Connectional Ministries

On Thursday, January 12, 2023, severe storms and multiple tornadoes stretched across the Alabama-West Florida and North Georgia Conferences. The South Georgia Conference stands in solidarity with our neighboring conferences, offering prayer and support.    At the request of the North Georgia Conference, the South Georgia Conference has been asked to assist and coordinate the UMC response in Meriwether County. Rev. Glenn Martin, Northwest District Disaster Response coordinator, is taking the lead...

Click here to view and print the January 24 issue of the South Georgia Advocate. This is a link to a printable PDF file that contains all of the news and stories from the January 24 South Georgia Advocate. This file may be printed and given to those in your congregation who might not have access to a computer, printer, or the Internet. (Length: 19 pages)

A series of training videos designed for local church leaders is available on the conference website. Laity who are stepping into new roles or who are continuing to serve in key leadership positions can take advantage of these video resources. In the videos, leaders will receive tools, training, and encouragement that will equip and empower them as they begin the year in their roles.  In 2022, Bishop Graves recorded a new Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) video. In it, he expresses ...

Leadership Training Videos Available for Local Church Leaders A series of training videos for local church leaders is available on the conference website. Laity who are stepping into new roles or who are continuing to serve in key leadership positions can take advantage of these video resources. In the videos, leaders will receive tools, training, and encouragement that will equip and empower them as they begin the year in their roles. Click here to find the videos, resources documents, and to ...

Click here to view and print the January 10 issue of the South Georgia Advocate. This is a link to a printable PDF file that contains all of the news and stories from the January 10 South Georgia Advocate. This file may be printed and given to those in your congregation who might not have access to a computer, printer, or the Internet. (Length: 20 pages)

When people pray, God listens.   In a focused effort, the South Georgia Conference is centering itself around prayer in the coming year.   “While it seems so obvious that prayer is the center of our work, sometimes we need to make intentional efforts,” said Bishop David Graves, episcopal leader of the South Georgia Conference. “It is easy to get sidetracked by the business and agenda items of our meetings. We add more to our plates, we find ourselves in a cycle of busy-ness, and we stay in ...

Certified Lay Ministry (CLM) continues to be a source of celebration and energy in the South Georgia Annual Conference. Through the Office of Connectional Ministries, 8 individuals recently completed the CLM class held at Vineville UMC in Macon under the instruction of Rev. Dorsia Atkinson and a variety of other experienced teachers. These eight individuals will go on to complete their assignments and move forward to be officially approved by their District Committee on Ministry (DCOM) for ...

Now hiring college students for summer staff at Camp Connect! Do you know of a college student who loves Jesus and desires a summer of ministry in a beautiful location? As a camp counselor, college students will be able to minister to hundreds of youth and children throughout the summer, while making Christian friendships with other staff that last a lifetime.  As a paid position, the Leadership Team will commit to nine weeks of service which will include serving at high school, middle school, ...

Click here to view and print the December 20 issue of the South Georgia Advocate. This is a link to a printable PDF file that contains all of the news and stories from the December 20 South Georgia Advocate. This file may be printed and given to those in your congregation who might not have access to a computer, printer, or the Internet. (Length: 31 pages)

Registration opens up January 1st for Camp Connect - the South Georgia Conference Camping Ministry at Epworth By The Sea. These week long residential camps are offered for elementary, middle and high school students in June and July. For more information, click here.

Scott's Chapel United Methodist Church is the 2022 South Georgia recipient of the Renfro Trust Grant.  The Renfro Trust awards grants for the purpose of establishing and supporting United Methodist churches in rural areas of the United States within the Southeastern Jurisdiction. Grant applications are considered for projects involving new or existing church buildings. Located in Blackshear, Ga., Scott's Chapel UMC recently held their 160th celebration of ministry in November of 2022. The church...

2023 Worship Planning Calendar This resource is the full music and worship planning calendar for each Sunday in 2023, as well as special days and times throughout the year. Designed to help pastors, worship leaders, Sunday School teachers, and more. Download today Advent resources to help you create community connection Invite your community to worship with you this Advent with the help of customizable outreach resources! Choose from banners, signs, postcards, invitation cards, posters and ...

