Today, in Holston Conference News Briefs for December 15:
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TOP STORY: Members urged to join 'Week of Prayer '
The United Methodist Church's top ecumenical officials are encouraging congregations to set aside Jan. 18-25 to participate in the annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
The theme for the 2005 observance is "All Things are Yours; You Belong in Christ; and Christ, the Unique Foundation, Belongs to God," reflecting Paul's letter to the church at Corinth in 1 Corinthians 3:1-23.
Free resources to assist congregations in planning the Week of Prayer are available from the Graymoor Ecumenical and Interreligious Institute of New York City at www.geii.org.
Additional info from United Methodist News Service (UMNS)
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Hiwassee College challenges accreditation removal
Hiwassee College plans to appeal a pending decision by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association (SACS) to remove the college from membership.
"We have made tremendous progress as an institution over the last several years and believe the SACS action is unjust," said the Rev. James Noseworthy, president of the Madisonville-based college.
Read the UMNS story
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Looking ahead: Christian educators retreat in February
The 2005 Holston Conference Christian Educators Fellowship Retreat takes place Feb. 28-March 1 at Oak Tree Lodge and Convention Center in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. Program directors, pastors, Sunday school leaders and worship leaders are encouraged to attend.
Download brochure and register by Feb. 1
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They won't be home for Christmas: Soldiers in Iraq
Families of deployed military service members need special care during the holidays. In wartime, the stresses they face are greatly increased.
A recent Interpreter magazine article provides ideas on how congregations can reach out to military families during the holidays.
Also, see the Dec. 17 issue of The Call for an article on Holston soldiers in Iraq -- and the parents who miss them.
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Order materials now: Human Relations Day on Jan. 16
Human Relations Day on Jan. 16 is one of six Special Sundays in the United Methodist Church. Our offerings on this day provide a secure foundation for God's children of all ages. Congregations are urged to give generously on Human Relations Day, the Sunday before the birthday observance of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
Download posters, bulletin inserts and more
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Numbers: Giving is higher in Holston, modest elsewhere
United Methodist giving to churchwide ministry and administration is up modestly compared with last year at the end of November, but totals just 59.5 percent of the year's goal, according to a Dec. 13 UMNS report.
Meanwhile in Holston Conference, churches gave 6.6 percent more to Fair Share apportionments in November 2004 than they did in November 2003, according to the Dec. 17 edition of The Call.
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Your online calendar: Remember these dates
March 4-6: ‘Discovery’ for young people exploring ministry