Academic journey turns spiritual
KINGSPORT, Tenn. -- Telling the stories of Jewish musicians who tried to bring hope to Nazi Germany concentration camps and ghettos has led musician Kellie D. Brown in a new direction: She's training for the ministry. From UM News. Read story.
Grants go to fight COVID-19 in India
The United Methodist Committee on Relief will assist two partners in India to provide ventilators, hospital beds, money and more to help combat the dire COVID-19 crisis there. From UM News. Read story.
Bishops: No episcopal elections until 2022
The Council of Bishops held fast to its plans to delay electing any new leaders until after the postponed General Conference, despite some delegates’ calls for elections this year. From UM News. Read story.
WCA plans new denomination
The Wesleyan Covenant Association met in person and online April 30-May 1, continuing to plan for a new, traditionalist Methodist denomination and passing a resolution criticizing three bishops for recent appointment-making decisions. From UM News. Read story.
Best practices for dealing with 'Zoom fatigue'
More than a year into the pandemic, "Zoom fatigue" or fatigue with any platform of video conferencing remains a struggle for many clergy and lay members. Virginia Conference leaders have advice to avoid feeling drained by remote contact. Read story.
Coffee hour may soon return as COVID-19 fades
The first time coffee showed up in church, things did not go well. Now it's a staple that many churches have missed during the pandemic. From Religion News Service. Read story.
Sunday dinner for 37 grannies
The bacon-wrapped chicken is making me hungry. And I am definitely stealing the cornbread salad recipe. More church groups like Concord UMC are needed to cook for the "grannies" of Wesley House. From The Call to Cook. Read blog.
Photo of the Week
First United Methodist Church of Knoxville hosted a "blessing of the pets" on Sunday. In addition to photos featured on the church's Facebook page, the special service was also featured in a WVLT story. Church members brought dog and cat food to be donated to Young-Williams Animal Center.
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
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.