Sometimes a community story begins with just a few neighbors gathering in a home. That’s how The Sanctuary Christian Fellowship began, and it’s one of several stories connecting Knoxville and Farragut this week.
From a new congregation finding its place in Knoxville to remembering a longtime Farragut leader, we’re celebrating the people who shape our communities. We’ll also share neighborhood opportunities and a few Daily Connections, including history, trivia, a smile and the reader-requested stock market update.
A new Knoxville church begins with prayer meetings at home
What began as summer prayer gatherings in a Knoxville home has grown into The Sanctuary Christian Fellowship, a new congregation meeting at West Haven Elementary School.
Pastor Jayson Yagodzinski and his wife, Cortney, began hosting the gatherings while seeking direction for their ministry.
“We began holding prayer meetings in our home during the summer, seeking God’s guidance and direction,” Yagodzinski told KnoxTNToday.
Pastor Jack Hibbs of Calvary Chapel Chino Hills in California encouraged the couple to continue praying about the future. Within four weeks, Yagodzinski said, the gatherings had developed into the beginnings of a new church.
The Sanctuary Christian Fellowship held its first Sunday service Sept. 27.
Yagodzinski explained that the church’s name reflects two purposes: creating a place devoted to worship and providing a refuge where people can find encouragement, restoration and belonging.
His hope is to build a congregation where individuals and families can grow in faith and serve the Knoxville community.
Sunday services are held at 10 a.m. at West Haven Elementary School.
Learn more at The Sanctuary Christian Fellowship.
Remembering Eddy Ford’s legacy in Farragut
Eddy Ford (photo WBIR)
Farragut is remembering Walter “Eddy” Ford, the town’s former mayor and longest-serving elected official, who died Oct. 6 at age 87.
Ford served Farragut for 29 years, beginning as South Ward alderman in 1980. He became vice mayor in 1984 and mayor in 1993, serving in that position for 16 years.
During those years, Farragut experienced substantial growth while maintaining its commitment to operating without a municipal property tax.
In 2007, the Tennessee Municipal League recognized Ford as Mayor of the Year.\
Town Attorney Tom Hale, who began working with Ford in 1998, remembered his resourcefulness and commitment to the town. Hale credited Ford’s thoughtful leadership with helping Farragut complete important projects and improvements.
Ford and his wife, Linda, devoted many years to the community’s development. Their contributions helped establish the foundation on which Farragut continues to grow.
Read the Town of Farragut’s tribute to Eddy Ford.
Farragut residents invited to help plan 70 Acre Park
Residents can help shape the future of Farragut’s 70 Acre Park at a neighborhood input meeting Tuesday, Oct. 20, from 6-7 p.m. at the Great Lawn Pavilion.
The meeting is part of the park’s master planning process and offers residents an opportunity to share ideas about future uses of the property.
Find additional information on the Town of Farragut calendar.
Neighborhood grants deadline approaches
Knoxville neighborhood organizations have until Monday, Oct. 26, at 4:30 p.m. to apply for the city’s 2027 Neighborhood Small Grants Program.
Eleven neighborhood groups completed the required eligibility process. Grants generally range from $500 to $5,000, with certain qualifying partnerships eligible for up to $6,500.
The program helps residents develop projects that strengthen neighborhoods and encourage community involvement.
Visit the City of Knoxville for program information.
Knoxville Buddy Walk celebrates 30 years
The Down Syndrome Awareness Group of East Tennessee will celebrate the 30th Knoxville Buddy Walk on Sunday, Oct. 25, from 1-4 p.m. at World’s Fair Park.
The annual gathering brings families, friends and supporters together to celebrate individuals with Down syndrome and promote inclusion throughout the community.
Find event information at the Down Syndrome Awareness Group of East Tennessee.
Daily Connections — Tuesday, Oct. 20
Today in History: In 1803, the U.S. Senate ratified the Louisiana Purchase treaty, paving the way for a major expansion of the United States. In 1973, the Sydney Opera House officially opened in Australia.
Tennessee Trivia: Tennessee earned its Volunteer State nickname through its long tradition of citizens answering calls to military service, particularly during the War of 1812. Today, that volunteer spirit continues through community service organizations and neighborhood projects.
Today’s Smile: Why did the neighbor bring a ladder to the community meeting? Because everyone wanted to take the neighborhood to the next level!
Local Connections: Pellissippi State Community College hosts Panthers Fan Day tonight at 6 p.m. in the Bubble at its Hardin Valley campus. The women’s volleyball team faces Roane State, with family activities and entertainment. Guests are encouraged to wear Panther blue and bring a new stuffed animal with tags attached to benefit Knox County Juvenile Court. Visit Pellissippi State for details. For additional family activities and community programs, explore the Knox County Public Library events calendar.
Stock Market: Follow the Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite for the latest market activity, daily changes and financial news. Current figures are available through CNBC Markets and Yahoo Finance.
Share your neighborhood stories
Know someone making a difference in your community? Have news about a neighborhood project, school, local leader or outdoor activity? Send suggestions for Let’s Talk: Neighbors, Schools, Leaders or Outdoors to news@knoxtntoday.com. We always appreciate photographs with names and publication permission.
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