The Link - April 30, 2013
| April 30, 2013 | Printable Version |
Annual Conference Session
More than 1,000 United Methodists – from Midway to Moultrie, Ludowici to Leesburg and Waycross to Whigham – will descend on Macon June 2 through June 4 for the 2013 South Georgia Annual Conference Session. With a theme of “The Least of These,” this year’s Annual Conference session will give attendees the opportunity to serve, fellowship, and worship together. Two main business items are on the agenda – voting on four constitutional amendments and hearing the District Study Task Force’s report.
“There are two major business items that will come up during the Annual Conference session,” said Rev. Craig Hutto, Conference Secretary. “We have to vote on constitutional amendments that have been handed down to us from the General Conference. They are pretty minor changes to our constitution and I don’t foresee any great debate on them.
District Study Task Force Report: The 21-person District Study Task Force has released its report in preparation for the 2013 Annual Conference session. The task force is following through on a motion approved by the 2012 Annual Conference session. Their assignment was to provide the Annual Conference – without recommendation – a comprehensive report detailing the configuration of a six-district model and seven-district model, as compared to the Conference’s current nine districts.
Mission Emphasis: United Methodists from across the South Georgia Conference have an opportunity to put their faith into action during the 2013 Annual Conference session. As part of the Conference’s focus on justice ministries and in the spirit of the Annual Conference theme, “The Least of These,” the Office of Connectional Ministries has organized various mission opportunities for clergy and lay members to Annual Conference. Opportunities include: special offering for Stop Hunger Now, a meal packaging event, and donations for various conference agencies. Click here for more details.
Constitutional Amendments: United Methodists in South Georgia and around the world will vote on four proposed constitutional amendments during their Annual Conference sessions.
News & Updates: Visit www.sgaumc.org/ac2013 to see a tentative Annual Conference agenda, hotel list, option to go paperless, and much more!
Hotel Reservations: Click here for a list of hotels with special rates.
Live Streaming: Even those not able to be at the 2013 Annual Conference Session can still keep up with what's going on during the conference. All worship services and business sessions can be viewed live online at www.sgaumc.org. Make sure to let others know!
Special Offering: This year's special offering will go to support Stop Hunger Now (Advance #982795). Stop Hunger Now is an international hunger relief agency that is driven by a vision of a world without hunger and a mission to end hunger in our lifetime by providing food and life-saving aid to the world's most vulnerable and by creating a global commitment to mobilize the necessary resources. Stay tuned for a bulletin insert to use to promote the special offering.
Clergy Choir: The Worship Committee is putting together a Clergy Choir to sing 2 selections during the opening worship service on June 2. Rehearsal will be at 6:00 p.m. in the main auditorium of the Centreplex on June 2 right before the service. Selections are hymn-based, and can be learned in one rehearsal. Clergy are asked to wear shirts (no ties) and dark bottoms. If you are interested please contact janekimbrel@gmail.com or 478-918-5303.
Childcare: Childcare will be available for children, infant through 11 years, for all worship and business sessions, at Vineville UMC (2045 Vineville Avenue, Macon, GA 31204). Contact Reese McCurry at children@vinevillemethodist.
Change in Lay Member: If there has been a change in the lay member representing your local church/charge, please contact Cathy Crawford in the Connectional Ministries Office, 888-266-7642 or cathy@sgaumc.com.
Conference News
S3 small group applications available online
S3 is a collaborative, small group, action learning experience for clergy that help sustain and promote excellence in ordained ministry. Participants develop and implement a two-year long small group learning experience focused on three areas: Sabbath, Study, and Service. S3 groups are self-selected and self-directed: participants choose the members of their group and develop their group’s S3 learning project (with direction from the S3 project committee). The deadline for submitting applications is July 1, 2013. If a group is selected to participate in the S3 program, participants will be invited to Epworth By The Sea for an orientation retreat in September. Approved groups will receive funding through the South Georgia Order of the Elders S3 program, which will provide $500 per person, per year, for the two years of the group’s learning process, to be used according to the approved learning experience. Detailed information and an application can be found here. Contact Dr. John Stephens at john@wesleyssi.org or 912-634-1412 with questions.
Seeking story leads for the Advocate
1 - Has your church used technology to connect with their overseas military members? (Other than offering online/streaming worship services - for example, one deployed church member participated in his child's baptism via Skype.)
2 - Does your church offer after-school ministries to community children?
If you can provide any story leads around the topics above please email kara@sgaumc.org.
