Merry Christmas December 17, 2009

Pray Now   ·   Archives   ·   Job Opportunities   ·   About Us How to keep Christ in Christmas It's easy to miss the point. But if you don't set the example, who will? Here are simple ways to remember Jesus and restore your Christmas heart. (Beliefnet.com) Heartwarmers from all over  We invited churches from all districts to send in their Christmas stories and photos. It's a special "District Roundup" from the December newspaper. . Does God trust you? Bishop James Swanson is in Zimbabwe, but he left this Christmas message for you.    Fire at Holston Home The six horses and three cats who resided in the 105-year-old barn escaped the fire unscathed. The children were in their beds. (Knoxville News Sentinel) The 7th grade girls get it Peace on earth, goodwill to men: Youth at First Oak Ridge UMC are starting with the Middle East. (WBIR-TV)  10 quick tips  People who avoid the church all year long might chance a visit on Christmas Eve. Share these last-minute welcoming reminders with your congregation. (UM Communications) Greatest Hits Here's what you liked! Top three links in our last edition: 308 - Ten ways to pray (UMNS) 251 - What are you looking for? (The Call) 147 - Church Street feat (The Daily Times) Conference Calendar Jan. 11: Deadline to submit 2009 apportionments Jan. 15-17: Resurrection youth event in Gatlinburg Jan. 17: Human Relations Sunday Jan. 22-24: Resurrection youth event in Gatlinburg Jan. 29-31: Divine Rhythm young adult event in Pigeon Forge Feb. 2-5: Ministers Convocation in Lake Junaluska Feb. 15: Change for Children grant applications due Feb. 19-20: Holston Evangelism Conference in Knoxville Feb. 23: Traditioned Innovation in Knoxville March 5-6: March Forth for Children training in Bristol March 6: UMM Day with the Bishop in Rogersville March 11-13: Ministers' Wives Retreat in Sevierville March 12-14: Discovery at Camp Wesley Woods March 14: One Great Hour of Sharing April 9-11: Clergy Marriage Retreat in Jonesborough  April 11-13: Jubilation older adult retreat in Kingsport June 13-16: Annual Conference at Lake Junaluska, N.C. More calendar items... Holston.org Pick Something new in evangelism: Bishop James Swanson and the Rev. Rudy Rasmus will lead a new conference at Cokesbury in February. Closing the books: Final 2009 apportionment payments must be received in the Alcoa office by 5 p.m., Jan. 11. Call toll-free (866) 690-4080. More of Holston.org ... UMC.org Pick 2010 calendars: United Methodist Communications offers a variety, including desk blotters and electronic versions. Look. More of UMC.org ... Opportunity "Emmanuel" is the Rev. John Ousley's CD of Christmas music, performed with harmonica and Indian flute. Order a CD for $15 in support of Camp Dickenson. Contact campdickenson@hughes.net or (276) 744-7241. Announcement See you on Jan. 4: The Call2 is canceled for two weeks. Our weekly e-news returns in 2010 with Monday morning delivery! Merry Christmas.

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