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ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2015
June 7-11 (4 days)
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HOUSING DEADLINE - JANUARY 30
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There IS NO CALL-IN DAY for Annual Conference housing.
If you desire Lake Junaluska-owned accommodations during Annual Conference, be sure to submit a Housing Request Form today. Find it HERE.
The deadline to enter the random drawing for housing is FRIDAY, JANUARY 30. Don't delay!
IMPORTANT DEADLINES
- January 30 - Submit Housing Request Form
- April 1 - Order Print Book of reports
- May 20 - Register for Annual Conference, including 5K/ 1 mile walk, Missinaries Dinner, and Childcare.
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS
"Extravagant Generosity" Workshop in April
Bishop Robert Schnase, author of the book Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations, will lead a workshop on "Extravagant Generosity" on Saturday April 11 at Concord UMC in Farragut. Specific times are yet to be determined, but it will be a mid-morning to mid-afternoon timeframe. All pastors and church leaders are encouraged to mark this date on your calendar/planner and plan to attend.
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Discovering Authentic Worship
a model for worship planning
Rev. Barbara Day Miller, presenter
Dr. Tom Long, preacher
April 23-24 - Kodak UMC, Kodak, TN
April 24-25 - Mafair UMC, Kingsport, TN
for more information and registration please click here.
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HOLSTON METHODIST
FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
Please view the Visa Business CARD Promotions
The HMFCU's Business VISAŽ is perfect for churches that want to take control of expenses with a minimum of paperwork and hassle. Use your Business VISAŽ for everything from travel to office supplies. Your Business Church VISAŽ line of credit gives you the freedom to take care of business as your cash flow dictatesOur goal is to help churches and districts save money on various expenses, including but not limited to; continuing education, mission trips, staff gifts etc.
HMFCU's Business VISAŽ Cards Include:
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No annual fee
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HMFCU refunds international fees
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Household points for multiple account holders
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No balance transfer fee
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Worldwide acceptance
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Auto rental collision damage waiver
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Emergency card replacement and cash disbursement
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Online Account Management - lets you pay your visa bill online, set up alerts and check your available credit
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Verified By VISAŽ that is available for added security with online purchases
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Year End consolidated statement
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Take a look at www.scorecardrewards.com. Use your HMFCU Business Visa for everyday purchases and watch your points add up quickly. Redeem points online for travel awards and merchandise.
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Sign up today and take advantage of the 30,000 bonus points and triple bonus rewards.
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 DOES YOUR CHURCH HAVE AN INVISIBLE THIEF?
Low costs and diversifications are central aspects of the Foundation's Balanced Growth Fund. In 2014, the S&P500 Index gained 13.7% including dividends, but energy stocks were down 7.8%. International stocks were down 4.5%. Bonds had an unexpectedly good year up 5.9%, but rates for 10-year government bonds fell from 3.03% to 2.17% at year-end. Even within asset classes, returns can fluctuate and this is why attention to costs and diversification (don't put all your eggs in one basket) are vital components of the Foundation's Balanced Growth (BGF) long-term strategy. The BGF was up 7.76% in 2014 and has an average annual trailing return of 6.81% over the past 10 years (benchmark 6.62%). Practically, this means endowments, scholarships, and other ministry funds are going above inflation (an invisible thief that robs future spending power) and are able to make larger distributions. The proof is in the numbers.
To discuss the Foundation's investment options please contact us at 865-690-8124. We will be glad to meet with you and other church leadership to discuss how the Foundation can assist you.
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JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Clapp's Chapel UMC is looking for a part time
(5 hrs per week) youth worker. Sunday morning and Wednesday evening is expected. Age is not a factor but experience is a must. If interested please call Clapp's Chapel UMC 865-687-4721. Or send resume to Clapp's Chapel UMC, 7420 Clapp's Road, Corryton, TN. 37721
CAMP WESLEY WOODS DIRECTOR
The Holston Conference Camp & Retreat Ministries announces a search for an Executive Camp Director for Camp Wesley Woods, Townsend, Tennessee. Job responsibilities include: ministry design and direction, resourcing Camp Board in ministry governance, and supervision of the business operation, including personnel management, property and facilities management, and financial planning and management. For more information on current operations, please visit www.campwesleywoods.com.
Candidates must have Christian faith consistent with standards and beliefs of the United Methodist Church. Bachelor's degree and certifications in related areas desired. Open to laity or clergy. Benefits include: salary, medical insurance plan, pension, and housing. Request job description and application from: Randy Pasqua, CRM Office, P.O. Box 850, Alcoa, TN 37701-0850, or at randypasqua@holston.org. Application deadline: January 31, 2015.
Church Street United Methodist Church is seeking a full-time Director of Children's Ministries.
The successful candidate will possess a bachelor's degree, at least 3-5 years' experience (or significant experience in children's ministry leadership), along with a strong personal faith consistent with the United Methodist tradition. An educational background in childhood development and/or Christian education is preferred. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, planning, implementation, and oversight of a thriving children's ministry. The anticipated start date for this position is May 1, 2015. To apply, submit a cover letter with current resume and contact information for three
references. Application materials may be sent to Ian Hennessey at communications@churchstreetumc.org.
