The Link - November 22, 2011
| November 22, 2011 / Volume 10, No. 19 | Printable Version |
Happy Thanksgiving!
Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. Psalm 100:4
Conference News
Annual Conference session shortened
The South Georgia Conference Annual Conference Session Program Committee has announced that the 2012 Annual Conference session has been shortened by one day. It will now be held Sunday, June 3, 2012 through Tuesday, June 5, 2012. Wednesday’s sessions were cut in an effort to save the Conference and local churches money, they say. According to Director of Administrative Services Miriam Hagan, as much as $20,000 could be saved. More>>
Still room to register for Youth Celebration 2011
Youth Celebration, intended for sixth through twelfth grade students, is set for December 2 through 4 at Epworth By The Sea on St. Simons Island. There still room for you to register so sign up today! This year's theme is "Reload." Much like software often needs to be reloaded onto a computer for it to run properly, so, too, does the word of God have to be constantly loaded and reloaded into the lives of believers. Drawing from 2 Corinthians 3:18, which says, "But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit," Youth Celebration 2011 will help students understand that they were created with a purpose and a plan and that God has a unique and special calling on their lives. This year's speaker is David Herndon. Paul Smith and his band will lead the worship. And back again this year is Brandon Rushin, "Hey Ya," to be the emcee. Click here for more details.
St. Marys Foundation Announces Fall 2011 Grants
The Board of Directors of the St. Marys United Methodist Church Foundation, Inc. has approved grants for the Fall 2011 Grant Cycle. Grants totaling $1,012,500 will be made available to 12 charitable organizations the week of December 5, 2011. Click here for a brief description of each recipient and the purpose of the grant.
2011 Conference Journals
Please note that all of the 2011 Conference Journals have been sold. Deadline to order was August 31, 2011.
News from the South Georgia Advocate
November 18 Advocate
View the November 18 online edition of the South Georgia Advocate.
Grace UMC, Glynn County UM Hispanic Ministries partner together
If you look closely, you can catch a glimpse of the kingdom of heaven in Glynn County. Two United Methodist congregations – one African American and one Hispanic – have joined together to share life, ministry and buildings. Early this year, the Spanish-speaking United Methodist congregation of Glynn County, located in Brunswick, was in search of a home to carry out its ministries. In its hour of need the congregation of Grace United Methodist Church put out a welcome mat and invited the congregation with open hearts, open minds and open doors. Rev. Daniel Medina, pastor of the Glynn County United Methodist Hispanic Ministry, and Rev. Douglas Force, pastor of Brunswick’s Grace United Methodist Church, have known each other and been friends for many years. When Rev. Force learned of the Hispanic ministry’s need, he offered Grace UMC’s facilities. More>>
Burns Memorial UMC serves food, fellowship to widows and widowers
The members of Burns Memorial United Methodist Church are living out God’s call to “look after orphans and widows” (James 1:27) with their annual widow and widower’s banquet. Every year on the third Thursday of September, the church opens the doors of its fellowship hall to the area’s widows and widowers and serves them a spread of fried mullet, cheese grits, hushpuppies, slaw and lemon pie. This year, 92 guests from Cotton and the surrounding communities came and feasted on the wonderful food and warm fellowship. What began nearly 40 years ago as a small birthday party has grown into a much-anticipated community event, says Rev. Paula Lewis, pastor of Burns Memorial UMC and Hartsfield United Methodist Church. More>>
Helen and Sam Rogers continue ministry in retirement
Helen and Rev. Sam Rogers are teachers at heart. The retired clergy couple, married 54 years, has served 53 years together in the South Georgia Conference. Rev. Rogers, a retired pastor, pastored 10 South Georgia churches across his 42 years of itinerancy. Though Rev. Rogers retired from full-time ministry in 2000, they continue to minister and serve where the Lord leads. Their newest ministry – writing the Advocate’s winter Sunday school lessons – combines their love of teaching and writing and allows the Lord to use them to minister to thousands of people in both North and South Georgia. They will write lessons for the months of December 2011 and January and February 2012. More>>
Former Foundation director Weyman Cleveland leaves lasting legacy
When Dr. Weyman Cleveland of Thomasville, Ga. passed away on July 11, 2009, he left behind a legacy of love, faith and stewardship. Dr. Cleveland devoted his life to serving the Lord. He graduated from Wheaton College in Wheaton, Ill. and Princeton Theological Seminary in Princeton, N.J. In 1945, he married Christine Trulock Cleveland. They raised four children: Chris Salter of Newnan, Ga.; Mary Corbitt of Pike Road, Ala.; Paul Cleveland of Savannah; and Peggy Whitley of Salisbury, N.C. His children remember him as a man of integrity who practiced what he preached from pulpits throughout the South Georgia Conference of The United Methodist Church. “He was a true Southern gentleman – soft-spoken, humble and genuine – who loved the Lord and his family,” Mary said. More>>
Conference Events
United Methodist Student Day - November 27
The Student Day Special Sunday Offering helps provide funds for scholarships and loans for United Methodist students. Student Day gifts make a real difference for those who hope to attend college. Ninety percent (90%) of the offering goes toward funding the many scholarships and loans administered by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (www.gbhem.org) and 10 percent stays within our state and goes to Georgia UM-related schools for merit scholarships. Contact the Georgia Commission on Higher Education and Campus Ministry (770-854-7283 or www.gahied.com) or visit www.umcgiving.org for more information and promotional materials.
