On Sunday, November 19, 2023, Bishop Brian Cole visited the historically Black parish of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Knoxville, Tennessee for their annual visitation. His sermon was captured by Tim Miller, a parishioner who has worked on modernizing some of St. Luke’s digital ministry, notably the new St. Luke’s website. Bishop Cole’s sermon is available here:

Sacristy Sense, a publication by the Province IV Altar Guild, has been published along with details about the 2025 Altar Guild conference.

Through its ongoing relationship with the people of Kondoa, Church of the Good Samaritan is again hosting its annual Alternative Gift Market on Sunday, December 10, between services. Elizabeth Colonna has brought goods ranging from tote bags, headbands, and fabrics to jewelry, carvings, and bowls. Funds raised from the sale of these items will go to support the people of Kondoa and will fund various local ministries. For more information or to shop on any other day, email Elizabeth Colonna at elizabethcolonna@gmail.com.

The St. Nicholas Fund was established to honor the work and ministry of Rev. Canon Michelle Bolt. This fund will be dedicated to providing care for children and dependents of those wishing to attend diocesan convention, clergy conference, and other leadership events hosted by the diocese.

On the weekend of November 11th, four East Tennesseans traveled to the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. for the Episcopal Preaching Foundation’s Lay Preacher Training Initiative commissioning. Pictured are Courtney Shea, Canon Beverly Hurley Hill, Ed Hochnedel, and Freida Herron. Kimberly Kilgore, who was also commissioned, could not attend and is not pictured. This culminates their time in the initial trial of the Lay Preacher Training Initiative, in which the Diocese of East Tennessee was chosen to participate. The Initiative

We sat down with Ms. Betsy Ellis to hear about her experience of the work and ministry of Bishop and Council. As she prepares to finish her time on Bishop and Council, Ms. Ellis reflects on what drew her to serving and what she found engaging in the work of this essential body of governance. Nominations for diocesan leadership open December 6, 2023. More information on open positions is available here. Music by Bensound.com License code: 0X6S4CBI4SZPD5VV Transcript Ms. Betsy Ellis

On Saturday, November 4, our Grace Point community lost a beloved member, Jonah Massey. After battling glioblastoma, he passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones. Jonah was a member of the 2021 summer staff and could always be found on the four square court during GMA. The Grace Point community is thankful and lucky to have been touched by his kind spirit and big heart. Our prayers are with the Massey family and the Grace Point Camp & Retreat Center community

We sat down with the Rev. Lou Parsons to hear about her experience of the work and ministry of Bishop and Council. As she prepares to finish her latest round of service on that leadership body, Rev. Parsons reflects on the challenges of the pandemic, the relationships formed through decision-making, and the joys of representing East Tennessee. Nominations for diocesan leadership open November 15 December 6, 2023. More information on open positions is available here. Music I use: Bensound.com License