NOTICE: To download a *print-friendly* pdf of "The Circuit Rider", click here.(Available Wednesdays, after 1:00 p.m.) |
UMNS Daily Digest Tidbits
The UMNS Daily Digest is Produced
by United Methodist News Service
Free Kindle Download
of Book of Devotions
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - Sept. 11 marks the 10-year anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. The date also marks the 10th anniversary of the re-publication of "Strength for Service to God and Country," a 1942 book of daily devotions written for World War II troops. In honor of the men and women who serve our country, the Commission on United Methodist Men is providing a free Kindle version of this historic book of daily devotions. Visit the Amazon Kindle Store between Sept. 1 and Sept. 15 to download your copy. Read more>
 Link here to go to video. |
News Release
Sloane Named Director of Stewardship at GBOD
NASHVILLE, Tenn. Aug. 23, 2011 /GBOD/ - Rev. Dr. Ken Sloane will begin work Oct. 1 as Director of Stewardship at the General Board of Discipleship (GBOD) where he will help congregations determine effective ways of giving, as well as embracing stewardship of all areas of life within a discipleship system.
"The stewardship position is a very important one not just for GBOD but for the denomination," said Karen Greenwaldt, General Secretary (top executive) at GBOD. "Fostering a climate of generosity - through the seminars we lead, the articles we write, and the resources we provide - supports one of the essential ministry areas for vitality in congregations."
Rev. MaryJane Pierce Norton, GBOD's Associate General Secretary for Leadership Ministries, said as Director of Stewardship, Sloane will be working with established networks, researching and identifying congregations and leaders who are fostering generosity, as well as producing resources and training for more effective stewardship in the digital age.
Sloane has served as Director of Communication Ministry at United Methodist Communications since 2006, working with the denomination's ReThink Church campaign, online and face-to-face communications training and Denominational Giving. He has spent much of his time on the road during these past six years talking with congregations about connectional giving-churches working together to do what no one church could do alone.
Sloane is a member of the Greater New Jersey Annual Conference, where until 2006 he served as Director of Connectional Ministries. He previously was pastor at three congregations, including a new church start, for a total of 20 years. Sloane received a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications and theater from Hofstra University and both his Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Drew University.
GBOD's mission is to support annual conference and local church leaders for their task of equipping world-changing disciples. An agency of The United Methodist Church, GBOD is located at 1908 Grand Ave. in Nashville, Tenn. Visit www.gbod.org for more information or call the Communications Office at (877) 899-2780, Ext. 1726.
|
Dates to Remember
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
Administry Institute
September 10, 2011
For more information link here.
Clergy Spouses Retreat
September 16-17, 2011
Cabot Lodge, Jackson
Pastors' School 2011September 19-21, 2011
Crossgates UMC, Jackson
www.centerforministry.com Duke University
Board of Trustees
(Bishop Ward serves on board)
September 23 -24, 2011
Durham, NC
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
:: Gleanings
 A Prayer for
Late Summer Preparing to preach September 11 at the church where I was first appointed as clergy, I found in a frayed file the bulletin, dated July 29, 1979. Inside was the sermon of a beginner and this prayer, which I wrote for that day. It resonates this week as we approach August 29, the sixth year since Hurricane Katrina. Once again, I am reminded -- Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.
Our God, we praise you for
your goodness,
your creative power,
your constant, gentle care,
your righteousness before which all lesser standards crumble.
Lord Jesus Christ, we give thanks
that in no condition or place can we be severed from your love and power.
We are grateful that you claim us and send us into mission.
We are grateful for
those willing to go in service,
those who nurture and teach,
those who are eager to learn,
those who shoulder responsibility,
those who organize,
those who dream and give us vision,
those who are especially bold in witness.
We offer thanks for our whole Christian community,
to which we belong and from whom we draw strength.
Develop in us the capacities of openness and hospitality.
Make us conscientious in our witness.
Awaken in us the awareness of the need to study, grow and serve.
Be present, Lord Jesus, we pray, with the tired and discouraged,
and with the healthy and hopeful.
Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we pray. Amen.
