Making the Word
of God Fully Known

I became its servant according to God's commission that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known... -- Colossians 1:25
 
Someone asked how I spend most of my time, and then suggested an answer, "In administration?" 
 
"Oh, no," I found myself answering.  "I spend most of my time trying to communicate." 
 
Sometimes we think out loud.  I spoke myself into new awareness.  Communication is in the very center of all I do.  It has been in the center of all that I have done in ministry across the years.
 
Essentially, our call is to communicate the gospel, to be evangels of the good news, to be bearers of truth and light.
 
I look forward to being with many of you for a remarkable opportunity August 20 and 21:  Message and Media - Communications Training for the Local Church.  This event is offered through the annual conference ministry of communications.  It is a gift to you and to your church.
 
In this time together, we will realize more fully the expansive opportunities of communication, embrace worship as the center of communication in the local church, and discover ways to expand our local church and district ministries in communication.  The leadership for this event is exceptional.  You will be blessed.
 
I hope that you will receive this gift and set this time apart on your calendar.  Together we will grow in our capacity to make the word of God fully known on August 20 and 21.  See you there!
 
With gratitude for your partnership in Christ's ministry,
Hope Morgan Ward

:: Announcements

 
Sign Up Now for Message & Media

Registration is made easy and more affordable for Message & Media - Communications Training for the Local Church to be held at The Orchard UMC, Tupelo.  The registration fee is now reduced to$10 per person and includes the Saturday luncheon. Clergy, communications/membership committee leaders, worship leaders, choir directors, children and youth coordinators, any church member interested in radical hospitality and passionate worship is invited to attend. (1 CEU offered for full participation.) The event is sponsored by the Mississippi Conference Communications Department. For more information click here.

Lake Junaluska Assembly Seeks
New Executive Director

Lake Junaluska Assembly is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Lake Junaluska Assembly Executive Director. Since June 2000, Rev. Dr. Jimmy L. Carr has served as the Executive Director of Lake Junaluska. Carr recently announced his retirement, effective at the conclusion of 2010.
 
The Lake Junaluska Executive Committee and Bishop Larry Goodpaster, the President of the Lake Junaluska Board, are in the process of searching for the right person to fill the position. Applications must be received no later than August 10, 2010.
 
"One of the things we want to communicate is that Lake Junaluska has a long history and time honored traditions, but it faces the challenge of moving into the 21st century and to become a premier conference and retreat center," said Bishop Goodpaster. "I think the opportunity is really exciting going into the future, and we will build on previous executive directors such as Jimmy Carr's 11 years of experience. Upon his retirement, it's time for us to look to the future in creative ways."
 
The Lake Junaluska Executive Committee are looking for the following qualifications in a candidate: A proven track record of entrepreneurial skills and success in fund raising development in leading a multi-faceted business toward financial stability; possession of leadership skills necessary to guide a not-for-profit United Methodist Christian retreat center, and the ability to serve a clear sense of God's call for this ministry of leading a time-honored organization into a relevant and engaging future. A full description of qualifications can be found online.
 
Candidates for the Executive Director position must submit a 500-word cover letter expressing his or her interest, passion and vision for the position, including proven knowledge, skills and previous experience relevant to the position, in addition to an application with salary history and résumé.
 
For more information, or to download and print a full job description and application, visit www.lakejunaluska.com/executive-directoror contact Karen Kirby, Director of Human Resources at Lake Junaluska Assembly, at 828-454-6707 or kkirby@lakejunaluska.com.  Lake Junaluska Assembly is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

Building Bridges Through Relationships

The Meridian District is sponsoring a workshop on developing relationships between the poor and the church, Building Bridges Through Relationships. Featured guests is Pastor Rudy Rasmus of St. John's UMC, Downtown Houston, TX.
 
The workshop is scheduled for Aug. 27-28, 2010 and CEU's are available at Central UMC in Meridian. Cost for the event is $25 before Aug. 1 or $30 after Aug. 1 and includes on-site lunch for both days.  Make checks payable to Meridian District UMC.  For more information contact Rev. Kenny McGill at revkennymcgill@comcast.netor by calling 601.485.2419.  Click here for more information.

North Mississippi Medical Center
Offers Classes in Pastoral Care

Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) is an educational program developed to teach pastoral care skills to clergy and ministers through a structured process at North Mississippi Medical Center. This seminary-level course advances pastoral care skills for theological students and ministers of all faiths into supervised encounters with persons in crisis.

The next CPE session at NMMC begins in September 2010. The CPE Program cost is $400, with $350 for the program and $50 for materials fee. With the submission of an application, a non- refundable $100 check/cash/money order is required. The $100 reduces the amount owed to $300, which may be paid anytime between September and December 2010.

