Connectional Ministries

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)

Click here to view and print the Aug. 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 Aug. 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: 27 pages)

Click here to view and print the July 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 July 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 July 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 July 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: 26 pages)

Click here to view and print the June 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 June 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: 27 pages)

There's just something special about camp. And while camp will look different this summer, you can still support Camp Connect and look (and feel!) good while doing it! Get your 2020 Camp Connect shirt today! The shirts will only be available for purchase through June 11. Click here to purchase. 

The George Floyd Story and Others By Rev. Earnestine Campbell The recent killing of George Floyd, an unarmed African American male in Minneapolis, Minn., by white police officers, has retriggered the awareness of killings of black males by police officers. The tragic killing on May 25 has incited peaceful protests across the nation and abroad and, at the same time there have, unfortunately, been those who have used the protests for violence, looting, and destruction. Even with this, however, ...

Click here to view and print the June 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 June 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: 26 pages)

Click here to view and print the May 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 May 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: 21 pages)

Last week, Suzanne Akins, Camp Connect director, announced that all 2020 Camp Connect summer camps have been canceled. Camp Connect is the camping ministry of the South Georgia Annual Conference. “With heavy hearts, we have made the decision to not have camps this summer,” Akins said. “Through consultation and collaboration with conference leadership, Bishop Bryan, camp industry experts, and health officials, we are confident that closing camps for the 2020 summer is the wisest decision for us....

Click here to view and print the May 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 May 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: 25 pages)

By Rev. Ashley Randall, pastor of Garden City UMC and a member of the Advocacy Team Back to Basics It doesn’t seem quite right that in the face of an “unprecedented” worldwide pandemic the medical experts are urging all of us to practice the most mundane, unsophisticated, and elementary practices of personal hygiene: wash your hands, cover your cough, and stay home if you are sick. I mean, if this COVID-19 pandemic is as threatening as the experts say it is, there must be something more that ...

Click here to view and print the April 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 April 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)

Dear Camp Connect families, We are praying that you are staying healthy during this current COVID-19 outbreak. We are thankful for the hope we have in a BIG God who holds the whole world in His hands. As of right now, we are making contingency plans for our summer camp programming. Because of this, we have pressed pause on our registrations until further notice. Camps have not been canceled at this time. We are still waiting for the most up-to-date information possible before making any final...

Click here to view and print the April 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 April 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: 34 pages)

By the South Georgia Conference Advocacy Team Rev. Joseph Echols Lowery, the beloved dean of the civil rights movement, died on March 27. He was 98. Lowery, a world-renown civil rights activist and United Methodist pastor, marched and worked with the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. for civil rights and justice.  Lowery leaves behind a rich legacy of service not only to the cause of civil rights, but he also leaves behind an impressive history of service to The United Methodist Church. To ...

By Denise Rooks, Advocacy Chair, and Rev. Earnestine Campbell, Conference Staff With news of COVID-19 invading many aspects of our lives, the stock market spiraling down, and the constant bombardment of negativity that occurs in our world, it would be easy to go into our homes and stay for months. In times of great stress and concerns, it can be difficult to discern how we fit into the many complex pieces. Many of us can and do feel defeated and helpless due to the uncontrollable circumstances ...

A number of South Georgia Conference churches are offering an online worship experience either by Live Stream or by recording a service to share online.  In addition, for at least the next two Sundays, Bishop Bryan will offer a live stream worship moment from 10:00 am - 10:30 am. You can find this on our conference Facebook page and website. A recording will also be posted to the conference website for use anytime. This is not to compete with anything churches are already doing but is meant as ...

Click here to view and print the March 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 March 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: 22 pages)

Two South Georgia Conference clergy recently attended the General Board of Church and Society’s (GBCS) Young Adult Clergy Leadership Forum in Washington, D.C. Rev. Grace Guyton and Rev. Antonie Walker joined a group of 50 young clergy from around the world in a forum that helped connect pastors with the mission of GBCS, provided a gathering to share knowledge and experiences, and provided opportunities to build relationships with other young clergy from across the United Methodist connection. ...

Click here to view and print the February 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 February 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)

Click here to view and print the February 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 February 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: 30 pages)

The 18th annual South Georgia Conference sponsored Confirmation Retreat is designed for students in the fifth grade and above. This event provides churches of all sizes an opportunity to connect with others through worship, study, and fellowship. It will also include large group gatherings around the church seasons and breakout sessions with topics of grace, United Methodist History and United Methodist lingo as well as Holy Clubs throughout the weekend. Space is limited to the first 500 ...

