Those forgotten in life need not be forgotten in death.                                                               The spirit of the Christmas season is an opportunity for compassion and concern for all, especially the homeless.

Once again, our faith community is preparing to observe Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day in Knoxville. It is observed every year around the country on December 21st, the longest night of the year, to give an opportunity to remember the passing of people who experienced homelessness, and to bring awareness to the tragedy of homelessness.

A candle light walk and memorial service will be held to remember our homeless neighbors who died in 2011. The public is welcome.

December 21, 2011,                                                                                                                              5:30 pm
St. John’s Lutheran Church                                                                                                              544 N. Broadway, Knoxville, TN

Thank you Black Eyed Joe’s BBQ !

 Bruce Pearl, former University of Tennessee basketball coach, came to help out on Wednesday night at the Lost Sheep Ministry’s Dinner for the homeless under the I-40 overpass in Downtown Knoxville. He helped pull and serve barbecue and even signed some autographs.

“He has been a friend of the community, it’s clear that he loves the community and I think it that showed tonight,” said Owner of Black-Eyed Joe’s BBQ, Joe Bryant.

“The one thing that really stood out to me when I asked for his autograph is he wrote “Go Vols.”  He is out promoting the university.  That says a lot about his character,” said Howard Cusick from Black Eyed Joe’s BBQ.

Once a month Jim and Joe Bryant “Black-Eyed Joe’s BBQ” smokes and serves a meal to approximately 400 of Knoxville’s homeless neighbors. It is a real treat for everyone.

The team volunteered at the Wednesday evening outreach under the Interstate Bridge in downtown Knoxville, helping serve food and distributing free New Testaments.  Pastor Ernie gave the message, and Miss Sharon led the youth in singing and giving testimonies to our homeless neighbors. They were well received, and did a wonderful job. Praise God for the Belize Team, and their willingness to travel so far to share the love of God.

Our homeless neighbors have little options for clothing. When clothes become soiled or wet, they often are discarded.  

Each Mon., Tues., Thurs. and Fri., from 9:30 am – 12 noon, our clothing ministry volunteers are happily sorting, sizing, and packing clothing for our Wed outreach under the bridge. They are amazing volunteers, whose laughter spreads joy throughout the entire building!  

If you have an hour or two during your week, take the opportunity to come help. We need you. You’ll be blessed and be a blessing to others.

For questions or to volunteer, please contact Nancy Douglas at Lost Sheep Ministry (865) 688-9636 or by using the form on our Contact Page.