SEPTEMBER 2018

Rev. Brenda Carroll - District Superintendent

brendacarroll@holston.org
Mary Hawkins - Administrative Assistant PHYSICAL ADDRESS
MAILING ADDRESS
maryhawkins@holston.org 5121 Camelia Road
P.O. Box 26384
Knoxville, TN 37912 Lori Hopper - Administrative Assistant, Editor Knoxville, TN 37912
lorihopper@holston.org
Phone : 865.470.7005 and 865.482.3209

A Word from the District Superintendent

Imitators of Christ Jesus

Today my husband was putting our three year old grandson into his car seat. They have a ritual as
they pull the last strap until it ‘clicks’. But today, the little fellow comes out with, “I appreciate it!”
We are surprised and amused when such grown-up things come out of his mouth. He repeats eve-
rything he hears!! We have to be much more careful these days about what those ears hear...more
careful about what comes out of our mouths! A three year old learns to speak what they overhear.
They imitate those they are around.

The scripture in one of Paul’s letters tells us to be “imitators of Christ Jesus”. I yearn to be as much
of a sponge as I relate to Jesus’ life and teaching as my grandson Jordan is to his family. I want to
see people through the eyes of Jesus. I want to forgive as he forgives. I want to sit at Jesus’ feet as
Mary did and soak up his words and have my heart formed by his loving Spirit. You know, I have
to be careful what comes out of my life: words, behaviors, attitudes. If I proclaim Jesus and call
myself Christian - do I appear to be imitating Jesus?

We churched people come under much fire these days for our failure to be “imitators of Jesus.” I
am convicted by the following quote from Rabbi Jonathan Sacks in Not in God’s Name: “Too often
in the history of religion, people have killed in the name of the God of peace, hated in the name of
the God of love, and practiced cruelty in the name of the God of compassion.”

Every day we live as a building block of a future. We help create a culture that will out-live us.
We represent Christ by bearing his name. I want to be a sponge as I follow Him. I want my legacy
to leave no doubt about who formed my heart.

Blessings,
Brenda
 TRAIN YOUR LEADER!
UNITED METHODIST VOLUNTEERS
IN MISSION (UMVIM)
TEAM LEADER TRAINING

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2018

Who Should Attend: UMVIM Team Leaders needing this

training and any persons interested in leading a mission team
on a trip. This course provides you the tools you will need to
confidently lead a mission team from your church congregation
on a successful mission trip either within the USA or through-
out the world. The cost of the course is $26, which is the cost
of the Team Leader Handbook you will receive at the UMVIM
Team Leader Training.

Location: Trinity Outreach Center Fellowship Hall

320 Robertsville Road
Oak Ridge, TN 37830

Please register online soon so that sufficient materials

will be available.
https://holston.org/store/sell/umvim-team-leader-training-
1118/

For questions regarding the event, please contact:

Maxine or Bob Schultz,
(865) 719-4304 or (865) 719-3230

2018 Holston Evangelism Conference

Are you wondering:
• How do we develop relationships
with unchurched people?
Saturday, November 3rd @ Keith Memorial UMC ~ Athens, TN • How do I share my own story or
OR Sunday, November 4th @ State Street UMC ~ Bristol, VA experience of Jesus with others?
• How can my church build a culture
Is your congregation seeking new people but unsure about how to attract them? of invitation?
• And how do we know if we as a
If you or your church are asking these questions, come join us at the 2018 Holston Evangelism
Conference “Get Their Name” at Keith Memorial UMC in Athens, TN on Saturday, Nov. 3 from church are ready to receive those we
9a.m.-2p.m. or State Street UMC in Bristol, VA on Sunday, Nov. 4, from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm. invite?

Nationally known United Methodist author, coach and speaker, Kay Kotan will be leading the
conference to help participants discover their story, prepare them to share their stories outside
the church, and ready your church to receive and retain guests

The cost for this event is $10 with early registration

Register online at www.holston.org. $15 the day of the conference. Price includes meal.
Books will be available for purchase on site. Childcare will be provided. This training will
help everyone learn how to invite others to our church. This event is sponsored by the Hol-
ston Conference Witness Team and Discipleship Teams.

