Newsletter. Lay Servant Training CAMP LAUREL

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1 Newsletter March/April 2015 Mary Virginia Taylor Resident Bishop J. David Tabor District Superintendent Jamie N. Boone Administrative Assistant Telephone Brooke Atchley Church & Community Worker CAMP LAUREL While Mark Twain was touring overseas, reports circulated in America that he had died abroad. Twain learned of the reports months later when he returned home. His response was characteristic: The rumors of my death, he said, are greatly exaggerated. You may have heard rumors about Camp Laurel s closing. The Camp Laurel Board of Directors would like to dispel those reports. They are greatly exaggerated. Camp Laurel is not closing. It is true the Board has entered a visioning process following the retirement of Don and Sarah Bowling, the camp s volunteer managers, who leave after 25 years of faithful service; and that summer camps will not be held this year. The Board extends its heartfelt thanks to the Bowling family under whose leadership the chapel was built, the grounds were drained of excess water, a considerable savings account was amassed and young people and old encountered the love of Jesus Christ in a safe environment. The good Don and Sarah have done will never be known this side of Paradise. As to the immediate future of Camp Laurel, The Board of Directors plans to lease the property in 2015 only to Appalachian Service Project, a United Methodist agency devoted to improving people s lives by improving their homes. For 5 to 7 weeks this summer, ASP will use Camp Laurel as its base to reach out to homeowners in our area and to work on the Camp itself. Summer camping will resume at Camp Laurel in 2016 under the guidance of Camp Dickenson Director Michael Snow and the Camp Dickenson staff; with the aim that by 2017, Camp Laurel should be able to offer a quality camping program on her own again. So, help us to dispel the rumors of Camp Laurel s closing. A work day is scheduled for Saturday, April 11, Why not join us at Camp Laurel and see for yourself the Camp s obvious wellbeing and the Camp s continuing committment to serve the people of the Tazewell District United Methodist Church? Grace and Peace Alan Ashworth, Camp Laurel Advisory Board Chair Lay Servant Training Saturday, April 18 9 AM 4:30 PM Rocky Gap United Methodist Church Rocky Gap, Virginia See attached Registration Form

2 Pre Conference Briefing will be held on Monday, May 11 beginning at 7:00 PM at Mt. Zion UMC, Route 460, between Bluefield and Tazewell This will be in conjunction with the Clergy Meeting. All pastors, lay members to Annual Conference and At-Large Members to Annual Conference are expected to attend. We will have a worship service followed by the pre conference briefing. Rev. Carol Wilson and Rev. Stella Roberts will lead the briefing. Just Older Youth (For Our Over 50 Age Group) Tuesday, April 28 at Ebenezer UMC, Bluefield, Virginia 9:30 AM Registration 10:00 AM Welcome, Announcements, Introductions, Prayer 10:15 AM Musical Program with Bill Archer, Senior Editor, Bluefield Dailey Telegraph 11:00 AM Haiti Mission Program by Myra Yates, Bluefield Regional Medical Center Nurse and Member of Bluefield First 12:00 Noon Lunch in the Fellowship Hall prepared by Ebenezer UMC 1:00 PM Closing Devotion by Dr. David Olive, President of Bluefield College Cost for Lunch $7.00 Please mail registration (for name tag) and money for lunch to: Tazewell District UMC, PO Box 674, Tazewell, VA Name Name of Church Amount Enclosed

3 Tazewell District United Methodist Women Day Apart Budget Preparation 2016 Saturday, May 2 Registration 9:30 AM Bluefield First United Methodist Church Bluefield, Virginia Rev. Annette Warren, Pastor of Cedar Bluff UMC will be the guest speaker. Jubilation 2015 The 15th Annual Gather of Senior Adults in Holston Conference will be held April at the MainStay Inn & Suites, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Join with older adults from across the conference as they explore ways to live with purpose and possibility. You will be inspired, entertained and challenged. There will be lots of opportunities for fellowship and learning together. You'll come away refreshed, renewed and full of new purpose and possibilities Holston Annual Conference Hands-On Mission Project Liberia Helen Roberts-Evans, Director of General Education and Ministry, Liberia Conference of the UMC School Kits Tazewell District Goal 400 Kits Kits may be delivered to the District Office any time between May 4 and May 22, Shipping per kit $5.00 (Please do not put money in bag.) The local church should write one check for total kits to the District Office (example 10 kits x $5 = $50) ruler 1 small solar powered calculator 1-10 or 12 pack pens (blue or black) 1-10 or 12 pack pencils* 1 pack erasers* 1 box crayons or markers (24 count) 1 coloring book 1 pack notebook paper (wide-ruled) 3 spiral notebooks (70 sheet count) 1 pair flip flops (adult M-L size) 1 poncho (adult) 1 small dictionary (new or used) [*Novelty pack with pencils, erasers, and sharpeners are acceptable.] Please note that other counts must be exact to pass customs. DISTRICT CHALLEGNE SOCKS AND UNDERWEAR FOR OUR ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS Thank you to all who have supported our Hands-On Mission Project over the years. Your generosity has made a difference in thousands of lives. If you have any questions regarding the Hands-On Project or District Challenge please call the District Office at or Rev. Gordon McBride at NO KITS WILL BE ACCEPTED AT ANNUAL CONFERENCE.

