The primary task of the North Georgia Conference Office of Connectional Ministries is to resource and train leaders, laity and clergy for the mission of the church. |
A Lasting Legacy
By Shari L. Rates
I have always been a TV buff and the Carol Burnett show from the 70's fascinated me not only for its ingenious comedic style, but because of the way it ended weekly. Who could ever forget Carol singing her sign off followed by the gentle pulling of her ear? And even though we knew the show would return within a week's time, it was a melancholic reminder that in reality our tomorrows are never promised. One day even Carol's trademark signature met its end.
Transitions are tough! Change can be both temporary and permanent. Our goodbyes today aren't necessarily farewells forever, but sometimes they are. If we aren't intentional about building lasting relationships where we are now, we may set ourselves up to lose out on some enduring friendships later. Like a labyrinth, our paths weave in and out of familiarity. Yet, when expectations no longer dictate what we do, it becomes a personal choice as to the parameters of engagement we will take with others and them with us.
Jesus constantly sought to prepare the disciples for the end of His earthly mission telling them, “My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going you cannot come.” (John 13:33) Although Christ parted in the flesh, he left us with the Holy Spirit to guide us along our Christian journey. He also promised to return at an appointed time unbeknownst to us yet apparent through signs and wonders.
At Annual Conference this year many clergy will close one door and walk into another leaving old friends behind yet peering into the horizon of new beginnings. It is my hope that change will be good for the whole and that like Christ some remnant of goodwill remains behind as we traverse this journey called life, so that when the curtain falls in the final act of our lives, we will have left an enduring legacy of Christian ties and lasting memories for those that follow the Faith.
June: Upcoming AudioBook Month
We do not have any audio books in our Media Center. Actually, we do not have any books for that matter. But just because we don't have all the resources you need in-house doesn't mean we can't point you in the right direction, connecting you to a better resource. So, let's talk about this growing trend in our culture of reading a book by listening to it: audiobooks.
Who purchases these resources? According to the Audio Publishers Association, ”the audiobook customer is a frequent book reader who sees audiobooks as a way to 'read' more while pursuing other lifestyle activities.”
What is the age of audiobook readers? “They tend to be older (30+) and are attuned to book trends through reviews and bestseller lists…Children's audiobooks are also a formidable part of the market.”
How are they used? “…many families choose them for in-car entertainment or an at-home hobby, as well as many teachers and schools using them for educational tools. Audio books are used traveling, commuting, exercising, relaxing, cooking, cleaning, gardening, crafting, walking the dog, etc.”
Cokesbury offers audiobooks and are open to special orders: www.cokesbury.com
Georgia Public Libraries: www.publiclibraries.com/georgia.htm
Audio Publishers Association: www.audiopub.org
Including Young Adults
Two years ago, the North Georgia Annual Conference formed the Young Adult Task Force for the purpose of increasing the participation of young adults within the life of the conference. This year in June, we hope to pass a resolution encouraging districts to appoint young people under the age of 40 as their at-large lay delegates. We are also suggesting for Annual Conference dates to be held partially over the weekend. This gives young people with potentially less resources a better chance at participating in the yearly summit of leaders. We encourage you to ask us questions if you have concerns or an interest in these resolutions. Ultimately, we value the gifts, graces, and perspectives that all people, regardless of age, bring to the table and are delighted that our Annual Conference is taking great strides to increase that participation.
Also, as a part of this initiative, we encourage all young adults (those at Annual Conference all week or guests) to join us on Wednesday, June 18th, as we have two great opportunities to gather. Wednesday, we'll gather for lunch and take a tour of the famous Sanford Stadium; there is no cost for this event––lunch is provided. And then, on Wednesday evening, we'll gather at the KingPins bowling alley for a night of bowling, bites, and trivia around great conversation and fellowship. Cost is $10 and it's all you can eat and bowl. You must register for both events. Visit www.umcyoungadults.org for more information. Also, don't forget to check out our podcast. You can get the link with other annual conference information at www.ngumc.org .
Need a Speaker?
