United Church of Cookeville, UCC

04/08/2026

03/19/2026

Here's what Cookeville Community Cares is really about. We are pretty much a compassionate triage for some of God's creations who are at their most vulnerable and broken position in life.

We, as a human community, believe we are responsible for one another's well-being. We believe that Christ's commandment to love one another is the only answer. We focus on the present moment and meet people where they are.

We operate at the United Church of Cookeville at 502 Gould Drive.

When we open an emergency weather shelter, it is to prevent needless suffering to the people in our community. It is to be good and responsible neighbors.

When we offer a safe space to pitch a tent, it is to provide a place for a human being to at least have a piece of material between their body and what few belongings they have, and the elements, while they rest.

Every Friday from 9-1 services such as meals, clothing, showers, laundry, legal aid, help with obtaining vital documents, health tests, housing assistance, insurance assistance, and more are available.

We try to work cooperatively with the County and City government, churches, organizations, and community members to improve the quality of life for all in Putnam County.

We are a low-barrier shelter with some necessary rules:
No violence is tolerated.
No drugs or alcohol is allowed on the property.
Visitors are not allowed in the camp area.
No one, other than the camper, is allowed in the camper's tent.
Quiet time begins at 10:30 pm.
All campers are expected to keep the property clean and do chores.
Respect for one another is expected.
No trespassing on other surrounding properties is allowed.
No soliciting or approaching people anywhere in town is allowed.
Random drug testing is held to see how people are doing.
Campers must be progressing towards regaining independence.

This is who we are and what we do. We hope that clears up any confusion and sparks an interest in supporting our efforts in Putnam County.

01/31/2026

Due to continued bad weather and icy conditions in our parking lot, worship services on Sunday, Feb. 1, will be on Zoom only. Book study starts at 9:30 a.m. and services at 11 a.m.

Zoom meeting: 481 096 1933
Password: 179559

01/24/2026

Join us via Zoom during bookstudy time (9:30 AM Central) for discussion of "The Lie of Scapegoating." “Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” MLK

“Do not repay anyone evil for evil… Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” —Romans 12:17–21 We are in a moment of tremendous anger. We are in a moment of tremendous fear. And powerful forces are working very hard to stoke both—to make us afraid

01/24/2026

Due to the inclement weather moving through the region, worship services on Sunday, Jan. 25, will be on Zoom only. The warming shelter is open at the church for our unhoused neighbors.

01/18/2026

Sermon - 1/18/26

01/17/2026

👋 Hey Cookeville Community Cares Friends!

First, we want to thank you for all your support because without the loving community that we are a part of, none of what we do would be possible!

😃 We are excited to let you know that today there was another win for Cookeville Community Cares as we were able to get an older gentleman out of the tent and into a place where he can call home! He will no longer be out in the elements and living in a tent in the woods while sleeping on the ground and worrying about if the tent will leak in the rain or if he put enough layers on for the night. This is a blessing! (This is the 3rd person we were able to help get out of a tent and to a more stable life in the last few weeks)

We often get asked as to what Cookeville Community Cares does and what our goals are with our mission. Well, the short answer is we help the unsheltered to have a safe place while they make progress to independence…. The long answer is along the lines of helping them get back on track, whether that be assisting them in obtaining an ID so they can get a job, assisting in mentoring them to get finances back under control, helping with signing up for insurance and getting their health back on track, assisting in finding them a home or even rehab if needed. The list could go on for days, but I will not bore you with that!

✔️I would like to leave you with a simple fact to think about. How long do you think it would take to get an ID if you were homeless and did not have your birth certificate or social security card? (Hint: Answer is in the comments 😊)

👀 Looking for a way to help our mission??? You can donate to our Zeffy link which is on our profile, follow our Facebook posts for our most needed items, offer to get to know some of our unsheltered and mentor them, or volunteer to help with things while the warming shelter is open for cold weather! It is as easy as sending us a message.

01/12/2026

Night temperatures are forecasted to plummet this week, and the Cookeville Community Cares Warming Shelter is opening today at 4pm at the United Church of Cookeville, 502 Gould Drive. We will remain open as long as dangerous cold temperatures persist.

Things we could use right now include:
Prayers
Soup, chili, stews, chicken and dumplings
Lasagna, casseroles, pasta dishes, pizza
Pans of BBQ, rotisserie chicken, etc
Breakfast casseroles, breakfast burritos, etc.
Men's boxer briefs (small, medium, large)
Sugar and powdered coffee creamer
Hot Chocolate
Toilet paper
Warm gloves and Hot Hands
Towels
Monetary donations (can be made using the Zeffy link on our page)

Thank you for your continued love and support of our unsheltered neighbors.

01/12/2026

01/05/2026

🍲140 Meals Delivered Today! 🍲
Through the Generous support from Brotherton Missionary Baptist Church we were able to deliver 140 meals
What a blessing it was to be part of the mission today. There is something so powerful about the fellowship in the kitchen—listening to the guys joking, sharing stories, and laughing while we assembled trays for delivery.
This mission is about more than just food. It gives the participants of the Independence Again Men’s Program a true sense of purpose. It allows them to offer a "hand up" to others, just as they have been given one themselves. ❤️
WE NEED YOU! 🤝
To keep this momentum going in 2026, we are looking for consistent volunteers to commit to just one Sunday a month.
Available Shifts:
🍳 8:30 am – 10:30 am: Cook & Packing
🧼 10:30 am – 11:30 am: Loading & Clean-up
🚗 11:30 am – 1:30 pm: Delivery Drivers (Vehicle, valid license, and insurance required)
Choose Your Sunday:
Are you a 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th Sunday person? We also have a special need for 5th Sundays (March, May, August, and November)!
📩 HOW TO SIGN UP:
Send us a message with your Name, your Preferred Sunday, and the Time Slot you can commit to.
Let’s work together to serve our community and grow together in mission.

12/28/2025