Holston students benefit from Nov. 30 special offering
By Annette Bender
Jessica Hargrove Fuller grew up in Trinity United Methodist Church in Big Stone Gap District. She worked two summers at Buffalo Mountain Camp and served on the Conference Council on Youth Ministries from 1999 to 2000. Now Fuller, age 21, is a student at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. Her plan is to enter full-time ministry as a worker in a children's home, church camp or campus ministry. Fuller is one of 39 Holston students receiving scholarships and loans from the General Board of Higher Education & Ministry (GBHEM) this year, and she's grateful for every penny.
"It's good to know the church supports students across the lines, regardless of gender or race," said Fuller, who will receive $1,300 in GBHEM scholarship funds this year. On Sunday, Nov. 30, churches in Holston and throughout the denomination are asked to give to a special "United Methodist Student Sunday" offering benefiting students like Fuller. In 2002, Holston's 925 congregations gave $7,592 for United Methodist scholarships.
Across the denomination, $7 million was awarded to more than 5,000 students in 2002 through the United Methodist loan fund and scholarship program.
The conference-wide offering on Nov. 30 feeds into the denominational pool for GBHEM scholarships like Fuller's. The conference also receives a 10 percent rebate of Holston's total Student Day offering, which is used for a "conference merit scholarship." In 2003, the Holston-based scholarship was awarded to Jeffrey Bull, Emory & Henry College student and member of First Jonesville UMC, Big Stone Gap District.
To contribute to United Methodist Student Day, make checks to your local church or Holston Conference, designating "U.M. Student Day" on the memo line. Drop in your church offering plate or mail to: Holston Conference, P.O. Box 2506, Johnson City, TN 37605.
For more information the United Methodist Scholarship and Loan Program, visit www.gbhem.org.
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