The North Georgia Conference has claimed our core values and named five areas of transformational disciple-making that are most essential to our mission between now and Annual Conference 2024.
Our ability to experience the Word, Christ, through the pages of Christian scripture is at the very center of our United Methodist practice of faith. Scriptural literacy, the ability to access the Bible’s stories, narratives, poetry, fables, parables, history, prophecy, and exposition, is an essential part of our work to both be disciples and to make disciples.
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#2 Health and Wellbeing
These next few years, we commit to helping increase access to mental health support, increasing conversation around wellbeing, and helping communities move toward flourishing. Wellbeing is both individual and communal. We need healthy pastors to lead congregations. We need healthy congregations to nurture discipleship. We need healthy discipleship to lead to transformation of communities. And we need to recognize that serious disparity and stigma exists in access to these resources.
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#3 Community Engagement
United Methodist Christians proclaim the good news of God's grace and exemplify Jesus's command to love God and love neighbor. We believe that Christ will help us become disciples who make disciples by engaging with our communities.
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#4 Racial Justice and Healing
The ultimate goal for anti-racism for the Christian must be community. This is why Dr. King taught about the Beloved Community. The beloved community does not allow injustice to remain. It pursues justice to correct the wrongs and also seeks to heal the wounds caused by the injustice. When community is the goal, the means used to achieve justice matter. The methods used must not prevent healing from being possible. This is why this focus area is called Racial Justice and Healing. Racial Justice and Healing is the pathway to Beloved Community.
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#5 New Faith Opportunities and Communities
We have experienced rapid changes in our culture in the last few years. We have all witnessed the staggering effects of isolation on the mental health and well-being. People are seeking community and meaningful connection. Yet more than 60% of our neighbors do not have a connection to a vibrant faith community. The North Georgia Conference addressing this need and hunger by intentionally cultivating new faith communities for the purpose of moving people into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.
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Values
As United Methodist Christians in North Georgia, we value:
Integrity
We will walk with integrity in Christ and build trust with each other through transparency, honesty, and accountability. As commanded in Jesus’ sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:37, our yes will be yes and our no will be no.
Courage
With courage, we will innovate and adapt, repent and repair, and live out our historic faith as a prophetic witness. When we risk failure or threat for the sake of the Gospel, we will not fear. For Christ has conquered the world. So be at peace, and take good courage. (John 16:33)
Inclusion
Christ welcomes All to the Table. Therefore, so we will. We will remove our prejudicial blinders & barriers, and see each other through the eyes of baptism (Gal 3:28). We will celebrate the beauty of our diversity: for we are the body of Christ, and each one of us is a part of it (1 Cor 12).
Connection
As Wesleyan Christians, we will live and love as one church in limitless missional expressions. As Jesus himself prayed on our behalf in John chapter 17, verses 22-23, our oneness will be our witness.
Transformation
Drawing from Paul’s words in Romans chapter 12 - that we will be transformed by the renewing of our minds and by devoting ourselves to the difficult, holy work of living as Christ’s church - we will seek God’s preferred future for our neighbor as for ourselves. Sanctify us, O God. Perfect us in Your love.
5 Areas of Focus
In the North Georgia Conference, we want to Be Disciples Who Make Disciples devoted to these 5 areas of focus:
#1 Scriptural Literacy and ImaginationOur ability to experience the Word, Christ, through the pages of Christian scripture is at the very center of our United Methodist practice of faith. Scriptural literacy, the ability to access the Bible’s stories, narratives, poetry, fables, parables, history, prophecy, and exposition, is an essential part of our work to both be disciples and to make disciples.
LEARN MORE
#2 Health and Wellbeing
These next few years, we commit to helping increase access to mental health support, increasing conversation around wellbeing, and helping communities move toward flourishing. Wellbeing is both individual and communal. We need healthy pastors to lead congregations. We need healthy congregations to nurture discipleship. We need healthy discipleship to lead to transformation of communities. And we need to recognize that serious disparity and stigma exists in access to these resources.
