Pause on ordination
Nine Holston clergy were slated for ordination this summer, until the COVID-19 pandemic shut down one major event after another. The ordinands range in age from 30 to 70, and they're still waiting for their moment. Read story.
'Lawn chairs will have to do as pews'
Kodak UMC came together in person for the first time since the pandemic began. It happened in the parking lot, nearly a week after Holston Conference announced churches could resume outdoor worship, reports WBIR. See story.
Pastor makes best of tough transition
The Rev. Ron Fisher was assigned to a new church in the middle of the COVID-19 crisis. So he’s had to be creative in finding ways to meet and lead his congregation. From WATE. Read story.
Sierra Leone bishop dead at 63
Sierra Leone Area Bishop John K. Yambasu, who died in a car accident Aug. 16, is being remembered for his courage, leadership and love of The United Methodist Church and Jesus Christ. From UM News. Read story.
Methodists crucial in fight for women's vote
Crowds jammed into the Tennessee state capitol on a hot August morning in 1920 for what all expected to be a momentous day. A mother from what is now Niota United Methodist Church influenced her son's groundbreaking vote. From UM News. Read story.
Who are the most generous?
Where in the U.S. are people the most generous? Based on stereotypes, one might be tempted to think of the South, because of its hospitality culture. Or maybe not. From Christianity Today. Read article.
Too many pastors falling on their swords
Leading anxious congregations amidst a pandemic, a hyper-partisan culture, a civil rights movement, and an upcoming election is destroying the lives of pastors, says an Oklahoma pastor. Here is advice for both clergy and congregants. From Baptist News Global. Read commentary.
Gattis: My desperate need for him
"We draw near a slippery slope when we consider who is blessed or not," the Rev. Jason Gattis writes in a devotion that originally appeared in Holston's Daily Devotionals. "I would even venture to say it is quite self-assuming to consider oneself to be blessed." Read devotion.
Photo of the Week
Last night, 95 people came to worship and pray for students and teachers in a ballpark in Pulaski, Virginia. First United Methodist of Pulaski has offered three Wednesday-night outdoor worship opportunities in Calfee Park so far, with great response. Next one is Sept. 16. From left to right: Kathy Woolwine, Rev. Will Shelton, and Dave Clark of the praise team.
More Information
In Memoriam
Rev. George W. Boles, age 75, Aug. 18
Church Reopen Plan
Job Opportunities
The Call to Cook
Daily Devotion Series
'Journal' Archives
Holston Conference
United Methodist News Service
The United Methodist Church
Rev. George W. Boles, age 75, Aug. 18
Church Reopen Plan
Job Opportunities
The Call to Cook
Daily Devotion Series
'Journal' Archives
Holston Conference
United Methodist News Service
The United Methodist Church
Calendar
General Board of Global Ministries
#StillinMission, Oct. 8, Nov. 19
Holston's Church & Community Workers will share their work through Zoom meetings.
Holston United Methodist Women
Annual Meeting: Sept. 26
#StillinMission, Oct. 8, Nov. 19
Holston's Church & Community Workers will share their work through Zoom meetings.
Holston United Methodist Women
Annual Meeting: Sept. 26
Past Issues
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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