Vol. 5 • No. 15 
August 9, 2006
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In This Issue of The Link:
Conference News
--Early Registration Deadline for Pathways Event is August 11
--Online Registration Now Open for KidzQuest
--Harambee, "Keeping It Real for Jesus"
--Christ UMC in Albany Receives Igniting Ministry Grant
--Don't Forget to Register!
Connection News
--Conferences Still in Need of Work Teams
--Ten years later: safe sanctuary movement fights complacency
--Ivory Coast representation tops Judicial Council docket
--Katrina Church Recovery Special Offering
--United Methodist Commercials to begin running August 28
--United Methodist Mission Board Issues Warning Against “Scam” Email Solicitations
--Black Methodist caucus trains young lay speakers
--Deaconess and Home Missioner Discernment Event set for October
Resources
--Fall Resources from the General Board of Discipleship
--Sing Praise for Faithful Women from Scripture and Throughout History
--Book gives insights into 'living fully, dying well'
Mark Your Calendar
--Upcoming Conference Events
--All Upcoming Events

CONFERENCE NEWS

Early Registration Deadline for Pathways event is August 11
The early registration deadline for the Pathways to a Health Church event is this Friday, August 11. Set for August 19 at Trinity UMC in Warner Robins, this event is designed to assist churches struggling in a particular area of disciple-making, and for those who are new leaders to a specific ministry area. Workshops fill up fast so register today. Click here for all the details, including a list of workshops and registration information. The cost of the event is $25. After the August 11 deadline the fee will be $35 per person. To request multiple brochures for your church or if you have questions call Kelly Roberson at the Connectional Ministries Office at 888-266-7642.  Continuing education credit will be available for clergy.

Online Registration Now Open for KidzQuest
Registration is now open for KidzQuest, a retreat designed especially for 3rd - 6th graders. The retreat is set for September 15-17 at Epworth By The Sea. Kids will enjoy indoor and outdoor games, Bible studies, large group worship times with awesome multi-media, crafts, church time, swimming, cookouts, and hanging out with the hundreds of other children in attendance. Uncle Charlie will lead the music throughout the entire weekend for the second year in a row. Click here to register online or download a registration form. For more information, call Adam Ricker or Diane Giles at the Connectional Ministries Office, 888-266-7642.

Harambee, "Keeping It Real for Jesus"
The Harambee Youth Conference is set for September 22-24, 2006 at Epworth By The Sea. Intended for 8-12 graders, this weekend retreat seeks to provide leadership training and character development while exploring the cultural, social and economic issues of African American youth in today's society. The Harambee event will host a diverse group of African American youth and adults proclaiming the wonder and beauty of God through conversation, song, dance, scripture, lectures, workshops and recreation.

Mr. Brendan Thomas will be the inspirational speaker throughout the weekend.  A concert will be held Friday night featuring the brother and sister duo, Charles & Taylor of Atlanta.  Their music combines a fusion of contemporary Christian music, R&B, pop, hip hop, urban praise and worship--with a splash of fun. Charles and Taylor have opened for leading Gospel acts such as Mary Mary, Yolanda Adams, and Vickie Winans.

All youth will be staying in cabins. Adult chaperones over the age of 21 must accompany youth and remain with the youth throughout the entire event.  The registration fee is $100 per youth and adult chaperone. For more information, contact the Rev. Denise Walton at 888-266-7642.  A brochure and registration form are available by clicking here.

Christ UMC in Albany Receives Igniting Ministry Grant
Congratulations to Christ UMC in Albany for recently receiving a matching grant from Igniting Ministry. Find out how your church can receiving matching funds to enhance your evangelism efforts by clicking here.

Don't Forget to Register!
Registration is underway for the following events. Click the name of the event for more information.
--Pathways to a Healthy Church, a training event to help local churches in their efforts to make disciples
--Bishop's Day Apart, an overnight retreat for all clergy focusing on 'Stewardship Evangelism'
--Purpose-Driven Seminar, a one day seminar hosted by Harvest Church in Warner Robins
--The Gathering, a retreat for 18-25 year olds and young adult leaders
--Safe Sanctuaries Training, a training event to help reduce the risk of child abuse in the church
--Experiencing the Holy Mystery, a workshop hosted by Sandersville UMC
--A Forum on Today's Issues, a forum on relevant issues hosted by the Georgia Christian Council
--KidzQuest - a retreat designed especially for 3rd - 6th graders
--Black Church Summit, an event designed to help strengthen African American congregations
--Harambee, a weekend retreat seeking to provide leadership training and character development while exploring the cultural, social and economic issues of African American youth in today's society
--Holy Spirit Conference, a weekend retreat sponsored by the Brunswick Sub-district

