Sing the Lord a New Song!

"Their two dozen voices harmonized beautifully...accompanied by a multitude of songbirds hidden in the wooded lots on either side of the beachfront property..."

With these words, the press covered the Rust College A Capella Choir at Gulfside's September 17th Interfaith Prayer Service, organized by Molly Stewart and the staff and directors of Gulfside Assembly to mark the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.  As we worshipped and prayed and later visited with one another, we sensed the presence of God who is always with us, leading us on.
 
It is a deeply spiritual experience to be outside in the early morning, an experience I missed for many years before becoming an "early riser" through the good influence of my wonderful husband Mike. 
 
At the fall cabinet retreat at Seashore Assembly, the morning sky was beautiful beyond description.  The horizon over the water was yellow and pink and lavender.  As we celebrated the Rededication of Valena C. Jones United Methodist Church on September 26, we noted the colors in the stained glass windows -- the same yellow and pink and lavender of the morning sky. 
 
God is doing a new thing.  The Rust College Choir sang at Gulfside, "Meet Me in the Morning," singing in harmony with morning songbirds.  There were tears in every eye and there was gratitude in every heart.
 
May the same be true for you today in this new month, October, that God is giving us.
 
With gratitude for each of you,
Hope Morgan Ward 
 
To comment, link on the Bishop's Blog here.

:: Announcements

 
Lenten Devotional Guide -- Call for Entry

The Communications office is currently seeking devotions for the 2011 Lenten Devotional Guide.  Our theme for this year is based upon the beloved hymn, I Love to Tell the Story.  Don't we all love to tell and hear stories?  Stories help us make sense of our daily lives.  The hymn sums it up well when it says that God's story "satisfies my longings as nothing else would do."  The Bible offers us powerful stories and a greater Story within which we can locate ourselves-a living story that is still unfolding.  As we make this Lenten journey with one another this coming year, we want to enter into Scripture and discover how it intersects with our own stories. 
 
Our goal this year is to partner people together across generations to tell stories of reconciliation.  We want "young" people to seek out more "seasoned" persons (and vice versa) to share in composing a brief reflection together.  Think about the stories you need to tell and whom you need to tell the story.  Stories, confession, truth-telling, and listening are all disciplines of the Lenten journey helping us to grapple with our journey of racial reconciliation. You might reflect on the 50th anniversary of the freedom rides, or a more recent experience in your school, church, or community. 

Perhaps you have had a particular encounter in which you witnessed or experienced reconciliation.  Or, you could share about a "wilderness" experience of trial, temptation, or introspection. Here are a few questions that may be helpful as you share stories across generations:
 
- What is one thing in your world that is different from your parent's world in terms of race?
 
- Have you ever been the racial or ethnic minority in a particular setting? What did you learn from your experience?
 
- Which passage(s) of Scripture have been helpful to you along your journey?
 
We ask that your devotion follow the Upper Room format with a scripture reference, brief devotion of 500 words or less sharing a story of reconciliation, and a prayer for the day. We are collecting devotions to cover the 40 days of Lent beginning with Ash Wednesday and the Sundays in between and Holy Week days. 

A booklet will be published and available in mid-January for use for individuals, small groups, or churches.  The cost will be $3 per booklet or $2 each for orders of 10 or more. Persons submitting a devotion will receive a free copy. We will also share devotions on the Mississippi Annual Conference website and through e-mail.
 
The deadline for submitting your reflection is November 30, 2010.  Please pair up with someone "younger" or more "seasoned" to share your story with us.  Submit your story to Lisa Cumbest Michiels at lisacm@mississippi-umc.org.

UMVIM Team Leader Training
Scheduled for Nov. 6

UMVIM Team Leader Training is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 6, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Mississippi Conference Office (321 Mississippi St. Jackson.)

The training will be led by Rev. Amanda Gordon. Cost is $26 and includes the UMVIM Team Leader Handbook which you will receive at the event. Lunch will be Dutch treat.

Pre-registration is required, however you may pay at the event. Register by calling or emailing Amanda Gordon (662-316-5096 or amandaFUMC@gmail.com) with your name, church, phone number, and email address. The deadline for registration is Monday, November 1.

Prior to registering for a UMVIM (United Methodist Volunteers in Mission) trip and qualifying for their insurance program, every team must have a leader (laity or clergy) who has completed UMVIM Team Leader Training. Team Leader Training is required for all first time United Methodist Volunteers In Mission team leaders, but all interested persons are welcome to attend whether leading a team or not.  If you have a group from your church (or individuals from several churches) planning a mission trip (nationally or internationally) or if your church is simply exploring the possibility, your team leader and any interested persons are invited to attend the upcoming Team Leader Training.  Some churches may even want to consider taking a UMVIM team to areas within our state in need of assistance and rebuilding.

At the Team Leader Training sessions, participants will receive a wealth of information on preparing an UMVIM team for service, including such topics as effective project selection, spiritual development, cultural sensitivity for teams, logistics, and finance.  Participating in the training does not obligate you to lead a team, but will help you understand the fundamentals of team leadership and will enrich any future Mission experiences you have. You will also gain ideas on places around the world where you can serve.

Senatobia District UMW to Hold Annual Meeting

Saturday, Oct. 16 is the Senatobia District UMW Annual Meeting at Maples Memorial UMC. Registration and fellowship begins at 9:30 a.m. with meeting to follow at 10 a.m.  Lunch will be served by the UMW ladies of Maples! 