Our God, we praise you for your goodness, your creative power, your constant, gentle care, your righteousness before which all lesser standards crumble. Lord Jesus Christ, we give thanks that in no condition or place can we be severed from your love and power. We are grateful that you claim us and send us into mission. We are grateful for those willing to go in service, those who nurture and teach, those who are eager to learn, those who shoulder responsibility, those who organize, those who dream and give us vision, those who are especially bold in witness. We offer thanks for our whole Christian community, to which we belong and from whom we draw strength. Develop in us the capacities of openness and hospitality. Make us conscientious in our witness. Awaken in us the awareness of the need to study, grow and serve. Be present, Lord Jesus, we pray, with the tired and discouraged, and with the healthy and hopeful. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we pray. Amen. |
|
:: Announcements
How to Raise All the Money Your Church Needs:
Stewardship in the African-American Church --
September 29 - October 1, 2011
One of the main concerns of many pastors and church leaders is finding ways to fund the ministries of their churches, especially in these challenging economic times. At this event you will learn how to: - Reach your church's funding goals without turning people off
- Inspire your church to see that giving is a privilege and joy rather than a begrudging duty
- Guide people into realizing that stewardship is about one's whole life and not money alone
- Demonstrate that stewardship is something to be celebrated!
Learn this and more from the examples of three Christian leaders who have experienced stewardship from this effective and exciting perspective. Rev. Dr. Walter Kimbrough, Pastor Emeritus, Cascade UMC, Atlanta, GA; Rev. Dr. Robin Dease, Pastor, John Wesley UMC, Greenville, SC; Jim Salley, Associate Vice Chancellor for Development, Africa University. They have seen the tremendous difference and impact that approaching stewardship from a holistic perspective has made in their being able to reach their stewardship goals in their callings and ministries. Bring your team of pastor and church leaders to explore the passionate approach to Stewardship that creates faithfulness, excitement and celebration in giving to support the ministry and mission of your church. All are welcome! (1.3 CEU'S.) The deadline for registration is Sept. 16, 2011. Register at www.lakejunaluska.com/african-american-stewardship or email Pam Naplen, Event Registrar at pnaplen@lakejunaluska.com or call 828-454-6656.
|
Discover God's Call Retreat
Scheduled for Nov. 4-6 Discover God's Call retreat will be at the Durr-Wise conference Center at Camp Wesley Pines on November 4 - 6 (lunch Friday - lunch Sunday.) If you need renewal and refreshment this is a great way to get it!
At the retreat not only will you be blessed by God's presence, but you will have time for fellowship with other Christians, wonderful worship times, a great inspirational speaker and small group experiences that help you to find out more about how God wants to use you more effectively in you church and community. To do this you will be guided to identify and confirm your spiritual gifts and how God is calling you to use them.
This is a lay led retreat designed for lay people. There is a pre-retreat study so register by September 23. Cost is $145 and includes everything you will need at the retreat (room, board and materials.) To download a registration form or for more information go to the website, www.msdgc.info or call Edwina Wood at 662-841-0828.
|
Union Memorial will Feature
Five Female Ministers By Thelma Collins, Greenwood District Communicator Union Memorial UMC, located at 1264 Lexington Road, Pickens, will hold a five-night revival, August 29 through September 2, 2011, featuring five female ministers -- four from the Greenwood District and one from the Union Paradise Independent Church. The dynamic female ministers who will deliver the word of God include Rev. Anzette Thomas, pastor of Wesley UMC in Greenwood; Rev. Mattie Gipson, Greenwood District Superintendent; Rev. Olivear Herron, Pastor of Epworth UMC, Lexington; Rev. Maxine Bolden, Pastor of Samuel Chapel UMC, Itta Bena; and Elder Gwendolyn Sample, Pastor of Union Paradise Independent Church, Pickens. Everyone is cordially invited to come and feast on the word of God. For additional information, contact Thelma Collins, Greenwood District Communicator at 662-254-7316, Cell: 662-299-3409 or e-mail tcollins@bellsouth.net .
|
Binford Chapel UMC to Celebrate
122nd Church Anniversary
Rev. James Forrest and the members of Binford Chapel UMC invite you to join them as they celebrate the 122nd Anniversary of the church on August 28, 2011 at 3 p.m. Binford Chapel is located at 411 Martin Luther King Drive, Duck Hill.
The guest speaker for the celebration will be Rev. Mattie Gipson, Superintendent of the Greenwood District. For more information contact the pastor at 662-283-5610.
|
Seashore United Methodist Assembly Offers a College Mission Weekend
Wesley Works! is a weekend retreat designed for college students seeking to give of their time and talents to serve others while growing closer to each other and God. The purpose is to have every student know they are loved and valued by God. This retreat is a place where they will be accepted.
