CONFERENCE NEWS

Hope for Africa Children's Choir to Tour South Georgia

“I was just praying to God in my heart that I would perform well,” said Solomon Mutende, 10, of Uganda. Thousands of teary-eyed United Methodists know God answered that prayer after watching Solomon and the Hope for Africa Children's Choir perform before a worldwide gathering of United Methodists. The energetic performance on April 28 was one of the most blessed moments of the 2008 United Methodist General Conference, the church's legislative assembly meeting through May 2 at the Fort Worth Convention Center. The appreciative crowd gave the youngsters an impromptu standing ovation after the children sang and danced to one song during a planned “celebration moment.” The audience even demanded an encore. The next day the children had the honor of singing and dancing with the President of Liberia, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

This is just a sample of what the South Georgia Conference has to look forward to as it prepares to host the Hope for Africa Children’s Choir from June 4 – June 23. The twenty-three children choir from Uganda, East Africa will be performing at the South Georgia Annual Conference session on Tuesday, June 10 at 7:30 p.m. They will also be performing in various districts across South Georgia. See the schedule below for a concert near you. All concerts are free and open to the public.

Check out a preview of the children singing "Jesus is a Friend of Mine" - Windows Media | QuickTime.

The Hope for Africa Children’s Choir was able to travel to the United States through a generous grant given to the South Georgia Annual Conference. Click here to learn more about the choir.

TOUR DATES
(Click here to download a bulletin insert to help promote any of the following concerts in your local church)

COLUMBUS - Friday, June 6 - 10:00 a.m.
Open Door Community House / 2405 Second Avenue / Columbus, Georgia 31901

AMERICUS - Saturday, June 7 - 2:00 p.m.
Rylander Theatre / 310 West Lamar Street / Americus, GA 31709

COLUMBUS - Sunday, June 8 - 8:15 a.m. (Sunday morning worship service)
South Columbus United Methodist Church / 1213 Benning Road / Columbus, Georgia 31903

COLUMBUS - Sunday, June 8 - 11:00 a.m. (Sunday morning worship service)
St. Peter United Methodist Church / 6507 Moon Road / Columbus, Georgia 31909

COLUMBUS - Tuesday, June 10 - 7:30 p.m.
(This is a special performance at The South Georgia Annual Conference Session)
Columbus Civic Center / 400 4th Street / Columbus, GA 31901

DUBLIN - Saturday, June 14 - 7:00 p.m.
Pine Forest United Methodist Church / 400 Woods Avenue / Dublin, Georgia 31021

FITZGERALD - Sunday, June 15 - 6:00 p.m.
Grand Theatre / 119 South Main Street / Fitzgerald, GA 31750

STATESBORO - Monday, June 16 - 7:00 p.m.
Statesboro First United Methodist Church / 101 S. Main Street / Statesboro, Georgia 30458

BAXLEY - Tuesday, June 17 - 7:00 p.m.
Baxley First United Methodist Church / 106 South Main Street / Baxley, Georgia 31513

SAVANNAH - Thursday, June 19 - 7:00 p.m.
Aldersgate United Methodist Church / 2020 Tennessee Avenue / Savannah, Georgia 31404

ST. MARYS - Sunday, June 22 - 11:00 a.m. (Sunday morning worship service)
St. Marys United Methodist Church / 106 East Conyers Street / St. Marys, Georgia 31558

Bishop Watson Presents the Choir to General Conference
On behalf of the South Georgia Annual Conference, Bishop Mike Watson was privileged to present the Hope for Africa Children's Choir to the General Conference. The choir was able to travel to the United States through a generous grant given to the South Georgia Annual Conference. Watch Bishop Watson's introduction of the choir: Windows Media | QuickTime. In addition to being in Texas and Georgia, the choir will also tour and sing at United Methodist churches in Arkansas, Wisconsin, Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee until the end of July.

Earn money by participating in HealthFlex incentive
This spring, the General Board of Pensions is sponsoring an “Incentive Blitz” for HealthFlex participants. The reward is a $100 Visa gift card for participants in our PPO (or active) plan who take the WebMD Survey by June 30, 2008. Click here to learn more or contact Bob Shell in the Administrative Services Office at 800-535-4224..

Summer Camps - Register Now!

