DECEMBER 2016

Mary Virginia Taylor, Resident Bishop

Rev. Dr. Adam E. McKee, III, District Superintendent
Lori Hopper, Administrative Assistant, Editor

183 Lafayette Drive

Oak Ridge, TN 37830-6898
Office: 865-482-3209 * Fax: 865-483-4515
District email: ordist@holston.org

Happy Holidays!
Luke 2:15-16

When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one
another, Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened,
which the Lord has made known to us. And they went with haste and found
Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger.

The Hope of the world is Jesus! Let us celebrate in this season of new hope and
new joy. The question is: Are you ready for the arrival of the Christ Child?
Grace and Peace,
Charlotte and Adam McKee

November 30, 2016

My dear brothers and sisters:
Our hearts are heavy with concern for
the communities of Sevier County and
all of eastern Tennessee which has
been so severely affected by wildfires - as well as a tornado that were just
hearing about early this morning in
McMinn, Polk and Sequatchie Counties. Its such a tragedy, and we grieve
so intensely because this is all happening in our own backyard. The photos
and stories we see on the news and
social media are people and places
that we know and love.
We dont know about all the damage
yet, but we have a connection that is open and working. Its wonderful
that we have a church with so many pieces in place and generous people who are eager to help. Its already there. We dont have to create
it. There are people who are trained to begin the aid and rebuilding
process, and we are already working with TEMA and UMCOR. We will
pull this off. We will help each other and help our neighbors recover
and rebuild.
As we wait for more information about how we can best respond, we
have already set up a wildfire fund that you many contribute to. If you
live close to the conference office in Alcoa, we are collecting bottled
water, sports drinks, energy bars, eye drops, towels and wash
clothes which are already being distributed to the firefighters and
emergency personnel. We will continue to share information about how
to help and what is happening.
In the meantime, we can pray with the psalmist. "G od is our refuge

and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not

fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea. We can ask God for help. We can spirit-

ually surround the persons affected by the fire and tornado and those
involved in coming to their aid with love and care, with Gods love
and care.
Our hearts are broken for so much devastation. But in the midst of the
grief, we know that God is there. He is always present. As the people
of God, we will commit ourselves to be witnesses to the grace and
healing love of Jesus Christ.
May God's grace and peace sustain us all,
DINDY TAYLOR

Resident Bishop
Holston Conference

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

BISHOP TAYLOR ON WILDFIRES:

'WE HAVE A CONNECTION THAT IS OPEN
AND WORKING'

HOW CAN I HELP?

Make a donation.
You can make a donation through the Holston
Conference. Every penny goes towards
disaster relief.
To donate online:
Holston Wildfires
Holston Tornadoes
OR
Donate by check payable to:
Holston Conference with either Holston
Wildfires #864 or Holston Tornadoes #865
in the memo line.
Mail checks to:
Holston Conference UMC Wildfire/Tornado Relief
P.O. Box 850
Alcoa, TN 37701-0850

Volunteer

Volunteers are needed to assist shoppers, sort

and restock supplies, and unload and document
deliveries. Those interested should call
865-804-1661 for more information.
Donate Items At:
Pigeon Forge Distribution Center located at 149
Cates Lane, Pigeon Forge. Open Monday through
Saturday 9am 4pm, and on Sunday from 1-4pm.
The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency
and Tennessee Voluntary Organizations Active in
Disaster established a call center to provide information for those who would like to donate goods or
volunteer to help survivors. For additional information, please call 866-586-4483.
List of Donation Needs as of
December 1, 2016
Deodorant, Shaving Supplies, Hair Brushes, New
Socks, New Underwear
Peanut Butter, Jelly, Stage 1 Baby Food, Stage 3
Baby Food, Breast Feeding Supplies, Formula, Baby
Lotion, Diaper Rash Cream, Diapers N/1/2/5/6
Pull-Ups, Baby Shampoo/Wash, Infant/Childrens
Medicine, Kids Juice, Low Dose Aspirin
Flashlights, Portable Phone Chargers, Pillows,
Depends (Adult Diapers), Benadryl (Adult and Childrens), School Supplies, Clear or Mesh Backpacks
Pacifiers, Zyrtec
Any Toiletries

December 2016

Page 2

A BLESSING IN THE TRAGEDY

IMPORTANT DATES

Editors Note: Wildfires struck the resort and residential areas

of Gatlinburg/Sevier County, TN on Monday, November 28.
This is a story of a blessing experienced in Clinton, TN the
day following the devastating wildfires.

