Recovery interrupted
While congregations throughout Holston Conference have resumed in-person gatherings within the last few weeks, some recovery leaders are still agonizing over damage caused when the pandemic closed United Methodist church buildings to support groups and people fighting addiction.
"People were drowning at home in isolation, and we remained tunnel-focused.” From The Call. Read story.
"People were drowning at home in isolation, and we remained tunnel-focused.” From The Call. Read story.
Vote, says Bishop Taylor
Holston's resident bishop, Bishop Dindy Taylor, released this letter on Oct. 9: "As people of faith, we are called to be good citizens and that starts by casting our vote." From Holston Communications. Read letter.
50 bishops sign 'crisis' statement
More than 50 United Methodist bishops in the U.S. have signed a statement entitled "Crisis of Faith and Democracy." "The right of every citizen to vote in the United States is under attack." From United Methodist Council of Bishops. Read statement.
Hiwassee 'lacked management oversight'
Operating deficiencies related to disbursements, travel reimbursements, and the release of restrictions on monetary gifts at Hiwassee College were found during an investigation by the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office. From WATE. Read story.
Persevering under financial strain
Annual conferences are feeling the financial strain of drops in giving. At least three U.S. conferences have laid off staff, and many are planning for reduced budgets in 2021. (In June, financial leaders reported that Holston Conference had experienced a 7.19% decline in giving.) From UM News. Read story.
New community center in Hardin Valley
The recently launched "Valley Church" in West Knoxville doesn’t plan on meeting at Hardin Valley Academy forever. Architects are just completing the design of a new 10,000-square-foot community center, says the Rev. John Gargis. From Shopper News. Read story.
Food pantry opens in Chattanooga
Community groups are coming together to make food more accessible to the hungry through the Brainerd Community Food Pantry, which offered its first distribution this week at Brainerd United Methodist Church. From Chattanooga Times Free Press. Read story.
Church serves young children in Kingsport
Morrison Chapel United Methodist Church will hold a "Mission Agape Community Day" tomorrow in Kingsport where it will give away diapers, formula and children’s clothing to families in need with small children. From Kingsport Times News. See story.
Photo of the Week
The Rev. Mark Gooden prays for a four-legged friend at a "Blessing of the Animals" event in Chattanooga on Oct. 4. Gooden is senior pastor at First-Centenary United Methodist Church.
More Information
In Memoriam
Rev. Ken Pierce Oct. 11, Dayton, TN
Rev. William "Charlie" Williams Oct. 8, Dandridge, TN
Church Reopen Plan
Job Opportunities
The Call to Cook
Daily Devotion Series
Holston Conference
United Methodist News Service
The United Methodist Church
Rev. Ken Pierce Oct. 11, Dayton, TN
Rev. William "Charlie" Williams Oct. 8, Dandridge, TN
Church Reopen Plan
Job Opportunities
The Call to Cook
Daily Devotion Series
Holston Conference
United Methodist News Service
The United Methodist Church
Calendar
General Board of Global Ministries
#StillinMission: Nov. 19
Lisa Nichols, a Holston Church & Community Worker, will share her work through Zoom.
#StillinMission: Nov. 19
Lisa Nichols, a Holston Church & Community Worker, will share her work through Zoom.
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.
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