4 MARRIAGE MINISTRIES This year Holston Conference begins the second decade of offering weekend marriage enrichment retreats for couple in professional ministry in our churches. These retreats are designed to provide quality time for married couples during a weekend away from work and family responsibilities. All the cost for housing, meals, and leadership are covered by the Holston Conference. Richlands and Cedar Bluff United Methodist Church hosted the Open Door Supper ministry, Saturday, January 17, 2015 at Richlands First United Methodist Church. Pictured left to right are the volunteers who prepared, served and delivered meals. Evelyn DeLong, Rosemary Lotito, Trudy Kilgore, Jim Humphrey, Glenda Humphrey, Doug Branton, Mary Sue Dean and Peggy Webb. Not pictured, Ginger Branton. Blessing of the Bikes 2015 The 13th Annual Blessing of the Bikes will be May 3 at the Burkes Garden Community Center. Food will be ready at 1 PM with the Blessing of the Bikes at 2 PM. This event is sponsored by the Burke s Garden and Mt. Olivet United Methodist Churches and is in association with The Iron Titans MC. This event is rain or shine. Come and enjoy the fun, food and fellowship. Ride your bikes and attend worship at Burkes 9:55 or Mt. 11:00 Bikers will leave Mt. 12:15 and ride across the mountain together. All proceeds from the food sales will benefit the church youth programs. Contact Fred Lawless at for more details.. Two changes have taken place in this ministry: First, because the Retreat Center at Buffalo Mountain is no longer available, the retreats will be held at the Carson Springs Baptist Conference Center near Newport, Tennessee. We are fortunate to have the use of this facility that is in a beautiful setting with comfortable accommodations at a convenient location. Second, because Partners In Crisis is providing additional funding, we are able for the first time to schedule two retreats: April and May 15-17, Couples may select the date that is most convenient for them. Someone who participated in a previous retreat wrote: This is such a wonderful weekend! I feel rested and renewed and ready for what comes next. Information about the retreat and a registration form are included in a brochure that is available from Pete and G i n n y R o w l e t t ( o r bee.rowlett@gmail.com) or from the district office. Also, a Leadership Training Workshop will be held at Cokesbury United Methodist Church in Knoxville on June 26-30, Open to both laity and clergy, this event prepares couples to lead marriage education and enrichment programs that empower couples to build stronger marriages. Contact the Rowletts for more information. FOR SALE First United Methodist Church, 200 South College Avenue, Bluefield, VA has for sale Capri China by Homer Laughlin. The design is pink leaves with stems. We have a total of 432 pieces. Will sell 8 piece place settings for $25.00 each or all for $ Each place setting includes dinner plate, salad plate, fruit bowl, cup and saucer, serving platter and serving bowl. If interested, please call the church office at or Charlotte Rich at

