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| PET Calendar |
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2009 Presbytery Meetings:
Tuesday, May 5 @ 10:00am - Maryville College, Maryville, TN
(Packet deadline: Apr. 14)
Saturday, August 22 @ 10:00am - Location to be announced. (Packet deadline: July 31)
Tuesday, November 10 @ 10:00am -Rivermont Presbyterian Church, Chattanooga, TN (Packet deadline: Oct. 20)
March Mission Team/ Committee Meetings:
Connect Mission Team- 3/2, 10:00am video conference
Committee on Nominations - 3/4, 9:30am telephone conference
Small Church Ministry Group - 3/5, 10:00am video conference
Peacemaking Committee - 3/9, 5:30pm @ West Emory
Committee on Ministry - 3/10, 11:00am @ Mars Hill
Equip Mission Team - 3/12, 10:00am @ Mars Hill
New Vision - 3/19, 10:00am video conference
Committee on Preparation for Ministry - 3/19, 12:00 noon @ First, Soddy Daisy
Outdoor Ministries Team - 3/28, 9:00am @ John Knox Center
Events at John Knox Center:
Information on events and activities at John Knox are available on the JKC website.
For the latest meeting and events information, go to the presbytery website: www.presbyteryeasttn.org
and click on the Calendar of Events link.
Church Info-Pak Deadlines for 2009:
These Info-Paks include information for pastors and sessions, notices of churchwide events, resources for church educators, and the presbytery calendar. Info-Paks are mailed to all churches, affiliated colleges and agencies, at-large and retired ministers, and current members of PET mission teams and committees. |
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John Knox Center |
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Work Day, March 28
Join us for a day of fellowship and the giving of your time. You provide the manpower and tools - we provide the lunch, snacks, and ice cold water. Come as a group or on your own. This is a perfect project for Sunday School Groups, Men's Groups, Ladies' Groups, Mission Groups and more. Help our maintenance staff get a good start for 2009. Building renovations, trail maintenance, landscaping, log cutting and cleanup are a few of the areas of need. Project assignments begin at 8 am in the front parking lot. Just call the office at (865) 376-2236 to register your group. For more information about the needs at John Knox Center or how to schedule a time for your mission work group to come at another time, click here. |
| Disaster Response Team |
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Spring Work Trip Scheduled for May 2-9
Plans for this year's spring work trip to Long Beach, MS are well underway. Six skilled crew chiefs are already in place, as well as our cook, Mike Kirkland of Lake Hills Presbyterian Church. The group is limited to 30 people and will stay at Long Beach Presbyterian Church. For additional details, click here.
Please publicize this trip to your church communities! |
| 2009-2010 Presbyterian Planning Calendars |
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Order by April 24 for bulk discount
It is time to order the Presbyterian Planning Calendar for 2009-2010. The bulk price remains at $6.60 each. (The regular price is $10.50 each.) The order form and payments must be received by the Presbytery office by April 24 to be included in the bulk order.
To download the order form, click here.
Please note - the calendars will be delivered to the Presbytery office in Knoxville and must be picked up there. |
| PC(USA) News |
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E-Newsletter Subscriptions
The PC(USA) has many electronic newsletters on various topics of interest including child advocacy, church development, the Peacemaking Network, international missions, the Hunger Program, the Presbyterian News Service, Small Church and Community Ministry Network, and more! You can also sign up to have the daily lectionary and Mission Yearbook readings delivered to your email box. To subscribe to any of these resources, please visit http://www.pcusa.org/subscriptions/
Member Referral Service
The Member Referral Service is a tool designed to assist recently relocated church members, greeting them as they enter new communities and welcoming them to a new congregation of faith. This welcoming service is coordinated by the Office of the General Assembly.
According to the Book of Order, sessions have the responsibility for assisting the members during times of relocation. To learn more about the Member Referral Service, click here. |
| Board of Pensions News |
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Helen Locklear, our regional BOP representative, sends monthly e-newsletters. The latest newsletter features the following information:
**2008 Investment Review & Report of Management Available
**Tax Resource Center Provides Key Tools
**New Plan Benefits Offered
**BenefitsConnect Provides Secure Access to Benefits Information
To read the newsletter, click here. |
| Conferences |
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National Stewardship Conference
Stewardship Kaleidoscope, a Presbyterian Stewardship Conference for elders, pastors, presbytery staff and volunteers, will be held March 9-11, 2009 in Kansas City. For more information, click here.
