CONFERENCE NEWS

Day of Prayer for the Appointment Making Process - February 27
Wednesday, February 27, has been set aside as the sixth annual Day of Prayer for the Appointment Making Process.     One of the most significant responsibilities of the Appointive Cabinet is the annual making of pastoral appointments. The Bishop and District Superintendents spend countless hours in conversations with local church committees and clergy.  Each participant in this extensive process seeks to discern God's will through Christian conversation and much prayer. Bishop Watson invites every lay person and every pastor to hold the Cabinet in their prayers throughout the whole process, specifically during the Day of Prayer on February 27. It is his hope that persons all across South Georgia will intentionally focus their intercessions on this important matter.

Two Additional Sexual Ethics Workshops Added to the Schedule
According to the Conference Sexual Ethics policy, “every church professional or lay person in any status or relationship with the Annual Conference whose appointment is set or approved by the Bishop shall be required to attend a five hour seminar on sexual ethics every three years” [2007 Journal, page 45]*. For most persons required to take this training, the three years ends June of 2008. In addition to the May workshop already scheduled, there are now two more trainings scheduled between now and June to help clergy meet this requirement. Two of the workshops are for all clergy; one is designed specifically for Extension Ministers. However, if a local church pastor is unable to attend the training in April or May he or she may sign up for the March event. All three workshops will begin at 9:00 a.m. and conclude at 3:00 p.m. Lunch will be provided. Participants MUST register for any of these workshops by e-mailing Deborah Wight-Knight, Conference Pastoral Counselor, at fumcdwk@bellsouth.net. The following are the workshop dates:

--March 18 (Extension Ministers) – The Methodist Home for Children and Youth in Macon
--April 19 (All Clergy) – Americus First UMC in Americus
--May 8 (All Clergy) – White Bluff UMC in Savannah

*Please note: Spouses and lay employees who are not appointed by the bishop are not eligible to attend the workshop.

General Conference Delegation Prayer Partners
WANTED: Churches to pray for delegation
The South Georgia Conference delegation to General Conference is seeking churches willing to pray for a designated member of the delegation beginning now and continuing through General Conference.  In addition to praying, the church will be asked to write at least ten letters to their assigned delegate for distribution each day during General Conference.  Dr. Charlene Black will assign the delegates beginning with the first elected delegate and will alternate lay and clergy until all delegates have a prayer partner.  The delegation followed this pattern in 2004, and the daily encouragement and uplifting prayers were a meaningful part of each delegate's experience.  You are encouraged to join with the delegation in this important event in the life of God's church.  If your church would like to be a prayer partner, please contact Dr. Charlene Black at charlenerblack@hotmail.com. She will provide you with further details about the partnership.

North and South Georgia Conferences joined together for Day of Love and Justice
By Sybil Davidson
On February 11, the North and South Georgia Conferences joined together for the fourth annual Day of Love and Justice at the State Capitol. North Georgia Bishop Lindsey Davis and South Georgia Bishop Mike Watson served as chaplains for the day of the senate and the house respectively. 

The focus of the event was to learn about and get involved in the legislative process on issues of love and justice, primarily with how this relates to children growing up in poverty.

Speaking to the State Senators, Bishop Davis expressed apprecation for their leadership. "We have come to pray for you and to be in conversation with you," he said.

He shared John Wesley's Three Simple Rules, do no harm, do good and stay in love with God, asking the senate to join with United Methodists in transforming the greater community. In the House, Bishop Watson emphasized the same message.

Bishops Davis (pictured above) and Watson also addressed United Methodists and several members of congress outside the capitol rotunda in a special service. "If we are about love, if we are about God's work, we are also about Justice," said Watson.

In an educational session, Taifa Butler of Family Connection Partnership spoke about what United Methodists can do to address key poverty indicators for children including:

--Giving all babies a healthy start , meaning mothers getting good prenatal care and babies getting proper healthcare and childcare from birth
--Working on school readiness by insuring good early care, Head Start and pre-kindergarten programs
--Fostering school success by addressing underlying causes of truancy, offering mentoring programs, and developing after-school opportunities
--Promoting stable self-sufficient families by offering parenting programs, literacy programs, and outreach to families needing financial assistance
--Partnering with leaders and businesses to develop strong communities , a major key to reducing the number of children in poverty.

