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Watch This Space Each Week
for Nudge Nudges
This week's Nudge by Adam L. Gordon, Associate Pastor of Booneville First UMC and Director of Wesley Foundation
at NEMCC "Evangelists always nudge. They travel the Emmaus and Jericho Roads as often as the Damascus and Roman Roads. They end us praying, 'God is great, God is good' as often as 'The Sinner's Prayer.' Their words when spoken are not so much 'You are lost in sin' as 'You belong to God'...Nudgers give attendance more than they take attendance or count attendance...Nudgers leave more tracks than tracts." -- from Nudge by Leonard Sweet When many people hear the word evangelism they are flooded with images of condemnation and exclusion, of fists pounding on pulpits in one-way lectures filled with turn-and-burn vocabulary, and apologetic approaches that infuse a bleak eternal future if proper assent is not given. However in the midst of what many struggle with, Leonard Sweet suggests that there is yet, another way to understand what evangelism is really about. Sweet proposes that real, gospel-true evangelism is firmly rooted in the relationship that one child of God cultivates with another child of God. Evangelism is most keenly experienced when there is a realization that it is not on us to convert another; that God is the one who does the converting. When we evangelize through nudging, we are free to love without consequence; free to live lives of generosity as conduits of God's grace. Nudging allows for us to recognize what God is doing in the world and to invite others to bask in the beautiful glow. On Saturday, April 2, we will have an opportunity to dig into this fresh take on gospel giving at the annual Evangelism Summit. Leonard Sweet will be at Christ UMC in Jackson, 10 a.m. -3 p.m. Can't make it to Jackson? Don't worry! You can still experience this event. We are excited to offer live streaming to seven different locations throughout the conference. Register now for a fee of only $10 at the location of your choice. |
2010 Tornado Recovery
To volunteer or make a donation to the 2010 Tornado Recovery call: 866-647-7486
Click here for more information. |
Dates to Remember
Feast Day of
John and Charles Wesley
March 3, 2011 5:30 p.m. reception at St. Peter's Epsicopal Church 6:30 p.m. Service of Holy Communion at Oxford-University UMC Oxford, MS The Parchman Hour (A play by Mike Wiley) March 6 - 12, 2011 For locations and times, visit
www.mississippi-umc.org JustPeace Gathering
March 6-8, 2011
Jackson Convention Complex
Jackson, MS
http://justpeaceumc.org/gathering2011/ Board of Ordained Ministry
Spring Meeting March 23- 24, 2011 Parkway Hills UMC Madison, MS Board of Trustees Meeting March 28, 2011 at 10 a.m. Mississippi Conference Office, Jackson
Cabinet Meeting
March 29 - 31, 2011
Evangelism Summit 2011
(Featuring Leonard Sweet) April 2, 2011 Christ UMC, Jackson
God's Renewed Creation
(Bishop Ward will participate in worship)
April 3, 2011
Lake Junaluska, NC
General Board of
Global Ministries
(Bishop Ward will be attending.)
April 11 - 13, 2011
Stamford, CT
Cabinet Meeting
April 25 - 27, 2011
SEJ Clergywomen's Consultation
April 4- 7, 2011
Atlanta, GA
Black Clergywomen's Summit
April 29, 2011
Anderson UMC
Jackson, MS
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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
 Consider the Lilies Consider the lilies... -- Matthew 6:28 I commend to you the poems of Mary Oliver. This one is called simply "Another Everyday Poem." Every day I consider the lilies -- how they are dressed -- and the ravens -- how they are fed -- and how each of these is a miracle of Lord-love and of sorrow --  for the lilies in their bright dresses cannot last but wrinkle fast and fall, and the little ravens in their windy nest rise up in such pleasure at the sight of fresh meat that makes their lives sweet -- and what a puzzle it is that such brevity -- the lavish clothes, the ruddy food -- makes the world so full, so good. The world indeed is full of wonder. In every place -- camps, classes, youth groups, campus ministries, adult classes and groups -- let us include creation care in our plans for Christian nurture. Earth Day is observed annually in April. Any spring day is a good day to give thanks for God's good creation. God desires that we till the earth, and keep the earth whole, and care for the earth always. Plastic bottles by the road, oil spilling in the gulf, toxins spewing into the air -- are all the antithesis of God's will for the earth and for us. This Lent, this spring, as the earth explodes once again into colorful splendor, let us each make changes to the way we live in the world, for the sake of the earth and the lilies and every created thing. The Mississippi Conference Green Team, led by Nan Moak (and Russell Casteel), are eager to help you mark Earth Day with worship, learning and service. You may email Nan at nanmoak@yahoo.com for suggestions that will enrich your program of Christian nurture this spring. With gratitude for the beauty of the earth this spring,
Hope Morgan Ward
To comment, link on the Bishop's Blog page here. |
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:: Countdown to Annual Conference
Resource Fair Now Accepting Requests for Display Space Your program group, agency, or institution is invited to reserve a display space for the June 10 - 12, 2011 Annual Conference at the Jackson Convention Complex in Jackson. The Resource Fair will be set up throughout the complex. Applications for space are online at www.mississippi-umc.org -- click the Arise, Shine, GO! image. Deadline for requesting space is May 6. No registrations will be accepted after that date. All spaces will be confirmed by email on Friday, May 13. For more information visit the web site or call 866-647-7486 ext. 14. Pre-Conference Briefing Dates In May, each district will hold a pre-conference briefing for members to the Annual Conference. This is a time for members to become acquainted with the agenda, voting procedures, instructions for registration and per diem. The following is a list of dates confirmed as of publication time. These dates with locations and times will be updated and posted online and in the Circuit Rider each week. - May 1: Starkville District
- May 5: Tupelo District
- May 15: Senatobia District at Batesville UMC - 2:30 p.m.
