Conference Happenings - December 2023

Lay Servant Ministry: Lay Servant Ministries & Certified Lay Ministry dates & registration

• In-Person Advanced Lay Servant Class: January 5-6 in Macon
• Online Basic Lay Servant Ministries: January 16, 18, 23, 25
• Online Advanced Lay Servant Ministries: February 13, 15, 20, 22
• Online Basic Lay Servant Ministries: August 13, 15, 20, 22
• Online Advanced Lay Servant Ministries: Sept 10, 12, 17, 19

Small Church Focus: Growing Smaller to Grow Deeper – Jan. 11 & Jan. 12: Discipleship is the main purpose and calling of the church. The size of the church doesn't change the ultimate calling of the church, but it does often look a little different in the way we approach discipleship. Join in a conversation around discipleship that will help you realize that small churches can grow deeper in discipleship because of the advantage they have over larger churches whose members may not really get to know each other well. Join Anne Smith and Stephanie Smith for a conversation about what discipleship really is and how we can use the size of the small church to your advantage in discipling those God brings into your midst. Two days/times are being offered to give you flexibility and with the hope one will meet your schedule: Thursday, Jan. 11, 6:30-8pm or Friday, Jan. 12, noon-1:30pm. Both will take place via Zoom. If you have questions or need more information, please contact Anne Bosarge at abosarge@sgaumc.com. Register here.
 
3Practice Circle Conversations - Jan. 25: There are 3 practices that - when named - help us cross the “difference divide” and create space for real conversation. These 3 practices help and inform our interactions with others, ourselves, and God. Revs. Teresa Edwards, Meg Procopio, and Jared Wilson are going to set the stage for us on how to use 3Practice Circles. Learn more: www.sgaumc.org/3practice-circles.
 
Basic ERT Training & Chainsaw Safety Class – Jan. 27: An ERT training is set for Saturday, January 27 at 8 am at Cordele First UMC. This training is a collaborative effort of the United Methodist Committee on Relief and United Methodist Volunteers in Mission. Learn more
 
Small Church Focus: Revisioning and Remissioning for Small Churches – Feb. 8 & Feb. 9: "The way we've always done things" isn't working anymore, yet it is still the way many churches continue to do things. What is needed to reach people in this day and time and move from a mindset of survive to thrive is a fresh wind of vision and mission. While this is necessary for churches of all sizes, small churches present some unique challenges and advantages when it comes to revisioning and remissioning. Join Anne Bosarge and Jeremy Alexander for a conversation about how to leverage the uniqueness of small churches and begin the journey of reimagining what missional impact will look like for your congregation. Two days/times are being offered to give you flexibility and with the hope one will meet your schedule: Thursday, February 8, 6:30pm-8pm or Friday, February 9, noon-1:30pm. Both will take place via Zoom. If you have questions or need more information, please contact Anne Bosarge at abosarge@sgaumc.com. Register here
 
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. 
 
Clergy Spouses Retreat – March 15-17: The 2024 Clergy Spouses Retreat is set for March 15-17, 2024, at Epworth By The Sea. The retreat theme will be, "Embracing Christian Friendships," with the Scripture focus being from 1 Thessalonians 5:11: "Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing." This will be a gathering with spouses from South Georgia, North Georgia, and the Alabama West-Florida conference. More information will be available soon.
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. 
Summer Camp Connect Leadership Team: Now hiring for Summer 2024! Do you know a college student who loves Jesus and has a heart to serve kids? If you know of any in your circle or local church, let them know about this opportunity to serve! Learn more. 
 
Annual Conference – June 2-5: Hotel Room blocks are now open for the 2024 Annual Conference Session set for June 2-5 in Tifton. View list here
 
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