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UMR Communications and the United Methodist Reporter have announced that they will cease operations due to financial pressures on May 31, ending a tradition of Methodist news coverage that began in 1847. UMR Communications (UMRC) publishes the South Georgia Advocate.
In 2009 the South Georgia Conference formed a partnership with UMRC in which UMRC assumed the administrative functions of the Advocate while the South Georgia Conference provides the content for the South Georgia portion of the newspaper. The Advocate is published twice a month as an insert of the United Methodist Reporter.
The final Reporter newspaper will carry the date June 7, but will be mailed and printed by May 31. It is not yet known if this mailing will include the June 7 South Georgia Advocate edition.
“We have just learned of the closing of UMCR and are saddened by this news,” said Dr. Brad Brady, Assistant to the Bishop for Connectional Ministries. “We hope to talk with UMCR in the coming days to determine what this means for our subscribers. We will be exploring options for the future of the South Georgia Advocate. While there are so many unknowns at this time, we remain committed to sharing the good news of what God is doing in the South Georgia Annual Conference.”
We will continue to share news and updates as we have them.
The announcement below was published today on the UMR Communications website:
UMR Communications, including United Methodist Reporter, to close
UMR Communications (UMRC) publishes the United Methodist Reporter in print and digital formats and online, and provides printing and communication services to churches and other nonprofits.
The final print Reporter will carry the date June 7, but will be mailed and printed by May 31.
The UMRC board reluctantly but unanimously voted this morning to close the nonprofit ministry during a tearful meeting at the nonprofit’s Dallas office.
“At one time, our ministry produced nearly 300 separate editions of the newspaper which integrated content created by our news staff with content provided by church and conference partners,” said Tom Palmer, board chair. “That number has decreased over the past 10-15 years due to changes in publishing technology. The financial crisis of 2008 had a significant impact on both individuals and institutions. Local church and conference finances were also severely affected. As a result, a growing number of churches and conferences either ceased publishing Reporter editions or changed their publishing frequency. We now no longer receive enough revenue from our publishing and printing operations to sustain the overhead needed to maintain the ministry.”
Closure will cost the jobs of the 26 remaining employees, including some with more than 40 years of service. Thirteen others were laid off near the end of 2012.
Alan Heath, CEO since August, 2011, said the ministry had struggled financially for several years. But the late 2012 loss of a major contract – for printing, as well as for warehousing and shipping curriculum materials – reduced revenue by about 40 percent.
Reporter editions have declined to 45, though UMRC has continued to print other newspapers, as well as doing a variety of specialty printing.
In recent days, various organizational alternatives were explored internally and with friends of the ministry, Mr. Heath said, but closure became the only realistic step.
“There was no solution that didn’t involve red ink,” he told board members.
Mr. Heath added, “This decision obviously affects not only our newspaper customers, but other customers that have relied on us for printing and mailing services for many other products. We are sorry to leave our partners in ministry who have been so faithful to continue their relationship with us. We will do our best to help these ministries find a new print provider.”
Customers with questions are encouraged to contact the following:
Debbie Christian, Director of Production, dchristian@umr.org
Kay Fielder, Sales and Customer Service, kfielder@umr.org
Cherrie Graham Ad Sales and Customer Service, cgraham@umr.org
Wendy Campbell, Sales and Customer Service, wcampbell@umr.org
In recent decades, it has covered the full United Methodist Church, offering independent news coverage, features and commentaries. Staff members have regularly won religious press awards.
Mr. Heath said an appropriate home will be sought for the newspaper’s print and online archives.
The UMRC board celebrated communion at the end of this morning’s meeting, led by the Rev. Arthur McClanahan, a board member and director of communications for the Iowa Conference.
Before doing so, he said: “Many of us standing around these ordinary tables have received the gift of grace of people of the UMR family – the grace of an extra day, or days, or more when we’ve needed to send our copy for a paper, the grace of converting stick figure ideas into beautiful designs, the grace of telling stories, offering commentaries, helping us to see beyond our own horizons. And we are the better for the gift that the UMR team is.”
The Mother’s Day Offering for The League of the Good Samaritan will be received in the month of May. Magnolia Manor is especially excited because we are celebrating 50 years of serving older adults in South Georgia. The following article tells of the growth and expansion we have seen and what is yet to be.
Over the past 50 years, Magnolia Manor has become an icon in senior retirement living. Over 1,000 employees provide care for more than 1,300 residents on eight Magnolia Manor campuses in South Georgia including Americus, Buena Vista, Columbus, Macon, Moultrie, Richmond Hill, St. Marys and St. Simons. Services include a wide array of independent retirement living options, assisted living, skilled nursing care, rehabilitative therapy and specialized dementia care.
Mark R. Todd began his journey with Magnolia Manor over 25 years ago. Todd states he “initially stumbled into the health care arena after college and worked in many capacities in the organization before being named president and CEO.” Driven by the personal side associated with this industry, Todd not only cares for the residents; he has developed many deep and lasting relationships with staff members over the years. It is not uncommon to meet employees who began their career at Magnolia Manor and have remained for up to 40 years. “Growing our skill base from within the core base of loyal employees makes for good business.”
As Magnolia Manor is making preparations to celebrate its 50th year of serving older adults throughout South Georgia, staff members embrace the vision of the South Georgia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church who commissioned an internal study on needs of the elderly in South Georgia. From this study which identified the need for safe, secure housing along with long-term care for the elderly, Magnolia Manor evolved. Today this ministry expands across denominations and geographical boundaries, embracing residents from all walks of life. Todd relates, “Although this year is about celebrating the past, more importantly, it is about planning the future. And it is about giving the best care.”
Challenges like the economic crisis has inflicted on retirement saving is a big factor in the long-term healthcare industry. The stock market losses came just when a large portion of the population was entering the early stages of demand for elder services. Seniors are facing the fact that a lifetime of planning has not generated the resources for the care they will need in the immediate future. Todd explained that the downturn “affected our census, the people who come to our facility. It has been slow or no growth. The real estate market is bleak. People can’t sell their homes. If they need services or want to change, they have a hard time. If you have a catastrophic incident, it makes it that much more difficult.”
“Consumer expectations are up. People are more connected and more aware. It has raised expectations. From a regulatory standpoint, maintaining high standards and meeting new requirements makes it more difficult to continue to provide the level of quality and service that we are known for.”
Todd notes that people are working longer today, while many of the older residents have lived in retirement for longer than they worked. “A 25-year career was common at that time. But Baby Boomers are more transient, they have many different jobs, they don’t stay in one place. They are not always saving. It is hard for them to think ‘this could happen to me.’ People of this generation often seem to feel as if they will die on their feet,” Todd laughs before adding up his own status on the compendium of life. Upgrading the residential properties to modern standards is an important concession to attracting the upcoming generation of retirees. “We must find ways to improve the space in buildings constructed in 1962. We have to make them more adaptable to today’s lifestyles,” Todd said. Magnolia Manor must “continue to work through trying economic times and we must spend a lot of time and focus on quality improvement. We must train ourselves to deliver services and focus on quality initiatives.”
Magnolia Manor has made applications to make the switch from personal care to assisted living. After May 31, 2013, many of the 2,000 licensed personal care homes in Georgia will become licensed assisted living communities. An assisted living community will be authorized to provide certain services beyond the scope of services a personal care home is authorized to provide. Magnolia Manor is prepared and ready to celebrate yet another milestone in caring for older adults.