Oftentimes, folks call us to see if we can't connect them to a speaker for different occasions. As this is a frequent request, I thought it best to share some consistent answers we may offer:
Lay Speaking Ministries
The Board of Laity offers Lay Speaking Ministries which form a partnership with clergy to extend ministry. Lay Speakers are active and involved in ministry - sharing education, filling pulpits, leading small groups, encouraging stewardship, reaching out in mission, organizing evangelism, celebrating worship, and professing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
To Connect with Your District Director of Lay Speaking, go to www.ngumc.org, mouse over to “Mission & Ministry > Board of Laity,” click on “Lay Speaking” and then “District Directors.”
Evangelists, Speakers, & Musicians: Forum
This forum is intended to help local churches find musicians, worship bands, evangelists, and other speakers that may be helpful to your needs. The disclaimer here is that this is an open forum to all who registered users, so anyone of our users can post. However, don't let the forum format fool you: you will find our General Evangelists there and perhaps a niche that may not be offered elsewhere.
To Connect with this Forum, go to www.ngumc.org, mouse over to “Resources > Evangelists, Speakers, & Musicians”
District Youth Coordinators
District Youth Coordinators are an extension of the Office of Connectional Ministries. They are here to help equip you with what you need to minister to your teenagers. Feel free to contact yours, that's what they're here for! And perhaps, they would have suggestions, regarding pinch hitters.
To Connect with the District Youth Coordinators, go to www.umcyouth.org, click on “districts” in the left margin.
Young Adult Representative
Jasmine Smothers is our Young Adult Representative for North Georgia Conference. She would love to know you've taken interest in this ministry and may perhaps be open to speak to your church or could send someone in her stead.
To Connect with North Georgia Young Adult Ministry, go to www.umcyoungadults.org
Safe Sanctuary Trainers
To Connect with these Trainers, go to www.ngumc.org, mouse over to “Resources>Safe Sanctuaries” and then click on “Conference Approved Trainers”
South Georgia Conference Office of Connectional Ministries |
Transition Time for Clergy and Congregations alike
Lowery Brantley
Throughout our United Methodist denomination, many congregations and pastors are preparing for new pastoral assignments. It is a time of anticipation and hope, and a time of anxiety and concern for congregations and clergy and their families. In this article, I want to particularly focus on how congregations can properly say goodbye to their current pastor and, also, properly say hello to their new pastor. Smooth transitions are vital to the health of the church and the conference. There is much to be done; the work of transition should already be taking place. The failure to get off to a good and productive start with the new pastor and congregation is counterproductive and, ultimately, tragic.
Certainly it is important to the congregation to say goodbye to the current pastor. The lives of members have been linked together with the pastor in varying ways across the years. Hopefully, these relationships have been fulfilling and helpful. Sometimes, they have not. Saying goodbye is vital. Now is the time to give thanks to God for the good things God has given the congregation through the ministry and life of its current pastor. Now is the time to acknowledge within one’s self the humanity and imperfections of the pastor; to come to the realization that no one is perfect, that all make mistakes, and thus we seek to forgive, in order to move on toward wholeness. Now is the time to reflect on our own actions: how supportive and helpful have we been? What could we have done differently? How can we be more helpful in the future? In every pastorate, congregations can learn and move forward in their common ministry.
Saying goodbye is vital, for it enables closure to occur. Our current pastor will no longer be our pastor. A new pastor will be assigned. Bishop Watson has frequently reminded pastors that they need to make sure when they move that they are gone. In the same manner, congregations need to make sure that when pastors move they are gone. This enables the new pastor to forge pastoral relationships with members. Just as pastors do not return to their former church for weddings and/or funerals without the invitation of the current pastor, members should likewise refrain from insisting or expecting such. Pastoral relationships change when pastors move to a new congregation. Friendships remain, but the pastoral mantle is placed upon another.
Many congregations have a reception for the moving pastor (and family). Expressions of love and appreciation are certainly in order in this public event.
Saying hello is vital, too. Daily prayers for the new pastor and family are important throughout the period of transition, from the time the appointment is made known to the time the new pastor arrives and the first few crucial months of ministry. Moving can be traumatic even when a move has been requested. It can be especially hard for a spouse and/or children. A mature congregation is sensitive to this reality. A caring congregation does not make comparisons between their former pastor and their current pastor. A healthy congregation understands that God is eager to bless their church through the special and unique gifts God has given their new pastor, and God will do so as congregations fulfill the vows they made to uphold the church with their prayers, their presence, their gifts, and their service.
