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Dates to Remember
Episcopal Leadership Forum(Bishop Ward will be attending)December 5 - 8, 2010Duke University, Durham, NCBoard of MinistryExecutive CommitteeDecember 9, 2010 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.The Methodist FoundationRidgeland, MSEquitable Compensation CommitteeDecember 14, 2010Conference OfficeJackson, MSUnited Methodist MenConference-wide BreakfastDecember 18, 2010 at 8:30 a.m.2nd Floor of Broad Street UMC, JacksonOverflow 2011- New Year's RetreatDec. 30, 2010 - Jan. 1, 2011Camp Lake Stephenswww.camplakestephens.comConvocation for Pastors
of Black Churches
Jan. 4 - 7, 2011
Renaissance Hotel, Nashille, TN Link here for more information.Committee on Finance and Administration
January 14, 2011 at 10 a.m.
Methodist Foundation
Ridgeland, MS Confirmation Retreat 2011Jan. 21 - 23, 2011 and Jan. 28 - 30, 2011Earlybird deadline - Dec. 13, 2010Camp Lake Stephenswww.camplakestephens.comMission SummitJanuary 22, 2011Anderson UMC, JacksonFor information: 601-354-0515Clergy Leadership ConferenceJanuary 24 - 26, 2011Alta Woods UMC, Jacksonwww.centerforministry.com
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Photo File
The Union/South Benton Cluster hosted its annual Songfest on December 3rd. This annual event, hosted by Brother Creighton White of Calvery UMC in New Albany, features singers from various churches in the cluster while raising money for Camp Lake Stephens. The finale featured the pastors whose churches were represented, and district superintendent Bro. Jerry Beam, singing "We Wish You A Merry Christmas" A total of $822.75 was collected in a love offering for CLS.
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Greetings!
Welcome to your connection for up-to-the minute news and information from the Mississippi Conference. Your Circuit Rider will arrive weekly with announcements, dates to remember, celebration stories from across the conference and employment opportunities. Our hope is for The Circuit Rider to become a tool for building the connection across the conference, strengthening our districts and local congregations as we go forth to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Please e-mail your news and information for us to share with others around the conference to lisacm@mississippi-umc.org. Deadlines are Thursday at noon for the following Tuesday.
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:: Gleanings
Advent Joy! My spirit rejoices in God my Savior...
-- Luke 1:47
With joy and hope, we sing with Mary:
We magnify the Lord,
we rejoice in God our Savior
for God comes to us.
God works through us
so that all call us blessed.
God who is mighty does great things for us.
Holy is God's name.
God's mercy is great.
God shows strength,
scattering the proud,
bringing down the powerful,
exalting the lowly,
filling the hungry,
sending the rich empty away.
God remembers and does
all that God has promised.
This beautiful Advent song expresses God's purpose and power in the world.
 Wherever God's people sing this song with their lives, this world is infused with compassion, justice and faith.
Wherever God's people sing this song with their resources, this world is made more gentle, hospitable and peaceful.
Wherever God's people sing this song with their spirit, this world is seasoned with the salt and leaven of holiness.
Let us sing this song today as Advent anticipation continues, as our hearts are made ready for Christ who comes into our world anew this Christmas.
Sharing joy with you in this holy season,
Hope Morgan Ward
To comment, link on the Bishop's Blog page here.
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:: Announcements
Advent Around the ConferenceBrookhaven District:Eighth Annual Live Nativity Scene December 9, 10, and 11 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Johnston Chapel UMC, 2093 Chapel Drive, Summit, MS 39666. See nearly 100 actors and dozens of animals are used to recreate 11 Scenes leading up to the birth of Jesus. As you drive along in you car you can listen to a CD of the Biblical readings for each scene. At the end you can come in and have refreshments with the church members. Free for all. For more information call 601-276-6327 Hattiesburg District:Laurel First UMC presents its Living Nativity Scene December 18, 2010 at 7 p.m. The participants in The Living Nativity act in slow motion  and speak the story in 15 minute segments starting at 7 p.m. For more information call the church office at 601-425-1474. The church is located at 420 N. Fifth Avenue in Laurel. Court Street UMC presents their Victorian Christmas Extravaganza Saturday, December 11 from 5 to 7 p.m. Featuring Candlelight Café. Court Street is located at 609 Southern Ave in Hattiesburg. For more information, call the church office at 