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Oak Ridge’s first female Eagle Scout expands church’s community garden

Posted at 4:01 pm March 11, 2021
By Carolyn H Krause Leave a Comment

Haley Snyder and the Welcome Garden she built at First Presbyterian Church of Oak Ridge, earning her the rank of Eagle Scout. She is the first female to achieve this honor in Oak Ridge. (Submitted photo)

Haley Snyder, a graduate of Oak Ridge High School and currently a freshman at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, is the first female in Oak Ridge to have achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. She is a member of Troop 42G of the Boy Scouts of America, which is chartered by First Presbyterian Church of Oak Ridge.

In 2019, the Boy Scouts of America changed its policies to allow girls to form their own Scouts BSA troops and follow the path to Eagle Scout. The session of the Oak Ridge church voted that year to support Troop 42 in forming a female troop.

Haley’s Eagle Scout project was to expand the church’s community garden by building fenced-in garden plots beside the church’s education building, which houses the Early Head Start of Anderson County program. “The new garden consists of seven garden beds, each 4 feet by 16 feet, and a chain link fence surrounding it,” Haley said.

She added that the new garden will allow food-insecure community members access to fresh vegetables distributed through the church’s Welcome Table monthly meal-and-groceries program, as well as provide learning opportunities for Early Head Start students. Early Head Start programs provide family-centered services for low-income families with young children. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Churches, Community, Front Page News Tagged With: Eagle Scout, first female Eagle Scout, First Presbyterian Church of Oak Ridge, Haley Snyder, Jason Cheney, Sharon Youngs

Service of memory and hope Dec. 17 at First Presbyterian

Posted at 8:12 pm December 12, 2019
By Carolyn H Krause Leave a Comment

Submitted

December is filled with twinkling lights, decorated trees, and lots of eggnog and presents. But some folks experience the holiday season as difficult for many reasons.

Sometimes called a “blue Christmas” gathering, First Presbyterian Church of Oak Ridge will hold its annual “service of memory and hope” for the public on Tuesday, December 17, at 6:30 p.m. in the sanctuary. The all-woman, ecumenical River of Grace Threshold Choir will provide special music designed to offer comfort through music to those at the threshold of life.

FPCOR member and social worker Elaine Wilson will speak on “memory.” Barbara McCord, a leader of the Baha’i community in Oak Ridge, will talk about “hope.” [Read more…]

Filed Under: Churches, Community Tagged With: Christmas, First Presbyterian Church, Service of Memory and Hope, Sharon Youngs

Service of Memory & Hope on Tuesday at First Presbyterian

Posted at 1:15 pm December 18, 2018
By Carolyn Krause Leave a Comment

Sharon Youngs

Sharon Youngs

 

This time of year is filled with twinkling lights, special music, and lots of eggnog. But some folks experience the holiday season as difficult for several reasons.

Sometimes called a “blue Christmas” gathering, First Presbyterian Church will hold a Service of Memory and Hope on Tuesday, December 18, at 6:30 p.m., in the sanctuary.

“Although the service is designed for those facing a holiday season that is not so merry and bright, everyone desiring a quiet, reflective worship experience will find it in this simple candlelight service,” said Sharon Youngs, church pastor. “It is a way to remember loved ones who are no longer with us, to gather strength for present challenges and to simply be still in the midst of a bustling, frantic season.”

This press release was submitted by Carolyn Krause.

Filed Under: Churches, Community, Front Page News Tagged With: First Presbyterian Church, Service of Memory and Hope, Sharon Youngs

Wendel Werner ‘Concert of Peace’ at 6 p.m. Sunday at First Presbyterian

Posted at 10:18 am October 15, 2017
By Carolyn Krause Leave a Comment

Wendel Werner

Wendel Werner

Local pianist and composer Wendel Werner and friends will present a “concert of peace” on Sunday, October 15, at 6 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in the wake of the racially charged violence August 12 in Charlottesville, Virginia.

The free concert will feature local singers and instrumentalists who will perform songs having themes of hope, inclusivity, and love, a press release said.

The release said the following words of Leonard Bernstein, famous American composer and conductor, continue to inspire musicians to offer gifts of melody, rhythm, and harmony to their communities: [Read more…]

Filed Under: Churches, Community, Entertainment, Front Page News, Music Tagged With: Concert of Peace, First Presbyterian Church, Meg Tonne, Sharon Youngs, Wendel Werner

Service of Psalms on Apr. 2 at First United Methodist Church

Posted at 3:10 pm March 26, 2017
By Carolyn Krause Leave a Comment

Choir directors Seth O’Kegley (FUMC) and Anna Thomas (FPC), as well as organist Simon Hogg (SSEC) chat while composer John Purifoy plays piano. (Submitted photo)

Choir directors Seth O’Kegley (FUMC) and Anna Thomas (FPC), as well as organist Simon Hogg (SSEC) chat while composer John Purifoy plays piano. (Submitted photo)

 

Six choirs, with members from three states, will perform in the third and last Service of Psalms for the Lenten season, which will be held at 5 p.m. Sunday, April 2, at First United Methodist Church, 1350 Oak Ridge Turnpike. The service will consist of reflections by local pastors and choral and instrumental performances of psalms selected for Lent that have been set to music by Knoxville composer John Purifoy, a press release said.

