In the Days of Your Youth

 

Remember your creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come, and the years draw near when you will say, 'I have no pleasure in them'...

   -- Ecclesiastes 12:1  

At the heart of the Mississippi Conference are ministries with young people. This has been long true, a resounding note in the ongoing song of our shared story as United Methodist people.

Young people energize the church with fresh vision, energy and passion.

We celebrate in Mississippi the highest percentage of young elders (under age 35) in the connection. Pull the thread from this fact and it goes to our strength in camping, youth and campus ministries.

Beginning next week, our youth ministry leaders will be sharing in three segments in The Circuit Rider new initiatives in youth ministry: new directions with events, a new structure for ministry and new initiatives in resourcing and training.

All of this builds on the strong and sure foundation of our love for the young and our commitment with them to Christ.

May we be blessed together, all forever young in spirit, all children of God in Christ.

Hope Morgan Ward    

 

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

Don't Miss the Deadline for
Reserving Display Space      

 

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. 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.

Collins UMC Starts Soup Ministry

By Lisa Hicks, Hattiesburg District Communicator  

      

Collins UMC has started a Soup Ministry. Mrs. Annette Hammil heads up the ministry; she has 9 volunteers who help her. They cook and deliver between 40-43 cups of soup each week from September throught April. Mrs. Hammil adds that the oldest recipient is 101 years old and the youngest is 42 years of age. The folks look forward to seeing the delivery people as most of them live alone.

They even feed one lady her soup. The ministry started as a result of the Knock on Nine Campaign begun at the 2009 Mississippi Annual Conference. What a wonderful way to share the love of Christ with the community!  

Leadership Summit Broadcast Archive Available

The United Methodist Church Leadership Summit, webcast from Nashville on April 6 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. CDT, is archived for viewing at the Leadership Summit website. To watch the recorded broadcast, go to www.umcleadershipsummit.org and click on Live Stream. A summary of findings will be posted on April 12 on the Leadership Summit Website.

The purpose of the Leadership Summit was to help United Methodists focus on how to make necessary changes faced by the denomination. Recommendations from the Call to Action report that were adopted by the Council of Bishops and Connectional Table provided a guideline for the conversation.

Kingston UMC Celebrates 210 Years
of Continual Ministry                 

 

Kingston UMC invites you to join them for a day of celebration of the congregation's 210-year history and continued Methodist presence on May 7, 2011. Weather permitting the event will take place outdoors under tents from 2 to 6 p.m. Bishop Hope Morgan Ward will give the keynote address followed by Brookhaven District Superintendent Johnny Crosby. Special guests will include Rev. Tobias Gibson and other historical figures in the churches 210-year history.

The church invites the Faith community to join in the celebration and assures there to be plenty of food, fun and fellowship to offer. Kingston is located in the Brookhaven District just south of Natchez at 1090 Hutchins Landing Rd, Natchez.

Pearl UMC to Host Standing Tall Ministries       

Pearl UMC will host evangelist and former basketball player Dale Hathorn and Standing Tall Ministries April 16 - 19, 2011. The event begins with Time Out for young people ages 13 - 30 on April 16 from 7 to 10 p.m. Time Out is an evening of fun, food and fellowship. Youth will enjoy time out from the usual routine; from denominational lines; from worldly things and time out with friends.

Hathorn will speak at the 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. worship services on Sunday, April 17 and at 7 p.m. services on April 18 and 19.

The Pearl congregation encourages you to join them for these special services being held during the Holy Week celebration. Pearl UMC is located at 226 S. Pearson Road, Pearl. For more information call the office at 601-939-3548.

Bishop Ward to Visit McDonald UMC   

 

Bishop Hope Morgan Ward will bring the Sunday morning message at McDonald UMC on Sunday, May 8, 2011 at 11 a.m.  She will also dedicate a newly purchased community sign of Pontotoc Parish.  

 

The parish consists of five churches, which include Beulah Grove, McDonald, Mt. Nebo, Pleasant Grove, and Usher Valley United Methodist Churches. The pastors serving the congregations are Rev. Dr. Maurice Smith, Senior Pastor, Rev. Dr. George Pulliam, Associate Pastor and Rev. Domini Henry, Associate Pastor. McDonald UMC is located at 194 College Street, Pontotoc in the Tupelo District.

Tupelo District UMW to Hold Day Apart

Tupelo District United Methodist Women's "Day Apart" will be held Saturday, April 30, 2011 at Jamie Whitten Center, Fulton. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. and the event will end at 1 p.m. Day Apart leader for the event is Rev. Cora Crumble who has served the Mississippi Conference.

Court Street to Present The Last Supper 

Court Street UMC, Hattiesburg will present their 26th annual Living Last Supper on Maundy Thursday, April 21, at 7 p.m., in the sanctuary. The Living Last Supper is an inspiring live musical dramatization of Leonardo da Vinci's painting, written by Earnest Emurian. Holy Communion will be served. Nursery provided. Public invited.

Court Street UMC is located at 609 Southern Ave., Hattiesburg.

Mississippi Delegation Attends SEJ Clergy Women's Consultation 

By Tanya Edwards-Evans

A delegation of over thirty clergy women from the Mississippi Conference attended the SEJ Clergy Women's Consultation that was held at Emory University Conference Center in Atlanta, GA on April 4-7, 2011. The theme for 2011 Clergywomen's Consultation was Sister Strength: Grace Growth Grit.

