Presbyterian Student Fellowship at ETSU

Presbyterian Student Fellowship to Take a Break

2011-09-27T11:44:00.000-07:00

Hi Friends,

In December 2009, I took over for Jim Kirkpatrick with the Presbyterian Student Fellowship. The idea was to do it for a couple of months until an interim director was called.

Due to budget constraints, the presbytery was unable to fill the position. I kept it going as best I could. I am at a point now where it really isn't generating interest. I do think there might be a need for a PC(USA) presence on campus and for a thoughtful, inclusive, open to questions, etc. type of ministry, but I don't have the energy, time, or skill, to make that happen. I can put together programs, but it takes much more than that. I don't think one volunteer can really do this justice.

Tonight will be the last gathering for PSF. I'll order pizza for whoever shows and we'll watch the second installment of Michael Dowd's DVD.

It could be that ending this chapter will allow for a new chapter to be written. I may use the campus house for special programs, such as the peacemaker who will be there on October 4th, and should students ever find a need for a progressive perspective, I would be happy to assist with programming, encouragement, and a listening ear.

Blessed Be, John

Evolutionary Christianity Part 2

2011-09-27T11:41:00.001-07:00

Tonight we are going to watch and discuss part 2 of the DVD Evolutionary Christianity with Rev. Michael Dowd. Michael is the author of Thank God For Evolution.

Rather than think that evolution is a threat to faith, Dowd shows how evolution can inspire deeper faith.

It is a fascinating tour of the great story of our universe.

Michael Dowd and his wife and partner, Connie Barlow, visited us a few years ago. You can read a number of blog posts about the visit including this one.

Join us at seven for supper and the program to follow.

Invite friends. All are welcome!

Evolutionary Christianity

2011-09-20T07:15:00.001-07:00

Tonight we are going to watch and discuss the DVD Evolutionary Christianity with Rev. Michael Dowd. Michael is the author of Thank God For Evolution.

Rather than think that evolution is a threat to faith, Dowd shows how evolution can inspire deeper faith.

It is a fascinating tour of the great story of our universe.

Michael Dowd and his wife and partner, Connie Barlow, visited us a few years ago. You can read a number of blog posts about the visit including this one.

Join us at seven for supper and the program to follow.

Invite friends. All are welcome!

What is Progressive Christianity?

2011-09-12T15:28:00.000-07:00

What is "Progressive" about "Progressive Christianity?"

Let's talk about it!

We will look at "The Eight Points of Progressive Christianity" and watch a short film.

Our next meeting is Tuesday, September 13th at the Pres House!

We meet at seven for food and conversation!

Anyone is welcome!

Welcome! PSF Starts September 6th!

2011-08-18T12:58:00.000-07:00

Presbyterian Student Fellowship at ETSU begins Tuesday September 6th with food at 7 p.m. at the Presbyterian Campus House, 1412 College Heights Road.

We have had programs on Progressive Christianity, Islam, the Historical Jesus, Colombia, LGBT justice, African-American History, Evolution, Climate Change. We watch films, go bowling, go hiking. We do what you want.

Read through the blog to discover some of the things we have done in the past. On the 6th we will plan some things for the Fall Semester.

Here is our statement:

Everyone is in the circle. With a commitment to achieving a just and peaceful world community we welcome those of every age, race, and ethnic identity. We are inclusive. You don't have to be Presbyterian or even religious. We are big on questions not answers!

Bullet points to remember:

Invite friends.
Get the word out.
We are the progressive campus ministry at ETSU.

Find us on Facebook!

For more information, contact John Shuck!

And friend me on Facebook!

I like to have coffee at Earth Fare.

LGBTieS At ETSU at PSF (April 26th)!

2011-04-26T11:15:00.001-07:00

Those are a lot of letters!

LGBTieS is the Gay-Straight Alliance club at ETSU. They work together to foster understanding and support for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning students, their friends and family members. They will meet with us for supper and a program about the issues surrounding life on campus.

Here is an article about them in the East Tennessean.
Here is their Facebook page.

Frank is cooking!!

Supper at 7 p.m.
Program to follow at 7:45.

Cookout and Final Gathering for the Semester! (May 3rd)

Garrett is going to fire up the grill. It is our last gathering before Fall. We celebrate our graduates and just celebrate Life! Join us!

7 pm. Supper

Earth Day Hike (April 23)

2011-04-19T10:56:00.001-07:00

Earth Day Hike (April 23rd)

The Peacemaking Committee at First Presbyterian Church of Elizabethton has invited us to join them on an Earth Day Hike April 23rd at 9:00 a.m. Here is the announcement:

"On Saturday, April 23, the Peacemaking Committee will sponsor a hike and meditation. We'll spend the day celebrating Earth, looking for wildflowers, birds, butterflies and whatever else
crosses our path. Our hike winds about 3.7 miles from Hampton to Dennis Cove following the Appalachian Trail much of the way, passing Laurel Falls and Laurel Fork Gorge. Then we
will culminate our experience an Earth Day meditation. Meet us at the church parking lot at 9:00 a.m. Bring a lunch and water. For more information contact Gary Barrigar at 543-7576."

Everyone at PSF and in the presbytery is invited! We are located at 119 West F Street across from TA Dugger Middle School in Elizabethton. Here are directions to the church!

LGBTieS (April 26)

2011-04-19T10:55:00.002-07:00

LGBTieS is the Gay-Straight Alliance club at ETSU. They work together to foster understanding and support for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning students, their friends and family members. They will meet with us for supper and a program about the issues surrounding life on campus.

Supper at 7 p.m.
Program to follow at 7:45.

What Is Progressive Christianity?

2011-04-19T10:55:00.001-07:00

What is Progressive Christianity?

We hear the word progressive. We may wonder what it means. And what does it mean in regards to Christianity? Professor at Union Theological Seminary in New York and Pastor of Chestnut Hill Methodist Church in Philadelphia, Hal Taussig, has researched this movement. His book, A New Spiritual Home: Progressive Christianity at the Grass Roots, describes this movement that is the identity of over 1000 faith communities. He found that progressive Christian communities emphasize the five following characteristics:

1--Spiritual Vitality
2--Intellectual Integrity
3--Transgressing Gender Boundaries
4--Vitality Without Superiority
5--Justice and Ecology

I made a powerpoint on this topic for a class at Milligan College a few weeks ago. We will look further at these five characteristics of this new Christian movement.

Please invite friends.

Join us at 7 p.m. for supper and the program to follow at 7:45.

