By Bri Payne, Executive Director of the John Knox Center

There are few memories quite as vivid as those lodged in the Advent seasons of my childhood. The pipe cleaner halos of the annual Christmas play, reading of Luke chapter 2, and singing "Silent Night" in the golden glow of seemingly hundreds of short white taper candles with circular paper skirts, all remind me of the generosity of an overworked inn keeper, fear of an unwed mother, and the frailty of the newborn Christ child. I remember Christmas dinners with family gathered and warm delicious smells filling the house during hours of anxious anticipation. The meal, fellowship, and laughs around the table will forever be part of the frame of reference through which I see each new Advent season. This year my idea of generosity and family were give new faces and new meaning as I saw the generosity of perfect strangers inspire others to reach out to those most had forgot and the fellowship around a table transform an unlikely group of people, in an unlikely place into family.

Farner Presbyterian Church

As the call to provide meals to the John Knox Center Trustee workforce went out throughout our churches, the Presbyterian Women of Farner Presbyterian Church had a very specific meal in mind. Recognizing that the inmates from the Morgan County Correctional Facility, that are providing much of the needed labor to renovate our cabins and lodge, may not have had a Christmas dinner surrounded by their families in years, these women selflessly gave to ensure this year these inmates would not be forgotten and in doing so unknowingly sparked the generosity in many others hours away from their country church. Generosity that will forever be part of the Christmas memories of me, my staff, 13 inmates and guard who sat around a table a cold dreary day in December and ate as family.

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Learning to Be the Best Preacher You Can Be!

with Dr. William J. Carl III, President of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary

February 11, 2011
8:30am - 1:30pm
Second Presbyterian Church, 2829 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN

Pre-registration required for $5.00 lunch (pay upon arrival). 
Please pre-register by Feb. 4.

Online registration with schedule

More about Dr. Carl

Another opportunity to hear Dr. Carl is at the 2011 Joe Gammon Seminar on Thursday, Feb. 10 at the Thompson Cancer Survival Center.  Space is limited - see brochure for registration information. 

2011 Joe Gammon Seminar brochure

Description of seminar topics

Academy for Missional Preaching

The Academy for Missional Preaching is a two-year program offered by the Office of Theology and Worship of the General Assembly Mission Council.  The Academy is for a small group of pastors who will work with a preaching coach and theologians to reflect upon the purpose and practice of preaching in the various contexts in which the church finds itself today. The goal is to improve preaching so that the church is excited about reaching out to others with the gospel in all sorts of ways and inviting others to come learn more with the church.

http://gamc.pcusa.org/ministries/missionalpreaching/

Tax Tips Webinar for Ministers and Churches

If you missed the Tax Tips Webinar for Ministers and Churches when it was conducted live on January 5, or if you simply wish to review what you learned the first time around, you can now visit the Tax Resource Center on Pensions.org for access to the recorded Webinar. The replay is available in two formats: an audiovisual presentation and an audio-only MP3 file.

In this Webinar, clergy and church tax expert Richard R. Hammar, J.D., LL.M., CPA and Board of Pensions education specialist Steven Fleming provide tax-related insights specific to ministers and churches. Their informative discussions include topics such as:

� recent tax law changes that affect ministers and churches

� the expenses that are deductible and those that are not

� common clergy housing allowance issues

When you visit the online Tax Resource Center, refer to the Tax Tips Webinar section on the right-hand side for access to the replay. And check back in mid-February for the Tax Guide for Ministers & Churches for the 2010 tax year, which will include end-of-2010 tax code changes.

The information provided in the above-described resource is not intended as a substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice that you may require while preparing your tax returns.

Wendel Werner in Concert at the Presbyterian Center!

When: Sunday, March 6th at 6pm
Where: Presbyterian Center
Who: Students and Friends of the Presbyterian Center (a.k.a. anyone who thinks the PC is a great place!)
Why: Fellowship and a rockin' good time!

**If you plan on attending this event please RSVP to pcutk@utk.edu so we can make sure there is enough space. If it looks like space will be tight we will try to move the concert to a larger venue on campus.

