Happenings

On Saturday, April 22, Wynnton UMC will sponsor and host the Eleventh Annual Midtown Classic 5K Run and One Mile Fun Run. The One Mile Fun Run begins at 8:00 am where you may walk or run. The 5K Race begins at 9:00 am. Wynnton UMC is proud to reside in and support the midtown area in all its beauty and charm! The race course will begin at Wynnton UMC and run through the Lakebottom area and then return to the Wynnton UMC site. All age groups will participate and awards will be given from ages ...

UMW Spiritual Growth Retreat – March 24-26 The United Methodist Women of the South Georgia Conference will host their annual Spiritual Growth Retreat March 24-26  at Epworth By The Sea on St. Simons Island. The retreat leader will be Rev. Nita Crump, and Ivy Kratzer will serve as the Teen Women's Retreat Leader. Susan Beverly will be the praise and worship leader. Click here for more information. Early Response Team and Chainsaw Training, Albany – March 25 An ERT and Chainsaw Training will be ...

2017 Clergy Spouse Retreat – March 17-19 How-dee Pardners! Gitty up to Epworth By The Sea March 17-19 and gather with clergy spouses from South Georgia. This rootin’-tootin’ retreat will be filled with fun, faith, and laughter as we circle our wagons with Jesus as our Sheriff and Joanna Underwood and Sunshine Bird as our Faithful Trail Bosses! Click here for more information. Early Response Team and Chainsaw Training, Harvest – March 18 An ERT and Chainsaw Training will be held Saturday, March ...

UMCOR Sunday (fourth Sunday in Lent) enables the United Methodist Committee on Relief to reach out through worldwide ministries of food, shelter, health and peace. A special offering is taken on this day 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 ...

Sexual Ethics Workshop at Epworth By The Sea – Feb. 23 The Thursday, Feb. 23 Sexual Ethics Workshop will be held from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. in the Nalls Building at Epworth By The Sea on St. Simons Island. According to the Conference Sexual Ethics policy, this workshop is required every three years for any person serving under appointment by the bishop (clergy, local pastors, extension ministers, appointed lay speakers). The cost is $35, which includes lunch (collected at the door). Checks can be...

Early Response Team and Chainsaw Training – Feb. 11 An ERT and Chainsaw Training will be held Saturday, Feb. 11 at Vienna UMC. The ERT training time is from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. and the chainsaw training time is from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. Click here to register. Early Response Team Trainings help equip individuals and teams to respond in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. The cost for the training is $25 per participant. At the training, participants will receive an ERT Training Manual and upon...

A major capital project to completely renovate Epworth By The Sea’s Aldersgate Youth Village has begun. All nine buildings will be made handicap accessible. Cost per building is $185,000. Total cost for nine buildings is $1,665,000. Because of the generosity of an anonymous donor, the first building is under construction. Epworth Trustees have pledged to raise the funds for a second. Rev. Thad Haygood, an Epworth Trustee, has launched a campaign for former Leadership Team members to help fund ...

Fresh Expressions: Imagine Church For Those Who Don't Do Church – Jan. 25 The Center for Mission Innovation of the UMC's Global Ministries, along with the North and South Georgia Conferences, are offering a Fresh Expressions Spark Day on Wednesday, Jan. 25. Join us if ... You are interested in building relationships and serving the communities where you live or work, You have questions about fresh expressions and mission-shaped church, You have started something new and need some practical ...

Multi-cultural luncheon - Jan. 16 The South Georgia Conference’s Advocacy Team will host an inaugural Multicultural Luncheon on Monday, Jan. 16, 2017. The luncheon will take place at ConneXion UMC in Savannah. The event is scheduled from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. The Rev. Stacey Harwell-Dye, Chairperson of the Advocacy Team, will provide the keynote address. This event is open to all congregations. The purpose of the Multicultural Luncheon is to celebrate the gifts that God has provided in the ...

The United Methodist Connectional Federal Credit Union is once again offering scholarships to 17-35 year old college-bound students in our connection. Four winning applicants, one from each of the United Methodist Connectional FCU’s four conferences – Florida, North Georgia, South Georgia and Alabama-West Florida – will each receive a $1,000 scholarship. Complete rules and an application can be found here. Applicants must be a credit union member in good standing. Eligible credit union members ...

The AndrewServes Servant Leadership Program of Andrew College kicked off a week of awareness activities for Habitat for Humanity on Nov. 14. The first project was a campus-wide scavenger hunt which led students to discover and share information about the Habitat for Humanity organization.  Later that day, the AndrewServes freshman class traveled to Americus, Ga. to tour Habitat for Humanity’s Global Village and Discovery Center. There, students were able to gain a better understanding of the ...

Multi-cultural luncheon - Jan. 16, 2017 The South Georgia Conference’s Advocacy Team will host an inaugural Multicultural Luncheon on Monday, Jan. 16, 2017. The luncheon will take place at ConneXion UMC in Savannah. The event is scheduled from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. The Rev. Stacey Harwell-Dye, Chairperson of the Advocacy Team, will provide the keynote address. This event is open to all congregations. The purpose of the Multicultural Luncheon is to celebrate the gifts that God has provided ...