LGBTieS were originally scheduled for this week but will join us next week!

True Grit Tonight!

2011-03-22T09:55:00.000-07:00

"Following the murder of her father by hired hand Tom Chaney, 14-year-old farm girl Mattie Ross sets out to capture the killer. To aid her, she hires the toughest U.S. marshal she can find, a man with "true grit," Reuben J. "Rooster" Cogburn. Mattie insists on accompanying Cogburn, whose drinking, sloth, and generally reprobate character do not augment her faith in him. Against his wishes, she joins him in his trek into the Indian Nations in search of Chaney."

Join us tonight, March 22nd, at the Real to Reel for movie night! It is that good old time retribution religion. This will be a good film to explore the myth of redemptive violence. Check out this article by Walter Wink. We can discuss this article and the film after the show at Dairy Queen. The show starts at 6:30. Meet at the Real to Reel a few minutes before, or if anyone needs a ride I will be at the Pres House at 6 p.m.

The movie is only $3.
You are on your own for supper.

As always bring friends!

Sandy Westin to Speak Tonight!

2011-03-01T11:52:00.000-08:00

We are thrilled to have Sandy Westin, the director of the United Religions Initiative for North America to be our guest tonight at PSF. Her topic is going to be:

"Making a Difference: Illusion or Genuine?

This is from URI.org

Ms. Westin has a true international perspective on the world. She has lived in Washington state, Ohio, California, Colorado and North Carolina and has traveled in 39 of the 50 United States. Ms. Westin also has visited Canada, Mexico, Ireland, England, Austria, Germany, India, and most recently, Jordan, Palestine and Israel. "I am dedicated to a spiritual path exemplified in the purpose, preamble and principles of URI," Ms. Westin says. "My family's spiritual commitment to being of service was primarily drawn from our participation in the Masonic Orders of Eastern Star, Masons and Rainbow for Girls." Ms. Westin has served URI in various roles, including: NA Regional staff member as the Technology and Communications Coordinator, Trustee of URI of Henderson County CC 2006-2009, producer of a Community Forum for the Henderson County CC Academy for Peace in 2008 and 2009, and delegate to the 2008 Global Assembly in Mayapur, India. She has more than 40 years' experience in administration with both business and non-profits which has provided her with many tools and skill sets. Ms. Westin also has experience in event design and implementation, writing, editing and storytelling. "My greatest strengths may lie in organization, and in the realization of visions, coupled with a deep commitment to intentional and appreciative communication," she says.

Join is at 7 p.m. for supper and the program to follow at 7:45 p.m.

A Midsummer Night's Dream!

2011-02-24T11:34:00.000-08:00

PSFers!

Thanks to Colonial Heights Presbyterian Church for the big, big, screen TV!

Go here for the news!

Highlights include!

Sam and Caitlyn in Midsummer Night's Dream!

Concert at FPC Elizabethton!

Oscar Night at the Pres House!

Is Making a Difference an Illusion or Genuine?

Climate Change, Oscars, and Concert!

2011-02-21T15:35:00.001-08:00

Here is the latest for PSF!

Jeff Wardeska speaks about climate change, Tuesday, February 22nd.

Dana and Susan Robinson are in concert, Saturday, February 26th!

Watch the Oscars Sunday, February 27th!

Here is the news!

Holiday Party!

2010-12-17T12:00:00.000-08:00

Here is the flier for our Holiday Party!

Click to enlarge and download it here!

PSF Holiday Party!!

2010-12-15T13:28:00.000-08:00

Holiday Party (December 28th)!!

"Presbyterian Fellowship at ETSU welcomes all college students whose home is in the bounds of Holston Presbytery home for the holidays! We are hosting a holiday party at the Presbyterian Campus House, 1412 College Heights Road in Johnson City, on Tuesday, December 28th at 7 p.m. Where ever college has taken you and you find yourselves back home for Christmas, please come and check in with old friends and make new ones. Where ever you attend college, whether it be ETSU, UCLA, Northeast State, or the college of hard knocks, and you are hanging around East Tennessee between Christmas and New Year's we want to connect!! We want to hear about where you have been and what you are doing! You don't have to be Presbyterian. All are welcome! It will be fun! PSF students Caitlyn Morelock and Sam Floyd are our hosts (and the two of them know how to throw a party!) RSVP on Facebook or e-mail John."

Please get the word out to every college student you know! I am hoping all churches will forward this on to their college students!! Thanks!!

SPLC: Gays Under Attack

2010-12-10T11:24:00.000-08:00

In today's mail I received the latest issue of the Intelligence Report published by the Southern Poverty Law Center.

The cover story is Under Attack: Statistics Reflect Grim Reality: Gays Remain The Most Targeted Minority In America.

Responding to the wave of teen suicides — including, most dramatically, that of 18-year-old Tyler Clementi, a Rutgers University student who leaped off the George Washington Bridge in New York City in September — anti-gay leaders instead blamed those who sought to protect students from bullying.

Bryan Fischer of the American Family Association said gay rights activists “pressure these students to declare a disordered sexual preference when they’re too young to know better, [so] they share some culpability.” Family Research Council President Tony Perkins, a key critic of anti-bullying programs, said gay activists were “exploiting these tragedies to push their agenda.” He said that gay kids may know “intuitively” that their desires are “abnormal” and that the claim, pushed by gay activists, that they can’t change “may create a sense of despair that can lead to suicide.” Matt Barber of Liberty Counsel said those activists want “to use the tragedies to increase pressure on the real victims: Christians.”

Can you believe that? Christians are the "real victims" according to these anti-gay zealots. You will also want to read

Thanks to the SPLC for this issue.

The best way to counter this is to stand up and be counted.

In Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia please support:

PFLAG Tri-Cities Holiday Party!

2010-11-23T23:16:00.000-08:00

Come and join us for some holiday fun!

It's the PFLAG Tri-Cities Holiday Celebration!

When: Sunday December 5 at 5pm
Where: Presbyterian Campus House
1412 College Heights Dr.
Johnson City, TN

What to bring: A covered dish to share, drinks* for your party and your holiday spirit!

(*As this location is on the ETSU campus, no alcohol will be permitted.)

RSVP either at our Facebook event page or email us at pflagtricities@yahoo.com

We look forward to seeing you there as we come together to celebrate the holidays in a safe, accepting environment!

Apocalypse!!

2010-11-15T15:05:00.000-08:00

The last book in the Bible is a doozy. The Revelation (or Apocalypse) to John is filled with symbolic visions. What is this book about? Throughout history people have attempted to decipher these symbols.