Bulletin insert available to help promote UMVIM Sunday - February 24
The South Georgia Conference United Methodist Volunteers in Mission committee has designed a bulletin insert for local churches to use to support UMVIM Sunday on February 24. You are encouraged to support this ministry with a love-offering (Advance Special #651). You will be helping supply funds, Vacation Bible School, and scholarships for team members who cannot afford the full price of going. For more information about UMVIM Sunday contact Dr. Charles E. Cravey, South GA Chair, United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM) at drrev@alltel.net or 912-564-2722.

UMW Tel-A-Woman
The February edition of the South Georgia Conference United Methodist Women's newsletter, Tel-A-Woman, is now available online. Click here to view.

UMW Spiritual Growth Retreat Set for March 28-30
The 2008 United Methodist Women's Retreat is set for March 28-30, 2008, at Epworth By The Sea. The theme is “Spirit Signs: Water, Wind and Fire!” This year's speaker is Rev. Denise Walton, Associate Director of the Office of Connectional Ministries. The musicians for the retreat will be Joann Bishop, song leader, and Candace Foster, pianist. A variety of workshops are planned for Saturday. Click here for more information on this annual retreat.

UMM Retreat Brochure Available Online
The United Methodist Men's Spring Retreat is set for April 25-27 at Epworth By The Sea. The featured speaker will be Butch Rhodenizer. A true cowboy, Butch hails from Live Oak, Florida and preaches at rodeos all over America. Mark your calendar and make plans to bring a group of men from your church. Click here to download the brochure.

Georgia Florida United Methodist Federal Credit Union Offers Scholarships
The Georgia Florida United Methodist Federal Credit Union will award three $1,000 college scholarships again this year. There will be a winning recipient from the North Georgia, South Georgia and Florida Conferences. To apply you must be between the ages of 17-24 and attend church in one of the conferences. Complete the form on our website, attach your required essay (see questions at the end of application) and mail to the GFUMFCU, P.O. Box 6448, Marietta, GA 30065-0448. Website – www.unitedmethodistcu.com. Deadline to apply is April 30, 2008.

CEUs offered for Distinguished Lecture Event
The D.A. & Elizabeth Turner Ministry Resource Center, a division of the Pastoral Institute in Columbus, is sponsoring a Distinguished Lecture Event February 28 on their campus in Columbus. The theme for this year's lecture is “Systems Theory: An Approach to Building Healthy Congregations.” The featured speaker is Dr. Peter Steinke, a congregational systems consultant who has served as a parish pastor, an educator and a therapist for clergy.  Drawing on the work of the late family-systems expert Edwin Friedman, Dr. Steinke's books have helped countless congregations understand their hidden workings and use that understanding to become healthy and vital places of worship. Cost for the workshop is $80, which includes continental breakfast, lunch, refreshments and materials. 0.6 CEUs are being offered for this event. For more information or to register, contact Margie Watson at 706-649-6360, ext. 1207.

In other news:
--Servant Leaders Needed to Serve on Conference and District Levels
--Administrative Services Office to Offer UM Benefits Seminars
--Evangelism Award Nomination Forms Now Being Accepted
--February is the month for the annual subscription drive for the Advocate
--Two Cokesbury 2008 Bible School Previews set for February 23 & 24
--UMVIM Training set for March 1 in Statesboro
--Rev. Don Kea and Dr. Evelyn Laycock to preach, teach at Older Adult Retreat


ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2008: NEWS & INFORMATION

Annual Conference 2008 - "Glorifying God - Bearing Fruit"
The United Methodists of Columbus, Georgia are preparing to host the 2008 South Georgia Annual Conference session, which will be held on June 8 -11 at the Columbus Civic Center.

About 1,400 lay and clergy members, plus guests, will gather around the theme, “Glorifying God – Bearing Fruit.”

“This theme will bring focus to what we seek to do as we live into God's vision for this Annual Conference,” said Bishop Mike Watson. “Glorifying God is our primary motive as we seek to be faithful, fruitful and bold.”

One of the most exciting examples of spiritual fruit will be celebrated through the presence of a delegation of about 40 persons from the East Africa Annual Conference. 

