Ministry Spotlight: August 2026
A LIFE WELL GIVEN: REMEMBERING PASTOR BOB BEAN
Founding pastor of Emerald Youth Foundation and longtime Knoxville minister, Robert “Bob” Bean, died Thursday, August 27. He was 94 years old.
For nearly a quarter century, Bean was pastor of Emerald Avenue United Methodist Church, and in that role, he planted a seed that has grown into something far beyond what anyone could have imagined. That seed became Emerald Youth Foundation, an urban youth ministry that today reaches more than 3,500 young people annually through programs and outcomes focused on faith, learning and health.
RICK BARNES EMERALD YOUTH MATCH CHALLENGE
Coach Rick Barnes is calling your name. There’s $400,000 on the line to match every gift made in support of Knoxville's youth — meaning your donation goes twice as far, dollar for dollar.
This is your moment to step onto the court and answer the challenge.
Give today and watch your impact double for the kids who need it most.
HOME SWEET LONSDALE
There’s no place like home!
Lonsdale Homecoming brought together youth, families, alumni, neighbors and friends for a celebration of the community that has been at the heart of Emerald Youth’s story. We were honored and grateful to host a variety of events August 7-9 at Haslam-Sansom Ministry Complex in Lonsdale.
It was a weekend filled with familiar faces, plenty of fun, good food, and a reminder of what makes Lonsdale so special: generations of relationships and a community that continues to show up for one another.
We loved celebrating where we’ve been while looking forward to all that’s still ahead.
ALL TOGETHER NOW
As gets into full swing serving young people, our entire Emerald Youth team came together August 21 for a meaningful time of connection, worship, and prayer — with a special focus on lifting up East Knoxville and the neighborhoods we serve all across the city.
We found ourselves on our knees in prayer, hands lifted in gratitude, and hearts encouraged by the Word shared by our dear friend Rev. Dr. Harold Middlebrook.
We were also blessed to be joined by East Knoxville pastors, East Area Community Engagement Committee members, and other friends of Emerald Youth Foundation.
It was a powerful reminder that this work is bigger than any one person or organization, and there’s no better way to step into a new season than together, grounded in faith and prayer.
Do you sense a calling on your life to use your giftings in full-time ministry with us? Learn more about current opportunities.
FALL MODE ACTIVATED
Backpacks are packed, school is back in session, and programming for young people has officially transitioned from summer to fall (even though it may still not FEEL like fall quite yet!).
Across our neighborhood sites, young people are settling back into routines filled with academic support, discipleship, sports, friendships, and plenty of fun along the way. A new school year means new opportunities to learn, try something different, strengthen relationships, and keep growing.
We’re excited for everything this semester will bring for young people in our JustLead, Calling and Career, and Emerald Youth Sports ministries.
MAKING AN IMPACT
A new season means new opportunities to connect, and we’re looking for volunteers ready to jump in this fall to serve in ministry with us.
Whether you have a heart for helping with homework, encouraging young people in their faith, lending a hand with sports, or simply being a consistent, caring presence, there’s a place for you at Emerald Youth.
You don’t have to be an expert, you just have to be willing to show up. A few hours of your time can become something a young person looks forward to every week.
Connect with us now to find a volunteer opportunity that fits you!
Current Volunteer Needs:
Soccer Coaches
Rec Volleyball Coaches
Swim Volunteers
Small Group Leaders
Tutors/Homework Helpers
Meal Teams
PLANNED GIVING
Have you considered an IRA Charitable Rollover?
Americans own several trillions of dollars of wealth in the form of qualified pension plans, profit sharing plans, 401(k)s, 403(b) tax sheltered annuities, SEP, Keoghs, IRAs and stock option plans. Congress never meant for these plans to be passed on to heirs.
By leaving these assets to someone other than your spouse, you can subject your heirs to significant taxes on their inheritance. Even if you do not have a taxable estate, the tax rate on these assets could well exceed fifty percent.
If you have not already discussed this with an advisor, reach out to one. Find out more in about professional advisors, including how they can collaborate for your benefit, in the final part of our series, “The Role of Professional Advisors in Guiding Donors.”