Today there are books and television preachers who think they have it figured out and think it means "the end of the world".

We will take a look at this intriguing book from the perspective of its own historical and social setting. What was the author trying to communicate? Was it an attempt to predict a supernatural future or was it a critique of the injustices of the Roman Empire and a vision of peace through justice?

Find out on November 16th!

Caitlyn's cookin'! Join us at seven for supper and the program at 7:45 ish.

As always, bring a friend!

PSF Through Christmas!

2010-11-09T11:45:00.000-08:00

Here is the calendar for the programs for the rest of the semester!

Tuesday, November 9th, 7 p.m. "Discover Your Conflict Management Style"

Tuesday, November 16th, 7 p.m. "Bible Study: The Book of Revelation"

Friday, Saturday, Sunday, November 19-21. Middler Retreat at Holston Camp. PSF students needed to be small group leaders

NO MEETING on November 23rd. Happy Thanksgiving!

Tuesday, November 30th. 7 p.m. "What is a Presbyterian?"

Tuesday, December 7th. 7 p.m. "A Christmas Eucharist"

Tuesday, December 28th. 7 p.m. HOLIDAY PARTY! For all college students home for the holidays!

Everyone is welcome to all events whether Presbyterian or something else or no affiliation at all. No one is an outsider. Everyone is in the circle.

All Tuesday nights begin with supper at 7 p.m.
and the program to follow at 7:45 ish.

Discover Your Conflict Management Style!

2010-11-09T11:41:00.001-08:00

How do you handle conflicts and disagreements at school, church, work, with family, with your signficant other? Do you persuade, accommodate, avoid, insist, compromise? Do you try different ways of handling the conflict in different situations? Do you ever wish you could learn to handle conflict differently?

Tonight (November 9th) John will administer a test to help you discover your conflict management style and we will talk about not only our default ways of handling conflicts but how we might discover other ways as well.

Join us! Bring a friend. Supper at seven (Sam's cookin') and the program at 7:45 ish.

Jesus Seminar Tonight!

2010-10-29T09:37:00.001-07:00

The Jesus Seminar on the Road is tonight! No need to pre-register. Pay at the door!

Two big news items:

1) The football game was last night. There is no game tonight, therefore NO parking issues. Whew! Congrats to the Cyclones too for winning! Plenty of Parking!

2) Any seminary, college, or high school student with ID gets in for FREE!! We have scholarships for students.

This is going to be a big deal. This is a rare and unique opportunity to listen to and converse with scholars who have been involved with the Jesus Seminar (the cutting edge of historical Jesus study) for 25 years. Listen to an interview with Art Dewey on WETS.

The lecture is Friday at 7:30. Here is the rest of the schedule.

Come to one, two, or all three events.

Here is the Google Map for the First Presbyterian Church:

From Johnson City, take Highway 321 into to town. It becomes West Elk.

At Pal's turn right on to Holly.

Go past the football field on the left. Then turn left onto West F Street.

We are in the middle of the block on the left, 119 West F Street.

The books are set up for sale. Excellent resources for a mindful exploration of Jesus, the Bible, and issues of faith.

The Authentic Letters of Paul and The Trouble With Resurrection and the latest edition of The Complete Gospels are ready for purchase!

We are setting up the Martin Hall in anticipation of 80 folks or more.

Again, plenty of room. Make a last minute decision to attend if you have been on the fence! Bring a friend.

I'm telling you, you will be angry with yourself for missing this when you hear how great it was!

Check my blog for more information!

Blessed Be,
John

Caitlyn Morelock is in Dracula!

2010-10-26T12:34:00.000-07:00

Don't miss Caitlyn Morelock in Dracula at Northeast State! Check it out on GoTricities!

In Dracula, adapted from Bram Stoker's novel, the vampire Dracula flees Transylvania for London, where the teeming population provides ample fodder for his blood-thirst. Only Abraham Van Helsing, the world famous metaphysican, has a hope of stopping the Prince of the Undead. Can Van Helsing save the day? Or will his heroic efforts merely render him the next victim to Dracula's deadly bite? Come see for yourself this Halloween at Northeast State Community College.

Performances: October 28, 29, 30 at 7:30 and October 30 and 31 at 2 p.m.

PSF in the Dark!

2010-10-26T07:25:00.000-07:00

Power is still out at the campus house. Hopefully, it will be on by PSF time. If not, WE WILL STILL HAVE PSF! I will order pizza. Pizza by candlelight! 7 pm and (if power is on) a film on Peak Oil at 7:30.

Christian Faith and Politics

2010-10-21T13:52:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, November 2nd is election day. How does one's faith impact politics? Does it? Could it? Should it? Is it a matter of voting for a particular party or a certain way on certain issues? How do people of faith discern how they will participate in the political process? Rev. John Shuck will lead a discussion on faith, politics, and citizenship.

Jesus Seminar in Elizabethton!

2010-10-21T13:50:00.000-07:00

FPC Elizabethton is excited to bring Bernard Brandon Scott and Arthur Dewey to the Tri-Cities for a Jesus Seminar on the Road.

Jesus played upon the stereotypes and tensions in his world and wove explosive stories, called parables, that called into question the everyday assumptions of his audience. For centuries, these parables have been routinely misread and largely underestimated. Now scholars are attempting to recover their irony, edginess, and effrontery. This lecture will describe parables, and show how they can destabilize their listeners' world even now.

There will be a Friday night lecture and workshops Saturday morning and afternoon. Attend one, two, or all events. Register here.

Scholarships for college students by contacting John Shuck.

What Is Peak Oil?

2010-10-21T13:47:00.000-07:00

Rev. John Shuck will lead the program on October 26th on the topic of Peak Oil. What is Peak Oil? According to geologist, Colin Campbell:

"The term Peak Oil refers to the maximum rate of the production of oil in any area under consideration, recognising that it is a finite natural resource, subject to depletion."

Don't let the terse definition fool you. This peak of oil global oil production that many experts think is happening now has huge impacts on everything including geopolitics, transportation, economy, ecology, housing, food, career choices--in short--civilization. We will watch a film and discuss this important topic.

Coming Out Day at ETSU

2010-10-21T13:14:00.001-07:00

It did my heart good to read this in the East Tennessean:

A candle-lit crescent shone in front of the Sherrod Library on the night of Oct. 11, National Coming Out Day, commemorating departed friends and celebrating diversity.

The candlelight vigil, organized by the Department of Multicultural Affairs in cooperation with ETSU's LGBTies and several other groups, honored individuals who had faced adversity or death for their sexual orientation.

