Our Connection Matters

OUR CONNECTION MATTERS ALLISON LINDSEY “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 Did you know that research estimates the average adult makes 35,000 choices each day? When we are faced with two choices in which one is good and the other bad, the decision can be easy or clear cut. But it’s never easy to decide between things that are all good choices; to discern what is good, what is better, and then to choose the “best yes.”  As I reflect on my ministry ...

OUR CONNECTION MATTERS ALLISON LINDSEY “God is the source. Everything else is a resource.” Tony Evans In South Georgia, when we think about the threat of natural disasters, hurricanes might immediately come to mind. Hurricane season kicked off June 1 and will end Nov. 30, and Kara Witherow, in her recent Advocate article, Prepare Now For This Season’s Storms, shares how to prepare now to respond when needed. Check the article out; the 2021 season is projected to be a busy one!  In recent ...

By Suzanne Akins, Event Coordinator/Camp Director “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13b-14 It was February 1980 and one of the earliest memories of my childhood. I’m not even sure if it’s an actual memory or I’ve just been a part of the retelling of the story so many times that it sits like a memory. My brothers and I were sprawled out on our orange ...

OUR CONNECTION MATTERS ALLISON LINDSEY “Creation is the canvas on which God has painted His character.” Author Unknown Spring fever is upon me, especially as the temperatures begin to feel like summer. I love to be outdoors in God’s creation, and April is the perfect time to highlight Creation Care as we celebrate Earth Day on April 22.   You may be familiar with the Seven Wonders of the World, but do you know there are seven natural wonders of Georgia? Two of these wonders are located right ...

OUR CONNECTION MATTERS ALLISON LINDSEY “No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:4-5 I have spring fever! As I write this outside in the breezy 70-degree warmth of the sun, I am beginning to see buds on my fig trees open up, displaying small green leaves, and I anticipate the ...

OUR CONNECTION MATTERS ALLISON LINDSEY “History has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own.” – Michelle Obama I wish I had paid closer attention to history through the years – including when I was in school. I meet people who enjoy a love of history, and I have come to understand the rich lens it gives in the present and looking into the future.  This month we celebrate Black History Month, and as I think about Black history I tend to shelter myself ...

OUR CONNECTION MATTERS ALLISON LINDSEY “All leaders are learners. The moment you stop learning, you stop leading. I learn as much as I can, from as many as I can, as often as I can.”  Rick Warren  The beginning of a new calendar year in the local church is often a time when new leaders are stepping into ministry roles, committees are making plans, and leaders are taking part in visioning and ministry mapping for the new year. It can be a very exciting time! Our context in 2021, however, is ...

OUR CONNECTION MATTERS ALLISON LINDSEY “Year’s end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us.” Hal Borland Recently I have heard people speak of putting 2020 behind us as if the striking of the clock at midnight on December 31 (for those who are able to stay awake to witness this) will somehow flip a switch and everything will be different, new, and better. If only it were that easy! We recognize our world is weary with all the ...

OUR CONNECTION MATTERS ALLISON LINDSEY “The call of Jesus is a call to a two-beat rhythm of life: being with him and being sent from him.” – Sheridan Voysey Last month we began thinking about rhythms and how foundational they are within our everyday lives – as well as how easily they can be disrupted. Using the Voysey quote as a springboard, we explored the first part of the two-beat rhythm: “being with him,” discovering that developing intentional sacred rhythms (using spiritual practices) ...

OUR CONNECTION MATTERS ALLISON LINDSEY “The call of Jesus is a call to a two-beat rhythm of life: being with him and being sent from him.” - Sheridan Voysey Have you ever stopped for a moment to think about the rhythms God places into the fabric of our lives and throughout creation? I think about the ebb and flow of the tides, the phases of the moon, our sleep cycle, the need for sabbath, and our very heartbeat and breath. From sunrise to sunset we are surrounded by rhythm. Webster’s ...

OUR CONNECTION MATTERS ALLISON LINDSEY “Today is the day God embraces all hues of humanity Delights in diversity and difference, Favors solidarity transforming strangers into friends. And so shall we” (From a Companion Litany to our Social Creed)  I’m just three short months into this expanded role as Director of Connectional Ministries, and a new world has opened up before me. A world from which I am learning, asking questions, immersing myself in, building relationships, and embracing the ...

