Today, in Holston Conference News Briefs for February 23:
exclusive – Fifteen lunches with 15 memorable Holstonians @ holston.org- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
TOP STORY: Is the new pension plan unconstitutional?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Today, in Holston Conference News Briefs for February 23:
exclusive – Fifteen lunches with 15 memorable Holstonians @ holston.org
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
TOP STORY: Is the new pension plan unconstitutional?
The United Methodist Church's highest court will hear 12 cases during its spring meeting, with topics as diverse as clergy benefits, handicapped accessibility in local churches and the Girl Scouts.
The Judicial Council will meet April 27-29 in Arlington, Va., and hear again an item related to a new clergy plan developed by the United Methodist Board of Pension and Health Benefits. The item is a request from the 2004 General Conference for a decision on the constitutionality of Petition 40325 as adopted, "in light of the broad new powers that it appears to grant to the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits."
Read the complete United Methodist News Service report
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Clergywomen wanted for writings and participation
On the 50th anniversary of full clergy rights for women in the United Methodist Church, Holston clergywomen are preparing for a special commemorative event on March 7.
Bishop James Swanson will join with clergywomen for "Conversation & Celebration" at First White Pine United Methodist Church on Monday, March 7, beginning at 9:30 a.m. The agenda includes a luncheon and worship. Registration deadline is Feb. 21. There is no fee.
As part of the celebration, clergywomen are invited to write their reflections based on a set of questions posed by the organizers. The essays are due by Feb. 24 and will be presented at White Pine on March 7.
Learn more about the event and the essays
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Church Street hosts 'Methodism's Practice' lecture
Dr. Russell Richey, dean of Candler School of Theology, will be guest speaker at this weekend's A. Orin Bishop Lectures at Church Street United Methodist Church. The annual series will be held Feb. 25-27, with sessions at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Saturday, and 9:40 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Sunday. The theme is "Methodism's Practice of Church." Call the church at (865) 524-3048 for details.
Visit Church Street's web site
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
What does the UMC say about employing lay staff?
The General Board of Discipleship (GBOD) has prepared an article that answers most frequently asked questions about the employment of non-appointed church staff. The questions include:
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Make plans now for Transformation: April 2-3
Bishop James Swanson will speak at Transformation in Lake Junaluska, N.C., April 2-3. This year's theme is "Preaching and Bible Study Based on Romans 12: 1-8."
Transformation is an annual Holston event, sponsored by the Board of Laity and designed to "inspire, cultivate, and renew life in the Spirit," organizers said.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Numbers: Are you reading this?
This e-mail news message, "Holston Conference News Briefs," is e-mailed to about 1,630 Holston clergy and lay members.
Of the e-mails that are sent, about 12 percent (fewer than 200) bounce at their destinations -- due to nonexistent e-mail addresses or because they were blocked.
Of the total number sent out, about 47 percent (660) are ever opened by the recipients.
Of the recipients who open their "News Briefs," between 200 and 300 "click through" to a linking web site.
"News Briefs": Sign up a friend to receive it now
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Your online calendar: Remember these dates
March 14: Denman Evangelism Award nominations due
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.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
NOW AVAILABLE
______________________________________________
To subscribe, change an email address or join another list, click here.
Send your conference-wide news/events click here.
This message is from the Holston Conference Communications Office.