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Conference Happenings - April 2024
3/29/2024
ERT Trainings: Two disaster response trainings are scheduled for April. A basic ERT Training is set for Saturday, April 20 from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm at Richmond Hill UMC. Another basic ERT Training & Chainsaw Safety Class is set for Friday, April 26 from 6 pm - 10 pm and Saturday, April 27 from  8 am to 12 pm in Midland, Ga. Click here for more details. For more information, contact Luis Morales at ert@sgaumc.com or 478-216-7729.  Post-General Conference clergy lunch gatherings The post-General ...
April ‘One Matters’ Resource Toolkit: How do I bless my neighbors?
3/28/2024
Connectional Ministries understand the importance of making disciples and nurturing spiritual growth within local congregations. Transformation is happening every single day across the South Georgia Conference. We've loved hearing the feedback from our first two resource toolkits: February (Who is your one?) and March (Whose burdens are you carrying?) and are excited to roll out a new toolkit for April as we continue to put focus on our theme of "One Matters." These toolkits are designed to ...
Because He Lives
3/28/2024
Christ the Lord is risen today! Hallelujah! This Sunday marked the core of our Christian faith: the death on the cross and resurrection of Christ. What a day of celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ! We truly do have so much to celebrate. I celebrate the churches in South Georgia who show what it means to be Easter people filled with joy and hope. You are offering a great message of hope - a hope that is out of this world!  You are effectively reaching the least, the lost, and the ...
Conference unites in prayer for General Conference
3/28/2024
When people pray, God listens. And John and Charles Wesley believed “that God does nothing apart from believing prayer.” In a focused effort to prepare for the upcoming General Conference session, the South Georgia Conference is launching a month-long Conference-wide prayer initiative, “Hear Our Prayers.” It will begin the day after Easter - April 1 - and run through the General Conference session, scheduled April 23-May 3 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Psalm 4:1 says: “Answer me when I call ...
Young Clergy Fellowship offers scholarship, exploration of calling
3/28/2024
Are you or someone you know exploring a call to ordained ministry? The Young Clergy Fellowship is designed to create experiences that assist college students in discerning their sense of calling to full-time ministry or missions, gaining broad experiences in a local ministry, and experiencing intentional discipleship through one-on-one mentoring.    "The Young Clergy Academy  provided me with a sanctuary to explore my calling to ministry,” said Sarah Hazelrig, Associate Director at the Wesley ...
Shared Episcopal Task Group meets to begin transition work
3/27/2024
On Thursday, March 14, 2024, representatives from Alabama-West Florida, North Alabama and the South Georgia Conferences met in Columbus, GA, to begin the necessary work of the shared Episcopal area. The group held an introductory Zoom session in February.    This work comes in response to the recent recommendation from the Southeastern Jurisdiction Committee on Episcopacy for a unified episcopal area, a change that calls for careful planning and preparation.   The group is facilitated by Rev. ...
St. Simons UMC gives back to community through Serve Saturday
3/25/2024
By Buddy Hughes & Terry Dickson from The Brunswick News and conference communications   There was a flurry of activity around the cabins at Epworth By the Sea on Saturday morning, March 9, 2024, and not just from the groups that were staying in them.   As luggage wheeled out and soccer balls kicked around, a group dressed in matching blue T-shirts pressure washed the exteriors of all the buildings. It wasn’t a professional cleaning crew. It was one of 12 groups from St. Simons United Methodist ...
Preparing for General Conference
3/24/2024
With General Conference less than a month away, the South Georgia Conference delegation has been meeting to pray, study, and discuss legislation as they continue to prepare for the global gathering, set for April 23-May 3 in Charlotte, North Carolina. General Conference is the top policy-making body of The United Methodist Church, which meets once every four years. However, because of the pandemic, the last regular session of General Conference was nearly eight years ago. The conference can ...
2024 Camp Connect summer camps
3/20/2024
Camp Connect, the camping ministry of the South Georgia Conference, gives children and youth from rising 4th grade through rising seniors in high school the opportunity to spend a week away from normal everyday life in the beauty of God’s creation. Diving into scripture and sharing life stories will show campers they are created in God’s image and for a purpose. Five camps are scheduled for the summer: one week for high school students, two weeks for middle school students, and two weeks for ...
Confirmation Retreat is a ‘joyful thing’
3/17/2024
By Suzanne Akins   In today's fast-paced world, it's increasingly difficult for young people to carve out moments, especially entire weekends, of worship, study and fellowship with others amidst the daily grind of just being a teenager.    Since 2002, hundreds of middle schoolers have flocked to the beautiful grounds of Epworth By The Sea each spring for the Confirmation Retreat. It’s become a respite from the chaos of daily life, as confirmands join others their age who are walking the same ...
