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Watch This Space Each Week
for Nudge Nudge
This week's Nudge is by Rev. Adam Gordon, Associate Pastor, Booneville First United Methodist Church and Director of the Wesley Foundation at NEMCC. "Tell someone that they can read the signs of the stock market and in that way become rich, and people will do it in a New York minute. Tell someone that they can read the signs of the Spirit and become spiritually rich, and they yawn and walk away. We are more prone to read signs of someone's economic and social status than to read signs of the divine at play in people's lives...We live in an attention-deficit culture more adept at gaining attention than at paying attention, furiously beating bushes that advance our interests while not paying attention to burning bushes that showcase God's activities." (Sweet, Nudge, 53) As we find ourselves in the thick of one the holiest seasons of the Protestant church, Lent is a time that we are most prone to focus on what we have done wrong -- our sinful lives -- that separate us from God's ever-present love-centered reconciliation. It is a place that we, the church, find ourselves in as we are invited to "observe a holy Lent" during our Ash Wednesday services. To say that our self-examination during Lent is a wrong place to be would be a horribly inaccurate interpretation of the purpose of our Lenten practices. However, we can run the risk of focusing so much on ourselves that we lose sight of the reconnecting work that God is doing through Christ Jesus and the Holy Spirit's power in Lent. Surely, paying attention to our relationships with God and our neighbors are at the heart of our faith in Lent. And it is in the act of paying attention that we find ourselves most vulnerable and other-focused; a practice that is also at the center of evangelism. In his book, Nudge: Awakening Each Other to the God Who's Already There, Leonard Sweet suggests that when we pay attention to others and to God, we remove ourselves from the center of attention; honoring the "you-ness" and "their-ness" (54) of each other, giving God the attention that God is worthy of. Most noticeably, this practice of paying attention is what we also call, "prayer." Who would have thought that prayer was central to evangelism? Unfortunately, Sweet says, not many do. On Saturday, April 2, we will have an opportunity to dig into this fresh take on paying-attention-evangelism 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. |
Pacific Recovery
Donations can be made to
Pacific Emergency, UMCOR Advance #3021317
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REUTERS/Lee Jae Won
Courtesy Trust.org Alertnet
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UMCOR Assessing
Relief Needs in Japan
Relief needs in Japan and elsewhere related to the March 11 earthquake and tsunami will be the focus of the United Methodist Committee on Relief, which is in contact with partners in the region, said Melissa Crutchfield, UMCOR executive for international disaster response.
The Rev. Cynthia Fierro Harvey, UMCOR's top executive, urged prayers for those affected by the disaster. "Once again, in
the wake of disaster and in the face of widespread need, we rely on the ever-expansive generosity of United Methodists and all people of goodwill to help us respond to those whose lives
have suddenly been turned upside down," she said.
Emergency response staff members at Church World Service are in contact with the agency's office in Bangkok, which is monitoring the situation in Japan and across the region. Tsunami warnings are in effect for North Sulawesi, Indonesia, and two local partners for CWS there have been contacted.
Donations can be made to Pacific Emergency, UMCOR Advance #3021317.
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Dates to Remember
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
FACT Conveners Meeting
March 30, 2011 - 1 p.m.
United Methodist Foundation Building
O For a Thousand Meeting
March 31, 2011 - 2 p.m.
United Methodist Foundation Building
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
SEJ Clergywomen's Consultation
April 4- 7, 2011
Atlanta, GA
General Board of
Global Ministries
(Bishop Ward will be attending.)
April 11 - 13, 2011
Stamford, CT
Cabinet Meeting
April 25 - 27, 2011
Black Clergywomen's Summit
April 29, 2011
Anderson UMC, Jackson, MS
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Save the Dates!
Pre-Conference Briefings
(For more information
contact your district.)
- May 1: Starkville District at Griffin
UMC - 3 p.m.
- May 3: East/West Jackson Districts at St. Matthews UMC - 6:30 p.m.
- May 5: Tupelo District at St. Luke's UMC - 6:30 p.m. Registration/7 p.m. Breifing
- May 15: Senatobia District at Batesville UMC - 2:30 p.m.
- May 15: Seashore District at Mississippi City UMC - 3 p.m.
