South Georgia Annual Conference
Highlights from Sunday, June 3

The Conference began Sunday evening at the Savannah Civic Center with both the Laity Session and the Clergy Session beginning at 7:00 p.m. The Laity Session was held in the arena, and the Clergy Session was held in the Johnny Mercer Theater.

LAITY SESSION
At the Laity Session, Margarett Creech, Macon District Lay Leader, opened the evening with prayer. Gloria Gilmore, Savannah District Lay Leader, gave the greetings, welcoming lay members to Savannah for the 2007 Annual Conference.

Jimmy Outlaw, Dublin District Lay Leader, offered a devotional. After reading from Luke 5:17-27, Mr. Outlaw pointed out what a great thing “committee” worked accomplished – these men brought their friend to Christ. Mr.Outlaw encouraged the laity of the conference that “‘By All Means' may we do the same.”

Laity then heard a report from the United Methodist Women by Gloria Morgan , UMW President, and a report from the United Methodist Men by Larry Price, UMM President.

Mark Shelnutt, Columbus District Lay Leader, gave a brief orientation to Annual Conference and reported on the duties, or “exciting opportunities,” of the Lay Members. 

Randel Bryan, Dublin District Lay Leader, then talked with the laity about the important responsibility each person has at this Annual Conference to select delegates from South Georgia to represent us at General and Jurisdictional Conference. Six lay persons will be elected to serve at General Conference and an additional six lay persons will be elected to serve at Jurisdictional Conference. There will be three alternates elected as well.

Twenty-six individuals have declared their desire to serve the South Georgia Conference and were given a brief opportunity to introduce themselves to the laity. The twenty-six individuals are:

Robert L. Anderson
Gary A. Baker
Wade Barr
Sunshine S. Bird
Charlene R. Black
Roy E. Blackwood
Lee Neal Bush
Carl E. Childs, Jr.
Lois D. Duncan
Gloria S. Gilmore
Miriam C. Hagan
John W. Hamilton
William S. “Bill” Hatcher
Debbie B. Hudgins
Nancy Bearden Hudson
Ty LaValley
T. Roy Lifsey
Flo S. Martin
Matthew H. Martin
David P. Mills , Jr.
Gloria P. Morgan
James C. “Jim” Moughon, Jr.
J. Taylor Phillips
Steve L. Rumford
Mark Shelnutt
Richard Shinhoster

Before the closing prayer, Roy Blackwood, Conference Lay Leader, introduced the District Lay Leaders serving across the conference.

A reception was held immediately following adjournment.

CLERGY SESSION
Just across the Civic Center , Bishop B. Michael Watson convened the clergy session in the Johnny Mercer Theater at 7:00 p.m.   Dr. Rick Mitchell led the clergy in “All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name,” with the Reverend Holland Morgan providing accompaniment. The Rev. Weyman Cleveland opened with a word of prayer. 

Bishop Watson welcomed all clergy and lay members of the Board of Ordained Ministry and clarified who could attend, speak and vote at this clergy session.  Bishop Watson also welcomed Bishop Lindsey Davis and Bishop Marion Edwards (retired).

Bishop Watson then addressed the clergy session expressing a heaviness of heart over incidents of clergy misconduct. The Bishop asked all clergy to recommit themselves to living the highest moral life and to follow the General Rules of the Church. 

Bishop Watson asked the Historic Question regarding the character of all clergy.  The Bishop reported on the character of the District Superintendents.  The District Superintendents reported on the clergy under their supervision. The character of all clergy was approved.

Rev. Tommy Mason gave the Board of Ministry Report followed by the Report of the Registrars by the Rev. Craig Hutto.   

The Reverend Randy Mosely, Chair of the Relief Association, reported on the status of the Relief Association.  He presented several options regarding the future of the organization.  The clergy members decided to continue and recommit themselves to the Relief Association, to be held accountable by the Board of Directors, to all remain or become current in paying required funds to maintain the ministry of the Association.

Bishop Watson took a few minutes of personal privilege to thank everyone for the wonderful spirit with which we began this session of the Annual Conference. 

Dr. Brad Brady , Conference Secretary, gave the closing announcements with the Rev. Eugene Allen closing in prayer.   

A reception was held on the porch of the Civic Center following adjournment.