September 2018 Page 2

 Important News from the

Tennessee Valley District

HOLSTON CONFERENCE
LAY SERVANT MINISTRIES
PRINTED MATERIALS
The Tennessee Valley District

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
CALENDARS & HANDBOOK/DIRECTORIES celebrates the training of 46 Lay
servants representing six of nine
DEADLINE EXTENDED TO
districts in the Holston Confer-
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13!! ence on August 25, 2018.
 Order form can be found online at: Seven Certified Lay Speakers and
http://printedmaterials.holston.org three Certified Lay Ministers received
- Cost per calendar: $9.00 their certificates of completion at the District Conference.
- Cost per Handbook/Directory: $15.00
DELIVER TO THE DISTRICT OFFICE BY 9/13 I had previously said we would have another Lay Servant
Training this year. I am sorry to report we will not have
———–—————- another training in 2018. There are several factors that led
HOLSTON CONFERENCE JOURNALS to this difficult decision. We will have another training
event in January or February 2019.
 Orders are NOW being taken for the 2017 Holston
I will share any correspondence we receive from other dis-
Conference Journal. Place your order online at:
tricts that might have training sessions in October and No-
https://holston.org/store/sell/2017-printed-journal-
vember.
order/
Thank you for your understanding!
 Orders for the 2018 Holston Conference Journal Blessings,
will be taken at a later date. Bobby Stair
___________________________________________ District Director of Lay Servant Ministries

RETIRED MINISTERS’ FELLOWSHIP

Tennessee Valley District HURRICANE RESPONSE IN HOLSTON
In response to Hurricane Florence threatening our neighbors
Monday, October 1, 2018 10:30a.m.
on the East Coast, a call is being issued for UMCOR Cleaning
Fountain City United Methodist Church
Kits and Hygiene Kits. Please refer to the lists located on the
UMCOR website www.umcor.org for contents and assembly
Our program for the October 1 meeting of Retirees of the
instructions.
Tennessee Valley District will be
“Retirement, Pension, and Health Care; Completed kits may be delivered to Cokesbury UMC North
Now and in the Future” by the Rev. Todd Campus on Kingston Pike, Knoxville.
Chancey, Chair of the Board of Pensions
More information on disaster response efforts will be commu-
of the Holston Conference. Here is a
nicated as it becomes available.
chance to meet face to face with someone
who has the very latest information about issues that con-
cern every retiree.
TENNESSEE VALLEY DISTRICT
Please RSVP to Jim Dougherty by September 21.
1ST ANNUAL
Come enjoy the fellowship and a good noon meal. UNITED METHODIST WOMEN'S MEETING
Save the date!
For more information, please contact Jim Dougherty
(dougherty_j@comcast.net or 865.603.1280) or Saturday, November 17, 2018
Bill Kilday (billkil@att.net)
More details coming soon

September 2018 Page 3

 TENNESSEE VALLEY DISTRICT
2018 CHARGE CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
North Knox/Fountain City Powell-Karns-Clinton Northeast
Sunday, October 14 Sunday, October 21 Sunday, October 28
3:00pm 3:00pm 3:00pm
at Bookwalter UMC at Beaver Ridge UMC at Jacksboro UMC
Bookwalter Asbury, Clinton Andersonville-Mt Pleasant
Cedar Lane Beaver Ridge Fincastle
Christ Bell's Campground Hansard Chapel
Clapps Chapel Bethel Knox Irwin's Chapel
Emerald Avenue Haven Chapel Jacksboro-Caryville
Fairview-Oakwood Memorial, Clinton Jellico
Fountain City Mt Hermon LaFollette
Lincoln Park Powell Miller's Chapel
Lynnwood Solway Moore's Gap
Mascot St. Mark, Clinton Mt. Zion
New Life-Hopewell Valley View-Heiskell Norris-Sinking Springs
Rutherford Memorial Oneida-Rugby Road
St. Paul, Ftn. City Pleasant Grove
Washington Pike Rocky Top-Dutch Valley
Well Spring-Cawood

City West Knox/Oak Ridge Roane County/Northwest

Sunday, November 4 Sunday, November 11 Sunday, November 18
3:00pm 3:00pm 3:00pm
at Trinity UMC at First Farragut UMC at Kingston UMC
Bethel Amherst Bearden Asbury Chapel
Central, Knoxville Central, Lenoir City Bradbury-Good Shepherd
Church Street Concord Chevront
East Knoxville Circuit First Farragut Cowan Chapel
First, Knoxville First, Oak Ridge Harriman
Lennon Seney Grigsby Chapel Kingston
Lonsdale-Martin Chapel Kern Memorial Midtown Valley
Norwood Middlebrook Pike New Century
Second Oliver Springs Parish Rockwood
Trinity SunOak Parish
Swan Pond
Woods Chapel

All Charge Conference forms can be found online at ccpacket.holston.org or by contacting the district office.
Completed Charge Conference Packets are due in the District Office on the Monday before your scheduled Charge Conference.

