Hollywood Calling

Pammie Perry was the kind of girl who probably applied lipstick while sliding through the birth canal. She was as shallow as a kiddie pool and as practical as ruffles on a catfish. She was a serial beauty pageant stalker who seemed better suited to “Toddlers and Tiaras” than Scarritt College and the ministry of Christian Education. And, in one of the most perplexing pairing of personalities in history, she was my roommate. 

United Methodist Women's annual retreat set for March 23-25

The United Methodist Women of the South Georgia Conference will host their annual Spiritual Growth Retreat March 23-25 at Epworth By The Sea on St. Simons Island.

Football great John Riley to speak at UMM's annual retreat

The United Methodist Men of the South Georgia Conference will host their annual Spring Retreat April 13 through April 15 at Epworth By The Sea on St. Simons Island.

Events in the South Georgia Conference - 3/16/2012 edition

Your witness is always showing

Whether we like it or not, we all live a public life.  Someone is always watching us.  Often many people are watching us simultaneously. The reality is that our witness is always showing! 

South Columbus UMC gives area residents a hand up

Just a few weeks ago, Catherine Alexander was unemployed and struggling to find work. Today, thanks in part to South Columbus United Methodist Church, Alexander has a fulfilling full-time job.

Friendship UMC helps hungry kids

For about a dollar per child per week, Friendship United Methodist Church in Donalsonville is doing its part to help ease the problem of childhood hunger in Seminole County.

Lesson 3: The Living Word

“Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.”  I remember this adage from my childhood.  It indicated that words did not have the same power or cause the same pain as a physical injury.  While they may not cause physical suffering, they can lead to emotional pain and distress.   Words do have power and they can bring harm.

Lesson 2: Jesus testifies to the truth

It is often said there are two sides to every story.  Specifically in the courtroom, there is the case presented by the defendant’s attorney and there is the case presented by the prosecutor.  But I also believe there is another side: the truth.  Our truths are sometimes not based on facts but perceptions of our experiences.  John’s Gospel clearly depicts Jesus came to testify to the truth.  Not only did he testify to the truth, Christ is the Truth.

Lesson 1: God's Word Saves

The third chapter of John’s Gospel introduces us to a conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus, a Pharisee and a member of the ruling council. Jesus informed Nicodemus that “no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again” (John 3:3).  Nicodemus was certainly confused by this statement. He thought Jesus was referring to a physical rebirth instead of a spiritual rebirth. While a physical rebirth is impossible, a spiritual rebirth (new birth) occurs when God restores our relationship to Him through Christ.  God changes our former sinful nature into a new nature of holiness and life.  It is not because of our works we are born anew but it is because of Christ.