Please join us on January 4 at 4:00 p.m. at Immanuel Baptist Church for an important look at the state of American religious life and how it influences the shape of our society as a whole. This ecumenical event is co-sponsored by The Temple, First Unitarian Church of Nashville, Greater Nashville Unitarian Universalist Church, Vine Street Christian Church, West End United Methodist Church and Immanuel Baptist Church.
Vine Street Calls New Senior Minister
Rev. Margie Quinn is the first woman to lead the historic 205-year-old congregation.
Vine Street Christian Church has called Rev. Margie Quinn as their new Senior Minister.
Margie joined the staff at Vine Street as Associate Minister in June of 2022 and has served as the Interim Lead Minister since June, following the retirement of long-time Senior Minister Rev. Thomas Kleinert.
“It means a great deal that you are putting your trust in a young woman,” said Quinn to the congregation following its unanimous vote on Sunday, December 14. “With shaking knees, and a trembling voice, I cannot wait to be a church of hope in a world of fear…”
Vine Street Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, is one of the oldest religious communities in Nashville, forming in 1820, and Quinn is the first woman to be called as Senior Minister.
“Margie brings faith, vision, energy and kindness in abundance to the life of our church,” said Ed Cole, long-time member of Vine Street and chair of Vine Street’s Ministerial Formation Committee. “The Vine Street congregation is excited about the new possibilities that lie ahead with the strength of Margie’s leadership.”
Quinn, 35, is a Nashville native, graduating from the University School of Nashville and receiving her bachelor’s degree in Women's Studies from the University of Georgia in 2013. After several years working in affordable housing and homelessness advocacy in Seattle, Quinn attended Duke Divinity School where she received a Master of Divinity in 2019. She then moved home and served at Westminster Presbyterian Church, before getting ordained and joining the Vine Street community.
Thank you T.J.!
December 1 marks T.J. McLaughlin's 20th year of service to Vine Street Christian Church!
He began working for Vine Street as a section leader and later took over the Chancel Choir as the director. In addition to his service to Vine Street, T.J. has a 20+ year career as a music educator. After a 16-year tenure at Gallatin High School, T.J. was recently named choral director at Mt. Juliet High School, where he conducts four ensembles, teaches piano, and music directs the spring musical. His choirs consistently earn Superior rankings at MTVA and ACDA Choral Festivals and have traveled to festivals throughout the United States, giving especially memorable performances in St. Louis, Atlanta, and at the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C.
He has directed more than 20 musicals, including “Les Miserables,” “The Sound of Music,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Bye Bye Birdie,” and “Mary Poppins.”
T.J. is a sought-after clinician and has had the privilege of directing the Middle Tennessee Middle School Honors Choir, Middle Tennessee Middle School Mass Choir, and Sumner County Honors Choir.
We are so proud of and grateful for the work and service that T.J. has given to Vine Street. Thank you, T.J., for your many gifts and service to our Church, to your neighbors, and to our God.
Interfaith Thanksgiving Concert
The Vine Street Chancel Choir will once again participate in the Interfaith Thanksgiving Concert on Sunday, November 23 at 4:00 p.m. at The Temple.
How You Can Help
There are many ways to help our neighbors who have lost SNAP benefits due to the Federal Government shutdown.
1. Donate items. Bring one of the following items to church on or before November 23rd. You can drop them off in front of Pastor Wesley's office. We will give these items to our most immediate neighbors, including West End Middle School. Any other items left over will be given to Second Harvest Food Bank. Consistently, the most needed items are:
Peanut Butter
Canned Meat (Chicken or Tuna)
Canned Vegetables
Canned Fruit
Pasta
Cereal
(We may get some specific needs from West End, and will share those when we receive them.)
2. Donate Funds. If you can't bring items, donating funds to the food bank is a great way to help. Help Middle and West Tennessee Neighbors in Need - Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee
3. Contact. Call, email, or write your representatives, urging them to do what they can to help protect Tennesseans! (click for the contact sheet and script) Many think that these things "don't work," but in just the last few days, Gov. Lee has begun allocating funds towards SNAP due to public pressure. It works, I'm telling you!
