Nashville Religion Communicators to Hear about Resilience on July 20

 

The Nashville Chapter of the Religion Communicators Council (RCC) meets monthly to talk about topics of interest and hear from professionals in religious communications.  

 

The Religion Communicators Council (RCC) is an interfaith association of religion communicators at work in print and electronic communication, marketing and public relations. The Nashville Chapter meets monthly at rotating locations to learn about other faith traditions, learn from fellow communicators and gain professional development opportunities.

 

The July meeting has been rescheduled due to the long 4^th of July weekend, to now take place on July 20. The meeting will feature a discussion on resilience, led by a prominent local United Methodist pastor. This is a perfect time for discussing such a topic, as many people return to more in person functions after the lifting of all COVID-19 restrictions.  “As a community, we are recovering, so what more perfect topic could we have for our July meeting than resilience? This will be a great meeting, and at the best time,” says Julie Brinker, communications coordinator for the Nashville RCC chapter and community relations director for the Church of Scientology Nashville.

 

The RCC has members from every faith group and walk of life including Baha’is, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Scientologists, Sikhs, Hindus and more. The RCC, founded in 1929, is an association of communications professionals who work for and with a diverse group of faith-based organizations in the areas of communications, public relations, advertising and development.

 

The RCC provides opportunities for communicators to learn from each other. Together, RCC members promote excellence in the communication of faith and values in the public arena. For more information about the Religion Communicators Council, visit religioncommunicators.org/nashville-chapter.

Nashville Religion Communicators Learns About the Ministry of Broadcasting

 

The Nashville Chapter of the Religion Communicators Council (RCC) meets monthly to talk about topics of interest and hear from professionals in religious communications.  

 

The Religion Communicators Council (RCC) is an interfaith association of religion communicators at work in print and electronic communication, marketing and public relations. The Nashville Chapter meets monthly at rotating locations to learn about other faith traditions, learn from fellow communicators and gain professional development opportunities.

 

The March meeting will take place virtually, as has been the common meeting ground for nearly all events since April 2020.

 

RCC members will hear from Jeffrey Anderson, who has been in international Christian broadcasting since 1982. He was with The Christian Broadcasting Network, Inc. for 12 years, including a position as Programming and Operations Manager of Middle East Television for five years. Since 1994, he has had a consulting business - Jeffrey P. Anderson and Associates: International Television Start-Ups, Programming, and Productions. His clients have been worldwide, but especially in Asia. Mr. Anderson, his wife Beverly, and two children, were Presbyterian missionaries to Japan in the latter part of the 1980s. Between 1993 and 2015, the Andersons were involved in a total of 25 summer mission trips among the four of them. Since 2016, Mr. Anderson and his wife have been missionaries with Far East Broadcasting Company.

 

During the RCC meeting, Mr. Anderson will be talking on: Pivoting in a World-Wide Crisis - The Need for Readiness, Yet Expecting the Unexpected.

 

The RCC has members from every faith group and walk of life including Baha’is, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Scientologists, Sikhs, Hindus and more. The RCC, founded in 1929, is an association of communications professionals who work for and with a diverse group of faith-based organizations in the areas of communications, public relations, advertising and development.

 

The RCC provides opportunities for communicators to learn from each other. Together, RCC members promote excellence in the communication of faith and values in the public arena. For more information about the Religion Communicators Council, visit religioncommunicators.org/nashville-chapter.

 

Nashville Religion Communicators Connects with the Community

 

The Nashville Chapter of the Religion Communicators Council (RCC) meets monthly to talk about topics of interest and hear from professionals in religious communications.  

 

The Religion Communicators Council (RCC) is an interfaith association of religion communicators at work in print and electronic communication, marketing and public relations. The Nashville Chapter meets monthly at rotating locations to learn about other faith traditions, learn from fellow communicators and gain professional development opportunities.

 

The February meeting will take place virtually, as has been the common meeting ground for nearly all events since April 2020.

 

RCC members will hear from a Deaconess from the Church for All People (C4AP) in Columbus Ohio. This church is an example of an urban church partnering with their surrounding community to offer services. For more info: https://www.4allpeople.org/Church

 

She will share how the church has adapted to COVID-19, specifically how programs have been modified from in person to virtual; how they are communicating with hard-to-reach folks; and the services offered for the surrounding community.

