SOUTH GEORGIA ADVOCATE JUNE 23 EDITION. Bishop King introduces discipleship initiative. By Kara Witherow, Editor

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1 SOUTH GEORGIA ADVOCATE JUNE 23 EDITION Bishop King introduces discipleship initiative By Kara Witherow, Editor During their baptismal covenant, each person who becomes a member of The United Methodist Church makes known his or her desire to live their daily life as a disciple of Jesus Christ and commits themselves to grow in their faith. In South Georgia terminology, this is known as growing Christlike. While thousands make the commitment there are more than 120,000 United Methodists in the South Georgia Annual Conference many don t fully understand what it means or exactly how to become more like Christ. Just because you have come into The United Methodist Church and become a member doesn t mean that you understand and are committed to the promises you made in your baptismal covenant, said Bishop King, episcopal leader of the South Georgia Conference. There are a large number of members who do not understand that this is an expectation. To more clearly convey expectations and provide a format for instruction, during the recent Annual Conference session Bishop King introduced his initiative. Designed to help South Georgia United Methodists keep their baptismal commitments and know Christ more deeply and intimately, Bishop King s initiative follows his Five-Star program, a system by which pastors, clergy and congregations participate in and develop the 10 timeless values of scripture, prayer, Sabbath, the Lord s Supper, fasting, fellowship, stewardship, evangelism, witness and justice. The five stars are the teaching star, the fellowship star, the stewardship star, the witness star and the justice star. From now until the 2015 Annual Conference session, the South Georgia Conference will focus on the teaching star. Scripture, prayer, Sabbath, The Lord s Supper and fasting are the values included in the teaching star. 1

2 The initiative represents 20,000 South Georgia United Methodists earning their one teaching star by following five steps that include prayer, reading, participation in a small group, and tracking and reporting progress. The focus is on knowing Jesus Christ better so we can make disciples, Bishop King said during his Annual Conference episcopal address. When you want to get something done you really have to focus on it. The initiative isn t meant to add to people s already overflowing plates of responsibility, he said, but to focus them on one element of discipleship and to encourage them in their faith walk. This is a way of simplifying our way forward, Bishop King said. This goal will help us to become more effective as followers of Jesus and more effective as we grow in our discipleship. One has to know Jesus to follow Him, he said, and church membership and attendance do not, by themselves, equate a deep, intimate knowledge of Christ. Discipleship means to be a student, to be a follower, he said. I m not going to be able to follow Jesus if I don t know him. One of the five steps to earn the teaching star is to read and study one of the gospels this year. Bishop King and the Appointive Cabinet have committed to studying the gospel of Mark. People are also encouraged to discuss their gospel readings in a small group and to report their progress (a process for reporting will begin in September). We want a minimum of 20,000 members of our Annual Conference committed to learning more about Jesus Christ so that they can follow him more and so they can be more like him. The initiative is for both clergy and lay persons, and gives them a structure and format for growing more Christlike. It also outlines the expectations and gives incentive and encouragement. This is what we expect of you as a member of The United Methodist Church and this is what we expect when you say that you are a Christian, Bishop King said. We expect that you will grow in your faith through instruction. For more information, visit Steps for Teaching Star 1. Pray for God to order my steps as a disciple of Jesus Christ 2. Read at least one gospel (Matthew, Mark, Luke or John) 3. Participate in a gospel discussion group, Sunday school, Bible study, CLU, etc. 4. Keep score of 1, 2, and 3 5. Report your score 2

