Dear East Tennessee Diocesan Friends,
Greetings to you on this St. Patrick’s Day. I am writing to announce Emily Bruner Doane has accepted my call to become the Canon for Formation and Lay Ministry. She will begin her work with us on Monday, May 5th.
Emily was selected from a strong pool of gifted candidates. She is a member of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Oak Ridge, where she has been active in guiding Christian formation work. I am confident that Emily will build on the good work of Beverly Hurley Hill, while also bringing skills to help us launch The School for Contemplation and Discipleship.
Emily is a native of East Tennessee and has lived and worked across the country, before returning home a few years ago. I believe her sense of call and our need now in East Tennessee have met at a grace-filled and grounded place. I look forward to opportunities for you all to meet and get to know Emily through her work as Canon.
Along with welcoming Emily Bruner Doane, we are also preparing to say good-bye to Beverly Hurley Hill, and give thanks for her nine years as Canon for Mission and Lay Ministry. On Tuesday, May 20th, we will host a celebratory event at Diocesan House to give thanks for Beverly. More details will follow regarding the 20th.
Please keep Emily and Beverly in your prayers, along with their families, as next chapters are beginning for both.
Peace,
+ Brian
Dear Diocese of East Tennessee friends,
I am thrilled to embark on this new journey with you as Canon for Formation and Lay Ministry.
In my previous role as an ESL specialist and coordinator, I have had the honor of creating educational opportunities for immigrant and refugee students and their families over the last 25 years. I have also collaborated with teachers and administrators to cultivate welcoming environments, promote cultural understanding, and support educators in their work.
Education is my second career; my first was as a woody plant propagator in a production nursery in the McMinnville area. During the Bishop’s address at the Diocesan Convention, he spoke about Good Soil. With a B.S. in Horticulture, his address made me begin to think back onmy university soil classes. While healthy soil consists of a balance of clay, sand, and loam, good soil also requires a crucial fourth element: space. These spaces provide roots with oxygen and pathways for root formation. Without it, roots struggle to grow.
This reflection struck me as a powerful metaphor. Each week, we engage in formation in our parishes, exploring scripture, theology, and the Anglican tradition. We endeavor to serve God and our neighbors. But how can we cultivate the space necessary for deep spiritual growth? How do we create spaces to listen and to be with God in our daily lives?
During my years of supporting educators, I’ve discovered that through deep listening, assisting others in labeling their practices, and serving as a reflective partner, I can be part of the exciting growth process for others—and I get to grow alongside them! I look forward to collaborating with you in this new role to support our parishes’ formation offerings and help realize the Bishop’s vision of fostering contemplative practices throughout the diocese.
Your friend in Christ,
Emily Bruner Doane