Homily Given at the Installation of the Reverend Brett Backus as Rector of St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church, Farragut, Tennessee The Reverend Dr. Howard J. Hess | November 28, 2018 I. Introduction: New Beginnings: Journeying with Father Brett. Father Brett, approximately ten years ago, you and I began our journey together as brother priests. To bring everyone up to speed, the story began like this. You were traveling through, not to, Knoxville where you had visited with your Bishop and your
Read MoreBishop Brian’s Thanksgiving Message
Almighty and gracious Father, we give you thanks for the fruits of the earth in their season and for the labors of those who harvest them. Make us, we pray, faithful stewards of your great bounty, for the provision of our necessities and the relief of all who are in need, to the glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. ~
Read MoreSewanee To Present Honorary Degree to Bishop Brian Lee Cole
The University of the South Sewanee has announced that the Rt. Rev. Brian Lee Cole, bishop of the Episcopal Church in East Tennessee will be presented with an honorary doctor of divinity degree at the university’s winter convocation January 19, 2019. A southeast Missouri native, Bishop Cole graduated from Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration in 1989. In 1992, he earned a Master of Divinity at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary,
Read MoreSt. Martin of Tours Raises New Jesus Statue by Artist Who Carved Original
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (October 24, 2018) | by Thad Oliver — Tom Swearingen, internationally acclaimed woodcarver and sculptor based in Cohutta, Georgia, has reproduced a statue of Jesus on the Cross which he originally crafted from 1987 to 1988. The sculpture will replace HIS ORIGINAL crucifix in front of St. Martin of Tours Episcopal Church on East Brainerd Road. The new 28-foot tall sculpture will be installed on Monday, October 29th, Between 9:00 and 10:00 AM on the church lawn. The
Read MoreUpdate from Across the Pond – The Rev. Susanna Metz, Rural Vicar, Cow Cuddler, Panto Performer
I hope all y’all can feel the big hug I’m sending across the pond to the great folks in the Diocese of East Tennessee!! Maybe it was a slow news story day, but I was invited to send an update on my life across the pond – the life of a rural vicar in the wilds of North Devon where most other folks in the county of Devon believe the inhabitants of my beloved new home are “wild, hairy savages”!
Read MoreDioET Bishops Out of Hurricane Michael’s Direct Path
As Hurricane Michael wreaks its path of devastation across the Florida panhandle and into Georgia, we wanted to let you know that we’ve heard from Bishop George in Pensacola and Bishop vonRosenberg in Charleston. We give thanks that both are well and safe. Bishop George said he and his family stayed in Pensacola as the worst of the storm, or the “bad stuff” as Bishop George said, was to the east of them, and all are good tonight. Bishop vonRosenberg
Read MoreBishop Brian at International Gathering of the Community of the Cross of Nails
Bishop Brian is in Coventry, England, at the invitation of the Rev. Robert Childers, for the Community of the Cross of Nails International Members’ Gathering, “Growing Together in Hope.” They are joining 70-80 CCN members who are meeting at Coventry Cathedral Sept. 26 to Sept. 30. Childers, who has been appointed to the board of directors of the Community of the Cross of Nails, North America, had his first experience of Coventry Cathedral when, at 20-years-old, he traveled from a
Read MoreThe Rev. Claire Brown Ordination Sermon
Sermon given at the ordination of the Rev. Claire Brown to the priesthood, Sept. 8, 2018 Rev. Allyn Maxfield-Steele, Co-Executive Director Highlander Research & Education Center INTRO This passage is part of John’s last recorded appearance of the resurrected Jesus to the disciples. It is among the last breaths of John’s Gospel, which the author wrote “so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life
Read MoreBishop Cole Appoints Chris Harpster Archdeacon
The Right Rev. Brian Cole has appointed the Venerable Chris Harpster as Archdeacon of the Episcopal Church in East Tennessee. The Venerable Harpster will continue in his duties at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Kingsport and at East Tennessee State University (ETSU) with this new appointment. Bishop Cole said, “Chris’ new role as Archdeacon will focus on providing administrative oversight and support of deacons in the Diocese. The classical definition of anArchdeacon is a senior clergy person who provides some kind of administrative or leadership
Read MoreThe Rev. Michelle Warriner Bolt Announced as Canon to the Ordinary
Bishop Cole today announced the Rev. Michelle Warriner Bolt as his Canon to the Ordinary. Bolt will begin her new work on September 1. The Rev. Canon Michael Spear-Jones has briefly served as Interim Canon, following the departure of the Rev. Canon Pat Grace this past June. Bolt will oversee Transition Ministry, Congregational Development, serve as […]
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