An offering collected during the service will be donated to Aid to Distressed Families of Appalachia. ADFAC, an independent nonprofit agency located in Oak Ridge that is celebrating its 30th anniversary, serves the basic needs of primarily low-income residents in Anderson and surrounding Appalachian counties.

Running from Ash Wednesday to Easter, Lent is a season in the church year that is marked by an examination of one’s personal faith and spiritual journey.

Steve Boyce, cantor, will sing solo verses or passages to which the choir and congregation will respond. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Churches, Community, Entertainment, Front Page News, Music Tagged With: Aaron Colverson, Anna Thomas, Chris Black, Coffeehouse at First Presbyterian Church, David Lovett, First United Methodist Church, Jake Morrill, John Purifoy, Lent, Lincoln Memorial University Concert Choir, Oak Ridge Unitarian Universalist Chuch, Peggy Hinkle, Rachel Witt, Richard Edwards, Service of Psalms, Seth O'Kegley, Sharon Youngs, Simon Hogg, St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Steve Boyce, Tri-State Community Choir

First Presbyterian offers service of memory, hope Wednesday

Posted at 11:22 am December 13, 2016
By Carolyn Krause Leave a Comment

Rev. Sharon Youngs

Rev. Sharon Youngs

For those who have had a challenging year and need the comfort and peace that come from spiritual enrichment, special music, and candles, First Presbyterian Church offers its annual service of memory and hope.

The special service will be held on Wednesday, December 14, at 6:30 p.m., in the sanctuary of the church, located at the southeast corner of Oak Ridge Turnpike and Lafayette Drive.

“The service is designed for all who desire a quiet, reflective worship experience during this bustling holiday season, particularly those for whom this time of year is difficult, for whatever reason,” said the Reverend Sharon Youngs, church pastor. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Churches, Community, Front Page News Tagged With: Anna Thomas, Cathy Whitten, First Presbyterian Church, Service of Memory and Hope, Sharon Youngs

Class on Islam starts Sunday at First Presbyterian

Posted at 10:20 am January 5, 2016
By Carolyn Krause 3 Comments

Phillip-Sherman

Phillip Sherman

Phillip Sherman, associate professor of religion at Maryville College, will present a free course on Islam for five Sundays at 1 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, which is at the intersection of Oak Ridge Turnpike and Lafayette Drive.

The classes will start this Sunday, January 10, in the fellowship hall of the sanctuary building.

“This will be an excellent opportunity to separate fact from fiction with respect to the beliefs of our Muslim brothers and sisters,” said the Reverend Sharon Youngs, church pastor. The lecture-and-discussion course, which will end on February 7, is open to the public.

With about 1.6 billion followers, or 23 percent of the global population, Islam is the second-largest religion (after Christianity) by number of adherents (Muslims). According to many sources, it’s the fastest-growing major religion in the world. Most Muslims are of two denominations: Sunni (75 to 90 percent) and Shia (10 to 20 percent). [Read more…]

Filed Under: Churches, Community, Faith, Front Page News, Meetings and Events Tagged With: First Presbyterian Church, Islam, Maryville College, Muslim, Phillip Sherman, Qur'an, Sharon Youngs, Shia, Sunni

‘Blue Christmas’ gathering at First Presbyterian on Tuesday

Posted at 4:25 pm December 7, 2015
By Carolyn Krause Leave a Comment

Sharon Youngs

Sharon Youngs

The holiday season can be difficult for many folks. It can be marked by sadness and disappointment. The color of Christmas for some is blue, not “merry and bright,” red and green.

Recognizing this truth, the staff of First Presbyterian Church (Oak Ridge Turnpike at Lafayette Drive) will hold the third annual Service of Memory and Hope on Tuesday, December 8, at 6:30 p.m. in the church sanctuary.

The service will provide comforting words and music for those who find the holiday season difficult.

In addition, “Everyone who desires a quiet, reflective worship experience will find it in this service,” said the Rev. Sharon Youngs, church pastor.

“It is a helpful way to remember loved ones who are no longer with us, to gather strength for present challenges and to simply be still in the midst of a bustling, frantic season,” Youngs said.

Filed Under: Churches, Community, Faith, Front Page News Tagged With: Blue Christmas, First Presbyterian Church, Service of Memory and Hope, Sharon Youngs

Remembered as a model community volunteer, Myrick died Sunday

Posted at 11:17 am December 15, 2014
By John Huotari 4 Comments

Tim and Teresa Myrick with ADFAC Bow Tie Award

Tim Myrick, left, received the 2014 Bill Wilcox Bow Tie Award from ADFAC on Oct. 30. Pictured with Myrick at Y-12’s New Hope Center is his wife Teresa. (Photo courtesy ADFAC)

Note: This story was last updated at 3:30 p.m.

