At its 106th Stated Meeting on Saturday, February 26, the Presbytery of East Tennessee considered many items, including the actions taken by the 219th General Assembly.  For a summary of the actions taken at this meeting, click HERE.

A grateful homeowner with the installation team from Fountain City Presbyterian Church.

Over the past 6 months or so, four of the churches in the Presbytery of East Tennessee have been major contributors to the success of the Living Waters for the World ministry in the hills of Appalachia. Teams from Erin Presbyterian, Fountain City Presbyterian, and West Emory Presbyterian have done new well installation, water sampling, systems designs and systems installations for families in the Tazewell community here in East Tennessee as part of a larger effort by the LWW Appalachian Network to bring clean water to some 40 families in Claiborne County, Tennessee who have had no access to public water supplies. Each of these teams have experienced the joy of helping their neighbors finally have running, clean water in their homes, many times for the first time in their lives.

In addition, the First Presbyterian Church of Oak Ridge has been helping to maintain existing systems for 15 families in the Greeneville area of East Tennessee, doing sampling and making repairs on units installed several years ago in that flood-impacted region of the Smoky Mountains. This effort is critical to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the LWW units in our partner families' homes.

Our Presbytery congregations should be very proud of our efforts in helping Living Waters succeed in making a difference in the lives of so many right here in our backyard. If your church might be interesting in joining this ministry, please contact Tim Myrick of the LWW Appalachian Network (865-945-1275)

Praise be to God and Let the Clean Water Flow!

Friday and Saturday, April 8 & 9 @ John Knox Center

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.

Presented by the Small Church Ministry Group and John Knox Center

Information and online registration

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

Rice and Beans

Every once in awhile, a successful series has a spin-off. It has not only a familiar beloved character (pinto beans), but also one or more new characters added to the mix for a new winning combination. Let me introduce you to the Pinto Bean Project's spin-off: Rice and Beans.

The Pinto Bean Project was very successful. Its original goal was to be able to purchase 50 fifty pound bags of dried pinto beans and get them to food pantries at the Morgan-Scott Project, the Chattanooga Community Kitchen, and places in between. In the end, over 100 fifty pound bags made a difference in the effort to feed the hungry in our region. Now it's time for this hoped for nutritious combination of rice and beans, which will also be an answer to prayer for many of those struggling for daily bread in East Tennessee.

Every donation of $20 will allow me to purchase wholesale 45 lbs. of rice and beans (a 25 lbs. bag of rice and a 20 lbs. bag of pinto beans). If you would like to support this hunger initiative, please send contributions to The Presbytery of East Tennessee, P.O. Box 5436, Knoxville, TN 37928-0436. Memo section: Rice and Beans.

Cents-Ability in 2011

Cents-Ability continues to be a vital part of our Presbytery's mission and outreach. Many of our congregations receive the Cents-Ability offering once a month or once a quarter and then send three quarters of the offering to the Presbytery's Hunger Program, while reserving one quarter for local hunger outreach.

Roane County Cooperative Ministries' Garden Program ($1,000 grant)

Morgan Scott Project's Good Earth Garden Project ($1,000 grant)

New grants to food pantries this month:

Claiborne Hunger Ministries ($500 grant)

Fountain City Ministry Center ($500 grant)

"If you pour yourselves out for the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness..." Isaiah 58:10

Deborah Phillips
Hunger Action Enabler
Deborah@presbyteryeasttn.org

Keep up with the Building Project at John Knox Center!

Click on the link below to see up-to-date photos of the progress. This album is updated regularly so check back often. You can also find a link on the John Knox Center home page at www.johnknoxcenter.org.

https://picasaweb.google.com/RGM40engr

Coming to Sew but Getting So Much More

By Nancy Carman

As soon as the holidays are over, I start looking forward to going to the John Knox Center to attend Sewing on the River, the sewing retreatrun by the JKC staff. The four day long event gives me time to relax and work on quilting projects tucked away in my "to do" box but is also a time where I reconnect with old friends and enjoy the fellowship with other women. To me, it also means going home to an incredible place where many happy memories were made.

Nancy Carman at Sewing on the River

For 31 years my husband, Lewis, worked at John Knox, and for 27 of those years we lived onsite, taking care of the property, greeting groups, and being a part of the ministry there. In my years of summer campers and family camp weekends I would have never imagined a group of 35 women would come to camp, in January, to spend a week sewing. And they absolutely love it!! It is a reminder that this ministry extends far beyond the summer months and isn't just a benefit for children. The group of Sewing on the River ladies are such a warm friendly group, it would make you want to spend the week with then even if you didn't sew or quilt. You wouldn't believe the talent in the group and they will gladly share and help you out with their expert knowledge. The quilts they put together at the retreat are beautiful.