The weekend will focus on a way of life that both honors God and is totally fulfilling. Be the hands and feet of Jesus to one another and to the community as participants join with other students on the same journey, seeking and finding God's plan!
Click here to register
|
Help Needed for Young Women's Event --
July 2012
The United Methodist Women's Division is sponsoring a Young Women's event in July 2012 to help conferences focus on involving younger women. The Conference Mission Team is to choose three people to attend: one teen (14-17); one young adult (18-30); and a mentor who will work with the young women and serve as chaperone to the meeting. The teen and young adult must fit the age category in July 2012. All three are required to be members of United Methodist Women. Those attending are asked to make a two-year commitment to work with the Conference Mission Team in planning events for young women. Those who meet the above qualifications must complete an application that asks several questions. Answers should demonstrate a strong commitment to United Methodist Women and its purpose and a vision for involvement of young women. Letters of reference are required. Names must be submitted by December 31, 2011. If you know of someone who meets the qualifications, please contact UMW President, Jackie Pennington, 707 Tenth Avenue, Cleveland, MS 38732. Phone: 662-843-8139. Email: jackiebill@tecinfo.com.
|
Register by August 31 for Pastors' School 2011! Called to Fruitfulness in Ministry
Registration Fee Increases after that Date
Those who serve the church as clergy are called neither to success as our culture defines it nor to faithfulness alone. We are called to bear fruit worthy of the gospel!
Tom Berlin & Lovett Weems, co-authors of Bearing Fruit: Ministry with Real Results, will be with us for Pastors' School, September 19-21. They invite us
- To claim this biblical vocation anew
- To examine our contribution as stewards of the church's mission, and
- To prepare for the abundant harvest God intends
Clergy participating in the Lewis Pastoral Leadership Inventory are already registered for the September event. Other clergy may register through the Center for Ministry at www.centerforministry.com. Sign up by August 31 for $110; after that the cost is $125. Please call the Center at 601-974-1488 for more information or assistance with registration.
On Tuesday afternoon Lovett Weems will guide those using the LPLI in an interpretative process. Others can join Tom Berlin for a workshop on "Planning Fruitful Worship & Preaching" or take part in other sessions related to the theme.
On Wednesday morning, Rev. Sharma Lewis, District Superintendent of the Atlanta-Decatur-Oxford District of the North Georgia Conference will be the guest preacher for closing worship. Bishop Ward will preach on Monday afternoon.
Pastors' School, with its mix of worship, learning, and Christian community with peers in ministry, is a place of vital connection for Mississippi clergy.There is time for sharing meals and conversation, for deepening old friendships and making new ones, for building up the Body of Christ.
|
5K Walk and 10K Run
to Benefit Katrina Recovery
Recover, Rebuild, Restore South Mississippi (R3SM), BancorpSouth, The City of Hattiesburg, and The Hattiesburg Historic Downtown Association will host the 3rd Annual Gordon's Creek 5K Walk and 10K Run November 5, 2011. The purpose of the event is to increase awareness of good health, volunteerism, and bring the community together for a worthwhile cause. Dollars raised will support the renovation of the R3SM Volunteer House at 301 Buschman St., downtown Hattiesburg.
R3SM is a regional long-term recovery organization located in Hattiesburg and actively serves Hurricane Katrina victims in a 23 county area south of Interstate 20. Since January 2006, the organization has built thirteen new homes; repaired over 375, and reviewed and/or case managed over 1,000 cases.
"The cost of these rebuilds and repairs has been offset by volunteers, " said Dena Parker, R3SM project manager. "As Christians, we know that by utilizing volunteers, we fill a void in hearts and homes, leaving vulnerable people in sturdier structures and providing hope for this life and possibly for eternity." Parker formerly served as North Region Coordinator for Mississippi United Methodist Katrina Recovery.
In response to the need for volunteer housing in the area, R3SM purchased a permanent volunteer housing facility. The home was once a boarding house, a home away from home, for workers who maintained the railroad. Its restoration will make it a home away from home once again, for volunteers who will come to bring the life back to this region.
When fully restored, the 10,000 square foot facility will house R3SM administrative offices, sleeping accommodations for 50-100 volunteers along with communal baths, a kitchen, and dining facilities. The facility will also host volunteers from other agencies and organizations, making room for and igniting a spirit of volunteerism and service throughout the entire region.