The 2022 Journal of the South Georgia Annual Conference is now available for purchase. Those wishing to purchase a Conference Journal will order their copy(ies) online directly from the printer. The cost of the Journal is $26 each plus tax and shipping. (Promo code WELCOME15 will give you a 15% discount at this time).  “I am appreciative of the time and effort that our new Journal Editor, Rev. Dr. Ted Goshorn, put into this year’s publication,” said Meredyth Earnest, Conference Secretary. “The ...

Click here to view and print the December 6 issue of the South Georgia Advocate. This is a link to a printable PDF file that contains all of the news and stories from the December 6 South Georgia Advocate. This file may be printed and given to those in your congregation who might not have access to a computer, printer, or the Internet. (Length: 22 pages)

By Rev. Daniel Medina   The Walk to Emmaus of the Heart of Georgia community was celebrated in Spanish October 27 – 30, 2002. During this year’s retreat people came from various states, including North Carolina, Florida, Massachusetts, Georgia, and the Dominican Republic to serve as volunteers or to participate for the first time as participants, also known as ‘pilgrims.’ There were 27 new pilgrims – all women this year – and 54 servant leaders participating in this event.   The Walk to Emmaus ...

By Laura Buchanan, United Methodist Communications Remember God’s past provisions, let go of expectations, and find new ways God is working today     Neighboring has changed. Technology has transformed our daily living. Relationship building must overcome screen time. As societal norms shift, each generation has a moment of realization: “Things just aren’t what they used to be.” “It’s funny how we glorify things in the past and we tend to dread things in the future, the unknown,” says Anne ...

The Commission on the General Conference announced that the 2024 United Methodist General Conference will be held April 23 – May 3, 2024, at Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.  “The Commission selected Charlotte as the site that best met our varied needs. We believe that delegates and attendees will be pleased with all the city has to offer,” said Kim Simpson, Chair of the Commission on the General Conference. “Charlotte is a part of the Western North Carolina Annual ...

Click here to view and print the November 15 issue of the South Georgia Advocate. This is a link to a printable PDF file that contains all of the news and stories from the November 15 South Georgia Advocate. This file may be printed and given to those in your congregation who might not have access to a computer, printer, or the Internet. (Length: 31 pages)

By Anne Bosarge   Have you ever thought about the process involved in doing something new? We often have the desire to do something new, but in practice the “new” thing we want to do ends up looking a lot like the old thing we did last time. And that old thing often didn’t have the impact we wanted it to have in the first place. In a world where innovation and creativity in the church is necessary, how do we change our actions and become truly innovative? We renew our minds.     Scripture has a ...

With significant local effort, the construction of Lupandilo United Methodist Church is still in progress. The North Katanga Annual Conference expresses their gratitude to the South Georgia Annual Conference for supporting this ministry through the purchase of bags of cement powder. The construction of this new sanctuary is led by Rev. Odette Makonga Kyakutala, a female clergy in the North Katanga Conference. 

As you begin preparations for the Advent and Christmas seasons, consider the following resources for new ideas.    Nurture:  An Advent Songs of Ascents - 2022 worship series from Discipleship Ministries Advent Candle Lighting Liturgy Cokesbury Advent Studies/Resources Advent study comparison chart from Cokesbury to help you decide what Advent study to use with your church or small group this year.  Ways to Celebrate Advent with Kids Youth Lessons “An Advent Song of Ascents” Advent Prayer ...

Click here to view and print the November 1 issue of the South Georgia Advocate. This is a link to a printable PDF file that contains all of the news and stories from the November 1 South Georgia Advocate. This file may be printed and given to those in your congregation who might not have access to a computer, printer, or the Internet. (Length: 24 pages)

By Anne Bosarge   The average American sees 4,000 to 10,000 ads daily. Let that sink in. You might argue with that or even think it’s not true because, while you see all those ads, you don’t notice all the ads. You only notice less than 100 ads a day. What is the difference in seeing and noticing? It’s the same as the difference between hearing and listening. Think about how many words a student hears in one day. And then think of how many words they actual listen to.    The difference in seeing...

Making Clergy Mental Health a Priority South Georgia Conference Mental Health Task Force Grief and Loss   By Rev. Grace Guyton I experienced my first major loss my sophomore year of high school at the age of 16. After battling cancer for several years, my grandfather finally succumbed to the disease that touches so many of us. It was hard to watch him decline over the years. He was a vibrant man who filled his retirement from ministry with wood working, traveling, volunteering, and more ...