Benefit for the Ministry at the Presbyterian Center

Be a "Fool" for the Presbyterian Center

What: A benefit to support the ministry of the Presbyterian Center to college students at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
When: Friday, April 1 "April Fools Day" at 7pm.
Where: Remedy Coffee in the Old City

There will be live music, a silent auction, heavy hors d'oeuvres, coffee, drinks, dancing, a dessert auction, and so much more!

Mark your calendars for April 1! More information to come!

The Presbyterian Center UTK needs YOUR help!

 

We are in need of items for the silent auction at the Benefit for the Presbyterian Center.

If you have an item or a service that you can donate we would appreciate your generosity!

Some ideas for items to be donated include:

- Tickets to a sporting event or concert

- Donated services such as a salon service, yard work, child care, house cleaning, handy work, computer repair

- Tickets to attractions such as the Knoxville Zoo, Dollywood, The Children's Museum in Oakridge or Chattanooga, aquariums,

- Items such as jewelry, clothing, baskets filled with interesting items

- Food items

- Use of vacation homes or time shares

**All donated items will be tax deductible!

If you have an item to donate, please contact Kally Elliott or Sarah Cassell at pcutk@utk.edu or 865-525-7475.

Seeds and Cents-Ability

Faithfulness to our Presbytery's Cents-Ability offering by a substantial number of congregations continues to make possible grants to garden projects and food pantries in East Tennessee and beyond.

February grants:

$1,000 grant to Roane County Cooperative Ministries (of which Bethel Presbyterian is a part).  Since 1991, the Presbytery's Hunger Program has given a grant to support the efforts of 40 low-income Roane County residents to grow their own food.

$1,000 grant to Morgan Scott Project's Good Earth Garden Program
This grant will help with the purchase of seeds, vegetable plants, and fertilizer, which will be distributed to low-income families in Morgan and Scott Counties for home gardens.

Last spring, Morgan Scott Project's Good Earth Garden Program provided potato seeds, onion sets, vegetables seeds, cabbage, tomato and pepper plants, and fertilizer to 405 low income families to grow their own food. Many preserve a good deal of their harvest to help them get through the winter months. Support for this important project may be sent to Morgan-Scott Project, P.O. Box 8, Deer Lodge, TN 37726. Please write in the memo section "Good Earth Garden Program." If you would like to send seeds, please do so by April 1st. Distribution day will be on April 9th.

Purchasing Eco-Palms for Palm Sunday: Social and Environmental Justice in Action!

To learn more or place an order, please go to: http://gamc.pcusa.org/ministries/enough/eco-palms/

Deborah Phillips
Hunger Action Enabler
Presbytery of East Tennessee

"Do justice, love kindness, walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8

Project Unfinished - Feb. 25-27

 

Join us for a weekend of doing anything to just doing nothing!  Bring those unfinished projects you never seem to have time to do.  In 2010, we had knitting, scrapbooking, card making, crocheting, sewing and quilting. Cost: $110 per person.
 

Project Unfinished flyer
 

2011 Summer Camp

Come be a part of an amazing summer!

Camp John Knox has exciting sessions for all age groups... from themed day camps to adventure camps!  There is always something fun to do at CJK, with miles of shoreline there is skiing, canoeing, swimming, giant slides, and NEW! kayaking!  On land you can enjoy many activities such as crafts, archery, disc golf, games, nature center, and more!  Go online for more information & the camp calendar.

Order by April 15 for Bulk Discount

Individuals and churches may order the 2011-12 Presbyterian Planning Calendar through the Presbytery Office.  By combining many smaller orders, we can offer a reduced bulk rate of $6.85 per calendar as opposed to the regular calendar price of $10.75 plus shipping from Presbyterian Distribution Service.  Please click on the link to the order form below and mail it to the Presbytery office with payment.  Order forms must be in the Presbytery office by Friday, April 15 to be included in the bulk order.

