Fr. Steve Pawelk

Church Leaders Gather for Year-End Reflection and Prayer

The Rev. Kathy Chesney, Fr. Steve Pawelk and Josiah Kimani gather for prayer and Bible study at Hardee's in Maynardville.

Every Thursday, a cross-denominational group of Union County church leaders meet in Bible study and prayer. Their titles are Pastor, Reverend, Father, and Brother, but all have one thing in common: an abiding love for Union County and a desire to share God's word.

They meet privately for three weeks of the month, and the last Thursday they take their meeting to Hardee's in Maynardville, and they're always ready to accept more church leaders, whether they're pastors, music ministers, lay ministers, youth pastors or any other calling, into their group.

Catholic Church Breaks Ground in Maynardville

Bishop Richard Stika, Fr. Steve Pawelk and Union County Mayor Mike Williams break ground for the new St. Teresa of Kolkata Catholic Church in Maynardville.

It’s been a long road, but with a lot of faith and community support St. Teresa of Kolkata Catholic Church will move into a permanent church home sometime around the middle of 2018.

The church broke ground for the new building during a special ceremony at the church carnival held Sept. 2, on the church’s 24-acre property, located behind Kay’s Market on Maynardville Highway. Pastor Fr. Steve Pawelk said earthmoving will happen soon, and once that is complete, construction should begin soon after.