Steve Patterson

Associate Pastor

About Me —

About me: I am honored to be part of the State Street UMC family.  I have seen many people helped by Recovery at Bristol and the support it provides to so many people in the Bristol Community. 

Growing up in Chattanooga, I attended Jones Memorial UMC from the age of 8.  After graduating from UT-Chattanooga, I served in the US Army 26 years, retiring in 1999.  While in the Army, I completed a Masters Degree in Human Resources Management from Pepperdine University.  In 2001 I received a Masters Degree in Social Work at UT-Knoxville.  I have practiced in Virginia and Tennessee in the areas of substance abuse, mental health, issues related to homelessness, and issues affecting families. 

I moved to Bristol in 2006 and became a part-time bi-vocational UMC pastor in 2014.  I am now retired from all my other work and am solely committed to my duties at State Street UMC.

I am married to my best friend Cheri Wine Patterson, an IT professional, who is active in the UMW at the local and conference level.

What I like to do for fun and relaxation: Hiking in the woods, walking on the beach and napping.

Favorite food : My grandmother’s blackberry dumplings

Favorite music : Not sure I have a favorite genre. I enjoy listening to classical music, the golden oldies, contemporary and traditional religious music and listening to choirs.

Favorite vacation spot: Wherever there is a Beach!

Bible character I most identify with :  Thomas – He wasn’t a doubter. He reacted the same way the other disciples did when they first saw Jesus. He just wanted to be included with the others.

Favorite Bible verse :  1 John 4:16–So we have known and believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them

What I like best about State Street UMC :  The openness expressed by people who attend church here and demonstrate God’s love in their acceptance of everyone who come here for worship or help.