The Appalachian Ministries Resource Team's vision is service to the people of East Tennessee. This team serves as a networking and information clearinghouse for the Appalachian region. We provide opportunity for ministry by connecting individuals and congregations with existing community service groups. We know that by helping to form these relationships we minister not only to those in need but also to those offering skills as volunteers, allowing them to grow into the vision that Christ has for each of us.

— Appalachian Ministries Vision Statement

Why should we be involved?

Mission opportunities in Appalachia provide ways for us to act into our living faith. Your mission efforts provide seeds of hope and moments of relief. Working directly with the local service agencies allows us to connect directly with the existing networks.

Where is this ministry concentrated?

Our mission efforts originally were concentrated in the northern part of Campbell County, Tenn., which is in our diocese. This isolated mountain area is located between LaFollette and Jellico, just an hour from Knoxville. The poverty in this area is so severe, nearly 96 percent of children qualify for the schools' free lunch program. Mission projects support the 15 schools or the local community service agencies already operating in the area.

However, all of the Diocese of East Tennessee is in the Appalachian region, and our churches and ministry groups are discovering more opportunities for mission and ministry.

For example, the AMRT - along with Bishop Charles vonRosenberg and interested others - travels on an "Appalachian Pilgrimage" each year to learn about needs in Appalachian communities and how ministry groups are addressing need. Reports on past journeys are available in the diocesan newspaper, the East Tennessee Episcopalian:

• 2007 pilgrimage to Scott and Morgan counties, Tenn. (see pages 1, 15 and 17)
• 2006 pilgrimage to Hamblen County, Tenn.
• 2005 pilgrimage to the Bradley Initiative for Church and Community in Cleveland, Tenn.
• 2004 pilgrimage to the Henderson Settlement in Frakes, Ky.
• 2003 pilgrimage to the Mountain Community Parent Resource Center in White Oak, Tenn., and the Mountain Women’s Exchange in Jellico, Tenn.

In addition, the Campbell County Cares Coalition is led by Campbell County Health Officer Dr. Tupper Morehead, who is a member of St. Francis, Norris, and of the AMRT. The unabridged report is available here.

Won't you help us serve those who are in need?

Ways you and your church can make a difference:

• Diapers and clothing for children
• "Books in the Home" program for children
• Scholarships for adult learners in GED classes and Jellico/Carson- Newman college program
• Donations to emergency food pantries in LaFollette and Jellico Summer mission trips for youth to help with residential repairs
• Fill and donate student backpacks to schools

• Supplies for Schools in Campbell County
• A Mountain of New Socks for Clothing Centers
• Summer Music and Art Camps for Children
• Coats of Many Colors for Children and Adults
• Mountain-to-Mountain Student Exchange and Appalachian Youth Summer Camp at Grace Point, the diocesan camp and retreat center
• Diaper Drives for the Parent Resource Center
• Easter Tree Gifts for Children
• Fire Wood Donations
• Food Donations for Food Pantry
• Clothing Donations for the Clothing Centers
• Book Donations for Families
• Back-to School, Christmas, and Easter gifts delivered to selected children by the men of St. John, Johnson City (children identified by the Campbell County Office of the Department of Children's Services)

“The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.”

• Mary Rhoades, chair (St. Stephen’s, Oak Ridge)
• Bill Fryar (St. John, Johnson City)
• Marita Pratt (St. Claire, LaFollette)
• Marianne Cathey (St. Stephen’s, Oak Ridge)
• Harry and Patty Chase (St. James, Knoxville)
• Carolyn Doster (Good Shepherd, Chattanooga)
• Sandy Elledge (St. Thomas, Knoxville)
• Fred Fields (St. Francis, Norris)
• Tupper Morehead (St. Francis, Norris)
• Ruth Prince (St. Stephen’s, Oak Ridge)
• Nancy Worland (Thankful Memorial, Chattanooga)
• Pat Cahill (Thankful Memorial, Chattanooga)
• Lavonne Gibbs

Mary Rhoades, chair
865.483.8085
maryr@comcast.net