School is almost out and exciting opportunities abound, but there’s one place every child wants to spend at least one week – and that’s at summer camp! Campers will experience a thirst quenching journey this summer as we discover how God can satisfy our spiritual thirst. “Thirsty” summer camps, sponsored by the South Georgia Conference Youth and Children’s Ministries, are only a couple of weeks away, and there’s something for everyone!

Two Mid High Mania Camps, intended for 6th-9th graders, are set for June 9-13 and June 16-20. The Elementary Camps are set for June 23-27, July 7-11 and July 14-18 and are intended for 4th-6th graders. All camps are filled with a week’s worth of fun activities and opportunities to grow closer to Christ. Campers will enjoy the beach, pool, boat rides, crafts, games, and much more. Cost for the week is $225 and includes lodging, meals, programs, a t-shirt, and a camp DVD. Counselors are provided.

Online registration and a brochure are available by clicking here. For more information, click here or call the Connectional Ministries office toll free at (888) 266-7642.

2008 Summer Leadership Team Announced
The 2008 Leadership Team for the South Georgia Conference summer camps has been finalized. Click here to view the names of these college students who will be in ministry to over 700 children and youth this summer.  They have a tough job ahead but a rewarding one as well.  Please be in prayer for these individuals who have given their summer to be in ministry to God's children and youth as they listen to God's call on his/her life to be in full-time Christian service. 

Workshops Provided for Moving Pastors
The South Georgia Conference is offering, for the fifth year, Transitional Workshops for pastors who will be moving to new assignments in June. These workshops will be offered in two separate locations. The first session will be held on Tuesday, May 20 at First United Methodist Church in Tifton. The second session will be offered on the following day, May 21, at First United Methodist Church in Dublin. The sessions will begin at 9:30 a.m. and will conclude at 3:30 p.m. Click here for more details.

Epworth By The Sea to feature Dr. Evelyn Laycock in October
Epworth By The Sea invites you to come study the book of Psalms and learn from Dr. Evelyn Laycock, noted Bible teacher who has served for 35 years as Professor of Religion at Hiwassee College, October 13-16, 2008. Dr. Laycock holds both Masters of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Emory University. This event has been approved for 1.3 hours of continuing education credit for clergy. View accommodations and register online at www.epworthbythesea.org or call 912-638-8688.

2008 GENERAL CONFERENCE WRAP-UP

The 2008 General Conference session concluded Friday, May 2 at midnight. Delegates worked tirelessly in countless hours of legislative and plenary sessions for 10 long and tedious days. They waded through petitions, voted on issues and adopted a budget. South Georgia can be very proud of the hard work and dedication of their delegation.

South Georgia's "Family Photo"

South Georgia's Delegates, Reserves, Spouses and Guests gathered for a dinner during General Conference.

News and Daily Updates
To view all news and all daily updates from the 2008 General Conference session click here.

General Conference Wrap-up
Read a wrap-up article from United Methodist News Service.

Wrap-up Bulletin Insert
Download a bulletin insert with highlights from General Conference to use in your local church.

Actions Taken By General Conference
Read a daily summary of actions taken by General Conference 2008.

Delegation Photos
View photos of the South Georgia delegation taken during the General Conference session.

Delegate Interviews
Watch interviews with some of our South Georgia delegates during General Conference.



ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2008: NEWS & INFORMATION

Annual Conference 2008 - "Glorifying God - Bearing Fruit"

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

Book of Recommendations Online
The 2008 South Georgia Annual Conference Book of Recommendations is now available online. Click here to download. The pre-conference mailing, which includes a printed version of the Book of Recommendations, was mailed on Friday and should be arriving in mailboxes soon.

Emergency Phone Number for Columbus Civic Center
The emergency phone number for the Columbus Civic Center is 706-653-4482. If someone calls and needs to get in touch with you, the Civic Center will get the message to the appropriate person(s).

Directory Photographs will be taken at Annual Conference
Directory photographs for the new South Georgia Clergy Directory will be taken during the 2008 Annual Conference in Columbus.  Anyone serving under the appointment of the South Georgia Conference or any District of the South Georgia Conference will be included in the Directory.  This includes all levels of Lay, Local, and Ordained pastors.  This year's directory will include the pastor's spouses, but the spouses MUST be present with the pastor for the picture to be taken.  Photos will be taken Monday from 8:00am – 5:30pm, Tuesday from 9:00am – 5:30pm, and Wednesday from 8:00am – 2:00pm.  Look for the Olan Mills Booth at the Columbus Convention Center. For more information call Judi Fergus at the Arthur J. Moore Methodist Museum, 912-638-4050.

