Moments of Reflection: Jesus Is A Bridge Across Troubled Waters

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1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Open Hearts * Open Minds * Open Doors Mary Virginia Taylor, Resident Bishop Rev. Dr. Adam E. McKee, III, District Superintendent Lori Hopper, Administrative Assistant, Editor 706 S. Illinois Avenue, Suite D102, Oak Ridge, TN Office: Fax: District ordist@holston.org Moments of Reflection: Jesus Is A Bridge Across Troubled Waters Peter said to Him, " Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water." And He said, " Come. And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, " Lord, save me!" (Matthew 14: 29-30) As a teenager I spent a tremendous amount of time with my maternal grandmother. She was deeply rooted in Christ. At the time I really did not grasp the significance of our relationship. My grandmother was a seamstress and I would often catch her in the sewing room singing hymns and praising the Lord while she skillfully crafted beautiful dresses and gowns for her customers. When Sunday morning rolled around there was never any question..i was going to church! Years later I was stressed out over the storms of life and my grandmother introduced me to the concept that Jesus is a Bridge Across Troubled Waters. In a technical sense, a Bridge is a structure spanning and providing passage over a body of water or road. Likewise, Troubled Waters are stormy, frightening, unruly waters (situations of life) which seem to be out of control. Grandmother wanted me to know that when the going got tough I would be able to overcome difficulties through a personal relationship with Christ. She stressed that it was Jesus who empowers us to make it from point A to point B. even when the storm winds blow and the going gets rough! In our text we find that Simon Peter in a very real sense needed a Bridge Across Troubled Waters. Have you ever found yourself like Peter? There you are in the midst of a storm, the wind is turbulent, and you are sinking. Thank God for Jesus! He is the one who gives us safe crossing when trouble comes into our lives. Peace, Adam Hope to see you at DISTRICT CONFERENCE Sunday, September 14 3:00pm Details on Page 2

2 DISTRICT CONFERENCE Sunday, September 14 3:00pm Kern Memorial UMC 451 E. Tennessee Avenue, Oak Ridge Please make plans to join the brothers and sisters of the Oak Ridge District for a time of worship, celebration of God s wonderful works, and to share the business and reports of the Oak Ridge District. Songs of Praise led by the Kern Memorial UMC Praise Band Message from District Superintendent, Rev. Dr. Adam McKee, III Everyone is invited! NOMINATIONS FOR DISTRICT AT-LARGE MEMBERS TO 2015 ANNUAL CONFERENCE Nominations for At-Large Members to 2015 Annual Conference are due by Wednesday, September 3 in order for nominee names to be printed on the ballot. Nomination form can be found on page 3 of this newsletter. Although nominations can be made from the floor during District Conference, it is strongly encouraged that the nominations are received by the deadline. The Oak Ridge District must elect 22 At Large Members to 2015 Annual Conference. Voting members for District Conference: LOCAL CHURCH: Chairperson of Administrative Board/ Church Council, Lay Leader, Presidents of UMM, UMW, and UMY; Lay Member(s) to Annual Conference; Finance Chair; Treasurer; SPPR Chair CLERGY: Clergy under appointment, Retired Clergy DISTRICT: Lay Leader; Presidents of District UMM, UMW, and UMY; Chairpersons of District boards and committees; District Treasurer; 2014 At-Large Members OAK RIDGE DISTRICT LAY SERVANT MINISTRY TRAINING September 26-27, 2014 Midtown Valley United Methodist Church 1625 Roane State Hwy. Harriman, TN The Lay Servant Ministry BASIC Course will be offered. This course is foundational for all courses in Lay Servant Ministries. Participants will be encouraged to discover and employ personal spiritual gifts as God intended and to consider the importance of exercising servant leadership, developing future leaders, remaining rooted in consistent spiritual practices, and being part of a group that holds members accountable in leadership. Upon completion of the course work, participants will be awarded a Certificate of Lay Servant Ministry which allows service primarily in the local congregation. Schedule: Friday, September 26 6:00p.m. - 8:00p.m. Saturday, September 27 9:00a.m. - 4:30p.m. (Lunch provided) Course fee: $20 includes book, class material, and lunch. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 20 Registration Form can be found on page 4 of this newsletter or by contacting the District Office. For more information, please contact Diane James at dianejames1951@gmail.com Other opportunities for Lay Servant Training: Knoxville District 9/12-9/13 Middlebrook Pike UMC Abingdon District 9/20/14 Pleasant View UMC Big Stone Gap District 9/20/14 Gate City UMC, 9/27/14 East Stone Gap UMC, 10/4/14 at Jonesville 1st UMC. Morristown District 10/11/14 Shady Grove UMC September 2014 Page 2