Bishop Daniel Wandabula will lead this group from the East Africa Annual Conference on a United States visit spearheaded by an invitation from the South Georgia Annual Conference.  Rev. Denise Walton, Conference Mission Secretary, and the members of The Open Hands Partnership are coordinating the East Africa delegation trip. 

The twenty-three voice “Hope for the Children of Africa” choir will be part of the delegation. The choir will participate several times during our Annual Conference, including a special concert on Tuesday evening. More>>

Third Annual Day of Service
On Tuesday, June 10, the people of The United Methodist Church will open the doors of the annual conference to serve the Columbus community. Opportunities range from knitting prayer shawls to preparing casseroles for the Ronald McDonald House, from participating in blood drive to painting walls at a women's shelter, from sorting items at a clothing bank to writing letters to soldiers in hospitals, from baking cookies for local EMT workers to light yard work at a home for troubled teens. South Georgia laity and clergy will scatter across the Columbus community to be witnesses of our faith in Jesus Christ by serving through word and deed. It is our prayer and intention that we make a positive impact on the community as we live out God's vision that every soul and circumstance be redeemed. The Columbus Local Arrangements Committee is coordinating this morning of service. Click here to check out all of the mission opportunities and to register.

Calling All Artists!
In conjunction with the Day of Service, the Columbus Local Arrangements Committee is seeking donated pieces of original art for a silent auction. All money raised will be donated to Higher Education and Campus Ministries. For more details, contact Beth Brown at 707-580-6379 or seth.brown36@gmail.com.

Golf Tournament
There is a golf tournament scheduled for Tuesday morning, June 10, as part of the Day of Service. Proceeds will benefit Wesley Glen. For more information and to register, click here.

Hotels
Several hotels have blocked rooms for the South Georgia United Methodist Annual Conference and have given us a special rate. You must specify that you are with the United Methodist South Georgia Annual Conference to receive these discounted raters. These rates are only good through May 17, 2008, so reserve your room today! Check out the hotel list by clicking here.

Luncheons/Banquets
Groups wanting to plan a luncheon or banquet during the 2008 Annual Conference session should contact Mrs. Sally Walden at sally1501@aol.com.

Displays
Groups seeking to distribute information should reserve display space as early as possible through Sally Walden at sally1501@aol.com. The conference policy for permissible displays is that a group must have a direct relation to the Annual Conference through the conference structure or be an approved conference advance special.

Childcare
Childcare will be available for children ages newborn-5th grade throughout Annual Conference. Pre-registration is very important. Click here for all the details and the registration form.



CONNECTION NEWS

US: "Super Tuesday" Tornado Recovery
(UMCOR) The United Methodist Committee on Relief's (UMCOR) early response teams have been hard at work removing debris caused by devastating tornadoes that struck five southern states on “Super Tuesday” Feb. 5. UMCOR will now assist in long-term recovery to help rebuild homes and lives in the Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi and Tennessee state areas. As UMCOR continues to work with regional church partners to bring relief, your gifts are needed to assist the thousands of people affected by these damaging tornadoes. The tornadoes were considered to be the worst outbreak in nearly 25 years. Dozens of people were killed and thousands of homes were destroyed. Help rebuild by giving to Domestic Disaster Response — "Super Tuesday" Tornadoes, UMCOR Advance #901670.

Methodists Support Refugees in Kenya
(East Africa Annual Conference) The United Methodist Church has provided emergency relief worth $50,000 to the displaced people who crossed over to Uganda following widespread post- election ethnic clashes in Kenya. The donation was part of the UMCOR /GBGM response to a January 2008 appeal, by Bishop Daniel Wandabula, of the East Africa Annual Conference, to the international community to extend support to the innocent victims of the clashes.

The over 1,000 occupants of the temporary settlement at Busia Integrated Primary School were given household utensils including plates, saucepans, basins, jerry cans, and an assortment of foodstuffs to ease the human suffering experienced. The relief was handed over to the Uganda Red Cross Society officials for distribution among the registered refugees in the camp.

Handing over the donation, Bishop Felton E. May, the interim General Secretary, GBGM, encouraged the victims to be strong in faith, pointing out that while they were currently going through hard times, God will see them through the troubles. He prayed that the parties to the conflict reach a lasting settlement to enable the displaced people get back to their homes. Bishop Wandabula expressed the church's sympathy with the displaced people. He called upon the people of Busia, Uganda, to support their brothers and sisters, adding that the two countries have had a long-term relationship.

