Bishop Brian Cole and The Rev. Leigh Preston, Co-Chair for the East Tennessee deputation to General Convention 80, were in conversation ahead of the July meeting of General Convention. There are many ways to be involved and to stay updated on the work of General Convention. Learn more here. Transcript Bishop Brian Cole Hi. This is Bishop Brian, and I am with Leigh Preston today. Leigh serves as one of our co-chairs of our deputation to the 80th General Convention
Read MoreBishop Sanders Committal
On Saturday, June 4, the remains of The Rt. Rev. William Sanders were committed to the memorial garden at St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral, Knoxville. Bishop Sanders, a man who made many long-distance trips to serve the Episcopal community of all of Tennessee and later East Tennessee made his last journey of 60 paces to the memorial garden. Below is the text of Bishop Brian Cole’s sermon as well as the livestream video and photos from the service. Sermon Text The
Read MorePride Mass 2022: Objecting to Rejection
Pride Mass 2022 featured the celebration of both Pride and Pauli Murray, a Queer Episcopal saint who, as Rev. Sen. Kim Jackson pointed out, objected to rejection. Check out the service video below along with photos from the service. You can download a service bulletin here. Thank you to St. James Episcopal Church, Knoxville for your hospitality in hosting this year’s Pride Mass. Thank you also to The Rev. Sen. Kim Jackson, Vicar of Church of the Common Ground in
Read MoreAdult Level Resources from Becoming Beloved Community
In the latest edition of Becoming Beloved Community resources, Alvin Blount has gathered a few suggested books for adults. Anti-racism, Social Justice, and Peace Sources for Adults Diocese of East Tennessee prepared by Alvin R. Blount for June 2022 Prices of sources can vary depending on where they are purchased. Across That Bridge: A Vision of Change and the Future of America -John Lewis -paperback, $8.31 -hardcover, $45.99 -Kindle, $10.99 -210 pages-Hachette Books -2019 -description: John Lewis, United States
Read MoreResources for Welcoming and Safe Sacred Spaces
June 25, 2022 Dear East Tennessee Clergy, Yesterday, the Canon to the Presiding Bishop reached out to the House of Bishops and made us aware they have received information from federal authorities of credible security threats against clergy and churches in the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s abortion decision. I am writing because I wanted you all to be aware of this and to encourage you to maintain welcoming spaces in your parish churches, while being mindful of the charged
Read MoreYouth Book Resources from Becoming Beloved Community
Alvin Blount is back again with another set of resources. This time he’s gathered resources for youth. From prayer and faith formation to LGBTQ+ and social justice, there’s something in this list for youth exploring equity and justice in the world. Anti-racism and Social Justice Sources for Youth and Youth Ministry Leaders Diocese of East Tennessee Prepared by Alvin R. Blount Costs for the following sources can vary depending on where they are purchased. Making It Right: Building Peace, Settling
Read MoreChildren’s Book Resources from Becoming Beloved Community
Alvin Blount, Diocesan Archivist and Becoming Beloved Communities Coordinator, has a roundup of his favorite children’s resources focusing on racial equality and social justice. Antiracism and Social Justice Sources for Children Episcopal Diocese of East Tennessee Ruth and the Green Book -Calvin Alexander Ramsey -Gwen Strauss -Floyd Cooper, illustrator -hardcover, $18.99 -paperback, $18.64 -32 pages -Carolrhoda -2010 -ages 6-11 -ALA Association Notable Children’s Book -Jane Addams Children’s Book Award Honor Book -picture book inspiration for the Academy Award-winning film The
Read MoreWelcoming East Tennessee’s Newest Priest
On Friday, May 27, at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Oak Ridge, TN, Bishop Brian Cole, along with clergy and people of the Episcopal Church in East Tennessee, ordained The Rev. Ashton Lane-Ross Sims to the sacred order of priests. You can view the service here. Photos from the service are available below.
Read MoreAscension launches Spiritus Knox
Bro. Andrew recently interviewed The Rev. Caroline Vogel, Associate Rector at Church of the Ascension, Knoxville, and Director of Spiritus Knox, a new center for spiritual practice and learning in Knoxville. You can find out more about SpiritusKnox at www.spiritusknox.com or by emailing Rev. Caroline directly at caroline@knoxvilleascension.org. Upcoming Events For information and registration, visit www.spiritusknox.com. Practice Together: Breathing Under the Oak Tree – Wednesday, June 8, 7-8 PM, Lakeshore Park, Knoxville Retreat Day: Breathing with the Holy Spirit
Read MoreReconciling Thought: That Resurrection Will Grow in Our Land
Bishop Brian Cole reflects on the recent shootings in Buffalo, NY and Uvalde, TX in light of the Easter season Gospel. Below the transcript are two other recommended publications. First, a video from Presiding Bishop Michael Curry with a prayer for Uvalde, TX. Second, a link to a letter from the Bishop of West Texas, The Rt. Rev. David Reed. Transcript Hi. I’m Bishop Brian speaking to you from the Rosslyn Retreat Center in Richmond, Virginia on Wednesday afternoon, May
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