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Bygone days
A year ago, we were fretting over the denomination's future. Maybe we still are, but our heads seem to be a lot more crowded these days with crises and concerns, all jostling for our attention and prayers.
If clicks are votes, the following 10 stories were the most read by our subscribers in the past year of The Call. That's only 10 out of some 95 original stories and 50 editions, so much of the news and interviews is not reflected in the list. Amid the chaos and disappointment, there were just as many, if not more, stories of hope and victory. We'll continue to share it all with you in the new year that's just a few breaths away.
If clicks are votes, the following 10 stories were the most read by our subscribers in the past year of The Call. That's only 10 out of some 95 original stories and 50 editions, so much of the news and interviews is not reflected in the list. Amid the chaos and disappointment, there were just as many, if not more, stories of hope and victory. We'll continue to share it all with you in the new year that's just a few breaths away.
1. Delegation leaders reassure church members
At the beginning of the year, Holston delegation leaders sought to reassure church members in the wake of a newly released proposal for the future of the UMC. The protocol would allow traditionalist members to form a new denomination. (Jan. 8) Read story.
2. Relying on data, compassion as virus roars
As COVID-19 surged throughout Holston, district superintendents tried to keep people safe while studying statistics and empathizing with difficulties faced by pastors. “We may be doing everything right in our churches but unfortunately, the general public is not." (July 16) Read story.
3. Feeding Bishop on a shoestring
With less than $100 in the church bank account and the threat of being closed down, a tiny band of United Methodists struggled to feed a community distressed by addiction and poverty. This story inspired donations from all over the country. (Sept. 12) Read story.
4. Hiwassee property sold to Bruderhof
Eighteen months after Hiwassee College was closed, the 284-acre property was sold to Bruderhof, an international Christian communal organization. The purchase was finalized Nov. 30 for an undisclosed sum. (Dec. 3) Read story.
5. Trying to return to in-person worship
On June 1, Bishop Dindy Taylor and her task force released a plan for Holston churches to return to in-person worship. For the congregations that waded through the paperwork and procedures, there were rewards along with challenges. (June 25) Read story.
6. Alarm over health-insurance rates
The Rev. David Tabor knew it was coming. After his June 27 report at Annual Conference, the chair of the health-benefits board received letters, emails and phone calls from pastors disagreeing with a rate increase on their insurance. (Aug. 6) Read story.
7. Finding solutions amid coronavirus closures
Amazed that in-person church services could be closed by a virus, especially as Holy Week approached, ministry leaders tried to find new ways to reach out to their congregations and communities. The learning curve was steep. (March 19) Read story.
8. Pastor's fever leads to bright idea
In August, the Rev. Lisa Bryant woke up with a head cold and a fever. While she quarantined and waited for her coronavirus test results, the pastor came up with an idea for online worship at Madam Russell UMC. (Oct. 1) Read story.
9. Church closures crush recovery ministries
For people struggling with addiction, community and relationships are crucial to healing. Holston recovery leaders agonized over the damage done when United Methodist churches were closed to in-person activities while other churches were not. (Oct. 16) Read story.
10. Black churches call for leadership in Holston
It was a snowy Saturday, but that didn’t deter 90 United Methodists from standing up for the Black church at the Alcoa Conference Center. Participants lamented the low number of Black district superintendents and Black leaders on ministry teams. (Feb. 13) Read story.
The Call is Holston Conference's weekly newsletter for 853 United Methodist congregations in East Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, and North Georgia. Contact Annette Spence, editor, at thecall@holston.org.
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