The Covenant or Watch Night Service

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "The Covenant or Watch Night Service"

Shawn Patterson
5 years ago
Views:

com The Covenant or Watch Night Service The Covenant Service is most commonly held on New Year s Eve or Day and therefore is sometimes called a Watch Night Service.

1 Dr. Rick Lanford, NCD Superintendent January 2019 Newsletter Bishop Lawson Bryan-Episcopal Leader P.O. Box 18169, Macon P.O. Box 7227, Macon Phone: Fax: Phone: Fax: The Covenant or Watch Night Service The Covenant Service is most commonly held on New Year s Eve or Day and therefore is sometimes called a Watch Night Service. I invite you to participate in this prayer as we begin this New Year: Let me be your servant, under your command. I will no longer be my own. I will give up myself to your will in all things. Lord, make me what you will. I put myself fully into your hands: put me to doing, put me to suffering, let me be employed for you, or laid aside for you, let me be full, let me be empty, let me have all things, let me have nothing. I freely and with a willing heart give it all to your pleasure and disposal. Christ will be the Savior of none but his servants. He is the source of all salvation to those who obey. Christ will have no servants except by consent; Christ will not accept anything except full consent to all that he requires. Christ will be all in all, or he will be nothing. Confirm this by a holy covenant. To make this covenant a reality in your life, listen to these admonitions: First, set apart some time, more than once, to be spent alone before the Lord; in seeking earnestly God's special assistance and gracious acceptance of you; in carefully thinking through all the conditions of the covenant; in searching your hearts whether you have already freely given your life to Christ. Consider what your sins are. Consider the laws of Christ, how holy, strict, and spiritual they are, and whether you, after having carefully considered them, are willing to choose them all. Be sure you are clear in these matters, see that you do not lie to God. Second, be serious and in a spirit of holy awe and reverence. Third, claim God's covenant, rely upon God's promise of giving grace and strength, so you can keep your promise. Trust not your own strength and power. Fourth, resolve to be faithful. You have given to the Lord your hearts, you have opened your mouths to the Lord, and you have dedicated yourself to God. May God Bless you and your ministry as we are Alive Together in the World! Happy New Year, Rick Dr. Rick Lanford

7, Wesley Glen residents and staff helped Riverside United Methodist Church

2 Riverside UMC, Wesley Glen Residents and Staff help tell the Christmas Story Did you know that Wesley Glen residents are great actors too? On Friday, Dec. 7, Wesley Glen residents and staff helped Riverside United Methodist Church share the story of the birth of Jesus in the church's annual drive-through nativity.

4 DISTRICT MEETINGS DATE: Dec. 19 Jan 1 NCD Office Christmas Break LOCATION: January Superintendent meets with SPRC Chairs/Committees January 13, :00 5:30 pm Connectional Ministries Leadership Pine Forest, Dublin January 21 MLK, Jr. Birthday Office Closed Jan. 18 th & 19th Lay Speaking Centerville UMC Jan. 29 Feb. 1 Winter Epworth By The Sea February 6 10:00am-12:30pm Mentor Forest Hills UMC February Appointment Making Session #1 February 21 11:30am 1:00 pm Leadership Team Riverside UMC February 21 10:00 am 4:00 pm Sexual Pittman Park UMC Statesboro, GA Feb. 21 Feb. 28 Special Session General Conference February 28 11:30am 1:00 pm NCD Trustees The Methodist Home March 6-8 Appointment Making Session #2 March 9 12:30-3:30 pm Bishop s Day Apart with clergy & UGA Conference Center, Tifton, GA March Appointment Making Session #3 March Spouses Epworth By The Sea March Appointment Making Session #4 March 24 Wesley Glen Ministries Cherry Blossom Road Race March 31 4:00-5:30 pm District Sandersville UMC April 1-5 Appointment Making Session #5 April 7 Anticipated release of appointments April 8 8:30 10:00 am Clergy Women Breakfast The Methodist Home April 9 10:00 am 4:00 pm Sexual Vineville UMC, Macon, GA April 27 Wesley Glen Ministries Fish Fry April 27 Disaster Academy May 22 10:00am 2:00 pm Moving Pastors Riverside UMC June 2 5 Annual Conference Columbus, GA June 9 Lay Supply Sunday June 12 Moving Day June 24 5:00 pm District Set-Up The Methodist Home June Cabinet Summer Retreat July July Pastor s Epworth By The Sea North Central District Camp Meeting

