A Publication of Holston Conference United Methodist Women May 2016

This year's Mission u studies -- The Bible and Human Sexuality, Climate Justice and Latin America: People and Faith -- have a single thread connecting them found in the first book of our holy text. Genesis 1: 26-27 narrates the creation of humankind in God's own image with the express purpose of them being stewards and caretakers of planet earth and its inhabitants.

In John Wesley's sermon "The Good Steward," he summarizes what this means for humanity ... although a debtor is obliged to return what he received, yet until the time of payment comes, he is at liberty to use it as he pleases. It is not so with a steward; he is not at liberty to use what is lodged in his hands as he pleases, but as his master pleases. He has no right to dispose of anything which is in his hands, but according to the will of his Lord.

Humanity has not been given creation as property, but as something we steward until God returns to complete what God began. How would we describe life lived as caretakers and stewards?

--A life of balance where our foundational document of faith (The Bible) assists us in seeing human sexuality as something God created and grace filled.

--A life of recognition that all God's people are connected, regardless of political, social, or geographic borders.

-- A life of understanding and setting right our relationships with each other and the earth.

When we can accept that others are created in the same image we are...when we can see all of creation as something which we have been given to care for--we can fully enter into relationships of mutuality with created beings.

In Romans 8, Paul beautifully describes our wait like this: "We know that the whole creation had been groaning in labor pains until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for ... the redemption of our bodies."

MISSION U JULY 21-23, 2016 CENTRAL U.M. CHURCH, LENOIR CITY, TN

WILL YOU BE THERE?

Submitted by Mitzi Sadler-Thorne, Dean of Holston Conference Mission u, received from the 2016 Dean of Regional Mission U.

Page 2

God has shown us his beauty through the beautiful flowers that have popped

up and their vibrant colors are lifting the spirits of everyone. We have so

much to be thankful for, especially in our service as United Methodist

Women. This year has already shown us how blessed we are with the recent

Sisters in Service event and the amazing attendance of 187 ladies. It was

truly a weekend of worship, fellowship and serving God in so many ways.

United Methodist Women of Holston Conference – you are awesome in the

way you have joined in planning and carrying out events that are held in

your area, whether it be conference, district or local. It has been a blessing

to not only us but to others who hear about it or maybe some of our friends

who attend from other congregations.

Thank you for helping the conference to meet their Pledge to Missions in

2015. This, along with the generous gifts you gave to Big Stone Gap Church

and Community Project, is just one of many ways you are lifting your lives

to reach someone and make them a part of United Methodist Women.

The Spiritual Enrichment Experience is going to be a great event and we are excited to be having two retreats

this year, enabling more persons the opportunity to attend one of the retreats. Please continue to encourage

attendance at this event.

Be making plans now to attend the Conference Hispanic Ministry Day, Mujeres en Accion, on May 21. This

event will be held at the Unicoi United Methodist Church in Unicoi, TN. Kacye Castenir is in the process of

planning this event. Abingdon, Kingsport and Johnson City districts will be collecting various items for the

ladies to be able to “shop” and take items home with them that they may not have otherwise. The one thing

we are focusing on in this ministry is to have Bibles to give to the men, as well as the women. Bibles have

been purchased for the youth and this is an ongoing need. Bilingual Bibles are being purchased for the youth

as many of them speak and read both languages. The other exciting thing in this ministry is Kacye has been

able to locate an audio Bible that is the size of a small calculator and all books of the Bible can be heard on

this device. It would be a great idea if we were able to partner with the United Methodist Men and possibly

other groups in our churches to help fund more purchases of these Bibles of all kinds.

Don’t forget that May 1st is the deadline to register for the Southeastern Jurisdiction Conference being held in

Charleston, SC, June 3-5. We have several ladies registered already but would love to have a large number

attend this meeting. Representatives to serve with the United Methodist Women and with the UMW Program

Advisory Group, as well as new Jurisdictional Officers, will be elected. Prayerfully consider joining us in this

event.

