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Today, in Holston Conference News Briefs for January 12:

Wednesday on the Webexclusive – Tsunami victims now receiving UMCOR assistance @ holston.org

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TOP STORY:

Apportionments come in at 91 percent 

Bishop James Swanson commended Holston congregations on Jan. 12, after the treasurer's office announced that 91.03 percent of apportionments were received in 2004.

"I want to congratulate the people of Holston Conference for their generosity," Swanson said. "It is my suspicion that congregations paid their Fair Share apportionments -- not out of a sense of duty or obligation -- but because they understand that each dollar equals power used to change the lives of people."

Apportionments received in 2004 were .79 percent higher than in the previous year, Treasurer Clyde McDonald said. For a complete report, see the upcoming Jan. 28 edition of The Call.

See the treasurer’s web page to access "Status of Apportionment Goals" reports for your church

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Tax extension for tsunami dollars: Give it to UMCOR

Congress passed legislation on Jan. 6 to allow taxpayers additional time to make cash donations to relief organizations addressing the disaster in Southeast Asia and claim a tax deduction for 2004.

Donors may claim a deduction for the 2004 tax year for contributions to aid victims of the tsunami that are made before Jan. 31, 2005. United Methodists and others are encouraged to give to the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), which uses 100 percent of donated funds to provide aid.

Holston members can make checks to their local churches, designating "Tsunami Disaster Relief" on the memo line. Pastors and treasurers may designate "Project 513" on their remittance forms. To make credit card donations, call 1-800-554-8583 or make an online donation now.  

Tsunami-related resources:

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Scholarships available through UM Communications

United Methodist Communications is accepting applications for three scholarship and fellowship opportunities through the March 15 deadline.

The Judith Weidman Racial Ethnic Minority Fellowship is awarded to one recent college/seminary graduate student each year. The Stoody-West Scholarship is a $6,000 award for a United Methodist student in post-graduate study who intends to pursue a career in religion journalism. The Leonard M. Perryman Communications Scholarship is a $2,500 scholarship for a racial ethnic minority undergraduate student in religion journalism/mass communications 

Get more information

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Remember Week of Prayer, Human Relations Day

United Methodists are reminded that Jan. 18-25 has been set as the annual "Week of Prayer for Christian Unity."

Also, many churches will be celebrating "Human Relations Day" on Sunday, Jan. 6.

Read this UMNS story about Human Relations Day

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Hiwassee College announces Scholarship Day 2005

Hiwassee College will host Scholarship Day on Saturday, Feb. 26. Graduating high school seniors are encouraged to compete for academic, departmental, performance, and service scholarships. Interviews will also be held for the Allison Scholars Program, which awards scholarships to students pursuing a career in ministry or church vocations. Contact the admission office at 1-800-356-2187 for more information.

Visit Hiwassee’s web site

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That’s our Bishop: Who said that?

"If you only go on intellect, you will not make it."

-- Bishop James Swanson, speaking at an Atlanta convocation for pastors of African-American congregations. Swanson said that the real power for ministry doesn't come from a book or seminary education but from a pastor's relationship with Jesus Christ.

Read the UMNS report and hear Swanson's audio clip

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Your online calendar: Remember these dates

Feb. 14-17: 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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NOW AVAILABLE

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This message is from the Holston Conference Communications Office.