Dear Friends of the South Georgia Conference,
These are not easy days in our beloved church, and, yet, I find myself thanking God every day for the people He has called me to shepherd and lead. There are wonderful people who make up the South Georgia Conference of The United Methodist Church. Nancy and I continually remark to one another that there is just such a sweet, sweet spirit here in South Georgia.
I am thankful for our South Georgia churches who are focusing on the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
I am thankful for our clergy and laity who are not getting distracted by votes, divisive conversations, and misinformation.
I am thankful for churches who value our connection with one another and are choosing to stay at the table so we can move forward in ministry together.
Just last week, someone shared with me a
sermon by Dr. Jimmy Asbell, one of our own South Georgia clergy. In it, he talks about how some of these denominational conversations can be a distraction to our mission, and I couldn't agree with him more. He also reminds us of the wonderful strength of our connection right here in the South Georgia Conference.
I am excited about our
church planting and revitalization initiative. Each day I am told of something new springing up here in South Georgia. The Holy Spirit is surely moving among us. God has opened up new windows of opportunity to plant and revitalize churches. With a renewed sense of commitment, I believe God is calling the South Georgia Conference to a new and abundant life.
I want to remind you of
the resources we have on our website: “Why I Love Being a United Methodist,” FAQs, videos, and more. In addition, we have a newly created
“Moving Forward in Mission” page that helps guide church members affected by disaffiliation in whatever direction God is calling them.
I want you to know my commitment is focusing on the people and churches of the great South Georgia Conference and moving forward in this next season of ministry together. God is at work in mighty ways, and I look forward to how we, together as the South Georgia Conference of The United Methodist Church, can change our corner of the world.
In Christ,
Bishop David Graves