Again, I would like to say thank you to each and every one of you for all you do in the ministry of the United

Methodist Women that touches many persons and certainly impacts our local churches. The Conference UMW

officers are always available to help you in any way needed and we do hope you will call on us.

Have a Happy Spring and enjoy the beauty of the earth!

Lynice

ERROR IN THE UNITED METHODIST WOMEN’S DIRECTORY

The Directory, mailed to the Conference Officers, District Officers, and Unit Presidents listed SEJ persons as

elected officers but should have listed them as nominees. Willela Douthat is the only elected SEJ officer at this time.

God of love and mercy, we come before your throne with thanksgiving in our hearts for who you are and for what you have

done and are doing in our lives. Thank you for your unconditional love, seen so often through the love and service of our

mothers. We thank you for your grace in spite of our hesitation to respond to your call to serve others and beg for your for-

giveness. Help us to be available for your service. Help us to be a blessing to others as you bless us. May your will be done

in our lives now and forever more. In the name of Jesus, our Savior and Redeemer, we pray. AMEN.

Program book 2015-2016 United Methodist Women Growing in Blessedness, May 2016 (pg.80.)

WOW! What an experience I had at the Mission u training in Charlotte!

Mitzi, Kay, and I attended a three day training event and this year we

were able to register for one of the classes. The three of us ended up in

Garlinda Burton's class, The Bible and Human Sexuality. We shared with

deans, assistant deans, and study leaders from New Hampshire to Florida.

The discussions were positive and eye-opening. I had wondered how this

topic would be presented, and wondered if I would be uncomfortable

covering a subject that I am not always comfortable discussing. But, wait!

If United Methodist Women take on something, it may be a challenge for

many of us, but it is never disappointing. And I was not disappointed!

My spirit was truly fed through the plenaries, worship services, and of

course the classes. Mary Cheng replaced Cheryl Trent as the person

responsible for Transformative Education. She and her committee planned

a spirit filled weekend that will stay with me for months to come. I have

been on a spiritual high since I returned. My prayers have been and will

continue to be that the women of Holston will make an effort to attend

this year's Mission u. The other studies, Climate Justice and Latin America offer just as much

opportunity to learn of the needs of the world, particularly those of women, children, and youth.

This year's event will once again be held at Central UMC in Lenoir City, TN. The dates are July 21-23.

Melissa Hutchinson from Camp Wesley Woods will be leading the children's study, and Kacye

Castenir will be once again be leading the youth. Their studies will cover Climate Justice issues. Make a

concentrated effort to join us. I promise you won't be disappointed!!

Glenda Eastridge, Assistant Dean

PRAY ON WOMEN OF THE

UNITED METHODIST CHURCH FOR OUR

CHURCH GENERAL CONFERENCE

MAY 10— MAY 20 Page 3

THOUGHTS ON SPIRITUAL GROWTH

By the time you receive this newsletter, Easter and our Spiritual Enrichment

Experience will have passed. I sincerely hope that you were blessed by both

events. Spring is a time of resurrection and renewal, and it reminds me each

year of the wonderful rebirth God offers each of us through life in Christ. It’s

a good time to renew our vows to God and the church and to intensify our ef-

forts toward spiritual growth.

Another opportunity to grow spiritually is offered through our Mission u event

in July. Information will be out soon on the different courses offered to help

us expand our knowledge of various mission topics. There is always a

Spiritual Growth study available, and you will be blessed by taking part in that

course at Mission u.

In the fall at our Conference UMW Annual Meeting, we will be remembering

those whose earthly lives ended last year and their heavenly ones began. At

the meeting, we will take time to share the memorial roll for 2015 and acknowledge the legacy of the

friends, sisters and mentors who died last year. It is always a blessing to reflect on the gifts we received

from knowing these women.

I look forward to seeing all of you at both these upcoming events in the next few months.

