Trinity United Methodist Church Big Stone Gap

06/07/2026

Worship, Sunday, June 7, 2026

06/07/2026

This morning, Jesus invites all to come to His table to partake in Holy Communion.

Join us this morning at 11:00 am, for worship and Holy Communion.

06/07/2026

Bulletin for Sunday, June 7, 2026. Join us for worship at 11:00 am.

06/04/2026

In the spring of 2025, our NOW Team leader (Nurture, Outreach, and Witness) was perusing the Oriental Trading catalog which is a favorite pastime of hers.

She stumbled upon a 40” tall plush Jesus and a thought came to mind! Buy Him and use Him in our NOW Team events and other capacities.

Using funds designated for the NOW Team, Jesus was purchased and arrived soon after.

Since then, plush Jesus has been present for several outreach and other events.

He attended RecoveryFest in Big Stone Gap celebrating and supporting those in addiction recovery. He was dressed in His “We Do Recover” sweatshirt.

He attended the Christmas parade and sat outside the trailer while we handed out free hot chocolate to parade viewers. He was appropriately dressed in His “It’s My Birthday” sash.

He attended our recent Pentecost Service at Bullitt Park. He even had His own chair.

This past week, He attended the Holston Annual Conference with Pastor Ben. He met so many people and served as a reminder of who it is that we serve!

Several Communion Sundays, He has sat next to the communion table as a reminder of the Last Supper when He served His disciples the gift of His body and His blood.

He has some more adventures lined up this summer and fall.

When He’s not out visiting or traveling, you can find Jesus in our sanctuary, hymnal open, ready to join in worship. He is often used in our children’s messages and is a visual aid for our younger generations as it is sometimes hard for them to imagine Jesus.

Is a 40” plush Jesus a bit odd? Maybe. Is it working? Yes!

So many conversations have been started because of our plush Jesus. And that’s the point! People always smile when they see Him. Some exclaim, “Hey, I know Him!” And a few have asked, “Who is that?”

Some people are initially drawn to Christ by the church or a pastor. Some are reached by teachings or doctrine. And for some…it’s a 40” tall plush Jesus that begins the conversation.

We will continue to reach people where they are and however we are able. Sometimes we all need a visual reminder of the Christ we serve. And on occasion, that reminder needs to come with a bit of humor.

06/04/2026

What a beautiful interview with our most life experienced church member, Mrs Peggy Beverly!

Peggy turned 101 years young on Dec 25, 2025, and she is in church most Sunday mornings! 🥰

We love her so much and appreciate Historic Explorations for sitting down and speaking with her to learn about her life growing up in Wise County.

The video is about 48 mins long but well worth the time.

I had the honor of sitting down with Peggy Beverly of Big Stone Gap, Virginia, for a nearly one-hour conversation about her remarkable life. Born on Christmas Day in 1924, Peggy has lived through 101 years of history — from growing up in Wise County during the Great Depression, graduating from Norton High School during World War II, building a life with her husband Charles, working in local businesses, and later serving students at Mountain Empire Community College.

Peggy’s story is full of faith, family, service, memory, and love for Southwest Virginia. From her years of volunteering at The Fox House to her involvement in church and community life, she represents the kind of quiet strength and kindness that has shaped this region for generations. I hope you’ll take time to listen to her memories, her wisdom, and her heart.

06/03/2026

“Here are a few pics of those who wished to take pictures with Jesus while they were attending Annual Conference 2026. Recognize anybody?? Thank you for following along in Jesus' journey these past few days. And be on the lookout.....you never quite know where you or we may encounter Jesus next!!"

Jesus seems to have had a great time at Annual Conference this year! He even met the Bishop!

Holston Conference UMC Clinch Mountain District of the Holston Conference

(📷& write up: Pastor Ben Harding)

*All photos posted with permission of participants.

06/03/2026

"We don't need the fixing of appointments within the Holston Conference to know that Christ reigns eternally, but the business of the Holston Annual Conference has come to a close with the fixing of appointments.

AND Pastor Ben has been appointed to start a whole appointment year at Trinity this July (granted he and Jesus survive I-40, I-26, and US-23 on the way home). We pray for safe travels for all who are departing Lake Junaluska, and Jesus is already looking forward to going next year!!"

Holston Conference UMC Clinch Mountain District of the Holston Conference

(📷 & write up by Pastor Ben Harding)

06/02/2026

"Shortly after stopping at the cross, Jesus and Pastor Ben saw several people standing outside of Stuart Auditorium. After inquiring why they were there, Jesus and Pastor Ben were given information about Kenya Mission 5k/1m run/walk.

Here, you see Jesus pictured with His shirt for completing the mile walk. Not pictured is Pastor Ben as he stepped too close to the edge of the trail and fell into the lake 🤣🤣"

(Admin note: Pastor Ben is fine, it was just his right leg that got waterlogged).

For more information about the Kenya Mission, check out this link: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1KjadPJ1aL/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Holston Conference UMC Clinch Mountain District of the Holston Conference

(📷 & write up: Pastor Ben Harding)

06/02/2026

"After a full day of business, worship, and mission celebration, Jesus is up and at 'em ready for another day!! After seeing several people and hearing about a large cross with lights, He thought to Himself, 'Can you even visit Lake Junaluska without taking a picture at this cross and looking over the area?' Thus, Pastor Ben took Jesus to that cross and snapped these pictures. Let's get today done!!"

Holston Conference UMC Clinch Mountain District of the Holston Conference

(📷 & write up: Pastor Ben Harding)