CROSSVILLE —
There are 53 retired clergy/chaplains among other retirees, representing 10 different denominations living in Uplands Village at the present time. Besides the ordained clergy, there are ministers’ wives, missionaries and others who have had professions in the church. Although Uplands has ties with the United Church of Christ, that is by no means a criteria for becoming a member here. And certainly those of us who have not spent our careers in a religious setting feel quite comfortable in their midst and learn a great deal from studies, discussions and conversations about those who have.
Dr. Carol E. Lytch, president of Lancaster Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania, was drawn to visit Pleasant Hill because of stories expounding the wonders of the Tennessee Cumberland Plateau from Lancaster alumni. Eleven Uplands’ residents graduated from and even taught at Lancaster Seminary.
Dr. Lytch began as the 11th president of Lancaster Theological Seminary Aug. 15, 2012. She is an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA) with standing in Donegal Presbytery. Early in her career, Dr. Lytch served as co-pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Cranbury, NJ, with her husband. Before coming to Lancaster Seminary, Dr. Lytch served as assistant executive director of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS), the accrediting agency for theological schools in United States and Canada. Prior to her work with ATS, she was coordinator of the Lilly Endowment’s Program for Strengthening Congregational Leadership. She was also visiting scholar and researcher-in-residence at Louisville (KY) Presbyterian Theological Seminary.
During her visit to Pleasant Hill this month, along with the Rev. Paul Eyer, director of alumni and church relations, she spoke to a large gathering in the Community House on Saturday and preached in the Pleasant Hill Community Church, United Church of Christ that Sunday. The Saturday topic was a thought provoking discussion of the “Opportunities and Challenges of the Mainline Protestant Witness in These Times.” Much to everyone’s surprise, she showed that Christianity is growing worldwide, especially in Africa, the far East and South America.
In the United States, although 83 percent profess to have a religious affiliation, only 40 percent actually attend services weekly. Attendance at all religious institutions has been going down since 1972. What is new here is the fluidity of the religious landscape. Americans don’t always stay with the denomination or religious affiliation that they were born into. The churches that are growing are at the extreme ends of the spectrum — conservative 39 percent and liberal 35 percent. Members of mainline protestant religions are having fewer children and don’t attend church as often as they used to. There is a growing secularism, increasing pluralism and acceptance of other religions. The “nones” (no religious affiliation) often profess to be spiritual and favor the organized religious communities’ outreach and caring for the poor and hungry.
The good news for mainline Protestant churches is their success in building community and settling conflicts. They need to find a new balance, become more fluid, multiracial and multifaith, while blurring the boundaries between the ordained and lay members. Religious institutions are still needed to accomplish good in a collaborative way.
A prime example of that collaboration was last week’s celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the Palace Theatre in Crossville. Christians for Justice and Peace, an ecumenical group, sponsored the event, taking an offering to support the social justice advocacy group, Crossville for Solidarity Action. Before the event, a volunteer fair of 13 nonprofit organizations, sponsored by the Celebrating Diversity Council, showed the numerous ways people can become involved in Cumberland County.
Lifestyles
Related Photos
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Dr. Carol E. Lytch, president of Lancaster Theological Seminary, spoke in Pleasant Hill about "The Future of Mainline Denominations and Theological Education."
Pleasant Hill Ramblings: Uplands ties strong with Lancaster Seminary
- Lifestyles
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Pleasant Hill Ramblings: Pleasant Hill Elementary honors volunteers
Mary Ann Kotus-Huff, principal of Pleasant Hill Elementary School (PHS), recently welcomed volunteers to the annual Volunteer Tea. It was held in the gaily decorated new all-purpose room of the new annex. Volunteers were treated to sandwiches, fruit, cheese and crackers and cupcakes.
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Plateau Gardening: Transplanting tips
My landscape is perennial–based. There are vines, trees, shrubs as well as herbaceous (soft-stemmed) vegetation in assorted categories-ornamentals, herbs and food crops like rhubarb. Annuals in containers are used to add splashes of color. At this time of year, I usually have a few recently purchased plants waiting to be transplanted (see the accompanying photo).
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Fair Park offering help for senior dog owners
A dog is a senior's best friend. Family and friends are not around much, and everyone is so busy. After retirement the free time seems to be longer. Many seniors would be very lonely if it was not for their four-legged friends. Dogs are a big part of the family, so they need to learn to be obedient to make it easier on the relationship.
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The beginnings of Cumberland County Discovery Gardens
It was a great day in 2004 when Walt Hitch looked out his window and studied the three unused acres that accompanied his hundreds of acres of AgResearch lands.
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CCHS Class of 1963 congratulates Class of 2013
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Putt for the Cure miniature golf tournament a success
Kids of all ages enjoyed a fun outing of miniature golf Saturday at the first Putt for the Cure event, presented by Dr. Calley Jo Elsea of Cloudland Dental, to benefit the Upper Cumberland affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Players teams up with sponsors and host Pirates Plateau Golf Adventure to raise funds to help area women get needed screening exams, support patients and survivors, educate the public and support national research initiatives.
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Around the Town: Attendance is the Key to success in Cumberland County!
High school attendance is up and 10 cars have been given away. This is all thanks to some forward thinking educators along with Dave and Connie Kirk and the staff at Dave Kirk Automotive. This year marks the 10th anniversary, or a decade, of what the high school students call "Dave Kirk Drawing Day." Or, in layman's terms, some junior or senior from Cumberland County High School, Stone Memorial High School or Phoenix School wins a brand spanking new vehicle.
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End of another great year for Neighbors and Newcomers
Referred to as the "best little club on the mountain," Neighbors and Newcomers will be holding its last meeting of the year May 23. After a fun-filled, interesting and exciting year, the group will enjoy this end-of-the-year lunch at the Cumberland County Fairgrounds.
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Seniors to visit Sutton General Store May 18
On May 10, the members of the 127 Senior Center had a good time socializing, playing bingo, dominos and billiards. Numbers were called by Arlene Simmons, with the prizes furnished by Bob Folger, with State Farm Insurance.
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Marriage licenses
Published May 15, 2013.
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