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Greetings in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ,
Happy summer! With school finished, graduations completed, and the Memorial Day holiday in the rearview mirror, summer is officially upon us. That may mean slower weekdays for some, the joy of VBS for others, summer camp at JKC or youth conference at Montreat, or even Expanding Horizons at Maryville college. For a couple of our pastors, summer means sabbatical, and I hope, for all of you it means some vacation time.
However you are finding a different pace this summer, know that it is a great time to look around you and see what God is doing. What is God calling us to be about in ministry and mission in the coming year? How is God leading you to share the good news of the gospel with the communities around our church buildings? Where is God encouraging you to try something new, to engage in play that restores the soul? CCVM will be talking through these and other questions at their July meeting. I hope your sessions will take some time this summer to do the same.
Next week, Candace Worth, pastor of New Hope in Chattanooga, will share with us about the art of iconography. She will share her own experience learning to paint icons and how they may encourage us on our spiritual journeys. I hope you will join us on Thursday, Jun 12 from 11am to 1pm at First Lenior City for inspired fun, fellowship, and food. Everyone is welcome. The link to register is further down in the newsletter.
If you have not yet reached out to Jaclyn in the presbytery office to get log in information for the Amplify digital resource, please do so. This resource is available to all of our churches for free and includes faith formation materials for children through adults. I know CRDT would welcome your ideas of PCUSA video resources that would be helpful to you and your congregation as they begin to curate those and add them to our Amplify page.
Sunday is Pentecost, we’d love to hear about the fun things your church does to celebrate! And don’t forget that to receive the Pentecost offering, one of four denominational offerings. The Pentecost offering supports children and youth at risk as well as young adult volunteers in mission. Your congregation keeps 40percent of what your receive to support ministries to children, youth, or young adults in your community. There is a link to resources for that offering further in the newsletter.
Please share your pictures from Pentecost and VBS with us as well as any other summer activities your congregation is doing.
Grace and peace,
Wendy
https://calendly.com/wendyneff
| | Would your church or Sunday School Class like access to the resources available through the Presbytery's Amplify subscription? Simply fill out this short request form below! | | |
Lunch and Learn
Iconography with Rev. Candace Worth
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June 12, 11am - 1pm
As an artist who is also a follower of Christ, Rev. Candace Worth has struggled with the way the commandment, “You shall not make for yourself any graven image,” has been interpreted. While on sabbatical a couple of years ago, she looked for a way to use my her love of painting with her need for self care and sabbath time. She found an iconography class she could attend. Icons are not part of our Presbyterian tradition, but in the process of learning how to paint them, she uncovered a deep and ancient spiritual discipline that has brought her closer to God.
Come and learn more about icons and their use in Christian faith and enjoy lunch with us!
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Summer Sunday School
@ First, Knoxville
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First Presbyterian Church Invites all Churches in the Presbytery to Join Our Summer Sunday School Series:
The Economics of Shalom with
Dr. Ryan Bonfiglio
Summer Sunday School Series: The Economics of Shalom
Sundays in June | 9:45–10:45 AM
Beginning Sunday, June 1, we’ll join a thought-provoking course offered through The Candler Foundry at Emory University, taught by Dr. Ryan Bonfiglio, Associate Professor of Old Testament and Executive Director of The Foundry. The Candler Foundry is known for bringing accessible, high-quality theological education into local churches in engaging and transformative ways.
Course Title: The Economics of Shalom
Dates: Sundays – June 1, 8, 15, and 29
Time: 9:45 AM – 10:45 AM
In this course, we’ll explore the biblical foundations of shalom and its deep connection to economic justice. From the Law and Prophets to the Gospels and Acts, we’ll consider how Scripture addresses material poverty and what that means for how the church engages with our community today. We look forward to joining with other churches in the Presbytery of East Tennessee to learn and grow together!
We’re inviting all churches in the Presbytery of East Tennessee to join us for this Sunday School series with Dr. Ryan Bonfiglio. You can register for a Zoom link to access this powerful class here: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/6Sk2Aa3QQZqjSprdToZVow
| | VBS at Bethel Presbyterian Church | | |
🏁 Get Ready for the Amazing Race! 🏁
Vacation Bible School at Bethel Presbyterian Church
🗓 Saturday, June 28 | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Children and youth from kindergarten through high school are invited to join us for an exciting day of faith, fun, and adventure as we explore The Fruits of the Spirit through the theme of The Amazing Race!
We'll begin the journey at Bethel Presbyterian Church and race through the neighborhood around the church, with age-appropriate activities, games, and reflections for every group.
🎒 What to Expect:
✅ Outdoor team challenges
✅ Bible stories brought to life
✅ Fun for all ages
✅ Lunch included!
👟 Come dressed to move—and grow in faith. Invite a friend and join the race!
📍 Bethel Presbyterian Church
203 S Kentucky St, Kingston, TN 37763
For questions or to register, contact us at http://www.bethelpcusa.org/index.php
| | Presbyterian Youth Triennium | | |
The Presbyterian Youth Triennium (PYT) is an ecumenical event hosted by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church that gathers high school age young people every 3 years. It is a well-planned and thoughtfully led event focused on worship, disciple making, Christian compassion & justice and biblical/theological education. It is also a catalyst for many young people to take the next steps in their faith.