5 MISSION HIGHLIGHT NCD Missions Grant Highlight The NCD Board of Missions provides over $100,000 of grant money to NCD churches and sponsored ministries. This money comes from the district apportionments each church pays each month. This is one way that we are a connectional church specifically across our district. Because of the combined resources from each NCD church s giving of district apportionments, many churches throughout our district receive help to carry out various types of mission work in their local setting. Without this money, this would not be possible. Thank you for your giving! Please share this with your churches. November Grant Highlight: Crossroads Christian Counseling Center Crossroads Christian Counseling Center is located in Macon, GA. The North Central District Board of Missions awarded them a grant that will be added to their Benevolent Fund to be used to help clients who are unable to pay for counseling. Crossroads has a range of services for those seeking Christian Counseling. They provide counseling for individuals, couples, families and groups. Additional services available include spiritual guidance, short-term crisis intervention, play therapy for children, adolescent counseling, pre-marital, and marital counseling. This is a great resource for pastors to have at their disposal in Middle Georgia. Crossroads focuses on the wholeness of its clients. Assisting our members of the NCD to focus on their spiritual and emotional wellbeing with such resources as Crossroads would not be possible without each church giving their apportionments. Thank you for giving!

Did you know New Video Series to Explore UM Faith, Traditions The

video series that will explore the foundations of the Methodist faith

The six-part series, called Come to the Table, will feature South

6 Did you know New Video Series to Explore UM Faith, Traditions The Office of Connectional Ministries is in January launching an online video series that will explore the foundations of the Methodist faith and traditions. The six-part series, called Come to the Table, will feature South Georgia clergy and laity teaching about topics such as Methodist history, grace, works of mercy, works of piety, and more. Read more

Connectional Ministries Launches Leadership Tour The Office of Connectional Ministries will in January launch a leadership tour aimed at equipping and empowering local church leaders.

7 Connectional Ministries Launches Leadership Tour The Office of Connectional Ministries will in January launch a leadership tour aimed at equipping and empowering local church leaders. The 2019 Leadership Tour, which kicks off Sunday, Jan. 6 at Americus First UMC, will offer practical teaching and resources to inspire and help local church leaders lead with confidence. Similar to the Pathways training event, participants will choose two paths, or classes, to take to enrich their ministry. This free event is sponsored by the Office of Connectional Ministries. The other three stops on the leadership tour will be in Dublin, Tifton, and Springfield. Click here for more information. Download a flyer to promote this event in your local church.

Updated History of the South Georgia Conference Book Now Available Anne Packard, curator of the Moore Methodist Museum, recently presented Bishop R.

9 Updated History of the South Georgia Conference Book Now Available Anne Packard, curator of the Moore Methodist Museum, recently presented Bishop R. Lawson Bryan with a copy of "History of the South Georgia Conference of The United Methodist Church: " The book is an updated history of the conference compiled by Packard and historians from each local South Georgia church. Click here for ordering information, or call with questions or to order by phone.

