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 Jenny.Anderson@ngumc.net
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 Jenny.Anderson@ngumc.net 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 - Garrett Wallace 8 - Adam Roberts

5 - Allyson Lawrence 14 – Sungwon Nam
6 - Jimmy Hearn 17 – Jim Dixon
7 - John Turlington 25 – John Evans
8 - Jairo Gay 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)