 

“We’re so glad to hear about how people are staying connected with their communities during this time,” says Julie Brinker, Communications Coordinator for the Nashville RCC and Director of Community Affairs for the Church of Scientology Nashville.

 

The RCC has members from every faith group and walk of life including Baha’is, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Scientologists, Sikhs, Hindus and more. The RCC, founded in 1929, is an association of communications professionals who work for and with a diverse group of faith-based organizations in the areas of communications, public relations, advertising and development.

 

The RCC provides opportunities for communicators to learn from each other. Together, RCC members promote excellence in the communication of faith and values in the public arena. For more information about the Religion Communicators Council, visit religioncommunicators.org/nashville-chapter.

 

Nashville Religion Communicators Council Holds Virtual Meeting, Inspires Leaders

The Nashville Chapter of the Religion Communicators Council (RCC) meets monthly to talk about topics of interest and hear from professionals in religious communications.  

The Religion Communicators Council (RCC) is an interfaith association of religion communicators at work in print and electronic communication, marketing and public relations. The Nashville Chapter meets monthly at rotating locations to learn about other faith traditions, learn from fellow communicators and gain professional development opportunities.

In early May, RCC Nashville held its second virtual zoom meeting on the topic of “Presentation Skills for Leaders,” with a seasoned professional who has more than twenty years of communications experience in the fields of journalism and public relations.  The Zoom session focused on presentation skills in the age of COVID-19 and helped religious communications professionals gain insight into ways to enhance their speaking skills through the virtual platform.

The last RCC meeting, in April, took place virtually as well, with nearly a dozen Nashville members discussing the response to COVID-19 for faith leaders and faith communities across Tennessee and what this looks like for both small and large congregations.

The RCC has members from every faith group and walk of life including Baha’is, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Scientologists, Sikhs, Hindus and more. The RCC, founded in 1929, is an association of communications professionals who work for and with a diverse group of faith-based organizations in the areas of communications, public relations, advertising and development.

The RCC provides opportunities for communicators to learn from each other. Together, RCC members promote excellence in the communication of faith and values in the public arena. The next Nashville Chapter meeting will be in March at Thistle Farms. For more information about the Religion Communicators Council, visit religioncommunicators.org/nashville-chapter.

Nashville Religion Communicators Council to Hold 2nd Virtual Meeting to Inspire Leaders

The Nashville Chapter of the Religion Communicators Council (RCC) meets monthly to talk about topics of interest and hear from professionals in religious communications.  

The Religion Communicators Council (RCC) is an interfaith association of religion communicators at work in print and electronic communication, marketing and public relations. The Nashville Chapter meets monthly at rotating locations to learn about other faith traditions, learn from fellow communicators and gain professional development opportunities.

Rolling with the current times, RCC Nashville is holding its second virtual zoom meeting in early May on the topic of “Presentation Skills for Leaders,” with a seasoned professional who has more than twenty years of communications experience in the fields of journalism and public relations. 

The last RCC meeting, in April, took place virtually as well, with nearly a dozen Nashville members discussing the response to COVID-19 for faith leaders and faith communities across Tennessee and what this looks like for both small and large congregations.

The RCC has members from every faith group and walk of life including Baha’is, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Scientologists, Sikhs, Hindus and more. The RCC, founded in 1929, is an association of communications professionals who work for and with a diverse group of faith-based organizations in the areas of communications, public relations, advertising and development.

The RCC provides opportunities for communicators to learn from each other. Together, RCC members promote excellence in the communication of faith and values in the public arena. The next Nashville Chapter meeting will be in March at Thistle Farms. For more information about the Religion Communicators Council, visit religioncommunicators.org/nashville-chapter.

Nashville Religion Communicators Council Virtually Meets, Discusses Impact of COVID-19

The Nashville Chapter of the Religion Communicators Council (RCC) meets monthly to talk about topics of interest and hear from professionals in religious communications.  

The Religion Communicators Council (RCC) is an interfaith association of religion communicators at work in print and electronic communication, marketing and public relations. The Nashville Chapter meets monthly at rotating locations to learn about other faith traditions, learn from fellow communicators and gain professional development opportunities.

Rolling with the times, RCC Nashville held its first virtual zoom meeting this month on the topic of “keeping people informed during global pandemics,” and had almost a dozen religious communicators join in the conversation. Together, the shared challenges they have faced and overcome and the many resources they’ve found that are invaluable during these unprecedented times.   

