Holston Annual Conference

The Rev. Paul Escamilla takes to the pulpit at Lauren Heights United Methodist Church, in San Antonio, on June 14. The church reopened for in-person worship that Sunday but closed again the following Sunday and has remained closed because of high COVID-19 case numbers locally. Photo by David Smith, courtesy of Laurel Heights United Methodist Church.

Virus spikes close doors again at some churches

Decision to reopen for in-person worship is being reversed in areas with sharply rising COVID-19 numbers.

Custodian James Jimmerson disinfects the chancel area to prevent any possible spread of the coronavirus at Belmont United Methodist Church in Nashville, Tenn., on Sunday, May 10, 2020, after online worship, which is recorded in the chapel. Bishops are setting guidelines, including standards for cleaning, and recommending what they think are appropriate times for the churches in their conference to reopen. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Churches practice caution before reopening

United Methodist bishops are setting guidelines and recommending times for the churches in their conference to reopen — recommendations that are not necessarily the same as what their state governments are allowing.

General Church

Bishop Eutsler, trusted leader, dies at 100

Friends remember the bishop as a down-to-earth leader who was a master of both pulpit and administration. He also had a great sense of humor.

Mission and Ministry

Hiwassee College in Madisonville, Tenn., will close at the end of its spring semester on May 10. The 170-year-old school is affiliated with the Holston Conference of The United Methodist Church. File photo courtesy of the Holston Conference.

Hiwassee College closing in May

A 170-year-old United Methodist-related college in the Holston Conference announced it will close in May for financial reasons.

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