Vol. 6 • No. 8
April 25, 2007
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In This Issue of The Link
Conference News
--Bishop Names 2 New Superintendents, Director of Connectional Ministries
--News from the Administrative Services Office
--Invite your kids to travel to the depths of the "C" for summer camp!
--Youth Leader Training: Exploring the 3 V's
--Wesley Glen Granted EAGLE Accreditation
--Dublin District to Sponsor Lay Speaking Courses
--PK Retreats Set for this Summer
--Register Online Now for the 2007 Georgia Pastors' School
--Hole Sponsors Needed for AC Golf Tournament
--Don't forget to register!
Annual Conference 2007
--Day of Service Information
--AC Logo Available for Local Church Use
--Free Tour of Christ Episcopal Church Scheduled for June 5
--Golf Tournament to Benefit Wesley Community Center
--Other AC Information and Reminders
Connection News
--Commentary: Faith amid the Virginia Tech tragedy
--Volunteers Sought for 2008 General Conference
--Groups Invited to Participate in Harvest of Hope Mission Experience
--UMCOR in need of medicine boxes
--GCRR Launches Inclusiveness Counts Initiative
--UMVIM Team Leader Training
--Nothing But Nets Gets 'American Idol' exposure
Resources
--Making Your Church Accessible
--Copyright Confusion
--CVLI Licenses
--FREE Tool for Editing Pictures
--Worship Resources for Times of Violence and Crisis
Mark Your Calendar
--Annual Conference
--All Upcoming Events
--Summer Camps
CONFERENCE NEWS
Bishop Names 2 New Superintendents, Director of Connectional Ministries
Bishop Mike Watson announced three Cabinet-level appointments on Friday, April 13, following weeks of consultation and discernment. The Reverend Marcia Cochran will become the Waycross District Superintendent, Dr. Brad Brady will be appointed as the Macon District Superintendent, and the Reverend Lowery Brantley will be the next Director of Connectional Ministries. These and other pastoral appointments will be finalized during the concluding moments of the 2007 Annual Conference session on June 7 in Savannah. Click here to read the entire article in the Spring Online Communicator.
News from the Administrative Services Office
Click here for the latest news from the Administrative Services Office including projected premium costs, wellness and health screenings.
Invite your kids to travel to the depths of the "C" for summer camp!
As warm weather starts setting in across South Georgia, students young and old yearn for the day that school gets out. Opportunities abound, but there's one place every child wants to spend at least one week, and that's at summer camp! “C Quest” summer camps, sponsored by the South Georgia Conference Youth and Children's Ministries, are just a couple of months away. Our camp captain will lead this year's crew to the depths of the “C” of life. Discover the beauty of the C of Character , the mysteries of the C of Calling , the treasures of the C of Courage , and the reward of the C of Commitment . All Mid High Mania and Elementary Camps are filled with a weeks worth of fun activitiesand opportunities to grow closer to Christ. Campers will enjoy the beach, pool, boat rides, crafts, games, and much more at this year's camp. Click here for all Summer Camp information, including dates and registration information. For more information, call the Connectional Ministries office toll free at (888) 266-7642.
Youth Leader Training: Exploring the 3 V's
On May 19, 2007, a youth ministry training workshop will be held at Forest Hills UMC in Macon from 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This one-day seminar will explore the 3 V's of youth ministry: Validation, Vision, and Volunteers. Jeremy Wilson, Director of Youth Ministries at Forest Hills UMC in Macon , GA , and Jason Sansbury, Youth Pastor at Bethlehem UMC in Franklin , TN , will lead the seminar. Jeremy and Jason have over 20 years of combined practical ministry experience. This seminar will provide useful tips on recruiting and maintaining a committed core of volunteers, learning how to discern God's vision for your youth ministry, and steps to developing talks that matter. Whether you are a veteran youth minister or a committed volunteer, this event will strengthen the work that you are already doing! Click here for more information or to register.
Wesley Glen Granted EAGLE Accreditation
The United Methodist Association of Health and Welfare Ministries (UMA), a national network of health and welfare-related organizations, announced that Wesley Glen Ministries, the South Georgia Conference ministry to mentally disabled adults, has successfully attained EAGLE Accreditation. The Educational Assessment Guidelines Leading toward Excellence (EAGLE) accreditation is a quality enhancement program offered to faith-based organizations providing care to older adults, children, youth and families, community services ministries and hospitals and health systems. The intensive self assessment and peer review process encourages and recognizes excellence in Christian mission and ministry.
Dublin District to Sponsor Lay Speaking Courses
The Dublin District will be holding Basic and Advanced Lay Speaking Courses May 18-19, 2007, at Louisville UMC. These courses are intended for lay speaker certification and spiritual growth. All laity and clergy are invited to attend. Click here to download the flyer for more information or to register.
PK Retreats Set for this Summer
Two PK retreats are set for this summer at Epworth By The Sea. The older elementary retreat is scheduled for July 13-15 and the retreat for teenagers will be July 21-23. The theme will be, “PK's Meet Harry Potter: Discovering the Magic Within.” For more information or to make reservations, contact Deborah Wight-Knight at williamscenter1@yahoo.com or (478) 929-1032. This event is being sponsored by the Commission on Pastoral Counseling.
