Come Explore Faith, Friendship, and Community at First Presbyterian Rally Day
Join Us for Rally Day • Sunday, August 16 | Breakfast at 9:00 a.m. | Worship at 11:00 a.m.
Questions? Let us help you get connected! Email communications@fpcknox.org or call the church office at (865) 546-2531. We can’t wait to see you!
Whether you're looking for a church home, hoping to get more connected, or just curious about First Presbyterian, we'd love to welcome you to Rally Day on Sunday, August 16 at 9 am for our Fall Faith Formation kickoff. It's a wonderful opportunity to discover opportunities for learning, fellowship, service, and spiritual growth as we begin a new ministry year together.
Students and teachers of all ages are invited to bring their backpacks for our Blessing of the Backpacks during the 11:00 a.m. worship service as we pray for a year filled with growth, wisdom, and God's presence.
This year's Faith Formation theme is "At the Table Together." Throughout the coming year, we'll explore how God welcomes, nourishes, transforms, and sends us through the shared life of the church. Through Bible studies, Worshipful Wednesdays, intergenerational gatherings, mission opportunities, and meaningful conversations, we'll discover what it means to practice hospitality, generosity, reconciliation, and everyday discipleship. Together, we're building a community where everyone has a place at Christ's table.
Rally Day begins with breakfast at 9:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall, followed by an exciting preview of the year ahead, including:
Teacher Recognition
Adult Sunday School Class Overview
Local & Global Mission Updates
2026–2027 Program Year Highlights
Special Events Preview
Whether you're visiting for the first time or looking for new ways to get involved, we hope you'll join us. We'd love the opportunity to welcome you, answer your questions, and help you discover a place to belong at First Presbyterian Church.
Come As You Are. Pull Up a Chair. Discover What God Can Do Around the Table.
The 2026–2027 Faith Formation year invites our church to discover what it means to live "At the Table Together." Throughout Scripture, the table is where God welcomes strangers, nourishes God's people, reveals truth, and commissions disciples into the world. This year, we will explore the many ways God meets us in community through Worshipful Wednesdays, Bible studies, intergenerational gatherings, service opportunities, and important conversations. Along the way, we will examine themes of hospitality, trust, generosity, curiosity, reconciliation, and everyday discipleship, recognizing that the table is not simply a place to gather, but a place where lives are transformed and Christ continues to shape us together.
More than a series of classes, this year's journey is an invitation to become a community where everyone has a place at the table. Whether someone is new to First Presbyterian or has worshiped here for decades, the hope is that they will discover a deeper sense of belonging, encounter Christ through the wisdom and stories of others, and leave equipped to carry God's love into the world. In a culture often marked by division and isolation, Faith Formation will encourage us to practice curiosity, extend hospitality, and become people who build communities of healing, hope, and reconciliation.
Gather
God gathers us into community through the work of the Holy Spirit, bringing together people with different stories, perspectives, and gifts. Through biblical studies, intergenerational experiences, and conversations centered on hospitality and belonging, we will discover that God's table is wide enough for all and that we are stronger together than apart.
Reveal
As we gather, God reveals God's presence through Scripture, worship, everyday life, and the wisdom of one another. This year will invite us to listen deeply, see familiar stories with fresh eyes, and discover that our understanding of Christ grows as we learn together in community.
Send
Having been gathered and transformed, we are sent into the world to share Christ's hope with others. Through service, vocational discernment, and thoughtful engagement with today's challenges, we will explore what it means to become ambassadors of reconciliation, extending God's love to our neighbors and helping build communities of healing and hope.
What’s in store for the 2026-2027 Faith Formation Year
Throughout the year, we'll continue exploring “At the Table Together” through a variety of experiences designed to deepen our faith and strengthen our community. Highlights include our “Setting the Table” Worshipful Wednesday series, Intergenerational Mosaic Night, Grace-Filled Conversations using I Think You're Wrong (But I'm Listening), and “Tables That Made Us”, a storytelling series celebrating the meals, relationships, and moments that have shaped our lives. In the winter, we'll explore Scripture through our beautiful stained-glass windows in “Windows of Faith”, and during Lent we'll journey through Liturgy of the Ordinary, discovering God's presence in the rhythms of everyday life. In the spring, we'll serve our neighbors through the FISH Pantry Service Project, thoughtfully engage today's challenges in “Sent Into the Digital World”, and reflect on our spiritual gifts and calling through “Imprinted and Sent”. These are just a few of the opportunities to learn, serve, connect, and grow together as we discover what it means to live At the Table Together.