SEPTEMBER DISTRICT CLERGY MEETINGS CEU NEWS

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 For the latest continuing
First UMC Oak Ridge Evening Session will be at education news and upcom-
Gathering and Fellowship: 9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. 6:30 p.m. in the District Office ing events from the Wesley
Meeting: 10:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. conference room. Leadership Institute, please
visit: https://app.robly.com/
Agenda will include: archive?
 A look at Charge Conference id=9ae2d914555358132555c
5a87b243a11
 A program on the pastor’s role in Stewardship and related issues. Richard Edwards
and LeRae Collins from the Holston Conference Foundation will lead us for the morn-
ing session. Brenda will lead the evening group.

September 2018 Page 4

 AT-LARGE MEMBERS TO THE
2018 2019 HOLSTON ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Tennessee Valley AT-LARGE MEMBERS ELECTED:

1. Lisa Atkins (New Life) 28. Karla Kurtz (Norris)
District Conference 2.
3.
Alisha Balcom (Kern)
Jonna Ballard (Ftn. City)
29. Deborah Kyek (Andersonville)
30. Mary Catherine Landry
4. Jack Berry (Washington Pk) (Ftn. City)
5. Marcia Barton (Haven Chapel) 31. Anne Loy (Central, Knoxville)
6. Michele Boliak 32. Ken Mahoney (Bookwalter)
(First Oak Ridge) 33. Andrea McCarter (Ftn. City)
7. Johnnie Bridges 34. Cindy McGhee (St. Mark)
(Martin Chapel) 35. Donna McKinney (Second)
8. Myra Buffalo (Christ) 36. Mildred Millican
9. Liz Chancey (Kingston) (Midtown Valley)
10. Dan Cocke (Ftn. City) 37. Dorothy Moore (New Century)
11. LeRae Collins (Ftn. City) 38. David Morris (Christ)
The first ever DISTRICT CONFERENCE 12. Melissa Coram (Ftn. City) 39. Renni Morris (First Farragut)
for the TENNESSEE VALLEY DISTRICT was held 13. Catelee Crow (Kern) 40. Shelia Morris (Christ)
14. Charlotte DeLozier 41. Donna Mosby (Haven Chapel)
August 26 at Powell UMC. (Beaver Ridge) 42. Ann Munz (First Oak Ridge)
Over 200 people attended the ministry fair and annual 15. Joyce Emile (Harriman) 43. Sharon Price (Kingston)
16. Regina Everett (New Life) 44. Beatrice Shea (Kern)
business session of the district. 17. Ashley Garren (Ftn. City) 45. Doug Shipman (Ftn. City)
18. Deb Glenn (Trinity) 46. Susan Shipman (Ftn. City)
Business of the Conference included: 19. Brenda Gratz (Ftn. City) 47. Ella Smith (Rugby Road)
20. Alvin Jenkins (First Farragut) 48. Mike Smith (Concord)
♦ Recognition of Certified Lay Speakers and Certified Lay 21. Elizabeth Jett (Heiskell) 49. Norma Smith (Concord)
Ministers 22. Patti Keck (Christ) 50. Kate Spencer (Church Street)
♦ Approval of the 2019 district budget 23. Terry Keck (Christ) 51. Bobby Stair (Middlebrook Pk)
♦ Election and approval of district leadership teams 24. Belinda Kenny (Haven Chapel) 52. Sherry Stair (Middlebrook Pk)
♦ Election of 55 at-large members and 9 alternates to 25. Della Ledford (Ftn. City) 53. Brenda Tate (Rugby Road)
26. Dawson Kitts (Harriman) 54. Mary Frances Tucker (Ftn. City)
the 2019 Holston Annual Conference
27. Parker Kitts (Harriman) 55. Debbie Webster (New Life)
♦ Approval of Interim Business Resolution
BY VIRTUE OF POSITION:
Thank you to Camp Wesley Woods, Wesley House Com-
munity Center, UTK Wesley Foundation, Morgan Scott 1. Diane James (Midtown Valley) - District Lay Leader
Project for Cooperative Christian Concerns, Holston Con- 2. Ralph Skinner (Middlebrook Pk) - District UMM President
ference Foundation, Bridge Refugee Services, and all 3. TBA - District UMW President
who participated and visited the Ministry Fair. 4. Meri Grant (St. Mark) - Youth
5. Thomas Stubbs (Church St.) - Young Adult
Thank you to Rev. Teresa Atkins McClure, New Life/
ALTERNATES:
Hopewell (Dinner Church), and Rev. Brooke Hartman,
Powell UMC (Recovery Ministry), for sharing Ministry 1. Lori Hopper 6. Ron Uglow
Spotlights. 2. Debra Hall 7. Lena Shoemaker
3. Rachel Watson 8. Roger McCoig
4. Jim Emile 9. Samantha Johnson
And special thanks to Rev. Kim Goddard and Rev. Wil 5. Colon McCarty
Cantrell, members of the Holston Delegation to General
Conference for leading the important discussion on The
Way Forward. (See article from the Aug. 29, 2018 issue
of “The Call” on page 6 of this newsletter.)