Letting “Juan” speak for himself: South Georgia pastors gifted Wesley’s works in Spanish
3/17/2024
As the fiery spirit of the Wesleyan revival moved into the Spanish-speaking world during the late 1800s, many new churches began and countless lives were transformed. Yet, there were few ways to access the vast majority of John and Charles Wesley’s writings, apart from some collections of sermons and hymns. The Spirit-inspired evangelism, worship, and service were all present, but most people could not read the foundational documents of the movement itself. In the early 1990s, the Wesley ...
With you, we move forward together
3/17/2024
What’s Old Is New Again  By Anne Packard   A little over fifty years ago, the Methodist church faced fierce debate to proposed changes in the organization and practices of the denomination. These proposed changes had been discussed for twenty years prior to the voting and members on both sides felt strongly that there was a right way and a wrong way to move forward. Sound familiar? What’s old is new again.   While accessioning local church records, an artifact from Edgewood UMC stood out for the...
LaGrange College to launch new academic programs
3/16/2024
LaGrange College will implement three new graduate and undergraduate academic options, including a Doctor of Education — the college’s first doctoral-level degree — and a minor in Computer Science.  “These new additions will expand our academic offerings to reach more students,” said Dr. Brian Peterson, Vice President for Academic Affairs. “We are committed to growing and evolving our programs to meet employer needs in high demand job markets.  “The Doctorate in Education has been discussed at...
Roll Out the Red Carpet for Easter
3/16/2024
By Anne Bosarge    Hospitality is not just a good suggestion for the church, it’s essential to the church! Hospitality wasn’t just something nice people did for others; it was core to the culture of the early church.    What would it look like to recapture that sense of hospitality, not so we can just get people to come back, but purely and simply from a heart of love for our neighbors?     Recently, I led a Zoom conversation as we explored how to reinfuse a culture of hospitality in our ...
Denman Award Nominations Sought
3/15/2024
The South Georgia Annual Conference is now accepting nominations for The Harry Denman Evangelism Award for Clergy, Lay, and Youth. The Harry Denman Evangelism Award program recognizes United Methodists in each annual conference whose exceptional ministry of evangelism – expressed in Word (what), Sign (why), and Deed (how) – brings people into a life-transforming relationship with Jesus Christ. Evangelism happens in many contexts and many settings; impacts and engages all generations; and ...
Setting the stage for digital ministry cohort begins in April
3/14/2024
Does your church have a digital presence or are you actually doing digital ministry? If you're ready to move from using social media channels to communicating information to creating online relationships that facilitate transformation, you are invited to be part of a five-month cohort beginning in April. Join us as we explore how in-person and digital opportunities can work together to create a holistic discipleship experience for the people you are currently reaching and beyond. This is for ...
Conference Happenings - March 2024
3/2/2024
Leading Through Trauma - March 21: This one-day retreat for South Georgia clergy will be held at Camp Tygart Pipkin Center in Ray City on March 21, 2024, from 9 am - 3 pm. Led by Cameron Bishop, we will talk about the trauma pastors experience in ministry and learn strategies for processing it so we can continue to lead well and thrive personally.  The cost for this event is $25 (lunch is included).  Click here to learn more and register.  ERT Trainings: Two disaster response trainings are ...
Clergy gather as part of the self-care and wellness initiative
3/1/2024
By Rev. Abra Lattany-Reed The beautiful campus of The Methodist Children’s Home was the site of the third of four self-care, wellness initiatives. The self-care and wellness initiative is a collaboration with the Conference Task Force on Mental Health and the Diversity and Justice Ministries Office for South Georgia Conference.  South Georgia was awarded a grant from the General Commission on Religion and Race to focus on mental health for its minority clergy.  The first gathering was The ...
March ‘One Matters’ Resource Toolkit: Whose burdens are you carrying?
3/1/2024
Connectional Ministries understands the importance of making disciples and nurturing spiritual growth within local congregations. Transformation is happening every single day across the South Georgia Conference. We loved hearing the feedback from our first resource toolkit in February and are excited to roll out a new toolkit for March as we continue to put focus on our theme of "One Matters." This toolkit is designed to empower clergy and laity in their sacred mission of cultivating meaningful...
Trinity UMC’s Stephen Ministry is a source of care and support
3/1/2024
By Kelly Roberson   Part of our call to discipleship is to carry each other’s burdens as we fulfill Christ’s command to love God and love others. In times of overwhelming difficulty, having someone to walk alongside us in faith and prayer - to help carry our burdens - can make all the difference.    This is the core principle behind Stephen Ministry, a one-to-one lay caring ministry deeply rooted in a biblical understanding of Jesus, His church, and His ministry.   Stephen Ministry offers a ...