LEARN MORE
#3 Community Engagement
United Methodist Christians proclaim the good news of God's grace and exemplify Jesus's command to love God and love neighbor. We believe that Christ will help us become disciples who make disciples by engaging with our communities.
LEARN MORE
#4 Racial Justice and Healing
The ultimate goal for anti-racism for the Christian must be community. This is why Dr. King taught about the Beloved Community. The beloved community does not allow injustice to remain. It pursues justice to correct the wrongs and also seeks to heal the wounds caused by the injustice. When community is the goal, the means used to achieve justice matter. The methods used must not prevent healing from being possible. This is why this focus area is called Racial Justice and Healing. Racial Justice and Healing is the pathway to Beloved Community.
LEARN MORE
#5 New Faith Opportunities and Communities
We have experienced rapid changes in our culture in the last few years. We have all witnessed the staggering effects of isolation on the mental health and well-being. People are seeking community and meaningful connection. Yet more than 60% of our neighbors do not have a connection to a vibrant faith community. The North Georgia Conference addressing this need and hunger by intentionally cultivating new faith communities for the purpose of moving people into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.
LEARN MORE
News
North Georgia United Methodists Serving Their Communities MLK Weekend
1/10/2024
In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, United Methodists across the North Georgia Conference are serving, hosting their neighbors, and offering special worship services this weekend. Below are some of the special events and service projects: Andrews Chapel UMC Jonesboro is hosting the 39th annual Clayton County MLK Ecumenical Service. (Learn more.) Ben Hill UMC Atlanta is hosting its annual MLK Community Program, honoring and celebrating the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Service...
One Weekend, Two Next-Level Training Opportunities for Churches
1/4/2024
The North Georgia Conference Center for Congregational Excellence is offering two next-level training opportunities for clergy and laity this month! Both will be presented by Jason Moore, known throughout our denomination and beyond for decades of designing dynamic resources, training, coaching, and consulting for churches of all sizes, styles, and means. Using AI Tools in the Church Jason will walk you through what A.I. is, why we should be using it in the church (with theological ...
Grants Help Address Food Insecurity on College Campuses
1/3/2024
Students at seven colleges, including Reinhardt in the North Georgia Conference, have access to free or low-cost food and hygiene products thanks to grants from the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries. Food insecurity on college campuses is often a hidden problem because students do not want to admit they are in need. The grants were funded by offerings on Human Relations Day, which is coming up on January 14, 2024. Christie R. House reports at umcmission.org/story/responding-to-food-i...
Vamonos al Campo: Take Part in a Workshop Series to Get to Know Our Latin Neighbors
12/21/2023
Vamonos al campo means Let’s go to the fields (or country). Jesus told those who would listen to him, “The fields are ready for the harvest” (John 4.34). In those fields, we hear the cry of the Psalmist: “Hear my prayer, Lord, listen to my cry for help; do not be deaf to my weeping. I dwell with you as a foreigner, a stranger, as all my ancestors were” (Psalm 39.12, NIV). Across North Georgia there are thousands Hispanic and Latino families and individuals seeking a better, healthier, and ...
Rebuilding Hope: Work Teams Needed in Griffin and West Point Areas
12/19/2023
Dr. Stephen Redmond of our Conference Disaster Response Warehouse helps with roof work on a home near Griffin. In the aftermath of early 2023 tornadoes that swept across our state, North Georgia United Methodists are working with partners to bring hope and recovery to those affected — particularly those in hardest-hit areas around West Point and Griffin. With 20 ongoing projects and more in the pipeline, now is the time for church work teams to join the disaster recovery effort. Whether you ...
New Thomson UMC Charters, Community First UMC Carrollton Holds Inaugural Worship Service
12/7/2023
From one side of the state to the other, there was joyful worship on December 3! Sunday marked milestones for faithful United Methodist ministry in two communities. Both are a testament to the gift of our United Methodist connection. Community First United Methodist Church is “Where Community is First!” It was standing room only as United Methodists in Carrollton gathered for the inaugural worship service of Community First United Methodist Church. Led by Rev. Dr. Robert Brown, Community ...
