:: Gleanings

 
One Great Hour of Sharing

On September 1, 2005, our leaders were a few minutes late to the gathering of all organizations that would be working in responses to the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, two days earlier, on the Gulf Coast.  As our leaders entered, there was an audible sigh and then this comment, "We give thanks you are here.  We could not do this without the Methodists."

Wherever natural disasters occur around the world, our church is known for being the last to leave.  We engage in disaster recovery for the long haul, keeping at it until the job is done.  This is evident on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi today, as other denominations and groups have closed their recovery ministries, often coming to our staff with families who continue await help and with funds yet to be spent on recovery.

It is the joy of every United Methodist Church to invite generosity on the Fourth Sunday in Lent through The One Great Hour of Sharing.  In Mississippi, we have experienced the generosity flowing on this day.  Now, in 2010, The United Methodist Church is present in ministry to those suffering after major natural disasters in Haiti and Chile. Gifts to United Methodist Committee On Relief supporting Haiti relief efforts is expected to be more than $25 million. 100% of the donations made to the UMCOR Haiti Emergency advance will benefit Gods most vulnerable children in Haiti.  UMCOR is able to make this promise because administrative expenses are covered through the One Great Hour of Sharing.
UMCOR does not receive World Service funds or any other apportionments:  the administrative cost of disaster response are provided on this Sunday as we participate together generously.

Wherever the  offering is invited, there is generous response.  Thank you for sharing this invitation in your local church and for participating with United Methodist people around the world so that our church will continue to be ready for needs as they arise around the world.

With gratitude for your ministry,
Hope Morgan Ward

:: Help Haiti

:: Announcements

 
4 Weeks Out...
Evangelism Summit 2010 --
Five Practices for Fruitful Congregations

John reminds us that all of us, as individuals and as communities, are capable of bearing more fruit. What if our worship were pruned in a way to become more passionate? The pruning of our hospitality could lead to something "radical." What if God as the gardener made our faith development more intentional? Mission and service, with some tweaking, would be risk-taking. And what would generosity look like if it were made extravagant? With Jesus as the vine, God as the gardener, growth would follow in these areas of congregational life.

As we move towards Annual Conference with its theme of "Arise, Shine, Grow," we have an opportunity to experience such congregational growth with Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations.  Bishop Robert Schnase will present these practices on Saturday, April 10th at Christ United Methodist Church in Jackson.  This is an event for clergy and laity, small and large parishes, extension ministries, and the list goes on. Any and all who are open to bearing more fruit in the body of Christ are invited to participate.

The Evangelism Summit will open with registration at 8:45 a.m. with a $15 registration fee.  Bishop Schnase will begin at 9:30 a.m. and conclude by 3:30 p.m.  Lunch will be provided and 0.5 CEU's are available. Register now by clicking here. 

Rethink Stewardship -- May 4, 2010

• Rethink Culture:  A Worldview of Scarcity
• Rethink Biblical Faith: A Worldview of Abundance
• Rethink our Practices: Money and Finances According to God's Purposes
• Rethink Christian Maturity:  Mature Generosity and Generous Maturity

The event will be held at the MS UM Foundation, 2415 Highland Colony Parkway in Ridgeland. The cost for lunch and materials is $10.00 per person and space is limited to 50 participants. For more information please contact us at 601.948.8845 or 1.800.496.0975 or email Martha Scarborough, executive director, martha@ms-umf.org or Rev. LaRue Owen, associate director, larue@ms-umf.org.

Music and Worship Arts Week at Lake Junaluska

Make plans now to attend Music & Worship Arts Week at Lake Junaluska, NC: A multi-generational, family-friendly event of arts, praise, and renewal in the beautiful Smoky Mountains -- June 20-25, 2010.  Especially designed for those who want to sing, ring, dance, or act all week, as well as for those who lead these ministries in local congregations.

Registration/Leadership/Schedule is available online at www.umfellowship.org or from the links below.  Just click on training events -- Music & Worship Arts Week. You'll also find there a printable brochure and poster so that you may advertise the event at your local church.

Click here to register today: http://www.regonline.com/Checkin.asp?EventId=768583 

Click here for more information: http://fummwa.affiniscape.com/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=10

This event is sponsored by the Fellowship of United Methodists in Music and Worship Arts.

Fill Your Heart... and A Belly!
5K Run/Walk 10K Run/1 Mile Fun Run

Join Felder UMC and MS Race Timing, LLC for the  3rd Annual Fill Your Heart and  a Belly Fun Run/Walk Saturday, May 22, 2010 at 8 a.m. (registration and packet/t-shirt pickup between 6:45 and 7:45 a.m.)