Presbyterian Planning Calendar order form

The calendars will be delivered to the Presbytery office sometime in May and MUST BE PICKED UP THERE.  If you have any questions, please contact Dana Hendrix in the Presbytery office, 865-688-5581 / 800-542-4246 (TN only) / dana@presbyteryeasttn.org

Attn: Clerks of Session - Church Statistical Reports Due Feb. 23
  

Annual Church Statistical Reports must be submitted online by Wednesday, February 23 at http://ogasys2.pcusa.org.  Contact Dana Hendrix in the Presbytery office if you have questions or need assistance - 865-688-5581 / 800-542-4246 (TN only) / dana@presbyteryeasttn.org

 

Sweets and Sounds of K-town Benefit Concert at 4th United

 

WHAT: Sweets and Sounds of K-town, benefit concert for Casa de Sara
WHERE: 4th United Presbyterian Church at 1323 N. Broadway Knoxville, 37917
WHEN: Sunday February 27, 2011 at 2:00 pm
WHO: Bill Synder, Wendel Werner, Liz Peterson, Maggie Longmire and Don Cassell
COST: $10.00 for concert and dessert

Enjoy an eclectic mix of music as local artists gather to entertain guests with jazz, bluegrass, and classical tunes. After the concert delight your taste buds with a delicious dessert and gourmet coffee provided by Sweets CeCe's while you mingle with the artists. The concert will benefit Casa de Sara, a non-profit organization founded by a Knoxville woman ten years ago. The grassroots organization has a school, scholarship programs, and health care programs in Bolivia. The US based volunteer organization has served thousands through the years. All of the concert proceeds will specifically benefit Casa de Sara's school in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, which educates 60 children living in extreme poverty. For ticket information you can call Casa de Sara at 865-690-3323 or visit
Sweetsandsoundsofktown.eventbrite.com. We hope to see you there!

Concert poster

School of the Laity - March 5 & 26 at Maryville College

Register now for PET's School of the Laity spring semester. This second course will be on the New Testament and will be taught by Maryville College professors.  Formation & Background of the New Testament and Pauline Epistles will be taught by Bill Meyer and Gospels & Historical Jesus will be taught by Andrew Irvine. Classes will be held at Maryville College on March 5 & 26, from 9am to 3pm.  The cost is $65 and includes lunch on both days.

Course information and registration

Confirmation Retreat @ John Knox Center

Friday and Saturday, April 8 & 9

FOR? Confirmation classes of any size churches along with your Pastor, Youth Leaders &/ or Parents

Why go? Learn more about the church beyond your neighborhood. Get to know other Youth going through confirmation. Expand on what you're learning at your home church. Have fun at John Knox Center!

What's happening? Games, Food, Music, Ropes Course, (see your pastor soar on the Squirrel Run?!) Worship, Q&A, Small Groups, New Friends.... and more.

How? Registration will be $45/ person and flier information will be out soon.

For More Information Contact:  Miki Vanderbilt - mikiv@bellsouth.net / 865-690-5333 or Laura Tappan - Laura@presbyteryeasttn.org / 865-688-5581/ 1-800-542-4246.

Being Spiritual in a CrazyBusy World  

Montreat Conference Center, May 29 - June 1

How do we pause in the midst of a fast-paced life to reconnect with our Creator? Are we as "crazybusy" as the world around us... or, in this sweeping examination of the challenges we face, will we find a source of stillness and peace?

You're invited to join keynote speaker Donald Miller, along with a slate of outstanding preachers and theologians, to take part in this spiritual journey that will give you fresh energy and creative vision for God's future.

Learn more and register for the Signature Conference.

Fountain City and Fairmont connecting in mission

By Laura Tappan

The wheerchair ramp construction crew from Fountain City and Fairmont churches

Members of Fountain City Presbyterian's Katrina Mission work crew have recently found a way to put their skills to good use here in the Knoxville area. Along with members of Fairmont Presbyterian, they recently worked to build a wheelchair ramp for Dalinda Mills, wife of Fairmont's pastor, Mike Mills. The group had to first tear out the existing front steps, along with shrubbery, before building the ramp. The Lord has provided this opportunity for two of our churches to work and share together in fellowship and mission, and we look forward to future opportunities to serve in mission with our brothers and sisters in Christ. 

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, dana@presbyteryeasttn.org.