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Watch This Space Each Week
for Nudge Nudge
This week's Nudge is by Rev. Darian Duckworth, Grace United Methodist
Church, Natchez. Do you feel "nudged" to GO? Over the past few weeks, we have read glimpses of what it means to be a "nudger" -- a new kind of evangelist. The time has finally arrived to experience the power of God's "nudge" this Saturday, April 2. Leonard Sweet will be at Christ UMC in Jackson, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., and at the satellite locations listed below. The doors will open at 9 a.m. Register on the conference website www.mississippi-umc.org or by calling 601-354-0515 ext 14. As we approach this year's Annual Conference and its theme of "Arise! Shine! Go!", what better start do we have than to learn how to respond to God's nudges? We look forward to this time with Leonard Sweet as laity and clergy gather. Let us go! Evangelism Satellite locations: |
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
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
Council of Bishops
(Bishop Ward will be attending) May 1- 6, 2011 Epworth by the Sea
6th Annual UMC Tribe Ride
May 7, 2011
More information to come
UMVIM Training
May 7, 2011 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. St. Mark's UMC, Brandon, MS 601-956-6974 Annual Conference Planning Committee
May 9, 2011 at 1 p.m. MS Conference Office Cabinet Meeting
May 9 - 11 Methodist Foundation Duke University Board of Trustees
(Bishop Ward will be attending) May 13 - 14, 2011 Duke University, Durham, NC UMVIM Training
May 14, 2011 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Wesley UMC, Ocean Springs, MS 228-875-8900
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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
June 10-12
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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
 Life in the Light Live as children of light... -- Ephesians 5:8 In this fourth week of Lent, let us enter into a season of prayer and holy conversation in regard to the resources we share for the ministry of Christ in the Mississippi Conference. The trustees of the annual conference will ask the 2011 Annual Conference if you desire to enter into a year of discernment regarding the current use of The United Methodist Building in light of an offer from Galloway United Methodist Church to purchase it for urban ministry in downtown Jackson. A decision would be made no earlier than the 2012 Annual Conference. The trustees share this possibility with you so that we might think prayerfully together, seeking what seems "good to the Holy Spirit and to us" (Acts 15:28). Entering into a year of discernment would provide opportunity for us to 1) assess our need in light of current realities of usage, 2) assess the condition and deferred maintenance of the United Methodist Building, 3) consider alternative alternatives for the future, and 4) develop any plan for the future with concern for minimal financial impact on the conference and local churches. There is strong commitment to the historical and missional presence in downtown Jackson. John Wesley is our example as we remember his establishment of The Foundry for urban ministry in the city of London. The possibility of using our current facility for urban mission could align our history with our vision, continuing strong Methodist presence and witness in the center of Jackson. The Irish poet Seamus Heaney wrote of times "when hope and history rhyme." We will decide together in Annual Conference session if this opportunity resonates in our spirits as wise and worthy of consideration. With gratitude for your partnership in the ministry of Jesus Christ,
Hope Morgan Ward
To comment, link on the Bishop's Blog page here. |
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:: We GO in Mission
Fairview Collects Soles4Souls Hannah and Julia Holland, members of Fairview UMC, Pontotoc, organized a used shoe drive for Soles4Souls in Pontotoc. 1,737 pairs of shoes were collected during the four-week span and delivered to the Soles4Souls warehouse in Roanoke, Alabama. Soles4Souls is a Nashville based charity that collects gently worn shoes and distributes them to people living extreme poverty and recovering from natural disasters. Soles4Souls is committed to collect and give away 11 million pairs of shoes during 2011. For more information, contact www.soles4souls.org. Starkville First Completes Mission Project  Starkville First UMC just completed a church-wide mission project to support Stop Hunger Now. Through efforts of all Sunday School classes, individual contributions, and a 5k run/1k walk, the church raised over 8,000. The campaign ended Sunday, March 27 with an afternoon meal packing event. In approximately 2  hours volunteers packed over 30,000 meals. Many volunteers of all ages, preschoolers -- senior adults, worked together to pack nutritious dehydrated meals that will be sent to areas of the world suffering from hunger. It was an exciting event and very interesting to watch this streamlined packaging involving so many people -- all with one great humanitarian goal: to feed the hungry. |
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:: Announcements
Creation Team Seeks Children's Letters to God
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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Two Important Reminders
for Leaders in the Mississippi Conference
The Mississippi Conference Evangelism Summit
Dr. Leonard Sweet will be with us on Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Christ UMC in Jackson as we gather for learning and inspiration. Register today to participate in Jackson OR in the regional webcast that is most convenient for you. You may register for any location by linking here or if you prefer you may contact your district office to register for one of the regional webcast settings.