For more information on R3SM and the 5K Walk/10K Run contact: Mary Davis at 601.544.5115 or email r3smmary@megagate.com or you may download the event flyer and sponsorship information at www.r3sm.org 5K Walk and 10K Run
|
|
:: Cares and Concerns
Walter Abrams, father of Rev. Robert Abrams (Seashore District) passed away on August 13, 2011 in Hattiesburg. The funeral will be held at Bently Chapel UMC in Hattiesburg on Saturday, August 20, 2011 at 11 a.m. Joyce Pugh, sister of Rev. Carolyn Abrams (Seashore District), passed away on July 30, 2011 in Hattiesburg. The funeral was held August 5, 2011. Rev. Ron Gomillion of the West Jackson District, appointed to Anguilla/Grace, mother Nancy Gomillion passed away this morning. Visitation will be held Tuesday, August 23, 5 p.m. till 8 p.m. at Wilcox Funeral Home, Carthage. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, August 24, 1 p.m. at Trinity Baptist Church, Carthage. Please keep the Gomillion family in your thoughts and prayers.
|
|
:: Connectional Exchange
The Choctaw Mission needs a used church van, any year, make or model (that runs) for a new weekend program with children who have requested activities when there is no school and no meals at school. For more information contact Rev. Jon Walters, Pastor/Executive Director 601-650-8549.(MS UMC Fund # 4 or Advance #3020817)
|
|
:: Employment Opportunities Across the Conference
Galloway Memorial UMC in Jackson is seeking a full-time Director of Worship Arts Ministries to oversee and give direction to a comprehensive Music and Arts Ministry. We seek a director who will continue an excellent history of great sacred music and the arts and one who will strive to find new ways of using music and arts in worship in creative and bold ways for our diverse constituency. We desire a candidate who is passionate about and excels in leading all types of music. The successful candidate will have excellent music skills, be of strong personal and spiritual character, and possess the ability to recruit, motivate, and inspire participants in the music and arts ministries. A Bachelors degree in music is required, with an advanced degree preferred.
Candidates with experience in full-time church music ministry will receive favorable consideration. A solid, pedagogical understanding of voice is desired. Additionally, this person must be able to work successfully as part of a team, be a proven administrator and value the relational aspects of ministry. The ability to articulate and communicate effectively and a willingness to both teach and learn are essential.
The director conducts the Chancel Choir and handbell choirs, coordinates drama ministry, oversees children's choirs, liturgical dance, blue grass band, small vocal ensembles, instrumental ensembles, and homeless ministry choir. Experience in young adult ensembles and youth music/choir is critical. Currently, the position oversees a full-time administrative assistant, a part-time organist, numerous volunteer ministry leaders, and budget adequate to support these positions. (Note: Galloway's annual budgeting process is a Lay-led exercise that considers all aspects of the church budget holistically.) The Director will report directly to the Senior Pastors.
The competitive compensation package for this position is commensurate with experience and training. Interested persons should submit a resume and personal statement (Microsoft word or pdf format required) via e-mail by August 31, 2011 to kevans@gallowayumc.org. The personal statement should be no more than 300 words and should address the question: How would you direct the Worship Arts Ministries at Galloway to advance our commitment to revealing Heaven on Earth and what is it about your training, experience and philosophy that uniquely qualify you for this position?
Galloway UMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For further information you may visit our website: www.GallowayUMC.org
Asbury Church, a contemporary worship-based congregation experiencing tremendous growth in Petal, is searching for a full-time Minister to Students. In this position, you will be responsible for leading ministry for students from 7th to 12th grades, along with other teaching responsibilities within the church. You will work hand in hand with the pastor and other staff to plan, coordinate and lead the student ministry of Asbury. The teaching/leading responsibilities include, but are not limited to, Sunday Morning Youth Small Groups, Sunday Night Youth Small Groups, and a weekly Youth Worship Service. All inquiries and resumes can be sent to Rev. Andy Stoddard at 1331 Hwy 42, Petal, MS 39465 or
andy@asburypetal.com. For additional information, call 601-545-3006.
Ellisville First United Methodist Church seeks a PT Music Minister. To learn more click here. To apply send resume and cover letter to Rev. John Richardson at jdricha@gmail.com.
|
|
|
|
|