3 Bonaire UMC youth opens lending library By Kara Witherow, Editor Maggie Higginbotham loves to read. The 15-year-old member of Bonaire United Methodist Church is passionate about prose and wants to share her love of literature with others. The rising junior at Veterans High School in Kathleen participates in her school s reading bowl and drama programs, is a member of the National English Honor Society, and wants to become a writer and high school literature teacher. She s also a Girl Scout who is pursuing the organization s highest honor, the Gold Award. To earn this prestigious award, which challenges young women to change the world or at least your corner of it, Higginbotham must solve a community problem with a seven-step project. The hope is that the she will help solve it for both the short term and the future. After discussing ideas with her parents and her former first-grade teacher who later became her project advisor Higginbotham combined her love of reading and serving others to help children in her community. Seeing a need for children to have access to free, age-appropriate books and reading support, she developed and opened the Book Nook, a lending library and summer reading program. I thought that it would be a great idea and I d get to spread literacy and get books into the hands of kids who might not normally have the opportunity, Higginbotham said. Located in Bonaire United Methodist Church s Elm Street Building, the Book Nook is open to everyone, but is geared mainly toward low-income families already being served by the church s food pantry and clothes closet ministries. Housed in the same building, children and their parents can make their way down to the Book Nook before or after visiting the other ministries. Higginbotham hopes that local children will frequent the Book Nook and develop a love and appreciation for reading. A dozen children were waiting outside the doors when the Book Nook first opened on Friday, June 13. You can t really do anything in life without the ability to read, she said. It s an incredible experience and I want other kids to be able to find the joy in it that I ve found. During the summer, the Book Nook is open for two hours every Friday afternoon. Guests can borrow books, be read to or practice their reading skills with volunteers, and listen to stories during the hourly story time. During the school year, it will be open on the second and fourth Fridays of each month, to coincide with the church s other outreach ministries. 3

4 More than 1,000 books have been donated by Higginbotham s friends, classmates and fellow church members. Her fellow Beta Club members responded to her request for help by giving nearly 800 books. Everyone has been really eager to support this, she said. I was really overwhelmed at the excitement people have shown for this. I ve gotten donations of time, money, effort, everything you can think of. It s been incredible. Connectional Table gathers feedback on the worldwide nature of the church In an effort to foster ongoing dialogue about topics of interest to the broader church, The Connectional Table and the Commission on General Conference are inviting members to join them in conversation about the worldwide nature of the church. We are asking you, as members of The United Methodist Church, to join us in addressing the challenges we have before us that affect how we live out our Gospel mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world, said Bishop Bruce Ough. Adding that the issue of the global connection is more than just a conversation about structure, the Missional Collaboration Group on the Worldwide Nature of the Church, has launched a new website at with downloadable resources to facilitate discussion about the worldwide issues affecting our missional effectiveness as a worldwide church. The site highlights an introductory video and offers a link to a survey for feedback. The website, with supporting documents available in English, French and Portuguese, features an executive summary and discussion questions regarding the worldwide mission of the connection, a downloadable PowerPoint presentation that outlines the history and comparisons of central conferences and jurisdictions and supplemental reports on the UMC s worldwide nature from past General Conferences. Delegations are encouraged to review the materials, discuss the questions and submit responses through the online survey or by . The deadline for survey responses is August 31, UM Giving helps local churches exercise generosity & faith together with new website United Methodist Communications has launched an all-new, redesigned website at UMCGiving.org. The new site offers Biblical perspective to help United Methodists across the globe align their giving practices with their personal faith. 4

5 With easy navigation, there is a section dedicated specifically for church leaders and pastors that offers tools and downloadable resources to help inspire giving within local churches. It also highlights necessary information to equip leaders to discuss giving with members. The section for church members focuses on the Biblical reasons for giving and highlights several unique opportunities such as Special Sundays, in which the denomination pulls together and focuses financial resources toward key issues that are important to The United Methodist Church. These include disaster relief readiness, scholarships to equip the next generation and advocacy for social justice issues. Additionally, through feature stories and poignant videos, the site emphasizes stories of how United Methodists have positively affected lives through generosity. Safe, secure and easy giving opportunities are available across the site so that anyone can participate and join United Methodists efforts to make a difference and change the world. Watch a short introduction video about the site at S3 small group applications available online; deadline July 1 S3 is a collaborative, small group, action-learning experience for clergy that helps sustain and promote excellence in ordained ministry. Participants develop and implement a two year small group learning experience focused on three areas: Sabbath, Study, and Service. S3 groups are self-selected and selfdirected: participants choose the members of their group and develop their group s S3 learning project (with direction from the S3 project committee). The S3 experience is the difference between wandering through a barren land all alone or travelling with deeply loyal friends, said Rev. Creede Hinshaw. The deadline for submitting applications is July 1, If a group is selected to participate in the S3 program, participants will be invited to Epworth By The Sea for an orientation retreat in September. Approved groups will receive funding through the South Georgia Order of the Elders S3 program, which will provide $500 per person, per year, for the two years of the group s learning process, to be used according to the approved learning experience. Detailed information and an application can be found at Contact Dr. Jimmy Asbell, S3 director, at jasbell@vinevillemethodist.org or CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE S3 PROGRAM CLICK HERE FOR AN APPLICATION 5

