Walls of Water

 

There were walls of water to the left and to the right...  -- Exodus 14

 

Sunday is the tenth anniversary of 9/11/2001.  The Ground Zero 9/11 Memorial is remarkably designed, with two square pools of water in the footprints of the World Trade Center Towers, with water cascading down the four sides of each pool.  Nearby over 3,000 names are etched -- the victims of the 9/11 attacks and the 1993 World Trade Center bombing.

 

The walls of water echo God's delivering, redeeming and saving power.  The Exodus texts appointed for Sundays this fall are watery indeed -- the water of Hebrew wombs, the water out of which Moses was drawn, the dramatic walls of watery deliverance, thirst-quenching water for the desert journey, water-crossing into the Promised Land.

 

On Sunday, let us acknowledge the painful memories of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the continuing grief of families directly affected, the on-going need for healing in our communities, and the clear call of Christ to be peacemakers and thereby children of God.  As we see the watery 9/11 Memorial unveiled, let us center ourselves anew in God who brings strength in this and every time of trial.

 

Sunday is a time to pause and remember.  It is a time to mourn and to pray.  It is a time to live as Jesus lived, weeping over pain and loss while vanquishing every evil through the invincible power of love.

 

With gratitude for our life together in Christ,

Hope Morgan Ward  
For materials to use in Remembering 9/11 click here.

 
Goodpaster Calls for Building Bridges on 9/11 

          

Bishop Larry M. Goodpaster, President of the Council of Bishops, is urging United Methodists to commemorate the tenth anniversary of 9/11 with prayer and interfaith connection.

The text of a statement from Bishop Goodpaster follows:

 

On behalf of the Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church, I greet you in the name of Jesus the Christ in whom "all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven...." (Colossians 1:19-20, NRSV)

 

On this, the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the tragedy of September 11, 2001, I call upon United Methodists and all people of faith to a renewed commitment to ministry of reconciliation, and to being witnesses of God's love and grace for and in the whole world. As people of faith, we approach this anniversary with the gift of both memory and hope.

 

None of us who watched in shock and horror as the events unfolded on that fateful day in New York, Pennsylvania and Washington DC will ever forget the images. We remember the innocent lives that were lost on that day. We remember the first responders who put their lives on the line to provide assistance in the midst of the devastation. We remember the ways in which the world reached out to embrace us in our pain and grief. And we remember the generous outpouring of more than $20 million through the United Methodist Committee on Relief and our "Love in the Midst of Tragedy" special offerings.

 

Even as we recall all of these events of a decade ago, we are also a people whose faith and hope in Christ Jesus turn our hearts and lives toward the future. We proclaim the Resurrection message that the future belongs to God's reconciled new creation, and we live toward that time when the dividing walls of hostility will come down and God will wipe away every tear, and death will be no more. In a world of violence and revenge, of suspicion and fear, of mistrust and hatred, we dare to proclaim an alternative vision known throughout Scriptures as God's Shalom. We believe that God works for good in all things, and that the goodness and mercy of God can overcome even the most tragic events and experiences in this world.

 

In the days and weeks ahead, communities will be marking this anniversary in a variety of ways, and we urge our churches to lead in planning for and providing services of worship and prayer. Let us build bridges of trust and reconciliation through these services by inviting and encouraging people of all faiths to come together for prayer. Let us work for personal and social holiness by practicing John Wesley's General Rules for the people called Methodist, especially to do no harm and to do good. Let us seek to restore a sense of hope for the future by praying for and working for the healing of broken relationships. Let us remember that day of pain, suffering, and grief; but let us also seek to bind up the wounds and renew our efforts to work for peace with justice.

 

Above all else, let us live as faithful followers of the Prince of Peace and, in the words of the author of the Letter to the Colossians: "As God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other...." (Colossians 3:12-13, NRSV) May our memory and our hope unite to move all of us toward peace and inspire us to live with compassion, confidence and courage.

Larry M. Goodpaster

President, Council of Bishops

The United Methodist Church

Pelahatchie to Host Revival Beginning Sept. 11 
 
Pelahatchie UMC will hold Revival services on three consecutive Sunday evenings: Sept. 11, 18 and 25, 2011.  Services each evening will be at 6 p.m.

 

The preacher for Sunday evening, September 11 will be Rev. Lynette Little, newly appointed pastor of Pelahatchie UMC.  Rev. Little is a graduate of Millsaps College and Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary.  She has been a pastor in the Mississippi Conference for 25 years.  She moved to Pelahatchie and Gulde UMC's in June, following four years as pastor of Marvin UMC in Florence.  She lives in Pelahatchie with her husband, Rev. Jon Altman and teenage children Luke and Sarah Altman.

 

The preacher for Sunday evening, Sept. 18 will be Rev. Jonathan Altman, pastor of Lodebar UMC Pelahatchie.  Rev. Altman is a graduate of Millsaps College and Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary.  Rev. Altman has been a United Methodist pastor for 25 years.  He has also been a healthcare chaplain for 15 years, serving at Methodist Medical Center/Central Mississippi Medical Center and Southern Care Hospice.  In addition to his ministry at Lodebar UMC, Rev. Altman is a Chaplain with Mid-Delta Home Health and Hospice.

 

The preacher for Sunday evening, Sept. 25 will be Rev. Ron McDougald, newly appointed Pastor of Shiloh United Methodist-Pelahatchie.  Rev. McDougald is a graduate of Belhaven College and Candler School of Theology.  He came to Shiloh following an eight-year ministry as Chaplain of Trinity Place Retirement Community in Columbus.

