The theme of this years conference  “All Who Hunger, Gather Gladly” .  

I am sure you have heard the story of Jesus multiplying five loaves and two fish to feed the multitudes as told in the New Testament Gospels.  This miraculous story was a fitting backdrop for the theme of our North Georgia 2001 Annual Conference.  

We may not be completely sure about what happened that day long ago; however we can be sure the people gathered there on that hillside hungered to be near Jesus.  They had an insatiable craving to be whole, to be healed, and to hear Jesus promise of God’s grace.  They all had the desire to be fed – and they were, both physically and spiritually. 

In much the same way an eager crowd of believers gathered at this years annual conference.  By the end of the week we too had been fed.  We received the physical satisfaction of doing the business of the Church and at the same time we received spiritual nourishment from the living Christ.  

We left knowing we are called to share this nourishment of God’s love with all who hunger.

The Spiritual Highlights  were:  

Tuesday  -  June 12
Service of Worship & Communion   Bridgette D. Young, Assoc. Dean of the Chapel, Emory Univ. preacher
Message:  Will You Come To The Table    Acts 2:42-47
Bishop G. Lindsey Davis and Bishop John L. Hopkins, Celebrants
Bishop Hopkins is assigned to the Minnesota Area
Athens, 1 st. UMC Choir

Service of Ordination and Commissioning
Dr. Russell E. Richey, Dean of Candler School of Theology, Emory University, preaching
The Laying on of Hands and Prayer  - Sending Forth
Cantemos Youth Choir
Our own Carolyn Barker Clifton was ordained as a Full Connection Elder 

Wednesday  - June 13 
Bible Study  -  First Corinthians  -  Dr. Richard Hays, Professor of New Testament at Duke Divinity School

Time of Praise music led by Dr. Lisa Allen 
Lisa has taught music in the Fulton County School system, but has accepted God’s call to ordained ministry and is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity degree at Chandler School of Theology

This was repeated on Thursday and Friday mornings
 
Recognition of Clergy who are retiring 

Service of Celebration and Remembrance    -  A very powerful service    16  Clergy   21 Spouses
Malone Dodson, Roswell UMC, preacher
Message:   The Saints Win      Romans 10:5-17
Roswell UMC Sanctuary Choir 
Amazing Grace  -  Bagpipes 
 

Laity Celebration Worship Service   -  James Smith, Lay Speaker 
Special Music  - Mt. Pisgah UMC Disciples of Song

Thursday  - June 14
Celebration of Evangelism  -  Bishop John Hopkins, preacher

Celebration of Missions  - Bishop John Hopkins, preacher
Special Music Cascade United Methodist Sanctuary Choir
Film presented by Action Ministries 
 

Some Ministry Highlights:

The overall number of ministries and outreach programs is beyond imagination!

Special programs that I felt especially  touched by:

Aging with Grace - Wesley Woods 
Life expectancy is now in the 80's    This needs to be an enjoyable time of life  - A real ministry opportunity
Building Renovation Program

New United Methodist Center at Simpsonwood

North Georgia Conference Web site

Prayer Force   
Praying for revival in our churches, Praying for the unchurched

Latinos On To Serve  - Hispanic Leadership Development Program 

Transitional Housing Ministry  - Lambs of the street  $216,000 offering on Thursday night

The Conference Budget for 2002 
$18,501,150 an increase 1,047,587 or  6.0% increase

582,860 of the increase is required to fund Retired Ministers (prior to 1982) Pension and Insurance fund
Ministerial support   143,720  - 6.4%
Admin      99,452  - 4.8%
General Church Fund  156,789  - 5.9%

 
2000 General Conference  - Proposed Constitutional Amendments

The amendments with the most discussion had to do with a language change in the Book of Discipline regarding the Baptismal Covenant Service.
The proposed amendments: All persons upon baptism would be admitted as baptized members, and upon taking vows declaring the Christian faith , become professing members in any local church.   
The current language refers to “prepatory” and “full members”   

Amendment to raise the upper age limit from which young persons are selected for membership in the annual conference from 25 to 30. 
 

2000 General Conference  -  Resolutions

The resolutions with the most discussion had to do with:

Resolution 171   In support for Alternatives to Abortion      
Resolution 172   In Support for Faith-Based Ministries 
Resolution 174   In Support of Marriage     
Resolution     Calling for the Governor and Legislature to enact legislation to ban Video Poker in the State of Georgia.

Report Submitted to the Congregation  - June 17, 2001

Gary T. Fuller
Lay Delegate - Kingswood UMC