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Today, in Holston Conference News Briefs for October 19:

Wednesday on the Webexclusive – Advertising Grants Available @ holston.org
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TOP STORY: Connectional staff debuts publication

Be there. Be filled. Be active. Be still.

In this week's issue of The Call, the conference connectional ministries staff presents a new supplement, Be! The semi-annual publication is chock-full of stories and photos from Holston's young adult, older adult, missions, and other ministry departments. Be ready to grab your copy –- and look for the next issue in spring 2006.

Get a sneak preview now

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Pakistan earthquake: Update on relief effort

The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is responding to the most powerful earthquake to strike South Asia in a century. At least 20,000 people are assumed dead and twice as many are injured. Up to 4 million could be homeless in the mountainous region of Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan, just as the cold winter months approach.

UMCOR is supporting the International Blue Crescent and Action by Churches Together partner Church World Service. Both organizations are already on the ground, providing immediate relief and making long-term recovery plans.

Read more about UMCOR's response

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Resources: Special United Methodist days in November

Prepare now for these special dates on the United Methodist calendar:

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Treasurer's office announces Section 125 Cafeteria Plan

Holston Conference is endorsing a Section 125 Cafeteria Plan administered through the American Family Life Assurance Company (AFLAC). This plan allows for all personal insurance premiums paid, health care expenses and dependent daycare expenses to be deducted from wages on a pre-tax basis.

Read more about the plan

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Important Medicare information for clergy retirees

Holston Conference Board of Pensions warns clergy retirees that "if you decide to enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan and drop your Holston Conference prescription drug coverage, you may not be able to get this coverage back."

More information available here

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The Call wins 'Award of Excellence' in San Antonio

For the second time, Holston's official newspaper has won the United Methodist Association of Communicators' top award for newspapers in the denomination. On Oct. 14 in San Antonio, Texas, The Call received the "Award of Excellence" during an honors banquet. Holston's newspaper won the award for the first time in 2002.

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What would Jesus blog? Who said that?

"As Christians today we are embroiled in the argument culture and we have forgotten this one thing: 'Blessed are the peacemakers.' Wouldn't it be nice if we could say we brought a level of civility back to the conversation?"

-- Biola University professor Timothy Muehlhoff, who led a workshop entitled "When Non-Christians Read Your Blog" at a recent "God blogging" seminar in California

 Read the AP article

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Your online calendar: Remember these dates

Divine Rhythm for young adults: 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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