News

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 ...

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  

5/25/2023

As we prepare for our annual United Methodist homecoming where we will gather, worship, share meals, and carry out the business of the church, here are a few helpful notes.  Download or Print Your Digital Handbook Make sure you have downloaded or printed the digital handbook before you get to Athens, including any addenda or updates. The handbook includes our agenda, reports, parking pass, and other important information.  HANDBOOK Prepare for Worship Service of Remembrance | Thursday, June ...

5/23/2023

Bishop Robin Dease shares that she will call a special session of the North Georgia Annual Conference for Saturday, November 18. Once details are finalized, she will issue the formal call including time and location.   Querid@s amig@s, El miércoles, 24 de mayo es el día Aldersgate, el día en la tradición Metodista cuando celebramos el día en el cual Juan Wesley sintió una gran certeza.  Sintió que su corazón arder de una manera extraña.  Y en esta temporada difícil en la iglesia, aquí ...

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 ...

5/18/2023

For 35 years, the DISCIPLE Bible Study series has been transforming millions of lives around the world with its print editions, and the popular curriculum is now going digital. Offered jointly by the Richard and Julia Wilke Institute for Discipleship and the United Methodist Publishing House, two 24-week studies in the DISCIPLE series will be the first offerings on the brand-new BeADisciple app. “This new version combines the robust impact of DISCIPLE with the infinite reach of digital ...

5/16/2023

We appreciate the time of the Cobb County Superior Court in a hearing about the lawsuit filed against the North Georgia Conference. The Conference is exploring our opportunity to appeal. While details of the order are yet to come, once they are received, the Conference Board of Trustees in conversation with Bishop Dease and the Cabinet will communicate plans and timelines. Leaders of the Conference remain committed to handling this matter in a fair, transparent, uniform, and good faith manner. ...

5/12/2023

Council of Bishops President Thomas J. Bickerton presides at the bishops’ spring 2023 meeting in Chicago. East Ohio Conference Bishop Tracy Smith Malone, at left, is the Council of Bishops president-designate. Photo by the Rev. Todd Rossnagel, Louisiana Conference. By Heather Hahn, United Methodist News The Council of Bishops is recommending that The United Methodist Church hold a five-day session of its top lawmaking assembly in May 2026.  This gathering would be in addition to the regular ...

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 ...

5/10/2023

When teenagers in foster care turn 18, they have the option to stay in state care and receive supportive services that will help them make the challenging transition toward independence. However, these courageous, brave youth often do not have a family support network and need assistance establishing a path towards successful adult lives.  In June 2022, Wellroot Family Services purchased a property in Decatur with plans to provide housing for young adults currently in their Transition and ...

5/9/2023

Bishop Robin Dease was presented the Society of John Wesley Award of Merit by Wesley Theological Seminary at the school's convocation on Monday, May 8. Held at the National Cathedral in Washington, DC, the Rev. Dr. David McAllister-Wilson, president of the Seminary, introduced Bishop Dease and presented the award. Each year, the Society of John Wesley Award of Merit is given to Wesley graduates who exemplify a high standard of commitment and devotion to God, to the church, and to Wesley ...

5/7/2023

Members of the Imani Kiborione Group at their graduation ceremony. In 2020, a group of orphaned and vulnerable children were brought together and told that some people very far away not only thought they deserved a better life, but believed in their ability to become self-sufficient and even to become leaders in their community. It was hard for them to fully grasp what the future could hold, but Zoe helped them dream and then taught them how to achieve their dreams. Your generosity provided ...

5/4/2023

The Columbia County Court has granted motions for injunctions ordering the North Georgia Annual Conference to allow Mann-Mize United Methodist Church (interlocutory injunction) and Trinity on the Hill United Methodist Church (temporary injunction) to proceed with the disaffiliation process. While these decisions are disappointing, they are not final decisions on the merits of these lawsuits. Our belief is that separation of church and state, specifically the free exercise clause and the ...

5/2/2023

Wespath and the North Georgia Conference Benefits Office are aware that after multiple attempts at negotiation, United Healthcare and Northeast Georgia Health System have not been able to reach a contract agreement. As a result, this hospital system and employed physicians are now out of network for HealthFlex participants as of May 1, 2023. Our members who are in active care for critical illnesses, pregnancy, etc, can apply for continuity of care. That information can be found here: https://ww...

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 ...

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 ...

4/16/2023

'May we continue to be open to the Spirit’s leading as we seek to be faithful disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world!'  —Bishop Dease Bishop Robin Dease has announced projected full-time appointment changes as of April 16, 2023. The appointments will be set at the North Georgia Annual Conference and will be effective July 1 unless otherwise noted. Part-time appointments, along with a few full-time appointments, are still in process and are scheduled to be announced in ...

4/9/2023

Bishop Robin Dease offers a message on "The Empty Tomb" to North Georgia United Methodists on Easter Sunday 2023. "Jesus is who he said he is. His word is true and what might be impossible for you is possible through Christ. Because the tomb is empty," she says.  Scroll down to read a transcript of her message in English and en Español.     The Empty Tomb Matthew 28:1-10 Here I stand in this place, a place where many are buried and have been for centuries. Who goes into a cemetery looking for...

4/7/2023

Among the winners of Smithsonian Magazine’s 20th Annual Photo Contest is a photograph taken on the campus of Central United Methodist Church in Atlanta. The photograph is of one woman in a chair, waiting for her polling place inside the church to open. The location is especially poignant because Central UMC has a strong tradition and ministry around the support of voting rights.  Smithsonian Magazine explains: On assignment for an Amsterdam newspaper to document the November 2022 midterm ...

4/3/2023

Bishop Robin Dease has chosen UMCOR (the United Methodist Committee on Relief) and our Conference Disaster Response efforts as the 2023 North Georgia Annual Conference Special Offering.  Churches are invited to collect the offering any time before Annual Conference. One person from each local church will have an opportunity to present a check from their church during the Service of Remembrance on Thursday, June 1, or checks may be submitted to the Conference Office.  Part of the offering will ...