and main teaching points from the TGKids lesson, so that you can talk with your kids about what they learned.

Bible Story: The Tabernacle

Scripture: Exodus 25—26

Bible Truth: God lives among his people.

Where is Jesus: Matthew 27:50–54

Here we read about the temple in Jerusalem and what happened there at the moment Jesus died. The temple was arranged just like the tabernacle that God described to Moses. There was an inner court of two rooms. The Holy Place was the first room. Within it was a room called the Most Holy Place, which was also called the Holy of Holies. A curtain divided the two rooms. The curtain was like a barrier between God and man. Only the high priest could pass through the curtain and enter the Holy of Holies. He did this only once a year as a mediator between God and man. Each year he offered a sacrifice for the sins of the people. This sacrifice had to be repeated year after year because it was not a perfect sacrifice.

But Jesus came as the perfect sacrifice. When he died on the cross, the temple curtain was torn in half. The barrier between God and man was ripped in two. God wanted everyone to understand that Jesus’ sacrifice was enough to forgive all sins for all time. God would not dwell in a temple or tabernacle any longer. Now he would dwell in and among his people. From that moment on, God’s people became the temple of God (1 Corinthians 6:19). Now his presence dwells continually in the hearts of Christians.

If you want to learn more about TGKids, click the button below!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

We Believe

WHEN: Wednesday, August 24 from 7:00-8:30 pm

WHERE: 219 E Madison Ave, Athens, TN 37303

TGC Family Night

Mark your calendars because you do not want to miss our next TGC Family Night!

Sunday, August 28 || 6 pm || The YMCA

Sunday Picnic

As we have seen through Ecclesiastes, God has given us some very good gifts - our church being one! Let’s enjoy some good food & fellowship together under the sun!

WHEN: Sunday, September 4 - after church

WHERE: Behind the Y!

BRING: Your own lunch, chairs, blankets, ect.

Membership Class

WHEN: Saturday, September 10 || 8:45 am -1:30 pm

WHERE: Buddy & Judy Luster’s House

Click the button below for more information and to sign-up for this class.

Sunday Preview: August 21, 2022 at the YMCA

Each Sunday, the pastors carefully put together an order of worship for us.

In an effort to help you prepare your heart & your family, we have included this Sunday’s order of worship below, as well as some important information. All the Scripture readings are noted. Links to videos of all the songs are included as well.

MEETING REMINDER

When: 10:30 am

Where: The YMCA - 205 Knoxville Ave

THE ORDER OF WORSHIP

Sunday, August 21, 2022

Doxology

Call to Worship: Psalm 116:1-2

Our Great God

Blessed Be Your Name

As Long As You Are Glorified

Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 33:26-29a

The Lord Almighty Reigns (Psalm 93)

Sermon: Ecclesiastes 9:1-12 // Enjoy Life!

Bless The Lord O My Soul (Psalm 103)

Benediction

Make it stand out

WHEN: Wednesday, August 24 from 7:00-8:30 pm

WHERE: 219 E Madison Ave, Athens, TN 37303

To learn more and sign up, click the button below.

TGC Variety Show in Pictures

Well, it was a night never to forget! We had hoola hoops spinning, saxaphones serenading, sisters dancing, deacons ribbon-ing, Johnny Cash rocking, and so much more! Not only did we feast on sweets and enjoy and incredible array of performances, we also raised nearly $1,000 for the building fund. It was an incredible night of service, laughter, and joy. I believe it was a wonderful application of the Preacher’s call to JOY:

“And I commend joy, for man has nothing better under the sun but to eat and drink and be joyful, for this will go with him in his toil through the days of his life that God has given him under the sun.” - Ecclesiastes 8:15

Here are some moments from the night in pictures…

Register for “We Believe” + Sunday Recap

SERMON RECAP

Godly Wisdom At Every Turn

August 14, 2022 || Ecclesiastes 8:1-17

MAIN POINT: Apply godly wisdom and enjoy God’s gifts in light of our limitations and His sovereignty.

1. Submit to Authority (v. 1-9)

2. Fear God (v. 10-14)

3. Be Joyful (v. 15-17)

“The Christian life is gathering together one day in seven (at the very least) to delight in pre-fall fun in light of resurrection realities.” - O’Donnell

If you missed this past Sunday or couldn’t write the quotes down fast enough, we have a link for you below.

TGKIDS RECAP

TGKids

The heart of TGKids is to help children understand that the Bible is all about Jesus! Below is the story, scripture, and main teaching points from the TGKids lesson, so that you can talk with your kids about what they learned.

Bible Story: God Gives Moses the Ten Commandments

Scripture: Exodus 20:1–24

Bible Truth: God demands perfect obedience.

Where is Jesus: Galatians 3:19–24

In this passage, Paul is saying many important things. But we want to focus on how the Old Testament law of God points to Jesus.