Submitted by Rev. Abra Lattany-Reed Harper Chapel United Methodist Church in Baxley held their annual Christmas cantata, “When Heaven Came Down to Earth,” on Sunday, Dec. 11. Based on Luke 2:8-14, the cantata featured the Harper Chapel UMC youth choir and included representatives from all aspects of the church’s ministry. The sanctuary was full as more than 120 worshiped together and celebrated the Advent season. Under the direction of Choir Director Linda Jackson, the presentation featured...

Submitted by Chris Goff, Thomasville First UMC Do you really want another ugly tie or a fruit cake this Christmas or would you rather change the world? One church in Thomasville is attempting to do just that this Christmas. In fact, 2016 marks 10 years of world impact through something they call Advent Revolution. Instead of buying more “stuff” they don’t need, each of the church’s members is asked to spend at least $50 less than they normally would and instead put the money toward a project ...

Grace United Methodist Church in Brunswick celebrated a special harvest worship service on Sunday, Nov. 20. The idea was an inspiration of Mrs. Gloria Lawrence, worship chairperson, and Rev. Cleo M. Gilchrist, pastor of Grace UMC. “God did it for us," said Rev. Gilchrist. "Out of sheer generosity he put us in right standing with himself; a pure gift. He got us out of the mess we’re in and restored us to where he always wanted us to be. And he did it by means of Jesus Christ. You know God ...

Fresh Expressions: Imagine Church For Those Who Don't Do Church – Jan. 25, 2017 The Center for Mission Innovation of the UMC's Global Ministries, along with the North and South Georgia Conferences, are offering a Fresh Expressions Spark Day on Wednesday, Jan. 25. Join us if ... You are interested in building relationships and serving the communities where you live or work, You have questions about fresh expressions and mission-shaped church, You have started something new and need some ...

For Alaina Harrison’s fruitfulness project – a requirement of her ordination – she chose to create and execute an event for women interested in ministry. Called the Go and Tell Women’s Conference, it was designed to help women discover ministry opportunities available to them and to help discern their calling into ministry. Held Saturday, Oct. 22 at Forest Hills United Methodist Church in Macon, 20 college-aged women attended the one-day, all-day event led and taught by women in the South ...

United Methodists will once again come together on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016, to support the work of Advance projects and missionaries on UMC #GivingTuesday. This year, consider supporting a project that is working in an area you care about, such as hunger and poverty, education or social justice. For a complete list of projects, visit The Advance. Should you have any questions about UMC #GivingTuesday, please contact advance@umcmission.org. Find UMC #GivingTuesday banners/ads, FAQs, impact ...

Witten and submitted by Ann T. Pierce, Epworth By The Sea An historic gathering of two Georgia United Methodist Bishops, along with leading Baptist, United Methodist and Community Church preachers and teachers, and one of the nation’s leading Bible scholars, will lead the second annual Winter Conference at Epworth By The Sea, Jan.29 – Feb. 1, 2017. The focus of the conference is on worship and spiritual formation, bridging barriers of separation to be a greater witness to the world. Throughout...

United Methodist Student Day – Nov. 27 The United Methodist Student Day Special Sunday Offering helps provide funds for scholarships and loans for United Methodist students. Student Day gifts make a real difference for those who hope to attend college. Ninety percent (90%) of the offering goes toward funding the many scholarships and loans administered by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (www.gbhem.org) and ten percent (10%) stays within our state and goes to Georgia UM-related...

Shown here are members of the Hope for the Future Capital Campaign Committee as they make the last payment for the Wings of Hope and filling station at the Lyons First United Methodist Church. The committee has been able to raise more than $100,000 in less than a year to pay off the loan. Members include Rev. Jim Morrow, Terri Johnson, Mary Alice Wilder, Melvin McBride, Shari Adam, Jeremy Joyner and Ashley Murphy. Shown here are Kevin Hill, Trustees chair, Rev. Jim Morrow, and Dr. Chris ...

Sunday, Nov. 27, is United Methodist Student Day. Gifts received from this special offering become an investment in the future of the church through direct scholarships for higher education. The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) Office of Loans and Scholarships administers these programs that award more than 3,500 students annually. Click here for pastor and leader kit resources. Click here for more information.

Early Response Team & Chainsaw Training – Nov. 12 An Early Response Team Training will be held from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016, at Pierce Chapel UMC in Midland. An optional Chainsaw Training class*, conducted by Rick Dorer, will be held in the afternoon, from 1 to 5 p.m. Early Response Team Trainings help equip individuals and teams to respond in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. The cost for the training is $25 per participant. At the training, participants will receive...

HealthFlex Exchange Seminars – Oct. 21 & 27 In 2017, pastors and their families will have several options from which to choose for their HealthFlex insurance. The Open Enrollment period will be Nov. 2-17, 2016. This seminar will help pastors understand what the new options will be and how to make selections during Open Enrollment. Every pastor should plan to attend one of the seven seminars being held across the annual conference. Spouses are welcome to attend. Remaining seminar dates, times, ...

HealthFlex Exchange Seminars – Oct. 6, 7, 8, 21 In 2017, pastors and their families will have several options from which to choose for their HealthFlex insurance. The Open Enrollment period will be Nov. 2-17, 2016. This seminar will help pastors understand what the new options will be and how to make selections during Open Enrollment. Every pastor should plan to attend one of the seven seminars being held across the annual conference. Spouses are welcome to attend. Seminar dates, times, and ...