By Daniel Medina   Will you join us in prayer? After three years of being canceled because of the pandemic, the Walk to Emmaus in Spanish is now only two weeks away - October 29-30.    The Walk to Emmaus is a program of the Upper Room and The United Methodist Church. It is an experience of Christian spiritual revitalization and development that starts with a short course in Christianity during a weekend. It is an opportunity to meet Jesus Christ in a new way as God’s grace and love is revealed ...

By Anne Bosarge Do you remember how it used to be? Do you remember times in the life of your church when you opened the doors and people would flood through? Do you remember when everyone in your circle of friends went to church multiple times a week? Do you remember when church attendance was the priority in a family’s life?  I think we can all agree: it’s not what it used to be. Things sure have changed.     But what I’ve discovered is that God does His best work on the heels of big sweeping ...

Small-group studies available for anti-racism podcast The United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race has released small-group study guides for each episode in the first season of “Expanding the Table,” the agency’s award-winning podcast on practicing anti-racism. Additionally, the agency has added full transcripts for each episode to aid in accessibility. View resource   Tell your story Telling your story as a church can be a vastly underestimated necessity. Telling this story well can ...

Click here to view and print the October 4 issue of the South Georgia Advocate. This is a link to a printable PDF file that contains all of the news and stories from the October 4 South Georgia Advocate. This file may be printed and given to those in your congregation who might not have access to a computer, printer, or the Internet. (Length: 21 pages)

By Allison Lindsey, Nurture Team Chair   During the 2022 Annual Conference Session, conference members approved the following two items related to Safe Sanctuaries:  1.     Every local church will revisit and update (as necessary) their Safe Sanctuaries policy by Dec. 31, 2023 2.     Changes to the conference Safe Sanctuaries Policy were made to reflect updated practices   As you know, Safe Sanctuaries is the name commonly given by local United Methodist Annual Conferences and local churches to...

During three weeks in September, Bishop David Graves will travel across the South Georgia Conference to meet with clergy and laity in various settings. The purpose of these gatherings is to provide necessary and accurate information around current denominational matters. While the three Sunday district gatherings are geared toward laity, all are welcome to attend. The Sunday gathering dates are as follows: Sept. 11: District Gathering for the North Central & Northwest Districts at Perry UMC ...

Click here to view and print the Sept. 6 issue of the South Georgia Advocate. This is a link to a printable PDF file that contains all of the news and stories from the Sept. 6 South Georgia Advocate. This file may be printed and given to those in your congregation who might not have access to a computer, printer, or the Internet. (Length: 22 pages)

A Word from the Bishop   It has been one full year since I was assigned as the bishop of the South Georgia Annual Conference. As I began my tenure here in South Georgia, I watched the trial for those convicted of killing Ahmaud Arbery unfold. The video, the story surrounding Ahmaud’s murder, and the trial captured not just my attention but the nation’s attention.    As eyes were focused on Brunswick, Georgia one thing I am certain of amidst all of the heartache: the nation saw a faith community ...

Click here to view and print the Aug. 16 issue of the South Georgia Advocate. This is a link to a printable PDF file that contains all of the news and stories from the Aug. 2 South Georgia Advocate. This file may be printed and given to those in your congregation who might not have access to a computer, printer, or the Internet. (Length: 17 pages)

Registration is now open for KidzQuest, the Conference's annual fall children’s retreat for students in third through sixth grades, and Encounter, the Conference's annual youth retreat for students in sixth through twelfth grades.   KidzQuest is scheduled for September 23-25 2022, at Epworth By The Sea on St. Simons Island for 3rd-6th grade students. More information & registration   Encounter Youth Retreat, for 6th-12th grade students, will take place November 18-20, 2022, at Epworth By The Sea...

Connectional Ministries is accepting applications for the Southeastern Jurisdiction Renfro Trust Grant. This grant is a brick and mortar grant specifically for small, rural churches. Guidelines, requirements, and applications can be found here. Completed applications must be submitted to Kelly Roberson (kelly@sgaumc.com) by our conference deadline: Monday, August 22, 2022. (Note: application will say August 1.)