Recently, Magnolia Manor has accomplished another feat in the provision of the right kind of services. Nine assisted living administrators from Magnolia Manor were certified as Level One National Administrators. The exam for this certification was administered by Senior Living University, in partnership with the Georgia Health Care Association. This program was created with input from a selected group of industry experts, incorporating best practice from premier service-oriented companies within and outside the industry. These administrators are armed with advanced knowledge designed to hone their operational expertise and enhance leadership skills. Their class is the first nationally certified assisted living administrators in the state of Georgia. In a class of 23 people, nine were from Magnolia Manor. All Magnolia Manor administrators scored above 98 percent on this exam.
Magnolia Manor’s Board of Trustees over the years includes a veritable who’s who in Georgia leadership. They have a commitment to making the best of things in an industry where growth and development are both crucial parts of success. Todd is confident that the plans on the table will maintain organizational and financial stability while protecting Magnolia Manor’s legacy as a United Methodist Ministry for Older Adults. “In spite of the difficult challenges, we have continued to serve large and small communities and provide various levels of care for individuals on a regular basis. We feel like we have been able to continue to provide quality services,” he said.
Magnolia Manor has been an important source of job creation and a leading economic driver in Americus and the other communities where campuses are sited. The organizational restructure targeted hiring the most capable staff possible. Plans are underway to bring the best facilities, resources and programs to meet the needs of residents and their families. “We want to stand out and to be the facility of choice,” Todd said. “There has been ongoing change. There is no single bullet point. We are working in a completely overarching kind of environment.” Staying true to its primary mission, Magnolia Manor remains committed to current and future residents by offering innovative programs and compassionate care.
However, the cornerstone of all Magnolia Manor ministry initiatives is The League of the Good Samaritan. The League is composed of donors who are seeking to follow the compassionate example of the Samaritan in Jesus’ parable (Luke 10: 25-37) and provide for the shelter and care of neighbors in need. In the setting of Magnolia Manor, those neighbors are senior adults in need. The needs of senior adults grow every year. With those growing needs, the cost of keeping this promise of the League of the Good Samaritan increases. Fifty years ago the founders of Magnolia Manor made a promise that “anyone coming to live at Magnolia Manor would never have to leave the Manor due to an inability to fully pay for their care.” To “secure the promise” for future residents, it is essential to fully fund the League. Let me encourage you to support the League of the Good Samaritan. Encourage your congregation to support the League. Every district of the South Georgia Annual conference and every county in the state of Georgia have at least one of its residents at a Magnolia Manor care facility. Extend the loving hands of care to a senior adult, by supporting the League of the Good Samaritan.
To make a contribution to The League of the Good Samaritan, you may do so:
-Online at www.magnoliamanor.com,
-By phone at (229) 931-5922,
-Or by picking up a Mother’s Day Giving envelope from your local United Methodist Church.
FROM THE BISHOP
JAMES R. KING, JR.
Hello, beautiful people of South Georgia!
We need help.
No human being grows well without help!
Who does not need God?
Who does not need Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, a coach, mentor, guide, friend, or consultant?
A new role for District Superintendents
The District Superintendent’s role is changing. The change is due in part to our concentrated effort on making disciples as well as our young history of having the Resident Bishop live in the area rather than in North Georgia.
During times when the Bishop lived outside of the area, district superintendents had more freedom, flexibility and power to operate individually and independently.
This eventually gave way to expediting certain aspects of the responsibilities of a district superintendent and resulted in less individual contact with each pastor and pastor parish relations committee. Charge conferences, appointment making and troubleshooting became the primary responsibilities. Thus, less time was spent meeting and creating a system that included all of the pastors and congregations.
Before South Georgia became an area, certain aspects of training and developing models for discipleship were left un-nurtured or left to the initiation of each district superintendent. District Conferences disappeared in many districts because the purpose and mission for having such a conference was forgotten.
New plan
The South Georgia Conference formerly began in 1988. With 117 years of history, the South Georgia Conference has had its own bishop (Looney, Watson and King) for only 24 years. The new plan reflects the historical change of the South Georgia Conference with its own Resident Bishop and differs from the role in prior times.
What’s new?
1. A sincere and intentional desire to make disciples of Jesus Christ.
2. A plan to make disciples based on the timeless values of faith. Every congregation has been asked to develop a congregational disciple plan and every believer to develop an individual disciple plan.
3. We have moved from forms indicating the wellness of congregations and pastors regarding appointment making to personalized and individual contact with each pastor and pastor parish committee. The goal is to get a more accurate reading of the true spiritual and emotional status of the pastor and congregation. A more personalized approach also provides opportunities for teaching and interpreting the United Methodist connection.
4. We are emphasizing individual Charge Conferences. In addition to receiving reports, we are beginning to focus on celebrating the ministries of the church. We are also:
· teaching by highlighting values of faith;
· checking the status of disciple plans;
· and encouraging pastors and congregations to support the United Methodist connection.
5. We are expecting each district superintendent to develop clergy-lay teams in each district to assist in planning, developing and empowering clergy and laity to participate in systems of encouragement, support and learning opportunities. Each district will be asked to develop a comprehensive disciple plan.
6. Each district is expected to organize into clusters.
Stewardship
District Superintendents are being asked to assist the bishop by supporting a loving accountability system, particularly in the area of stewardship.
Pastors and congregations will be asked to support apportionments at 100% or create a correction plan.
Each district is being asked to organize into clusters for clergy and laity in order to establish learning opportunities.
The idea is to move from an environment of competition to a culture of love, learning, support and empowerment.
A return to District Conferences with multiple emphases:
a. Worship. Worship that includes a variety of preaching styles and various musical expressions from the district.
b. Acknowledge effective ministry achievements. Acknowledge and affirm 5-Star Congregations and other effective ministry achievements.
c. Annual Conference Preparation. Provide support and assistance for clergy and lay members as they prepare for the South Georgia Annual Conference session each year.
d. Sharing Opportunities. Provide a creative and encouraging fair-like environment where congregants can share their display for effective ministries.
When the mission is clear, a team willing to work together in order to accomplish the goals is needed. The clergy serving on the cabinet have been effective pastors. However, the implication for the new role of a District Superintendent presents new challenges.
In summary, the role of district superintendent is changing. The new role requires more of a team effort, a willingness to engage clergy and laity for affirmation, training, empowerment and accountability. I am expecting more from our district superintendents as we take serious steps toward growing a Christlike world.
Note: I am still working on improving my communication with all of you. I am in the process of changing one blog to bishopking.org; the other blog, bishopking.com, remains the same.
For a faster response when communicating with me by email, use bishopsec@sgaumc.com
Until next time, remember – God’s will for us is good. We must do the rest.
Growing a Christlike World
With love,
Your Bishop,
James R. King, Jr.
By Kara Witherow, Editor
The average tenure for youth pastors is 18 to 24 months.
Less than two years.
The men and women who are entrusted with nurturing the church’s youth don’t always have mentors who pour into their lives, or the time and resources to get training or further education. The lack of guidance and support often leads to short stints.
In an effort to help connect, equip and support youth pastors, the Office of Connectional Ministries has developed ReCharge, a week-long camping experience for youth leaders and youth ministers.
Scheduled during Mid-High Mania 1, June 10-14, ReCharge is an opportunity for those who serve youth to be nurtured and encouraged. It will also be a time of learning and growth as they gather new resources and ideas and connect with other youth leaders.