Register Online Now for the 2007 Georgia Pastors' School
The 2007 Georgia Pastors' School is set for July 23-26, 2007, at Epworth By The Sea. Housing registration is now available at www.epworthbythesea.org.
Hole Sponsors Needed for AC Golf Tournament
Hole sponsors are needed for the golf tournament planned for Wednesday morning, June 6, at Annual Conference. The cost to sponsor a hole is $100. The hole sponsors will need to provide information to Hale Bishop if they would like a sign placed on the hole they sponsor. If you know a sponsor please have them get in touch with Hale Bishop at 912-507-8676 or email at revhale@comcast.net. All proceeds for the golf tournament will benefit Wesley Community Center in Savannah. The golf tournament is part of the Day of Service.
Don't forget to register!
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Safe Sanctuaries Training - April 28
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Sexual Ethics Workshop - May 3
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Youth Leader Training - May 19
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The Fellowship of Local Pastors and Associate Members Luncheon - June 5
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Summer Camps - All Summer Long!
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Georgia Pastors' School - July 23-26
ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2007
Register Now for the Day of Service to the Savannah Community
On Wednesday, June 6th, the people of The United Methodist Church will open the doors of the annual conference to serve the Savannah community. Opportunities range from making school bags for UMCOR to preparing casseroles for the Ronald McDonald House, from participating in a virtual prayer walk to sewing blankets for the less fortunate, from sorting items in a thrift shop to boxing onions for the hungry, from building transportable housing to light yard work at a home for single mothers. South Georgia laity and clergy will scatter across the Savannah 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 Savannah Local Arrangements Committee is coordinating this morning of service. Click here to view a list of mission opportunities and to register.
AC Logo Available for Local Church Use
If you would like the Annual Conference logo e-mailed to you for use in your local church, contact Kelly Roberson at kelly@sgaumc.com or 888-266-7642.
Free Tour of Christ Episcopal Church Scheduled for June 5
The South Georgia Conference Historical Society has arranged for a special Annual Conference tour of Christ Episcopal Church in Savannah. This free, one-hour tour is scheduled for Tuesday, June 5 and will begin at 7:00PM. The tour is open to all attendees of Annual Conference and their families and friends. Anyone wishing to participate should gather on the front sidewalk of the church, located on Johnson Square at 28 Bull Street. Wheelchair access is available. Christ Church was founded 274 years ago in 1733. John Wesley served as pastor from 1736-1737 and was succeeded by George Whitefield, who served until 1740. For more information call Chris Shoemaker at (229) 382-8860 or email at chair@sgchs.org. Click here to visit Christ Church's website (including directions).
Golf Tournament to Benefit Wesley Community Center
As part of the Day of Service, a Golf Tournament will be held Wednesday morning, June 6, to benefit Wesley Community Center, a United Methodist Mission operating a Women's Center, a day shelter, and an award-winning child care center in downtown Savannah. The tournament will begin with a shotgun start at 10:00 a.m. at Henderson Golf Course in Savannah. Click here for more information or to sign up. For questions, contact Hale Bishop at 912-786-449.
Other AC Information and Reminders
PRE-CONFERENCE ORIENTATIONS Click here for a schedule of the pre-conference orientations.
AGENDA Click here to view the 2007 Annual Conference Agenda.
CHILDCARE If you have not sent in your registration form for childcare during Annual Conference please note that the deadline is May 1. Click here for more information and to download the registration form.
HOTELS A list of Savannah hotels can be found here.
SPECIAL OFFERING This year's special offering will be given to the East Africa Initiative. A bulletin insert will be included in the pre-conference mailing or you can download it by clicking here.
CONNECTION NEWS
Commentary: Faith amid the Virginia Tech tragedy
(UMNS) Click here to read a commentary by the pastor of Blacksburg (Va.) United Methodist Church was delivered as a sermon on April 22, the first Sunday after 33 people died in a shooting rampage on the Blacksburg campus of Virginia Tech. It is based on 2 Corinthians 4:7-10.
Volunteers Sought for 2008 General Conference
(Newscope) Volunteers are being sought to serve as marshals or pages at the 2008 General Conference in Fort Worth, Texas, April 23–May 2, 2008. About 150 volunteers are needed, conference planners say. The General Conference depends on volunteers for everything from assisting disabled delegates to distributing documents. Marshals and pages travel to and work at the conference at their own expense. Volunteers may apply online by going to http://gc2008.umc.org and clicking the volunteer link under Resources. Applications must be submitted by July 31, and applicants will be notified of their status by Sept. 30.
Groups Invited to Participate in Harvest of Hope Mission Experience
Harvest of Hope (HOH) is a wonderful mission experience that involves gleaning for local food banks, learning about hunger and poverty, and sharing worship and fellowship with fellow Christians. HOH has been a successful program of the Society of St. Andrew since 1985. In fact, all of their other summer events are full! Groups as small as 5 or as big as 25 are welcome. Tuition is $185/person, which covers lodging, meals, and supplies. The event is at Wood Institute in Mathiston, MS July 1-7, 2007. Click here to learn more.
