Today, in Holston Conference News Briefs for April 18:
@ holston.org~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Today, in Holston Conference News Briefs for April 18:
@ holston.org
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TOP STORY: Holston grieves with Virginia Tech family
Located as close as five miles to the Virginia Tech campus, Holston churches and individuals are reaching out to those affected by the Monday shootings of faculty and students. Although the Virginia Tech town of Blacksburg is located in the Virginia Conference, Holston has close ties to the college. Many Holston members are students or faculty members at Virginia Tech.
Wytheville District churches including Dublin UMC, Bethel UMC, and Rockford UMC are holding special community services this week. Holston campus ministries, including Radford University's Wesley Foundation and Emory & Henry, are finding unique ways to reach out to colleagues affected by the tragedy.
For a complete report on Holston's response, see the upcoming May 4 edition of The Call.
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Next Wednesday: Give up your lunch money
United Methodists are urged to give up lunch and save lives by using that money to buy an insecticide-treated bed net for people in Africa. Wednesday, April 25, has been designated Africa Malaria Day and, for the first time in the United States, President Bush has proclaimed a Malaria Awareness Day that same day.
The Nothing But Nets campaign will gain worldwide exposure before millions of people April 24-25 when the United Methodist-supported anti-malaria initiative is among charities featured on the top-rated "American Idol" television show.
To donate to Nothing But Nets, visit www.NothingButNets.net or go to The United Methodist Church's Web site at www.umc.org/nets. United Methodists also can give through their churches by designating their gift for Advance #982015.
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Reaching Holston staff: Want a direct line?
Holston staff in Knoxville now have direct phone lines. Some offices have released their numbers for publication. For the list, see the April 20 edition of The Call.) All other calls should be directed to (865) 690-4080 locally or (866) 690-4080 toll-free.
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Clergy golf! Register by noon on April 20
Holston pastors are encouraged to register for the Clergy Golf Tournament, to be held Monday, April 23, at Millstone Golf Club in Morristown, Tenn. Registration deadline is Friday, April 20, at noon. Cost: $50 per player.
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We're giving you a mental health day
On May 19, Holston Conference will host a special forum at Shady Grove UMC in Dandridge, Tenn. Mark your calendar now for "Mental Health Matters: A Day of Conversation." The event begins at 10 a.m., concludes at 4 p.m.
Find out more and register online
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Older adult ministries: Grant money available
The Margaret Grizzell Loving Trust has approximately $55,000 available each year for Holston churches and groups providing educational, recreational, and spiritual programming for older adults. Application deadline is May 30. For an application form, e-mail the Holston Conference Foundation office or call (865) 690-8124.
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Wesleyan Hymn Festival at Church Street
Church Street UMC invites Holston members to a Wesleyan Hymn Festival celebrating Charles Wesley's 300th birthday. The event will be held Monday, April 23, at 7:30 p.m.
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Big, black hole: Who said that?
"Fifty percent of the Fair Share apportionment comes back in benefits to pastors ... Is that a big black hole, where nobody knows where it goes?"
— The Rev. Grady Winegar, one of several speakers at "Clergy Day with the Bishop," held April 17 at State Street UMC in Bristol. Online resources and a DVD from "Clergy Day" (also held at Cokesbury UMC on March 27) will be provided soon.
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