:: Gleanings

 
To Build and To Plant

To not say, "I am only a youth..."
...I have put my words in your mouth.
See, today I appoint you...

In one month, the statewide campus ministry event, held annually in February, will convene for a weekend of inspiration, connection and growing in Christ.  On Friday evening, Feb. 26, a special concert open to all will be held at Galloway Church in Jackson.  Josh Gray, president of the Mississippi United Methodist Student Movement, offers a wonderful invitation below.  I will be at Galloway for the concert and hope to see you there.  This will be a wonderful way to support students and to introduce others to our campus ministers and student leaders while supporting great needs in our world. 
Ministries with young people in the church grow out of the assurance of God's purpose and power for children, youth, college students, and young adults.  We give thanks for the leadership that God is calling forth among the young in Mississippi.

Mississippi has been recognized as the conference having the most clergy in full connection under the age of 35, over 11 % in a denomination that averages less than 5%.  This is a result of God's work among us as we focus energies on ministry with the young. 
Campus ministry remains one of the largest items you support through your apportionments, ensuring continued strength and growth in campus ministry in every college, university and community college.

You are invited to be a "Hannah" congregation, nurturing young people toward their calling in Christ, supporting students through college and seminary, and praying for them.  We continue to seek faithful persons under the age of 35 as lay members of annual conference from their local churches or from the "equalizing members" appointed each year through the district superintendents' leadership.

God is still calling young people!  Our conference affirmed this as we followed Dr. Aubrey Lucas' urging to "find a lay leader half my age!" and Turner Arant's urging to bring into leadership responsibilities faithful and visionary young persons.  We embraced this vision and have a wonderful young lay leader, Tim Crisler.  Other conferences are amazed and are inviting Tim to speak and to help them engage young persons.

Thank you for your prayers and your confidence in Christ's purpose.  The one who came as a baby among us, who grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and with people, the one who blessed children to the amazement of those watching...this same one is alive in us and among us! 

With gratitude for your joyful embrace of all who are young,
Hope Morgan Ward


A Message from Josh Gray, President of MUMSM:

Blessings!

My name is Josh Gray, and I'm President of the Mississippi United Methodist Student Movement (MUMSM). As an organization, we present college students with a statewide retreat each year. 

This year, our focus is on Missions and answering God's call on how we as a body can feed people, whether it be spiritually or physically.  With that in mind, I want to invite you to a special event that MUMSM has been working tirelessly on for months.  Friday, Feb. 26, Todd Agnew and "Dathan Thigpen and the Holy Nation" will be in concert at Galloway UMC, Jackson. 

This concert will raise money for the world hunger aid organization Stop Hunger Now and ALL of its ticket proceeds will go to SHN's aid. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 the night of the event.  A night out as a group of UM Women, Men, Youth Group, etc., could feed hundreds of people, as one quarter packages one meal! 

Our goal is to raise as many meals as we possibly can to alleviate hunger for nations across the world. 

For more information on how to get your tickets for this concert, contact the MS UMC Conference office at 601.354.0515, ext. 28 (ask for FRANK), email JOSH GRAY at gray07@mc.edu, or log on to star93fm.com.  If you are a Facebook or Twitter user, simply search MUMSM to get up-to-date information.

Also, Stop Hunger Now is currently working closely with the crisis in Haiti.  Your support will allow for greater relief to the Haitian people in their difficult time.  MUMSM and Stop Hunger Now need your help.  Please join us Feb. 26 at Galloway UMC, Jackson.  Tell your friends, too! 

Any and all donations are appreciated and needed.  If you, your church, or your organization would like to donate to the SHN concert, please contact anyone from the above listed contacts.

Thanks for your time, support, and prayers.  Blessings to you all!

:: Help Haiti

 
A Message from SEJ UMVIM

Thank you for signing up for more information on leading volunteer UMVIM teams to Haiti.  We have had an overwhelming response from volunteers interested in helping the people of Haiti.  As you know, in disasters, information changes quickly.  For this reason, we continue to ask that you visit www.umvim.org/haiti for information.
 
In that vein, we have now been asked by the General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM) of the United Methodist Church to direct you to their website, http://secure.gbgm-umc.org/HaitiVolunteer/.  On that page, you will find another form, this one more detailed, asking about specific skills and experience in Haiti; as the situation progresses and UMCOR has more time to assess the situation, we are learning more about the specific skill sets that are needed.  We continue to work with GBGM as we develop a database of potential volunteers.
 
We will take the information we have already received through our website and pass it along to the conference UMVIM coordinator in your area (David Newton, MS UMVIM coordinator at david.newton@diamondheadumc.org)   If you have prior experience in Haiti and the necessary skills, it is very important that you fill out the form at http://secure.gbgm-umc.org/HaitiVolunteer/ with the information requested.  It is from this new list that we will make initial contacts.
 