Approved district asking amounts for 2019 will be mailed

to Church Treasurers.

If you would like a copy of the District Conference Book

of Reports, please contact the district office at
865.470.7005 or 865.482.3209 or by email at: Congratulations to Tennessee Valley laity who were recently
lorihopper@holston.org certified as Certified Lay Speakers and Certified Lay Ministers

September 2018 Page 5

By Annette Spence
“Let’s just hold steady and seek to hold together,” the Rev. Kim Goddard said
to church leaders during the Tennessee Valley District’s meeting at Powell
United Methodist on Aug. 26. “We are Methodists for a reason. We are me-
thodical if nothing else, so let’s just hang on.”

Goddard spoke to pastors and lay members from Knoxville-area churches,

gathered for annual business but also to hear two Holston delegates speak
about the denomination’s deep divisions over human sexuality.

The Rev. Wil Cantrell joined Goddard at the front of Powell's sanctuary. To-
gether, they are two of 16 Holston delegates traveling to St. Louis, Missouri,
for a special session of General Conference on Feb. 23-26, 2019. The 16-
member Holston delegation includes 12 voting members and four alternates.

In February, Holston’s representatives will assemble with 864 total delegates

from all over the world to attempt to decide if the United Methodist Church
will change its stance on homosexuality or strengthen the ban on same-sex
marriages and gay clergy. While many United Methodists pray for unity, others fear the General Conference outcome will lead to schism or a
mass exit of members who disagree.

“It’s important to have these conversations,” Cantrell said, preparing the Powell crowd for a subject he acknowledged is sensitive and diffi-
cult for many. “We can have them prayerfully in the sanctuary or emotionally in the parking lot.”
Following up on a promise made earlier this year – and following the lead of delegations and bishops in other annual conferences – the Hol-
ston delegation has scheduled discussions in each of Holston’s nine districts, including 11 in the New River District of southwest Virginia
where Goddard serves as superintendent.

The next discussion is scheduled for the Smoky Mountain District at 3 p.m. on Sept. 16 at First United Methodist Church in Maryville. The
discussions will continue throughout Holston until the final gathering on Nov. 12, when the Clinch Mountain District meets at 7 p.m. at State
Street United Methodist Church in Bristol. (See schedule on page 11 of this newsletter)

TUG OF WAR
Speaking at Powell United Methodist, Cantrell provided a quick background and historical context behind the United Methodist tug of war
that has occurred since 1972, when the General Conference added this statement to the Book of Discipline: “The United Methodist Church
does not condone the practice of homosexuality and considers this practice incompatible with Christian teaching.”

Cantrell is associate pastor at Concord United Methodist Church in Knoxville and author of the book, “Unafraid and Unashamed: Facing the
Future of United Methodism,” which explains in detail the denominational struggle and what’s at stake if disagreements cause formal schism
during or after General Conference 2019.

Goddard explained the “One Church Plan” and the “Connectional Conference Plan” for restructuring the denomination’s future. Cantrell ex-
plained the “Traditional Plan.” The three plans, crafted by the Commission on a Way Forward, are expected to be considered at General Con-
ference in February but could be amended, altered or discarded altogether, Goddard said.

(For more explanation on the plans, see "Plans prayerfully pondered by United Methodists.")

