Our Shared Ministry as United Methodists

     There are always times of celebration at our Annual Conference at Lake Junaluska. That was again so true as United Methodists from Radford, Virginia to Rising Fawn, Georgia once again met in early June. It was a reminder that we accomplish so much more ministry together than on our own, whether as individual people or individual churches.

     The Knoxville District was certainly well represented. Each morning Rev. Stephen DeFur, Lead Pastor at Cokesbury UMC, inspired and challenged us with rousing messages from the book of Acts to have a "laser-beamed focus on talking about Jesus!" Rev. Jimmy Sherrod, pastor at Central UMC, led an uplifting musical version of the liturgy for Communion. It was great to have the Wesley House Choir there to sing. Del Holley, member of Colonial Heights and Conference Lay Leader, gave excellent leadership in his role throughout the week (as well as weeks before). He especially celebrated over 10,000 prayer shawls that were produced from all over Holston. Four pastors in our District were ordained and two were commissioned.

     You gave 722 backpacks filled with school supplies, along with 120 large calculators for students and teachers in Zimbabwe. The value of these and other supplies from other districts came to $225,680! Many of you participated in an offering that totaled $150,366 for children in poverty within Holston communities, as well as the "Change for Children" offering that totaled $54,692 that will support ministries in both Holston and Africa.

     We remembered our clergy and spouses who died this past year. We celebrated the ministry of those who retired. We elected fourteen laity and an equal number of clergy to represent us at the General Conference and Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference next year. And Bishop Taylor fixed the appointments of pastors for the next year.

       At some points we argued. We also learned, cried, laughed, sang and prayed. And we will continue to do all of those things, because we are United Methodists, in ministry together for our Lord Jesus Christ!

Love, Grace & Peace,

Nathan Malone

Mission Opportunities:

• 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!

• Camp Wesley Woods - work teams and capital funds are always welcomed here.

• Our Covenant with Logo Village in South Sudan

   

   

• Golfers, Save This Date!

              Monday, April 25, 2016: that is the date for the Camp Wesley Woods Golf Tournament next spring. It is being expanded to include both morning and afternoon sessions. Please mark that date on your calendar or planner and go ahead and recruit your team. Let's fill both sessions to the maximum! (It's okay to recruit sponsors too!)