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Celebrating Blessed Absalom Jones 2020
February 23, 2020 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
The Union of Black Episcopalians in the Diocese of East Tennessee is hosting its annual service celebrating the life and work of Blessed Absalom Jones, the first African-American priest of The Episcopal Church, on Sunday, February 23, at 5:00 pm at the Church of the Good Samaritan.
The Rev. Canon Dr. Stephanie Spellers, our featured preacher, serves as Canon to Episcopal Presiding Bishop Michael Currry, with responsibility for catalyzing church-wide action around Evangelism, Reconciliation and Care of Creation. The author of Radical Welcome: Embracing God, The Other and the Spirit of Transformation and numerous other books and articles, she has directed mission and evangelism work at General Theological Seminary and in the Diocese of Long Island; founded The Crossing, a ground-breaking church within St. Paul’s Cathedral in Boston; served as chaplain to the Episcopal Church’s House of Bishops; and led numerous church-wide and ecumenical renewal efforts. A native of Frankfort, Kentucky, and graduate of Bearden High School, she went on to earn degrees at Wake Forest University, Episcopal Divinity School and Harvard Divinity School. Canon Stephanie makes her home today in New York’s Harlem neighborhood.
The Rt. Rev. Brian L. Cole, Bishop of East Tennessee, will preside over the service.
Liturgical, Jazz, and Caribbean music will be highlighted during the service. A reception will follow.