Goddard and Cantrell’s presentations were followed by a question-and-answer session. Church leaders queried the two delegates on whether
local churches will have opportunities to vote their preferences; if the delegation will vote uniformly or individually; scheduling of additional
district discussions; scriptural basis for the “One Church Plan”; if other groups throughout the U.S. are having similar discussions; clarifica-
tion on church property ownership if any of the three plans are approved; and protection for clergy refusing to officiate same-sex marriages.
On the latter, Goddard pointed out that no matter what plan is approved or rejected, pastors will not be required to perform same-sex mar-
riages. “We don’t have to marry anybody now,” she said. “We’re not agents of the state so clergy would certainly be protected [if they re-
fuse to marry any couple].”

In pleading with her audience to “hold steady,” Goddard reminded them that on the first Sunday after General Conference 2019, regardless
of the meeting’s outcome, United Methodists will return to their local churches to worship and carry on the Lord’s work.
“There are going to be people who still need the love of Christ, no matter what,” she said.

Goddard also reminded her listeners to visit UMCprays.org and sign up for guides to pray for the church’s future between now and February
2019.

September 2018 Page 6

 PROMISEDLAND QUARTET at KERN
LIVE-STREAM AT NEW LIFE UMC
Remember when gospel quartets
rocked the Christian music world
You are invited to join a live-stream of the First
with their message of Jesus and
Impressions Conference for a one-day event
their uplifting harmony that made
featuring the leading voices on improving your
your foot tap and your spirit
church's first-time guest experience.
soar? Then you are in for a
treat! The Promisedland Quartet
Thursday, September 27, 2018
will sing for us in the Kern Memorial
8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
UMC Sanctuary, 451 E. Tennessee
Ave., Oak Ridge on September 23 at 6:00 p.m. Also perform-
New Life UMC
ing at Dollywood and the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge, the
7921 Millertown Pike, Knoxville
Quartet will include this one Oak Ridge performance in their up-
coming Southeastern tour. Don’t miss it!
For more information, please contact:
Rev. Teresa Atkins McClure at
revteresa.mcclure@gmail.com

September 2018 Page 7

The Holston Conference Children’s Ministry team
invites children’s ministry staff and/or volunteers
to apply for training scholarships in amounts up to
$500 per individual. A maximum of $1,000 will be
awarded per church.

“We know that these training events provide lead-

ers a chance to learn new skills and expand their
skills in working with children and families; pro-
vide excellent opportunities to network with other
children’s leaders; and to offer a time of renewal
and personal growth as a leader,” Susan Grose-
close said.

In 2018, persons can apply for a Change for

Children Training Scholarship by Oct. 15,
2018. After 2018, persons may apply for a schol-
arship by February 15 or August 15 each year.

For more information or to explore possible train-

ing opportunities, download the application or
contact Susan Groseclose at susangrose-
close@holston.org or at 865-293-4139.

____________________________

HOLSTON CONFERENCE BMCR FALL GATHERING

Friday, October 5th through Saturday, October 6th, 2018

Lennon-Seney United Methodist Church, Knoxville

5:00 p.m. Friday – 3:00 p.m. Saturday

Looking to the Future:

The Black Methodist Church 50 Years after Unification

2018 marks the 50-year anniversary of the vote by the UM General Conference of 1968 to begin the unification
process creating the United Methodist Church. Quite a bold claim it was at that time to state that one equitable
and inclusive church could be created from such disparate parts-many of which were separated by and because of
race. Attainment of this goal remains elusive even today…50 years later.

Recalling the words of Rev. Antoine “Tony” Love, BMCR vice chair at a recent gathering: "We give thanks for the past
50 years … but God is declaring there is a next level in our future…" What is that next level for black churches and
black people in the Holston Annual Conference?

In this workshop, we will take an honest look at this question for ourselves as we delve into the origins and structures
of the Methodist denominations of our past. We also will confront the current realities of black churches and black
people in the United Methodist Church. And we will be in dialogue about ways to address the challenging work yet
undone to create that “one equitable and inclusive church” called for by the General Conference in 1968.

Registration forms are available from the district office or by email at BMCRHolston@gmail.com

September 2018 Page 8

 DISTRICT YOUTH EVENTS!

