7/14/2025

By Rev. Jon Brown   I glanced at my watch—1:44 p.m. This wasn’t my usual rhythm. But then again, this wasn’t a usual Sunday at First United Methodist Church in Warner Robins.   We had canceled Sunday School and our traditional 11:00 a.m. worship service to try something different. The sanctuary had been rearranged: a TV screen stood ready to project slides, instruments were lined up with amps and music stands, and microphones dotted the chancel. The bread and chalices on the altar table didn’t ...

7/13/2025

Basic ERT Training A Basic Early Response Team (ERT) Training is set for July 19, 2025, at Wesley UMC (4256 Hartley Bridge Rd, Macon, GA). The ERT training will begin at 8:30 am and will conclude by 3:00 pm. Register here For more information, contact: Kelly Crane at ert@sgaumc.com or Mike Bankston at revmikebank@gmail.com. Mission u - July 18-20 The 2025 Mission u will take place July 18–20, 2025, at Epworth by the Sea on St. Simons Island, Georgia. This year's theme – “Practicing Hope” ...

7/13/2025

By Rev. Stephanie Smith On Sunday mornings at Trinity United Methodist Church in Warner Robins, the sanctuary isn’t the only place where worship happens. Down the hall, past the smell of pancakes and the sound of laughter, something extraordinary is unfolding: people are making friends across tables covered in coffee mugs, crayons, and bowls of grits. They call it Messy Mornings. But underneath the name is a clear and Spirit-filled vision: to create a place where new friendships can form and ...

7/11/2025

This past spring, the Board of Trustees of Epworth By The Sea on St. Simons Island announced that Carlos Cantu has been named as Epworth's next President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Cantu brought greetings to clergy and laity at the recent South Georgia Annual Conference session June 1-3, 2025.  Cantu brings to Epworth experience in faith-based nonprofit leadership and retreat center administration, coupled with a strong commitment to advancing the mission and values of the retreat center....

7/9/2025

The Thriving Leadership Initiative is a two-year program set to develop and deploy effective United Methodist lay and clergy leadership teams that can strengthen ministry in existing settings and/or be deployed to start new, healthy, and self-sustainable ministries. The training includes one-day in-person gatherings (on a Saturday or Sunday) in Duluth, Georgia paired with flexible monthly Learning Labs, creating a dynamic rhythm of learning, reflection, and action.  Know It. Own It. Live It. ...

7/8/2025

South Georgia United Methodists are praying for all who have been affected by the tragic flooding in Central Texas and stand ready to help. UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) has already issued a solidarity grant to Rio Texas.  Our best response today is to pray, give, and prepare.  As always, don’t self deploy to a disaster area. Our agreement with our United Methodist conferences and UMCOR is to wait until we are invited as the local region coordinates the disaster response. The ...

7/1/2025

This July, the New Creation Toolkit focuses on “New Friendship” and offers a variety of resources to help individuals and churches assess where they are in their spiritual journey and take steps to grow deeper in their faith. Whether you’re leading a church community or seeking personal growth, the following tools can guide you toward new opportunities for transformation. There are four elements to each monthly toolkit that coincide with South Georgia’s four missional priorities: resourcing ...

6/23/2025

Rev. Dr. Jimmy Asbell, Jr., pastor of Vineville UMC in Macon, was invited to preach the Ordination Service during the North Georgia Annual Conference on June 12, 2025. He preached on I Corinthians 13:1-13, "And the Greatest of These is Love."    Bishop Dease introduced Rev. Asbell, sharing about the many ways he exemplifies servant leadership in the South Georgia Conference and the denomination. "I am appreciative that we get to share in this journey together," she said.    With warm humor and ...

6/23/2025

by Rev. Stephanie Smith   The table is set with fresh fruit and warm casseroles. The rich aroma of coffee drifts through the house as laughter bubbles up from the kitchen. A child darts through the living room, followed closely by a dog as big as a moose—fitting, since his name is Moose. Someone quietly asks for prayer, and before the words fully settle in the air, a friend reaches across the table with a reassuring hand. And just like that, church begins.   It doesn’t follow a printed order of ...