As we learn more about the situation in Haiti, we are more determined than ever to match volunteers with right opportunities for service.  Again, thank you for your willingness to serve.

Southwest Wesley Foundation Helps Haiti

For Monday night's Southwest games against Co-Lin, the Southwest Wesley Foundation will give 50% of the money they take in at the concession stand to help relief efforts in Haiti.

The game will be held on the campus in Summit. For more information email smccwesley@gmail.com.

Collection Points for Health Kits

Listed below are the confirmed collection points for Haiti Relief Health Kits as of today.  Those who are taking kits to the collection points or who have them at their local churches please email Wayne Napier at wbnapier@live.com with your numbers.  Kits should be at the collection points by Feb. 3 for pickup.  Wayne is planning to make the first trip to Sager Brown on Feb. 4.  There are, however, some that will be going later.  Thanks for you help!

Brookhaven District:  Brookhaven First UMC, 215 Cherokee, Brookhaven; Phone: 601.833.3519; email: brofumc@bellsouth.net

East Jackson District: Christ UMC, 6000 Old Canton Red., Jackson; Phone: 601.956.6974; email: cmeador@christunitedjxn.org

Hattiesburg District: Williamsburg UMC, 222 Yates Rd., Collins; Phone: 601.765.8741;  email: rowebb16@bellwouth.net

Meridian District: College Park UMC, Highway 19 North, Meridian; Phone: 601.635.3219; email: kdeowen@aol.com

Starksville District: Columbus Central UMC, 1201 College St., Columbus; Phone: 662.328.7895; email: franjohn824@yahoo.com

Tupelo District: Tupelo First UMC, 412 W. Main St., Tupelo; Phone: 662.690.8100; email: info@fumctupelo.com
and
Lewis Memorial UMC, 111 W. Taylor St., Calhoun City; Phone: 662. 628.5772; email: lmumc4sec@yahoo.com

West Jackson District: Clinton UMC, 100 Mr. Salus Rd., Clinton; Phone: 601.924.6671

Senatobia District: Sardis UMC, 506 S. Main St., Sardis; 662. 487.2738

Temporary Protected Status Approved
for Haitians living in U.S.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary has determined that an 18-month designation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti is warranted because of the devastating earthquake and aftershocks which occurred on January 12, 2010. As a result, Haitians in the United States (and other individuals with-out nationality who last habitually resided in Haiti) are unable to return safely to their country.  
 
What is Temporary Protected Status? TPS is a temporary immigration status granted to eligible nationals of a certain country (or persons without nationality who last habitually lived in that country) designated by the Secretary of Homeland Security because that country has experienced temporary negative conditions, such as armed conflict or an environ-mental disaster, that prevent nationals of the country from returning safely or for the country to handle their return adequately. TPS beneficiaries are allowed to remain in the United States and can legally work for a set time period. For more information contact El Pueblo.


A Message from Sally Bevill, Director of El Pueblo:

As I have watched the devastation of the earthquake in Haiti, I have been silenced with sadness and stilled by the images of death and destruction. I have also been moved by the outpouring of humanitarian aid and heroic efforts to save lives and care for the broken. One way in which we can help is to be intentional about reaching out to Haitian individuals in our communities and sharing the information about TPS with them. If they need our help we are ready to assist them with this process. Now is the time for us all to unify our efforts and realize our connection with one another whether we are immigrant or citizen, documented or undocumented. For more information click here.

:: Announcements

 
Stat Reports Due Today

Statistical reports are due Friday, Jan. 29, 2010. If you have questions call your district office or David Greer, Conference Statistician at 228.475.7888.

Footsteps In Hope 2010 Scheduled for March 28

This spring will mark the third annual Footsteps in Hope 8K Walk/Run, supporting HIV/AIDS projects in Mississippi and Zimbabwe.
 
At 2 p.m. on March 28, the Jackson community will gather in support of the local and global effort against HIV/AIDS. Over the past two years, hundreds of Mississippians have traveled the 8000 meters to commemorate the 8000 daily AIDS-related deaths around the world. Walkers have raised thousands of dollars, which have helped change lives, save families, and assist HIV initiatives at home and across the world. Please join us at Old Trace Park/Ross Barnett Reservoir to make 2010 our best year ever!
 
Form a team with your friends and family to fundraise and walk/run together. Individuals are also welcome to participate!
 
Register at www.footstepsinhope.org. During registration, you will have the option to create an online fundraising page. You will also receive a registration packet over email that includes event details and fundraising tips.
 
Ask people to sponsor you. Set a fundraising goal to reach or even surpass. It's easier than you may think. Past walkers have individually raised upwards of $2000! These funds help to enhance services here at home and abroad. Half of donations stay in Mississippi. The other half assists the crisis HIV situation in sub-Saharan Africa.
 
