Dear Clergy / Lay Member to Annual Conference,
 
After much preparation, the 2018 Annual Conference Session is just a few days away. Two important matters in this email concern: 1) documents you need to review and/or bring with you, and 2) shuttle transportation and meal options, some of which involve purchasing meal tickets before certain deadlines once you arrive at conference. Also, for those who need a hotel room, there are still unused rooms among those blocked for us at the Jekyll Island Hotel.

Documents 

All of the documents you need for conference can be found at www.sgaumc.org/acdocs. These include all of the recommendations, resolutions, and reports in the Book of Recommendations and Reports (BOR), and also the documents that did not make the publishing deadline for the BOR. You will need the following documents as we conduct our business:

• Updated Proposed Budget for 2019 (CFA Report #6)
• Nominations Report
• Constitutional Amendment 1, Corrected Version for Revote (click here to read more about this revote) 
• Resolution for Discontinuing Local Churches
• Resolution on Christian Spirituality Task Force (updated to include costs)
• Georgia United Methodist Foundation request for approval of by-laws and article of incorporation (Consent Agenda)

Meal Options

Shuttle Service
Since getting lunch on Jekyll can be a challenge, we want to make sure you have the latest information. We have worked on the shuttle bus situation to various island restaurants. There are three designated routes running along the main areas of Jekyll to transport delegates. Drop off and pick up will be at the main entrance of the Convention Center. A more detailed map of the routes will be available at the information table. Volunteers will be available to assist you with any questions you may have.
Click here to view a list of restaurants on Jekyll. 
Click here to view the Shuttle Routes.

Chick-fil-A at Jekyll Island UMC
Chick-fil-A boxed lunches will be available on Monday and Tuesday at Jekyll Island UMC. Note: if you want a Chick-fil-A boxed lunch for Monday, you must purchase a ticket before 8:00 pm on Sunday. Tickets will be available for $8 at the information table. The tickets for Tuesday’s lunch should be purchased by 5:00 pm on Monday. The church is a short drive away. For those not wanting to drive, a shuttle service will be provided to and from the church. Included in the box are: one Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich or chicken nuggets with waffle chips, cookie, iced tea or water. 

Monday Night BBQ
The Methodist Home for Children and Youth is sponsoring their annual BBQ on Monday, June 4, at 5:45 pm at the Jekyll Island Convention Center. This is free and open to everyone.

I can’t stress enough about going to www.sgaumc.org/annualconference and exploring all the menu options. So much helpful information has been posted.

We look forward to seeing you in a few days!

Dr. Jay Harris 
Conference Secretary
jharris@sgaumc.com

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Advocate - pre-conference edition

• South Georgia delegates to revote on proposed constitutional amendment
• 2019 Conference budget reduced by nearly 6 percent
• CBOP responds to 2017 motion about family health insurance
• Conference to consider, vote on two resolutions
• Annual Conference Special Offering to benefit South Georgia, U.S., global health initiatives

Read the full pre-Annual Conference edition: www.sgaumc.org/advocate.

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Meeting Details & Logistics

Schedule  
The 2018 Annual Conference Session will begin with Opening Worship on Sunday evening, June 3, at 6:30 p.m. Conference will conclude with the Sending Forth Service on Tuesday, June 5. Click here for a detailed agenda.

Sunday, June 3, 2018
2:30 PM    Registration Opens
6:30 PM    Opening Worship Service
7:45 PM    Laity Orientation & Clergy Session

Monday, June 4, 2018
8:30 AM    Opening Plenary Session
11:00 AM  Golden Anniversary/Retiree Recognition
12:00 PM  Lunch
1:00 PM    Gathering of Family & Friends of Deceased Servants
2:00 PM    Memorial Service
3:20 PM    Afternoon Plenary Session
5:45 PM    Methodist Home Barbecue
7:30 PM    Ordination/Commissioning Service

Tuesday, June 5, 2018
8:30 AM    Morning Plenary Session
12:00 PM  Lunch
2:00 PM    Afternoon Plenary
3:15 PM    Fixing the Appointments/Sending Forth
4:00 PM    Adjournment

Additional Information

• Book of Recommendations and Reports
• Special Offering for Abundant Health
• Mission Emphasis for Conference Agencies
• Banquets and Special Events
• Hotel Information (For those who need a hotel room, there are still unused rooms among those blocked for us at the Jekyll Island Hotel.)
• Driving and Parking Directions (All conference business and worship services will be held at the Jekyll Island Convention Center. The convention center is located at 75 N. Beachview Drive, Jekyll Island, GA 31527.) 
• Entering onto the Island
• Registration (The registration fee for all pastors and lay members to Annual Conference is $20. Retired clergy not serving a church are exempt from this fee. You will pay when you register at Annual Conference.)    
• Expenses / Per diem  

Live Streaming
Let others from your church know that all services of worship, Bible study sessions, and business sessions (www.sgaumc.org/aclivestreaming) will be live streamed beginning Sunday evening, June 3, with the opening worship service. 
 
Social Media
Follow our various social media outlets throughout the event:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/sgaumc
Twitter: www.twitter.com/sgaumc / #sgaumc 
Instagram: sgaumc
 
Conference Website
Complete Annual Conference information can be found at www.sgaumc.org/annualconference. A daily wrap-up will be posted at the end of each day. The 2018-2019 appointment book will be available on Tuesday afternoon after adjournment. A bulletin insert will also be made available for you to use back in your local church to share the happenings of the Annual Conference Session.

Questions  
For questions regarding the business of Annual Conference, please contact Dr. Jay Harris at jharris@sgaumc.com. For questions regarding local arrangements or any general questions, please contact Bill Allen at billallen4@comcast.net or Kelly Roberson at 912-270-6172 or kelly@sgaumc.com.

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Click here for all Annual Conference details