6 CLICK HERE TO WATCH A VIDEO EXPLAINING S3 New Beginnings 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; 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 Georgia Annual Conference officially transitioned from nine districts to six: Coastal, Northwest, North Central, Northeast, Southwest, and South Central. In the midst of the transition, district superintendents will gather clergy and laity for the annual set up meetings and district conference. As we come together in a new direction, let us pray for the district superintendents, district administrative assistants, clergy coordinators, clusters, clergy, and laity within the new districts. It is indeed an exciting time within the annual conference. As we continue to work through the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead, I pray that we will look to that which does not change the Eternal. Rev. Denise Walton serves as the Assistant to the Bishop for Connectional Ministries. Contact her at denise@sgaumc.org. Events in the South Georgia Conference 6/23/2014 edition Camp Connect Elementary 2 July 7-11 Camp Connect is the summer camp program provided through the Connectional Ministries office of the South Georgia Conference of The United Methodist Church. Campers engage in a week of fun, friendship, and close encounters with our amazing God! Camp Connect s Elementary 2 camp runs July 7-11 and is designed for children entering fourth through sixth grades. It s held at Epworth By The Sea on St. Simons Island. The cost is $250 per person. For more information and to register, visit call , or anne@sgaumc.com. 6

7 Indian Springs Holiness Campmeeting July For 10 days each year, Christians from all over the world gather in Flovilla, Ga., to attend Indian Springs Holiness Campmeeting. At Indian Springs Holiness Campmeeting, you can experience powerful worship services based on unchanging Biblical truths from nationally prominent evangelists and Bible teachers. Children experience the best of ministry programing that will introduce them to Christ and prepare them for a lifetime of godly living. Indian Springs Holiness Campmeeting has faithfully proclaimed the Wesleyan-Arminian tradition of Biblical holiness, as taught by John Wesley and the early Methodists. Indian Springs Camp Meeting continues to present a message that is relevant to all aspects of contemporary spiritual life. The camp welcomes everyone, regardless of denominational affiliation, who seeks to experience the fullness of God's grace and to grow in spiritual maturity Evangelists include Rev. Tom Atkins, Dr. Chris Bounds, Dr. Dave Ward, and Bible Teacher Rev. Mark Nysewander. Lodging options are available. Visit for more information. Camp Connect Elementary 3 July Camp Connect is the summer camp program provided through the Connectional Ministries office of the South Georgia Conference of The United Methodist Church. Campers engage in a week of fun, friendship, and close encounters with our amazing God! Camp Connect s Elementary 3 camp runs July and is designed for children entering fourth through sixth grades. It s held at Epworth By The Sea on St. Simons Island. The cost is $250 per person. For more information and to register, visit call , or anne@sgaumc.com. Mission u July Mission u, the mission education event of the South Georgia Conference, will be held July 17 through July 20, 2014, at Epworth By The Sea on St. Simons Island. The annual event is co-sponsored by the conference United Methodist Women and the conference Outreach team. Click here to download a brochure. Southwest District United Methodist Men s Rally Aug. 8 All men from the churches in the newly formed Southwest District of the South Georgia Conference are invited to attend and bring a guest. There will be a time for sharing, singing, and fellowship. Dress casual and bring your pastor. Click here for more information. Contact Larry Price ( , , or price2406@bellsouth.net) or Gene Trulock ( , , or trulockinsurance@bellsouth.net) by Aug. 5 to reserve your spot. Cuba mission trip September Irwinton-Toomsboro United Methodist Church is hosting an UMVIM-sponsored mission trip to Cuba in mid-september. Anyone interested in more information should contact Mike Burgamy at or at burgamy@bellsouth.net. Clergy Sexual Ethics Workshop Sept. 11 A Sexual Ethics Workshop is scheduled from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m on Thursday, Sept. 11, at St. Paul 7