God gave Moses the law so the people would know what was evil in the sight of the Lord. Through the law the people would learn they could never satisfy God’s demands for holiness, for no one can keep God’s law. We are all sinners.

This created a problem that God’s people could never solve by themselves. We need a Savior. Jesus became our Savior by obeying God’s commandments for us and dying on the cross to take away our sin. There is no way our salvation can be earned. It is, as Paul says in verse 22, “the promise by faith in Jesus Christ ... given to those who believe.” This is how the law points us to Christ, for he is the only one who can keep God’s commandments and the only one who can take the punishment away for all the commandments we have disobeyed.

If you want to learn more about TGKids, click the button below!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

We Believe

WHEN: Wednesday, August 24 from 7:00-8:30 pm

WHERE: 219 E Madison Ave, Athens, TN 37303

To learn more and sign up, click the button below.

TGC Family Night

Mark your calendars because you do not want to miss our next TGC Family Night!

Sunday, August 28 || 6 pm || The YMCA

Sunday Preview: August 14, 2022 at the YMCA

Each Sunday, the pastors carefully put together an order of worship for us.

In an effort to help you prepare your heart & your family, we have included this Sunday’s order of worship below, as well as some important information. All the Scripture readings are noted. Links to videos of all the songs are included as well.

MEETING REMINDER

When: 10:30 am

Where: The YMCA - 205 Knoxville Ave

THE ORDER OF WORSHIP

Sunday, August 14, 2022

Doxology

Call to Worship: Psalm 148:1-6

All Creatures Of Our God And King

How Great Thou Art

Scripture Reading: Ecclesiastes 7:20

Not In Me

Christ Our Glory

Sermon: Ecclesiastes 8:1-16 // Life Under the Sun

Christ Our Hope In Life And Death

Christ Is Mine Forever More

Benediction

TGC Variety Show

When: Saturday, August 13 @ 7p

Where: The YMCA

Doors open at 6:30. See y’all there!

Pray for Our Global Family: August 2022

We have the joy of partnering with like-minded churches around the world. The following is a brief overview of things to pray for in July as Sovereign Grace Churches are planted and established in many different countries.

1 John 5:14 says “This is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.” What a promise we have in God our Father, through our Lord Jesus Christ! Therefore, let us run to him, humble and dependent, knowing he hears our prayers as we all play our part to see the gospel advance through the work of church planting, emerging nations and missions. Join us as we cry out to our Lord, with full assurance He answers our prayers in accordance with His good and perfect will.

• Please pray for Bob Kauflin as he leads the Worship God conference this month - which is back after a 3 year break! Please pray that God would use the conference to encourage and equip attendees to serve in their local churches more effectively, joyfully and fruitfully. Please pray that there would be a spirit of unity, joy, and faith pervading at the conference, and that the songs to be introduced from Unchanging God, Vol 1 & 2 would be an encouragement, and make their way into local churches for the strengthening of His body. Pray that the participation of Jonathan & Sarah Jerez (Spanish Christian music artists) would encourage those seeking to make an impact in the Spanish speaking world.

• Pray for the inaugural Together 2022 conference that will be happening in Australia. It will bring the two churches in Australia together for a few days to explore what biblical and gospel centered partnership looks like as they seek to pioneer a new denomination in Australia and extend our family of churches across this great land. Please pray for God’s presence in all aspects of the conference as both churches enjoy a weekend of fellowship, worship, and making memories together!

• Please pray for the O’Mara Family (Ed, Robin and their 3 children Teagan, Liadan, and Kilian) as they move to Italy, with a view to planting a gospel-centered church. Please pray they would experience God’s protection as they travel, and that the family would settle well, and quickly, into a new culture.

• Please pray for the people of Ukraine as the Russian invasion enters its fifth month. Please pray that the pastors and churches in Ukraine continue to be the hands and feet for Jesus, and that our Sovereign Lord continues to sustain them, and use these opportunities to grow their trust in Him. Pray that the light and hope of the gospel would shine even more brightly in the midst of darkness and suffering, and that the manifold wisdom of God be revealed through His church.

Thank you for praying with us. May His grace abound! To subscribe to the monthly Sovereign Grace Missions Newsletter, follow the link below.

Sunday Recap + Weekly Announcements

SERMON RECAP

Don’t Be Too Christian

August 7, 2022 || Ecclesiastes 7:15-7:29

Main point: The only way through the crookedness of this world is fearing God.

1. Don’t be too righteous.

2. Don’t be too wise. 

3. Don’t be a fool. 

The fear of God which Solomon recommends is not only the beginning of wisdom [as taught in the book of Proverbs]; it is also the beginning of joy, of contentment and of an energetic and purposeful life. Solomon wishes to deliver us from a rosy-coloured, self-confident godless life, with its inevitable cynicism and bitterness, and from trusting in wisdom, pleasure, wealth and human justice or integrity. He wishes to drive us to see that God is there, that he is good and generous, and that only such an outlook makes life coherent and fulfilling.” Mark Eaton

If you missed this past Sunday or couldn’t write the quotes down fast enough, we have a link for you below.