Princeton Forum on Youth Ministry
Sharing not only the Gospel...but also our lives
April 27-30, 2009 Exploring the perils and possibilities of relational youth ministry For conference details and registration, click here.
PCUSA Young Adult Ministry Conference
The Young Adult Ministry Jam Conference will be held at Austin Presbyterian Seminary, May 27-30, 2009. GA Moderator Bruce Reyes-Chow and Carol Howard Merit, author of Tribal Church, will be featured speakers.
For more information, click here. From the Office of Vocation
Emotional Intelligence is important for healthy and effective ministry. Roy Oswald, Executive Director of the Center for EQ-HR Skills and Senior Consultant with the Alban Institute for 31 years, presents a series of educational events on this topic. For more information, click here.
Elderhostel Experiences at Montreat
Elderhostel programs are offered at Montreat from early spring until December each year.
Elderhostel participants come to Montreat Conference Center from every walk of life to learn together, to exchange ideas, and to explore the world. From politics to poetry, fitness to mountain folklore, the Elderhostel program at Montreat touches on topics and activities that open minds and enrich lives. Learn more at www.elderhostel.org Type "Montreat" in the search field to bring up current programming.
Casa Del Sol Retreat Schedule for 2009
Check out the offerings at Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu, New Mexico by clicking here. |
| We Want Your News! |
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The purpose of this newsletter is to provide you with the information and support you need to keep in touch and connected with your fellow Presbyterians in East Tennessee. This monthly publication features news and events from around the presbytery, resources to assist you in your ministry, and devotionals authored by our members.
We invite you to share your news with us! All articles and news items must be submitted by the 20th of the month prior to publication. Send your information to Dana Hendrix, preferably in electronic format. Her e-mail address is Dana@presbyteryeasttn.org. |
| Spread the News! |
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| Don't keep the good news of our presbytery to yourself! You can easily forward this newsletter to others (friends, family, church members, etc.) by using the convenient "Forward email" link at the bottom of this newsletter. To help them get on the list to receive our newsletter directly every month, you can tell them to go to our website -- www.presbyteryeasttn.org -- where we have a sign up button right in the middle of our home page. We appreciate your help! | |
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| Leaders Academy Fosters Fellowship and Learning |
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By Carl Schlich, Interim Executive Presbyter
 More than 40 saints of the Presbytery gathered for fellowship and learning in this academy planned and administered by the Small Church Ministry Group of Equip Mission Team. Following a period of fellowship and morning prayer, four workshops were offered: Polity 101; Spiritual Gifts, Personalities, and the Ministry of the Church; Marketing the Church and Keeping Them in the Loop, a workshop about intra-church communication. Carl Schlich, Jason Haas, Donna Hoppestad, and Mike Chamberlain were facilitators. The participants included not only elders, but many members of congregations who want to develop their ability for leadership and "follow-ship" in their church. Among their comments:
"Great Things! I am going back to my church with excitement to share what I have learned"
"It was more than I expected."
"Greater understanding of what it means to be a Presbyterian."
"More insight, deeper understanding, lots of good ideas."
"Great information and good experience."
"Really enjoyed the peer interaction..."
These events are "ya'll come" opportunities. Everyone, from all churches of all sizes, are not only invited, but urged to participate.
Congratulations to the planning team..., you did a great job. And, Highland Presbyterian Church... thank you for your gracious hospitality. And, lunch of soup and salad was exactly right. Words are not enough to say thank you.
The next opportunity will be April 25, 2009 at Powell Presbyterian Church. More information will be circulated as soon as details are complete. But, be sure to put the date on your calendar. It will be another valuable experience for you and other leaders in your congregation.
Possible topics include Treasurer Training, Stated Clerk Training, Worship Leadership, Outreach, and others as well as some repeats of past workshops. There will be something for you.