Click here to view and print the January 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 January 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: 23 pages)

During Winter Conference at Epworth By The Sea on St. Simons Island, Bishop Lawson Bryan and members of South Georgia’s General Conference delegation will participate in a panel discussion to share information, plans, and proposals related to the 2020 General Conference Session. One of the items they’ll discuss is the most recent proposal, “A Protocol for Reconciliation and Grace through Separation.”  Church leaders are encouraged to attend Winter Conference for this discussion and to hear Len ...

Click here to view and print the January 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 January 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: 28 pages)

The Office of Connectional Ministries kicked off its 2020 Leadership Tour Sunday, Jan. 5 in Statesboro. The leadership tour, which has four stops, is aimed at equipping and empowering local church leaders.  The 2020 Leadership Tour, which will travel next to Warner Robins, Camilla, and Hinesville, offers practical teaching and resources to inspire and help local church leaders lead with confidence. Similar to the Pathways training event, participants will choose two paths, or classes, to take ...

Click here to view and print the December 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 December 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: 30 pages)

Click here to view and print the December 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 December 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: 27 pages)

Campus Crawl, set for Feb. 27-29, 2020, is a bus tour designed to introduce 9th-12th grade students to United Methodist colleges and campus ministries around the state. In one weekend, high school students will meet representatives from our United Methodist colleges and universities in Georgia as well as meet several Wesley Foundations on public university campuses. This year we're visiting the following campuses and ministries: KSU, Young Harris, Reinhardt, Georgia Tech, Clark Atlanta, ...

Click here to view and print the November 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 November 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: 28 pages)

The Office of Connectional Ministries has two grant opportunities for local churches:   The Peace with Justice Grant provides seed money for any local church, district, conference, or agency that has a desire to work and support mercy and justice efforts and who seeks to offer peaceful solutions through Christian discipleship and living out the love and grace of God. Examples include developing disciples who strive to end poverty, being graceful to those at the margins, connecting with people ...

Click here to view and print the November 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 November 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: 32 pages)

Advent/Christmas We hope the resources provided in this edition will help jumpstart your planning and give you new ideas for this season.   _________________________________________ N  U  R  T  U  R  E Take the Online Advent Quiz: (Download), print and share the Advent Quiz with your church, family & friends!  Chuck Knows Church: The Advent Wreath (Video 3 minutes) New Ways to Celebrate Advent With Kids Christmas Gifts That Won't Break: A Children's Advent Study by James W. Moore. ...

Church and Society will host the Young Adult Clergy Forum 2020 Jan. 26-29, 2020, in Washington D.C. The Office of Connectional Ministries is offering two scholarships of $500 for two persons, up to the age of 35, to attend who have not participated previously. The forum is for those serving in full time in ministry in local churches or appointments beyond the local church (deacons, elders, or full-time local pastors). Send scholarship requests to earnestine@sgaumc.com. The requests will be ...

Click here to view and print the October 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 October 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: 33 pages)

Click here to view and print the October 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 October 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)

Youth groups from around the South Georgia Conference (and beyond!) will come together for a fall weekend retreat that offers passionate worship, relevant Bible study, and a meaningful time with other teens at Epworth By The Sea on St. Simons Island. Sponsored by the Office of Connectional Ministries, Encounter Youth Retreat, set for Nov. 22-24, 2019, is for all middle and high school students.  Encounter offers a chance for students to take a break from school, have fun in the beautiful ...

Click here to view and print the September 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 September 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: 23 pages)

Click here to view and print the September 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 September 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)

Click here to view and print the August 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 August 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)

KidzQuest, the annual children’s retreat sponsored by Connectional Ministries, is for students in 3rd-6th grades. This event typically sells out before the deadline and brings so much energy (and noise!) to Epworth By The Sea on St. Simons Island. 500 children and adult leaders 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. Amid beautiful coastal scenery, amazing adult leaders, and time away...

Nearly 400 years ago, the first African slaves arrived in what is now the United States. Today, many African Americans still struggle with the oppressive legacy. Three United Methodist agencies have assembled a collection of events and written material to help people study and commemorate the 400th anniversary of the first slaves brought to what is now the U.S. in 1619. Read story Denise Rooks, chair of the Conference’s Advocacy Team, has written the following to help us remember, reflect, and ...