TGKIDS RECAP

TGKids

The heart of TGKids is to help children understand that the Bible is all about Jesus! Below is the story, scripture, and main teaching points from the TGKids lesson, so that you can talk with your kids about what they learned.

Bible Story: God Provides Food & Water for Israel

Scripture: E XODUS 16:1—17:7

Bible Truth: God provides bread from Heaven.

Where is Jesus: John 6:31–40

The manna that God provided for the Israelites in the desert is a picture of Christ, the true spiritual bread from heaven. The Israelites needed to gather bread so they could have some each day. In the same way, we need to draw near to Christ each day. When we spend time each day reading the Bible and praying to God, we draw spiritual strength and spiritual health from being in his presence.

God also provided water in the desert when Moses struck a rock. In 1 Corinthians 10, Paul tells us that this rock was a picture of Christ.

If you want to learn more about TGKids, click the button below!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Trinity Grace Youth is BACK!

6th-12th graders and parents are welcome to join us at the Tinsman's house!

355 County Road 602, Athens, TN 37303, USA

Bring a snack to share - dinner will not be provided.

TGC Variety Show

When: Saturday, August 13 @ 7p

Where: The YMCA

Contribute to the building fund by sharing an act and enjoying the show. Let’s build memories together. For more information, click the button below!

Summer 2022 in Pictures

Here are some highlights from the Summer! We are grateful to God for so many wonderful memories.

Community Groups are BACK! + Sunday Recap

SERMON RECAP

True Community

July 31, 2022 || 1 John 1:1-2:2

Main point: God calls us to honestly share our lives in community.

1. Why?

2. How?

3. What?

“The church is not made up of natural ‘friends.’ It is made up of natural enemies. What binds us together is not a common education, common race, common income levels, common politics, common nationality, common accents, common jobs, or anything else of that sort. Christians come together because they have all been saved by Jesus Christ and owe him a common allegiance.” D.A. Carson

If you missed this past Sunday or couldn’t write the quotes down fast enough, we have a link for you below.

TGKIDS RECAP

TGKids

School is back in session, so TGKids is back in full swing as well!

This Sunday, we will have Crawlers, Walkers, and Learners classes during the service.

For more information, click the button below!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

TGC Variety Show

When: Saturday, August 13 @ 7p

Where: The YMCA

Contribute to the building fund by sharing an act and enjoying the show. Let’s build memories together. For sign ups and more information, click the button below!

COMMUNITY GROUPS ARE BACK!

WEDNESDAY:

6:00 PM

• Hills - jono35582 [at] yahoo [dot] com (starting September 7)

• Alexanders - walt [at] trinitygraceathens [dot] com

• Wilsons - timwilsonemail [at] gmail [dot] com

6:30 PM

• Kesslers - kesslermp [at] gmail [dot] com (starting August 3)

• Pritchetts - chrislpritchett [at] gmail [dot] com

SUNDAY:

4:00 PM

• Olsens - rachelolsen97 [at] icloud [dot] com

6:00 PM

• Lusters - jlusterjr [at] gmail [dot] com

Sunday Preview: July 31, 2022 at the YMCA

Rain or Shine!

Pool Day is still ON! See ya’ll tomorrow!

WHO: Everybody!

WHEN: July 30, from 5:00-8:00 pm

WHERE: The Citrullo’s Home

1537 County Road 130, Riceville, TN 37370

WHAT: Various lawn games, swimming, good food and lots of fun!

The church will provide the pizza, so bring your lawn chairs, a cold side to share, drinks, sunscreen, towels and any lawn games you want to contribute!

Each Sunday, the pastors carefully put together an order of worship for us.

In an effort to help you prepare your heart & your family, we have included this Sunday’s order of worship below, as well as some important information. All the Scripture readings are noted. Links to videos of all the songs are included as well.

MEETING REMINDER

When: 10:30 am

Where: The YMCA - 205 Knoxville Ave

THE ORDER OF WORSHIP

Sunday, July 31, 2022

Doxology

Call to Worship: Colossians 1:15-18

Behold Our God

Christ Our Hope In Life And Death

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 40:1-2

Bless The Lord O My Soul (Psalm 103)

Sermon: 1 John 1:1-2:2 // True Community

Man Of Sorrows

Receive The Lord’s Supper

Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me

Benediction

TGC Variety Show

When: Saturday, August 13 @ 7p

Where: The YMCA

Contribute to the building fund by sharing an act and enjoying the show. Let’s build memories together. For sign ups and more information, click the button below!

