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2010 Tornado Recovery
To volunteer or make a donation to the 2010 Tornado Recovery call: 866-647-7486
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Dates to Remember
Journey Toward the Light
January 19, 2011 - 10 a.m.
Piney Woods School
(Piney Woods is located on Hwy 49, just 23 miles south of Jackson.)
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: 601-354-0515
Bishop Ward at
Crystal Springs UMC
(Bishop Ward will present sermon) January 23, 2011 at 11 a.m. Crystal Springs, MS Clergy Leadership Conference January 24 - 26, 2011Clinton First UMC, Jackson www.centerforministry.comLegislative Breakfast January 25, 2011, 7 - 8 a.m. Galloway UMC Jackson, MS The Advance Meeting (Bishop Ward will be attending) January 27 - 28, 2011 McAllen, TX Nicaragua General Conference (Bishop Ward will be participating in the first ordination service of this new Conference) January 28 - 31, 2011 Wesley Pines Sr. High Spiritual Life Retreat January 28 - 30, 2011Camp Wesley Pines, Gallmanwww.wesleypines.com Camp Wesley Pines
Confirmation RetreatFebruary 4 - 6, 2011Camp Wesley Pines, Gallmanwww.wesleypines.com Committee on Finance and AdministrationFebruary 17, 2011 at 10 a.m.Methodist FoundationRidgeland, MSCamp Wesley Pines Jr. High
Spiritual Life RetreatFebruary 18 - 20, 2011Camp Wesley Pines, Gallmanwww.wesleypines.com
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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
Teaching, Preaching, Healing --
Our Life Together in Mission And Jesus went through all Galilee, teaching and proclaiming the gospel and healing every disease and every affliction among the people.
-- Matthew 4:23
On Saturday, January 22, I hope you will participate in a great celebration of mission -- with preaching, teaching, workshops and networking toward vibrant mission in every place in Mississippi. To register for the event link here.
On Sunday, January 23, bishops and district superintendents will preach in these churches in the greater Jackson area:
- Bishop Ward/ Rev. Johnny Crosby: Crystal Springs
- Rev. Bill McAlilly: St Matthews
- Rev. Mike Hicks: Alta Woods
- Rev. Tim Thompson: Briarwood
- Rev. Embra Jackson: St Johns (Clinton)
- Rev. Giles Lindley: Pratt Memorial
- Rev. Lisa Garvin: Broadmeadow
- Rev. Steve Casteel: Greer Chapel
- Rev. Vickie White: Crossgates
- Rev. Jimmy Barnes: Middlebrook
- Rev. Jerry Beam: Aldersgate
- Bishop Han Vaxby: Brandon First
After this preaching mission on Sunday, the Cabinet and I will gather with the leaders of Path 1 as they come to engage with us in next steps in new church planting. On Monday morning, January 24, at First UMC, Clinton, the Cabinet and I will continue our work and at midday join many of you for Clergy Leadership Conference, an event not to be missed! The stellar leadership of Tom Long, Barbara Day Miller and Ed Phillips is gathered in response to the urging of the clergy for resourcing in the areas of preaching and worship.
Mission celebration and connecting; preaching and teaching; planting new churches - all at the heart of this season after Epiphany. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light!
I look forward to seeing many of you in the week ahead as these opportunities unfold.
With gratitude for the light that shines upon us,
Hope Morgan Ward
To comment, link on the Bishop's Blog page here.
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:: Announcements
Clergy Nominations for General/Jurisdictional Conference Now Online
The Clergy Executive Session of the 2010 Annual Conference affirmed a process for withdrawing and self-nominating for consideration as clergy delegates to the 2012 General and Jurisdictional Conferences. All clergy in Full Connection (including retired elders and deacons) are eligible for election as clergy delegates. At the 2011 Annual Conference, clergy in Full Connection, provisional members, associate members, and local pastors of have completed Course of Study and served under appointment for two years prior to the election (since June 2009) are eligible to vote for clergy delegates. Today, all clergy in Full Connection received an email memo outlining the process for withdrawing one's self or self-nominating for consideration. Guidelines for who is eligible to vote, the memo to clergy in Full Connection, and the electronic form for self-nomination can be found on the Conference website. Click here to be access the online self-nomination form. All nominations and withdrawals should be received by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 1. |
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Laity Nominations for General/Jurisdictional Conference Deadline Feb. 28
The deadline for Laity Nominations for General and Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference is Feb. 28. 2011. For more information or to access the nomination form click here.
