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Responding to Ukraine invasion
Russia's invasion of Ukraine brought calls for prayer and statements of deep concern from United Methodists, as well as a first-hand account from a United Methodist in harm's way.
“We were awakened from deep morning sleep by the sound of explosions and many phone calls from friends," said the Rev. Oleg Starodubets, a district superintendent who messaged UM News from Kyiv. Read story.
Tutu returns from Sudan with questions
When churches in the U.S. are saying, "We no longer want to be United Methodist," it's a joyful thing when other churches really want to be United Methodist, says the Rev. Buzz Trexler. Now that the Rev. Botrous Tutu has returned safely from Sudan, he and Trexler are asking questions. From The Call. Read story.
Groups offer conflicting calls on General Conference
A letter signed by 170 General Conference delegates urges organizers to postpone the legislative assembly to 2024. The letter also asks for an investigation of a vaccine initiative launched by the Wesleyan Covenant Association. Meanwhile, an African advocacy group urges that General Conference go forward this year. From UM News. Read story.
Editorial: Make the call on General Conference
General Conference planners need the church’s support during this challenging time. And the church needs a clear decision from planners about whether General Conference will meet this year. From UM News. Read commentary.
Denominational giving drops for 3rd year
Overall giving to denomination-wide ministries dropped in 2021 for the third consecutive year. At the same time, collections surged for the fund that supports United Methodist bishops. From UM News. Read story.
Colleges team up for tuition reciprocity
Employees and their families at Emory & Henry College and Tennessee Wesleyan University will now have a new educational opportunity with full tuition covered while pursuing a degree in higher education in the region. From E&H. Read press release.
Retiree keeps serving at Corryton food pantry
Now in his early 80s, Bob Martin has been a member of Rutherford Memorial UMC since 1962. He's worked in the food pantry for 23 years, now serving 300 families at each of the twice-a-month distributions. From KnoxTNToday. See story.
Video: Black history in Washington County
The Rev. Paul Seay, pastor at Charles Wesley UMC and Abingdon UMC, interviews Dr. Jerry Jones about Black history in Washington County, Virginia. From Abingdon UMC's Facebook. See video.
Photo of the Week
Signal Mountain UMC (TN) celebrated a mortgage-burning ceremony on Sunday, Feb. 20, with Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett participating. The Rev. Caleb Pitkin is pastor.
In Memoriam
Rev. Norman Wilhoit
Age 79, Feb. 18, Greeneville, Tenn. Obituary & service
Calendar
UMC.org
Ash Wednesday on March 2. FAQ & resources.
First Broad Street UMC
Missions Celebration, Kingsport: March 4-6. Find out more.
Camp Wesley Woods
Southern Expedition: Spring Break. March 13-19. Register now.
Holston Youth Ministry
Grant applications due March 15. Apply now.
Holston Foundation
Ministry grant applications due March 15. Apply now.
United Methodist Church
UMCOR Sunday: March 27. Get resource kit.
Holston Foundation
Scholarship applications due April 15. Apply now.
Wesley House Community Center
Tablescapes: April 30 in Knoxville. Register now.
United Methodist Church
Native American Ministries Sunday: May 1. Learn more.
Holston Connectional Ministries
Denman Evangelism Award nominations due May 1. Submit form.
Camp Wesley Woods
Golf Tournament in Rockford, TN: May 2. Sign up now.
Jubilation: Senior Adult Retreat
May 2-4, Pigeon Forge. Register now.
Holston Annual Conference
June 5-8, Lake Junaluska. Find out more.
More Resources
Back Issues
The Call is Holston Conference's weekly newsletter for 850 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 here.