There is a distinction between change and transition. A change is a shift (for pastors) in location or situation, in both work and residence. For congregations, a change is a new face in their midst and anew voice in the pulpit, etc. Transition, on the other hand, is not the change itself, but the way in which we respond to that change. Bishop Watson and the Cabinet may make a pastoral change, but congregations and pastors make the transition. How well they make the transition has a profound impact upon the ministry of the local congregation and the health and well-being of the conference.
As we prayed for Bishop Watson and the Cabinet in the appointive process, let us now covenant to pray for congregations and clergy in transition. All of the staff at Connectional Ministries invite the entire conference to join us in prayer in this time of transition.
To God be the glory!
The Rev. Lowery Brantley is director of the South Georgia Connectional Ministries office. He can be reached at lowery@sgaumc.com.
Summer camps will provide thirst quenching experience
School is almost out and exciting opportunities abound, but there's one place every child wants to spend at least one week - and that's at summer camp! Campers will experience a thirst quenching journey this summer as we discover how God can satisfy our spiritual thirst.
“Thirsty” summer camps, sponsored by the South Georgia Conference Youth and Children's Ministries, are only a couple of weeks away, and there's something for everyone! Two Mid High Mania Camps, intended for 6th-9th graders, are set for June 9-13 and June 16-20. The Elementary Camps are set for June 23-27, July 7-11 and July 14-18 and are intended for 4th-6th graders.
All camps are filled with a week's worth of fun activities and opportunities to grow closer to Christ. Campers will enjoy the beach, pool, boat rides, crafts, games, and much more. Cost for the week is $225 and includes lodging, meals, programs, a t-shirt, and a camp DVD. Counselors are provided.
Online registration and a brochure are available at www.sgaumc.org. For more information, call the Connectional Ministries office toll free at (888) 266-7642.
Summer Leadership Team Announced
The 2008 Leadership Team for the South Georgia Conference summer camps has been finalized. Please be in prayer for these individuals who have given their summer to be in ministry to God's children and youth. These college students will be in ministry to over 700 children and youth this summer. They have a tough job ahead but a rewarding one as well. As each of these counselors listens to God's call on his/her life to be in full-time Christian service, please continue to lift each of these young servants up in prayer.
Head Counselors:
Alex Carter Valdosta State Univ.
Teresa Feagain Georgia Southern Univ.
Girls:
Ashley Boyer Armstrong Atlantic State Univ.
Lauren Caldwell
Univ. of Georgia
Rebecca Ezell Ga. College & State Univ.
Kayla Franklin Valdosta State Univ.
Joanna Freeburg
Ga. College & State Univ.
Sara Garrard Emory University
Emily Hoxsie LaGrange College
Jona Ogden Univ. of Georgia
Alison Ozment Samford Univ.
Sarah Parker Ga. College & State Univ.
Kaelyn Parkins Georgia Southwestern State Univ.
Guys:
Jack Caldwell Georgia Southern Univ.
Isaac Callahan Mercer Univ.
John Pierce Drake II Reinhardt College
Aaron Fox Valdosta State Univ.
Stephen Sparks Valdosta State Univ.
Troy Stephens Jacksonville, FL
Assistant Camp Director:
Mary Pinson LaGrange College
Camp Nurse:
Danielle MacMinn LaGrange College
Video/Sound:
Joshua Harris Wofford College
Annual Conference Offering to Support Higher Education
The Special Offering at the 2008 Session of the South Georgia Annual Conference Session will be used to support the work of the Georgia United Methodist Commission on Higher Education and Campus Ministry (GUMCHECM) within the South Georgia Conference.
One part of the offering will be used to provide support for the United Methodist leadership Scholars (UMLS) Program. UMLS is a jurisdictional initiative intended to encourage the enrollment in our United Methodist Colleges and Universities. The balance of your generous offering will be used to support the Wesley Foundation ministries of the South Georgia Conference. The needs vary all the way from work on deferred maintenance, new construction, property acquisition and support for student interns.
Visit www.gahied.com to learn more about the work of the Commission and the plans for the special offering. A bulletin insert is available at www.sgaumc.org to help promote the offering in your local church.
Sexual Ethics Workshop |
