Chairman Martin Shafer opened the 28th Annual Union County Business & Professional Prayer Breakfast on Good Friday with a warm country welcome of fellowship and good food. The First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall in Maynardville was packed with friends who not only wanted to share fellowship, but also to donate to several UC nonprofits. Father Neil Pezzulo of St. Teresa of Kolkata Catholic Church blessed the bounty and reminded everyone that no one should be afraid to walk with the Lord and enjoy the peace that comes from belief.

After the meal, Chairman Shafer introduced his good friend Dale Keasling, retired CEO of Home Federal Bank, who talked about the nine characteristics of the Holy Spirit. Dale focused on the first three: Love, Joy and Peace. He described Love as an opportunity to fellowship with nonbelievers. “Invite these nonbelievers to church, then have lunch with them afterwards,” he challenged. He explained that Joy is an opportunity to bring joy to others through acts of kindness and through sharing Jesus. From faith, the Christian achieves Peace, which is spirtual healing. UC’s own angelic voice, Kelly Cunningham, complemented Keasling’s message to witness by singing “Lord Prepare Me to Be a Sanctuary,” “The Man in the Middle,” “Goodness of God” and “I Surrender.” An added delight was the gratitude expressed by Amelia (Mia) Effler, the 2025 Jeffreys Memorial Academic Scholarship recipient. Mia will enter UT in the fall to study business and pursue a career in real estate.

The hot breakfast of eggs, bacon, biscuits, sausage gravy and homemade cinnamon rolls, muffins and pastries was catered by Butterblume Bakehouse owned by Emily Cooke.

Sponsors were Clean Spark of Maynardville, R. Larry Smith & Associates Insurance Agency, St. Teresa of Kolkata Catholic Church with Father Neil Pezzulo, Wayne and Marilyn Toppins, UC Court Clerk Barbara Williams, Commercial Bank, Corum Bookkeeping, Inc. FirstBank, Martin Shafer, Tammie Hill of Realty Executives Associates and Five Star Waste.

Hickory Valley Farms provided the table decorations. Prayer breakfast committee included Charlene Kosegi (chair), Tammie Hill, Shannon DeWitt, Heather Hoag, Marcia Inklebarger and Martin Shafer. Programs were designed by Abby Thomas of UT Extension of UC.

Program chair and Extension Agent Shannon DeWitt thanked everyone and invited them to attend the regular BPA member meeting on May 13. She reported that proceeds from the prayer breakfast will help fund donations to UC 4H, UC Community Foundation, UC Public Schools Music Program, UC Lions Club and UC Children’s Charities: Under the Tree Program. UCB&PA's next event will be the Scholarship Golf Classic at Three Ridges Golf Course at 1 p.m. on June 21. Proceeds from the tournament have helped fund the $145,000 in scholarships that have been awarded since 1991.

The 29th UCB&PA Prayer Breakfast will be on Good Friday, April 3, 2026. Thank you to all who supported those who serve our community and enjoyed the fellowship of faith.