November 2012

jc upd@te logo

Johnson City District

News Update

Greetings!  

Here is the latest news from the Johnson City District.
 
Walter Weikel A Word From Walter     

 

Dear Friends,

 

In these final days leading up to the election, many of us are thinking about the state of the economy. I know that many of our churches are doing all they can to keep their heads above water. My prayers are with you.

 

My last church was one of those fortunate churches that always seemed to have the money we needed. We had a lot of members there who were not as vulnerable to the economic downturn. The more we prospered, the more it seemed the conference asked of us. A few years ago, I mentioned to Bishop Swanson that it seemed like we were always being asked for more and more.

 

I was "invited" to eat lunch with Bishop Swanson one day and he helped me see that I was blessed to be at the church where I was appointed. He helped me see that I had been a recipient of benefits provided by other churches earlier in my ministry. He encouraged me to push even harder to support churches that weren't as financially blessed as we were.

 

Looking over our district finances, it seems that the vast majority of our churches are current or even ahead in their giving to the District and to the Conference. Thank you so much for your hard work. There are a few that knew they were going to struggle financially and circumstances have born out that prophesy. There are others that have faced huge challenges and still are current in their giving. I thank God for clergy and laity leaders who understand the blessing that can come through sacrificial giving.

 

I would like to challenge those churches that have fallen behind to consider how they might honor their covenant with our mission partners. We want to give every ministry all they support we promised.

 

In seen and unseen ways, God has blessed every church in the Johnson City District. I pray that as we move toward the Advent season, you will truly sense Emmanuel (God with us).

 

God bless you and stay warm.

 

Walter Weikel 

 
District Conference Report     

The 2012 Johnson City District Conference was held on Sunday, September 30 at Cherokee UMC. Members voted to adopt a $177,190 budget for 2013, an increase of $6,326 or 4% from 2012. In order to meet this budget, the members voted to adjust the 2013 Fair Share Apportionment formula to 2.25% of undesignated receipts reported in 2011.

In addition, the District Conference elected new leadership for district committees, boards and teams, and also elected the following people as At-Large Lay Members to the 2013 Holston Annual Conference:  Betty Barton, Lynice Broyles, Ronnie McCoy, Mark Cutshall, Phillip McLain, Margaret Wallace, David Frost, Hugh Wallace, Tommy Vanover, Marjorie Wilson, Joe Hommel, Sandra Garrabrant, Nancy Hopson, James Strong, and Phyllis Miller. Zach Burton will serve as alternate.

An offering of $517 was received for the English Speaking United Methodist Church in Prague.

For more information on District Conference, including the minutes and copies of the Book of Reports, click here.  
New Disaster Response Coordinators Elected
Estel Williams and Missy Wright
Estel Williams (top) and Missy Wright (bottom) were elected Disaster Response Co-Cordinators at District Conference

 

While much of the eastern part of the United States is reeling from the effects of Hurricane Sandy, we are still working in the Johnson City District to recover from the flooding nearly three months ago.

To lead this and other Disaster Response efforts, the Johnson City District has elected new Co-Cordinators for Disaster Response, Estel Williams and Missy Wright. Williams is Senior Pastor of the Carter County Parish, and Wright is Director of Discipleship, Children and Family at Wesley Memorial UMC.

In a recent communication with Local Church Disaster Response Coordinators, Wright shared:

We are both very honored and excited to be serving in this role.  We are here to assist you in anyway that we can in helping persons in our district to serve others through helping with disaster response. 

 

As many of you are aware, the flood in August did a lot of damage in our District.  There are many opportunities for individuals and church groups to help with the clean up, recovery and rebuilding of our community.

 

Click here to find information on ways you can serve.   

Events
BMC Work DayBuffalo Mountain Camp "Project: Recovery"

 

Buffalo Mountain Camp reports the following progress in their recovery efforts:

A good amount of debris and boulders have been removed and areas around  the lower end of Camp have been seeded. Our maintenance shed, which serves as a hub for Recovery work, has been renovated and is ready for volunteer groups and work days in the months to come.