"In the past three weeks there have been five suicides related to homosexuality," LGBTies co-president Kendall Standridge said. "Those are just the ones that have made the news.

"Beyond that there have been several people like Matthew Shephard and Brandon Tina, a sort of martyr in the gay community, who have died for their orientations."

Shephard's and Tina's names were mentioned several times from the podium during the event, as well as the names of others who have died.

After that, the crowd was encouraged to call out the names of loved ones who had died due to orientation/gender discrimination.

Individuals were named, heads were bowed and candle flames danced brilliantly as an honorary moment of silence ensued.

Though heartrending, the ceremony was not without smiles and good times. A Johnson City band, The Squash Blossoms, kicked the activity off with an acoustic jam that included Old Crow Medicine Show's Wagon Wheel, and an after-party of sorts convened at the Presbyterian campus house.

Carly Manning, president of ETSU's American Society for Microbiology student chapter, attended with members of her club who were taking up donations for the support of HIV/AIDS patients.

"Dr. Powers, our faculty adviser, is also the president of HIV Network, the organization I was responsible for collecting donations for," Manning said.

Manning collaborated with Standridge to set up a booth informing participants about HIV/AIDS.

"HIV/AIDS is extremely prevalent among the homosexual population," Manning explained. "Not only were we there to collect donations, but also to raise awareness."
Standridge also explained the purpose of LGBTies.

"LGBTies is a gay-straight alliance on campus," Standridge said. "We serve as a safe haven for students who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, as well as anyone questioning their sexual orientation. We are an open-minded group who want to be about more than just sexual orientation and gender identity."

When asked about the relationship between the heterosexual and non-heterosexual populations on campus, Standridge stated that the biggest issue between the two was "a simple gap in understanding." Without mentioning names, she referenced some straight acquaintances who avoided situations with gay individuals because they were afraid of offending them.

However, she assured that she would answer any questions anyone might have to help bring about a better understanding of who she is.

"Any exposure helps us show the straight community that we aren't entirely different from them, and that is the goal."

It was an honor to participate in the sharing of stories at the Presbyterian Campus House. More than one story had to do with stigma because of religion. Gratitude was expressed that the Presbyterian Campus House was a spiritual place of welcome. It was a sacred time.

I am very proud of LGBTieS and the Department of Multicultural Affairs for putting this together.

Coming Out Day October 11th

2010-10-07T14:24:00.001-07:00

Join us Monday at the Borchuck Plaza (courtyard outside the Sherrod library)

Office of Multi-Cultural Affairs at ETSU presents:

Sam says:

On this night, we remember and speak about those who have gone on, those who continue to have the courage to speak out for what they believe is right, and those who inspire you in your everyday life. There will be performances by Johnson City's sensational group, Squash Blossoms, and an after-dinner at the Campus Presbyterian House. Following dinner, we will take time to share our stories and gain a deeper understanding of the human condition.

Peacemaker from the DR Congo at Pres House!

2010-10-04T09:45:00.000-07:00

Rev. Augustin Mukendi was on WJCW 910 AM this morning. Dave Hogan and Carl Swann are the hosts of the morning show, "Thinking Out Loud."

Listen to the podcast and join us tonight at 6 p.m. for a potluck or come just for the program at seven p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Elizabethton.

Rev. Mukendi will also speak at the Presbyterian Campus House Tuesday night at 7:45.

Supper at 7 p.m. and the program with Rev. Mukendi at 7:45 Tuesday night! See you there!

The Gospel and the Wizard of Oz

2010-09-27T10:15:00.000-07:00

PSF President Caitlyn Morelock will present a program "The Gospel and the Wizard of OZ" this Tuesday night, the 28th!

So get on that yellow brick road to the campus house for supper at 7 p.m. and the program at 7:45!

Food, Inc.

2010-09-20T20:34:00.000-07:00

We are going to watch a film for PSF, Tuesday, September 21st.

We have purchased the rights to screen the film, Food, Inc. You will never look at food the same way again.

In Food, Inc., filmmaker Robert Kenner lifts the veil on our nation's food industry, exposing the highly mechanized underbelly that has been hidden from the American consumer with the consent of our government's regulatory agencies, USDA and FDA. Our nation's food supply is now controlled by a handful of corporations that often put profit ahead of consumer health, the livelihood of the American farmer, the safety of workers and our own environment. We have bigger-breasted chickens, the perfect pork chop, herbicide-resistant soybean seeds, even tomatoes that won't go bad, but we also have new strains of E. coli-the harmful bacteria that causes illness for an estimated 73,000 Americans annually. We are riddled with widespread obesity, particularly among children, and an epidemic level of diabetes among adults.

Featuring interviews with such experts as Eric Schlosser (Fast Food Nation), Michael Pollan (The Omnivore's Dilemma, In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto) along with forward thinking social entrepreneurs like Stonyfield's Gary Hirshberg and Polyface Farms' Joel Salatin, Food, Inc. reveals surprising-and often shocking truths-about what we eat, how it's produced, who we have become as a nation and where we are going from here.

A "very light" supper at 7 followed by the film at 7:45. We will also have a coffee bar sampling some Free Trade Coffee!

Invite everyone!!

Lynnea Hunter on Northern Ireland!

2010-09-14T12:09:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, September 14th, Lynnea Hunter, a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Johnson City, and a Young Adult Volunteer, will speak about her adventure in Northern Ireland.

Check out her blog! She writes:

I'm currently a volunteer with the Presbyterian Church (USA)'s Young Adult Volunteer (YAV) program. I live and work in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in mixed North Belfast, to be exact. I work in various church and community settings focusing on reconciliation and peacemaking. I love it here, the people are great, and there's something new to be learned every day!

Supper at 7 and program at 8!

Flier for Sept 7-14

2010-09-04T20:09:00.000-07:00

Oopsie. Our PSF gathering will be the 14th with Lynnea, not the 15th! Always Tuesdays!!

Water, Water Everywhere! Is It Clean?

2010-09-04T19:50:00.001-07:00

Gary Barrigar of Boone Watershed Partnership is going to speak to us on Tuesday, September 7th about water in Northeast Tennessee.

Part of our Christian commitment is caring for our streams. Gary will inform us about what our water is like and what college students can do to ensure that it is clean and safe for all of life. This program could inspire a good service project for us!

Check the Boone Watershed Partnership, Inc. on Facebook.

Dinner at 7 and Program at 7:45. Bring your friends!

Bowling!

