This Advent, Bishop Robin Dease calls us to embrace unity in this season, reminding us that Christ came to bring us together.

“There are countless stories that demonstrate the power of unity when we let unity win,” said Bishop Dease. “Scripture tells us we are to be like-minded and to care for one another, to serve one another, to bear one another’s burdens, to forgive one another, to speak truth to each other, to be compassionate toward each other, and to submit to each other in deference, considering others better than ourselves. That is unity!”

This Advent, you're invited to check www.sgaumc.org/Advent or www.ngumc.org/Advent2024 each day for a devotional message from a Georgia United Methodist. 

Today Bishop Dease talks with Rev. Millie Kim. They discuss feeling a call to ministry as a student at the Emory Wesley Fellowship, serving in one of the most diverse areas of the state, and opening a coffee house at the church (and its perfect name)! 

Millie is pastor of Mountain Park UMC in Gwinnett County. 

"Be good neighbors!"

Welcome to the One Georgia Podcast! In today’s episode, Bishop Dease talks with Rev. Teresa Edwards about the ministry of a deacon, the power of spiritual disciplines, and how to tend to and respond to the call that ignites your soul. (And they talk tattoos!)

Today Bishop Dease talks with Rev. Shannon Karafand about reaching new people in the community, spreading Holy Mischief, loving one another to Christ, and being authentic on social media.

Shannon is the pastor of Trinity UMC in Cartersville. 

Today Bishop Dease talks with Rev. Jeff Cook about leading an outreach-oriented congregation, "Messy" breakfasts on Sunday morning, hard decisions, and working to create a space where every person can belong and find relationship with Christ. 

Jeff is pastor of Trinity UMC in Warner Robbins, Georgia. 

"Know Christ, Serve Christ, Share Christ" 

Today Bishop Dease talks with Rev. Elizabeth Pollard about following the call to ministry and about choosing life, not just letting it happen to you. 

Elizabeth is pastor of Newnan Chapel UMC in Newnan, Georgia. 

"My decision to come to The United Methodist Church was because I fell in love with the theology. I fell in love with grace."

Today Bishop Dease talks with Rev. Dr. Steven Usry about going through a pain point as a church and rebuilding, about hiring and pouring into church staff, and about the prayer Bishop Dease utters daily. 

Steven is pastor of Dalton First UMC. 

More on topics discussed today:

Staff support - https://www.resourceumc.org/en/content/how-to-support-your-church-staff-and-why-you-should 

Listening to Your Community - https://www.resourceumc.org/en/content/mycom-podcast-ep-008-how-successful-churches-listen-to-their-community 

Browse Cokesbury's Bible Studies - https://www.cokesbury.com/studies

Today Bishop Dease talks with Rev. Adriane Burgess about "Dessert Devotions," matching your passions with your calling, and letting the silo walls down to be the same person everywhere. 

Adriane is pastor of St Mary's Road UMC in the Columbus area, an avid baker who loves to whip up easy dessert recipes along with an engaging devotional,  

More about topics discussed today:  

Dessert Devotions - https://www.dessertdevotion.com/

Resources for Clergy Families and Those Who Care For Them - https://www.resourceumc.org/en/content/resources-for-clergy-families-and-those-who-care-for-them 

What Are Your Spiritual Gifts? - https://www.umc.org/en/content/exploring-your-spiritual-gifts 

Today Bishop Dease talks with Rev. Ralph Thompson about starting a new appointment, the value of intergenerational ministry, and being authentically yourself in the pulpit. 

Ralph is pastor of Bethany UMC in Smyrna. He holds a Master of Divinity Degree (M.Div) from Candler School of Theology.