:: Gleanings

 
Love and Good Deeds

Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds...

The Council of Bishops with one voice is calling the church to hope and action through God's Renewed Creation, a pastoral letter and resource for all United Methodist Churches.
 
"We cannot help the world until we change our way of being in it."  The letter calls us all to repentance for our inattention to stewardship of creation, to the needs of the poor, and to the proliferation of weapons. These matters are profoundly related.
 
In addition to the pastoral letter, resources will be available very soon for children, youth and adults to use in exploring ways to live more faithfully in the world God created for our joy and our care. You are invited to access these materials on the Council of Bishops web site  by clicking here.

The God of all creation has come to us in Jesus Christ. Through Jesus Christ, God is reconciling the whole creation.  Our love and good deeds overflow from our life in God and our faith in Christ.  
 
The membership vows of the United Methodist Church now include our promise to be faithful in witness.  Let us think expansively about that witness.  Eating "local," recycling, composting, and carpooling are not trivial matters.  Living simply is a profound choice of solidarity with all our neighbors on this planet.  Living "green" is a witness of harmony with God who continues to create and renew all that is. Giving "alternative gifts" is a powerful channel of generosity.  
 
Let us encourage one another to care for this earth, God's good gift in which we reside for the season of this life.  Thanks be to God on these beautiful fall days for the wonder of creation!

Hope Morgan Ward

:: Knock on 9

 
Johnston Chapel's Mission Kids Knock on 50

Kim Burkett of Johnston Chapel UMC in Summit, shares that the mission possible kids, Johnston Chapel's children's program, knocked on 50 doors and gave out door hangers on Oct 25. The door hangers and the kids invited children and families to their fall festival on Wednesday Oct. 28 at our church. "We had a huge crowd and about 15 new children came to our fall festival," said Burkett. "One family with three children has been coming each Sunday and Wednesday since our fall festival. God is so great!"

Pre-Thanksgiving Meal at Newton Chapel Opens Doors

Newton Chapel UMC in Poplarville accepted the challenge to Knock on Nine by opening the doors of their fellowship hall for a Pre-Thanksgiving dinner that was FREE.  More than 100 people enjoyed the meal and the fellowship. "This is our way of showing that radical hospitality," said Mark Peters, pastor of Newton Chapel. "Yes, they were asking, 'what do I pay?' We replied, 'it's all free, we have more than enough."
 
Jackie Hinton, Newton Chapel's church secretary tells us that more than 100 people enjoyed the meal and the fellowship.  And, the following day, at Sunday worship service, two doors had been opened.  

:: Announcements

 
Share Your Story of Reconciliation


The Communications office is currently seeking devotions for the 2010 Lenten Devotional Guide.  The theme for this year's study guide is: Growing the Beloved Community...Stories from the Garden of Reconciliation. Deadline for submission is Dec. 11, 2009.

Devotions should fit within the theme of reconciliation as shown above. It will include a scripture reference, a devotion of approximately 500 words, and a prayer, the name of the author and who they represent, i.e. Jane Smith is a member of First United Methodist Church, Jackson.

The booklets will be available in mid January through the conference office and can be used as a personal devotional guide or as a group study. The cost will be $3 per booklet or $2 each for orders of 10 or more. Persons submitting a devotion will receive a free copy.

The devotions should be received in the conference office no later than Dec. 11.  They can be emailed to lisacm@mississippi-umc.org.
 

GBGM Offers Resources
for Advancing Hope

The General Board of Global Ministries has prepared the following materials for congregations to use in the call for support of missions:  World AIDS Day Resources: A resource packet is available on the website of UMCOR; also, World AIDS Day is featured in the new, November issue of Advancing Hope, the e-letter of The Advance.

UMCOR Resources:
http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor/work/health/hivaids/wad09/

Advancing Hope:
http://new.gbgm-umc.org/advance/resources/news/advancinghope/?C=6081&i=3 0864

Today, Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare took another step forward in its quest to build a hospital in Olive Branch. The staff of the Mississippi State Department of Health made public its analysis and recommendation in favor of Methodist's Certificate of Need (CON) application to build a hospital in Olive Branch, MS.

"Clearly, the staff of the Mississippi State Department of Health agreed that our application to build a new hospital in Olive Branch was complete and the criteria they set forth in the State health plan were met," said David Baytos, senior vice president of Mississippi and International Healthcare Services.  "We hope that this recommendation that our CON be granted will send a clear signal to all that a hospital is needed so that we can move forward with this most important initiative for Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare."

Methodist sites historical and continuing population growth in Olive Branch and DeSoto County as a key reason for the need for the hospital.  "Growth in Desoto County is among the highest in the country," said Baytos.

Baytos said many citizens of Olive Branch and DeSoto County leave the city/county/state to obtain healthcare elsewhere.  Methodist already serves approximately 47,000 Mississippi residents who have to travel to Shelby County to receive health services.

