Signs and Wonders

 

"you will be my witnesses" -- Acts 1

As we gather at the Jackson Convention Complex, we will create an encircling embrace of signs from churches and ministries of the Mississippi Conference.

I hope you will work with others to create a sign that gives witness to your particular mission and ministry. Your sign needs to be freestanding as it displays your creativity: Where are you making a difference in your community? In what ways are you reaching out into the world? Whose lives are touched by your witness for Christ?

As we are encircled by signs, we will have a new sense of the expanse of our life together in and for the world. Thank you for adding your sign to the grand display. We look forward to what we will create together -- a lovely space for worship, discernment and joyful community.

With gratitude and great anticipation,
Hope Morgan Ward    

 

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

  

VOL NTEER -- All that's Missing is U! 

 

The Mississippi Conference of The United Methodist Church is looking for volunteers for the 2011 Annual Conference being held June 10 - 12 at the Jackson Convention Complex. There are many opportunities for you to serve. Please consider being a part of the 2011 Annual Conference. With over 1,000 churches represented, it is a great way to connect and learn about what the Lord is doing in Mississippi, and throughout the world.

Volunteer Opportunities

Greeters: Meet and greet members upon arrival and provide directions to meeting spaces. (Must be able to stand for two hours minimum.)

Guest Services: Answer questions and provide information to guests and members.

Stage Crew: Help set load/unload stage area, monitor floor, provide information and assistance (requires some lifting).

Ushers & Worship Ushers: Needed for Plenary sessions and Worship services.

Parking Lot Assistants: Direct parking lot traffic.

Time Commitment: Four hour blocks of time on, Friday and Saturday, Sunday.

If you are interested, please email brenda@mississippi-umc.org or call 601-354-0515 ext. 14 the conference office and inform us which position/s and time/s you would like to volunteer for. You may pick as many time schedules and positions as you'd like!

We look forward to seeing you!

Rust College to Host Luncheon
During UMC-MS Annual Conference

Rust College will host a luncheon during the Mississippi Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church on Saturday, June 11, 2011 at 12:30 p.m. The luncheon will be held at the Jackson Convention Center; luncheon tickets are $20.00

For more information, email Ms. Miller at emiller@rustcollege.edu or call 662-252-8000 ext. 4904. Tickets will be sold at a display table at the Jackson Convention Center on Friday, June 10, 2011 from 10 a.m.-12 noon and 2-4 p.m.

Rehearsal Changes for Black Clergy to Sing at Service for the Ordering of Ministry

All Black Clergy are invited to participate in a choir that will provide music during the Service for the Ordering of Ministry at Annual Conference on June 12 at 3:00 p.m. For more information, please contact Rev. Juanita Booker at 662-614-3430 or pastorbooker2@hotmail.com. Below is additional information about the choir and rehearsals:

• First Rehearsal: Sunday, May 29, 3:30 p.m., at Epworth United Methodist Church in Lexington, MS.
• Second Rehearsal: Saturday, June 11, 12:30 p.m. (part of lunch break) at Jackson Convention Center in Exhibit Hall A&B.
• All choir members are asked to dress in white suits. The clergywomen are asked to dress in white suits with red corsages and the clergymen are asked to dress in white suits with red string ties.  

Musical Equipment Needed  

for Annual Conference

We are excited to have the Church for All People Band from Chicago as part of our Annual Conference. To save cost of transporting the musical equipment we are asking for churches and individuals you have the equipment to offer its use during annual conference. It would be need Thursday, June 9 - Sunday, June 12. If you or your church has equipment, please contact Lisa Michiels at lisacm@mississippi-umc.org or Brenda McGloster at brenda@mississippi-umc.org or call 601-354-0515. Here's the list:
Full drum set; full size electronic keyboard - 88 keys, weighted action keyboard with midi with wedge type amp; bass amp - 200 watts minimum with a direct out; and 4 monitors.

 

The Lewis Pastoral Leadership Inventory (LPLI) -- Helping Good Pastors Become Even Better! 

Mississippi pastors who have used the Lewis Pastoral Leadership Inventory (LPLI) assessment inventory have found it to be life giving and extremely helpful. The LPLI helps pastors identify their personal strengths and growing points, which in turn helps us discover ways to grow in our service for Christ and the Church. The LPLI truly is a way to "help good pastors become better."

The LPLI (Lewis Pastoral Leadership Inventory) is designed specifically for pastors to enhance fruitful and effective ministry; is a 360 leadership assessment instrument using self-assessment and input from church leaders; is research based; offers a twenty page assessment of your Personal Ministry Leadership Profile covering fifteen vital areas of ministry; and is administered online and is confidential. For more information about the LPLI go to www.LPLI.org.

LPLI is intended for clergy serving for at least one year in a local church appointment. The cost for participation is $200. Registration for LPLI includes registration for 2011 Pastors School, September 19-21 at Crossgates UMC in Brandon.

