Light to the Nations

I give you as light to the nations that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth. -- Isaiah 49

As we plan forward into 2011, the visual image of a stoplight has emerged.

Red - stop and prepare

Yellow - look around with care

Green - go to the world

 

January -- the time after the Epiphany -- is green time, time to go!

 

The words from Isaiah invite us and propel us outward. We go to a dark and hurting world -- where Haitians suffer a year after the massive earthquake, where a deranged young man killed and injured others in Arizona, where the people of Ivory Coast and Sudan engage in an election process that could erupt in violence.

 

As United Methodist people, we are bound together in a light-bearing community reaching to the end of the earth. This is God's summons and God's gift to us.

 

In this green time, go faithfully into the world with the good news of God's love in Jesus Christ!

 

With gratitude for our life together and our life flowing out to others,

Hope Morgan Ward

  To comment, link on the Bishop's Blog page here.

 Journey Toward The Light
to Visit Piney Woods School

You are invited to participate in the next Journey Toward the Light, January 19, 2011 at 10 a.m. This month's journey is to the Piney Wood School where participants will learn the unique story behind this over 100-year-old school. Link here to read the history of the school.

Piney Woods School is located on Highway 49, just 23 miles south of Jackson.

Participants in the Jackson area may choose to meet at the Methodist Conference building, 321 Mississippi Street, at 9 a.m. where transportation will be provided. For more information about the event contact Rev. Fitzgerald Lovett at fitzgerald@mississippi-umc.org. For more information about Piney Woods School visit www.pineywoods.org.

Pray for Peace
By Cynthia Laird, Senatobia District Communicator

January 9, 2011 marked the beginning of a week-long referendum in which Southern Sudan will be voting on whether to become an independent nation, or to remain united as one country with the North. With illiteracy a major factor, the ballots have a picture of two clasped hands for unity, and an open hand with the palm facing forward as if to say "goodbye" for independence.

I first learned about recent events in the Sudan when Ellen Wicker Cummings, Director of Adult Discipleship and Missions at the Baylake UMC in Virginia Beach, Virginia, spoke at the Senatobia District UMW Annual Meeting this past October at Maples Memorial UMC in Olive Branch. Her message was powerful and impossible to forget. I came to understand the Christian people of Southern Sudan suffered for various reasons, but one important reason was they would not renounce their faith. They choose to follow Jesus even if it means suffering or death for them and their loved ones.

Before and after the meeting, attendees had the opportunity to buy beaded necklaces that were made by Christian Methodist women in the Sudan to help provide for their families. I bought a lovely necklace, and I planned to offer it as a prize in a health initiative contest at work. However, I found I could not part with it once I got home. Each time I look at it or wear it, I think about the Christian woman who made it. She created a thing of beauty to help out her family. I think it likely she sent it with a prayer for blessings for the recipient, and also with a prayer of pleading that she, her family, and her fellow villagers not be forgotten.

Ellen told us about the civil war in South Sudan which lasted over twenty years, and which resulted in 2 1/2 million deaths, and millions of refugees. The war ended with the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2005, and the Referendum to decide on the matter of independence for Southern Sudan was one of the promises included in this agreement.

Now with the Referendum happening all this week, and news of violence and deaths this past weekend, I contacted Ellen to learn how Mississippi Methodists could best pray for this situation, and how we could be a part in helping in the Sudan. Ellen said "pray for peace." She then shared that her church was concentrating on "capacity building". She explained it is vital we help Southern Sudan have the capacity to build their own country. The three vital components of capacity building are: wells for water, schools, and training teachers. There is a saying in Southern Sudan, "education is your father and mother." The people must have access to an education to be able to rise above poverty, and they are aware of its importance.

Ellen's church, Baylake UMC, has an initiative for 2011to build a school in Pisak, Southern Sudan. Many schools in the South are held under trees, which makes learning possible, if not very comfortable, in the dry season. However, in the six months of the rainy season, the two-tree school setting does not work. Her church welcomes a partnership in building this school, and the total estimated cost is $12,000, which will provide a roof over several classrooms. Their project for this fundraising initiative is selling bricks at a cost of $25 each. They have sold approximately 110 bricks of the 480 necessary to build the school. To learn how you may participate, please call Baylake UMC at 757-464-2423 or email Ellen Wicker Cummings at: ellenwickerc@aol.com

Joann Potts, surviving spouse of Rev. Charles Potts (Sentatobia District) underwent back surgery on January 3rd at Methodist Germantown Hospital. Please keep Joann in your prayers.

Jim McDonald, father of Rev. Steven McDonald, retired of the East Jackson District, passed away Jan. 5, 2011. Funeral services were held Jan. 10, at St. Luke's UMC. Please keep the McDonald family in your prayers.

Rev. Clovis V. Wright, retired pastor in the Meridian District, passed away on Monday, January 3, 2011. Funeral services were held Jan. 8 at Central UMC, Meridian with internment at Good Hope Missionary Baptist Community Cemetery in Hickory.

Diane Grubbs spouse of the Rev. Carl Grubbs appointed to the East Jackson District had a heart cauterization this morning and things are well. Please keep Diane, Carl and the Grubbs family in your prayers.

Rev. Russell LuQuire, Meridian District, was admitted to Anderson's Hospital last week with an infection commonly attacking the heart valve. He will be undergoing several test, including a heart-valve check on Monday. Please keep the LuQuires' in your thoughts and prayers.

Avery Nichelle Barnes entered this world today (Tuesday) at 1:47 p.m., weighing in at 8 lbs. 3 oz. She is the daughter of Anthony and Angela Barnes. Prould grandparents are The Reverend Jimmy Barnes (TUP-District Superintendent) and his wife Bessie. Please celebrate this new life when you pray.

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.

Stop Hunger Now (SHN) is looking for a warehouse manager for the Jackson, MS location. The position is responsible for maintenance of the warehouse and receiving and shipping of all goods. The manager also coordinates meal-packaging events, including training and supervising work of the volunteers. Position ensures adequate supply of materials, cleanliness of warehouse and timely shipment of outgoing food product. Read full job description here To apply send resume to jackson_os@stophungernow.org.
Please include your résumé, salary requirements and cover letter.

Crossgates UMC is looking for a self-motivated leader to fill the full-time position of Director of Children's Ministry. This person should possess a passion for working with children from birth to 6th grade, as well as their parents; be an energetic person who lives out their faith in all they do, and who will teach, encourage, and nurture our children in their relationship with God and one another.
Interested persons should contact Rev. Allison Dickerson at adickerson@crossgatesumc.org to receive a job description and application. The same may be obtained in the office of Crossgates UMC at 23 Crossgates Drive, Brandon, Mississippi (Monday through Thursday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.). The deadline for receiving applications is January 28, 2010.