Registration and Fellowship begins at 9:30am
Meeting begins at 10:00am

Lunch reservations required - please contact the church office at 865-483-1318 or fpcadmin@comcast.net

The packet is available online HERE.

Discuss the identity and purpose of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) as part of a church-wide conversation initiated by the Committee on the Office of the General Assembly. "Please share your insights, wisdom, hopes and dreams for the PC(USA)," said Margaret Elliott, moderator of the Committee on the Office of the General Assembly. "Through careful listening and honest sharing we can create a church for this time and place." Talk individually or in groups using a discussion guide downloadable at pcusa.org/discussionguide. Hear how to walk through using the guide on information calls:

 

Wednesday, November 4, 3-4 p.m. (EST)

Monday, November 9, 8-9 p.m. (EST)

Use call in (800) 231-0316  

 

Also share thoughts using an online form available until December 18 at pcusa.org/identity, and join Larissa Kwong Abazia, Vice Moderator of the 221st General Assembly (2014), in a Twitter chat. She'll be @LarissaLKA using the hashtag #pcusaidentity on:

 

 

The 222nd General Assembly (2016) will use much of the information gathered to collectively discern God's call for the church. Contact oga.communications@pcusa.org for questions or more information.

 

Heath K. Rada, Moderator of the 221st General Assembly (2014), has issued a companion call to the church - read it HERE.

The Presbyterian Campus Ministry at UT-Knoxville welcomes their new campus minister, Andy Morgan, in classic UT style with a message on The Rock.  To learn more about Andy, check out his video on Facebook.

Seated in an old wooden Presbyterian pew and typing from a wide table big enough to seat 15, but comfortable enough for the small group of students with me to share stories and meals I am so grateful. Before I came to this spot, with students still asleep, I was able to offer a quiet thanks to a God of abundance on a cold damp dock as steam rose from the lake and a fish jumped at my "Amen." In our sharing, praying, cooking, eating, playing, dancing, and laughing, "the gifts of God (this place) from the people of God (that I've never actually met) have provided sanctuary, respite, and healing for the exact students that so needed to be here. God is indeed good.

High anxiety seems to be the modus operandi in campus ministry these days. While we have tried to address shrinking funds with long term planning, the reality is that we are already over budget in some areas because the student number keeps growing. And while a growing student population is indeed exciting news (how many churches have added over 200 members to their rolls in the last 18 months!?), we become anxious. Is there enough food to feed the hungry? Is there enough time to pastor the flock? Is there enough of Terry to cook, and clean, and counsel? Is our intern able to meet the demands of school as he tries to take on our roles when we leave to go home to our families? So this reminder of the good news of God's abundance is exactly what I needed to hear.

And there is indeed abundance here. Abundance of love - of God's love for these students and their love for one another. Abundance of faith - even while wading in pits of despair. Abundance of grace - for a gospel that is good news for all God's children. And always an abundance of hope - for a campus ministry that attempts to model the kingdom of heaven here on this earth.

And so I am grateful. Grateful for a Word, for a Creation, for a people, and for this community that points over and over again to God's abundance.

Tricia Dillon Thomas

 

• Our River Ridge Environmental Education program has welcomed over 1,050 school children, along with their parents and teachers. They have enjoyed spending 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 Arkansas, Ohio and Oregon.
• In September, Katina Sharp from Farragut Presbyterian Church delivered a great message at our Family Picnic. 150 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.  

The Middle School Retreat was a huge success!  Over 120 youth and adults attended the event at John Knox the weekend of Sept. 25-27.  Thanks to the Youth Committee team who  put together the retreat, our speaker the Rev. Mark Curtis, musician Robert Heck, Youth Council for their leadership, and John Knox for hosting us.  Now it is time to plan for Youth Summit, the high school event in Gatlinburg, TN, the weekend Feb.26-28.  Don't be left out!  Exciting things are happening in youth ministry!

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance responds to Southeast coastal flooding

The Southeast coast has experienced severe and unprecedented flooding. At its height, more than 400 roads, 150 bridges and two major interstates (I-20 and I-95) were closed, isolating the communities that were most in need of comfort and assistance. South Carolina has borne the brunt of the devastation, enduring what has been described as a 1,000-year flood, and for some, more is still to come.

Second Presbyterian Church, Louisville KY
Saturday, Nov. 7
8:30am - 2:30pm

Spiritual development and renewal workshops for pastors, church leaders, and individuals.  Workshop flyer.


November 14
A Preview Day for Prospective Students and their Families



February 29 - March 2, 2016
San Antonio, TX
Hilton San Antonio Airport

More than 35 workshops covering topics such as annual stewardship, planned giving, theology of giving, current trends in stewardship, capital campaigns, and generosity.   Information and registration

As participants in the conference, individuals will be:

• Inspired by the stories of Christian peacemakers in the Holy Land, walk in the footsteps of the Prince of Peace and encounter contemporary Palestinians and Israelis;
• Equipped by engagement with Christian, Muslim, and Jewish leaders, experience contextual theology and study peacemaking practices within the framework of PC(USA) policy;
• Connected with global and regional partners to take meaningful action for a just and lasting peace in the region. 

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.