In clergy gatherings this fall we are exploring together ways to increase extravagant generosity. The East Jackson and West Jackson Districts came together for the first of these gatherings on August 24.

The text for the clergy gatherings is II Corinthians 8-9. I hope all clergy and all laity will read and meditate on this section of scripture.  

Paul's words help us renew our attention to the great opportunity of teaching and living a central gospel truth: we are blessed to be a blessing.  We live to share life. In giving we receive.  

Extravagant generosity undergirds the health and vitality of every local church and every extension ministry in Mississippi.  As these ministries are supported in loving generosity, our connection is strong.  Clergy are asked in the fall gatherings to commit to advancing generosity in their local churches in one of four ways:

1. Ministries that increase personal financial health,
2. Strengthening stewardship campaigns and programs,
3. Inviting legacy gifts and estate planning to include the ministry of the church, and
4. Teaching and preaching on the call to joyful and extravagant generosity.  

We give our attention, our time, our efforts and our resources to that which claims our hearts. Our hearts are claimed by God, whose extravagant love is expressed in Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us.  In expansive ways, the Christian life is a life of giving.  In extravagant generosity, we mirror God's action and we embody Christ's heart.

It is, indeed, impossible to "out give" God.

Our centering theme for this conference year is "Arise, Shine, Give!"  As you give in shining ways, may the radiance of Christ warm your heart and light your way.

The conference hopes to train at least one health advocate for 10 to 20 United Methodist churches in the Starkville district and eventually throughout the state.  Funding for the training is being provided in part by Columbus First UMC.  As a result,  the number of participants is limited to 20. At this time  To date, registration is full.  If you have questions, please contact Ms. Kathy Butler, district health and missions coordinator at 601-954-6904 or khbutler14@yahoo.com.

United Methodist Communications will host a pre-General Conference news briefing Jan. 19-21, 2012, in Tampa, Fla. in preparation for the 2012 General Conference of The United Methodist Church. The event begins at 1 p.m. on Jan. 19 at the Tampa Convention Center and will conclude at noon on Jan. 21.

The three-day event aims to provide information for church and secular journalists, delegates and other interested parties about issues to be considered by the denomination's legislative body when it meets in Tampa April 24-May 4.

"We at United Methodist Communications want to provide an opportunity for interested persons to learn more about the various issues to be considered next year, as well as an open forum to facilitate discussion of these topics," said the Rev. Larry Hollon, chief executive of the denomination's communications agency.

Topics to be discussed include proposed changes to the church's structure, the global nature of the church, the denomination's budget, the ordained ministry study report and other issues. A tour of the convention center where General Conference will take place is also planned.

The cost of registration is $195 before Sept. 30, $225 through Nov. 30, and $250 thereafter. Discounted rates at the nearby Marriott Waterside Hotel are available for $169. To register online, visit http://gc2012.umc.org/prebriefingregistration. Up to four delegates from each conference may attend.

Questions regarding arrangements can be directed to Linda Saunders at lsaunders@umcom.org or 615-742-5119.

Kosciusko Youth to Sponsor Revival    

Sept.4 is "Bring Your Cell Phone to Church Sunday" at Asbury UMC

By Rev. Andy Stoddard

On Sunday, Sept.4, here at Asbury Church in Petal, we'll be doing something a little dangerous, a lot of fun, and something that really gets folks talking.  We are encouraging folks to not just bring their cell phones to church, but to take them out and text!  In church!  And the worst part about it is that I will have my cell phone out, too.

I know, the preacher, with his cell phone out! Oh my goodness!  This will be our second "Bring Your Cell Phone to Church" Sunday here at Asbury. On this day, people are encouraged to bring their cell phones to church and text me Bible or church-related questions.   I will answer as many as I can right there, on the spot, during the sermon. 

The reason we have this Sunday is because as a church that attracts many unchurched/de-church people, there are lots of questions floating around, but people often don't want the attention of having to ask something they feel like they should know already.  This forum allows people to ask the questions that they are curious about in a way that doesn't draw any unwanted attention. It allows people to be honest, to ask the really deep questions and to ask the things that are on their hearts.