601-583-1711 Heritage UMC presents the Heritage Gift Market December 12 before and after worship Features an opportunity to make donations to worthwhile mission organizations in honor of a relative or friend. Heritage UMC is located at 3 Baracuda Drive in Hattiesburg. For more information, call the church office at 601-261-3371 Main Street UMC Christmas Wish Book Members are given an opportunity to adopt a child from the Aldersgate Mission and purchase the gift that the child has selected; a Wish Book party is held on December 18 and the children perform a Christmas skit about the meaning of Christmas and receive their gifts. Main Street is located at 712 N. Main Street in Hattiesburg. For more information, call the church office at 601-582-5557 Bay Springs UMC presents their annual Christmas Bazaar Friday, December 10. For more information, call the church office at 601-764-2830 Meridian District:Christmas In the Barn presented by Lynville and Mellen UMC's in Kemper County December 19, 2010 at 6 p.m. in the Old Billy Purvis barn. A service presented in a setting close to the first Christmas. For more information call 601-677-3550 New Albany District:Taylor UMC is coordinating the purchase and distribution of fruit for 750 local children whose parents have requested assistance from a local Rotary Club; the toys and fruit to be distributed at the Rotary Club Christmas Store on December 11 will ensure that these children will have gifts and nourishing fruit this Christmas. Taylor UMC will also be preparing and serving "More Than a Meal" to needy individuals and families on Tuesday, Dec. 28; this event will include activities for children and distribution of personal items needed by families. Christmas at Camp Lake Stephens, Dec. 11 at 5 p.m. Tickets are $25, a traditional Christmas meal will be served and there will be entertainment by The Oxford Civic Chorus. For more information or tickets, please email Kelli ( kelli@camplakestephens.com). Camp Lake Stephens will hold the first ever Christmas Fling, Dec. 16. This event is similar to the Spring and Fall Flings but a little different. Here's the schedule for the day: 10:30 a.m. Registration in Chapel; 11 a.m. Christmas Art Project; 11:30 a.m. Christmas Meditation; 12 p.m. Traditional Christmas Lunch; 12:45 p.m. Christmas Music Program (Magnolia Gents); 1:30 p.m. Depart. Camp Lake Stephens invites you and your friends to join them as we begin to celebrate the birth of Christ this holiday season! For more information or registration form, please email Kelli ( kelli@camplakestephens.com). Cost is $20 (includes lunch, Christmas art project, and entertainment). Seashore District:Singing Christmas Tree of St. Paul UMC, Ocean Springs presents "Festival of Carols" by Joseph M. Martin at the Downtown Campus, 800 Porter Ave. December 11 and 12 at 6:30 p.m. each nightThe Singing Christmas Tree combines the voices from St. Paul UMC, St. James Catholic Church, Gulfport, St. John's Episcopal Church, Ocean Springs, and other area Presbyterian, United Methodist and Baptist churches. For information call 228-875-1003 Senatobia District:Live Nativity at Bakers Chapel UMC, on December 11 and 12 from 6 - 9 p.m. Bakers Chapel is located at 1965 Johnston Rd., Hernando. For information call 662-429-8055. Asbury UMC in Holly Springs will host its annual Christmas Musical at 6 p.m. Dec 19, 2010. The choir is a community choir comprised of choir members from several churches and denominations. The Choir is under the direction of Mr. Zebedee Jones. William D. Scott, III.
Tupelo District:Mt. Olive UMC, Tremont will perform the Cantata "Hope Has Hands," directed by Martha Nichols, on Dec. 20, 2010 at 7 p.m. A meal will be served after the cantata. Rev. Eugene Stockstill invites everyone to join them for the special evening. For more information call, 662-652-3562. Mt. Olive is located at 4781 Cotton Gin Rd., Tremont.
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:: Celebrations
Mt. Olive UMC, Tremont Joins Red Bay, Ala. First to Share Thanksgiving Meals
Members of Mt. Olive UMC, Tremont teamed up with First UMC, Red Bay, Alabama to serve Thanksgiving dinner to anyone who wanted a free meal. Approximately 250 people were served. Those sharing the meal together could eat in the fellowship hall at Red Bay or had the option to have their meal delivered. Mt. Olive delivered to those in need, shut-ins and those who found themselves alone on Thanksgiving. Those delivering the meals were hugely blessed by hugs, smiles and handshakes with a "God bless you."
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Report from the Board of Medical Benefits
The Conference Board of Medical Benefits met November 29, 2010 to adopt the 2012 budget. A part of the meeting was devoted to continued discussion of the FACT financial and programmatic recommendations.