UMCOR Sunday is March 10
3/1/2024
We are celebrating the ministry of UMCOR this Sunday, March 10. Gifts to the UMCOR Sunday offering call United Methodists to share the goodness of life with those who are hurting. Your gifts to the UMCOR Sunday offering lay the foundation for the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) to share God’s love with communities everywhere. The special offering underwrites UMCOR’s “costs of doing business.” This helps UMCOR keep the promise that 100 percent of any gift to a specific UMCOR project ...
We’re having dinner near you in April! Come join us!
3/1/2024
Do you love a good potluck? Have you seen the amazing power of a meal to bring people together at the table? Are you interested in doing church and community in a new way? Dinner Church is a way to provide a spiritual environment for people who might never step foot into a traditional church model. Over a meal and a casual conversation, Dinner Church allows people from all walks of life to discover Jesus in community. We hope you will join us this April at a location near you. Click the link ...
Wesley UMC receives Renfro Trust Grant
3/1/2024
By Kelly Roberson   Wesley United Methodist Church in Taylor County is the 2023 South Georgia recipient of the Renfro Trust Grant.    The Renfro Trust awards grants for the purpose of establishing and supporting United Methodist churches in rural areas of the United States within the Southeastern Jurisdiction. These “brick and mortar” grant applications are considered for projects involving new or existing church buildings.   “Wesley UMC is honored to receive the Renfro Trust Grant,” said Eloise...
Resource Roundup - March 2024
2/29/2024
Fresh Expressions get new showcase Amplify Media, an online platform of the United Methodist Publishing House, has launched a new channel on Fresh Expressions. Hosted by the Rev. Michael Adam Beck, the channel highlights case studies of these new Christian communities that are reaching people outside church walls. Learn more | Watch channel   What’s a hype video and how to create one for your church Want to promote a new sermon series, vacation Bible school, a holiday event, encourage greater ...
Happy 90th birthday, Bishop Looney!
2/28/2024
On February 14, Bishop Richard Looney – who was the first bishop of the South Georgia Annual Conference – celebrated a remarkable milestone: his 90th birthday.    Bishop Looney's life and ministry have been a testament to his faith, compassion, and extraordinary storytelling ability. As a cherished leader in The United Methodist Church, he has touched countless lives with his wisdom and grace.   In honor of Bishop Looney's 90th birthday, you are invited to enjoy a collection of some of his most ...
Setting the stage for digital ministry this March and April
2/28/2024
Does your church have a digital presence or are you actually doing digital ministry? If you're ready to move from using social media channels to communicate information to creating online relationships that facilitate transformation, then join us for an introductory zoom that will give you practical ideas for taking your digital presence to the next step. Choose the time that works best for you: March 7 at 6pm or March 8 at 2 noon  After this introductory zoom, you will have the option to sign ...
Wrightsville First United Methodist Church is nurturing hearts, building legacies
2/19/2024
Church establishes Education Plan for Wesley and Henry Hagan By Kelly Roberson   Wrightsville First United Methodist Church stands as a beacon of love and faith in their community.    Rev. Dr. Mike Bankston, the senior pastor of Wrightsville First, shares a deeply rooted philosophy of shepherding children and youth with care and intentionality. For this church, children are not just the church's future; they are its present. Through intentional engagement, education, discipleship, worship, and ...
'One Matters' Celebration Story: VSU Wesley Foundation
2/18/2024
On the campus of Valdosta State University, the Wesley Foundation is more than just a gathering spot for college students. It’s a place where lives are transformed, disciples are made, and forever friendships are formed. Discipleship is at the core of their mission. The Wesley Foundation is a catalyst for transformation, fostering an environment where students not only strengthen their faith but also discover their purpose and potential. Amidst the academic pressures, the Wesley Foundation is a...
Connectional Ministries rolls out One Matters Resource Toolkit with focus on ‘Who is your one?’
2/17/2024
Connectional Ministries understand the importance of making disciples and nurturing spiritual growth within local congregations. Transformation is happening every single day across the South Georgia Conference. This year as the South Georgia Conference puts focus on its theme of "One Matters," the conference staff seeks to walk alongside local congregations to provide resources for the local church’s disciple-making efforts. Each month a toolkit will roll out designed to empower clergy and ...
Adjusted Dates for the 2024 Annual Conference session announced
2/15/2024
The 2024 Annual Conference session dates have been adjusted. The conference, originally scheduled to begin on Sunday, June 2, and conclude on Wednesday, June 5, will now adjourn on Tuesday, June 4.   The decision to adjust the dates was made after careful consideration by Bishop David Graves and conference leadership.    “After reviewing the agenda for our time together, we do not feel that the half-day originally scheduled for June 5 is necessary,” said Mrs. Meredyth Earnest, Conference ...
