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A seat at every table
A resolution adopted by the Annual Conference in 2019 gives Holston leaders an opportunity to take a step toward dismantling racism by placing more persons of color in decision-making positions and groups.
Black church leaders call for Holston Conference to go beyond the minimum of choosing one person of color per team. "We need to get past 'tokenism.'" From The Call. Read story.
Black church leaders call for Holston Conference to go beyond the minimum of choosing one person of color per team. "We need to get past 'tokenism.'" From The Call. Read story.
Bishops cancel May 8 General Conference
The Council of Bishops has canceled its call for a special virtual General Conference on May 8. The decision to cancel the one-day meeting means that plans to retire U.S. bishops are on hold for now. From UM News. Read story.
Appalachian Trail chaplain begins journey
Chris "Bone Spur" Estus, the 9th Appalachian Trail chaplain named by Holston Conference, officially kicked off his 2,200-mile journey today. Estus is 60 years old and a recovery ministries leader in San Antonio, Texas. From Religion News Service. Read story.
Vaccinations for Kingsport's homeless
Shades of Grace UMC will host a vaccination clinic for area homeless on April 8 in Kingsport, Tenn. The Rev. Will Shewey contacted the Sullivan County Health Department to request one-shot vaccines to fight COVID-19. From WCYB. See story.
Young people to ordination: No, thanks
In a survey of people under 40 who sensed a call to ministry but opted against pursuing ordination in the UMC, the denomination's current struggles emerged as the most significant reason. From Lewis Center for Church Leadership. Read story.
To the parents of noisy kids
"Because church isn’t about me," says Caroline Maynard Lamar of Church Street UMC. "It is about worshiping God and the risen Christ, and quite frankly, when I think of it that way, why are any of us quiet about it?" From Everyday Adventures with Mom. Read blog.
Photo of the Week
Slagle's United Methodist Church joined with the community in celebrating their oldest church member, Frank Head, who was 106 on March 19. Frank was celebrated with a birthday parade at Mountain Home VA Healthcare System and featured in the Elizabethton Star. Slagle's UMC is located in Elizabethton, Tenn.
Calendar
United Methodist Church
April 18: Native American Ministries Sunday
Holston Foundation
April 30: Application deadline for college scholarships
UM Archives & History
May 23: Heritage Sunday
Holston Calendar
UMC Calendar
April 18: Native American Ministries Sunday
Holston Foundation
April 30: Application deadline for college scholarships
UM Archives & History
May 23: Heritage Sunday
Holston Calendar
UMC Calendar
More Resources
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.
Sign up for a free weekly subscription to The Call.