Stories
Stories
Jubilation for older adults coming April 24-26
January 04 - by: Susan GrosecloseLooking at life through the eyes of age sets us apart from those around us. To open wider the eyes of your heart, you are invited to a time of perspective and renewal at Jubilation on April 24-26, 2023. The Bible is one of those familiar things that ...
Is Advent just an early Christmas season?
November 27
3 churches unite to serve homebound, elderly with monthly meals
November 17BY PAM SUTHERLAND October marked the one-year anniversary of FANS – Feed A Neighbor Supper, a ministry of Ft. Gibson United Methodist Church in Castlewood, Virginia; St. Paul United Methodist Church, and First Baptist Church, both of St. Paul, ...
Johnson City church members lift up the Lord's Prayer in 8 languages
October 05JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. -- On World Communion Sunday, which this year fell on October 2, Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church prepared a special video. "We have eight different languages spoken in our congregation, not counting English," says the ...
Methodist manna: The enduring tradition of apple butter
September 23 - by: Clayton FarmerIn July, I began my seventh year of ministry at a new appointment at Elizabeth Chapel United Methodist Church in Bluff City, Tennessee. In these first few months I have learned several valuable lessons about my new church and its people. I have ...
'Unleashing Generosity' lessons available in recorded sessions
September 21 - by: Communications StaffKNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- More than 200 clergy and lay members participated in the "Unleashing Generosity" conference held Sept. 12-13 at Concord United Methodist Church. The educational gathering was hosted by the Holston Foundation, Wesley Leadership ...
Commentary: Reflections upon an accidental dialing
September 15 - by: Terry GoodmanTechnology is great, right? Most of the time. I am renovating a small barn into a woodworking shop. I need to put Tyvek, the white plastic coat you see when houses are being constructed, onto the structure. The only problem is, as I was working, I ...
Vibrant churches creating vibrant communities
September 02
What books are Invitation Team members reading?
September 02 - by: Communications StaffThe Invitation Team meets regularly to "dream about the future of Holston and how we can move forward in our mission together." When team members gathered at the Alcoa Conference Center on Thursday, Sept. 1, we asked them to share the books they're ...
Commentary: Welcome the returning worshiper with care
September 01 - by: Scott WilksIn Jesus’ story of the prodigal son, the son spends his inheritance on “living it up”: parties and excess. All of this at the expense of his family’s relationship and reputation. What he asked for was an inheritance, something only granted on the ...
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Wesley Foundations welcome students back to campus!
August 18As students return to state-supported campuses for fall classes, Holston Conference Wesley Foundations are ready to welcome them.
Jonesborough UMC prepares to host Ukrainian family
July 29By Michael Lester Thoughts and prayers is a cliche we use when facing the overwhelming challenges of human suffering, injustice, and need. We offer our thoughts and prayers. Sometimes, however, thoughts and prayers aren’t enough. When the Ukraine ...
Connecting through texting
June 28
The List: We'll call this one 'Critter UMC'
May 13Sure, there are plenty of Holston Conference churches with "First," "Trinity," or "Wesley" in their names. Only a handful can boast of a name borrowed from the animal kingdom. Bear Springs UMC | Pearisburg, VA Beaver Ridge UMC | Knoxville, TN Black...
She lost her wallet in the parking lot, and we became friends
May 06 - by: Annette SpenceSomewhere along the way, the volunteers in our food ministry started to get close to each other. We started to love each other. I remember realizing, perhaps a year ago, that we were not only going to celebrate with each other, we were also going to...
Bruce Spangler: Doing the right thing?
March 30 - by: Bruce SpanglerThe handwritten sign reads “Homeless-Hungry-God Bless.” Coming to a stop at an intersection, I eagerly await the signal light to turn green. Around the corner, I see a gentleman approaching while holding a cardboard sign reading “...
What is UMCOR Sunday on March 27?
March 21
What is Lent and why is it 40 days?
February 23
How may United Methodists observe January 1?
December 31
New Year's blessings from 24 clergywomen
December 30
New Year's goal: Journey through the Bible with friends
November 30Holston Conference is joining with the North Alabama Conference to “Read Together” the entire Bible throughout the 2022 year. The initiative begins January 2. Earlier this month, Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett sent an email message inviting all ...
Where and why should I donate on Giving Tuesday?
November 22
Holston Camp & Retreat Ministries Celebrate Ruby Brown
November 08 - by: Mary ThompsonOn November 1, 1986, the Holston Conference hired Ruby Brown as its first full-time Administrative Director for the conference camps. In 2021 we are celebrating the 35th anniversary of Ruby Brown serving as Administrative Director! Ruby has aided in ...