UMCOR in need of medicine boxes
(UMCOR) "This Medicine Box will serve many people who would not be able to get medicine otherwise," said a Medicine Box recipient in Angola. A Medicine Box contains 18 essential drugs and medical supplies—enough to treat illnesses and injuries in a population of 1,000 for three months. Medicine Boxes have proven to be of critical value from urban hospitals to rural and community health centers. UMCOR's stock of Medicine Boxes is running low! You can send a lifesaving gift to UMCOR Advance #982630, Medicine Box. The cost of one medicine box is $425. Click here to learn more.
GCRR Launches Inclusiveness Counts Initiative
(Newscope) The General Commission on Religion and Race (GCRR) has launched an Inclusiveness Counts initiative this month to promote diversity and support for racial/ethnic minority concerns at the 2008 general and jurisdictional conferences. The campaign encourages annual conferences to “Vote for Diversity” as they elect delegates to next year’s churchwide legislative gatherings. It will also encourage those delegates to consider goals of justice and inclusiveness for racial/ethnic members when they vote for legislation and for new bishops.
UMVIM Team Leader Training
Do you have the desire to lead a domestic or international United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM) Team but need guidance? Are you ready to take your leadership skills to the next level? Would you like to discover the keys for successfully leading a team? If so, this training program is designed to help you prepare volunteers to lead Volunteer in Mission teams to projects domestically and internationally. The training will be held May 4-6, 2007, at SIFAT Campus in Lineville, AL. Cost is $150. Register online or download a registration form at http://www.umvim.org/Training.htm.
Nothing But Nets Gets 'American Idol' exposure
(UMNS) The Nothing But Nets campaign is gaining worldwide exposure before millions of people April 24-25 when the United Methodist-supported anti-malaria initiative is among charities featured on the top-rated "American Idol" television show. The Fox reality show, which is rated No. 1 in the United States, is presenting a two-night "Idol Gives Back" charity special to raise awareness and money for organizations that help poor children in the United States and Africa. The people of The United Methodist Church are founding partners in Nothing But Nets, which fights malaria by purchasing and distributing insecticide-treated sleeping nets in Africa. A donation of $10 covers the cost of delivering one net and teaching a family how to protect children from malaria-carrying mosquitoes. For more details, go to www.umc.org/nets.
RESOURCES
Making Your Church Accessible
(UMCOR) Ensuring that all are welcomed to your church for worship by making it accessible to people of all abilities can be a daunting task. New resources are available on the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) website to help churches assess their building for accessibility. Click here to visit Making Your Church Accessible to download these resources.
Copyright Confusion
(Interpreter) Copyright laws affect anyone using published material, including churches. It can be difficult at times to determine whether particular uses violate those laws. Every week, music and worship planners confront issues such as “fair use” of copyrighted music, playing CDs or showing video clips in worship, recording services (including music) for shut-ins, photocopying pages from a hymnal or downloading images from the web. The General Board of Discipleship's website addresses numerous copyright and licensing issues in a simple question-and-answer format. Click here to check it out.
CVLI Licenses
(Interpreter) Even though they don't charge admission, churches must be licensed to screen most copyrighted video images, including movie clips or images from the Internet. United Methodist Communications has partnered with Christian Video Licensing International (CVLI) to license churches to show video or DVD clips, as well as movies. License fees provide coverage for lawfully manufactured videos and DVDs, purchased, rented or borrowed. For more information, call 888-346-3862 or e-mail csc@umcom.org.
FREE Tool for Editing Pictures
Are you looking for a way to edit and enhance your digital photographs, but can't afford Photoshop? Then Snipshot may be a solution! This free, online service allows you to edit photos from a web browser. If you're a local church needing to do some basic, quick photo editing, then Snipshot may be for you! You'll find it especially helpful when working on brochures, newsletters, and bulletins. Visit Snipshot at www.snipshot.com.
Worship Resources for Times of Violence and Crisis
From the General Board of Discipleship (GBOD): www.gbod.org/worship
-- "A Prayer for Our Children" 
(A hymn by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette)
-- A Prayer in the Face of a Rampage Shooting
-- Lives Interrupted
-- Collect our Tears
-- A Litany for a Great Tragedy: Virginia Tech
-- Worship Resources for Times of Crisis
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
All Upcoming Events
Keep up with what's going on in the South Georgia Conference!
--Safe Sanctuaries Training - April 28
--Sexual Ethics Workshop - May 3
--Magnolia Manor Sunday - May 13
--Dublin District Lay Speaking Courses - May 18-19
--Youth Leader Training - May 18
--Annual Conference - June 3-7
--The Fellowship of Local Pastors and Associate Members Luncheon - June 5
Summer Camps
--Mid-High Mania 1 - June 11-15
--Mid-High Mania 2 - June 18-22
--Elementary Camp 1 - June 25-29
--Elementary Camp 2 - July 9-13
--Elementary Camp 3 - July 16-20