We are thankful for the USDA's National Resource Conservation Service who will be contracting work on several areas around Ramsey Creek and the damage caused by mud slides.  Their work will begin in November or December and will consist of repairing and relocating areas of the creek as well as cobble removal.  We hope to begin more volunteer work in the upper area of Camp when their work is complete.

The camp is planning a Project: Recovery Work Day this Saturday, November 3. Space is still available for volunteers to assist with various projects around the camp. For more information, and to sign up for a project, click here.  
Fundraising Events for Camp Recovery

   Hoedown Logo  

Hoedown

 

Bring the family out to Munsey Memorial UMC on November 9th at 5 pm for a night of food, fiddlin' and fundraising with all proceeds going towards BMC's Project: Recovery!  Enjoy a classic BBQ dinner, concert provided by the ETSU Bluegrass Pride band and join with Camp in celebrating this ministry.

 

Advance tickets are $10 a person (kids under 5 are free) and are available online.  Please note, tickets at the door the night of the event will be $12 a person.

 

This annual fall fundraiser is especially important to Camp in its Recovery efforts from the August 5th Flood.  For over 60 years, Camp has impacted more than 10,000 lives through its Summer Camp Program alone.  Plans for 2013 Summer Camp are already underway.  Help ensure a successful experience for the campers by supporting this event!

 

Seasons of The Blue Ridge Fine Art Photography Show

 

Three area fine art landscape photographers plan a showing on Friday, November 2, 6 to 9 pm at Nelson Fine Art Center, 342 East Main Street, Johnson City. Come and view the photography of Mark W. Peacock, Harold Ross, Jr., and Richard Siggins. Suggested donation at the door is $10. Proceeds go to rebuilding Buffalo Mountain Camp. Learn more.   

 

Turkey Dinner

 

Asbury United Methodist Church is planning a Turkey Dinner on Saturday, November 3, from 5 - 8 pm at South Central Ruritan, 2136 Highway 107, Chuckey. Suggested donation for the meal is $8. All proceeds go to rebuild Buffalo Mountain Camp. 

Farmapalooza Festeroostock
Johnson City youth and their leaders gathered for Farmapalooza Festaroostock September 30.
Gifts, Talents, and Other Youth News

 

About 160 youth from the Johnson City District met September 30 on a farm in Sulphur Springs for Farmapalooza Festaroostock, loosely translated as "Fun on a Farm." Participants enjoyed food, fellowship, football, frisbee and overall "farm-like fun." This event also raised $1,335 for Buffalo Mountain Camp. See more photos.

Our district is taking a new approach to Gifts & Talents this year, & we're super excited about the possibilities! On November 4, we invite all youth groups to meet from 6:00-7:30pm @ Wesley Memorial UMC. Our entire district is participating together to offer "White Flag" by Chris Tomlin.  

 

On November 4, we'll eat dinner together & then divide into groups to work on the song. We have options for musicians, vocalists (lead & choir), dancers, audio-visual stuff, & white flag makers. We'll have some fun games on November 4 as well. So even if you're not musical, we have something for you! We are literally planning to have every youth in our district participate at Resurrection.  

 

On November 4, each person needs to bring $5 for dinner & the YSF offering & any instruments needed for the song. We think we may just be revolutionizing Gifts & Talents & hope your group will be there to be a part!  

 

After November 4, we have some additional practices that are mandatory for those involved in the song. These practices will be in the Christian Life Center at Munsey.

November 17: 2:00-4:00pm

December 9: 2:00-4:00pm

January 6: 2:00-4:00pm                

 

If you have any questions, please contact Amanda Onks.

 
Good Sam logo
Operation Kindness  

Thursday, November 8
6:00 to 9:00 pm
Johnson City Country Club    

 

Good Samaritan Ministries will have its Seventh Annual Operation Kindness Auction and Dinner fundraiser on Thursday, November 8, 2012. This year's event will be held at the Johnson City Country Club from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

 

By purchasing a table you can give a gift to family, friends or employees. The price for a table of eight is $250 and for a table of ten is $300. Individual tickets can be purchased for $35.00 each.

