Bishop Brian Cole reflects on the resurrection story from the Gospel of John, inviting us to walk into the darkness with Mary and to follow Jesus through the Easter story rather than attempting to control what Easter might mean for us. We invite you to join your local parish to celebrate Holy Week and Easter. To find your closest parish, click here. Gospel Passage: John 20:1-18 Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark,
Read MoreClergy Renew Vows and Bless Holy Oils at Grace Point
The clergy of East Tennessee gathered at Grace Point on Thursday, April 7, to renew their ordination vows and to bless the chrism and healing oils for the coming year. A scrumptious lunch followed in the commons with tours of the new retreat village being held afterward. Thanks to Rev. Drew Bunting and Mr. Bo Davis for their musical skills and to Ms. Caroline Wood for the awesome photographs.
Read MoreTime Left to Apply for Parish Support Specialist
There is still time to apply for the position of Parish Support Specialist at the Episcopal Church in East Tennessee diocesan office. Details about the Parish Support Specialist position are below. As a community committed to intentional, positive life for all people, The Episcopal Church in East Tennessee employs an efficient, dynamic team of talented persons to enable this mission in both time-tested and innovative ways. We are looking for a key team member to immediately support our parish (congregation/church)
Read MoreReconciling Thought: Bishop Brian Cole and Rev. Robert Childers in Conversation
Bishop Brian Cole and Rev. Robert Childers discuss their experiences of the Selma Pilgrimage and the future of racial reconciliation work in the Diocese of East Tennessee. We will publish upcoming interviews through our new Becoming Beloved Community newsletter. You may sign-up for the Becoming Beloved Community newsletter below. Transcript
Read MoreTrailhead Campus Ministry Receives Grant
CLEVELAND, TN – Trailhead Episcopal Campus Ministry, based at St. Luke’s in Cleveland, TN, is an emerging campus ministry for Lee University students working to give a safe harbor to students and young adults in our community who, for any number of reasons, have not felt welcome in the Church. Trailhead aims to build a community of young people rooted in the ancient tradition of Anglican Christianity and engaged in the work God is doing in the world today. Ryan
Read MoreA Call for Improved Health Care and Environment for Latinx Appalachians
By The Rev. Dr. Tim Holder and Dr. Rebecca Adkins Fletcher MORGANTOWN, WV – Citing Latinx Appalachians as the fastest-growing ethnic demographic in Appalachia, Father Timothy Scott Holder, pastor of a bilingual congregation, St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Elizabethton, and Assistant Professor of Appalachian Studies, Rebecca Adkins Fletcher, East Tennessee State University, urged educators, activists, writers, and leaders from throughout the region at the Appalachian Association Conference at West Virginia University to more adequately address the state of Latinx American health
Read MoreKnoxville Community Celebrates Absalom Jones
Knoxville area Episcopalians and community members came together on Sunday evening, March 6, at the annual Absalom Jones service to celebrate the history and heritage of Blessed Absalom Jones at Church of the Good Samaritan, Knoxville and to hear The Rev. Chris Battle of the Underground Collective.
Read MoreSelma Pilgrimage Updates
The Selma Pilgrimage is set to embark on Tuesday morning, March 8th, at 7:00 am. A group of East Tennessee Episcopalians will gather outside St. Martin of Tours Episcopal Church, Chattanooga to board their bus to Selma. As we reflect on each stage of this journey, we will share photos from different stops and reflection videos from various participants below. Photos Tag along with the pilgrims through photos throughout the pilgrimage. You can also view the photo album directly on
Read MoreSt. John’s, Johnson City Featured in WJHL
St. John’s Episcopal Church, Johnson City, was recently featured in WJHL’s reporting for Ash Wednesday services. “Several dozen people gathered in the church’s sanctuary for the noon service, bright sunlight streaming through the windows. They were there for the holy day that marks the beginning of Lent, a 40-day season of penitence and reflection leading up to Easter.” – Jeff Keeling
Read MoreHouse of Bishops Speaks on Ukraine and Anti-Trans Bills
In its first in-person assembly since September of 2019, The Episcopal Church House of Bishops gathered March 15-21 at Camp Allen in Navasota, Texas, for its traditional spring retreat. In addition to their primary activities of fellowship, study, prayer, and Sabbath, the 133 bishops and bishops-elect present held a business meeting the morning of March 19 that included the passage of pastoral statements/resolutions on the war in Ukraine and anti-trans legislation in various states. The Rt. Rev. Marc Andrus, bishop
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