MISSIONS
Our Mission Program supports special projects and outreach to the community, the nation, and the world in many ways, We support FISH Food Pantry, our own SMEEP, local organizations, and community events with our presence, prayers, and financial support.
· Local community projects
· Regional and International trips
Supporting FISH Food Pantry
Each year, our congregation is honored to partner with the FISH Food Pantry to help meet the needs of families in our community who are facing food insecurity.
Through this ongoing mission effort, we provide support in several meaningful ways:
Financial Support
In addition to food donations, we contribute financially to help the pantry purchase high-need items, maintain operations, and expand its outreach to serve more neighbors in need.
Volunteer Service
Church members regularly volunteer on-site, assisting with food distribution, greeting guests, loading vehicles, and helping create a welcoming, dignified experience for every person served.
Why It Matters
Our partnership with FISH Food Pantry reflects our commitment to living out Christ’s call to love and serve others. By giving our time, resources, and hands in service, we help fight hunger while building stronger community connections.
Supporting the Cerebral Palsy Center
Our church is grateful for the opportunity to partner with the Cerebral Palsy Center through the faithful outreach of the United Women in Faith (UWF) and our Missions Ministry. This partnership allows us to come alongside children and families in our community with compassion, practical support, and Christ’s love in action.
Financial Support
Through designated mission giving, special offerings, and UWF fundraising efforts, we provide annual financial contributions to the Cerebral Palsy Center. These funds help support therapeutic programs, educational resources, specialized equipment, and daily operational needs that directly benefit the children and families they serve.
Volunteer Service
In addition to financial gifts, our members actively volunteer their time. Service opportunities include:
Assisting with cleaning and organizing projects
Helping with special events and family programs
Supporting staff with seasonal or facility needs
These hands-on efforts help create a safe, welcoming, and well-maintained environment for the children receiving care.
Supporting Christenberry Elementary
St. Mark is blessed to partner with Christenberry Elementary School to support students and families in our local community. Through our Missions Ministry, Youth, SMEEP, and the generosity of our congregation, we work throughout the year to help meet practical needs and show Christ’s love to children and families.
Clothing & Essential Needs
One of the ways we support Christenberry is through clothing drives that provide much-needed items for students. Our congregation collects new clothing, shoes, and other requested essentials to help ensure students have what they need to feel comfortable, confident, and ready to learn.
Hands-On Service
Our children, youth, and adults have opportunities to take an active role in this ministry from donating and collecting items to shopping for needed clothing and preparing donations for delivery to the school.
Responding to Needs Throughout the Year
Our partnership extends beyond a single collection or event. As needs arise during the school year, St. Mark looks for ways to come alongside Christenberry Elementary and provide meaningful support to its students, families, teachers, and staff.
Why It Matters
Supporting Christenberry Elementary is one way St. Mark lives out our call to serve our neighbors. By investing in children right here in Knoxville, we have the opportunity to meet practical needs, build relationships, and remind families in our community that they are cared for and supported.
Together, we can make a difference—one child, one family, and one act of kindness at a time.
Supporting Susannah’s House
Our church is honored to support Susannah’s House through the dedicated efforts of the United Women in Faith (UWF) and our Missions Ministry. Susannah’s House provides safe housing, support, and guidance for women and young children who are seeking stability, healing, and a fresh start.
Financial Support
Through mission giving, special offerings, and UWF initiatives, we provide ongoing financial contributions to help sustain the programs and services offered at Susannah’s House. These funds assist with housing needs, counseling support, educational resources, and daily operational expenses that directly impact the women and children served.
Donations of Essential Items
In addition to financial support, our congregation collects and provides needed items throughout the year, including:
Baby supplies and children’s essentials
Clothing and personal care items
Household necessities
Seasonal needs such as school supplies and holiday gifts
Holston Conference Hands-On Mission Projects
This spring, St. Mark United Methodist Church joined churches across the Holston Conference in supporting the 2026 Hands-On Mission Projects for Liberia and Zimbabwe. Through the incredible generosity of our congregation and community, we raised $1,571 to help provide food, care, and hope to families in need.
As part of this effort, volunteers gathered to pack 36 food buckets that will be sent to families in Liberia. In addition, the offering will provide approximately 130 virtual buckets to support families in Zimbabwe through locally purchased food and essential supplies.
We are deeply grateful to every person who donated, packed buckets, prayed, and helped make this mission effort possible. Your compassion and generosity are making a meaningful difference in the lives of others around the world.
Thank you for being the hands and feet of Christ through the Hands-On Mission Projects.
“Together, we’re sharing hope and changing lives.”