Vol. 6 • No. 23
December 6, 2007
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CONFERENCE NEWS
Note from Bishop Watson
The upcoming national Congress on Evangelism is to be held in South Georgia. I look forward to welcoming the participants in person. I invite all South Georgia United Methodist clergy and laity to take advantage of this opportunity to improve our ability to offer Jesus Christ to others in our mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the salvation of souls and the transformation of the world.
Grace and peace,
Mike Watson
Resident Bishop
South Georgia Area
The United Methodist Church
2008 Congress on Evangelism – “Spirit of Faith Come Down”
Savannah, Georgia will be the site for the 2008 Congress on Evangelism. Set for January 2-5 at the beautiful Savannah International Trade and Convention Center, the Congress on Evangelism will meet under the theme “Spirit of Faith Come Down.” This event will honor Charles Wesley's birth and will be one of the largest United Methodist gatherings to focus on the historic recollection of this brother in Christ.
Bishop Mike Watson will bring the welcome and greeting on Wednesday, January 2. South Georgia's own Bishop James Swanson, episcopal leader of the Holston Conference, will preach the opening plenary. Others presenters include Dr. Robert Tuttle, Professor of Evangelism at Asbury Seminary - Florida Campus, Dr. Evelyn Laycock, retired Director of the Lay Ministry Center for the Southeastern Jurisdictional Council, and Dr. Bill Bouknight, former pastor of Christ UMC in Memphis. Rev. Grace Imathiu, pastor, Bible teacher, and evangelist, will be the Bible Study Leader.
You are encouraged to come and be renewed in the Wesleyan passion…the making of Christian Disciples. For more information or to register, visit www.congressonevangelism.com.
Ministry Exploration Event - January 4-6
If you are between the ages of 15 and 25 and are thinking of pursuing ministry as a vocation, then the Ministry Exploration event is for you. Set for January 4-6, 2008, at Epworth By The Sea, this weekend retreat will include large group sessions, peer chat groups, practical tools workshops, and educational training information. The Elder Workshop will be led by Dr. Hal Brady and Rev. Robert Beckum. The Deacon Workshop will be led by Rev. Cathy Tucker and Rev. Sandra Henry. Extension Ministries Workshop will be led by Dr. Wright Culpepper and Dr. Billy Oliver.
Cost for the event is free. Funding is provided by the St. Marys Foundation and the South Georgia Conference Board of Ordained Ministry. Click here for more information and to download a brochure.
Columbus District Leadership Training
"Training Tomorrow's Leaders for Today" is a is a one day district-wide training event designed to equip congregational leaders with tools to be effective in the area they have been called to serve. The training will be held at Wynnton United Methodist Church on January 12, 2008, from 10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Cost for the event is $6, which includes lunch. Please contact the District Office, 706-561-4541, with the total number of participants from your church so that adequate lunch preparations can be made. For more information and a list of workshops, click here. This training is being sponsored by the Columbus District and the Office of Connectional Ministries.
2008 IRS Mileage Rate
The 2008 IRS mileage rate for business miles will be reimbursed at 50.5 cents per mile. This is an increase from the 2007 rate of 48.5 cents per mile. The rate for miles driven for medical purposes or for moving will be 19 cents per mile which is a reduction from the 2007 rate of 20 cents per mile. The rate for miles driven in service of charitable organizations remains at 14 cents per mile. The Conference Council on Finance and Administration did not change the rate that the conference will be reimbursing when they presented their report to annual conference last June. So they will continue to reimburse mileage at 44.5 cents per mile.
Epworth By The Sea to host Island Hopping in Georgia's Golden Isles: St. Simons and Sapelo Islands
Epworth By The Sea will be hosting an Island Hopping in Georgia's Golden Isles February 18-20, 2008. The rich history of St. Simons Island will be highlighted on field trips to the English colonial Fort Frederica, quaint Christ Church and the lighthouse in pier village. Participants will hop aboard a ferry to Sapelo Island, a National Estuarine Research Sanctuary. There you will discover the R. J. Reynolds Mansion and Hog Hammock, a 434-acre community of Gullah people who are descendents of slaves who worked the cotton plantation of Thomas Spalding. A picnic on the beach and visit to newly restored Sapelo Lighthouse tops off this interesting day. Come and enjoy lectures, entertainment and island hopping in the beautiful Golden Isles of coastal Georgia. View accommodations and agenda at www.epworthbythesea.org or call 912-638-8688.
