:: Gleanings

 
Bethlehem

But you, O Bethlehem, who are one of the little clans of Judah...

-- Micah 5:2

The prophet Micah  described a "little clan of Judah" -- Bethlehem.  "But," watch closely: God overwhelms small, insignificant persons and places with light and love and joy.
 
Luke describes Mary as "overshadowed" by God. Overshadowed, she sings of God's great reversals:  the high are brought low, the low are lifted up; the rich are sent away empty and the poor are filled with good things.
 
This Advent, may God's love and power overcome us, in every place.  We are a connection in Mississippi of small groups -- small churches, small classes, small groups, small mission teams. The gospel secret is alive in us. In each of our small places, God comes to us.  We are overshadowed by the glory of God's purpose for us and for all creation.
 
Phillips Brooks, in Bethlehem years ago, looked out across Shepherd's Field and was inspired to write "O Little Town of Bethlehem," one of the loveliest Christmas carols. It is a great mystery, God's coming to us in this simple, ancient place.  Come again, Lord Jesus. Come again, this Christmas.
 
O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray;
Cast out our sin, and enter in, be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel!
 
With you in Advent anticipation,
Hope Morgan Ward

:: Knock on 9

 
Tupelo First holds Blue Christmas Worship

Yes, blue...as in "I am feeling blue." Not everyone is up and cheery for the Christmas holidays. Dealing with the death of a loved one, facing life after divorce or separation, coping with the loss of a job, living with cancer or some other disease that puts a question mark over the future, and a number of other human situations make parties and joviality painful for many people in our congregations and communities.

The long nights just before Christmas, and the struggle with darkness and grief faced by those living with loss make this a difficult time.  We do not traditionally acknowledge the pain of loss during this time of year that can be so difficult emotionally.  Blue Christmas, is a quiet, meditative worship service that makes time for remembering, sharing our hurting places with God, and preparing our hearts for the coming of Christ.  Still, the message of the season is of hope, healing and light.

Organizers hope that the service will draw people from across denominational lines.  The worship service is Sunday, Dec. 20 at 6 p.m. and will be a time of special music, scripture, stories, silent reflection, healing prayer and communion.

For more information contact the church at 662.690.8100 or visit www.fumctupelo.com.  

:: Announcements

 
ABC to Air United Methodist Christmas
Eve Service

ABC television affiliates nationwide will broadcast a United Methodist-produced Christmas Eve candlelight service on Dec. 24 and 25.
 
"We are privileged to open our doors, via television, to viewers who seek a Christmas Eve worship experience," said the Rev. Larry Hollon, chief executive of United Methodist Communications. "We celebrate this opportunity to express our faith within the broader culture."
 
The hour-long broadcast was taped at First United Methodist Church of Dallas, Texas. The traditional service includes carols and scriptures, and features a 100-voice choir, a brass and drum ensemble, and the church's pipe organ. Dr. John Fiedler, senior minister, delivers the message "I Am Bringing You Good News."
 
"We are honored to be chosen by The United Methodist Church to represent our denomination on such an important night," said Fiedler.
 
Airtime for the service is made possible through The United Methodist Church's participation in the National Council of Churches. The National Council of Churches is a founding member of the Interfaith Broadcasting Commission, which works with the three major networks to provide faith-based documentaries and liturgical specials.
 
Regularly updated television listings for the Christmas Eve service are available at www.interfaithbroadcasting.com/liturgical.aspx.

Spots Available in West Jackson
District Lay Speaking School

There are still available spots for in those interested attending the West Jackson District Lay Speaking classes scheduled for Jan. 30.

Vacancies are available in the Basic Class, Advanced Methodist Heritage and Advanced Prayer. The Advanced Worship class is full. For more information contact the office at ejadist@bellsouth.net.

:: News from Ministerial Services

Planning to Retire in 2010?
Here's a Checklist from Lisa Garvin, Ministerial Services 

• Thirty (30) years of service OR age sixty-two (62); OR
• Forty (40) years of service OR age sixty-five (65); OR
• If you are younger than sixty-two (62), but have twenty (20) years of service, you are eligible for retirement, but forfeit some pension benefits.

6. As you plan for retirement, you should contact Byrd and Sara Hillman (800.586.0113) for detailed information on pension credit and expected income.

Continuing Education Opportunity 


Planning Strategic Ministry sessions include:

• Moving from Internal to External Focus
• Moving from Running Programs and Ministries to Developing People
• Moving from Professional Leadership to Shared Leadership
• Breakout Sessions:  Start-up Churches, Turnaround Churches, Re-alignment Churches, Sustaining Success Churches, Small Membership Churches

The workshop is scheduled for Jan. 26, 2010, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Vestavia Hills UMC in Birmingham, AL. Cost is $80 ($70 if you register before 1-15-10).  To register go to www.corechurches.com or call  866.404.4769.

:: Celebrations

Greetings from
Camp Lake Stephens! 

Here at camp we opened the Christmas season with Christmas at Camp, December 6. This event was an opportunity for friends and family to gather at Camp Lake Stephens to enjoy musical entertainment by the Rust College Ensemble along with a traditional Christmas dinner, all on the beautiful campus of Camp Lake Stephens.