Tim Myrick, one of the area’s most active community volunteers, died Sunday morning. He was at home with his wife Teresa by his side.

Friends are remembering him as a model community leader and volunteer. Myrick, who had been battling prostate cancer, had provided decades of service to the church and to Aid to Distressed Families of Appalachian Counties, or ADFAC, as well as to Habitat for Humanity of Anderson County. He played a key role in the renovation of Oak Ridge High School and modernization work at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. In 2012, he and Teresa pledged $25,000 to the Oak Ridge Public Schools Education Foundation’s “Making the Critical Difference” campaign for grants and scholarships.

“We sure lost a strong advocate for our community,” said friend D. Ray Smith, who serves on both the ADFAC and Habitat for Humanity boards. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Community, Education, K-12, Nonprofits, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Obituaries, Top Stories, U.S. Department of Energy Tagged With: ADFAC, Aid to Distressed Families of Appalachian Counties, Bow Tie Award, Charlotte Bowers, community volunteer, First Presbyterian Church of Oak Ridge, Habitat for Humanity of Anderson County, Jericho Farms, Living Waters, Muddy Boot Award, Oak Ridge Farmers Market, Oak Ridge High School, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge Public Schools Education Foundation, Oak Ridge Unitarian Universalist Church, ORNL, Ray Smith, Red Cross, Sharon Youngs, Teresa Myrick, Tim Myrick, volunteer

Service of memory, hope at First Presbyterian Tuesday

Posted at 9:04 pm December 8, 2014
By Oak Ridge Today Staff Leave a Comment

A special Service of Memory and Hope will be held in the sanctuary at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 9, at First Presbyterian Church, located at the southeast corner of Lafayette Drive and Oak Ridge Turnpike.

“The candlelight service is especially for folks who find the holiday season difficult because of the loss of a loved one or other struggles,” said the Rev. Sharon Youngs, who will conduct the service.

The third annual service at the church will include music and readings designed to bring comfort and solace to worshipers, a press release said.

Filed Under: Churches, Community, Faith, Front Page News Tagged With: First Presbyterian Church, Service of Memory and Hope, Sharon Youngs

Photo: Double rainbow in Oak Ridge

Posted at 9:21 pm May 23, 2014
By Oak Ridge Today Staff Leave a Comment

Double Rainbow

Double rainbow (Photo by the Rev. Sharon Youngs)

 

Submitted

Hail, Double Rainbow!

“Notice that the colors in the rare secondary rainbow are reversed from those of the primary rainbow,” said Herb Krause, retired Oak Ridge National Laboratory physicist. “The primary rainbow is caused by a single reflection of sunlight in each raindrop, and the secondary rainbow is caused by a double reflection.”

Filed Under: Front Page News, Media, Photos, Weather Tagged With: double rainbow, Herb Krause, Oak Ridge, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, primary rainbow, secondary rainbow, Sharon Youngs

Myricks to be honored for ‘lifetime of commitment’ on April 29

Posted at 10:16 am April 19, 2014
By John Huotari 2 Comments

Tim Myrick and Volunteers with Habitat for Humanity

Tim Myrick, back row second from left, is pictured taking a lunch break during a build with college students who come during spring break every year to participate in Habitat builds. (Photos by Habitat for Humanity of Anderson County)

He’s helped build every one of the 58 homes built by Habitat for Humanity of Anderson County since it started in 1992 and served on the board. He helped plan and oversee renovations at the Oak Ridge High School, been a member of the Red Cross Disaster Relief team, and along with his wife, grown thousands of Christmas trees that were donated to the American Cancer Society and Holiday Bureau for fundraising.

In recognition of their work, Tim and Teresa Myrick will be honored this month for their “lifetime of commitment to the people of Oak Ridge and Anderson County.” The reception will be hosted by Habitat for Humanity, and it is scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 29, at the New Hope Center at Y-12 National Security Complex. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Community, Nonprofits, Top Stories Tagged With: A Brush with Kindness, ABWK, First United Methodist Church, Habitat for Humanity, Habitat for Humanity of Anderson County, HFHAC, Honorary Committee, Jake Morrill, Jim Hardy, Mary Ann Hardy, Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Sharon Youngs, Teresa Myrick, Tim Myrick

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Public notice: Draft environmental assessment for Y-12 Development Organization at Horizon Center

AVAILABILITY OF THE DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR THE OFFSITE HOUSING OF THE Y-12 DEVELOPMENT … [Read More...]

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AVAILABILITY OF THE FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR THE LITHIUM PROCESSING FACILITY AT THE Y-12 … [Read More...]

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EXTENSION OF THE COMMENT PERIOD FOR THE DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR THE LITHIUM PROCESSING … [Read More...]

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