4. Pray. Pray that those with power will use it to help the least of these. We all have a responsibility to our neighbors, and Christ has called us to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and free the oppressed.
However you decide to help is appreciated and helps us live into our mission to "do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God."
Annual Harvest Luncheon is November 16
The Annual Harvest Luncheon is scheduled for Sunday, November 16 following the 10:00 a.m. worship service.
All are invited to join your Vine Street family for a free catered meal from Cracker Barrel as we share warmth and fellowship, giving thanks for the blessings of the past year.
We’ll also enjoy some fun trivia for all ages – we hope to see you there!
Holocaust Exhibit Visit on November 2
Next Sunday, November 2, a group of Vine Streeters will gather for lunch and then visit Belmont University to view the “Some Were Neighbors” exhibit. Click here to RSVP by October 29.
Trunk or Treat – Sunday, October 26
Join us after worship on Sunday, October 26 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for our annual Trunk or Treat!
This festive event brings together our church and neighborhood for a fun, safe way to celebrate the season. Dress up or just come enjoy the fun—and don’t forget to invite your neighbors!
Volunteers are still needed; click here to sign up to volunteer.
Dr. Eric Smith preaching on October 19
On Sunday, October 19, we will welcome Rev. Dr. Eric Smith to Vine Street. He will preach in worship, as well as leading a discussion and Q&A during the Sunday school hour on his book, "Paul the Progressive?" We will meet in the fellowship hall – coffee and pastries will be provided. Plan on attending this insightful discussion!
Community Ministry Grant Applications Opening Soon — Apply by September 30!
Introduction
We’re excited to announce that the Community Ministry Grant application window will open on August 25 and run through September 30. This year, we’re expanding our commitment to service by increasing the total funds available to up to $30,000.
A Look Back at 2024–2025 Recipients
Last year, Vine Street Christian Church received 28 applications and, thanks to the discernment of our Grants Team and Administrative Council, awarded grants to 22 of them, fulfilling each at the full requested amount. In total, we mailed out $20,200 in grants, made possible through contributions from members and friends, as well as support from the Hallie Warner Needy Elderly Fund.
Spotlight Recipients
Here are a few inspiring examples from last year’s recipients:
Harvest Hands CDC — Supported after-school programs across three South Nashville locations, providing meals and snacks to children.
Heartbound Ministries — Funded the creation of reading tapes recorded by incarcerated parents for their children.
Pawsters — Provided veterinary care, vaccinations, microchipping, and spay/neuter services for pets of the homeless or domestic violence survivors.
These are just a few of the many creative and impactful ministries we were privileged to support – see the full list here.
What’s New This Year
With an increased pool of up to $30,000, we are eager to receive a new wave of applications that empower community-driven initiatives across Nashville. We welcome proposals that demonstrate clear impact, sustainability, and alignment with our mission.
How to Apply
Application Opens: August 25
Deadline: September 30
Visit our Community Ministry Fund Application page on the Vine Street website for full details and application instructions.
Let’s continue making a difference—together.
Update to the Vine Street Congregation regarding the Ministerial Transition Process
This update to the Vine Street congregation about our Ministerial Transition process contains continuing good news! Since the previous report earlier in April from the Ministerial Transition Team, important progress has been made as we make plans to put in place our ministerial leadership team that will assume their responsibilities when Thomas retires at the end of May.
Youth Sunday is May 4
Transition Team Update
There is very good news to report to the Vine Street congregation regarding the Ministerial Transition process. Since Thomas Kleinert announced his plan to retire at the end of May, the Ministerial Transition Team, appointed by the Administrative Council, has been preparing recommendations for ministerial staffing to be in place upon Thomas’ departure.
Thank You from the Youth Group
Lent in Plain Sight
Join Margie as she leads this Lenten Study starting next Sunday through April 13. Please email Margie if you are interested in participating.
Community Ministry Grants, 2024-2025
Advent with AJ
Join a small group at Vine Street for a four week study starting November 26.