Global Ministries U.S. Mission Partners Consultation Meets in Atlanta
11/30/2023
PHOTO GALLERY Nearly 250 United Methodist leaders in mission from across 53 U.S. annual conferences gathered this week at Peachtree Road UMC in Atlanta for Global Ministries’ U.S. Mission Partners Consultation. The North Georgia Conference was well represented (including Rev. Scott Parrish, Rev. Dr. AnnaKate Rawles, and Bishop Robin Dease who are pictured in the Photo Gallery). Bishop Robin Dease preached on the Wednesday morning of the three-day gathering. Over the three days, leaders ...
Recommended Reading: Books for United Methodist Study, Prayer, and Faithful Living
11/30/2023
We are sharing a dynamic moment in the life of The United Methodist Church—a time of remembering, reaffirming, and renewing. The United Methodist Publishing House (Abingdon Press & Cokesbury) is offering a new collection of relevant resources to inform and encourage clergy and laity as we draw from the deep well of our tradition and step forward with confidence and hope. "I commend these authentic, relevant, and educational resources for United Methodist study, prayer, and faithful living," ...
Helping Visitors Feel Welcome: Sample Video Script for Church Websites and Social Media
11/9/2023
Recently UMCOM (United Methodist Communications) shared an article highlighting the importance of a Plan-Your-Visit page on your church website. Read it here! A great addition to that page is a Welcome Video. Here's a sample script your pastor or another church leader might record. Sample Video Script Template for Church Websites and Social Media "Are you thinking of visiting [NAME UMC] and wondering what to expect? I’m [NAME] and I’m [MY ROLE]. Let me show you around! When you arrive ...
APS Names Westside Table North Atlanta Partner of the Year
11/3/2023
“This is a testament to the power of what we can do when we come together. We are a church with and for this community and when we can come together we can do incredible things and make an incredible difference in the lives of students, teachers, principals and our community.” —Rev. Daniel Ogle, campus pastor, Westside Table Photo: Rev. Daniel and Principal Shavaun Mincey speaking to the congregation of Westside Table We are delighted to share that Atlanta Public Schools has named Westside ...
Plaque Installed in Dedication to Rev. Joel Rodriguez’s Work and Service in Austell
10/26/2023
Earlier this month a plaque was installed outside Austell First UMC in dedication to Rev. Joel Rodriguez's work and service in the Austell community. Austell Mayor Ollie Clemons Jr., District Lay Leader Randy Hardy, local Scouts, Kidz Quest daycare partners, members of Austell First UMC (both English and Spanish speaking congregations), the Rodriguez family and friends, and Joel's beloved wife and current pastor of Austell First UMC the Rev. Dorcas Rodriguez, attended the special ceremony ...
Brighten The Corner Where You Are: New Solar Microgrid Trailer Unveiled
10/17/2023
The North Georgia Conference has the great privilege of being invited into a partnership that will allow our United Methodist ERTs (Early Response Teams) to deploy a solar trailer to communities in times of disaster. (Read the announcement on UMCmission.org.) Powered By Partnership A coalition of partners came together this year to make disaster response more sustainable in Georgia through the building of solar microgrid trailers that serve as mobile solar power stations to provide clean and ...
A New Church Home in Thomson
10/1/2023
PHOTO ALBUM By Sybil Davidson This summer, something exciting began unfolding in the community of Thomson, Georgia. Dozens of United Methodists embarked on a journey that’s both brand new and one of the oldest traditions of our faith: house church. It began when those who were in the minority on a vote about disaffiliation at their local church came together afterward and agreed to meet somewhere the very next Sunday. "As we considered how to move forward, my husband and I decided that ...