“The idea for ReCharge arose last summer when I noticed a lot of youth pastors who dropped their middle school youth off for a great week at Camp Connect,” said Rev. CJ Harp, camp director. “During the camp week, the youth were nurtured in their faith. At the end of the week, the same youth pastors would pick up their youth. This got me to thinking, ‘Who is nurturing the youth pastors who nurture these youth year round?’”
At Camp Connect, Rev. Harp said, youth and their leaders could, at the same time, be taught and encouraged in their faith.
“The camp week provides a unique time for youth pastors to be nurtured at the same time their youth are being nurtured,” he said. “We want our youth pastors to succeed and be as equipped and encouraged for their task as possible.”
During the ReCharge retreat, youth leaders will experience a relaxing week centered on prayer, planning, and play.
Mornings will consist of worship and prayer followed by workshops geared towards life management and youth ministry. After lunch, participants will have the rest of the day to process what they have learned, plan, and play with other youth pastors. Workshops will be led by seasoned youth pastors.
Over the course of the week, youth pastors will have time to share ideas and resources, connect with one another, and unwind and relax.
“Youth leaders will leave ReCharge more refreshed, encouraged, and equipped for their vital work in youth ministry,” Rev. Harp said.
He encouraged churches and congregations to make arrangements to allow youth ministers to attend.
“We need to ensure that our youth leaders are being nurtured. ReCharge is a great opportunity provided by the Conference to do just that. Let’s go out of our way to take care of those who are taking care of our youth.”
For more information, visit www.sgaumc.org/recharge.
GROWING IN GRACE
BEN GOSDEN
It was a hot, June day in South Georgia. The word “hot” doesn't even seem sufficient. After all, June in South Georgia can bring days when the heat sits on you like a 50 pound backpack.
It was the sort of day when you couldn't keep water cold for long. But you don't care because you'd settle for tepid water if it means rehydrating after just a few minutes in the oppressive heat of the day. It was the sort of day when any indoor space became a Promised Land flowing with milk, honey, and air conditioning. On this particularly hot day, the assembly gathered in the convention center, fleeing the heat and anxiously awaiting the start of the next business session.
“Yes, microphone number 1. Do you have a speech for or against the motion on the floor? Please tell us your name and district.”
And then suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind filled the convention center. Some wondered if it was a summer twister – the ones famous for rolling through South Georgia at a moment’s notice on a summer afternoon. But then they saw it – fire. Tongues of fire rested on all who were gathered in that place. All at once clergy and laity alike began to speak in one accord telling of the glory of God. The business of annual conference became a revival where worship and singing sprung forth in true Methodist fashion. And there was no more division between people based on theological stances and worldviews. Friend and foe alike began to praise God and speak of his mighty acts of salvation.
Onlookers began to ask questions about the absurdity of the scene.
“They must be drunk!” one said.
One of those on the floor of conference responded, “We're not drunk, we're Methodists!”
In the midst of the singing and praising someone remembered the words of the prophet Joel:
“In the last days, God says,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your young men will see visions,
your old men will dream dreams.”
What would happen if Annual Conference really transpired like this?
It can be easy to long for dramatic scenes of revival in the midst of what seems like mundane business sessions. We're United Methodists, and these days we probably feel less evangelical and Spirit-led and more method-oriented and process driven. Sometimes it may feel like we listen to Robert’s Rules more than the Holy Spirit.
I’m still very new to the ministry (this is only my third Annual Conference session as a clergy-person). But I wonder if we don't miss the forest for the trees in front of us when it comes to preparing for Annual Conference?
Maybe we long for the return of a past that we’ve romanticized so much that we miss the glory of the present and the future unfolding before us? We swear up and down on our grandmother’s grave that the Annual Conference sessions of 40 years ago used to be simpler and more spirit-filled. In an age of church decline it can be hard to see the movement of the Spirit among us.
Maybe we wonder if the mundane business of Annual Conference sessions – the policies, procedures, and Lord knows, Robert's Rules – doesn't serve as the perfect distraction from listening to where the winds of the Spirit are blowing.
But what if the Spirit of God is present even (and especially) in the moments when we aren’t expecting it?
What if the Holy Spirit is present in and guiding our talk of budgets and mission and even district realignments?
What if God's Spirit is leading us even when we dare to talk about radically changing how we function as an Annual Conference?
What if, by the grace of God, we could see the Holy Spirit’s presence in our agendas and budgets, rules and procedures, reports and motions when we least expect it?
I’m looking forward to my third Annual Conference. I’m looking forward to breaking bread with friends and worshipping with the people called Methodist in South Georgia. But even more, I’m looking forward to being a witness to God’s mighty acts in and among us.
We do not orchestrate God’s redemption of the world – we simply look for the signs and participate in it. And we don't have to wonder whether we should call on the Spirit to move among us – God’s Spirit is already at work in amazing and unexpected ways.
So I guess our prayer as we approach Annual Conference should be something like this: “Lord, give us eyes to see and ears to hear the signs of your mighty presence among us.”
Oh, and don't be surprised if the cool rush of air you feel on the back of your neck at the Macon Centreplex is not the air conditioning at all. It might just be the quiet rush of the Spirit’s wind reminding you that God is indeed among us.
The Rev. Ben Gosden is an associate pastor at Mulberry Street United Methodist Church in Macon.
More than 1,000 United Methodists – from Midway to Moultrie, Ludowici to Leesburg and Waycross to Whigham – will descend on Macon June 2 through June 4 for the 2013 South Georgia Annual Conference Session.
With a theme of “The Least of These,” this year’s Annual Conference session will give attendees the opportunity to serve, fellowship, and worship together. Two main business items are on the agenda – voting on four constitutional amendments and hearing the District Study Task Force’s report.
“There are two major business items that will come up during the Annual Conference session,” said Rev. Craig Hutto, Conference Secretary. “We have to vote on constitutional amendments that have been handed down to us from the General Conference. They are pretty minor changes to our constitution and I don’t foresee any great debate on them.
“The District Study Task Force report will be the major business item before us. We will have some discussion time and hopefully an opportunity to make a decision about that report on Tuesday morning.”
The District Study Task Force, a 21-person group made of laity, clergy and the Appointive Cabinet, has worked for nearly six months to gather information requested during the 2012 Annual Conference session. Their assignment was to provide the Annual Conference, without recommendation, a comprehensive report detailing the configurations of a six-district model and seven-district model, as compared to the Conference’s current nine districts.
The full report may be read at www.sgaumc.org/districtstudy. Conference members will receive it in the pre-conference mailing or, if they’ve opted to go paperless, download it from the Annual Conference session webpage (www.sgaumc.org/ac2013).
As in years past, the highlight of the Annual Conference session will be the coming together of churches, clergy, and laity from across the South Georgia Conference. Large and small, rural and urban, all will come together to celebrate what God is doing in South Georgia and their oneness in Christ.
The 2013 Annual Conference session will commence on Sunday evening, June 2, with Rev. Jenny Jackson-Adams preaching during the opening worship service, which will include a service of Holy Communion. A clergy choir will also sing two song selections.
It will continue Monday morning, June 3, with separate laity and clergy sessions, followed by the evening’s combined ordination and commissioning service with guest preacher Bishop Alfred W. Gwinn.
