Sign up for a free weekly email subscription to THE CALL. The following is the March 11 edition.
Questions, anger after delay
United Methodists are responding to the third General Conference postponement with strong emotions ranging from outrage to relief. Even as some theological conservatives prepare to launch a new denomination, they also see the postponement as unnecessary. For everyone, questions remain. From UM News. Read story.
Bishop responds to GC postponement
In a March 7 letter, Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett said she hopes Holston churches will "journey into the future to General Conference 2024, when our denomination considers various pieces of legislation about next steps that will potentially allow us to move forward together." Read blog.
Kingsport mission fest: 'Wide door of opportunity'
First Broad Street UMC celebrated its 27th annual missions festival by giving more than $80,000 to the city's homeless ministry, packing more than 40,000 meals for hungry people in other nations, and welcoming a new bishop. From The Call. Read story.
How to help Ukraine
United Methodists and others wishing to provide humanitarian assistance to the Ukrainian people in the wake of the Russian invasion of their country may contribute to a couple of different Advance Funds. Find out more.
The (United Methodist) pastor of Little Mexico
The Rev. Carlos Uroza draws on his experience as a Mexican immigrant as he leads churches and does community development in a part of Nashville some call "Little Mexico." From The Bitter Southerner. Read story.
Poll results: Descriptions of Christians 'hard to hear'
A new survey conducted by the Episcopal Church illustrates stark differences between how Christians and non-Christians view Christianity in the U.S. The feedback was hard to hear, Bishop Michael Curry said, but healing begins "when you have an accurate diagnosis." From Religion News Service. Read story.
Time to reimagine the church parking lot
What if a church parking lot functioned more like a bridge than a wall? What if it functioned like a plaza where the faith community re-neighbors itself to its once familiar home? Maybe our parking spaces are telling us something, says author G. Travis Norvell. From Christian Century. Read article.
10 tips for a more meaningful Lent
Lent is a time for self-reflection and deepening one's relationship with God in Jesus Christ. Consider adopting one or more of the following creative uses of the days between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday. From UMC.org. See list.
Photo of the Week
The Appointment Cabinet and Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett (standing in back) met this past week at Alcoa Conference Center, continuing to work on ministerial appointments for the coming year. For more info on the process, see Bishop Wallace-Padgett's blog.
In Memoriam
Rev. William J. Carter, age 93, March 9, Johnson City, Tenn. Arrangements are incomplete.
Calendar
Holston Youth Ministry
Grant applications due March 15. Apply now.
Holston Foundation
Ministry grant applications due March 15. Apply now.
UMC Church & Society
Ethnic Young Adult Internships: Applications due March 20.
United Methodist Church
UMCOR Sunday: March 27. Get resource kit.
Holston Foundation
Scholarship applications due April 15. Apply now.
Wesley House Community Center
Tablescapes: April 30 in Knoxville. Register now.
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
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, with news tips or concerns. Sign up for a free weekly subscription here.