Written by Mark Alewine

Kevin Keck’s schedule runs laps around your schedule. On top of working as a commercial sales representative with Broadway Carpets, Kevin is the head coach for the Maryville College Men’s Junior Varsity team and assistant coach for the men’s and women’s varsity teams. He also coach’s two girls competitive teams and is the site director for the club team, FC Alliance. To say Kevin is busy is an insult to the word.

However, if you’ve met Kevin at Knoxlife events or at Sunday morning worship, he hardly gives the impression of a man who rarely has time to even sit down.

A native of the Knoxville are, Kevin grew up in Halls and later Jefferson City. After moving to Johnson City to attend East Tennessee State University, Kevin began dating his wife Jen, whom he’d known most of his life.

“We’ve known each other since Kindergarten,” he said. “My family moved away when I was in the fourth grade, but we bumped into each other at ETSU.” The two celebrated their fifth anniversary this year.

Since their first visit in April of 2008, Kevin and Jen have been involved in the Knoxlife community. Kevin regularly helps with security while Jen is a key contributor to coffee and food prep for Sunday morning worship.

“We first visited KnoxLife when a friend invited us and we started as volunteers that day. We haven't wanted to stop yet!” he said.

Written by Mark Alewine

If you’ve trusted your child to the hands of Knoxlife’s Sunday morning childcare team, odds are you’ve met Jamie Swanson.

For more than a year, the Concordia, Kansas native has volunteered selflessly to provide families an opportunity to experience Sunday morning worship, no matter their age.

“I’ve always loved kids. I’m really passionate about them,” Jamie said, who also works as a full time nanny.

Jamie found herself in East Tennessee when her husband, Eric Swanson, transfered his position with the Air National Guard to the Knoxville unit. She began working at an area Starbucks when a co-worker told her about Knoxlife. The church was experiencing tremendous growth, and Jamie decided to get involved. (Since January of 2010, Sunday morning childcare has grown from an average of eight children to 25-30 each Sunday.)

“I just plugged myself in. It was growing,” she said.

Jamie is also an avid dancer, earning a degree in Dance from Wichita State University. She currently performs with the Momentum Dance Lab, where she specializes in modern and contemporary styles.

Written by Mark Alewine

Michael Sachs has a significant presence at Knoxlife, and not because of his height. Whether it’s serving coffee Sunday mornings, volunteering with service projects, or participating in weekly Nooma Nights, Michael is actively experiencing the benefits of living in a church community.

Michael found his way to Knoxville 17 years ago when he left his home in Arizona for a job opportunity.

“I knew nothing of Knoxville or the Southeast before coming here,” he said.

Born in Kansas to a military family, Michael spent most of his life in Arizona. After earning a business degree from Arizona State University, he went to work for Shaw Environmental (an environmental protection and remediation company). This led to his current occupation as production control and purchasing manager with Hubbell Power Systems.

During his free time, Michael takes advantage of the many resources available in East Tennessee. He especially enjoys hiking, specifically Max Patch in the Great Smoky Mountains.

“Each time you return to a trail it is different and unique.”

Michael discovered KnoxLife after enduring a particularly challenging experience in his life. He grew burnt out and disenchanted with church, and was ready to give it up all together. But on a chance encounter with Remedy, Michael found a home at our church.

“I am excited about our diverse community that points others to Christ.”

Written by Mark Alewine

Currently, Michael Bravine works with Earth Fare as a bookkeeper in customer service, and can be found sitting in as a musician in area venues. He also plays drums Sunday mornings with the worship band at Knoxlife. However, Michael’s path has taken him thousands of miles across Europe and the Midwest to find a home in Knoxville

His first 11 years were spent in France where his parents were working as missionaries. Until his 20’s, Michael described himself as a “poster child”, living the way his parents had raised him. He had a passion for music and started playing drums as a full time musician, which led to a number of opportunities playing in bands on both independent and major labels. Michael’s bands toured the U.S. and Europe supporting groups like Death Cab for Cutie and At the Drive-In. However, it was during this time that Michael grew increasingly more involved in drugs and eventually found himself homeless.

After battling his addictions, Michael moved to Chicago to work with the ministry, Inner City Impact. He later joined the ministry, By the Hand Club for Kids, working a variety of jobs including team leader, first grade teacher, social worker, and mentor. While in Chicago, Michael met his wife Brianna at their church. The two will be celebrating their second anniversary in July.

Five years in Chicago, though, left Michael and Brianna looking for more community and a slower pace of life.

“We were not happy in Chicago,” Michael said.

This led them to Knoxville and eventually to Knoxlife. While driving through the old city, Michael joked with his wife they needed to buy an building, convert it to a coffee shop, and hold church services in the back. 30 minutes later, Michael said, they met Sarah Alsobrooks who introduced them to Remedy Coffee. The community and atmosphere immediately clicked for Michael and Brianna.

“We found a church that’s exactly what we wanted,” he said.

Written by Mark Alewine

If seeing Chuck Schuchart’s face comes to mind when you drink your morning coffee, you’re not alone. For Knoxlife goers, Chuck is as synonymous with coffee as our church with downtown. He can be found almost every Sunday morning helping to provide anyone who comes through the Remedy doors with a friendly greeting and an excellent cup of java.

Chuck’ story, though, has only recently brought him to our area. He was born, raised, and schooled in Rochester, New York, where he graduated from the Rochester Institute of Technology. After four years in the Air Force, Chuck began working in finance with the Eastman Kodak Company. He retired from the company 30 years later and became a New York State Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor, specializing in working with adolescents and their families. He also worked with chemically addicted inmates in the local jail.

“My work in this field is more a passion than a job,” Chuck said.

He found his way to Knoxville in January 2008, when he moved to be closer to his son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren, ages nine and six (who also live in Knoxville).

“I'm extremely proud of my children, their spouses and my grandkids! I've been truly blessed!”

A month after his arrival to East Tennessee, Chuck found Knoxlife and was immediately “hooked” by the church’s community and mission.

“The enthusiasm of Sean, Sara, and the congregation was contagious... I consider it an honor to be part of this exciting journey.”

When he’s not making coffee Sunday mornings, Chuck can be found leading his active lifestyle. He enjoys golf, hiking, and being around the area lakes and rivers. Recently, he began working as an instructor with the fitness program, Operation Boot Camp.