Liturgies for Hispanic Heritage Month
9/28/2023
The Hispanic Ministries Committee is preparing worship liturgies to help all our congregations across the conference celebrate with our Hispanic-Latino neighbors. The first liturgy and two creeds are below. Churches are invited and encouraged to use these in worship: Liturgy for Hispanic Heritage Month Hispanic Creed (Credo Hispano) Immigrants Creed (Credo Migrante)
Aldersgate UMC Launches 'The Table' Recovery Church
9/26/2023
Aldersgate UMC in Augusta started The Table Recovery Church in May of this year to support those dealing with addictions, afflictions, and compulsive behaviors. Each Sunday at 11:30 a.m., The Table features a simple lunch, a short message on one of the 12 Steps, and open sharing. Recovery involves not only overcoming the physical and psychological but also becoming spiritually strong. That’s why The Table is more than an AA meeting (although they strongly encourage participation in other ...
LaGrange First UMC Hosts LaGrange College Sunday
9/26/2023
LaGrange First UMC has the gift of being located less than one mile from United Methodist-related LaGrange College! On September 23 the church celebrated the long relationship and connection by welcoming students, faculty, staff, and leaders to "LaGrange College Sunday" at the church. Students planned and participated in worship. Music, liturgy, and scripture were all led by LaGrange College students. College President Susanne Baxter offered a word to the congregation, and College Chaplain ...
Lighthouse Congregation Training Prepares Churches to Offer Hope and Welcome Across North Georgia
9/21/2023
The Lighthouse Congregation movement is well underway in the North Georgia Conference! More than 100 people from 28 churches have gone through Lighthouse Training this summer and five more sessions are scheduled for the fall (and additional to come). "Lighthouse Congregation" is a designation for churches devoted to Christian hospitality and the welcome and care of people who've been displaced from their church home by disruption, disaffiliation, or closure. Lighthouse Congregations will be ...
United Methodists Deliver on Diaper Drive Challenge
9/11/2023
(Photo: Members of Trinity UMC Cartersville delivering diapers) VIEW PHOTO ALBUM Recognizing that the cost of diapers is a hardship on struggling families in communities across our Conference, Bishop Robin Dease reached out to North Georgia United Methodists and encouraged them to host a diaper drive in the weeks and months ahead. North Georgia United Methodists from one side of our Annual Conference to the other, have delivered! (Photo: Decatur First UMC diaper donations line the altar)...
Peachtree Road UMC and Community Partners Open the 'Welcome Home House' for Incarcerated Women Reentering Society
8/29/2023
Peachtree Road UMC in Atlanta and City of Refuge (COR), a faith-based organization focused on families transitioning from crisis, have opened their first Welcome Home House, a supportive, transitional house for women reentering society from prison. Atlanta Habitat for Humanity constructed the four-bedroom, two-bathroom house located on Atlanta’s Westside. A collaboration between PRUMC and COR, the Welcome Home House program seeks to build safe, stable housing for women returning to society from ...
Grace United Methodist Church Elberton Launches With Worship
8/28/2023
Pictured: South East District Lay Leader Jennifer Byrd, District Mission Specialist Rev. Dana Everhart, District Superintendent Rev. Greg Porterfield, and Rev Jim McCollough A new church is launching in Elberton! Grace United Methodist Church was officially constituted in the South East District of the North Georgia Conference last month and held its inaugural worship service on Wednesday, August 9. The Rev. Jim McCollough will serve as pastor of the new church start. During an ...
Naglee Carves Communion Set from Fallen Oak as Gift to ERTs
8/23/2023
PHOTO ALBUM Rev. David Naglee, retired clergy, recently crafted a communion chalice and paten as a gift to the ERT of the North Georgia Conference. ERT (Early Response Teams) are volunteers from across our Conference trained to respond after tornadoes, floods, hurricanes, and other disasters. Naglee, a master woodworker, carved the set from a branch of an oak that was downed by the March tornado in Pine Mountain. It is fitting that ERT from Newnan First UMC, responding to the storm in ...