Annual Conference 2019: Hotel room blocks now open We are busy preparing for the 2019 Annual Conference Session, which will be held at The Columbus Georgia Convention & Trade Center set for June 2-5,

10 Annual Conference 2019: Hotel room blocks now open We are busy preparing for the 2019 Annual Conference Session, which will be held at The Columbus Georgia Convention & Trade Center set for June 2-5, Last year, Bishop Bryan led us in celebrating all the ways we are Alive Together in Worship. We also prepared for a year-long emphasis on being Alive Together in the World and will continue that celebration at the 2019 Annual Conference Session. I pray that you are finding many ways to reach out to the world in word and deed as you share the gospel of Jesus Christ through your witness and your work. Our host District Superintendent, Dr. Buddy Cooper, the Local Arrangements Coordinator, Dr. James Crosse, and the area volunteers are already planning for our time in Columbus. Hotel room blocks are now open. Valley Hospitality in Columbus has secured over 600 rooms for our event. All of the hotels on the list will be providing shuttle service to the Convention & Trade Center. Rooms must be booked by May 1 to receive the discounted price. Valley Hospitality has created a website just for South Georgia Conference United Methodists to make booking your hotel easy and streamlined. For those who prefer to make reservations over the phone, they have provided the phone number for each hotel on the website. Click here to view the list of hotels. Read more

11 Conference to Offer Certified Lay Minister Training The Certified Lay Minister program is designed to offer anyone who wants to be a stronger leader in their church a good foundation, said Dr. Nita Crump, Director of Connectional Ministries. We encourage everyone who is assigned to a church as Lay Supply to participate in this program, and we also encourage all other church leaders to consider it. Participating in the CLM program will make any lay person a stronger leader in their church, she said. During the training, which runs October 13, 2018 through March 3, 2019, participants will develop a team of leaders and supporters within their current congregation who will encourage them throughout the course and beyond. Through the 11 classes, held at The Chapel s Brunswick campus, they ll build relationships with other South Georgia lay leaders and learn, practice, implement, share, and be inspired to take what they ve learned and put it into action. The cost for the class is $300 per person, which includes lunch, snacks, books, and supplies for the entire course. Scholarship opportunities are available Contact Dr. Nita Crump at nita@sgaumc.com for more information Campus Crawl: A United Methodist College Tour for High School Students Campus Crawl is a bus tour designed to introduce 9th through 12th grade students to United Methodist campus ministries featuring our Georgia United Methodist Colleges and Universities. In one weekend, February 28 - March 3, 2019, high school students will meet representatives from our United Methodist Colleges and Universities in Georgia as well as meet several Wesley Foundations on public university campuses. Stops on this year's tour include: Oxford College, Young Harris College, Reinhardt University, Kennesaw State Wesley, Clark Atlanta, Georgia Tech Wesley, Emory University, LaGrange College, Andrew College, Wesleyan College, Mercer University Wesley, Augusta Wesley, Paine College, UGA Wesley, and more (subject to change)! The cost of $75 per student includes a tour bus, meals, lodging, and a t-shirt. Click here to reserve your seat on the bus For more information, contact Suzanne Akins at the Office of Connectional Ministries at suzanne@sgaumc.com or (912) ext.107. j

13 Pastors Due for Sexual Ethics by Annual Conference 2019 North Central District Grant Abernathy Jerry Akin Jimmy Asbell Stan Ballew Michael Bland Jon Brown Nick Campbell Grady Carter Kevin Clotfelter Leland Collins Jim Cowart Judd Drake Grace Guyton Greg Harrison Nick Hazelton Craig Hutto Michael Jones Tommy Martin Michael McCord Bill Neely Barbara Nelson Keith Smith Brandon Tolle Wes Webb

For all disaster response related information, including ERT protocols and cleaning bucket drop-off locations, visit www.sgaumc.org/disasterresponse.

14 For all disaster response related information, including ERT protocols and cleaning bucket drop-off locations, visit Disaster Response Update Hurricane season is not yet over, and we are closely watching a vigorous tropical wave in the western tropical Atlantic Ocean. Stay tuned to the Conference's disaster response page for up-to-date information. There are continuing needs in southwest Georgia as we transition from relief work into the next stage, recovery, and look toward long-term recovery. The United Methodist Church is committed to being in the affected communities for the long haul. Ed Haggerty, a lay person from Avalon UMC, is serving as UMCOR's representative in Albany and also as the financial chair of Albany Relief and Recovery, which will serve Albany and surrounding areas in this next phase of response. Other impacted communities are currently organizing to respond to recovery needs. We will be looking for case managers to work in several areas across the South Georgia Conference and plans are being made to host a case manager training for the southwest Georgia areas. If you or someone you know would be interested in Disaster Response Case Management work, please contact Allison Lindsey at allison@sgaumc.com. Needs right now: Clean-up teams - Register your team here Financial giving - Click here for ways to give

