February is Black History Month and there are a number of stories and resources available from United Methodist Communications, Global Ministries, and Discipleship Ministries. Center Honors Black Methodists' History  The History of Black History Month  First United Methodist Church of Lewisville's Litany for MLK Day Global Ministries' Black History Month resources Worship Resources from the African American Lectionary Timeline: Methodism in Black and White  Black History Month Stories from ...

Fun Fact About Jasmine Smothers:  Photography was one of my favorite hobbies in high school and college. I’m now trying to relearn the art of photography in an effort to lift up my heart, mind and soul to see what God would have me see in the world.  What services does your position offer to local Churches? My main priority is church consultation through leadership and visioning training. The most impactful and wide-reaching way we are doing this work is through the Next Faithful ...

Fun Fact:  I love backpacking and hiking. What services does your position offer to local Churches? I’m responsible for the camp and retreat ministries in The North Georgia Conference. This includes Glisson Camp and Retreat Center, and our emerging ministries, Grow and Experiential Leadership Institute. Our task is partnering with churches to nurture faith and discipleship, and to develop Christian servant leaders. We offer summer and year-round programming and also host retreats year-round. ...

  Fun Fact About Sybil Davidson I consider myself a good editor, but have made some typos on occasion. Once, as graphic designer at the Wesleyan Christian Advocate, I typed “Headline Goes Here” over a story by a respected South Georgia pastor. Unfortunately, I never got around to writing a real headline and that’s how it went to press. Another time, I wrote about someone’s “believed wife.” Thank goodness the “beloved wife” was gracious and kind. She got a laugh out of that mistake. ...

What are the commonalities shared among our neighbors to the south in the Caribbean, Central and South America?  What is the responsibility and opportunity  of the church to people with disabilities?  What does it mean to be happy in the Lord? These questions will be explored at Mission u, the mission education event of the North Georgia Conference, which will be held July 17-18 at Fayetteville First United Methodist Church.  For those who can come a day early, an optional, hands-on mission ...

Join the churches that have benefited from your gifts  The North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church is announcing today that a special offering is planned for Sunday May 31, 2015. This offering is to be taken up at each local church that Sunday. Tell your congregation to place the donation in the offering plate with a note to designate it to the Peace with Justice Fund. Why should you give on this day?  Ask the following churches who have benefited by your gracious offering and ...

Fun Fact about Ansley Brackin I was deemed an “old soul” in high school with the purchase of my first car, a 1966 Mustang. I enjoy finding and using analogue cameras, and I’m slowly growing my vinyl collection.   What services does your position offer to local Churches?  My biggest role is to write stories on the great things going on in our churches and ministries! People across the conference come up with some highly innovative ideas to better engage with their congregations and ...

  “Something new and different happens here when we empower the world.” – Scott Parrish By Ansley Brackin Communications Specialist Rev. Scott Parrish, our North Georgia Conference Missions Specialists, wants everyone to know that mission trips are made up of more than just handy work. United Methodists across the world need conversation and comradery as much as they need able bodies who know their way around a hammer and nails. Each of our Conference’s seven international Bridge connections ...

  Fun Facts About Scott Parrish He grows heirloom vegetables- “the old timey, non-hybrid, great tasting, but finicky items”. He enjoys eating local cuisine no matter where he is in the world, and occasionally cooks based on these interests.   What services does the Missions Specialist offer to local Churches? I am in a new position as a mission strategist as I serve North Georgia churches and work with the UMC’s Global Ministries. The emphasis in both capacities is to help congregations ...

Fun Fact About Sam Halverson  I love to cook for my family and friends and love eating in local places almost as much. Many would call me a “coffee snob” (but only before 1 p.m.).   What services does your position offer to local Churches? As one of the Associate Directors of Connectional Ministries I serve as a resource for congregations. As a person who has had over 30 years of experience in leading youth ministry in local churches I focus most of my work on youth and young adult ...