Meeting under the theme “Glorifying God – Bearing Fruit,” South Georgia United Methodists gathered for the 2008 Annual Conference at the Columbus Center in Columbus, GA June 8-11. 

“This theme brings focus to what we seek to do as we live into God's vision for this Annual Conference,” said Bishop B. Michael Watson, resident bishop of the South Georgia area. “Glorifying God is our primary motive as we seek to be faithful, fruitful and bold.”

One of the most exciting examples of spiritual fruit was celebrated through the presence of a delegation from the East Africa Annual Conference, including the 23-member Hope for Africa Children's Choir.

Bishop Daniel Wandabula led this group from the East Africa Annual Conference on a United States visit spearheaded by an invitation from the South Georgia Annual Conference.  The choir participated several times during Annual Conference, including a special concert on Tuesday evening. The children, ranging in age from 5 to 12, incorporated upbeat music, drama, dance and personal testimonies to present a well-rounded picture of how God has redeemed their lives.

Members also welcomed Bishop James R. King, Jr., episcopal leader of the Louisville area, as he preached the opening worship service and the ordination service. In his opening worship message, “Flow,” Bishop King left a challenge with South Georgia United Methodists to “go, flow and grow a transformed world.”

In keeping with the theme “Glorifying God – Bearing Fruit,” conference members scattered across the community Tuesday morning to be witnesses of faith in Jesus Christ. Over 525 people participated in 37 service project opportunities during the third annual Day of Service. This Day of Service was a very specific way for members to glorify God by bearing fruit by engaging in various service projects that meaningfully served their neighbors. 

In other actions, members:   

•  were led by Bishop Watson in three teaching times on the “Three Simple Rules.”

•  took a special offering for United Methodist Higher Education and Campus Ministries in the amount of $ 28,357.57 and a love offering for Humble United Methodist School for $14,336.45.

•  heard powerful messages from Bishop James King, Dr. Bill Hurdle in the Memorial Service and Rev. Melissa Traver in the Wednesday morning devotional.

•  affirmed the ministries of South Georgia Conference agencies through 14 video vision moments.

•  heard a report from the 2008 delegation to General Conference.

•  received $ 10,085.44 from the Publishing House and voted to give this money to be utilized for clergy pensions in the central conferences for the sixth year in a row. 

•  approved a policy outlining a procedure for when a clergy person goes through a divorce.

•  approved a recommendation regarding a proposed progression for clergy families to provide their own furnishings for the parsonage.

•  approved a budget of $ 11,988,973 for mission and ministry for the next year.

•  celebrated the fruitful ministry of Bishop Watson and his wife, Margaret Watson, during their 8 years in South Georgia.  

Sixteen people were commissioned, one person was ordained as a probationary member/deacon and eight were ordained as full elders.  Twenty pastors retired, and five were recognized for achieving their 50 th anniversary in ministry.  Thirty-one clergy and clergy spouses who died in the past year were remembered during a service of commemoration.

Membership stands at 135,880  down 925 from the previous year. Worship attendance stands at 52,765 , down 193. Church school attendance stands at 27435 , down 367.  

The 2009 Annual Conference will be held in Columbus June 7-10, 2009.