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Today, in Holston Conference News Briefs for June 21:
exclusive – Sending Forth Sermon @ holston.org
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TOP STORY: Churches will ring bells for lives lost in Iraq
Bishop James Swanson has asked Holston churches to join others in remembering those who have lost their lives in Iraq. The United Methodist Board of Church and Society is joining churches, synagogues, mosques, and peace organizations to be part of the bell-ringing effort this weekend, June 24-25.
Besides bell-ringing, people of faith can make some type of gesture, such as lighting candles or gathering in silence, to remember the fallen and encourage world leaders to consider alternatives to the open-ended occupation of Iraq.
The U.S. government announced June 15 that 2,500 American troops had died in the Iraq War. That same day, both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives began an intense debate over the conflict.
Read the United Methodist News Service story
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If your church will be ringing the bells, please tell us
The Call wants to know of churches and groups that will be joining in this weekend's remembrance of lives lost in Iraq. Please write thecall@holston.org by Wednesday, June 28, and look for an article in a future issue. Photos will be appreciated.
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Catch up on all the Annual Conference news
Visit ac.holston.org to download the June 11-14 daily onsite newspapers from Annual Conference in Lake Junaluska, N.C. Also available is a video of Bishop James Swanson's sermon from the Sending Forth Service.
For wrap-up reports of the 2006 Holston Annual Conference:
* Visit the United Methodist News Service site
* See the upcoming June 30 edition of The Call
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15 ways to welcome your new pastor
This week, 160 Holston clergy will move to new appointments. Congregations can ease the transition with these thoughtful suggestions, provided by the General Board of Discipleship.
Visit the GBOD site
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Worship resources for the Fourth of July
Also from the General Board of Discipleship are suggested scripture, hymns, and prayers for marking Independence Day.
Lord God Almighty, in whose Name the founders of this country won liberty for themselves and for us, and lit the torch of freedom for nations then unborn: Grant that we and all the people of this land may have grace to maintain our liberties in righteousness and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Visit the GBOD site now
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Do not antagonize: Who said that?
"We are people who are bound and wrapped up in the Spirit of Christ. We have the right to disagree, but we do not have the right to do it in a way that antagonizes others."
— Bishop James Swanson, scolding members of the Annual Conference who applauded viewpoints expressed during a debate over the resolution "reconsidering our relationship with the National Council of Churches." The resolution was ultimately rejected by the Annual Conference — and the applause ceased.
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