THE CHALLENGER Kingsport District UMC APRIL - MAY 2012

THE CHALLENGER Kingsport District UMC APRIL - MAY 2012 David W. Graves, District Superintendent, davidgraves@holston.org Susan S. Smith, Administrative Assistant, kptdist@holston.org Laurie Neville, Financial Secretary, laurieneville@centurylink.net District Office:224-1533 or 224-1534 http://kingsportdistrict.holston.org for District information Holston.org for more Holston Conference information Http://Facebook.holston.org tweeter shortcut is #HolstonTweets The Best is Yet to Come! David Graves, District Superintendent What s In This Issue? From the District Superintendent General Conference Major Issues 2 District Call to Prayer Service, Sunday, April 15 2a District-wide Prayer Service 3 Pre-Conference Briefing 3 Happenings in our District 4 & 12 Cleaning Buckets Immediate Help Needed! 5-6 Hands-On Mission Project 2012 7-8 Other Mission Opportunities 8-9 Youth Worker Connection Event, April 29 9 Roots & Shoots 9 Children s Day at Buffalo Mt Camp, May 12 10 Children Information 11 Buffalo Mountain Camp Info 11 UMW Calendar 12 District Calendar 13 District Superintendent s Calendar 14 Pastors Page & Calendar 14 & 15 Here is the official App for GC for up to date information and scheduling. http://www.umc.org/site/c.lwl4knn1lth/b.8008845/k.3187/general_conference_mobile_app.htm 1

General Conference April 24-May 4 Tampa, Florida Every four years, the General Conference of the United Methodist Church takes place and the next one is upon us. General Conference is the place where our mission, doctrine, polity and social principles are determined. No one can speak for the United Methodist Church except General Conference. We are a world-wide church and 988 delegates representing over 12 million Methodist will assemble on Tampa, Florida for almost two weeks of work and the 14 hour days will consist of poring over and voting on many legislative matters. I am one of 14 people (7 clergy and 7 lay members) representing the Holston Annual Conference and am appreciative and humbled that I was elected to do so at last year s Annual Conference. Major issues that will be addressed: Restructuring General Agencies: Legislation from the 60 member Connectional Table proposes nine of the denominations thirteen agencies into a new United Methodist Center for Connectional Mission and Ministry. This would greatly reduce the number of board and agencies and cut costs and the proposal identifies that it would stream line our mission and ministry. There is a lot of discussions around this and substitute legislation is on the table as proponents say that too much power is given to a few especially Bishops. Whatever comes forward will drastically change the way we do business. Most everyone agrees we need change, but how it all takes place is of great debate. Reforming the Council of Bishops: United Methodist Bishops propose amending the church s constitution that the president of the Council would serve full time for four years without responsibilities of overseeing a geographic area. Presently, the president serves two years and serves a geographic area. This has stirred quite a bit of discussion. It is hard for a Bishop to serve a geographic area and do all the work required of president of the Council. Some say it gives too much power to one Bishop and takes away from the balance of clergy and lay leadership and the additional costs of adding another Bishop. Clergy Appointments and Ordination Process: An issue talked about for years is now on the table of eliminating appointment guarantees for ordained elders in good standing, while retaining the ability of bishops to move to clergy to different assignments and churches. There will be a lot of discussions around clergy effectiveness, the candidacy process and the moving of ordination as soon as persons complete their educational requirements. Now it is two years after one completes their education. Budget: A proposed budget for the next four years of $603 million representing a 6.04% decrease. The first time decease has been recommended to General Conference. Sexuality: Every General Conference since 1972, the General Conference has dealt with the church s stance on homosexuality. There is a great push to remove discriminatory language or add inclusive language to the Social Principles. There are proposals to remove bans on performing same-gender marriage or civil unions or holding those ceremonies at United Methodist churches. There is great emotion and feeling on both sides of this issue. In many ways like our country, we are divided on this issue. There is also legislation to split the church over the issue of sexuality. In addition to these listed, there will be numerous other legislative matters relating to a wide range of issues in the church. I have collected notebooks and boxes of information in preparation. Please be in prayer for this General Conference as it will define the United Methodist Church in ways most of us don t even think about or could even imagine. During my time away, Archer Coppedge, District Superintendent in Big Stone Gap, will be covering for me. On May 1, I will be speaking to all of the delegates from the Southeast Jurisdiction concerning my journey as an Episcopal nominee. In simple language, they will be sizing me up on everything I have to say and how I say it. Nancy and my daughter, Casey, will join me for this time of sharing and they too will be talking to many people the 4 days they are there. When thinking of General Conference-Pray! Pray!! Pray!!! 2