KidzQuest – Sept. 23-25 KidzQuest is an annual fall weekend retreat for third through sixth grade students at Epworth By The Sea on St. Simons Island. Sponsored by South Georgia's Connectional Ministries, KidzQuest offers a chance for children to take a break from school, spend time with friends, worship with church groups of all sizes and hear about the HOPE we have in Christ's unfailing love. Free time has been scheduled in to allow for groups to enjoy the island as well. Click here for more ...

In 2017, clergy and clergy spouses as well as conference lay employees currently enrolled in HealthFlex will have more choices for their health insurance as the conference moves towards a HealthFlex Exchange. The HealthFlex Exchange will allow participants to choose from among six different policies, and also have options for a more robust vision plan and for a dental plan.   The General Board of Pensions & Health Benefits and South Georgia has chosen to move to this Exchange to provide ...

On Sunday, Sept. 18, the South Georgia Conference will host a welcome service and reception for South Georgia’s new episcopal family, Bishop R. Lawson Bryan and Mrs. Sherrill Bryan. It will be held at 4 p.m. at Mulberry Street United Methodist Church in Macon. The special service is a time for our Annual Conference to gather for worship and to welcome Bishop Bryan and his family and to give thanks for his assignment to the South Georgia Conference. Bishop Bryan will preach, the Mulberry Street...

South Central District Camp Meeting at Camp Tygart – Sept. 11-15 South Central District Camp Meeting will be held at Camp Tygart Sept. 11 through Sept. 15.  Dinner will begin at 6 p.m. Those attending will be asked to bring a covered dish. A detailed list by church will be published soon. Dr. Buddy Cooper, District Superintendent of the Northwest District, will be this year’s speaker. Contact the South Central District Office at 229-242-7470 with questions. UMVIM Leader and Team Training – ...

Georgia Chapter PAUMCS Annual Conference – Aug. 18-21 The Georgia Chapter of the Professional Association of United Methodist Church Secretaries (PAUMCS) is having their Annual Conference at Epworth By The Sea on St. Simons Island on Aug. 18-21, 2016. All church secretaries, administrative assistants, financial secretaries, district secretaries, or those who work for United Methodist agencies are welcome to attend. Your position can be a paid or volunteer position. For more information and a ...

Albany First UMC Celebrates 175 Years: “Celebrate” Service with Rev. Mike McAfee – Aug. 14  This year marks the 175th year of Albany First United Methodist Church in downtown Albany. To commemorate the anniversary, the church has planned four Unified Services, featuring guest speakers and followed by a covered dish meal. The Unified Services have unique themes and the services start at 10:30 a.m. in the church’s sanctuary. The remaining series services include Aug. 14: “Engage” with Rev. Cindy ...

Camp Connect: Elementary 3 – July 18-22 Join us this summer for the 2016 Summer Camps! Elementary Camps, intended for rising fourth through sixth graders, are filled with a week’s worth of fun activities and opportunities to grow closer to Christ though daily worship, Bible study, and fellowship. Campers will enjoy the beach, pool, crafts, games galore, hilarious morning shows, and evenings of worship. All camps are held at Epworth By The Sea on St. Simons Island and will begin at 3 p.m. on ...

Cairo First United Methodist Church recently held a church-wide Spring Fling. The picture above shows a majority of the church's regular attendees gathered for an evening of fun activities, food and fellowship.

Congregational Development and the Board of Ordained Ministry are teaming up to sponsor a Peer Pastor Network designed to foster key conversations around selected crucial concepts dealing with LEADERSHIP. These “conversations” are being held at strategic locations across the conference, and pastors are invited to participate in one or all of them.  August 25           A Conversation about PASSION             Pittman Park, Statesboro                                  Hosted by Bill Bagwell ...

Camp Connect: Elementary 2 – July 11-15 Join us this summer for the 2016 Summer Camps! Elementary Camps, intended for rising fourth through sixth graders, are filled with a week’s worth of fun activities and opportunities to grow closer to Christ though daily worship, Bible study, and fellowship. Campers will enjoy the beach, pool, crafts, games galore, hilarious morning shows, and evenings of worship. All camps are held at Epworth By The Sea on St. Simons Island and will begin at 3 p.m. on ...

Harper's Chapel United Methodist Church in Baxley observed their annual Men's Day program on Sunday, June 19. This year's theme was "Fishers of Men" as expressed in Matthew 4:18-22. The event's speaker was Derrick Butler, who serves as principal at the historic Windsor Forrest High School in Savannah. He is also the co-founder of Change for the Next Level, a partnering initiative created to help others become empowered and engaged for change.  Special music was presented by Rev. Leon Mack of ...

Wesley Glen Day – June 19 Every local church in South Georgia is encouraged to receive a special offering to support the ministry of Wesley Glen. To learn more about Wesley Glen and its great ministry, visit www.wesleyglenministries.com.  Camp Connect: Elementary 1 – June 27 – July 1 Join us this summer for the 2016 Summer Camps!  Elementary Camps, intended for rising fourth through sixth graders, are filled with a week’s worth of fun activities and opportunities to grow closer to Christ though...

Below are special events coordinated by various groups in our conference.  Gathering for Families of Deceased Clergy and Clergy Spouses On Thursday afternoon at 1 p.m., prior to the Memorial Service, you are invited to greet the families of deceased clergy and clergy spouses in Room 14 at the Conference Center. Methodist Children’s Home BBQ The Methodist Children’s Home invites all clergy and lay members and guests for a complimentary dinner at the Conference Center on Thursday evening at 5 ...