15 DATES TO REMEMBER January 29-Feb. 1, 2019 February 8-10, 2019 February 16-18, 2019 March 1-3, 2019 Winter Conference Join Bishops Sue Haupert-Johnson (North Georgia), Ken Carter (Florida), James Swanson (Mississippi) and Lawson Bryan (South Georgia) for Winter Conference Dr. Todd Bolsinger, VP for Vocation and Formation and Assistant Professor of Practical Theology at Fuller Theological Seminary and author of Canoeing the Mountains, Christian Leadership in Uncharted Territory, will be the keynote speaker. Register early as we believe demand will be high. Further information about faculty, preachers and curriculum will be announced shortly. Winter Conference Schedule Biographies **Winter Conference Housing is NOW FULL. You may register as a commuter at the link below.** Commuter Registration Only Marriage Enrichment Retreat Manage the mess so you can release the passion and Enjoy the Adventure. Agenda General Housing Registration Commuters The 4 th Annual St. Simons Island Storytelling Festival Learn More Join the Journey (17 th Annual So. GA Conference Confirmation Retreat) Designed for students in the fifth grade and above, the Join the Journey Confirmation Retreat will provide churches of all sizes an opportunity to connect with others through worship, study, and fellowship. The event will also include large group gatherings around the church seasons and breakout sessions with topics of grace, United Methodist history and United Methodist lingo as well as Holy Clubs throughout the weekend. Not meant to be the only confirmation youth go through, the Confirmation Retreat should be complementary to what a church is or will be doing. For more information, please contact Event Coordinator Suzanne Akins at suzanne@sgaumc.com or ext Registration Information and Schedule:

2018 Conference Journal Ready for Orders and Download Journal includes conference business, directories, reports, appointments, and statistical tableserror! Filename not specified.

16 2018 Conference Journal Ready for Orders and Download Journal includes conference business, directories, reports, appointments, and statistical tableserror! Filename not specified. The 2018 Journal of the South Georgia Annual Conference is now available for purchase. As has been our process in recent years, those wishing to purchase a Conference Journal will order their copy(ies) online directly from the printer. The cost of the Journal is $20 each plus tax and shipping. Click here to order your copy of the 2018 Journal of the South Georgia Annual Conference.* The Journal is also available as a free PDF download at Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to download the file(s). The ability to download just the sections needed is also available. Read more

Lake Junaluska to offer Marriage Enrichment Retreats LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. Beginning this fall, Lake Junaluska will offer three-day marriage enrichment retreats.

18 Lake Junaluska to offer Marriage Enrichment Retreats LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. Beginning this fall, Lake Junaluska will offer three-day marriage enrichment retreats. The faith-based retreats will teach couples how to forge stronger relationships through meaningful conversation. Ned Martin, an expert in marriage counseling, will lead the retreats. There is real value in taking time, going on retreat, having no distractions and being able to focus solely on that person to whom you ve committed your life, said Martin, who has both a Master of Divinity and a Master of Arts in Counseling. You can open up to them and receive them in a way that s so hard to do in the day-to-day hustle and bustle of life. By using emotionally focused therapy for couples, Martin will explain the psychology of successful relationships and guide couples through a series of conversations designed to help them connect. According to Martin, not only will couples experiencing marital stress learn from the retreats, but couples who are stable but seeking to strengthen their bond will also benefit. Currently, four different sessions are available, starting in September 2018 with the last scheduled retreat in September Couples will receive lodging, meals, counseling sessions and plenty of peace and quiet to reconnect with each, surrounded by the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains at Lake Junaluska. Our setting provides a perfect place to step away from the busy-ness of life and focus on strengthening relationships with loved ones, said Mitzi Johnson, Lake Junaluska director of programming. Our staff take care of all the little things so that couples can spend their energy learning to communicate well. Pricing for each couple combined is $699, including two nights of lodging, access to Lake Junaluska recreation and five meals. Registration and more information is available at or by calling Lake Junaluska is a place of Christian hospitality where lives are transformed through renewal of soul, mind and body. For more information about Lake Junaluska programs and events, visit Retreat Dates - September 30 - October 2, 2018 March 10-12, 2019 August 18-20, 2019 September 29-Oct. 1, 2019 Learn More:

