Connectional Ministries

Click here to view and print the Sept. 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 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: 20 pages)  

Registration is open for Encounter, the Conference's annual youth retreat for students in sixth through twelfth grades. Encounter Youth Retreat will take place November 18-20, 2022, at Epworth By The Sea on St. Simons Island. More information & registration  

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 ...

Easter is just a few weeks away, and what’s more uplifting and unifying than joining together in song? Be a part of the South Georgia United Methodist Easter Virtual Choir! By now you’ve probably seen and heard videos of choirs coming together (digitally) to sing choruses, hymns, and songs. Now is your chance to be a part of a virtual choir for Easter. Join with other South Georgia United Methodist voices to celebrate the Good News of Christ’s resurrection! It’s easy to participate. Just ...

Click here to view and print the Feb. 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 Feb. 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: 29 pages)

Click here to view and print the Feb. 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 Feb. 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)

This year Ash Wednesday is on February 17 and will usher us into the season of Lent as we begin the journey to the cross and then the celebration of the risen Christ. Lent is a season that calls Christians into simplicity, repentance, and reflection to grow closer to God. It is not a season to rush through to the excitement of Easter. Rather, Lent is a season to slow down and reflect as we strip away what might hinder us in our faith or pick up a practice that draws us nearer to God. Just a...

Click here to view and print the Jan. 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 Jan. 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: 31 pages)

Dear Brothers and Sisters of the South Georgia Conference,  “Come to the table!” Those are the words my grandmother used to alert us kids that food had been prepared and it was time to come together for a meal. That's the same invitation I extend to you as we gather for times of reflection and conversations starting at noon on Tuesday, Jan. 19. Come to the table! The goal is to continue living out this year’s conference theme, “Alive Together at the Table,” by having regular opportunities to ...

The 20th annual Confirmation Retreat may not look like it has the last 19 years, but the focus remains the same: to complement what a church is or will be doing for each Confirmation class and to bring a sense of connectedness to our churches. Since 2002, the South Georgia Conference has sponsored an annual Confirmation Retreat at Epworth By The Sea for students in the fifth grade and above. This event provides churches of all sizes an opportunity to connect with others through worship, study, ...

Join Jason Moore on Tuesday, January 12, from 10 a.m. to noon for a 2-hour workshop delving into strategies for how to create powerful transformative worship where no one feels like they’re an afterthought.  We will explore: Re-imagining worship for both/and How to create interactive both/and experiences Bringing at home and in-person audiences together in real time Alternative opportunities for online audiences watching in-person livestreams Repurposing in-person worship for online audiences ...

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: 39 pages)

Click here to view and print the Dec. 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 Dec. 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: 34 pages)

United Methodist-related LaGrange College is sharing the school's musical gifts with our South Georgia Conference connection. On December 6, LaGrange presented “Lessons & Carols” to the community. Following that performance, the school is digitally sharing the individual components of the 60-minute production for churches to use in virtual worship. Please note that you can use individual selections and/or the entire Lessons & Carols.  "It is our desire to help supply beautiful musical content ...

Click here to view and print the Dec. 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 Dec. 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: 22 pages)

Registration is now open for the South Georgia Conference's Youth Worker Winter Retreat January 21-22, 2021, at Little Ocmulgee State Park. This retreat is being designed BY local church youth workers FOR local church youth workers! There are still a few spots available. Contact Suzanne Akins at suzanne@sgaumc.com if you would like to attend. 

There's no question 2020 has been a challenging year. But we still have much for which to give thanks. We asked you, our South Georgia UM family and friends, what you’re thankful for during this season of giving thanks. We are thankful for our wonderful #sgaumc family! Here’s what you shared with us: I am thankful for the new friends I have made by participating in online events and studies. Karen Forrester, Bainbridge First UMC I am thankful for all the volunteers and ERTs that have worked ...

Click here to view and print the Nov. 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 Nov. 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: 21 pages)

Click here to view and print the Nov. 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 Nov. 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 Oct. 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 Oct. 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)

The Office of Connectional Ministries is working hard to connect and resource local churches during this unusual and challenging time. With their Conversations at The Table series, clergy and laity are invited to grab lunch, pull up a chair, and join the Connectional Ministries team for a series of Zoom conversations. Several upcoming topics are slated so you can learn from others, share ideas, and be inspired. All conversations will be held via Zoom. More information In addition to the ...

By J. F. Knapp, III, Conference Lay Leader Encourage one another and build up each other. (1 Thessalonians 5:11, NRSV) While our response to this pandemic has been hard on communities and congregations across the country, we cannot overlook the fact that this has been particularly difficult for our pastors. These are individuals whose calling is to minister to people, especially in times of difficulty. COVID-19’s Rules of Engagement have closed sanctuaries, and social distancing has prevented...

Click here to view and print the Oct. 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 Oct. 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 Sept. 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 Sept. 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: 24 pages)

Click here to view and print the Sept. 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 Sept. 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: 28 pages)

Churches throughout the conference continue to demonstrate the ways they are Alive Together in Witness 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 ...

The South Georgia Conference, during its 2020 Annual Conference session, approved a recommendation for the reallocation of designated reserve funds to support several ministries in the North Katanga Annual Conference in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).  The $60,000 in mission funds reallocated for use in the North Katanga Annual Conference was originally raised for the East Africa Annual Conference: Open Hands Partnership and Humble Place School. The East Africa partnership ceased in...

Click here to view and print the Aug. 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 Aug. 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: 39 pages)

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 Allison Lindsey by our conference deadline: Monday, August 24, 2020. (Note: application will say August 1)