2016 Annual Conference Session – June 8-11 The 2016 Annual Conference Session is set for June 8-11 in Tifton, Ga. Visit www.sgaumc.org/annualconference for details. South Georgia Annual Conference Retiree Luncheon – June 9 Retired clergy of the South Georgia Annual Conference are invited to a Retiree Luncheon during the 2016 Annual Conference session in Tifton. The luncheon is sponsored by Young Harris College and the South Georgia Eagles. It will begin at noon on Thursday, June 9 and will be ...

Photo courtesy of the Ledger-Enquirer Dr. Richard Wright, pastor of Box Springs and Upatoi United Methodist Churches and a decorated military veteran who served in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, served as keynote speaker at a Memorial Day paver dedication at the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center in Columbus. “The deaths of soldiers in combat are forever etched on the minds of those who were there on that day when they died in combat,” Rev. Wright said in his speech. “...

The Board of Directors of the St. Marys United Methodist Church Foundation, Inc. has approved grants for the Spring 2016 Grant Cycle. Grants totaling $604,875 will be made to 15 local and statewide organizations the week of June 6, 2016. The following is a brief description of each recipient and the purpose of the grant. American Red Cross – Southeast Coastal Georgia Chapter (www.coastalredcross.org)  A $30,000 reimbursement grant to the American Red Cross – Southeast Coastal Georgia Chapter to...

Marlee Pack, a recent graduate of the University of Georgia majoring in history, has been hired as the assistant at the Arthur J. Moore Methodist Museum located at Epworth By The Sea on St. Simons Island. A native of Auburn, Ga., Pack brings with her a love of history and a desire to spread the story of Methodism, especially in the South Georgia Conference. Please visit the museum and meet her in person.

New Start for Moving Pastors Meeting – May 25 The New Start for Moving Pastors meeting will be Wednesday, May 25 from 10:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall at Riverside UMC (735 Pierce Ave., Macon, Ga. 31204). Lunch will be provided. If you are a pastor moving this year, please let your district office know if you will be able to attend. 2016 Annual Conference Session – June 8-11 The 2016 Annual Conference Session is set for June 8-11 in Tifton, Ga. Visit www.sgaumc.org/annualconfer...

This year marks the 175th year of Albany First United Methodist Church in downtown Albany. To commemorate the anniversary, the church has planned four Unified Services, featuring guest speakers and followed by a covered dish meal. The first service on March 6 focused on “Remembering” the history of the church with Dr. Don Kea. Each of the remaining three Unified Services has a unique theme. The services start at 10:30 a.m. in the church's sanctuary. May 22: “Celebrate” with Rev. Mike McAfee ...

          Christ United Methodist Church in Warner Robins was asked to make prayer beads for the 2016 General Conference session, which will be held May 10 through May 20 in Portland, Ore. Members of the congregation made more than 60 strands of beads that will be given to the General Conference delegates.  “This is an incredible opportunity to share this new (ancient) prayer tool on a large scale and in a way that, hopefully, invites them to experience God’s presence in new ways,” said Elisa ...

Magnolia Manor Sunday – May 8 Magnolia Manor is a ministry of The United Methodist Church and serves older adults of all faiths throughout South Georgia. On this Special Sunday, South Georgia United Methodists are asked to take up a special offering to support this vital ministry. To learn more about Magnolia Manor visit www.magnoliamanor.com.  General Conference – May 10-20 The 2016 General Conference will be held May 10-20, 2016, in Portland, Oregon. For more information, visit ...

Wesleyan College is pleased to announce the availability of a full tuition scholarship for the 2016-2017 academic year.   The Mary Knox McNeill Scholarship is one of Wesleyan College’s most prestigious scholarship programs provided annually to first-year applicants for admission who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement along with a commitment to faith and community service. This scholarship is in memory of Mary Knox McNeill who served her church and community with a strong faith and ...

United Methodist Men's Spring Golf Tournament – April 22 The UMM annual spring golf tournament will be held Friday, April 22. The registration form and rules can be found online at www.sgaumc.org/umm. The UMM are currently looking for hole sponsors and players for this event to help fund missions projects for the UMM of South Georgia. United Methodist Men’s Annual Retreat – April 22-23 The South Georgia United Methodist Men will gather for their annual Spring Retreat Friday, April 22, 2016, ...

Are you or do you know a member age 17-35 who is attending or planning to attend college and attend church in in one of the four conferences? If so, please let them know about your Credit Union’s college scholarship program. Four winning applicants, one from each of our four conferences, Florida, North Georgia, South Georgia, and Alabama-West Florida, will receive a $1,000 scholarship each. Applicants will need to meet the following requirements: 1.    Be a Credit Union Member in Good Standing:...

Written and submitted by Willene Stone, Worship Chair, Alpha UMC  On Feb. 14, 2016, Alpha United Methodist Church in Bloomingdale, Ga. celebrated 175 years of ministry. We were the first mission from Trinity United Methodist Church in Savannah, which was from the Wesley founding church. In 1847, the church was moved to its first site in Bloomingdale.  Our blessings were many on this day of celebration. Bishop James King, our guest speaker, who was accompanied by his wife, Rose, attended the ...

