Vol. 5 • No. 24 
December 13, 2006
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In This Issue of The Link
Conference News
--Wight-Knight Appointed as Conference Pastoral Counselor
--Membership Decline Cuts U.S. Delegates to 2008 General Conference
--Give a Gift That Keeps on Giving this Christmas
--Society of St. Andrew Hires South GA Program Coordinator
--St. Marys UMC Foundation Announces Grant Recipients
--LAOS is just around the corner
--Older Adult Retreat Dates
Connection News
--Year in Review: United Methodists marked historic firsts, anniversaries in '06
--Instructions for Petitions to the General Conference, 2008
--Invitation To Musicians, Artists, Dancers To Participate In 2008 General Conference
--United Methodist Commercials Airing Now
--A roll call of United Methodists in 110th Congress
--Red Bird Mission experiencing financial shortfall
--Survey to help shape 'future of urban ministry'
--SEJ Clergywomen's Convocation to be held in April
--Fellowship of United Methodists in Music and Worship Arts to host National Convocation
--SEJ Immigration Conference to discuss the Church's Call to Hospitality
--Diakonia Convocation Will Draw 600 United Methodist Servant-Ministers
Outreach Opportunities
--Christmas: Gifts That Make a Difference
--Appalachian Service Project Opportunities
--UMCOR Helps with Typhoon Recovery in Philippines
Resources
--Maximizing DISCIPLE in Your Church
--Prayer guide focuses on people with serious illnesses
--Is Your Church Receiving Interpreter Magazine?
--Top Ten Reasons Why United Methodists Should Sing Charles Wesley Hymns
Mark Your Calendar
--All Upcoming Events

CONFERENCE NEWS

Wight-Knight Appointed as Conference Pastoral Counselor
Bishop Mike Watson announces the appointment of the Reverend Deborah Wight-Knight as the Conference Pastoral Counselor for the South Georgia Conference effective January 1, 2007.

“We are extremely fortunate to have someone with the gifts, graces, training and experiences of Deborah Wight-Knight within our conference to become the next Conference Pastoral Counselor,” said Bishop Watson.

“Deborah is passionate about the emotional and spiritual well-being of our clergy, clergy families, staff and congregations. She will follow in the fine tradition of her predecessors of offering compassionate care to those in crisis and insightful guidance to those who offer pastoral leadership.”

Wight-Knight is a pastoral counselor, licensed marriage and family therapist, fellow in the American Association of Pastoral Counselors, and an ordained elder in the South Georgia Annual Conference. Wight-Knight is the Director of the Williams Center for Pastoral Counseling located at First United Methodist Church in Warner Robins.

Wight-Knight succeeds Dr. Edwin Chase who served as Conference Pastoral Counselor since 1993. “We are all indebted for Edwin Chase's splendid service to this Annual Conference,” said Wight-Knight.

“It is an honor to have this opportunity to fulfill my calling through this position. My own experiences and struggles as a pastor have formed and shaped a deeper awareness concerning the challenges that confront my colleagues and their families. This is a daunting task, but I am enthusiastic and eager to serve the South Georgia Annual Conference in this capacity,” concluded Wight-Knight.

Currently, the Conference Pastoral Counselor is a half-time position. In this role, Wight-Knight will offer counseling to clergy, clergy families, and church staff members. She will teach pastoral counseling and self-care skills to new and seasoned clergy all across the Annual Conference. She will be available to help congregational leaders debrief and heal following traumatic events.

Society of St. Andrew Hires South GA Program Coordinator
The Society of St. Andrew has hired a Program Coordinator for South Georgia. Lauren King, a native of Zebulon, Georgia and a 2004 graduate of the University of Georgia, has been hired by the Society of St. Andrew as the Program Coordinator for South Georgia. The South Georgia Gleaning Office will be housed in First UMC at Tifton. The Society of St. Andrew is an ecumenical Christian ministry dedicated to meeting both spiritual and physical hungers. More information on this organization can be found at www.endhunger.org.

St. Marys UMC Foundation Announces Grant Recipients
The Board of Directors of the St. Marys United Methodist Church Foundation, Inc. is awarding $1,000,000 in grants during the Fall 2006 Grant Cycle. Grants were distributed the week of December 4, 2006 to numerous non-profit organizations. Click here to see the list. The St. Marys United Methodist Church Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit, Christian organization, which makes grants to non-profit, tax-exempt, charitable organizations and ministries.

LAOS is just around the corner
All laity in the South Georgia Conference are encouraged to make plans to attend the second annual laity event, “LAOS: the people of God called, equipped and empowered.” This event is designed to train and equip laity from every-size congregation for more fruitful spiritual leadership in their local church. This weekend retreat is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 19, through Sunday, Jan. 21, at Epworth By The Sea. Dr. Derek McAleer will preach, and Ms. Angie Carr will lead music at the three worship services. For a brochure and registration information, click here. This event is being sponsored in partnership by the Board of Laity and the Office of Connectional Ministries.

