The Holston delegation to General and Jurisdictional Conferences 2012 will hold an open meeting on Saturday, March 10, at First UMC White Pine, 1803 Main Street, White Pine, Tenn. The open forum will begin at 1 p.m.

The purpose of this meeting is to give church members from across Holston the opportunity to make statements to the delegation regarding issues being considered at General Conference in April-May and the Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference in July. Attendees will also have an opportunity to meet Holston's episcopal nominee, the Rev. David Graves, and learn more about the process of electing bishops.

The format of this open meeting will allow members of the Holston delegation to spend time listening to the concerns of church members. This will not be a debate, and speakers are encouraged to refrain from asking questions requiring a delegation response during the forum. Members of the delegation will be available after the forum for individual conversations. Speakers will be given up to five minutes to make their statements in order to allow as many persons as possible the opportunity to speak. Those desiring to speak at the open forum should arrive a few minutes early to sign in and be prepared to state the general topic they will address. Speakers will be grouped by topic during the forum.

The delegation also has a Facebook page which allows posters to comment on issues and offer prayers and support to delegates.

For more information about this event, you may contact Del Holley or Rev. Carol Wilson, the delegation's leaders.

Also:

• Every United Methodist is encouraged to participate in "The Upper Room's 50 Days of Prayer Before & During General Conference 2012." (Get free download or daily emails.)
• Holston members who will serve as marshals or pages at General Conference are requested to contact Del Holley.
• See list of Holston's elected delegates.