Bishop Brian Cole offered this sermon at Church of the Ascension, Knoxville, on Sunday, June 9, during his annual visitation to the parish. The Third Sunday after Pentecost 2024 The Church of the Ascension 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1 The Right Rev. Brian L. Cole St. Paul has a word for us. That is no surprise. Paul often has a word. In the New Testament, Paul has many things to say to us. Though, a few weeks ago, we did read where
Read MoreA Conversation with Bishop Given Gaula
As part of Bishop Given Gaula’s travels across the United States, he and Bishop Brian Cole sat down for a brief conversation about the unity of the global church, communion across difference, and ministry in context all while giving thanks for the continued support and prayers for each other. Make sure to subscribe to the diocesan newsletter and check our dedicated Kondoa page for updates on the 2025 Kondoa pilgrimage. Music: Bensound.com/royalty-free-music License code: TAYOUV689QYSKISM Transcript Bishop Brian Cole: Hi,
Read MoreModeling a New Way of Being the Body of Christ: Sermon from Province IV Synod, The Rt. Rev. Phoebe Roaf
Bishop Brian Cole commends the following sermon by the Rt. Rev. Phoebe Roaf, Bishop of West Tennessee, from the Province IV synod gathering at Kanuga this year. Remarks at 2024 Province IV Synod, Kanuga Conference Center – May 8, 2024 Lessons for Julian of Norwich: Isaiah 46:3-5; Hebrews 10:19-24; Psalm 27:5-11; John 4:23-26 May the words of my mouth, and the meditation of our hearts, be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, our strength and our redeemer. Today we celebrate
Read MoreBishop Gaula Visits Good Samaritan, Reinvigorates Friendship
On Sunday, May 5, Bishop Given Gaula and his wife, Mother Lilian, visited Church of the Good Samaritan on their tour of East Tennessee, part of a larger, sweeping visit to dioceses throughout the United States. A presentation, which will also be presented this coming Sunday at Church of the Good Shepherd, Lookout Mountain, was made during the Sunday School hour featuring slides and videos about Kondoa ending with a broad invitation for all to visit. The service that followed
Read MoreBishop Cole Preaches at California Ordination of Bishop Coadjutor
On Saturday, May 4, Bishop Brian Cole preached at the ordination of the Rev. Austin Rios as the bishop coadjutor of the Diocese of California. You may watch the service here. Included on that page is the video, bulletin, and transcription into Spanish. The reading of the Gospel and the Sermon begin at 1:29:43. Sermon Text Diocese of California Bishop Consecration of Austin K. Rios Grace Cathedral, San Francisco May 4th, 2024 First Corinthians 12:12-31 John 21:1-19
Read MoreDiocese of East Tennessee Announces Curacies for Recently Ordained Clergy
Photo: Bishop Brian Cole (top center) stands surrounded by recent ordinands (from left to right) Rev. William Simerly, Rev. Sean McEwen, Rev. Sarah Hess, and Rev. Brian Austin, PhD On the crisp Saturday morning of January 13th at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, Signal Mountain, the Rt. Rev. Brian Cole and four East Tennessee seminarians gathered with members of their communities to celebrate their ordination to the transitional diaconate, the next step in their formation as priests. In the intervening
Read MoreSt. Stephen’s, Oak Ridge, Celebrates New Ministry with Calling of Rector
On Saturday, April 13, Bishop Brian Cole and the people of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Oak Ridge, celebrated the long-awaited calling of the Rev. Bailey Norman as their rector. Rev. Norman served as priest-in-charge at St. Stephen’s prior to this culminating call to be their rector. The Rev. Claire Makins, a colleague and friend of Rev. Norman was the guest preacher. See more photos below!
Read MoreDiocese of East Tennessee 2024 Constitution and Canons, Journal Published, 2025 Dates Announced
The 2024 edition of the Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Diocese of East Tennessee have been ratified and published. Click here for a PDF copy of the Constitution and Canons. The 2024 Convention Journal has been published. Click here for a PDF copy of the Convention Journal. The 2025 Annual Diocesan Convention of East Tennessee will take place on February 7 & 8, 2025 at the Episcopal School of Knoxville.
Read MoreBishop Given and Mother Lilian Gaula to Visit East Tennessee
Bishop Given Gaula and his wife, Mother Lilian, will visit East Tennessee Sunday, May 5, through Wednesday, May 15. Throughout their stay, they will visit with parishes in Knoxville and Chattanooga, appear on Rev. Brett Backus’ podcast, and take part in a few social events. Below is a schedule of their time at public events in East Tennessee. Should you wish to visit Bishop Given and Mother Lilian, please contact Elizabeth Colonna at elizabethacolonna@gmail.com to set up a visitation time.
Read MoreWorld Labyrinth Day
“A spiritual discipline sets us free to pray or, to say it better, allows the Spirit of God to pray in us.” – Henri Nouwen During our recent diocesan annual convention, a few of you were able to listen as three East TN Episcopalians’ described their experience of going on pilgrimage. We can’t wait to hear how some of you embark on your own pilgrimage to a holy site or path. However, this is not affordable or accessible to all
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