A Taste of Sabbath
A cold drink of water after a three-mile run. A lick of an ice cream cone while visiting with friends on the porch of a nineteenth-century house. For people attending the South Georgia Annual Conference Session in Tifton, these were examples of Sabbath moments experienced on Tuesday, June 8.
The day began and ended with opportunities for Annual Conference attendees to focus on balancing their lives to achieve greater health and well being.
On Tuesday morning, clergy and laity engaged in “A Healthier Me: Mind, Body & Soul,” an intentional time that encouraged people to take care of themselves and to live a healthier lifestyle.
Nearly 40 people gathered at the ABAC track to run or walk while others did aerobic exercise and body prayer/yoga at the conference center. Countless people lingered at their hotel to rest a little longer or to work out in the exercise room. Others spent the morning in an intentional time of prayer and devotion. Nearly 100 people attended workshops focusing on Sabbath, “scream-free” living, healthy eating, physical and spiritual health, and wellness.
Tuesday ended with conference participants enjoying one of several options. Some attended banquets or special events. Several groups of clergy colleagues planned gatherings for fellowship. Many others had a free evening to visit with friends or rest.
The Tifton Local Arrangements Committee hosted a night at the Agrirama where nearly 500 people enjoyed a festive evening of history, food, watermelon, ice cream, music, train rides, and visiting with friends of all ages.
Whether it was walking around the track at 7:30 in the morning or sitting under the Agrirama pavilion chatting and listening to music at 7:30 in the evening, one of the common sights seen throughout the day was people smiling and enjoying themselves and enjoying each other.
In the opening worship service of Annual Conference, Bishop King reminded members that better health is one path toward “Growing a Christlike world.”
“The schedule of this year’s conference was intentionally designed to slow the frenetic pace that characterizes so many of our gatherings,” said Dr. Brad Brady, assistant to the Bishop for Connectional Ministries. “While we still conducted the business of Annual Conference, we were also guided into several significant Sabbath moments that refreshed us, reconnected us, and revitalized us.”
email this page to a friend