Episcopal Churchmen of Tennessee
Gather in August for 56th Annual Conference

The largest ever gathering of Episcopal Churchmen of Tennessee is expected to arrive at Dubose Conference Center this August according group President Phillip Harris of St. Martin of Tours, Chattanooga.

This year the Most Rev. Frank Griswold, Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church will be in attendance as a featured speaker. "We are truly honored to have the presiding bishop join us for this conference. This could be a once in a lifetime opportunity for many people to hear our him deliver what I know will be an exceptional address and to see him in person," added Harris.

The theme for this year's conference is "What Is Your Priority Now?"

"The events of 9/11 have changed our lives forever-they will never be the same," said Harris of the theme. "We will forever be reminded of events which lead to our way of life being destroyed by evil so utterly sinister that we are unable to comprehend its meaning. But in the end, we come together as a nation, as a family, and as men and begin to reevaluate and prioritize our everyday lives. We begin to ask ourselves, "what is my priority now?"

A great line-up of speakers will address the theme beginning with the "Welcome to the Mountain" remarks given by the Rt. Rev. Don Johnson, bishop of West Tennessee.

Following Bishop Johnson will be our featured evening speaker, Dr. John Baucom. Baucom is the CEO of Corporate Achievement Programs International and specializes in building stronger organizations worldwide by improving human performance. He has shared the podium with Surgeon General C. Everett Koop, Senator Bill Bradley, and comedian Jerry Clower. He has appeared on programs with Regis Philben, Joan Lunden, Zig Ziglar, Mary Tyler Moore, Dr. Joyce Brothers, singer Gladys Knight, Joe Theisman, and former Secretary of State Alexander Haig.

In addition, John has written speeches for the Reagan White House. He has been featured on The Today Show, Good Morning America, Sally Jessy Raphael, CNN, and many other television programs worldwide. He has been interviewed on NPR's All Things Considered, Mutual Network's The Jim Bohannon Show, and literally hundreds of other radio talk shows. He is the author of twelve books, including The Elvis Syndrome: How to Avoid Death by Success; Baby Steps to Success, co-authored with Vince Lombardi, Jr.; and his latest soon-to-be-released book, The Soul of the Leader. He is a former Marine Corps officer with the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry.

On Saturday morning the Rt. Rev. Bertram Herlong, bishop of the Diocese of Tennessee, will celebrate the 7:30 a.m. Eucharist. Following breakfast, conference attendees will hear The Most Rev. Frank T. Griswold, presiding bishop, deliver his address.

"The Churchmen of Tennessee have accomplished a coup! To arrange for Presiding Bishop Griswold to participate in the Laymen's Conference really is remarkable, given his very busy national and international schedule," said East Tennessee Bishop the Rt. Rev. Charles vonRosenberg. "I hope all Laymen will take advantage of this very special opportunity to meet with our presiding bishop."

Following Griswold’s address, attendees from each diocese will have a special session with their bishop to learn more about what's going on in the diocese and a sort of "State of the Diocese" address.

The afternoon is filled with many activities, including the annual golf tournament, tennis, hiking, cycling, fly fishing, or just plain old napping. There will be an opportunity in the afternoon from approximately 4:00 to 5:30 to join in a question and answer session with the presiding bishop. This activity became popular last year when The Very Reverend George L.W. Werner, president of the House of Deputies, held a Q&A session with about 75 attendees present. "This was an excellent opportunity to ask questions about events going on in the Church and in the world," added Harris.

The Saturday evening program will feature Dr. Tony Campolo, founder of the Evangelical Association for the Promotion of Education. Dr. Campolo is a media commentator on religious, social and political matters, having been a guest on television programs such as Nightline, Crossfire, Politically Incorrect, and CNN News. Dr. Campolo has provided the leadership to create, nurture, and support programs for "at-risk" children in cities across the US and Canada, and has helped establish schools and universities in several developing countries.

On Sunday morning, the presiding bishop will be the celebrant for Holy Eucharist, which will take place at All Saints' Chapel at Sewanee. The Rt. Rev. Charles G. vonRosenberg will deliver the sermon.

The procession into All Saints is marked by a recent tradition of the "Procession of Flags." Every mission and parish is encouraged to bring its church flag and be a part of the Eucharistic procession on the mountain.

"The sound of 500 plus men singing Lift High the Cross during the procession will send chill bumps down your spine," concluded Harris. "If you've never attended one of these conferences or if it has been a while, attend this one. With our great array of speakers and the opportunity to have personal time with your bishop, as well as the presiding bishop, and to meet fellow laymen from across the state, you should make this the one to attend. Come and be a part of the largest gathering of Episcopal men in the Anglican Communion."

You may register online at the Episcopal Churchmen of Tennessee website, www.EpiscopalChurchmen.org. If you would like additional information on the conference, or would like to schedule one of our officers to speak to your church group or men's group on the conference, please contact one of the officers below.

President Phillip Harris
St. Martin of Tours, Chattanooga
TennesseeVol@msn.com

President-Elect Tommy Rhoads
St. Luke's, Jackson
TommyRhoads @yahoo.com

Diocese of East Tennessee Contacts

Dan Tuxbury
St. Stephens, Oak Ridge
tux104@aol.com

Gary McGhee
Church of the Nativity, Ft. Oglethorpe
GAgary.mcghee@mckesson.com

Mike Jekabsons,
St. Columba, Bristol
ewaldoj @aol.com

Diocese of Tennessee Contacts

Charles Marsh
St. Matthew's, McMinnville
cwm1@blomand.net

Craige DeMoss
demoss@comcast.net

Diocese of West Tennessee Contacts

Pat Rohrbacher
St. John's, Memphis
patrohr@bellsouth.net

Buddy Adams
Badams@firstam.com