A Word of Thanks for Your Newest Elder

Installation of Buddy Luster as Elder

This past Sunday, we had the immense privilege of witnessing God’s work in the life of Trinity Grace Church. This knitting together of hearts has been under way for three years, and has culminated in the installation of James “Buddy” Luster, Jr. as the newest Elder of Trinity Grace Church. Over the past month, we as a church have prayerfully examined what Eldership means, and Walt reminded us on Sunday with a charge to both the Pastor and the Congregation. And with a sweet time of worship, testimony, and prayer, we celebrated what the Lord has done by adding to our church’s leadership another faithful man who loves the Lord.

Let us be humble and faithful to pray for Buddy and all of our Elders as they serve the Lord and His Bride, the Church.

“Here, then, is the sovereign power with which the pastors of the church, by whatever name they be called, ought to be endowed. That is that they may dare boldly to do all things by God's Word; may compel all worldly power, glory, wisdom, and exaltation to yield to and obey his majesty; supported by his power, may command all from the highest even to the last; may build up Christ's household and cast down Satan's; may feed the sheep and drive away the wolves; may instruct and exhort the teachable; may accuse, rebuke, and subdue the rebellious and stubborn; may bind and loose; finally, if need be may launch thunderbolts and lightnings: but do all things in God's Word.” John Calvin

A Word of Thanks From Buddy

“I am overwhelmed by God’s kindness and faithfulness. I am amazed by and thankful for your affirmation and support, for your willingness to allow me the privilege of serving you in this capacity as an elder of Trinity Grace Church. Judy and I are both extremely thankful for this church that God has raised up, for the work that he is doing here, and for the fact that he is allowing us to join him and you in what he is doing here. What we are witnessing is a demonstration of the declaration found in 1 Thessalonians 5:24, “FAITHFUL is he who calls you, who also will do it.”

God began to stir our hearts and to give is a vision for church planting in the early 1990’s. Since then, a lot of water has flowed over the dam, and it has been a long journey—too many adventures to record at this moment. To be honest, there were times when it appeared that our desire to be a part of a church like Trinity Grace would not come to fruition. But God in his faithfulness has brought us to this place. So, thank you for warmly welcoming us into Trinity Grace, thank you for allowing us to journey with you, thank you for extending your love to us, and thank you for allowing me to serve as a shepherd of Trinity Grace Church.

July 24, 2022, was one of the most sobering days of my life. It was also one of the most joyful days of my life. Let us all be reminded that this is God’s church! May it continue to be built, to grow, and to thrive for him and for his glory!”

To God be the glory, great things He hath done!

Sunday Recap + Weekly Announcements

SERMON RECAP

What Is A Pastor?

July 24, 2022 || Acts 20:17-38

1. A Word to Pastors.

   • Serve the Lord. 

   • Do not shrink from suffering.

   • Proclaim the gospel.

   • Care for the church.

2. A Word to the Congregation.

   • Maintain high expectations. 

   • Listen.

   • Be honest. 

   • Pray.

“[Pastors] are fittingly compared to the toil of men in harvest, to the labors of a woman in travail, and to the agonies of soldiers in the dangers of battle. We must watch when others sleep.” John Flavel

If you missed this past Sunday or couldn’t write the quotes down fast enough, we have a link for you below.

TGKIDS RECAP

TGKids

School is out and many families are in vacation-mode. As a result, we will not be having the Learners Class (Kindergarten-2nd) through June and July. Please note, the Crawlers (0-2yrs) and the Walkers (3-5yrs) will still have their classes throughout the summer. But, the Learners will be with their families during the service. This will provide a nice summer break for our kid volunteers and afford families the opportunity to worship together!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Churchwide Pool Day!

Let’t try this again!

WHO: Everybody!

WHEN: July 30, from 5:00-8:00 pm

WHERE: The Citrullo’s Home

1537 County Road 130, Riceville, TN 37370

WHAT: Various lawn games, swimming, good food and lots of fun!

The church will provide the pizza, so bring your lawn chairs, a cold side to share, drinks, sunscreen, towels and any lawn games you want to contribute!

TGC Variety Show

When: Saturday, August 13 @ 7p

Where: The YMCA

Contribute to the building fund by sharing an act and enjoying the show. Let’s build memories together. For sign ups and more information, click the button below!

Sunday Preview: July 24, 2022 at the YMCA

Each Sunday, the pastors carefully put together an order of worship for us.

In an effort to help you prepare your heart & your family, we have included this Sunday’s order of worship below, as well as some important information. All the Scripture readings are noted. Links to videos of all the songs are included as well.

