Tradition

June is here, and over the years, it has come to mean two things for me: The Braves will swoon, and Annual Conference will meet.

Yes, we do win the “creative naming” award as United Methodists, don’t we?

We have this conference…and it meets annually…and we call it…

“Annual Conference.”

That’s what I love about United Methodism --- we don’t need no stinking fancy names.

Annual…Conference. That’ll do.

Last week, almost 3,000 of us gathered in Athens at the Classic Center. Every UM clergy person of North Georgia, and an equal number of representatives from the laity, met from Monday morning until Friday afternoon.

New clergy were approved and ordained, ministry reports were heard, worship was celebrated and delegates were elected to represent us on regional and national levels.

Other than my annual trip(s) to Weaver D’s, the best moment of the week comes on the very first day, when all those thousands of voices join together at the official opening of the Conference.

We always sing a particular song, written by Charles Wesley (brother of Methodism’s founder, John Wesley), back in ’49…1749. It’s a tradition.

The song, “And Are We Yet Alive?” was written, as Charles Wesley wrote himself, “For the Society, at meeting.” The song is still sung every year when Methodists throughout the world open their “Annual Conferences.”

And are we yet alive,

and see each other's face?

Glory and thanks to Jesus give

for his almighty grace!

For the traveling preachers of 18^th century Methodism, the meaning was not metaphorical. They were thankful to have survived another year of ministry, and to unite together in each other’s physical presence once again.

But what about us?

For the 3,000 Methodists staying in Athens’ lovely hotels and eating in its outstanding restaurants, the question of our physical well-being seems less in doubt than it did for the preachers of 250 years ago.

But the song’s real meaning should be every bit as powerful.

Another year has passed, and we are all still alive in our faith. Thankful to God, we should rejoice in seeing one another.

But I think the thing I love best about “And Are We Yet Alive?” is that it’s just supremely “real.”

What troubles have we seen,

what mighty conflicts past,

fightings without, and fears within,

since we assembled last!

Fighting and fearful sums up how we all act sometimes, and for all of us, the 12 months just passed have certainly had those exact kinds of moments.

But there is always hope…

Yet out of all the Lord

hath brought us by his love;

and still he doth his help afford,

and hides our life above.

Then let us make our boast

of his redeeming power,

which saves us to the uttermost,

till we can sin no more.

As the music swells and the lyrics move toward resolution, I am reminded of the true wonder of this thing called church.

In that moment, worship accomplishes what only worship can. It imparts a sense of perspective, and strengthens our hearts with the deeply felt assurance that we are not in this thing alone.

It could imagine the voices of 258 years’ worth of Methodist preachers, joining together with the faithful disciples of today…

Let us take up the cross

till we the crown obtain,

and gladly reckon all things loss

so we may Jesus gain.

The power of good tradition…relevant for today. We are not the first, and we are not alone.

Grace & Peace, and I’ll see you this Sunday,

Adam

LIFE AT SOTH:

Lifeover Ministries Charity Car Show this weekend! Don’t miss the first ever car show to support the work of Lifeover Ministries, an independent ministry of outreach and mission, closely connected to Shepherd of the Hills. Lifeover first came to prominence through its ministry to “Baby Noor,” the Iraqi child brought to the U.S. for lifesaving spina bifida surgery. Lifeover continues to work on many local and international helping ministries in the name of Jesus Christ.

This Saturday, June 23, Lifeover and SOTH will host a classic car show in the Publix shopping center parking lot, just across the street from SOTH. Many thanks to Publix for their partnership, and to all the hardworking volunteers who have made this day possible.

Registration will begin at SOTH at 8 AM, with judging at Publix at 12:30 PM and awards presentation at 3:00. Contact John Garrett at jgarrett@rematiptop.com for more info, and we’ll see you this weekend!

Summer Children’s Ministries: This week, a second Drama Camp is being held at SOTH, and next week is our VBS for kids age K-2. E-mail SOTH Children’s director Kathryn Beasley at Kathryn@sothumc.net for more information, and sign up this Sunday at SOTH!

New Members and Baptisms: Welcome to the Powell family who joined SOTH on June 3^rd, and to Dina Harbour and Lina Adams, new members who joined SOTH on Sunday, June 10^th. Congratulations and special welcome also to Tyler Jefferson, baptized at SOTH this past Sunday, June 17^th!