Conference Journal Update
The 2007 Journals have been shipped. There are copies still available of the two-volume set. Call Cathy Crawford at 888-266-7642 to order yours today.
CONNECTION NEWS
Year in Review: United Methodists looked outward, inward, in '07
(UMNS) United Methodists called for justice, advocated for peace and assisted victims of both natural and economic disasters during 2007.
At the same time, the denomination looked inward, setting a focus for its mission and ministry and developing strategies to increase and strengthen its membership.
A crucial concern for justice has arisen in the Philippines. United Methodists continue to speak out about the estimated 800 extrajudicial killings and abductions that have occurred there since President Gloria Arroyo took office in 2001.
One of the most powerful United Methodist voices in 2007 was that of Philippine Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno, who held a summit in Manila on the extrajudicial killings, putting a spotlight on the nation's human rights crisis. The summit included representatives from the judicial, executive and legislative branches of government, as well as scholars, members of the legal profession, the militant left, religious leaders and media.
On Sept. 25, the Supreme Court in Manila approved a Puno-supported court rule on the writ of amparo, under which the military or police cannot simply deny involvement in abductions or extrajudicial killings. Rather, they also must prove they are not involved and, under court order, open their detention facilities for inspection. More>>
U.N. Foundation seeks partnership with United Methodists
(UMNS) The United Nations Foundation wants to partner with The United Methodist Church in a major global health initiative that goes beyond the anti-malaria Nothing But Nets campaign. Foundation spokesman Michael Madnick said the organization hopes the denomination's 2008 General Conference will lay the foundation for an initiative encompassing the diseases of poverty: malaria, HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. With a grant from the foundation, the church is conducting a feasibility study to determine if support for an expanded health initiative exists among annual conference leaders, health care institutions and other groups. In a Nov. 7 presentation to the United Methodist Council of Bishops, Madnick said the foundation hopes not only to partner with the denomination to educate and mobilize people to fight diseases of poverty, but also to inspire people worldwide to know they can make a difference. More>>
United Methodist bishops plan racism dialogues
(UMNS) The bishops of The United Methodist Church are struggling with the issue of racism and how to eliminate it from the church, society and even their own Council of Bishops. The council voted during its Nov. 4-9 meeting to conduct three dialogues over the next two years to examine racism within the council, how the church perpetuates racism through its culture, processes and policies, and to raise awareness of global racism. "Racial division is like termites in the wood," said Wisconsin Bishop Linda Lee, who chairs the council's racism task force. The dialogues are among several task force proposals approved by the bishops during its fall meeting. The council had agreed last spring to address the problem following a plea from one bishop of color that the bishops look inward on the issue of racism. More>>
UMCOR Gift Catalog: Give a gift that changes the world
UMCOR's Gift Catalog helps you make selective contributions to your individual areas of interest. And, as always, 100 percent of donations will go to the designated program. A special flyer and church bulletin insert are also available to promote this program at Christmas.
Bishop: Fruitful congregations engage in five practices
(UMNS) Radical hospitality means more than treating people well when they walk through the church doors, said Bishop Robert Schnase to participants in a convocation of United Methodist bishops and their extended cabinets.
Such hospitality offers people the embrace of Christ, is rooted is Scripture, welcomes the stranger and "is about congregations that have as much passion, desire and care for those who are not a part of the congregation as they do for those already a part of the congregation."
Schnase told nearly 1,000 participants at the Nov. 9-11 event that congregations desiring to be effective and fruitful in ministry should engage in five core practices, which he also outlined in Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations, published last spring by Abingdon Press. In addition to offering radical hospitality, the other practices are passionate worship, intentional faith development, risk-taking mission and service, and extravagant generosity.
The convocation, the first in nearly 40 years, sought to help bishops and their cabinets, including lay leaders, clarify the church's purpose, mission and identity. More>>
Leaders share best practices to attract young clergy
(UMNS) Concerned about the critical need for more young clergy in The United Methodist Church, representatives from 13 annual (regional) conferences are brainstorming ways to assist young people who are called to ordained ministry.
