Wisdom and Grace Conference2008

"Sing unto the Lord a New Song! Crafting a Legacy for the Next Generations"

The “Wisdom and Grace Conference” sponsored by the SEJAOA was held August 11-14, 2008 at LakeJunaluska.  Seventeen members from EdentonStreetUnitedMethodistChurch attended the conference.  We were joined by four other women from area United Methodist Churches who traveled with our folks by motor coach.  Dr. Tommy Gray, District Superintendent from North Georgia Conference was the worship leader.  Dr. Gray challenged the participants to carry and pass the baton of Christian faith to the next generations.  Dr. Karen Scheib, Associate Professor of Pastoral Care and Counseling at Candler School of Theology, Emory University,  presented her research on “Challenging Invisibility: Practices of Care with Older Persons.”  Author and lecturer, Dr. Mickey Efird, DukeDivinitySchool, lead Bible study centered on the pre-exilic, exilic and post-exilic prophets, Amos, Second Isaiah, and Zephaniah. 

The professional track was led by Reverend Beth Crissman, sister-in-law to Paul and Patt Crissman who are members of ESUMC.  Beth’s book, Stepping in the Stream: learning to relate to the will of God explores empowering others to discern the unique ways in which God ministers to us in the midst of transitions in our lives.

Other workshops were Tribes at the Table-Worship and Music, by Reverend Roger Dowdy; Wired 4 Ministry-Gifts and Graces, by Margaret Whitsett; Mentoring New Disciples by Reverend Dr. Garry D. Speich; and The Heart of the Matter and More by Dr. Shawnda Hollie.  Dr. Hollie’s power point program from her workshop is available to view at www.reneweddisciples.com. Also on the website you will see pictures from this year’s SEJAOA conference as well as 2007.

 During the 22^nd annual Southeastern Jurisdiction Association of Older Adults membership meeting on Wednesday evening of the conference, Susan McGuire, Director of Mid and Later Life Ministries, was re-elected President of the Southeastern Jurisdiction Association of Older Adults for two more years.  Susan has also served in the offices of Vice President Publicity and Vice President of Programs for the SEJAOA.

For information about SEJAOA go to www.reneweddisciples.comand for information on ministries and program events at Lake Junaluska Assembly visit www.lakejunaluska.com.

Southeastern Jurisdiction Association of Older Adults (SEJAOA) Launches New Website  www.reneweddisciples.com

Visit our new website for the SEJAOA and you may recognize members of our congregation.  The website was launched December 2007 and will be a resource for the SEJAOA and Jurisdictional older adult events.