learn

A curated collection of books and digital resources grounded in Christian contemplative practice. Explore wisdom from the deep currents of our tradition to nourish your spiritual formation and discipleship.

feature film series for adult formation groups

Each month we feature a film from our partners at The Work of the People.

Creating Our Way Through
Five Film on Art & Salvation

Art…is a means of union among [humans], joining them together in the same feelings, and indispensable for the life and progress toward well-being of individuals and of humanity. — Leo Tolstoy, adapted for inclusion from his essay What is Art?

We create to emulate.
We create to resuscitate.
We create because we bleed.
We create to heal.
We create to both die and rebirth.
We create because we cannot help it!

Humans happen to be so creative that we manage to create in as many ways as there are of us! Use this time to consider all the ways your creativity is a pathway to your growth and healing and movement towards oneness. Towards atONEment.

The curriculum, written by Kelly Ann Hall, includes 5 sessions with an accompanying discussion guide.

Click here to download the guide.

available until July 7, 2026

Should you need additional time with this course, please email Canon Emily Bruner Doane.

Emodying the Divine

“Embodying the Divine: Love as the Heart of Creation” is a compelling five-part film series featuring theologian Ilia Delio, exploring the profound implications of understanding God as the unstoppable force of love within creation. Each film delves into the nature of divine love as it manifests in the cosmos, community, and personal transformation. Through these discussions, viewers are invited to reconsider their relationship with the divine, themselves, and the world, discovering how love is not only the essence of God but also the very fabric of existence. The series offers a transformative journey into the heart of a universe that is continually evolving toward greater union, freedom, and fullness.

Click here to download the guide.

books

Here are a few of our suggested titles for books on contemplation and discipleship. We encourage you to purchase your books through a local, independent bookseller. 

Lily & Sparrow

Lily & Sparrow is a journal for voices exploring how contemplative prayer and Christian discipleship entwine to deepen our encounter with God and the world. We invite essays, narratives, poetry, book reviews, and art—from seekers and artists within and beyond our diocese—that witness how the practice of stillness in prayer shapes us and draws us closer to Christ.

Enjoy these past articles from Lily & Sparrow. 

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Personal Narrative: Getting To the Heart of It

It started with a broken heart. An utter sense of helplessness and hopelessness had taken hold, and it was making me physically sick. I was horrified with each nightly newscast, and then Renee Good was murdered. In desperate need of community, solace, and some...

Apr 10, 2026

Homily: The Woman at the Well

Gospel: John 4:5-24 I would like to take you back three weeks ago to Feb 20th and 21st and the 42nd Annual Convention of the Diocese of East Tennessee. The theme of the Convention was “Equip Disciples”. So the question I have for you is this: what does it look like...

Apr 10, 2026

digital resources

Here are digital resources for exploring contemplation and Episcopal worship.