Native American Ministries Sunday – April 10 On Native American Ministries Sunday, United Methodists cultivate and support urban missions with Native Americans and fund scholarships for Native American seminarians. Your annual conference retains 50 percent of the offering is to strengthen and develop Native American ministries. However, if no Native American ministries exist in the conference, the entire offering is remitted to the General Council on Finance and Administration for Native ...

On Saturday, April 23, Wynnton United Methodist Church in Columbus will sponsor and host the 10th Annual Midtown Classic 5K Run and One Mile Fun Run. The One Mile Fun Run begins at 8 a.m. where participants may walk or run. The 5K race begins at 9 a.m. Wynnton UMC is proud to reside in and support the midtown area in all its beauty and charm. The race course will begin at Wynnton UMC and run through the Lakebottom area and then return to the Wynnton?UMC site.  All age groups will participate ...

Eagles’ Picnic – March 31 The South Georgia Eagles will gather for the 2016 Picnic on March 31 at McRae First UMC. We will come to order at noon. You may come earlier, but not before 11 a.m. The McRae United Methodist Men are providing a Fish Fry lunch with the trimmings. All we need to bring is a dessert. Please RSVP by March 24 to Tom Davis (706-354-6455) or brotwd47@charter.net. Please tell your retired clergy friends that the Eagles are gathering. 60 Days of Prayer for General Conference ...

Submitted by Wesley Community Centers Thank you from Wesley Community Centers of Savannah, Inc. to everyone who attended and/or contributed to Love Walk 2016. Though cold and windy, approximately 325 people attended Wesley’s annual fundraiser, Love Walk, on Saturday, Feb. 13, 2016. Dr. Wayne Moseley, Coastal District Superintendent, opened the walk with a prayer, diverse entertainment was provided by The Royal Ambassadors, Bolivia Hopkins, and Brittney Mixon, and inspirational fellowship made ...

South Georgia Clergy Spouse Retreat – March 18-20 The annual Clergy Spouse Retreat is set for March 18-20 at Epworth By The Sea on St. Simons Island. The theme is “Under The Big Top,” and the guest speaker is Cindy Ricker. Retreat Ring Masters Lori Velasquez and Stephanie Hibberts will lead the weekend, which will be filled with fun, fellowship, and worship. The brochure and registration information are now available to download at www.sgaumc.org/clergyspouses.  Holy Week Prayer Pilgrimage for ...

Dr. Roger Gramling lecture – Feb. 18 Dr. Roger Gramling, personal secretary to Bishop Arthur J. Moore, will speak at the Arthur J. Moore Methodist Museum at Epworth By The Sea on Thursday, Feb. 18 at 2 p.m. This is part of the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Museum. Refreshments will be served. There is no charge and all invited. For more information, contact Anne Packard at 912-638-4050 or director@mooremuseum.org.  A night with Jack Gafford – Feb. 20 Centerville UMM invites you to ...

Shiloh United Methodist Church in Hahira answered the call by missionary Rev. Bobby Gale to provide handmade dresses for young girls in Africa. In less than three months more than 100 colorful dresses were created and $1,000 raised toward a water well project in their village. Salem UMC joined in the effort with dresses and another $1,000 dollars. Rev. Gale visited Shiloh UMC on Feb. 6 to celebrate these gifts to Unto The Least of His Ministries.  

Winter Conference at Epworth By The Sea – Jan. 31-Feb. 3 Epworth By The Sea on St. Simons Island will host a winter conference, “Unite,” Jan. 31 - Feb. 2, 2016. The focus is to "Unite" in spiritual formation and worship, bridging barriers of separation to be a greater witness to the world. The conference includes evening worship and morning Bible teaching. Co-leading worship each night will be the Rev. Jay Hanson from the Chapel United Methodist Church and the Rev. David Yarborough from St. ...

The Georgia United Methodist Foundation received three awards during the annual meeting of the United Methodist Association of Communicators, which was held Jan. 19-20, in Portland, Ore. GUMF’s Faith & Money won first place in the newsletter category for Print Publications, while GUMF’s Power of One 2014 Annual Report receive a second place award in the category for Special Publications.  The GUMF website, www.gumf.org, took home a second place award in the category of Web Design.  

On a recent cool November morning in Valdosta, long lines began to form in front of Park Avenue United Methodist Church. Persons were waiting for the doors to be opened at 9 a.m. For more than 40 years, the church’s United Methodist Women have sponsored fall bazaars. Visitors found one-of-a-kind knitted Afghans, quilts, embroidered pillow cases, Christmas decorations, and all varieties of wreaths and ornaments. Special attention was given to quality, low-priced items to be used for special ...

The Andrew College board of trustees approved a plan to submit an application to the Georgia Board of Nursing for a new associate degree in nursing. Based upon a report given by Interim Dean Academic Affairs Dick McCallum, Ph.D., Andrew’s trustees were enthusiastic about the progress made since their previous meeting in September. Among the items included in the report was the identification and hiring of a new Director of Nursing and Professor of Nursing, Debra C. Hairr, D.H.Sc, M.S.N., RNC-OB,...