On his way to Busia, Bishop May had the opportunity to visit Humble United Methodist School, and Hope for Africa Children's Choir, in Mukono. The children organized an impromptu performance for him, at which the Bishop offered to arrange a medical and dental check up for the choir when they arrive in Texas for the General Conference. He also visited the Wanyange Central Women's project and appreciated the efforts made to improve on the social welfare of the community.

The challenge of providing basic necessities of life to the displaced people within and outside Kenya remains. The number of people crossing the border to Uganda has been increasing every day. We do pray that more organizations /agencies find resources to cater for the needy people.

Help Kenya Increase Their Food Supply
(UMCOR) The continued violence in Kenya has displaced hundreds of thousands of people and has disrupted the food supply, as reported in a Feb. 14 news release by the United Methodist News Service. UMCOR is appealing to United Methodists everywhere to donate money to help bolster the food supply in Kenya that is quickly being consumed. Since early January, UMCOR has assisted more than 10,000 people in the region, but food supplies are quickly diminishing due to high demand. "There's just not enough food to feed people," said the Rev. Sam Dixon, UMCOR's chief executive. Dixon stated that UMCOR is making arrangements with a private donor to ship 20 forty-foot containers of relief supplies for Kenya. The Methodist Church of Kenya and the US Embassy in Nairobi will help process the shipment when it arrives. Click here to read the full story. Please send your gifts to help Kenya in their time of need to International Disaster Response—Kenya, UMCOR Advance #982450.

2007 Apportionment Giving Up From Previous Years
(Newscope) In 2007, 23 of the denomination's 63 U.S. conferences contributed to the church's global outreach funds at the 100% or above level of their apportioned amount; this is an increase from 17 conferences in 2006. The 23 annual conferences paying at this level are: Alaska Missionary, Baltimore-Washington, Central Pennsylvania, Central Texas, Desert Southwest, Detroit, East Ohio, Eastern Pennsylvania, Greater New Jersey, Illinois Great River, Kansas West, Kentucky, Louisiana, New York, North Carolina, North Central New York, Northern Illinois, Oklahoma Indian Missionary, Peninsula Delaware, Red Bird Missionary, Rio Grande, West Michigan, and Wisconsin. Support of the general funds exceeded $130,000,000 for 2007, a net increase of about $4,100,000 in total dollars over the previous year. Of the total apportioned funds, 89.62% was received in 2007, a more than one percentage point increase over the prior year.

“Our annual conferences, local churches, bishops, and agencies have worked together to assure the church is prepared to meet the call of ministry into the future. When you hear the stories of individual lives and communities being transformed, you know that the heart of United Methodism is alive and at work. Knowing the diversity of economic conditions across the country, this level of giving is a remarkable demonstration of the faithfulness of the people called Methodist,” said Bishop Mary Ann Swenson, president of the General Council on Finance and Administration.

These funds, which amount to less than 2% of the expenditures of local churches, are used to support a broad spectrum of global ministries. The apportioned funds will support initiatives under the auspices of the World Service Fund, Episcopal Fund, General Administration Fund, Black College Fund, Africa University Fund, Interdenominational Cooperation Fund, and the Ministerial Education Fund.

The year-end financial report, reviewed by executives of GCFA, reflects an encouraging trend in giving. The increase in the number of U.S. annual conferences giving at the 100% or greater level indicates the theology of connectional giving remains strong within the UMC. — GCFA

United Methodists Seek Resources for Malaria Campaign
(UMCom) The United Methodist Church has been invited to apply for up to $5 million in support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the United Nations Foundation to underwrite a fund-raising, education and outreach campaign to strengthen its global health ministries, especially work related to malaria and other diseases of poverty in Africa. Bishop Janice Huie, president of the Council of Bishops, received the invitation in mid-January through the United Nations Foundation, which is helping to facilitate the grant process.

