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Rising above tragedy
"They used to call me meth head Andrea," says Andrea Cooper. She's an active member in a church that currently has about 12 in worship attendance, yet serves hundreds in the community.
“The ministry we do with the homeless and disenfranchised resonates deeply with Andrea because she has been there herself,” says the Rev. Dave Henderson, pastor at Rocky Top United Methodist Church. From The Call. Read story.
“The ministry we do with the homeless and disenfranchised resonates deeply with Andrea because she has been there herself,” says the Rev. Dave Henderson, pastor at Rocky Top United Methodist Church. From The Call. Read story.
Bishops' election plans draw mixed reaction
United Methodist bishops are no longer pushing for a hold on all U.S. episcopal elections, but church voters still have differing views on when those elections should take place. From UM News. Read story.
Georgia laity question bishop in full-page ad
People across Georgia opened the Sunday edition of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution on May 9 to see a full-page advertisement from an anonymous group of North Georgia laity seeking answers from their bishop. From UM News. Read story.
For some pastors, the past year was too much to bear
Already stretched with the day-to-day concerns of running a congregation, clergy increasingly find the divides facing the nation have made their way inside the church. Pastors also feel a sense of isolation related to the pandemic. From Associated Press. Read story.
Hutchins receives honorary doctorate
During last weekend's graduation ceremony, Tusculum University awarded an honorary doctor of humane letters to the Rev. Charles Hutchins for his community service as a leader at Holston Home for Children. From The Greeneville Sun. Read story.
Planning resources for Annual Conference
The "Book of Reports" and an informational video have been posted for Annual Conference members planning to participate in a June virtual meeting and an August in-person meeting. Registration is open now. Visit AC.Holston.org.
Online communion should not be here to stay
In a commentary for United Methodist News Service, seminary student Chase Crickenberger argues that online communion should not be "normalized" just because it was once necessary during a global pandemic. Crickenberger is projected for appointment at Fountain City United Methodist Church this summer. Read commentary.
Photo of the Week
The Rev. Charlie Harrison, senior pastor at Kingston United Methodist Church, shows off a tray he used to serve Holy Communion on May 2. The tray was a gift from Alan and Martha Hulgan when Harrison served Tyner United Methodist Church. Martha's father, the late Rev. Harry Snyder, made the communion tray. "I used it to serve communion because I could space cups out and make it safe to serve," Harrison said.
Calendar
Holston Youth Ministry
May 17: Early registration deadline for Assembly
UM Archives & History
May 23: Heritage Sunday
United Methodist Church
May 30: Peace with Justice Sunday
Annual Conference
June 8: Virtual Clergy Session
June 12: Virtual Session
Aug. 27: Memorial Service, Ordination Service
Aug. 28: In-Person Session
Holston Calendar
UMC Calendar
May 17: Early registration deadline for Assembly
UM Archives & History
May 23: Heritage Sunday
United Methodist Church
May 30: Peace with Justice Sunday
Annual Conference
June 8: Virtual Clergy Session
June 12: Virtual Session
Aug. 27: Memorial Service, Ordination Service
Aug. 28: In-Person Session
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.