Click here to view and print the Aug. 2 issue of the South Georgia Advocate. This is a link to a printable PDF file that contains all of the news and stories from the Aug. 2 South Georgia Advocate. This file may be printed and given to those in your congregation who might not have access to a computer, printer, or the Internet. (Length: 22 pages)

Click here to view and print the July 19 issue of the South Georgia Advocate. This is a link to a printable PDF file that contains all of the news and stories from the July 19 South Georgia Advocate. This file may be printed and given to those in your congregation who might not have access to a computer, printer, or the Internet. (Length: 22 pages)

Click here to view and print the July 6 issue of the South Georgia Advocate. This is a link to a printable PDF file that contains all of the news and stories from the July 6 South Georgia Advocate. This file may be printed and given to those in your congregation who might not have access to a computer, printer, or the Internet. (Length: 21 pages)

Click here to view and print the June 14 issue of the South Georgia Advocate. This is a link to a printable PDF file that contains all of the news and stories from the June 14 South Georgia Advocate. This file may be printed and given to those in your congregation who might not have access to a computer, printer, or the Internet. (Length: 52 pages)

Churches throughout the conference continue to demonstrate how great God’s faithfulness is through mission, ministry, and evangelism.  Evangelistically Fruitful Congregations The mission of the church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ. A significant dimension of the disciple-making process is that of leading people to make a commitment to God through baptism and profession of faith in Jesus Christ. Reaching new persons with the gospel is at the very heart of every church’s purpose. Below ...

Click here to view and print the June 1 issue of the South Georgia Advocate. This is a link to a printable PDF file that contains all of the news and stories from the June 1 South Georgia Advocate. This file may be printed and given to those in your congregation who might not have access to a computer, printer, or the Internet. (Length: 23 pages)

Click here to view and print the May 3 issue of the South Georgia Advocate. This is a link to a printable PDF file that contains all of the news and stories from the May 3 South Georgia Advocate. This file may be printed and given to those in your congregation who might not have access to a computer, printer, or the Internet. (Length: 21 pages)

Click here to view and print the April 19 issue of the South Georgia Advocate. This is a link to a printable PDF file that contains all of the news and stories from the April 19 South Georgia Advocate. This file may be printed and given to those in your congregation who might not have access to a computer, printer, or the Internet. (Length: 25 pages)

Click here to view and print the April 5 issue of the South Georgia Advocate. This is a link to a printable PDF file that contains all of the news and stories from the April 5 South Georgia Advocate. This file may be printed and given to those in your congregation who might not have access to a computer, printer, or the Internet. (Length: 33 pages)

The South Georgia Annual Conference is now accepting nominations for The Harry Denman Evangelism Award for Clergy, Lay, and Youth. The Harry Denman Evangelism Award program recognizes United Methodists in each annual conference whose exceptional ministry of evangelism – expressed in Word (what), Sign (why), and Deed (how) – brings people into a life-transforming relationship with Jesus Christ. Evangelism happens in many contexts and many settings; impacts and engages all generations; and ...

Click here to view and print the March 15 issue of the South Georgia Advocate. This is a link to a printable PDF file that contains all of the news and stories from the March 15 South Georgia Advocate. This file may be printed and given to those in your congregation who might not have access to a computer, printer, or the Internet. (Length: 19 pages)

Click here to view and print the March 1 issue of the South Georgia Advocate. This is a link to a printable PDF file that contains all of the news and stories from the March 1 South Georgia Advocate. This file may be printed and given to those in your congregation who might not have access to a computer, printer, or the Internet. (Length: 26 pages)

By Roland Fernandes The General Board of Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church is deeply troubled by the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the ominous implications it has for escalating tensions between Russia and Western nations. We join many Christian leaders and organizations worldwide in deploring the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, and we ardently pray for a redirection of military action toward diplomatic measures to resolve grievances. United Methodists are ...

Click here to view and print the Feb. 15 issue of the South Georgia Advocate. This is a link to a printable PDF file that contains all of the news and stories from the Feb. 15 South Georgia Advocate. This file may be printed and given to those in your congregation who might not have access to a computer, printer, or the Internet. (Length: 28 pages)

North Georgia and South Georgia United Methodist Women team up for a statewide Just Energy for All campaign. In 2021, North Georgia and South Georgia Conference United Methodist Women came together to encourage Georgians to be a part of a movement for just energy for all. The conference organizations partnered with Georgia Interfaith Power and Light to develop a statewide campaign for sustainable energy. This collaboration was a first between the two conferences, and neither group had yet ...

