:: Gleanings

 
Growth in Generosity

...Here I am, send me!  -- Isaiah 6:8
 
Imagine Isaiah offering himself to God.  Picture his hands out, his palms up.
It is hard to imagine him exclaiming, "Here I am, send me!" with his hands full.
 
"Growth in Generosity" is a gift to your church, offered 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 27, at Oxford University UMC in Oxford or Saturday, March 6, at Heritage UMC in Hattiesburg.  Martha Scarborough and LaRue Owen will be instructors, helping us to embrace Biblical principles of stewardship and to be better prepared to lead our churches in generosity.
 
As we sense the power and presence of God, we offer ourselves in service, holding our hands out, our palms up.  We say to God, "Here I am, send me!"
 
I hope to see you there!
Hope Morgan Ward

:: Help Haiti

 

individually or all together.

A Letter from Rev. Gesner Paul,
Haiti Methodist Church

 

• The Methodist Church in Haiti and UMCOR are still undertaking assessments and evaluations in the 6 circuits most impacted by the earthquake, to determine the extent of the damage in church communities and beyond. Suitable projects and assignments for volunteer teams wishing to contribute to the recovery effort will not be identified until this process is complete.
• The Methodist Guest House is currently being assessed for structural integrity, and will undergo some rehabilitation and reconstruction of the security wall before being brought to full capacity and security to host teams of volunteers.
• Commercial flights into Haiti are currently suspended and all travel into Haiti must be done via the neighboring Dominican Republic. Once in Haiti, transportation and logistics are further complicated due to the influx of international aid groups and the reality of debris and closed roads.
• The emergency relief and debris removal phase may last at least another one or two months, depending on the severity of the impact to the communities. Volunteers wishing to work on the programs identified as priority by the Methodist Church in Haiti and UMCOR can begin to schedule trips for late March and April, once this initial emergency response and recovery phase is completed.
• Volunteer teams with pre-existing travel plans to Haiti are urged to reconsider the timing and nature of their trip, in order to allow for re-assessment and prioritization of earthquake recovery programs.

Please continue to communicate with us your interest in volunteering for the recovery effort, and we will connect you with recovery projects and rehabilitation programs as soon as possible. We thank you again for standing by us in this time of great need, and look forward to working in Christian partnership to build a better Haiti.

UMCOR Names Harvey as Liason on Haiti Relief

The Rev. Cynthia Fierro Harvey, a Houston mission leader with extensive experience in disaster relief, will serve as liaison between the United Methodist Committee on Relief and the denomination's annual conferences and congregations for the church's relief efforts in Haiti following the Jan.12 earthquake.

Harvey has worked with Texas Conference disaster relief responses to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005 and Hurricane Ike last year. She also helped to coordinate the distribution of almost 1 million mosquito nets in Côte d'Ivoire in 2008.

Collection Points for Health Kits

Listed below are the confirmed collection points for Haiti Relief Health Kits. Those who are taking kits to the collection points or who have them at their local churches please email Brenda Hiatt at bhiatt@comcast.net with your numbers. Thanks for your 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
and
Huddle House, 1028 W. Beacon St., Philadelphia; Phone: 662.283.8780; email: donald@trinityfoodinc.net

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
and
St. Luke UMC, 1400 Clayon Ave., Tupelo; Phone 662.842.6522; email: donkeydarrell@aol.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

Seashore District: Poplarville UMC, 202 West Church St., Poplarville; Phone: 601.795.4519

:: Announcements

 
Johnston to Perform Wesley at Hernando First

John Wesley comes to life in the one-man play performed by B.J. Johnston this Sunday, Feb. 7, 10:30 a.m. at Hernando First UMC, in the Senatobia District.  The Man from Aldersgate is a 90-minute two-act play is based on the life of John Wesley and is said to challenge and encourage the audience. To see clips of the play click the following here.
 
Hernando First is located at 1890 Mt. Pleasant Rd., Hernando. For more information call the church at 662.429.7026.

Walden Chapel UMC Sponsors
2010 Gospel Explosion

The Walden Chapel UMC choir will open the 2010 Gospel Explosion scheduled for 6 p.m. this Saturday, Feb. 6 at William Sullivan High School, Hwy 51S in Durant. The annual Gospel Explosion benefits the Mary Howard Day Scholarship Fund and is sponsored by Walden Chapel United Methodist Men (UMM) in Goodman. 
 
This annual event helps the UMM give out hundreds of dollars in scholarships to students who apply from Walden Chapel UMC and William Sullivan High School. In January of 2010, five students received $700 scholarships totaling $3,500. 
 
Tickets for the event are:  $10 in advance; $15 at the door. 
Children ages 6-12: $5.  Free admission for children ages 6 and under. Doors open at 5 p.m.

Other guests include:  Bishop Neal Roberson, Mary Rule McGee, The Howard Brothers, The Forrest Brothers, The Kaiser Singers, The Golden Bells of Lexington, MS, The Starlight Singers, The Wilson Singers, Tri-City Gospel Choir, Walter Bruce and The Mighty Soul Travelers,  West-Attala Male Chorus, Expressions of Faith, The Clark Family, The Golden Bells of Meridian, and Brothers for Christ. 

Celebrating Black History Month

February is Black History Month and The General Board of Global Ministries has prepared resources to help your celebration. Those can be found at this link: new.gbgm-umc.org/resources/annual/blackhistorymonth/.