DISTRICT-WIDE PRAYER SERVICE Sunday, April 15, 2012 4pm Crossroads UMC Every District in the Holston Conference will have a District-wide Prayer Service on April 15 th as we come together to pray for the Holy Spirit to be in our midst to guide our District work, the Holston Annual Conference and the upcoming General Conference of the United Methodist Church which will begin on April 24 th. Place this on your calendar and more details will be forthcoming.. Be joyful always; pray without ceasing; give thanks in all things. ~ Thessalonians 5:16-18 ======================================= WHO SHOULD ATTEND?? PRE-CONFERENCE BRIEFING Wednesday, May 23, 2012 7:00 P.M. Gray UMC 2108 Oak St. Gray, TN 37615 Lay Members to Annual Conference from Local Church Members-at-Large from District Pastors Directions to Gray UMC Take I-26 East to exit 13/Gray At end of exit ramp, turn right and cross interstate Go to the second traffic light (at Dairy Queen/Walgreen s) and turn left on Old Gray Station Road Go 3/10 mile and turn left on Gray Station Road Take first right on Chapel Street Gray UMC is straight ahead with parking across the street in front and additional parking in back. 3

HAPPENINGS IN THE DISTRICT First Broad Street: Joseph Kony and the LRA: Wednesdays, April 11, 25 and May 2 from 6:15 7:15 p.m. in Room 141; To register call 224-1531. Facilitated by Danny Howe, Mission Coordinator This study will not only help us to understand the mastermind behind the Lords Resistance Army, we will discuss the ideology of this rebel group, how it has survived so long, and what socio/political/spiritual climate in Central Africa enabled it to emerge and survive. Suggested Reading: "First Kill Your Family Child Soldiers of Uganda and the Lord's Resistance Army", available in church office - $15.00. Logans Chapel Revival April 15-18, 7 pm each night, Rev. Ray Amos Sr. preaching and special music each night. Rock Springs FIRST Fish Fry of the season: Rock Springs will have their First Fish Fry of 2012 on Saturday, April 21 from 5-7 p.m. Hope to see everyone back and a lot of new faces! Salem JOY Service: Sunday, May 27,2012, will mark the one year anniversary of the 1:30 p.m. "JOY" Service at Salem UMC. We continue to witness the presence and power of the Holy Spirit during these Sunday afternoon modern/alternative worship events. Several professions and baptisms have occurred in these services during the past year. A Great Day of Celebration is planned for the one year anniversary on Sunday, May 27, 2012. Dayspring Band will lead worship and a special message will be shared from God's word by District Superintendent David Graves. Will you join with us in prayer that this will be a powerful Pentecost Service? Vermont Youth Pancake Breakfast: Saturday, April 14 th, 8:00-10:00 a.m., Cost: $5. Pancakes, sausage and bacon Fundraiser for their Project Crossroads Missions Trip in June. Vermont Boy Scout Troop 155 BBQ Lunch, Sunday, April 22, Noon, Adults: $7. Children under 12: $5 Pork barbeque on a bun, baked beans, slaw dessert and a drink. Eat-In or Carry-Out Vermont Country Breakfast, Saturday, April 28 th, 8:00-11:00 a.m., Adults: $6. Students: $2.50 Bacon, sausage, eggs, biscuits and gravy. Baked apples and cinnamon rolls too! Eat-In or Carry-Out Vermont Youth Yard Sale, Saturday, May 5, 8:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m. Fundraiser for their Project Crossroads Missions Trip in June. Children s Department will also have a BAKE SALE on May 5 th. ====================================================================================== Job Opportunities Ketron Memorial UMC seeks a part-time church secretary to work 6-9 hours per week. A working knowledge of Word, Publisher and Excel is a must. Please email resume and cover letter to kmumc@embarqmail.com or mail to the attention SPRC at 301 Virgil Avenue, Kingsport, TN 37665. Ketron Memorial UMC seeks a part-time pianist. Please email resume and cover letter to kmumc@embarqmail.com or mail to the attention SPRC at 301 Virgil Avenue, Kingsport, TN 37665. P-T Youth director opening at Blountville UMC. If anyone is interested, please contact Blountville UMC office at 423-323-5941 for more information. P-T Music Director Wheeler UMC seeks a part-time Music Director with skills in both traditional and contemporary worship. Resumes and questions can be submitted to wheelerumc@embarqmail.com or to SPRC, P.O. Box 1130, Blountville, TN 37617. P-T Keyboardist at Rogersville First for Sunday morning and Wednesday evening. This would be an excellent second income opportunity for someone. Please send resumes to 110 Colonial Rogersville, TN 37857 or call 423-272-7311. P-T Custodial position is open at Blountville UMC. Contact the church office if interested at 323-5941. 4