Mission u brochure and registration now available
Mission u, formerly known as the School of Christian Mission, is set for July 18-21, 2013, at Epworth By The Sea on St. Simons Island. Meeting under the theme "Learning Together for the Transformation of the World," this mission event provides opportunities to prepare for leadership in mission study and personal enrichment. It challenges individuals to fulfill their mission calling. There is also a youth component of Mission u. View the brochures for additional information: Mission u Brochure / Misson u Youth Brochure.
Dr. Evelyn Laycock to host October event at Epworth
(EBTS) You are invited to join Dr. Evelyn Laycock as she hosts a Bible Study series, “Beginning…and Beginning Again: Studies in Genesis and Acts” at Epworth By The Sea October 13-16. Bishop Will Willimon and Rev. Gina Campbell will be the preachers with Dr. J. Ellsworth Kalas serving as the Bible Study teacher. October 13 – 16. Visit www.epworthbythesea.org or call 912-638-8688 for full details.
South Georgia Advocate
April 19 edition of the Advocate
Click here to read the online version of the April 19 Advocate.
Shepherding young lives through scouting ministry
The Boy Scout motto is “Be Prepared.” But Cathy and Travis Shepherd weren’t quite prepared for the new path God took them down nearly 20 years ago. When their son Bobby, then a first grader, brought home a slip of paper inviting him to join a new Cub Scout pack, Travis accompanied him to an informational meeting. Of the adults in attendance, only two had ever been involved in scouting. Travis was one. He volunteered to help and ended up becoming the new group’s leader, or Cubmaster. Nearly 20 years later, scouting has become an integral part of the Shepherd family’s life. More>>
Celebrating Steve Rumford's 29 years of ministry at The Children's Home
After 29 years of serving as Chief Executive Officer and President of The Methodist Home for Children and Youth, Dr. Steve Rumford is retiring.
On the Heart of Bishop King
Click here to read the Bishop's column in the latest edition of the Advocate.
Connection News
Judicial Council splits East Africa decision, rules on other cases
(UMNS) A 10-year financial dispute between the Western Pennsylvania Annual (regional) Conference and the East Africa Annual Conference that wound up before The United Methodist Church’s top court has ended with a split decision that likely will not please everyone. Neill Caldwell, editor of the Virginia United Methodist Advocate and a correspondent for United Methodist News Service, reports on the council meeting. Read story
Church vitality: How do you define it?
(UMNS) Leaders across the denomination are pondering that question even as they seek to increase the number of highly vital churches. This is the first in an ongoing series of reports. Read story and post a comment
Finance agency board holds first 2013 meeting
(UMNS) The General Council on Finance and Administration, the denomination’s finance agency, held its first meeting for 2013 on April 22-23. During this meeting the board continued its implementation of a new council structure and received reports on the status of projects and work conducted by the staff of GCFA, such as shared administrative services among the general agencies and annual (regional) conferences. The board of directors also celebrated the 90-percent participation level in the apportionment covenant. Read news release
Seeing God’s presence in tragedy
(UMNS) From shock, fear and anger to mourning, emotions have run the gamut in April as U.S. conferences have dealt with tragedies of many scales. Throughout the challenges, United Methodists across the connection shared how they saw God at work even in the most trying moments. More>>
Anti-malaria HBO movie filmed at church
(UMNS) When Trinity United Methodist’s children’s ministry director Sherry Gibbs selected malaria nets as a mission project for vacation Bible school, she had no idea Hollywood would have an interest in her efforts. The State Port Pilot reports on how Trinity hosted part of the filming last year of “Mary and Martha,” a HBO movie, starring Hilary Swank, about two women fighting to save children in Africa from that fatal disease. Read story
United Methodists to Change the World in May
(UMNS) On May 18-19, United Methodists around the globe will unite in service with their local communities for the fourth annual Change the World weekend. Change the World was observed in more than 1,500 locations internationally in 2012. United Methodist Communications has created several free planning resources including a sermon series and ideas for service projects. To locate an event in your area, go to RethinkChurch.org. Join the Change the World conversation online on Facebook, or on Twitter and Instagram using #changetheworld and #rethinkchurch. Resources / Learn more
Events
Methodist Home Golf Classic - May 5
The second annual Methodist Home Golf Classic takes place on Sunday, May 5, at the Club at Osprey Cove in St. Marys. Proceeds from the event will fund educational and life-enriching activities for residents of the home. The tournament kicks off with a shotgun start at 12:30 p.m. and will be followed by an awards reception, raffle and auction. Golfers will also receive lunch, a personal gift, and a chance to win two hole-in-one events, including a brand new automobile and a 2 carat diamond worth more than $15,000. For more information about the Golf Classic, contact Dennis Moore at 912-882-5179.