Click here to view and print the Feb. 1 issue of the South Georgia Advocate. This is a link to a printable PDF file that contains all of the news and stories from the Feb. 1 South Georgia Advocate. This file may be printed and given to those in your congregation who might not have access to a computer, printer, or the Internet. (Length: 29 pages)

Click here to view and print the Jan. 18 issue of the South Georgia Advocate. This is a link to a printable PDF file that contains all of the news and stories from the Jan. 18 South Georgia Advocate. This file may be printed and given to those in your congregation who might not have access to a computer, printer, or the Internet. (Length: 24 pages)

Applications are now being accepted for the 2022 Camp Connect Summer Leadership Team at Epworth By The Sea. Applications are open to college students who have completed at least one year of college. The Leadership Team will commit to nine weeks of camping ministry which will include serving hundreds of youth and children while making Christian friendships with other staff members that last a lifetime. Click here for more information.

Click here to view and print the Jan. 5 issue of the South Georgia Advocate. This is a link to a printable PDF file that contains all of the news and stories from the Jan. 5 South Georgia Advocate. This file may be printed and given to those in your congregation who might not have access to a computer, printer, or the Internet. (Length: 33 pages)

Camp Connect, the camping ministry of the South Georgia Conference, is headed home to Epworth By The Sea for the 2022 summer camping season! Weekly camp dates for high school, middle school and elementary students, along with registration information, can be found at www.campconnectumc.org.

A series of training videos designed for local church leaders is available on the conference website. Laity who are stepping into new roles or who are continuing to serve in key leadership positions can take advantage of these video resources. In the videos, leaders will receive tools, training, and encouragement that will equip and empower them as they begin the year in their roles.  Bishop Graves has recorded a new Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) video. In it, he expresses thanks for...

Click here to view and print the Dec. 21 issue of the South Georgia Advocate. This is a link to a printable PDF file that contains all of the news and stories from the Dec. 21 South Georgia Advocate. This file may be printed and given to those in your congregation who might not have access to a computer, printer, or the Internet. (Length: 31 pages)

“Join the Journey” Confirmation Retreat is back! The South Georgia Conference’s 21st annual retreat will be held at Epworth By The Sea March 4-6, 2022. Online registration is now open for South Georgia UMC churches through Jan. 7 when it will open up to all churches, both in and out of conference. The deadline is Feb. 18, 2022, or until the event reaches maximum capacity. Click here for more information about registration. Tailored to 5th grade students and above, confirmands will enjoy ...

By Kara Witherow, Editor Two weeks ago, if you were to have walked onto the grounds of Camp Jekyll 4-H Center on Jekyll Island you would have seen more than 200 middle and high school students playing basketball and volleyball. You would have watched as they strolled through the surf, played ladderball on the beach, and sat at picnic tables and talked. There was nary a cell phone in sight. Kids were being kids, playing, laughing, and connecting – with each other, with nature, and with God. It...

Click here to view and print the Dec. 7 issue of the South Georgia Advocate. This is a link to a printable PDF file that contains all of the news and stories from the Dec. 7 South Georgia Advocate. This file may be printed and given to those in your congregation who might not have access to a computer, printer, or the Internet. (Length: 30 pages)

Registration is now open for the South Georgia Conference's Youth Worker Winter Retreat, Jan. 20-21, 2022, at Little Ocmulgee State Park. This retreat is a time for youth workers to remember their calling, their why. The last 18 months have been the hardest times to navigate in ministry; youth ministry has changed and youth workers need the tools, the relationships and reliance on God (and God alone) to continue. This one-day retreat will give youth workers time together to worship, to reset, to...

Click here to view and print the Nov. 16 issue of the South Georgia Advocate. This is a link to a printable PDF file that contains all of the news and stories from the Nov. 16 South Georgia Advocate. This file may be printed and given to those in your congregation who might not have access to a computer, printer, or the Internet. (Length: 26 pages)

With the end of the 2021 hurricane season in sight, now is a great time to evaluate your readiness, attend an Early Response Team (ERT) training or ERT recertification class, or give to the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). For those whose ERT credentials have expired due to COVID, UMCOR has waived all credentials from November 2019 through December 2021. In order to move forward in the credentialing process, UMCOR has now deployed an online recertification course to help interested...