DISASTER RESPONSE -- IMMEDIATE HELP NEEDED! District Disaster Response Coordinator, Bill Campbell 423-323-8516, wdc5609@charter.net CLEANING BUCKETS NEEDED As the hurricane season approaches we need to prepare for the aftermath of damage they leave behind. Cleaning Buckets are a preparation asset we can begin to fill before the storms and not be caught after the storms looking for the supplies. All churches in the conference can contribute to this need. The UMCOR web site has the list of materials needed for each bucket. When your church has completed the self-set goal of the number of buckets you can provide, contact the district office or your District Disaster Response Coordinator (DDRC). The DDRC's will arrange with you to gather the buckets at a central district location and then they will contact me to move them to storage areas throughout the conference. We need to begin this project immediately and have a goal of April 30, 2012 to complete the project. We need all you can fill! Thank you for your support. Jim Fetzer, Conference Disaster Response Coord: 865-675-3331 jfa@tds.net From UMCOR site: http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor/getconnected/supplies/flood-bucket/ Cleaning Bucket Kit Items Value: $55 per bucket. 5-gallon bucket with resealable lid Buckets from fast food restaurants or bakeries can be used if washed and cleaned. Do not use buckets that have stored chemicals such as paint or pool cleaner. Advertisements on the outside are acceptable liquid laundry detergent (two 25 oz. or one 50 oz. bottles only) liquid household cleaner 12-16 oz. liquid cleaner that can be mixed with water no spray cleaners dish soap 16-28 oz. bottle, any brand 1 can air freshner aerosol or pump 1 insect repellant spray 6-14 oz. aerosol spay pump with protective cover 1 handheld scrub brush plastic or wooden handle no toilet-bowl brushes no kitchen or dish brushes 18 cleaning wipes handi wipes or reusable wipes no terry cleaning towels remove from packaging 7 sponges no cellulose sponges due to mold issue 5 scouring pads remove from wrapper no Brillo, SOS pads or any kind that will rust 5

