JUL 6, 2016
This Week at Grace

The Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference

Dear Grace,

I am honored to be a reserve delegate to the Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference (SEJC) of The United Methodist Church from the North Georgia Conference, which is happening next week at Lake Junaluska, in the North Carolina Mountains.

What is a Jurisdiction?
In the United States of America, The United Methodist Church is divided into five areas known as jurisdictions: Northeastern, Southeastern, North Central, South Central and Western. These areas provide some program and leadership training events to support the annual conferences.  Grace is part of the North GA Annual Conference, in the Southeastern Jurisdiction.
 
What is the Jurisdictional Conference?
Every four years the jurisdictional conferences meet to elect new bishops and select members of general boards and agencies. The summer prior, delegates are elected from the annual conferences to serve during these quadrennial meetings. North GA has 22 clergy (plus 5 reserves) and 22 laity (plus 5 reserves) who will represent you
and vote for bishops.
 
Because of retirements, the Southeastern Jurisdiction will be elect five (5) new bishops. Every annual conference in the jurisdiction has nominated someone from their delegation to be a candidate for bishop.  After bishops are elected, a small committee on episcopacy (made up of one laity and one clergy member of each annual conference) meets to assign bishops where they will be serving within the jurisdiction for the next four (4) years. This meeting will happen on Thursday evening, July 14th.

On Friday July 15th, the new bishops will be consecrated.

Who will North Georgia's new bishop be?
North Georgia's current bishop, Michael B. Watson, has served us faithfully for eight (8) years and is retiring. Therefore, North Georgia will receive a new bishop. It could be a bishop currently serving in another annual conference, or one who is newly elected. We will not know until the Committee on Episcopacy meets on July 14th  to make assignments.

When will our new Bishop arrive?
Bishops will begin their terms (typically 4 or 8 years) in September 2016.

I invite you to be in prayer for all those who will be a part of this conference: delegates, current bishops, retiring bishops and candidates for bishop. May the Holy Spirit move in and among us as we seek bold leadership for our church.

Grace and peace,


Kate


P.S. - I will be will be away from July 1st-16th for vacation and then as a delegate to the Jurisdictional Conference of The UMC. If you have a pastoral care need or emergency during this time, please contact the following:
 
July 1st-9th: Rev. Susan Moore Pinson, 770.845.8369
July 10th-16th: Rev. Anjie Peek Woodworth, 404.502.5302
 
 


The Vision at Grace
To feed our surrounding community, spiritually and physically, while reaching outward with God's love and intentionally welcoming all in the name of Christ.

Calendar

Calendar of Events

TOMORROW - Thursday, July 7
Grace Reads, 7pm, Starbucks in Whole Foods Ponce Plaza - next book: How to Read the Bible by Harvey Cox.

Sunday, July 10
Meet & Greet for Michael Dauterman, 10:15am, Grace Cafe

Tuesday, July 12
Needles and Prayers, 7pm

Wednesday, July 13
Women's Group (Bible study and fellowship), 7pm, Calissa's home

Thursday, July 14
Church Council Meeting, 6:30pm, Grace Cafe 

Sunday, July 17
Meet & Greet for Michael Dauterman, 10:15am, Grace Cafe

Global Missions Fellows Worship with Grace UMC, 11am, Sanctuary

Sunday, July 24
Mid-year Financial Update, 12:15pm, Grace Cafe

Wednesday, July 27
Interfaith Meal & Fellowship, 6pm, Grace Cafe


Event Spotlight

GRACE READS
TOMORROW, Thursday, July 7th, 7pm

Read and discuss thought-provoking books as we journey in faith together, every 1st Thursday at 7pm.

All are welcome; please invite others to join you at 7pm on Thursday, July 7th at Starbucks in the Whole Foods Plaza (650 Ponce de Leon Ave. at Glen Iris). Our book is How to Read the Bible by Harvey Cox.

Renowned religion expert and Harvard Divinity School professor, Harvey Cox, deepens our experience of the Bible, revealing three primary ways we read it, why each is important, and how we can integrate these approaches for a richer understanding and appreciation of key texts throughout the Old and New Testaments.

Facilitated by Calissa in July; for questions or more information: [email protected] or 404.876.2678.


Sharing Our Gifts
Give to Grace. Safe, secure, one-time or recurring, tax-deductible giving is available by visiting www.graceonponce.org/donate or by scanning the below QR code.

Your gifts make a difference in the lives of our church and community.

And remember that Grace's financial documents are open and available. Simply email our financial assistant, Nora Harris ([email protected]) with any questions you may have.

Thank you for your faithful support of the work that God is doing through Grace Church!



GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
458 Ponce de Leon Ave. NE
Atlanta, GA 30308
404-876-2678

Stay In Touch

Like us on Facebook