- May 15: Seashore District at Mississippi City UMC - 3 p.m.
- May 22: New Albany District
- May 22: Greenwood District
- May 22: Hattiesburg District
- May 29: Brookhaven District.
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:: Announcements
Earth Day for Christians
By Nan Moak, Creation Care Team Leader
When I think of Earth Day, as a Christian, I am reminded of Genesis 2:15: The Lord God put us in the garden to till and keep it. On Earth Day, Christians should be reminded that God gave us Earth to not only enjoy and to sustain us, but to work and care for. Perhaps Earth Day should be viewed as Care of Creation Day. A day we are reminded to be good stewards of our resources and our lands and to be in praise for His gifts of nature.
We have reason to celebrate. In Mississippi we have a season to hunt, plant, and grow. In April we will celebrate Christ at Easter and God's gift of creation on Earth Day-or for Christians "Care of Creation Day" celebrated April 17 - Palm Sunday. Our state has fabulous parks and hunting refuges that are only going to be sustained if we are responsible as Christians and take care of our wonderful gift of Earth. Our world is not ours, but God's. Psalms 24:1 states, the earth is the Lord's and everything in it. We have it on loan. I challenge you to think of Earth Day as a day for us to be mindful of these great gifts.
Part of the conference Creation Care Team's goal is to remind our churches that being good stewards is a huge responsibility for Christians. We want to encourage all congregations to invite their children to write letters to God thanking God for earth and His creation, including, their promises to also be good stewards. These letters can be submitted to our team and winners will be published in a book of the best letters. Submit letters no later than April 4, 2011 to: Nan Moak, Creation Care Team Leader, 404 Bay Park Drive,
Brandon, MS 39047.
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Make Reservations Now for The Parchman Hour
In commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Freedom Riders, the Mississippi Conference Commission on Religion and Race (CORR) will host a week-long tour of the play "The Parchman Hour," by actor and playwright Mike Riley. Admission is free to the performances, however a reservation is requested. Reservations will be available by linking here or by calling 601-354-0515 ext. 14.
The Parchman Hour is an ensemble production celebrating the bravery and determination of the Freedom Riders who risked their lives to desegregate Southern interstate bus travel in 1961. This is the acclaimed actor and playwright's latest work.
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Felder UMC to Host Annual Fill Your Heart...
and a Belly Race
For the fourth year, Felder UMC and MS Race Timing, LLC along with the Rotary Club of McComb will host the Fill Your Heart and a Belly 10K, 5K Run and 5K Walk Saturday, May 21, 2011 at the Felder UMC and Campmeeting in Summit. All proceeds benefit Stop Hunger Now and participates are asked to bring a canned good the day of the race. Registration is $10 for any event. Early bird registration forms are due by April 30. Registration forms are available at www.msracetiming.com. Felder UMC and Campmeeting is located at 1061 Campground Road, Summit (9 miles east of Summit on Hwy 570.) For more information call 601-684-8797.
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Waynesboro First to Hold Spring Revival
Waynesboro First UMC invites you to the Spring Revival 2011 to be held March 20-22. Services are scheduled at 10:50 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Sunday and at 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday. Dr. John Case will serve as guest pastor. Dr. Case is a retired minister of the Methodist Conference, having retired in 2001. Before his retirement, Dr. Case served five churches in the conference. His last appointment was Christ UMC in Jackson, where he served as Senior Minister for eighteen years. He and his wife, Ellen are current residents of Oxford. Waynesboro First UMC is located at 701 Turner Street in Waynesboro. For more information call 601-735-4440.