OUR CONNECTION MATTERS ALLISON LINDSEY “.. and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 It’s back-to-school time across South Georgia, and I recently went back to school, too - “Charm School,” - that is. Charm School is the term used for the General Board of Higher Education’s training for new District Superintendents and new Directors of Connectional Ministries.  Because of the COVID-19 virus, the training quickly shifted from a...

OUR CONNECTION MATTERS ALLISON LINDSEY  “Pivot: A change in strategy without a change in vision” – Eric Reis One of the most difficult decisions heading into the summer in Connectional Ministries involved Camp Connect, our summer camping program. For nearly 70 years, summer camps for children and youth have been a ministry of the South Georgia Conference at Epworth By The Sea. That legacy was in jeopardy due to COVID-19, and no one wanted to make the final call to cancel.  Back in early ...

OUR CONNECTION MATTERS ALLISON LINDSEY  “Plan purposefully. Prepare prayerfully. Proceed positively. Pursue persistently.” – William A. Ward Planning and preparing are two words that have been elevated over the past several weeks in many ways. Churches are planning their “rolling restarts” and making preparations to gather for in-person worship. Some pastors are planning and making preparations to move while at the same time their local churches are planning and preparing to say goodbye along ...

OUR CONNECTION MATTERS ALLISON LINDSEY I must confess, I absolutely love a good quote! Quotes, scriptures, prayers, and profound nuggets of truth that I do not want to forget - or that I need more time to ponder - fill my journals. I often look through these journals and many times something jumps out at me in a new and relevant way. This week, for example, I stumbled upon this AW Tozer quote: “Worshipers never leave church … we carry our sanctuary with us wherever we go.” During this pandemic,...

OUR CONNECTION MATTERS NITA CRUMP After dark one night a Jewish religious leader named Nicodemus, a member of the sect of the Pharisees, came for an interview with Jesus. “Sir,” he said, “we all know that God has sent you to teach us. Your miracles are proof enough of this.” John 3:1-2 (NLT) After dark. Not during the day, but after dark, when others would not see him, Nicodemus came to Jesus. Something in Nicodemus’ heart pulled him toward Jesus. He recognized that Jesus represented God, but ...

OUR CONNECTION MATTERS NITA CRUMP These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter), and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. Matthew 10:2, NIV So, how many of you watch one or more television programs known as reality TV? Go ahead, raise your hand. It’s okay to admit it. Truth be told,...

OUR CONNECTION MATTERS NITA CRUMP After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” (Matthew 2:1-1, NIV) Happy New Year! Did you make a resolution? Multiple resolutions? Did your congregation, church, Sunday school class, Bible study group, or small group make any resolutions? A resolution is a promise you ...

OUR CONNECTION MATTERS NITA CRUMP 26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you….” 38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. (Luke 1:26-28, 38, NIV) Mary is thought ...

OUR CONNECTION MATTERS NITA CRUMP​ God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. (Ephesians 2:8, NLT) The season of Thanksgiving is here. As we pause our preparations for Christmas to consider giving thanks, let us include giving thanks to God for all that he has given us. My favorite passage of scripture for Thanksgiving is Psalm 145. This psalm is a list of many of the reasons we have to give thanks to God. Some of the reasons the ...

OUR CONNECTION MATTERS NITA CRUMP​ At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. (2 Corinthians 8:14, NIV) In the eighth chapter of 2 Corinthians, Paul is writing about generosity and sacrificial giving. The Macedonians, who were described as being “in the midst of a very severe trial,” gave as much as they were able and even beyond their ability. Paul encourages the Corinthians to “excel in this grace of giving” so that ...

OUR CONNECTION MATTERS NITA CRUMP​ 11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. (Ephesians 4:11-13, NIV) Unity. Unity is a word that’s been tossed around quite a lot over the last couple of years in ...

OUR CONNECTION MATTERS NITA CRUMP​ On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” (John 20:19, NIV) As we read the story of the crucifixion and resurrection in the gospel of John, we find several times when Jesus came, stood among the disciples, and started the conversation with the words “Peace be with you.” The disciples had locked themselves ...

OUR CONNECTION MATTERS NITA CRUMP​ In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy … (Acts 2:17a, NLT) And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy … (Acts 2:17a, KJV) One of the definitions of prophesy is “to speak as a mediator between God and humankind, or in God’s stead” (dictionary.com). One of the definitions of prophecy is “...

OUR CONNECTION MATTERS NITA CRUMP 18-20 Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: “God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20, The Message) The annual ...

