Women's History Month
Clergywomen gather in White Pine

It's not only Women's History Month in the United Methodist Church. It's also the denomination's 50th anniversary of full clergy rights for women.

On March 6, Bishop James Swanson met with Holston clergywomen at their annual meeting at First White Pine United Methodist Church. About 46 participants, including Morristown District Superintendent Richard Patterson, gathered to discuss their 'mother roots,' share lunch, and worship.

At Annual Conference in Lake Junaluska, N.C., the opening worship service on Sunday, June 11, will commemorate the 50th anniversary of full clergy rights for women. As part of the service, the altar will be adorned with stoles from Holston's clergywomen. If you wish to contribute a stole for the altar, contact the Rev. Sarah Martin at (423) 877-1246 or sarahmartin@hixsonumc.org.

Several resources exist to help congregations celebrate Women's History Month and full clergy rights for women. For bulletin inserts, visit the General Commission on the Status and Role of Women's Web site. For a poster offering 50 ways to participate in the 50th anniversary, visit the General Board of Higher Education & Ministry's Web site. For hymns, prayers, litanies, and other worship resources, visit the General Board of Discipleship's worship Web site.

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