Loudon priest scans past, horizon

When I came to Loudon in October last year, I knew about the area and the Church of the Resurrection parish through my contact with the search committee and the information in the parish profile. Since that time I have been getting to know all of the people of the parish, and learning about the area the parish draws from first hand.

I grew up in Atlanta, Ga, so living in the South is not something that is new to me, although I spent 25 years in the Midwest. When my husband, Jerry, and I decided that we wanted to return to the South we knew it would need to be where the land was rolling and we could be surrounded by trees — a perfect description of the natural beauty of East Tennessee and Loudon County.

The profile that the parish put together in their search process for a new rector described the congregation as “an enthusiastic and energetic group of people” ... for whom “the Holy Eucharist is central” ... and who “place great value on our outreach programs within the church family and throughout the community.” I have found all of that to be true, but words and photographs on a page can only give a one-dimensional picture of a parish. There is wonderful life at Church of the Resurrection, with many people being enthusiastically involved in many areas of ministry both at the parish level and in the community.

A unique characteristic of Church of the Resurrection is that it is a crossroads (which is also the name of the parish newsletter). The church is halfway between Lenoir City and the county seat of Loudon — drawing from both areas and beyond, as well as Tellico Village, a planned community with lake and golf amenities.

The diocese and many people in Loudon County also see the church as a crossroads. It is a ministry of this parish to offer our building grounds to non-profit groups at no cost.

It is my hope that the parish continue to find ways to be that crossroads where people can come together for renewal and refreshment and to serve our God.

– The Rev. SuZanne Seavey

I came to St. Raphael’s and Crossville with a vague but insistent sense of call to the southern mountains. My colleague at the Methodist Church here says she thinks it’s the darn-dest thing the way people seem to keep being called here from all parts of the country. She thinks God’s got fabulous plans for Crossville, and I tend to agree with her.

This is the most loving parish I’ve ever experienced, but I miss my friends of 24 years in Buffalo, N.Y. I surely do NOT miss the weather, though — Crossville is like a little piece of heaven.

I had concern about assuming the role of being “in charge,” after serving as an assistant rector for three years. But that sense of responsibility is something that I am very naturally and gradually “growing into.”

My own hopes closely reflect those of the parish. I would like to see St. Raphael’s grow: I think our inclusiveness can embrace the diversity that Crossville offers.

I feel so fortunate to have been called to a parish that already has so many gifts. The parishioners here enjoy socializing together at coffee hour after church, at monthly potluck suppers, at ECW and at the occasional picnic or work day at the church. I hope to foster and enhance that sense of community.

There are so many active ministers in this church. There is a faithful and gifted music program in place. We have been busily recruiting personnel and examining materials, so that fall will bring a “grand opening” of a small-scale children and youth ministry.

There is a lively and healthy sense of ownership of the church by the laity, which arose by necessity through their 15 months without a full-time priest. I’m grateful for that sense of partnership.

Down the road there will be some discernment about how to use St. Raphael’s fair-sized property to glorify God and further spread the Good News. But for now we are enjoying getting to know one another, getting on with the business of being the Church and worshiping God and taking our first baby steps together as brand-new partners in ministry!

– The Rev. Ann Markle