We were introduced to the three sisters from Native American culture by the names of Corn, Peas and Squash. These sisters are good when alone but are stronger when they are together and so are we. We learned that it is God's grace that carries us through sufferings, the misunderstandings and the joys and moments of peace in life and in the ministry. We also learned that it is only when the seeds of faith are planted in the soil (soul) we grow into the persons that can and will make the world better for all humanity. We also learned that it is only when we encounter the grit or irritations in life and in the ministry (just like the oyster) that we become the cultured pearls of God. It is when we encounter God's grace and grow in life seasoned by grit that we develop the fruits of the Spirit that makes us pearls of beauty for God.

We are sisters who are strengthen by God's grace, encouraged by the seeds of faith that grows in us and with the patience we handle of the grit in our lives to become God's cultured pearls of beauty. The following statement came out of one of our many dialogues we had over the four days we had together. "It is only out of the grit we encounter that we grow into the graceful women God's wants us to be."

Pleasant Hill Focuses on Fruitful Practices

By Cynthia Laird, Senatobia District Communicator

As a result of a church-wide emphasis on the "Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations", a study written by Bishop Robert Schnase, Pleasant Hill UMC in Olive Branch began five focus groups to incorporate these practices into the ministry of the church. The focus group on Intentional Faith Development, led by Jim DeLille, held an overnight adult retreat, April 8 - 9, at Bear Tail Lodge, which Barry and Ann Bridgforth graciously offered for the event.

Friday night began with food and fellowship, which was followed by a prayer study led by Cheryl Denley. During the study, we explored various ways to develop spiritually through prayers, putting God first in our lives, concern and services to others, and taking on the role of servants. Cheryl reminded us that all Christians are in ministry. One very memorable part of the prayer observance was a time to pray for the minister, David Laird, and I, his wife. All eyes were closed, and those that felt led to do so, came to lay hands on us and pray for us. That was one of the most humbling moments I have experienced.

Saturday, for some, began by watching the sunrise over the pond. After breakfast, Jim DeLille led an intensive prayer study, which concluded with small prayer groups using the insights learned from both Cheryl's and Jim's prayer emphasis. This was followed by fun activities such as games of horseshoes, walking on the trails, swinging, and for me, being one of the targets of the ladies with the marshmallow shooters who were pelting us with little marshmallows.

We had a wonderful time, the food and fellowship was marvelous, and we had our quiet time in communion with the Lord. Now we are back to our routines, with the challenge and reward of deeper and more committed service to the Lord and our fellow man.

Mary Kathryn Broughton, daughter of Rev. & Mrs. Scott Broughton (currently serving Sandy Hook UMC), has been diagnosed with aplastic anemia, but more will be known about her treatment after the family meets with her doctors later in the week. She is currently in the hospital. Please keep Mary Kathryn in your prayers during this time of illness and recovery.

Oak Grove United Methodist Church, Hattiesburg District, is interested in a 25-28 passenger, gas-engined church bus with low mileage. Please contact our church office at 601-264-8850 or office@ogumc.com.

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.

Brandon First UMC is seeking a part-time Children's Program Director to plan, coordinate, and implement ministry for children age 2 through fourth grade. Submit resume to Kminshew@comcast.net.

Rewarding Summer Counselor Spots Available: Young college students looking for invaluable experience in ministry this summer can apply for one of our paid Summer Counselor positions at Seashore United Methodist Assembly's Camp SUMA. Counselors are provided room and board and will be given the perfect opportunity to develop their interpersonal and leadership skills in a loving, Christ-Centered camp environment. Job responsibilities will include facilitating small groups, leading in-door and out-door challenge games, lifeguarding, but most importantly will act as role models to campers by spreading the love of Jesus Christ. Please contact Ginger at 228-806-9853 or ginger.suma@gmail.com. Seashore United Methodist Assembly, "Camp SUMA," is located in Biloxi, MS.

Candler School of Theology seeks an individual with experience, creativity, and commitment to the mission of the school to serve as the Director of Alumni Relations.
The Director will be responsible for building and nurturing relationships with current and new contributors to the institution and with alumni serving in various forms of ministry. As part of these activities, the Director will oversee the work of the Candler Alumni Board, lead Candler's Sr. Class Gift Campaign and reunion efforts, including @ twenty-five Candler Club gatherings at United Methodist Annual Conferences, and oversee events related to Emory Weekend, Commencement, and Candler's Lifelong Learning program. The Director will be expected to recruit alumni volunteers, ask individuals and organizations for current and planned gifts, and approach corporations, foundations, and ecclesial organizations for gifts.
The successful candidate will be an energetic individual who enthusiastically understands and embraces the mission of Candler School of Theology as a university-related theological school of the United Methodist Church and as a school of Emory University. He or she must have strong organizational and communication skills, be attentive to detail, and be willing to travel extensively. Reporting to the Associate Dean of Development and External Relations, the Director will function as an integral part of a team of development professionals whose responsibilities include a wide range of programs to benefit Candler, including major gifts, alumni relations, special events, communications, and a $60 m campaign. An effective working relationship with the Associate Dean as well as the Dean, staff of the Candler Development program, the University's Division of Development and Alumni Relations, alumni, faculty, staff and friends will be expected. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of a bachelor's degree and preferably hold an earned theological degree at the master's level, will bring 4 years experience in higher education, development, fundraising, or equivalent experience in a non-profit institution, will appreciate the nature of the ordained ministry as well as the ministry of the laity, and will understand the structure of the United Methodist Church. Computer literacy and effective written and oral presentation skills are essential.
Qualified candidates should apply online at http://emory.jobs. Job Requisition ID: 21431BR. Please apply by April 15, 2011. Emory University is an EEO/AA employer.