Today, in Holston Conference News Briefs for August 17:
exclusive – Grieving Moms in Crawford, Texas @ holston.org- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
TOP STORY: Bishop responds to 'Hearts on Fire'
In response to letters, e-mails, and phone calls from church members concerned about a Labor Day weekend gathering at Lake Junaluska, Bishop James Swanson issued an episcopal letter on Aug. 12, expressing his perspective.
"...The church’s position is strong on what we believe to be a practice that is incompatible with Christian teaching," he stated, "but it is equally strong in calling us to extend Christ’s love to all persons."
Swanson's letter -- referring to the "Hearts on Fire" conference sponsored by the Reconciling Ministries Network -- was delivered by e-mail and will also be published in the Aug. 26 edition of The Call.
Read Bishop Swanson's letter now
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'Family Systems' training offered this fall
The Holston Conference Pastoral Counseling Center will be offering two continuing education and training programs this fall.
Family Systems I focuses on training and supervision in pastoral care and counseling of individuals, couples and families. Organizational meeting: Aug. 30, 11 a.m., Inskip UMC in Knoxville, Tenn. Family Systems II focuses on advanced training and supervision in family systems pastoral care. Organizational meeting: Aug. 30, 1 p.m., Inskip UMC.
Contact Gary Mauldin by e-mail or (865) 805-9781.
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UTK Wesley Foundation makes special request
Parents, pastors, youth leaders: Do you have a student attending the University of Tennessee Knoxville this fall? Are you interested in getting them in contact with our Wesley Foundation/Church Street campus ministry? You and your students are invited to join us for a complimentary welcome lunch on Tuesday, Aug. 23 (the day before classes begin) at noon at the UTK Wesley Foundation. Please RSVP by Aug. 18 to (865) 522-2728 or by e-mail.
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Young adults: Don't miss these opportunities
Holston Conference now has a listserv for persons interested in Young Adult Ministries. To receive e-mails about upcoming events, resources, and news related to young adult ministry in Holston, send an e-mail.
The Conference Young Adult Ministry Team has announced a young adult mission trip scheduled for Aug. 5-12, 2006. The team will travel to Charleston, S.C., to work with the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). For more information, send an e-mail.
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Remembering 9/11: Worship resources available
Sept. 11 falls on a Sunday this year, four years after terrorist attacks struck New York City and Washington, D.C. The General Board of Discipleship offers resources for congregations remembering 9/11 during worship next month.
Visit the GBOD site
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Last chance to buy a conference directory
The conference communications office has a limited number of handbook directories available for $6 each. The handbooks contain Holston appointments, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses and are being made available for the first time this year. Get your copy now by contacting Millie Meese at (866) 690-4080 or by e-mail milliemeese@holston.org.
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A Lutheran issue, too: Who said that?
"I am wondering if the song 'Anything Goes' is going to be included in the new revised hymnal. This is just wrong."
--Dale Hamre, a Lutheran lay delegate from South Dakota, while attending the denomination's national assembly in Orlando, Fla., last week. After a daylong passionate debate, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America rejected a proposal to allow gay men and lesbians in committed relationships to be ordained as members of the clergy.
Read the New York Times article
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Your online calendar: Remember these dates
Conversation & Celebration: Clergywomen's dialogue on Sept. 12