Benefiting organizations include: Adult Special Care Clinic; Brave New Day; Building Bridges, Inc.; Central MS Circle of Care; Grace House; MS Episcopal AIDS Committee; Old Mutare Voluntary Counseling and Testing Center, Zimbabwe.
 
If you belong to an organization or business, ask about sponsorship options! Because of our generous event sponsors, in the past, Footsteps in Hope reports it has been able to allocate 100% of the walk's donations to the cause. Here are opportunities to help: Purchase the start line, the finish line, or one of the 8 kilometers on the route. Receive advertising on the designated route marker, the registration website, and the event t-shirt.

For more information contact Footsteps in Hope coordinator Liz Coleclough at footstepsinhope@gmail.com or call 901.338.7011.

:: Celebrations

Congratulations
Amazing Pacers!

Mississippi continues to lead the nation in wellness initiatives!
We congratulate the Amazing Pacers who walked during the Landmarks of an Emerging Church Journey (September 15-December 14, 2009).

Amazing Pacers have walked FOUR Times Around the World -- or 99,896 miles -- or 199,738,000 steps!

Here are the District Challenge Winners:

TOP District Miles:
1st Place:  West Jackson District - 13,526 miles
2nd Place:  Tupelo District - 13,155 miles
3rd Place:  Starkville District - 12,031 miles
 
TOP District PACER'S Average Mile:
1st Place:  Starkville District - 236 average
2nd Place:  West Jackson District - 218 average
3rd Place:  Tupelo District - 202 average
 
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR TOP 50 Pacers:
(in alphabetical order)
Grady Bailey, Virginia Bailey, Alicia Beam Ingram, John Bowie, Pamela Bray, Rick Brooks, Travis Carpenter, Glenda Corley, Dale Cox, Johnny Crosby, Allen Dearing, Will Dowling, Angela Dowling, Sheryl Downs, Lanelle Giordano, Ted Giordano, Gary Glazier, Timmy Green,
Earl Greenough, Doyce Gunter, Chuck Hallford, Wendy Harms, Kenny Hart, Richard Hicks, Robert Hill, Jerry Horton, Vicki Hughes, Donald Lewis, Paul Luckett, Pat Ludlam, Robert McCoy, John Meador, Katherine Meador, Thomas Potter, Bob Rambo, Andy Ray, Luther Robertson, Raymond Rooney, Jan Shock, Thomas Sorrell, Lynn Stokes, Jonathan Stokes, Karen Sudduth, Bruce Taylor, Marjorie Walker, Hope Ward, Julia Williamson, Cecil Williamson, Jack Woodward and Laura Young 

:: News from UMW

Living the Life of Christ
By Jackie Pennington, UMW President
 
The organized unit of United Methodist Women (UMW) shall be a community of women whose purpose is to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ; to develop a creative, supportive fellowship; and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church.
 
"I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me."   -- Galatians 2:19b-20a NRSV

"My little children, for whom I am again in the pain of childbirth until Christ is formed in you,..."   -- Galatians 4: 19a NRSV
 
As spiritual leaders most United Methodist Women probably fall in between being able to say with Paul "it is Christ who lives in me" and being a beginner in whom Christ only marginally lives.  The basis of our spirituality is knowing God.  At every level of the organization there is a Coordinator for Spiritual Growth.  The Reading Program suggests books which aid spiritual growth.  Each year a spiritual growth study is introduced at the School of Christian Mission.  This year's study is "Food and Faith", and next year's is "For the Love of God -- John's Letters".
 
Knowing God calls for living a Christ-like life in relationship with all God's children.  United Methodist Women provide supportive community for one another enabling reaching out to others.  We learn about all God's children, how our lifestyles affect others, and how we are called to make a difference through our geographical and issue studies.  We have recently engaged in study of Native Americans; the people of Sudan, Israel, Palestine, India, Pakistan; and public education.  Response and New World Outlook magazines help provide a world view that one cannot glean from the evening news.
 
Spiritual leadership is servant leadership.  With humility we join hands serving women, children and youth around the world.  Words of faith, hope, and love become active "through participation in the global ministries of the church."  United Methodist Women are engaged in a variety of mission projects in their communities -- tutoring in after-school programs, volunteering in mission centers, helping with clothes closets and food banks, serving meals on wheels, making heart pillows for breast cancer patients, knitting prayer shawls for the sick and wounded.  The list could go on and on.  United Methodist Women give twice -- as members of the church and as United Methodist Women; and many give sacrificially.  Our pledge to mission, world thank offering, Call to Prayer and Self-Denial offering and gifts to mission reach out to women, children and youth in the United States and beyond.
 