50 clothespins remove from packaging clothesline two 50ft. or one 100ft. cotton or plastic 24-roll heavy duty trash bags 30-45 gallon size remove from the box 5 dust masks 2 pair disposable kitchen gloves rubber or latex remove from packaging 1 pair work gloves leather palm necessary Assembling Directions Place all liquid items in the bucket first. Place remaining items in the bucket fitting them around and between the liquid items. Sponges, scouring pads, clothespins and trash bags can be separated in order to fit all of the items in the bucket. Ensure the lid is closed securely. Important Notes All items must be new except for the actual bucket and lid. All cleaning agents must be liquid and in plastic containers. No powders please. If you cannot find the requested size of a liquid item, use a smaller size. Including larger sizes of any item will prevent the lid from sealing. UPS, FED EX and the US Postal Service will not ship buckets containing bleach. In such case, you may leave the bleach out of the bucket. If all of the items on the list are not included, please put a label on the bucket indicating what has been omitted. Cleaning buckets are only used within the United States. They are not opened to verify the contents unless there is indication some items have been omitted. Packing Kits Box Weight. Each packed box cannot exceed 66 pounds. Shipping Kits 1. Complete 2 packing lists-one for your records and one to put on the shipping box. 2. Paste the shipping label / packing list on the outside of each box you send. The shipping list helps the depot to quickly process kits. 3. Processing & Shipping Costs: Please enclose an envelope containing at least $1 for each kit you send. This donation enables kits to be sent without delay to areas in need. For Cleaning Buckets: $1.50. 6

MISSIONS Hands-On Mission Project 2012 Holston Annual Conference Liberia Helen Roberts-Evans, School Kits Kingsport District Goal 400 1 12 ruler 1 compass (for math) 1 protractor 1 small calculator 1 10 pack pencils 1 10 pack pens (blue or black) 1 small dictionary (new or used) 1 small Bible (new or used) 3 spiral notebooks (70 ct.) college ruled 1 medium or large poncho (NO emergency ponchos) 1 pair flip flops (size M-L) plain Pack all items in a 2½ gallon Hefty zip-loc bag. Money A $5.00 donation for packing and shipping is to accompany each kit. Each church should write one check to Kingsport District. Place check in an envelope with name of church, number of kits & total enclosed. Please keep check separate from kits, by giving envelope to the treasurer when you drop kits off. Drop-off (No kits will be accepted after these dates.) Crossroads UMC Tuesday, June 5 10 a.m. 4 p.m. Wednesday, June 6 9 a.m. 1 p.m. Trucks will be loaded on Friday, June 8. Volunteers Needed To: (Contact Eloise Ellis if you can volunteer.) Check the kits Pack boxes Load trucks Treasurer is needed to collect correct amount of money from each church, record amount & calculate a final total. For Questions & to Volunteer Please Contact: Eloise Ellis, District Mission Coordinator, at 782-7919. 7

Hand-On Mission Project: Suggestions on what & where to buy: Calculator: Casio HS-8VA, $3.97, Walmart Poncho Totes for children 8 & older, $4.99, K-Mart Coleman pink or blue youth, $5.44, Walmart Compass & Protractor (can be a combo set) $2, Big Lots, Family Dollar $1.99, K-Mart $1, Dollar General Dictionary Dollar Tree Flip Flops Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, Dollar General ======================================================================= CONSIDER THESE MISSION SUPPORT OPPORTUNITIES A request from Fred & Libby Dearing, serving as missionaries to Sudan. I am writing this proposal to fill a need which has grown out of the growth here in South Sudan. We have one vehicle and when we are out in the field there is not a vehicle here for local needs or for transportation needs in two separate locations. I would like to request the purchase of Xinchang trike motorcycle with a carriage on the back. It would help transport supplies and also cut down on costs. It would enable us to be in different places at the same time. The cost of this vehicle is $2200. Thank you for prayerfully considering this need. Fred & Libby Dearing If you would like to contribute to purchasing this vehicle, please send 1 check from the church to Kingsport District, P.O. Box 894, Kingsport, TN 37662. Write check to Kingsport District and on the memo line write motorcycle. If you have any questions about the vehicle contact Danny Howe or April at First Broad Street UMC at 224-1532. If you have questions about contributions contact the district office at 224-1533. ========================= Consider these 5 Star Status contributions. Others can be found in the Advance Special 4 page brochure. Hope for Today a Ministry in India Conference Advance Special, World Ministries Write Check to Holston Conference & mail to P.O. Box 850, Alcoa, TN 37701 Designate on memo line: Hope for Today India Peter Peieria: #490 KCMC (Kingsport Community Ministry Center) Write check to KCMC & mail to P.O. Box 1288, Kingsport, TN 37662 Buffalo Mountain Camp Conference Advance Special, Holston Conference Camps Write check to Holston Conference & mail to P.O. Box 850, Alcoa, TN 37701 Designate which fund on memo line: Camperships: # 238 Camp Development Funds: #101 Annual Ministry Funds: #486 Mission Opportunities, cont. 8