 

WellsFest Art Night and Auction on Tuesday, Sept. 20  

 

     

Showing off some of the ceramics that will be on sale at the Mustard Seed both at WellsFest Art Night on Sept. 20 and at WellsFest on Sept. 24 are (front, from left) Seedsters Megan Schmidt and Logan Chew; (back, from left) Del Harrington, community relations director for the Mustard Seed; the Rev. Keith Tonkel of Wells United Methodist Church; Tony Quinn, WellsFest volunteer; Kit Barksdale, executive director of the Mustard Seed; Sheree Allen, chair of WellsFest; Stephanie Feigler, WellsFest Art Night and Auction co-chair; and Jim Burt, WellsFest steering committee member.  

  

 

WellsFest Art Night is Tuesday, Sept. 20, at  Duling Hall, 622 Duling Ave. This event is free and includes refreshments and live music. The preview party begins at 5:30 p.m., and the live art auction at 7 p.m.

 

"The annual art auction that is a part of WellsFest will again have its own venue this year," said Sherree Allen, chair of this year's WellsFest. "This way the art auction is not competing with the festival's music. Having a separate event from the festival allows art patrons and WellsFest supporters to enjoy WellsFest Art Night on Tuesday before the festival, and then come to the festival on Saturday at Jamie Fowler Boyll Park and not have to juggle their love for music and art." Both the art night and the festival are free.

 

All proceeds from WellsFest Art Night will go to the Mustard Seed, a local non-profit that strives to help adults with developmental disabilities fulfill their potential. One of the art pieces to be auctioned is the ceramic bowl from which this year's WellsFest logo was taken.

 

For more information, call 601-353-0658, visit www.wellsfest.org or visit the WellsFest Facebook page.

 

Gospel Concert to Benefit Edwards Street Fellowship Center      

  

Jeff and Sheri Easter will be in concert on Friday, September 30th at Heritage UMC in Hattiesburg.  The concert is to benefit Edwards Street Fellowship Center.  Jeff and Sheri have been nominated for numerous Dove Awards and have won three.  They received a Grammy nomination, and Sheri has been named the Singing News Favorite Alto ten times and Singing News Female Vocalist four times.  Since 1993 they have also participated in the Gaither Homecoming Video Series.  Their latest release is "Life is Great and Getting Better."  The concert will begin at 7 p.m. with the doors opening at 6 p.m.  Heritage is located on Hwy 98 West in Hattiesburg.

 

There is no admission charge for the concert; a love offering will be taken to support Edwards Street Fellowship Center ministries. Financial support will come from selling ads for the playbill.  Deadline for the receipt of ad information for the playbill is September 10th.  Churches and church members are encouraged to buy an ad.  You can email your ad to esfcntr@comcast.net or call 601-544-6149 for additional information.

 

Rev. Palmer to Preach at St. Mary's      

 

Rev. DeMario Benson, pastor of St. Mary's UMC along with the congregation invites you to a special service on Sunday, Sept. 25th beginning at 2 p.m. Guest preacher  will be the Rev. Deborah Mingo Palmer. This service will allow Rev. Palmer to preach a final sermon at the first church she was assigned to pastor, and it will allow former parishioners and friends to let her know that they remembers her outstanding leadership and to wish her God's Speed as she moves forward.

Rev. Palmer is retiring from the ministry due to medical reasons. You are invited to attend this special worship service to help us make this a very Special day.

 

St. Mary's UMC is located at 3009 Harmony Road Crystal Springs.

Caring and Sharing Fest at Eastlawn UMC       

 

Eastlawn UMC will hold the 2nd annual Caring & Sharing Festival on Saturday, Sept. 17 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.  This year's beneficiaries will be Katy Blake, a Pascagoula High School graduate paralyzed from a diving accident; Aiden Lieb, a two year old undergoing multiple surgeries for tumors; and tornado victims from the spring storms.  Activities include an all-day concert headlined by Blues Artist, Lisa Mills, giant bake sale, antique car show, silent art auction, outdoor coffee house, $5 catfish plates and lots of fun stuff for the children to do.  All are invited to come out and support these outreach ministries. Eastlawn UMC is located at 2502 Ingalls Ave., Pascagoula. For more information call 228-762-2364.

Mt. Carmel to Hold Revival        

 

St. Luke and Mt. Carmel UMCs in the Hattiesburg District will hold their annual revivals Sept. 18 - 30. St. Luke's revival will begin Sept. 18 with afternoon services starting at 2:30 p.m., and nightly services from Sept. 19 - 23 at 7:30 p.m.
 
Mt. Carmel's services will run from Sept. 25 - 30 with afternoon services starting at 2:30 p.m., and nightly services beginning on Sept. 26 at 7:30 p.m. 

 

Rev. David Rhea, retired elder, passed away suddenly, Sunday, Sept. 4, 2011 at his home in Oxford.  The funeral service will be this Wednesday, Sept. 7 at Oxford University UMC at 1 p.m.  The visitation will begin at 11 a.m. and conclude with the service at 1 p.m.  Please remember his wife Frances and family in your prayers.

First United Methodist Church of Clinton is seeking a full-time Director of Program Ministries.  This position will have oversight of all program areas.  The Director of Program Ministries will have direct responsibility over the Children and College Ministry programs, and provide supervision to the Director of Adult Ministries and the   Director of Youth Ministries, creating a cooperative spirit in the overall direction of our Church Program Ministries.  Applicants should be enthusiastic, willing to work as a team member, possess administrative skills, and be willing to share their faith.  Salary is negotiable based upon applicant's experience.  Send your résumé to: Rev. Mitchell B. Hedgepeth by emailing to mitchell@fumcclinton.org or Patrick Tatum by emailing to Ptatum@upshawwilliams.com or First United Methodist Church, 100 Mt. Salus Rd. Clinton, MS 39056     

 

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.    

 

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.