Blessings to all, Donna Tisdale

Page 4

As I bask in the lovely Spring sunshine I have faith that the future of

United Methodist Women is bright if we only cultivate new growth as

carefully as I cultivate my flowers. SIS was a huge success with 187

registered, a third first timers, and many young women. Women

enjoyed the casual fellowship with women of all ages and a large

number of the first timers responded that they definitely would be back

next year.

Plan to attend SEE to be spiritually enriched at Lake Junaluska on

April 22-23 or April 23-24 where you will find more of the wonderful

fellowship that UMW offers at each of our events. Bring someone who is

not currently involved in UMW with you; make friends with at least 2 or 3

new women. Explore the lovely grounds at the lake or the quaint town of

Waynesville in your spare time with a group of new or old friends.

Cultivating new growth in your local unit involves intentional action. Enrich your soil by adding livelier

activities to coax new growth from inactive or brand new flowers (members). Get involved in mission

projects. Take a short trip to Jubilee Project in Sneedville for a ladies day out or call and find out what

type of mission work might be available. Have a special project to raise extra funds to send to Mission

Giving or this year’s project (Jubilee). Weed out boring programs – invite a district officer to visit – learn

about problems in your community which you might address – just do something new and different to

cause your unit to bloom this summer! Be sure to fertilize with scripture. As you bloom others will see

your colorful display and want to “smell your roses”.

BLOOM WHERE YOU ARE PLANTED! MUCH LOVE, Peggy Dalton Conference MNO

I often like to ask others how they got interested in their mission trip opportunity or how they chose the

location they participate with, and what they learned that they could share with others. A friend of mine

recently expressed her amazement at the depth of United Methodist Women.

My friend, Barbara, participated in a 2008 mission team from Foundry UMC in Washington DC, a church

where her mother worships. The team did cleanup and repair work in the church, community center,

daycare center, and homes in the Dulac Community which is located in the very southern reaches of LA

in the bayous near the Gulf of Mexico. The team also helped organize, package, and distribute food

boxes, cleaning kits, clothes, and lots of bottled water.

This team learned some of the history of the Houma people while there, a group of people Barbara, nor

I, had not heard of before. Barbara shared, “I was appalled to learn that Houma children were not al-

lowed in American public schools until 1965, but glad to hear that Methodist Women had stepped in to

help. Because of their history, the Houma people highly value education. In spite of their history, they

are deeply patriotic Americans with a significant number of young men joining the military and serving in

the Gulf war. They are a people with a strong sense of community. It is impressive how they all pitch in

to help each other.”

The mission of this Dulac LA agency is to provide comprehensive social,

recreational and emergency services to the people of Terrebonne Parish

with emphasis on the needs of the Native American population. Special

emphasis is given, also, to the education and personal development of

women, children and families. Learn more about the Dulac Community

Center in a documentary video about the history and current need

produced by Jonathan Foret, filmed and edited by Andrea Dupree.

https://vanishing-points.org/2015/03/26/dulac-community-center.

Share your interest in mission with your unit, your church, other women

around you and anyone who will hear. Then we can watch how mission

opportunities grow and where solutions come through. Let’s put our faith,

hope and love in action.

Amy Thomas Communication Coordinator.

WORLD MALARIA DAY: April 25th Good News: Malaria is 100% Preventable

Spread the word about how lives are being saved

through malaria prevention initiatives.

This image captures Zainab Kamara and her daughter,

Ramahilai, who is sick with malaria. Ramahilai received

care at the United Methodist Church's Kissy Hospital

outside Freetown, Sierra Leone.

Unlike many other diseases that are awaiting a cure,

malaria was eliminated in the U.S. in the 1950’s. How-

ever, in Sub-Saharan Africa, malaria continues to kill a

child every 2 minutes. But, there is hope! Imagine No

Malaria is part of a global partnership and together

with our partners our generation can beat malaria once

and for all. By improving the ways people fight the dis-

ease using bed nets, providing access to diagnostic tests and medicine, draining standing water, and

improving sanitation we have already helped reduce malaria deaths by more than half. Imagine No Ma-

laria combines integrated health infrastructure, education and advocacy to address death and the

debilitating effects of malaria in sub-Saharan Africa. Page 5

Greetings from your Conference Treasurer!

