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Today, in Holston Conference News Briefs for August 9:

Wednesday on the Webexclusive – Address Changes? @ holston.org

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TOP STORY: Wear a bracelet, make a difference

Money from purchases of maroon wristbands will be used to help rebuild churches and other United Methodist facilities damaged by Hurricane Katrina. With the inscription, "Rebuilding churches and communities," the bracelets are a project of the Council of Bishops.

Churches and members may order wristbands for $2 each through the Holston Conference office in Knoxville, Tenn. Bracelets may be picked up at the conference office or mailed for a small postage fee. To order, e-mail connectionalministries@holston.org or call toll-free (866) 690-4080.

The Council of Bishops is also encouraging congregations to take a special offering on Aug. 27, the Sunday closest to the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. Contributions to the Katrina Church Recovery Appeal may be made through your local church; write "Bishops' Appeal 818-001" on the memo line.

Read more about the wristbands in The Call

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Need money to begin a new ministry?

The Witness Ministry Team has grants available to assist local churches in beginning new program ministries designed to engage persons with the church. Grants range from $2,500 to $10,000 and are generally one-time grants (with a possibility to renew for a second year). Priority will be given to new ministries showing a potential for growth in the local church's membership and/or ministry to the community.

For grant guidelines and applications, call the conference office toll-free at (866) 690-4080. Applications are due Sept. 15. Awards will be made by the end of 2006.

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Sexual ethics training begins in September

Sponsored by the Wesley Leadership Institute, sexual ethics training will be offered Sept. 27-30 in five different locations throughout Holston. The training is mandatory for pastors, but it is recommended that representatives of each staff-parish committee also attend. Please notify your district superintendent as to which session you will attend.

* Sept. 27, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Ooltewah UMC (Cleveland District)

* Sept. 28, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Colonial Heights UMC (Kingsport District)

* Sept. 28, 6 to 9:15 p.m., St. Paul UMC (Wytheville District)

* Sept. 29, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Pleasant View UMC (Abingdon District)

* Sept. 30, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., First Farragut UMC (Oak Ridge District)

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Remember this: Holston's new vision statement

Holston adopted a new "Bold, Passionate, and Joyful" vision statement at Annual Conference 2006. In the months ahead, conference leaders will provide resources for churches to integrate the new vision into their own ministries. In the meantime, please educate members about our "Bold, Passionate, and Joyful" vision.

Read the statement, learn more about its origin

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Warning: E-mail scam involves United Methodist agency

The General Board of Global Ministries is warning church members of scam e-mails asking for direct donations for United Methodist missionaries or mission programs. Some emails originated in Nigeria. “The General Board of Global Ministries does not solicit gifts via e-mail,” said Deborah Bass, a staff executive. Designated support for missionaries and mission projects is channeled through the Advance for Christ and His Church and each has a distinct number. People receiving e-mails claiming to raise funds for the Board of Global Ministries should contact the agency at info@gbgm-umc.org.

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Cheering Israel's military actions: Who said that?

"Is the motivation to stand up for Israel, or convert the Jewish people and bring on the end of days?''

— Rabbi Solomon Schiff, executive vice president of the Rabbinical Association of Greater Miami, on the hope of some evangelical groups that the Mideast conflict is a sign Christ will return soon.

Read the Miami Herald article

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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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