Gil Hanke, the General Secretary of the United Methodist Men, will speak to the Annual Conference Monday afternoon.
On Tuesday morning, the Conference will recognize and celebrate eight retiring clergy. Each retiring clergy person will have a moment to address the Annual Conference. The memorial service for deceased clergy and clergy spouses will be held Tuesday afternoon with Rev. Creede Hinshaw preaching.
Woven between worship services will be plenary sessions for information sharing, celebration, inspiration, and decision-making. On Monday afternoon, attendees will hear a report from the District Study Task Force; Tuesday morning will include discussion on the task force’s report, if needed, and voting on several constitutional amendments.
Dr. Denise Hopkins, professor of Hebrew Bible and the Woodrow W. and Mildred B. Miller Professor of Biblical Theology at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C., will lead two Bible teaching moments, one on Monday afternoon and the second on Tuesday morning.
The 2013 Annual Conference session will close on Tuesday evening, June 4, following the traditional “fixing of the pastoral appointments” for the coming year by Bishop King.
Throughout the three-day session, clergy and laity will have several opportunities to put their faith into action by serving those less fortunate.
As part of the Conference’s focus on justice ministries and in the spirit of the Annual Conference theme, the Office of Connectional Ministries has organized four mission opportunities for clergy and lay members to Annual Conference.
During the opening worship service on Sunday evening, June 2, the Conference will receive a special offering to support the ministry of Stop Hunger Now, an international hunger relief organization that coordinates the distribution of food and other life-saving aid around the world.
During the session’s lunch break on Monday, delegates and guests are invited to participate in a Stop Hunger Now mobile meal packaging session.
And on Tuesday, June 4, attendees are encouraged to donate items to the ministries and agencies of the South Georgia Annual Conference. A full list of requested items can be found at www.sgaumc.org/ac2013 under the “Mission Emphasis” link.
A youth component is also being planned.
“We are excited about the mission emphasis for this year’s conference,” Rev. Hutto said. “We hope to pack somewhere between 10,000 and 20,000 Stop Hunger Now meal packages. That’s an exciting opportunity for people to do hands-on ministry.”
Those who will not be in Macon for the Annual Conference session are being asked to participate by giving in advance or sending their donation(s) with their church’s Annual Conference lay member.
Even with the shorter session, the planning committee felt it’s important to include a ministry and mission opportunity, Rev. Hutto said.
“This gives us the chance to respond to the needs that are in our world,” he said. “There are opportunities to serve before and during the Annual Conference session and for attendees to take it home with them so they’re able to share with their local churches and say, ‘This is what we do as United Methodists and it is important that we’re reaching out to the world and those in our communities.’”
As they were last year, all conference business sessions and worship services will be held at the Macon Centreplex.
Those not able to attend the 2013 Annual Conference Session will still be able to keep up with everything that happens. All worship services and business session will be streamed live online at www.sgaumc.org.
Clergy and lay members to Annual Conference will receive the pre-conference mailing, which will include the Book of Recommendations and a copy of the District Study Report, by mid-May. Those who have opted to go paperless can view the pre-conference documents online at www.sgaumc.org/ac2013. For more information about the 2013 South Georgia Annual Conference Session, visit www.sgaumc.org/ac2013.
Those interested in singing with the clergy choir should contact Dr. Jane Kimbrel at janekimbrel@gmail.com or 478-918-5303. Rehearsal will be on Sunday, June 2 at 6 p.m. in the Centreplex’s main auditorium. Song selections are hymn-based and can be learned in one rehearsal. Clergy are asked to wear white shirts (no ties) and dark bottoms.
2013 South Georgia Annual Conference Session Agenda
This is a working draft of the 2013 Conference Agenda and is subject to alteration as the Annual Conference session draws nearer. An up-to-date agenda will be available at registration. The 2013 Annual Conference session will be held at the Macon Centreplex, located off Interstate 16 at Exit 2.
For more details, visit www.sgaumc.org/ac2013.
Sunday, June 2
3 p.m. Registration begins at the Macon Centreplex Coliseum and Convention Center
5 p.m. Ordination/Commissioning rehearsal
6 p.m. Clergy Choir Rehearsal
7 p.m. Opening worship with Holy Communion
Rev. Jenny Jackson-Adams preaching
Conference Special Offering – Stop Hunger Now
8 p.m. Joint reception with clergy and laity
Monday, June 3
8 a.m. Registration reopens
8:30 a.m. Laity Session (Coliseum)
8:30 a.m. Clergy session (Monument Room)
10 a.m. First Plenary Session (Coliseum)
2 p.m. Plenary Session
7:30 p.m. Ordination and Commissioning Service (Coliseum)
Bishop Alfred W. Gwinn preaching
Tuesday, June 4
8:30 a.m. Plenary Session
11:15 am. Recognition of Retiring Clergy
Noon Lunch Break
2 p.m. Memorial Service
3:30 p.m. Final plenary session
4 p.m. Fixing the Appointments and Sending Forth Service
In a world where 250,000 children are forced to be fighters or sex slaves, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is the largest persistent violator, according to the United Nations Security Council. Because of the war, young boys are forced to enlist in the rebel army. Sexual assault of women and young girls has become the norm.
Compounding the problem is “conflict mineral,” the selling of copper, tungsten, tin and other minerals to support war efforts. Unfortunately, minerals sold to global supply chains and corporations may be used as components for electronics that are part of our everyday lives: mobile phones, MP3 players and computers.
United Methodists are trying to do something about it.
Armed with a grant from the Peace with Justice Sunday offering, the Jerusalem Justice and Peace Ministry (JJPM) is assisting communities in the DRC. While physical and emotional healing is vital, the ministry also challenges unjust systems.
“We cannot keep quiet if there is something wrong,” said JJPM executive Dr. Leonard Kabwita. JJPM workshops educate and empower Congolese people about justice issues in their communities and seek local solutions to close the gap between rich and poor.
When you give to Peace with Justice Sunday, you support ministries in the DRC, the United States and worldwide to remove unjust systems and equip the victimized to live more fulfilled lives.
Click here for resources to help promote this special Sunday.
More than 1,000 United Methodists – from Midway to Moultrie, Ludowici to Leesburg and Waycross to Whigham – will descend on Macon June 2 through June 4 for the 2013 South Georgia Annual Conference Session.
With a theme of “The Least of These,” this year’s Annual Conference session will give attendees the opportunity to serve, fellowship, and worship together. Two main business items are on the agenda – voting on four constitutional amendments and hearing the District Study Task Force’s report.
“There are two major business items that will come up during the Annual Conference session,” said Rev. Craig Hutto, Conference Secretary. “We have to vote on constitutional amendments that have been handed down to us from the General Conference. They are pretty minor changes to our constitution and I don’t foresee any great debate on them.
“The District Study Task Force report will be the major business item before us. We will have some discussion time and hopefully an opportunity to make a decision about that report on Tuesday morning.”
The District Study Task Force, a 21-person group made of laity, clergy and the Appointive Cabinet, has worked for nearly six months to gather information requested during the 2012 Annual Conference session. Their assignment was to provide the Annual Conference, without recommendation, a comprehensive report detailing the configurations of a six-district model and seven-district model, as compared to the Conference’s current nine districts.
The full report may be read online at www.sgaumc.org/districtstudy. Conference members will receive it in the pre-conference mailing or, if they’ve opted to go paperless, download it from the Annual Conference session webpage (www.sgaumc.org/ac2013).