For Missionary Support: Make check to Holston Conference. Mail to Holston Conference, ATTN: Anne Travis, P.O. Box 850, Alcoa, TN 37701 Fred & Libby Dearing: #719 Steve & Diantha Hodges: #683 Sudan Orphanage Support: Make check to Holston Conference Foundation, memo line Sudan Orphanage. Send it to Holston Conference Foundation, ATTN: Anne Travis, P.O. Box 900, Alcoa, TN 37701-0237. ================================================================================= YOUTH YOUTH WORKER CONNECTION EVENT Sunday, April 29 3:00 to 5:00 Location TBA We invite all those who work with youth in their church to join us for an amazing afternoon of sharing and growing together. Please RSVP to jsuits@fbsumc.org by April 16 to let us know you are coming. Kingsport District Youth Director Jarrod Suits jsuits@fbsumc.org/423-224-1516 Conference Youth Director Laura Lambert lauralambert@holston.org/865-293-4151 ========================================================================== OLDER ADULTS ROOTS & SHOOTS FALL EVENT Thursday, October 11, 2012 10:30 a.m. 2 p.m. Colonial Heights UMC 9

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CHILDREN NEW CHILDREN S CURRICULUM AT COKESBURY FOR Fall 2012 Cokesbury is proud to announce their new children s curriculum, Grow, Proclaim, Serve! Visit the website to watch videos, preview sample lessons and learn more! Grow, Proclaim, Serve! incorporates Bible stories, activities, crafts, media, and games into a full faith experience for children. With Grow, Proclaim, Serve! children will develop the skills to unlock the Bible and grow their faith by leaps and bounds. With Grow, Proclaim, Serve! children will grow in mind and body, they will also grow in heart and soul. Grow, Proclaim, Serve! will nourish and enrich children, from birth through tweens, in their faith. They will be able to proclaim the good news of God s love and serve God and neighbor. Children will realize that their faith goes with them as they grow. Parents can get involved too! As a parent, finding a church home that reinforces and encourages the spiritual development of your child s faith is very important. The resources that a church utilizes to accomplish that task can be equally important. Encourage your church to us Grow, Proclaim, Serve! Sign up for the Grow, Proclaim, Serve! email newsletter to stay up-to-date on top of all the latest announcement! VBS SHOWCASE : Cokesbury Book Store in Johnson City: Cokesbury is located at 215 S. Roan St. in the Cherokee Church Complex, Johnson City 37601 423-975-0800. CONFERENCE CHILDREN & FAMILY DIRECTOR Gaye King, 865-293-4139, gayeking@holston.org Please contact Gaye if you have questions about children s ministries or if you need programming ideas. Would you like to get updates from the conference on children s ministries? Here s how to do it: Go to Holston.org the children s page there is a place on the left of the page for you to sign up. You have to sign up voluntarily for the emails from the conference. ========================================================================= BUFFALO MOUNTAIN CAMP UPDATES Contact the camping office at 423-753-6678 or visit www.buffalomountaincamp.org buffalomountain@hotmail.com GOLF TOURNAMENT FOR THE KIDS When: Saturday, April 28, 8:00 a.m. tee off Where: MeadowView Cattails What: 4-player select shot format Why: Raising money to send children and youth to camp Cost: $80/player (4-players per team) Interesting fact: Nearly a 1/4 of million dollars has been raised through this tournament in its 17 years. 11