19 Registration Now Open for Winter Youth Retreats at Lake Junaluska Winter Youth Retreats at Lake Junaluska Come to a youth group retreat at Lake Junaluska this winter for adventure, spiritual growth and worship in the mountains of Western North Carolina. Energized worship with great bands is built into every program weekend, and groups can choose to ski, do a mission project or participate in other activities during the day. Find more information at Dates: December 29 January 1 New Year s Weekend: Andy Lambert (Speaker) & Jimmy Atkins (Worship Band) January Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend: Lowell McNaney (Speaker), The Advice (Worship Band) January 25-27: Charlie Conder (Speaker) and The Advice (Worship Band) February 8-10: Stephanie Hand (Speaker) and Zachariah Suggs (Worship Band) February 15-18: Presidents Day Weekend: Mark Oestreicher (Speaker) and Cameron Moore (Worship Band) Speakers and bands from across the Southeast will explore the theme in their messages. Mark Oestreicher, author and contributor to more than 60 books including Youth Ministry 3.0, will speak during the Presidents Day event. Oestreicher, who launched the Youth Cartel in 2010, provides coaching and consulting to adults who minister to youth. He worked for Youth Specialties for 11 years and for eight of those years he served as president. Lowell McNaney, the founding pastor of Crossroads Church in Concord, North Carolina and recipient of the Harry Denman Evangelism Award debuts at Lake Junaluska Youth Retreats in January. Returning speakers and bands include Andy Lambert, Jimmy Atkins, Charlie Conder, The Advice and Stephanie Hand. The three-night events over New Year s Eve weekend, Martin Luther King Jr. weekend and Presidents Day weekend include special entertainment such as comedian John Felts and illusionist Joshua Lozoff. Two night events begin at just $186/person and three-night events start at $249/person. More information about speakers, bands and entertainers is available online at Groups that register before October 30 will receive free sling bags for their youth groups. To register, call or visit Groups are also welcome to come to Lake Junaluska for a ski package, which includes lodging at Lake Junaluska and skiing at Cataloochee or Wolf Ridge Ski Area. For more information about ski packages, visit

JANUARY 2 Glenda Dominey 3 Marcus Tripp 2 Rick & Kim Lanford 7 Emmie Johnson 7 Tommy Martin 3 Kirk & Robin Hagan 8 Gary Starrett 15

Linda Elder 21 Jere Cater 21 Billy Wicker 16 Bob & Judy Herrington 24 Billie Parrish 24 Rozelle Rumford 24 Stan & Suzanne Ballew 24

Plaxico 30 Julieta Medina 31 Susan Bagwell Children s Birthdays Grayson Gale Josh & Brittany Gale January 2 Caleb Middleton Jared &