Participants made heart pillows for breast cancer surgery patients.

But it isn't just about the projects we work on for our families. Each year we bring fabric and make heart pillows for breast cancer surgery patients - many in the group are breast cancer survivors themselves. This year we made 117 pillows in four days with fabric we provided and stuffing the JKC staff got donated from the Foam Rubber & Fabric Outlet in Knoxville. Those pillows were delivered to the Thompson Cancer Survivor Center in Knoxville a few days later.

We all come to sew, but we get so much more. From the moment we are welcomed by the warm hospitality of Bri, Barbara & the entire JKC staff we are given a comfortable place to share and fellowship. The JKC staff goes out of their way and they make sure everyone feels special! The entire experience is wonderful; great food, warm fire in the fireplaces and the opportunity to get away and retreat in such a beautiful place where all our needs are taken care of.

Whether you are interested in planning your own sewing retreat, family camp, Session retreat, or attending one of the JKC programmed events, you won't find a more beautiful hospitable place than John Knox Center.

Feasting on the Word Curriculum: Teaching the Revised Common Lectionary

Based on the Feasting on the Word: Preaching the Revised Common Lectionary commentary series, this curriculum will be a new year-long, lectionary based, downloadable, ecumenical curriculum for children, youth, young adults, and adults beginning in Fall 2011. The curriculum adapts the commentary approach to study one of the lectionary passages each week. Writers and editors of the passages come from a variety of mainline Protestant denominations from across the country.

Top reasons to try Feasting on the Word Curriculum:

• provides intentional connections between education and worship
• begins with solid Scripture and theological base for leaders
• invites leaders and learners deeper into the rhythm of the church year
• starts from a common Bible passage for all ages
• promotes lifelong spiritual formation 

Wendel Werner in concert at the Presbyterian Center!

When: 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.

"Be a Fool For the Presbyterian Center"

a benefit for the Presbyterian campus ministry at UT Knoxville

When: April 1 at 7pm

Where: Remedy Coffee in the Old City

What: hors d'oeuvres, beer, wine, a fabulous silent auction and a sumptuous dessert auction, live music, friends, First Friday in downtown, entertainment, and a rocking good time!

And last, but not least, WHY?

1. Because the Presbyterian Center is YOUR campus ministry, YOUR college group, YOUR church's outreach to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. These are the kids you baptized when they were infants and promised to nurture and teach about God's love. Help us to raise money for this important ministry of the Presbytery of East Tennessee.

2. Because in years past, this fundraiser has been a BLAST!! Friends from all the over the presbytery attend. There is no church business talk, just good times, smiles, and friendships renewed.

3. Because God would want you to come ;).

Tickets are $30/person or $50/couple. You can purchase tickets by calling 525-7475 or emailing Kally at pcutk@utk.edu.

See you at Remedy Coffee on April 1st at 7pm!

Rev. Kally Elliott
Campus Minister
Presbyterian Center
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
1831 Melrose Ave.
Knoxville, TN 37916
work: (865)525-7475

Christianity is an active verb. We have had our faith in Christ and His devoted disciples strengthened during the last few months. Dalinda underwent a below knee amputation on Dec. 30. She is engaging in vigorous rehabilitation and her prospects look good for a prosthesis sometime in the next few months.

We are blessed by the great cloud of witnesses and active help we have received from our sisters and brothers in Christ. Members of Fairmont Church have been great to us! We have received food, financial assistance and loving prayers, visits and phone calls from our small family oriented congregation. We love Fairmont Church and its wonderful people!

Members of Fountain City Presbyterian Church - Bill Keeler, Tom and Tere McDonough, Tony Headrick; Glenn Crocker; Walt and Laura Tappan, and Joe Schnorr, along with Fairmont elders Eddie and Jean Stuart built a wheelchair ramp leading to our home to facilitate Dalinda's transportation during her confinement to her wheelchair. They all worked hard for several days in cold weather to accomplish this task. They also visited with us sharing words of encouragement. Especially to be thanked are Bill Keeler and Laura Tappan from the PET office who have called and visited our home.

We are glad to be Christian believers who are sustained by Christ and the loving ministry of those Presbyterians who are there for us. May God bless each of them. Our thanks for Fairmont, Fountain City and the Presbytery of East Tennessee. Your help will never be forgotten by us. God bless each one who has and is helping us!

