The Lagrange Link March 2019

The LaGrange Link A monthly publication of The LaGrange District of the United Methodist Church

Rev. Susan Landry District Superintendent

March 2019

Remember… Lately, I’ve been challenged to remember things that are important. Like the items on my grocery list, the clothes in the dryer, the box in my car trunk that goes to my mother. These are important things to me because, well, I like to have the ingredients for a good dinner, I prefer clothes that aren’t permanently wrinkled (lest I break out the iron), and I like to provide what my 85 year old mother needs. It’s important to remember these things. However, I am busy, stretched, in many ways, in mind and spirit. Are you like me? I want to remember what is important…but how? Scripture reminds us that remembering is important. One translation uses it 286 times, in places like Genesis 9:15, where God says, “I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh.” And Deuteronomy 8:18: “But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth…” And of course, the words of Jesus the Christ from Matthew 28:20 “…And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” This month we begin the season of Lent, leading up to Easter Sunday. It is a time to remember. In the Ash Wednesday service we will hear, “Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return. “ No one wants to be dust, I know. Nonetheless, this month, I will lean into this perspective, that I am a unique creature, made of dust, and that someday, I will, in truth, return to dust. What will remain of me? What will I remember anymore, and what will I be remembered for? I don’t know what I will be able to remember when that time comes, but I know I want to be remembered for the love that I revealed to others: for the cup of cold water I gave a thirsty soul, for the word of welcome I offered the marginalized. I do want to be remembered, not because of my grocery list or my appearance, but for the love of Christ shown in me. So, Mom, I’m bringing that box over and then let’s go to church…. Susan

Also Remember……

General Conference 2019 Information Session Sunday, March 24, 2019, 4-6pm Cascade UMC (3144 Cascade Rd, SW, Atlanta) All clergy and laity in the district are invited to join with others from the Atlanta College Park and Griffin Districts for this informational update.

Messy Church Competition We all have places in our churches that get messy from time to time; a Sunday school room, the coffee station or the corner of the gathering area that holds the lost and found items. The LaGrange District Strategic Growth Team is challenging you to “Clean Up Your Messy Spaces”. Our Visitors sometimes see our messy spaces first. 1) Locate that messy part of your church and take a before picture 2) Clean/ Organize/ Take out the trash and take an after picture of your cleaned-up space 3) Send your before and after picture to [email protected] Include the name of the church, church address, and who to contact if you win. Also include the name of the area that is no longer messy 4) A Professional Organizer will judge who does the best in getting rid of their mess. 5) All entries must be sent to [email protected] by Monday March 11, 2019 The prize will be a free meeting at your church with Heidi Leonard, a Professional Organizer. She will come to your church and guide you on how to organize another space you think needs work.

Clergy Retirees Spring Celebration Clergy retirees are invited to welcome the upcoming retirees of the North Georgia Conference at the Retirees' Spring Celebration. This great day of food and fun is April 23 at Oak Grove UMC from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm. You will learn about the 2019 General Conference from delegation leaders Mathew Pinson and Rev. Dr. Phil Schroeder and hear from Bishop Sue Haupert-Johnson. You will also have a chance to meet the ordinands who will move into full connection at the 2019 Annual Conference. The deadline for registration is March 29, 2019. REGISTER

UMCOR Sunday is March 31 Churches are encouraged to take an offering for the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR).

There is heartbreaking news today of devastation from storms that swept through Alabama and into parts of Georgia on March 3. Our immediate response is threefold: wait, pray, and give. Following UMCOR protocol and a shared understanding with our sister conferences, we are asked to not self deploy. The North Georgia Conference has been in contact with both Alabama West-Florida and South Georgia conferences and they know we stand ready to help as we are needed. Donations may be made to any North Georgia United Methodist Church. Mark gifts for NGUMC Fund #4390 US Disaster Response.

The United Methodist Connectional Federal Credit Union Is Offering Scholarships To College Bound Students 4 people between the ages of 17-35 will have the opportunity to win a $1000.00 scholarship within the four conferences: Florida UMC Conference, Alabama – West Florida UMC Conference, North Georgia UMC Conference, and South Georgia UMC Conference. Deadline to apply is April 30, 2019 and each winner will be notified during the month of prior to each Annual Conference. The Winner of each Conference will be announced at the Conference. For Eligibility and to Apply Online click here UMCFCU2019COLLEGESCHOLARSHIP. A hard copy of the application can be downloaded from the website, www.unitedmethodistcu.org, or obtained at either the Georgia or Florida branch offices. Other UM scholarship opportunities are available at, www.gahied.org, the website for the Georgia UM Commission on Higher Education & Campus Ministry.

Take The Intervene Challenge A one-day training in Suicide Intervention Tuesday March 26, 2019 9 am to 3:30 pm In the past 10 years suicide in 4 of the 5 counties in the LaGrange District have experienced suicide rates higher than the national average by as much as 41%. Nearly 13,000 caring individuals have participated in the Intervene Challenge featuring the Listen Learn Lead curriculum. The training is open to all with a desire to turn the tide on suicide in our communities and offers 5 hours of POST credit for Law Enforcement. Hosted by Newnan First UMC and the LaGrange District of the United Methodist Church There is a $12 charge for lunch payable the day of event. Doors will open at 8:30am Increase Personal Awareness Identify risk factors & warning signs Discuss attitudes that help and hurt Gain the skills that save lives

Register today at InterveneChallenge.com! Under the “events” tab, scroll to the March 26 event. Facilitator is Chaplain (LTC) Kenneth Koon, 2016 Trinity Awards Emergency Responder of the Year. Ken has conducted more than 800 successful suicide interventions in both military and civilian communities. This event is open to clergy and laity. .5 CEU credits will be awarded to anyone who requests them.

District Nominating Committee meets April 11, 7pm at District Office Anyone interested in serving on a district committee should contact their pastor and request that the pastor submit their name to the district office. Committees are made up of both clergy and laity, so we need interested clergy as well.

Kindling the Fire: Clergy Lectionary Reading Retreat March 18-20 A beloved time apart for North Georgia clergy, Kindling the Fire Lectionary Reading Week will return to Glisson Camp and Retreat Center. This is a time and place for clergy to catch their breath and rekindle the fire of inspiration. LEARN MORE

2019 Spiritual Life Retreats March 2019 Spiritual Life Retreats will be held at Glisson Camp and Retreat Center three weekends in March. The theme is "Room at the Table," centering around making room for listening to each other, understanding one another, and inviting people to gather in one body. LEARN MORE

Happy Birthday to the following ministers in the district who are celebrating birthdays in March: 4 5 6 7 8

-

Garrett Wallace Allyson Lawrence Jimmy Hearn John Turlington Jairo Gay

8 - Adam Roberts 14 – Sungwon Nam 17 – Jim Dixon 25 – John Evans 25 – Herb Flanders

March 9 – Lay Servant Classes at Powell Chapel, 9:00am-3:30pm March 20 – District Strategic Growth Committee meets, Hopewell UMC – Tyrone, 10am March 21 – Youth Worker Luncheon, Chicken Salad Chick, Newnan, 12 noon March 23 – Lay Servant Classes at Powell Chapel, 9:00am-3:30pm March 26 – Suicide Intervention Training, Newnan First, 9:00am-3:30pm, must pre-register April 1 – deadline for submitting MEF application form (seminary students)