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 Consultations With the District Superintendent The D.S. has set aside dates and times for consultations with the local church SPRCs during September and October. Cluster 1, September 11, at District Office Cluster 5, October 2, at Americus 1st UMC Cluster 2, September 13, at Fort Valley UMC Cluster 6, October 4, at Cuthbert UMC Cluster 3, September 18, at Buena Vista UMC Cluster 7, October 10, at Upatoi UMC Cluster 4, September 20, at Vienna UMC Cluster 8, October 11, at South Columbus UMC Pastors are asked to bring from their church a list of volunteers and the area they wish to serve during The 2019 South Georgia Annual Conference which will be held in Columbus. Northwest District Charge Conference Schedule Cluster 1 and 2 Charge Conference at 4:00 p.m. at St. Paul UMC, Columbus Cluster 3 and 4 Charge Conference at 4:00 p.m. at the Ellaville UMC, Elaville Cluster 5 and 6 Charge Conference at 4:00 p.m. at the Lee Street UMC, Americas Cluster 7 and 8 Charge Conference at 4:00 p.m. at the South Columbus UMC, Columbus Three Appointments Announced, Effective October 1 Bishop Lawson Bryan has announced appointments for the 3 local church positions effective October 1. Dr. Tony Caldwell, currently serving as pastor of Montezuma United Methodist Church, will be appointed to Hinesville First United Methodist Church. Rev. Jonathan Beckum, currently serving at Ellaville United Methodist Church and Corinth United Methodist Church, has been appointed to Montezuma UMC. Haynes Martin, a certified candidate currently serving as assistant pastor at Martha Bowman United Methodist Church in Macon, will be appointed to Ellaville/Coirinth. Delegation To Host Listening Sessions South Georgia s General Conference delegation will host three listening post sessions to provide South Georgia clergy and laity the opportunity to share their thoughts and take part in the Way Forward conversation. Three listening sessions will be held, and several delegation members will be present at each meeting: Thursday, October 11, 10:00 a.m. - noon,the Chapel, Brunswick Wednesday, October 17, 10:00 a.m. - noon, Centenary UMC, Macon Thursday, October 25, 10:00 a.m. - noon, Cordele First UMC Those who aren t able to attend a listening post session have the opportunity to express their thoughts through an online form. https://sgaumc-reg.brtapp.com/inputfordelegation The events will be structured to allow time for anyone wishing to speak to have a chance to do so. Delegation members will not make presentations or answer questions but will be present to listen, said Jay Hanson, a General Conference delegate and pastor of The Chapel Ministries in Brunswick. Registration is not necessary to attend or participate. For more information, visit www.sgaumc.org/delegation2019. September 2018 1
Dooly Camp Meeting Sunday, September 23 - Thursday, September 27, 2018 Join us for Old Time Religion Camp Meeting 2018 in a historic tabernacle on Dooly Campground Located at 21 Parsonage Road in Vienna, GA 31092 Preaching: George Mathison, Pastor Emeritus, Auburn United Methodist Church George Mathison Preacher Health Quotient Online Survey Deadline Pastors who are on HealthFlex, remember you must complete the Health Quotient online survey by September 30, or your deductible will increase by $250. If your spouse is on HealthFlex, they must also take the survey, or the deductible increases an addition $250. To take your Health Quotient, login to HealthFlex/WebMD. The option will pop up as soon as you log in. If you need assistance, Please call the Administrative Services (800-535-4224, 478-739-0048). Winter Conference January 29 - February 1, 2019 Epworth By The Sea Join Bishops Sue Hampert-Johnson (North Georgia), Ken Carter (Florida), James Swanson (Mississippi) and Lawson Bryan (South Georgia) for Winter Conference 2019 at Epworth By The Sea. Dr. Tod Bolsinger, Vice President 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. Further information about faculty, preachers, and curriculum will be announced shortly. September 2018 2
Marriage Enrichment Retreats at Lake Junaluska We are created for a lifetime of love and intimacy, but relations can be hard, even for the happiest couples. Distance, frustration and disconnection can enter through any number of life s events This retreat will help you better understand your partner and learn to cultivate a warmer, more joyful and loving relationship. Learn more at www.lakejunaluska.com/marriage or call 800-222-4930. From the Bishop As we journey toward General Conference, Stay Calm, Stay Connected, Stay the Course FROM THE BISHOP R. LAWSON BRYAN Attendance at the Way Forward district meetings has been outstanding. With nearly 500 people present in Columbus, nearly 400 in Statesboro, and around 350 in Valdosta, the interest