Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Church News

Bishop David Graves and the South Georgia Cabinet wish to announce that Rev. Josh McLemore will be moving in June to be the Pastor at Blackshear United Methodist Church in Blackshear, GA. Josh will be moving on June 12^th and assume his new responsibilities at noon that day.

We wish to thank Josh for the leadership he has provided for our Modern (Anchor) Service sinch July 1 of last year. We covet for Josh the very best in his new work and send him forward as one who will be taking a small piece of Isle of Hope UMC with him. Please be in prayer for Josh and Isaiah as they move to a new community and as they learn a new set of names and faces. 

The Staff Parish Relations Committee is developing a plan to cover the leadership responsibilities Josh has provided for the last year. Though these plans are not final, they are in the latter stages of formation.

What to Expect at the Postponed 2020 General Conference

April 23 - May 3, Charlotte, NC

General Conference is a chief Legislative Body of the United Methodist Church. It meets every 4 years to revise the Book of Discipline and make decisions about our mission and ministry in this world. It is not wise for anyone to try to predict the outcome of General Conference. If you hear people making projections about what will happen, sometimes it is wishful thinking and, at other time, it is an attempt to frighten folks into believing the worst.

The public media often does not understand our polity and how we do business in the UMC. I recommend two sites which will help you to get the best news coverage of the General Conference. 

Reliable Information Sources: www.umnews.org  or  sgaumc.org/advocate

We plan to have a special Q&A on Sunday, May 5th - stay tuned for specifics.

Your Pastor,

Rev. Stephen Grantham

Need Summer Fun?

Vacation Bible School Volunteer Opportunities

June 17—20, 2024

9:00am —12:00pm

YOU are invited to come and join us as a volunteer at Vacation Bible School. We are still in need of teachers and youth assistants, recreation leaders, actors and actresses for our Bible Storytelling Center (even if you only have one day), Science leader, and help with the Counselor Cafe. Please let me know if you are interested - click here or contact Beth Parr, bparr@iohumc.com or 912-663-7466

Let's Celebrate the Class of 2024!

We are excited to honor our graduates and their families from the Class of 2024, but we don't want to miss anyone! Please email the following information to be publicized in our upcoming Sunday bulletin and weekly eblast:

Full Name

School Graduating From

Type of Degree Receiving

If pursuing additional education, please tell us where you are headed

Deadline is Sunday, April 21st.

Email information to mgrady@iohumc.com

Smile for our Online Directory!

It’s time for a new online directory and we have 2 simple options to make it easy for everyone!

Choose a Sunday (April 21^st or 28^th) and simply stop by the table in the hallway between 10:15 – 11:30am to complete a short information form and smile for the camera. (We will have volunteers taking casual pictures, not a professional company.)

You will also have an online option to submit a casual individual or family photo of your own and complete a digital form. Our hope is to have a brand new online directory by this summer!

Ignite Student Ministries

Upcoming Dates and Summer Fun!

• First Friday Night Out (First Friday of each month)

Join us for a night out in Savannah! For the first night out, May 3rd, we are going "Cosmic Bowling." Make sure you sign up and bring a friend! 

• Summer Trip to Orlando: June 20th - 23rd

Mission Project, Animal Kingdom, Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure; Cost = $250.00

• River of Life: July 10-14, 2024

River of Life is a mission project hosted this summer by First United Methodist Church of Tifton. The purpose of this ministry is for 6th - 12th grade students from around our state to come together as one body of Christ to be His hands and feet in the community. Cost is $200 per student, $100 per adult. Sign up by clicking here. There are only 18 spots available for IOHUMC!

• Breakfast Club (Sundays at 10:30am in the Green House)

We have a female led study by Lizzy Parnell reflecting on common lies teens often battle & how we can combat them with the truth of God's Word. The breakfast is also delicious!

• Sunday Night Youth Group (Sundays at 5pm in the Green House)

We are starting theme nights from April 14th - May 19th. We will have dinner, worship, & games! 

• Wednesday Night Core Group (Wednesday at 6pm in the Green House)

Join us for a mid-week study of "Enough", a series about the ways God provides for us. 

For the most up-to-date information on all of our events, please make sure you follow us on Instagram (@iohumcyouth) or our website,  https://www.iohumc.com/collections/ignite

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. 

In Christ,

Andrew Parnell

Director of Student Ministries

Saturday Sowers Update

Our Saturday Sowers, led by Teri Akin, meet once a month to create items for various causes. This month, the group created hygiene kits for the homeless. These sowers have been meeting on the 2nd Saturday of each month throughout the school year and have shared their gifts, learned new skills, and made a difference in the lives of many! Stay tuned for summer camp information coming soon!

Welcome A.J. Ford

A.J. Ford, missionary with Mission on the Move in Honduras, will be at Isle of Hope UMC this Sunday, April 21. He will share in the Traditional service about what is happening in Honduras through MOM. The Missions Committee will also host a lunch following Sunday school to give A.J. an opportunity to meet and talk with anyone who is interested in knowing more.

If you would like to attend the lunch with A.J., please contact Julie Vann at jvann@iohumc.com.

Thank You!



Many thanks to everyone who prepared and delivered food for the 3 families enrolled in Family Promise in March. What a blessing it was to provide a delicious, hot meal for the families during this time of transition for them. Thank you for brightening their evenings and sharing God’s love in this personal way.

Thanks also to Dianne MacGuire for her leadership. The next time we provide meals is Nov. 17-24^th.