Tennessee Valley District DISTRICT YOUTH

Youth are invited to attend a
District event on FESTIVAL OF GIFTS & TALENTS
October 13, 6:00-8:00pm
at Kern Memorial UMC.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 11
7:00pm
Kern is located at 451 East
Tennessee Ave, Oak Ridge.
CONCORD UNITED WORSHIP CENTER
Save the date and begin gathering your group’s talent offer-
The rock music and message ing! A form for registering your group is available from the
with be delivered by the band The Shine Effect. district office. One talent offering will be chosen to represent
the Tennessee Valley District at Resurrection 2019
Pizza and drinks will be provided so please contact
For more information, contact District Youth Coordinator Ali-
Alisha Balcom at alishab@kernumc.org, or text 865-
sha Balcom at (865)742-4883 or alishab@kernumc.org
742-4883, to ensure food and seating for your
group.

The Shine Effect | Christian Rock/Worship Band from

Jacksboro, Tennessee | Matthew 5:14-16
http://theshineeffect.net/

SPONSOR A CHURCH IN LATVIA THROUGH

THE “IN MISSION TOGETHER” PROGRAM

The United Methodist Church in Tasi, Latvia needs a sup-

porting church. The “In Mission Together” Program of the
General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM) can provide a
way to develop a healthy relationship between brothers and
sisters in Christ across cultures. The program equips, facili-
tates, and resources you and your church in developing a
collaborative partnership over the long term. The IMT pro-
gram is a sacred covenant between recipient and donor to
support one another and participate equally and proportion-
ally – 50/50 – in a ministry.
There are several United Methodist Churches in the United
States, Ireland and Denmark who are supporting congrega-
tions in Latvia through GBGM. Tasi is a small rural church
that has no supporting congregation. Weekly church ser-
vices are conducted by Pastor Gunta. Choir practices and
Bible studies also take place weekly.
If your church would like to go beyond mailing your check
for mission work and want to have a personal connection
with the minister and members of a small congregation in
Latvia, let me explain how the In Mission Together Program
can development a covenant partnership with the Tasi Unit-
ed Methodist in Latvia.
Contact Jim Hayes at jrhayes46@bellsouth.net to get more
information and to set up a meeting to learn more.

September 2018 Page 9

 An Event for 55+
Thursday, November 1, 2018
9:00 a.m. thru Lunch
Concord United Methodist Church
11020 Roane Drive, Knoxville

Theme: Living with Purpose and Joy

Keynote Speaker: Bishop Ken Carder
Bishop Carder has retired after having ably served two Episcopal areas as Bish-
op. He is beloved in Holston and has served, among others, Church Street, First
Oak Ridge, and Concord. Bishop Carder has spent his retirement teaching at Duke
Divinity School and later taking up chaplaincy at a full care facility where his wife
Linda lived for a time. Through blogs and written prayers, he continues to feed
our souls!

SAVE THE DATE!!

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2018
Cost for the event: $10.00 (includes lunch)
Menu
Schedule Registration w Chicken Salad
ill
be available Croissant
9:00 a.m. Registration
online and by
9:30 a.m. Gathering and Worship Potato Soup
mail.
led by Rev. Wil Cantrell
Salad
10:00 a.m. Living with Purpose and Joy - Information on with fruit garnish
Bishop Ken Carder how to register
Dessert
11:00-11:15 BREAK coming soon!
Water
11:15-12:15 Break-out Groups/Discussion
12:15 p.m. LUNCH Tea

Coffee
Seasoned Souls is an event sponsored by the
Tennessee Valley and Smoky Mountain districts of Holston Conference.

September 2018 Page 10

 2019 SPECIAL SESSION of the GENERAL CONFERENCE
If you missed the Tennessee Valley District Conference and discussion on the upcoming 2019 General
Conference, we invite you to attend any of the discussions scheduled across Holston Conference in the
coming months and utilize any of the resources listed below.

SCHEDULE FOR DISTRICT DISCUSSIONS ON GENERAL CONFERENCE 2019

Date Time District Location

September 16 3:00pm Smoky Mountain Maryville First UMC
September 17 7:00pm Appalachian Gate City UMC
September 23 3:00pm Mountain View Morristown UMC
October 14 3:00pm Hiwassee Cleveland First UMC
October 21 3:30pm Scenic South Christ UMC - Chattanooga
November 11 6:00pm Three Rivers Munsey Memorial UMC

November 12 7:00pm Clinch Mountain State Street UMC

Additional Regional Gatherings

October 7 3:00pm Northern Region Colonial Heights UMC - Kingsport
November 8 7:00pm Central Region Kodak UMC
November 10 10:00am Southern Region Ootlewah UMC