Wellness Exam Offered at Annual Conference
Because a “wellness exam” is important and can help detect potential health problems early, the Conference Board of Pensions and Health Benefits is again offering the Procheck Health Screening during annual conference. If you are a participant in HealthFlex the cost of the screening will be covered by HealthFlex. This screening is available to all participants – both Active AND Retirees. For persons attending annual conference who are not HealthFlex participants, they can also have the health screening done at a cost of $115. Screening will be done 6:30 a.m. thru 11:00 a.m. Monday - Wednesday of Annual Conference. For more information, contact Bob Shell at the Administrative Services Office at 800-535-4224.

Need Childcare during Annual Conference? Don't forget to register!
If you will need childcare during Annual Conference please make sure to register. Childcare will be provided at St. Luke UMC. Click here for more information.

Annual Conference Offering to Support Higher Education - Bulletin Insert Available
The Special Offering at the 2008 Session of the South Georgia Annual Conference Session will be used to support the work of the Georgia United Methodist Commission on Higher Education and Campus Ministry (GUMCHECM) within the South Georgia Conference. All churches are encouraged to take a special offering prior to Annual Conference. Your pastor or your lay delegate will then have the opportunity to present the offering at the opening worship service on Monday morning of conference. Visit www.gahied.com to learn more about the work of the Commission and the plans for the special offering. Click here to download a bulletin insert to help promote the offering.

LaGrange College to host Celebration of Servant Leadership at Annual Conference
LaGrange College is hosting its 2nd annual Celebration of Servant Leadership at the South Georgia Conference on Monday, June 9 at 5:30 p.m.  at St. Luke United Methodist Church.  Bishop B. Michael Watson will be the keynote speaker.  This year's recipients are:  The Reverend George Herndon, retired clergy from Brunswick,  Ms. Laura Randall of St. Mark UMC in Columbus and Ms. Helen Louise Cox of Mulberry Street United Methodist Church in Macon. Reservations can be made on online at www.lagrange.edu/sgdinner.  Tickets are $25 per person or $40 for 2.  More information can be obtained by contacting Mary Weiss at 706-880-8340 or at mweiss@lagrange.edu.

Young Clergy Initiative Lunch Gathering Being Planned for Annual Conference
Gen-X'ers.  Gen-Y'ers.  Millennials.  These are the generations raised in an electronic world.  In a world of electronic connection, we often miss the personal connection.  Annual conference is a time to celebrate the personal connection of our church.  As a younger generation emerges as the next generation of leadership, it is helpful to know the people with whom we serve.  A Young Clergy Initiative group is in the process of formation and an introductory evening time gathering is planned for the 2008 Annual Conference. This will be a time for young clergy and spouses to gather in fellowship and discover ways in which we can help each other and other young ministers as they enter into this servant ministry of the church.  We will meet after the concert on Tuesday night, with the location to be forthcoming. To register for this gathering, or if you have any questions, please email Thomas Martin at gthomasmartin@gmail.com .  Also, check out the website at http://sgaumcyoungclergyinitiative.blogspot.com.  More information will be available at Annual Conference, but you are encouraged to ask questions, and ask often.  See you in June!

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.

Open Door Community House Invites Non-delegates for tour and refreshments
On Monday, June 9, Open Door will have a bus at the Civic Center at 10 a.m. for all non-delegates who would like to be transported to the Open Door facility for a tour and refreshments.  Open Door is a National Mission Institution and they would like to be open for anyone wanting to see their ministries in action!  Summer Academy will be going on as well as the Showering Program - both very well supported by South Georgia Conference folks!  They will have all persons back to the Civic Center by 11:30 in time to meet their spouses and friends for lunch.

Complimentary Springer House Opera Tour Opportunity for Non-delegates
Non-delegates attending the 2008 Annual Conference have an opportunity to go on a complimentary tour of the Springer House Opera on Monday, June 9 at 3:30 p.m. The Springer Opera House of Columbus is a National Historic Landmark and also a National Historic Theatre. It is located at 103 10th Street, Columbus, Georgia 31901 in the
Historic Uptown Columbus Area. Click here for a flyer or contact the Columbus District Office for more information, 706-561-4541.