MEETING REMINDER

When: 10:30 am

Where: The YMCA - 205 Knoxville Ave

THE ORDER OF WORSHIP

Sunday, July 24, 2022

Doxology

Call to Worship: Psalm 117:1-2

The Lord Almighty Reigns

He Who Is Mighty

Confession of Faith: Heidelberg Catechism, Question & Answer 1

In Christ Alone

Sermon: Acts 20:17-38 // What is a Pastor?

Installation of James H. Luster, Jr. as an Elder

All Glory Be To Christ

Benediction: Ephesians 3:20-21

How To Pray for the Advance Youth Retreat

Advance Retreat?

Advance is the name of the annual youth retreat we enjoy with our sister church in Knoxville, TN - Cornerstone Church of Knoxville. It will be filled with many of the things that make youth camp so great - bunk beds, crazy games, waterslides, and hanging out. But, isn’t it weird to call a retreat “Advance?” Seems like an oxymoron. Well, it’s true that we are going to retreat in one sense. We are going to pull away from our normal routines and the bustle of our daily lives - much in the same way we see Jesus retreat to commune with his Father:

“And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.” - Mark 1:35

So there is precedent for retreat in the Christian life. But make no mistake - this is not to be confused with retreat in war. Retreats for the Christian are not intended for running away or accepting defeat. Rather, retreats are for the purpose of restoration. They are intended to energize and realign the heart with the purposes of God. As we see with Jesus, he withdrew to commune with his Father and live the rest of his day in submission to the will of the Father. Ultimately, he retreated - not to escape - but to advance. This is at the heart of the youth retreat for Trinity Grace Church. A retreat that will help us advance.

How to Pray for Advance

We want to pray for the prosperity of both the people and the plan. So, first, the following is the list of those participating this Summer:

1. Isabel Balch

2. Ava Balch

3. Gil Balch

4. Elias Balch

5. Cynthia Pritchett

6. Chris Pritchett

7. Annaleigh Pritchett

8. Gavin Blankenbaker 

9. Rene Lopez

10.  Marcus Lopez

11.  Charlotte Lopez

12.  Camille Lopez

13.  Jana Thomas

14.  Keljan Thomas

15.  Joelle Thomas

16.  Kenton Thomas

17.  Mandy Tinsman

18.  Dustin Tinsman

19.  Marissa Tinsman

20.  Carson Tinsman

21.  Carter Tinsman

22.  Tim Smith

23.  Melanie Smith

24.  Riley Smith

25.  Emary Smith

26.  Ben Finch 

27.  Brennan Finch

28.  Knox Finch 

29.  Rachel Olsen

30.  Sarah Olsen

31.  Abigail Olsen

32.  Joseph Olsen

33.  Kathryn Larson

34.  Samuel Larson

35.  Jenn Larson

36.  Stephen Larson

37.  Taylor Hollingsworth 

38.  Danna Traucht

39.  Abe Traucht

40.  Jordan Traucht

41.  Charlie Stewart

42.  Seth Stewart

43.  Jacob Stewart 

44.  Ella Stewart

45.  Taylor Johnson

46.  Joel Church

47.  Azya Church

48.  Nathan Kessler 

49.  Michael Kessler 

50.  Joseph Houk

This retreat affords a wonderful context for the youth and their parents to hear the Word preached and apply it to their lives. The theme will be on the presence of God. Participants will be challenged to think about the pursuit of God’s presence, the conviction of God’s presence, the mercy of God’s presence, and the power of God’s presence. In light of this theme and the context of the retreat, here are a handful of things to pray:

• Pray for the joy of the Lord to be present as everyone enjoys the good gifts of laughter, games, food, and friendship

• Pray for friendships to deepen within our youth group as they share this formative time together

• Pray for the gospel to be preached and for unbelievers to put their faith in Jesus Christ and for believers to confidently cling to Christ

• Pray for parents to be intentional with one another as they learn to glorify Christ in their personal lives and in their parenting

• Pray for parents to be intentional with their children as they forge deeper relationships with their kids 

• Pray for many conversations to be opened up as parents and youth leave the retreat

• Pray that all those who participate will advance in their love for Christ, their families, and the people of Trinity Grace Church

May this retreat advance the cause of Christ in our youth and in our church!

Sunday Recap + Weekly Announcements

SERMON RECAP

How To Live Like You Are Dying

July 17, 2022 || Ecclesiastes 6:10-7:14

MAIN POINT: Don’t be put off, learn to love the limits of your life.

1. Death is better than birth (v.1-2).

2. Sorrow is better than laughter (v.3-6).

3. The end is better than the beginning (v.8-10).

4. Wisdom is best of all (v.11-14).

“The day of death is better than the day of birth—not because death is better than life, but because a coffin preaches better sermons than a crib.” David Gibson

If you missed this past Sunday or couldn’t write the quotes down fast enough, we have a link for you below.