2010-09-04T19:41:00.001-07:00

We are going bowling, Sunday, September 5th at 8 p.m.

Meet at Holiday Lanes!! Invite friends! It is a great way to connect folks with PSF!

First Night!

2010-08-31T08:23:00.001-07:00

We have our first night tonight at seven p.m! It begins with a great meal then we will have our program which tonight will consist of an opportunity to get to know each other and a brief worship service with communion allowing us to express our hopes for the coming year.

As always, invite friends.

I am looking forward to a great year!

PSF Is ETSU Proud!

2010-08-26T18:27:00.000-07:00

It is Pride Week!

We are going to be on campus tomorrow (Friday) at the "Sidewalk Sale" handing out pens, information cards about our ministry and smiles. We are putting up fliers where it is appropriate to do so. I think we have a unique ministry based on relationship building, open-ended questions, and inclusivity. If you know of a student at ETSU who needs a home away from home and a place where everyone knows your name, check out the "Pres House."

Here is the news I sent out today with all the details! Click the flier!

Open House this Sunday from 6-8 pm
First Night Tuesday, August 31st from 7-9 pm
Bowling at Holiday Lanes, Sunday, September 5th at 8 pm

Find PSF:
Blog
Facebook

Move In Day!

2010-08-25T17:02:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone! Tomorrow (Thursday) is move in day.

We put on our PSF t-shirts and help people move into the dorms. Caitlyn and Sam and I are going to help out. Have a couple of hours?

Here is the plan, if you can help meet at 7 a.m. at the Pres House. I will give you a t-shirt and we will walk down to the dorms (Lucille Clement, Luntsford, Dossett, West). If you can't be there at 7 a.m. but want to meet us, contact me tonight.

Here is the Calendar

Sunday, August 29th, 6-8 pm, Open House. Great chance to welcome friends!

Tuesday, August 31st, 7-9 pm, First Night. We have a meal and a welcome to start the semester.

We had our initial planning meeting and are ready to go! More information will be coming out later this week. Do join us for our open house on Sunday the 29th!!!

Presbyterian Student Fellowship at ETSU Starts Sunday!

2010-08-17T20:28:00.001-07:00

Classes begin in a couple of weeks at East Tennessee State University. Campus ministries are starting as well including the Presbyterian Student Fellowship.

Since our director, Jim Kirkpatrick retired, our presbytery has had to make do. The presbytery decided it didn't have the money to continue funding the position.

What do you do when you have no money?

You ask volunteers who look like this to mold young minds.

Um, yeah, that would be me. Homely, but scrappy.

We are one of the most scrappy ministries on campus. We are not well-funded or super-hip like all the big fancy campus ministries, but...

We have a house!

That's cool!

1412 College Heights Road.

We have a blog!

We are on Facebook!

We send out slick e-mails. Do subscribe.

We have food.

Every Tuesday night, we have a meal at seven p.m. followed by a program. We bring in guests. Check the blog for some programs we put together last semester.

Possibilities for this Fall include an International Peacemaker from the Democratic Republic of the Congo as well as one of our local friends, Lynnea Hunter, who has been a YAV (Young Adult Volunteer) with the PCUSA this past year in Belfast.

Students will pick the programs.

In fact, we will do that this Sunday, August 22nd at 5 p.m. at the campus house.

Planning is open to all ETSU students interested in Presbyterian Student Fellowship. I'll provide pizza and we will brainstorm our programs for the Fall semester and include other fun things and service stuff too!

Bring your ideas! We are here for you, the students.

We are a place you can hang out, do laundry, use the computer, find friends and a home away from home.

Most importantly, we accept everyone.

Even people who look like this.

We are inclusive. Everyone is in the circle. You don't have to be Presbyterian or even religious. We are big on questions not answers.

Sometimes you need a friend to lean on. I am available by appointment (Facebook or e-mail) for counseling or conversation at the campus house, Earth Fare, or other coffee shop.

Here is the calendar:

Sunday August 22nd, 5 pm. Semester Planning. All students are welcome. We are at the ground floor. We will figure out who is who and what we want to do.

Thursday, August 26th, Move-In Day, 7:30 am - 1 pm. The deal here is that we wear our PSF t-shirts and help folks move in to the residence halls.

Sunday, August 29th, 6-8 pm, Open House. We need something big for this. Ideas? Well, then, come on the 22nd and help us plan.

Tuesday, August 31st, 7-9 pm, First Night. We have a meal and a welcome to start the semester.

Curious?

Contact me on Facebook or e-mail!

PSF Starts This Week!

2010-08-17T10:15:00.000-07:00

School starts at ETSU in a couple of weeks!

I am the volunteer staff for PSF (Presbyterian Student Fellowship). Here is the deal. We are at the ground floor. We can make this whatever we want. We meet Tuesdays for a meal at seven followed by a program that the students choose. Check the blog for last semester's programs. Find the Pres House on Facebook.

Like I said we can do what we want. Depending on the time and energy we want to put into it, we can do fun stuff, mission stuff, have engaging programs, be a place to be for each other, whatever. We have a house! How cool is that?

Everyone is welcome whether Presbyterian or something else or no affiliation at all. No one is an outsider. Everyone is in the circle. Come, bring your friends, and together y'all will decide what we want.

I am busy getting in touch with current and prospective ETSU students to get the ball rolling.

If you are that, you are the ball I want to get rolling.

The first deal is a planning meeting Sunday, August 22nd at 5 pm at the Campus House. All students are in on this. From this meeting we will brainstorm and make plans for the semester, choose our leadership core, figure out who wants to do what.

This is a planning meeting for ALL students.

I'll get us pizza.

In the meantime, friend me on Facebook.

Here is the Calendar:

Sunday August 22nd, 5 pm. Semester Planning. All students are welcome. We are at the ground floor. We will figure out who is who and what we want to do.

Thursday, August 26th, Move-In Day, 6:30 am - 1 pm. (or a smaller shift). The deal here is that we wear our PSF t-shirts and help folks move in to the residence halls.

Sunday, August 29th, 6-8 pm, Open House. We need something big for this. Ideas? Well, then, come on the 22nd and help us plan.

Tuesday, August 31st, 7-9 pm, First Night. We have a meal and a welcome to start the semester.

Make sure you subscribe to get e-mail updates about PSF on the sidebar!!!

