The School for Contemplation & Discipleship is a living network of contemplative learning woven throughout our diocese. Through parish-based workshops, regional gatherings, retreats, and online resources, we create a tapestry of formation that meets people where they are while weaving them into a vibrant community of spiritual growth and discipleship—learning to follow Christ more deeply in daily life.

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.

Want to submit to Lily & Sparrow? Check out our submission guidelines and form.

Lily & Sparrow Submissions

Leah Philbrick

Essay: The Contemplative Parish in Troubled Times: A Journey into Contemplative Resistance

‘A Spiritual truth to which our culture and society have so successfully numbed us is that the contemplative life is not a luxury or a quaint pastime but a matter of grave spiritual, social, and now even planetary urgency.’ Vincent Pizzuto, Contemplating...

Apr 10, 2026

Susan Scaggs

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

Ed Hochnedel

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

School for Contemplation & Discipleship Events

Contemplative Walking at the Eugenia Williams House

Take a Step in a Mindful Direction: Contemplative Walking at the Eugenia Williams House Friday, July 10 & 24, 10:00 AM Limited to 6 Registrants for Each Session Cost: Free This summer, The School for Contemplation & Discipleship invites you to the grounds...

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Contemplative Practice Symposium

The Contemplative Practice Symposium is an invitation to those who have an established practice and are ready to take the next step— to become companions and facilitators that help introduce and support the practice in parish communities. Facilitator formation is...

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