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Today, in Holston Conference News Briefs for January 3:

Wednesday on the Webexclusive – NCD Now: Beyond the Handshake @ holston.org

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TOP STORY: Red Bird Mission reports financial crisis

A decline in contributions has created a crisis that may result in the closing of the school at Red Bird Mission, according to the mission's executive director. For the past three years the mission has been operating with a deficit, using reserves to meet the shortfall, said Fred Haggard. The mission includes a clinic, retail operations, community outreach, and a work camp.

This year, the budget shortfall is $500,000. "We jumped from having a pretty bad situation to a near critical situation," Haggard said.

Donations to Red Bird Mission can be made through the Advance Special #773726 and mailed to Red Bird Mission, 70 Queendale Center, Beverly KY 40913. Secure credit-card donations can be made through the Red Bird Mission Web site.

Read the United Methodist News Service story

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Cokesbury UMC raises $103,539 for Red Bird

Late last year, Cokesbury United Methodist Church gave $103,539 to Red Bird Mission in memory of nurse Rachel Noble. The United Methodist Reporter featured the accomplishment in its Nov. 24 edition.

Read the United Methodist Reporter story

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Wanted: Info about your church's 2007 mission trips

If your church group is planning a Volunteers in Mission trip in the coming year, please contact the Connectional Ministries Office by Jan. 5 so a conference-wide list may be compiled. Church groups requesting additional participants on their trips can be listed in a soon-to-be published brochure. E-mail EricGlass@holston.org or call toll-free (866) 690-4080.

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Wish list item #44: Five dollars to buy a textbook

When members of the Sudan Action Team are asked about an easy way for Holston people to help the community of Yei, Sudan, they say, "One $5 donation will buy a textbook for a child." To learn how your church group can join the Sudan Action Team in helping the people of Sudan, e-mail Lori Sluder.

Read the entire "Mission & Ministry Wish List"

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You saw the movie; now read the story

Moviegoers who saw "The Pursuit of Happyness" over the holidays may have noticed that it featured Glide Memorial United Methodist Church in San Francisco. Read the United Methodist News Service story that tells how the church was involved in Chris Gardner's life and in the making of the film.

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