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Today, in Holston Conference News Briefs for September 15:

Wednesday on the Webexclusive – : From Interpreter, 5 annual stewardship programs @ holston.org

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TOP STORY: Two new opportunities for hurricane relief

As Hurricane Ivan smashes toward the Gulf Coast, Holston churches in both the northern and southern regions have new opportunities to help provide relief.

 In Abingdon District, Project Crossroads is collecting "flood buckets" to provide aid in Virginia, Western North Carolina and Holston Conferences. The approaching storms are expected to cause flooding in these areas, disaster-relief officials say. Contact Rev. Harry Howe (276-782-3339) or Randy Hildebrant (423-733-4195) for information about transporting flood buckets to Project Crossroads.

In Oak Ridge District, Norris UMC is leading a district-wide effort to collect flood buckets and health kits. Other churches and districts are invited to participate. Drop-off point is Trinity UMC, 320 Robertsville Road, Oak Ridge, on Sept. 20 and 22, 10 a.m. to noon. Also needed: A truck to deliver the supplies to UMCOR's Sager Brown Depot in Louisiana. For information, contact Norris UMC at (865) 494-9407.

 From UMCOR: contents of flood buckets and health kits

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For senior-high students who feel the call to ministry

Southeastern Jurisdictional "Exploration" is a retreat for 11th and 12th graders who may feel a call to ministry in the United Methodist Church. The retreat is scheduled Nov. 12-14 in Lake Junaluska, N.C. Cost: $100. Download a brochure.

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Send the history buff in your church to this workshop

Holston's Commission on Archives and History is interested in helping churches find, protect and share the histories of their churches. Attend the 2004 Southeastern Jurisdictional Preservation Workshop, held Nov. 12-14 at the SEJ Heritage Center in Lake Junaluska, N.C. Cost: $45, not including lodging and meals. For more information send e-mail or call (828) 452-2881 ext. 781.

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Life after 9/11: A new study guide from our bishops

The Council of Bishops has released a discussion guide on the Christian response to concerns about safety and security. "In Search of Security," a 32-page study guide, invites United Methodists to consider thoughtfully and prayerfully a faithful understanding of security in a post-Sept. 11 world. Learn more from the General Board of Church & Society.

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What is Bishop Swanson 's favorite hymn?

 Interpreter Magazine recently interviewed all six new bishops elected by the 2004 Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference. The article reveals Bishop James Swanson's favorite scripture, as well as his favorite hymn, hometown, and greatest hope for our church.

Want to learn more about what's on Bishop Swanson's mind? Coming Soon... Holston's web site will unveil the bi-weekly "A Bishop's Blog". A first for United Methodist Bishops.

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Numbers: Ya'll are doing good! Well, most of you

Through August 2004, payments to Fair Share apportionments continue to exceed 2003 giving, according to the conference treasurer's office. Apportionments are up 3.52 percent over last year's numbers, with 11 districts showing an increase. Chattanooga, Kingsport and Knoxville Districts show increases above 5 percent from last year. Number of churches that have paid zero dollars toward their apportionments: 108.

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 Your online calendar: Remember these dates

Oct. 19 & 21: Regional Clergy Conferences (pdf)

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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