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Greetings from John Knox Center!
Environmental Education:
We are in the midst of a busy and exciting season at River Ridge! This fall, we will welcome 850 fifth graders and their teachers from around the Knoxville area. Students will spend time in God's creation learning about the natural world, building teamwork and communication skills on our challenge course, and safely stepping out of their comfort zones as they soar through the air on our high ropes course.
Adult Retreats:
Camp isn't just for kids! We are excited to bring back our beloved Sewing on the River Retreat, happening January 25-30. Grab your coat, fabric stash, sewing machine, and current projects, and join us for a time of creativity, fellowship, and fun.
Learn more and register here.
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Summer Camp:
We are thrilled to announce that we will be offering a full Summer Camp program in 2026! Stay tuned for more details and be sure to follow us on social media for updates.
Registration opens December 1!
Your Support Matters:
People come to camp to experience God in new and meaningful ways. John Knox Center is a thin space, a place where children and adults alike can gather to worship, learn, and play together. None of this ministry is possible without your support.
John Knox Center is your camp, and we are deeply grateful for all you do to help it thrive. During this time of growth and renewal, your continued generosity is greatly appreciated.
Make a gift today.
Your support helps ministry happen!
Penny Babelay
Interim Executive Director
John Knox Center
(865) 376-2236
johnknoxcenter.org
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Hello, Clerks of Session of the Presbytery of East TN!
It is time for the annual review of minutes from Session and Congregational meetings (G-3.0108). We will be reviewing minutes from your 2024 Session meetings and Congregational meetings.
This year, we are offering 3 different in-person opportunities to bring your minutes for peer review:
Tues, Oct 28, 11:30 am-1:30 pm - Northminster Pres, Chattanooga (4791 Hal Drive)
Tues., Nov 4, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm - Second Pres, Knoxville (2829 Kingston Pike)
Thurs., Nov 13 11:30 am - 1:30 pm - Mars Hill, Athens (205 N. Jackson St.)
Please make plans to bring your minutes book and join Laura and Wendy at the location that is most convenient for you. Generous snacks will be provided.
Those attending will share minutes with another clerk or with staff to have their minutes reviewed. We will be using the following rubric: 2025-Session-Minutes-Checklist-and-Template.pdf
If you are unable to attend one of these gatherings, you have two other ways to get your minutes submitted for review:
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Email them in ONE PDF document to laura@presbyteryeasttn.org - Make sure your church’s name and city are in the subject line.
- Bring your minutes to the Nov 18 Presbytery meeting at Second Presbyterian Church, Chattanooga and leave them with Laura (we will make arrangements to return them to you).
Please email Laura if you have any questions. Hope to see you soon!
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UKirk UT Knoxville
"University Church", the PC(USA) Campus Ministry Network
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At UKirk, we love exploring creative ways to engage in worship and prayer. From our candle prayer box to outdoor worship that includes acts of service, and our weekly shared communion, students have many opportunities to connect, reflect, and share fellowship through worship. It’s a true gift to have this foundation of prayer and spiritual community.
We’d love for you to experience it too! If you’d like to learn more about how UKirk fosters worship, prayer, and community, we invite you to connect with us and see firsthand the ways students are growing in faith and fellowship.
| | Arts and Craft Fair @ First, Knoxville | | |
Join us for First Presbyterian’s Homemade Arts & Craft Fair, a one-day event full of creativity and community on November 8th from 10am - 3pm. You’ll find pottery, home décor, woodworking, baskets, jewelry, greeting cards, and so much more—perfect for browsing unique gifts and getting a head start on holiday shopping.
While you’re here, don’t miss the Mission Market, featuring Fair Trade crafts and organic goods from across the globe— re-thread throws from India, cold-pressed olive oil from Galilee, whole-bean coffee from Eastern Congo, rich chocolate from South America, unique jewelry, clothing, and more. Every purchase helps support artisans and farmers worldwide.
Free onsite parking! 620 State St Knoxville, TN 37902
Free and open to all—bring a friend!
Learn More: https://www.fpcknox.org/craft-fair-at-fpc
| | Youth Ski and Service Trip | | Small & Mighty Youth Event | | |
Out of Darkness Service
@ Sequoyah Hills Presbyterian
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Not everyone feels like celebrating during the holidays. Grief, illness, aging, depression, loneliness, unemployment, and loss are magnified. Even those who are not struggling may feel the stress of preparations and expectations around Christmas.
SHPC’s Stephen Ministers invite you to join them on Wednesday, November 19 for our Thanksgiving Dinner in Barron Hall at 5:30 p.m. and then in the Sanctuary at 6:30 p.m. for the "Out of Darkness" service with Stephen Minister Cynthia Foster.
Register for dinner on the church app or call the office at 865.522.9824. RSVP for childcare (for the service only) by Wednesday, November 12 to memorris@sequoyahchurch.org.
“You light a lamp for me. The Lord, my God, lights up my darkness.” Psalm 18:28
| | PCUSA Store 2025 Advent Devotional | | |
Draw Near:
Lighting the Advent Path with Hope, Peace, Joy & Love
Each Advent, we are invited to slow down and pay attention — not just to Christmas on the horizon, but to Christ’s presence with us here and now. Draw Near, written by Outlook Editor/Publisher Teri McDowell Ott, is a daily devotional that helps you do just that.
Following the traditional Advent themes of hope, peace, joy, and love, each week offers Scripture, reflection, prayer and a simple practice to guide your days. Alongside these reflections, you’ll find artwork from children — tender and imaginative interpretations of sacred texts. Their drawings serve not just as illustration, but illumination, reminding us what it means to receive the kingdom like a child.
These digital devotions can be emailed out to your congregation, printed as a complete booklet or added to the Sunday bulletin each week. We ask that you do not post the material publicly outside of your congregation — on your website or social media, for instance.
Learn more and purchase here: https://pres-outlook.org/product/draw-near-lighting-the-advent-path-with-hope-peace-joy-love/
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The Office of Financial Aid for Service
Student Loan Coaching
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The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) will affect student loans and public service loan forgiveness (PSLF). We’ve developed a True/False fact sheet about the changes.
The best way to prepare is to start your loan forgiveness process TODAY!
The PC(USA) offers free coaching to employees of PC(USA) related churches, schools and non-profits.
Go to https://pcusa.org/loanassist to access the fact sheet on the OBBB and PSLF and to sign up for free Student Loan Coaching.
| | Become a Young Adult Volunteer | | |
Ministry Toolbox
Practical Resources for Churches
| | Did you know that PRC was one of the leaders in faith based webinars and professional development? We started this part of our ministry back in 2011, bringing in top-name presenters in big topics of ministry. We have new webinars each month featuring highly engaging and knowledgeable presenters, all provided to you because of the generosity of our subscribers. | | |
October Ordination Anniversaries
Rev. Heewon Chung, October 4, 23 years
Rev. Peter Ryoo, October 4, 26 years
Rev. Joseph Tanner, October 9, 51 years
Rev. David Duggan, October 14, 35 years
Rev. Clayton Thomas, October 15, 19 years
Rev. Jennifer Jarvis, October 17, 15 years
Rev. Samuel Kim, October 23, 49 years
Rev. Onerray Neal, October 24, 43 years
Rev. Stephen Mealor, October 26, 28 years
Rev. Roy Scarbrough, October 27, 23 years
Rev. Ann Brunger, October 28, 46 years
Rev. Linda Springer, October 30, 31 years
Rev. William Meyer, October 31, 33 years
Rev. Paul Vandergriff, October 31, 43 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. | | | | |