“We are thankful that we have so many resources available and can still connect virtually, even while staying apart,” says Julie Brinker, Communications Coordinator for the RCC Nashville Chapter who also handles Community Affairs for the Church of Scientology Nashville.

The RCC has members from every faith group and walk of life including Baha’is, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Scientologists, Sikhs, Hindus and more. The RCC, founded in 1929, is an association of communications professionals who work for and with a diverse group of faith-based organizations in the areas of communications, public relations, advertising and development.

The RCC provides opportunities for communicators to learn from each other. Together, RCC members promote excellence in the communication of faith and values in the public arena. The next Nashville Chapter meeting will be in March at Thistle Farms. For more information about the Religion Communicators Council, visit religioncommunicators.org/nashville-chapter.

Nashville Religion Communicators Council to Hold Virtual Meeting

The Nashville Chapter of the Religion Communicators Council (RCC) meets monthly to talk about topics of interest and hear from professionals in religious communications.  

The Religion Communicators Council (RCC) is an interfaith association of religion communicators at work in print and electronic communication, marketing and public relations. The Nashville Chapter meets monthly at rotating locations to learn about other faith traditions, learn from fellow communicators and gain professional development opportunities.

Rolling with the current times, RCC Nashville will be holding its first virtual zoom meeting this month on the topic of “keeping people informed during global pandemics,” and will be inviting all religious communicators to join in the conversation which will be next week.  

The last RCC meeting took place at United Methodist Communications in February, and RCC members heard from Jamie Dunham, Chief Brand Strategist at Brand Wise, on the topic Podcasting for Your Brand. Dunham is a blogger, brand strategist and cultural curator. Her focus is building cultural relevancy for brands that lead to stronger and more profitable consumer relationships. She has provided counsel to a wide variety of consumer sectors – the arts, faith-based communities, grocery, healthcare, hospitality, restaurants, travel and package goods.  She is particularly passionate about The Lipstick Economy – the 108 million women that account for 85% of all consumer purchases. That is also the name of her podcast, which comes out every two weeks.

RCC members were able to learn how important podcasts are today, especially being a relatively non-crowded market to send out a message, as well as successful ways to go about starting a great podcast.

The RCC has members from every faith group and walk of life including Baha’is, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Scientologists, Sikhs, Hindus and more. The RCC, founded in 1929, is an association of communications professionals who work for and with a diverse group of faith-based organizations in the areas of communications, public relations, advertising and development.

The RCC provides opportunities for communicators to learn from each other. Together, RCC members promote excellence in the communication of faith and values in the public arena. The next Nashville Chapter meeting will be in March at Thistle Farms. For more information about the Religion Communicators Council, visit religioncommunicators.org/nashville-chapter.

Church of Scientology Nashville Celebrates Interfaith Harmony Week with Special Service

The Church of Scientology Nashville opened its doors to all religious communities for a special service in observance of World Interfaith Harmony Week.

Hate graffiti, death threats, and violence toward people of religion have become recurrent mainstream news. FBI hate crime statistics show that incidents in churches, synagogues, temples and mosques increased 34.8% between 2014 and 2018, the last year for which FBI data is available.

“In order to truly combat religious discrimination in this day and age, we have to come together and learn about the religious other,” says Rev. Brian Fesler, Pastor of the Church of Scientology, who brought together people of many different faiths and cultures to take part in a service for World Interfaith Harmony Week, the first week of February. The theme was “Faith In Harmony,” and featured music as a key part of the special service.

More than a half dozen different faith groups were present for the service, and a beautiful mix of people sang and played music together while faith leaders shared words of wisdom on why it is so important for all people to come together as one in harmony.

Rev. Fesler is passionate about bringing together all peoples. “Everyone, regardless of their race, religion, culture—everyone deserves to have a voice, to live in peace, and to practice their religion in harmony with the rest of mankind,” he says.

The Church of Scientology’s creed begins with the words: “We of the Church believe that all men of whatever race, color or creed were created with equal rights; that all men have inalienable rights to their own religious practices and their performance…”   

“It is part of our very fabric to support others’ rights and abilities to practice their religion in peace, so that is what we are lifting up through this service,” says Rev. Fesler.

For more information about Scientology, its practices or beliefs, visit scientology.org. 

