borrowing library (see what we have available by using the online catalog), we are designing ways to network and share information through technology.  Educators are currently testing this... we'll make it available to others soon!  Meanwhile, check this Discipleship portal now available!

 

The offices of evangelism, educational ministries, and theology and worship, with the support of Congregational Ministries Publishing staff, created a discipleship web page to serve as a centralized-location to tools and ministries from a variety of locations throughout the Agency website. This "Discipleship is . . ." portal offers a definition to start the conversation and identifies three components in the process: 

http://presbyterianmission.org/ministries/discipleship 

with congregations seeking ways to frame their discipleship ministries.  

PET Resource Center

resourcePET@gmail.com 

634 Martel Road, Lenoir City, TN 37771

 

The Resource Center is located at First Presbyterian Church, Lenoir City.  It is available to everyone in the presbytery.

 

Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2014 - Saturday, Feb. 1, 2014

 

170 South Market Street
San Jose, California

Registration and information -  

Key event dates and details:

• ConnectED the 2014 Annual Event begins on Wednesday, January 29, with *Topic Forums, and concludes Saturday, February 1, 2014, with worship.
  (Includes four meals, four workshops, *Open Space, and panel)
• Pre- and post-event excursions, in-depth seminars, certification courses, and other event options begin Monday, January 27, through Saturday, February 1.
  (Various schedules and fees apply; explore the site for more information)  

Attention: Pre-Conference workshop for those serving smaller churches

This extended preconference workshop is designed for pastors, educators, and volunteers serving small churches of fewer than 100 worshipers. It is open to the first 50 registrants and you may register without attending the entire APCE conference. The cost for the preconference is $50.00 and you register through the APCE annual event registration.  More information

February 7-8, 2014         

Finding your iFaith (the journey) 

 

The 2014 PET Confirmation Retreat will be hosted by the Equip Mission Team and held at John Knox Center.  Watch for details! 

The excitement at Hope 808 the Campus Ministry at UTC has been continuing.  We celebrated Homecoming with a cookout and yard games.  We have been having a dinner and discussion group every Tuesday night.  We have also had a free lunch for the students every Tuesday where local churches provide food for us.  Thank you to New Hope, Northminster, Trinity, and Second Presbyterian for making delicious food for the students at UTC.  We also have been having our worship on Wednesday Nights.

 

Our new Coffee Shop "Fairly Decent Coffee" has been open for about a month now.  We are serving Presbyterian Coffee Project Fairly Traded coffee, espresso, cappuccino, and lattes.  To get word out about us and as a mission to the sleep deprived students of UTC we have been handing out free coffee and free homemade muffins on Monday and Wednesday mornings.

 

If your church has any students at UTC, please contact me with their names and information so we can invite them to some of our events. 

 

Thanks for supporting Hope 808,

 

Rev. Bob Hill
hibobm@gmail.com

I almost did not believe it this morning when I sat down to write a newsletter article and realized it would go in the November newsletter!  Where has the Fall gone?  As John Knox transitions from a busy fall season to a quieter winter season, we take a minute to think back on what has happened at camp this Fall.

  

*Our River Ridge Environmental Education program has welcomed more than 700 school children, along with their parents and teachers.  They have enjoyed time In God's creation, learning about science, nature, and team work in fun and innovative ways.  Our Environmental Education staff came to us this year from across the country including Colorado, Pennsylvania and Minnesota.   

  

*In September, Brian Alderman from Madisonville Presbyterian Church delivered a great message at our Family Picnic.  Two hundred people enjoyed a day of recreation and relaxation at John Knox, complete with good food and lots of fun program activities! Make plans to join us for this great event next year!   

  

*In the midst of all this programming, churches, scout troops and other guest groups have enjoyed retreats at John Knox.

  

While things may be a little quieter in the winter, we offer some great program opportunities.  In January, come and join us for Sewing on the River.  Bring your stash and half-finished projects to enjoy a week of fellowship around a sewing machine at John Knox.  Visit our website, johnknoxcenter.org for more information and to register for this event.

       

Camping for Christ,

Penny Laitos

Program Director

John Knox Center - Nurture. Renew. Inspire

It is with great sadness we share the news of the passing of our friend Tom Bradshaw, Elder, Madisonville Presbyterian Church, September 29, 2013. Tom served on the Outdoor Ministries Team and was instrumental in several of the renovation projects in recent years. One project Tom was passionate about was the food service/kitchen renovation. He recruited retired members of his congregation who could assist through the week to dismantle and move the entire contents of the Dining Hall kitchen, pantry, & food service office to allow for new flooring and painting. Two weeks later, Tom spearheaded an effort to put it all back together, working long hours to get the appliances, dishwasher, and everything else back in working order just in time to welcome a guest group.  Tom was an advocate of the prison ministry at John Knox and knew first hand the difference working at John Knox made in their lives and the benefit to the facility as he worked alongside inmates on several projects.  Tom's love of life, enthusiasm and energy were contagious and he encouraged us to see the endless potential for sharing Christ's love at John Knox Center.  Tom was a dear friend who will no doubt leave a void in his family, congregation, & community as has with us. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.