"We stand a better chance at success in helping people hear God's call if we are intentional about fostering environments in our communities of faith that make the possibility of hearing God's call more plausible," said the Rev. Brandon Harris, associate pastor of Anniston (Ala.) First United Methodist Church. Harris, of the North Alabama Annual Conference, is among representatives of United Methodist conferences already engaging in some of the best practices for developing young clergy. Leaders from those conferences gathered Oct. 28-30 in Dallas to share what works and map strategies for developing ordained leaders across the denomination. More>>
African American Scholarship Opportunities from UMCom
(UMCom) United Methodist Communications is offering three scholarship/fellowships for students majoring in mass communications or related fields. Click here for more information.
Large Church Initiative National Training Event Planned for Orlando
(FL Conference) Hundreds of United Methodist clergy from around the world are expected to arrive in Orlando, January 21-28, 2008, for the Large Church Initiative National Training Event. Meeting with the theme, “Making a World of Difference,” the event will be held at St. Luke's United Methodist Church in Orlando, just a few miles from the main entrance of the Walt Disney World Resort. The Large Church Initiative National Training Event is geared for churches with worship attendance greater than 350. It provides inspiration and tools for lead pastors, associate pastors, staff, and lay leaders of the larger churches in The United Methodist Church. The event is sponsored by the Large Church Initiative, the General Board of Discipleship, and the Southeast Jurisdiction Larger Church Consultation.
The theme is based on Acts 1:8. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Throughout the week-long event, participants will follow the path set by the early disciples by moving from their own homes/local churches (Jerusalem), to our common communities (Judea and Samaria), and then to the world (ends of the earth). The excitement starts Monday, Jan. 21, with a reception commemorating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, with Dr. Trudie Kibbe Reed, President of United Methodist-related Bethune-Cookman University, and the renowned Bethune-Cookman Concert Chorale. Other speakers during the week include the Rev. Gil Rendle, formerly with the Alban Institue and currently with the Texas Methodist Foundation; the Rev. Dr. Gary Mason, from the East Belfast Mission in Belfast, Northern Ireland; and the Rev. David Beckmann, director of Bread for the World. The closing speaker will be Bishop Peter Storey from the Methodist Church in South Africa. Registration is now open by visiting www.st.lukes.org , and clicking on the “Make A World of Difference” logo.
Connection News in Korean
Click here.
Connection News in Spanish
Click here.
RESOURCES
New Free Advent and Christmas Music for Choir
(GBOD) Linda Dickson and George Mann are a composing team from Texas . They have generously shared six of their works, now available on the GBOD music site (www.umcworship.org). You will find choral responses and anthems. Linda Dickson may be contacted by email at kd5ors@arrl.net. Resources include:
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“Advent Watch” – An Advent Call to Worship
-- “Tender Shepherd” – Choral Response - This short SSATB response is suitable for a prayer response, baptism, or general use.
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“Stardust Carol” for SSAA Women's Voices - Though marked SSAA, this setting for women is mostly for three voices.
-- “Hurry Little Children” – Choral Anthem - This SSAATTB choral anthem is subtitled a “Spiritual Christmas Carol” and may be sung accompanied or a capella.
-- “The Carpenter's Carol” - Choral Anthem for Christmas - This choral anthem for Christmas is mostly for SATB choir with some three-part men's and women's voices.
-- "The Magi's Blessing” - Benediction for Epiphany - This SATB choral benediction is suitable for Epiphany.
Advent Texts with Christmas Tunes
(GBOD) Click here to view five familiar Advent hymn texts set to familiar Christmas tunes:
--“Lo, He Comes with Clouds Descending,” using REGENT SQUARE (“Angels from the Realms of Glory”)
--“Of the Father's Love Begotten,” using W ZLOBIE LEZY (“Infant Holy, Infant Lowly”)
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"The King Shall Come," using ANTIOCH ("Joy to the World")
--"Watchman, Tell Us of the Night," using MENDELSSOHN ("Hark! the Herald Angels Sing")
--"The People That in Darkness Sat," using CHRISTMAS ("While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night")
Advent Wreath Candlelighting Meditation for Church or Home
--http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=45396
--http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=45401&loc_id=733,32,44
Hunger Ministry Offers Advent Devotional Guide
(UMNS) The Society of St. Andrew is offering an Advent devotional guide, themed "God's Abundant Blessings." Based on Matthew 2:11, it focuses on the story of the Magi following the star to Bethlehem to see Jesus. Lay and clergy authors have contributed to the devotions. During Advent, the Society of St. Andrew is asking participants to prayerfully read and reflect on the Scriptures and devotions in the guide and join the organization's hunger-relief work of feeding America's hungry by making a financial donation. Last year, donations made through the Advent devotional program provided nearly 2.1 million servings of food to those who don't always get enough to eat.
