Witness through Worship

This is the oldest cooperative service in the Knoxville area, begun in 1922 for UT students who could not go home for Thanksgiving. It was held in the Alumni Gym until the early 60’s when opposition to religious services on campus moved it to the downtown Churches.

This service is planned and led by youth from the KICCUP churches.

2. Good Friday Community Worship Service

The traditional service of the seven last words of Christ was first held in the early 70’s. It was held in different churches until 1982 when KICCUP and St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral joined their services. A homily is shared by seven of the KICCUP pastors, and inspirational music and time for meditation are hallmarks of this service.

The Good Friday worship service will be held on March 21, 2008, at St. John's Cathedral, located at the intersection of Cumberland and Walnut Avenues in downtown Knoxville.   The service will begin at 12:00 noon and end at 3:00 p.m.  You are invited to come for quiet meditation, great music, and insight into the event that took place on Good Friday.  Bring a friend and stay as long as you are able.

The seven words will be:

1.    The Agony - Mark 14:32-36 "...take this cup from me..."
       The Rev. Bruce Galyon, Central United Methodist Church

2.    The Arrest - Matthew 26:52 "...all who draw the sword will die by the sword"
       Father Joe Ciccone, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church

3.    The Trial - Luke 22:54-62 "...Peter followed at a distance..."
       The Rev. Dr. William Pender, First Presbyterian Church

4.    The Road - Matthew 27:32 "...they met a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and forced him to carry the cross"
       The Rev. Linda Bass, Church Street United Methodist Church

5.    The Cross - Luke 23:28 "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me..."
       Dr. Jacqueline Bragg, Mt. Olive Baptist Church 

6.    The Sign - John 19:19-20 "...Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews..."
      The Rev. Kevin Rhatican, Second United Methodist 

7.    The Darkness - Luke 23:44-45 "Darkness came over the whole land..."
       The Rev. Joseph Ballard, St. James’ Episcopal Church

Please invite those who are shut in and unable to attend the service to join us for a live broadcast on Community TV, Cable Channel 12.

3. Easter Sunrise Service--March 23, 2008

KICCUP will sponsor a Community Sunrise Service which will begin at 7:00 A.M. in the Cemetery of First Presbyterian Church, with the congregation joyfully announcing “The Lord Has Risen, He Has Risen Indeed!” From greeting the Easter morn in the cemetery with scripture, song and prayer, the congregation will process into the sanctuary of First Presbyterian for the continuation of the service. Rev. .Carol McEntyre, First Baptist Church will offer a homily and Rev. Liz Peterson, Second Presbyterian Church will offer special music. Come begin your Easter day, surrounded by the splendor of God’s creation, and celebrate that Christ has risen indeed.

First Presbyterian is located on State Street between Church and Clinch Streets, behind the Tennessee Theater.