East Tennessee is spectacular this time of year. Each day seems to bring new surprises, new blossoms bursting forth – a feast for the eyes. This year I have especially enjoyed spring through the eyes of my four-year-old grandson, Nathaniel. He is giggly with delight to see that the funny, brown bulbs he helped “Gamma” plant in the fall are now sunny, yellow-trumpeted daffodils and stately pink or yellow tulips. The pansies that have weathered the freezing winter temperatures continue to lift up their smiley faces in greeting. Ah, the joy of watching children experience God’s creation.

What a blessing.

Just as spring heralds change to our environment, it is also a time of change for the Presbytery of East Tennessee (PET). Steve Benz has served as the Executive Presbyter of our presbytery for six years and is now stepping down from this position. We are thankful for the many blessings he has brought to this ministry. The Search Committee for an Interim Executive Presbyter has announced that The Rev. Dr. Carl Schlich (HR) has accepted the call to this position pending presbytery’s approval in May. He recently retired as Executive Presbyter of the Savannah Presbytery of the Synod of South Atlantic. Please keep Steve, Carl and the presbytery in your prayers during this time of change.

As I reported last month, West Emory Church is beginning a new ministry in conjunction with Bridge Refugee Settlement program. Our little church building on the hill is bursting with household goods that will be sorted and distributed to new refugee families making a home in our area. Students from Johnson Bible College, youth groups and other volunteers are on board to help organized the donations. We are looking forward to hearing more about this ministry at our Congregational Dinner on Sunday, April 20. I hope we have a great turn-out for this event. Together we are making a difference!

Peace and Blessings,
Miki