exclusive – Fighting hunger with bake sales @ holston.org- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
TOP STORY: Ballgame draws 500+ Holston members
More than 500 church members have bought tickets for "Holston Night at the Ballpark" this Sunday, Aug. 1, according to a Knoxville Smokies spokesperson. The game between the Smokies and Chattanooga Lookouts will immediately be followed by a Point of Grace concert in the Kodak, Tenn., ballpark. Read The Call’s article for more details.
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Churches in rural areas: Need money?
The Renfro Trust helps support rural churches in the Southeastern Jurisdiction. Grants of up to $5,000 may be awarded to erect or complete buildings, refinance debts, purchase lots, or make repairs. Grants may not be used for parsonages and are only awarded to churches in towns of 10,000 or fewer. Deadline for application is Sept. 1. For more information, email Rev. Mat Merker, conference secretary of global ministries, or call (423) 338-6139.
Visit the conference missions page.
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Speak up about full clergy rights for women
The 50th anniversary of full clergy rights for women is coming up in 2006. A task force has been formed by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry to coordinate the celebrations. Interested in writing a brief prayer, litany, or reflection for a book written by United Methodist clergy women? Email the conference connectional ministries office for book submission guidelines. Deadline for submissions is Oct. 1.
Read more about plans for the celebration.
Now available on the Holston Conference Clergywomen's web page...Bill Carter's Annual Conference Bible study, "How Far Does Grace Go? The Biblical View of Women in Faith and Ministry"
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What’s happening at the Tomato Head on Aug. 6?
The Peace With Justice Committee invites Holston members to a fellowship meal on Friday, Aug. 6, 5:30 p.m. at Tomato Head in Knoxville. Following dinner, participants will attend a "Peace Lantern Ceremony" marking Hiroshima Day at Sequoyah Village Cherokee Park. For more information, email Carol Green, liaison for the Peace With Justice Committee.
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UMW invited to Roan Mountain for retreat
The Johnson City District United Methodist Women invite other women to an annual retreat at Roan Mountain State Park on Saturday, Aug. 7, beginning at 9 a.m. Featured speaker is the Rev. Rosemary Brown of Nashville. Email Lynice Broyles, JC District UMW president, or call (423) 753-5631.
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What about politics in the pulpit?
We've had recent inquiries about how much a church or pastor is allowed to say publicly about political candidates. Read this to be informed about what the church's non-profit status will allow.
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Look at my chest: Who said that?
"I mosh for Jesus."
"I love Christian boys.
"Religion is dead. Jesus is not."
-- Messages on T-shirts that have been selling briskly at Christian rock festivals this summer. A recent New York Times article reports that the industry "mixes creative capitalism with novel expressions of faith."
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Your online calendar: Remember these dates
Aug. 28: Building Community With Diverse Voices of Biblical Interpretation (pdf) (click here)