Presbyterian Women, Nov. 2014

Staying connected is one of the most important and most enjoyable aspects of Presbyterian Women. Great things take place in each of our churches and we like to share these "happenings"with everyone in our Presbytery.

Mowbray Mountain rises on the west side of Soddy Daisy in southeast TN, and as one travels up the windy road to the top and then down the road a bit, there sits the lovely white Mowbray Presbyterian Church with the beautiful stained glass windows. Saturday, Nov. 8th, the adjacent social hall was abuzz with activity as the women and men of the church held their annual community turkey dinner and craft sale. The Mowbray mountaineers must have eagerly awaited the dinner, as despite the abundant amount of food, the turkey dinners sold out long before closing time. What a tribute to the cooks! The craft show had very creative hand-made items, themed gift baskets, and the most delicious things to eat and to stock our pantries for later enjoyment. The quart jars of "canned"green beans were some of the finest one could ever find, and the small jars of jams and jellies were jewel-like in color and just waiting to grace a dinner table. Mustn't forget the mouth-watering peanut butter fudge and Oh! so much more!

The Mowbray Phoebe's use the proceeds from their annual dinner and craft fair to support special needs in the community, The Chattanooga Room In the Inn, and Presbyterian missions. Ongoing community support includes helping with rehabilitation efforts (including finding work) of a young man injured in a motorcycle accident and subsequently paralyzed from the chest down; providing gift baskets for shut-ins and Christmas gifts for nursing home residents. The youth of the church help with the filling of the gift baskets and also deliver them. What a great opportunity for everyone to be an important part of this church family's outreach. We are inspired and blessed by the industrious women of Mowbray Presbyterian Church who work with such joy and enthusiasm.

Not to be outdone are the women of First Presbyterian Church in Cleveland who will be hosting the traditional Moravian Love Feast on December 7th at 6:00 p.m. This service seeks to strengthen the bonds and spirit of harmony, goodwill and congeniality, as well as to forgive past disputes and to love one another. The love feast is based on meals of the early church where food was eaten in unity and love. The tradition at First Presbyterian Cleveland is to serve sweetened buns and sweet coffee to those sitting in the pews and to have a simple table grace. Traditionally, songs and hymns are chosen that describe love and harmony. This is a beautiful service and everyone is invited to participate.

First Presbyterian Church is located in the historic downtown area of Cleveland and is adjacent to Lee University. The congregation has a rich and interesting history, beautiful sanctuary, spacious and inviting social hall and welcoming atmosphere provided by the very gracious members.  

Youth Summit will be Feb. 27-Mar. 1 in Gatlinburg at the Glenstone Lodge with Michelle Thomas-Bush as our keynote speaker. Registration forms will be emailed before Christmas.

Fourth United hosts Boogertown Gap  Dec. 3

interwoven with stories, lore, and history from this area.  Liz Peterson and Will Doran will make an appearance singing and playing a selection of African American Spirituals, and Jim Myers will be in the house for a few of his original tunes as well!   

An informal dinner is served at 6:00pm, followed by some excellent music, all for just $10 per person at the door.  Keep track of future Folk@Fourth events on their Facebook page. 

One of PET's oldest congregations has called the first female pastor in its nearly 230-year-old history.

Seymour's Eusebia Presbyterian Church, founded in 1786, ten years before Tennessee statehood, will have as its shepherd the Rev. Jean Davidson, of Maryville.  She will begin her duties January 1.

A native of South Knoxville, she is a graduate of the University of Tennessee. Jean taught science to middle schoolers before sensing a call to the ministry and entering Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, GA, from which she received the M.Div. degree.  In addition to previously serving the Presbytery of East Tennessee as Director of Youth Ministry, she has been an Associate Pastor of congregations in Talledega, Al., Nashville, Tn., and Louisville, Ky.                

With her rescue dog, an Irish Terrier, Jean volunteers in Hardin Valley to assist children who faced with physical and emotional challenges. Her hobbies include hiking, photography, reading, natural history, history, and working with children and youth.

Eusebia would like to invite interested teaching elders and other individuals associated with PET to the January 4 Installation for Jean Davidson.  Installation will be at 2:00 PM at Eusebia Presbyterian Church, 1701 Burnett Station Road, Seymour, TN 37865.

 

Dwyn Mounger, who has served as the congregation's interim pastor for two years, says, "It's been good to see a relatively small flock not only capture renewed appreciation for its past, but also exhibit an eager openness to the future directions to which God is calling them. Newcomers have joined, as people from many parts of the U.S.A. discover the joys of living at the foot of the eternal Smoky Mountains."

Farragut Presbyterian Church offers Zumba classes