Bishop Brian Cole invites us to reflect on the witnesses who have told us the resurrection news and who have gone before us.
All are welcome to attend a service in memory of The Rt. Rev. William E. Sanders on Saturday, June 4, at 1:00 pm at St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral, Knoxville, TN.
Transcript
Hi. I’m Bishop Brian. The Easter season is a season of several days where we’re allowed to give thanks for the resurrection event, for the Christ being risen, and for Mary Magdalene being that first witness to encounter Jesus and to be called by name and to realize it was her Lord, the risen one calling her by name.
So along with resurrection being an event, it’s also a story where we have a witness and that witness comes on to tell others of what they have seen. You and I can continue to carry on this story of resurrection and being witnesses.
One witness that was profound in this diocese, both in and in the Diocese of Tennessee and East Tennessee, was William Sanders, the Right Reverend William Sanders. He served as the first bishop of the Diocese of East Tennessee after many years of faithful service as the bishop of the Diocese of Tennessee.
And on June 4th, 1 p.m. at Saint John’s Cathedral, we will be committing his ashes. This will be a Eucharist. We’re inviting clergy who can join us that day to plan to vest. And inviting all who knew him or were in any way blessed by his ministry to join the family for that liturgy at Saint John’s Cathedral. June 4th, Saturday, 1 p.m. We continue to be blessed by his ministry, along with his service.
An act of ministry as a bishop in retirement. He continued to be a blessing both to the Diocese of East Tennessee and Tennessee and West Tennessee. A life of faithful service of faithful and consistent witness to the resurrection. So in this Easter season, continue to give thanks for the many, many witnesses that have told us they have seen the Lord. They have seen the risen Christ.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Bishop Sanders, for your faithful ministry and witness in the Diocese of East Tennessee. Amen.