TGKIDS RECAP

TGKids

School is out and many families are in vacation-mode. As a result, we will not be having the Learners Class (Kindergarten-2nd) through June and July. Please note, the Crawlers (0-2yrs) and the Walkers (3-5yrs) will still have their classes throughout the summer. But, the Learners will be with their families during the service. This will provide a nice summer break for our kid volunteers and afford families the opportunity to worship together!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Picnic At The Pad

Pack up the kids and a lunch, and join other Trinity Grace families for a Picnic at the Pad!

WHERE: Athens Regional Park Splash Pad

2405 Decatur Pike, Athens, TN 37303

WHEN: July 19 from 11am - 2 pm

Picnic At The Pool

Pack up the kids and a lunch, and join other Trinity Grace families for a Picnic at the Pool!

WHERE: The Ball’s House

1155 Highway 305, Athens, TN 37303

WHEN: July 21 from 11am - 2 pm

Over 50 Cookout

WHEN: July 23, 2022 at 12:00 pm

WHERE: The Johnson’s - 1753 Highway 304
Ten Mile, TN 37880

WHAT: Hamburgers and drinks are provided, bring a side to share and a chair to sit on!

Contact Barb Johnson at (615) 542-4399 with any questions.

Sunday Preview: July 17, 2022 at the YMCA

Each Sunday, the pastors carefully put together an order of worship for us.

In an effort to help you prepare your heart & your family, we have included this Sunday’s order of worship below, as well as some important information. All the Scripture readings are noted. Links to videos of all the songs are included as well.

MEETING REMINDER

When: 10:30 am

Where: The YMCA - 205 Knoxville Ave

THE ORDER OF WORSHIP

Sunday, July 17, 2022

Doxology

Call to Worship: Psalm 117:1-2

How Great (Psalm 145)

He Is Our God

Is He Worthy

Scripture Reading: Revelation 7:9-10

All I Have Is Christ

Sermon: Ecclesiastes 6:10-7:14 // How To Live Like You Are Dying

Christ Our Glory

Benediction

Sunday Recap + Weekly Announcements

SERMON RECAP

More Money, More Problems!

July 10, 2022 || Ecclesiastes 5:8-6:9

MAIN POINT: There is no satisfaction under the sun except daily enjoying what you have been given from God.

1. More money doesn’t solve your problems.

2. More money doesn’t satisfy.

3. The only good is enjoying what you have been given.

“It is a cold fact that God does in fact give many goods to men who are not given the corresponding power to enjoy those goods. The good Lord gives to his people a can opener to go with the cans of peaches he gives them. But to the unbeliever, he gives no way of genuine enjoyment. This being the case, it does not matter how many cans a man might accumulate. Do we measure satisfaction by what we may stack up, or by what we are given to enjoy? What is the wealthy unbeliever going to do? Lick the picture there on the label?” Douglas Wilson

If you missed this past Sunday or couldn’t write the quotes down fast enough, we have a link for you below.

TGKIDS RECAP

TGKids

School is out and many families are in vacation-mode. As a result, we will not be having the Learners Class (Kindergarten-2nd) through June and July. Please note, the Crawlers (0-2yrs) and the Walkers (3-5yrs) will still have their classes throughout the summer. But, the Learners will be with their families during the service. This will provide a nice summer break for our kid volunteers and afford families the opportunity to worship together!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Picnic At The Pool - RESCHEDULED!

Pack up the kids and a lunch, and join other Trinity Grace families for a Picnic at the Pool!

AGES: 2-12 years

WHERE: The Ball’s House

1155 Highway 305, Athens, TN 37303

WHEN: NEW DATE! - July 14 from 11am - 2 pm

Isaiah 117 House Fundraiser

Come partner with the Isaiah 117 House by supporting their Lemonade Fundraiser!

WHEN: July 16, from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

WHERE: Starr Mountain Outfitters

2230 TN-30 East, Athens, TN 37303

WHAT: Baked goods, lemonade, and free laughs!

To learn more about the mission of Isaiah 117 House, click the button below! And if you want to help out, contact Carrie Kersey at carriekersey@gmail.com.

Baby Shower

We are so thrilled to partner with Full Circle by hosting a baby shower for one of their families!

WHEN: July 17, from 2:00-4:00 pm

WHERE: 219 E Madison Ave, Athens, TN 37303

For more information and to RSVP to this celebration, click the RSVP button below. To learn more about Full Circle, click the Full Circle button below.

Sunday Preview & Announcements: July 10, 2022 at the YMCA

Each Sunday, the pastors carefully put together an order of worship for us.

In an effort to help you prepare your heart & your family, we have included this Sunday’s order of worship below, as well as some important information. All the Scripture readings are noted. Links to videos of all the songs are included as well.