East Cobb UMC Hosts Time of Prayer & Action in Support of Jewish Neighbors
6/29/2023
Rev. Kristin Lee welcomes the Cobb County faith community to a time of Prayer & Action East Cobb UMC in Marietta hosted people of faith from across their community to support Jewish neighbors following a hateful demonstration in front of an East Cobb synagogue during services Saturday. Participants in the Time of Prayer and Action on Wednesday, June 28, filled the East Cobb UMC sanctuary to overflowing. Organized by Rev. Kristin Lee of East Cobb UMC, Mechel McKinley-Hoffman of Marietta First ...
Summer Service: Dallas First UMC Hosts River of Life Mission Week
6/28/2023
Each summer Dallas First UMC hosts a five-day "River of Life" mission event. During River of Life, youth and adults serve as the hands and feet of Christ in the Paulding County community by providing home repairs and fellowship to those in need. This year's participants came from Dallas First UMC, Wesley Way UMC, McEachern UMC, and Hopewell UMC. Bishop Robin Dease and Central West Superintendent Rev. Dr. Jessica Terrell joined for a day and helped construct a wheelchair ramp for a local family....
North Georgia Conference Offers Special Promotion with Amplify Media
6/16/2023
Discount Available Through June 30 The North Georgia Conference is pleased to announce a partnership with Amplify Media to provide United Methodist churches in our Conference with access to the streaming service at a deeply discounted rate. The discount can be activated through June 30. Amplify is an online resource for church‐wide, group, or individual study, worship, and devotional material. Access anytime, anywhere, on any device – all with one subscription for your entire congregation. ...
Celebrating 2023 Denman Evangelism Award Winners
6/15/2023
Each year our Annual Conference has the honor of selecting three individuals to receive the Denman Evangelism Award. The award honors a United Methodist clergy, lay person, and youth in every annual conference who consistently introduces others to the Good News of Jesus Christ. The award is named for the late Harry Denman, a lay person whose passion was helping others to know Jesus. This year, the following disciple-makers in the North Georgia Conference received the award: 2023 Denman ...
Gainesville First UMC Hosts Blessing of the Boats
6/14/2023
On Sunday, May 28, Gainesville First UMC hosted a Blessing of the Boats service at their 8:30 a.m. Lakeside Worship. The boating community on Lake Lanier was invited to bring their boats to the Gainesville First UMC boat dock, and a prayer was offered along with a gift of a floating key chain. The church plans to make this an annual tradition to kick off the lake season. Gainesville First's Lakeside Worship is held every Sunday (weather permitting) at 8:30 am from May through October on the...
Aldersgate UMC Awarded Foundation for Evangelism Grant for Single Parent Ministry
6/13/2023
Aldersgate UMC in Augusta is reaching out with hope and support for single parents in its community. The congregation was recently awarded a $10,000 grant from the Foundation for Evangelism, recognizing their efforts in establishing a Single Parent Ministry. With this generous support, Aldersgate UMC is poised to create a nurturing environment where single parents and their families can find community, encouragement, and practical assistance. These ministry efforts will support those who are ...
"They Refused to Let Me In..." Rev. Dr. Paul Easley // North Georgia Reparations Task Force
5/26/2023
Hear the story of one of our Black pastors who was refused entry into worship at a White church in North Georgia around 1960 and how the church sought to begin to heal the hurt in 2018. Long-form Video Shorter Trailer Video Podcast Format The Reparations Task Force has created a series of videos highlighting historical stories about racism and how the Conference has moved in the past to begin the work. Now is time to continue that work until racial healing is realized in our Conference.
Glisson 1962 Race Relations Retreat // North Georgia Reparations Task Force
5/26/2023
Hear the story of how Camp Glisson, youth, young adults, and other Conference leaders courageously led an interracial overnight gathering that may have been the first time in Georgia. Courage like this is what we still need today to heal the hurts that remain among us. Long-form Video Shorter Trailer Video Podcast Format The Reparations Task Force has created a series of videos highlighting historical stories about racism and how the Conference has moved in the past to begin the work. Now ...