The Center for Ministry's 2011 Pastors School -- Known by Our Fruit: Ministry in God's Orchard -- will be led by Dr. Lovett Weems and Rev. Tom Berlin. During Pastors School, Dr. Weems will lead LPLI participating pastors in a special workshop offering interpretative information and tips for implementing feedback for greater fruitfulness in our ministry for Christ. You must complete the LPLI to participate in Dr. Weems workshop. (Other workshops will be offered for pastors participating in Pastors School who do not complete the LPLI.)

How does this work?

Register online at this link: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/1756159721.

In early July, you will receive an email from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership with instructions on how to complete the LPLI and select observers. After completing the steps outlined in the Lewis Center email, in early September, you will receive your Personal Ministry Leadership Profile

Come to Crossgates UMC September 19-21 for Pastors School to learn more about how to use the feedback you receive.

For more information about the Lewis Pastoral Leadership Inventory, go to www.LPLI.org or contact Tommy Artmann 601-261-3371 or Vicki Hughes 601-582-5557. DEADLINE to register for LPLI is June 30, 2011.

Black Clergy Women of the Mississippi Conference Gather for Celebration  

Congratulations to the Black Clergy Women for a successful first gathering. Rev. Anjohnette Gibbs and Rev. Emma McNair were recognized as being the first Black female elders in the North Mississippi and the Mississippi Conference.  Rev. Victoria Sizemore-Baldwin was recognized as the first Black female District Superintendent and the late Rev. Girlie Mcgee as the first Black female consecrated diaconal. The group also celebrated the appointment of Rev. Mattie Gipson as the new Superintendent of the Greenwood District.

 

The Rev. Dr Jacqueline Rose-Tucker was the guest speaker. She is the first black female District Superintendent in the North Georgia Conference.  After serving as an ordained elder for 21 years, Jacqui Rose-Tucker was appointed superintendent of the Rome-Carrollton District in June 2005.

Nobia Hare, wife of Rev. James Hare, Meridian District, passed away early Sunday morning, May 29, 2011. Arrangements are incomplete at this time. Please keep the Hare family in your thoughts and prayers.

"Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations" program available -- Joe Lawson, pastor of Greenleaf & Palestine UMC's in the Senatobia District, has an available set of the Leader Manual & Media kit with all of the videos and individual practices presentation guides, along with two copies of the Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations book by Bishop Robert Schnase. He will also come to your church to make a presentation to your team to help get the program started in your church. This is a simple and excellent program which seeks to increase the activity and awareness of five practices which every church already tries to do. You can contact Joe at 662-233-4080 home/office, 901-896-6727 cell, or joe.lawson@att.net.

Burton Memorial UMC in Gulfport is looking for an organist/piano player. Anyone interested should contact Ms. Kay Gunter, the church secretary, anytime from 8 a.m. to noon, Monday thru Thursday for more information at 228-863-3337.

Heritage UMC in Hattiesburg, MS is currently accepting applications for a part-time minister of music. For the complete position announcement, please go to www.heritage-umc.org/music.php.

Anderson Chapel CME Church in Holly Springs, is looking for a church musician (organ or piano). If you are interested, please call Pastor Denise Anders-Modest at 662-252-1938 for more information.

Oxford-University UMC, a vibrant and growing 1,700-member congregation in Oxford, Mississippi, is looking for an energetic and passionate full-time Director of Ministry to Youth and their Families. Building on a current core group of about 50 active youth, the Director will be responsible for leading and expanding an integrated youth ministry. The Youth Ministries mission statement is: We exist to experience God by loving and serving God and one another. The program serves youth and their families from seventh grade through twelfth grade. For more information on O-UUMC, visit www.ouumc.org.
The successful candidate will have at least five years total experience in youth ministry, with at least three years at the last church served. Previous experience should also include employment in a medium (+500) member church and experience in facing the particular challenges of ministry in a college town. A master's degree in Christian Education, Divinity, etc. is preferred. Submit resumes by email to ouumcyouthministries@gmail.com.

Greenleaf UMC between Hernando and Independence in Tate County is seeking a pianist for Sunday services, using the Celebration Hymnal. Please contact the pastor at joe.lawson@att.net.

Fulton UMC is taking applications for full or part-time youth minister. The youth minister will work with youth in grades 7 through 12 and their families. Responsibilities include leading youth studies, activities, and mission projects. Send resumes to Fulton United Methodist Church P. O. Box 907 Fulton, MS 38843 - Attention: Youth Minister Search.

St. Luke UMC in Cleveland has an opening for a part-time music director. Please 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.

St. Paul UMC in Tupelo is seeking a church musician ( organ and/or piano). If you are interested, please contact Tommie Pinkins at 662-610-5173 for more information.

FUMC is seeking a full-time DIRECTOR FOR YOUTH AND CHILDREN MINISTRIES. This 750 member congregation is searching for a Director who will build a team of parents and volunteers to create an exciting and welcoming faith community where children and youth can build relationships and nurture their relationship with Christ. The Director will serve children, youth and their families and will be responsible for guiding the implementation of the vision and goals set forth by the congregation.
The successful candidate will have a college degree, experience working with children and youth and will be well versed and accepting of the Methodist tradition. Submit resumes by email to DeRidderSearch@ymarchitects.com.