- May 15: Meridian District at Poplar Springs Drive UMC - 2:30 p.m.
- May 22: New Albany District at Booneville First UMC - 2:30 p.m.
- May 22: Greenwood District at Greenwood First UMC - 2:30 p.m.
- May 22: Hattiesburg District at Ellisville UMC - 2:30 p.m.
- May 29: Brookhaven District at Centenary UMC - 3 p.m.
Annual Conference 2011
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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
 A Wellspring
of Lenten Generosity The water I give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life. -- John 4:14 During Lent, we join United Methodist everywhere in generosity through The One Great Hour of Sharing. For over 55 years, The One Great Hour of Sharing has made it possible for the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) to keep its promise that every gift goes 100 percent to those in need. It is the privilege of every United Methodist Church to invite and receive this offering so that our healing and restoring presence in the world might be vital and strong. We in Mississippi have received much through UMCOR. Recovery work continues in the wake of the tornadoes of 2010. Six years after Hurricane Katrina, recovery work continues in the Seashore District. Our participation in The One Great Hour of Sharing is a way of saying thank you -- to God and to our church. Our generosity will comfort and help others, just as we have been comforted and helped. Thank you for your participation during Lent in The One Great Hour of Sharing. Resources are available by linking here. With gratitude for our partnership in Christ's ministry,
Hope Morgan Ward
To comment, link on the Bishop's Blog page here. |
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:: Countdown to Annual Conference
Reserve Your Display Space Now! The Mississippi Annual Conference invites your program group, agency, or institution to reserve a display space for  our upcoming Annual Conference at the Jackson Convention Complex in Jackson, Mississippi. The Resource Fair will be set up throughout the complex. May 6, 2011 is the deadline for requesting a space at this year's Resource Fair. No registrations will be accepted after that date. All spaces will be confirmed by email on Friday, May 13. For more information: Lee Burdine is the representative of the Annual Conference Program & Arrangements Team working with displays. A team member can be reached at 866-647-7486, ext. 14. Please click here to download the display space request form.Nominations Sought for Distinguished Evangelist The Foundation for Evangelism is seeking nominations for the 2011 Distinguished Evangelist of the United Methodist Church Award. This award recognizes a United Methodist clergy or layperson for extraordinary accomplishments in helping people experience God's transforming love through Jesus Christ. The Distinguished Evangelist of The United Methodist Church Award is one way in which The Foundation for Evangelism supports the development of leaders with a passion for evangelism that will have a multiplying impact on The United Methodist Church. With this honor, the Foundation seeks to highlight an individual whose personal ministry in evangelism is recognized throughout the denomination. Previous recipients include Rudy and Juanita Rasmus, Adam Hamilton, Billie Fidlin, Kent Millard, Keith Tonkel, Jorge Acevedo and Shane Bish. Deadline for nominations is May 15, 2011. Email nomination information to AC2011@mississippi-umc.org. |
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:: Announcements
UMVIM Team Leader Trainings in May
If you or someone you know is interested in becoming trained as an United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM) team leader, there will be two opportunities coming up in May! Saturday, May 7 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at St. Mark's UMC in Brandon (400 Grants Ferry Rd., Brandon). The training will be led by Rev. Chuck Meador. To register: 601-956-6974 or cmeador@christunitedjxn.org.
Saturday, May 14 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Wesley UMC in Ocean Springs (8900 Old Spanish Trail, Ocean Springs) The training will be led by Rev. David Newton. To register: 228-875-8900 or umvim@mississippi-umc.org. Cost is $20 for the UMVIM manual (pay at door) and pre-registration is required. Register by calling or emailing the leader with your name, church, phone number and an email address by the Monday before the training. 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. |
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Acona UMC Celebrates 137 Years
Acona UMC is celebrating their 137th Homecoming on April 17, 2011 at 11 a.m. Rev. Ricky Reece will deliver the message and the gospel singing group Thunder will perform. Acona UMC is located 13 miles north of Lexington on Hwy 17. For more information call 662-670-4034.