As in years past, the highlight of the Annual Conference session will be the coming together of churches, clergy, and laity from across the South Georgia Conference. Large and small, rural and urban, all will come together to celebrate what God is doing in South Georgia and their oneness in Christ.
The 2013 Annual Conference session will commence on Sunday evening, June 2, with Rev. Jenny Jackson-Adams preaching during the opening worship service, which will include a service of Holy Communion. A clergy choir will also sing two song selections.
It will continue Monday morning, June 3, with separate laity and clergy sessions, followed by the evening’s combined ordination and commissioning service with guest preacher Bishop Alfred W. Gwinn.
Gil Hanke, the General Secretary of the United Methodist Men, will speak to the Annual Conference Monday afternoon.
On Tuesday morning, the Conference will recognize and celebrate eight retiring clergy. Each retiring clergy person will have a moment to address the Annual Conference. The memorial service for deceased clergy and clergy spouses will be held Tuesday afternoon with Rev. Creede Hinshaw preaching.
Woven between worship services will be plenary sessions for information sharing, celebration, inspiration, and decision-making. On Monday afternoon, attendees will hear a report from the District Study Task Force; Tuesday morning will include discussion on the task force’s report, if needed, and voting on several constitutional amendments.
Dr. Denise Hopkins, professor of Hebrew Bible and the Woodrow W. and Mildred B. Miller Professor of Biblical Theology at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C., will lead two Bible teaching moments, one on Monday afternoon and the second on Tuesday morning.
The 2013 Annual Conference session will close on Tuesday evening, June 4, following the traditional “fixing of the pastoral appointments” for the coming year by Bishop King.
Throughout the three-day session, clergy and laity will have several opportunities to put their faith into action by serving those less fortunate.
As part of the Conference’s focus on justice ministries and in the spirit of the Annual Conference theme, the Office of Connectional Ministries has organized four mission opportunities for clergy and lay members to Annual Conference.
During the opening worship service on Sunday evening, June 2, the Conference will receive a special offering to support the ministry of Stop Hunger Now, an international hunger relief organization that coordinates the distribution of food and other life-saving aid around the world.
During the session’s lunch break on Monday, delegates and guests are invited to participate in a Stop Hunger Now mobile meal packaging session.
And on Tuesday, June 4, attendees are encouraged to donate items to the ministries and agencies of the South Georgia Annual Conference. A full list of requested items can be found at www.sgaumc.org/ac2013 under the “Mission Emphasis” link.
A youth component is also being planned.
“We are excited about the mission emphasis for this year’s conference,” Rev. Hutto said. “We hope to pack somewhere between 10,000 and 20,000 Stop Hunger Now meal packages. That’s an exciting opportunity for people to do hands-on ministry.”
Those who will not be in Macon for the Annual Conference session are being asked to participate by giving in advance or sending their donation(s) with their church’s Annual Conference lay member.
Even with the shorter session, the planning committee felt it’s important to include a ministry and mission opportunity, Rev. Hutto said.
“This gives us the chance to respond to the needs that are in our world,” he said. “There are opportunities to serve before and during the Annual Conference session and for attendees to take it home with them so they’re able to share with their local churches and say, ‘This is what we do as United Methodists and it is important that we’re reaching out to the world and those in our communities.’”
As they were last year, all conference business sessions and worship services will be held at the Macon Centreplex.
Those not able to attend the 2013 Annual Conference Session will still be able to keep up with everything that happens. All worship services and business session will be streamed live online at www.sgaumc.org.
Clergy and lay members to Annual Conference will receive the pre-conference mailing, which will include the Book of Recommendations and a copy of the District Study Report, by mid-May. Those who have opted to go paperless can view the pre-conference documents online at www.sgaumc.org/ac2013. For more information about the 2013 South Georgia Annual Conference Session, visit www.sgaumc.org/ac2013.
Those interested in singing with the clergy choir should contact Dr. Jane Kimbrel at janekimbrel@gmail.com or 478-918-5303. Rehearsal will be on Sunday, June 2 at 6 p.m. in the Centreplex’s main auditorium. Song selections are hymn-based and can be learned in one rehearsal. Clergy are asked to wear shirts (no ties) and dark bottoms.
2013 South Georgia Annual Conference Session Agenda
This is a working draft of the 2013 Conference Agenda and is subject to alteration as the Annual Conference session draws nearer. An up-to-date agenda will be available at registration. The 2013 Annual Conference session will be held at the Macon Centreplex, located off Interstate 16 at Exit 2.
For more details, visit www.sgaumc.org/ac2013.
Sunday, June 2
3 p.m. Registration begins at the Macon Centreplex Coliseum and Convention Center
5 p.m. Ordination/Commissioning rehearsal
7 p.m. Opening worship with Holy Communion
Rev. Jenny Jackson-Adams preaching
Conference Special Offering – Stop Hunger Now
8 p.m. Joint reception with clergy and laity
Monday, June 3
8 a.m. Registration reopens
8:30 a.m. Laity Session (Coliseum)
8:30 a.m. Clergy session (Monument Room)
10 a.m. First Plenary Session (Coliseum)
2 p.m. Plenary Session
7:30 p.m. Ordination and Commissioning Service (Coliseum)
Bishop Alfred W. Gwinn preaching
Tuesday, June 4
8:30 a.m. Plenary Session
11:15 am. Recognition of Retiring Clergy
Noon Lunch Break
2 p.m. Memorial Service
3:30 p.m. Final plenary session
4 p.m. Fixing the Appointments and Sending Forth Service
The 2013 South Georgia Ministers’ Spouses’ will gather at 12:00 noon on Monday, June 3 at the Macon Centreplex for their annual luncheon. Reservations are due May 10, 2013. To register or for more information, click here.
Every local church in South Georgia is encouraged to received a special offering on Sunday, June 16 to support the ministry of Wesley Glen. To learn more about Wesley Glen and its great ministry, visit http://www.wesleyglenministries.com/.
Lesson 2:
Lesson Scripture: I Peter 4: 1-11
Peter states, “The end of all things is near; therefore be serious and discipline yourselves for the sake of your prayers” (4:7). Obviously, Peter expects the return of Christ in the near future. Unlike Paul, however, Peter’s expectancy of the return of Christ is not urgent. Peter simply declares that all of us should live in the present world in such a way that we will be ready whenever he comes to us. Therefore, Peter urges us to be serious and disciplined in our faith as we face our responsibilities in the present world.
In the midst of all kinds of worldly temptations, how can we keep our integrity and yet find hope for a better life?
We can understand that suffering and faithfulness are not opposites!
Before we proceed further, we need to note that the community Peter is addressing is well acquainted with suffering. This suffering may be present persecution or threats of persecution, but either way there is a bonding connection here to Christ’s suffering (4:1). Peter challenges his hearers not to think of their suffering as a result of their faithfulness, but to associate their current sufferings with the suffering of Christ. Underline this! Peter’s hearers were to associate their sufferings with the suffering of Christ. For what that means is that the path of discipleship and covenant community follow One who knew and knows all about sorrows and grief.
Now, this can become a harsh reality for numbers of present-day individuals and churches. It indicates that the “prosperity Gospel” (the preaching of material welfare) and the “Gospel of military triumphalism” (ultimate earthly victory over one’s rival or enemy) in exchange for following Jesus is not the Christian faith. These messages are not the Gospel message that Peter proclaims. As one scholar observed, “Rather, the new life to which we are called, individually and in community, is associated with sharing in the sufferings of Christ, rather than gorging on the “me-first” desires of self-gratification alluded to in verse three.”
