Our visit to Church Street UMC Advent series in Knoxville

The Advent series of Church Street United Methodist Church in Knoxville is now on the list of my must-attend Christmas events. The service begins with a recital at 11:40 a.m. on Wednesdays during Advent.

Stained glass window

The worship service begins at 12:00 pm and includes communion. In the United Methodist tradition, communion is open to all who wish to partake. A gluten free alternative to the traditional loaf is available. Lunch is available immediately after the service in the Parish Hall for $6.50.

Our Advent visit to the Church Street UMC offered an uplifting, quiet escape from the pressures of the Christmas season. Knoxville needs more events like this series. The soprano was among the finest that I have heard and the powerful organ could take your breath away. The Church Street UMC building is impressive display of architectural worship space.
The congregation began in 1816 and the current structure was built in 1931 after the original structure was consumed by fire. A church life center was added to the Church Street United Methodist Church complex in 1989.

Church window

 The building was constructed in a Gothic-style structure that is both impressive and imposing. Built in a cross shape, the long hall is where the congregation gathers for worship. This part of the church is known as the Nave because it resembles the interior of an upside down ship. The wings off of the Nave hold additional seating and offices.

The large parking lot next to Church Street UMC is where you should park for the recital series.Visitors can park anywhere they want on Sundays but during the week the other lots around the church are managed by the University of Tennessee.

Church Street United Methodist Church

Visitors to the city may want to take in a noonday Advent service at Church Street United Methodist Church. The building is on the corner of Henley Street and Main on the edge of downtown Knoxville. Directions are available at the above link.

Another downtown activity that you may want to consider is a stroll down Gay Street, Jackson Avenue or Market Square.

The Christmas window decorating contest is in full swing. There are many unique places to shop and a long list of participating businesses. All of this comes together to make Knoxville one of the best cities to visit during Christmas.