The Rev. Michael and Dalinda Mills

Lake Hills Enrichment Speaker: Barbara Dooley

March 6, 2011

Barbara Dooley will be the Enrichment Speaker at Lake Hills Presbyterian Church, 3805 Maloney Road, Knoxville, TN, 37920 on Sunday, March 6.  Dinner, which is by reservation only, is at 6:00 with the speaking event to follow at 7:00. Cost for the dinner and speaking event is $25.00; speaker only is $10.00. Advance reservations for dinner need to be received by Wednesday, March 3. Reservations can be made by calling the church office at 865- 577-8510 or emailing the church at lakehillspres@gmail.com. Dinner will be catered by The Entertainer.

As mother of University of Tennessee football coach Derek Dooley and wife of former coach Vince Dooley, Barbara has many stories to tell that revolve around the world of football. However, football is not her only topic. Known for her outstanding sense of humor, Barbara keeps her audience engaged as she shares stories that not only make us laugh but also inspire us and even bring a tear to our eyes.

In her book Tribal Church Merritt "suggests a different way for churches to be able to approach young adults on their own terms. Outlining the financial, social, and familial situations that affect many young adults today, she describes how churches can provide a safe, supportive place for young adults to nurture relationships and foster spiritual growth. There are few places left in society that allow for real intergenerational connections to be made, yet these connections are vital for any church that seeks to reflect the fullness of the body of Christ. Using the metaphor of a tribe to describe the close bonds that form when people of all ages decide to walk together on their spiritual journeys, Merritt casts a vision of the church that embraces the gifts of all members while reaching out to those who might otherwise feel unwelcome or unneeded. Mainline churches have much to offer young adults, as well as much to learn from them. By breaking down artificial age barriers and building up intentional relationships, congregations can provide a space for all people to connect with God, each other, and the world." (from Amazon.com)

This visit by Merritt will include the address open to the public on Friday evening, March 18 at 7:30 pm and a seminar for church leaders on Saturday, March 19. Interested parties may make a reservation for the Saturday seminar on a space available basis by contacting Diane Stocker at 423.877.8527, ext 228. The seminar will be held in the Commons beginning at 9 am and will focus on three areas of discussion:

•  the changing landscapes of our culture and religious attitudes;
• examining the particular challenges of adults in their 20's and 30's'
• and lifting up stories of hope through churches who have responded to the challenge of these cultural shifts.

Reverend Merritt's books will be on sale at a reception/book signing to follow her Friday presentation. The event is sponsored by the Adult Education Committee, the Rivermont Bookstore and the Young Adult Ministry Committee.

Interested in starting a Stephen Ministry at your church?

Attend a Stephen Ministry Workshop on April 9 in Knoxville

Is your congregation committed to lay ministry and caring ministry? Would 10 trained caregivers make a difference at your church? On Saturday, April 9, Church of the Ascension in Knoxville will host a Stephen Ministry Workshop from 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., which will feature three sessions highlighting Stephen Ministry. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m., and refreshments will be served. Experience a sample of the training Stephen Ministers receive through two sessions, "Ministering to Those Experiencing Grief" and "How to Care in a Distinctively Christian Way." Learn why more than 10,000 congregations representing more than 150 Christian denominations use the Stephen Series for training and organizing laypeople to do one-to-one caring ministry.

The cost of this workshop is $15 per person or $50 for a group of four or more from the same congregation. Gather a group from your congregation to attend this informative workshop. For more information or to register for this half-day Stephen Ministry Workshop, call Stephen Ministries at (314) 428-2600, or register at online at www.stephenministry.org/workshop.

Announcing the Maryville College Presidential Inauguration

Fred Buechner at 84.

King College BuechnerFest 2011

May 25-29, 2011

Over a lifetime of spiritual reflection and storytelling, Frederick Buechner has become a significant resource for many of us.

Buechner's work has received national acclaim,  and his honesty in dealing with doubt and hope has gathered a grateful audience.

The Buechner Institute at King College was created to examine the intersections-and collisions-between faith and culture. Located between shrill sectarianism and abject secularism and honoring Fred Buechner's example, the Buechner Institute aims to cultivate a conversation that is both artful and substantial on issues of faith and culture.

With that mandate in mind, we are pleased to announce BuechnerFest, 25-29 May 2011.

Come back to college for a time of good books, good talk, and good fun. Read and discuss Buechner's work with members of the National Advisory Board of the Buechner Institute. The central texts for consideration will be Telling the Truth, Wishful Thinking, The Sacred Journey, Eyes of the Heart, and Godric. After these discussion groups centering on one of Buechner's books in the morning sessions, the afternoons will be dedicated to enjoying the special possibilities of this beautiful region.

The evenings will be given to fellowship, films, more discussions about our reading, and cultural opportunities.

Registration will be limited, so register today.

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.