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Today, in Holston Conference News Briefs for November 16:

Wednesday on the Webexclusive – Annual Conference 2005 Discipleship Team Presentation DVD Available @ holston.org
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TOP STORY: Support for new Liberian president

United Methodists throughout this West African country are expressing support for Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, who appears to have won the Nov. 8 presidential run-off election.

While final results have not yet been announced, Johnson-Sirleaf was firmly in the lead with 59 percent of the vote, after 90 percent of the votes cast had been tabulated. If she is confirmed the winner, she will be Africa’s first female head of state.

Read the UMNS report

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Advertise your church: Get an Igniting Ministry grant
The Igniting Ministry office in Nashville, Tenn., is now accepting grant applications for the 2006 Lent season. Application deadline is Dec. 1. Under a newly expanded program, churches may request a matching grant for a television, billboard, radio, and/or cinema presence in their communities.

Learn more from the Igniting Ministry site

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More on the controversial Judicial Council ruling
The Communication Commission affirmed the denomination's "Open hearts, open minds, open doors" message in a Nov. 10 statement responding to a recent ruling by the Judicial Council.

"We call on the people of The United Methodist Church to keep before the world the fundamental principle that our hearts, our minds, and our doors are open to anyone seeking a new life in Jesus Christ. Christ rejected no one. Neither can we," the Commission stated.

The statement is in response to an Oct. 31 ruling that reinstated a Virginia pastor after he denied membership to a gay man.

Read the complete Commission statement
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The Ministers' Wives Retreat is coming
The annual Ministers' Wives Retreat is scheduled for March 23-25, 2006, at Oak Tree Lodge in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. Ministers' wives in the conference will receive brochures by mail in late November. Pastor-Parish Committees, United Methodist Men's and United Methodist Women's groups are encouraged to support their ministers' wives' participation with financial assistance. For more information, contact Marion Nation at (276) 979-1075 or Angela Starks at (276) 228-4873.

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57 tips for Advent planning and worship
The General Board of Discipleship offers 57 articles to help you plan the Advent season, including "Traditional Hymns for Blended and Contemporary Worship," "Advent Wreath Meditations," and "Christmas Eve Hospitality."

Visit the GBOD site now

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Christmas Open House at Cokesbury Bookstores
Cokesbury Bookstores in both Knoxville and Johnson City will have Christmas Open House on Friday, Nov. 18, and Saturday, Nov. 19. Most merchandise will be discounted 25 percent. Knoxville hours: Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Johnson City hours: Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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No pre-member sanctification: Who said that?
"In Russia we meet people where they are and walk with them into fullness of faith. We do not expect sanctification before you can be a member of the church."

– Bishop Hans Vaxby, resident bishop of the Eurasia Area, speaking to Holston Conference leaders in Knoxville, Tenn., on Nov. 7

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Your online calendar: Remember these dates

Resurrection: Jan. 13-15 and Jan. 20-22

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.