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High School Seniors Invited to Wesley Foundation Night of Worship
Feb. 26, 2011 - 8 p.m. at Timbercreek Camp, Pulaski
Every year the Mississippi Conference hosts a Statewide Retreat, an annual event where our Wesley Foundation students and directors gather for worship, fellowship, and workshops. Our Wesley Foundations represent some of the strongest ministries in our conference and minister to the ones who find themselves in one of the most crucial times of their faith journey. Wesley Foundations continue to be a place of refuge and growth for individuals during this complex time of life.
As a conference, we must strengthen our bridge between our local church youth and Wesley Foundations as students leave home to attend college. In an effort to build this bridge, the Wesley Foundations invite all high school seniors who plan to attend college to our Saturday Night Worship Session. The worship begins at 8 p.m. on February 26, and our Wesley Directors will be available to meet with perspective students 30 minutes before and after the worship. Because of the retreat, we do ask that you do not arrive at the camp any earlier than 7:30 p.m. unless circumstances warrant. The event is free for our high school seniors, but please only invite high school seniors.
The event is located at Timbercreek Camp in Pulaski, MS. For directions, you may visit their website at http://breakthruministries.com/. Please RSVP by emailing frank@mississippi-umc.org or calling 601-354-0515 ext. 28. The deadline for RSVP is Monday, February 14.
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Arts Under the Dome Presents Russian Cellists
Concert series Arts Under The Dome will present the genre-crossing Rastrelli Cello Quartet on Saturday, Jan. 29 at 7 p.m. at Gulfport First. Tickets are $15 adults and $10 students and may be purchased online or at the door.
The four virtuosos from St. Petersburg, Russia have been thrilling audiences worldwide since 2002, on a mission to play anything except the standard cello repertoire. Their arrangements run the gamut from classical to tango, jazz to pop, ragtime to American standards. The quartet has made five recordings and has played the great concert halls and music festivals of Europe and Russia. Two of the group members are also perform with Germany's renowned Wuertemberg Chamber Orchestra.
Details are available at www.arts.fumc-gulfport.org or by calling 228-863-0392. Two more concerts remain in the Arts Under The Dome season: Alabama trio Three On A String on February 19, and Croatia's ProTango Duo on March 13.
Gulfport First is located on 15th Street and 24th Avenue in downtown Gulfport.
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Rekindling the Flame at Lake Junaluska
Experience Jesus Christ and grow in the Christian Faith at Rekindling the Flame of American Methodism June 30 - July 3, 2011, at Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center.
This family experience will focus on the theme of "Christ's Mission is Ours." Adults, college students, youth and children are invited to join together for a weekend of inspiration, information and fellowship through great preaching, Bible study, inspiring singing, and a special volunteer project.
Leadership includes Bishop James Swanson of the Holston Conference; Dr. John Ed Mathison, Pastor Emeritus of Frazier UMC in Montgomery, AL; Dr. James Buskirk, Pastor Emeritus of First UMC in Tulsa, OK; Dr. Bill Bouknight, former Pastor of Grace UMC in Memphis, TN; Dr. Eddie Fox, Director of World Evangelism for the World Methodist Council; Dr. Reginald Ponder, former Executive Director of the SEJ Council and Lake Junaluska; Rev. Jan Brittain, Pastor of Christ UMC in Greensboro, NC; and Dr. Evelyn Laycock, a well-known Bible scholar.
With over 15 interest groups to choose from, there will be something for everyone. Interest group topics include Faith Sharing Ministry with Dr. Eddie Fox; Disaster Response/UMVIM Ministry with Van Gorp and Don Bishop; Treasures of a Transformed Life with Dr. Mathison; a Festival of Families for youth and children, and much more.
Music will be provided by the Lake Junaluska Singers under the direction of Dr. Melodie Galloway. Dr. Glenn Draper, the Lake Junaluska Director of Music Emeritus, will make a special appearance during the conference to lead congregational singing.
On Friday, July 1, participants will have an opportunity to participate in a special project -- "Stop Hunger Now." Persons may volunteer to help package meals and / or donate $10 per person to share in the cost of the food for the packets.