The Leadership Summit
Hosted by the Council of Bishops
The Council of Bishops is hosting a leadership summit April 6, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. The summit will be webcast from Nashville with conversation groups organized in each episcopal area. Feedback questions and comments may be sent by email to presenters who will respond to as many as possible during the last hour of the summit. The website is now live -- http://www.umcleadershipsummit.org -- for you to visit.
The summit will focus on the future of the United Methodist Church, the implications of the Call to Action recommendations and the connection we share in mission and ministry around the world. Contact your district office to register for the April 6 webcast location in your area. The webcast will be immediately archived for your convenience in viewing and sharing with others.
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Camp Lake Stephens Youth Work Day/Retreat
Camp Lake Stephens will hold a Youth Work Day/Retreat starting at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, April 15 (dinner and breakfast provided) and lasting until 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 16. For groups participating on Saturday only, work will start at 9 a.m. and work will end at 4 p.m. on Saturday afternoon (lunch provided). Cost is $15 and includes lodging, three meals, and work supplies; cost is free for just the workday! Programming will be provided Friday night and Saturday will be spent working on projects around camp such as: painting, spreading wood chips on trails, preparing campsites for summer camp, and much more. Or, your group is welcome to come on Saturday only. Work will begin around 8:30 a.m. and conclude between 4 and 5 p.m. Registration forms are available at http://camplakestephens.com/youth-events/youth-work-day/.
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African Children's Choir
to Appear at Central UMC in Meridian
Central UMC in Meridian is looking forward to the arrival of the African Children's Choir. The choir will present a concert Saturday, April 2, 7 p.m. and also sing as a part of our regular 8:30 a.m. worship service Sunday, April 3. The music is joyous and inspiring; the message, life changing; and the bright smiles of the children touch hearts in a very special way. The concert is free, however, an offering will be taken both Saturday night and Sunday morning. The African Children's Choir has appeared in thousands of concerts around the world and has been featured on "Jay Leno" and "American Idol." They have also performed alongside well-known artists such as Mariah Carey, Josh Groban, Steven Curtis Chapman, and Michael W. Smith, and at Live8 in London and ONEXONE in Toronto. The mission of the African Children's Choir is to help Africa's most vulnerable children today, so they can help Africa tomorrow. With a focus on education, the Choir is currently caring for several thousand underprivileged children throughout Africa. The primary goal of the Choir is to raise awareness of the needs of destitute and orphaned children in Africa. They have been working with the most vulnerable children in Africa for 23 years. For more information contact Central UMC at 601-693-1521.
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Howell and Hathorn to Preach
at Enterprise Revival
Enterprise UMC will hold its homecoming and revival April 10-13. Homecoming will be on Sunday, the 10th with Rev. Hollis Howell speaking. Rev. Dale Hathorn of Standing Tall Ministries will preach on Monday through Wednesday at 7 p.m. Visitors are welcome. Call 601-659-4446 for information.