For more information, please contact NMMC Pastoral Care at
662-377-3439 or sculpepper@nmhs.net.

Lake Junaluska Assembly Seeks
New Executive Director

Lake Junaluska Assembly is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Lake Junaluska Assembly Executive Director. Since June 2000, Rev. Dr. Jimmy L. Carr has served as the Executive Director of Lake Junaluska. Carr recently announced his retirement, effective at the conclusion of 2010.
 
The Lake Junaluska Executive Committee and Bishop Larry Goodpaster, the President of the Lake Junaluska Board, are in the process of searching for the right person to fill the position. Applications must be received no later than August 10, 2010.
 
"One of the things we want to communicate is that Lake Junaluska has a long history and time honored traditions, but it faces the challenge of moving into the 21st century and to become a premier conference and retreat center," said Bishop Goodpaster. "I think the opportunity is really exciting going into the future, and we will build on previous executive directors such as Jimmy Carr's 11 years of experience. Upon his retirement, it's time for us to look to the future in creative ways."
 
The Lake Junaluska Executive Committee are looking for the following qualifications in a candidate: A proven track record of entrepreneurial skills and success in fund raising development in leading a multi-faceted business toward financial stability; possession of leadership skills necessary to guide a not-for-profit United Methodist Christian retreat center, and the ability to serve a clear sense of God's call for this ministry of leading a time-honored organization into a relevant and engaging future. A full description of qualifications can be found online.
 
Candidates for the Executive Director position must submit a 500-word cover letter expressing his or her interest, passion and vision for the position, including proven knowledge, skills and previous experience relevant to the position, in addition to an application with salary history and résumé.
 
For more information, or to download and print a full job description and application, visit www.lakejunaluska.com/executive-directoror contact Karen Kirby, Director of Human Resources at Lake Junaluska Assembly, at 828-454-6707 or kkirby@lakejunaluska.com.  Lake Junaluska Assembly is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

Rev. Bill McAlilly, Seashore District Superintendent, underwent knee replacement surgery Monday morning at Ocean Springs Hospital.   He received a good report. 
If you'd like to send cards, you may do so in care of: Seashore District Office, P. O. Box 6586, Gulfport MS, 39506.  Please keep the McAlilly family in your thoughts and prayers.
 
Rev. Cecele McDonald's father, Cecil Payne, drowned Friday at the Ross Barnett Reservoir.  Cecele is pastor of Ovett UMC.  The funeral service was held Monday, July 12, at Shiloh UMC.
 
Mrs. Sally Smith, spouse of Rev. Jack Smith (retired - Greenwood Dist.), is home from the hospital and doing well. The cancer was contained in one small spot in the lung.  The family asks for continued prayers for recovery, and thanks everyone for their concern.

St. Matthew's UMC in Madison is seeking to fill an eight-hour per week Worship Leader position for its Sunday, 11 a.m., contemporary service, scheduled to begin October 10.  Applications will be received through August 7, interviews conducted August 8, and the position filled by August 12.  Responsibilities would begin August 15.  Applicants should contact Senior Pastor David Carroll (david@stm-umc.org), Associate Pastor Kim Parker (kim@stm-umc.org), or Director of Music Ministries Tim Rigby (timrigby@stm-umc.org) to secure a complete job description or to submit a resume.
 
College Park UMC is seeking to fill the position of Children's Worship leader.  This individual must be a Christian with a good, moral lifestyle. She/he must know in their heart that God has called them to minister to children; must be at least 25 year of age, and willing to submit to a background check.  This position will require the preparation and leading of children's church service.  Salary is dependent upon gifts and experience. Please mail or email your resume to College Park UMC, 1103 Hwy 19 North Meridian, MS 39307 or email to collegeparkumc@bellsouth.net.
 
Alta Woods UMC in Jackson is seeking a part-time pianist. Ability to also play the organ is preferred. This position includes accompanying a regular weekly Sunday morning service and a short fellowship service on Wednesday nights followed by Adult Choir rehearsal. Occasionally, this person will play for special services such as weddings, funerals, etc.  Prior church related music service is preferred. Audition required.  Please send resumes to the church at 109 Alta Woods Blvd., Jackson, MS 39204.Marvin United Methodist Church, in the heart of downtown Florence, is seeking to fill the position of music director (part-time). Please send resume to lynettemumc@windstream.net.
 
Wiggins First UMC is searching for a Junior and Senior Youth Director. This is a full-time staff position. Candidates should have strong Christian faith and strong Bible knowledge. Salary is based on experience, education and qualifications. Please send resume to First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 278, Wiggins, MS 39577.  For additional information please call the church office at 601-928-4880.