NOTICE: To download a *print-friendly* pdf of "The Circuit Rider", click here.(Available Wednesdays, after 12 Noon.) |
Dates to Remember
UMVIM Team Leader Training
Saturday, July 30
10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Christ UMC
6000 Old Canton Rd., Jackson, MS
601-956-6974 or cmeador@christunitedjxn.org
World Methodist Conference
August 4 - 9, 2011
Durban, South Africa
Message & Media
Communications Workshop for Local Church
August 12 & 13, 2011
St. Paul UMC, Ocean Springs
3-L Academy
August 15 & 16, 2011
King Edward Hilton Garden Inn
Jackson, MS
RIM Council Meeting
August 20, 2011 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Conference Office - Jackson
UMVIM Team Leader Training
Saturday, August 27
10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Maples Memorial UMC
8745 Goodman Rd., Olive Branch, MS
662-895-2279 or adam@mapleschurch.org
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Photo File
News from the Brookhaven District:
Flood Bucket Challenge
 A challenge was extended to all churches in the Brookhaven District about 18 months ago: collect/assemble at least one flood bucket or health kit per church member in the entire district. Pictured is Rev. Johnny Crosby (Brookhaven D.S.) handing one of 200 buckets delivered to Mrs. Barbara Tolliver, chairperson for the United Way in Vicksburg. All of these buckets were distributed the very next day. With this delivery in June, theDistrict exceeded the goal of one bucket/kit per member in the Brookhaven District....Thanks to all! Kingston UMC celebrates 210 years  With good preaching, singing, and fellowship, Kingston UMC, Brookhaven District, celebrated 210 years of being in ministry May 7, 2011. We were blessed by having Bishop Hope Morgan Ward, Rev. Wayne Webster (as Rev. Asbury), and Rev. Frank Kirtley (as Rev. Tobias Gibson) come and share on this special day. As we met under tents and the large oak trees, we were reminded of our heritage....encouraged in the faith....and challenged to serve Christ in this present age. Rev. Len McRaney and the congregation of Kingston UMC, would like to thank all who helped make this a great day to celebrate one of the earliest preaching sites of Methodist roots in the Mississippi territory. Brookhaven First and Kynett UMCs join together for cause  A special day of celebration and fundraising was recently held at Brookhaven First United Methodist Church for Mary Katherine Broughton who is facing a bone marrow transplant. Special thanks to Rev. Eddie Spencer, members from Kynett UMC, Rev. Johnny Crosby, members ofBrookhaven First, and many others who helped cook and serve over 400 persons who came to support this ministry. May the giving by many that day be used for God's Glory. In addition: The Brookhaven District Missions also sponsored a Stop Hunger Now meal packing at an elementary summer camp at Camp Wesley Pines June 30, 2011. This was a first for SHN at a camp for kids but it should not be the last...all were blessed and had fun packing out 10,050 meals in an hour and 45 minutes! Thanks to all that made this possible!
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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.
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:: Gleanings
 Out to Sea I have come that you might have life and have it abundantly. -- John 10 In connection with you all, I am finding wearing a pedometer to be a powerful spiritual practice. As I put it on my belt, I give thanks for the gift of life in the moment and for the capacity to move, to exert energy, to cooperate with God's graceful gift of life. I told myself, "Do not forget to take off the pedometer before going into the water." Hot after a walk, I jumped in. Pedometers do not do well in salt water. And they disappear in ocean waves. It seems that this happens every summer since I put on the pedometer in 2006 with you all. Perhaps it happens annually to remind me of God's grace that overcomes our weakness, our forgetfulness, our inadequacies. A new pedometer is on the way from Amazing Pace. Summer is a good time to add steps! May our life together in wellness ministries go from strength to strength as we are faithful stewards of these bodies that are ours for a season in this life, God's good gift. With gratitude for the gift of life,
Hope Morgan Ward
To comment, link on the Bishop's Blog page here. |
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:: Announcements
UMW School of Mission to Feature Mission Events for Kids
Looking for a Cool Mission Event for kids? Come to the United Methodist Women's (UMW) School of Mission's two-day teacher training on Friday, July 22 from 1 to 5 p.m. and Saturday July 23 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The event will be held at the East Central Community College in Decatur. Great Kids Study on Haiti with super crafts, games, stories and kid-friendly mission project using material written by Delia Halverson. The cost is $25 to register and $8 for the book. Mary Stewart will be teaching. This material is very adaptable for Sunday School, children's church, afterschool programs or a fun-filled family mission day.
