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Today, in Holston Conference News Briefs for November 24:

Wednesday on the Webexclusive – Thanksgiving Resources @ holston.org

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TOP STORY: Racism forum inspires 'painful honesty'
A conference-wide forum held at Gray United Methodist Church on Nov. 20 inspired participants to discuss personal experiences with racism and the desire to heal.

About 125 clergy and lay members representing all districts participated in the forum entitled, "Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors. Really?" Bishop James Swanson served as keynote speaker, telling participants, "There's no need for us to talk about going to heaven if we can't figure out how to live here on earth."

See the next (Dec. 3) issue of The Call for a complete report.

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Wanted: Musical groups for Annual Conference 2005

 The Annual Conference Worship Planning Committee is seeking choirs that can participate in Holston's next annual gathering at Lake Junaluska, N.C.

Choirs are invited to submit audiotapes or videotapes featuring two anthems of differing styles. Videotapes from liturgical dance groups and mime troupes are also invited.

Send tapes by Jan. 15 to: Lynn Hutton, 7234 Middlebrook Pike, Knoxville, TN 37909. Annual Conference will be held June 12-15, 2005.

Read daily reports from Annual Conference 2004

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December deadlines: Register for Resurrection and DR

Would-be participants in Resurrection, Holston's winter spiritual event for youth, and Divine Rhythm, the counterpart event for young adults, are encouraged to register by the deadlines.

Registrations for Resurrection are due by Dec. 1. Resurrection will be held Jan. 14-16 and Jan. 21-23 n Gatlinburg, Tenn. (Click here for a registration form.)

Registrations for Divine Rhythm are due by Dec. 10. Divine Rhythm will be held Jan. 21-23 in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. (Click here for a registration form.)

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When the sender is Holston, please read your e-mail

The communications office is increasingly relying on e- mail to reach Holston clergy and laity with time-sensitive information. When you receive e-mail from holston.org, please read and respond appropriately.

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'Tis the season: Advent resources

Igniting Ministry has put together a collection of free marketing and welcoming resources that will assist in preparing your congregation for one of the most important seasons in the Christian calendar.

The General Board of Discipleship has also prepared a list of more than 50 Advent worship and planning helps, from cloth cradles to wreaths.

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Numbers: There are hungry children out there

About 353,000 children joined the national School Breakfast Program in the last year -- the biggest increase in kids eating free breakfast in nine years, according to the School Breakfast Scorecard from the Food Research and Action Center.

More than 7.1 million children received free or reduced price meals, a 5.2 percent increase in the number of low-income children eating breakfast at school compared to the prior year. Since 1990, the number of low-income students receiving free or reduced price breakfasts has more than doubled.

Still, close to 9.4 million low-income children who are eligible do not participate.

Read more from the breakfast report

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Your online calendar: Remember these dates

January: Ministers' Convocation

New event announcements appear here. Visit our upcoming events page for other events. Be sure you have the newest Acrobat Reader or you may not be able to view PDFs.

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This message is from the Holston Conference Communications Office.