Rush in Africa

2010-05-14T09:12:00.000-07:00

Check out Eileen Rush's blog, The Adventures of Eileen Rush in Africa! Eileen attended PSF, is a member of FPC Elizabethton, graduated ETSU this May and is now in Uganda. Follow her adventures and keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

Final PSF for the Semester

2010-05-03T12:35:00.000-07:00

PSF's final meeting for this semester is tomorrow, Tuesday, May 4th! We are grillin'! Join us at 7 pm for great grilled food and conversation and share ideas for next Fall!

Painting Party!

2010-04-23T13:05:00.001-07:00

We are giving the Pres House a makeover!

Everyone is invited to the Painting Party at the Campus House on Saturday, May 1st at 9am.

We will be painting the interior of the building from top to bottom. Please let Andrea know if you will be here. We want to make sure we have enough food for all.

Invite your friends. Pretend you are Tom Sawyer!

Discover Your Inner Fish!

2010-04-23T12:53:00.000-07:00

On April 27th Dr. Julie Wade will provide our program, "Your Inner Fish."

Your Inner Fish—Anatomical Evolution

Have you ever wondered why your body is made like it is?

In a recent book by Dr. Neil Shubin entitled Your Inner Fish—A Journey into the 3.5-Billion-Year History of the Human Body, Dr. Shubin describes the evolutionary process that has resulted in our current human forms.

Dr. Shubin is a paleontologist who teaches gross anatomy to medical students at the University of Chicago. He maintains that in order to understand how our body is made and functions, we must understand its history.

Dr. Wade will be using his book as a basis to explain such structures and systems as our hands, teeth, body plan, sense of smell, sense of hearing, and others. She will then try to help us understand the meaning of it all by emphasizing the importance of our evolutionary heritage and why it simply cannot be denied. We owe a great deal to our Inner Fish!!!!

Dr. Julie Wade is a retired Professor of Biology from Milligan College. In her teaching career spanning 27 years, she taught a variety of anatomically based courses, including Comparative Anatomy, Human Anatomy and Physiology, and Histology, and will use that background to add to the presentation.

Dinner at 7 pm and program to follow at 8 pm. All are welcome!

Suffering and Hope in Colombia

2010-04-18T19:26:00.001-07:00

We have three more programs before we wrap up PSF for the semester.

April 20--Becca Knight, Suffering and Hope in Colombia
April 27--Dr. Julie Wade, Discovering Your Inner Fish
May 4--Closing Ceremonies with communion.

Here is more on Tuesday's program:

Suffering and Hope in Colombia

Brief Synopsis: Colombia, South America has been in a civil war for over forty years - and most Americans know nothing about this war, or that the US government helps to fund it. Fighting amongst the right-wing paramilitaries, leftist guerrilla groups and the Colombian military often leave innocent civilians, union leaders, indigenous people, pastors and peace workers in the cross fire. There are more internally displaced people in Colombia (about 4 million) than in any other country in the world including Sudan. Come learn why you should care about human rights in Colombia and what you can do to help advocate for a peaceful US policy on Colombia. Becca Knight participated in an emergency peace delegation to Colombia as part of her work with Mennonite Central Committee. She will share powerful stories about suffering and hope in Colombia.

Becca works for Appalachia Service Project and is a member of FPC Elizabethton. Join us Tuesday at 7 for dinner and the program to follow! Read more about Becca here!

Sam and Caitlyn in Sordid Lives!

2010-04-14T14:01:00.001-07:00

Hey Everyone!

Don't miss "Sordid Lives" this weekend April 15-18 at the VA Memorial Theater!

PSFers Sam Floyd and Caitlyn Morelock are just sordid enough to be in it!

Here is the scoop!

The Patchwork Players, a student theater organization at East Tennessee State University, will present the adult comedy “Sordid Lives” at the VA Memorial Theatre April 15-18, with Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening performances at 7 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Written by Del Shores, “Sordid Lives” debuted as a stage play in 1996 and was later produced as an independent film in 2000 and eventually as a television series. The show tells the story of a Texas family dealing with the death of the elderly matriarch.

There is no admission fee, but donations to the Patchwork Players will be accepted.

For tickets, more information, or to request special accommodations, call (423) 631-2184.

Happy Birthday PFLAG Tri-Cities!

2010-04-14T11:42:00.001-07:00

PFLAG Tri-Cities is two years old this week! What a great two years.

We are going strong providing support, education, and advocacy, for LGBTQ people, family, friends and allies.

To celebrate we are having a party this Saturday night! Everyone is invited. The Presbyterian Student Fellowship at ETSU is hosting the party for PFLAG Tri-Cities.

It will be held at the Presbyterian Campus House.

Here is the announcement from our President, Dr. Kerry Holland:

PFLAG TriCities will be celebrating its 2nd birthday on Saturday April 17, 2010. Can you believe it's been 2 years since we first gathered together to express our common concern and humanity?! We'll gather at the Presbyterian Campus House on the campus of ETSU at 7pm. Bring your favorite party food and beverage. Sorry, no alcohol, though (cause we're on campus). There'll be birthday cake, music and a bonfire! The address is 1412 College Heights, Johnson City.

We'll have our regular monthly meeting on Thursday April 15, 2010 at 7 pm in room 413 Warf-Pickel on the campus of ETSU. We'll be making plans for our first picnic of the season, too. I'm really looking forward to seeing you there! We've had a great 2 years! Bring your friends to the meeting AND to the party! We'll have a great time!

Here is the original article about the formation of our chapter in April 2008.

Dr. Kerry Holland, a Johnson City psychologist, the Rev. John Shuck, who pastors at First Presbyterian Church in Elizabethton, and others formed a steering committee to establish the Tri-Cities chapter.

“We are hoping to create a supportive community for people who have children or family members who are gay and lesbian or bisexual or transgender,” Holland said. “We are wanting to embrace them so they can continue to be a loving family to their children and siblings. And we want to create a similarly open and loving environment for the GLBT community here in the Tri-Cities area.”

Shuck was a member of the PFLAG chapter in Billings, Mont. As a member of the clergy for 16 years, he has seen families disown their children and the emotional and physical distress experienced by homosexual individuals shunned because of their sexual orientation. He hopes the local PFLAG chapter will provide comfort to those who are facing difficulties because of their sexual identity.

“I think there’s a great need for people to be who they are and be accepted for who they are and to have their family members accept them,” he said. “I think that so many times people think from religious convictions or other convictions that it’s not OK to be gay. And we want to say ‘No, it really is OK.’ What’s not OK is to discriminate and to act on one’s prejudices.”

Melanie Teegarden’s 14-yearold daughter faces criticism often because of her sexual orientation. Teegarden will be attending the PFLAG meeting.

