Day 3: Full of tears, laughter and music
By Annette Bender
Conference Secretary Dennie Humphreys may have summed up Tuesday best of all, early in the day, when he told the auditorium, “I feel like I'm in a revival, and I hope you do, too. We need this.”
That's because the third day of Annual Conference was loaded with testimonies and stirring music, hugs and tears as Holston members proceeded through business and worship.
Stuart Auditorum was packed last night as Holston gathered for a tribute to Bishop Ray and Martha Chamberlain followed by worship led by the Rev. Steve Sallee, senior pastor at Cokesbury UMC.
The Chamberlains' ministry in Holston as well as in Virginia Conference and overseas was celebrated with multimedia presentations, surprise appearances by family members and a bishop, and a love gift from Holston.
Bishop Thomas Stockton, Chamberlain's former bishop in Virginia, told of how he used to pass Chamberlain's district superintendency office as he labored for the churches he served.
“I often wondered when he was going to have surgery – surgery to remove the telephone from his ear,” he said. Both Chamberlains were visibly moved by the tribute.
“You have forever changed our lives, and we thank you for that,” Martha Chamberlain said.
“I said I wanted everybody to come and talk about God and not us – and I'm sorry, I enjoyed it so much,” Bishop Chamberlain said to laughter.
Voices, brass and orchestra crowded the stage for a worship service that included music as diverse as “Rocky Top” and “Amazing Grace.” Teen-ager Manes Preptit told of being a refugee from Haiti and being welcomed and nurtured by First Bristol UMC.
Earlier in the day, former Holston clergy member Gil Smith prompted audience members to line up to embrace him following his testimony about addiction and a new ministry.
“I take the stand as an expert witness on grace,” Smith said, before telling of his abuse of alcohol and prescription drugs and surrendering his ministerial credentials in 2000.
Today, Smith leads a ministry for persons suffering from addiction. Celebrate Recovery is based at Cokesbury UMC and offers worship and support for more than 300 every Thursday night. “I'm deeply sorry for the pain I've caused, and I seek forgiveness,” Smith said. “I love you, and I love this Holston Conference.”
From the back of Stuart Auditorium, an unknown voice broke out into “Amazing Grace.” People wiped away tears. Soloist Michael Rodgers followed with “Give Me Jesus.”
Other Tuesday highlights:
- During the 11 a.m. service for 21 retiring clergy members, speaker Jack McConnell became emotional when he spoke of his late father, a Holston clergy member with 44 years of service. McConnell said his father was asked about his best memories, which were not of new buildings or paying off debts, but of “being present for a birth, holding a widow's hand.” McConnell turned to the new retirees on the stage: “Hold on to these memories,” he said.
- Bill and Maria Humbane, missionaries for Ishe Anesu in Zimbabwe, thanked Holston for providing funds and supplies. “We had no idea what you go through,” said Bill Humbane, referring to his witness of people loading trucks with supplies collected by churches. “We thank God because you make a difference for these children,” said Maria Humbane.
- The Rev. Bruce Spangler updated members on ministry at Knox Area Rescue Mission, where he is appointed to serve Carpenter's House church. Average worship attendance is 90 to 100, and homeless persons and others have access to Spangler daily. “My mother taught me to say thank you. My daddy taught me to look you in the eye when I say thank you,” Spangler said. “In the name of the risen Christ who is among us, thank you, thank you, thank you.”
- Britt Brewster, age 14, brought members to their feet with her vocal solos of “Let There be Praise” and “More Than Wonderful.” Bishop Chamberlain offered a special prayer for Brewster: “You have such a beautiful voice and I want to ask God to bless it,” he said.
- Whitney Castle, 18, also received special recognition from Chamberlain after singing “Amazing Grace.” Acknowledging that Castle is a beauty pageant winner with the title of Miss Teen District of Columbia, Chamberlain gave her the additional title of “Miss Teen Holston Conference.”
- Several General Conference delegates commented on proceedings and their experiences at the spring meeting in Pittsburgh. Head Delegate Jean Henderson commended the Rev. Eddie Fox for courage in presenting a report against changing language in the Book of Disciple to favor homosexuality.
- The Annual Conference approved resolutions to discontinue St. Andrews UMC in Chattanooga District and Washington Chapel UMC in Kingsport District, and to arrange for the sell of Fleming UMC in Wytheville District.
- Becky Hall, chair of the Witness Minstry Team, announced approval for the conference to purchase 15 acres for Lighthouse UMC, a new church start in Chattanooga District.
- New totals were announced for India's Hope for Today ($100,283) and Change for Children ($35,911).
For complete coverage of 2004 Annual Conference, including today's Sending Forth Service, see the July 2 edition of The Call.
Correction: Tuesday's newspaper reported an incorrect number of Wesley Foundations in Holston Conference. The correct number is five.
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