If you and your congregation would like to host this Academy, please let Lina Hart, Laura Tappan or Carl Schlich know. It is good for it to move around the Presbytery, not only for convenience of the participants, but also so that they can see what other churches are like.
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| GA Vice-Moderator Visits PET, March 2 & 3 |
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 The Rev. Byron Wade, Vice-Moderator of the General Assembly, will visit the Presbytery on March 2 and 3. All are invited to participate in the following public events:
Monday, March 2
7:00pm - Forum/discussion time at New Providence Presbyterian Church, 703 West Broadway, Maryville, TN
Tuesday, March 3
11:30am - Lunch at Maryville College Proffitt Dining Hall, Pearsons. Bring your own lunch or go through the line for $7.35. Maryville College is located at 502 E. Lamar Alexander Pkwy., Maryville, TN.
1:15pm - Rev. Wade will preach at the weekly Chapel Service, Maryville College Center for Campus Ministry
6:15pm - Rev. Wade will speak at a Bible Study hosted by Fourth United Presbyterian Church, 1323 Broadway, Knoxville, TN |
| PET Meeting Highlights |
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 The Presbytery of East Tennessee held its Ninety-Eighth Stated Meeting on Saturday, February 7, 2009 at Farragut Presbyterian Church. To read highlights of the actions taken at the meeting, click here.
The next Stated Meeting of the Presbytery will be held on Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at Maryville College. |
| Hunger Action! |
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Cents-Ability Offerings at Work in 2009
 Roane County Cooperative Ministries, Kingston ($1,000 grant)
R.C.C.M.'s Garden Project enables forty families to obtain seeds, plants, and fertilizer to grow food in their own gardens. Surplus produce is shared with family and neighbors. www.bethelpcusa.org/mnrnc04.html
Chattanooga Area Food Bank's Sack Pack Program ($1,000 grant)
On Friday afternoons, bags of nutritious, kid-friendly food are placed discreetly in the backpacks of school children who face hunger issues over the weekend. www.chattfoodbank.org
For more information about the Presbytery's Hunger Program and the Cents-Ability offering, please contact Deborah Phillips, Hunger Action Enabler, at Deborah@presbyteryeasttn.org.
"For I was hungry and you gave me food." Matthew 25:35 |
| The Big Tent Event |
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Peacemakers Are Invited into the Big Tent
 The Presbytery Peacemaking Committee encourages East Tennessee Presbyterians to attend the 2009 Peacemaking Conference in nearby Atlanta, June 11-13, at the Hyatt Regency. Scholarships are available for persons attending a peacemaking conference for the first time.
What do you have to do?
1. Get information and register on line at www.pcusa.org/bigtent/ before March 9th for the discount rate of $285.
2. Make your own plans for housing and transportation. Maybe you can stay with family and friends in Atlanta.
3. Contact Caroline Best, moderator of the Presbytery Peacemaking Committee to request a scholarship. broady307@hotmail.com, cell phone: 865-414-1066
4. Check to see if your congregation's peacemaking offering funds are available to send you to the Big Tent.
At the Downtown Atlanta Hyatt, June 11 - 13, 2009, ten General Assembly Groups and Committees will be offering training workshops at the Big Tent, including:
New Immigrants Ministries Convocation
National Multicultural Church Conference
National Elders Conference
Committee on Preparation for Ministry/Committee on Ministry/ Seminary Healthy Ministry Conference
Racial Ethnic Convocation
Stewardship Conference
Communicators Network
Peacemaking Conference
PHEWA Social Justice Biennial Conference
Evangelism and Church Growth Conference
If you are an elder, pastor, educator, &/or person interested in New Church Development, peacemaking, social justice issues, improving communications, concerned for health ministries, want to learn more about multicultural/racial ethnic/immigrant ministries or just want to connect with Presbyterians from around the world - in our own back yard... consider participating in this phenomenal event. For more information go online at http://www.pcusa.org/bigtent/
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| Inspirational Kids' Column |
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Birthday Gifts for Children in Need
 Regan Bell, who attends First Presbyterian Church in LaFollette, asked for gifts for others instead of herself to celebrate her 10th birthday. Since her seventh birthday, Regan has collected batteries for Children's Hospital, Wal-Mart debit cards and CD players for abused children, and baby supplies for Food Life Services. Regan is pictured here with Patty Robinson, a volunteer at Food Life Services of Campbell County.
