Ministry Spotlight: April 2026
EMERALD YOUTH PRAYER BREAKFAST
Our annual Prayer Breakfast is one week from today (Friday, May 1, 2026), and there’s still time to register to attend!
This meaningful morning brings our community together to reflect on all that God is doing through Emerald Youth and to look ahead at what’s to come.
We are especially grateful for our Presenting Sponsors, whose generosity helps make the Pray Breakfast possible:
CITYWIDE WORSHIP
There’s something special about being in a room where everyone is there for the same reason.
Our recent Citywide Worship gathering brought young people, staff, volunteers, and other community members together for a night centered on worship, prayer, connection, and community.
Through relationships with leaders and consistent time in Scripture, students are being poured into, challenged, and encouraged in their faith. Citywide Worship is where those individual moments come together, where young people see they’re part of something bigger and are reminded they’re not walking this journey alone.
It’s a glimpse of what it looks like when a community is growing in Christ together.
Is there a prayer need you have? We would be honored to lift you up in prayer. Email us your prayer request.
THE POWER OF GIVING
Charitable giving is one of the most meaningful ways that donors and their families express their values, support the causes they care about, and create a lasting impact.
While generosity often begins with personal motivation, turning philanthropic intent into effective giving can sometimes require guidance from the donor’s professional advisors. One of the most important responsibilities of an advisor is explaining the various giving methods available to donors.
Advisors can help donors understand how they can make a charitable gift by explaining their options and matching the gifting vehicle to the donor’s objectives, as there is no “one size fits all” when it comes to charitable giving.
Learn more in Part Two of our series, “The Role of Professional Advisors in Guiding Donors.”
NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK
April 20-24 marks National Volunteer Week, a time set aside to celebrate the people who give their time, energy, and heart to others. At Emerald Youth, we are truly grateful for our volunteers every day of every week!
Because of volunteers’ consistency and care, more than 3,500 young people annually across Knoxville receive encouragement and support.
Whether it’s sitting down to help with math homework, showing up on the court, or simply being a steady, trusted presence, our volunteers — who all have many different gifts — are helping shape lives in ways that last far beyond a single moment.
It’s not just about what they do, it’s about who they are to our students. A familiar face. A listening ear. A reminder that someone believes in them. Their impact is real, and it’s happening every day.
Check out the highlights below from three Emerald Youth volunteers: Greg, Marla, and Einstein, and follow along on our social media this week to learn more.
There are so many ways to get involved, and we’d love to help you find the right fit. Here are some upcoming volunteer opportunities we need to fill:
Summer tutors
Wednesday night meal teams
Small group leaders
Worship leaders
Swim coaches
Tennis coach
Middle school volleyball coaches
Track coaches
BIG ENERGY AND NEW BEGINNINGS
There was big energy at Emerald Force Pro Night as our AAU Basketball teams took the court. It was a night that celebrated growth, grit, and the next level for boys and girls basketball players. We’re so grateful for everyone who came out to support.
And as basketball season brings unforgettable moments, another season is beginning. We’re excited that golf is officially teeing off, offering new opportunities for young people to learn, compete, and grow both on and off the course.
Fun fact: Research shows strong connections between playing golf and healthy aging — helping people stay active, reduce stress, reduce the risk of heart disease, and stay socially connected.
GETTING READY FOR SUMMER
We’re already looking ahead to summer and it’s shaping up to be something special.
For elementary and middle schoolers, this year’s theme is Mission: Possible — a summer designed to inspire confidence, spark curiosity, and remind every child that through Christ, they are capable of more than they think.
For high school students, summer experiences will open doors to new environments and career opportunities, fun challenges, and enhanced perspectives—helping them take meaningful steps toward their future.
Please be in prayer for our city’s young people, as well as staff and volunteers, during this season of the year that provides even more ways for youth to connect and grow as promising, Godly leaders in Knoxville.
SPRING AT EMERALD ACADEMY
It’s a full season at Emerald Academy as the 2025-2026 school year will be coming to a close at the end of May.
Scholars continue to give their all during TN Ready testing — a meaningful opportunity to reflect the growth, hard work, and dedication they’ve shown all year long. Classrooms have been filled with focus, encouragement, and rising to the challenge.
At the same time, we’re looking ahead as we welcome new families through Kindergarten Roundup. It’s a special moment to introduce the next class of scholars to a community where they will be known, supported, and challenged to grow academically, socially, and in who they are becoming.
From current scholars to those just beginning their journey, it’s a season of both reflection and anticipation.
