JULY/AUGUST 2019
Rev. Ann Robins - District Superintendent
annrobins@holston.org
Mary Hawkins - Administrative Assistant
maryhawkins@holston.org
Lori Hopper - Administrative Assistant, Editor
lorihopper@holston.org
HELLO FROM THE
DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT
Dear Friends,
It is a joy to join you in sharing the love of
Jesus with the churches and communities
of the Tennessee Valley District.
There are many of us that are new to the
district. Please help us as we learn our
way around and join you in ministry.
I have been visiting your church buildings
during the week and worshiping with you
on Sundays. I’m always asking myself
what can we do to be more effective at en-
gaging and sharing the love of Jesus. I
look forward to those conversations in the
days ahead.
Right now I have much to learn and I’m
asking questions and listening.
I am thankful for your leadership and your
prayers as we do life and serve together!
Serving together in the love of Jesus,
Ann Robins
MAILING ADDRESS PHYSICAL ADDRESS
P.O. Box 26384 5121 Camelia Road
Knoxville, TN 37912 Knoxville, TN 37912
Phone : 865.470.7005 and 865.482.3209
Mark your calendars!
TENNESSEE VALLEY
DISTRICT CONFERENCE
Sunday, September 29, 2019
Concord United Methodist Church
11020 Roane Drive
Knoxville, TN 37934
EVERYONE IS INVITED and
ALL CHURCH LEADERS ARE ENCOURAGED
TO ATTEND
We will gather in the worship center at
Concord United Methodist Church
on Sunday, September 29 at 3:00 pm to:
 Worship
 Hear reports
 Approve the 2020 district budget
 Elect leadership for 2020
At-Large Members to Annual Conference
Anyone interested in serving as an At-Large Lay Member to
2020 Annual Conference, please see nomination form on
page 8 of this newsletter.
———————————-
Upcoming District Meetings:
District Committee on Finance……..…Monday, Aug.5
District Committee on Nominations...Tuesday, Aug. 6
Charge Conference Schedule…… p. 11
 NEWS FOR TENNESSEE VALLEY DISTRICT CLERGY

DISTRICT CLERGY MEETING ATTENTION ALL NEW APPOINTMENTS AND

ALL LOCAL PASTORS
THURSDAY, AUGUST 29
9:00am-12:00 Noon
me!
MONDAY, JULY 29, 6:30pm
o
Welc
First UMC, Oak Ridge Norwood UMC
1350 Oak Ridge Turnpike 2110 Merchants Drive
Oak Ridge, TN 37830 Knoxville, TN 37912
Meeting will include: If you are new to Tennessee Valley or have moved within
 Welcome to all newly appointed pastors the district, are a full or part-time local pastor or would just
 Charge Conference Information like to jump in, we will meet together on Monday July 29 at
 Presentation on Retirement by Robert Christophel 6:30 pm at Norwood UMC (we may change the day, time
of Wespath Benefits & Investments and location for future months). We will be meeting
20 minute individual consultations with Robert are available monthly and at the end of our time together you will
that afternoon. Please call the district office (865) 470-7005 have: a ministry strategy, business plan, annual calendar,
if you would like to schedule a consultation. and preaching resources.

Please welcome all our colleagues moving into new For the latest continuing education news from the
appointments in the Tennessee Valley District. Wesley Leadership Institute, please visit:
https://app.robly.com/archive?
A listing can be found on page 3 of this newsletter. id=256255ef5cdcf751046e6588392ea181
___________________________________________________________________________

TRAIN YOUR LEADER!

UNITED METHODIST VOLUNTEERS IN
MISSION (UMVIM) TEAM LEADER TRAINING SAFE SANCTUARY TRAINING
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2019 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22

There will be a "Safe Sanctuary" training on

Who Should Attend: UMVIM Team Leaders needing this Sunday, September 22nd at 2:00 pm at First
training and any persons interested in leading a mission team United Methodist Church of Knoxville
on a trip. (3316 Kingston Pike).
This course provides you the tools you will need to confidently
lead a mission team from your church congregation on a suc- Safe Sanctuary trainings are how we help keep
cessful mission trip either within the USA or throughout the our churches as safe places for the young and
world. The cost of the course is $26, which is the cost of the vulnerable and those in ministry with them. This
Team Leader Handbook you will receive at the UMVIM Team hour long training offered by the Holston Confer-
Leader Training. Please bring a sack lunch. ence will equip those working with children with
important skills and ideas on how to implement
Location: First United Methodist Church these important safety measures in your local
1350 Oak Ridge Turnpike church.
Oak Ridge, TN 37830
Any and all that work with children in the
Please register online so that sufficient materials will be Tennessee Valley district are encouraged to
available. attend this important event!
http://holston.org/UMVIMTraining
Any questions may be sent to Laura Mclean at
For questions regarding the event, please contact: Maxine or lauramclean@holston.org
Bob Schultz, (865) 719-4304 or (865) 719-3230