More Annual Conference Information:
List of Hotels
Day of Service Registration
Display Information
Banquet/Luncheon Information
Childcare Registration
Golf Tournament Information and Registration
Blood Drive Information
2008 Annual Conference Special Offering: Georgia UM Commission on Higher Education and Campus Ministry




CONNECTION NEWS

UMCOR Provides Help to Mayanmar
(UMCOR) Cyclone Nargis tore through Myanmar (Burma) May 2 with unexpected fury, causing a tidal surge that swept inland that devastated Myanmar's most populated regions leaving homes and businesses flattened and families forever changed. Satellite images reveal extensive damage along the entire coastal plain. Current reports place the death toll over 20,000, with another 40,000 missing. The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is responding to the widespread need in Myanmar. Working through partners such as Church World Service, one of the few agencies with permits to work in Myanmar, allows UMCOR to respond to disasters in some of the world's most remote places. The international community is working to open up relationships between the US and Myanmar so that more assistance can be provided to survivors. more>>

US Tornado Responses
(UMCOR) The United Methodist Committee on Relief is helping the Arkansas, Mississippi and Virginia Annual Conferences respond to several tornados that whipped through the southern states on May 1 and 2. The deadly storms damaged or destroyed several hundred homes and knocked out electrical power. An estimated 200 people were injured in Virginia and seven people were killed in Arkansas. UMCOR is in contact with the respective conference directors to assess the damage, help with the long-term recovery plans, and is providing assistance to help meet emergency needs. Arkansas has received the brunt of numerous tornadoes that tore through the south since Feb 5 leaving little breathing room for recovery. In Suffolk, Va., and Mississippi there is extensive damage as several houses were destroyed and commercial structures are considered to be complete losses. Please help us support these annual conferences and other southern states affected by these storms with your gifts to Domestic Disaster Response, UMCOR Advance # 901670.

World Fair Trade Day - May 10

(UMCOR) World Fair Trade Day is May 10. Endorsed by the International Fair Trade Association, a global association consisting of over 300 fair trade organizations, World Fair Trade Day calls on all of us to participate by purchasing fair trade products and encouraging conventional companies to sell more fair trade goods. Please support this effort by joining the United Methodist Committee on Relief's (UMCOR) 100-Ton Challenge. The 12-month campaign, which ends next year on May 9, 2009, encourages United Methodists to help increase the amount of fairly-traded coffee, tea, chocolate and snacks purchased through the UMCOR Coffee Project and its partner Equal Exchange, a 100 percent fair trade, worker-owned co-operative. By participating in the 100-Ton Challenge, you are helping farmers in Latin America, Africa, Asia and the United States stay on their land, earn fair prices for their crops, and support their families. Visit UMCOR's 100-Ton Challenge web page for more information and for available resources. You can also help small-scale farmers through your gifts to Sustainable Agriculture and Development, UMCOR Advance #982188.

UMVIM: CONNECT 2008!
The Southeastern Jurisdiction United Methodist Volunteers in Mission is planning a gathering at Lake Junaluska, NC June 18 – 20 for fellowship, fun, updates on projects, fun, news about mission team opportunities, fun, learning, fun, worship, fun, and networking. Looking for an UMVIM team experience? Places to serve? Needs around the world that YOU can meet? CONNECT 2008 is the place to be. To learn more about this year's event and to save some money and register early, visit our website at www.umvim.org or contact us at sejinfo@umvim.org or 404-377-7424. NOTE: Early registration ends on May 12, 2008.

Lake Junaluska to sponsor Ministry Summit for Clergy
(SEJ) Be a part of the first-ever Lake Junaluska Ministry Summit (formerly Ministers Conference) July 6-10, 2008 at Lake Junaluska.  This event is the perfect blend of learning, worship, networking, spiritual renewal, and recreation.  The summit will feature three "tracks" for participants to choose from, including a course with the Alban Institute and one with The Intentional Growth Center.  Add to that dynamic worship and preaching!  Bring your family, or come with another clergy colleague for a time of learning and renewal. Click here for a brochure and registration information.