Research: 'Open hearts' campaign helps perceptions
(UMNS) The "open hearts, open minds, open doors" media campaign of The United Methodist Church is effectively communicating key characteristics of the denomination to the public, according to new research. Telephone interviews conducted last fall indicate that those exposed to the church's nearly 8-year-old campaign were much more likely to hold favorable views of The United Methodist Church than those who did not recall the advertising. The research was conducted by the Barna Research Group. Through United Methodist Communications, the church spent $5.5 million in 2007 on the campaign, which primarily paid for television ads but also included billboard ads and radio and cinema spots. Last August, the church began adding online ads to the mix. In 2006, the church spent more than $6 million on the "open hearts" campaign. More>>

One Great Hour of Sharing - March 2, 2008
(UMCOR) You and your congregation can join United Methodists worldwide by making a special offering through One Great Hour of Sharing to support humanitarian aid through the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). You can be assured that when catastrophes cause suffering, your church, impelled by Jesus' love and compassion, will be in the lead to ease the pain. Gifts to the One Great Hour of Sharing offering underwrite UMCOR's "costs of doing business." That helps them keep their promise that 100 percent of every other gift you make to a specific UMCOR project can be spent on that project - not on home office costs. UMCOR's specialized ministries - responding in disaster, fighting hunger, alleviating poverty, providing relief supplies around the world, and offering hospitality to immigrants and refugees - all assist the most vulnerable people whose need is greatest. To learn more about UMCOR or to order resources to promote the offering, visit www.umcor.org or call 888-346-3862. You can also order Special Sunday offering envelopes and posters from the Customer Service Center at United Methodist Communications. Call (888) 346-3862 or order online at www.umcom.org. Visit www.umcgiving.org for more information and resources.

Lake Junaluska and Alban Form New Partnership
(SEJ) Two pioneers in Christian leadership have formed a new partnership to advance the holistic ministry of United Methodist leaders. The Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center and the Alban Institute partnership brings 130 years of experience in church leadership training. Clergy and laity in The United Methodist Church will benefit from this union through three learning experiences in 2008. More>>

Connection News in Korean
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Connection News in Spanish
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RESOURCES

Black History Month: “O Mary, Don't You Weep”
(GBOD) Music Musings No. 178 - This familiar Spiritual is an interesting study. What does the weeping New Testament Mary have to do with the drowning of Pharaoh's army in the Red Sea 1,400 years earlier? This article explores the answer which lies in the secret or coded messages found in many of the Spirituals, including this one. Click here to read the article.

Free Download: Worship and Music Planning Calendars, 2008-2010
(GBOD) The General Board of Discipleship is pleased to make available as a free download planning calendars for worship, music, and other congregational leaders. These calendars are for 2008, 2009, and 2010 and contain the Revised Common Lectionary citations for every Sunday and major day of the church year, as well as United Methodist observances and special days and holidays from the secular and civil calendars. Click here to download.

Think Green on Palm Sunday
(UMCOR) Palms are a symbol of worship for Christians. But in Guatemala and Mexico, palms represent fair trade and a better ecosystem. UMCOR is partnering with the University of Minnesota to build support in the US for the Eco-Palm Project that will help harvesters earn a fair income while helping to sustain forestry, protect local jobs and preserve livelihoods. More than 300 million palm fronds are harvested each year for the US alone— mostly for Palm Sunday or church-related events. Families in Guatemala and Mexico rely heavily on the palm harvest for income. Although purchases of palms may reach as high as $4.5 million in the US—harvesters earn very little. March 16 is Palm Sunday and United Methodists are encouraged to support this social and environmental justice project through the purchase of Eco-Palms. Learn more about Eco-Palms here. You can download a church bulletin insert and order form to purchase your Eco-Palms today. The deadline is February 20. You can also support sustainable agricultural projects by giving to Sustainable Agricultural and Development, UMCOR Advance #982188.

HIV prevention guide available
(UMNS) The Geneva-based Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance has released a new guide called "Exploring Solutions: How to talk about HIV Prevention in the Church." The guide aims to help Christians talk openly, accurately and compassionately about why HIV spreads and what they can do as individuals and communities, according to a report by Ecumenical News International. The resource includes sections explaining the dialogue approach and practical considerations, and outlines five possible themes: dialogue, stigma and HIV prevention; HIV transmission and prevention; vulnerability; sex and sexuality; testing and counseling and steps for promoting life. The free 44-page guide is available in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese. Copies can be downloaded or ordered at http://www.e-alliance.ch/hivaids_exploringsolutions.jsp.