July/August 2019 Page 2

 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
We extend a warm welcome to all pastors moving We are grateful for the ministry and years of service of
into new appointments in the Tennessee Valley our Tennessee Valley District colleagues who entered
District: retirement at this year’s Annual Conference:

 Daniel Castillo Bookwalter, Associate  Brenda Carroll

Hispanic Ministries
 Caryl Griffin
 Kristen Burkhart Fountain City, Associate
 William Hill
 David Smith Grigsby Chapel
 Rick Isbell
 Charlie Harrison Kingston
 Pat Polis
 Donn King Lincoln Park
 Tom Seay
 Clarence Ulman Lynnwood
 Don Thomas
 Steve Hancock Macedonia
 Daniel H. Taylor, Jr. Tennessee Valley District Superintendent
 Scott Montgomery Magnolia Avenue Rev. Brenda Carroll receives thanks for
her many years of service in Holston
 Scott Wilks Memorial Clinton Conference as she retires from full-time
ministry this year.
____

 Tom Campbell Midtown Valley

 Sam Reese Rockwood-Chevront
 Charla Sherbakoff Second We send well wishes to and give thanks for our col-
 Jennifer Spieth SunOak Parish, Associate leagues moving to appointments in other districts:

 Crystal Smith
Transitioning from Bradbury-Good Shepherd to
Wheeler, Three Rivers District
 Todd Chancey
Our prayers are also with pastors transitioning this Transitioning from Kingston to First Alcoa,
month to new appointments within the Tennessee Smoky Mountain District
Valley District:
 Tim Paul
Transitioning from Second to Ebenezer, Smoky
 Martha Scott First Farragut
Mountain District
 John Gargis Concord, Associate Pastor
of New Church Development  Brad Brown
Transitioning from Bell’s Campground to Jones
 John Brewster Bradbury-Good Shepherd Chapel-Wesleyanna, Hiwassee District
 Donna Hester Kern Memorial ____________________________________
 Dennis Loy Emerald Avenue
 Brenda Carroll Powell, Associate
 Barkley Mencer Oliver Springs Parish
 Bonnie Seiber Woods Chapel Congratulations to these pastors recognized at
Annual Conference:

 Jennifer Spieth Local Pastor License

A complete listing of Ministerial Appointments  Sam Reese Provisional Elder
can be found at ac.holston.org.  Robin Kyek Denman Evangelism Award
Click on Fixing of Appointments

July/August 2019 Page 3

 August 2019 Tennessee Valley District
Lay Servant/Lay Speaker Training
Saturday, August 24, 2019, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Middlebrook Pike United Methodist Church

7234 Middlebrook Pike
Knoxville, Tennessee 37909-1159

Please check the course you desire and return the form with your check prior to the deadline.
Registration Fee: $ 40.00 Registration Deadline: August 9, 2019

Basic Course: Instructor: Book/Author:

Lay Servant Basic Course Mr. Del Holley Lay Servant Ministries: Sandy Jackson

Advanced Courses: Instructor: Book/Author:

Prayer Rev. John Justice Let the Whole Church Say Amen!
by Lawrence Hull Stookey

U.M. Heritage Rev. Dennie Humphreys Living Our Beliefs: The United Methodist Way
by Kenneth L. Carder

Books are included in the registration fee and will be distributed on the day of the class. If you want your
book before the class, call Bobby Stair. You will then be responsible for ordering your book.

ALL REGISTRANTS AFTER THE DEADLINE WILL NEED TO ORDER THEIR OWN BOOK. (Registration Fee will be
adjusted.)

*The registration fee includes a lunch on Saturday, snacks, books and instructor expenses.