We were able to make our 2015 pledge thanks to all of you and I hope we will be

able to make our 2016 pledge. Please keep our pledge in your prayers as we go

through the year. One way to help us meet our overall pledge is to become a 5

Star Woman. The form has been revised in order to clearly define what is

required to become a 5 Star Woman and has been added to the Conference's

web site, www.holstonumw.org under Forms.

Our 2016 Hands On project is Jubilee Project in Sneedville and we will gladly

accept your donations for this very special project throughout the year and will

present Linda Stransky with a check at our Annual Meeting.

One more item: I must apologize to the Holston Conference UMW Alumnae

Association as I neglected to list their gift in memory of $150.00 in our 2016

Directory on page 41.

Blessings for a great 2016. Karen Adair

Photo by Mike DuBose, UMNS

Hands-on Project - First, to all persons who read this: in regard to the hands

on mission Jubilee Project, the director put a list of items she would like each

district to provide. This is well and good, however, the Conference is only

collecting monetary donations. If your district is collecting items, it is the

responsibility of the individual district to deliver those items to Jubilee

Project. Please do not bring them to Spiritual Enrichment or any other

Conference event with the idea they will be taken to Jubilee by the

Conference. They will not. We do not have the facilities or the manpower to

deal with them. Thank you for understanding.

2017 Mission Trip—Rural Missions in Saint Johns Island, SC has graciously

agreed to host our mission trip during the week of October 22 to 28, 2017. It

will be primarily construction activities, i.e. painting, drywall, etc. They have

other types of work we can do. I will get more information later. I will also

have costs at a later date once I have done the math. This trip will be open to

anyone who wishes to attend, not just women. Men and Youth, you are most welcome.

Blessings, Gayle Kilgore, MC Education and Interpretation

“Shout to the Lord, all the earth. Serve the Lord with joy; come before

him with singing. Know that the Lord is God.” ~Psalm 100:1-2

I love the Psalms of praise and celebration! They remind me of the joy we

should all have over God’s goodness and faithfulness in providing for us. 2016

is a year of great celebration for Jubilee Project; it marks 25 years of God’s

goodness and faithfulness in guiding and empowering Jubilee to care for His

people. Where God has led the ministry has evolved and changed over the

years according to the gifts and graces of those serving on the staff, but the

central focus of the ministry has remained furthering God’s kingdom in Hancock

County… and that is cause for great celebration!

And so we are planning to do just that… celebrate! There will be 4 separate celebrations during the late

summer and fall, each targeting a different group; our community, youth, men and women. Each

celebration will incorporate worship, service and food! Of course, the one for women will be of the most

interest to you and we hope some of you ladies will get together to come and join us. But we also know

that you’re a good source for publicity, so I’m including all of them:

June 30: A community celebration at Jubilee Center to coincide w ith the annual Hoedown.

August 12-13: A weekend for youth at our center at Flat Gap. Come Friday night after 6 pm

for an evening of fellowship and worship, followed by a day of service on Saturday. You are also

welcome to come just for Saturday.

August 27: A day of service for men. Come and help us complete the projects that were

started over the summer, plus some that will take only one day. You can come Friday and stay overnight

at Flat Gap or join us Saturday morning. Breakfast will be served from 8-9 am and then we’ll disperse

for the projects.

October 15: A day of fellowship and service for women. Come and join us at Flat Gap for lunch

and worship, followed by a variety of service projects. There will be something for every age. If you are

able and want to do something “more physical” (like painting or light construction), let us know and we’ll

get a group together.

More details about each event will be forthcoming as the planning takes shape. Come and help us

celebrate what God has done and continues to do through Jubilee!

