When Holston churches received a Sept. 16 edict allowing them to meet indoors after months of closures caused by rising coronavirus cases, many congregations hurried inside their buildings the following Sunday to worship again in person.
 
Others decided to stay put. From The Call. Read story.

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On Sept. 16, Bishop Dindy Taylor responded to questions raised about worshipping inside during the pandemic. She also announced a decision to permit indoor meetings beginning Sept. 20. From Holston Conference Communications. See video and statement.

The pandemic and recent hurricanes have "completely depleted" Holston Conference's stockpile of "cleaning kits," which are urgently needed for future disasters. Churches are requested to begin assembling buckets so Holston can be ready for emergencies. From The Call. Read story.

 

A pastor’s call to replace the Cross and Flame as the official insignia of The United Methodist Church has picked up the backing of the North Texas Conference. The Rev. Edlen Cowley says the emblem conjures for African Americans the terror of Ku Klux Klan cross burnings. From UM News. Read story.

With families navigating virtual learning this fall, United Methodist churches are opening their doors to offer safe, shared learning spaces for neighborhood children. Learn about two churches' successful ministries in Tennessee and discover five tips for launching your own. From Resource UMC. See story.

The Rev. Carlton R. "Sam" Young is well known in church music as a hymnal editor, composer, arranger and scholar. One informed admirer calls him "Mr. Music of United Methodism." Young, 94, is out with a new collection of sheet music. From UM News. Read story.

 

Kentucky Conference Bishop Leonard Fairley asked for all to remain peaceful as they react to the indictment of a former Louisville officer for wanton endangerment connected to the fatal police shooting of Breonna Taylor. From Kentucky Conference. Read letter.

Keeper of 'The Call': Roy Howard

The Rev. Roy Howard kept every copy of the Holston Conference newspaper for more than 50 years, and wrote a history about them, too. We're sharing an archived story about Howard, who died Sept. 19, along with gratitude for his life and ministry. From The Call. Read editor's note and story.

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Meadowview United Methodist Church shares fetching photos of produce on social media, because the church has local farmer friends who donate fresh food to the church pantry. Today we're seeing assorted squash, sweet potatoes, peppers, eggplant, and tomatoes, along with eggs, milk and bread. This week, the church pantry served 30 families in Meadowview, Virginia.

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In Memoriam
Rev. Roy Howard
Scenic South District, Sept. 19

Rev. Kathy Hale
Mountain View District, Sept. 19
 
 
 
Church Reopen Plan
 
Job Opportunities
 
The Call to Cook
 
Daily Devotion Series
 
Holston Conference
  
United Methodist News Service
 
The United Methodist Church

 

Holston United Methodist Women
Annual Meeting: Sept. 26
 
United Methodist Church
World Communion Sunday: Oct. 4
 
General Board of Global Ministries
#StillinMission, Oct. 8, Nov. 19
Holston's Church & Community Workers will share their work through Zoom meetings.

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Sept. 15 edition
Our top 5 headlines in August

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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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