Native Americans and the North Georgia Conference // North Georgia Reparations Task Force
5/26/2023
The Reparations Task Force has created a series of videos highlighting historical stories about racism and how the Conference has moved in the past to begin the work. Now is time to continue that work until racial healing is realized in our Conference. In this short video, hear how Native's were removed from north Georgia and how the Conference benefitted. Long-form Video Shorter Trailer Video Podcast Format
Academy for Leadership & Innovation Celebrates Graduation
5/18/2023
On Tuesday the 2022-2023 North Georgia Academy for Leadership & Innovation celebrated the conclusion of nine months of learning and growing together. The graduation was hosted by Gainesville First UMC. Rev. Blair Boyd Zant brought words of encouragement and commendation to the group and they were sent forth by Bishop James Swanson with a charge to see, invite, and include the forgotten, the lonely and the hurting among us who need the love of Christ. "Bishop James Swanson preached a powerful ...
Native American Ministries Holds Annual Gathering at Pine Log UMC
5/10/2023
On April 29, the North Georgia Committee on Native American Ministries hosted its annual Native American Gathering at the Pine Log UMC Campground. This year’s guest speaker was Rev Larry Jent, pastor at Grace Hartwood UMC in Hartwood, Virginia. Rev. Jent is a teacher, musician, storyteller, and Native American advocate. The event included a message from recipients of the North Georgia United Methodist Native American Scholarship. This year's recipients were Samantha Kent who is graduating ...
Church Bells to School Bells: Clergy Substitute Teach in Their Community
4/19/2023
By Sybil Davidson In recent years, school districts across the country have faced a shortage of substitute teachers. Recognizing their call to church and community, several North Georgia Conference clergy have responded by serving as "subs" in their local schools—exchanging church bells for school bells as they're needed. Clergy bring unique gifts and skillsets that make them well qualified for the role: a desire to serve the community, experience working with children and youth, safe ...
Reparations Task Force Continues Work and Study with Definitions, Framework, and Witness
4/19/2023
Formed in response to thoughtful discussion at Annual Conference 2022, the Task Force will bring a report to the 2023 Annual Conference session By Latoya Damon The Reparations Taskforce gathered on March 10 and 11 at Central UMC in Atlanta to continue their discussion on actionable steps toward restoring our beloved communities through racial healing and reconciliation. Curtis Paul DeYoung, a co-facilitator of the taskforce and the co-author of Radical Reconciliation: Beyond Political Pietism ...
Disaster Response: Launching Long Term Recovery Effort Following January Tornadoes
4/3/2023
PHOTO ALBUM United Methodists gathered in Griffin on March 31 for a celebration and a commitment. It was a day to honor the work of the churches, clergy, ERT (Early Response Teams), and our United Methodist connection in response to the communities struck by a band of tornadoes on January 12, 2023. The day ended with the launch of our long-term recovery effort. Griffin First UMC's clergy, Rev. John Mattox, Rev. Nelson Furtado, and Rev. Debby Stikes, led a tour of the local damage and of the ...
Our Top 5 Favorite Stories of 2022
12/29/2022
You have been living out the mission of the church this year! Take a look at our top 5 favorite stories of North Georgia United Methodists in 2022! Responding to Neighbors in Need The North Georgia Conference has been awarded a grant of $500k for Newnan Tornado Recovery from UMCOR (the United Methodist Committee on Relief). This is the largest grant our conference has ever received from UMCOR. The North Georgia Conference will use these funds to repair or fully rebuild the homes of three ...
5 Areas of Focus in Action
9/6/2022
In June, the North Georgia Annual Conference officially adopted 5 Core Values and 5 Areas of Focus to guide us into transformational disciple-making between now and Annual Conference 2024. On the post-Conference survey, one or more areas resonated with nearly every person we heard from! Connect below with resources and inspiration from these values and focus areas. The Core Values As United Methodist Christians in North Georgia, we value: Integrity: We will walk with integrity in Christ and ...
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