Blessings, Linda Stransky, Executive Director

P.S. A few wonderful “praises”:

We’ve been very blessed by the donations already collected by your UMW units.

Our prayers for a pickup truck were answered by a couple attending a mission celebration.

So far we’ve received enough donations for 2½ youth to attend camp.

We thank and celebrate you!

Page 6

The organized unit of United Methodist Women shall be a community of women whose purpose is to know God

and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ;

to develop a creative, supportive fellowship; and to expand concepts of mission

through participation in the global ministries of the church.

REPORTING FROM KACYE CASTENIR

There are a lot of things going on these days with our Hispanic ministry. We

are preparing for our annual gathering for our Hispanic sisters. This year the

event will be held in Unicoi United Methodist Church on May 21. It will be from

11 to about 4.

For those that may be wondering about this event let me tell you a bit about

it. To start with it is called Mujeres en Acción which means Women in Action.

This event was created to provide a time for our Hispanic sisters to come

together from all across the conference and enjoy praising and worshipping

God in their native language. So as you might guess it is 100% in Spanish.

This gathering has also served to bring our Hispanic congregations together and has helped to build unity

among them. This event is open to anyone but please remember that it is in Spanish so come prepared.

If you have never had the chance to worship in a setting where you don't speak the language it is a great

experience that can't be duplicated. If you are interested in coming please let us know so we can plan for

food.

So that brings me to Bibles. Last year we gave away 48 large print Spanish Bibles. That was 4 cases.

I had been contacted that our churches needed more Bibles so we ordered 48 more of large print

Spanish Bibles and 24 Spanish/English Bibles for youth. This allows them to follow Bible readings in

Church service in Spanish but to study it in English which they may feel more comfortable reading. As of

now all these Bibles have been spoken for. However, we realized 2 problems. First, these Bibles were

bought for women and youth; the men in the families also did not have a Bible. Also some folks can't

read so a Bible of any kind is not helpful if it is written. So after much conversation and investigation we

came up with some solutions. We are working on partnering with United Methodist Men to see if they will

help buy a case or cases for the Hispanic men. Also we are asking if an individual unit would like to buy a

case that could go to any one in need. A case of either type of Bible is $300. So if you would like to

support this mission you can let Karen Adair, Holston Conference UMW treasurer, know and she can

guide you on how to help. Now as for those who can't read. I finally found an amazing device that is the

entire Bible in Spanish. It is no bigger than a cellphone and it comes as a solar powered device with a

regular connection. You can forward through jumping by book or chapter, or just fast forwarding through

to get to the part you want to hear. Each of these cost $70, and currently we have had donations for 5

devices I believe. We are in need of at least 10 of these. This is a huge blessing for our families, some of

whom have never had their own Bible. So please prayerfully consider helping give the word of God to our

Hispanic brothers and sisters.

Hermanas ya es tiempo para nuestro evento Mujeres en Acción. El evento será en la iglesia metodista

unida de Unicoi. Será el 21 de Mayo desde las 11 hasta el 4. Voy a mandar más información sobre este

evento a sus pastores y iglesias en los siguientes semanas. Pero marcan sus calendarios por este día y

prepara se pera ser transformados. También quería que si necesitan una Biblia por favor de hacerme sa-

ber. Estamos haciendo otro pedido y este vez queremos incluir a los jóvenes y hombres. También al fin

tenemos audio Biblias. Si no puede leer o no puede leer bien y necesitan este tipo hacerme saber para

qué lo ordenamos. Ok recuerdan a anotar la fecha 21 de mayo y palean a venir a pasear un día de gozo

con nosotras. Que Dios les guardan. Nos vemos en Mayo.

SAVE THE DATE—AUGUST 13TH

SOCIAL ACTION DAY—FAIRVIEW U. M. CHURCH, MARYVILLE TN

YOU WILL NOT WANT TO MISS THIS EXCITING EVENT.