6/22/2025

By Rev. Abra Lattany-Reed   Community engagement is important to the congregants at Trinity United Methodist Church in Warner Robins. Serving, loving, and celebrating connections and cultures is central to Trinity's approach to building relationships with their neighbors.    Angela Gilbert, Director of Connection at Trinity UMC and the newly appointed Lay Leader of North Central District, emphasizes that embodying the principles of the gospel is essential to her leadership role. What started as ...

6/20/2025

Submitted by Andrew College Communications    Andrew College has been selected one of 10 locations across the state to host a curated traveling exhibition of works from Georgia’s State Art Collection. This unique exhibition will showcase works from the community’s local and regional artists alongside 20 featured works from the State Collection.   Georgia Council for the Arts, the Georgia Department of Economic Development industry team specialized in supporting arts and culture, announced that ...

6/19/2025

During the month of June, the One Georgia Task Force presented its report at both the North Georgia and South Georgia Annual Conference sessions. A delegation from each conference was present at the other’s session.   The report, the result of months of prayerful reflection and conversation, represents the collective efforts of the full task force and its subcommittees. The work of the task force seeks to thoughtfully imagine what it could mean for North and South Georgia to move forward as one ...

6/19/2025

Apply for an UMCOR Mustard Seed Migration Grant UMC churches in the U.S. can help immigrants, migrants and refugees living in their local communities. UMCOR’s Mustard Seed Migration Grant program provides congregations with up to $2,000 for a one-time, community-based service project. The application is open through Sept. 1 and up to 100 churches will be awarded a grant. Learn more.   Hear from missionaries in July’s #StillinMission episode  Join United Methodist missionaries on Thursday, July ...

6/8/2025

By Kelly Roberson Detailed recaps of each day’s events, including listings of those who retired and the ministers and spouses who were remembered during the memorial service, as well as the appointment list, photos, and bulletin insert can be found by clicking here. South Georgia United Methodists gathered to worship, fellowship, and conduct the business of the annual conference as Bishop Robin Dease led her first annual conference as the episcopal leader of the South Georgia Annual ...

6/8/2025

Basic ERT Training A Basic Early Response Team (ERT) Training is set for July 19, 2025, at Wesley UMC (4256 Hartley Bridge Rd, Macon, GA). The ERT training will begin at 8:30 am and will conclude by 3:00 pm. Register here For more information, contact: Kelly Crane at ert@sgaumc.com or Mike Bankston at revmikebank@gmail.com. 2025 Camp Connect summer camps Camp Connect, the camping ministry of the South Georgia Conference, gives children and youth from rising 4th grade through rising seniors in ...

6/8/2025

During the 2025 South Georgia Annual Conference, held June 1–3, five individuals were honored for their contributions to local church ministry, their disciple-making efforts, and their faithfulness to God’s call, receiving some of the denomination’s most prestigious awards. Rev. Rachel Hartman, Wesleyan College Chaplain, received the Francis Asbury Award from the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry; Rev. Josh McLemore, pastor of Blackshear UMC, received the One Matters Award from ...

6/7/2025

by Rev. Daniel Medina When I was invited to speak at the 2025 Annual Conference session during the Connectional Ministries report about the cancellation of events and programs in Hispanic Ministries, I understood that the issue was not exclusive to immigrants, specifically Hispanics. The social upheaval is not about one issue alone; it is a movement inspired by hatred and misguided pride, and a lack of love for one's neighbor. That's why I didn't hesitate to include this prayer, which ...

6/7/2025

On Tuesday, June 3, during the 2025 South Georgia Annual Conference session, Bishop Robin Dease fixed the 2025-2026 pastoral appointments for the South Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church. Click here to download and view the list of appointments by district.  

6/7/2025

As we close out our week, Bishop Dease reflects on the laughter, worship, celebration, and sacred moments we’ve shared in South Georgia. From commissioning to honoring retirees to remembering those who have gone before us, we give thanks for a great 2025 Annual Conference session! “It was fun. It was life-giving. It was Spirit-filled. I am so honored to be your bishop.” We’re grateful for these days together—and already looking forward to next year!   

6/7/2025

In Christ, we are made new—and at the 2025 Annual Conference, we witnessed that newness expressed through lives called, commissioned, ordained, and those stepping into a new chapter of ministry through retirement. Each year, Annual Conference is a special time to celebrate ministry milestones. From those just beginning their journey in ministry to those embracing a new season of faithful witness, we celebrated how God is continually creating something new in the life of the Church. The ...