 

Some of the items to be auctioned include:

-       Vacation packages to Gatlinburg, Orlando, Memphis and more.

-       Golf packages

-       Jewelry

-       Antiques

 

For more information and to make your reservation, please email Sarah Wells.   

 

Download Flyer

 

Imagine No Malaria
Imagine No Malaria  

By LeRae Collins, Holston Conference Imagine No Malaria Coordinator

 

Thank you for your commitment to Imagine No Malaria. I appreciate the work each of you is doing to help spread the word and encourage this ministry. I am encouraged every day by the faith of the people of the Holston Conference. What a great opportunity we have to save lives!

 

I want to support the Imagine No Malaria ministry throughout local churches and provide resources. By clicking on the links below you will find:

Please let me know what other resources I can provide to best support and encourage churches as they work to save lives through Imagine No Malaria. I plan to continue sending resources and tools for you to pass along to churches. My hope is that Imagine No Malaria would strengthen and ignite faith and ministries throughout the Conference.

 

You may contact me by email or at  865. 293. 4133 (office) or 276. 274. 5407 (cell).

 

Interpreter Enrollment 


It is time to renew and/or change your Interpreter magazine subscription. Each church is eligible for the following:

  • New! Unlimited free digital subscriptions;
  • Free print subscription for pastors;
  • 5 free print subscriptions for laity.

As the denomination's top-rated resource for ministry tips, tools and news, this vital publication is one you will not want to miss!  Pastors and church leaders must complete the enrollment process by November 16 to receive the January-February 2013 issue of Interpreter.

 

Chose one of the following options to subscribe:

  • Online
  • Fax updated forms to (615) 742-5499
  • Mail updated forms to Interpreter, P.O. Box 440229, Nashville, TN 37244-0229
  • If there are no changes from last year's enrollment, the pastor can simply email "continue" and their customer number on the subject line.
Please direct any questions to customer service at (888) 346-3862. 

News from

   ESUMC logo






The newly renovated worship center and cafe at ESUMC Prague is now in use!  It is the site of a Mothering Center (for moms and their children), for individual and group English lessons, and for interaction with the Seminary students who live on the church campus.

In October Michelle and Gary welcomed a mission team from Ooltewah UMC (Cleveland District). The team assisted with several work projects on the campus, including finishing work to the new worship center and cafe. They also gave a free concert of praise music.

Weekly worship services begin Sunday, November 4. Please be in prayer for Michelle, Gary and those who attend as they embark on this next step in the life of the church.

ESUMC Prague has also added two new partner churches in recent months. We wish to thank all of the churches listed below who have partnered with ESUMC Prague to provide financial, prayer and spiritual support:

Abingdon District:
First, Marion

Cleveland District:
Ooltewah

Johnson City District:

Boone's Creek
Cherokee
First, Johnson City
Gray
Jonesborough
Munsey Memorial
Otterbein
Wesley Memorial

Kingsport District:
Cassidy
First Broad Street
Mountain View

Maryville District:
Fairview

Wytheville District:
First, Pulaski

To learn what it means to become a partner church, download this Covenant Form.

Visit ESUMC Prague's website
Visit ESUMC Prague's Facebook page 

Justin Lookadoo Justin Lookadoo Coming to Elizabethton     


Monday, November 12
6:00 pm
T. A. Dugger Jr. High Auditorium
306 W E Street, Elizabethton

Sponsored by the youth of the Carter County Parish

Youth Worker Needed      

 

Munsey Memorial United Methodist Church seeks a full-time youth minister/worker to serve as part of a youth staff team in ministry to 130 students in grades 7-12. Desired applicant will focus on relational ministry with students more than administrative duties. College degree and youth ministry experience are preferred. Submit resume to: Amanda Onks, P.O. Box 1336, Johnson City, TN 37605, or by email. Job description is available upon request.