Click here to view and print the Nov. 2 issue of the South Georgia Advocate. This is a link to a printable PDF file that contains all of the news and stories from the Nov. 2 South Georgia Advocate. This file may be printed and given to those in your congregation who might not have access to a computer, printer, or the Internet. (Length: 25 pages)

Click here to view and print the Oct. 19 issue of the South Georgia Advocate. This is a link to a printable PDF file that contains all of the news and stories from the Oct. 19 South Georgia Advocate. This file may be printed and given to those in your congregation who might not have access to a computer, printer, or the Internet. (Length: 26 pages)

'Tis the season...almost! Sunday, November 28th marks the beginning of Advent, and as we prepare to journey through the season, we hope the resources provided in this edition will help jumpstart your planning and give you fresh ideas. As you begin preparations for the Advent season, consider the following resources for new ideas.  Nurture:  Come Home for Christmas - 2021 worship series from Discipleship Ministries Podcast: Worship Matters Episode 51 – Join the worship team from Discipleship...

Encounter, the annual youth retreat sponsored by South Georgia's Connectional Ministries, is set for November 19-21 at Camp Jekyll 4-H Center on Jekyll Island. Designed for 6th - 12th grade students, Encounter will offer passionate worship, relevant Bible study, and a hope-filled time away in community with other teens.  Online registration is available through November 10. Churches will register as a group. The cost for this event is $150 per person which includes programming, insurance, food,...

Click here to view and print the Oct. 5 issue of the South Georgia Advocate. This is a link to a printable PDF file that contains all of the news and stories from the Oct. 5 South Georgia Advocate. This file may be printed and given to those in your congregation who might not have access to a computer, printer, or the Internet. (Length: 31 pages)

KIDZQUEST IS BACK!! And this time, with a twist! October 15-17, 3rd-6th grade children will come together with dozens of other church groups, learning how to worship, study God's Word, and understand what a relationship with Jesus really means. Did we mention it's AT THE BEACH? Join us on Jekyll Island for a once-in-a-KidzQuest experience! For more information: www.sgaumc.org/kidzquest #connectionalministries #sgaumc #kidzquest

Click here to view and print the Sept. 21 issue of the South Georgia Advocate. This is a link to a printable PDF file that contains all of the news and stories from the Sept. 21 South Georgia Advocate. This file may be printed and given to those in your congregation who might not have access to a computer, printer, or the Internet. (Length: 30 pages)

Click here to view and print the Sept. 7 issue of the South Georgia Advocate. This is a link to a printable PDF file that contains all of the news and stories from the Sept. 7 South Georgia Advocate. This file may be printed and given to those in your congregation who might not have access to a computer, printer, or the Internet. (Length: 30 pages)

The South Georgia Conference, through the Office of Connectional Ministries and the Conference Outreach Team, is offering grants of up to $2,000 to local churches for ministries focused on children and poverty. The application deadline is October 15, 2021. Projects must be completed between December 2021 and July 2022. Ministries or projects may be ongoing or new. “It is exciting to think about funding these projects which can have such a helpful impact,” said Dr. Derek McAleer, Director of ...

After more than a year and a half of hybrid worship, many churches feel a mix of exhilaration and exhaustion when thinking about continuing to offer both online and in-person options for worship. Now more than ever, both are needed to reach people for Christ, church leaders say. Join Connectional Ministries and Jason Moore for a follow up to last year’s popular BOTH/AND webinar. BOTH/AND: To Be Continued will focus on why hybrid worship should carry on, how to continue to iterate, and will ...

Click here to view and print the Aug. 17 issue of the South Georgia Advocate. This is a link to a printable PDF file that contains all of the news and stories from the Aug. 17 South Georgia Advocate. This file may be printed and given to those in your congregation who might not have access to a computer, printer, or the Internet. (Length: 34 pages)

Last month, Allison Lindsey announced she will be stepping down from her role as director of Connectional Ministries effective Aug. 15. As a new grandmother, she now has the opportunity to provide daily care for her 10-week-old grandson, Mac.  While we rejoice in this new role for Allison, we will miss her leadership as Director of Connectional Ministries. Allison has served South Georgia so effectively, both as a member of the Connectional Ministries staff and as director of that ministry for ...

