Faith-Based Groups Provide Aid Through Freezing Temperatures

Shades of Grace United Methodist Congregation and other organizations work to help those in need of food, warmth, and shelter during the winter season.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 7:15am

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As extreme winter temperatures hit the Kingsport, Tennessee region, faith-based organizations like Shades of Grace United Methodist Congregation are stepping up to provide meals, clothing, showers, and warming shelters for those in need. The congregation partners with other local churches to prepare and serve hot meals, and also financially supports Shepherd's Watch Ministries, which operates warming buses to transport people to overnight shelters on the coldest nights. Other churches in the area, such as First Broad Street United Methodist and First Presbyterian, are also offering food, warming stations, and firewood assistance to help the community weather the freezing weather.

Why it matters

With temperatures dipping below freezing and snow in the forecast, these faith-based outreach efforts are crucial for supporting the region's vulnerable populations who may not have access to adequate food, clothing, or shelter during the harsh winter months. The collaboration between different congregations and ministries demonstrates the community's commitment to caring for those in need.

The details

Shades of Grace United Methodist Congregation has been handing out an average of 115 meals per day this winter, serving food Monday through Friday from 10am to 12pm. On the coldest days, they start serving 30 minutes earlier. The congregation also allows people to come in and warm up for 3-4 hours while a constable is present, though they do not provide overnight sheltering. Shades of Grace financially supports Shepherd's Watch Ministries, which operates warming buses to transport people to overnight shelters on the coldest nights. Other churches like First Broad Street United Methodist and First Presbyterian are also providing food, warming stations, and firewood assistance to help the community.

  • This week, temperatures sat at or dipped below freezing.
  • Snow is forecast for the Kingsport region this weekend.

The players

Shades of Grace United Methodist Congregation

A faith-based organization that provides meals, clothing, showers, and warming shelters for those in need during the winter season.

Shepherd's Watch Ministries

A ministry that operates warming buses to transport people to overnight shelters on the coldest nights.

First Broad Street United Methodist Congregation

A church that financially supports The Table of Kingsport, a nonprofit that serves meals and opens as a warming shelter, and also provides firewood assistance to families.

First Presbyterian Church

A church that hosts a grab-and-go meal and warming hour on Saturdays and Sundays.

Will Shewey

The pastor of Shades of Grace United Methodist Congregation.

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What they’re saying

“When we started the ministry, God was just really, I mean, I knew the spirit was saying 'Trust me.' You know, just trust God. God's doing it. We just have to be the willing hands.”

— Will Shewey, Pastor, Shades of Grace United Methodist Congregation

“There's a lot of community support. People bring us food, people bring us blankets, pillows, the things we need. God's been awful good to us. He's provided for us.”

— Jeffrey Kiser, Pastor, Shepherd's Watch Ministries

What’s next

The warming buses operated by Shepherd's Watch Ministries will continue running throughout the weekend, and four-wheel drive vehicles will be used to transport people to the heated buses if snowfall conditions become severe.

The takeaway

These faith-based outreach efforts demonstrate the community's commitment to caring for the most vulnerable during the harsh winter months, with congregations and ministries working together to ensure those in need have access to food, warmth, and shelter.