“When people ask her questions about her orientation it tends to be with a hostile undertone, and she’s faced physical aggression in school repeatedly,” Teegarden said. “Strangers come up to her on the street and hurl insults at her. And this is just a way that I can stand up for my daughter and hopefully encourage other parents to stand up for their children as well.”

Holland said she wants PFLAG to be active in the community and believes that in the next several months the local chapter will be working toward an environment where everyone is accepted.

“What I would really hope is that several years down the road, we wouldn’t need to have a PFLAG Tri-Cities,” she said. “I don’t think that’s particularly realistic, given the time in which we live in. But I really would like to see a larger, vibrant organization that would be able to advocate in the community for all people; that perhaps we would not just be focusing on creating a supportive community, but we might be able to advocate for change in how things are done in the community and perhaps some legalized discrimination could be made illegal.”

Here is how to connect with PFLAG Tri-Cities:

Website
Blog
Facebook
Twitter
Yahoo Group

Hope to see you Saturday at the party and Thursday at our monthly meeting in #413 Warf-Pickel!

Who Are the Mormons?

2010-04-13T09:32:00.000-07:00

Presidential candidate and Massachusetts Governor, Mitt Romney, has brought to national consciousness, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, whose adherents are sometimes referred to as "Mormons."

It is a fast growing church without any professional clergy. Its message is spread by 18 and 19 year olds who each spend two years on a mission.

Tonight we will meet several of these elders who will tell us about their faith.

Join us for dinner at 7 and conversation to follow!

Passover Seder!

2010-03-29T12:20:00.001-07:00

We are excited to welcome Barbara Turner and members of the Hillel Fellowship at ETSU Tuesday night. Barbara Turner is a rabbinical student and will lead us in a Passover Sedar. We will meet at 7 pm for the ritual which is part of the celebration.

There are limited spots. If you would like to attend contact me at johnashuck [at] embarqmail [dot] com

Concert This Tuesday!

2010-03-22T15:47:00.000-07:00

PSF will go to the concert in Elizabethton on Tuesday! Join us! If you would like to carpool meet at the Pres House before 6 p.m. From there we will have dinner at El Torito, 508 Broad Street, in Elizabethton.

Here is the scoop about the concert:

First Presbyterian Church of Elizabethton is excited to present Sara Grey and Kieron Means in concert, Tuesday, March 23rd at 7:30.

Sara and Kieron will provide a night of traditional and acoustic music from the British Isles to Appalachia.

"Sara Grey is one of that rare breed of singers who have been involved with traditional music over many years and absorbed its vital essence. In Sara's performance, the art of the singer and that of the story teller merge to produce a web of tales and songs capable of transporting an audience from the concert hall or club room to the intimacy of a kitchen fire side." --Brian Peters

I am really looking forward to this! Hope to see you!

Kieron has such a tremendous passion when he sings, it goes right to the very core of himself, he's totally immersed the songs. He is a terrific performer on account of just that passion. His voice is especially striking, achieving the rare combination of a high lonesome edge with a warm richness of timbre, and it has a power to move the listener that few of his generation can match. His guitar playing is unconventional, its spareness a mile away from any notion of fancy picking, but it's highly effective, while his stage presence is charismatic, yet laid-back. His songs range from old-time, through the blues - which he sings with startling conviction - to the work of tradition-influenced songwriters, and his own compositions have people, who know a good song when they hear one, nodding in approval.
--Living Tradition

Check out some sample recordings including one for Easter.

Tickets are only $10 at the door.

If you are anywhere near our mountain make you sure you come and bring your friends!

Congrats, Nick!

2010-03-16T13:57:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to our own Nick Mitchell! Nick was featured in Friday's Johnson City Press. Check the story:

Nine East Tennessee State University students have been selected for inclusion in the most recent edition of “Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.” Since 1934, the publication has honored outstanding students who demonstrate “academic achievement, service to the community, leadership in extracurricular activities and potential for continued success.” Those selected join representatives from “more than 2,300 institutions of higher learning in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and several foreign nations.”

Included in this list is...

Nicholas Hayes Mitchell is the president of the ETSU Interfraternity Council and a member of Lambda Chi Alpha social fraternity. Elected to the ETSU Student Government Association for three years, he was president of the ETSU College Republicans and is a member of the Greene County Republican Party, as well as Main Street: Greeneville. Active with the ETSU Presbyterian Campus Ministry, he is a member of Greeneville’s First Presbyterian Church. He is the son of Rickey and Eileen Mitchell and grandson of Robert and Mary Hill and Clyfene Mitchell, all of Greeneville, as well as the late Walter Mitchell.

Dinner and Dancing Tonight!

2010-03-16T12:19:00.000-07:00

Dinner at 7 pm and Dancing for Peace at 7:45 for PSF!

Here is the deal:

From the beginning of time, sacred movement, song and story have brought people together - at times of seasonal ceremony and celebration, as part of everyday life and life passages, in daily renewal and meditation. The Dances of Universal Peace are part of this timeless tradition of sacred movement, song and story.

The Dances of Universal Peace are simple, meditative, joyous, multi-cultural circle dances that use sacred phrases, chants, music and movements from the many spiritual traditions of the earth to touch the spiritual essence within ourselves and recognize it in others. Building on the work begun by Samuel L. Lewis in the 1960s, they promote peace and integration within individuals and understanding and connection within groups worldwide. There are no performers nor audience: new arrivals and old hands form the circle as everyone sings and dances together.

Dr. Rebecca Nunley will direct the dances at the Pres House tonight! Join us!

Spring Break!

2010-03-08T07:35:00.001-08:00

Enjoy your week! Join us Tuesday, March 16th at 7pm for dinner and for Dances of Universal Peace led by Dr. Rebecca Nunley! Invite friends!

"From the beginning of time, sacred movement, song and story have brought people together - at times of seasonal ceremony and celebration, as part of everyday life and life passages, in daily renewal and meditation. The Dances of Universal Peace are part of this timeless tradition of sacred movement, song and story.

The Dances of Universal Peace are simple, meditative, joyous, multi-cultural circle dances that use sacred phrases, chants, music and movements from the many spiritual traditions of the earth to touch the spiritual essence within ourselves and recognize it in others. Building on the work begun by Samuel L. Lewis in the 1960s, they promote peace and integration within individuals and understanding and connection within groups worldwide. There are no performers nor audience: new arrivals and old hands form the circle as everyone sings and dances together."

Final Weekend for Tartuffe!