Bishop Graves and Bishop Wallace-Padgett form task group for Episcopal transition
2/13/2024
Bishop David Graves and Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett have collaboratively established a task group to begin shaping the future of the United Methodist annual conferences in South Georgia, Alabama West-Florida, and North Alabama.    This forward-thinking initiative sets the stage for a comprehensive and strategic pre-work plan over the coming year to ensure a seamless transition for the assigned bishop, set to begin on September 1, 2024.   In January, the Southeastern Jurisdiction (SEJ) Committee...
Finding Hope in 2024: be on the lookout for exciting things coming!
2/5/2024
Monthly Resource Toolkits In South Georgia, we understand the importance of making disciples and nurturing spiritual growth within our congregations. Transformation is happening every single day across the conference! This year as we focus on our conference theme of "One Matters," your conference staff wants to walk alongside your local congregation and resource you in your disciple-making efforts. Each month we'll roll out a toolkit designed to empower clergy and laity in their sacred mission ...
Conference Happenings - February 2024
2/4/2024
Confirmation Retreat – March 1-3: The 23rd annual South Georgia Conference Confirmation Retreat will take place March 1-3 at Epworth By The Sea on St. Simons Island. Designed for students in the fifth grade and above, the “Join the Journey” Confirmation Retreat will provide churches of ALL sizes an opportunity to connect with others through worship, study, and fellowship. Bishop Graves will be joining us for the entire event! For more information and to register your group, click here. ...
Rev. Dave Hanson: ‘This has been a John Wesley moment’
2/4/2024
By Kelly Roberson   If you’ve been to a session of the South Georgia Annual Conference in the last ten years, you’ve heard these words from Rev. Dave Hanson: “This has been a John Wesley moment.”    Rev. Hanson is a retired minister in the South Georgia Conference, having served congregations in Warner Robins, Swainsboro, Hinesville, St. Simons, Brunswick and Kingsland.    One of Rev. Hanson’s first encounters with John Wesley was as a high school student where Wesley’s ideas of salvation by ...
Celebrating Black History Month this February
2/3/2024
By Bryan Tener, Discipleship Ministries   February is Black History Month, and in the woven tapestry of The United Methodist Church, African Americans are—and have been—vital, having played a major role in the denomination’s development. Black History Month has been observed in February in the United States and Canada since 1976. The celebration of Black history was started by historian Carter G. Woodson in 1926 as a weeklong focus to educate American people about African American history.   ...
2024 Georgia Pastors School set for July 15-18
2/2/2024
Georgia Pastors’ School provides inspiration, education, fellowship, fun and relaxation for North and South Georgia clergy and their families. This year's retreat is set for July 15-18, 2024, at Epworth By The Sea, St. Simons Island, Georgia. 2024 speakers include Rev. Dr. Rodrigo Cruz, Rev. Dr. Ted Goshorn, and Rev. Dr. Teresa Fry Brown. Both active and retired United Methodist clergy and their families are invited to experience continuing education and personal renewal at Georgia Pastors' ...
Responding to food insecurity on college campuses
2/2/2024
By Christie R. House    Students at seven colleges, including Reinhardt University in Waleska, Georgia, have access to free or low-cost food and hygiene products thanks to grants from the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries. Food insecurity on college campuses is often a hidden problem because students do not want to admit they are in need. The grants were funded by offerings on Human Relations Day. “On days that I was away from home from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., I didn’t worry about ...
Supplemental ADCA now available online
2/2/2024
The supplemental Advance edition of the Daily Christian Advocate is now available online at DailyChristianAdvocate.org. The Advance Daily Christian Advocate (ADCA) contains the agenda, rules, petitions, reports from the general agencies/commissions and study committees, information for delegates and codes of conduct for the General Conference. The website includes: New valid petitions to the postponed General Conference received prior to September 6, 2023 New reports from the General Agencies ...
Registration for summer camps now open!
1/22/2024
Camp Connect, the camping ministry of the South Georgia Conference, gives children and youth from rising 4th grade through rising seniors in high school the opportunity to spend a week away from normal everyday life in the beauty of God’s creation. Diving into scripture and sharing life stories will show campers they are created in God’s image and for a purpose. Five camps are scheduled for the summer: one week for high school students, two weeks for middle school students, and two weeks for ...
Valdosta Street Feed takes ministry to the streets of Lowndes County
1/22/2024
By Allison Lindsey Henri Nouwen once said, “Compassion asks us to go where it hurts, to enter into the places of pain, to share in brokenness, fear, confusion, and anguish. Compassion challenges us to cry out with those in misery, to mourn with those who are lonely, to weep with those in tears. Compassion requires us to be weak with the weak, vulnerable with the vulnerable, and powerless with the powerless. Compassion means full immersion in the condition of being human.”   Sandy Bonner ...
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