On Saturday, November 4, our Grace Point community lost a beloved member, Jonah Massey. After battling glioblastoma, he passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones. Jonah was a member of the 2021 summer staff and could always be found on the four square court during GMA. The Grace Point community is thankful and lucky to have been touched by his kind spirit and big heart. Our prayers are with the Massey family and the Grace Point Camp & Retreat Center community
Read MoreThe Importance of Happening
Bishop Brian Cole reflects on the importance of Happening, not only for our youth, but for the impact it has on the life of our diocese. Happening #84 will take place December 8-10, 2023 at Grace Point Camp and Retreat Center. You can find our more information about Happening here: https://www.etnyouth.org/happening Music I Use: Bensound.com/free-music-for-videos License code: SFSLPA9G0U3LOXXC Transcript Hi, I’m Bishop Brian. I want to speak to you today about a way to support our youth here in the
Read MoreVoices from Leadership: Interview with Rev. Lou Parsons
We sat down with the Rev. Lou Parsons to hear about her experience of the work and ministry of Bishop and Council. As she prepares to finish her latest round of service on that leadership body, Rev. Parsons reflects on the challenges of the pandemic, the relationships formed through decision-making, and the joys of representing East Tennessee. Nominations for diocesan leadership open November 15 December 6, 2023. More information on open positions is available here. Music I use: Bensound.com License
Read MoreDiocese of East Tennessee Announces St. Timothy’s, St. Christopher’s Unite As St. Michael’s Episcopal Church
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Diocese of East Tennessee Announces St. Timothy’s, St. Christopher’s Unite As St. Michael’s Episcopal Church KINGSPORT, TENNESSEE – The Diocese of East Tennessee has announced that St. Timothy’s and St. Christopher’s Episcopal churches in Kingsport will unite to form a new community, St. Michael’s Episcopal Church. The new community will bring an expanded ministry base to the Episcopal community, enabling them to better serve the area. The wider community is invited to attend the special celebrations marking the occasion. The new St. Michael’s
Read MoreFall and Winter Lifelong Learning Opportunities
Whether you are an individual seeking to learn more or a leader of adult or youth Christian education, the Episcopal Church in East Tennessee continues to support your efforts. We partner with educational organizations/institutions to bring you valuable, accessible content for Christian learning. While the toll of the pandemic, adaptation, recovery, and other environmental challenges have worn at our capacity to absorb new information and ideas, your diocesan leadership is determined to continue offering resources for continual Christian learning and
Read MoreBishop & Council Announces Safe Church Compliance Deadline for Parochial Clergy and Paid Staff
At its October 3, 2023, meeting, Bishop and Council set a Saturday, February 10, 2024, deadline for all parochial clergy and paid staff to complete their Safe Church, Safe Communities training and update any expired background checks. For information regarding Safe Church, Safe Communities or background checks, contact your church office, Safe Church, Safe Communities coordinator, or click here. For further questions, please email Emily Kirk, ekirk@dioet.org.
Read MoreAnnouncing the 40th Annual Diocesan Convention
Bishop Brian Cole introduces and explores the theme, dates, and location for the upcoming 40th annual convention of the Episcopal Diocese of East Tennessee. The convention will take place on Friday, February 9th, at St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral, Knoxville, and on Saturday, February 10th, at the Episcopal School of Knoxville, 2024. For prayers and resources for the conflict in the Middle East, click here. Transcript Hi, I’m Bishop Brian. Consider this to be a very, very early
Read MorePrayers and Resources for Crisis in Middle East
As tensions rise in the Middle East, it is the constant hope of the Episcopal Diocese of East Tennessee for deescalation and the prevalence of peace. Below are resources from various organizations within the Episcopal Church and abroad for the uplifting of prayer for and assistance to the Middle East. O God of all justice and peace, we cry out to you in the midst of the pain and trauma of violence and fear which prevails in the Holy Land.
Read MoreUpdate from the Bishop: On the Office of the Canon to the Ordinary
Bishop Brian Cole updates the people of the Diocese of East Tennessee on the next steps with regards to the Office of the Canon to the Ordinary as well as plans for an open house celebration for Canon Michelle Bolt on Monday, November 27, from 4:00-6:30 pm. Please join us for this celebration! Music by Bensound.com/free-music-for-videos License code: PCLSYMP34STEABY7 Transcript Hi, I’m Bishop Brian. Last week, Canon Michelle Bolt shared really important news with the diocese about her decision to
Read MoreSpecial Announcement: The Rev. Canon Michelle Warriner Bolt
Transcript Hello East Tennessee! Recently, we discovered this beautiful topographical map of the diocese —in a closet here at the diocesan house. I have kept it in my office as a visual reminder of the geography of our whole ministry region and it has helped me to recruit clergy and inform church leadership of the beautiful breadth of communities I’ve had the privilege of serving as your Canon To the Ordinary for the past 5 years. In these last 5
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