The guest presenter is Ellen Wicker Cummings of Baylake, Virginia who will share her experiences in mission work to the Sudan.  Necklaces made of high quality paper beads will be available for $10 a strand.  The necklaces are made by women at a United Methodist Women's Center in Jinja, Uganda, right outside the city of Kampala. This is a very worthwhile project, providing livelihood for these United Methodist Women!

Pleasant Hill UMC Hosts 2nd Annual
Festival of Cultures

The 2nd Annual Festival of Cultures will be held Sunday, Oct. 17 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Pleasant Hill UMC in Olive Branch. The festival will include food, music, dances, moon bounce, and much more.

For information: 662-895-2323 or 901-496-1297.  Pleasant Hill UMC is located at 3727 Pleasant Hill Road, Olive Branch, MS  38654.

Wood College Transcripts Now at Millsaps

Wood College transcripts are now being housed at Millsaps College, Jackson, MS.  A transcript request form can be downloaded from their Website, millsaps.edu. Please specify that you are requesting a Wood College transcript.

9th Annual Faith & Health:
Making The Connection Clergy &
Congregational Leaders Conference

Registration is now open for the 9th Annual Faith & Health:  Making The Connection Clergy & Congregational Leaders Conference on Thursday, Oct. 14.

The Conference, sponsored by Methodist Healthcare, Church Health Center, Memphis Theological Seminary and St. John's UMC, will be held at the Church Health Center's Wellness Center 1115 Union Avenue, Memphis, TN from 8 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. 

The keynote speaker is William Cope Moyers a noted addiction and recovery expert who serves as Vice President of Foundation Relations for Hazelden Treatment Centers.

RIM:  Lay OnSite Visits set for November
 
On November 14 (and several other days between now and then), more than 75 laypersons from across the Conference will visit churches and extension ministries in eight districts to observe 27 Residents in Ministry. 
 
Residents in Ministry are clergy persons in their first three years of ministry after completing their theological education.  Having been deemed READY to practice ministry by the Board of Ordained Ministry, they practice ministry in the place to which they are appointed by the bishop and participate in the Residents in Ministry program as they journey from readiness to effectiveness -- preparing for ordination and full connection membership.

These new clergy persons serve in local churches and community centers, as well as in the Conference Office and on college campuses.  They participate in monthly peer groups and yearly formation seminars.  They meet monthly with a clergy colleague who mentors them as they practice the ministry to which they are each called.
 
Each year, faithful laypersons visit Residents in their first two years under appointment to hear from laypeople in the local church, senior pastors (where applicable), and the Resident about their ministries.  On November 14, Lay OnSite Visitors will worship with the Residents and their congregations.  They will give feedback to the Resident and the Board of Ordained Ministry regarding each cleryperson's ministry of teaching, preaching, evangelism, worship and social action.
 
Lay OnSite Visits are an opportunity for new clergy persons to reflect on their ministry, for congregations to participate in the formation of their pastor, and for laypeople to challenge and encourage clergy in their effectiveness.  More than 200 people will participate in these visits -- visitors, laypersons in local churches, Residents, and senior pastors. Please prayer for all those who will participate in these visits this year. 
 
If you are a layperson and you are interested in serving as a Lay OnSite Visitor in the future, please contact the Office of Ministerial Services at 601.354.015 or susan@mississippi-umc.org.

Rust College President Challenges Students to Prepare for Leadership

Dr. David L. Beckley asked tough questions and extended tough challenges to the students of Rust during the 2010 Opening Convocation held Sept. 9. The convocation is the first AEP assembly of the school year and is used as a means of welcoming new and returning students, faculty and staff to Rust College.

"How will you be prepared to lead once you leave Rust College?" Dr. Beckley asked. He dared students to gain as much knowledge to be ready and armed with qualities needed to make a difference in the "real world".
 
Recognized during the convocation were Mrs. Margret Elliott and Mrs. Carnell Brown, two distinguished retirees from Rust, to whom tribute was given by Dr. Ishmell H. Edwards. Students and employees also had their first listen to the World Renowned Rust College A'Cappella Choir, under the new direction of Ms. Dorothy L. Jones.

Rev. Jill Beshell's sister, Jean Beshell Benton, passed away Sept. 30, 2010.  Funeral services were held Oct. 1, 2010 at First Baptist Church of Brandon. Rev. Beshell is pastor in the West Jackson District.
 
Sally Smith, wife of Rev. Jack Smith, retired, is scheduled to have a cyst removed on October 11. If there are any cancer cells, they will explore further; but hope to be able to do this with laproscopy.  Please remember them in your prayers.
 
The Reverend Doctor D. Scott Wright (TUP-Calhoun City: Lewis Memorial) is at home recuperating from hernia repair surgery.He covets your prayers for a speedy recovery.

Alex Fligh, grandson of the Reverend Sammy Washburn (TUP-Mooreville) has suffered a concussion and is being admitted at University Hospital in Jackson.  Please keep the family in your prayers.

The Reverend Raymond Rooney (TUP-Wesley) underwent another surgical procedure on his back Sept. 28 at Baptist Hospital-East in Memphis.Please keep Rev. Rooney in your prayers.

Alta Woods UMC 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.

Mississippi City United Methodist Church is seeking a part time secretary.  Office hours are Monday thru Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.  The salary is set at $9984 annually. Duties and responsibilities of the secretary include check phone and email messages, respond in a timely manner; maintain schedule of events; manage correspondence; design bulletins and newsletters, coordinate distribution; perform other duties as requested by pastor.  For more information call 228-896-7626.