Peacemaker's visit made Syrian civil war real

 

The visit September 27 through October 3 of Syrians Rev. Butros Zaour (of the National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon, and pastor at Evangelical Church of Damascus) and his wife Waafa to many churches and other venues in our Presbytery was both inspiring and shocking.  Inspiring, because he impressed us with the Syrian Christians' determination to stay in place amidst such dangerous, challenging circumstances.  Shocking, because he impressed us with the expanding problem of so many displaced people and destruction of such beautiful historic sites.

 

The turmoil in Syria was brought home to us when Waafa learned that a young relative had been killed by a sniper. But the Zaours pressed on with their visits to several Presbyteries.  Asked why Christians still support the Assad regime, Rev. Zaour explained that President Assad had always recognized the rights of minorities like Christians, because he belongs to a minority Muslim sect, the Allawites.  The Evangelical Church continues to provide aid to all displaced people, not just Christians.

 

While here in East Tennessee, Rev. Zaour spoke to more than 700 people at seven different churches from Knoxville to Chattanooga; at the Presbyterian Women's Fall Retreat in Cleveland, TN; and at both a chapel service and "Current Global Issues" class at Maryville College. Because some churches invited other nearby churches, people from an additional seven churches in Chattanooga and 57 people from a Methodist church in Spring City also heard Rev. Zaour.  PET churches who hosted the Zaours were:  Bethel in Kingston; Erin; First -Knoxville; First -Spring City; New Hope - Chattanooga; New Providence in Maryville; and Westminster.  Guest housing was provided by Maryville College and Ann and Scott Brunger.

 

The Peacemaking Committee thanks all those who hosted the Zaours. We also appreciate your participation in the annual Peacemaking Offering, which makes possible such events as this.  If you'd like more info on Peacemaking, see the PC(USA) Peacemaking website, or call Donna Schall, 865-531-1788.

Fourth United Presbyterian Church (1323 North Broadway St., Knoxville) is hosting a benefit concert for  Casa de Sara on Sunday, Nov. 3 at 2:00p.m.  Tickets are $15 per person and children under 12 are free.  Tickets are available online.  For more information and to buy tickets by phone, call Casa de Sara 865-690-3323.  Event flyer

Eusebia All Saints Observance - Nov. 3  

 

On Nov. 3 members of historic (founded 1786) Eusebia Church (1701 Burnett Station Rd., Seymour) will underscore an often neglected but important phrase of the Apostles' Creed. "I believe in . . .the communion of saints" does not mean that Presbyterians pray to dead heroes of the faith, as in some traditions. Instead, the "saints" of the Church universal are the totality of the faithful presently in heaven, living Christians of every denomination today, and even those yet to be born. 

           

Youth and children at Eusebia have made rubbings of gravestones in the cemetery, which is older than the congregation itself.  Since "All Saints' Day," November 1, falls on a weekday in 2013, members have transferred their observance to the Sunday following. During the 10:45 a.m. service of Holy Communion the congregation will give thanks at the Lord's Table for six of their own "saints" who have entered heaven in 2013. One is their former pastor the Rev. Morgan (Buddy) Biggs.

 

Eusebia welcomes all who wish to join in the celebration. The church and cemetery are located on U.S. 411 halfway between Maryville and Seymour.  

 

Topics include:

• Workplace violence
• Active shooter
• Emergency Operations
• Emergency Planning for churches

Sponsored by Knox County Health Dept., American Red Cross - E TN Region, Knoxville Emergency Management Agency, and the Knoxville Police Department.

RSVP and further information: contact Cindy Lou Sovastion at cindylou.sovastion@knoxcounty.org   Event flyer

The New Opportunity School for Women at Maryville College

  

The New Opportunity School for Women (NOSW) is being established at Maryville College. The school is designed to improve the educational, financial and personal circumstances of low-income, under-educated, middle-aged women in the Appalachian region. The Women's Fund of East Tennessee, a fund of the East Tennessee Foundation, is providing financial support for the program.

   

 

Through a 21-day residential program and continuing support, women develop essential tools for advancing their education, gaining sustainable employment and rebuilding self-esteem. 

  

The program is open to residents of the following East Tennessee counties: Anderson, Blount, Bradley, Campbell, Carter, Claiborne, Cocke, Cumberland, Grainger, Greene, Hamblen, Hamilton, Hancock, Hawkins, Knox, Jefferson, Johnson, Loudon, McMinn, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Polk, Rhea, Roane, Scott, Sevier, Sullivan, Unicoi, Union and Washington.

 

To learn more about the NOSW program or attending the three-week program at Maryville College, please contact Linda Ueland at 865.981.8123.

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.