Nashville Religion Communicators Council Learns the Rules of Podcasting

The Nashville Chapter of the Religion Communicators Council (RCC) meets monthly to talk about topics of interest and hear from professionals in religious communications.  

The Religion Communicators Council (RCC) is an interfaith association of religion communicators at work in print and electronic communication, marketing and public relations. The Nashville Chapter meets monthly at rotating locations to learn about other faith traditions, learn from fellow communicators and gain professional development opportunities.

The February meeting took place at United Methodist Communications, and RCC members heard from Jamie Dunham, Chief Brand Strategist at Brand Wise, on the topic Podcasting for Your Brand. Dunham is a blogger, brand strategist and cultural curator. Her focus is building cultural relevancy for brands that lead to stronger and more profitable consumer relationships. She has provided counsel to a wide variety of consumer sectors – the arts, faith-based communities, grocery, healthcare, hospitality, restaurants, travel and package goods.  She is particularly passionate about The Lipstick Economy – the 108 million women that account for 85% of all consumer purchases. That is also the name of her podcast, which comes out every two weeks.

RCC members were able to learn how important podcasts are today, especially being a relatively non-crowded market to send out a message, as well as successful ways to go about starting a great podcast.

The RCC has members from every faith group and walk of life including Baha’is, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Scientologists, Sikhs, Hindus and more. The RCC, founded in 1929, is an association of communications professionals who work for and with a diverse group of faith-based organizations in the areas of communications, public relations, advertising and development.

The RCC provides opportunities for communicators to learn from each other. Together, RCC members promote excellence in the communication of faith and values in the public arena. The next Nashville Chapter meeting will be in March at Thistle Farms. For more information about the Religion Communicators Council, visit religioncommunicators.org/nashville-chapter. 

Nashville Religion Communicators Council to Hear about Podcasting

The Nashville Chapter of the Religion Communicators Council (RCC) meets monthly to talk about topics of interest and hear from professionals in religious communications.  

The Religion Communicators Council (RCC) is an interfaith association of religion communicators at work in print and electronic communication, marketing and public relations. The Nashville Chapter meets monthly at rotating locations to learn about other faith traditions, learn from fellow communicators and gain professional development opportunities.

The February meeting will take place at United Methodist Communications, and RCC members will hear from Jamie Dunham, Chief Brand Strategist at Brand Wise, on the topic Podcasting for Your Brand. Dunham is a blogger, brand strategist and cultural curator. Her focus is building cultural relevancy for brands that leads to stronger and more profitable consumer relationships. She has provided counsel to a wide variety of consumer sectors – the arts, faith-based communities, grocery, healthcare, hospitality, restaurants, travel and package goods.  She is particularly passionate about The Lipstick Economy – the 108 million women that account for 85% of all consumer purchases.

The meeting takes place at 11:30 am on February 4^th, 2020 at United Methodist Communications and is open to both members and non-members of RCC. Registration for the meeting is required by emailing rccnashville@gmail.com.

The RCC has members from every faith group and walk of life including Baha’is, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Scientologists, Sikhs, Hindus and more. The RCC, founded in 1929, is an association of communications professionals who work for and with a diverse group of faith-based organizations in the areas of communications, public relations, advertising and development.

The RCC provides opportunities for communicators to learn from each other. Together, RCC members promote excellence in the communication of faith and values in the public arena. The next Nashville Chapter meeting will be Feb. 4^th, 2020 at 11:30 am at United Methodist Communications, and will feature Jamie Dunham, Chief Brand Strategist for Brand Wise. For more information about the Religion Communicators Council, visit religioncommunicators.org/nashville-chapter. 

Nashville Religion Communicators Council Holds First Meeting of 2020

The Nashville Chapter of the Religion Communicators Council (RCC) meets monthly to talk about topics of interest and hear from professionals in religious communications.  

The Religion Communicators Council (RCC) is an interfaith association of religion communicators at work in print and electronic communication, marketing and public relations. The Nashville Chapter meets monthly at rotating locations to learn about other faith traditions, learn from fellow communicators and gain professional development opportunities.

