Many of the pastors and laity in the Holston Conference know Annette Spence as a writer and reporter for The Call, Holston’s news publication. Her gifted reporting and storytelling have inspired many in the conference who say that her faith informs her work as a journalist.
Those who have worked closely with Annette, either professionally or as a volunteer at Norwood United Methodist Church in Knoxville, Tenn., say she is also an evangelist. Not only does she share through words and story the good news of Jesus, she lives and embodies it as the hands and feet of Christ.
“Perhaps the stories she loves the most to tell are those where Christ is at work in others for the sake of ‘Others’… [she] has impressed and challenged me and others by serving the ‘Other.’”
– Frank “Buzz” Trexler III,
Office of Connectional Ministries
Holston Conference of the UMC
Annette started and continues to serve in coordinating a monthly drive-through meal at Norwood UMC in Knoxville. The Norwood Takeout Food Ministry began during COVID-19 and continues with a volunteer team of over 30 volunteers that feed and minister to hundreds of people in the Knoxville area. Through the food ministry, a prayer ministry emerged, allowing the volunteer team to pray for and with those who come to pick up a meal, and later follow up through visits and phone calls.
For many in the Holston Conference and the Knoxville area, Annette Spence has inspired them to live out the gospel message in word and deed, demonstrating the good news of Jesus Christ one meal at a time.