MEETING REMINDER

When: 10:30 am

Where: The YMCA - 205 Knoxville Ave

THE ORDER OF WORSHIP

Sunday, July 10, 2022

Doxology

Call to Worship: Deuteronomy 6:4-5

The Lord Almighty Reigns (Psalm 93)

All Creatures Of Our God And King

Scripture Reading: 1 John 1:5-10

Come Ye Sinners

Bless The Lord O My Soul (Psalm 103)

Sermon: Ecclesiastes 5:8-6:9 // More Money, More Problems!

O Lord My Rock And My Redeemer

Benediction

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

Postponed - CHURCHWIDE POOL DAY

Churchwide Pool Day

Looks like rain and thunderstorms! We are going to postpone our churchwide pool day to a later (hopefully sunnier) date - TBD.

RESCHEDULED - PICNIC AT THE POOL

Picnic At The Pool

Pack up the kids and a lunch, and join other Trinity Grace families for a Picnic at the Pool!

AGES: 2-12 years

WHERE: The Ball’s House

1155 Highway 305, Athens, TN 37303

WHEN: NEW DATE! - July 14 from 11am - 2 pm

The Reversal of Roe: Now What?

According to the TN Deptartment of Health, there were 9,700 abortions performed in the State of TN in 2019 (the last year with recorded data). Previously, Tennessee allowed abortions up to 20 weeks into pregnancy. There have been six abortion providers in Tennessee: One in Bristol, two in Memphis (one of which had two locations), one in Knoxville, one in Nashville and one in Mt. Juliet.

However, the Supreme Court ruling on the Dobbs v. Jackson case was decided on June 24, 2022. The court held that the Constitution does not confer a right to abortion. The previous rulings on Roe and Casey have now been overruled and the authority to regulate abortion has been returned to the people and their elected State representatives.

In 2019, the state legislature in Tennessee passed a “trigger law” that totally bans abortion, except “to prevent the death of the pregnant woman or to prevent serious risk of substantial and irreversible impairment of a major bodily function.” This law will go into effect 30 days after the U.S. Supreme Court issues its judgment in the Dobbs case. But this hasn’t happened yet, because the Dobbs judgment is separate procedurally from the Dobbs opinion released on June 24. The Tennessee attorney general expects the Dobbs judgment to come out by mid-July, which would mean abortion would become illegal after fertilization in Tennessee sometime in mid-August.

Losing “Right” to Abortion?

Some see this as a massive blow to constitutional rights. Perhaps you have friends and family online that are outraged at this decision and see it as a regression to a darker time when women had limited rights to education and voting. This would certainly be the case of the crowd of 100+ that showed up to protest at the courthouse in Knoxville, TN. Interestingly, it appears from an interview that the protest organizer’s chief aim was more driven by a fear of government overreach in other areas of ethics rather than the specific issue of so called “abortion-rights.” The protest organizers partner commented:

“What they did by overturning this is they created a trickle effect. So it will go into biracial marriages, it will go into gay rights, it will go into privacy rights too. All that stuff is gone. So I want to let you guys know that we are not just marching for the women, but for literally everyone today.”

So, this is a slippery slope argument. And it hinges on the interpretation of the U.S. Constitution. For those who are lamenting the overturn of Roe, the assumption is that there was a proper ruling in Roe and a woman’s right to abortion is a constitutional right. Therefore, to overturn such a “right” is to be pushed backwards in time - and who knows what other rights will be next?

However, the 1970 ruling in Roe v. Wade was highly controversial interpretation of the Constitution. The ruling was based on the 14th amendment which says no state shall deprive any “person” of “liberty.” First, the Justices interpreted “liberty” to include a “right to privacy” and held that abortion is part of the right to privacy. Second, the Court held that the “unborn” are not included with other “persons” protected by the Constitution. So, a woman’s right to privacy was interpreted to include her right to abortion and the unborn were not considered living people with rights.

Therefore, it was an interpretation that was overturned. In fact, even within the rise of women’s rights activists, the “right” to abortion was not universally pursued or celebrated. On the contrary, history reveals quite the opposite. For an interesting history lesson from a pro-life legal scholar, check out this podcast in which she traces the staunch anti-abortion views of women’s rights advocates and how the feminist movement lost its way.

Christian View of Life

But beyond the question of right constitutional interpretation, we must ask “what is right, anyways?” Unless we have some external source of morality that shapes our view of the world, we really have no objective right to rights. How can we come to a definition of life? How can we decide if a life has value? 

For Christians, we are subject to the revealed Word of God. And God created humankind in his image. Therefore, all people - from the womb and beyond - have inherent dignity. Their value is not determined by their autonomy or size. If value were based on these things, then we would have to create a hierarchy of value based on cognitive performance and size. How would this pan out with people who have a range of physical and mental disabilities? To go down this route would lead to a Darwinian vision of human value - not far removed from the ethics of Hitler.

