District Roundup
NEWS FROM YOUR DISTRICT
Abingdon: Several Emory & Henry College students participated in a Martin Luther King Jr. peace march on Jan. 17. Sponsored by the Appalachian Peace Education Center, the march began at Charles Wesley UMC and was followed by a celebration at Abingdon UMC. The Rev. Dan Taylor, Big Stone Gap District superintendent, spoke about the biblical roots of King's civil rights movement at E&H's Memorial Chapel on Jan. 18.
Big Stone Gap: First Pennington Gap UMC has a "can offering" each Sunday with a varying monthly theme. Children hold cans as worshipers leave the sanctuary, collecting for missions such as Jubilee Project, UMCOR, or the local fire department. In January, the congregation gave to a church fund that pays utility bills for needy people. On one Sunday alone, they collected $566.
Chattanooga: With an $8,200 gift from long-time member Bonnie Willbanks, who died at age 103, McFarland UMC is inviting people to worship through a directmail campaign. The church spent $1,000 to mail 4,200 postcards with information about their Christmas Eve services. Jim Price, a church member with a printing business, oversaw the campaign. Of 130 total worshipers on Dec. 24, about 30 were guests, Price said. "About half of those told us they got the postcards." The congregation followed up by taking church coffee mugs to guests at their homes on Dec. 26. McFarland plans additional mailings for Easter and Christmas 2004.
Cleveland: The district held its "Day of New Beginnings" on Jan. 22 with more than 200 in attendance. Twelve workshops were presented, including "Why Do We Give?" by Roger Redding, "Disability Awareness" by John Hiers, and "Share My Faith? You've Got to be Kidding!" led by the Rev. Dwight Kilbourne.
Johnson City: In September, Buffalo Mountain Camp set out to raise $40,000 for its "Light the Fire" campaign. By the end of December, the camp had raised $61,000. In all, the Johnson City and Kingsport Districts gave $120,000 to the camp in 2003, according to Director Christina DowlingSoka.
Kingsport: The Rev. Barrry Lane had a dream of recording original Christian music with a children?s choir. Last year, the dream was realized when children at Chalybeate Springs/ Okolona charge recorded "For Kid's Sake." The songs were written by Lane, wife Mary Lane and church member Gary Arwood. Proceeds go to the charge's children's fund. Parents and local "country stores" have been selling the CDs for $12, but the church is offering it to readers of The Call for $10. Contact Lane at (423) 247-8680 or by e-mail.
Knoxville: Earlier this month, Zion UMC got a new steeple on its 110-year-old building. The steeple was placed "in honor of God" and the Rev. George Armbrister's 18th year of service to the church, according to the pastor. Armbrister turned 90 in October.
Maryville: The Rev. Keith Knight, pastor at First Pigeon Forge UMC, returned to his parsonage recently to find a church member parked in the driveway. Pauline Householder, who lives nearby, had experienced shortness of breath and pulled into the parsonage for help. Knight called 911 and was later credited for saving Householder's life. His story and photo appeared in The Mountain Press.
Morristown: In 2001, Mosheim Central UMC started a food pantry and clothes closet with the help of a Bishops' Initiative on Children & Poverty grant. But the church wanted to do more to help the people their ministries serve. Then Pastor Carol Ferguson read in The Call about life-skills classes (parenting, money management, food preparation) offered at First Bristol UMC to the people whose utility bills are paid by the church. After meeting with First Bristol staff, Mosheim Central created a similar educational program. They enlisted a county extension agent to teach the classes and formed a committee with other agencies serving needy people in the area. The first class, on stress management, started Jan. 6. Stay tuned.
Oak Ridge: Superintendent Ken Henderlight recently relayed this "box score" in the district newsletter: "From Sept. 15 through Dec. 4 the district superintendent traveled 4,905 miles conducting charge conferences for 44 charges and 68 churches ... During January 2004, the superintendent will be conducting one-hour consultations with each of the 55 pastors of the district in preparation for appointment making for the 2004-2005 year."
Tazewell: During the Christmas break, youth at Virginia Avenue UMC collected toys and coats and took them on a day-long mission trip to McDowell County, Va. Residents of the former coal town are severely impoverished "and recent floods have only added to their plight," says the Rev. Larry Murphy.
Wytheville: On Feb. 8, First Galax UMC will host a reception honoring the Rev. John and Lisa Ousley. John recently took a voluntary leave of absence after nearly 12 years as director of Camp Dickenson.
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