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Annual Conference 2015
HANDS ON MISSION KITS
SCHOOL KITS for Zimbabwe
Pack these items in a backpack:
- 3 pks. notebook paper (wide-ruled)
- 1 compass/protractor set
- 1 small calculator
- 1 Backpack (large)
- 1 (12in) Ruler
- 1 Pack of erasers
- 1 (10 pack) of black or blue pens
- 1 (10 pack) of pencils
- 1 small dictionary
- 1 box of crayons
Now is the time to shop for school supplies for our Hands on Mission Kits for next year.
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 42nd Annual
Ministers' Wives' Retreat
Lighten Up! will be held 3/19 - 3/21/15 at Music Road Inn (303 Henderson Chapel Road, Pigeon Forge, TN). For the registration/brochure, click here.
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LINKS of INTEREST
Bridge Refugee Services
http://www.bridgerefugees.org/
Camp Wesley Woods
http://www.campwesleywoods.com/
Compassion Coalition
http://compassioncoalition.org/
Emerald Youth Foundation
http://www.emeraldyouth.org/
Wesley House
http://www.wesleyhouse.com/
Wesley Foundation
http://utkwesleyfoundation.org/
Family Promise of Knoxville
http://familypromiseknoxville.org/
Knoxville Inner City Kids Outreach (KICKO)
http://kicko.org/
Holston Methodist FCU
http://www.hmfcu.org/
Lake Junaluska
www.lakejunaluska.com
Volunteer Ministry Center
www.vmcinc.org
Knox Area Rescue Ministries
www.karm.org
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Family Promise Seeking to Double "Family Promise" is the ministry to homeless families in our area that allows families to stay together and receive assistance in finding jobs and housing. Churches and other groups take turns hosting the families for a week. The ministry is now seeking to double the number of families they help from four to eight. If your church would be willing to become a host site, please contact Mary LeMense, Director at 584-2822. |
  Thanks to "Crop Drop" Volunteers! Our Community "Crop Drop", sponsored by the Society of St. Andrews, was a huge success on January 10 at Second UMC! People from 18 churches helped to produce 1,183 10-lb bags of sweet potatoes! 25 church pantries and other shelters were stocked and 12 individuals picked up bags for themselves and others. We express our appreciation to Mike Smith for coordinating this outreach and to all those who braved the cold to help serve others. Thank you and God bless you! |
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Please share this District Newsletter by making copies for others within your Church or forwarding a copy of this email. If anyone is interested in joining the email distribution there is a link at the bottom of the page to add or delete your email address.
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WHY AREYOU RECEIVING THIS NEWSLETTER?
If you have started receiving the District Newsletter it is because your name has been listed on the 2015 Leadership roster for your local church. If you do not want to continue receiving this newsletter you can unsubscribe at the link on the bottom of this page.
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Our Next Step at Logo Village
The church building at Logo is under construction! Many of you in the Knoxville District gave money to help make that happen. Bless you!
Now it is time to begin working on funding the next step in our covenant with the people there: a school building. Here is my invitation and challenge to you to get that started. Invite each worship attender to give one dollar each Sunday during Lent.
Each church may want to approach this in various ways. Provide a container in a prominent place with the words "Logo School" on it in which people of all ages can place their dollar each Sunday. Children's groups or youth groups may want to create their own unique fundraiser or method of participation.
Please send this offering to the district office as one check between March 30 and April 1 so we can announce on Easter what has been raised. Our goal is $40,000. Let's get started!
Love, Grace & Peace,
Nathan Malone
Mission Opportunities:
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Volunteer at Wesley House. Call 524-5494 to find out how you or your group can serve the children and staff there. Individuals and groups can make a big difference!
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Camp Wesley Woods - work teams and capital funds are always welcomed here.
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Our Covenant with Logo Village - people to be on our next mission team to travel there and funds to support the covenant.
Way to Go! Way to Give!
Check out the new video message of gratitude each month on the Holston Conference website www.holston.org. (Messages from previous months are also archived there.) These are excellent opportunities to share with the people of your church about the difference they are making in the lives of others.
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NOMINATIONS PROCESS
FOR LAY DELEGATES TO GENERAL AND JURISDICTIONAL CONFERENCES 2016
DEADLINE: Feb. 15
Now available on the Holston website at the Annual Conference 2015 page (ac.holston.org). On the left-hand side of that page is a button labeled "Lay Delegate Elections." When you click on that link, you are taken to a page with the explanatory materials and further links to the nomination form.
- Once the nominee has completed the online form, he/she will receive an e-mail confirmation with instructions to print the e-mail and obtain a pastor's signature on the certification of membership. The instructions direct the nominee to return that signed form to the appropriate district office. This is a critical step in the process, and a nomination is not considered complete until that certification has been provided by the nominee.
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CONVOCATION February 23-26, 2015
Ministers' Convocation, the annual continuing education for Holston Conference clergy, is being relocated from Lake Junaluska, N.C., to Music Road Resort, 303 Henderson Chapel Road, Pigeon Forge, TN.