GBGM groundbreaking in Atlanta – Jan. 19 In the fall of 2016, Global Ministries, the mission agency of The United Methodist Church, located in New York City for almost 200 years, will move to its new home in Atlanta. The move to Atlanta – a catalyst for envisioning new ways to connect the church in mission – is a pivotal moment in the life of Global Ministries and the people with whom it serves. In March 2015, Global Ministries purchased property from Grace United Methodist Church at 458 Ponce ...

Human Relations Day – Jan. 17, 2016 Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, is Human Relations Day, one of six churchwide Special Sundays with offerings for The United Methodist Church. Human Relations Day strengthens United Methodist outreach to communities in the United States and Puerto Rico, encouraging social justice and work with at-risk youths. Click here to learn more. GBGM groundbreaking in Atlanta – Jan. 19, 2016 In the fall of 2016, Global Ministries, the mission agency of The United Methodist ...

Human Relations Day – Jan. 17, 2016 Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, is Human Relations Day, one of six churchwide Special Sundays with offerings for The United Methodist Church. Human Relations Day strengthens United Methodist outreach to communities in the United States and Puerto Rico, encouraging social justice and work with at-risk youths. Click here to learn more. GBGM groundbreaking in Atlanta – Jan. 19, 2016 In the fall of 2016, Global Ministries, the mission agency of The United Methodist ...

Wesley Community Centers of Savannah, Inc.’s annual fundraiser, Love Walk, will be held Saturday, Feb. 13, 2016, with kickoff at 9 a.m. at Wesley (1601 Drayton Street, Savannah, Georgia). Wesley Community Centers invites the community to join them to “walk the talk and put Wesley’s motto, ‘It’s a Love Thang!’ into action.” The event will include pre- and post-event rallies, a walk through historic downtown Savannah, entertainment, and fellowship. All Love Walk proceeds support critical programs...

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Dec. 1, 2015 /Discipleship Ministries – The fictional Park Grove Community Church of the Chuck Knows Church series, “The Committee,” has lost its pastor and its way. It will soon close its doors unless it reinvents itself. Can your pastor help save Park Grove? The production staff and cast of “The Committee,” a humorous and thought-provoking online series produced by Discipleship Ministries of The United Methodist Church, is looking for a real pastor to make a cameo appearance...

ERT Training, Macon – Dec. 12 An Early Response Team (ERT) Training will be held on Saturday, Dec. 12 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Forest Hills United Methodist Church in Macon. Early Response Team Trainings help equip individuals and teams to respond in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. The cost for the training is $25 per participant. At the training, participants will receive an ERT Training Manual and upon completing the course, will receive an UMCOR ID Badge and a t-shirt. Background ...

Exhibit includes about 200 from June Brown’s personal collection, dozens of international nativities from Moore Museum permanent collection By Terry Dickson* Just about every Christian home has a Nativity scene on display during the Christmas season. June Brown has so many her house won’t hold them so she exhibits them each year at the Arthur J. Moore Methodist Museum on St. Simons Island. There are about 200 arranged on tables in the atrium of the museum at the Epworth By The Sea ...

Free webinar: Local Church Treasurer 101 – Nov. 17 Are you a new local church treasurer or financial secretary? Do you wonder about the various forms you get from the conference office? Do CRSP-DB, CRSP-DC, and UMPIP confuse you? Are you unsure if you need to do a W-2 or 1099 for your church pianist? What sort of report should you give to the church board or finance committee? Would you like to know how your statistics impact your apportionments?  Get answers to all of these questions and more ...

Pictured above, left to right, are Stephen Lewis, Chairman of the Coastal District Board of Trustees; Dr. Wayne Moseley, Superintendent of the Coastal District; Richmond Hill Mayor Harold Fowler; and Rev. Glenn Martin, pastor of Richmond Hill UMC The Coastal District of the South Georgia Conference broke ground on their new office building during a groundbreaking ceremony held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 29 on the corner of Rushing St. and Buford Cook Drive in Richmond Hill.  Richmond Hill ...

Free webinar: Keeping youth plugged in to church – Nov. 5 On Thursday, Nov. 5 at 10 a.m., Rev. Bill Culpepper, Associate Pastor in Charge of Youth Ministries at Mulberry UMC in Macon, will lead a free webinar about youth ministry. Rev. Culpepper understands that youth ministry can often operate as a silo within the life of the local church and he sees the importance of involving the youth in the life of the congregation and its ministries as well as helping them understand how to be part of the ...

For an adult living with a developmental disability, working toward a goal is a vital sign of growth. The annual awards banquet at Wesley Glen Ministries on Oct. 15 was the setting for an evening to celebrate community and goal accomplishment. Participants in Special Olympics were honored, with first-time Olympians receiving medals. Special awards were presented to the most improved, best all around, and most reliable athletes with the highest honor bestowed on the athlete of the year. A ...

Free webinar: Community Gardens – Oct. 20 On Tuesday, Oct. 20 at 10 a.m., Rev. Stacey Harwell-Dye will lead a free webinar focusing on community gardens and how they can be a ministry of your church and serve your community. Visit www.sgaumc.org/webinars for more information and to register. 2015 Eagles’ Fall Retreat – Oct. 26-28 The annual Eagles' Fall Retreat, a retreat for retired ministers and spouses of the South Georgia Conference, is set for October 26-28, 2015, at Epworth By The Sea on ...

