Vestal UMC

06/07/2026

Happy Birthday, Pastor Eric!

Today, the congregation of Vestal UMC and the wider South Knoxville community join together in celebration and gratitude to God for you.

Your faithful leadership, compassionate heart, and tireless service have been a shining light in our church and throughout our neighborhood.

Whether guiding worship, strengthening our ministries, or reaching out to those in need, you have played a vital role in building bridges, offering hope, and making South Knoxville a place where God’s love is felt in real and tangible ways.

Thank you for pouring your life into our church family and our community.

Your presence brings encouragement, wisdom, and the steady reminder of God’s goodness. May this new year of life overflow with His richest blessings—renewed strength, joy-filled moments, refreshing rest, and continued fruitfulness as you shepherd us and serve our neighbors in His name.

We celebrate you today with hearts full of love and prayers for many more years of impact. You are deeply valued and appreciated!

With gratitude and warmest blessings,

The Congregation of Vestal United Methodist Church
and the South Knoxville Community

05/18/2026

TODAY 1:00 to 4:00 pm

for additional information please reach out to Pastor Eric Johnson at 865-771-6223

05/15/2026

Outreach Events at Vestal UMC This Week!

Join us at Vestal United Methodist Church (115 Ogle Ave, South Knoxville) for two days of care, connection, and community support:

🩺 Monday, May 18 • 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Free Medical Clinic with Knox Street Medicine Outreach

Fellowship, gently used clothing, and a hot meal will be provided.

🤝 Tuesday, May 19 • 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Outreach with Next Step Initiative and friends

All are welcome!

Come receive help or volunteer to serve alongside us.

📍 115 Ogle Ave, South Knoxville
💙 Everyone belongs here.

Pastor Eric Johnson

Tag someone who needs to know about this!

05/13/2026

Thank You, Caledonia Presbyterian Church!

Vestal UMC appreciates your heart for community.

We are so grateful to our friends at Caledonia Presbyterian Church for their generous donation of Bibles and Bible Studies to support our ministry at Vestal UMC!

Your kindness and partnership mean more than you know. It truly takes all of us — reaching out, working together, and serving side by side — to advance His Kingdom and love the community we’re called to serve.

Thank you for your faithfulness and for pouring into the lives of those we minister to.

We are truly better together!

In Christ,
Vestal United Methodist Church
Pastor Eric Johnson

05/11/2026

Want to add real value to your life and your community?

Come join us at Vestal United Methodist Church, 115 Ogle Ave.

• Sunday Worship – 10:45 AM, followed by lunch together

• Tuesday Outreach – 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM

• Wednesday Recovery Worship – 6:00 PM, with a meal afterward

• Free Medical Clinic – Monday, May 18, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

In a world that often feels like it’s taking more than it gives, we gather to build each other up, offer hope, and create something meaningful together.

No pressure — just come and see what it’s all about. Everyone is welcome!

Pastor Eric Johnson

05/05/2026

You’re Invited!

Join us this Wednesday at 6:00 PM for a meaningful Evening Worship at Vestal UMC!

After worship, we’ll gather in the Parish Hall for a free dinner and a short, powerful video introduction to Celebrate Recovery — a Christ-centered program offering hope, healing, and support for anyone struggling with hurts, habits, or hang-ups.

Whether you’re looking for spiritual renewal, good food, or a welcoming community, this is a great night to connect and grow.

Everyone is welcome — no judgment, just grace.

📍 Vestal UMC
🕕 Wednesday, 6:00 PM
🍽️ Free dinner served afterward

Come as you are. We’d love to see you there! ❤️

Pastor Eric Johnson

04/28/2026

🍋 Vestal UMC Cooling Center Needs Your Help This Summer!

Friends and neighbors,
We have a wonderful opportunity to provide refreshing Simply Lemonade minis (8 oz all-natural bottles) for our guests at the Cooling Center and those experiencing homelessness.

These small packs are perfect for hot days — a simple, cool, and thoughtful way to show care and hospitality.

Right now, we can purchase them at half price — just $1.50 per 4-pack instead of the regular $3. Every pack we’re able to provide will help keep people hydrated and lift spirits during the summer heat.

If you would like to help us stock up:

• Interested in purchasing packs directly for the Cooling Center? Message us and we’ll give you the details.

• Prefer to make a financial contribution?

You can send a gift through Vestal UMC’s Venmo or PayPal (please note “Cooling Center” in the memo).

This is a beautiful example of what community looks like.

We are so grateful to be part of a generous and caring congregation and neighborhood that steps up to love our neighbors in practical ways.

Every little bit helps! Will you join us in this effort?

Drop a ❤️ or comment below, or message us to get involved.

Thank you in advance for your kindness and generosity!

To donate through PayPal click here: please note Cooling Center

[email protected]&item_name=Vestal%20United%20Methodist¤cy_code=USD" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_donations&business=[email protected]&item_name=Vestal%20United%20Methodist¤cy_code=USD

Vestal UMC ❤️

Pastor Eric Johnson

04/24/2026

A Big THANK YOU from Vestal!

We are so grateful to the City of Knoxville for their beautiful YouTube video recognizing the churches and organizations that stepped up to provide Warming Centers and Warming Support Centers this past winter.

It meant the world to see Vestal featured — and to see several of our amazing leaders shining in that spotlight!

None of this would have been possible without every single one of you.

From the generous donations of food and supplies, to the incredible manpower that kept things running, to the powerful prayers lifted up on our behalf — thank you.

South Knoxville and friends from beyond showed up in a powerful way, and because of your support, Vestal hosted the City’s very first Warming Support Center.

You helped us care for our homeless neighbors with dignity and love.
We are eternally grateful.

Now we’re looking ahead with excitement!

We invite you to join us again for our 2nd Annual Vestal Cooling Center this summer.

Just like last year, it will take all of us — our beautiful community coming together once more.

We love this relationship we’ve built: a community that cares deeply, paired with hearts that refuse to look away from those in need.

Thank you for being part of this mission. Let’s keep showing what real neighborly love looks like.

With a full heart,
The Vestal Team
Pastor Eric Johnson

Watch Video here:

Warming Centers Thank You

04/17/2026

🩺 Free Street Medicine Clinic at Vestal UMC–

Vestal United Methodist Church
115 Ogle Ave (next to the Food Pantry)

Monday, April 20 • 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

No appointment needed — just show up!

Knox Street Medicine Outreach will be onsite providing:

• Medical care
• Health screenings
• Basic treatments
• Compassionate care with no barriers

Food & Hospitality will be provided!

This is our ongoing partnership with Knox Street Medicine Outreach— we’ve successfully held this clinic here multiple times before, and it’s always been a blessing to the community.

Everyone is welcome.

For questions, call Pastor Eric Johnson at 865-771-6223