8 UMC in Columbus. This workshop is required every three years for persons serving under appointment by the Bishop (clergy, local pastors, extension ministers, appointed lay speakers). Cost is $35, which includes lunch (collected at the door). Checks can be made payable to South Georgia Conference. To register, please This event is sponsored by the Conference Commission on Pastoral Counseling. Please note that spouses and lay employees who are not appointed by the bishop are not eligible to attend the workshop. Methodist Children s Home Sunday Sept. 14 Every local church in South Georgia is encouraged to receive a special Work Day Offering on Sunday, Sept. 14 to support the ministry of The Methodist Home for Children and Youth. The Work Day Offering for the Methodist Home is a tradition from the 1900s, a time when people, mostly farmers, donated the equivalent of one day s wages to the Methodist Home. Sometimes they would load a freight car with cotton or peanuts and send it to Macon. Today folks just use a calculator. The amount of the work day offering can be calculated quite simply: Divide your annual income by 365 (farmers didn t take vacation days.) For example, if a person made $60,000 a year, it would be $60,000 divided by 365 = $164. Whether you give cotton or a check, be assured that your gift will bring hope and a new lease on life to the more than 400 children and families we serve every day. Your gift will bring hope and a new lease on life to the more than 400 children and families they serve every day. To learn more about this incredible ministry of our conference visit KidzQuest Retreat Sept The 2014 KidzQuest retreat is set for September 26-28, 2014, at Epworth By The Sea on St. Simons Island. Designed for students in the third through sixth grades, this annual children s retreat promises to be bursting with learning, worship and fun. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more information! South Georgia churches seeing fruit from SBC21 participation This is the second in a series of stories about South Georgia s Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century initiative. Participating churches include St. Andrews UMC and Horse Creek UMC in Sylvania; Asbury UMC in Savannah; Haven Sheffield UMC, Nesby Chapel UMC and New Hope UMC (Nahunta Circuit); Speedwell UMC in Savannah; and Caanan Community UMC in Savannah. By Kara Witherow, Editor Asbury United Methodist Church s congregation has a clear purpose and vision. We are a part of this congregation for a reason and have a responsibility to make disciples and serve our community, said Rev. Doreen Smalls, pastor of the Savannah church. 8

9 Through their participation in the Strengthening the Black Church for the 21 st Century (SBC21) initiative, church leaders and parishioners hope to gain insight, glean wisdom, and learn fresh, innovative ideas to help them continue to focus on those goals and their vision. Involved in some of the Conference s initial conversations about the SBC21 program, Rev. Smalls knew their participation would be a worthwhile investment that will reap rewards. I understood that it was definitely something that churches could benefit from and something that is working in other conferences, she said. Church members jumped on board, excited to learn from and share experiences and ideas with their coach, an experienced clergy from outside the conference who has walked a similar path. The congregation has responded wholeheartedly, Rev. Smalls said. They have taken some of our coach s suggestions and implemented them in various ministry areas of the church. They are really excited about having someone come along beside us to speak some additional life into the congregation. The SBC21 program focuses on six key values: discipleship, stewardship, evangelism, vital ministries, connectional strength, and community outreach. As part of the church s focus on stewardship, leaders have researched options for electronic giving and are in the process of introducing online giving to the congregation. They re also having quarterly conversations about the church s financial situation, and additional teaching about stewardship is planned. The congregation is also focused on reaching out to their community and serving their neighbors. Once a month, a group from the church serves meals at the inner city night shelter. And in an effort to increase their visibility, awareness and outreach to college students, several church members are partnering with Savannah State University and several youth have sung in the school s choir. Knowing that change and growth won t happen overnight, the congregation is committed to the program for the long haul, Rev. Smalls says. We are excited about seeing what new things can be done and about sharing ideas. We are trying something new, something different, something innovative that maybe we have not thought of before, she said. This is a very willing congregation that I am blessed to be a part of. Connectional Ministries launches Sunday Advocate The Office of Connectional Ministries introduces the Sunday Advocate, a weekly printable bulletin insert and supplement to the South Georgia Advocate online newspaper. 9