3 NOMINATIONS FOR AT-LARGE MEMBERS FOR HOLSTON ANNUAL CONFERENCE, JUNE 7-11, 2015 Nominee Name Address Home Phone Work/Cell Phone Nominee 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. Pastor s Signature (Required): Please return to: Oak Ridge District Office 706 S. Illinois Ave., Suite D102 or Fax: Oak Ridge, TN Deadline Extended to Wednesday, September 3, 2014 The Holston Annual Conference reimburses At-Large Members actual housing/meal expenses up to a maximum per diem rate of $55. Mileage is reimbursed at the IRS rate for charitable travel. September 2014 Page 3

4 OAK RIDGE DISTRICT LAY SERVANT MINISTRY TRAINING September 26-27, 2014 Midtown Valley United Methodist Church 1625 Roane State Hwy. Harriman, TN The Lay Servant Ministry BASIC Course will be offered. This course is foundational for all courses in Lay Servant Ministries. Participants will be encouraged to discover and employ personal spiritual gifts as God intended and to consider the importance of exercising servant leadership, developing future leaders, remaining rooted in consistent spiritual practices, and being part of a group that holds members accountable in leadership. Upon completion of the course work, participants will be awarded a Certificate of Lay Servant Ministry which allows service primarily in the local congregation. Schedule: Friday, September 26 6:00p.m. - 8:00p.m. Saturday, September 27 9:00a.m. - 4:30p.m. (Lunch provided) Course fee: Register: $20 includes book, class material, and lunch. Please mail completed registration form; along with a $20 check made payable to Diane James to: Diane James 158 Allison Drive Harriman, TN Registration must be received no later than Saturday, September 20, For additional information or questions, please contact Diane James, Oak Ridge District Lay Leader at dianejames1951@gmail.com. Midtown Valley United Methodist Church is located off Interstate 40 at the Midtown Exit #350. Please note on registration form if childcare is needed. Childcare will be available only to those whose REG- ISTRATION is submitted by September 20 with a request for child care REGISTRATION FORM FOR LAY SERVANT MINISTRIES BASIC COURSE Name: Address: Church: Conference/District: City: State: Zip-code: address: Phone: ( ) FEE of $20.00 is enclosed, check number Childcare: I have special dietary requirement and cannot eat: September 2014 Page 4

5 It s Time to Order the Holston Conference Printed Materials Holston Conference Handbook/Directory $ Holston Conference Program Calendar $ Holston Conference Journal (printed) $ (CD-PDF) $ 6.00 For order forms or to order online please visit: printedmaterials.holston.org ORDER DEADLINE TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2014 HOW CAN WE KEEP FROM SINGING? with Don Saliers, Professor of Theology and Worship Emory University Saturday, Sept. 20 and Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014 St. Mark UMC 7001 S. Northshore Drive Knoxville, TN Who is this event for? Pastors, church music directors and musicians, choir members, congregational singers - anyone interested in exploring ways to enrich the practice of congregational singing and music in Christian worship. For more information and registration, please visit HANDS-ON-MISSION KITS TRAIN YOUR LEADER! UNITED METHODIST VOLUNTEER IN MISSION (UMVIM) TEAM LEADER TRAINING SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2014 Time: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Trinity Center Fellowship Hall 320 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 with 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 Handbook you will receive at the UMVIM Team Leader Training. Please register so that sufficient materials will be available. Cost: $25 Please bring a sack lunch. For questions regarding the event, please contact: Maxine or Bob Schultz, (865) or (865) Rev. Crystal Smith, (865) "THE GATHERING" HOLSTON CONFERENCE NATIVE AMERICAN MINISTRIES TEAM ANNUAL EVENT The Oak Ridge District will be collecting SEWING KITS for Zimbabwe for the 2015 Hands-on-Mission Project. 1.5 yards of solid color fabric suitable for uniforms (khaki, forest green, blue, or burgundy) 1 pair NEW sneakers ($15 or less; any size, child/adult) SEPTEMBER 12-14, 2014 COKER CREEK VILLAGE TELLICO PLAINS, TN To register and for more information, please visit: The Holston Conference Council on Finance and Administration invites you to view the September resources at waytogive.holston.org. This bulletin insert and video give thanks for the ways your giving through the tithe and second mile gifts supports our Hispanic ministries. See how a young woman in the Maryville District has been encouraged to develop her talents through the support of the church. This month's resources are available in English and Spanish. Use the resources in worship, small groups, Sunday School classes, committee meetings, and any other way that they help your congregation. Be sure to check out the resources for previous months as well. Thank you, Holston. You'll never know how many lives you have changed. Way to go! Way to Give! September 2014 Page 5

