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5 lessons from survivors
As the nation topped 250,000 deaths from COVID-19, we talked to five Holston Conference members who know firsthand what it's like to confront the virus -- and all that goes with it. From The Call. Read story.
Alcoa office closed until Nov. 30
The Alcoa Conference Center closed for two weeks immediately after a staff member tested positive for COVID-19 on November 12. Read announcement.
Winston honored in philanthropy video
Whitney Winston, director of Camp in the Community, received the "Ingenuity Award" from the Association of Fundraising Professionals for ministering to children safely during the coronavirus crisis. Nominated by the Holston Foundation, Winston was featured along with five other award-winners in a WVLT documentary. See video.
Protocol legislation tops agenda of top court
The United Methodist Judicial Council expects to decide soon whether it has the jurisdiction to consider the constitutionality of legislation for a proposed plan for separating the denomination. From UM News. Read story.
Planning for a more inclusive church
The UMC stands to lose more members and churches because of the issue of race than debate over LGBTQ inclusion, said Bishop LaTrelle Easterling. Nevertheless, she said, United Methodists should not back down from the denomination’s commitment to dismantle racism. From UM News. Read story.
For UMCOR, 2020 is one long emergency
The United Methodist Committee on Relief is working 38 active grants of $19 million in the U.S. and has supported responses to 99 unique emergencies so far in 2020. If that sounds like a large number, it is. From UM News. Read story.
Church unity after election? Not so fast
After a polarizing presidential election, Christian leaders are urging believers of all political convictions to find common ground in their faith. However, some say healing and unity are two different things. From Religion News Service. Read story.
Thanksgiving during COVID-19
While this year Thanksgiving will take place amid suffering without a recent parallel, it’s not especially unusual in human history. Festivals have long celebrated the endurance of life and community through danger. From Ministry Matters. Read the article.
Photo of the Week
Mission leaders made pick-ups in several districts Nov. 12 to replenish Holston's stockpile of "cleaning kits" and "hygiene kits" for disaster response at home and afar. Here, the Rev. Hugh Kilgore (right) loads 29 buckets at the Hiwassee District office in Cleveland, Tennessee.
More Information
United Methodist Church
UM Student Day resources: Nov. 29
Hispanic Ministry Team
Ministry grant applications due Dec. 1
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 email subscription.
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