of our church members and pastors is certainly evident. Those present at each gathering have inspired me with their sincere devotion, their deep love for the Church, and their passionate desire to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. The three remaining Way Forward meetings will be held in Hinesville (9/6), Macon (9/9), and Albany (9/18). I look forward to these opportunities to continue connecting with so many laity and clergy across South Georgia. The strong attendance we are having demonstrates that we are indeed Alive Together in Christ. In these district meetings we are watching a 10-minute video that summarizes the three plans offered by the Commission on a Way Forward. Thanks to Debbie Hudgens for narrating the video! Debbie, a member of White Bluff UMC in Savannah, is well-known and highly respected for her leadership in our annual conference. Following the video, the bulk of the meeting time is spent answering questions of interest to those present. The goal is to enable our laity and clergy to give non-anxious leadership by equipping them with clarity about the three plans and knowledge of the process that is unfolding. I have been reminding us all of the 4-Ls: loving leads to listening; listening leads to learning; and learning shows us how to lead in a given situation. The order is important. Effective leadership starts with genuinely loving God and our neighbor. That first step must not be overlooked. It is the deep love for God and for others that causes to want to truly listen to one another. And it is through such compassionate listening that we are able to learn what we need to know to gain true understanding of each other. This results in a leadership style that is effective because it grows out of loving, listening, and learning. Each of us can practice the four Ls in our daily interaction with others: Loving, Listening, Learning, Leading. In addition to the Way Forward district meetings, the members of our General Conference delegation are sponsoring listening posts a time of informal conversation where you can give voice to any concerns you have. The delegation invites you to attend one of the listening post sessions from 10 a.m. until noon on the following days: October 11 at The Chapel in Brunswick; October 17 at Centenary UMC in Macon; and October 25 at FUMC Cordele. Feedback may also be shared with the delegation through the online input form at www.sgumc.com/delegation2019. Two other items are of special interest in the Way Forward conversation. First, the Council of Bishops has asked the Judicial Council to issue a declaratory decision indicating any part of the three plans that is considered unconstitutional. It is important to know this before the special called session of General Conference, Feb. 23-26, 2019. The Judicial Council meets in October and we hope to have their ruling by the end of that month. Second, in November the 100 or so petitions that have been sent in will also be published. This will allow us to study them before General Conference. I believe these petitions will address many of the specific concerns raised by church members in our district meetings. The wonderful spirit in our district meetings leads me to reiterate the refrain that has been guiding us as we journey toward General Conference: Stay Calm. Stay Connected. Stay the Course. Alive Together in the World, R. Lawson Bryan September 2018 3
September 2018 4
District Superintendent s Calendar 2018 July 1 Buddy preaching at Christ UMC Warner Robins 10:00 a.m. 6 lunch with Chris Tyra in Columbus 8 Worship with Midland UMC Bob Hereford 13 AC planning meeting at St. Luke with James Crosse, Robert Beckum, and Kelly Roberson 10:00 15-20 Buddy at Cabinet meeting/pastor's School/Sexual Ethics workshop (July 20-August 10 Bishop Bryan's vacation) July 22-August 4 Buddy's vacation August 14 Cabinet meeting Macon Children's Home 9:00 19-22 Buddy preaching Homecoming and Revival at Hopewell UMC 25 Pathways, Trinity UMC in Warner Robins 28 Nita Crump and Allison Lindsey meeting, my office, 11:00 September 10 Cabinet meeting Wesley Glen 9:00 11 Cluster 1, SPRCs meeting with Buddy at the District Office (Clergy Coor. Will have sign up) 13 Cluster 2 SPRCs meeting with Buddy at Fort Valley UMC. (Clergy Coor. Will have sign up) 16 Cluster 1 and 2 Charge Conference at 4:00 at St. Paul UMC, Columbus 18 Cluster 3 SPRCs meeting with Buddy at Buena Vista UMC (Clergy Coor. Set up times) 8:30-5:00 30 minute increments 20 Cluster 4 SPRCs meeting with Buddy at Vienna UMC (Clergy Coor. Set up times) 23-27 Dooly Campmeeting Dr. George Mathison preaching 11:00 Sunday 7:00 each evening 30 11:00 Buddy preaching for Rodney Porter, Striplin Terrace UMC 30 Cluster 3,4 Charge Conferences at Ellaville UMC 4:00 October 2 Cluster 5 SPRCs meeting with Buddy at Americus UMC (Clergy Coor. Will set up times) 4 Cluster 6 SPRCs meeting with Buddy at Cuthbert UMC (Clergy Coor. Will set up times) 8:30-5:00 30 minute increments 7 Cluster 5,6 Charge Conferences at Lee Street UMC 4:00 9 Cabinet meeting at Magnolia Manor, Americus 9:00 10 Cluster 7 SPRCs meeting with Buddy at Upatoi UMC (Clergy Coor. Will set up times) 8:30-5:00 30 minute increments THIS WAS ORIGINALLY THE 9TH!!!!! 11 Cluster 8 SPRCs meeting with Buddy at South Columbus UMC (Clergy Coor. Set up times 8:30-5:00 30 minute increments 12-13 Wedding of Marianna and Patrick, St. Paul UMC Buddy officiating 14 160th Anniversary of Ellaville UMC Buddy Preaching at 11:00 20 UMW Anual Meeting at Trinity, Warner Robins. 