RESOURCES for GENERAL CONFERENCE

UMC.org
Information on the 2019 Special Session of General www.umc.org/topics/general-
Conference and the Final Report from The Commis- conference-2019-special-
sion on a Way Forward session The Holston Conference delegation
invites church members to share
United Methodist News Service their questions and concerns by
www.umnews.org/en/news/
Plans prayerfully pondered by United Methodists emailing delegation@holston.org
plans-prayerfully-pondered-by-
united-methodists
You are invited to pause and pray
UMCprays.org for your Holston Delegation
Join the prayer community for the United Methodist www.umcprays.org to General Conference between
Church 2:23-2:26 a.m. or p.m. each day
between now and the
Holston.org Special Session of the
http://holston.org/about/ General Conference
Holston Conference delegation prepares for General communications/the-call/
Conference February 23-26, 2019
volE18/num12/delegates-
St. Louis, Missouri.
prepare-for-special-session-
2019/

Market Square Publishing

Unafraid and Unashamed: Facing the Future of Unit-
www.marketsquarebooks.com
ed Methodism by Wil Cantrell

The Future of United Methodism Webinar

September 18 free webinar with Rev. Wil Cantrell www.marketsquarebooks.com/
webinars.html

September 2018 Page 11

 MARK YOUR CALENDARS

SEPTEMBER 2018
13 DEADLINE EXTENDED TO ORDER 2019 CALENDARS & 2018-19 HANDBOOK/DIRECTORY
13 DISTRICT CLERGY MEETING, 10:00am, First UMC Oak Ridge
13 DISTRICT MEETING FOR BI-VOCATIONAL CLERGY, 6:30pm, District Office
17 DISTRICT MISSIONAL STRATEGY & REVITALIZATION COMMITTEE, 6:30pm, District Office
15-16 UMW ANNUAL MEETING & OFFICER TRAINING, Meadowview Conference Center, Kingsport
20-21 HOLSTON ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS CONFERENCE & RETREAT, Pigeon Forge, TN

OCTOBER 2018
1 DISTRICT RETIREE FELLOWSHIP, 10:30am, Fountain City UMC
1 DISTRICT TRUSTEES/COMMITTEE ON BUILDING & LOCATION, 6:30pm, District Office
5-6 HOLSTON BMCR FALL GATHERING, Lennon-Seney UMC
13 DISTRICT YOUTH EVENT with SHINE EFFECT, 6:00pm, Kern Memorial UMC
14 NORTH KNOX/FOUNTAIN CITY CHARGE CONFERENCE, 3:00pm, Bookwalter UMC
16 WESLEY HOUSE FUNDRAISER, EVENING WITH BISHOP KEN CARDER, 6:00pm, Concord UMC
21 POWELL/KARNS/CLINTON CHARGE CONFERENCE, 3:00pm, Beaver Ridge UMC
28 NORTHEAST CHARGE CONFERENCE, 3:00pm, Jacksboro UMC

NOVEMBER 2018
1 SEASONED SOULS SENIOR ADULT EVENT, 9:00am, Concord UMC
3 HOLSTON EVANGELISM CONFERENCE, 9:00am-2:00pm, Keith Memorial UMC, Athens, TN
4 CITY CHARGE CONFERENCE, 3:00pm, Trinity UMC
8 REGIONAL DISCUSSION ON GENERAL CONFERENCE, 7:00pm, Kodak UMC
11 WEST KNOX/OAK RIDGE CHARGE CONFERENCE, 3:00pm, First Farragut UMC
11 DISTRICT YOUTH FESTIVAL OF GIFTS & TALENTS, 7:00pm, Concord UMC
17 DISTRICT UMW GENERAL MEETING, TBA
18 ROANE COUNTY/NORTHWEST CHARGE CONFERENCE, 3:00pm, Kingston UMC
22-23 THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY

HELP US DISTRIBUTE THE DISTRICT NEWS!

During this time of transition, we appreciate your help in sharing the news of our Tennessee Valley District.
You can help in these ways:
 Please forward, print, share and distribute this issue of the District News with members and friends of your con-
gregations.
 If you know anyone who would like to be added to our newsletter email distribution list, please contact Lori Hop-
per (lorihopper@holston.org) or Mary Hawkins (maryhawkins@holston.org) providing a name and email address.
 If you would like to submit an article or have an event you would like published in the district newsletter, please
submit to lorihopper@holston.org

September 2018 Page 12