Giving Voice: Unearthing the
Ken Thompson Collection
After 40 years in obscurity, the unpublished Civil Rights photo collection of Ken Thompson is revealed. Click here to visit the Ken Thompson Gallery.

Beth Moore Simulcast to Air in Brandon --
So Long, Insecurity

Pinelake Church in Brandon will host a simulcast event with author and founder of Living Proof Ministries, Beth Moore. The event titled So Long, Insecurity is scheduled for Saturday, April 24 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Pinelake Church, 6071 Hwy. 25, Brandon. Tickets are $15 and are available online at www.pinelake.org/bethmoore or by calling 601.829.4500.
 
The So Long, Insecurity is geared to the today's women -- " Since Eve ripped the first leaf from a tree in the Garden, insecurities have plagued the female gender. Today's women -- young and old, churched and unchurched, rich and poor -- are suffering from such deeply embedded wounds that most don't even know how to identify them, and beyond that they can't imagine living without them."

For more information visit www.pinelake.org/calendar/events/index.php?com=detail&eID=1199.

End of Life Decision-Making Conference,
Feb. 8, 2010

The Emory University Religion and Public Health Collaborative and the Center for Ethics invite you to attend a one day conference, "Belief and Barriers: Religion and Decision-Making for the End of Life." It is anticipated to be a day of excellent presentations and discussion, as well as a hope for beginning a conversation that continues far beyond the time concentration of a conference.

Space is limited to 140 seats; therefore, registration is first-come, first-served.  All seats are expected to fill. Once the seats have been filled, anyone registering after that time will be placed on a waiting list.
 
Information about online registration for the conference is available through this link: www.formlogix.com/Manager/UserForm131387.aspx?Param=VXNlcklkPTEzMTM4Ny5Gb3JtSWQ9Mg%3d%3d

:: Celebrations

Board of
Medical Benefits Presents Conference with Check

Trey Harper, chair of the MS Conference Board of Medical Benefits presented Bishop Ward with a check for $500,000 to apply to the 2010 local church apportionments for health benefits. The money is part of a $1,500,000 surplus realized at the close of 2009.  "We know that the health plan represents 32% of this year's apportionment," said Harper.  "It is our hope that in giving back this half million dollars we are doing our part in assisting the local church in having more dollars to put in ministry and thus move us all toward our mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. "
 
In a letter to pastors and treasurers of the local churches, Harper says several things played a part in the good report. "Due to the dedication and wisdom of our Board members, the larger discounts we are receiving in the Blue Cross Blue Shield network, the lifestyle impact of Amazing Pace, as well as the hard work of our other partners, we are proud to report a 2009 surplus of 1.5 million dollars. "  Harper also sited the stewardship example set by hard work of local churches, Bishop Ward, the Cabinet and Conference staff, and CFA as influencing the surplus.
 
The $1,500,000 will be applied as follows: a) $500,000 to Line 7 of the local church apportionment report enclosed and b) $1,000,000 to Post Retirement Health Benefit liability.
 
For more information contact David Stotts, Conference Treasurer at david@mississippi-umc.org.

:: Cares and Concerns

Mrs. Pauline Whiteside Elliott, widow of the Rev. James F. Elliott, passed away Jan. 27, 2010. Her funeral was held Jan. 29, at Trinity UMC, Greenville.
 
Kent Henson passed away recently while awaiting a kidney transplant.   Kent is the cousin of Rev. Scott Broughton who serves Mt. Pleasant UMC, Senatobia District.  Please lift up the entire family in your prayers.
 
Mrs. Aurice Moore, mother of Rev. John Moore, has passed away. Funeral services were held Feb. 2 at Kosciusko First. Rev. Moore is the pastor of Crossgates UMC, East Jackson District. Please keep John and his family in your prayers.
 
Rev. Roy Biggers, retired, passed away Jan. 28.  Please remember Emily and the family in your prayers. Funeral services were held Feb. 1 at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home in Bay Springs.
 
A special prayer request from MS UM Chabadza Coordinator Michelle Shrader: Bishop Muzorewa, Zimbabwe's first Bishop, was flying to Texas to speak at a Mission conference.  He fell ill and went to the Doctor and has been diagnosed with cancer.  He is still in Texas undergoing tests.  Please keep him in your prayers.

Rev. Grady Bailey of the West Jackson District, pastor of Ellison/Picken UMC, will be having out-patient surgery on Tuesday, Feb. 9.  Let's keep Rev. Bailey and his family in your prayers.

Rev. Larry Creel's wife Nancy had knee replacement surgery this week at University Hospital.  Nancy has always been active in the Clergy Spouse organization, Rev. Creel is pastor at Moore Memorial in Winona.
 
Retired elder Rev. James McRee's son also named James McRee has passed away.  Visitation will be Saturday, Feb. 6 from 10 a.m. to noon and the services will be at 12 noon, both at His Holiness Missionary Baptist Church on Westhaven Blvd. in Jackson.  Please remember the McRee family in your prayers.

YOUTH MINISTER - Growing church on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, St. Paul United Methodist Church in Ocean Springs is looking for a youth minister who can help lead a youth group of 75-100 with great potential for growth.  For more information email sheila@stpaulos.org.

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.    

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.