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Starkville First Announces Holy Week Revival
J. Ellsworth Kalas, Professor of Homiletics and former President of Asbury Theological Seminary, will lead a revival here Starkville First UMC beginning Palm Sunday, April 17, 2011.  Professor Kalas has written more than thirty books, including the popular Back Side series and Longing to Pray: How the Psalms Teach Us to Talk with God. He has been a video presenter for DISCIPLE Bible Study and is the author of the Christian Believer study. He served on the World Methodist Council for five years in evangelism and pastored United Methodist congregations for thirty-eight years. Dr. Kalas will be delivering the messages at these times: Sunday April 17th- 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. Traditional Services - "What You See You Can Have"
- 5:00 p.m. Dinner CLC
- 6:00 p.m. Service - "The Beauty of God's Love"
Monday April 18th- 12:00 pm Lunch & Service CLC - "The Way to Health"
- 6:00 pm Service - "The Wonder of God's Word"
Tuesday April 19th- 12:00 pm Lunch & Service - "The Way to Wholeness"
- 6:00 pm Service - "The Grace of God's Friendship"
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:: Cares and Concerns
Rev. Rayford Woodrick, East and West Jackson Districts, remains in Baptist Hospital in Jackson. He is resting and recovering from surgery on yesterday. Continue to keep Rayford and his family in your prayers.
Sue Cox, wife of Rev. Jim Cox (Lula/Friars Point - Senatobia District) is in Baptist Hospital. Please add Sue to your prayer lists.
Mrs. Kay Appel, mother of Rev. Dr. Kurt Appel, passed away March 23, 2011 in Gulfport. Funeral services were held March 26 at Trinity UMC, Gulfport. Please keep the Appel family in your thoughts and prayers and ask that God send his blessings to them during this difficult time.
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:: Employment Opportunities Across the Conference
Diamondhead UMC is now taking applications for the positions of Worship Leader for our Celebration Service and pianist for our Heritage Service. These positions are part-time and one person could fill both positions. For more information or a copy of the job description contact Pastor Oscar McGough at brothero@cableone.net.
Rust College in Holly Springs seeks a College Chaplain. For further information, contact the personnel office at 662-252-2491, Attn: Ms. Patricia Pegues.
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. John Moore at jmoore@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 April 15, 2011.
Alabama Rural Ministries (ARM) has the following positions open for mature, college-age Christians who want to serve Christ in real, hands-on ways! For more information visit www.arm-al.org. If you are interested, email Beth Ann Hopkins at hopkinsba@gmail.com.
Site Leader: 2 Positions ($1900 Scholarship)
There is one site leader for each of our two sites: Livingston and Tuskegee. This person serves as the main coordinator/team captain of one of these two sites. Ideally, this person has served on staff or been a previous volunteer. Site Leaders must demonstrate leadership, great Christian and social maturity, management skills, and interpersonal skills in the following ways: 1) The site leader serves as the on-site facilitator to the staff members at the site. S/he is the spiritual director for the staff team and is directly accountable to the ARM Director. S/he is the main contact and liaison between the volunteer work teams and the summer staff (6-7 other students). 2) She/he is a liaison with the other ministry partners and key personnel in the communities that support the work of ARM. 3) She/he mentors the staff serving in construction or day camp and visits these sites throughout the week. 4) She/he manages the finances for the site and monitors the daily budget and expenditures and income. 5) She/he is responsible for communicating with and reporting to the ARM Director and full time staff about the activities of the site.
Construction Coordinators: 6 Positions ($1700)
The primary responsibility of a construction coordinator is to serve as a facilitator for the home repair work teams. As a part of the construction staff, your service will include the following: 1) Construction coordinators will give each volunteer team an overview of the construction projects and family situations for which they will be working. They will conduct a daily leaders' meeting. 2) She/he will plan for projects, purchase materials, and maintain a construction budget for each team. 3) Construction coordinators serve as contact persons for the home owners, scheduling both staff and work team visits. 4) She/he maintains all the tools and materials for their site. 5) She/he helps teams with construction advice and works on-site with them as time allows.
Day Camp Coordinators: 3-6 Positions ($1700)
1) Day Camp coordinators work with incoming volunteer teams and each other to coordinate activities for children of low-income, under-served families, simply in need of love and attention. 2) Day Camp coordinators communicate with their site coordinator and volunteer teams prior to arrival to ensure that they have Bible lessons, crafts, recreational activities, educational activities, and more for the week they will be working (Staff will plan back up activities should teams arrive without enough materials). 3) Day Camp coordinators work together to plan and coordinate enrichment activities and field trips 4) She/he is helps children form and/or cultivates relationships with Christ. 5) She/he builds relationships with the parents of the children.
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