Greetings!
Here is a quick update on what's going on in the Johnson City District.
|
|
"Winds of War: George Clooney in Sudan
Friday, December 3
10:00 PM
Airing on Dateline NBC
Amid the rising tensions in Sudan, and a possible outbreak of violence that has world leaders fearing the worst, actor and activist George Clooney and NBC News' Ann Curry travel to Southern Sudan to shine a spotlight on the tumultuous region as the January referendum - when the south will vote on whether or not to secede and form its own country - looms and millions of lives are at stake. Clooney takes "Dateline" cameras on a fact-finding tour across the war-torn area and speaks with Curry about his experiences working with people who are living in dire poverty and struggling for peace.
Tune in tonight for a glimpse of the struggles that the people of Sudan face, and why Holston Conference has been doing all we can to support them.
Learn more about the show: CLICK HERE
Learn more about Holston in Sudan: CLICK HERE
|
 |
Did you know Rev. Howard Louis Griffith?
Rev. Jim Pollock needs your help!
Jim Pollock is looking for a picture of a former pastor, Howard Louis Griffith, who served in the Johnson City District around 1960. He served the Clear Spring Circuit which included Clear Springs, Liberty Hill, Greenwood, and Stone Dam Methodist Churches. He was retired in 1961. He also served as Chaplin at Holston Home for Children. Jim needs this ASAP! Call him at 423-477-8044 or email him. Thanks.
|
|
Strengthening Our District Financial Policy
Changes Planned for the New Year
At a Called District Conference Sunday, October 24, members of the Johnson City District voted to add a part-time staff member to the District Office. This new position will enable the District Office to separate the duties of receipt and disbursement, ensuring that we are practicing good fiscal responsibility.
The vote came at the recommendation of the Committee on District Superintendency and with the support of the District Committee on Finance. In explaining the reasoning behind this request, District Superintendent Randy Frye stated, "I trust Betty Barton with my life, but this measure is about protecting her as well as the district. Late this summer the Cabinet received an email from Bishop Swanson about a very serious matter going on in another district. The District Administrative Assistant was accused of and admitted to misuse of district funds. In light of this, Betty and I began to discuss how we can be better stewards of your money, and decided the best way would be to put in place policies and procedures and staffing so that you will have absolute confidence in the District Office."
Beginning January 3, Amber Marshall will join the district staff as Administrative Assistant, working 6 - 10 hours per week (see article below). She will be responsible for the disbursement of district funds and will provide support in general operations of the office.
Betty Barton will serve as District Office Administrator, receiving district funds, as well as continuing her normal district and conference duties.
District Treasurer Jan Butler will continue to provide volunteer support, reconciling the district accounts and signing checks. The staff is working with the District Finance Committee to create a set of Policies and Procedures that will further ensure the security of our district finances. As District Superintendent Frye stated during the Called District Conference, "Proper internal controls are not put into place to keep the dishonest from being dishonest. They are to keep honest people honest." By having a clear set of guidelines in place, and following them precisely, we can all be assured that district funds are being handled securely and responsibly.
|
|
Meet Our New District Employee!
 Amber Marshall Joins Us January 3
We are pleased to introduce the newest addition to our District Staff, and have asked her to share a short bio with you. Amber (pictured above with her husband, Mack, and daughter, Layla) writes:
Originally from West Virginia, I moved to Johnson City in 1985 to work for Texas Instruments in the Quality Assurance area. After meeting and marrying my husband, Mack, we were blessed with a daughter, and I chose to stay home with her.
Volunteering in the city schools and at Munsey Memorial UMC, as well as filling in at the District Office during Betty's time off, has kept me busy for 19 years. Layla is now in her second year of college, and I am excited about working part-time with Betty and Randy.
I have spent many hours in the church and finance offices at Munsey, have substituted for Betty for over 8 years, and enjoy working in an office environment and meeting new people. I'm looking forward to beginning my new position in January.
|
|
|
Seminary and College Scholarships
Full Tuition Scholarships for Drew
The Theological School at Drew University is pleased to announce online application fees will be waived for the Spring 2011 and Fall 2011 semesters! Click here to apply online.
United Methodists admitted to Drew with an undergraduate GPA of 3.5 or above will receive the 100 percent tuition United Methodist Initiative scholarship! Drew considers every admitted applicant for merit scholarships, including scholarships with a housing stipend. Qualified applicants should apply early to be considered. Learn more about their scholarships on their Web site: www.drew.edu/theo/umscholarship.