The first meeting of 2020 took place in early January at the Cookery, a local restaurant which in addition to serving coffee, breakfast, lunch, dinner and catering to the public, has a greater purpose. According to its website, “in The Cookery kitchen, formerly homeless students are trained and equipped in culinary techniques and food safety in order to prepare them for employment in Nashville’s food industry.” All revenue from The Cookery goes to cover all café expenses and back into Lambscroft Ministries programs to serve Nashville’s homeless.

During the meeting, RCC members participated in the inaugural meeting for DayBreak Discussions, a new meeting format for Nashville RCC which brings together members along with the broader community for organic conversations about worldly topics.

The RCC has members from every faith group and walk of life including Baha’is, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Scientologists, Sikhs, Hindus and more. The RCC, founded in 1929, is an association of communications professionals who work for and with a diverse group of faith-based organizations in the areas of communications, public relations, advertising and development.

The RCC provides opportunities for communicators to learn from each other. Together, RCC members promote excellence in the communication of faith and values in the public arena. The next Nashville Chapter meeting will be Feb. 4^th, 2020 at 11:30 am at United Methodist Communications, and will feature Jamie Dunham, Chief Brand Strategist for Brand Wise. For more information about the Religion Communicators Council, visit religioncommunicators.org/nashville-chapter. 

2019 Year in Review - Religion Communicators Council, Nashville Chapter

The Religion Communicators Council is an interfaith communications organization working to promote peace and fellowship while spreading the good news.

The longest running interfaith communications organization in the United States, the Religion Communicators Council (RCC), has chapters across the country that meet regularly and promote “excellence in the communication of religious faith and values in the public arena and encourage understanding among religious and faith groups,” according to the RCC website.

In Nashville, the RCC Chapter meets every other month to promote its ideals through conversations and learn from their peers about specific communications techniques to help in their professional development.. “People of faith have influence,” says Board Member of the Nashville Chapter, Julie Brinker, who also does community relations with the Church of Scientology, “We all need to step out and speak up because the good news, of which there is an abundance, tends to be overshadowed.”

The chapter had a busy year, hearing from religion reporters to video producers. The first meeting of the year was with Laura Buchanan, Senior Creative Content Specialist at United Methodist Communications, who spoke about what makes an idea stick. In Februray, RCC members heard from Reah Aitkin, the Regional Development Director of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital on how to engage volunteers and get participation ...in other words, how to lead when no one listens.

The following month, the chapter heard from Kalinda Fisher who has created a series of community round tables around sometimes difficult conversations which she has dubbed "The Great Reset," and April saw best practices for fully utilizing research and how it impacts planning and future projects with Sheila King & Magda Vaughn. 

The May meeting covered paid advertising strategies with Debbie Hill, CEO of Creative Website Marketing.

Then the next three meetings were tours of various places. In July, it was the new Tennessean offices, in September RCC members toured the Islamic Center of Tennessee and in October, the Sri Ganesha Temple. 

The November RCC meeting was held at Glencliff United Methodist Church where RCC members learned about the church’s tiny homes project for the homeless, and in December, RCC board members met to review the year and set the course for 2020.  

RCC is open to members from all denominations, and the Nashville group includes Baha’is, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Scientologists, Hindus and more.  For further information about the RCC or their next meeting, visit www.religioncommunicators.org.

Nashville Religion Communicators Council Looks Back on 2019 and Plans for 2020

The Nashville Chapter of the Religion Communicators Council (RCC) meets monthly to talk about topics of interest and hear from professionals in religious communications.  

The Religion Communicators Council (RCC) is an interfaith association of religion communicators at work in print and electronic communication, marketing and public relations. The Nashville Chapter meets monthly at rotating locations to learn about other faith traditions, learn from fellow communicators and gain professional development opportunities.

The December meeting took place at the Cookery, a local restaurant which in addition to serving coffee, breakfast, lunch, dinner and catering to the public, has a greater purpose. According to its website, “in The Cookery kitchen, formerly homeless students are trained and equipped in culinary techniques and food safety in order to prepare them for employment in Nashville’s food industry.” All revenue from The Cookery goes to cover all café expenses and back into Lambscroft Ministries programs to serve Nashville’s homeless.

During the meeting, RCC Board members for the Nashville Chapter reviewed the content of the year’s meetings and created a plan for 2020.

“We are so excited to launch a new series of programs for our members,” says Julie Brinker, Communications Coordinator for the Nashville RCC and Director of Community Affairs for the Church of Scientology Nashville, “We’ll have three different tracks on a rotating schedule so our members will get a lot of new opportunities to learn and grow as communicators.”