10 Loaded with South Georgia Conference and UMC news, event information, tips and more, the Sunday Advocate is a printable PDF that can be printed and distributed through local church communication pieces. It will be published and available for download each Monday afternoon at We are continuously looking for ways to better communicate and share the great stories of our churches in more ways, said Kelly Roberson, South Georgia's director of communications. We hope this will be a useful resource for the local churches in South Georgia. We are always open to new ideas and new methods of doing things and would love to hear how we can help resource you. The Sunday Advocate is saved in a pdf format and requires Adobe Acrobat Reader to view. If you have problems opening the Sunday Advocate, please visit to download a free copy of Adobe Reader. To share your congregation's news or event, contact Kara Witherow, Advocate editor, at kara@sgaumc.com, or Kelly Roberson, director of communications, at kelly@sgaumc.com. Frogs and Pearls PATHWAY TO HIS PRESENCE B.J. FUNK When I was around eight, my maternal grandmother told me a story about the importance of talking nicely. She said when we talk ugly, frogs come out of our mouths, but when we talk with love and kindness, pearls come out. The same mouth can either hurt people or show them love. What she said made a great impression on my young life. With her words, she painted a clear picture. I visualized those frogs, and I wanted no part of them! The thought, however, of pearls coming out of my mouth sounded much better. I only saw Mama Newton when my family drove to Live Oak, Florida to my grandparents large twostory home. I rocked in huge rocking chairs on their wrap-around front porch, studied the lovely stained glass window at the curve of the oak stairway, and played in all of the upstairs bedrooms. One of the best memories I have of her, however, is the lesson of the frog. She made a believer out of me! Other than the frog and pearl story, one other memory stands out. She did not have a driver s license, but when she learned of a friend with cancer, she walked all the way across town to pray for her. Her friend recovered. This left a strong impression on my life. From her I gained two valuable lessons: when we feel led to pray for a person, we must pray, even if we have to walk a ways to get there. When we speak to others, pearls are better than frogs. 10

11 The book of James puts these two teachings in perspective. James 5:16 reads, The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. James even has a pearl and frog story when he speaks of the power of the tongue. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing.this should not be. The next time God impresses you to pray for someone, do it. The next time you start to speak critically or hastily, think pearls. The Rev. B.J. Funk is associate pastor of Central UMC in Fitzgerald. her at bjfunk@bellsouth.net. A Call to Unity Sunday school lesson for the week of June 29, 2014 By Beth Barnwell Lesson Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:10-17 Key Verse: Now I encourage you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ: Agree with each other and don t be divided into rival groups. Instead, be restored with the same mind and the same purpose. (1 Corinthians 1:10) Purpose: To focus our loyalty on Christ and not on rival leaders or factions in the church. We ve all seen the license plates that depict a house divided. Usually these license plates are accurately divided into halves with one side touting one specific college and the other half another. Here in Atlanta, the colors are usually yellow and black (GA Tech)/red and black (Go Bulldogs!) or red and black/blue and orange (War Eagle!). Thankfully, my house is clearly defined by the Georgia Southern Eagles! No division there. These license plates, though true, are not really serious. The individual houses are not actually divided, but rather there is a friendly (hopefully!) rivalry between two factions that live under the same roof. When Paul arrived in Corinth in about A.D. 50, this was not the case. The Christian community that formed during this second tour was done so in a time of religious and economic turmoil. The population of Corinth was either wealthy or not. There was no middle ground. This alone was enough to introduce tension into even the best community, Christian or not. Because Corinth was a pass-through for many traders and sailors, several different religious beliefs were prevalent with everyone shouting for their particular beliefs to be heard, accepted, and followed. The fact that there was a bit of discordance is not surprising, but the fact that a Christian community could develop at all is noteworthy. Merging different styles with different ideas of how things should be done is never an easy task. An unhealthy rivalry will often enter the playing field, which is interesting because synonyms for the word merge are unite and become one. What often occurs is the complete opposite. 11

