St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church

St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church is an Episcopal parish located at 7555 Ooltewah-Georgetown Road in Ooltewah, Tennessee, within the Diocese of East Tennessee. Founded as a diocesan mission initiative in 1986, the congregation grew into a full parish and has developed a rich campus that includes the main church building, All Saints House (a retreat and gathering space), and Pilgrims' Way, an outdoor devotional pathway. The parish is led by the Rev. Louisa "Lou" Tucker Parsons as rector, supported by Deacon John Rouser+, Parish Administrator Cindy Solfest-Wallis, and a lay vestry currently chaired by Senior Warden Chuck Cameron.

Weekly worship centers on Holy Eucharist celebrated Sundays at 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM, with the 10:00 AM liturgy live-streamed for those unable to attend in person. Midweek formation includes Wednesday Bible study and Children's Ministry, and a robust music program draws on The Hymnal 1982, a traditional 27-bell carillon, and partnerships with ensembles such as the Chiaro Nome Treble Consort. Community SING! events and seasonal concerts further weave music into the congregation's public identity.

Outreach is a defining characteristic of parish life. St. Francis regularly packs Sack Packs for food-insecure neighbors, partners with the Samaritan Center on drives such as Souper Bowl Sunday and Stock Their Lockers, and hosts its annual Teacher Drive-Thru Prayer Lunch to bless local educators. The liturgical calendar shapes the congregation's rhythm from Advent through Ordinary Time, with special celebrations including the beloved St. Francis Day Blessing of the Animals each October and community gatherings such as the Annual BBQ and Vacation Bible School.

This wiki catalogs the parish's pages, events, news updates, and weekly communications to serve as a navigable institutional memory for St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church. It covers sources ranging from the church's founding history and theological identity to current worship booklets, pastoral care announcements, and the full schedule of parish events.