Happy Spring to all! We are being blessed with many lovely Spring days!

The reporting deadline has arrived and I have received 2015 Reading Reports from

these Districts: Abingdon, Big Stone Gap, Chattanooga, Johnson City, Kingsport,

Knoxville, Maryville, Morristown, Oak Ridge, Tazewell, and Wytheville. Thank you to

the District Secretaries of Program Resources (SPR’s) who have sent in your reports!

It is no secret that there is very often great difficulty in obtaining reading

program books for our District and Conference events. The office in New York is well

aware of this and we are likely to see some changes in procedures at

sometime in the future. An option for obtaining books has been mentioned as I have

been in communication with Brenda Thompson and other Conference SPR’s. In the

http:// bar on your computer enter smile.amazon.com. This will take you to a

screen where you have a place to enter the United Methodist Women for your charity

selection. When I tried this, several listings appeared, and I scrolled down until I

located the listing only for United Methodist Women. Selecting this for my charity re-

sults in a .05% donation by Amazon to the UMW whenever books are ordered

through this special site. This can be done with any of the books or other purchases you make from Amazon.

Also, try this site: astore.amazon.com/wwwunitedmeth-20. The percentage donated ordering in this way

varies. I have explored Amazon's listings to see how available the 2016 Reading Program books might be and

there are several that I have been able to locate. This may be an option for you to consider when you wish to

purchase books for your individual Units to be able to participate in the Reading Program.

Also, remember that Children's books can now be counted on any of the plans! This is a major change to the

program, and I hope you will take advantage of this! In fact, Our Rights: How Kids are Changing the World, is

even a Bonus Book listed under Education for Mission! Children's books that I have read from the 2016 listing,

and would recommend, are Lend A Hand in the Nurturing for Community category, and Before We Eat in the

Spiritual Growth Category.

Another point to remember is that books that remain in stock from 2011 through the present may all be

ordered on consignment for District and Conference events! Those books from past years that may be

available are listed on the pages that are included in your Consignment Order packet. This may assure that a

wider selection of books and materials will be available for your events.

Discussion is continuing regarding the present consignment procedure, and I will keep you informed of any

possible changes. As of now, it is suggested that Secretaries of Program Resources continue to order only TWO

WEEKS before our event and to return unsold materials within ONE WEEK!

Thank you for all you do to encourage participation in the Reading Program! Nellie Bragg

The first mention of a Reading Program is cited in the Heathen Woman’s Friend, the magazine of the Woman’s Foreign Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church, a predecessor of United Methodist Women, wherein the editor encouraged and for every circle to start a missionary reading circle. The year was 1870. In 1900, the program went ecumenical when the United Brethren adopted the Missionary Society’s Reading Course, a program of 10 interdenominational mission study books selected by a committee for all to read. In 1907, the Woman’s Missionary Society of the Evangelical Association authorized a Mission Reading Department. One hundred and thirty four missionary libraries were started providing books to 538 local groups.

As the years unfolded, it did not matter how our predecessor organizations splintered or merged, the Reading Program remained intact and lively. At one time and for one group, a single in-depth mission study was promoted, and for another time, a variety of books were included reflecting the categories of Spiritual Life, Christian Social Relations and Missionary Education. When the Evangelical United Brethren and Methodist Churches united in 1968, both aspects—the single mission study and the ecumenical reading selections—became a part of the ongoing offerings of United Methodist Women, a lively and intellectual organization founded on tenets of reading, life-long learning and education.