6/7/2025

Last fall, Bishop Robin Dease and host Rev. Dr. Rodrigo Cruz, along with the communications offices of the North and South Georgia Conferences, launched the One Georgia UMC Podcast. Across 11 episodes, listeners got to know Bishop Dease, were inspired by United Methodist clergy from across Georgia, and experienced the beauty of our connection through stories of times when brokenness meets hope. We laughed, pray, and got to know one another—and reached more than 2,400 listens! This month, the ...

6/6/2025

Across the South Georgia Conference, churches are embracing the promise of A New Creation—renewed by grace, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and sent into the world to reflect Christ’s love through mission, ministry, and evangelism. In communities large and small, we are witnessing fresh expressions of faith: people being baptized, churches growing, and disciples being made. This Kingdom work is transforming lives and bearing witness to the new thing God is doing among us. During Annual Conference,...

6/6/2025

A Memorial Service for those faithful servants who served in the South Georgia Annual Conference was held Tuesday afternoon, June 3, at 2 p.m., as conference members gathered in the beautiful sanctuary of Vineville United Methodist Church in Macon, Ga. Rev. Stephen Grantham, senior pastor of Isle of Hope United Methodist Church, was the preacher for this service. Rev. Grantham opened with the recognition that life is often unpredictable—what begins as a bright morning can quickly become one ...

6/6/2025

One of the highlights at this year’s Annual Conference Session, held June 1–3, were “New Creation Conversations” sprinkled throughout the business sessions. These teaching moments were presented by representatives across South Georgia who are excited about focusing on the importance of discipleship in the local church. Each practical tool presented can be used to help people become disciples who make disciples. Below is a summary of the toolkit resources highlighted at Annual Conference during ...

6/6/2025

As we approach UMC Peace with Justice Sunday on June 15, Bishop Robin Dease calls us to join her in fasting on Wednesdays this month. We are called to love our enemy and to serve as peacemakers in resolving conflict. In this message, Bishop Dease shares with us a poignant first-hand experience she was able to take part in last month.  WATCH ON VIMEO  

6/6/2025

Recordings from the 2025 Annual Conference session held June 1-3 in Macon, Ga. are now available to view.  Worship Services Opening Worship Service Ordination with Commissioning Service Tuesday Morning Worship Service Memorial Service  Addresses Bishop Dease's Episcopal Address J. Knapp's Lay Leader Address Celebrations ​Grace UMC Chartering Celebration Awards Presentation Retiree Celebration Sending Forth with the Reading of the Appointments ​Teaching Moments New Creation Conversations

6/4/2025

View photos from Tuesday, June 3  Morning Worship Morning worship began with music led by the praise band from Trinity United Methodist Church in Warner Robins.  Rev. Maddie Henderson Herlong, chaplain at Emory University, was the preacher for the service. She began by honoring her grandparents, Rev. Dr. Donald and Mary Dale Key, whose 66 consecutive years at Annual Conference bore witness to faithful discipleship. Maddie shared that she was baptized, confirmed, and married by her grandfather...

6/2/2025

View photos from Monday, June 2 Monday morning began with the Clergy Session and Laity Session. Laity Session Denise Rooks, South Central District Lay Leader, called the Laity Session to order and offered a warm greeting. She welcomed lay members to Macon for the 2025 Annual Conference Session.  Denise introduced the rest of the members of the Laity Cabinet: J. Knapp, Conference Lay Leader, Scott Cleaveland, Coastal District Lay Leader, Angela Gilbert, North Central District Lay Leader, John ...

6/1/2025

Photos from Opening Worship | Watch the Opening Worship Service The 2025 South Georgia Annual Conference began with a worship service held in historic Porter Auditorium on the campus of Wesleyan College—longtime host of the Conference from 1959, 1962, and each year from 1985 through 1995—the setting offered both a sense of homecoming and holy anticipation. In a moving moment of welcome, Bishop Robin Dease, episcopal leader of the Georgia Area, greeted the body and then led clergy and laity ...

6/1/2025

This June, the New Creation Toolkit focuses on “New Depth” and offers a variety of resources to help individuals and churches assess where they are in their spiritual journey and take steps to grow deeper in their faith. Whether you’re leading a church community or seeking personal growth, the following tools can guide you toward new opportunities for transformation. There are four elements to each monthly toolkit that coincide with South Georgia’s four missional priorities: resourcing the ...