We can be sure that competing theologies of Peter’s understanding of faith will not fade away quietly in this present day. The results of this continuing struggle will be confusion about the meaning of discipleship and dwindling church rolls. But our calling is not to seek ways to avoid suffering, but to be faithful in our suffering as Christ was in His.
We can be stewards of God’s grace!
We are told and we know that several options exist when folks believe that the end of anything is near. In Peter 1:4, the specific concern is the end of the world. So, while we wait, how will we respond to that coming reality? Among others, two options clearly present themselves: do nothing (it won’t matter anyway) or do whatever one pleases (live it up before it’s over).
But Peter offers a drastically different response! In verse 10, which is the key verse of our scripture lesson, Peter states, “Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.”
Here Peter is urging the faith community to own its covenantal responsibility toward one another, a responsibility he believes that is grounded in active stewardship. The basic idea is that God in his grace has given to us various gifts in our ministry to each other as good stewards. To be sure, we do not all have the same gifts, but we are to use the gifts we have to build up the community and serve others.
I want to call your attention to two of the specific gifts that Peter mentions. First, Peter calls our attention to the importance of loving one another. Peter says, “Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins” (4:8). Love is not something we pass through on our way to some higher spiritual knowledge. Love is the constant sure sign of discipleship.
Peter goes on to add that “love covers a multitude of sins.” As one scholar points out, “Peter certainly doesn’t mean that love for people is to be taken as a substitute for the response to the preaching of the Gospel of repentance, faith, love, and obedience.” But it is true that love can enable us and others to overlook many of the failures that mark all our conduct.
If we are honest, most of us know that our lives have been richly blessed by the fellowship of the saints. We know we have become surer of God and God’s grace because of this loving, accepting fellowship. I know I have.
Second, Peter stresses the significance of serving one another. Peter says, “Serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received” (4:10). Peter focuses on the rendering of service. In Matthew’s gospel, Jesus stated that “the Son of man came not to be served but to serve…” and, along with Peter, Jesus calls the Christian to minister to others in need wherever and in whatever ways possible. This requirement entails all our various gifts as we look to God for strength.
It’s impossible to mention stewardship gifts and leave out financial resources. Paul mentions in Romans 12:8 “the giver, in generosity.” Perhaps Christian author Elisabeth Elliott summarizes what needs to be said. Elisabeth Elliott believes that “the whole purpose of life is to learn to know God. Now, if finances are a part of life, then the purpose of finances must also be to know God, too—to love God and to love humankind and to share with them.”
In conclusion, Peter says that God has given us various gifts and called us to be good stewards so that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. If we follow Peter’s direction, whenever the end comes, we will be ready.
Discussion question:
What actions does Peter urge this congregation to take in order to show themselves well-disciplined followers of Jesus? (I Peter 4:7-11)
Dr. Hal Brady is a retired pastor who continues his ministry through Hal Brady Ministries (www.halbradyministries.com). He can be reached at hal@halbradyministries.com.
GROWING IN GRACE
BEN GOSDEN
It was a hot, June day in South Georgia. The word “hot” doesn't even seem sufficient. After all, June in South Georgia can bring days when the heat sits on you like a 50 pound backpack.
It was the sort of day when you couldn't keep water cold for long. But you don't care because you'd settle for tepid water if it means rehydrating after just a few minutes in the oppressive heat of the day. It was the sort of day when any indoor space became a Promised Land flowing with milk, honey, and air conditioning. On this particularly hot day, the assembly gathered in the convention center, fleeing the heat and anxiously awaiting the start of the next business session.
“Yes, microphone number 1. Do you have a speech for or against the motion on the floor? Please tell us your name and district.”
And then suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind filled the convention center. Some wondered if it was a summer twister – the ones famous for rolling through South Georgia at a moment’s notice on a summer afternoon. But then they saw it – fire. Tongues of fire rested on all who were gathered in that place. All at once clergy and laity alike began to speak in one accord telling of the glory of God. The business of annual conference became a revival where worship and singing sprung forth in true Methodist fashion. And there was no more division between people based on theological stances and worldviews. Friend and foe alike began to praise God and speak of his mighty acts of salvation.
Onlookers began to ask questions about the absurdity of the scene.
“They must be drunk!” one said.
One of those on the floor of conference responded, “We're not drunk, we're Methodists!”
In the midst of the singing and praising someone remembered the words of the prophet Joel:
“In the last days, God says,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your young men will see visions,
your old men will dream dreams.”
What would happen if Annual Conference really transpired like this?
It can be easy to long for dramatic scenes of revival in the midst of what seems like mundane business sessions. We're United Methodists, and these days we probably feel less evangelical and Spirit-led and more method-oriented and process driven. Sometimes it may feel like we listen to Robert’s Rules more than the Holy Spirit.
I’m still very new to the ministry (this is only my third Annual Conference session as a clergy-person). But I wonder if we don't miss the forest for the trees in front of us when it comes to preparing for Annual Conference?
Maybe we long for the return of a past that we’ve romanticized so much that we miss the glory of the present and the future unfolding before us? We swear up and down on our grandmother’s grave that the Annual Conference sessions of 40 years ago used to be simpler and more spirit-filled. In an age of church decline it can be hard to see the movement of the Spirit among us.
Maybe we wonder if the mundane business of Annual Conference sessions – the policies, procedures, and Lord knows, Robert's Rules – doesn't serve as the perfect distraction from listening to where the winds of the Spirit are blowing.
But what if the Spirit of God is present even (and especially) in the moments when we aren’t expecting it?
What if the Holy Spirit is present in and guiding our talk of budgets and mission and even district realignments?
What if God's Spirit is leading us even when we dare to talk about radically changing how we function as an Annual Conference?
What if, by the grace of God, we could see the Holy Spirit’s presence in our agendas and budgets, rules and procedures, reports and motions when we least expect it?
I’m looking forward to my third Annual Conference. I’m looking forward to breaking bread with friends and worshipping with the people called Methodist in South Georgia. But even more, I’m looking forward to being a witness to God’s mighty acts in and among us.
We do not orchestrate God’s redemption of the world – we simply look for the signs and participate in it. And we don't have to wonder whether we should call on the Spirit to move among us – God’s Spirit is already at work in amazing and unexpected ways.
So I guess our prayer as we approach Annual Conference should be something like this: “Lord, give us eyes to see and ears to hear the signs of your mighty presence among us.”
Oh, and don't be surprised if the cool rush of air you feel on the back of your neck at the Macon Centreplex is not the air conditioning at all. It might just be the quiet rush of the Spirit’s wind reminding you that God is indeed among us.
The Rev. Ben Gosden is an associate pastor at Mulberry Street United Methodist Church in Macon.
The Mother’s Day Offering for The League of the Good Samaritan will be received in the month of May. Magnolia Manor is especially excited because we are celebrating 50 years of serving older adults in South Georgia. The following article tells of the growth and expansion we have seen and what is yet to be.
Over the past 50 years, Magnolia Manor has become an icon in senior retirement living. Over 1,000 employees provide care for more than 1,300 residents on eight Magnolia Manor campuses in South Georgia including Americus, Buena Vista, Columbus, Macon, Moultrie, Richmond Hill, St. Marys and St. Simons. Services include a wide array of independent retirement living options, assisted living, skilled nursing care, rehabilitative therapy and specialized dementia care.