5 A Workshop for Laity and Clergy The Grace Of Giving: A three-hour workshop that can change your Congregation s practice of giving toward a culture of generosity. Bishop Robert Schnase Resident Bishop of the Missouri Conference Saturday, April 11, 2015 ~ 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Concord United Methodist Church in Knoxville And Sunday, April 12, 2015 ~ 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Pleasant View United Methodist Church in Abingdon Plan to be there! Cost is $ Please register by April 1. Registration and additional information is available at generosity.holston.org 0.3 CEUs available for full participation Sponsored by the Holston Conference Foundation and the Holston Stewardship Committee Understanding Clergy Benefits Holston s Pension, Health Insurance, and Retirement Benefits Monday, May 4, 2015 ~ 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Cokesbury UMC in Knoxville and Tuesday, May 5, 2015 ~ 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Pleasant View UMC in Abingdon Spouses are welcome to participate. Presenters will include representatives from: UMC Board of Pensions, Social Security, and Medical Insurance. Be sure to save this date. This seminar is free to the first 150 registrants in each location. Please register by April 24. Registration and additional information is available at BenefitsSeminar.holston.org Sponsored by the Holston Conference Foundation and the Holston Conference Board of Pensions. Who Should Attend This worship event is designed for pastors, worship leaders, lay leaders, choir directors, evangelism committees, witness committees, altar guilds, worship teams, Christian educators, musicians, ushers, greeters, and anyone else involved in weekly worship and/or worship planning. Cost is $40 per person, which includes snacks and a boxed lunch. For an additional $5, you can enjoy a light breakfast and conversation with Barbara Day Miller on Friday in Kodak or Saturday in Kingsport. Mail registration form to: Holston Worship Event P.O. Box 850, Alcoa, TN Register online at authenticworship.holston.org Brochures are also available in the District Office. Wesley Leadership Institute offers 0.7 CEUs for full participation in this event.

6 The Jeanette Reynolds Scholarship The Jeanette Reynolds Scholarship application for 2015 along with the Scholarship Guidelines are now available through the District Office. Any Holston Conference student considering ministry in the United Methodist Church is eligible to apply. Scholarship application deadline is May 15, TRAIN YOUR LEADERS UNITED METHODIST VOLUNTEERS IN MISSION (UMVIM) TEAM LEADER TRAINING SATURDAY, March 21, 2015 & SATURDAY, September 12, 2015 Time: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Price: $25 Trinity Center Fellowship Hall 20 Robertsville Road Oak Ridge, TN 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 congregation on a successful mission trip either within the USA or throughout the world. The cost of the course is $25, which is the cost of the Team Leader Hand-book you will receive at the UMVIM Team Leader Training. Please bring your own lunch. Please register online so that sufficient materials will be available. For questions regarding the event, please contact: Maxine or Bob Schultz, (865) or (865) Rev. Crystal Smith, (865) Camp Laurel Work Day Saturday, April 11, 2015 April is Mission Madness month and our District Mission Emphasis is Camp Laurel. We are looking for folks to help us get Camp Laurel ready for the summer! All skill levels and ages are needed. We will be cleaning, painting, trimming, and repairing. We will gather at 10:00 to begin the day and work until we are finished or just plain ole tired! Please feel free to come and go as your schedule permits. You might want to bring a packed lunch or plan on going to Woody s down the road. It would be helpful if you brought along tools that you think might be needed. If you are planning to come, please contact Brooke Atchley, our Church and Community Worker, at the District office, on her cell phone (540) , or by batchley@umcmission.org. Having an approximate head count will help us make sure that there are enough supplies on hand. Also, if you have any special skills (plumbing, electrical, etc.) please let her know! We hope to see you there! Conference Council on Youth Ministries Elections Conference Council on Youth Ministries is comprised of representatives (2) and alternates (1) in grades 6-12 from each of the twelve districts of the Holston Conference. We have been well served in by our Tazewell District Representatives and Alternates: Anna Atchley, Jordan Johnson and Hali Thorne. These young women have committed to meetings, retreats, Annual Conference and conference events to represent the Tazewell District. You might have seen them on the stage at Resurrection. We will gather as district youth at Camp Laurel on Saturday, April 11 at 4:00 to elect representatives (2) and alternates (2) for the year. If you are a youth who is interested in serving or if you have youth in your church that might be interested in serving, please return the CCYM nomination form to Brooke Atchley at the district office no later than April 3. Each youth who is nominated will introduce themselves at the CCYM election event and tell us why they would like to serve on CCYM for the upcoming year. We encourage ALL youth groups to join us at Camp Laurel for the event as well as some praise and worship and SMORES that afternoon. In fact, why not make a day of it.come help with the Mission Event earlier in the day and stay for the CCYM elections and youth event.