In contrast, we believe all people - whether big, small, independent, or dependent - have intrinsic value because God made them in His image. As we are reminded in Psalm 139, God delights to bring forth life:

13 For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. 14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. 15 My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. 16 Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. - Ps. 139:13-16

Local Opportunities to Stand for Life

So, as Christians, we want to do two things: 1) We want to oppose and lament what God deems harmful to life and 2) We want to accentuate and celebrate what God deems helpful to life. If we are to be advocates for life, for children, for marriage, and for family as God has designed them, then we must also oppose and lament those things that would be harmful. One of the key ways that we can advocate for life in our community is to identify partner organizations that seek to highlight God’s good design. We want to stand together to bolster actions that bring life both physically and spiritually. So, we will gladly partner with those who highlight a biblical view of the family and the local church.

In the near future, we have the opportunity to serve in a very practical way alongside Full Circle Medical Center for Women. Full Circle Medical Center for Women is a healthcare center that provides free holistic reproductive health services for women. Periodically, clients who need additional support for a new baby can request a baby shower through a partnering church. In just a couple of weeks, Trinity Grace Church will have the privilege of hosting a baby shower for this new mom in order to provide both physical and spiritual support. This is a wonderful opportunity to practically apply our theology. For more information on how you can participate, click the link below.

Additionally, we have been blessed with a connection to the Isaiah 117 House - a ministry that helps the church serve children awaiting placement in the foster care system. This is another organization that offers a solution that is theologically-informed by a Christian vision for life. We have an opportunity to help this organization raise awareness and funds by participating in a local lemonade fundraiser. To learn more, please click the link below.

Let’s be a people eager to advocate for life - to declare the goodness of God’s design for the family and for the church. May God bless us as we fan out into McMinn County!

Sunday Recap + Weekly Announcements

SERMON RECAP

Worship God With Reverence

July 3, 2022 || Ecclesiastes 5:1-9

MAIN POINT: Worship God in his house with reverence.

1. Watch your approach to God. (v. 1)

2. Watch your prayers before God. (v. 2-3)

3. Watch your vows to God. (v. 4-9)

“Instead of asserting ourselves, and filling the space with what we propose it needs, we encounter a space that is already purposed by a being who has already asserted himself. Our task is to receive and surrender to the will of another.” - Eswine

If you missed this past Sunday or couldn’t write the quotes down fast enough, we have a link for you below.

TGKIDS RECAP

TGKids

School is out and many families are in vacation-mode. As a result, we will not be having the Learners Class (Kindergarten-2nd) through June and July. Please note, the Crawlers (0-2yrs) and the Walkers (3-5yrs) will still have their classes throughout the summer. But, the Learners will be with their families during the service. This will provide a nice summer break for our kid volunteers and afford families the opportunity to worship together!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Picnic At The Pad

Pack up the kids and a lunch, and join other Trinity Grace families for a Picnic at the Pad!

AGES: 0-8 years

WHERE: Athens Regional Park Splash Pad

2405 Decatur Pike, Athens, TN 37303

WHEN: July 5 from 11am - 2 pm

Picnic At The Pool - RESCHEDULED!

Pack up the kids and a lunch, and join other Trinity Grace families for a Picnic at the Pool!

AGES: 2-12 years

WHERE: The Ball’s House

1155 Highway 305, Athens, TN 37303

WHEN: NEW DATE! - July 14 from 11am - 2 pm

Vacation Bible School

Clap Your Hands | Stomp Your Feet

WHO: Kids ages 5-12

WHEN: July 6-8, from 3:00-5:00 pm

WHERE: the YMCA (205 Knoxville Ave)

To sign up, fill out one waiver per family and bring it with you to VBS! Click the button below to download a waiver.

Churchwide Pool Day

WHO: Everybody!

WHEN: July 9, from 5:00-8:00 pm

WHERE: The Citrullo’s Home

1537 County Road 130, Riceville, TN 37370

WHAT: Various lawn games, swimming, good food and lots of fun!

The church will provide the pizza, so bring your lawn chairs, a cold side to share, drinks, sunscreen, towels and any lawn games you want to contribute!

Isaiah 117 House Fundraiser

Come partner with the Isaiah 117 House by supporting their Lemonade Fundraiser!

WHEN: July 16, from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

WHERE: Starr Mountain Outfitters

2230 TN-30 East, Athens, TN 37303

WHAT: Baked goods, lemonade, and free laughs!

To learn more about the mission of Isaiah 117 House, click the button below! And if you want to help out, contact Carrie Kersey at carriekersey@gmail.com.

Baby Shower

We are so thrilled to partner with Full Circle by hosting a baby shower for one of their families!

WHEN: July 17, from 2:00-4:00 pm

WHERE: 219 E Madison Ave, Athens, TN 37303

For more information and to RSVP to this celebration, click the RSVP button below. To learn more about Full Circle, click the Full Circle button below.