OUR CONNECTION MATTERS NITA CRUMP 34-35 “Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples – when they see the love you have for each other.” (John 13:34-35, The Message) The idea of Christian conferencing has been with Methodists since the early days of John and Charles Wesley. Christian conferencing was considered a means of grace by John. In his book, “Living our Beliefs The ...

OUR CONNECTION MATTERS NITA CRUMP Therefore, go and make disciples ... (Matthew 28:19a) There was a party in Atlanta last week. Actually, it was more than a party. It was a grand celebration. The General Board of Global Ministries celebrated 200 years in mission and ministry. 200 years of sharing the good news of Jesus. 200 years of building medical clinics and homes for widows and orphans. 200 years of feeding and clothing people and visiting the sick and imprisoned. 200 years of following ...

OUR CONNECTION MATTERS NITA CRUMP 8 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20, NIV                                                Have you ever noticed that sometimes we get ...

OUR CONNECTION MATTERS NITA CRUMP 27for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. (Galatians 3:27-29, NIV) Our third annual multicultural luncheon was held last Saturday in Cordele. People from across the conference gathered to celebrate unity...

OUR CONNECTION MATTERS NITA CRUMP I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out – plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. (Jeremiah 29:11, The Message) Faith, mighty faith, the promise sees, and looks to God alone; laughs at impossibilities, and cries, “It shall be done.” - Charles Wesley The time we are in as a church can seem very stressful. There is a called General Conference quickly approaching at which we, as a church, will try to ...

OUR CONNECTION MATTERS NITA CRUMP Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people." Luke 2:9-10, NLT Good news. Christmas is about good news. Life was difficult for the everyday person 2,000 years ago. It was hard to make ends meet. Taxes were high. Work was hard. Everyday people were living lives...

OUR CONNECTION MATTERS NITA CRUMP I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever. Psalm 145:1-2 Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Many of us are planning to spend time with family as we eat turkey and dressing in copious quantities. Many of us will start our Thanksgiving meal with a list of all the things for which we are thankful. Many of us will take at least a little time to count our ...

OUR CONNECTION MATTERS NITA CRUMP And now the word of the Lord is ringing out from you to people everywhere … for wherever we go we find people telling us about your faith in God. We don’t need to tell them about it, for they keep talking about the wonderful welcome you gave us … 1 Thessalonians 1:8-9 (NLT) Do you ever get excited about something? Did you watch a college football game last Saturday?  I know, I know. When I scream at the television, no one on the field can hear me. But I get ...

OUR CONNECTION MATTERS NITA CRUMP 35Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. 36Simon and his companions went to look for him, 37and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!” Mark 1:35-37 Years ago, as a nursing home administrator, I served one that was part of a national chain. The home office was in Texas. Keep in mind that this was in the late 80s. The best option for being ...

OUR CONNECTION MATTERS NITA CRUMP “It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow. The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work. For we are both God’s workers….” 1 Corinthians 3:7-9a (NLT) In my early years in ministry I served as the associate pastor. Let me say thank you to the person who was handed the responsibility of serving as my ...

OUR CONNECTION MATTERS NITA CRUMP “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV) In late 2010 I went with a group to Barahona, Dominican Republic to work with the people who live in the batays and to take food to an orphanage in Haiti that had been badly affected by the ...

OUR CONNECTION MATTERS NITA CRUMP “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one – I in them and you in me – so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have ...

From the Heart of the Connection Rev. Dr. Matt Woodbery, Director of Connectional Ministries “I thank my God every time I mention you in my prayers. I’m thankful for all of you every time I pray, and it’s always a prayer full of joy. I’m glad because of the way you have been my partners in the ministry of the gospel from the time you first believed it until now. I’m sure about this: the one who started a good work in you will stay with you to complete the job by the day of Christ Jesus. I have ...

In the Heart of the Connection Rev. Dr. Matt Woodbery, Director of Connectional Ministries “We declare to you what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life – this life was revealed, and we have seen it and testify to it, and declare to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us – we declare to you what we have seen and heard so that you also may have ...

In the Heart of the Connection Rev. Dr. Matt Woodbery, Director of Connectional Ministries Who, being in very nature God,     did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing     by taking the very nature of a servant,     being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man,     he humbled himself     by becoming obedient to death—         even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place     and ...

