North Georgia Annual Conference

Graphic by Ben Ward, photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Atlanta: Connection across difference

The UM News podcast “Signs of Life” returns with the story of two congregations in Atlanta that embarked on a study of a Howard Thurman book. One congregation predominately black and the other white, participants explore together a story of new understanding and relationship.

Church Growth

The Rev. Anjie Peek Rivers officiates at a baptism Aug. 9 for the Nichols family at Atlanta’s Eastside Church, one of nine small, thriving United Methodist congregations featured in a new report by Wesleyan Impact Partners. In “Flourishing Small Congregations,” the Texas-based nonprofit challenges The United Methodist Church to see small churches as assets. Eastside also celebrated its 15th anniversary Aug. 9. Photo by Karina Aragon-Buchanan, Eastside Church.

How small congregations can flourish

Small churches are an asset for The United Methodist Church, argues a new report from Wesleyan Impact Partners. The report profiles nine U.S. congregations that are outsized in their community impact.

Local Church

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Grants available to help churches switch to solar

Up to 20 churches will be selected for the UMC Solar and Battery Pilot Program. Select participating churches will be invited to apply for an UMCOR grant up to $100,000 to support their projects.

Local Church

Workers install solar panels at Chamblee United Methodist Church in Chamblee, Ga. The Rev. Blair Zant, senior pastor, said the church has already saved $2,000-$4,000 a month since the installation was completed in April of this year. Several other United Methodist churches in Georgia are hooking up to solar power, helped by a nonprofit organization that guides them in setting it up with no upfront costs. Photo courtesy of Chamblee United Methodist Church.

Churches go solar, putting creation care into action

United Methodist churches in Georgia are jumping on the solar power train, helped by a tax break from the Biden administration and a nonprofit that’s showing they can care for the environment while also reducing their electric bill.

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