Submitted by Luis O. Morales, South Georgia Conference Disaster Response Coordinator On Saturday, Oct.3 2015, five members of Pierce Chapel United Methodist Church's Early Response Team (ERT) members met to learn about chainsaw operations. Under the leadership of Rick Dorer, these individuals reviewed not only how to safely operate chainsaws, but also what safety gear to wear while operating chainsaws. After several hours of classroom training, the group took the classroom outdoors. They took...

Low Country Boil at Magnolia Manor of St. Marys – Oct. 10 Magnolia Manor of St. Marys will host their annual Low Country Boil on Oct. 10, 2015. The event will be held on campus and tickets are available for a 5:30 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. seating. Tickets are $20 each. Kettle sponsorships are available for $100. All proceeds for this event will be used to purchase phase II of the Emergency Call System for St. Marys. For more information, call May Stevens at 912-673-7713 or Sheila Bivins at ...

The UMW of Northview UMC, also known as the Friendship Circle, is pictured above as they delivered approximately 34 clothing protectors to Elberta Healthcare By Sandy Drew The United Methodist Women (UMW) of Northview United Methodist Church in Warner Robins recently set about making clothing protectors for the senior residents of Elberta Health Care Facility. The UMW of Northview, also known as the Friendship Circle, planned and made approximately 34 clothing protectors and delivered them to...

Riverside UMC in Macon has graciously been given choir libraries from three churches that have closed during the past five years. As a result of these gifts, their anthem library has grown from 650 anthems to more than 1,400 titles. The complete library has been entered into a database which can be sorted by composer, voice parts, liturgical season, and includes listings for instruments and children’s choir parts.  In the spirit of good stewardship, the Music Ministry of Riverside feels ...

The deadline to submit petitions for consideration by the 2016 General Conference is Oct. 13, 2015. According to church law, “Any organization, clergy member, or lay member of The United Methodist Church may petition the General Conference...” Detailed instructions for submitting a petition are available on the General Conference website at www.gc2016.umc.org. Petitions must be typed and may be submitted through the General Conference website, by postal mail, or via email to petitions@umpublis...

The Arthur J. Moore Methodist Museum on St. Simons Island is celebrating its 50th anniversary as a Methodist Museum with events each month from September through May, 2016.  This month, the wax figure of Bishop Arthur J. Moore will "preach" about love and redemption. Having passed away in 1973, it has been quite some time since his voice and wisdom have been heard, but technology has made it possible for museum patrons to hear his wise words once again. Make plans now to visit the museum, hear ...

“Grant Writing 101: Launching Projects & Ministries That Make a Difference!” Webinar – Sept. 24 What are the “best practices” that churches should know when exploring the possibilities of securing grant money to bring a ministry dream to life? What are the pitfalls to avoid? Stewardship Consultant for the Oregon-Idaho Conference Cesie Delve Scheuermann will be the guest presenter, bringing her expertise as a fundraiser and grant writer along with a deep connection to the UMC to this free first ...

In 2015, The South Georgia Annual Conference joined the Pan-Methodist Campaign for Children in Poverty. The campaign seeks to bring awareness to the justice issues children are facing at home and around the world.  “We are excited to be a part of this effort and will encourage our local churches in the South Georgia Conference to learn about the campaign,” said Rev. Denise Walton, Assistant to the Bishop for Connectional Ministries. “In 2016, the South Georgia Conference will invite all of our ...

Pension Seminar, Baxley – Sept. 10 South Georgia's Administrative Services Office will present three pension seminars this year: Sept. 10 in Baxley, Sept. 11 in Americus, and Sept. 12 in Fitzgerald. Presenters will be from the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits and the Social Security Administration. Personalized retirement projections and lunch will be available at the meetings for those making reservations. Reservations may be made by calling the Administrative Services Office at ...

Did you know that the Moore Methodist Museum staff has worked on publishing the history of the churches in the South Georgia Conference online? You can enjoy this new feature at www.sgaumc.org/churchhistory. You can help them by donating any historical material in your possession regarding your church. Items you may feel are of little value can be priceless to the museum and used to share the legacy of your congregation with others. They are particularly interested in records from churches that ...

Written and submitted by Susan Roberson New Harvest United Methodist Church in Valdosta celebrated 17 actual years as a constituted church at the annual Harvest Sunday, or Homecoming, as many call it. The service was full of good singing, smiling faces, friends old and new, and the spirit of God was upon this place. There was a table spread that was well blessed and eagerly received following morning worship. Pastor Robby Paulk asked a few members to share during the worship service what ...

Early Response Team Training – Aug. 22 An ERT Training will be held from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 22 at Pierce Chapel UMC in Midland. Early Response Team Trainings help equip individuals and teams to respond in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. At the training, participants will receive an ERT Training Manual and, upon completion of the course, will receive an UMCOR ID Badge and a T-shirt. Background checks are required before receiving badges. Please provide proof of ...

Pathways to Discipleship – Aug. 8 Churches looking for new ideas, networking opportunities and practical, quality training for their pastors, parishioners, staff and leaders need look no further than this year’s Pathways to Discipleship conference. Scheduled for Saturday, August 8 at Trinity United Methodist Church in Warner Robins, the training event will offer participants more than 30 workshops, plus five all-day workshops, to choose from, each designed to help congregations become healthier ...