The Society of St. Andrew receives support through The United Methodist Church's Advance for Christ and His Church (#801600). It saves excess fresh produce that will go to waste for various marketing reasons and distributes it free of charge to service agencies across the country that feed the hungry. All materials are free from the Society of St. Andrew. A sample kit can be ordered at http://www.endhunger.org/advent.htm, by calling (800) 333-4597 or writing to church@endhunger.org.
Wesley Morning Prayer Service
(GBOD) Click here to download the Wesley Morning Prayer Service adapted from The Sunday Service of the People Called Methodists in North America by John Wesley. This service closely follows Wesley's order of worship sent for use by the churches in America.
Online Course - Exploring General Conference
Exploring General Conference, a four-session online course from United Methodist Communications, will launch Nov. 15, 2007. Visit http://training.umcom.org for more information and to register.
Gifts of Hope: UMCOR in Darfur DVD
This informative DVD brings you directly into UMCOR's work in Darfur. The DVD contains 1- and 5-minute videos, slide show presentation and a bulletin insert for use in worship. The video is available for free. Contact UMCOR at umcor@gbgm-umc.org or 800-554-8583 to order. Watch an excerpt online (Scroll down to the video section.)
UMCOR's 2008 Calendar: Hands of Hope
UMCOR's Hands of Hope 2008 calendar is a practical yet inspiring gift that details United Methodists' work and ministry in 81 countries. The calendar is filled with the lives and faces of those reached and changed by caring hands around the globe. The cost is $8.50 plus shipping.
Ideas for Christmas from Interpreter Magazine
Scholarship Opportunity - McMurry University
The McMurry University Honors Program offers a number of full-tuition scholarships to outstanding incoming freshmen. The deadline for application is February 1, 2008. For more information, please contact Patrick Middleton, Honors Admission Counselor, at 1-800-460-2392 or middleton.patrick@mcm.edu . Located in Abilene, TX, McMurry University is affiliated with the Northwest Texas and New Mexico Annual Conferences of the United Methodist Church. The mission of McMurry University is to provide a Christian liberal arts and professional education that prepares students for a fulfilling life of leadership and service. You can find more information by clicking here.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
All Upcoming Events
--SEJ Multicultural Event - December 13-15
--Congress on Evangelism - January 2-5
-- Ministry Exploration Event - January 4-6
--Warmth in Winter with Ed Kilbourne - January 14-16
-- Macon District Lay Speaking Academy - January 25-26
-- Safe Sanctuaries Training - January 26
-- Peace Conference - January 31-February 2
-- Winter Camp Meeting - February 3-6
--Confirmation Retreat 1 - February 8-9
--Local Pastors' Licensing School - February 8-15
-- Day of Love and Justice at the Capital - February 11
-- Sexual Ethics Seminar - February 14
-- Safe Sanctuaries Training - February 16
--Confirmation Retreat 2 - February 29 - March 2
--Spouses Retreat - March 13-15
--UMW Spiritual Growth Retreat - March 28-30
--UMM Spring Retreat - April 25-27
Safe Sanctuaries Trainings
The following Safe Sanctuaries training dates have been set. Click here for more information on Safe Sanctuaries.
--Saturday, January 26, 2008 at Pittman Park UMC in Statesboro
--Saturday, February 16, 2008 at Waycross First UMC in Waycross
CLASSIFIEDS
PLEASE NOTE: A local church can send their job description to kelly@sgaumc.com and it will run one time in The Link. The "Employment" section of the conference website will continue to run your ad for as long as you need.
Alabama Rural Ministry Summer Positions
Alabama Rural Ministry, a home repair and children's ministry based in Auburn , AL, is seeking summer intern positions. This ministry serves the underprivileged and elderly residents of Macon/Lee, Sumter and Mobile counties in Alabama. Click here for a flyer or visit www.arm-al.org or email lisa@arm-al.org for more details or an application. Applications are due March 16th, 2008.
Alabama-West Florida Conference Seeks Archivist
The Alabama-West Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church is seeking a Conference Archivist. Click here for more information.