District Roundup
Abingdon: A recently donated a 1960s-era organ to Ebenezer UMC. On April 18, Ebenezer celebrated the gift by hosting a musical service with eight groups from southwest Virginia. Quarry, Charles Wesley, John Wesley, Byars-Cobb and Emory were among the United Methodist churches represented. Ebenezer is a historic African-American church, erected in 1880. The pastor is Joshua Kilbourne, an E&H senior.
Big Stone Gap: Twenty-two United Methodist Women helped paint bunk beds at Ft. Blackmore Camp on April 24, Director
Becky Bryant reports. They also donated $357 toward the upcoming camp season.
Chattanooga: The district held its United Methodist Men's Spiritual Retreat & Work Day at Camp Lookout in March. Thirty men participated in devotions, then helped repair the lodge. Besides electrical work, the men replaced deteriorating wood and painted, Director Don Washburn says. They also donated $2,000 in supplies. Churches represented: First-Centenary, New Salem, Jones Memorial, Signal Crest, Red Bank, Wesley Memorial.
Cleveland: For five years, Mt. Olive UMC and Daisy UMC have held joint Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services. Except this year, the two congregations added a seder meal to the Thursday service. The Rev. Annette Warren says that sharing roast lamb, fruit, bitter herb salad and unleavened bread was "a profound experience. It's one thing to read about it in the Bible; it's another thing to actually go through the steps." The two churches enjoy each other's company so much, they're not waiting until next spring to get together again. An ice cream social is planned for July.
Johnson City (the city): Wesley Memorial UMC (in Kingsport District) recently joined with St. Mary's Catholic Church to build a Habitat house for one of Wesley's own members. More than 100 Wesley parishioners contributed $15,000 to help a single mother with four children acquire a home. About 75 members participated in construction work, and another 30 prepared meals. St. Mary's "mirrored" Wesley's effort, the Rev. David Jackson says. The new three-bedroom house will be dedicated May 30.
Kingsport: Emory UMC designated the second Sunday in March as "Little Debbie Day," asking members to bring in snack cakes for a new hospital ministry. The president of Emory's United Methodist Women, Sandra Huddle, also is volunteer coordinator at the local Wellmont hospital. She noticed that family members waiting for news of loved ones were reluctant to leave the waiting room to get something to eat. Emory labeled snacks with the church's name and address, and a hospital volunteer delivered the goodies to waiting rooms. In the first month alone, 564 treats were handed out, Pastor Carole Martin reports. The church has received thank-you notes from grateful family members and is planning another Little Debbie Day in fall. "It gives a little church a big voice during a stressful time," Martin says.
Knoxville: Twenty-two children and 10 adults from Church Street UMC recently "slept with the sharks" at Gatlinburg's Aquarium of the Smokies. The crew visited the aquarium, painted T-shirts, participated in a scavenger hunt, and snoozed in the shark tunnel, Teresa Williams reports.
Maryville: Concerned that youth of rural Tellico Plains have few options for recreation and guidance, leaders at Wesley Chapel UMC and First Tellico Plains UMC recently joined to create a youth center. Every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday night since January, Tellico Youth Center provides special activities and meals for young people. About 20-30 kids attend, with a high of 42. The Maryville District office donated $500, and other groups and fund raisers keep the center going. Currently, the center is located in the Boys & Girls Club facility, but the goal is to have a new building within two years, says President Charles Coonley, member at Wesley Chapel.
Morristown: Through a vendor's booth at Dollywood, First Jefferson City UMC is helping the people of Ishe Anesu in Zimbabwe. Parishioner Susan Watson, who has a stained-glass booth at the theme park, offered to let the church sell African items in her booth during the ongoing "Festival of Nations." Dyed fabrics, lace-trimmed food covers, stenciled wallhangings and tote bags created by Ishe Anesu women are selling briskly at the international festival, which concludes May 9. Outreach Chair Dorothy Zimmerman says profits will be sent to Ishe Anesu missionary Maria Humbane.
Oak Ridge: The Rev. Amanda Bell, associate pastor at First Oak Ridge UMC, was one of 20 young adult clergy chosen by the General Board of Church and Society to attend a national event in Washington, D.C. The two-day forum gave Bell insight on the board's connections and educational opportunities, according to the 34-year-old pastor.
Tazewell: On March 28, during Tip Top UMC's morning worship service, an invitation was issued to accept membership in the church. "First one and then another came forward," the district newsletter reports. "In all, 14 new members were added to the Kingdom of God that morning." Tip Top's new membership total: 94.
Wytheville: Providence UMC recently raised $10,500 to put a new roof on its 117-year-old building. The congregation wants to get more people in the pews, which can accommodate 250 but realizes only 25 "on a good day," says the Rev. Gloria Rhudy. "It can be frustrating when you're the pastor of five churches, trying to grow them all at one time."
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