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GC2016 Update: South Georgia Edition 

The United Methodist Church’s top legislative body meets at the Oregon Convention Center, the largest convention center in the Pacific Northwest, from May 10-20, 2016.

General Conference is the top policy-making body of The United Methodist Church which convenes once every four years.The conference can revise church law, as well as adopt resolutions on current moral, social, public policy and economic issues. It also approves plans and budgets for church-wide programs.

Tuesday, May 10 Highlights

General Conference Opens with Worship and Communion


Clergy members help bless the elements of Holy Communion during opening worship.
Photo by Mike DuBose, UMNS

(UMNS) With a drum welcome from indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest, United Methodists gathered in Portland, Oregon for the 2016 General Conference, the top legislative body of The United Methodist Church, and joined in a cacophony of “alleluias” in many languages during opening worship.

Delegates from the United States, Europe, Africa and the Philippines opened the session with the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper and an address by San Francisco Area Bishop Warner H. Brown Jr., president of the Council of Bishops.

The theme of the 2016 General Conference is “Therefore Go.” The Commission on the General Conference selected the theme that ties to the roots of The United Methodist Church in Christ’s Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). Directing music and worship is the Rev. Laura Jaquith Bartlett of Eagle Creek, Oregon.

Read More || View pictures from the worship service here

General Conference Debates Rules of Organization

The afternoon organization of General Conference session ran into the evening as delegates debated and discussed details of rules and procedures by which the work of the conference is to be conducted. After an unexpected dinner break, delegates returned to seek more clarification of the rules on which they were voting. After much discussion, Rules 1-43 were approved. Rule 44, a highly debated option, was deferred until tomorrow. Read UMNS article.

May 10 wrap-up: Opening worship, rules debate

Read the UMNS wrap-up for May 10

Bishop Warner H. Brown Jr. helps lead opening worship at the 2016 United Methodist General Conference in Portland, Ore. Photo by Mike DuBose, UMNS 

GC2016 news available in several languages

(UMNS) United Methodists can follow the news of the 2016 General Conference in several languages: French, German, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, Swahili and English. The General Conference Newsroom will also be providing news for and about Native Peoples. Learn more

Join us in Prayer

Featured Delegate: Mr. Bill Hatcher, member of Statesboro First UMC

"Gracious & loving Lord, We praise you & thank you that you are our heavenly Father, our source, our provider and we are your children! We acknowledge we have sinned and fallen short of what you would have us to be. Forgive us we pray and help us to move forward in your will.  Surround us this day with your strength, your power, your discernment, your wisdom, your care, your concern, your compassion, your grace and your love!  Help us to know your direction and way for this very day. And for all the good things you bring to us, we’ll be careful to give you the praise, the honor and the glory for them all! In the precious name of Jesus I pray. Amen."
-Mr. Bill Hatcher

Schedule for Wednesday, May 11

Streaming Schedule 
**Reminder: All times are Pacific Standard 

  • 8:00 A.M.: Worship (11:00 A.M. EST)
  • 8:30 A.M.: Plenary Session (11:30 A.M. EST)
    • Episcopal Address
    • Reports
    • Christian Conferencing - World Wide Nature of the Church

Full Schedule: This agenda shows the overall program of the 2016 General Conference in Portland, Oregon. View Schedule

Following General Conference

Live Stream: General Conference will be live streamed at http://umc.org/live

General Conference website: www.umc.org/topics/general-conference-2016

South Georgia Conference website: www.sgaumc.org/generalconference2016

General Conference App: App Store or Google Play

Social Media: Follow the hashtag #UMCGC

General Conference Guide: An important resource for delegates, church members and journalists, this guide contains information about the conference schedule, the legislative process and historical background. Download Guide

Advance Edition Daily Christian Advocate: Contains all legislation submitted for consideration by the delegates at the upcoming 2016 General Conference. View ADCA

Legislation Tracking: Search for legislation submitted by petition number, keyword or submitter. Once General Conference begins, the information will be updated regarding the actions taken on each piece of legislation. Read More


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Conference Communications | P.O.Box 20408, SSI, GA 31522 | 888-266-7642 | kelly@sgaumc.com