Register for Camp John Knox! 

 

Summer is almost here!

What makes summer at Camp John Knox so exceptional?

Everything!  From the games we play to the campfire songs, Camp John Knox gives campers a chance to expand their comfort zones and gain self-confidence and esteem.

Hiking, canoeing, swimming, arts & crafts, campfires, and hands on nature classes are just the beginning! Each day is packed with tons of activities. Give your child the opportunity to spend their days having a blast with new friends learning new skills and their evenings worshiping with the sun setting across the lake, singing praise songs around a campfire, and making thousands of memories.

For more than 50 years Camp John Knox has provided a safe, fun environment for campers to grow in faith, develop a positive self-image, and create friendships that last forever and this summer will be no different. Something for all ages! From Day Camps for our youngest to multi-adventure trips for older kids! With fun sessions for all ages in between! Register online and secure your spot!

 

Summer camp flyer 

Churches!  Want your congregation to hear more about summer camp? Let us know and we will come and visit your church. A director would love to visit for a Sunday morning or evening or a Wednesday evening program; just let us know when you want us to come!

 

Why do Kids Come to Camp?  

 

Last month, John Knox Center's Program Director, Penny Laitos, was interviewed for the Camps and Conferences edition of Presbyterians Today. She told the story of how camp has impacted her life and shares her passion for working with children, youth, and families in outdoor ministry. In the article, Penny shares, "I think I am the person I am today because of people who came along side me, supported me, encouraged me-and its remarkable how many of those people came from camps and conference centers."  

 

Camps are sacred spaces that have the power to change lives. At camp, children are accepted for who they are, encouraged to challenge themselves, and supported when they take safe risks. Camp is also a place where families and congregations gather together to strengthen relationships, experience times of fellowship, and have fun together. Many of you may have a story of how camp or other outdoor ministry experiences have impacted your life, shaped your faith or helped you discern God's call for you. If camp has impacted you, help us continue the amazing work of outdoor ministry by telling your story and telling others about John Knox.  

 

You can read more of Penny's story by following the link to the complete article.

There is a newly formed group of young adults, specifically those out of college (grad students are welcome), married or single, without kids, within the Presbytery. We are starting a Theology Pub that will kick off on Sunday, April 13 at 6pm at the Blackhorse Pub located at 4429 Kingston Pike in Knoxville. Please help to spread the word within your congregation. If possible, please have interested young adults RSVP by Wednesday, April 9. RSVP's and questions can be directed to Liz Key at lizkey1@gmail.com.

Founded in Brazil in 2004 by dancer Tiago Sousa and choreographer and Artistic Director Sonia Destri Lie, Companhia Urbana de Dança is an ensemble of street performers working to foster the human experience through dance.  More information

Annual Easter Sunrise Service

Sunday, April 20 at 6:30am  

   

Maryville College's annual Easter Sunrise Service will be held on Sun., April 20 at 6:30 a.m. on Lloyd Beach. The Rev. Dr. Anne D. McKee, campus minister, will deliver the sermon titled "Finding Grace, in Wilderness and Other Places."  Scripture for the sermon will be the Easter story, as well as Jeremiah 31:1-6.  Musicians will lead the music during the worship service, which is open to community members.

 

Lloyd Beach is located behind Lloyd Hall, on the southeastern end of the campus, and offers a spectacular view of the sun rising over the Chilhowee Mountains. The service is casual, and attendees who are not able to stand during the service are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets.

 

The Villamar�a Symposium at Maryville College: 

   

Saturday, April 26, 2014
8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Clayton Center for the Arts  

 

Speaker: Loida C. Vel�zquez, Ed. D. 

Villamaria at Maryville College is a new initiative aimed at improving and increasing access to Maryville College for Latino students from surrounding East Tennessee counties. The program seeks to build and strengthen relationships with the Latino community, including an increase in Latino student enrollment.

Register by April 19

One of the Lilly Endowment's 34 theological programs for high school youth, Horizons gives rising 10th, 11th and 12th graders an opportunity to explore their faith, plunge into service, build friendships and gain confidence - all with the end goal of preparing future leaders for the Church.

For more information contact:
Kathleen Farnham, Director of Church Relations
865-981-8217 kathleen.farnham@maryvillecollege.edu

Student Parking Available 

 

Do you know of any students coming to UT Knoxville in the fall who are in need of a parking space for their car?  If so, check out the parking spaces at the Presbyterian Campus Ministry before you buy a UT parking pass!  The Presbyterian Campus Ministry rents reserved parking spaces for $180/year.  There will be no driving all over campus to find an empty parking space if you rent from the PCM as you will have your very own reserved parking space!  Contact Laura Tappan or Kally Elliott for more information.  865-394-9242 or pcutk@utk.edu.

About 25 educators attended the special presbytery educator Winter Banquet  recently where denominational staff Candace Hill gave a full experiential curriculum workshop.  Thanks especially to Jonathan Warren and the Support Mission Team for the grant to make it possible.  Thank you also to Mars Hill Presbyterian for graciously provided the setting and helping host, Ginny Baker for hosting Candace's arrangements and provided book displays, Jean Davidson for promotion and name plates, and Connie Umbach for unveiling the new online educator forum where teacher training videos and the workshop handouts including curriculum are already posted. The online educator forum is intended to be a place to share resources, great ideas, best practices, curriculum that experienced educators have written, and other educator resources.  It becomes a more useful tool as more contribute e.g. share your VBS plans and offer reuse of props to others. Go to  wp.presbyteryeasttn.org  

 

Our next Presbytery Educator Gathering (P.E.G.) is Tuesday, April 29 at the presbytery resource center at Lenoir City's First Presbyterian (634 Martel Rd.), 11:00am to 1:00pm. Childcare will be provided by reservation with Connie Umbach (865 719-1104 or resourcepet@gmail.com ) Lunch is potluck.  Pastors, CREs, and educators (volunteers, part-time, or full time) are welcome.

April 3,4,5 at 7:00pm &
April 6 at 2:00pm
Erin Presbyterian Church
200 Lockett Road at Bearden Hill

When a show choir from rural Georgia competes with a troupe from
inner city Chicago for the only spot in the big finale show of the cruise,
the competition is anything but nice and anything but Christian!!

Join 17 talented kids from around the city for this original show written
in part by members of the cast and see what happens!! Bring the whole
family for a wonderful evening of great children's theatre!!

Tickets at the Door:
$10.00 Adults / $8.00 Senior & Students / $6.00 Preschoolers

 

 

 

 

"The Power of Apology and Forgiveness in Mediation"

 April 5 - 8:30am to 4:30pm

 

TVMA, in collaboration with Lincoln Memorial University's Institute for Collaborative Leadership, will sponsor an all-day seminar dedicated to examining the themes of apology, forgiveness and reconciliation as they apply to mediation in all its forms.

More information and registration

Community Easter Sunrise Service

Sunday, April 20 - 6:30am

Hunter Valley Farm 

 

This year the Sequoyah Hills Church is hosting a Community Easter Sunrise Service at Hunter Valley Farm (9133 Hunter Valley Lane, 37922).  The service will start at 6:30 a.m. and will be held on the beach (please bring a towel or beach chair).  The service itself will be casual and should last approximately 45 minutes or so.  If you would like to participate in this year's service, please contact Holton Siegling at 456-2235 no later than Palm Sunday.  Please consider supporting this ministry with your presence and by sharing the news of this service with others. "He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said.  Come, see the place where he lay" (Mt. 28:6).

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.