Nativities from around the world display " Nov. 29 - January
Nativities from around the world will be on display at the Moore Methodist Museum at Epworth By The Sea from November 29 through the end of January. In addition to the museum's permanent exhibit of nativities, a huge display of approximately 200 nativities from Rev. Robert and June Brown's collection of nativities will be displayed in the museum's rotunda. The event is free and open to the public.
Early Response Team Trainings
Early Response Team Trainings help equip individuals and teams to respond in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. At the trainings, participants will receive an ERT Training Manual and, upon completing the course, will receive an UMCOR ID Badge and a T-shirt. Background checks are required before receiving badges. Please provide proof of background check. Safe Sanctuaries background checks are applicable. See dates and contact information to register below or for more information. Jamie Gibson will conduct all of the trainings.
--January 20 & 21 / Park Avenue UMC, Valdosta / Contact Jamie Bone at jamielynebone@yahoo.com or 229-242-3562.
--February 10 & 11 / Gray UMC, Gray / Contact David Hinely at sdis90210@windstream.net or 478-986-5754.
--March 30 & 31 / St. Simons UMC, St. Simons / Contact Rev. Marcia Cochran at mjcochran@earthlink.com or 912-638-3317.
Clergy Sexual Ethics Workshop – Feb. 9
A Sexual Ethics Workshop is scheduled for February 9, 2012, at Epworth By The Sea from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. This workshop is required every three years for persons serving under appointment by the Bishop (clergy, local pastors, extension ministers, appointed lay speakers). To register, please e-mail cpcassistant@sgaumc.com. This event is sponsored by the Conference Commission on Pastoral Counseling. Please note that spouses and lay employees who are not appointed by the bishop are not eligible to attend the workshop.
Disciple Covenant Conference - Feb. 24-25
Bishop James King is pleased to announce that the 2012 Discipleship Covenant Conference (DCC) has been set for February 24-25, 2012, at the Macon Centreplex in Macon, Ga. The DCC is an experience where clergy, staff and laity come together to develop and improve personal and congregational covenants based on the timeless values of our faith. Speakers for the two day event include Tim Stevens, Granger Community Church, Sister Kathleen Flood, Program Development Executive for Stillpoint, a school for spiritual direction and contemplative prayer, Jim and Jennifer Cowart, Harvest Church UMC in Warner Robins, and Jay Hanson, The Chapel UMC in Brunswick. Robert McMichael and Jarvis Wilson, both from Atlanta, will lead the music for the event. For more details visit disciplecovenantconference.org/ or contact Pam Kanode at (478) 475-9286 or pkanode@sgaumc.com.
