In today’s competitive landscape, some people, organizations, and companies stand out by serving the community or customer by going ‘Above and Beyond’ expectations. This new column aims to highlight inspiring stories about organizations and businesses, or the individuals within them, who go ‘Above and Beyond’, showcasing their commitment to excellence, community service, or customer satisfaction.

The Love Your Neighbor Knox organization is one such organization. Started in 2020 by First Church Knox, the group of churches or synagogues from all walks of faith unite each February for a month-long initiative to spread the message of love in our community.  The seven that shared the founding-affirming message through signage and mission have expanded to 32 participants in February 2026.

While Love Your Neighbor is a current, broader interfaith initiative, its foundational spirit is deeply connected to the response following the  July 2008 shooting at the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church.

Jesus declared the second greatest commandment and founding principle of humanity in Matthew 22:39 ~ “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

May we share the message throughout the year.

For more information on the Love Your Neighbor project, please contact the coordinators for Love Your Neighbor: First United Methodist Church Pastor Caleb Pitkin at 865-525-0435 or Joe Benedict at 865-607-7502.

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