In Light of the World: A Beginner’s Guide to Advent, biblical scholar Amy-Jill Levine explores the biblical texts surrounding the story of the birth of Jesus.
In four chapters, she traces the Christmas narrative through the stories of Zechariah and Elizabeth, Mary, the journey to Bethlehem, and the visit from the Magi.
These stories open conversations around connections of the Gospel stories to the Old Testament, the role of women in first-century Jewish culture, the revolutionary implications of Mary’s Magnificat, and more.
Our study group - Thomas Kleinert will serve as facilitator - will meet on Tuesday evenings at 5pm, beginning November 26. Each session is based on one chapter and related biblical readings, and will be opened with a video presentation by the author.
Participants do not need to purchase the study guide, but we ask that you sign up to receive additional information. As always, please invite a friend or a neighbor!
All Saints Sunday
On November 3, we remember and give thanks for “all the saints who from their labors rest,” including members of the congregation who have died over the past year.
During communion, as we gather at the table, we will hear their names spoken, along with the names of others who have shaped our life and faith in ways that give them a special place in our heart. Some of them may be famous, others may be known only to us and to God. All of them belong to the great cloud of witnesses (Hebrews 12:1). We don’t look at the saints as a separate group of people or anything like the “professional league” of believers. Saints are simply who we are in Christ, and therefore are called to be (much as the Apostle Paul used the term, e.g. when he addressed his letter “to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi”).
To submit names, please use this online form. We will also have a clipboard available before the service, if you’d rather submit the names in handwriting.
Celebrate October
Do you like chili? How about cornbread? Dinner with old and new friends?
We celebrate October with a soul-warming meal in Fellowship Hall, and in the course of our evening together we take a few moments to share updates and answer questions about the upcoming season of Room in the Inn at Vine Street (starting on November 7).
No need to sign up - the meal’s on the house.
Please bring one or more items for our RITI store - men’s boxers, socks, warm jackets, deodorant, etc.
Vine Street Grant Helps Power RESET
On Tuesday of this week, September 10th, Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell joined with AgeWell Middle Tennessee, the United Way of Greater Nashville, and other non-profit partners, in announcing the launch of a new financial empowerment collaborative offering personalized services designed with and for older adults in Davidson County. The Mayor specifically cited Vine Street’s Community Ministry Grant of $44,000 to AgeWell, as the initial seed funding for the program. Vine Street made this grant as a part of our community ministries grants program using our Hallie Warner “Needy Elderly Fund” as the source of the funds. A copy of the Mayor’s press release, including the mention of Vine Street’s funding contribution, can be found at: Mayor Freddie O’Connell, AgeWell Middle Tennessee, United Way of Greater Nashville celebrate launch of RESET program - September 10, 2024
Known as the RESET program, “Raising Economic Security to Enjoy Thriving,” the new program will offer financial empowerment counseling along with benefit enrollment assistance and referrals for supplemental income opportunities to older adults across Nashville. The program was initiated and designed in response to frequent helpline calls and the Metro Social Services 2022 Community Needs Evaluation which found that due to the rising costs of food, housing, transportation and healthcare, more than half of older residents in Nashville are experiencing livable income poverty. In early 2023, AgeWell and the United Way convened a six-month planning process that included a series of focus groups with older adults and a coalition of government, non-profit, and faith community representatives. It was this initial planning process that was funded by Vine Street’s grant. Ed Cole and Kathy Zamata have been active Vine Street participants in the AgeWell process from the outset. Ed has been a long-time AgeWell board member and Kathy is currently on the AgeWell Board. A special relationship that Kathy has to this process flows from the fact that she was a “Stephen Minister” who called upon Hallie Warner in the final years of her life. Seeing RESET emerge as a faithful expression of Hallie Warner’s wishes and Vine Street’s stewardship of her gift has been very meaningful!
On this Sunday morning, September 15th, Grace Smith, the Executive Director of AgeWell Middle Tennessee, will join us for worship and share more about RESET during our “Minute For Mission.” Join us in welcoming Grace and hearing more about RESET!