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Kosciusko First to Present His Last Days 
Kosciusko First UMC First will present its 26th annual Passion Play, His Last Days, at 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 21, Friday, April 22 and Saturday 23. The event takes place on the church grounds at the corner of East Washington and Natchez Streets in downtown Kosciusko.
His Last Days is a moving live presentation of the trial, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension of Christ with over 20 outdoor scenes. Bring lawn chairs, if you wish. Free nursery and parking are provided. For further information, contact the church office at 662-289-1412, or by email at chu623@bellsouth.net.
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Maples Memorial UMW Invites You
to Lunch and Fashion Show
The Mission UMW Circle at Maples Memorial UMC would like to invite you to a luncheon and fashion show to be held at the church on April 9, 2011. Please register your attendance by April 5, 2011. Proceeds from this event will be split between two needs: "Smile Train" and The Church Benevolency Fund. Fashions featured at the event are by Little Feet, Justice and Chicos. For more information call 662-895-2279 or 662-562-5865.
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Central UMC Host Seminar
on The Gospel of John
Author, professor and New Testament scholar, Dr. Ben W  itherington III, will lead a seminar on The Gospel of John at Central UMC, Meridian April 15-17, 2011. The cost of the seminar includes Friday night dinner and lunch on Saturday and is $50 if you register before April 1, $75 if after April 1. Childcare is available for a minimal fee. Participation in Friday and Saturday will qualify for 1.0 CEU. Witherington will lecture Friday afternoon and Saturday and will speak at both Palm Sunday worship services at Central UMC (8:30 and 10:55 a.m.) on April 17. See the full schedule and register online at www.cumcmdn.org. Witherington is an Amos Professor of New Testament for Doctoral Studies at Asbury Theological Seminary and on the doctoral faculty at St. Andrews University in Scotland. A graduate of UNC, Chapel Hill, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and the University of Durham in England, he is now considered one of the top evangelical scholars in the world. Witherington has written over forty books, including The Jesus Quest and The Paul Quest, both of which were selected as top biblical studies works by Christianity Today. His down-home sense of humor makes his presentation understandable and enjoyable for all. For more information visit www.cumcmdn.org.
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St. Matthew's to Hold Third-Annual
Health Fair for the Community
St. Matthew's United Methodist Church will hold its third-annual health fair Wednesday, April 6, from 4 to 7 p.m., in the church's narthex. The health fair, sponsored by the St. Matthew's Health and Welfare Ministry, will include free blood pressure checks, hearing and blood sugar tests, body mass indexing, bone-density evaluations, vision screening and grip-strength testing. The Madison Fire Department will also be on hand with a fire truck and rollover simulator. At least a dozen different health-related organizations and representatives will have tables set up with information, including the Mississippi Organ Recovery Agency (MORA), Sta-home Health Agency, Hospice Ministries, Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi, the Mississippi Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, dietician Amy McArthur and podiatrist Dr. Rose Sotolongo. Pharmacist Dr. Justin Sherman and family physician Dr. Thais Tonore will be available to answer questions about drugs and illnesses. In addition, Mississippi Blood Services will be in the parking lot to accept blood donations. The mission of the Health and Welfare Ministry is to take care of both the spiritual and physical needs of the St. Matthew's congregation and the greater community. The health fair is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Carole Mains at 601-853-0213 or carolemains@comcast.net.
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Hathorn and Giordano to Speak at Pearl Revival
Pearl First UMC will hold a revival April 17-20 with sermons presented by Rev. Dale Hathorn of Standing Tall Ministries. Rev. Ted Giordano will preach on the April 20. Services will begin at 6 p.m. on Sunday, and 7 p.m. Monday - Wednesday. For more information, please call 601-939-3548.