Even though it is only the first week of December, we are in full swing for summer camp!  We have already opened online registration for the summer, which can be accessed through our camp Website. 

Several new camps dot a large summer camp schedule that runs from the end of May to the end of July in 2010.  Since it is the holidays, know that you can get your child, grandchild, or church member a gift certificate for summer camp!  Contact the camp office and we can mail or email you a certificate just in time for Christmas.

If your youth group has not yet signed up for Overflow, please do not forget that registration will be closing on December 16th.  If you need further details, please contact Russell  before registration fills up!

Peace to you in this Advent Season.

Hinton Rural Life Center
Puts On a Workshop in Mississippi  

The leaves and the temperature were falling on Nov. 7, but the spirit was rising as the small membership churches were treated to a workshop held at Christ UMC in Indianola. Lyle Shipley and his wife, Penny from Hinton Rural Life Center, Hayesville, NC and Mollie Stewart from Gulf Side Assembly, Waveland came to Indianola to give information to an audience of 50 people from small membership churches throughout the Mississippi Conference. The workshop offered information to help small membership churches become more effective churches.

Stewart spoke in the morning and gave examples of how smaller membership churches can use the NOW (Nurturing Outreach Witness) model to become a stronger and more effective church. After a barbeque lunch and fellowship, Lyle Shipley talked about churches with vision by using his cow slide presentation, stressing that small churches do not need to apologize for being a small-membership church. Penny Shipley finished the workshop on building successful children and youth program.

This workshop was free except for the cost of the lunch and was sponsored by the Conference's Small Membership Church Committee with help from Grace Network.

If you want more information you may contact GRACE NETWORK; Rev. Gary Howse; 662.207.5620; P.O. Box 983, Indianola, MS 38754; or email ghowse_24@yahoo.com.

Human Rights Day Participants Push for Quality Education Worldwide  

On Dec. 10, Human Rights Day, activists from around the country joined together to stand for the world's children, specifically, for the right of all children to have access to a quality education.

Worldwide, 75 million children lack access to a basic education, reports Global Action for Children (GAC), sponsor of the campaign.

GAC cites prohibitively high school fees, long distances to travel, and insufficient numbers of teachers as just a few of the obstacles these children have to receiving an education.

Education is key in the fight to ensure all children grow up safe and healthy. GAC emphasizes that education is a key tool in the fight to ensure all children grow up safe and healthy. "Kids who receive an education are less likely to contract HIV and are equipped to better care for their own children one day," GAC states, "including ensuring they receive immunizations, proper nutrition, and an education of their own, effectively helping to stop the cycle of poverty in their families."

As a candidate, President Obama pledged $2 billion to finance the creation of a Global Fund for Education to help all children go to school. More information about Stand for Children is available on the Global Action for Children page. For more information on Mississippi's involvement email Rev L. Fitzgerald Lovett at fitzgerald@mississippi-umc.org.

:: Cares and Concerns

Retired Rev.John Morrow, Jr. of Ridgeland died December 14. Visitation will be Friday, Dec. 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Wright & Ferguson located on High Street and Saturday, Dec.19 at 9 a.m. at Wright & Ferguson located at 1161 Highland Colony Parkway, Madison and services will immediately follow at 10 a.m. 

Pat Tonkel, spouse of Keith Tonkel, pastor of Wells UMC in Jackson is home today resting well after being hospitalized earlier in the week.  She will be returning to St. Dominic on Sunday for an additional procedure.

Rev. Bill Price, former District Superintendent of the Greenwood District, member of Poplar Springs UMC, and pastor of numerous churches, passed away Dec. 13 at Anderson Hospital. Services were held Dec. 16.
 
The father of Cindy Gerber, (spouse of Fred Gerber who is the pastor of the Morton First UMC, Morton, MS) father passed away Dec. 13.  A memorial will take place Saturday, Dec.19, 2:00 p.m. at Hartman & Hughes in Tylertown.

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.

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.

SALTILLO FIRST UMC CHILDREN'S MINISTER ANNOUNCEMENT OF VACANCY - Saltillo First UMC, Tupelo District, is seeking a part-time staff member to lead our growing Children's Ministry program. This person will be responsible to the Senior Pastor and the Pastor-Parish Team. The primary duties of the minister will be to nurture the faith development of children from birth to the sixth grade through educational, fellowship and spiritual growth programs and activities as well as administrative duties.  Qualifications and responsibilities are outlined on the attached document. The applicants must be committed to Christ and The Church, be able to work with the church staff as part of a team, and be motivated to fulfill the Mission and Vision of this church.  Send letter of interest, resume and salary requirements to:  Saltillo First UMC, P.O. Box 146 Saltillo, MS  38866   Telephone: 662.869.2956   Or email to: saltillo1stumc@bellsouth.net.    
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:   We see the children's programs of our church as being very specialized and yet a valuable part of the total church. As such, we feel that our children's minister should be just that; a minister to our children, shepherding them as our pastor shepherds the church. First and foremost, our children's minister should have an active, personal relationship with Jesus Christ and be open about it. We also expect the minister to have a secure home life; fresh, new ideas; a vision for the future for our children; to be open-minded to our ideas; family/children ministry minded; open to periodic evaluations; have good leadership skills.