Ten years later: safe sanctuary movement fights complacency
(UMNS) Ten years after the United Methodist Church launched its “safe sanctuary” movement to protect children from sexual abuse, the attorney who spearheaded the program believes the church must guard against complacency or be prepared to face a multitude of lawsuits. According to the Rev. Joy Melton, safe sanctuary policies and procedures are wonderful--except when they are merely on the books and not followed. Then, when a child abuse incident does occur, such policies actually open up churches to lawsuits that can lead to massive settlements and damage awards. Her comments were made during the July 26-29 “Do No Harm” conference sponsored by five United Methodist agencies on sexual ethics. The author of Safe Sanctuaries: Reducing the Risk of Child Abuse in the Church and Safe Sanctuaries for Youth, Melton is also a clergy member of the North Georgia Annual Conference. More>>

The South Georgia Conference will be hosting a Safe Sanctuaries training on September 9 in Macon. Click here for more information.

Ivory Coast representation tops Judicial Council docket
(UMNS) The United Methodist Church's top court will examine the impact of the new Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) Annual (regional) Conference upon the denomination's representation system during it Oct. 25-28 session in Cincinnati. The Council has 20 items on the docket of cases to be heard this fall.

The Cote d'Ivoire Annual Conference was accepted into full membership of the United Methodist Church at the 2004 General Conference in Pittsburgh. The legislation approving that addition included a provision that Cote d'Ivoire have just two voting members at the next General Conference, which will be held in 2008 in Fort Worth, Texas. The General Commission on the General Conference is asking the Judicial Council whether or not that runs contrary to the church's Constitution and Paragraph 502 of the 2004 Book of Discipline, which sets out a formula for representation according to the number of clergy and lay members of an annual conference.

If the disciplinary determination is used, the Cote d'Ivoire Annual Conference – with more than a million members – would be entitled to as many as 70 delegates, making it the largest delegation at General Conference. And if the General Conference sticks to its ceiling of 1,000 delegates that would mean that the size of other delegations would have to be reduced. More>>

Katrina Church Recovery Special Offering
The Council of Bishops is asking every congregation to receive a special offering on August 27, 2006 to benefit the churches and clergy affected by Hurricane Katrina. For the most current and up-to-date information on the process of the Katrina recovery, go online to www.umc.org/churchrecovery. Click here for a bulletin insert you can use in your church.

United Methodist Commercials to begin running August 28
The United Methodist television commercials, part of Igniting Ministry, are scheduled to begin airing August 28. The "I Believe" commercial, like every "Open Hearts" commercial, has matching advertising and worship graphics to help you prepare for visitors locally. Whether downloading from the MediaWarehouse or using an Expression Package kit, you'll find hundreds of customizable choices.

United Methodist Mission Board Issues Warning Against “Scam” Email Solicitations
(GBOD) United Methodists should read with caution any emails claiming to solicit direct contributions for denominational missionaries or mission programs. Several incidents of “scam” emails asking for direct donations were reported in early July. Some originated in Nigeria.

“The General Board of Global Ministries does not solicit gifts via email,” said Deborah Bass, deputy general secretary for administration of the international mission agency. Designated support for missionaries and mission projects are channeled through the Advance for Christ and His Church and each has a distinct number.

Some of the scam messages have contained typical United Methodist terms, such as “covenant relationships” in reference to missionaries, and “UMCOR,” the relief unit of the mission board. The sending of bogus email is not uncommon and are impossible to control, according to Glenda Survance, director of management information systems for Global Ministries. “The sender attempts to mimic a legitimate organization or person,” she said.

Persons receiving emails claiming to raise funds for the General Board of Global Ministries should contact the agency at info@gbgm-umc.org. The various safe ways to make contributions to missionaries and mission projects can be found online at gbgm-umc.org, and click on “How to Give” on the top menu bar.

