Committee On Acknowledgments

   As the Committee reflected on this Annual Conference we concluded that this has truly been a conference of repentance and reconciliation.
   Many delegates were alarmed when we listened to the news Tuesday morning that the Civic Center would be without air conditioning. Then, we were thankful to learn that the early reports of the demise of the air conditioners were greatly exaggerated. In spite of 96 degree temperatures outside, we worked and worshipped in air conditioned comfort.
   At the Service of Worship & Holy Communion the Rev. Gil Watson preached that there is a place at the table for each of us. Hearing his vivid illustrations we felt that we really could see his grandmother and that curly headed little boy walking down Auburn Avenue in the Atlanta of the 1950s. Gil shared several humorous anecdotes; but perhaps the most useful of his ideas was how to use peach brandy for Holy Communion if you donít have any grape juice.
   With the ìOrganization of Conferenceî we were off and running. As has become our custom, the front several rows were occupied by the enthusiastic youth delegation. The Host Committee had prepared well, and the stage was set for a successful week. Following welcoming statements by Augustaís Mayor, the Host Committee presented Bishop Davis with an Augusta green jacket. Then Jennifer Davis was presented a beautiful painting of magnolia blossoms, with special pictures of her family painted into the still-life.
   The Laity Report featured two new programs of the Board of Laity: Leadership UMC and the Lay Revitalization Teams. These programs hold the promise of strengthening the lay leadership in the Conference for years to come. Joe Whittemore reported on the success of the Disciple Translation Program and that Russian Methodists may now study the Disciple Bible study in their own language, thanks to the efforts and contributions of North Georgia United Methodists.
   The report of the Restructuring Task Force gave us hope that our proposed new structure will be streamlined, and in compliance with the recommended structure found in the updated Book of Discipline.
   At the Service of Ordination & Commissioning our guest speaker was Bishop Ernest Lyght of the New York Conference. He challenged the ordinandsóand all of usóto be Pentecostal pilgrims. The Augusta combined choirs provided beautiful music for the service.
   Day Two began with Bible teaching by the Rev. Sammy Clark. Sammy came with his trademark smile that just seems to light up the whole Civic Center. He taught us from Philippians, and we were captivated by his lovable humility and his endearing honesty. The Rev. Carolyn Moore led us in prayeróprayer that was exciting in its spontaneity. Music was offered by Dr. Lisa Allen who was able to quickly move us to an attitude of prayer and worship.
   As we considered the recommendations of the Council on Finance & Administration, the Insurance Committee, and the Board of Pensions we came away with a sense that our leadersóboth lay and clergyóhave really done their homework; and that they are accomplishing the tasks that need to be done to secure the financial future of the Conference.
   The report offered by Wesley Woods on Aging with Grace was encouraging. There is a broad base of support for this important ministry. Bishop Davis shared his story of the 103 year old lady who was asked if there were any joys to share. She replied, ëYes, at this age there is very little peer pressure!î
   The Laity Luncheon on Wednesday was highlighted by excellent entertainment, and by the talk given by Judge John Minton, President of the SEJ Association of Conference Lay Leaders.
   The Service of Celebration & Remembrance was a poignant time of savoring the memories of pastors and their spouses who enriched our lives in countless ways. As the bagpiper played ìAmazing Graceî we could see with Rev. Minnie Robinson the faces of those who have passed to the great reward. In time, we shall all be united again.
   The report on Church Development was truly exciting. This growth involves diverse cultures and languages. In many cases the growth hinges on exciting worship services. Churches are reaching out to the unchurched ìwhere they are.î In the video presentation one new member said, ìIf the unchurched knew there was a place like this, they would come.î Our challenge is to insure that our churches are places where people want to come; and then to be sure we tell the unchurched about us and our churches. Bishop Davis said that the potential of our evangelism is limited only by our own vision, our creativity, and our ability to pay for it.
   The Service of Repentance & Reconciliation had been long awaited, and many of us wondered what might come of this special service. We wondered what might be said, and we wondered how we might respond. Several of our leaders shared some of their lifeís experiences. Dr. William Turner and Dr. Will Willimon offered a thought provoking dialog. The offering of seemingly honest experiences and stories seemed uncontrived, and there seemed to be no attempt at manipulation. Instead, we were left to process all that we had heard, to reflect on what that should mean in our own lives, and to wrestle with just what we shall do with it. This service had seemed an enigma to many of us. Yet it was designed and delivered in a way that was non-threatening, but with an impact so great that we are compelled to seek a ìnext stepî that will help us to leave our prejudices further and further behind us. May God bless our effortsóhowever tentative or fumbling they may be.
   On Day Three we received the Report of the Conference Council on Ministries. Appreciation was expressed for the work of past Directors of the Council. Awards were presented to churches which had done exemplary work. We also heard about new and emerging ministries that make us all proud to be North Georgia United Methodists.
   One of the great mission programs of the North Georgia Conference is Hands to Honduras. This is truly a ministry in action, and a mission that involves both youth and adults. It is a great opportunity to allow our faith to be manifested in tangible works that benefit the less privileged.
   The report of the Conference Treasurer confirmed that we are growing in numbers and in faithfulness as more and more churches are paying 100% of their apportionments. For the second year in a row, the Gainesville District led the way for the Conference.
The report presented by Aldersgate Homes revealed one more way we are reaching out to those who cannot help themselves. The developing camp at Collinswood is a ministry in progress. Volunteer teams from several districts are helping to clear the land and erect buildings for this facility which will benefit those with developmental disabilities.
   In the afternoon worship service Bishop Lyght told us that to evangelize we must be prepared to GOóto go outside the church. He said that we must be prepared to tell the story, and that when that story becomes OUR story we will be able to tell it in a fresh way.
The Christian Conversation on Repentance & Reconciliation involved some painfully honest sharing. It seems that this honest sharing is a necessary step as we seek to move ahead in the process of reconciliation. Bishop Davis assessed that, ìThis was a rich afternoon.î
   One of the most exciting reports of Annual Conference was given by the Rev. Warren Lathem as he brought us up to date on the program entitled Lay Missionary Training. The first class has graduated, and all of the graduates seem to be fully involved in their new ministries here in Georgia and in other places around the world. As we look at this fledgling ministry only God knows the numbers of lives that will ultimately be reached, touched, and saved as more and more of our laity are empowered to become lay missionaries.
Day Three was concluded with the Laity Celebration. Music offered by the Aldersgate Praise Band and Selah of Norcross UMC provided the magic for the evening. District Laity of the Year were recognized for their contributions; and Gus Gustafson was named
   Conference Layperson of the Year. Tony Ortiz, a layperson from Red Oak UMC in the Griffin district, preached a wonderful message on the passion we need for all of life, but especially in our efforts to move on with our own personal efforts at reconciliation.
Time and space do not permit a more thorough covering of the Annual Conference in this report. Still, we can return to our churches and our homes secure in the knowledge that we came to do the work of the Kingdom, and that work has been advanced. May God bless us all. Amen.

Respectfully submitted,
Chuck Lanier, Chair, Committee on Acknowledgements