Leading the Mid-Size Church Seminar at Lake Junaluska
(SEJ) Many clergy find that they must redefine their role as pastor in the mid-size church due to its increasing demands and complexities. Lake Junaluska will be hosting a seminar focusing on "Leading the Mid-Size Church" July 7-10, 2008. This seminar will identify and examine the unique characteristics of the mid-size (100-250 average worship) church. Click here to learn more about the seminar.

Disciple Training to be held in Atlanta

(UMPH) Cokesbury and Disciple Seminars are pleased to announce Disciple training to be held June 26-27, 2008 at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church located at 3180 Peachtree Road NW, Atlanta, GA 30305. This training event will be comprised of 4 offerings. The training for Christian Believer and Disciple: Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study will be held on June 26 followed by training for Jesus in the Gospels and Beyond Disciple I on June 27. Click here for more information.

Connection News in Korean
Click here.

Connection News in Spanish
Click here.



RESOURCES

The Foundation for Evangelism Launches Online Resource website
The Foundation for Evangelism is pleased to announce the launch of its website for evangelism-related resources. The Evangelism Resources Online site is located at EvangelismResources and can also be accessed through a link at FoundationforEvangelism. The website has been designed with a "portal" approach. It is a place where visitors can come to search for relevant information on evangelism. [Read More]

Bulletin Insert Available for World Fair Trade Day
(UMCOR) World Fair Trade Day is on May 10. Download UMCOR's World Fair Trade bulletin insert that highlights the benefits of fair trade for both small-scale farmers and consumers. United Methodists are encouraged to help increase awareness about fair trade and purchase more fairly-traded coffee, tea, or cocoa products. By doing so, you are helping to support the livelihoods of farmers throughout Latin America, Africa, Asia and the US.

Two Hymns for Mother's Day
“God, We Praise You for the Women” - Dan Damon is a United Methodist pastor in Richmond , California , and a gifted musician, piano player, composer, arranger, and hymn writer. In this hymn he has put his gifts to the task of writing a Mother's Day hymn that celebrates mothers, their roles and gifts, reflecting the demands placed upon them and the strength they often exhibit.
“Arise All Mighty Women” - This text by Lisa Quoresimo is based on Julia Ward Howe's original “Mother's Day Proclamation,” which led to the creation of Mothers Day as we know. It uses the music of another hymn text by Howe, “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” (UM Hymnal no. 717). Lisa Quoresimo is the Music Director at Temple UMC in San Francisco.

Hymns and Songs for Confirmation and Reaffirmation
(GBOD) This new page provides suggestions of hymns and songs from The United Methodist Hymnal and The Faith We Sing for use with services of youth and adult confirmation as well as reaffirmation (see Baptismal Covenant I in The Book of Worship or The United Methodist Hymnal). Click here to view.

Myanmar Cyclone Blog - http://blogs.gbod.org/myanmar
(GBOD) On Saturday, May 3, Cyclone Nargis hit the nation of Myanmar (formerly known as Burma ), inundating low lying areas and killing over 30.000 people. Nations and international aid organizations are offering support of many kinds, but to date it appears that the only aid being distributed is what already exists in the nation from groups that were already on the ground. There is much to pray for, much to seek God's deliverance to address. This blog is a place for you to offer prayers, litanies, hopes, and other forms of intercession… with all who are suffering, all who are seeking to help, and all who may stand in the way.

Hymns and Resources After the Cyclone
(GBOD) Click here to view a list of hymns.

A New Hymnal…..Now What?
(GBOD) Three hours into the evening session of General Conference in Fort Worth, Texas on April 28, 2008, the conference received the recommendation of the legislative committee to approve the revision of the 1989 United Methodist Hymnal. Following a brief but spirited debate, the proposal was approved by a margin of 57% - 43%. The new hymnal is intended primarily for use within the USA. This article reviews the details of what will happen next to bring a recommended new hymnal back to the 2012 General Conference for approval by answering the questions:
•  Who will be on the hymnal committee?
•  Who will be the editor and other officers of the committee?
•  How will the committee do its work?
•  What instructions were given by General Conference?

Where are the Young Adults?
(GBOD) In a recent article that, in part, relies on the book After the Baby Boomers by Robert Wuthnow (Princeton University Press, 2007), Ann Michel of Wesley Theological Seminary provides some interesting information on the presence and absence of young adults in the church and what this may mean for the future. This article looks at some of those points for United Methodists to consider about the present and future of our church. Read article.