6 DISTRICT EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES DivorceCare is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life s most difficult experiences. You will learn how to heal from the deep hurt of divorce or separation, and discover hope for your future. Beginning Wednesday, September 3, we will be meeting in the Library from 6:30-8:00pm at Beaver Ridge United Methodist Church. Please call the church office (865) for more information. Don t go through separation or divorce alone. ST. MARK 20 th ANNUAL FALL FUN FEST AND RUMMAGE SALE SEPTEMBER 19-20, 2014 St. Mark United Methodist Church's annual FALL FUN FEST will be held Friday and Saturday, September 19 & 20, on the corner of North Main and Church Streets in downtown Clinton. A gigantic rummage sale in the church fellowship hall will be open on Friday and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. A large selection of clothing and shoes for children and adults will be available, as well as furniture, various household items, electronics, seasonal decorations, toys and games and so much more! Clowns, free games with prizes, and other children s' activities, will be going on all day Saturday. Home-canned goods and home-baked items will be available for sale. Old-fashioned cake-walks will be held at various times throughout the day. The Book Nook will feature old books, new books, & magazines. Our Chuck-Wagon Kitchen will sell drinks, chips, hot dogs (with our famous homemade chili), as well as Chili-Cheese- Chips and Polish sausage with peppers and onions. Antique Cars will be on display on Church St. all day on Saturday. The high-light of the day on Saturday will be a Live Auction in the church annex building on Hicks Street at 1:00 p.m. Auction items including antiques, restaurant gift cards, theme baskets, decorative pieces and tools have been donated by church members and area merchants. The Fun Fest is sponsored annually by the United Methodist Women of St. Mark United Methodist Church. All proceeds are used to aid families in Anderson County with backto-school clothes and supplies, shoes and gifts at Christmas, food for the hungry, assistance to local women s shelter and a hands-on mission providing clothes and school supplies to children in Mexico. OPPORTUNITIES AT BRADBURY UMC THE HEALING SPACE - Dealing with grief, loss and life changes. Eight Tuesdays Starting September 16, 6:30-8:30 PM. Contact Carolyn Messer at to register. Carolyn is a trained Serenity Minister and Member of the Bradbury UMC/Good Shepherd UMC Charge. FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY - Each Wednesday Beginning September 17, 6:00-7:00PM There is also a free fellowship supper at 5:00PM. Mentors for this class are young adults and newlyweds, Kevin and Lindsey Hensley. " We took this Scriptural driven class on personal finances as we were preparing for marriage and it has changed our lives." Call Bradbury UMC Church Office to register. Bradbury UMC is located off Interstate 40, Exit 360, Buttermilk Road. MARK YOUR CALENDARS The next gathering of the Oak Ridge District Clergy Spouses will be Tuesday, October 7 at 6:00pm at The Chop House, Fountain City. September 2014 Page 6

7 Barbecue Dinner & Auction Beaver Ridge United Methodist Church 7753 Oak Ridge Hwy. Knoxville Saturday, September 20, 2014 SCHEDULE: Bar-B-Q Dinner Tickets on Sale Now!! Adult $7 $Child $4 Family $20 Dinner served 6:00-7:30 pm Contact the church office at (865) to purchase your tickets! 5:00-8:30pm SILENT Auction 6:00-7:30pm Bar-B-Q Dinner (Bar-B-Q prepared by Pastor Darryll Rasnake!) 7:30-9:00pm LIVE Auction All proceeds of the dinner and auction will go towards the Dent-the-Debt campaign. Through the generosity of a church member, for every two dollars given/earned toward the campaign, one additional dollar up to $100,000 will be donated towards the principal balance on the Family Life Center loan. Please join the folks at Beaver Ridge for this night of fun & help us Dent-the-Debt! Live and Silent Auction! Thanks to the generous donations of church members and businesses throughout the community, there will be over 120 items to auction! CUT GLASS & SILVER ANTIQUE COIN COLLECTIONS CHINA CERTIFICIATES FOR RESTAURANTS, MANICURES, OIL CHANGES ANTIQUES CERTIFICATES TO GATLINBURG/PIGEON FORGE ATTRACTIONS MATTRESS & BOX SPRINGS VALUED AT $1500 RIVER CRUISE DINNER FOR 6 MINK COAT WEEKEND HARLEY DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLE RENTAL AND MUCH MORE! Please visit for a more complete list and photos of items to be auctioned. * (865) WOMEN IN MEANINGFUL MISSION REVIVAL CELEBRATION at HAVEN CHAPEL UMC The women of Haven Chapel United Methodist Church will host a Revival Celebration nightly at 7:00p.m. nightly October 14, 15 & 16 at 220 Raccoon Valley Road, Powell, TN. The worship theme is Women in Meaningful Mission RESURRECTION T-SHIRTS ANNOUNCED Congratulations to Concord UMC for creating the winning design for the 2015 Resurrection T-shirts! Rev. Tiffany Thomas, senior pastor of South Tryon Community United Methodist Church in Charlotte, North Carolina will be the evangelist of the three day revival. Tiffany earned her Masters of Divinity from Duke Divinity School in Upon graduating Duke University, she accepted an offer to work as an associate minister at Christ United Methodist Church, in New York, New York. In 2012, she was appointed to South Tryon Community United Methodist Church, of the Western North Carolina Conference. She molds her life around her strong belief that we are all called to be agents of social and spiritual change. The public is invited to attend all services. Please contact Pearley Atwater, president of Haven Chapel UMW at (865) for more information. September 2014 Page 7