Acts 17: 6 refers to Paul and Silas as "those people who have been turning the world upside down."  United Methodist Women engage in advocacy which in order to make things right sometimes must turn things upside down.  Spiritual leaders are concerned not only with meeting immediate needs, but with seeking out the root causes of our societal ills.
 
As spiritual leaders United Methodist Women reach out to the marginalized in society, see God in smelly, not-so-nice people, and befriend all people as Jesus did.  We can do this because we know that God will provide the strength needed.
 
For more information on UMW, starting a unit or becoming a member contact Dorothy Carter, Coordinator for Membership, Nurture and Outreach, at 662.256.5857 or Jackie Pennington, President, 662.843.8139, jackiebill@tecinfo.com.

:: Cares and Concerns

Flora Reed, grandmother of Rev. Charles Reed who serves Bakers Chapel UMC in Hernando (Senatobia District) passed away Jan. 25, 2010.  Rev. Reed requests prayers for his family.

Mrs. Milverta Smith (Dr. Earnest Smith's wife) passed away Jan. 21, 2010.  Funeral services were held Jan. 26, at St. Stephens UMC in Yazoo City. Please keep the Smith family in your prayers.
 
Rev Ray Owens who serves Hinds Chapel/Horn Lake UMC is scheduled for surgery Feb. 1, 10:30 a.m. at Methodist Hospital, Germantown. A biopsy of the lymph nodes will be performed. You may contact Rev. Owens by emailing RyOwns@aol.com. Please remember Rev. Owens, his wife Jeannie and family in prayer.

Rev. Sam Hull, Meridian District, passed away Jan. 25, 2010. Funeral services were held Jan. 27 at New Hope UMC in DeKalb. The family requested that in lieu of flowers to give an offering to your local church in his memory. Please keep the Hull family in your thoughts and prayers.

Greg Gillom, brother of Emma Ward, pastor of Trinity UMC, Senatobia District, was killed in an auto accident Jan. 19, in Oxford.  Services were held Jan. 23 at North Oxford Baptist Church in Oxford. Please keep the family in your prayers.
 
Rev. Cecil Jones, retired elder, Hattiesburg District, is in the intensive care unit at Wesley Medical Center in Hattiesburg.  Please remember Cecil and Jewell in your prayers.

Rev. Robert Carroll, who is the pastor of Harris Memorial UMC, West Jackson District and Christian Banner, East Jackson District will be having surgery on Friday, Jan. 29 at the Mississippi Baptist Medical Center, Jackson, for an abdominal aneurysm. Surgery is scheduled for 7 a.m. Let's keep him in our prayers.

Wesleyanna UMC in the East/West Jackson District is looking for copies of Power and Praise, published by John T. Benson in Nashville. The book is burgundy with gold writing.  Please contact Rev. Alicia Beam-Ingram at 601.845.6626 or beamebaby@yahoo.com.

SALTILLO FIRST UMC CHILDREN'S MINISTER ANNOUNCEMENT OF VACANCY saltillo1stumc@bellsouth.net.    

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI WESLEY FOUNDATION OPENING - The Mississippi Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church is searching for a campus minister for the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) Wesley Foundation beginning July 1, 2010.  The Cabinet, the USM Wesley Board, and the Higher Education and Campus Ministry committee seek a candidate who:

• Is walking in the way of Christian discipleship themselves
• Is passionate about college campus ministry 
• Has some experience and involvement in campus ministry
• Has proven themselves in other ministry settings 
• Understands ministry to college students
• Has strong relationship skills
• Is a gifted communicator
• Has administrative gifts and organizational skills
• Is familiar with the United Methodist Church and willing to adhere to the guidelines found in the Book of Discipline.  A candidate may be lay, deacon, or elder.  The selection committee seeks the best possible candidate regardless of membership.
  

• Build disciples of Jesus Christ
• Create a lasting and sustainable vision for the USM Wesley Foundation
• Stimulate and sustain numerical growth through relationships and programs
• Create and cultivate student ministers and student leaders for the Wesley Foundation
• Provide leadership to and work in cooperation with the Board of Directors
• Work with the USM board in raising funds for the ongoing ministry
• Build relationships with other campus ministries, organizations, and administration.
• Become an impact on campus in a way that most people affiliated with campus are familiar with the Wesley Foundation

All potential candidates need to send in a resume and a cover letter answering two questions.  First, lay out you're your understanding of the essentials to effective, growing, and healthy ministry to college students.  Second, describe how your gifts and personality relate to these essentials.  We ask that this be written in one page maximum and single spaced.  All resumes and cover letters are due by Friday, February 26.  You will be contacted shortly after the due date in regards to interview details.  All interviews will take place some time in March.  The number of candidates that remain after resume reviews will dictate the interview process.  Please email your letter and resume to the address below. For email: frank@mississippi-umc.org.

2012 GENERAL CONFERENCE WORSHIP AND MUSIC DIRECTOR