Click here to view and print the Aug. 3 issue of the South Georgia Advocate. This is a link to a printable PDF file that contains all of the news and stories from the Aug. 3 South Georgia Advocate. This file may be printed and given to those in your congregation who might not have access to a computer, printer, or the Internet. (Length: 23 pages)

Registration is now open for KidzQuest, the Conference's annual fall children’s retreat for students in third through sixth grades, and Encounter, the Conference's annual youth retreat for students in sixth through twelfth grades.  KidzQuest is scheduled for October 15-17, 2021, at Camp Jekyll 4-H Center on Jekyll Island, Georgia for 3rd-6th grade students and is limited to 250 participants. Information I Register Encounter Youth Retreat, for 6th-12th grade students, will take place November ...

Connectional Ministries is accepting applications for the Southeastern Jurisdiction Renfro Trust Grant. This grant is a brick and mortar grant specifically for small, rural churches. Guidelines, requirements and applications can be found here. Completed applications must be submitted to Outreach Chair Susan Hughes at susanjhughes17@gmail.com. The deadline for completed applications to be submitted is Sunday, August 22, 2021.

Click here to view and print the July 20 issue of the South Georgia Advocate. This is a link to a printable PDF file that contains all of the news and stories from the July 20 South Georgia Advocate. This file may be printed and given to those in your congregation who might not have access to a computer, printer, or the Internet. (Length: 22 pages)

Click here to view and print the July 6 issue of the South Georgia Advocate. This is a link to a printable PDF file that contains all of the news and stories from the July 6 South Georgia Advocate. This file may be printed and given to those in your congregation who might not have access to a computer, printer, or the Internet. (Length: 22 pages)

Georgia United Methodist Pastors' School is scheduled for Thursday, July 15, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. This year’s program will be virtual and held via Zoom. The one-day event will provide inspiration and education under the theme “Pastoring for the Long Haul: What It Looks Like for a Lifetime of Ministry.” Teaching will focus on practical ways to restart after the pandemic. “The Georgia Pastors’ School board was very worried that skipping a second year would make it almost impossible to ever ...

Click here to view and print the June 22 issue of the South Georgia Advocate. This is a link to a printable PDF file that contains all of the news and stories from the June 22 South Georgia Advocate. This file may be printed and given to those in your congregation who might not have access to a computer, printer, or the Internet. (Length: 19 pages)

Click here to view and print the Annual Conference edition of the South Georgia Advocate. This is a link to a printable PDF file that contains all of the news and stories from the Annual Conference edition of the South Georgia Advocate. This file may be printed and given to those in your congregation who might not have access to a computer, printer, or the Internet. (Length: 30 pages)

Churches throughout the conference continue to demonstrate the ways they are Alive Together at the Table through mission, ministry, and evangelism.  One Matters Award Emanuel UMC in Brunswick, Ga. is the recipient of the 2021One Matters Award given by Discipleship Ministries. This award recognizes churches with a renewed focus on discipleship through professions of faith, baptisms and growth. Each “one” in these categories represents a life transformed. Evangelistically Fruitful Congregations...

During the 2021 online Annual Conference session, delegates watched videos highlighting areas in the South Georgia Conference that are alive and vital and ways the conference is “Alive Together at the Table.” Connectional Ministries Connectional Ministries highlighted various missions and ministries showing the impact our connection is having both within the bounds of South Georgia and beyond.  Camp Connect: Camp Connect has made a comeback, and we are HAVING CAMPS this summer! Book Club: ...

In a video played during the 2021 Annual Conference session, Conference Lay Leader J. Knapp, a member of Thomasville First United Methodist Church, introduced the new South Georgia Laity Cabinet.  Made up of the six district lay leaders, the director of Connectional Ministries, the director of Communications, and the conference lay leader, the group meets monthly with Bishop Bryan to learn, talk, plan, and represent the Conference’s laity. “The laity are not part of the church. The laity ARE ...

By Kara Witherow, Editor The South Georgia Conference is no stranger to storms. And folks throughout the Conference – not just those on the coast – need to be aware and prepared for what may lie ahead. The 2021 Atlantic hurricane season – which runs June 1 through November 30 – is forecast to be “above average” in regard to the number of named storms and major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher) according to Colorado State University hurricane researchers. ...