DECEMBER 17-18 Christmas Camp at

Camp Wesley Woods

Tuesday, November 29th began as most days begin in the

office. Then just before 10 a.m., the telephone rang and was
answered by the secretary. The call was transferred to me
with these words, It is a man who is at the Holiday Inn.
As I picked up the telephone, my stomach dropped. I wondered if it could be an evacuee from the wildfires. I also
wondered if I would be able to help. I knew I would want to,
but I was also keenly aware of our limited resources this time
of the year. I answered the call and heard these words, My
name is Paul and I had to evacuate from the wildfires last
night. My dread was realized. Then he continued, I was
supposed to be married today. Would you officiate my wedding?
I asked if he had a license. He did. I asked a few other
questions and he responded. I was relieved I could help! I
told him we needed to speak a little more face to face, but I
thought I could honor his request. He asked for directions to
the church and I gave them to him. He then told me he used
a walker and asked if there was access for him. I assured
him there was.

DECEMBER 19 - JANUARY 2
District Office Closed
JANUARY 12
District Clergy Meeting
JANUARY 12
End of Year Statistical Reports Due
JANUARY 13 Last day to submit tithe
payments to Conference Treasurer
JANUARY 14-15
RezKidz 2017
JANUARY 20-22
Resurrection 2017
JANUARY 27-29
Divine Rhythm

I hung up the phone. I told the church secretary what was

about to happen and that I would need her as a witness. I
busied myself preparing for a wedding ceremony. The secretary headed to the chapel to make sure it was service ready.
A church member, who was in the office, walked across the
street to the florist and borrowed a flower arrangement for
the altar.

FEBRUARY 15
Children in Poverty Grant Application
Deadline

Everything was ready for a wedding and about 40 minutes

after I hung up the phone, Paul and Alice arrived at the
church. They were a couple in their late seventies from Ohio.
They were shaken from their experience, but also still intent
upon becoming husband and wife. We talked for a few
minutes and I learned some of their story.

MARCH 9
District Clergy Meeting

Then with the church secretary as their witness, I performed

the ceremony. Once husband and wife, they headed toward
their new honeymoon destination of Kentucky for a couple
of days.

MARCH 11-12
UMW Sisters in Service Retreat

After all, they said, we arent expected back in Ohio until

Thursday.
Submitted by Rev. Donna Hester
Memorial UMC
Clinton, TN

FEBRUARY 20-22
Ministers Convocation

MARCH 9-11
Ministers Spouses Retreat

APRIL 9-15
Holy Week

APRIL 16
EASTER SUNDAY
APRIL 20
District Clergy Meeting

December 2016

Page 3

Dear Friends in Christ,

Over the years, members of the Builders Club have made it possible for
the Holston Conference to reach out and develop many new ministry opportunities. We invite you to become a member through your contribution and join
in this valuable ministry. One of our primary areas of focus is new places for
new people.
This year we have leased a church facility in Sevierville known as The
Connexion. We have one of the strongest Hispanic congregations in our denomination meeting there. As I write this, El Ministerio del Espiritu Santo, led
by Rev. Susana Lopez, is offering shelter to some of the folks who have been
displaced by the wildfires that have ravaged the Smoky Mountains. Your support of the Builders Club has helped to make this happen.
As you decide the gifts you will make at the end of this year, I would invite
you to make a gift to the Builders Club. Your generosity will determine the
scope of our ministry projects in 2017. You may send it to:
The Builders Club
Holston Conference
P.O. Box 850
Alcoa, TN 37701-0850
Your gifts will make a difference in the lives of people. One of the best examples is Shades of Grace UMC in Kingsport. It is a life-saving station and it is
made possible by your support of the Builders Club. If you have any questions or would like more information about any of our projects, please don't
hesitate to call me on my cell phone, 865-335-9981.
It is my prayer that during this season of Advent, the peace, joy, hope,
and love that Jesus has brought into our world will be yours both now and in
the New Year!
Yours and His,

