Today, in Holston Conference News Briefs for November 17:
exclusive – Harry Howe is a poet @ holston.org- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
TOP STORY: How to increase your church's visibility
With Igniting Ministry matching grants, your church can afford to increase awareness of your congregation using TV, radio, billboards and movie theaters.
The application period, open now through Dec. 1, is for advertising placed in your community in Lent 2005. Several churches in Holston Conference, including Boones Creek UMC (Johnson City District) and Colonial Heights UMC (Kingsport District), have won grants in past campaigns.
Find out more
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We can't ignore this: World AIDS Day on Dec. 1
About half of the people living with HIV are female. Globally women and girls are becoming infected with HIV at a faster rate than men and boys.
World AIDS Day is observed on Dec. 1. United Methodists are encouraged to observe this event on or near that day. This year's theme is "Have You Heard Me Today? Women, Girls, HIV and AIDS."
An UMCOR bulletin insert explains a new United Methodist program that pays the school fees of AIDS orphans, many of whom are girls who head their own households.
Find out more and download the bulletin
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Remember: Racism forum on Saturday, Nov. 20
Holston clergy and laity are encouraged to attend a conference-wide forum on racism, "Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors. Really?" The forum will be held at Gray UMC on Saturday, Nov. 20, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Find out more
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While you're in the JC area, visit the new bookstore
A new Cokesbury Bookstore opens Thursday, Nov. 18, at 2615 South Roan Street, Suite 102, Johnson City, Tenn. Store hours are Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Christmas Open House is Dec. 10-11.
For more information, call (423) 975-0800.
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Need Thanksgiving resources? Check this out
The General Board of Discipleship has prepared a list of Thankgiving resources for church and home. The selections include a Service of Holy Communion for Thanksgiving, preaching helps for Nov. 25, and a child's Thanksgiving prayer.
Visit the site
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Please don't shake my hand: Who said that?
"It is said that, besides washing hands before Mass, those who are to distribute Communion may wish to wipe their hands discreetly with an alcohol-based antibacterial solution just before going up to begin distributing Communion."
-- From a Nov. 3 Catholic News Service story. In a season when influenza vaccines are scarce, dioceses are taking different approaches to congregational hygiene, according to the report.
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Your online calendar: Remember these dates
Dec. 1: Registration Deadline for Resurrection