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Today, in Holston Conference News Briefs for July 19:

Wednesday on the Webexclusive – Overcoming Middle East Violence @ holston.org

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TOP STORY: Holston gives beyond $100,000 goal!

Holston churches have surpassed the Annual Conference goal of collecting $100,000 for missions in Alaska, the treasurer's office announced.

As of July 18, churches had given $105,931 to benefit the work of Alaskan Missionary Fran Lynch. At the same time, churches have given $47,341 to Change for Children.

Bill Daugherty, Holston missions coordinator, responded to the news: "I am delighted for the great support of the Alaskan offering," he said. "The people of Holston are so mission-minded. Considering the tremendous response that churches have already given to worldwide disasters and the hurricane destruction, this is even more heartwarming."

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Summer mission project for kids: Due by Aug. 1

Children's groups participating in the summer hands-on mission project for Alaska are reminded that the due date is Aug. 1. Vacation Bible School, Sunday school, and other groups are invited to collect items such as microwave popcorn, clothing, and spiral notebooks for missions in Willow, Anvik, and Grayling, Alaska. Each district has a specific assignment.

"This is the first time that the conference has promoted a summertime mission project for kids only," says Anita Henderlight, Holston children's ministry coordinator. The project is related to the Annual Conference offering benefiting the work of missionary Fran Lynch.

Learn more about the project; download a brochure

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United Methodist group laments violence in the Middle East

The General Board of Church and Society has released a statement concerning violence in Israel, Lebanon, and Gaza: "...We encourage people of faith throughout God’s world to be in constant prayer for the Holy Land and for the implementation of serious and effective plans for peaceful resolution of the region’s crises."

Read the entire statement

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New ministry? Apply for a Redwine grant

Applications for Redwine grants are now available to help new and emerging ministries in the local church. The minimum grant award is usually $2,500. Redwine grants are not available for "brick and mortar" projects. Applications are due by Sept. 30. Grants will be announced in spring 2007.

To receive an application, contact your district office or e-mail the Rev. John Grimm, Redwine Committee chair.

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Scholarship available for church communicator

The United Methodist Association of Communicators offers a $1,000 scholarship to a local church communicator who will attend the association's annual meeting. This year, the meeting is Oct. 19-21 in Indianapolis. Application deadline is Aug.15.

Visit the UMAC site; download an application

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Wanted: Construction work teams in the Bahamas

The Missions Office has received a request for construction work teams to help build phase 2 of a new school in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands. Please e-mail Bill Daugherty or call the Missions Office toll-free at (866) 690-4080.

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Saving the lost children: Who said that?

"The United States is blessed to have people like those at Crossroads UMC and like the leaders in the Holston Annual Conference who have actually taken the time to travel to Sudan and to get to know the people and to understand the circumstances there."

— Jim Winkler of the General Board of Church and Society, commenting on a recent poignant gathering of "lost boys and girls" in Fairfax, Va. For an update on Holston's growing involvement in aiding the people of Sudan, see the upcoming July 28 edition of The Call.

Read Winkler's entire statement

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