It's not about us
United Methodist congregations throughout Holston Conference thought about neighbors whose lives were suddenly going to get a lot harder. Here are stories from the 58 churches and ministries that recently received emergency response grants from the Holston Foundation. Read story.
Bishop Taylor postpones retirement
Five bishops in the Southeastern Jurisdiction, including Bishop Dindy Taylor of Holston, will postpone retirement as the denomination waits for rescheduled jurisdictional conferences in November 2021. Bishop Leonard Fairley, president of the SEJ College of Bishops, released this information yesterday. Read press release.
General Conference dates announced
Organizers have announced that the next General Conference will be Aug. 29-Sept. 7, 2021, in Minneapolis, despite pleas that the decision-making body not meet at the start of the academic year. From UM News. Read story.
Bishop laments death of George Floyd
Bishop Bruce R. Ough, who leads the Minnesota and Dakotas conferences, lamented the death of George Floyd and called on United Methodists to address "this pervasive pandemic of racism." Floyd, a black man, died May 25 in the custody of Minneapolis police. Read statement.
Missions kits needed now
Mission leaders are asking congregations to collect cleaning and hygiene supplies immediately so Holston Conference can be prepared to help when disaster strikes again. Holston stockpiles were depleted after flooding in Tazewell and tornadoes in Chattanooga. Read article.
Alone together: Pentecost paradox
While the thought of being together for Pentecost worship on May 31 sounds good, for many of us it will be impossible. Pentecost 2020 reminds us that the Holy Spirit, who draws us together, is present with us while we remain apart. From UM Communications. Read article.
Why reopening a church is different
Alex Shanks says the question of whether to reopen is different for a church than for other institutions. Rather than just reacting to what others are doing, churches need to protect the most vulnerable. From Lewis Center for Church Leadership. Read article.
The cruel and arbitrary internet
The Rev. Randall Wright confesses the trials and tribulations he experienced while taking worship online during the pandemic. "Purgatory for preachers would be just having to watch your sermons on a loop until all the sins have been burned off your soul." From Relevant Orthodoxy. Read blog.
Photo of the week
Denise Boyer took this photo of her husband, Eric, as he recently visited Arlington National Cemetery. "He went to see one of his brothers in arms who is buried there," she said. Eric didn't know she was taking the photo.
Eric Boyer served as a chaplain in the Air Force. His friend, Jason Paxton, passed in April 2016. They both served together in San Antonio. Jason served in Iraq; Eric served in Afghanistan. "The sacrifice our soldiers made and will continue to make for our freedom must never be forgotten," Denise said. The Boyers are part of the Celebrate Recovery North community at Fountain City UMC in Knoxville. #memorialday
More Information
Calendar
United Methodist Church
Peace With Justice Sunday: June 8
Holston Conference
Virtual Annual Conference: June 27