_________________________________________________________________________________

BUILDERS CLUB

Needed: Part time

Worship leader at
Heiskell UMC
A small church with a congregation < 100
Approximately two hours weekly
Responsibilities: Coordinate music with
Pastor and worship team; lead Sunday
morning worship service including congregational singing, announcements and
concerns. In addition to a limited number
of special/holiday services.
Qualifications: Candidate should be a
person of faith in Jesus Christ; have a
background in music and an ability to sing
and lead congregational and youth worship.
Contact: Jenny Colson at
enjuc@gmail.com or leave a message at
865-457-4672

Rusty Taylor

HEALTH KITS - 2017 HOLSTON HANDS-ON MISSION PROJECT

The Oak Ridge District will be collecting HEALTH KITS for the 2017 Holston Annual Conference Hands-on Mission Project.
Kits will be collected in the district office in June 2017 and will be sent to the
Ishe Anesu Project for Underprivileged Children in Zimbabwe.

2
2
2
1
1

bars soap
toothpaste (6.4 oz. or less)
toothbrushes
Childrens Chewable Tylenol, 80mg/160mg, (30 ct.)
washcloth

1
1
1
1
1

Delsym 12-hour for children/adults (3 oz. or less)

Tylenol, 500 mg (24 ct.)
Benadryl childrens liquid (4 oz.) OR adult tabs (24 ct.)
Aleve, 22 mg (24 ct.)
Listerine, adult OR childrens Smart Rinse (250 mL or less)

** All items should be packed in a 2-gallon Ziploc bag. **

$5 per kit should also be included to cover packing and shipping costs. PLEASE DO NOT PUT MONEY IN THE BAGS!
Each church should write one check payable to Oak Ridge District (Ex: 10 kits x $5 = $50.00)

December 2016

Page 4

Holston Conference 44th Annual

Ministers' Spouses Retreat

Every Spring Just About Now

Where your spirit Will Be renewed!
March 9-11, 2017
Oak Tree Lodge
1620 Parkway
Sevierville, TN
For brochure or to register online, visit ClergySpouses.holston.org
For more information, contact Lori Sluder at LoriSluder@holston.org

JANUARY 20-22
LECONTE CENTER, Pigeon Forge, TN
Resurrection is an awesome annual event of worship and spiritual
growth for youth and youth mentors. Each year over 12,000 come
together in Pigeon Forge, TN, to celebrate the God of The Resurrection. Through inspirational words and music led by nationally-known
speakers and musicians, young people encounter the Lord in new
and deeper ways.

Speaker: Mick Veach

Worship Led by Rend Collective
Registration:
Regular registration for Resurrection 2017 is now open! The regular
registration price is $40 per person.

http://resurrectionyouth.com/

Register online today at etouches.com/resurrection17 or download

the registration form and register by mail. The regular registration
price is good until December 31, 2016. After that date, you must
register at the door for $50 per person.

JANUARY 14-15
THE CONNEXION, Sevierville, TN
Registration for Rez Kidz 2017 is now open! The early registration rate is just $20 per
person, so register your family early and save! You can pre-register at the early price
until January 12, 2017. After that date, registration is only available at the door for $30
per person. Keep in touch with us by liking us on Facebook and following us
on Twitter and Instagram. Rez Kidz 2017 will be here before you know it!
http://www.rezkidz.com/

December 2016

Page 5

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

December 2016

Page 6

December 2016

Page 7

For Registration information, please visit: convocation.holston.org

January 12
March 9
April 20
May 18
All Meetings are held at :
First United Methodist Church
Oak Ridge
10:00a.m.
(unless otherwise notified)
There will be no District meeting in February.
Please plan to attend Convocation February 20-22.

Pastors, Mark Your Calendars

2017 Monthly Clergy Meetings

END OF YEAR STATISTICAL

REPORTS
The End of Year Statistical Reports Packets are now
available at the District Office. Forms can also be
found and downloaded at:
http://2016statforms.holston.org
Helpful guidelines for completing the year end reports are provided in this years packet.
The 2016 End of Year Reports & Applications
for Church of Excellence in Evangelism ARE
DUE AT THE DISTRICT CLERGY MEETING ON
THURSDAY, JANUARY 12.

BE A FIVE STAR CHURCH FOR 2016

To be recognized as a Five Star Church, a church must pay their Conference tithe in full and give at least $25.00 in each
of the four Advance areas: International, U.S., Conference, and UMCOR.
Go to http://holston.org/ministries/missions/programs/advance/
to download the complete listing of each Advance.

December 2016

Page 8