KINGSPORT, Tenn. (Oct. 2, 2018) -- United Methodist Women (UMW) from every district in Holston came together Sept. 15-16 for their 45th annual meeting and officer training at Meadowview Resort and Conference Center in Kingsport. It was a time to worship, fellowship, and learn about each position UMW circles have at their local churches.

The meeting started with special music by Gail Morris and Stephanie Cole. Lynice Broyles presided over her fourth and final annual meeting as president. Her theme throughout her presidency has been, “We are one,” indicative of how all districts in Holston are joined in friendship and mission and illustrating how Holston’s UMW is part of the greater organization of UMW.

This theme has become more significant through the Holston Conference’s reorganization from 12 districts to nine in early 2018. Holston’s UMW will reorganize from 12 to nine districts effective January 2019.

The Holston UMW annual meeting has previously been held at Lake Junaluska and once at The Connexion in 2016. This year, organizers wanted a location that was easy to drive to, accessible for everyone, and would keep attendees together for the entire weekend. UMW leaders said they hope to return to Meadowview again in the future.

This year, 215 people and nine guests attended the annual meeting. Broyles said she received positive feedback through e-mails and phone calls about the location change.

“I think instead of a meeting, I would say it was an experience,” said Holston UMW Vice President Lisa Black.

The event took a year to plan with input from members of the program committee, executive committee, and the 150th anniversary committee. “They worked together not only to make sure the event was not just successful, but unified,” said Black.

Spiritual leadership for this year’s event was provided by the Rev. Patty Muse, associate pastor at Munsey Memorial United Methodist Church in Johnson City, Tennessee, and the Rev. Sandra Johnson, Clinch Mountain District superintendent. Special guests included the Rev. Brenda Carol, Tennessee Valley District superintendent, and the Rev. Angela Hardy Cross, Mountain View District superintendent.

“The sermon by Munsey’s Patty about feeling the earth shaking, the earth move, touched on the big thing we are going through as the whole church. Her passion for the church is very obvious,” said Broyles.

Only one vote was made during the annual meeting, and that ended in a decision to raise the price of registration. Other agenda items included the 2019 budget, identifying new units, and the president’s remarks. The business meeting also included installation of new officers and recognition of outgoing and continuing officers. A remembrance service acknowledged UMW members from each district who passed away since the last annual meeting.

The group also celebrated UMW’s 150th anniversary at the Legacy Celebration Dinner. The districts contributed a gift of $2,660 in Broyles’ name for the Legacy Fund. The fund is set up to protect future endeavors of the United Methodist Women.

The final day focused on worshipping together. The musical group Closer Walk led songs for everyone to join in. Holy Communion was celebrated with Muse and Johnson officiating. Once they served everyone, the two returned to the altar together, each took turns serving the other, and then said a prayer while hugging each other. Black says it was her highlight moment of the weekend because it symbolized community, inclusion, and love.

Following communion, participants were sent forth to do the work of the United Methodist Women in faith, hope, and love in action.

All UMW members are welcome to attend the annual meeting. Black says her personal goal is to have 300 attend next year. The date is set for Sept. 21-22, 2019. It will be combined with Spiritual Enrichment. The location for next year’s meeting will be announced later.

Corrina Sisk-Casson is a Deaconess Home Missioner, based in the Three Rivers District.

See also:
Holston United Methodist Women page