Methodist is already present in Olive Branch at the Carvel Imaging Centers it now owns and operates, as well as the urgent care, minor medical and sleep center facility on Goodman Road that opened in 2008.

If there is no opposition to this recommendation, Methodist's CON will be considered by the State Health Officer at the next scheduled CON meeting of the Mississippi Department of Health.

:: Corrected information in red.
 
The Clergy Spouse Retreat is scheduled for Jan. 8-9, 2010 at Camp Wesley Pines. The theme this year is "We Offer You Peace" presented by Nika Cotton. Spouses of clergy only are invited to come rest, eat, walk, talk, pray, sing, grow and enjoy the Peace of God! Cost of the event is $35 each. Deadline for registration and fees is Dec. 15, 2009.   Six scholarships for the $35 registration fee are available for first time attendees. To apply send your request to MS UM Clergy Spouses c/o Sherrane McCraw, 3005 Hubbard Rd., Courtland, MS 38620. Scholarship requests must be received by Nov. 30, 2009.  

:: Celebrations

Church Health Center Hosts 8th Annual Clergy Conference 

"Faith and Health: Making the Connection" was the theme of the  8th Annual Clergy Conference hosted by the Church Health Center in Memphis on Nov. 5, 2009.  Rev. Barbara Lundblad, ordained minister of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, was the featured speaker at the conference.  Lundblad, a noted speaker and author has taught preaching at Yale Divinity School, Princeton Theological Seminary, and Union Theological Seminary.

"[Barbara] had a lot to share with us about healing and living healthier lives," said Dr. Scott Morris, founder and executive director of the Church Health Center.

The conference is designed to help explore the various ways the worlds of faith and health intersect. Various speakers were selected to engage clergy, laity, medical professionals and the general public in a discussion of what can be gained from collaboration between faith and health. Some of the topics and speakers were:  "Life Balance and Clergy Life" -- Sister Ellen Buchignani and Rev. Betty Dawson; "Feeding Body and Soul" -- Mary Cay Oyler and Carolyn Sutton; "Best Practices for Clergy Health" -- G. Lee Ramsay; and "Transforming Congregations and Communities with Data" -- Dr. Teresa Cutts and Dr. Robin Womeodu.

Opening speaker for the event was Mississippi Conference's Rev. Embra K. Jackson, administrative assistant to the Bishop, who shared our conference's Health and Wellness story. "He made me proud to be a Mississippian and glad that I was wearing my pedometer," said Rev. Ada Williams of Haven Memorial UMC in Winona and Vincent UMC in Carrollton. "I am motivated to do some type of health initiative with my congregations that will extend into the community. I realize that I can't do every thing, but I can do some things.  So, I am working on the things that I can do."

Rev. Victoria S. Baldwin, Senatobia District Superintendant attended the conference along with many of our clergy. "I was proud to be there and listen to the life enhancing results that the Walking Program has produced in the Mississippi Conference," said Baldwin. "It showed us in a very good light." 

For more information about how to organize health ministries in your church or community, contact The Church Health Center at 901.261.8833, Extension 1626 -- fem@churchhealthcenter.org or Rev. Embra Jackson at 601.948.4561, Extension 24 -- embra@mississippi-umc.org.

Photo (above): William L. Odom, Jr., director of Faith Community Ministries, Memphis and Rev. Embra Jackson, Mississippi Conference share a moment at the Faith and Health Clergy Conference in Memphis.

DeDeaux and Williams Attend 7th National Shalom Summit  

Over 300 people attended the 7th National Shaolm Summit, held Oct 28-31 in Columbia, SC. Representing the Mississippi Conference were Ella DeDeaux of the DeLisle Shalom Community sponsored by Mt.Zion UMC in pass Christian and Annie Williams of Walden Chapel UMC in Goodman.

The Community of Shalom is an organization where the church and community come together, pooling resources to educate and reach out to encourage peace within a community. This year's summit entitled "Stepping Up To Shalom," offered an opportunity for networking among communities across the U.S. who shared practical information on empowering local citizens through collaboration with individuals, churches, communities and local businesses. 
 
The Plenary sessions featured national speakers who inspired the attendees by embodying the theme of "Stepping Up To Shalom".  The Shalom sites were challenged to step to Green Collar Jobs, Green For All; Multi-Cultural, Multi-Faith Collaboration; Social Online Networking; Building Shalom Training for the 21st Century; Shaloming Across Borders; and Seeking Systemic Change. During these sessions attendees had the opportunity to view DVD clips of other shalom sites that have stepped up and become advocates in their communities. The next conference in 2012 will be in Los Angeles, CA.
  
SHALOM is an acronymn for  S - Systemic and sustainable change.  H - Health, healing and wholeness.  A - Asset-based community development. L - Love for God, self and neighbor. O - Organizing for direct action.  M - Multicultural, multifaith, collaboration.
SHALOM is based on Jeremiah 29:12.  For more info, go to SHALOM web site:  http://communitiesofshalom.org/links.html  or contact Rev. Fitzgerald Lovett at 662.897.0581.