Connection News
News From the Council of Bishops
A Statement from the Council of Bishops
A Summary Report of the November, 2011 meeting of the Council
Hunger continues to plague Horn of Africa
The food shortage in the Horn of Africa is so severe that much-needed assistance often arrives too late. That was the fate of one family this fall in the Soona-Key camp for displaced persons in Mogadishu, Somalia. All of his seven children, the father sadly told UNICEF, had died from cold and hunger since arriving at the camp. The stark realities of life and death in Somalia draw the most international attention, but what is happening in the Horn of Africa — affecting more than 13 million people — is a regional dilemma. The worst drought in 60 years, coupled with violence and attacks on refugees, has created new concerns over rising food prices and security issues. Faith-based aid agencies, including the United Methodist Committee on Relief and Church World Service, are tending to the urgent need for food and water while promoting sustainable practices to end the cycle of hunger. More>>
$90 million budget advised for bishops
(UMNS) The United Methodist Church’s top legislative body next spring will take up a recommended 2013-16 budget of more than $90 million to support the denomination’s 157 active and retired bishops. The Episcopal Fund, paid for by congregational giving, supports the salaries, housing, travel and other expenses of active bishops as well as the salaries and benefits of some of their support staff. The fund also provides for retired bishops, surviving spouses and minor children of deceased bishops. More>>
Peace with Justice grants deadline to apply Jan. 6
(GBCS) Jan. 6 is the deadline to apply for a Peace with Justice grant from the United Methodist General Board of Church & Society (GBCS). Funding for this program is generated through the Peace with Justice Special Sunday offering of The United Methodist Church. One of six Special Sundays in the denomination, Peace with Justice “witnesses to God’s demands for a faithful, just, disarmed and secure world.” Peace with Justice Sunday is June 3 in 2012. More details>>
Interpreter Enrollment for 2012
Interpreter is a publication for lay and clergy leaders in local United Methodist churches across the United States. Published six times each year by United Methodist Communications, each issue includes a cover package of feature articles for local leaders and other stories and articles providing ideas and resources. Each congregation is eligible to receive 10 complimentary subscriptions for leaders (five print, five digital). Online enrollment for 2012 is available at http://enrollment.umcom.org. You can also subscribe as an individual or purchase additional subscriptions for leaders and future leaders in your congregation. To receive a sample copy of Interpreter, e-mail your request to interpreterm@umcom.org.
SEJ is on Facebook
(SEJ) The Southeastern Jurisdiction is on Facebook. Click here to "like" the page where you will find information about 2012 conference and as we move towards July.
Give a Gift that Changes the World
(UMCOR) Give change this Christmas! Use UMCOR"s gift catalog to give a gift that makes a difference all year long. This gift-giving guide offers examples of gifts that will fit any budget. Browse the catalog today to see which projects might interest you or your loved ones. Learn more.
GBGHEM Georgia Harkness Scholarships
(GBHEM) The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry encourages female students to submit applications for the Georgia Harkness Scholarship Program. Scholarship recipients will receive a $5,000 award that can be applied to tuition, fees, and room and board. Additional information can be viewed here.
Resources
Common Performanc
(GBOD) Helpful short video on Common Performance Rights Myths for Churches.
4 Doxologies for Advent & Christmas
(GBOD) Four Doxologies for Advent & Christmas with familiar tunes.
5 tips for welcoming church visitors
(UMCom) Each of your church guests is an individual with a different background and personal comfort level. Check out this short video for tips on how to show your guests you care about them as individuals, not only as potential members. Watch now >>
Facebook changes mean new strategies for churches
(UMCom) If you are one of 750 million active users, you don’t want to fall behind. So take advantage of the recent changes and rethink your Facebook strategy. continue >>
Connect print with mobile media via QR codes
(UMCom) When your church wants a quick response from a program flier it has created and distributed to the community, QR codes are an excellent solution. continue >>
Churches collaborate to advertise effectively
(UMCom) Many congregations have limited advertising resources. Combine forces to advertise effectively and strengthen local churches at the same time. continue >>
Empowering children's ministry through technology
(UMCom) One way to encourage spending time focused on Jesus is to use technologies readily accessible in many homes and libraries. continue >>
Book of Discipline now online
(UMNS) The 2008 edition of the Book of Discipline, The United Methodist Church"s official lawbook, is now available online without charge in a read and search version only. General Conference, the denomination"s top legislative body, revises and approves the Book of Discipline every four years. The Book of Discipline will be revised next at the 2012 General Conference, making the 2008 edition obsolete. See "Book of Discipline"
email this page to a friend