8 ROCKY TOP UMC! On August 31, 2014, Lake City United Methodist Church voted and was approved to the change the name of the church to Rocky Top United Methodist Church. Pictured: Pastor Dave Henderson, Administrative Board Secretary Kaye Norris, and District Superintendent Adam McKee. FREE WOMEN S EVENT WITH BETH MOORE All women are invited to gather at First UMC, Oak Ridge for our Living Proof Ministries Simulcast with Beth Moore, September 13, 9:15-4:15 p.m. It's FREE, but we're offering a $7 lunch with a reservation. Childcare is available as well. For more information and reservations: QUILT MINISTRY at RUGBY ROAD UMC JOB OPPORTUNITY Memorial United Methodist Church in Clinton is in search of a Children's Activities Coordinator. The position is six hours per week with some additional seasonal hours. The Coordinator will be responsible for Wednesday evening lessons for pre-k through 5th grade children. The coordinator will also coordinate special children's events and secure volunteer support. We are looking for someone with the ability to teach, knowledge of spiritual and educational planning. This person must have high moral standards, a positive attitude, love of children and an abundance of enthusiasm. Resumes and cover letters can be sent to: Memorial United Methodist Church Attn: Joe Walker, SPRC chair 323 North Main Street Clinton, TN WEST KNOXVILLE CHORALE with Dr. Marcelo Urias Beginning Monday, September 22, 7:00 p.m. Cokesbury UMC, South Campus 9908 Kingston Pike, Knoxville Great singers will join their voices in relaxed atmosphere of great music-making. Come for the rehearsal premiere on September 22. Refreshments will be served at 6:30 p.m. EVERYONE IS INVITED! No fees, no formal audition just bring your desire to sing great music in a great choir. Our first two concerts will be November 23, 2014 and March 22, BACK TO SCHOOL BASH at BELL S CAMPGROUND Since 1999 a group of ladies from Rugby Road UMC have met regularly and made quilts for the Children's Center of the Cumberlands. A quilt is given to each new child. Over 300 quilts have been made. Recently the quilts made so far this year were blessed and dedicated to be sent to the Children's Center. Pictured from left to right are Brenda Tate, Betty Jo Tompkins, Gracie Ellis, Tilda Bowling, and Juanita Barger (not pictured - Margaret Patterson). Bell s Campground UMC celebrated students return to school with a Back to School Bash on August 9. Approximately 35 children along with their parents enjoyed free hot dogs, popcorn, cotton candy, snow cones, and drinks. Clifford the Dog and a bear greeted the guests as they enjoyed four different inflatables. We had a bounce house, an obstacle course, basketball goals, and a big slide. The church hopes to make this an annual event. September 2014 Page 8