The RCC has members from every faith group and walk of life including Baha’is, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Scientologists, Sikhs, Hindus and more. The RCC, founded in 1929, is an association of communications professionals who work for and with a diverse group of faith-based organizations in the areas of communications, public relations, advertising and development.

The RCC provides opportunities for communicators to learn from each other. Together, RCC members promote excellence in the communication of faith and values in the public arena. The next Nashville Chapter meeting will be January 7^th, 2020. For more information about the Religion Communicators Council, visit religioncommunicators.org/nashville-chapter.

Religion Communicators Council Nashville Sees Community Building Project at Glencliff United Methodist Church

The Religion Communicators Council (RCC) is an interfaith association of religion communicators at work in print and electronic communication, marketing and public relations. The Nashville Chapter meets monthly at rotating locations to learn about other faith traditions, learn from fellow communicators and gain professional development opportunities.

The November meeting was held at Glencliff United Methodist Church, where RCC members received a tour and heard about the tiny homes project to help the homeless community.

Just over two years ago, Mayor David Briley joined Glencliff United Methodist Church and Open Table Nashville for the groundbreaking of the tiny home village which would help the least of these have a transitional place to live to break the cycle of homelessness. Now, RCC members were able to see the progress that has been made in the Glencliff community.

“We are excited for all that they are doing for the community,” says Julie Brinker, Communications Coordinator for the Nashville RCC and Director of Community Affairs for the Church of Scientology Nashville.

The RCC has members from every faith group and walk of life including Baha’is, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Scientologists, Sikhs, Hindus and more. The RCC, founded in 1929, is an association of communications professionals who work for and with a diverse group of faith-based organizations in the areas of communications, public relations, advertising and development.

The RCC provides opportunities for communicators to learn from each other. Together, RCC members promote excellence in the communication of faith and values in the public arena. For more information about the Religion Communicators Council, visit religioncommunicators.org/nashville-chapter. 

Scientology Nashville Commemorates Religious Freedom Day with Educational Seminar

The Church of Scientology Nashville held a special service to observe Religious Freedom Day and educate all attendees on the importance of the day.

“Without freedom of religion, or freedom of thought, freedom itself cannot exist,” says Rev. Brian Fesler, pastor of the Nashville Church of Scientology. Rev. Fesler is always out in the Nashville community, involved in interfaith services and activities, and just recently held a special service to observe International Religious Freedom Day.

“We’ve always opened our doors to anyone who is curious about us to help them understand. That is truly what Scientology is all about: understanding,” says Rev. Fesler.

International Religious Freedom Day (October 27) recognizes the passing of the Religious Freedom Act of 1998, which established the office of the United States Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom and highlighted America’s responsibility to the world in guaranteeing Human Right #18, Freedom of Thought and Belief.

To observe the day, students and community members were invited to come to Sunday Service where Rev. Fesler delivered a special seminar noting the importance of religious freedom.

The Nashville Church of Scientology always opens its doors to curious visitors since it opened in the historic Fall School in 2009. Built in 1898 in a similar style to the city’s iconic Ryman Auditorium, the 36,000-square-foot Church served the area as a public school until 1970. Many original features were preserved, including the hardwood floors, doors and stairwells and eight solid wood pillars capped with iron that support a central three-story atrium.

Those arranging to visit may wish to attend the Church’s Sunday service, consisting of a reading of the Creed of the Church of Scientology, a sermon based on the writings of Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard or the playing of one of his recorded lectures, and the ministration of Scientology spiritual counseling in which all attending participate.

For more information on the Church of Scientology, its programs and community involvement, or to arrange for a tour or seminar, visit scientology-ccnashville.org.

Nashville Religion Communicators Council to Visit Glencliff United Methodist Church

The Nashville Chapter of the Religion Communicators Council (RCC) meets monthly to talk about topics of interest and hear from professionals in religious communications.  

The Religion Communicators Council (RCC) is an interfaith association of religion communicators at work in print and electronic communication, marketing and public relations. The Nashville Chapter meets monthly at rotating locations to learn about other faith traditions, learn from fellow communicators and gain professional development opportunities.