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:: Celebrations
A Witness for Christ in Japan:
Methodist Mission in Historical Perspective By Christie House and Elliott Wright,
General Board of Global MinistriesUnited Methodist response to the March 11 earthquake in Japan puts the spotlight on a rich mission history that began 135 years ago. The General Board of Global Ministries and the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) are working in the crisis with church organizations that continue a mission story that opened in 1873, the year the first Methodist missionary arrived in Japan. Methodism is a major stream in the United Church of Japan, established by the merger of 33 denominations during World War II. The UCCJ's Relief Committee was among the early responders to humanitarian needs created by the earthquake and tsunami in March. The story is both rich and complex, conditioned by political and cultural factors. Some of the complexity comes from the fact that multiple Methodist denominations entered Japan in the late 19th century. Today, Global Ministries has nine missionaries and a variety of other personnel and volunteers in Japan. The work includes education, services for minorities and seafarers, ministry with women and children, and the training of persons from Asia and Africa in sustainable agriculture. These ministries are coordinated with Japanese mission partners, including the UCCJ. Links continue with several church-founded universities, including three with roots in what is today United Methodist Women. To read more link here. |
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Methodist Healthcare Announces New Minimally Invasive Thyroid Surgery
 | Julie Morganelli pictured with her dog Chloe is very pleased with the results from her minimally invasive thyroidectomy that left virtually
no scar on her neck |
No one wants a visible reminder of a surgery, and thanks to medical advances, technology now gives surgeons a way to leave virtually no scar on the front of the neck after thyroid surgery.
"With recent advancements in endoscopic and laparoscopic techniques it is possible to use endoscopes to visualize the interior of the neck and take the thyroid gland out through a very small incision measuring just about an inch in length," explained Sandeep Samant, M.D., a head and neck surgeon at Methodist University Hospital. "By making such a small incision in the neck, it is barely visible and you only really notice it if you know to look for a scar."
Before the minimally invasive approach, the incision left after a thyroid surgery was three inches or longer, which was quite obvious since it went across almost the entire front of the neck.
There are several reasons that require patients to have one or both thyroid glands removed, including cancerous and benign nodules, large glands, or overactive glands. Julie Morganelli had a nodule on her right thyroid gland removed, which turned out to be benign. "The thing I like the most about this procedure is that the incision is very, very small," said Morganelli.
With the smaller incision, most patients get to go home the same day. Morganelli did go home the same day and had a quick recovery, which is typical. "I had the surgery on a Wednesday and I was able to return to work on Monday," she said.
Dr. Samant says not everyone is a candidate for minimally invasive thyroidectomy. If a patient is sick, has a very large gland or has cancer extending beyond the gland, that patient is not a candidate for same day surgery.
To learn more about minimally invasive thyroidectomy, visit the web at methodisthealth.org .
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:: Cares and Concerns
Heartfelt prayers are extended to Rev Amy Daniels (Hernando UMC) and her family due to the death of her grandmother, Opal Bennett Warlaw who passed away March 9, 2011. Services were held March 10 in Fulton.
Rev. Larry Sappington (Harrisville/Rexford-EJD) had eye surgery on March 17; surgery went well and he is doing well. Please keep Larry and his family in your prayers.
The mother of Connie Branch, Tressie Ishee, is in Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg recovering from a broken hip. Connie is the spouse of Rev. Ray Branch who serves Barton UMC and Mt Pleasant UMC.
Rev. Chuck Bursi's father, Charles Bursi is back in the hospital in intensive care after a heart attack, he has had many health issues in the past year. Chuck serves Love UMC. Please keep the Bursi's in your prayers.
Rev. Michael Hicks, Hattiesburg District Superintendent, just let us know Sara Sands Nichols passed away last night. She is the sister of Lisa Hicks. The funeral will be Thursday evening, March 24 in Dayton, TN. Please be in prayer for Lisa, her brother Bob and the Nichols and Hicks families during this difficult time.
Rev. Steve Tillman's brother-in-law, Willie Lundy, passed away Saturday, March 19, 2011. Steve is pastor of Gitano UMC and will be in charge of the funeral services in Citronelle, AL, which are incomplete at this time. Please remember the families in your prayers.
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:: Employment Opportunities Across the Conference
Union UMC is currently seeking an energetic individual to grow, direct, plan, and guide our worship arts by serving as part-time Minister of Music. Pay dependent upon background and experience. All interested applicants may send their resume to unionunitedmetho@bellsouth.net or call 601-774-9412 for more information. St. Luke UMC, Cleveland is searching to fill the position of part-time music director. Mail resume to St. Luke UMC, 1227 Deering St, Cleveland, MS 38732. For more information, email the church at stlukeumc@cableone.net or call 662-843-2306.
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