Descend Well
I have spent the past four years studying practical theology, seeking to understand its scope and aim in a way that is particular to my ministry. My initial understanding of Practical Theology (which you can read below) mirrored my textbooks. True to the work of...
A Call to Ministry
I finally have an answer to that infamous question, “So, what are you going to do after graduation?” Starting in May, I will be working on a farm in Pennsylvania. After a year of working, I will begin a Masters of Divinity degree at Duke Divinity School with a...
Advent Devotion: Christmas Eve
“While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.” Luke 2:6-7 A couple years ago, a friend of mine...
Fourth Week of Advent: Joy
It’s no secret that this year has been difficult. We’ve all had times when all we want to do is sit in our rooms all by ourselves because so much is wrong in the world. Many tears have been shed, and that’s okay. We could all use a little joy this Christmas season,...
Third Week of Advent: Love
Romans 12: 9-21 (“Love in Action”) offers a clear framework on biblical and godly love. The first two verses read, “9Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Everyone is...
Second Week of Advent: Peace
“15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the...
A Proud and Dedicated Board Member
“Seminary Light”—the title intrigued me when I heard that it was a weekly class at UKirk. A lifelong Presbyterian and retired English professor, I was first enticed by the opportunity to combine my love of learning and my interest in theology. I had known...
Why I Give As A Young Alumni
A year and a half ago, I was celebrating the beginning of Advent in the UKirk basement in the traditional manner – ugly sweaters, smores on the fire, and endless Christmas cookies. Now, eighteen months later, I find myself in almost an entirely different life, working...
First Week of Advent: Hope
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 Hope. I’m not sure about you but the word hope and I have had quite the complicated relationship this year. I find myself...
Freshmen Year During A Pandemic
Lessons learned being a college freshman during the pandemic: Blessings are found in even the darkest of times. Since coming to college it feels like everything I have been excited for or looked forward to has been taken away. I can’t have guests in my room or friends...
UKirk and the wider Church
As the Presbyterian Church closest to the UTK campus, we at 2nd Presbyterian Church often have the chance to welcome college students into the worship and fellowship life of our community of faith. (At least, we did before Covid!) There are usually two kinds of...
“In the Garden”
One of my all time favorite hymns is “In the Garden,” and I often find myself humming the tune as I work in the UGrow garden at UKirk. The song opens with the line “I come to the garden alone,” and as I hummed that verse while gardening last week I couldn't help but...
Finding Gratitude Amidst the Chaos
On Friday February 28th, I was sitting on the bed in a tiny Paris AirBnb, daydreaming out the sixth-story slanted window, when my friend interrupted my thoughts: “They’re getting sent home.” They were our friends studying abroad in Rome, Italy, and this led to a...
Holy Week – Holy Watch
Psalm 130 Out of the depths I cry to you, O YHWH. God, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to my voice, my cries for mercy! If you kept track of our sins, YHWH, who could stand before you? But with you there is forgiveness, And for this we revere you. So I wait...
UKirk Stations of the Cross
Introduction “Stations of the Cross” originated in 17th century Catholicism as a way to mark the movements of the last day of Jesus’ earthly life. There are a couple different versions of the original list, and these fourteen stations are adapted from those. Holy...