Today, in Holston Conference News Briefs for November 9:
exclusive – 'Peacemaking is a sacred calling' @ holston.org- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
TOP STORY: Swanson responds to Judicial Council ruling
Bishop James Swanson, resident bishop of Holston Conference, has responded to a controversial ruling from the Judicial Council. In late October, the Judicial Council reinstated a Virginia pastor who denied membership to an openly gay man.
"If we are willing to allow people to join our churches who we know are not perfect in any area of their lives, then we must not then turn around and discriminate against certain sins," Swanson stated in a Nov. 8 Episcopal letter. "Do we now examine everyone who comes forth to see if sin remains in their lives? I caution us not to go down that road."
Read Swanson's letter, "Grace Comes From the Lord"
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Council of Bishops also responds to Judicial ruling
Homosexuality is not a barrier to membership in the United Methodist Church, the denomination's bishops said Nov. 2, two days after the church's top court supported a pastor's refusal to allow a gay man to join.
"While pastors have the responsibility to discern readiness for membership, homosexuality is not a barrier," the bishops said in their pastoral letter to the people of the United Methodist Church.
Read the United Methodist News Service report
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Wanted: Liturgical art groups for Annual Conference
Instrumental and vocal ensembles and choirs, drama groups, and liturgical dancers are needed for Annual Conference 2006.
To indicate your interest, please notify the Rev. Sam Johnson immediately by e-mail or by calling (423) 869-3734. Audiotapes, videotapes, CDs, or DVDs must be postmarked by Jan. 15, 2006, to be considered. The Annual Conference Worship Planning Committee reserves the right to work with those selected to make appropriate musical and dramatic selections for various worship settings.
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Suggestions for observing Veterans' Day in worship
Veterans' Day falls on Friday, Nov. 11. "In most years and most times, Veterans' Day passes in our churches with little or no mention," states a General Board of Discipleship web site. "There is more interest in including Veterans' Day in worship this year. This may be due to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001." Guidelines, scripture readings, and other resources are provided on this GBOD site.
Visit the GBOD site now
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Why do we need new churches?
The Builders Club supports new congregations and ministries as well as relocations and mergers. Since 1997, active Builders Club loans have been issued to seven churches in Holston. Since 2002, Builders Fund grants have been made to six new or expanding churches.
Download a Builders Club brochure 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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Numbers: Ministry without e-mail
Out of 914 total churches in Holston, the pastors of 105 churches have no e-mail addresses recorded with the conference office.
Of those 105 churches, 18 have worship attendances of 50 or more.
Source: Database office
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Your online calendar: Remember these dates
United Methodist Student Day: Nov. 27