The classes also offer new options for the length of time at the school. The Wednesday - Saturday option is still available for those who have the time. Persons who are only interested in one study and who can't be away from home can attend Thursday & Friday or Friday and Saturday. The study for leaders of children will only be offered Friday & Saturday.
Final day to register is July 14. Contact any UMW and she will get you signed up!
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Wesleyan Leadership Conference Set for October
The Wesleyan Leadership Conference will take place at the General Board of Discipleship, Nashville on October 13-15, 2011 and features Dr. Elaine Heath, Professor of Evangelism, Perkins School of Theology, SMU. 1.5 CEUs available. For registration and lodging information link here.
At the Wesleyan Leadership Conference you will explore the vision, message, and method that helped John Wesley lead a revival among the People called Methodists. You will learn how the same vision, message, and method will bring revival in the church today.
For more information contact Steven Manskar, Director of Wesleyan Leadership, GBOD; email smanskar@gbod.org or call 877-899-2780, ext. 1765.
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St. Mary's to Hold Revival
St. Mary's UMC in Crystal Springs, is holding a revival July 18-2011. Guest evangelist is Rev. K.D. Fisher, pastor of Glory Street MBC in Vicksburg. Services will begin each night at 7:15 p.m. St. Mary's is located at 3009 Harmony Rd., Crystal Springs.
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2012 Program Calendar Now Available
 Themed around Africa University, the official 2012 United Methodist Program Calendar-now available from United Methodist Communications-offers planning pages full of information at-your-fingertips and puts the spotlight on Africa University students who are using education to bring hope to the continent. Available in several designs, including a pocket size that shows a week at a glance, a large deluxe wall calendar with the year at a glance and a reproducible calendar which makes it easy for churches to add their own events to calendar pages and then copy them to newsletters and bulletins, the multi-functional formats meet a variety of uses and needs. The most popular designs, known as the Standard (fits easily in a briefcase) and the Classic (can sit on a desk or hang on a wall) contain monthly planning checklists, lectionary Scriptures, liturgical colors, dates of Special Sundays and celebrations, descriptions of offerings, and church agency contact information. They also contain a chart of events that includes where to obtain resources, a section on United Methodist giving and a listing of United Methodist websites. An electronic calendar-compatible with Outlook, Google calendar, iCalendar, Windows Live Calendar and most calendar applications-is also offered. The calendar information can be synced with PDAs, smartphones and other handheld devices for on-the-go use. The eCalendar has the same features offered in the print versions, including liturgical colors, lectionary readings, Special Sundays information and more. Other designs include a large desk blotter and a notebook calendar with pages for a three-ring binder that includes a calculator, pen, and pockets for notes and business cards. Notebook grids only are available separately. Watch a video presentation about the 2012 program calendar or to place an order, call toll free (888)346-3862, or go to www.umcom.org/calendars.