In the Heart of the Connection Rev. Dr. Matt Woodbery, Director of Connectional Ministries   “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!’ “When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.’ So they went with haste and ...

In the Heart of the Connection Rev. Dr. Matt Woodbery, Director of Connectional Ministries   “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love.” 1 John 4:18, NRSV And though this world, with devils filled, Should threaten to undo us, We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us: The Prince of Darkness grim, We tremble not for him; His rage we can endure, For lo! his doom ...

In the Heart of the Connection Rev. Dr. Matt Woodbery, Director of Connectional Ministries Blessed are those who trust in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream. It shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves shall stay green; in the year of drought it is not anxious, and it does not cease to bear fruit. Jeremiah 17:7-8 (New Revised Standard Version) For anyone paying attention to what’s happening to The United ...

FOCUS ON THE VISION MATT WOODBERY, JR. “Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into ...

FOCUS ON THE VISION MATT WOODBERY, JR. Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ! Carol and I are excited to be back in Georgia and joining our brothers and sisters of South Georgia in the next chapter of our ministry! I want to thank everyone who has extended the warmest of welcomes and hospitality these past few months. Thanks to your prayers and care, our transition from nearly 30 years of extension ministry as an Army chaplain to working among you has been very smooth. In fact, I am writing ...

FOCUS ON THE VISION DENISE WALTON “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20) Truly it has been a joy to serve the South Georgia Annual Conference during the past four years as Assistant to the Bishop for Connectional Ministries and previously in a number of clergy and ...

FOCUS ON THE VISION DENISE WALTON “Do not call to mind the former things, or ponder things of the past. Behold, I will do something new, now it will spring forth; will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:18-19 NASB The summer is quickly approaching and many local churches will brace for the impact of fewer people in weekly worship and perhaps a lighter bottom line to contributions. Ministries which fail to plan for the summer ...

FOCUS ON THE VISION DENISE WALTON Small churches play a vital role in the mission and ministry of the South Georgia Annual Conference. At the 2017 Annual Conference session, the South Georgia Annual Conference, Conference Board of Laity, and Connectional Ministries have partnered to provide a luncheon promoting ministry resources for small churches. Clergy and Laity are encouraged and invited to attend “Celebrating Small Church Leadership and Vitality,” the Small Church Leadership Luncheon at ...

FOCUS ON THE VISION DENISE WALTON How many of us have experience worshipping or attending a small church? Over the last few months, I have met and experienced church with some very faithful Christians and all of them attend a small church. One person volunteers to cut the grass and care for the lawn. He’s been doing this ministry for several years and speaks about it with a sense of joy. Then there are the two sets of sisters who take turns cleaning the church each week. Everything is always ...

FOCUS ON THE VISION DENISE WALTON When natural disasters strike there may be few words to express our deep sense of exposure with things beyond our control and gratitude as communities rally together expressing love and care. In these indescribable moments, the Book of Psalms helps one to express comfort, joy, and sorrow. Psalm 121 NKJV I will lift up my eyes to the hills - From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be ...

FOCUS ON THE VISION DENISE WALTON For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body – Jews or Greeks, slaves or free – and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many. 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 ESV The South Georgia Conference’s Advocacy Team is pleased to announce the inaugural Multicultural Luncheon to be held ...

FOCUS ON THE VISION DENISE WALTON In honor of Christ the King Sunday, I invite you to reflect on Colossians 1:11-20 presented to us in the form of a hymn. There is a larger discussion which we will not engage related to the historical nature of the text and its implications for earthly and heavenly kingship. Instead, the focus is simply to consider this hymn of the early church as it speaks to the kingship of Christ. I have chosen to stay with this text over the next week as we embrace Advent....

FOCUS ON THE VISION DENISE WALTON My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. John 15:12 (NIV) Emily Skinner serves as Administrative Assistant for the Office of Connectional Ministries. She has a vital role in assisting team members with projects, providing professional hospitality, and resourcing persons who contact our office. As Hurricane Matthew approached the area, Emily and several friends evacuated to Valdosta. Upon returning to her home, she noted all was well, and she ...

FOCUS ON THE VISION DENISE WALTON This week the General Council on Finance and Administration released the compiled results of the statistical data for the South Georgia Conference. The information contains an analysis based on worship attendance of trends between larger and small congregations, unique patterns based on statistical data, and the ranking of South Georgia Conference among U.S. based United Methodists congregations. Below you will find statements from Moses Kumar, General ...