The October meeting was held at the Sri Ganesha Hindu Temple, where RCC members received a tour and heard about the practices of Hinduism and were even able to observe worship services in the sanctuary. In November, the Nashville RCC chapter plans to visit Glencliff United Methodist Church, where parishioners are involved in a tiny homes project to help the homeless community.

Just over two years ago, Mayor David Briley joined Glencliff United Methodist Church and Open Table Nashville for the groundbreaking of the tiny home village which would help the least of these have a transitional place to live to break the cycle of homelessness. Now, RCC members are looking forward to seeing the progress that has been made in the Glencliff community.

“We are so excited to visit the church and see all that they are doing for the community,” says Julie Brinker, Communications Coordinator for the Nashville RCC and Director of Community Affairs for the Church of Scientology Nashville.

The RCC has members from every faith group and walk of life including Baha’is, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Scientologists, Sikhs, Hindus and more. The RCC, founded in 1929, is an association of communications professionals who work for and with a diverse group of faith-based organizations in the areas of communications, public relations, advertising and development.

The RCC provides opportunities for communicators to learn from each other. Together, RCC members promote excellence in the communication of faith and values in the public arena. For more information about the Religion Communicators Council, visit religioncommunicators.org/nashville-chapter. 

Church of Scientology Nashville Plans Special Sunday Service to Commemorate Religious Freedom Day

The Church of Scientology Nashville is planning a special service to observe Religious Freedom Day.

“Without freedom of religion, or freedom of thought, freedom itself cannot exist,” says Rev. Brian Fesler, pastor of the Nashville Church of Scientology. Rev. Fesler is always out in the Nashville community, involved in interfaith services and activities, and is now planning the third annual observance of International Religious Freedom Day with a special service on the day.

“We’ve always opened our doors to anyone who is curious about us to help them understand. That is truly what Scientology is all about: understanding,” says Rev. Fesler.

International Religious Freedom Day (October 27) recognizes the passing of the Religious Freedom Act of 1998, which established the office of the United States Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom and highlighted America’s responsibility to the world in guaranteeing Human Right #18, Freedom of Thought and Belief.

To observe the day, the Church of Scientology Nashville is inviting a religious studies class to come to Sunday Service, have a tour of the church, and get their questions answered.

The Nashville Church has hosted numerous tours since it opened in the historic Fall School. Built in 1898 in a similar style to the city’s iconic Ryman Auditorium, the 36,000-square-foot Church served the area as a public school until 1970. Many original features were preserved, including the hardwood floors, doors and stairwells and eight solid wood pillars capped with iron that support a central three-story atrium.

The Church’s Sunday service is open to all people and consists of a reading of the Creed of the Church of Scientology, a sermon based on the writings of Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard or the playing of one of his recorded lectures, and the ministration of Scientology spiritual counseling in which all attending participate.

A highlight of the tour for many is the opportunity to “see a thought” with a demonstration of how the Scientology religious artifact, the E-Meter, registers and shows the changes in mental state of the individual.

For more information on the Church of Scientology, its programs and community involvement, or to arrange for a tour or seminar, visit scientology-ccnashville.org.

Tennessee United for Human Rights Plans Fifth Annual Peace Day Event

The Tennessee chapter of United for Human Rights (TNUHR) will have a large inter-religious, multicultural event for International Peace Day.

Tennessee United for Human Rights in partnership with the Church of Scientology Nashville will hold the fifth annual Nashville Celebration of International Day of Peace on September 19, from 5:00-7:00pm, with a large number of religious and cultural leaders, each bringing words of peace from their respective traditions and backgrounds.

Participating are representatives of the LDS Church, AME Church, Sikh Faith, Baha’i Faith, Scientology and more.

Tennessee United for Human Rights (TUHR) has held an event for International Day of Peace for the past four years, each with a different theme related to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. TUHR promotes human rights education as a way to combat ignorance and increase awareness.  During each of the past Peace Day events, a different human right has been the focus.

“Each year we focus on a human rights issue that needs to be brought to light. This year we are proud to bring together a multicultural, multi-faith community of people who can speak to peace on a universal level,” says Rev. Brian Fesler, regional coordinator of the Tennessee United for Human Rights program.

International Day of Peace was declared by the United Nations General Assembly as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples.

The Peace Day event will be held on September 19^th at 5:00 pm in the Nashville Church of Scientology community hall.