Mark your calendars now for the 2019 Pathways event, August 24. Pathways is geared to equip, inspire and encourage pastors and laity in faith and in ministry! We have more than 30 workshops to choose from, ranging from leadership development, new ministry ideas, social justice, spiritual growth, and more. There's something for everyone! Visit sgaumc.org/pathways for more information, a downloadable brochure with workshop descriptions, a registration link, and a bulletin insert to share in your ...

Click here to view and print the July 23 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 23 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 9 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 9 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 Annual Conference Program Committee is asking for feedback from those who attended the 2019 Annual Conference Session. Your input helps plan for future conferences.  Click here to share feedback on the 2019 Annual Conference Session.

At the 2017 Annual Conference session, the South Georgia Conference approved two resolutions, statements that represent the position of the conference on a subject. The first, a “Resolution in support of a Coordinated Action on Behalf of Undocumented Neighbors,” called on the presiding bishop to form a task force to develop a strategy to educate clergy and laity about the history of immigration and human and civil rights concerning undocumented members of society and to encourage South Georgia ...

Click here to view and print the June 25 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 25 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)

Click here to view and print the June 11 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 11 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: 36 pages)

Click here to view and print the May 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 May 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)

Our Connection Matters offers a toolkit which includes a wealth of resources focusing on a different theme to resource your local church in nurture, outreach, witness and advocacy ministries. ________________________________________ Countdown to Summer What does the countdown to summer include? Planning for so many great things: the end of another school year, graduations, Vacation Bible Schools, moving pastors, family vacations, mission journeys, Pentecost and at the top of the list - SUMMER ...

There are just a few spots left for Elementary Camp 1!! Register TODAY! Don’t miss out on the opportunity for your child to spend a week away from normal everyday life in the beauty of God’s creation with people who seek to share Christ in the everyday. Register today for Camp Connect, the camping ministry of the South Georgia Conference.  With an “Upside Down” theme this summer, a week at Camp Connect will teach campers how to turn the world upside down for Jesus. Diving into scripture and ...

Every year, the South Georgia Conference honors clergy and laity who exhibit outstanding efforts for the work on Christian Evangelism with the Harry Denman Evangelism Award.  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; ...

Click here to view and print the April 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 April 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: 29 pages)

Click here to view and print the March 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 March 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: 23 pages)

The South Georgia Conference welcomes Sherry Buresh to the staff in the Office of Connectional Ministries. Sherry joins the staff in the role of Disaster Recovery Coordinator: Hurricane Michael. She will be working specifically in the Southwest District coordinating long term recovery efforts for those impacted by Hurricane Michael. This position is a one year recovery project and is funded through the connection by an UMCOR grant. She brings more than 15 years of disaster response experience ...

Click here to view and print the March 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 March 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: 26 pages)

By Kara Witherow, Editor A popular meme states, “It’s never a good sign when Jim Cantore comes to town.” Cantore, a meteorologist and on-air personality for The Weather Channel, is a famous figure in hurricane reporting and is well-known for being in the middle of the worst weather. But on April 27, South Georgia residents have nothing to fear from Cantore. Instead of reporting from the eye of a hurricane he’ll be the keynote speaker at the Conference Discipleship Teams’ “Witnessing Through ...

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

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

Guest speakers from Connectional Ministries are available to preach and share with local congregations the important work of connecting, resourcing, and training ministry the office provides. Partnering with local United Methodist congregations and individuals is vital to Connectional Ministries' ministry. Call today to let them share the good work that God is doing! Available speakers include Dr. Nita Crump, Rev. Earnestine Campbell, and Allison Lindsey. Contact Connectional Ministries at ...

Click here to view and print the Jan. 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 January 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: 23 pages)

What would South Georgia look like if every local United Methodist church spent an entire day serving its community? Hungry people would be fed. Lonely people would find friends. Schools could be beautified. Rivers could be cleaned. Homes could be repaired. And so much more. The Conference’s Discipleship Teams are hoping that the Annual Conference’s inaugural #ServeSouthGA volunteer day inspires congregations throughout South Georgia to move outside the church building and into their ...

Click here to view and print the Jan. 8 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 8 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: 18 pages)

Applications are still being accepted for the 2019 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 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 ...

