eNewsletter

Ours is a dramatic story, isn’t it?  The passion of Jesus from his entrance to Jerusalem to his horrific death and glorious resurrection just one week later lends itself to dramatization. Sometimes we observe Maundy Thursday and the passion of Good Friday with pageants or dramatic readings; perhaps some of you have attended the once a decade multi day story of Jesus in Oberammergau, Germany.  The great mystery, however, is that these events – the betrayal of our Christ, his charge to us all at the table, his torturous death undertaken with grace for all so that we could escape the fate we deserve – these events on which we build our faith and our lives, both now and in the hereafter --  are not components of a quaint story with cocks crowing and criminals suddenly believing and villainous solders – it’s us.  Right here.  Right now.  Every single one of us is so precious that these events happened on our behalf. Humbling, isn’t it?  Because of our sins, someone else suffered unimaginably, and the people who loved him watched with that special agony reserved for those who are helpless to intervene in someone’s pain. Yet, four days from now we all can celebrate with joyous abandon—Christ is risen, and we will as well.  Thanks be to God.

Are you: a CRE, a trained interim minister, or trained in mediation?  Have you served on the Pulpit Supply list in the past and would like to do so again? Please let our office know so that we can better maintain our records.  Email either Gregory Taylor at Gregory.midtennpres@gmail.com or Mary Catherine Sevier at sc.midtennpres@gmail.com 

The May 3rd Stated Meeting is coming soon – in fact, the call will be issued this Friday, April 17th, and the packet will follow by April 26th.  The meeting will convene at 9:30 am with registration beginning at 9:00 am and will take place at the beautiful First, Pulaski.  Don’t miss this opportunity to participate in the life of the Presbytery.  We will meet a young man who is pursuing the ministry and moving to Candidate status, we will recognize  beloved colleagues who are retired, we will re-commission a Ruling Elder to serve his congregation, and we will all participate in the third and last listening session facilitated by our hardworking Visioning Leadership Team.  Those are just a few of the many important items we will consider, and your voice and discernment of the Spirit’s work is important and valued.   Ruling Elders elected by their sessions to represent their congregation will have both voice and vote, as will all member teaching elders.  The number of ruling elders your congregation may send is determined by the 2025 parity schedule which is available in the filing cabinet of our website.

Additionally, Keenan will answer questions about two different types of Emergency Assistance available from the Board’s Assistance Program for congregations which have been impacted by recent weather disasters. The Natural Disaster Grant may provide $1000 to W2 church staff who have personal impact from storm damage, while the Emergency Assistance Grant can help both retirees and active benefits plan members with up to $5000. These funds can help cover gaps in insurance coverage. 

Is your congregation looking for fresh inspiration in its mission and worship? The Presbyterian Foundation is offering the Luminosity Conference in Orlando Florida March 9-11, 2026.  Visit the website for more information and to decide if this is the right opportunity for you and/or your congregation! 

Luminosityconference.org

Looking forward to your congregation’s Easter celebrations?  Let us all enjoy by sending pictures for our next eNews!  Please make sure (1) we have permission to reproduce the pictures and (2) all individuals or their guardians have given permission for their inclusion.