FOCUS ON THE VISION DENISE WALTON How many of you remember the classic children’s book, “The Lorax,” a picture book by Dr. Seuss, first published in 1971? The book has a strong moral story about the care of the environment. The story follows the Lorax, the character who speaks for nature, and the Once-ler, the character who represents greed. Here’s a classic line from the book where the Once-ler reflects on the aftermath of a series of acts related to greed and growing bigger without ...

FOCUS ON THE VISION DENISE WALTON “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” Luke 11:9-10 The summer has quickly come and (almost) gone, children will soon return to school, and the fall will take its rightful place among us. It seems that the seasons, like the events of the world, are moving at ...

FOCUS ON THE VISION DENISE WALTON Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:18-20) Recently, I informally approached clergy and laity across the annual conference and asked, “What will you remember most about the leadership of Bishop James King?”...

FOCUS ON THE VISION DENISE WALTON Psalm 96, The Message Sing God a brand-new song! Earth and everyone in it, sing! Sing to God – worship God! Shout the news of his victory from sea to sea, Take the news of his glory to the lost, News of his wonders to one and all! For God is great, and worth a thousand Hallelujahs.  Psalm 96 is commonly known as a royal psalm. The psalm’s command to take the news to all reminds the reader of the Abrahamic covenant in Genesis 12:1-3. In addition, the psalm ...

FOCUS ON THE VISION DENISE WALTON “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35 The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church provides both law and doctrine. This week the relational passage of scripture in John 13:34-35 speaks to discipleship and the new commandment given to love others as Christ loves.  As we grow in our discipleship another...

FOCUS ON THE VISION DENISE WALTON “The Sabbath,” by Abraham Joshua Heschel, describes Sabbath practices such as a regular weekly rhythm of rest, time for reconnecting with the sacred, festive meals with loved ones, the nurturing of community life, study of holy wisdom and sacred text, attention to beauty, and honoring intimacy.  Here are a few questions for your consideration:  As you consider the matter of time, what does it mean to be countercultural?  As a disciple of Jesus Christ, are you...

FOCUS ON THE VISION DENISE WALTON As we embrace the Lenten Season with a sense of expectation and hope, consider the gift of Sabbath in your spiritual journey. Abraham Joshua Heschel, one of the leading Jewish theologians and philosophers of the 20th century, urged readers to consider their spiritual journey. The author encourages one to consider that time and space are interrelated. Time spent with God is also a very necessary gift in one's spiritual life.   “Spiritual life begins to decay ...

FOCUS ON THE VISION DENISE WALTON By Dr. Howard Thurman When the song of the angels is stilled, When the star in the sky is gone, When the kings and the princes are home, When the shepherds are back with their flocks, The work of Christmas begins: To find the lost, To heal the broken, To feed the hungry, To release the prisoner, To rebuild the nations, To bring peace among people, To make music in the heart. Taken from “The Work of Christmas” in The Mood of Christmas & Other Celebrations ...

FOCUS ON THE VISION DENISE WALTON I recently read an article entitled, “Is it too much pressure to be merry at Christmas?” The author, Lyda K. Hawkes, through her transparent struggles, encourages the reader to remain open to moments when the true meaning of Advent breaks through this season.  The Season of Advent is a time of awe, wonder, and expectant waiting. As Christians, we look back at the birth of the Christ and we look forward in anticipation of His second coming. There is hope, love,...

FOCUS ON THE VISION DENISE WALTON Have you taken the time to read any good books lately that might encourage you in ministry and leadership? Over the Advent season, let’s be encouraged to be in prayer for the church and world. I would also invite you to read at least one book that would increase your understanding of the spiritual practices within the Christian faith. Here are a few examples of books that I have found to be helpful on the subject of Spiritual Disciplines. You are invited to ...

FOCUS ON THE VISION DENISE WALTON The Apostles’ Creed is the affirmation of faith most widely used by United Methodists. The Apostles’ Creed derives its name from its use in the Christian church from as early as A.D. 150 and the early belief that it was used by the apostles. Beginning in the third century, this creed was used at baptisms by the Roman Catholic Church. Through the years it has been used widely by both Roman Catholics and Protestants as the formative statement of the faith into ...

FOCUS ON THE VISION DENISE WALTON The Office of Connectional Ministries seeks to advance the kingdom of God by utilizing the tools of communication in diverse and creative ways. The conference website; individual consults with clergy and laity; local church, district and conference trainings; webinars; social media; promotional program materials; conference calls; and video conferencing represent a sample of the annual conference tools of communication. We are constantly working to communicate ...

