Watch highlights of the 2022 North Georgia Annual Conference here!

A Reflection from Ginger Smith: Seeing Annual Conference from Behind the Scenes

A rewarding part of my annual conference experience was working with the production team to manage logistics, make changes and adjustments on the fly, and offer calm and cheer to those leading worship, giving reports, and otherwise presenting the work of the North Georgia Conference to the assembled lay and clergy members.

Bishop Sue Haupert-Johnson set the tone for the our annual conference session with a stirring Opening Worship sermon in which she shared her vision of a church that draws all people to the table of Christ. Beyond the warmth of welcome, having a place at the table for everyone also represents the “connectional” nature of The United Methodist Church as it does its work through connections between and among people, communities, committees, and other entities. Those connections were fully celebrated as conference participants shared worship, renewed friendships, welcomed first-time participants, networked in the hallways, shared milestones and accomplishments, engaged in debate, and lamented disaffiliations. It was an amazing gathering of good people doing good work for good purposes.

From my production perch at the back corner of the stage, I could observe those connections happening all around the meeting hall and in the corridors beyond. My view reminded me of a beautiful tapestry made up of individuals moving around, connecting with others, rejoicing in being together in person, and continuing to carry out the mission of the United Methodist Church, which is “to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”

-Ginger Smith

A Reflection from Diane Bryant

While I had been a zoom delegate for Glenn in 2020 and 2021 this was my first experience in person at an annual conference. As a lifelong member of the Methodist church I entered into my position with excitement and respect with the weight of the responsibility of a delegate.

After seeing all of the moving parts of the conferences and the range of passions of the attendees I have tremendous respect and gratitude for the leadership of our conference. These are difficult times and they approached the requests and desires of all of the different churches with professionalism, helpfulness and respect.

There was joy in celebrating milestones and achievements. There was excitement about new endeavors, opportunities and initiatives as the conference embraced new ways to serve the true mission of church. There was sadness as the vote was taken to allow 70 of the churches in our church family to pursue their own course. There was also sadness at the closing of some wonderful historic churches. There was pride in Glenn as we actively served and were represented in all aspects of the conference. It was with great honor that I had the opportunity to serve Glenn as a delegate.

One of the noteworthy aspects of the conference and I would be remiss in not holding up our own Carolyn Gilbert who we had the pleasure of celebrating with on her 87th birthday and 40th annual conference.

-Diane Bryant

A Reflection from Carolyn Gilbert

I have represented Glenn at the North Georgia Conference for “thirty or more” years and this session was unique in two ways. One: we had not met in person for the past two years because of the pandemic. Two: there was tension related to the choice of 70 churches to disaffiliate from our conference. (One other has already officially left). This vote was the very first order of business on June 2. It is my opinion that our discipline’s current statement not allowing LGBTQ persons to be ordained is central to the decision most of these churches have made. Bishop Sue led us gracefully and prayerfully bid them farewell and their member continued to participate in the conference this year.

We celebrated the many excellent ministries the conference provides - related to inadequate housing and homelessness relief, camping and retreat facilities, senior living residences, unparalleled (UMCOR) disaster relief, establishment of new churches, scoutingting, men’s and women’s groups, college and universities, and more with our money and our actual participation. Our local Racial Justice Caucus (led by Carol Allums) was highlighted.

As always, Glenn present and former clergy and laity hold very responsible positions in the conference. Matthew Pinson is Georgia United Methodist Foundation president and CEO. Jessica Terrell and Susan Gary Laundry are district Superintendents, and Alice Rogers is now the Director of Clergy Excellence, Bishop’s liaison to the Board of Ordained Ministry. We honored retiring clergy and ordained Reverend Connor Bell. We mourned deceased clergy including Larry Bauman.

I urge us all to become aware of the way of the conference, with our help, ministers to the people of North Georgia and the world.

-Carolyn Gilbert