Bishop Swanson, Wayne Kerr
Divine Rhythm grooves into 6th year

Over the five past Januarys, various speakers have moved young adults from the Divine Rhythm stage. None of them came from Holston Conference, says Design Team Member Eric Glass, because the team wanted to be intentional about bringing in new voices. Until this year.

Bishop James Swanson, resident bishop of Holston Conference, will preach at the conference's sixth annual winter retreat for young adults, scheduled Jan. 20-22 at Country Tonite Theatre in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. More than 600 participants from churches and Wesley Foundations are expected to join in worship, fellowship, and ministry under the theme, "For Such a Time as This."

"People want to hear him," said Glass, explaining why the Divine Rhythm Design Team asked Swanson to lead the weekend spiritual event. "He's interested in reaching young adults, and he seemed like a good fit."

Joining Swanson for his fifth appearance at Divine Rhythm is Christian musical artist Wayne Kerr as worship leader. "We're looking forward to seeing the dynamic between Bishop Swanson and Wayne," said Glass.

Reaching young adults, said Swanson, is important to himself as well as to the United Methodist Church. Divine Rhythm is designed for persons ages 18 to 35. "There is a need for young adult leadership in Holston Conference but also in the whole church," he said. "The 2004 General Conference recognized that we have not responded to the spiritual and social needs of our young adults when they passed legislation establishing an agency to help reach and allocate funds for that age group."

Last year, 629 individuals representing 56 church groups participated in Divine Rhythm during the event's first year at Country Tonite Theatre. Divine Rhythm is returning to Country Tonite this year, said Glass, because the setting worked well last year and the theater provides room to grow.

In addition to worship, participants will have opportunities to participate in a Medic blood drive and a peanut butter drive to benefit a local food pantry. For the first time, participants will be asked to donate frisbees, hacky sacks, and air pumps as part of a conference-wide "Have a Ball" campaign to bring playtime to the children of Africa.

Another returning favorite is Cafe Rhythm - fellowship time with karaoke, open mic, and games.

The program fee is $35 per person before Dec. 20 and $50 per person after Dec. 20. For accommodations, participants should contact hotels or other rental facilities in Pigeon Forge.

Divine Rhythm will continue to offer a "Bible-based, well-supervised" program for children ages six months to 8, said Glass. Cost is $45 per child; registration must be submitted by Dec. 20.

This year's theme is based on Esther 4:14: "For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?"

Registration information
Program fee is $35 per person before Dec. 20; $50 per person after Dec. 20. A registration form may be downloaded at www.divinerhythm.com.

To register or for more information, contact the Connectional Ministries Office toll-free at (866) 690- 4080, locally at (865) 690-4080, or e-mail connectionalministries@holston.org.

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