FOCUS ON THE VISION DENISE WALTON  In the book “Christ our Companion: Toward a Theological Aesthetics of Liberation” there is a compelling story of the author’s grandmother and her faith in God. Roberto S. Goizueta describes the impact that his abuelita (grandmother) had on his life and faith journey. My own life has been forever changed by the holy lives that Christ used to draw and attract me. As with many Latino and Latinas, for example, my abuelita (grandmother) was the spiritual heart of ...

FOCUS ON THE VISION DENISE WALTON  It is the ninth Sunday of the Season after Pentecost and the lectionary readings speak toward accountable living as disciples of Jesus Christ. As disciples we are urged to not remain in our present state but to endeavor continuous growth through the love of Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit. The world and the church are deeply rooted in division and separateness. However, God’s preferred future for humanity speaks of unity, peace, justice, forgiveness ...

The following prayers have been adapted from The United Methodist Book of Worship, pages 568-580. The Book of Worship recommends the use of this material as individual or groups engage in daily prayers. CALL TO PRAYER AND PRAISE   Psalm 51:15 O Lord, open my lips And my mouth shall declare your praise. HYMN Sing or read a favorite or familiar hymn. OPENING PRAYER In the morning: New every morning is your love, Great God of light, and all day long you are working for good in the world. Stir up in...

FOCUS ON THE VISION DENISE WALTON Take a moment to consider the cast of characters you are privileged to call friends. How do those friendships add or detract from your Christian journey of faith? Recently, a dear friend of more than 30 years shared the devotional book “Experiencing God Day-by-Day” by Henry T. Blackaby and Richard Blackaby. The authors speak often about the need for Christian friendship as support and accountability. “The Christian life is a pilgrimage. At times the road is ...

FOCUS ON THE VISION DENISE WALTON A few years ago, Bishop James King introduced the ten timeless values as the basis for personal and congregational plans of discipleship. Recently I was asked to name them. It was very easy to name nine but I continued to get stuck on the last value. The exercise reminded me that we often engage in the ten timeless values but we may not be conscious of the effort. The Lord’s Supper, Sabbath, Scripture, Stewardship, Baptism, Fasting, Fellowship, Justice, ...

FOCUS ON THE VISION DENISE WALTON In his book “Servant Leadership,” Robert Greenleaf defines two kinds of leaders. Strong natural leaders are those who try to take control, make decisions, and give orders in any situation in which the find themselves; they have a need to be in charge. Strong natural servants, on the other hand, will assume leadership only if they see it as a way in which they can serve. Ken Blanchard, in his book “The Heart of a Leader,” states, "I want to be led by strong ...

FOCUS ON THE VISION DENISE WALTON During the next week, the Revised Common Lectionary draws the church into the biblical theme of discipleship. The third week after the Epiphany provides scriptural text from Jonah, 1 Corinthians, Psalms, and Mark. A common message throughout the text points the church to the call of God and a life of discipleship that continues to grow and invite others into a life of discipleship. In addition, this week was also the observance of a national holiday in honor of...

FOCUS ON THE VISION DENISE WALTON Have you ever experienced a long car ride with small children? If so, you may be familiar with the oft-repeated question hurled from the back seat – “Are we there yet?” Whether excited, upset or just bored, the question seems to be repeated many times before the final destination is reached. Advent is the season in which we prepare for the coming of Christ. A common understanding describes Advent as proclamation of Christ’s anticipated coming again, as well as ...

FOCUS ON THE VISION DENISE WALTON Recently, I had the unique opportunity to attend leadership training with two episcopal leaders. The topic of discussion was standards of excellence in clergy leadership. During the panel discussion, one episcopal leader was asked, “If you could begin again, what would you do differently?” You can imagine that many were listening intently to hear some very practical words of wisdoms. Here was the response: “Realizing that we live our lives between the grace ...

FOCUS ON THE VISION DENISE WALTON How often do we take a moment to stop and acknowledge all that God is doing among us? I recently invited the Office of Connectional Ministries to consider the ways in which God is working within their areas of ministry. Here are a few responses: I see God at work all around the South Georgia Conference. He’s working through faithful congregations, individuals, and pastors who hear His call and respond by saying, “Here I am. Send me.” Through backpack food ...

