The Annual Gathering of the Center for Ministry in Small Churches will be held Nov. 11-13, 1999, at the DuBose Conference Center in Monteagle, Tennessee. The Gathering is open to all interested people of all religious denominations.

Conference participants will have the opportunity to hear team presentations from parishes and missions from various dioceses. They will then work in groups to talk about ideas, ask questions, and see how these examples might be adapted to their own small-church situations. It will be a time for building visions and getting revitalized to continue the important work of our smaller congregations.

In addition to the team presentations, we will also have the Rev. Ben Helmer, interim officer for rural and small communities at the Episcopal Church Center in New York, as a keynote speaker on Friday morning. In this role he travels throughout the country working with churches experiencing ministry with limited resources. His address will be “Gospel-Based Discipleship as a Model for Congregations”—using the lectionary as a way of encountering the Scripture and moving us on. Helmer will also facilitate the inaugural meeting of the Diocesan Program Leaders, a new team that places liaisons in each sponsoring diocese so that the CMSC can develop specific ways to support small congregations.

On Friday evening there will be a session in which participants will be able to focus on specific topics in a small-group setting chosen by the participants themselves.

Brochures have been mailed to each congregation, but interested persons may register or receive additional information by eMail at: cmsc@sewanee.edu or calling the Rev. Susanna Metz at 800-722-1974.

CMSC is a network of Episcopal dioceses and the School of Theology of the University of the South to share leadership, resources, and concerns of ministry in small churches.

“Unplug the Christmas Machine” workshop offered

Rosie Abrams, an experienced educator, who served for many years as Director of Adult Ministries at Church of the Ascension, Knoxville is the leader for a workshop that offers the opportunity to learn how to simplify and enrich your Advent and Christmas season by putting Christ at the center of the holiday celebrations.

Workshop Highlights:

• Develop your own plans for a simplified Christ-centered celebration that fits your family traditions.
• Learn ways to weave your faith into the liturgical seasons
• Take home books and resources to help implement your ideas for making the holidays holy days.

This workshops will be held in 2 locations. The first is at St. Peter’s Church, 848 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga on Saturday, Nov. 6, from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. The second is at Church of the Ascension, 800 Northshore Dr., Knoxville on Saturday, Nov. 13, from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Registration is required for both locations and must be delivered to Diocesan House by Oct. 29.
The registration cost of $20 includes two books, workshop materials, and lunch. Scholarships are available, contact Lynn Lazlo (423-521-2900) for more information. Child care will not be provided at either location.

Sponsored by the Diocesan Spiritual Life Resource Team.