Snapshots of South Georgia

On Monday afternoon, July 26 a group of about 80 clergy and laity gathered with me at Epworth By The Sea for a time of informal conversation and discussion around developing clergy and congregational support systems. The name Pro-Verb comes from Proverbs 27:17.

One of our great United Methodist higher education institutions is right here in Macon – Wesleyan College. Did you know that Wesleyan College was the first college in the world chartered to grant degrees to women? Since that time, they have sent scores of women out in to the world to do some incredible things — including the first woman to receive a Doctor of Medicine degree and the first woman to argue a case before the Georgia Supreme Court.  I was able to spend some time with Dr. Ruth Knox, President of Wesleyan College this month.  To learn more about Wesleyan College, visit www.wesleyancollege.edu.

The Extended Cabinet met for a retreat at Epworth By The Sea the week of June 21.  We spent time in discussion around the book, “Why the Mighty Fall” by Jim Collins.  The Full Cabinet took an evening to have some fun on the mini-golf course.

The Full Cabinet met with the Equitable Compensation Committee prior to Annual Conference.

The Council of Bishops met in Columbus, Ohio back in May.

Our Conference Nominations Committee hard at work.

Hello, Beautiful People of South Georgia:

You can travel by car, train or plane to reach your destination, but if you are going in the wrong direction, it does not matter which means of transportation you use.  The interstate is a great system of transportation.  But if you’re going in the wrong direction, the road may be smooth, but you will end up in the wrong place.

The bottom line – do not get distracted from discipleship formation.

Remember the thorns from Luke 8:14: “As for what fell among the thorns, these are the ones who hear; but as they go on their way, they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature.”

Paul had intense faith, knowledge and passion, but he was using it in the wrong way. Joseph sought to do right but was accused of doing wrong.  Still that did not stop him from going in the right direction.

Jesus was betrayed and accused falsely, but that did not stop him from moving towards Jerusalem.

At our recent retreat experience, I asked the extended cabinet to read the book “How the Mighty Fall” by Jim Collins. I encourage you, clergy and laity alike, to add this to your summer reading list.  The book highlights the fact that, regardless of your size or how long you have been successful, if you abandon the core values of your business you are headed for trouble.

As you seek to fulfill your purpose for being on this earth it is important to keep in mind that you are a child of God. It is God who holds the reason for your being. The Bible holds God’s plan for your life. Jesus Christ holds the example of how you are to learn and grow into God’s will for your life. It is only in pleasing God that you will finally experience peace and know the true meaning of joy.

Well, until next time remember, God’s will for us is good. We must do the rest.

With love,
Your Bishop,
James R. King, Jr.

What a joy to be with South Georgia United Methodists for our Annual Conference Session in Tifton June 6-9.  For a full conference recap, a list of appointments and more pictures from our time together visit www.sgaumc.org/ac2010.

Hello, Beautiful People of South Georgia!

How would you answer these questions? Where would you expect to find Jesus Christ today? If a non-believer asked you where they should go to find Jesus, what would you say? I am both fascinated and disturbed that Jesus is not always in the most obvious places. Should we not expect to find Jesus in the church and in the world amongst believers?

I have experienced the presence of Jesus Christ amongst you as members of the South Georgia Annual Conference. Recently, a District Superintendent said to me, “Bishop you are so loved in this conference and you know it.” He was right. I have felt your love being expressed in so many wonderful ways. I give thanks to God daily for the grace that has led our family to a place and experience where we would be so richly blessed. I see the love of Jesus through various ministries in the church. People are caring for each other, including the poor, the young, the mature, as well as men and women of all ages and races. I see how clergy and laity work together as disciples of Jesus Christ committed to share the gospel both near and far. Wow! Good things are happening in the hearts of individuals as well as in our corporate lives.

I first wrote this note for the South Georgia Advocate as we were preparing to gather for another Annual Conference in Tifton, Georgia, I asked you to keep in mind our reason for conferencing and asked the following questions:  Is it not to grow stronger in our walk with God through Jesus Christ? Is this not the experience where the church calls and sends, affirms and confirms, learns and shares, and gains fresh strength from fellowship and worship? Let us remain aware of those who are always looking for Jesus in our lives, in communion and in the legislation as well as in our conversation. If there is something or someone that is blocking us from letting Christ shine through us, let us first acknowledge this in our hearts and then ask God for help. Whether you are a member of the South Georgia Annual Conference or not, it is my hope and prayer that as one who is a United Methodist, individuals will find you reflecting the love of Jesus regardless of your location or situation.

Where is Jesus?  May his presence be evident in your heart, in your words, in your decisions and in your fellowship. If anyone at anytime asks you where Jesus is, I hope you can say, “I am one of his disciples.”

“How can I help you? How can I love you?”

“Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 2:5)

Well, until next time remember, God’s will for us is good. We must do the rest.

With love,
Your Bishop,
James R. King, Jr.