Please indicate any special needs: ________________________________________________

Name: __________________________________________ Select your choice of course above and return

Address: ________________________________________ this form with your check made to:

________________________________________________ Tennessee Valley District for $ 40.00 – Mail to:

Phone: _________________________________________ Bobby Stair

E-Mail: _________________________________________ 2511 Ancient Oak Lane

Church/Charge: __________________________________ Knoxville, TN 37931

Questions: Contact Bobby Stair, District Lay Servant Director

bsstair@comcast.net or 865-776-0580

July/August 2019 Page 4

CERTIFIED LAY SPEAKER Tennessee Valley District of the United Methodist Church
CERTIFICATION
Lay Servant Ministry
If you have completed the re-
quired courses to become a Certi- Letter of Intent to Complete the Lay Speaker Track
fied Lay Speaker, you are ready
for the next step. Please insure
of Lay Servant Ministry
you have completed the following
courses as mandated by the 2016 I have completed the Course of Study for the Lay Speaker Track of Lay Servant
Book of Discipline of the United Ministry as required by the 2016 General Conference of the United Methodist
Methodist Church. Church in order to become a lay speaker who will be certified to fill pulpits out-
side of my own home church.
 Basic Course for Lay Servant
Ministries
 Worship I realize that it will be necessary to either show that I have previously taken
 Prayer these courses or complete these courses in order to obtain my status as a Certi-
 Spiritual Gifts fied Lay Speaker in the United Methodist Church.
 Preaching
 United Methodist Heritage
Course of Study for Lay Speaker Track of Lay Servant Ministry
 United Methodist Polity

If you have completed all seven Course Name: Date Taken: Teacher’s Name:
of these courses, the next step is
Basic Lay Servant
the interview by the District Com-
mittee on Lay Servant Ministries.
Ministry Course: ___________ ____________________

Please submit on the tracking Leading Worship: ___________ ____________________

form provided on this page the
dates the courses were taken Leading Prayer: ___________ ____________________
along with copies of your comple-
tion certificates.
Discovering Spiritual Gifts: ___________ ____________________
Please email these to Bobby Stair
at: bsstair@comcast.net Preaching: ___________ ____________________
or mail to:
United Methodist Heritage: ___________ ____________________
Bobby Stair
2511 Ancient Oak Lane Polity: ___________ ____________________
Knoxville, Tennessee
37931

Your interview will be set up and ______________________________________ ________________

you will be notified. (Name, please print) Date

July/August 2019 Page 5

JOB ANNOUNCEMENTS UTK WESLEY FOUNDATION NEEDS
PATIO FURNITURE

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Kern Memorial UMC in Oak Ridge seeks part-time
Contemporary Service Music Director. Part-time UTK Wesley Foundation is looking for donations of
Praise & Worship Leader, flexible schedule, averaging gently used wrought iron patio furniture and chairs for
15 hours/week as required to plan, coordinate, & per- our outside patio space.
form music for 9:00 a.m. contemporary worship service
& special events. Select music in coordination with Pas- We would like to have any donated furniture by
tor. Organize, rehearse, supervise, and lead band and August 21 for our Welcome Week festivities on cam-
singers. Play keyboard or another instrument and sing.
pus.
Prepare lyric sheets. Coordinate with sound operator.
Qualities desired: spiritual, ministry-driven purpose,
We are more than happy to up pick up any furniture.
musical performance & direction experience, interper-
sonal skills, management skills. The salary is negotia-
ble, depending on education and experience. Send re- Contact Rev. Sharon Bowers at 423-329-7012, or Rev.
sumes to Wayne Missaggia, wwwayne@comcast.net Heidi Parunak at 865-230-1957 for donation infor-

_________________________________________
Rockwood United Methodist Church, located at
801 N. Kingston Ave. in Rockwood, TN, is seeking an
Organist/Accompanist for Wednesdays and Sun- 2020 Holston Conference
days. Payment is $125/week for Wednesday evening Calendar and Handbook/Directories
choir rehearsals and Sunday morning worship ser-
vices. If interested, please contact Director of Music,
ORDER DEADLINE
Clayton Scarborough at (865) 292-5150.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2019

Lincoln Park United Methodist Church is seeking ~ THERE ARE TWO WAYS TO PLACE AN ORDER ~
a part-time Minister of Music. Primary responsibil-
ity is for piano and electronic keyboard accompani-  Use the order form found at:
ment for traditional service on Sunday mornings at http://printedmaterials.holston.org
10 AM. Interest in redeveloping choir a plus. Perfect OR
opportunity for a student. Contact pastor Donn King on page 10 of this newsleter
at donn@lincolnparkmethodist.org for more infor- Mail to the Tennessee Valley District Office
mation. P.O. Box 26384
Knoxville, TN 37912
_________________________________________ with check payable to Tennessee Valley District.
- Cost per calendar: $10.00
- Cost per Handbook/Directory: $18.00

 Order online using a credit card at:

http://printedmaterials.holston.org
- Cost per calendar: $10.00
- Cost per Handbook/Directory: $18.00
Change for Children grants support new and exist- ____
ing ministries with economically disadvantaged  Orders for the 2019 Holston Conference Journal will be tak-
children, from birth to age 12, and their families. en at a later date.
Holston churches and related United Methodist
agencies are eligible for these funds as well as For order forms or to order online please visit:
United Methodist related ministries beyond Hol- printedmaterials.holston.org
ston. The next deadline to apply for Change for
Children Grants and Training Scholarships is:
August 15, 2019

For information and application forms, please visit:

https://holston.org/ministries/connectional-
ministries/grants1/resources/

July/August 2019 Page 6

 THE GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAIN EMMAUS/CHRYSALIS COMMUNITY

If you are looking for....