10:00 21 Cluster 7,8 Charge Conferences at South Columbus UMC 4:00 23 Conference Day apart for General Conference 2019 ( to be announced) September 2018 5
November 13 Cabinet Meeting at Riverside UMC 9:00 14 Leadership Forum at Children's Home Macon 19-22 office closed for Thanksgiving 29 Cabinet Christmas Party. December 1 Northwest District Christmas Party (to be announced) 12/17/2018-1/2/2019 office will be closed (Year end reporting being done) 2019 January 3-25 Buddy's consultations with Northwest Ministers (to be set up) 28-Feb. 1 Winter Series. February 1 SPRC and Minister reports due in to DS 11-15 Appointive Cabinet meeting 19 1:00 Nominations Meeting in Macon, Riverside UMC 23-28 General Conference, St. Louis March 6-8 Appointive Cabinet Meeting 9 Delegation and Bishop Bryan report to pre-conference meeting Tifton, GA 11-15 Appointive Cabinet meeting 25-27 Appointive Cabinet Meeting Retreat 29-30 Jed Harris wedding St. Paul Buddy officiating April 1-5 Appointive Cabinet 7 Release of appointments 15-21 Holy Week/Easter 28 Northwest District Conferences May 22 Moving Pastors workshop Riverside UMC 10:30-2:00 June 2-5 AC at Trade Center Columbus, GA September 2018 6
District Cares and Concerns Betty Gilbert (widow of Emory Gilbert) passed away on September 4, 2018. Funeral Service was on Thursday, September 6, at 2:30 p.m. in the St. Luke Sanctuary in Columbus. Visitation followed in Stockwell Hall. Private burial will be at a later time. Conference to offer Certified Lay Minister Training Laity have long been an integral part of Methodist ministry. Lay leaders, lay speakers, and lay missioners have served the church almost since its inception. Certified Lay Ministers (CLMs) typically provide ministry in part-time or volunteer roles in a variety of formats including conducting public worship, caring for the congregation, assisting in program leadership,developing new and existing faith communities, preaching the Word, leading small groups, and establishing community outreach ministries. Congregational Development and Connectional Ministries have partnered to offer a training opportunity to help laity deepen their leadership skills and gain practical, handson experience. 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. The coursework includes holistic ministry training covering the following topics: Worship Discipleship Preaching and Teaching Congregational Care Communication Organizational and Personal Leadership United Methodist Connection During the training, which runs Oct. 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 nitac@sgaumc.com for more information. 2018-2019 Sexual Ethics Workshops September 13, 2018- Thursday, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm, St. Luke, Columbus February 21, 2019- Thursday, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm, Pitman Park UMC, Statesboro April 9, 2019- Tuesday, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm, Vineville UMC, Macon The Sexual Ethics Workshop is sponsored by the South Georgia Conference Pastoral Counselor Office. It is required every three years for any person serving under appointment by the bishop (clergy, local pastors, extension ministers, appointed lay speakers). Register online at www.sgaumc.org/ pastoralcounselor. The cost for the workshop is $35.00 and will be collected at the door. Lunch and materials are included in the workshop cost. Checks can be made payable to the South Georgia Conference. For questions, email Kate Tyler at cpcassistant@sgaumc.com Those needing to take the workshop before 2019 Annual Conference are: James Aycock, Jr., Alan Barrett, J. Robert Beckum, Jonathan Beckum, Susan Beverly, Stephen Brinkman, Daryl Brown, Stephanie Caldwell, Thomas W. Carruth, David Carter, Dwight Dunn, Cindy Garrard, Hall Grimmett, Wesley Kaylor, Linda Laye, Brett Maddocks, Lynn Martin, Donald Mathis, Guy Mathis, Jr., Kent Miller, Joyce Moncrief, Wayne Morrow, Jr., L.K. Pendleton, Rodney Porter, Cindy Reichard, Leanette Roberson, Rickey Rushing, Vicki Scott, Tillford Thomas, John Allen Walker, Duane Whittaker, Don Wolfgang, and Chris Wooden. September 2018 7