A letter from Pastor Dorsia:

Dear Sylvania First UMC Member,

As the pastor of Sylvania First United Methodist Church, I wanted to give you the results of the recent historic vote our church held this past Monday, to determine if we should depart from The United Methodist Church denomination for reasons of conscience regarding a change in the requirements and provisions of The Book of Discipline related to the practice of homosexuality or the ordination or marriage of self-avowed practicing homosexuals or the actions or inactions of the Annual Conference related to these issues.

I understand that this decision impacts each of us in different ways. For many, this choice brings a sense of relief and hope for the future. For others, it may bring feelings of sadness, loss, or uncertainty. I want to acknowledge and honor the diverse emotions within our congregation.

Our church family is built on the foundation of Christ’s love, which calls us to empathy, understanding, and compassion. As we move forward, let us remember to support one another, to listen with open hearts, and to extend grace in all our interactions. We are bound together not by uniformity of thought but by our shared faith and commitment to serve God and one another.

Below and attached are the results of the vote, along with recent actions that our Church Council has taken based on the vote results.

There were 181 votes cast:

• 152 votes to depart the UMC (84%)
• 29 votes to remain UMC

Because this passed the required two-thirds minimum to depart, The United Methodist Church denomination has entered into an agreement with the Trustees of Sylvania First UMC, for the purchase and sale of the real and personal property of Sylvania First United Methodist Church to a new church to be formed by the members of Sylvania First United Methodist Church at the price and on the terms set out in the Trustees’ Policy adopted on February 22, 2022.

At a predetermined date, we will temporarily transfer the church title and all its real and personal, tangible and intangible property to the South Georgia Annual Conference Board of Trustees (the “Trustees”) in accordance with paragraph 2549.3(a) of The Discipline; and then at another predetermined date, we will purchase it back at approximately $85,000 and the other terms agreed upon.

Key Dates:

• Annual Conference votes to allow church departures: August 17, 2024
• Departure is executed: No later than September 30, 2024

The Church Council held a special meeting immediately following the adjournment of the Church Conference to discuss the vote’s outcome. Due to the compressed timeline for departure, the Church Council discussed several critical issues that needed immediate attention and unanimously approved the following motions:

Motions unanimously approved by the SFUMC Church Council

1. Motion to Maintain Current Officers

o   Motion: All officers in the church as of August 17, 2024, will continue in office until December 31, 2024.

• Reason: Provides continuity and allows time for the church to make further decisions.

2. Motion to Continue the Departure Steering Team

o   Motion: The Departure Steering Team will continue to work under the direction of the Church Council to advise on necessary departure requirements and work with established committees to ensure all requirements are met.

3. Motion to Appoint Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer

o   Motion: Make a specific resolution naming the current Treasurer (Sam Thompson) and Assistant Treasurer (Kaye Smith) as Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer after the departure date.

• Reason: Banks will likely require this for financial transactions.

4. Motion to Appoint Trustees

o   Motion: To make a specific resolution naming the current Trustee Chair (Robert Thompson) and other Trustees (Calvin Scott, Jennifer Smoak, Jason Smith, John Jeselnik, Becky Scott, Emelyn Hunter, Ray Reynolds, Riley Brown) as Trustees after the departure date.

• Reason: Necessary for insurance and signing legal documents.

5. Motion to Maintain Operating Rules and Structure

o   Motion: The operating rules and structure of the church as of August 17, 2024, will continue until December 31, 2024, or until the Church Council votes to modify them.

6. Motion to Negotiate Pastor’s Contract

o   Motion: Authorize the SPRC to negotiate a revised employment contract through June 2025 with the current pastor, including salary and benefits.

• Reason: Ensures stability in pastoral leadership.

7. Motion to Authorize Finance Team

o   Motion: Authorize the Finance team to work with other committees to secure the departure funds, finalize bank accounts, and manage fund accounts. The Church Council will approve the payment of funds at a later date.

• Reason: Ensures financial readiness for departure.

8. Motion to Hire an Attorney and Finalize Legal Requirements

o   Motion: Authorize the Departure Steering Team, Trustees, and Finance Committee to hire an attorney:

• To assist with securing the church deed, incorporation, and by-laws.
• To provide legal protection for church officers.
• To draft articles of incorporation and by-laws, emphasizing flexibility.
• To incorporate as “Sylvania First” with the option to change the name later.
• To update documentation with banks and fund managers.
• To submit application for a new Employee Identification Number (EIN) with the IRS.
• To submit application for 501(c)(3) status with the IRS and consider state tax exemptions.
• Reason: Ensures legal and organizational readiness for departure.

9. Motion to Explore other Denominations, Associations, or becoming a non-denominational church

o   Motion: Authorize the Departure Steering Team to continue to explore potential alternatives that align more closely with the mission, values, and vision of our congregation. This includes, but is not limited to, options for joining another denomination, association, or becoming a non-denominational church; and bring their findings and recommendations to the Church Council for consideration and potential action.

• Reason: Guides the church in determining its future affiliation.

Please feel free to reach out to me or any member of the Departure Steering Team or the Church Council if you have questions or need support during this transition.

Members of the Departure Steering Team: Dorsia Atkinson, Pat Lane, Calvin Scott, Robert Thompson, Sam Thompson, Jessica Waters

Members of the Church Council: Chuck Weiss, Diane Freeman, Joyce Jamerson, Billie Anne Ruel, LeaAnne Greene, Eddie Redick, Allyson Thomas, Worth Brown, Virginia Moats, William Thomas, Joe Rydzewski, Pat Lane, Robert Thompson, Sam Thompson, Dorsia Atkinson

Let us pray for our church, for unity, and for the continued guidance of the Holy Spirit as we embark on this new chapter together.