Magnolia Manor Sunday - May 12
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.
Clergy Spouses Luncheon at Annual Conference - June 3
Duke Divinity Alumni Breakfast - June 4
The Duke Divinity School Office of External Relations will host an alumni gathering during the South Georgia United Methodist Conference for Divinity School alumni and friends. The gathering is set for Tuesday, June 4, 2013 at 7:00 am at the Vintage Restaurant - Macon Marriott City Center. Breakfast will cost about $10-15 each. Spouses are welcome. RSVP by May 31st to Rev. Aimee Baxter (aimee@stmarkumc.com or (706) 327-3376) or click on http://divinity.duke.edu/
Resources
Shop UMC e-store
Find UMCOR and Global Ministries resources online at the new Shop UMC e-Store. Visit the store today: http://shop.umc.org/more/
TechShop offers affordable live streaming for churches
(UMCom) Introducing live video streaming from TechShop! For as little as $79/month your church can have worship services streamed live over the Internet, connecting your church with younger, more diverse parts of your community as well as homebound and traveling members of your congregation. Anyone with Internet connection can experience your worship services via your website, Facebook fan page or mobile app. They can sing with the music, hear the Scriptures and listen to the sermon, just like they were there in-person. To get live streaming for your church, visit myUMClive.com and use the discount code: TechShop or call 1-888-346-3862.
8 Ways to connect young adults to the church
(UMCom) During the coming summer, young adults in your church, as well as their friends, may have time – and skills – to share. Create opportunities for young adults to engage with the church and community. read more»
Cool tools to make your own infographics
(UMCom) An infographic is a storyboard in one image, loaded with information. You can make your own infographics with a little design skill and practice. Here are some great, affordable tools to get you started. read more»
Upcoming Webinars from GBOD
The following are free webinars sponsored by the General Board of Discipleship. Register at www.gbod/webinars.
Thursday, May 2, 2013, 6:30pm CDT
Leadership in Small Churches There is a difference between leading a church and being a spiritual leader! Small churches with effective leaders are making an impact in rural and urban settings. This will be especially helpful for churches with 100 or fewer in worship attendance.
Tuesday, May 7, 2013, 6:30pm CDT
Tell of God’s Love: The Small Church Story on a Shoestring Budget You may not have a big advertising budget and you may be small in terms of attendance. But the story of God's love for the world is huge and there are many low cost ways to share it! Learn how you can let your community know that God's love is real in your congregation.
Thursday, May 9, 2013, 6:30pm CDT
Has God Been Invited to the Conversation? There are three critical questions for healthy Christians: How do I deepen my personal prayer life? How does the church pray? How do we pray for the community?
Tuesday, May 14, 2013, 6:30pm CDT
Gen2Gen: Sharing Jesus Across Generations Participants in this webinar will explore trends related to the generations in our congregations and communities and learn ways to develop meaningful ministry with adults of various ages.
Thursday, May 16, 2013, 6:30pm CDT
Committed to Christ: Six Steps to a Generous Life The newest resource on the Stewardship scene is “Committed to Christ: Six Steps to a Generous Life.” Author Rev. Bob Crossman joins the webinar to share the journey that led him to create this resource and the impact it is having on churches large and small across the UMC.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013, 10:00am CDT
Spiritual Development in the Early Years Faith and Spiritual Development begin at the very beginning, at that first cry. What we give our children at the beginning will impact how they engage with God and the world as they grow. Join us as we discuss some fresh ways of supporting parents in the spiritual development of their children from birth to five.
Armed Forces Week Music & Worship Resources
(GBOD) Armed Forces Week Music & Worship Resources is May 11-19, 2013.
New bulletin insert for Mental Health Awareness Month (May)
The United Methodist General Boards of Church & Society (GBCS) and Global Ministries (GBGM) have created a new resource for local congregations to observe Mental Health Awareness Month in May. The bulletin insert, “Faith & Mental Health — Creating Caring & Sharing Communities” is available free as a download at umc-gbcs.org/resources-
Resources for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (May)
(GBOD) Resources for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month - May
Chuck Knows Church
(GBOD) Have you met Chuck yet? If not, you're missing out! Chuck Knows Church is a fun and informative weekly video series about various aspects of church life produced by the General Board of Discipleship. Check out the most recent Chuck Knows Church videos!
- Chuck Knows Church #23 - Stained Glass
- Chuck Knows Church #24 - Communion
- Chuck Knows Church #25 - Stoles
- Chuck Knows Church #26 - Book of Common Prayer
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