The Conference Board of Medical Benefits would like to share this assessment of our current plan and this projection of future planning.
a. The board is in agreement that the funds should be invested wisely, which means they are secure from major risk in the market. Yet, they must earn the maximum rate of return while adhering to our UM social principles. That is currently achieved by investing in the Mississippi UM Foundation. The Board will confer with the Conference Council on Finance and Administration on the advisability of a conference wide investment committee.
b. The Board agrees that no changes in plan design were currently needed. There is no anticipation of bringing any changes for the 2011 annual conference consideration. The board will continue to benchmark the plan with particular attention to deductibles as related to the utilization of the wellness benefits, Medicare participants in the prescription drug program and Medicare Supplement type plans, and funding provided by the participants.
c. The 2009 actuarial report on post retirement health benefits was reviewed. Funding was begun in 2009 with the initial investment in the MS UM Foundation of one million dollars. Additional funding is anticipated this year. The committee will review the actuary report each year with a continued emphasis on changes in plan design that would affect changes in the post retirement health benefit liability.
d. The board has recommended that CFA not bring to the 2011 annual conference the implementation of Phase 4 for direct billing to the local churches which is the health benefits of clergy. They also recommended that future consideration of Phase 4 would include thorough research and dialogue sessions across the annual conference. It is the committee's desire for full understanding by the churches of the obligation being accepted before the annual conference members consider the enactment of Phase 4.
e. The dental and vision coverage is ancillary coverage available only to participants in the Plan. The Board has declared open enrollment for those dental and vision ancillary plans to current participants whose enrollment forms reach the conference office on or before December 17, 2010. Contact Jackie McGough at jackie@mississippi-umc.org or by phone at 601-354-0515 extension 22.
The Board adopted a 2012 proposed budget that represents a 5.6 percent increase in the cost of the program. The budget represents a 5.8 percent increase in the mission shares and a like percent increase in total participant payments. The increase in mission shares is the first since 2009 when they were reduced by 2.5 percent from 2008.
The Board believes that the plan is moving in the right direction both programmatically and financially. Your thoughts and concerns may be carried to the Board through the chair Trey Harper, Conference Benefits Officer David Stotts or any of the Board members. Members of the Board of Medical Benefits are Stephen Cook, Sonny Davis, Linwood Driver, Joseph Guess, Marcus Herrington, Cynthia Parker, Libby Piazza, Dwight Prowell, Latoya Redd, Deborah Strong, and Cheryl Webb.
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:: Cares and Concerns
Lou Howell, wife of Rev. Glenn Howell, passed away Nov. 28, 2010. Funeral services were held Dec. 1 at Magee First UMC. Our prayers go out to Glenn and all of Lou's family.
Rev. W. Z. (Zeb) Manning had open heart surgery Dec. 2 at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg. Zeb is pastor of Hebron UMC in Jones County. Please remember Zeb, his wife Charlotte and the family in your prayers.
Tom Griffin of Memphis, TN, father of Rev. Diane Lemmon, Greenwood District, died Dec. 2, 2010. Please remember Diane, Todd and family in prayer.
Funeral services or Rev. Otha Retha (Polly) Mabry were held Dec. 7 at Walden Chapel UMC in Goodman. Please keep the Mabry family in your prayers.
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:: Connectional Exchange
Brandon First UMC has an Allen Organ (2 Manual - Full Pedal Board) they would like for some church to use. It is in working condition. All they are asking is for you to remove it. (IT'S FREE). Call the church at 601-825-5958.
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:: Employment Opportunities Across the Conference
First UMC, Starkville has an immediate opening for a youth director. The primary responsibility is to develop an intense youth program designed to enhance spiritual growth in youth believers.
Activities will be coordinated for youth ages 7 through 12 grades, will incorporate music, scripture and prayer, and will include weekly sessions, mission work and devotional activities. Send resume, cover letter and references to Libba Andrews, Staff Parish Chair, c/o 1903 Pointe Drive, Starkville, MS 39759.
Main Street UMC, a vibrant 1200-member congregation is seeking a full-time Director of Children's Ministry to serve with us as we continue to grow spiritually, numerically, and missionally in downtown Hattiesburg, Mississippi.
We are looking for a person with the passion and creativity to oversee a dynamic ministry with children from birth through sixth grade so that each child will know they are beloved of God in Jesus Christ.
Our vision for ministry with children and their families flows from our church's core values of loving God, growing relationships in Christian community, and serving our world as the hands and feet of Christ. Our Director will have a vital personal commitment to Jesus Christ and to the core values and mission of Main Street United Methodist Church. We seek a Director of Children's Ministry who possesses strong leadership, organizational and communication skills (comfortable with public speaking and writing) and who has the ability to motivate and lead a team.
Experience should include: teaching skills, recruiting and training volunteers, work with children in a mid-size to large church (either paid or volunteer), and working in a team environment. A Bachelors degree (preferably in early childhood education or children's ministry) and computer skills are required.
The competitive compensation package for this position is commensurate with experience and training. Interested persons should submit a resume and personal statement (Microsoft word or pdf format required) via e-mail to patty@mstreetumc.org.
The personal statement should be no more than 300 words and should address the question: How would you lead the Children's Ministry at Main Street UMC to support and strengthen our core values of loving God, connecting with one another in Christian community, and serving as the hands and feet of Christ in our world?
Main Street United Methodist Church is located at 712 Main St., Hattiesburg and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For further information you may visit our website: www.mstreetumc-org
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