* A renewed relationship with Christ
* A deeper understanding of Christs' love and grace
* A community of friendships that hold you accountable on your journey
* Growth in intimacy with Christ

Consider attending an Emmaus Walk (adults) or a Chrysalis Flight (youth)

WHAT IS AN EMMAUS WALK AND A CHRYSALIS FLIGHT?

The Walk to Emmaus and Chrysalis is an experience of spiritual renewal and formation intended to strengthen the
local church through development of Christian disciples and leaders. It is an opportunity to meet Jesus Christ in a
new way as God's grace and love is revealed to you through other believers. Chrysalis Flights are designed for 10th
-12th graders.

The walks and flights are a 72 hour short course in Christianity, comprised of 15 talks by lay and clergy on the
themes of God's grace,disciplines of Christian discipleship, and what it means to be the church. There are special
times of worship and daily celebration of Holy Communion.

The following is a personal testimony.

"Hi, my name is Stephanie Wasserman and I am a member of the Great Smoky Mountain Emmaus/Chrysalis Co-
munity. My experience is a little different than most. When I was a sophomore in high school, I attended Chrysalis
with my best friend. This 3-day spiritual growth experience led me to a deeper understanding of God's love. I dove
in head first! I served on every flight, attended candlelight for both Chrysalis and Emmaus, sponsored family and
friends, and even served on the Chrysalis board. The encouragement to be a leader within my church as well as a
community of like-minded peers and adults kept me in church during my college years when it would have been
easy to let busyness keep me away. When I got married, I moved to Danville, we landed in a church who support-
ed a strong Emmaus community. I was drawn back into the love of serving and the shared experience of this spe-
cial weekend. They did not have a Chrysalis community and were not familiar with the similarities, so I attended
Emmaus. It was interesting to attend as an adult pregnant with my first child, but God had a plan. When we moved
back to Knoxville, I reconnected with GSMEC. I am currently on the board and facilitate our monthly gatherings,
which are fellowship and worship opportunities. I love being surrounded by a community that encourages me to
serve-with Emmaus/Chrysalis but also with my home church. I am looking forward to serving on the upcoming
Chrysalis flight and sponsoring friends on the upcoming Emmaus walks. I believe in what this community has to
offer - both for youth and adults. Our God is a big and mighty God and He shows up when we are willing to surren-
der to spend time in prayer, study and action. God is good all the time! DeColores and Fly with Christ!

To find out how to participate go to gsmec.org or contact Debbie Pope, Community Lay Director
debbielevepope@gmail.com
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

SOCIAL ACTION DAY

2020 AT-LARGE MEMBERS TO
______________________________

Gray United Methodist Church ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Gray Tennessee
August 10, 2019 Nominations are now being tak-
en for At-Large Members to the
Registration information 2020 Holston Annual Conference
Speakers available by clicking at Lake Junaluska, June 7-10,
Pipeline to Prison: Krystal Gourley here: 2020.
Elder Abuse: Carolyn Phillips Holstonumw.org
Elder Abuse: Susan J. Sheldon The nomination form can be found on page
8 of this newsletter. Nominations are due
Questions? Contact Jonnie Faye Ball ~ jonnieball1951@gmail.com no later than Monday, September 19, 2019.

July/August 2019 Page 7

 NOMINATION FORM
TENNESSEE VALLEY DISTRICT AT-LARGE MEMBER TO
2019 HOLSTON ANNUAL CONFERENCE - JUNE 7-10, 2020

Nominee Name

Address

Home Phone

Work/Cell Phone

Nominee Email

Church

Church Phone

Please list offices/leadership positions in the local church and if applicable, district and conference.
Information will be included on the ballot or summarized if necessary.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

□ I would be willing to serve as an Usher/Teller at the 2020 Holston Annual Conference.

Please return to: Tennessee Valley District Office Email: lorihopper@holston.org

P.O. Box 26384 or
Knoxville, TN 37912

Deadline: Monday, September 19, 2019

At-Large Members will be elected at the Tennessee Valley District Conference on September 29, 2019.
The Holston Annual Conference reimburses At-Large Members housing/meal expenses up to a maximum per diem rate of $45.
Mileage is reimbursed at the IRS rate for charitable travel.