Beyond these special studies and events, First Presbyterian offers thriving ministries for every stage of life, including programs for children, youth, and adults, as well as opportunities for all ages to build friendships, grow in faith, and serve alongside one another. Throughout the year, you'll also find retreats, fellowship gatherings, mission opportunities, concerts, seasonal celebrations, and special events designed to help you connect with God and with our church family.
Whether you're new to First Presbyterian or simply looking for a place to get involved, we'd love to help you find your place. Email communications@fpcknox.org, and we'll be happy to connect you with ministries, classes, groups, or volunteer opportunities that fit your interests.
There's Always Something Happening at First Presbyterian
At First Presbyterian, you'll find opportunities throughout the year to grow in faith, build meaningful friendships, serve others, and celebrate life's special moments. Whether you're looking for a Bible study, fellowship group, family event, or place to get involved, there's something for every generation. Get in touch with us through these resources or contacting communications@fpcknox.org.
Worshipful Wednesday
Wednesday nights are one of the highlights of the week, featuring dinner, fellowship, and engaging Bible studies and classes for adults, youth, and children throughout the year.
Men's “Squares” Fellowship and Study Groups
Our monthly Squares groups bring men together for fellowship, encouragement, and authentic conversation in small groups.
Presbyterian Women
Presbyterian Women offer year-round opportunities for Bible study, fellowship, and mission through monthly Circles, the annual Montreat Retreat, special events, fellowship and service projects.
First Fellowship & Lunch Bunch
Enjoy great food and even better company through First Fellowship events and our popular monthly Lunch Bunch, designed to help people connect and build community at the church.
Children & Youth
Children and youth experience an active year filled with Sunday School, Worshipful Wednesday programs, retreats, seasonal celebrations, mission opportunities, and milestone events. Highlights include Children's Ministry Sunday, the Christmas Pageant, Youth Sunday, Montreat, Trunk or Treat, Lake retreats, and fellowship events.
Music & Worship
Experience inspiring worship through special Choral Masterworks, organ concerts, choir and handbell groups, and beautiful seasonal services during Advent, Christmas, Holy Week, Easter, and Pentecost.
Retreats, Fellowship & Community Events
Throughout the year, we gather for events that strengthen relationships and create lasting memories, including our Congregational Retreat, Craft Fair, church picnic, potluck meals, Crockpot Cook-Off, holiday celebrations, and other fellowship events for all ages.
Serving Our Community
Putting our faith into action is an important part of life at First Presbyterian. Throughout the year, members have opportunities to serve alongside trusted local ministry partners, including Family Promise, Justice Knox, Volunteer Ministry Center, the YWCA, Habitat for Humanity, the FISH Pantry, and many others. Whether you're passionate about addressing homelessness, supporting families, promoting justice, or meeting practical needs in our community, there are countless ways to serve alongside others and make a meaningful difference.
Global Missions
Global mission has long been at the heart of First Presbyterian's calling. Throughout the year, members have opportunities to learn about and support ministry partners around the world, including our longstanding partnership with the Democratic Republic of Congo, where we have helped strengthen Christian healthcare, education, and community development for generations. We also support Congolese refugee families in Knoxville through Bridge Refugee Services. Our Mission Market, open every week at First Presbyterian, features beautiful fair trade goods handcrafted by artisans from around the world, allowing shoppers to support sustainable livelihoods while making a global impact.
Whether you're new to church or looking for a place to belong, First Presbyterian is a community where you can grow in faith, build genuine relationships, and find meaningful ways to serve alongside others. Please join us! Email communications@fpcknox.org for info on how you can get connected, or click here to see communication resources.