To the clergy and laity of South Georgia:
As you know by now, my passion is sharing Jesus, seeing the overlooked, joining God in transforming lives, and changing the world one person at a time.
I’ve had the privilege of getting to know the great people of South Georgia over the past nine months, and I’ve seen firsthand that our local churches share in this passion. I continue to be amazed at the incredible ministry happening all across the South Georgia Conference.
Many of you, clergy and lay, have asked, “Bishop, what are you going to do to come alongside us and help us in the local church? What are you going to do to help with dismantling racism and social justice in our communities? What can our church look like post-Covid?”
These are the conversations I want to be a part of: leaning into and focusing on our mission and ministry and continuing to find ways to be sustainable and, more importantly, thrive.
I realize, though, that we often hold things in tension in our lives. One thing we hold in tension right now is the call to move forward, to restart, and to focus on mission in our local churches. And, at the same time, to have necessary conversations and provide necessary information around denominational matters.
With this in mind I am setting aside three weeks in September to be in our districts among the laity and clergy of South Georgia. You will see the schedule below. The District Superintendents have been a huge help in planning these times in the districts so we can be with as many people as possible.
In these three weeks I want to accomplish two things: to resource around ways we can “restart” our focus on mission and to share relevant information that will help your church be equipped and informed about the South Georgia Conference.
I look forward to visiting, talking with, and listening to clergy and laity from each district as we seek to refocus on our mission. I hope you will make plans now to be a part of a gathering near you. Please contact your
district office with questions.
In Christ,
Bishop David Graves
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The following are dates, locations and times for various gatherings that have been scheduled. In addition to these, District Superintendents are scheduling other opportunities for Bishop Graves to meet with laity and clergy during his time in each district.
Week 1: North Central District & Northwest District
Joint North Central/Northwest District Gathering with Bishop Graves (for Laity and Clergy)
Sunday, September 11 | 4 – 6 pm
Location: Perry UMC
Northwest District Clergy Gathering
Monday, September 12 | Noon – 2:30 pm
Location: St. Paul UMC
North Central District Clergy Gathering
Tuesday, September 13 | Noon – 3 pm
Location: Methodist Home
Week 2: South Central District & Southwest District
Joint South Central/Southwest District Gathering with Bishop Graves (for Laity and Clergy)
Sunday, September 18 | 4 – 6 pm
Location: Tifton First UMC
South Central District Clergy Gathering
Monday, September 19 | Noon – 3 pm
Location: Douglas First UMC
Southwest District Clergy Gathering
Tuesday, September 20 | Noon – 3 pm
Location: Camilla UMC
Week 3: Coastal District & Northeast District
Joint Coastal/Northeast District Gathering with Bishop Graves (for Laity and Clergy)
Sunday, September 25 | 4 - 6 pm
Location: Richmond Hill UMC
Coastal District Clergy Gathering
Monday, September 26 | Noon – 3 pm
Location: College Place UMC, Brunswick
Northeast District Clergy Gathering
Tuesday, September 27 | Noon – 3 pm
Location: Pittman Park UMC, Statesboro