9 Fall events coming to Camp Wesley Woods: You re Never Too Old for Camp! Monday, September 29 th. On Monday, September 29 th, Wesley Woods will host the second installment of You re Never Too Old for Camp! This is a one-day event designed specifically for older adults. The day will begin with fellowship and snacks followed by musical entertainment. We will close out the morning hearing from a great speaker. Following the speaker will be lunch. After lunch you will have a few options. One of our local retired pastors will be leading an onsite hike, one of our camp staff will be giving tours of our garden, or there will be more time to sit and fellowship with campfire songs. Cost is $5 a person. To register, visit our website campwesleywoods.com/events or contact Mollianne or Mollianne@campwesleywoods.com Chili Cook-Offs: Wednesday, October 8 th at Fountain City United Methodist Church Wednesday, October 22 nd at Remedy Church in Maryville Both events begin at 5:30 p.m. Recruit a team to cook your soon-to-be-award-winning chili or dessert, then gather your friends and family to vote for your creation! It s just $25 to enter a pot of chili, and it s free to taste! Chili tasters will have the chance to vote for their favorite concoction with their dollars (or checks, or change!). We ll also have a dessert contest and a tabledecorating contest. For more information or to register, visit ashley@campwesleywoods.com, or call the Camp office at Fall Open House: Sunday, October 12 th. Are you ready to try camp and can t wait until June? Come tour Camp Wesley Woods and get a taste of the activities of the summer during our Open House Sunday, October 12 th. Campers may participate in rock climbing, canoeing, crafting, hiking and more. Bring out the whole family and enjoy the afternoon together. Lunch will be served from noon until 1. Activities run from 12:30 until 5. Campers must bring chaperones with them to participate. Cost is $5 per person. Children under 2 may attend at no charge. To register, visit our website ( or contact Mollianne Mollianne@campwesleywoods.com or Momentum! Young Adult Retreat: Saturday Sunday, November 1 st 2 nd. Attention young adults: November 1 st and 2 nd, Wesley Woods will be hosting a retreat especially for you. Momentum! will be an overnight retreat focusing on calm in the middle of a busy season. There will be times of worship, times of reflection, times of listening and times of playing. The event is $10 per person, discounts are available on the website. To register, visit our website or contact Mollianne or Mollianne@campwesleywoods.com. RESURRECTION 2015 January & 23-25, 2015 Gatlinburg Convention Center Theme: Be Known Verse: Jeremiah 31:33- "But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel on that day," says the Lord. "I will put my instructions deep within them, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. Speaker: Reggie Dabbs Worship Leaders: The City Harmonic For more information please visit the website: REZ KIDS January Gatlinburg Convention Center Our Mission is based on Deuteronomy 6:5-7 "And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up." (NLT) Not only must we love God with all our heart, but we must consistently teach our children about the Love of Christ and make it a priority to be in constant conversation about the gospel message. Our mission is to equip families with the tools they can use to strengthen their faith together. At Rez Kidz, we dream of parents and their children committing together to make their faith a priority. We dream of boys and girls who light up with excitement when they walk through the door and leave in wonder about a King who loves them. We dream of families committing themselves wholeheartedly to the commands of the Lord. We dream of watching the gospel message change lives, one family at a time. September 2014 Page 9

10 CALENDAR OF EVENTS SEPTEMBER LABOR DAY Conference and District Offices Closed 3 NOMINATIONS DUE FOR 2015 AT-LARGE MEMBERS TO ANNUAL CONFERENCE 11 DISTRICT CLERGY MEETING, 10:00am, First UMC, Oak Ridge CONFERENCE NATIVE AMERICAN ANNUAL GATHERING, Tellico Plains, TN CONFERENCE UMW ANNUAL MEETING & DISTRICT OFFICER TRAINING, Lake Junaluska, NC 14 DISTRICT CONFERENCE, 3:00pm, Kern Memorial UMC, Oak Ridge HOLSTON CONFERENCE SECRETARIES ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE, Pigeon Forge 23 PRINTED MATERIALS ORDERS DUE DISTRICT LAY SERVANT TRAINING, Midtown Valley UMC OCTOBER OAK RIDGE DISTRICT CLERGY SPOUSES, Chop House, Fountain City 8 CONFERENCE CLERGY GATHERING, Emory & Henry College, Emory, VA 9 CONFERENCE CLERGY GATHERING, Tennessee Wesleyan College, Athens, TN 11 UMVIM TEAM LEADER TRAINING, 10:00am-3:00pm, Trinity Center, Oak Ridge 16 DISTRICT CLERGY MEETING, 10:00am, First UMC, Oak Ridge SAVE MORE, SO YOU CAN GIVE MORE USE POINTS TO SAVE ON EXPENSES FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION, MISSION TRIPS AND MORE. District Offices/ Churches/Conference Agencies have redeemed points for car rentals, hotels, airfares for mission trips, staff holiday gifts and more. Church Reminder currently churches and conference agencies earn 2 points for every dollar spent on their HMFCU Business Visa. Throughout December 2014, all Business Visa accounts will earn 3 points for every dollar spent. *SMART PHONE=SMART DEPOSIT: Make deposits from your cell phone 24/7. RDC@hmfcu.org if interested. *FREE Checking with dividends. *FREE ATM withdrawals at over 90,000 ATM s worldwide. Newsletter Distribution Please help us share the news by either printing and making copies for others within your church or by forwarding the Oak Ridge District News via . October 2014 Newsletter Deadline Please submit articles, events, photos, & announcements for the October 2014 Oak Ridge District News to the district office by September 25, September 2014 Page 10