Click here to view and print the June 1 issue of the South Georgia Advocate. This is a link to a printable PDF file that contains all of the news and stories from the June 1 South Georgia Advocate. This file may be printed and given to those in your congregation who might not have access to a computer, printer, or the Internet. (Length: 23 pages)

Click here to view and print the May 18 issue of the South Georgia Advocate. This is a link to a printable PDF file that contains all of the news and stories from the May 18 South Georgia Advocate. This file may be printed and given to those in your congregation who might not have access to a computer, printer, or the Internet. (Length: 25 pages)

Join us at noon on Tuesday, May 11 as we gather around a virtual table for a time of reflection, conversation, and connection. We'll be talking with other South Georgia people about things that matter to South Georgia. We can't wait to see you! Register

Click here to view and print the May 4 issue of the South Georgia Advocate. This is a link to a printable PDF file that contains all of the news and stories from the May 4 South Georgia Advocate. This file may be printed and given to those in your congregation who might not have access to a computer, printer, or the Internet. (Length: 22 pages)

By Kara Witherow, Editor For thousands of South Georgia children and youth, the Conference’s Confirmation Retreat has been a crucial part of their confirmation journey. Since 2002, hundreds of children have flocked to Epworth By The Sea each spring for worship, study, and fellowship with fellow confirmands. But because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s Confirmation Retreat was in limbo and organizers had to determine if and how to host the event. “Now more than ever, youth are ...

Click here to view and print the April 20 issue of the South Georgia Advocate. This is a link to a printable PDF file that contains all of the news and stories from the April 20 South Georgia Advocate. This file may be printed and given to those in your congregation who might not have access to a computer, printer, or the Internet. (Length: 27 pages)

Click here to view and print the April 6 issue of the South Georgia Advocate. This is a link to a printable PDF file that contains all of the news and stories from the April 6 South Georgia Advocate. This file may be printed and given to those in your congregation who might not have access to a computer, printer, or the Internet. (Length: 30 pages)

Knowing church leaders are navigating an ever changing ministry landscape, the South Georgia Conference is excited to bring relevant training to help equip local churches in their ministry settings. Two upcoming trainings include “5 Things Your Visitors Are Thinking But Won’t Ask” on Monday, April 12 and “Virtual Tools for Ministry” on Thursday, April 15. Both trainings will be conducted via Zoom. “Hospitality and evangelism have taken on new dimensions in our BOTH/AND world of online and ...

Camp is back! And this time, with a twist. With Epworth By The Sea remaining closed to the public for the 2021 summer, Camp Connect is packing up and moving 18 miles away to Camp Jekyll on Jekyll Island! Registration is now open for all six camps (Bridge Camp, High School Camp, two Middle School Camps and two Elementary Camps). We can't wait to see you on Jekyll Island this summer for a once-in-a-Camp-Connect experience! More information I Registration

Click here to view and print the March 16 issue of the South Georgia Advocate. This is a link to a printable PDF file that contains all of the news and stories from the March 16 South Georgia Advocate. This file may be printed and given to those in your congregation who might not have access to a computer, printer, or the Internet. (Length: 33 pages)

Click here to view and print the March 2 issue of the South Georgia Advocate. This is a link to a printable PDF file that contains all of the news and stories from the March 2 South Georgia Advocate. This file may be printed and given to those in your congregation who might not have access to a computer, printer, or the Internet. (Length: 27 pages)

Applications are now being accepted for the 2021 Camp Connect Summer Leadership Team. Applications are open to college students who have completed at least one year of college. The Leadership Team will commit to nine weeks of camping ministry which will include serving at high school, middle school, and elementary camps. These camp counselors will minister to hundreds of youth and children throughout the summer while making Christian friendships with other staff members that last a lifetime. ...

By Kara Witherow, Editor The global coronavirus pandemic may have changed much about the way we socialize, attend worship services, shop, and live our lives, but one thing most everyone can do while staying home is read. Beginning March 2, Connectional Ministries invites South Georgia clergy and laity to join a virtual book club via Zoom. From the comfort of one’s home or office – anywhere, really – participants will discuss the week’s book, its important themes, and faith. “The blessing of ...