Older Adult Retreat Dates
Please note that the Older Adult Retreat dates are April 16-18, 2007. A postcard mailed out earlier this month had the incorrect dates.

CONNECTION NEWS

Year in Review: United Methodists marked historic firsts, anniversaries
(UMNS) 2006 started with a United Methodist becoming the first woman elected head of state in Africa and ended with the denomination's Council of Bishops making a historic visit to that continent for its first meeting ever held outside the United States . More>>

Instructions for Petitions to the General Conference, 2008
The General Conference, which meets every four years and is made up of delegates from United Methodist Annual and Central Conferences throughout the world, is the only body that may officially speak for the United Methodist Church.  The decisions General Conference makes help create the United Methodist Book of Discipline, the book of rules and procedure for the denomination. “Any organization, clergy member, or lay member of The United Methodist Church may petition the General Conference....” (¶507, The Book of Discipline).  Petitions to the 2008 General Conference must be postmarked by October 26, 2007. Petitions may be sent directly to the General Conference and do not require prior endorsement of the Annual Conference.  For complete instructions and guidelines click here.
 
Invitation To Musicians, Artists, Dancers To Participate In 2008 General Conference
United Methodist Choirs/Ensembles/Bands, Instrumentalists, Singers, Dancers/Dance Groups, Visual/Video/Textile and Performing Artists: You are invited to apply to share your gifts in worship with the 2008 General Conference in Fort Worth, TX. Submit a recording (DVD, CD, VHS, cassette tape, mpeg, mp3,.jpg), brief bio, and other supporting materials either by postal mail or email by March 30, 2007 to: Mark A. Miller / Director of Music / Drew Theological School / 36 Madison Ave. Madison, NJ  07940 / mamiller@drew.edu.

United Methodist Commercials Airing Now
The Advent flight of United Methodist commercials began Monday and runs through December 24. This Christmas Igniting Ministry is also sponsoring movies and holiday specials. Check out the details here.  Igniting Ministry is the television and welcoming ministry of the United Methodist Church.

A roll call of United Methodists in 110th Congress
(UMNS) The number of United Methodists who will be serving in the 110th Congress will remain the same as in the previous two assemblies, though some of the names will change. Click here for a list of United Methodists in the Senate and House of Representatives.

Red Bird Mission experiencing financial shortfall
A significant decline in contributions has created a crisis that may result in the closing of the school at Red Bird Mission in Beverly , Ky. The situation is “near critical,” says the mission's executive director. More>>

Survey to help shape 'future of urban ministry'
(UMNS) Ten years ago, the United Methodist Church adopted a strategy called "Holy Boldness" to shape the denomination's ministry in urban areas of the United States . Now, as United Methodists prepare for the meeting of the 2008 General Conference, their top legislative body, that plan is being evaluated and revised. To assist in the process, a survey, "Shaping the Future of Urban Ministry," is being conducted by the Office of Urban Ministry, United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, and the related National Urban Strategy Council. The questionnaire can be found at www.surveymonkey.com through Jan. 31. More>>  

SEJ Clergywomen's Convocation to be held in April
Clergywomen from all over the Southeastern Jurisdiction will gather April 23-26, 2007 at Epworth By The Sea for the SEJ Clergywomen's Convocation. The theme for this event is “Someone's Calling My Name.” The convocation is intended to inspire women in ministry through worship; to equip women in ministry for service; and to develop an on-going jurisdictional network of support. Worship and Plenary Leaders include Bishop Minerva Carcano, Bishop Charlene Kammerer, Bishop Linda Lee, Bishop Mary Virginia Taylor and Bishop Hope Morgan Ward. Click here to download the brochure.

Fellowship of United Methodists in Music and Worship Arts to host National Convocation
The Fellowship of United Methodists in Music and Worship Arts is hosting its Biennial National Convocation July 16-19, 2007 in St. Louis , MO where participants will reclaim the call of God to their ministries of music, preaching, and worship arts. Speakers and leaders include outstanding resources in the areas of dance, congregational singing, preaching, visuals for worship, choral music, organ music, age level music, handbells, contemporary worship, and more. In addition, experience multi-sensory worship, concerts, music reading sessions, dynamic worship spaces in St. Louis, and fellowship with all those gathered. For more details or registration information, www.fummwaconvo.org.

SEJ Immigration Conference to discuss the Church's Call to Hospitality
(SEJ) How should the church respond to the challenge of immigration? This is one of the questions to be addressed during a three-day conference to look at the issue of Immigration from a Biblical perspective. The Southeastern Jurisdiction and the General Board of Church and Society are organizing Our Call to Hospitality: A Biblical Response to the Challenge of Immigration conference February 1-3, 2007 at Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center, Lake Junaluska, North Carolina. A registration form and more information about this event can be found at www.umc-gbcs.org/hospitality. For more information contact Garey Eakes at geakes@umc-gbcs.org or Carl Arrington at Carrington@sejumc.org.