All proceeds benefit Stop Hunger Now.  The event will be held at Felder UMC and Campmeeting, 1061 Campground Road, Summit (located 9 miles east of Summit on Hwy 570). 

For online registration and registration forms can be found at www.msracetiming.com. Racers are asked to bring a canned good day of race.

:: Celebrations


Campus Ministries Unite at Statewide Retreat

On February 26-28, nearly 200 college students from Mississippi campus ministries united to worship, fellowship, and participate in mission together.  Statewide Retreat is an annual event for our Wesley Foundations organized by the Mississippi United Methodist Student Movement.  The theme this year was "Feed Me," with the focus on calling college students to mission as a way of life. 

Students heard messages from Bishop Hope Morgan Ward and Reverend Troy Benton of Atlanta, Ga., calling them to go and make disciples by being the hands and feet of Christ.  In addition to the general session speakers, workshops were given by conference and lay leaders regarding different areas of mission in order to encourage and inspire students to more specific areas of mission.  These workshops included International Mission, Urban Mission, Mission in the Marketplace, Vocational Calling to Ministry, and Discipleship as Mission.

This year, Statewide provided a unique opportunity to practice these messages by participating in a Stop Hunger Now packaging event.  Prior to Statewide, the Student Movement leaders, along with several campus ministries, raised nearly $8,000 for a concert featuring Todd Agnew and Dathan Thigpen in order to raise funds and awareness of Stop Hunger Now.

As the conference staff person, I want to personally think all of our sponsors and churches who make this possible.  If not for apportionments and donations, this event would not be possible.  I am encouraged by the strength and the growth of our campus ministries.  With your continued participation and prayer, I am confident that God will continue to do more than we could immeasurably ask or imagine on our college campuses.  If you are interested in finding more ways for you or your church to be involved in campus ministry, please contact me at frank@mississippi-umc.org.

Quitman First Concert Benefits Haiti Relief

Opera singer Heather Clancy raised $2,580 for UMCOR's Haiti Relief with a benefit concert at Quitman First UMC on March 5, 2010.
Rose Longwitz accompanied Clancy on the piano where a variety of opera, comedy, classical, Broadway and sacred music held the audience spellbound for over and hour.  

Heather and her husband German Chef Mike Roemhild have recently returned to the United States having spent the last several years serving aboard ship of a six-star cruise line.  Heather was the headline entertainer while her husband was executive chef managing six restaurants and 80 people aboard ship.

Quitman First expresses grateful appreciation to Clancy for giving of herself to help the people of Haiti.

:: Cares and Concerns

Clyde Whitaker of Tupelo, father of Darrell Whitaker, director of Camp Lake Stephens, is gravely ill with cancer.  The family is in need of your prayers.

PEWS FOR SALE - Mount Evergreen UMC in Iuka has 17 pews for sale. Fourteen of the pews are 9 feet 6 inches. Two of the pews are 8 feet; and one pew is 4 feet. The pews are available immediately for $1700. Interested people with questions may contact Robert Armstrong at 662.660.2626 or email armstr1@bellsouth.net.

DIRECTOR - Edwards Street Board of Directors in Hattiesburg is seeking resumes for the newly created position of Director. Requirements for consideration should have a college degree, preferably in social work, experience in management, budget preparation, with strong communication and community relations skills.  The position will pay 30K or higher depending on qualifications. Please send resumes to:  Bill Youngblood, Personnel Committee Chair at youngbloodw@bellsouth.net.
 
DIRECTOR OF MUSIC MINISTRIES - Corinth First UMC is seeking a part time Director of Music Ministries. Person will be primarily responsible for coordinating the chancel, youth, children's, handbell choirs, and related aspects of music ministry. Salary is commensurate with education and experience.  For further information, or to send resume, please contact:  Staff-Parish Relations Committee at First United Methodist Church, 901 N. Fillmore St, Corinth, MS 38834. Deadline for receiving applications is March 19, 2010.
 
DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY MINISTRIES - Corinth First UMC is seeking a part time/full-time position in Children and Family Ministries. Person will be primarily responsible for coordinating all aspects of children's and family ministries, including Sunday school classes, Wednesday night programs, and Vacation Bible School.  Salary is commensurate with education and experience. For further information, or to send resume, please contact:  Staff-Parish Relations Committee at First United Methodist Church, 901 N. Fillmore St, Corinth, MS 38834.  Deadline for receiving application is March 19, 2010.