Black Methodist caucus trains young lay speakers
(UMNS) Ninety youth, ages 12 to 18, recently left Philander Smith College trained to be lay speakers in the United Methodist Church. The youth, representing the five United Methodist jurisdictions in the United States, gathered for Black Methodists for Church Renewal's National Youth Harambee to focus on various areas of leadership. The theme for the July 12-16 event was “Wha' cha' gone' do…lead or follow?” based on Judges 4:8. The word harambee is South African, meaning “let's come together.” The event was intended to be a celebration of the gifts, talents, and willing hearts of ethnic United Methodist youth. More>>

Deaconess and Home Missioner Discernment Event set for October
Are you prayerfully discerning how to respond to God's call in your life? Are you discerning your call to ministry and exploring ministry opportunities within the United Methodist Church? Are you a lay member of a United Methodist Church and currently living in the United States? If so you are invited to participate in the Deaconess and Home Missioner Discernment Event (October 24-26) followed by the National Association of Deaconesses and Missionaries (NADAM) Convocation (October 26-29). These events will be held at the Scarritt Bennett Center in Nashville, Tennessee, October 24 - 29, 2006. If you are interested in attending, please contact Becky Dodson Louter blouter@gbgm-umc.org or at 212-870-3850.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Upcoming Conference Events

Bishop's Day Apart
Epworth By The Sea will host the Bishop's Day Apart set for August 21-22, 2006. This overnight retreat will be a time for South Georgia clergy to be apart for worship, growth, recreation, rest and fellowship. The focus will be on 'Housing and meals are compliments of Epworth By The Sea. Click here for more information or contact your District Superintendent's office to make your housing reservation.

The Gathering
The Gathering, a conference-wide young adult retreat, is scheduled for August 25-27 at Epworth By The Sea. Intended for young adults ages 18-25 and young adult leaders, this retreat will address the three areas of greatest concern to young adults: Master, mate and mission.  Kenn Kington, one of today's best Christian comedic talents, will be the featured speaker for the weekend. Cost for the event is $99.  Click here for registration information.  

Warren Barfield Concert
Warren Barfield, a contemporary Christian singer, will be in concert August 26 at Strickland Auditorium at Epworth By The Sea. The concert begins at 8:00 p.m. An energetic blend of acoustic rock, one is torn between clapping, dancing, or just closing their eyes and listening as Warren's lyrics paint the picture of a believer's ongoing relationship with Christ. The passion that is displayed as he plays his guitar, and sings his original heart-felt songs, is contagious. Listen to a sample of Warren's music at www.warrenbarfield.com. Tickets are $8 in advance or $10 at the door. For ticket information click here or call 888-266-7642. This concert is being sponsored by the Office of Connectional Ministries. Make plans now for your youth or young adult group to attend.

Safe Sanctuaries Training
To help local churches take a first-step in an intentional effort to protect children and youth, the Office of Connectional Ministries will host a Safe Sanctuaries training September 9 at Vineville UMC in Macon. The training will begin at 10 a.m. and conclude by 4 p.m. Dr. Thomas Salsgiver, Director of Connectional Ministries for the Central Pennsylvania Conference, will lead the training. For a registration form or to register online, click here. Continuing education credit will be available for clergy.

KidzQuest
KidzQuest, a retreat designed especially for 3rd - 6th graders, is set for September 15-17 at Epworth By The Sea. Kids will enjoy indoor and outdoor games, Bible studies, large group worship times with awesome multi-media, crafts, church time, swimming, cookouts, and hanging out with the hundreds of other children in attendance. Uncle Charlie will lead the music throughout the entire weekend for the second year in a row. For more information, call Adam Ricker or Diane Giles at the Connectional Ministries Office, 888-266-7642.

Black Church Summit
The 2006 Black Church Summit will be held September 21-23, 2006 at Epworth By The Sea. The Summit is held bi-annually for the purpose of strengthening African American Congregations in the South Georgia Conference. Summit preachers include Rev. Dr. Noel Erskine, Rev. Dr. Renita Thomas, Rev. Marshall Howell, and Rev. Beverly Flowers. For more information or to register by the August 15, 2006 deadline, contact Rev. Denise Walton at the Connectional Ministries Office at 888-266-7642 or denise@sgaumc.com.

All Upcoming Events
Keep up with what's going on in the South Georgia Conference!
--Pathways to a Healthy Church event - August 19
--Bishop's Day Apart - August 21-22
--Purpose-Driven Seminar - August 24
--The Gathering - August 25-27
--Warren Barfield Concert - August 26
--Safe Sanctuaries Training - September 9
--Experiencing the Holy Mystery - September 9
--A Forum on Today's Issues - September 14
--KidzQuest - September 15-17
--Adult Choral Festival - September 15-16
--Black Church Summit - September 21-23
--Harambee - September 22-24
--Eagles' Retreat - November 6-8
--Holy Spirit Conference - November 10-12
--November Youth Celebration - November 17-19
--Discover God's Call Retreat - November 17-19