Diakonia Convocation Will Draw 600 United Methodist Servant-Ministers
As a record number of people prepare to become United Methodist deacons, a celebratory convocation sponsored by the church's General Board of Higher Education and Ministry will draw about 600 diaconal ministers and deacons to Orlando, April 19-22, 2007. According to General Board of Higher Education and Ministry's Division of Ordained Ministry, 1,642 people are candidates to become deacons. If most of those candidates complete the process, the number of deacons will double. Currently, there are 1,377 active deacons and 210 retired, or a total of 1,587. Participants in the Orlando, Fla. , meeting will include diaconal ministers, probationary and ordained deacons, and people exploring this form of ministry. To register and for more information, visit www.gbhem.org/convocation07 or send an e-mail message to registration@wellplannedevents.com.

Christmas: Gifts That Make a Difference
UMCOR's Christmas Wish List has great gift ideas for those looking to give to others this Christmas season. Gifts can be made in honor of someone as well as giving directly to the program. Call UMCOR to find out more about this program at 1-800-554-8583 or visit the UMCOR Christmas Wish List at http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor/getconnected/resources/christmas/.

UMCOR's 2007 Calendar, Questions of Crisis: Answers of Hope, will inspire you and your loved ones as you read about the power hope has to change lives. Order your calendars today! Calendars are $8.50 plus shipping and handling, you can order online at www.umcorcalendar.org or by calling 800-305-9857.

Appalachian Service Project Opportunities
(Newscope) Even with more than 14,000 volunteers scheduled to serve low-income Appalachian families through the Appalachian Service Project, a home repair ministry, there is still room available in summer 2007 for the weeks of June 10 and July 29. There are also Appalachian service opportunities available all summer with ASP partner organizations and during the non-summer months at ASP's centers in Kentucky , Virginia , and West Virginia . For applications and further information, visit http://www.ASPhome.org or call Carolyn n Bailey at 423-854-8800, ext. 208.

UMCOR Helps with Typhoon Recovery in Philippines
UMCOR is working with partners in the Philippines to provide immediate assistance after Typhoon Durian struck the Central Philippines on December 1. Approximately 450 people have been reported killed and another 600 are missing following the typhoon and subsequent landslides that buried villages on the slopes of Mount Mayon , 200 miles south of Manila . The Rev. Paul Dirdak, Deputy General Secretary , UMCOR, is in contact with the bishop in the affected region to provide needed support. UMCOR has already sent an emergency grant toward relief and expects to send another in the coming days. Please pray for those affected by this disaster and give to Philippines Emergency, Typhoon Durian, UMCOR Advance #240235.

Maximizing DISCIPLE in Your Church
Across the country, DISCIPLE Bible Study is making a difference. But some churches do not know how to make DISCIPLE explode into a movement. This Feb. 5- 23, Institute for Discipleship at Southwestern College is offering an online course called “Maximizing DISCIPLE in Your Church.” It does not replace DISCIPLE training events, but it will help you multiply groups, reach the unchurched, and train new facilitators. Visit www.beadisciple.com to learn more.

Prayer guide focuses on people with serious illnesses
(UMNS) "The cry of my heart is a cure for HIV and AIDS worldwide." Those are the words of Mathabo L. of South Africa , one of the writers living with HIV/AIDS who has contributed to a special prayer book for people suffering with serious diseases. Prayers for Encouragement: Hope for Persons Living with HIV & AIDS, Malaria, Tuberculosis and Other Serious Diseases is being printed by Upper Room Ministries in partnership with the Africa Upper Room Office. More>>

Is Your Church Receiving Interpreter Magazine?
Interpreter is a resource magazine specifically produced for United Methodists. Thanks to United Methodist contributions to the World Service Fund apportionment, every pastor and seven leaders in every U.S. congregation can receive a subscription to Interpreter magazine. In order to make sure the designated leaders from each church receive the magazine, an enrollment forms  must be completed and returned to their Customer Service team.  Enrollment can be accomplished as follows: Toll free:  (888) 346-3862 / E-mail: csc@umcom.org / Online: www.interpretermagazine.org.

Top Ten Reasons Why United Methodists Should Sing Charles Wesley Hymns
(GBOD) Click here to read the top ten reasons why United Methodists should sing Charles Wesley Hymns.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

All Upcoming Events
Keep up with what's going on in the South Georgia Conference!
--Georgia Day of Prayer for Moral Leadership - January 7
--LAOS Laity Retreat - January 19-21
--Safe Sanctuaries Training - January 27
--Winter Camp Meeting - February 4-7
--Licensing School for Local Pastors - February 9-16
--Andrew College Sunday - February 18
--UMVIM Sunday - February 25

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