TNUHR is a chapter of the international organization United for Human Rights, formed on the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to provide human rights resources and educational materials to all sectors of society. For more information about Peace Day or to register, visit nashvillepeace.eventbrite.com, and to find out more about Tennessee United for Human Rights, visit tnuhr.org. 

Nashville Religion Communicators Council Visit Islamic Center of Tennessee

The Nashville Chapter of the Religion Communicators Council (RCC) meets monthly to talk about topics of interest and hear from professionals in religious communications.  

The Religion Communicators Council (RCC) is an interfaith association of religion communicators at work in print and electronic communication, marketing and public relations. The Nashville Chapter meets monthly at rotating locations to learn about other faith traditions, learn from fellow communicators and gain professional development opportunities.

The September meeting was held at the Islamic Center of Tennessee, where RCC members received a tour and heard about the history of the Muslim community in the area.

According to its website, “the Islamic Center of Tennessee (ICT) was established in 2010 with the goal of educating both the Muslim and non-Muslim communities in Middle Tennessee.” Located in Antioch, a community southeast of Nashville, the Carmike Bell Forge Theater was purchased with money raised from the local community and transformed into the Islamic Center of Tennessee.  As the largest Islamic Center in Middle Tennessee, ICT strives to provide unprecedented and professional Islamic and educational services to its parishioners. As the newest and most diverse community in Nashville, ICT aims to unite Muslims upon the true teachings of tolerance and peace from the Qu’ran and Sunnah.

“It’s always special when a faith tradition opens their doors to help others learn more about them,” says Julie Brinker, Communications Coordinator for the Nashville RCC and Director of Community Affairs for the Church of Scientology Nashville, “Prejudice cannot live when you understand your fellows, and understanding comes from looking for yourself.”  

The RCC has members from every faith group and walk of life including Baha’is, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Scientologists, Sikhs, Hindus and more. The RCC, founded in 1929, is an association of communications professionals who work for and with a diverse group of faith-based organizations in the areas of communications, public relations, advertising and development.

The RCC provides opportunities for communicators to learn from each other. Together, RCC members promote excellence in the communication of faith and values in the public arena. For more information about the Religion Communicators Council, visit religioncommunicators.org/nashville-chapter.

Volunteer Ministers at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds Flea Market

Church of Scientology Volunteer Ministers offered practical help to the people of Tennessee at the monthly flea market at the fairgrounds.

With so many people curious about Scientology, visitors came to the tent where volunteers offered simple technology to address situations in their lives.

One of the most popular services offered was Scientology assists—techniques developed by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard based on his discoveries about the mental and spiritual aspects of a person’s physical difficulties. Visitors felt relief from tension, stress and unwanted aches and pains and would often come back with friends to share the experience with them. One visitor of the tent was someone who had worked alongside Scientology Volunteer Ministers to help the community in California recover after the wild fires last year.

It all happened at the flea market at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds. The Nashville Flea Market at The Fairgrounds Nashville is considered one of the top ten flea markets in the country. Approximately 800 to 1200 dealers and vendors from 30 states offer their wares to the buying public every month. With an average of 2000 booths, The Tennessee Magazine and Busy Bee Trader continue to vote the Nashville Flea Market as the #1 flea market in Tennessee.

Volunteer Ministers Cavalcades and Goodwill Tours set up their bright yellow tents in cities, towns, and villages across the globe to make the spiritual technology of the Volunteer Ministers broadly available.

Best known for their work in times of disaster, where they provide relief while also supporting the work of first responders, Volunteer Ministers are always on call in their communities to help with any crisis, great or small.

In the mid-1970s, Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard launched the Scientology Volunteer Ministers as part of a broad humanitarian effort to address declining spiritual values and the consequent rise in drug use, crime and violence.

“If one does not like the crime, cruelty, injustice and violence of this society,” he wrote, “he can do something about it. He can become a Volunteer Minister and help civilize it, bring it conscience and kindness and love and freedom from travail by instilling into it trust, decency, honesty and tolerance.”

The technology is freely available to people of any faith or belief or none. And the Continental Cavalcades set up their tents in prominent locations in major cities, welcoming thousands of visitors, and providing one-on-one help, seminars and training.

Church of Scientology Volunteer Minister program is a religious social service. Anyone of any culture or creed may train as a Volunteer Minister and use these tools to help their families and communities.

Watch the Scientology Tools for Life video on the Scientology Network.