Additional features include special sessions for Campus Ministers, college students, and youth and children. For a brochure and more information about Rekindling the Flame at Lake Junaluska, visit www.lakejunaluska.com/rekindling-the-flame or call 828-454-6656.
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Paula D'Arcy, Author and Retreat Leader on Spirituality and the Life Journey to Speak at Galloway Memorial United Methodist Church, March 26, 2011
Galloway Memorial UMC will host author and retreat leader Paula D'Arcy on Saturday, March 26. D'Arcy's talk Great Lessons From the Journey is open to the public, part of Galloway's Lenten journey and made possible by Galloway's Adult Spiritual Formation Ministry.
Registration is from 8:45 a.m. until 9:15 a.m. D'Arcy's talk commences at 9:30 a.m. and will continue until 2 p.m., followed by time for questions and answers. The ticket price of $20 for an individual or $30 for a couple includes lunch. Tickets are available for purchase in advance or the morning of the event. Following the talk, D'Arcy will be on hand to sign her books which will be available to purchase.
A nursery will be available for those in need of childcare. A limited number of Scholarships, in the form of complimentary tickets will be made available for those in need. Individuals seeking information about the scholarships should contact Galloway at 601-353-9691. In addition to on-street parking, there will be complimentary parking, based on availability in Galloway's parking lots.
D'Arcy travels widely in the United States, Canada, and abroad. She is president of the Red Bird Foundation, which she founded in 2001 as a non-profit foundation for the purpose of creating learning opportunities to foster personal and spiritual growth for people in need throughout the world. Her work with the foundation furthers a ministry both to those in prison and those living in third world or disadvantaged cultures.
Today her work includes leading workshops and retreats related to spirituality, aspiring writers, and women's gatherings, including Women's Initiation and Rites of Passage.
D'Arcy has also authored more than nine books along. Her book Red Fire was selected as one of the Best Spiritual Books of 2001, by Spirituality and Health. For more information on Paula D'Arcy or the Red Bird Foundation, visit www.redbirdfoundation.com.
For more information on Paula D'Arcy's talk at Galloway or to purchase tickets inadvance, contact Leslie Bingham, Galloway Missions Director at 601-326-3443. Tickets will also be available for purchase the day of the talk.
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:: Celebrations
UMCOR Cited as 'Top Ten' Haiti Relief Fundraiser
The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is among the top 10 charities raising money for Haiti earthquake relief, according to the Chronicle of Philanthropy. "Ten charities have accounted for more than 75 percent of all donations raised to benefit the 2010 Haiti earthquake," the Chronicle reported.
Overall, the charities have raised more than $1.4 billion for Haiti. UMCOR, which raised $43 million, was No. 9. Mississippi United Methodist contributed $341,954 to that figure.
The American Red Cross was first with $479 million in donations.
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:: Cares and Concerns
Betty Unger, mother-in-law of Rev. Ray Owens, Hinds Chapel/Horns Lake Charge in Senatobia District, underwent emergency surgery last week. Ray and Jeannie ask you to keep her on your prayer list.
Linda Johnson, wife of Rev. Kerry Johnson, Meridian District, is being transferred to UAB, with an unspecified illness. The family is requesting your thoughts and prayers.
Alice Wallace, aunt of Rev. Kenny McGill, Meridian District and sister of Rev. Charles McGill, New Albany District, is in UAB. She suffers from acute leukemia and has been placed on a ventilator, and is deteriorating. Please keep the McGill family in you prayers.
Olivia B. Jenkins, the mother of Rev. Marshall Jenkins appointed to Independence UMC - E/W Jackson District, is being dismissed from the hospital today and will go back to the Brandon Nursing and Rehab across from the hospital. Rev. Jenkins sends this message, "Thank you is not enough to say for all your kind words and prayers, but I do appreciate all of you and thank you."
Funeral services for Vera Holliday, the wife of the late Rev. James Holliday, East/West Jackson District, will be at 11 a.m. at the High Street Wright and Ferguson Funeral Home. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. at the Homewood UM Cemetery near Forest. Please keep the Holliday family in your prayers.
Cary Rickman, the spouse of Rev. Linda Rickman, Brandon First UMC, will have surgery for prostate cancer on Wednesday, January 26, Baptist Medical Center, Jackson. Let's keep the Rickman family in our prayers.
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:: Employment Opportunities Across the Conference
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.
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