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Let it begin with me
We invited readers to help us write a prayer for our nation. The peace prayer started on Tuesday, the day before protesters breached the Capitol in Washington, D.C.
The prayer is still going. Join us.
Assault on Capitol dismays United Methodists
United Methodists both near and far were disturbed by the actions of a mob that forced its way into the U.S. Capitol as Congress was fulfilling its constitutional role by certifying the election of the next U.S. president. The United Methodist voices included former President George W. Bush. From UM News. Read story.
Faith leaders react to mob at Capitol
As a mob of supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, American religious leaders reacted quickly to a chaotic and unprecedented scene. From Religion News Service. Read story.
Alcoa office closed through Feb. 1
The Alcoa Center will remain closed until at least Feb. 1, when Holston leaders will again assess whether to resume regular office activities amid surging coronavirus deaths. From The Call. Read story.
Flowers that bless twice
The Flower Committee at Church Street United Methodist Church works hard to beautify the altar -- and then to deliver the service flowers to someone who can enjoy them up close and personal. From Church Street UMC. Read story.
Christmas boxes for refugees
Middlebrook Pike UMC joined with Fish Food Pantry and Bridge Refugee Service to deliver Christmas boxes to African families in Knoxville. "Jesus was a refugee, so this is very important to us." From WATE. See story.
Church opts for safer Christmas Eve worship
Although places of worship were excluded from a pre-holiday Tennessee order to limit gatherings to 10 or fewer, a Cleveland church was one of many Holston churches opting not to offer an indoor Christmas Eve service. From WRCB. See story.
To all the starfish throwers
The Rev. Harry Howe shares an Epiphany message in the final part our "Story and Verse" series. It's time to stand up against the norm to make a difference. From The Call. Read story.
Photo of the Week
The Rev. Stephanie Parrott was among the first medical personnel in Holston Conference to be immunized against COVID-19 when the vaccine was made available shortly before Christmas. As a deacon, Parrott has two ministerial appointments. She is associate pastor at Central United Methodist Church and a registered nurse at the Endocrinology Clinic at Children’s Hospital in Knoxville, Tennessee. Parrott's second vaccination (three weeks after the first) is scheduled next week.
In Memoriam
Rev. James R. Green, age 86, December 15, Maryville, Tenn.
Rev. Daniel Hoosier, age 59, December 24, Bland County, Va.
Rev. Mark Womack, age 96, December 25, Chattanooga, Tenn.
Rev. Daniel Hoosier, age 59, December 24, Bland County, Va.
Rev. Mark Womack, age 96, December 25, Chattanooga, Tenn.
Calendar
January 17: Human Relations Day
January 23: Resurrection youth experience (virtual)
February 2: Conversations on Race (Zoom)
February 24: Clergy Sabbath (Convocation alternative)
January 23: Resurrection youth experience (virtual)
February 2: Conversations on Race (Zoom)
February 24: Clergy Sabbath (Convocation alternative)
More Information
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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