12 Rival groups tend to do just that. They rival for attention. They rival for leadership. They rival for first place. When Paul arrived, obviously, he first approached the Jewish synagogue. As his teachings progressed, dissension among the Jews arose. Paul aptly decided to take his teachings elsewhere to the Gentiles, who were primarily pagans or of a nonreligious sect. The very history of the church confirms a history of opposition. The original Christians were Jews converted to Christianity. When dissention arose, the audience changed and the Gentiles were converted, and so on and so on and so on. Top names in the long list of evolution are Martin Luther, John Calvin, King Henry VIII, John Wesley. Each man branched out and developed a different religion or denomination because he was unhappy with the status quo. This started a chain of events that ultimately led to a new denomination The United Methodist Church. The United Methodist Church is actually a blend of two denominations merging together: the Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren. Whenever a merger takes place, whether in a church or in a business, the result is always change and, very often, fallout. People often become dissatisfied and leave and unity dissolves. Change is never easy, but it is necessary. This month during Annual Conference, new clergy appointments were announced. As is always the case, some people are happy with the change and some are not. Regardless of the outcome, members of The United Methodist Church must remain united and steadfast. The author of this quarter s lessons, Lori Broschat, commented that when writing the word united, she often erroneously writes untied. How have you witnessed your church or community becoming untied? What steps could be taken to stop the unraveling and encourage unity? Unity vs. Uniformity In verses 10-12, the congregation in Corinth was split into rival groups. There were evidently three different groups each following different leaders: Paul, Apollos or Cephas. Though each group professed to follow Christ, Paul wasn t convinced. Rather, he heard them say in a very self-centered manner, that we belong to Christ. In other words, each group was saying Christ loves us more. You can imagine how disheartened Paul felt. There was no uniformity between the groups, but at least on the surface, there was a unity on the common ground of following Jesus. His words, be restored with the same mind and same purpose was in an attempt to unite the feuding groups. A very good friend of mine was recently involved in a corporate structure change. This caused much angst and confusion among several of the staff members. During a team building exercise, the group was divided into two different personality types. When asked to characterize the opinion of each toward the other, negative connotations were expressed and harsh words were spoken. The week-long events designed to bring people together ended with hurt feelings and a loss of momentum. Though everyone was committed to a unity of purpose (the future of the company), there was a lack of uniformity in how to work together to reach that goal. There was a lack of understanding in how to serve one another. When it comes to how we are together in the church, what is the difference between unity and uniformity? Has this same thing happened in your church? How was it resolved? 12

13 In the student handbook section, It Is All About Jesus, the following words are written: In the church, the types of leaders who serve their people best are those who put Christ first, keeping him prominent in the church and in their leadership. This kind of humble servant leadership is contagious, making others want to live that kind of life as well. As Christians, we are all followers of Christ. But, we can also be leaders for Christ. If we are intentional about keeping Him first in all that we do, people will begin to notice and we ll begin to hear them say I want to be like that. In closing, I want to take you back to the beginning of this lesson. In the student handbook, the lesson opens with a story about two brothers who harbored a misunderstanding for many years. Along comes a handyman seeking work. One brother asks him to build an eight foot fence so he does not have to see his brother. The carpenter agrees and sets to work. The completed project is quite different than the original plan, however. Rather than building a fence to keep the brother out, he built a bridge to unite the two brothers. It was a very humble servant who brought a sense of unity back to that house. It was no longer a house divided. My family is comprised of Presbyterians, Catholics, Episcopalians, Baptists, and, of course, United Methodists. Our uniformity in serving may vary, but we are all solidly united in purpose. As for our houses we will serve the Lord. Amen and Amen. Beth Barnwell is a staff member of the North Georgia Conference, serving as administrative assistant to the director of Congregational Development. She is a long-time Sunday school teacher. Contact Beth at bbarnwell@ngumc.org. Southwest District United Methodist Men's Rally The Southwest District United Methodist Men will host a rally on Saturday, Aug. 9 at Climax United Methodist Church. All men from the churches in the newly formed Southwest District of the South Georgia Conference are invited to attend and bring a guest. There will be a time for sharing, singing, and fellowship. Dress casual and bring your pastor. 9 a.m.: Gather for donuts and coffee 9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.: Speakers, Music Noon: Lunch - Grilled pork chops and all trimmings Walter Powell, a farmer from Omega, Ga. and an area representative for Fellowship of Christian Farmers and member of Weeks Chapel UMC, will share his testimony and demonstrate the Wordless Walking Stick Ministry of bringing people to Christ. The Hymnmasters, a gospel singing trio of laymen and a pastor from Climax/Cairo made up of Sam 13

