Today, in Holston Conference News Briefs for June 1:
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TOP STORY: Mission kits are due next week
Churches will begin delivering mission supplies to designated drop-off points in their districts beginning Monday, June 6. The food, health and school supplies are destined for Liberia and Zimbabwe later this summer.
Each district has its own assignment and deadline. Most districts will gather supplies on June 8 and 9. However, Big Stone Gap District has a June 6 deadline, and Cleveland District will accept mission kits beginning June 7.
Learn your district's deadline and drop-off point
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Going to Annual Conference? Get ready to walk
Annual Conference participants are encouraged to "Walk for Change" on Tuesday, June 14, at Lake Junaluska, N.C. The goal of "Walk for Change" is to promote good health while raising funds for Change for Children.
Participants may walk any time between 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Rose Walk (1/2 mile) or around the lake (2.6 miles). Individuals and groups are also encouraged to collect sponsorship money to benefit needy children in Holston and in Africa.
Find out more about the walk
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Bishop Swanson will lead Holy Land tour
Bishop James Swanson will lead a Holston Conference trip to the Holy Land early in 2006, Wesley Institute Director Caryl Griffin recently announced. "Survey of the Bible in the Holy Land: A Journey of Inspiration and Discovery" is organized by the Society for Biblical Studies and sponsored by the Wesley Institute.
Scheduled for Jan. 23 through Feb. 1, the 10-day tour will cost $2,363 from Knoxville. Clergy and spouse scholarships are available for first-time travelers with the Society for Biblical Studies. For more information, e-mail Caryl Griffin or call (865) 690-4080.
Learn more about the trip
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How to keep your teenagers busy this summer
Holston youth are encouraged to participate in one of several summer ministries, the conference youth office recently announced.
Senior High Assembly will be held July 5-9 at Emory & Henry College, while Junior High Assembly will be held July 18-22 at Hiwassee College. Registration deadline is June 21 at a cost of $160 per person.
Worship Arts Ministry (WAM), a seminar for senior high youth to explore their faith through the arts, will be held July 18-22 at Hiwassee College. Regular registration and full payment of $225 must be postmarked by July 5. Youth participating in Senior High Assembly may receive a $50 discount on WAM registration.
Learn more about Holston youth activities
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Need computer equipment for your church?
TechShop is an online technology store offering discounted products to United Methodist churches and groups.
This week's featured product: An Office 2003 Professional License for $67 .
Visit TechShop now
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Numbers: Here's why pastors leave the ministry
According to research from sociologists at Catholic University of America, 39 percent of all ex-pastors report major church conflict, having felt high stress and pressure in their profession. These findings were reported in the book, "Pastors in Transition: Why Clergy Leave Local Church Ministry."
Pastors reported "conflict with parishioners, with other staff members, or with denominational officials," according to the authors. "Many ministers felt blocked or frustrated in their efforts to bring new life to their congregations, and this led to dillusionment with their members and their denominations."
"Pastors in Transition" was released last month and is available at Cokesbury Bookstores.
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Your online calendar: Remember these dates
The Gathering: Native American event: Sept. 24-25