 

Operation Classroom      


Holston Conference is in the last stages of completing a new United Methodist school in Zwedru, Liberia, a large and growing city in the northern part of the country. This school will provide Christian education to youth, preparing them for future leadership in this needy area of Africa.

There is an urgent need for student scholarships at $75 per student for an entire year. With something like 80% unemployment in Liberia, many parents cannot afford even this modest tuition fee. Student fees provide money to pay teachers.

Also, the classrooms still need furniture, especially student desks at $40 each. There will be some 600 students when the building is completely equipped.

To donate to this cause, please send your donations to:
Holston Conference Treasurer
PO Box 850
Alcoa, TN 37701
Project #664 (Scholarships) or Project #686 (Desks)
OR contribute online!

For additional information:
Call Dan B. Kelly at 865-687-2410 or email.

Cokesbury Christmas Open House       


You are invited to
Cokesbury's Christmas Open House on November 8-10. 

This is a wonderful way to prepare for the Advent and Christmas season.  Please be watching for the November catalog which has a $10 coupon.  Also coming in the mail is a brochure listing all the specials for these days.

 

If you prefer to shop in the Knoxville area more than Johnson City, then the same offers will be available there during November 8-10.

  

Download flyer.

 

Cokesbury

Cherokee Church Complex

2615 South Roan Street, Suite 102

Johnson City, TN 37601

Phone: 423-975-0800

Special Open House Hours: Thursday - Friday, 9 am to 7pm

Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm 

 

Upcoming Events

  

Project: Recovery Work Day

Saturday, November 3

9:00 am to 2:00 pm

Buffalo Mountain Camp

Learn More 


Asbury's Annual Turkey Dinner

Saturday, November 3
5:00 - 8:00 pm
South Central Ruritan
2536 Highway 107
Chuckey, TN
Download Flyer

Gifts & Talents (Youth Event)

Sunday, November 4
6:00 - 7:30 pm
Wesley Memorial UMC
225 Princeton Rd
Johnson City, TN

Cokesbury's Christmas Open House

November 8 - 10
2615 S Roan St
Johnson City, TN
Download Flyer

Operation Kindness
Thursday, November 8
6:00 pm
Johnson City Country Club
Download Flyer

Buffalo Mountain Camp Annual Hoedown

Friday, November 9
5:00 pm
Munsey Memorial UMC
201 E Market St
Johnson City, TN
Learn more

Family Fun Night 
Friday, November 9
Fairview UMC
878 Highway 81 N
Jonesborough, TN

Harvest Meal 
 

Sunday November 11

12:00 noon

Limestone UMC Fellowship Hall

189 Opie Arnold Rd

Limestone, TN

Download Flyer 


Welcome Reception for Bishop Taylor 
Sunday, November 11
3:00 - 5:00 pm
State Street UMC
300 W Valley Dr

District Clergy Meeting 
Tuesday, November 13
10:00 am and 6:30 pm
Cherokee UMC

Saturday Breakfast
Saturday, November 17
7:00 am - 10:00 am
Fairview UMC
878 Highway 81 N
Jonesborough, TN

District Office Closed for Thanksgiving 
Thursday, November 22 and
Friday, November 23

Multicultural Conference 
November 29- December 1
Lake Junaluska, NC
Learn more


Table of Contents
A Word From Walter
District Conference Report
Disaster Response
Buffalo Mountain Camp Recovery
Fundraising for Camp Recovery
Youth News
Operation Kindness
Imagine No Malaria
Interpreter Enrollment
ESUMC Prague News
Justin Lookadoo in Elizabethton
Youth Worker Needed
Operation Classroom
Cokesbury Christmas Open House
Upcoming Events
Eco Tip

Now that cooler weather is around the corner, here is an eco-tip from your Holston Conference Creation Care Team:

 

Don't Forget About Your Fans. The temperature near the ceiling when the heat is running in your home can be in upwards of 30 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than it is on the floor. Changing your ceiling fans to rotate clockwise and turning them on low pushes the warm air that rises to the ceiling back down and makes the room warmer.


Creation Care
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