FOCUS ON THE VISION DENISE WALTON On a scale of one to 10, how busy are you these days? One represents being not busy and 10 represents insanely busy and completely overloaded with schedule demands. The answer to this question can be fairly simple or really complex depending on your day-to-day circumstances. There is a biblical mandate for all of us to engage in Sabbath rest. However, this is not a theological conversation but a mere practical inquiry. If your life is out of balance with the ...

FOCUS ON THE VISION DENISE WALTON It was a clear sign in bold letters near the airport that asked a direct question: “Are you lost?” The sign then directed the pedestrian or driver to call a number for airport information. The reader was given a direct question with the option for a response that included a clear sense of direction. However, in order to gain access to the new directions one had to first admit that one was lost and in need of help. For many clergy and laity in the church there is...

FOCUS ON THE VISION DENISE WALTON A young man rushed into the Connectional Ministries Office with his grandfather a few steps behind and asked, “Where do I register for camp?” With a smile and a warm welcome we let this young man know that registration would begin in a couple of hours in the building next door. Camp brings a sense of joy and excitement. Children and youth have a way of walking in a spirit of joy and anticipation that can be quite contagious. Over the past eight weeks, the South ...

FOCUS ON THE VISION DENISE WALTON Thus says the Lord who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters … “Remember not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; even now it is springing to light, do you not perceive it?” Isaiah 43:16; 18-19 Theologian Paul Tillich wrote, “Behold, I am doing a new thing.” “I” points to the source of the really new, to that which is always old and always new, the Eternal. On June 11, 2014, the South ...

FOCUS ON THE VISION DENISE WALTON The 2012 Book of Disciple defines the purpose of Connectional Ministries within each annual conference. Each annual conference is responsible to focus and guide the mission and ministry of The United Methodist Church within its boundaries by: envisioning the ministries necessary to live out the mission of the church in and through the annual conference; creating and nurturing relationships and connections among the local, district, annual conference, and ...

FOCUS ON THE VISION DENISE WALTON As you reflect on your relationship with God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, can you identify times when you felt really close to God and sensed in your heart that God had something for you to do? In his book, “Hearing God’s Call,” author Ben Campbell Johnson writes: God has always called human beings to share in the divine mission in the world – and he still does. God calls men and women to ordained ministry and he calls other followers of Jesus ...

FOCUS ON THE VISION DENISE WALTON Several years ago I read Ken Callahan's book, "A New Beginning for Pastors and Congregations". Callahan offers suggestions on how pastors and congregations can have a healthy future together, whether they are new or beginning again. Callahan challenged the long taught and accepted approach to ministry that pastors must not change anything in the first year. On the contrary, Callahan offers the premise that the first three days, weeks, and months set the tone for...

FOCUS ON THE VISION DENISE WALTON Greetings to you all and Happy New Year! On Tuesday, Jan. 7, the Office of Connectional Ministries launched the new Leadership Webinar Series. Our goal is to empower leaders within the local church and increase their knowledge base to become more effective in their current leadership role. So far this month, we’ve hosted a general leadership training session (Leadership Toolkit), a webinar focusing on change and transition within the local church (Leading ...

FOCUS ON THE VISION DENISE WALTON Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. Beloved, do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged. See, the Judge is standing at the doors! James 5:7-10 The third Sunday in Advent within the Revised Common Lectionary...

FOCUS ON THE VISION DENISE WALTON “As Christian disciples, we are not passive spectators but energetic participants in God's activity in the world.” The United Methodist Church provides a clear understanding regarding the theology of discipleship that includes God's relationship to the world and the human response to God's activity in the world. Theology is not just about God. It is also about us. We live out our understanding of who we are in relationship to God, to one another, and to the ...

FOCUS ON THE VISION DENISE WALTON “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20) Over the years, I have become deeply interested in discipleship within the system of the church. How do we organize ourselves in the kingdom of God to live out the command to go and make disciples? The birth of my granddaughter accelerated my level of ...

The Office of Connectional Ministries recently held a staff retreat to review its mission and vision, the conference district reduction, and invite visionary thinking regarding future programming and conference support.  We utilized the book “A Door Set Open: Grounding Change in Mission and Ministry” by Peter Steinke to open the staff retreat and center our thoughts. The result was a rich discussion incorporating the voices of the entire staff. The following is an excerpt from the book from each...

