News

11/16/2024

Young Harris College is proud to announce that Dr. John W. Wells has been chosen to serve as its 24th President by a unanimous vote of the Board of Trustees at its meeting on November 8, 2024. Dr. Wells succeeds President Drew Van Horn, who is retiring at the end of the fall semester. Dr. Wells previously served as Provost and Interim President of Young Harris from 2005 to 2009, during the College's transition from junior college to senior college. He most recently served as Provost and then ...

11/15/2024

“Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.” Matthew 9:35-37 NIV PHOTO ALBUM By Sybil Davidson This week an Early Response Team (ERT) from the Greater New Jersey and Eastern ...

11/14/2024

Updated November 14 How You Can Help "This historic disaster needs a historic response from our congregations," said Rev. Scott Parrish, Conference Disaster Response Coordinator.    Work Teams, Volunteers, and ERT Needed Scheduling Now UMCOR ERT, work teams, and individual volunteers are needed now in the greater Augusta area. To volunteer as an individual or to bring a team, please contact Rev. Scott Parrish at scott.parrish@ngumc.net.    UMCOR Relief Buckets and Kits Needed (Assemble and ...

11/12/2024

PHOTO ALBUM The Center for Clergy Excellence was thrilled to welcome provisional clergy and the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry to the new United Methodist Center on November 7 for the first Conference event in "Wesley Hall," the large meeting space that is one of the great assets of the center.  The annual "Fruitfulness in Ministry" Celebration is a time for provisional members to present their fruitfulness project, a part of their ordination requirements. The presentations offer the ...

11/8/2024

Hurricane Helene made landfall on September 27, 2024, leaving a large path of destruction across the south east. The impact of this natural disaster in the greater Augusta area was profound. At United Methodist-related Paine College, the damage to the grounds and facilities is estimated at $4 Million. Neither the insurance provider nor FEMA will cover 100% of the costs to restore the campus. There are repairs that must be addressed immediately or buildings will run the risk of further damage. ...

11/7/2024

  Dear friends, I must be honest that I have struggled this week to write something that I thought would be unifying. Then I realized that I along with the Council of Bishops need to speak as one. That has been our theme this week as we have gathered at Epworth By The Sea. I share our letter with you below. Bishop Robin Dease     A Pastoral Letter from the Council of Bishops on the US Elections “Now faith, hope, and love remain…and the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13 CEB   ...

11/5/2024

By Sybil Davidson United Methodist layperson Beth Abernathy had a simple but powerful idea earlier this year that has sparked a movement.   Kind30 is a framework that invites people to take part in intentional acts of kindness each day for 30 days. The program was months in the making but officially launched in October to align with World Mental Health Day October 10.    The idea started at Peachtree Road UMC when church member Diane Moffett spoke to Beth’s Sunday School class and referenced a ...

11/4/2024

As the Advent and Christmas season approaches, United Methodists have the opportunity to spread hope, peace, joy, and love to children, families, and caregivers in our communities.  Consider helping Murphy-Harpst Children’s Centers fulfill Christmas wishes for vulnerable children, supporting Wellroot Family Services as they care for more than 1,000 youth and families, or lending a hand to The Nett UMC’s annual Toy Shop to bring a special holiday experience to families in Gwinnett County. Here's...

11/4/2024

This month, GCORR - the General Commission on Religion and Race, the UMC commission equipped to challenge and equip leaders towards greater racial equity - is recommending several resources in celebrating Native American Heritage Month. 11 Facts About Native People in Society and the Church (By Bishop David Wilson) Video: Ongoing Acts of Repentance with Indigenous People (By Rev. Chebon Kernell) Land Acknowledgement vs. Welcome by the Original People (By Ragghi Rain, Chairperson, Native ...

10/31/2024

The Board of Trustees of Paine College is pleased to announce the appointment of Rev. Dr. Lester A. McCorn as President-select. Known for his transformational leadership in higher education, Dr. McCorn brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to Paine College. McCorn will assume the presidency of the college on January 1, 2025. Paine College, located in Augusta, is a private, four-year HBCU affiliated with The United Methodist Church. Since 2017, McCorn has served as President and Professor...