July/August 2019 Page 8

DRUM BEATS FROM LENNON-SENEY UMC

Reprinted from The Call. Article by Annette Spence.

To read the full article, please visit: https://holston.org/about/
communications/the-call/vol19/num12/fire-at-lennon-seney-during-ac/

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (June 27, 2019) --

The Rev. Elston McLain knew his phone was buzzing but he
couldn’t answer. He was on stage in front of the Holston An-
nual Conference, leading his 20 musicians in playing the Afri-
can drums.

The audience of 1,800 in Stuart Auditorium loved it. They The Drum Beats of Lennon-Seney United Methodist Church lifted
applauded and clapped along as McLain and his group of Stuart Auditorium in praise and worship on Tuesday night of Holston
Annual Conference.
mostly children rhythmically pounded away. Their music was
a high healing moment in a particularly contentious four-day ________________________________________
faith gathering.
OTHER TENNESSEE VALLEY DISTRICT

________________________________________________________________________________________________
As soon as McLain stepped off the stage and sat down, he
learned why his phone was ringing. One of his church mem- ANNUAL CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS
bers said, “Reverend, come go outside.”

“I knew something was wrong. I saw the look on her face,”

McLain says.

One of his friends would later capture the scenario by saying,

“You were burning the conference stage down while they
were burning your church down.”

On June 11, at the same time the DrumBeats from Lennon-

Seney United Methodist Church were leading worship in Lake
Junaluska, North Carolina, vandals were setting their church
building on fire 90 miles away in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Pastor Leah Burns (Second UMC) led a

“It kind of hurt my feelings,” McLain said. “I felt let down. I Gracie Tabor, daughter of Rev.
beautiful teaching moment during the
had a pity party.” David and Mary Lynn Tabor
morning worship session. “With peace
(Trinity-Knoxville) offered a
in our hearts, we can go out and be with
sweet blessing before a meal
After their Lake Junaluska appearance, McLain sent the break.
the people Jesus calls us to be with.”
busload of 30 drums and about 50 children, parents, and
members back home to Knoxville. The pastor stayed in Lake
Junaluska because Annual Conference was not yet complete.

At first, McLain thought both his office and the secretary’s

office were destroyed by fire. He later learned his own office
had smoke damage but survived.

McLain was disappointed because Lennon-Seney reaches out

to the community where the suspects live -- through the
DrumBeats and other programs. Residents of the low-income
apartments next to the church are often fed, educated and
cared for by Lennon-Seney ministries.

“This ministry is good for the church and the community,”

McLain said. “It gives them something positive to do so we
can prevent things like this from happening.”

Pastor Robin Kyek (Andersonville-Mt Pleasant) is this year’s

clergy recipient of the Harry Denman Evangelism Award.
Pictured with Rev. Kristen Burkhart (Fountain City) and
Bishop Dindy Taylor

July/August 2019 Page 9

July/August 2019 Page 10
Charge Conference forms/packets are currently under construction and will be distributed
to pastors and local church offices as soon as they are available.

July /August 2019 Page 11

2019 HANDS-ON MISSION PROJECT

Tennessee Valley District Churches collected 716 food

buckets for this year’s Holston Annual Conference
Hands-on Mission Project! $4209.09 was also donated
for help with the shipping costs to Zimbabwe, including
a donation of $451.96 from New Life UMC.

Thank you to the following churches for participating in

this year’s Hands-on Mission Project:

Bearden 10 Lennon-Seney 8
Beaver Ridge 12 Lonsdale 20
Bell's Campground 5 Macedonia 1
Bookwalter 14 Magnolia 1
Bradbury 3 Middlebrook Pike 30
Caryville 2 Midtown Valley 3
Cawood 10 Mt. Hermon 3
Cedar Lane 14 Norris 2
Central - Lenoir City 50 Norwood 3
Church Street 50 Oakwood 25
Clapps Chapel 11 Oliver Springs 6
Concord 110 Powell 13
Fairview 23 Rocky Top 3
First - Oak Ridge 1 Rugby Road 8
First - Oneida 24 Second 10
First Farragut 17 Sinking Springs 6
Fountain City 20 Solway 8
Grisgby Chapel 1 St. Mark - Clinton 15
Haven Chapel 2 St. Paul - Ftn City 11
Heiskell 9 Swan Pond 10
Jacksboro 2 Trinity 19
Kern Memorial 10 Valley View 3
Kingston 43 Washington Pike 40
Well Springs 2

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

July/August 2019 Page 12