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN CALENDAR Please contact Carol Alley, District UMW President, if you have any questions about the following events. If your church would like to start a UMW unit, Carol will be happy to assist in that endeavor. Carol Alley 423-357-3619 carolalley@hotmail.com EVENTS CALENDAR The District events are highlighted. April 20-21, 2012--Holston Conference UMW Spiritual Enrichment Experience--Lake Junaluska May 1--Kingsport District Mission Study--First Surgoinsville UMC--6:30 P.M. June 1-2--SEJ Quadrennial Meeting--Birmingham, AL July 26-28--Holston Conference UMW School of Christian Mission--State Street UMC, Bristol, VA--Advance Lay Speaker Credit and Continuing Education Credit (for pastors) available August 20--Kingsport District Mission Trip to Henderson Settlement August 11--Holston Conference UMW Social Action Workshop--Kodak UMC--focusing on the topic of Human Trafficking September 15-16--Holston Conference UMW Annual Meeting and District Officers' Training--Lake Junaluska November 3, 2012--Kingsport District UMW Annual Meeting and Local Officers' Training--Mountain View UMC--10:00 A.M. =============================================================== THIS & THAT Kingsport District Fellowship Scholarship Donations: Donations may be made at anytime of the year. Write check to Kingsport District UM Fellowship. Mail to John Powers, Treasurer, 439 Cypress St., Mt. Carmel, TN 37645. If you have further questions please contact John Powers at johnpowers2@juno.com or 423-357-8891 or 423-335-5697. Church 2011 Financial Audits are due April 16 to the district office. If you need a form please contact your pastor or the district office. DISASTER RESPONSE PLANS & COORDINATORS Bill Campbell, District Disaster Response Coordinator, is ready to help in any way that he can. If you need a training session please let him or the district office know. He will be in contact with all the churches who have not turned in a plan. Please contact him with any questions or concerns. Bill Campbell, District Disaster Response Coordinator 423-323-8516, Wdc5609@charter.net 12

KINGSPORT DISTRICT CALENDAR April 6 Office closed for Good Friday 13-15 Clergy Marriage Enrichment Retreat, Buffalo Mt. Camp 15 District Prayer Service, Crossroads, 4 p.m. 16 Church 2011 Financial Audit due in the district office 16 Pastors Meeting at Emory/Surgoinsville First 20-21 UMW Spiritual Enrichment weekend 22-24 Jubilation, Meadowview (Office closed on Monday & Tues afternoon) 23 Kingsport Fellowship, Crossroads, 6 p.m. 24- May 4 General Conference, Tampa, Florida 25 Administrative Professionals Day (Tell your Administrative Assistant/Secretary THANK YOU!) 29 Youth Coord/Director/Worker Event 30 Cleaning Buckets completed by each church May 1 UMW District Mission Study, First Surgoinsville, 6:30 p.m. 12 Children s Day at Buffalo Mountain Camp 15 Denman Evangelism Award Nominations due 21 Pastors Meeting at Elms Springs/Crossroads 21 Kingsport Fellowship, Salem, Banquet, 6 p.m. 23 Preconference Briefing, Gray UMC, 7 p.m. 24 Finance meeting, 7 p.m. 28 Office Closed for Memorial Day June 1 Pastors Spouses Lunch at AC paid for: $12. Pay to District Office by noon 5-6 Hands-On Kit drop-off, Crossroads 10-13 Annual Conference (Office closed) 14-15 Office Closed 20 Moving Day for Pastors 25 Kingsport Fellowship, Ross Campground, 6 p.m. 26 New Pastors Orientation at District Office, 11:30 1:30 July 4 Office closed July 12 Finance Meeting, 7 p.m. 18-19 Jurisdictional Conference, election of 5 Bishops 20 Consecration of Bishops at Lake Junaluska 23 Kingsport Fellowship, 6 p.m., Mt. Carmel UMC 26-28 School of Christian Mission, State St. UMC in Bristol, VA August 11 UMM Calling All Men, Pleasant View UMC in Abingdon 20 Pastors Family Picnic 20 UMW Henderson Settlement Mission Trip 26 District Conference, Surgoinsville First, 4 p.m. 27 Kingsport Fellowship, Rogersville First, 6 p.m. September 3 Labor Day Office closed 17 Pastors Meeting 20-21 Holston Conference Secretaries Association Retreat Take Charge Why do we have to do this? 24 Kingsport Fellowship, Church Hill First, 6 p.m. October 11 Roots & Shoots Fall Event, Colonial Heights, 10:30 a.m. 16 Clergy Gathering 22 Pastors Meeting 22 Kingsport Fellowship, 6 p.m., Clouds Bend UMC 27 Lay Leader & Pastor Breakfast, Crossroads November 3 District UMW Annual Meeting & Local Officer Training, Mt. view UMC, 10 a.m. 19 Pastors Meeting 21-23 Thanksgiving Office Closed December 10 Pastors Christmas Banquet, First Broad St., 6 p.m. 13

DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT S SCHEDULE Please keep the Appointment Cabinet and Bishop Swanson in prayer as this work is so hard and much is at stake for the church, pastor s lives and their families. April 23-May 5: General Conference in Tampa, Florida. Archer Coppedge, District Superintendent in Big Stone Gap will be covering for me during this time. Contact the Kingsport District office to get in touch with him. May 1: I will be speaking along with the other nominees from the Southeast Jurisdiction to the SEJ delegates during the 12:30 to 2pm lunch break. May 8 & 9: Cabinet meetings in Alcoa May 13: -in Chattanooga May 19: Speak at the Wytheville Pastor s Spring Banquet at 6pm. May 27: Preach at the Salem 1:30 pm one year anniversary of this new service Several nights will be devoted to holding Introductory Sessions for newly projected pastoral appointments. PASTORS INFORMATION Pastors Meetings Thank you to Kingsley & Grange Hall for hosting the March Pastors Meeting! April 16 May 21 Emory/Surgoinsville First Elm Springs/Crossroads District Minister s Dues: If you have not paid your dues, please do so immediately. The dues are 50 cents per $1,000 of your salary, plus $1, which helps to subsidize district pastor s events, pay for notes and follow-ups to sickness or deaths, District Christmas gifts and the August picnic to welcome new pastors and their families. Please make check payable to Kingsport District Ministers Association, mail to Susan at the District office. P.O. Box 894, Kingsport, TN 37662 We want to thank Melanie Karnes for being the Minister s Treasurer for the past several years! We appreciate your expertise and for always keeping us up-to-date with the account. We also want to thank you for the many cards you have sent out over the years also. They were appreciated! God bless you and Allen as you move on to the next ministry that He has planned for both of you. Leadership Training Workshop will be held at the Buffalo Mountain Retreat Center on July 9-13, 2012. 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. Pastors Spouses Lunch at Annual Conference: Pay the District office $12 by June 1 if you plan to attend. Male spouses are invited also. 14

TENTATIVE PASTORS MEETINGS & GATHERINGS FOR 2012-2013 (Only partially confirmed) 2012 Wednesday, June 20 Tuesday, June 26 Monday, August 20 Sunday, August 26 Moving Day for Pastors New Pastors Orientation Day, 11:30 a.m. 1:30 p.m., District Office Pastors Family Picnic District Conference, Surgoinsville First UMC, 4 p.m. Monday, September 17 Pastors Meeting Morning: Valley Parish/Ross Campground Night: Surgoinsville First Tuesday, October 16 Clergy Gathering TBD Monday, October 22 Pastors Meeting Morning: Adams Chapel Night: Grange Hall Monday, November 19 Pastors Meeting Morning: St. Mark Evening: Crossroads Monday, December 10 Christmas Banquet, 6 p.m., First Broad St. 2013 Monday, January 14 Pastors Meeting Morning: Mafair Evening: Surgoinsville First turn year end reports Wed & Thursday, January 16 17 Year End reports to be turned in at District Office Monday, March 18 Pastors Meeting Morning: Emory Evening: Grange Hall April 15 Pastors Meeting Morning: McFerrin Evening: Crossroads May 20 Pastors Meeting Morning: St. Luke Evening: Surgoinsville First 15