2025 Presbyterian Youth Triennium will be this July 28-31 in Louisville, KY. Be on the lookout for a Zoom informational session to learn more about the event and our how your youth can be a part of our presbytery’s delegation!
If you would like to register a group from your church to go, please reach out to Mason Warren masonwarren@fpctn.org or Paul Earheart-Brown paul.earheartbrown@maryvillecollege.edu
| | PET Disaster Response Team Update | | |
On May 7, a team of six volunteers from East Tennessee and Western North Carolina arrived at the Holston Presbytery Camp and Retreat Center in Banner Elk, NC. Two volunteers came from First Presbyterian Church of Lenoir City, two volunteers came from Center Presbyterian Church in Tellico Plains, and two volunteers were friends. Mitchell Cline welcomed us and directed us to our housing. Chef Chandler provided us with some incredible meals. Our mission was simple – use our tractor and chain saws to cut trees, split and stack wood in newly-built woodshed across from the dining hall.
We divided into two teams. Jack and Lou from the Lenior City Church were sent to clear trees on the trail to the zipline courses. They cut some white pines over 30 inches in diameter. English, Don and Chris cut, split and stacked wood into a new woodshed across from the dining hall. Jon floated between the two teams and filled in where needed. The second team cut everything from maple to red and white oak trees.
Thanks to the effort of the whole team, we had a very productive two days at the Holston Presbytery Camp and Retreat Center and prepared the way for around 50 volunteers who arrived the next day to continue to do what we were asked to do.
On behalf of the East Tennessee Presbytery Disaster Response Team, I want to give thanks for those who volunteered their time to make bring hope in the midst of the chaos.
Sincerely,
Rev. Jon Faraone
| | Daily Devotional Delivered Directly | | |
These Days: Daily Devotions for Living by Faith is a moving devotional released in printed format and mailed quarterly. In addition to daily Scripture, reflections, and prayers, each issue also features adult coloring pages and essays for the season. Try it yourself by reading the devotions for May 28 through Pentecost Sunday and using one of the three adult coloring pages!
Ideal for individual use, ministry outreach, and congregational devotional practice, you can purchase a yearly subscription for $9.95/year for regular print or $11.50/year for enlarged print. Learn more about the magazine and how to order.
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Font & Faith
A message from the Center for Excellence in Christian Education
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This year there are two Pentecost coloring sheets available for your congregation’s use!
It can be a fun way to connect the youth and other members to Pentecost during worship. A creative keepsake for them to take home. Or colorful memories to place as posters around the church.
No matter the color, or whose coloring, these free resources are easy to access and are here for your ministry to flourish during this season!
Bring the spirit of Pentecost to life — one crayon at a time.
| | Glory to God: A Companion | | |
Glory to God: A Companion by Carl P. Daw Jr.
On sale for $63.75 — Save 25% through 5/20/25
This resource offers a brief history of each hymn in Glory to God, detailing its origins and the hymn writer’s background. Written by a leading hymn scholar, it’s a valuable tool for pastors, worship planners, scholars, and music lovers alike. Includes several indexes for easy reference.
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Additional Key Glory to God Resources
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Inspire. Innovate. Illuminate.
March 9–11, 2026 | Orlando, FL
Presented by the Presbyterian Foundation, the inaugural Luminosity Conference is a bold new gathering for pastors, church leaders, and ministry partners committed to imaginative, impactful leadership in today’s changing world. With compelling keynote speakers—including Dr. Eric Barreto, Rabbi Sharon Brous, and Jack Hess—alongside dynamic workshops and powerful worship, this event is designed to equip and inspire you for lasting influence.
What to Expect:
- Inspiring Keynotes from thought leaders in theology, innovation, and civic engagement
- Practical Workshops on church vitality, stewardship, and community transformation
- Worship & Renewal led by Rev. Dr. Jerry Cannon, Rev. Jenny Warner, and The Nettletons
- Meaningful Connections with fellow leaders who are dreaming and leading boldly
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to God in heaven.” —Matthew 5:16 (NRSV)
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June Ordination Anniversaries
Rev. Dennis Falasco, June 1, 44 years
Rev. William Pender, June 1, 45 years
Rev. Craig Hendrix, June 2, 50 years
Rev. Lauren Wright-Pittman, 6 years
Rev. Nikki Collins, June 12, 26 years
Rev. David Maude, June 14, 55 years
Rev. Frank Jump, June 16, 62 years
Rev. Beth MCCrary, June 16, 34 years
Rev. Cheryl Bourne, June 18, 25 years
Rev. Elizabeth Peterson, June 20, 21 years
Rev. David Horne, June 22, 56 years
Rev. Daniel McMillan, June 24, 41 years
Rev. Robert Cook, June 26, 45 years
Rev. Gloria Mencer, June 28, 10 years
Rev. Meredith Loftis, June 30th, 12 years
Rev. Rick McIntee, June 30th, 40 years
| | Resources for Congregations | | All articles must be submitted by Wednesday of the week prior to publication. Repeat publication of articles is at the discretion of the editor. Send your submissions to office@presbyteryeasttn.org. | | | | |