Featured speaker and worship leader will be the Rev. Michael Slaughter, lead pastor at Ginghamsburg UMC in Tipp City, Ohio, and author of Renegade Gospel: The Rebel Jesus.
Because the annual "Clergy Gathering," traditionally held in fall, was canceled this year, the event will be held during Convocation on Tuesday, Feb. 24, at 1:30 p.m. in the Duet ballroom in Music Road's convention center.
For more information, see the brochure. Register online by Jan. 24.
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 MARRIAGE MINISTRIES
This year Holston Conference begins the second decade of offering weekend marriage enrichment retreats for couple in professional ministry in our churches. These retreats are designed to provide quality time for married couples during a weekend away from work and family responsibilities. All the cost for housing, meals, and leadership are covered by the Holston Conference.
Two changes have taken place in this ministry.
First, because the Retreat Center at Buffalo Mountain is no longer available, the retreats will be held at the Carson Springs Baptist Conference Center near Newport, Tennessee. We are fortunate to have the use of this facility that is in a beautiful setting with comfortable accommodations at a convenient location.
Second, because Partners In Crisis is providing additional funding, we are able for the first time to schedule two retreats: April 10-12 and May 15-17, 2015. Couples may select the date that is most convenient for them.
Someone who participated in a previous retreat wrote: "This is such a wonderful weekend! I feel rested and renewed and ready for what comes next."
Information about the retreat and a registration form are included in a brochure that is available from Pete and Ginny Rowlett (865-966-9776 or bee.rowlett@gmail.com) or from the district office.
Also, a Leadership Training Workshop will be held at Cokesbury United Methodist Church in Knoxville on June 26-30, 2015. Open to both laity and clergy, this event prepares couples to lead marriage education and enrichment programs that empower couples to build stronger marriages. Contact the Rowletts for more information.
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LAY SERVANT TRAINING
Oak Ridge District
Lay Servant Ministry Training
February 20-21, 2015
Norris United Methodist Church
62 Ridgeway Rd.
Norris, TN 37828
KNOXVILLE DISTRICT
April 17-18, 2015
More information will be available in the March newsletter.
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Inky Johnson to Speak at Men's Conference
Inky Johnson, Motivational Speaker and VFL, will speak at Man Up a men's conference to be held on February 6 & 7 at Concord United Methodist Church, 11020 Roane Drive, Knoxville. All men are invited to join with Inky Johnson as he speaks on What Do Real Men DO When God Says No? The event costs $10 and includes dinner. Register at concordumc.com/events.
Who is Inquoris "Inky" Johnson? He could be described as the survivor of an underprivileged past. He could be described as a refugee of poverty and violence. He could be described as a success story stained by tragedy. But if you look deeper, you'll discover something else.
You'll see a man who looks in the face of defeat and says, "Am I really failing, or is God prevailing?" You'll see a man gripped by the promise that God has purposes and plans far beyond our own. And you'll be inspired by his relentless determination, which he loves to impart to others through his dramatic story.
Inky has a master's degree in sports psychology from the University of Tennessee. He devotes much of his time to mentoring athletes and underprivileged youth. He and his amazing wife Allison live in Atlanta, Georgia with their beautiful children, Jada and Inky Jr.
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The new year is off to a great start here at Wesley House. We have reached a milestone in our Capital Campaign by securing over $400,000 to pay off our facility. Members of Wesley House Board of Directors and staff presented John Ley, Senior Vice President for BB&T Commercial Real Estate a check to pay off the remaining balance.
We are thankful for all the generous individuals, churches, local businesses, and foundations who believe in the work of Wesley House. Your commitment to Wesley House has allowed us to grow our programs to serve more children and senior citizens.
We will continue our celebration by having a dedication service Saturday, February 28th starting at 11:00 a.m. Please send a RSVP to Ryan Parker.
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You are invited
Thomas Amis House
Service of Dedication
Saturday, April 18 - 11:00am
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The Service of Dedication for the Thomas Amis House, 677 Burem Road, Rogersville, Tennessee, will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2015, at 11:00 a.m. There will be a gathering time from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Plan to arrive early for parking, greetings and conversation on the spacious grounds.
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Jeanette Reynolds Scholarship
Application Guidelines and General Information
- The Jeanette Reynolds Scholarship will be awarded in the amount of $1,000-3,000 annually to at least one student, or will be divided between two students. Checks will be issued directly to educational institutions.
- Anyone who is (or was) affiliated with one of the United Methodist Churches in the Holston Conference will be eligible for the scholarship. Preference will be given to students affiliated with First United Methodist Church, Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
- Scholarships will be awarded only to students who are accepted for study in a college, university, or seminary, and who have the career goal of ministry in a United Methodist Church (i.e., undergraduates considering seminary, youth ministry, music ministry).
- Deadline for application is May 15, 2015. Applications received after this date will not be considered. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Fell free to contact First UMC to see if all parts of your application have been received.
- Notification of award will be sent no later than June 30, 2015.
APPLICATION
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Resurrection 2016 is Moving!
Holston Youth Ministry has announced that Resurrection 2016 will be moving to the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge and be all on one weekend, January 22-24, 2016. Go to www.resurrectionyouth.com for further information.
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