7 We joyfully welcome a handsome and perfect son born of our hearts... Harrison Bradley (hopefully soon to be Lawson) Born on 6:38 p.m. Placed in our loving arms and hearts moments thereafter. 6 lbs, 13 oz inches long Proud and grateful parents: C. Shane and Jill Kinser Lawson Prouder and ecstatic maternal grandparents: Tommy "Pa-paw" and Christine "Gammie" Kinser Prouder and ecstatic paternal grandparents: Rev. Rodney "Revie Pops" and Nedra "Ma-mum" Lawson. Rev. Rodney and Nedra Lawson serve Rocky Gap UMC. ANNUAL CONFERENCE June 7-11, 2015 Lake Junaluska, North Carolina IMPORTANT DEADLINES APRIL 1 If you would like a printed Book of Reports, please place your order by April 1. Books are $10 each. A downloadable PDF version will be available at no charge on May 7. You may order your Book of Reports when you register online for Annual Conference: acregistration.holston.org. (This registration is separate from housing, which has been handled by Lake Junaluska.) MAY 20 Deadline to register for Annual Conference. AND 5K/1 mile walk Meet the Missionaries Dinner And Childcare TAZEWELL DISTRICT UNITED METHODIST MEN SPRING Meeting Ebenezer UMC, Bluefield, VA Saturday, April 25 8:00 AM Registration & Fellowship 8:30 AM Welcome & Breakfast 9:20 AM Pledge, Opening Comments & Prayer 9:30 AM Business Meeting, Bible Study & Music To register, inquire about directions, or for any additional information contact Jeff McMillion at or at alliedad454545@gmail.com. Cost is $10 which includes breakfast and registration. The meeting should conclude by noon. If you are a man and attend a United Methodist Church then you are a United Methodist Man. Come join us. ANNUAL AUDITS ARE DUE BY MARCH 31, 2015 Please help spread the word if someone in your congregations would like to receive the newsletter please send the address to tdumcoffice@gmail.com or access it through our District website at tazewelldistrictumc.com

8 Conference Board of Lay Ministry and Extended Cabinet Invite Participation in Pocket Prayer Shawl Ministry for Annual Conference 2015 At the conclusion of the Lay Leader s address to the 2014 session of Holston Annual Conference, Bishop Mary Virginia Taylor showed those in attendance a pocket prayer shawl that she had been given at the spring Council of Bishops meeting in South Georgia. She shared how she had kept it with her during the annual conference business sessions as a reminder of those who were praying for the work of the Church. Inspired by Bishop Taylor s witness of her own experience of the power of prayer, the Conference Board of Lay Ministry began to explore ways of incorporating pocket prayer shawls into its ongoing prayer ministry efforts. God gave the Board a vision of all lay and clergy members of the annual conference receiving the gift of a pocket prayer shawl as part of the June 2015 meeting. When Conference Lay Leader Del Holley presented the idea to Bishop Taylor and the members of the Extended Cabinet, they responded enthusiastically to the opportunity it presents for ministry at the annual conference session and beyond. We are asking your congregation to participate in this aspect of prayer ministry at the 2015 Holston Annual Conference by creating and consecrating several pocket prayer shawls to be sent to Lake Junaluska and distributed to the members of the annual conference as a tangible symbol of the prayers of United Methodists from Radford to Rising Fawn for the good work they are doing to support the mission and ministry of The United Methodist Church. In order to fulfill this vision, we need to have approximately 1,500 pocket prayer shawls at annual conference. While that seems like a challenging number, in reality, if each of the 875 congregations in Holston makes a few, every member of annual conference will receive one with many left over to share with our guests and friends; we may even send a few with mission teams across the country and around the world! Won t you join this effort to cover the 2015 Holston Annual Conference session with a blanket of prayer? What groups in my congregation can be involved? Sewing ministries (for example, knitters, quilters, needlepoint groups, existing prayer shawl ministries), Sunday School classes, choirs, United Methodist Men, United Methodist Women, children and youth groups any group that wants to pray for the work of the annual conference. How do we make pocket prayer shawls? There are patterns on the internet (look here: sample instructions on the Holston website ( ac.holston.org). Do I have to know how to crochet or knit? Nope. You can sew, stitch, weave, piece, cut, paste the only limits are your imagination and creativity. How big should the pocket prayer shawl be? Pocket-sized approximately 3 x3 to 4 x4. What do we do with the finished pocket prayer shawls? Place each one in a plastic sandwich bag; include a tag identifying the group and church that made it; ask your congregation to pray over them and for the ones who will receive them; deliver them to your District Office. When and where do they need to be dropped off? Deliver them to your District Office before May 1. What if I have questions? Contact Conference Lay Leader Del Holley Del.Holley@knoxcounty.org or District Lay Leader, Deborah