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:: Celebrations
St. James UMC Celebrates Family
and Friends Weekend
St. James UMC in Columbus celebrated Family and Friends Weekend Friday, June 24 - Sunday, June 26, 2011. The theme for the event was Cherishing the Past, Appreciating the Present, and Molding the Future. Over two hundred people shared in the weekend activities with several former pastors returning and a host of members who grew up in the church. Over fifteen states were represented for the weekend activities. We are appreciative to our friends from local churches, the mayor, and the special choirs who came and shared in the activities.  Registration and a Fellowship Reception and Concert kicked off the activities Friday evening. Saturday was a fun-filled day with morning breakfast at the church at 9:00 a.m. and organized games and fun throughout the early afternoon. The day ended with an evening banquet at Pope Dining Hall on the campus of Mississippi University for Women. The speaker was the Rev. Dr. Samuel Shingles - Provo, Vice President of Mississippi Valley State University, Itta Bena, Mississippi. Members had the opportunity to remember friends and loved ones by having names placed on a Wall of Fame Plaque in honor or in memory of individuals who loved and contributed to undergirding the ministry of the church. We are grateful to each participant including the Rev. Linda Dixon, the Rev. Jackie Richardson, the Rev. Ada Williams, the Rev. Terry Priester, Sr., the Rev. James Dye, the Rev. Preston Belle and our District Superintendent, the Rev. Embra Jackson who came to share this special time with us. We appreciate the support of our two candidates for the ministry, Terry Priester, Jr. and Kori Bridges. The weekend celebration concluded with Sunday morning Worship Service led by our own, the Rev. Fred H. Brown, pastor. Following our departing lunch, we bid farewell with open doors, open hearts, and open minds. Family and Friends Committee: Tavetia Hughes, Chairperson, John Dickerson, Jr., Clyde Moore, Tracy Tate, T. J. Tate, Jr., Doris Bankhead, Yolanda Jones, Anita Nichols, Janice Bridges, Rev. Fred Brown, Pastor.
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Southaven First UMC Breaks Ground
on New Site
By Cynthia Laird, Senatobia District Communicator
Senatobia District Superintendent, Rev. Andy Ray a nd his wife, Katherine, took part in the ground breaking ceremony of Southaven First UMC, held Sunday, June 26, 2011 at their future church site, 723 Star Landing Road, Southaven, MS 38671. The ceremony was both a dedication of the new place for current and future members, and a celebration of the blessings of the Lord over the years at Southaven First.
 Rev. Jim Glass greeted everyone with a big smile on his face, and his joy radiated throughout the service. Jim Bush served as worship leader as he welcomed everyone, and made the announcements and introductions. Sue Poff gave a brief narrative on the church's history, with emphasis on the preparations for the move to Star Landing Road. Clifton Burrell played the keyboard beautifully despite the cooling wind that kept blowing his music. Rev. Andy Ray did a devotional/dedication and offered a prayer before taking up a shovel to break the ground.
There were approximately 72 people present, and all were very excited and welcoming. Two of the church members, not knowing that I was a preacher's wife, came and welcomed me to their service, and also encouraged me to join their church! I see them as a welcoming church ready for new challenges and new people, but also proud of their current membership.
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:: Cares and Concerns
Jeannie Little, wife of Rev. Bruce Little passed away July 4, 2011. A visitation will be held at Grace Memorial United Methodist Church,142 McClellan Road, Jackson, TN 38305, telephone 731-664-9118, on Thursday, July 7, 2011 between the hours of 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.. A Service of Death and Resurrection will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 8, 2011 at Grace United Methodist Church. Burial will take place with a graveside committal service at Corinth National Cemetery, 1551 Horton Street, Corinth, MS at 2 pm on Friday, July 8, 2011. All are invited to any or all of the above services. Arrangements are being handled by Medina Funeral Home, 302 West Church Avenue, Medina, TN 38355, telephone 731-783-1110. In lieu of flowers, the family ask that contributions be made to the Bruce D. and Jeannie Little Gift Fund, The Mississippi United Methodist Foundation, Inc, 581 Highland Colony Parkway, P.O. Box 2415, Ridgeland, MS 39158-2415, telephone 800-496-0975 or 601-948-8845. Please keep Bruce and the family in your prayers.
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:: Employment Opportunities Across the Conference
Fulton UMC is taking applications for full or part-time Youth Minister. 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. Ellisville First United Methodist Church seeks a part-time music minister. To learn more visit http://bit.ly/lRrMnJ. To apply send resume and cover letter to Rev. John Richardson at jdricha@gmail.com. Iuka UMC is taking applications for full-time youth and program minister. The ministry role consists of working with youth in grades 7 through 12 and their families. Responsibilities include leading youth studies on Wednesday and Sunday nights, activities, and mission projects. The program ministry role consists of working with church work areas in an administrative/ support role. Send resumes to Iuka United Methodist Church, 101 East Eastport Street, Iuka, MS 38852 Attention: Youth/Program Minister Search. Or email to revjonk@bellsouth.net. |
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