10/31/2024

The General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR) is pleased to announce the release of a new six-session small group study for Our Hearts Were Strangely Lukewarm: The American Methodist Church and the Struggle with White Supremacy. This study is designed to invite Christians—particularly white Christians—into deep reflection and open dialogue about the realities of racism, with a focus on anti-Black racism within the church and society. Learn more at www.r2hub.org/library/our-hearts-were-str...

10/30/2024

Calling all HealthFlex Participants! From October 30 to November 14 you’ll select your 2025 HealthFlex benefits. But figuring out what changes to make (if any) isn’t always easy—which is why we recommend doing a quick checkup with ALEX®, the virtual benefits counselor. Log into your Benefits Access account and give Alex a try. On your home summary page you can click either the “Learn More” button at the top or the “Get Started” link in your Health Summary box.  Here you’ll find: the link to try...

10/29/2024

A church closure cannot be used as an alternative method of disaffiliation   By Heather Hahn, United Methodist News Service Read the full article at www.umnews.org/en/news/church-court-season-of-church-exits-is-over A church law designed for handling church closures cannot be used as a way for congregations to leave The United Methodist Church with property, the denomination’s top court ruled. “With the expiration and deletion of ¶2553, the postponed 2020 General Conference effectively removed ...

10/28/2024

Ellijay First United Methodist Church hosted the 10th Annual Gathering of Native Americans in North Georgia on Saturday, October 26. Special music included Indigenous drummers from Plant City, Florida, and the Plum Praisey Band (Pine Log United Methodist Praise Band). The music included a variety of Christian music ranging from “Amazing Grace,” which is the national anthem of the Cherokee Nation, to contemporary song of “Spirit in the Sky,” and many songs sung in the Native languages. The Rev. ...

10/28/2024

And the need remains great One month later, communities across Georgia continue to feel the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene. And the United Methodist connection continues to mobilize volunteers and resources to assist those most affected. Over the past weekend, clergy and laity stepped up to be the hands and feet of Christ in Augusta, Martinez, Harlem, Grovetown, Thomson, and beyond, as well as at the Disaster Response Warehouse. North Georgia United Methodists have shown up as badged ...

10/21/2024

In recent days and weeks, we in Georgia have experienced sorrow—from heartwrenching gun violence, to devastating storms, and the tragic loss of at least seven lives, including a beloved retired clergyperson, to a tragic accident. In this time of grief, Bishop Robin Dease offers a heartfelt plea to God. Lord of Comfort, Our hearts are heavy with grief. Destruction, violence, and death have impacted us and our communities in the Georgia Area of The United Methodist Church. From Apalachee High to ...

10/16/2024

Plus 5 Things to Expect When Your Pastor's Expecting By Sybil Davidson If you subscribe to the "Prayers & Celebrations" e-newsletter, you have said a joyful prayer of praise for the birth of a precious newborn many times this year! More than 10 North Georgia United Methodist clergy families (and counting!) have welcomed babies in recent months.  We have celebrated and prayed alongside Rev. AnnaKate Rawls, Rev. Andrew Chappell, Rev. Kaylen Short, Rev. Nelson Furtado, Rev. Connor Bell, Rev. Jin...

10/15/2024

Sunday, October 27, churches across North Georgia will receive the Aldersgate Homes / Camp Collinswood Special Offering. A related agency of the North Georgia Conference, this offering is a major source of funding for this important ministry.   Aldersgate Homes strives to help people with developmental disabilities lead meaningful and productive lives by providing them with residential support and recreational opportunities. The ministry supports people with developmental disabilities to live ...

10/15/2024

Since the official establishment of the Georgia Episcopal Area, leadership from the North and South Georgia Annual Conferences have prayerfully considered ways the two Conferences can collaborate to enhance and grow the mission of Jesus Christ across our state. They are asking the question, what can we do better, more effectively, and more efficiently together to serve Christ, the church, and the world?  One clear step is coordinated staffing. As staff needs shifted this fall, conference ...

10/14/2024

Rev. Ernesto Machado and Craig O'Hara at Faith UMC Tampa By Sybil Davidson Thanks to the generosity of Georgia United Methodists, our Disaster Response Warehouse was well-stocked with UMCOR Relief Kits at the start of the 2024 hurricane season. Since September, those kits have been deployed to areas in great need in the South Georgia, Western North Carolina, North Georgia, and Florida Annual Conferences. Craig O’Hara, a North Georgia ERT (Early Response Team member) and member of Community ...