Photo (above): From left Ella DeDeaux of Mt. Zion UMC in Pass Christian and Annie Williams of Walden Chapel UMC, Goodman, attended the 7th National Shalom Summit in Columbia, SC, October 28-31, 2009.

:: Cares and Concerns

Funeral arrangements for Rev. Jimmy Stauddy, Greenwood District, are as follows: Visitation at Garner Harper Funeral Home, Grenada, Friday, Nov. 20, from 4-7 pm and funeral service at Minter City UMC, Saturday, Nov. 21, at 10 a.m. Please continue to pray for the Stauddy family and also for the Minter City church and the community of Holcomb.

A memorial service was held for Dr. Earnest A. Smith, former president of Rust College and clergy of the Mississippi Conference on Wed., Nov. 18 at Rust College. Dr. Smith passed away on Nov. 13. Cards and memorials can be sent to Dr. Smith's wife, Milverta, in care of the President's office as follows: Mrs. Earnest Smith, c/o Presidents office, Rust College, Holly Springs MS, 38635.

Rev. Deborah Palmer, pastor of Oxford Burns UMC, New Albany District, had surgery on her thyroid on Nov. 19 at Baptist Hospital in Oxford. Please keep Deborah and family in your prayers. 

Carolyn Wolfe, surviving spouse of Rev. Hillman Wolfe, had a respiratory setback this week and has been readmitted to the coronary care unit at Forrest General Hospital. Please remember Carolyn and the family in your prayers.

Robert Wilson, brother of Rev. David Wilson of Petal UMC, Hattiesburg District passed away this week. There will be a memorial service on Friday, Nov. 20, at 4 p.m. at Hulett-Winstead Funeral Home in Hattiesburg. Please remember the Wilson family in your prayers.

Rev. Jeff Pruett, Seashore District was scheduled to have further tests this week to determine the protocol for his treatment.  His oncologist feels that he will have chemo and radiation prior to surgery (probably in January at Oschner Hospital in New Orleans) followed by additional chemo and radiation. Keep him in your prayers.

Rev. Garry Ruff, Cedar Lake UMC in Seashore District had a heart cath yesterday morning and will have bypass surgery on Dec. 1 in either Slidell or Lacombe, LA. The doctor is expecting to do five bypasses, but is confident of success.   
 
Mrs. Miriam Mitchell, wife of Rev. Elijah in Seashore District had a procedure at Gulfport Memorial last Wednesday.  She is recovering rapidly.

Mrs. Sue Covington, wife of Rev. Eugene Covington (retired) and mother of Rev. Mark Covington, pastor of Kingston and Philadelphia UMCs has passed away. Funeral services were held on Nov. 19, at Laurel First UMC.  Please remember the Covington family in your prayers.

Rev. Howard Lips, Sr. was admitted to the VA Hospital Saturday morning with an initial diagnosis of congestive heart failure. Tests were done to find out why his enzyme levels were elevated, which could be from his heart attack a few weeks ago.  Plans are to move Rev. Lips to Gulfport Memorial either for further tests on his heart. Please keep Rev. Lips and the family in your prayers.

YOUTH MINISTER - Iuka First UMC is seeking a full-time Minister of Youth and Program. In addition to leading the small but growing youth group, this person would also work with volunteers to coordinate other areas of ministry. Iuka is a small town located in northeast Mississippi close the Tennessee River. Known for its warm hospitality Iuka has excellent schools and is one of the few areas in which employment opportunities are expanding especially in industrial and technical specialties. Please send resumes to iuka_c@bellsouth.net. For more information call 662.423.6097.

YOUTH DIRECTOR /MINISTER - Lucedale First is looking for either part-time or full-time youth director/minister.  Great community to raise family. Salary dependent upon experience. For information call 601.947.8132 or email resume to fumclucedale@bellsouth.net.
 
2012 GENERAL CONFERENCE WORSHIP AND MUSIC DIRECTOR - The Worship and Music Director, an individual with a high level of organizational and communication skills, is responsible for the overall worship and music program management at General Conference. The Director is responsible to the Commission on the General Conference functioning as a part of the staff coordinated by the Business Manager. The Worship and Music Director receives a modest honorarium with transportation, housing, and food paid through the submission of expense reports to the Business Manager of the General Conference. Applicants should send a brief resume outlining their background and professional references with a brief audition video highlighting music leadership abilities in a variety of settings by February 1, 2010 to: Rev. Alan J. Morrison, Business Manager of General Conference, P.O. Box 340029, Nashville TN 37203 - 0029 or email: amorrison@gcfa.org. The position description provides technical requirements for the audition video.

UMM GENERAL SECRETARY - The General Commission on United Methodist Men is seeking a qualified individual to serve as its General Secretary. This person will serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the Commission on United Methodist Men. Interested persons should contact Mrs. Martha Davis at 615.620.7266 or email: mdavis@gcumm.org for complete application and job description forms. Forms are also available on the GCUMM website: http://www.gcumm.org.