Do you know of a youth in the Presbytery whose service to others is inspiring? Please email Deborah@presbyteryeasttn.org with information and a picture, along with permission of a parent.
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| New Vision News |
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WHEN SOMEONE VISITS YOUR CHURCH,
DOES IT REALLY SAY WELCOME?
In today's world, many people are in search of a welcoming place, someplace where they can find comfort, peace, and hope. Many studies over the years have shown that church attendance and participation increase in down economic times. It is more important than ever to think about the importance of how our churches welcome these "searchers" as we strive to be faithful to the Great Commission in these difficult times.
"How to Be A Welcoming Congregation" will help your congregation understand how to be welcoming without being overbearing. "How to Be A Welcoming Congregation" is a seminar available free of charge to PET churches. If you'd like to set up a seminar for your congregation or committee, or would like additional information, please email Donna Hoppestad at 2008newvision@gmail.com.
Other seminars and consultations are available, so if you have a specific need, please ask!
BILLBOARDS ARE RETURNING!
Be on the lookout for our new billboards, going up around PET beginning March 15. These new boards will be up for a minimum of 30 days. If you have any comments or suggestions, please let Donna know.
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| News and Events Around the Presbytery |
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Equip Gives a Hand to Madisonville's Puppet Ministry
In August 2008, on Rally Day, the middle school youth at Madisonville Presbyterian Church used puppets borrowed from St. Paul's UMC in Etowah, TN to perform during worship for Children's Moments. The reception from the children, OF ALL AGES, was overwhelming and a new ministry was born. The church submitted a grant proposal to the New Vision Committee of the Presbytery's Equip Mission Team for funds to support this endeavor. With a grant of $1000, along with some generous donations from church members, they were able to purchase a starter set of six puppets, CDs, DVDs for training, skits, two curtain frames and curtains, and a portable sound system.
The puppet ministry's first performance was at the church's family night supper, followed by an invitation from First UMC of Madisonville to perform at their family night supper. They have plans to perform at Easter time, for their Earth Day Event, and at the East Tennessee Health Care nursing home in Madisonville.
To read more about Madisonville's efforts to bring the Gospel to their community through puppetry, click here. 
Christian Singer/Songwriter Andrew Peterson
Lake Hills Presbyterian Church, Knoxville, is hosting a dinner and concert by Andrew Peterson on Sunday, March 8. Peterson is a Christian singer/songwriter who has recently received national acclaim with his latest album titled "Resurrection Letters Volume II." Tickets for the dinner and concert are $25 each; tickets for just the concert (advance purchase only) are $10. For more information, click here.
Middle Area Events During Lent
Lenten Worship & Luncheon at Farner Presbyterian Church, 138 Underwood Dr., Farner, TN.
Wednesdays during Lent: March 4, 11, 18, 25, and April 1. Meditation from 12:00 until 12:20 PM followed by a light luncheon.
Maundy Thursday Communion Service at Center Presbyterian Church, 6265 Highway 360, Tellico Plains - April 9, 7:00 PM.
Good Friday Service of Tenebrae at Epperson Presbyterian Church, 650 Epperson Road, Tellico Plains - April 10, 7:00 PM.
Congregations both inside and outside the Middle Area of the Presbytery are invited.
Congolese Dinner and Presentation
 First Presbyterian Church, Sweetwater will be hosting a dinner and visitation of the personnel from the Congo on Friday, March 13 beginning with a special Congolese meal (6 PM) followed by a presentation (7 PM). The Medical Benevolence Foundation (www.MBFoundation.org) is sponsoring two men from the Presbyterian Church in Congo to visit churches across America this spring. They will share how Presbyterian support from America has been fruitful in a large teaching medical center, staffed by dedicated Congolese Christians.
