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'Energizing' news for camps
When an opportunity to “dream big” for grant money was presented recently to United Methodist camps throughout the nation, the staffs of three Holston camps jumped right in with creative visions for ministry.
They won big with $124,000 total to launch their camps into the future. From The Call. Read story.
Ukrainian food sale on April 9 helps war victims
A Russian-speaking congregation that shares a building with Norwood UMC in Knoxville is hosting a lunch and bake sale on Saturday, April 9, to help war victims in the Ukraine. Special foods from the Ukraine are on the menu. From The Call. Read story.
Clergy appointment changes announced
On April 3, Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett and the Holston Conference Cabinet announced the following full-time clergy appointment changes effective July 1. Read list.
Holston FAQs for affiliation/ disaffiliation
A page on Holston.org offers frequently asked questions and answers regarding continued affiliation with or disaffiliation from The United Methodist Church. The page includes a letter from Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett. Read FAQs.
Stress, burnout afflicting pastors
This is a difficult time to be a pastor. COVID-19, racial unrest, natural disasters and denominational uncertainty are all taking a toll, said church leaders interviewed by United Methodist News. Read story.
Woodcutting ministry keeps the fire burning
“To keep people warm” is the unofficial mission statement for ministries in Virginia and North Carolina that transform the mundane chores of splitting and delivering wood into life-giving acts of love. From United Methodist Communications. Read story.
Bristol struggles to find solutions for homeless
Bristol leaders are working to help the city’s homeless population. The vision is to provide laundry facilities, showers, case management and other resources on days when the Proverbs 3:27 Mission Center, a day shelter at Hunt Memorial UMC, is closed. From SWVa Today/ Washington Co. News. Read story.
Can a public high school coach pray publicly on the job?
In a couple of weeks the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in the case of a Washington state high school football coach who was dismissed for praying at the 50-yard line after games. From Religion News Service. Read commentary.
Photo of the Week
Last Saturday, April 2, 83 Holston clergywomen gathered at First UMC in Morristown to worship, share lunch, and share time in fellowship with Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett and each other. Wallace-Padgett is pictured in the front and center.
Calendar
Holston Foundation
Scholarship applications due April 15. Apply now.
Wesley House Community Center
Tablescapes: April 30 in Knoxville. Register now.
Holston Connectional Ministries
Denman Evangelism Award nominations due May 1.
United Methodist Church
Native American Ministries Sunday: May 1. Learn more.
Holston Connectional Ministries
Denman Evangelism Award nominations due May 1. Submit form.
Camp Wesley Woods
Golf Tournament in Rockford, TN: May 2. Sign up now.
Jubilation: Senior Adult Retreat
May 2-4, Pigeon Forge. Register now.
Holston Annual Conference
June 5-8, Lake Junaluska. Find out more.
More Resources
Job Opportunities - 2 new posts
Back Issues
The Call is Holston Conference's weekly newsletter for 850 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 email subscription,