6/1/2025

Meet the 2025 Camp Connect Leadership Team!  They’ve already been hard at work this summer—serving during Annual Conference and now welcoming our first campers TODAY as High School Camp kicks off at Epworth By The Sea!  With two weeks of Middle School Camp and two weeks of Elementary Camp still ahead, we’re praying for fun-filled days where children and youth grow closer to Jesus.  There’s still time to register your camper—or sponsor a camper or staff member! Visit www.campconnectumc.org.  Here...

5/18/2025

Bishop Robin Dease announces the following projected appointment changes as of May 18, 2025. The initial round of appointments was announced on March 30. New projected appointments are indicated with an asterisk (*). All of these appointments will be set at the South Georgia Annual Conference on June 3 and will take effect on June 29. The 2025 Appointment Making schedule is also listed below.    Coastal District Brantley, Charlton, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, McIntosh, Wayne ...

5/17/2025

This Lent, clergy from across the North and South Georgia Conferences were invited to participate in a Bible study—not led by them, but for them.   Organized by Rev. Leigh Martin (North Georgia) and featuring a book selected by Rev. Anne Bosarge (South Georgia), the 7-week Lenten study began the week of Ash Wednesday and ran through Holy Week. Offered on Zoom, the study became a much-needed spiritual touchstone for more than a hundred pastors during this holy season.   Using Lent in Plain Sight ...

5/16/2025

Resource Lab #3: Discipleship (May 21 Via Zoom) Resource Lab is an opportunity for pastors and laity from the North and South Georgia Conferences to join together for a time of learning around a variety of topics relevant to our churches today. Sessions begin at 10 am. Each session will cover a specific topic and will include a time of learning, as well as an interactive practicum piece for participants. For more information and to register, click here.  May 21 - Discipleship (Macon) September ...

5/16/2025

The One Georgia Task Force will present their report during both the North Georgia and South Georgia Annual Conference sessions this June. The important work of the Task Force and its working subcommittees represents months of prayerful conversation, collaboration, and discernment across our annual conference. In preparation for both Annual Conference Sessions, a written report is included in the 2025 Book of Recommendations and Report (SGA) and the 2025 Annual Conference Handbook (NGA).  One ...

5/15/2025

With your support, the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) awarded more than $3.7 million in scholarships to 1,895 United Methodist students in 2024, including 10 from Georgia. These future leaders, like Daniel Duke-Barton, range from first-year students to doctorate-level students across the denomination.    "College is a way for me to grow in my knowledge and my faith, while living away from my family,” said Duke-Barton, a student at The University of Georgia. “It is helping...

5/6/2025

South Georgia United Methodists will gather June 1-3, 2025, in Macon, Ga. to worship, fellowship, and conduct the business of the South Georgia Conference. Conference will begin on Sunday evening, June 1, and is scheduled to conclude by 5:30 pm on Tuesday, June 3.   The 2025 Annual Conference session will unfold across three significant United Methodist affiliated locations in Macon. Getting back to South Georgia’s historic roots, the opening worship service on Sunday night will be held at ...

5/5/2025

by Rev. Stephanie Smith On Sunday mornings in Moultrie, Georgia, before coffee finishes brewing or sunlight fills the windows at Legacy Village, a small but growing group of believers gather in a space known as The Living Room. There's a piano just inside, a large-screen TV above the fireplace, and gentle laughter as people settle into their places. This is Pathfinders United Methodist Church—a vibrant faith community where new spiritual fruit is abundant and visible. What began as a few ...

5/4/2025

By Heather Hahn, UM News Key points:  United Methodist leaders have adopted a new vision for the denomination to “love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously.” The new vision aims to complement The United Methodist Church’s longtime mission to make disciples, and, like that statement, the vision draws on Scripture.  Bishops also hope the new vision, years in the making, will inform the work of the Leadership Gathering planned next year.  Ultimately, the goal is for United Methodists ...

5/4/2025

Four amendments were approved by a two-thirds vote of the General Conference Session held in 2024. These amendments will now be voted on at every annual conference session across the connection and must be ratified by a two-thirds affirmative vote of the aggregate number of voting annual conference members.   The amendments are on the topics of: Worldwide Regionalization Inclusiveness of the Church Racial Justice Local Pastor Voting Eligibility The first and most involved topic is ...