FOCUS ON THE VISION DENISE WALTON I recently traveled to Dallas, Texas and returned on a Delta flight. The weather was inclement somewhere and caused flights to be delayed. A cartoon caricature would show me rushing through the airport with my countenance moving through various shades of green. My medication for motion sickness was a true blessing. My plan was to board the flight, settle down, stay perfectly still, and then sleep. Sometimes when we least want or expect it, God has another plan. ...

In my first column, we examined the concepts of change and placed it within the theology of hope. Today let’s take a moment to wrestle with the idea of transformation and the theology of hope.  Background At the 2013 South Georgia Annual Conference session, the Conference voted to reduce the number of districts within the bounds of the Annual Conference from nine to six. As we move into the summer and the early stages of transition, the Office of Connectional Ministries (OCM), in prayerful ...

LIVING THE VISION BRAD BRADY This is the last in a series of articles about the book of Nehemiah. Bishop King is inviting all South Georgia United Methodists to join him in studying this book. To view all of Dr. Brady’s Nehemiah articles, visit www.sgaumc.org/nehemiah.    It all started with Nehemiah hearing about the distress of his spiritual family back in Jerusalem.  He prayed about their plight and God gave Nehemiah a vision of restoration. God opened the King’s heart and many other avenues ...

LIVING THE VISION BRAD BRADY This is the sixth in a series of articles about the book of Nehemiah.  Bishop King is inviting all South Georgia United Methodists to join him in studying this book. Nehemiah 6 begins with Nehemiah’s chief opposition receiving a report that the construction project is nearly completed. The walls of Jerusalem are fully built and security measures around the gates are on the final “punch list” (verse 1). Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem constantly resisted the rebuilding...

LIVING THE VISION BRAD BRADY This is the fifth in a series of articles about the book of Nehemiah. Bishop King has invited all South Georgia United Methodists to join him in studying this book. Nehemiah received a God-inspired vision to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. The vision was cast and widely received by the people. An enthusiastic group was repairing the walls. However, real life constantly made the rebuilding project a test for everyone. Nehemiah had to do more than one thing at a ...

LIVING THE VISION BRAD BRADY This is the third in a series of articles about the book of Nehemiah. Bishop King is inviting all South Georgia United Methodists to join him in studying this book. Reading Nehemiah 3 feels as though we have entered the footnote zone. Footnotes are something important the writer wants you to know, but footnotes are not known as the most invigorating reading. Reading this chapter calls forth the same low level of warm-fuzzy feelings you experience when reading the ...

LIVING THE VISION BRAD BRADY This is the second in a series of articles about the book of Nehemiah.  Bishop King is inviting all South Georgia United Methodists to join him in studying this book. Sometimes we read the Bible without full appreciation of the timeline of events because we are unfamiliar with the calendar of the day.  The transition to Nehemiah 2 is a perfect example.  The first words give us a time stamp that is important to the story for several reasons. What catches my eye is ...

By Dr. Brad Brady It will not surprise those of you who know me to read this confession:  I am not a plumber or electrician or mechanically inclined in any way!  I have several hilarious stories about previous attempts of trying the most routine projects only to end up with extra parts and non-functioning equipment. Recently, I tried another project.  This time, I went to YouTube and searched for a video intended to guide a first-time “self-helper” to do a basic plumbing repair.  I watched two ...

By Dr. Brad Brady We church folks are notorious for using words that we think everyone understands.  This is not a new phenomenon. I remember the interview I had with the Staff-Parish Relations Committee as I was seeking to enter the ministry in the late 1970s.  One of the committee members asked me a question using a religious term.  My mind raced to recall where I had heard that word and what I could deduce about its meaning from what I had previously heard or observed. I was not remembering ...

Lately, I have been listening to some church folks who embrace God’s assignment to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world, but who find the assignment too large to comprehend.  Their comments are often framed, “Yes, but how?” There are many ways to break disciple formation down into understandable components. When you boil it down, each model seeks to describe an ongoing process by which people are awakened to God’s love, grow in God’s love, and come to share God’s ...

I hope you have been reading the South Georgia Advocate over the last year.  Many things impress me about the tremendous product, but one overwhelming impression from reading last year’s editions is how our local churches and conference ministries are faithfully and creatively engaged in justice ministries.     Justice ministries encompass everything that intentionally expresses God’s love and mercy to a broken world.  For many of us, we have thought of these ministries as “missions,” “...