C-Mail
Lighten up, y’all
The 'Reading List" of my colleagues [Jan. 17 issue] was really great and has given me some ideas on what to read and even suggest to my parishioners. I however, would like to point out that many of us read other literature to stretch our intellectualism on absolutely nothing. My wife and I have been reading and 'watching" J.R.R. Tolkein's 'Lord of the Rings Trilogy." I have also been reading T. H. White's 'The Once and Future King" and 'The Book of Merlyn," and Sir Thomas Malory's 'Le Morte Ôd Arthur." These might not be the most 'intellectual" books that clergy can read; however, I would like to point out that some of us like to read other materials that tickle the brain and give us a hoot.
Rev. Joe Manis
Hunter/Slagle UMC
Johnson City District
We’ve come a long way
Recently I read a book entitled 'Holston Horizons" by C. E. Lundy, a Methodist minister of Holston in years gone by. I've had the book for years but only read it recently because a member referred to it. A lot of information is in that little book. Lundy states (p.112) that the annuity rate for retired pastors of the Holston Conference – or as he called them, 'veterans of the cross" – had increased in a sevenyear period from $8.60 to the1947 rate of $20 per service year. He states, 'While this amount falls far short of the pressing needs, it is a step in the right direction." We've come a long way to the2003 rate of $398 per service year.
As one who hopes to receive some of these pre-1982 funds someday, I am grateful for the successful Legacy of Commitment campaign, Bishop Chamberlain's vision to eliminate this old problem, and for everyone who has given and continues to give. Thank you all.
Rev. Jim Pollock Bearden UMC Knoxville District
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