2010-02-25T15:06:00.000-08:00

Don't miss PSF's Sam Floyd in Tartuffe: Born Again this Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday! Check the ETSU theater website for details and to order tickets!

Check out the story in the East Tennessean.

My friends, are you prepared to meet the Lord?" asks Tartuffe, to begin the second act of ETSU's production of "Tartuffe: Born Again."

"Tartuffe: Born Again" is being performed by the ETSU Division of Theatre & Dance and opens Thursday, Feb. 18 at ETSU's Bud Frank Theatre.

"The performances should leave audiences looking at their own character flaws and the disconnect between what we say and what we do," says Patrick Cronin, director and head of the Theatre and Dance Division.

Originally written in France by Molière in 1664, "Tartuffe" is about religious hypocrisy and how people worship false prophets. Singer, actor, playwright and friend of Cronin, Freyda Thomas, has adapted the play in "Tartuffe: Born Again," to have meaning in today's society.

"I thought it would be a terrific update with all the televangelists," says Thomas, from her Pennsylvania home.

"Born Again" takes place in Baton Rouge, La., in the 1980s. Tartuffe, a popular televangelist, takes advantage of a family that thinks he can do no wrong.

"I think it is also about how our obsession with celebrity and cult heroes such as 'Jon & Kate Plus 8' and other false idols," says Cronin. "It is about a very serious subject, but it is also drop-dead funny … Even though the show is not one the audience will be familiar with, audiences should attend for the same reasons they went to 'Avatar' - to have fun and expand their world."

Thomas altered the ending of the play to modernize it, as well as changing the characters slightly from Molière. Otherwise, the play is very similar to the original "Tartuffe," even in the writing style of rhymed verse.

"The most challenging part of directing this play is helping the actors find a way to be comfortable with the rhymed verse," Cronin says. "The hardest part for the actors is learning a lot of lines and learning to be true to the character."

Jesus Loves You (But I'm His Favorite)

2010-02-25T14:53:00.000-08:00

Here is a pic of Garrett and I at the Mardi Gras at FPC Elizabethton. Never fear, Jesus loves Garrett, too.

Here are some more pics!

Don't miss PSF this Tuesday at 7!!

Lean On Me

2010-02-25T14:42:00.000-08:00

I (known as John) will be available for counseling at the Pres House (or at Earth Fare or other coffee shops) by appointment.

You can reach me by email at johnashuck [at] embarqmail [dot] com.

Friend me on Facebook!

We all need somebody to lean on.

March 2nd: The Historical Jesus

2010-02-25T13:49:00.000-08:00

I will present the PSF program on March 2nd.

"Stand up, Stand up for [the Historical] Jesus"

Who was Jesus? Was he an historical person or a legend or a combination of the two? How do scholars determine what is historical vs. literary when they evaluate gospel texts? I will introduce some of the methods and the challenges regarding the search for the historical Jesus at PSF on March 2nd.

P.S. I am also making nachos. Jesus liked nachos. Yum.

Latest Happenings!

2010-02-23T09:19:00.000-08:00

Here is news about PSF!

****

Don't miss PSF's Sam Floyd in Tartuffe: Born Again this Thursday, Friday and Saturday! Check the ETSU theater website for details and to order tickets! Break a leg, Sam!

***

Presbyterian Student Fellowship meets at the Pres House for dinner on Tuesdays at 7 pm with a program to follow at 8 pm. All are invited! Check us on Facebook.

***

TONIGHT!!!!!

February 23rd Film, "For the Bible Tells Me So"

Can the love between two people ever be an abomination? Is the chasm separating gays and lesbians and Christianity too wide to cross? Is the Bible an excuse to hate?

Through the experiences of five very normal, very Christian, very American families -- including those of former House Majority Leader Richard Gephardt and Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson -- we discover how insightful people of faith handle the realization of having a gay child. Informed by such respected voices as Bishop Desmond Tutu, Harvard's Peter Gomes, Orthodox Rabbi Steve Greenberg and Reverend Jimmy Creech, FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO offers healing, clarity and understanding to anyone caught in the crosshairs of scripture and sexual identity.

March 2nd John Shuck. "Stand up, Stand up for [the Historical] Jesus" Who was Jesus? Was he an historical person or a legend or a combination of the two? How do scholars determine what is historical vs. literary when they evaluate gospel texts? John Shuck will introduce some of the methods and the challenges regarding the search for the historical Jesus at PSF on March 2nd.

March 9th Spring Break! We are planning a couple of fun outings including a possible day trip to the Gray Fossil Site. More information to come next week.

March 16th Rebecca Nunley will lead us in Dances of Universal Peace.

"From the beginning of time, sacred movement, song and story have brought people together - at times of seasonal ceremony and celebration, as part of everyday life and life passages, in daily renewal and meditation. The Dances of Universal Peace are part of this timeless tradition of sacred movement, song and story.

The Dances of Universal Peace are simple, meditative, joyous, multi-cultural circle dances that use sacred phrases, chants, music and movements from the many spiritual traditions of the earth to touch the spiritual essence within ourselves and recognize it in others. Building on the work begun by Samuel L. Lewis in the 1960s, they promote peace and integration within individuals and understanding and connection within groups worldwide. There are no performers nor audience: new arrivals and old hands form the circle as everyone sings and dances together."

March 23rd PSF will meet at First Presbyterian in Elizabethton for a night of traditional and Celtic music by Sara Grey and Kieron Means. FPC Elizabethton is fortunate to be able to present them and invites PSF to enjoy a night of music. We will figure out a dinner plan beforehand!

March 30th During Holy Week we are going to take a look at our Jewish roots. March 30th is the beginning of Jewish passover so that will be our program for the 30th. We are excited to have ETSU Professor Barbara Turner direct us in a sedar. A limited number can participate, so make sure you contact me to reserve a place.

******

For quick reference:

February 23rd Film: For the Bible Tells Me So
March 2nd Rev. John Shuck, "Stand Up, Stand Up for the [Historical] Jesus"
March 9th Spring Break--fun outings TBA
March 16th Dr. Rebecca Nunley, "Dances of Universal Peace"
March 23rd FPC Elizabethton presents in concert Sara Grey and Keiron Means (7:30 pm)
March 30th Dr. Barbara Turner "Passover Sedar"

******

PSF--Tuesday nights!
Dinner at 7!
Program at 8!

Everyone is welcome and we mean it!

Welcome!

2010-02-23T09:18:00.001-08:00

Here is a new blog for Presbyterian Student Fellowship on the campus of East Tennessee State University!

Check the links on the sidebar!