14 Sirmons, Wayne McDonald, and Joe Salter, will share God s Word in song and lead the group in fellowship and worship. Harold Hemingway, a lay evangelist from Climax who has been called to share God s Word in South Georgia, Florida and Philippines, will share his testimony and witness. Dr. Nita Crump, Southwest District Superintendent, and Johnny Hemingway, South Georgia UMM president, will welcome the group. Officers for the newly transitioned Southwest Ga. District UMMen will be elected. The cost is $10 each and reservations must be guaranteed by Aug. 5. Contact Larry Price or Gene Trulock by Aug. 5 to reserve your spot, giving name, church and phone number. Larry Price: (home) / (cell) / price2406@bellsouth.net Gene Trulock: (work) / (cell) / trulockinsurance@bellsouth.net Retired Clergy Birthdays July 7/01 Donald Wood: 157 Arlington Row; Macon, GA /02 Jack Key: PO Box 4898; Dublin, GA /02 Bob Vickery, Jr.: 921 Lyday Lane; Inman, SC /02 Hugh Davis: 102 Mossland Dr.; Perry, GA /07 Ross Freeman: 405 Kenley Court; McDonough, GA /08 Earl Bishop: 315 E. Misty Lane; Blairsville, GA /09 Gaston Pollock: 6809 SpringLake Dr.; Columbus, GA /09 Marshall Singletary: 200 White Blossom Tr.; Thomasville, GA /11 Thom Davies: 1 Seventh Street #1004; Augusta, GA /11 Annie Johnson: Tyler Brook Lane; Mint Hill, NC /12 Eric Sizemore: th St. East; Tifton, GA /14 Herman Howell: 127 Robson Trail, McDonough, GA /17 George Herndon: 116 Joyce Dr.; Brunswick, GA /17 Hugh Waldorf: 420 Sunset Terrace; Forsyth, GA /18 Ray Bittner: 130 Ford St.; Poulan, GA /18 Sonny Mason: 2218 Glendale Rd.; Augusta, GA /19 Sam Rogers: 5300 Zebulon Road, #15; Macon, GA /20 Man Gil Lee: 18 Mannering Dr.; Dover, DE /20 Charlie McCook: 719 Cherokee Rd.; LaGrange, GA /20 Isaac Moon: 100 Riverside; Griffin, GA /21 Emory Gilbert: 4938 Chesil Ave.; Columbus, GA /21 Richard Lanning: 104 MacIntosh Lane; Centerville, GA /22 Henry Pharr: 2302 Echols Rd.; Cumming, GA /23 Norman Dunlap: 708 Robins Nest Ct.; Columbus, GA

15 7/24 Don Woeltjen: PO Box 1322; Fitzgerald, GA /25 Elvin East: 80 Cypress Trail; Lakeland, GA /25 Lewis Strickland: 1034 Colvin Dr.; Locust Grove, GA /27 Charles Ricks: 4191 Mt. Union Rd.; Huntington, WVA /27 Ned Steele: 274 Plantation Villa Lane; Macon, GA /27 Mark Zeitlin: 203 Victorian Lake Dr.; Brunswick, GA /28 Billy Howell: 18 Stratford Lane; Cartersville, GA /29 James Kenney: 849 N. Beachview Dr.; Jekyll Island, GA /29 Al Lewis: 915 E. 42nd St.; Tifton, GA /29 Sylvia Kersey: 861 Pine Hill Rd.; Dublin, GA /30 Guy Parrish: 1617 Royalwyn Dr.; Macon, GA /31 Lowery Brantley: PO Box 125; Pineview, GA Scripture Readings June 23 June 29 Genesis 22:1 14 Psalm 13 Romans 6:12 23 Matthew 10:40 42 July 6 Genesis 24:34 38, 42 49,58 67 Psalm 45:10 17 or Psalm 72 Romans 7:15 25a Matthew 11:16 19, July 13 Genesis 25:19 34 Psalm 119: or Psalm 25 Romans 8:1 11 Matthew 13:1 9,