Mark R. Todd began his journey with Magnolia Manor over 25 years ago. Todd states he “initially stumbled into the health care arena after college and worked in many capacities in the organization before being named president and CEO.” Driven by the personal side associated with this industry, Todd not only cares for the residents; he has developed many deep and lasting relationships with staff members over the years. It is not uncommon to meet employees who began their career at Magnolia Manor and have remained for up to 40 years. “Growing our skill base from within the core base of loyal employees makes for good business.”
As Magnolia Manor is making preparations to celebrate its 50th year of serving older adults throughout South Georgia, staff members embrace the vision of the South Georgia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church who commissioned an internal study on needs of the elderly in South Georgia. From this study which identified the need for safe, secure housing along with long-term care for the elderly, Magnolia Manor evolved. Today this ministry expands across denominations and geographical boundaries, embracing residents from all walks of life. Todd relates, “Although this year is about celebrating the past, more importantly, it is about planning the future. And it is about giving the best care.”
Challenges like the economic crisis has inflicted on retirement saving is a big factor in the long-term healthcare industry. The stock market losses came just when a large portion of the population was entering the early stages of demand for elder services. Seniors are facing the fact that a lifetime of planning has not generated the resources for the care they will need in the immediate future. Todd explained that the downturn “affected our census, the people who come to our facility. It has been slow or no growth. The real estate market is bleak. People can’t sell their homes. If they need services or want to change, they have a hard time. If you have a catastrophic incident, it makes it that much more difficult.”
“Consumer expectations are up. People are more connected and more aware. It has raised expectations. From a regulatory standpoint, maintaining high standards and meeting new requirements makes it more difficult to continue to provide the level of quality and service that we are known for.”
Todd notes that people are working longer today, while many of the older residents have lived in retirement for longer than they worked. “A 25-year career was common at that time. But Baby Boomers are more transient, they have many different jobs, they don’t stay in one place. They are not always saving. It is hard for them to think ‘this could happen to me.’ People of this generation often seem to feel as if they will die on their feet,” Todd laughs before adding up his own status on the compendium of life. Upgrading the residential properties to modern standards is an important concession to attracting the upcoming generation of retirees. “We must find ways to improve the space in buildings constructed in 1962. We have to make them more adaptable to today’s lifestyles,” Todd said. Magnolia Manor must “continue to work through trying economic times and we must spend a lot of time and focus on quality improvement. We must train ourselves to deliver services and focus on quality initiatives.”
Magnolia Manor has made applications to make the switch from personal care to assisted living. After May 31, 2013, many of the 2,000 licensed personal care homes in Georgia will become licensed assisted living communities. An assisted living community will be authorized to provide certain services beyond the scope of services a personal care home is authorized to provide. Magnolia Manor is prepared and ready to celebrate yet another milestone in caring for older adults.
Recently, Magnolia Manor has accomplished another feat in the provision of the right kind of services. Nine assisted living administrators from Magnolia Manor were certified as Level One National Administrators. The exam for this certification was administered by Senior Living University, in partnership with the Georgia Health Care Association. This program was created with input from a selected group of industry experts, incorporating best practice from premier service-oriented companies within and outside the industry. These administrators are armed with advanced knowledge designed to hone their operational expertise and enhance leadership skills. Their class is the first nationally certified assisted living administrators in the state of Georgia. In a class of 23 people, nine were from Magnolia Manor. All Magnolia Manor administrators scored above 98 percent on this exam.
Magnolia Manor’s Board of Trustees over the years includes a veritable who’s who in Georgia leadership. They have a commitment to making the best of things in an industry where growth and development are both crucial parts of success. Todd is confident that the plans on the table will maintain organizational and financial stability while protecting Magnolia Manor’s legacy as a United Methodist Ministry for Older Adults. “In spite of the difficult challenges, we have continued to serve large and small communities and provide various levels of care for individuals on a regular basis. We feel like we have been able to continue to provide quality services,” he said.
Magnolia Manor has been an important source of job creation and a leading economic driver in Americus and the other communities where campuses are sited. The organizational restructure targeted hiring the most capable staff possible. Plans are underway to bring the best facilities, resources and programs to meet the needs of residents and their families. “We want to stand out and to be the facility of choice,” Todd said. “There has been ongoing change. There is no single bullet point. We are working in a completely overarching kind of environment.” Staying true to its primary mission, Magnolia Manor remains committed to current and future residents by offering innovative programs and compassionate care.
However, the cornerstone of all Magnolia Manor ministry initiatives is The League of the Good Samaritan. The League is composed of donors who are seeking to follow the compassionate example of the Samaritan in Jesus’ parable (Luke 10: 25-37) and provide for the shelter and care of neighbors in need. In the setting of Magnolia Manor, those neighbors are senior adults in need. The needs of senior adults grow every year. With those growing needs, the cost of keeping this promise of the League of the Good Samaritan increases. Fifty years ago the founders of Magnolia Manor made a promise that “anyone coming to live at Magnolia Manor would never have to leave the Manor due to an inability to fully pay for their care.” To “secure the promise” for future residents, it is essential to fully fund the League. Let me encourage you to support the League of the Good Samaritan. Encourage your congregation to support the League. Every district of the South Georgia Annual conference and every county in the state of Georgia have at least one of its residents at a Magnolia Manor care facility. Extend the loving hands of care to a senior adult, by supporting the League of the Good Samaritan.
To make a contribution to The League of the Good Samaritan, you may do so:
-Online at www.magnoliamanor.com,
-By phone at (229) 931-5922,
-Or by picking up a Mother’s Day Giving envelope from your local United Methodist Church.
By Kara Witherow, Editor
The average tenure for youth pastors is 18 to 24 months.
Less than two years.
The men and women who are entrusted with nurturing the church’s youth don’t always have mentors who pour into their lives, or the time and resources to get training or further education. The lack of guidance and support often leads to short stints.
In an effort to help connect, equip and support youth pastors, the Office of Connectional Ministries has developed ReCharge, a week-long camping experience for youth leaders and youth ministers.
Scheduled during Mid-High Mania 1, June 10-14, ReCharge is an opportunity for those who serve youth to be nurtured and encouraged. It will also be a time of learning and growth as they gather new resources and ideas and connect with other youth leaders.
“The idea for ReCharge arose last summer when I noticed a lot of youth pastors who dropped their middle school youth off for a great week at Camp Connect,” said Rev. CJ Harp, camp director. “During the camp week, the youth were nurtured in their faith. At the end of the week, the same youth pastors would pick up their youth. This got me to thinking, ‘Who is nurturing the youth pastors who nurture these youth year round?’”
At Camp Connect, Rev. Harp said, youth and their leaders could, at the same time, be taught and encouraged in their faith.
“The camp week provides a unique time for youth pastors to be nurtured at the same time their youth are being nurtured,” he said. “We want our youth pastors to succeed and be as equipped and encouraged for their task as possible.”
During the ReCharge retreat, youth leaders will experience a relaxing week centered on prayer, planning, and play.
Mornings will consist of worship and prayer followed by workshops geared towards life management and youth ministry. After lunch, participants will have the rest of the day to process what they have learned, plan, and play with other youth pastors. Workshops will be led by seasoned youth pastors.