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New Online Bible Study Explores Contemporary Faith Issues Encounter Faith Debuts March 14
The United Methodist Church is set to debut an online Bible study beginning March 14, where participants will have an opportunity to explore and discuss contemporary topics and how they relate to the Christian faith in response to the call to Rethink Church. Participants who sign on for the Encounter Faith Bible study, available for free at RethinkChurch.org/encounterfaith, will be looking through a lens of faith at timely issues making headlines and creating conversation, such as the demonstrations in North Africa and the Middle East. The Encounter Faith Bible study is specially designed so that participants with different levels of knowledge can join the discussion. They need not be experts on Bible history or Scripture to participate. United Methodist Communications collaborated with the United Methodist Publishing House to produce the online version of Cokebury's popular FaithLink: Connecting Faith and Life curriculum, which is known for taking hot topics-from headline makers to faith questions-and making them the focus for Bible study. Encounter Faith also complements the theme of the Rethink Church Lenten series, "Fearless: The Courage to Question." The Rev. Jacob Armstrong, a dynamic young pastor, will facilitate the six-week study. Armstrong, who is pastor of Providence United Methodist Church in Mt. Juliet, Tenn., will post guiding questions, as well as respond to many of the comments posted by participants. He will anchor a weekly podcast and webinar that are downloadable for use in local churches, as well. Local church users should consider downloading these resources as conversation starters for small groups. While excerpts of FaithLink will be available for free online, the complete study is available for purchase at www.cokesbury.com/faithlink and is recommended for local church use.
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:: Celebrations
Starkville Celebrates Successful Lay Rally  Over 200 persons attended the Starkville District's Annual Lay Rally held at Starkville First UMC on February 22. James Woodard, the Starkville District's Lay Leader, said this was one of the best lay rally's we have had. In closing the event District Superintendent Embra Jackson said those in attendance left "full of the spirit and full of food." Highlights of the rally included music presented by Jo Miller Orr and Ben Orr of the Tupelo District, the wonderful meal prepared by Donna Kelley, secretary for Starkville First and the message by the guest speaker, Attorney LaToya Redd, East Jackson District Lay Leader. Redd's message reminded attendees that the Book of Discipline and Bible call us to be "altogether" Christians, grounded in love. In addition to celebrating the laity at the rally, an offering for Stop Hunger Now was collected. |
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:: Cares and Concerns
Sammy McDonald, husband of Rev. Cecele McDonald, pastor of Ovett UMC in the Hattiesburg District has recently undergone a heart cauterization. Please remember Sammy and Cecele in your prayers.
Shelly Stegall, father-in-law of Rev.Jodie Cothen passed away Feb. 23, 2011. Cothen is pastor of Lumberton and Maxie UMCs in the Hattiesburg District. Please remember Jodie, his wife Teresa, and the Stegall family in your prayers during this difficult time.
Nancy Shreve, the spouse of Tom Shreve of the West Jackson District (Redbone) has passed. Funeral services were held Monday, Feb. 28 at the Natchez Trace Funeral Home, Madison. Please keep the Shreve family in your prayers.
Trisha Salter, spouse of Rev. James Salter (Seashore District) was admitted to Singing River Hospital, Ocean Springs Friday morning, Feb. 25. Please keep Tricia and James in your prayers.
Mrs. Marion Seefeld, mother of Rev. Glenn Seefeld, died Friday, Feb. 25, 2011 in Conroe, Texas. Visitation will be Wednesday, March 2, from 9 -10:30 a.m. at Memory Chapel Funeral Home in Laurel. The service will be a graveside service at 11 a.m. at Hickory Grove Cemetery in Laurel. Rev. Seefeld is pastor of Greenwood First UMC. Please keep the Seefeld's in your prayers.
Rev. Jean Threadgill (Weir/Salem and Sturgis/Big Creek Charges) had rotator cuff surgery Feb. 28. Please remember Rev. Threadgill when you pray.
Lecha Diggs, wife of Rev. Chris Diggs (TUP-Student) is hospitalized at North Mississippi Medical Center, Tupelo. Please remember the Diggs in your prayers.
Hilda Martin, the spouse of Rev. Lamar Martin, retired, of the East Jackson District, passed away on last night. Services will be Wednesday, March 2, 11 a.m. at Crossgates UMC. Interment will be at Felders Chapel in Summit. Please keep the Martin family in your prayers.
The Brookhaven District Office is pleased to announce the birth of Jasper Cale Branning, son of Rev.(Captain) and Mrs. John Branning, March 1, 2011 at 11:40 a.m. He weighed 6 lbs, 13 oz and measured 19 inches long. Congratulations to John, Traci, and big brothers BJ and Aiden!
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:: Connectional Exchange
Christ UMC Jackson has two church vehicles as follows: Church Van - 1999 Ford E350 15 Passenger Van 72,840 miles $5,000 negotiable. Church Bus- 1999 Ford E450 - Goshen Coach 25 Passenger Bus 15,982 miles $20,000 negotiable. For more information contact Randy Russ at rruss@christunitedjxn.org or 601-914-7110..
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:: Employment Opportunities Across the Conference
Ridgeland First UMC is now accepting applications for a part-time music director. For more information contact Rev. Tom Sorrell at 601-856-6456. Mail resume to First United Methodist Church, 234 West Jackson St., Ridgeland, MS 39157
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