* Historical information was gathered from “Pages from the Past” by Marion Baker, response magazine, Dec. 1979. Reproduced from the UMW Newsletter Vol 8 #3 2015

A TOUCH OF OUR HISTORY

Page 8

CHECK OUT WHAT UNITED METHODIST WOMEN

ARE DOING IN THE DISTRICTS OF

HOLSTON CONFERENCE

Abingdon District is celebrating 70 years of

UMW at Beech Grove UMC in Bristol. In January

1946, 7 ladies, their pastor and Mrs. Taylor from

Chilhowie, VA met to organize as Women’s

Society of Christian Service. Mrs. Iris Draper, at

90 years of age is still active in the unit. They

will be celebrating this milestone throughout this

year with different activities. BEECH GROVE UMC, BRISTOL VA

Kathy Whisman President of Pleasant View UMW in the Abingdon District reported 8 new members to their organization since January 2016. Congratulation and thank you so much for your leadership in fulfilling the Mission and Purpose of the UMW.

Chattanooga District held their ”Spiritual Retreat” on March 5th in connection with the District Mis-

sion work day and after a wonderful Bible Study (led by Becky Hall) and lunch. We all worked on

Mission Projects including: kits for UMCOR, making blankets for homeless, cards for missionaries, and

Christmas Shoe Boxes were also given out. Plans are in the works for Cluster Meetings and a visit to the

UMCOR Warehouse in Decatur, AL. Joyce Guice, President

At the Knoxville District’s “Time Apart” this year (Feb 27) had the greatest attendance ever (about 140)

and we collected commodities for Wesley House, Partners for Children (inner city daycare) and

Susannah’s House. We were blessed with Teresa Atkins McClure’s inspiring message following our “Feed

My Lambs” theme. “Oceans” sung by Sarah Clapp Gilpin, accompanied by Justin Haynes, inspired us

with love for God.

Our SOCIAL ACTION DAY is titled “All Life Matters” and will occur on May 14 at Beaver Ridge UMC on

Oak Ridge Highway. Our topics will be RACIAL JUSTICE AND CREATION CARE. We gather at 8:30 and

will finish up by 2:30-3:00. We will learn and be challenged with material and ideas to share when we

return to our communities. Knoxville District and Oak Ridge District are jointly presenting this day.

Maryville District is excited about hosting Dr. Lin Stepp at their District Day Apart on April 30th.

Dr. Stepp has nine published novels, each set in different locations around the Smoky Mountains. Quote

from Dolly Parton "I've finally come across someone that believes in all the things that I do.... love,

family, faith, intrigue, mystery, loyalty, romance, and a great love for our beloved Smoky Mountains".

Morristown District Do You Love Me? Feed My Sheep John 21:15 WOW! 2015 has been a

great year for Morristown District United Methodist Women; let us give God the glory for all he has

done. In the new year 2016, let us count our blessings and practice ways to ”Feed His Lambs” which

will challenge us, with God’s help, to be more and more involved in Mission through the local unit, in the

community, across the nation and around the world.

The Tazewell District has started 2016 with multiple fundraisers and events throughout our district for

United Methodist Women. Although we lost several members in 2015, we have hope and are looking

for ways to grow in 2016. Our first gathering for 2016 was held at Pearisburg First United Methodist

Church on March 19 and we are preparing our hearts and minds for our next get together.

Wytheville District held their Spring Mini Retreat at Dublin UMC. Rev. Ruth Henley was

speaker with the Blew Ridge Brass Ensemble as special music. Page 9

Even as we have continued to focus this year on our theme from John 21, Feed My Lambs, we have also

been looking ahead for a new theme to inspire us for the next two years. Recently the Spiritual

Enrichment Committee made the decision to make our 2017-2018 Rejoice in the Lord Always! (Philippians

4:4a) This instruction is part of a beautiful passage in Philippians 4 concerning living with joy even in

difficult circumstances. We found it both inspiring and uplifting. Here is that passage from the New Revised

Standard Version of the Bible:

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5 Let your gentleness be known to everyone.

The Lord is near. 6 Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with

thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all

understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

We invite all United Methodist Women of Holston Conference to take inspiration from this theme and create

a design for a beautiful and uplifting new logo to be used on a banner and on all publications for the next

two years.