The Office of Connectional Ministries is in January launching an online video series that will explore the foundations of the Methodist faith and traditions. The six-part series, called “Come to the Table,” will feature South Georgia clergy and laity teaching about topics such as Methodist history, grace, works of mercy, works of piety, and more. “The roots of Methodism run deep. For more than 200 years we have been a movement with the purpose of encouraging a deep connection to God and to our...

Click here to view and print the December 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 December 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)

The third annual Multicultural Luncheon will be held February 9, 2019, from noon until 2 p.m. at Cordele First United Methodist Church. The 2019 theme is “Alive Together in Christ, the World.” The luncheon will celebrate the gifts God has provided in the South Georgia Conference through its local churches as well as the service the gifts and talents provide for the churches and communities. Speakers from around the conference and the connection will present. There is a small cost of $6 for ...

During the weekend of March 1-3, 2019, more than 500 confirmands will gather at Epworth By The Sea on St. Simons Island for the annual “Join the Journey” Confirmation Retreat of the South Georgia Conference. Tailored to fifth-grade students and above, confirmands will enjoy learning about their United Methodist heritage in a high-energy, exciting atmosphere. Participants will also be exposed to the diverse leadership that makes up the South Georgia Conference as Bishop Lawson Bryan, pastors, ...

Click here to view and print the December 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 December 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: 23 pages)

When disaster strikes, the United Methodist connection comes alive. The South Georgia Conference has seen this over and over again in the past month as people have responded to our needs here in South Georgia following the devastation caused by Hurricane Michael. Our connection is at work thanks to your overwhelming generosity. Even as we continue down our own path of recovery in the southwest pocket of our conference, we also want to extend a helping hand to our brothers and sisters in the ...

The Office of Connectional Ministries will in January launch a leadership tour aimed at equipping and empowering local church leaders.  The 2019 Leadership Tour, which kicks off Sunday, Jan. 6 at Americus First UMC, will offer practical teaching and resources to inspire and help local church leaders lead with confidence. Similar to the Pathways training event, participants will choose two paths, or classes, to take to enrich their ministry. This free event is sponsored by the Office of ...

Click here to view and print the November 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 November 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: 20 pages)

2018 Advent Resources Advent/Christmas We hope the resources will help jumpstart your planning and give you new ideas for this season. _________________________________________ N  U  R  T  U  R  E Take the Online Advent Quiz: (Download), print and share the Advent Quiz with your church, family & friends!  Chuck Knows Church: The Advent Wreath (Video 3 minutes) New Ways to Celebrate Advent With Kids Christmas Gifts That Won't Break: A Children's Advent Study by James W. Moore. Coloring Through ...

By Kara Witherow, Editor On Sunday, Nov. 11, Grace United Methodist Church in Brunswick will celebrate its sesquicentennial with the theme, “Rooted in the past with a vision for our future.” They will celebrate with an anniversary banquet Friday, Nov. 9 and with a church anniversary worship hour Sunday, Nov. 11, with retired Coastal District Superintendent Dr. Wayne Moseley preaching. The church, which began Nov. 18, 1868, also has much to celebrate as they conclude their two-year involvement...

Encounter is a weekend retreat designed for 6th - 12th grade students where everyone will ENCOUNTER God, and each in a very unique way. This retreat, set for Nov. 16-18, will offer passionate worship, relevant Bible study and a meaningful time with other teens at Epworth By The Sea on St. Simons Island. Click here for more information. I Click here to register your group.

Click here to view and print the October 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 October 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: 21 pages)

The Office of Connectional Ministries has two grant opportunities for local churches:   The Peace with Justice Grant provides seed money for any local church, district, conference, or agency that has a desire to work and support mercy and justice efforts and who seeks to offer peaceful solutions through Christian discipleship and living out the love and grace of God. Examples include developing disciples who strive to end poverty, being graceful to those at the margins, connecting with people ...

We are busy preparing for the 2019 Annual Conference Session, which will be held at The Columbus Georgia Convention & Trade Center set for June 2-5, 2019. Last year, Bishop Bryan led us in celebrating all the ways we are “Alive Together in Worship.” We also prepared for a year-long emphasis on being “Alive Together in the World” and will continue that celebration at the 2019 Annual Conference Session. I pray that you are finding many ways to reach out to the world in word and deed as you share ...