Please call the church at 423-337-7284 to give them an idea of how many will be attending so they can plan for the food. The meal is free although love offerings will be accepted.
Maryville College Summer Institute
The schedule of courses for Maryville College's 2009 Summer Institute have been announced, and registration is now open to college students wishing to get ahead or catch up on coursework and to other adults who want to explore new fields of study.
The Summer Institute spans five sessions, with classes in sessions one, three and five getting underway May 26. Classes in session two begin June 16, while classes in session four begin June 30. Sessions last between three and 11 weeks. Instructors are Maryville College's full-time faculty members.
Approximately 40 different for-credit courses are offered through the Summer Institute, although students may sign up for audit. Disciplines of study represented in the institute range from art to history, economics to world culture, education to psychology, literature to outdoor recreation.
Complete schedules, course descriptions, class times and application information are all available on the College's website, www.maryvillecollege.edu. Fees are $280 per credit hour.
Morgan Scott Project News
The Morgan-Scott Project helps the poor, elderly and disabled in Morgan and Scott counties. Among their accomplishments in 2008:
**33 low income adults were provided support services and some tuition to attend vocational school and 26 finished their training and are now employed at jobs that pay a living wage.
**$39,154 was spent to help pay utilitiy bills, rent, medication co-pays, and gas for people to get to and from work and school.
**12 work groups worked on 26 homes.
**Morgan-Scott partnered with the Unicorn Fund and the Salvation Army to give Christmas gifts to 2,410 children.
In 2009, the Morgan-Scott Project has opened the Scott County Homeless Shelter. To read more about their activities and needs for this year, click here.
Smoky Mountain Mission Workers Needed
 In the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains there is a place where lives are being changed, hope's rays are illuminating those who are struggling, young and old mission workers alike are finding blessings as they repair homes for those who need improved shelter, and church teams are finding a closer walk with God in faith and good works. This place is an historical Presbyterian Mission called Sunset Gap Community Center. At Sunset Gap the ministry impacting the lives of the people of Appalachia perhaps more than any other in years is The Work-Camp Ministry. Sunset Gap is located on the Cocke and Sevier County line in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee. Demand for help has far outstripped the number of workers available to meet the need.
You may email the center and we will contact you to set up your mission trip of a lifetime. We also provide facilities for planning retreats, confirmation class retreats and other gatherings after the summer work camp season. Visit the website at www.sunsetgap.org and email info@sunsetgap.org. To read more about these opportunities, click here.
Loaves & Fishes 2010 Update
 April 16 & 17, 2010
Sequoyah Hills PC, Knoxville
GA Moderator Bruce Reyes-Chow has accepted our invitation to L&F 2010 to be the Keynote Speaker and the Rev. Rhashell D. Hunter, GA's Director of Racial Ethnic and Women's Ministries, has agreed to be our Keynote Preacher.
Rev. Chip Andrus will serve as our worship/music leader for the event.
Cheryl Child, Lake Hills PC, is serving as the Chair of the L&F 2010 Planning Team. The Team will need about 8 - 12 members.
There will need to be a Local Arrangements Committee (perhaps at least 12 churches) in Knoxville made up of representatives of area churches who can plan & implement arrangements like - food, hospitality, parking, hotels, room set up, etc.
Any interest in serving on these L&F teams &/or workshop ideas can be sent to Cheryl Child (cherylchild@gmail.com) or Lina Hart (Lina@presbyteryeasttn.org) |
| Youth News |
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PC(USA) and YouthWorks have partnered together to bring summer mission trips to Louisville, KY for your youth group!
Serve alongside other Presbyterian youth and youth leaders at organizations that work with the homeless, children and the elderly. Evenings are designed to give participants insight into the lives of local residents and the culture of the area. Your group will also spend time at the national headquarters of the PC(USA) learning how missions is done locally, nationally and globally.
Limited Space Available - Sign Up Today! For more information, click here.
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| Quick Links |
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PET Website
Position openings and items available around the presbytery
Mission Team Blogs:
The Tool Box - Equip
Updated!!! Resources for ministry, conference announcements, grant application forms, etc.
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