For more information or to schedule a visit, contact Drew Theological admissions office at theoadm@drew.edu.
Apply Online for College Scholarships Beginning January 1
The online scholarship application process for United Methodist Dollars for Scholars, General Named Endowed Scholarships and United Methodist Leadership Scholars programs will open on January 1, 2011. Application deadlines vary by program.
Visit www.umhef.org/receive.php and learn more about receiving scholarships and giving to the Foundation's scholarship funds so you can help prepare the next generation of United Methodist leaders! Please share with family, friends and all those who may be interested in receiving a scholarship or in giving to help grow the scholarship programs.
|
|
|
Good Eats!
Soup Supper
Friday, December 10, 5:30 PM
Fairview UMC
Saturday Morning Breakfast
Saturday, December 18, 7:00 - 10:00 AM
Fairview UMC
Come enjoy good food and warm fellowship at Fairview UMC, 878 Highway 81 N, Jonesborough.
|
|
Marriage Enrichment Retreat
March 18 - 20
Buffalo Mountain Retreat Center
The seventh annual Marriage Enrichment Retreat for Couples in Ministry in Holston Conference will be held
at the Buffalo Mountain Retreat Center on March 18-20, 2011. The event is design to provide quality time
for clergy couples during a weekend away from work and family responsibilities.
All costs for housing, meals, and leadership are covered by the Board of Ordained Ministry and the Holston Nurture Team. Information about the retreat and a registration form are included in a brochure that is available from the district office or from Pete and Ginny Rowlett: Call at 865-966-9776 or email.
|
|
|
Holiday Closing and Inclement Weather Policy
District Office Closed
December 24 - January 3.
Conference Offices Closed
December 24 - 27 and January 3
Although the offices will be closed, we will check email and voice mail regularly during the holidays.
In case of inclement weather, the Johnson City District Office will follow the Johnson City Schools schedule of closing/postponement.
|
|
Staff Parish Committee and Stewardship Training Event
Sunday, January 9, 3:00 pm
Wesley Memorial UMC
All new and returning Staff Parish Committee Members and Chairs are invited to a training led by District Superintendent Randy Frye. It is vital that every church be represented by at least one attendee.
In addition, Rev. Cliff Amos will lead a session on Stewardship that is open to all leaders of the local church. Administrative Council Chairs, Finance Committee Chairs, Treasurers, and Stewardship Chairs are especially encouraged to attend.
|
|
2010 Fair Share Apportionments
Thank You to the Churches Who Have Paid 100% or are Up-To-Date for 2010!
All 2010 Remittances Due January 10
To see where your church stands:
CLICK HERE for the District FSA Report
CLICK HERE for the Conference FSA Report
|
|
Are You Passionate About Czech Missions?
Informational/Brainstorming Meeting
Thursday, January 13, 6:30 PM
First UMC, Johnson City
We invite anyone who has traveled on a Czech Mission Team, would like to travel on one, or is simply interested in learning more about our partnership with the United Methodist Churches of the Czech Republic to come to this meeting. We will examine where we are and where we are going in regards to the partnership.
We will share with you some of the exciting things planned for 2011 and beyond, but also want your input on ways we can strengthen the partnership and reach even more people in the Czech Republic.
|
|
|
Mexico Medical Mission Trip
Medical Personnel Needed!
The 2011 Mexico Medical Mission will be Saturday, May 7 through Sunday, May 15. Dr Paul Brown, Jr. and Dr. Jim Dougherty have led this VIM team for many years to villages in the Sierra Madre of the State of Puebla.
Medical personnel are needed (especially physicians, dentists, surgeons, pharmacists, and nurses) as well as Spanish-speakers and general helpers. Would you like to have more information about it? Please contact Jim Dougherty by email or at 865-687-6073.
|
|
|
Attention District Clergy:
- Don't forget the District Clergy Christmas Banquet on Tuesday, December 7, 6:30 pm at Wesley Memorial UMC. Although the registration deadline is has passed, there may be some last-minute cancellations so check with the District Office if you want to be added to the list.
- Consultations next week. If you have not yet scheduled yours, contact us ASAP. Remember to bring with you your completed and signed (by you AND your PPR Chair) Consultation Form.
- Year-End Report Packets are here! Pick yours up at the Christmas Banquet or when you come for your consultation.
- Our next District Clergy Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 11, 10:00 am or 6:30 pm at Cherokee UMC.
|
|