Remember to make your design simple so that it can be powerfully reproduced as our banner for the next

two years as well as on our website and in all our publications. We know we have many creative women in

our Conference, so we challenge you to think and pray about this theme and submit your ideas to us by

June 29, 2016. The rules for the design are given below and I look forward with great anticipation to

hearing from you!

Donna Tisdale, Spiritual Growth Mission Coordinator

CALLING THE CREATIVE WOMEN OF

HOLSTON CONFERENCE UNITED METHODIST WOMEN

We’re very excited as Holston Conference United Methodist Women prepare to develop a theme based logo to

represent our Conference throughout 2017-2018. We invite/seek/need your help and creativity.

Deadline for entries is Wednesday, June 29th.

2017-2018 Theme: REJOICE IN THE LORD ALWAYS!

Based on Philippians 4:4a (New Revised Standard Version)

Scripture below.

Logo design contest

Page 15 HOLSTON CONFERENCE UNITED METHODIST WOMEN

Logo Design submissions are open to all Holston Conference United Methodist Women.

Contestants may submit up to two (2) original entries.

Acceptable logos will portray not only the scripture theme from Philippians 4:4a but also

incorporate “Holston Conference United Methodist Women” in some way in your logo, if

at all possible.

It is preferable that each entry be submitted in two formats: one color copy and one black

and white/grayscale copy in order that we might envision the quality of future printing.

Logo designs need to be simple in design and reproducible.

Credits for the person(s) involved in the design of the logo shall be sent on a sheet of

paper separate and apart from the logo design work. This sheet shall also include a

brief explanation of the submitted logo as well as the artist ’s contact

information, district and church.

By submitting work, entrants acknowledge our right to reproduce images and showcase

the winning piece on the UMW website, print materials, related digital products and to

display it at our Conference events.

The Conference UMW Committee on Spiritual Growth will judge the entries and announce

the winner at its September, 2016 Annual Meeting. Winner will be acknowledged

throughout 2017-2018 in publications as it is appropriate.

All work submitted must be the original work of the submitting artist. Holston Conference

United Methodist Women accepts no legal responsibility for any copyright infringement.

All entries will be mailed to: Donna Tisdale, 3631 Woodcrest Circle NW, Cleveland TN

37312.

Entries should be received by Wednesday, June 29, 2016.

Logo design guidelines

HOLSTON CONFERENCE CALENDAR 2016

Non-Profit Org.

US Postage

PAID

Jefferson City, TN

Permit No. 87

Return Service Requested

United Methodist Women

THE HOLSTONIAN

Amy Thomas, Editor

And Communication Coordinator

of the Holston Conference

80 Splatter Creek

Limestone, TN 37681

May 10-20 General Conference Portland, OR

May 21 Mujeres en Accion Event, Unicoi UMC, Unicoi TN

June 3 – 5 Southeastern Jurisdiction Quadrennial Meeting,

Embassy Suites and Convention Center, Charleston SC

June 5 – 8 Holston Annual Conference, Lake Junaluska NC

July 21 - 23 Holston Conference Mission u, Central UMC, Lenoir City TN

August 13 Social Action Workshop – Fairview UMC, Maryville TN

September 16 Committee Meetings and Conference Executive Committee

President/Treasurer Officer Training

Lake Junaluska, NC

September 17 Conference Alumnae Meeting, Terrace Hotel, 5:00 pm

September 17 - 18 Conference UMW Annual Meeting

District Officer Training

Lake Junaluska NC

United Methodist Women’s Day should be observed on a Sunday selected by the local unit in consultation

with the church’s pastor. Watch for future brochures and the website for more information.

Contact your Conference Officers if your have questions, need a speaker, or want to know more about an event or the

work of United Methodist Women. Check out your Conference Officers contact list on line at www.holstonumw.org, in the

Holston Conference UMW 2016 Directory, or in the December 2015 The Holstonian.

Check out www.holstonumw.org for the latest information on events, Legacy

Fund, forms, logo contest, and news of our organization.