20 JANUARY 2 Glenda Dominey 3 Marcus Tripp 2 Rick & Kim Lanford 7 Emmie Johnson 7 Tommy Martin 3 Kirk & Robin Hagan 8 Gary Starrett 15 Michael Bland 5 Josh & Brittany Gale 15 Merle Collins 15 Sam Collins 11 Loran & Leta Smith 16 Teresa Edwards 18 Steve Rumford 13 Paul & Linda Elder 21 Jere Cater 21 Billy Wicker 16 Bob & Judy Herrington 24 Billie Parrish 24 Rozelle Rumford 24 Stan & Suzanne Ballew 24 Debbie Wallace 24 Joe Dunagan 25 Ron & Cheryl Dixon 25 Frank Harris 27 Sharon Wolfe 30 John & Lynn Mitchell 28 Joan Stevens 29 Elisha Plaxico 30 Julieta Medina 31 Susan Bagwell Children s Birthdays Grayson Gale Josh & Brittany Gale January 2 Caleb Middleton Jared & Robin Middleton January 6 Joshua Asbell Jimmy & Vanda Asbell January 7 Sarah Wood David & Hope Wood January 19 Justin Jones Michael & Wendy Jones January 22

21 Mr. Jere Cater, husband of Rev. Nancylee Cater (Warner Robins First) recovering from multiple surgeries. Rev. Jackie Thomas (Assoc. Pastor Trinity UMC Warner Robins, GA) diagnosed with lung cancer. She is facing possible surgery in the near future. Mrs. Vanda Asbell, wife of Dr. Jimmy Asbell, Jr. after the loss of her grandmother on December 12, 2018.

22 CHURCH NAME BEGINNING MEMBERSHIP AVG. COMBINED ATTENDANCE EVANGELISM REPORT November 2018 MEMBERS ADDED MEMBERS REMOVED AVG. SMALL GROUP ATTENDANCE ABBEVILLE LIBERTY HILL ALLENTOWN DANVILLE WESLEY CHAPEL ANDREW BETHEL LINTON PLEASANT GROVE BONAIRE BREWTON BOILING SPRINGS LOVETT THOMAS CHAPEL BUCKHORN CARTER S CHAPEL CENTENARY CENTERVILLE BENEVOLENCE OAK GROVE CHRIST COCHRAN FIRST LONGSTREET CORINTH CROSSROADS DAVISBORO NEW HOPE DEEPSTEP DEXTER

23 DUBLIN FIRST DUDLEY EASTMAN FIRST ELKO SNOW GROVANIA EVERGREEN FOREST HILLS GETHSEMANE GORDON GRACE CORNER CHURCH NAME BEGINNING MEMBERSHIP AVG. COMBINED ATTENDANCE MEMBERS ADDED MEMBERS REMOVED AVG. SMALL GROUP ATTENDANCE GRAY CLINTON HADDOCK SUNSHINE HARVEST HAWKINSVILLE ` FIRST HERITAGE AT HOUSTON HERITAGE BASS HOWARD CHAPEL IRWINTON- TOOMSBORO SALEM JEFFERSONVILLE ASBURY JOYCLIFF SMITH CHAPEL LAUREL BRANCH LIBERTY LIZELLA MARTHA BOWMAN MONTROSE MOORE S CHAPEL BETHEL MULBERRY STREET NUEVA VIDA NORTHVIEW PARK MEMORIAL

24 PERRY PINE FOREST PINE HILL PINEY MOUNT PITTS CHAPEL RIVERSIDE ROCHELLE PITTS ROCKLEDGE MIDWAY ROGERS SANDERSVILLE SHURLINGTON SWIFT CREEK TABERNACLE TENNILLE TRINITY LUCY CHAPEL CHURCH BEGINNING MEMBERS MEMBERS MEMBERSHIP NAME ADDED REMOVED AVG. COMBINED ATTENDANCE AVG. SMALL GROUP ATTENDANCE PROSPECT VINEVILLE WARNER ROBINS FIRST WESLEY ARLINE-BETHEL MAPLE SPRINGS WESLEY CHAPEL PINEY MOUNT WRIGHTSVILLE FIRST

Three Appointments Announced, Effective October 1. Delegation To Host Listening Sessions

Three Appointments Announced, Effective October 1. Delegation To Host Listening Sessions Northwest District Office The United Methodist Church 1022 B - Second Avenue Columbus, Georgia 31901 Phone 706-561-4541 Edwin M.(Buddy) Cooper, Jr. District Superintendent R. Lawson Bryan, Bishop SPRC