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Greetings in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ,
At the beginning of this last week of October, the rain is falling here in East Tennessee, a category 5 hurricane is bearing down on Jamaica, and the fragility and uncertainty of life is on full display around the world. Now more than ever the church’s witness to love of God and neighbor through ministries of compassion and justice is needed in our communities. Many of you are planning for stewardship of time and talents. How will your budgets witness to love of God and neighbor? There are several resources to help you think through and answer that question. The Presbyterian Foundation’s Stewardship Navigator is a good one. Practical Resources for Churches also has good ideas and plans.
This week Laura Becker and I will gather with clerks of session to host the first of three session minute peer readings. I’m looking forward to meeting with clerks in the Chattanooga area tomorrow and learning more about what is happening in our congregations through this time together. If you have not responded yet to Laura’s email or need more information, please contact the presbytery office at office@presbyteryeasttn.org.
Rev. Joseph Taber will be installed as Erin’s pastor on Sunday, Nov 2 at 6pm. You are welcome to join the commission and the congregation for this wonderful celebration. Next Thursday, November 6th at 11:30am there is a retired pastor’s lunch at Second Presbyterian, Knoxville. All retired pastors are welcome to gather for lunch provided by the presbytery. This is always a good time of fellowship for those who come. Please register here:www.presbyteryeasttn.org/retired-pastors-lunch/
Check out the Advent resources further in the newsletter. Also, we would love for you to share memorabilia, pictures, and stories of the last 40 years of PET. We are working on a display for the presbytery meeting at Second Presbyterian Church, Chattanooga on Tuesday, Nov 18. You may bring what you have to the meeting or contact Jaclyn at jaclyn@presbyteryeasttn.org to arrange for presbytery staff to bring it for you.
Grace and peace,
Wendy
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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
| | UKirk UTK Fall Retreat, 2025 was a success! Grateful for time among the fall leaves to pause, breathe, and be reminded of God’s steady strength and hope. Sharing this kind of intentional, renewing community is such a gift. | | |
Thankful for the folks of Second Presbyterian Church, Chattanooga for volunteering at Hope House!
L to R: Nancy Snodgrass, Martha Huskins, Brenda Carter, Denise Schenk (Hospitality Director at Hope House), Mya Russell (Hope House Intern), Carolann Haggard
| | 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
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Practical Resources for Churches
Practical Resources for Churches has a plethora of Advent Resources and they are FREE for you! If you are interested in any of their resources offered in their store please email Jaclyn for the discount code offered to us with our presbytery's subscription.
Check out the store here: www.prcli.org/shop/?product-category=christmas-advent
| | 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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Ministry Toolbox
Practical Resources for Churches
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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. | | | | |