Over the course of the week, youth pastors will have time to share ideas and resources, connect with one another, and unwind and relax.
“Youth leaders will leave ReCharge more refreshed, encouraged, and equipped for their vital work in youth ministry,” Rev. Harp said.
He encouraged churches and congregations to make arrangements to allow youth ministers to attend.
“We need to ensure that our youth leaders are being nurtured. ReCharge is a great opportunity provided by the Conference to do just that. Let’s go out of our way to take care of those who are taking care of our youth.”
For more information, visit www.sgaumc.org/recharge.
Methodist Home Golf Classic – May 5
The second annual Methodist Home Golf Classic takes place on Sunday, May 5, at the Club at Osprey Cove in St. Marys. Proceeds from the event will fund educational and life-enriching activities for residents of the home. The tournament kicks off with a shotgun start at 12:30 p.m. and will be followed by an awards reception, raffle and auction. Golfers will also receive lunch, a personal gift, and a chance to win two hole-in-one events, including a brand new automobile and a 2 carat diamond worth more than $15,000. For more information about the Golf Classic, contact Dennis Moore at 912-882-5179.
Magnolia Manor Sunday – May 12
Magnolia Manor is a ministry of the United Methodist Church and serves older adults of all faiths throughout South Georgia. On this Special Sunday, South Georgia United Methodists are asked to take up a special offering to support this vital ministry. To learn more about Magnolia Manor visit www.magnoliamanor.com.
Change the World – May 18-19
Join the United Methodist Rethink Church event that helps build community locally and fight malaria globally. Visit www.umcom.org/changetheworld for more information.
Rev. Dr. Grover Bell Day – May 19
On Sunday, May 19, Whitefield United Methodist Church in Savannah plans to honor Deanie and Rev. Dr. Grover Bell for their 60 years of dedicated ministry to the South Georgia Conference. The congregation invites all who have served with or been ministered to by Rev. and Mrs. Bell to join in celebration during their 11 a.m. Sunday morning worship service on May 19.There will be refreshments and a time to share memories with the Bells following this service. For more information, contact John Pigott at 912-355-1551 or jhpigott@comcast.net.
Annual Conference Session – June 2-4
Clergy Spouses’ Luncheon – June 3
The South Georgia Ministers’ Spouses will gather during the Annual Conference Session at noon on Monday, June 3 at the Macon Centreplex for their annual luncheon. Reservations are due May 10, 2013. For more information and to register, visit www.sgaumc.org.
Wesley Glen Day – June 16
2013 Georgia Pastors’ School – July 22-25
Lesson 1:
Lesson Scripture: II Peter 1:3-14
Periodically all of us need to do some checking on ourselves. Specifically, as people of God, we need to check on ourselves to see if we and our churches are “developing in” and “keeping faith with” our Christian character. We need to see if we are living above our various distractions and bearing fruitful lives for the kingdom of God.
Second Peter is a somewhat controversial book with almost a universal agreement of scholars that Peter is not the author. Part of the great interest of Second Peter is the fact that it was the last book in the New Testament to be written and the last book to gain entry there (fourth century A.D.). Nevertheless, as the late William Barclay, stated it:
“Here is a book of first rate importance because it was written to people who were undermining the Christian ethic and the Christian doctrine, and who had to be stopped before the Christian faith itself was wrecked by the perversion of the truth.”
Another person writing in Peter’s name is not unusual. In the ancient world this was a practice which was very common and quite normal. Faced with heretics using the same method, the church itself issued books concerning things in which the writers were quite confident that the apostles would have said had they been facing these new circumstances. At any rate, as scholars suggest, the author of Second Peter was only putting the message the Holy Spirit had given him into the mouth of Peter. The author himself probably felt that his own name was too unworthy to appear in the book.
Note that Second Peter does not have any geographical reference to any particular audience or location. Rather, this epistle is simply addressed to those who have received “a faith as precious as ours” (1:1).
So, from our scripture lesson, what can we learn from Peter about being effective and fruitful disciples?
First, we learn that we are recipients of the Divine Power and Promises!
Everything that a person wants for life and of life God has granted by his divine power and promises. Most miraculous of all, God has freely given himself so that all of us may be filled with the fullness of God. What greater gift than God giving himself in Jesus Christ!
The promises to which Peter refers are the assurance of forgiveness and of eternal life. These promises of God have been historically confirmed through the ministry of Jesus Christ and achieved by the power of God’s Holy Spirit. These promises include “escaping from corruption in the world” and the “enabling of our partaking of the divine nature” (1:4). Jesus Christ is the person who can rid us of our fascination with the world’s lust and make us whole. He is also the person who can remove the barriers and enable our greater possibility. Read John 10:10!
As we can see, it is through Jesus Christ that our potential for the sharing of the divine nature is realized. Notice that we are not possessors of the divine nature but sharers of the divine nature. We haven’t fully arrived, but by God’s grace are “becoming.”
Second, we learn that we are to equip ourselves with virtue!
“We are to make every effort to support, our Christian faith,” says Peter (1:5). From his writings, there is also a note of urgency with this effort. It is understood that a lack of urgency here may cause us to miss the opportune moment that may never come again. Clearly, our discipleship is in danger of becoming ineffective and fruitless (this is the great concern of the church today).
There is no doubt that Peter’s overwhelming desire is an eagerness to please the Lord. That should also be our desire, as God’s people, in the 21st century church. To be sure, salvation is by faith alone (our justification), but faith without works (action) is dead (James 2:26). Indeed, our faith must be added to if we are to be kept from the blindness and shortsightedness which forgets the grace of God that initially forgave our sins (1:9). Faith must be supplemented by works (virtues) and each quality is connected with all others and flows out of one another.
One scholar stated that the virtues Peter mentioned (seven of them) are not like the options in a buffet line where we pick and choose what we like. Rather, with Peter’s discipleship menu, we don’t have the choice of picking and choosing from the virtues. We choose and are committed to them all (goodness, knowledge, self-control, endurance, godliness, mutual affection and love). The new life to which we are called and empowered by the Holy Spirit includes all the virtues and others as well. They are a unity.
The point is that if we are to be effective and fruitful disciples of Jesus Christ we have to diligently and urgently grow in our faith.
Third, we learn that we are to confirm our call and election from God!
Peter says, “Therefore, brothers and sisters, be all the more eager to confirm your call and election, for if you do this, you will never stumble” (1:10).
In the view of everything previously mentioned, Peter urges us to make very effort to confirm our call by God. To Peter, it is God’s call that gives us the privilege of fellowship with God and also our entry into the fellowship of his people. However, it is our response to God’s call in every possible effort that produces effective and fruitful discipleship.
A United States senator asked Mother Teresa, “Don’t you get discouraged when you see the magnitude of poverty and realize how little you can do?” Mother Teresa replied, “God has not called me to be successful. God has called me to be faithful.”
Peter continues, “Therefore I intend to keep on reminding you of these things…” (1:12). What we do grows out of what we remember about God, about others and about ourselves. Jesus’ remembrance of us is our strength and hope, and our remembrance of Jesus is our faithfulness and fruitfulness.
Take action:
Ask the class to be specific about how their congregation is helping people become faithful, fruitful Christians.
Dr. Hal Brady is a retired pastor who continues his ministry through Hal Brady Ministries (www.halbradyministries.com). He can be reached at hal@halbradyministries.com.