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Hiwassee property sold
Eighteen months after Hiwassee College was closed, the 284-acre property has been sold to Bruderhof, an international Christian communal organization. As many as 250 Bruderhof members may relocate to Madisonville in the next 10 years. From The Call. Read story.
Alcoa office closed until Jan. 4
An initial two-week closure of the Alcoa Conference Center has been extended until after the holidays. The Executive Team made the decision "after seeing the COVID-19 numbers at a record high and realizing Thanksgiving gatherings could cause these numbers to rise even higher." Read announcement.
Norway, Germany move to more inclusivity
The United Methodist Church in both Norway and Germany made decisions about becoming more inclusive of LGBTQ people. During a meeting in late November, the Norway Conference made plans to issue a public apology to LGBTQ people. From UM News. Read story.
New progressive denomination starts
A group of progressive United Methodists and other Christians launched a new denomination named the Liberation Methodist Connexion, or LMX.The new church aims to center on the voices of people of color as well as queer and transgender individuals. From UM News. Read story.
AT chaplain shares faith journey
“Chappy Jack” Layfield served as Holston's 2019 Appalachian Trail chaplain. He has written a book of daily devotionals that chronicle his experiences on the AT and his spiritual growth as a result of his hike. From United Methodist Communications. See video.
Don't forget to open your gift
The image of a certain gift at his mother-in-law's house opens up a sad place in the Rev. Harry Howe’s heart. Our "Story and Verse" series continues. From The Call. Read part two.
Salvaging Christmas amid coronavirus
United Methodists aren’t thrilled about observing Advent and Christmas seasons amid COVID-19, but many are looking at ways to safely add personal interaction to virtual worship. “People are fatigued with Zoom and webinars.” From UM News. Read story.
Disappointed? Advent hope is here
The Rev. Sarah Slack writes about a series of disappointments that were quickly upstaged by the first Sunday in Advent. From The Call. Read message.
Photo of the Week
Most parts of Holston Conference received their first snow of the season last week. Here's a Dec. 1 photo of Mt. Hermon United Methodist Church in Powell, Tennessee, achieved with a drone by Stephanie Richer. (Correction: In last week's "Photo of the Week," the pictured church is First Baptist of Jonesborough, Tenn.)
More Information
In Memoriam
Rev. Donald Daniels
Age 85, Nov. 30, Chattanooga
Church Reopen Plan
Job Opportunities
Daily Devotion Series
Holston Conference
United Methodist News Service
The United Methodist Church
Rev. Donald Daniels
Age 85, Nov. 30, Chattanooga
Church Reopen Plan
Job Opportunities
Daily Devotion Series
Holston Conference
United Methodist News Service
The United Methodist Church
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.
Sign up for a free weekly subscription to The Call.