Guest speakers from The Methodist Home for Children and Youth are available to preach and share with local congregations the vital ministry they are providing to the more than 400 children and families they serve every day. As a mission agency of the South Georgia Conference of The United Methodist Church, the Methodist Home is helping restore childhoods and strengthen families. Partnering with local United Methodist congregations and individuals is vital to The Methodist Home's ministry. Call...

There were 465 participants in this year’s Georgia United Methodist Pastors’ School, held July 20-23, 2015 at Epworth By The Sea on St. Simons Island. Click here to view a few photos from the event. Visit www.georgiapastorsschool.org for more information.

Georgia United Methodist Pastors’ School – July 20-23 Georgia Pastors’ School provides inspiration, education, fellowship, fun and relaxation for North and South Georgia clergy and their families. The school is supported by the tuition of attendees, an endowment established by the board of managers, an annual gift from the North Georgia Conference, and the generous contributions of our sponsors who provide refreshments during breaks and fellowship times. The school is managed by pastors for ...

Impact United Methodist Church is offering a second 4D Leadership Conference for church leaders to participate in significant panel discussions and explore the roles of leaders in ministry, education and entrepreneurship. Participants can choose to attend Sept. 15 or 16.  After selling out at the first 4D Leadership Conference earlier this year, Impact will again welcome leaders to its campus in East Point. The 4D Leadership Conference is designed to speak to every individual – at any level of ...

Surf Shack VBS encourages kids to catch the wave of God’s amazing love As churches are in the midst of VBS activities this summer, the search for next year’s program begins. Cokesbury’s Surf Shack: Catch the Wave of God’s Amazing Love program fits the bill for a perfect beach-themed getaway for kids to bask in the love of the Son and come away with an understanding of God’s awesome power. At Surf Shack, kids are equipped and invited to plunge into the incredible experience of knowing God. They...

Golden Cross Sunday – July 12 Golden Cross began in 1908 with the commitment of Methodists in Dallas, Texas to provide the first health care to persons who could not afford it. They began to receive offerings for the expenses of the poor patients at Methodist Hospital in that city. By 1930, the concept was officially adopted throughout the predecessor denominations of The United Methodist Church. Today Golden Cross is a ministry that reaches out in love to the laity in our Annual Conference who ...

2015 SEJ BMCR Youth Harambee – June 24-28 The word harambee is South African in origin and means “Let’s pull together.” Every other year the national office sponsors the National BMCR Youth Harambee. This event’s purpose is to be a celebration of gifts, talents, and willing hearts of ethnic United Methodist youth. These events also focus on helping youth and young adults understand BMCR’s history, purpose, and focus on equipping and supporting Christian youth. Besides great music, praise, ...

Striplin Terrace United Methodist Church in Columbus recently donated several United Methodist hymnals to Dugo United Methodist Church in the Philippines. A thriving church with several children, youth, and young adults, Dugo UMC requested the hymnals for the liturgies and services as much as for the music and lyrics.  Striplin Terrace members worked hard to collect the hymnals and clothing, and dedicted them on Sunday, Feb. 15 before shipping them to Dugo UMC. The hymnals and Bibles didn't ...

By Anthony McPhail, Associate Pastor of Martha Bowman Memorial UMC For a church that has experienced plenty of change over the past 50 years, one thing has remained constant. Since July 1, 1966 (with one brief interruption), Karen Clifton has served as the organist for Macon’s Martha Bowman United Methodist Church. Earlier this year we received notice that after prayerful consideration Karen will step down after 48 years of service at the end of June. Normal 0 false false false EN-US ...

b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Camp Connect: Mid-High 2 – June 15-19 Join us this summer for the 2015 Summer Camps! Mid High Camps, intended for rising 6th-9th graders, are filled with a week’s worth of fun activities and opportunities to grow closer to Christ though daily worship, Bible study, and fellowship. Campers will enjoy the beach, pool, crafts, games galore, hilarious morning shows, and evenings of worship. Mid High Camps are held at Epworth By The Sea on St. Simons Island and ...

Evangelistic awards were presented during the 2015 Annual Conference session to churches in each district that charted the largest net gain in membership, the largest number of professions of faith, and the best ratio of professions of faith with regard to membership. Porterfield Memorial UMC in Albany was the overall conference leader in the largest net gain in membership. The Ridge in Columbus led the conference in the largest number of professions of faith. Dixie UMC had the best ratio of ...

South Georgia's Administrative Services Office will present three pension seminars this year: Sept. 10 in Baxley, Sept. 11 in Americus, and Sept. 12 in Fitzgerald. Presenters will be from the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits and the Social Security Administration. Personalized retirement projections and lunch will be available at the meetings for those making reservations. Reservations may be made by calling the Administrative Services Office at 478-738-0048 or 1-800-535-4224 or by...

2015 Annual Conference Session – June 3-6 The 2015 Annual Conference Session is set for June 3-6 in Tifton, Ga. Visit www.sgaumc.org/annualconference for more information. w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="false" DefSemiHidden="false" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99" LatentStyleCount="371"> w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2" /> w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true" ...

On Thursday, June 4, Swamp Gravy, the Official Folk Life Play of Georgia, will present a one-hour performance for South Georgia Annual Conference session attendees and guests.  This free event is open to the community. The special theatrical presentation will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the University of Georgia Tifton Conference Center in Tifton, Ga. Sponsored by the citizens of Tifton, Ga., the performance will delight audiences of all ages and backgrounds. While steeped in Southern tradition, Swamp...