Last year we got some of queries on baptism, "once saved always saved," and other common theological questions you'd expect to hear.  But, I also received a question about suffering that was coming from a recent hurt.  I received a question about how God could love a person in spite of the terrible things they'd done.  And I received a question about what exactly a person's purpose was in life.

The people asking the questions may not have had the courage to ask them in front of an audience, but, in the anonymity of sending a text, many deeper questions came out. 

Now, any church can do something like this. You don't even have to use a cell phone. Give people a blank sheet of paper in the bulletin and let them ask a question. And take time to read it. And answer it. Oh, and by the way, sometimes the answer to a question is I don't know.  Only God knows.  Try that sometimes. People appreciate honesty.

Give it a try and see what happens.  Let people be honest. Let them ask questions. You'll be surprised by what is on their minds. And you'll be surprised at how God can use those questions to allow folks to grow closer to Him.

Central UMC and Brown Elementary School form Adopt-A-School Partnership     

Central UMC in Jackson was very active at Brown Elementary School during the 2010-2011 school year.  The church formed an Adopt-A-School partnership with Brown Elementary School to establish a support system and administer to the needs of the children through active interaction between Brown Elementary School and Central. The following is a list of some of the activities the church participated in:

• Career Day where church members spoke to 4th and 5th graders to expose them to the numerous career opportunities that are available
• Brown's College Spirit Day -members of Central served as judges for art work spotlighting Mississippi colleges
• Averaged 11-13 church members who volunteered in the classroom one to three days each month assisting teachers with lessons
• Purchased and donated uniforms, belts and shoes for students
• Purchased and donated school supplies for students and office supplies for the staff
• Donated adult and children's clothes that were given by members of Central's congregation for Brown Elementary School's clothe closet
• Conducted a boy's forum with the 4th and 5th grade boys  
• Purchased 72 copies of summer reading books-kindergarten through 5th grade.

The Adopt-A-School Committee of Central UMC's plans for the 2011-2012 school year is to continue its commitment to the children of Brown Elementary School.Thirteen of Central's members have committed to volunteer monthly in teachers' classrooms.  Six members-three females and three males-have agreed to conduct at least two girls' forums and two boys' forums respectively.  Additionally several of Central's members have agreed to tutor students from 2:45 to 5 p.m. at least two afternoons each week.   

At present the Adopt-A-School committee is soliciting the help of the congregation to secure uniforms, belts and shoes for students who are not financially able to purchase these items.  The response has been phenomenal. Central UMC feels blessed to be a part of helping our youth develop physically, socially and academically. For more information on the program call Central UMC at 601-355-7858.

Mrs. Dot Pridmore, mother of Rev. Eric Pridmore and mother-in-law of Rev. Lisa Pridmore (Poplarville FUMC) underwent surgery last week.  Please keep the Pridmore family in your prayers.

The infant son of Rev. and Mrs. Chris McAlilly (TUP-Shannon/

Brewer) was hospitalized for observation in Tupelo after an episode of high fever.  Please keep the McAlillys in your prayers. 

Please include Deborah Goodpaster, spouse of Bishop Larry Goodpaster, in your prayers.  Deborah has been diagnosed with a recurrence of cancer, localized in the bones of her lower back and causing a compression fracture.  Doctors are confident that the treatment plan will result in remission.  May our prayers undergird these beloved friends and leaders of our church as we share their confidence in God's healing grace.  

West Point First UMC is seeking a full-time Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries who will be responsible for building on a strong youth program and carrying out the mission of the youth group:   "Our ministry exists to reach the youth of our church and community and to help them share in the fellowship of God's family, grow in their faith, serve others with love, and praise God with their lives."   The Director will work with the Youth council and the Young Adult Council in determining program needs for youth and young adults, developing goals, designing creative and innovative programs and carrying out those programs which will help fulfill the mission and goals of the church for youth and young adults.  This person will carry out responsibilities with youth, young adults, and assist with some children's ministries.  The Director of Youth and Young Adults will work with the whole staff of the church and report to the pastor.  The salary is between $25,000-$30,000 depending on experience and training. Interested persons should submit a resume and personal statement along with references to jshannon@fumcwestpoint.com by Sept. 7, 2011.    

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