NOTICE: To download a *print-friendly* pdf of "The Circuit Rider", click here.(Available Wednesdays, after 1:00 p.m.) |
Relief Kit Updates
The Mississippi Conference of the United Methodist Church is holding a Fall Kit Ministry Campaign to collect Cleaning Buckets and School Bags for UMCOR. The campaign began on Sunday, September 4, with a deadline of Sunday, October 9. The kits will be picked up from the Collection Points the week of October 10.
Print friendly PDFs of the kit contents are listed below. Click on the link to download. ˇ Cleaning Bucket Contents List ˇ School Kit Contents List ˇ School Kit Bag Pattern Please review the lists as they have been revised since our last campaign. As your church prepares kits, please contact Brenda and Rex Hiatt, Relief Kit Coordinators (bhiatt@comcast.net; 601-626-7902), to let them know how many you are sending to the Collection Points. They will also provide the location of the collection point nearest you. |
Photo File
Carla Proctor (Getwell Road UMC), co-chair of the Desoto County Cluster, visits with Rev. John Garrott (Longtown Charge) as he visits the cluster during their regular meeting at Pleasant Hill UMC on September 19. Rev. Garrott gave an update to the group on the upcoming Lay Leadership Conference, Lost and Found, to be held in the Senatobia District office on October 29-20.  Pictured is the first completed long term recovery project of the mission minded of Horn Lake and Hinds Chapel UM churches. This is part of the Northwest Mississippi Long Term Recovery Response Team. They were asked by the group to help with this project upon request of FEMA. The lady receiving the steps lost her home in the flood and is living in an RV. She needed a better entry way and the United Methodist group members were asked to provide it and they were blessed to help. The Hinds Chapel/Horn Lake Charge MIA (Methodist In Action) group provided the funds and labor. It will be painted white and then delivered and set up for the lady in Robinsonville. |
Dates to Remember
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
Junior High Spiritual
Life Retreat
October 1-2, 2011 Camp Lake Stephens Click here for more information.
Journey Toward the Light
October 3, 2011 at 2 p.m.
Oxford, MS
Click here for more information.
Senior High Spiritual
Life Retreat
October 8-9, 2011 Camp Lake Stephens Click here for more information. Convocation of the
Black Church
October 15, 2011 Rust College To Register click here. Children's Retreat October 15-16, 2011 Camp Lake Stephens Click here for more information. UMVIM Gathering
October 22, 2011 at 10 a.m. United Methodist Foundation Ridgeland, MS Exploration 2011 November 11-13, 2011
St. Louis, Missouri Click here for more information.
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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
 Journey Toward
the Light For seven years, we have gathered in Mississippi places of tragedy and of hope. On Monday, October 3, you are invited to Journey Toward the Light in Oxford. Five years ago, in October 2006, the James Meredith Monument was unveiled on campus at the University of Mississippi. At 2 p.m., we will gather for a service of prayer and hope at the James Meredith Monument. At 3 p.m., we will gather at Oxford-University United Methodist Church for a conversation with James Meredith and Charles Eagles, Professor of History and author of The Price of Defiance: James Meredith and the Integration of Ole Miss. This gathering, like all Journeys Toward the Light, help us remember and re-member ourselves as people of God, children of light. Please pass the word in your district, churches and communities. We particularly hope that Ole Miss students will participate in this opportunity for dialogue in the journey toward a just, whole and redeemed world. With gratitude for this life we share together in Christ, Hope Morgan Ward Click here for more information on the Oct. 3 Journey Toward the Light. |
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:: News & Announcements
2011 Children's Sabbath Theme:
Justice, Justice Shall You Pursue:
Answer God's Call to Protect Children
This year Children's Sabbath will focus on the closing the achievement gap in education that currently has children in poverty and children of color falling further and further behind, and ensuring that education becomes the engine of equality, not inequality. Level of educational achievement is the best predictor of future income; ensuring that every child gets a high quality education is the best poverty-prevention program we have. As Methodists, our heritage is steeped in the right of all children to have access to quality education, and on this weekend we join all of God's children to advocate for children who deserve to grow up as equipped as possible for life. Although Children's Sabbath is held on the weekend of October 14-16, many United Methodist congregations will hold activities on the weekend of October 7-9. Children's Sabbath is not Children's Sunday, which is usually worship designed, developed, and led by children. Children's Sabbath is a multi-generational weekend of worship and service that advocates for all children. For ideas on how to get started, go to http://www.childrensdefense.org/child-research-data-publications/data/2011-sabbath-manual/sabbath-2011-welcome.pdf. To download a Children's Sabbath manual, go to http://www.childrensdefense.org/child-research-data-publications/data/2011-sabbath-manual/2011-childrens-sabbaths-manual.html. FOR TWEETERS: 2011 National Children's Sabbath Manual available at http://www.childrensdefense.org/child-research-data-publications/data/2011-sabbath-manual/2011-childrens-sabbaths-manual.html.
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DREAM Sabbath Toolkit Available Free, downloadable resource includes sermon starters, video links, sample bulletin inserts to assist congregations in participating in the interfaith observance on a Sunday between Sept. 16-Oct. 9. A free downloadable toolkit is available to help congregations participate in the DREAM Sabbath on a Sunday between Sept. 16-Oct. 9. The packet includes planning resources, sacred readings, reflections, links to videos and sample bulletin inserts. The United Methodist Council of Bishops Committee on Immigration, the United Methodist Interagency Immigration Task Force and the General Board of Church & Society encourage congregations to observe a DREAM Sabbath. Click here for your toolkit. Congregations can pick a Sunday between Sept. 16 and Oct. 9 for their DREAM Sabbath. They are urged to Sign up for a Sunday online to ensure the sponsors and others in their area are aware of their participation. For more information, contact Bill Mefford (bmefford@umc-gbcs.org), director of Civil & Human Rights at the United Methodist General Board of Church & Society, 202-488-5657.
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Native American Women's Conference,
Oct. 7-9, 2011 
The Southeastern Association for Native American Ministries (SEJANAM) and Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center are hosting the Native American Women's Conference, October 7-9, 2011. The conference, "Trail of Hope: The Power of Native American Women" shares the survival and fitness of the Native American communities, churches, and traditional culture lies in the moccasin tracks of the women. Historical documentation shows that the spirituality and wholesome cultural values survive due to the dauntless nurturing of Native American women.
Today, Native American women remain the teachers, nurturers, and wisdom keepers of American Indian communities.
The conference will focus on capacity building, sharing strategies, and tapping into the leadership capabilities of Native American Women to strengthen their communities and churches.
You may register by calling Anne Bridges: 828-454-6697; or email to abridges@lakejunaluska.com.
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Stonewall UMC to Hold Youth Event, Sept 28
Stonewall UMC will host As We Are the touring concert of the Christian rock band and their front buds, Green Light Go on Sept. 28 at 6 p.m. The band is heading back home from a three-week tour of Texas with their "As We Go" tour. All are welcome, but is planned for teenage and young adults. As part of the event Stonewall will be serving Mississippi Gulf Coast seafood gumbo. All for a love offering.
Stonewall UMC is located at 323 Wainwright Avenue, Stonewall. For more information call 601-659-0320.
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Kosciusko First Hosting Youth Revival --
Teens for Christ
The youth group of Kosciusko First UMC is sponsoring a revival called Teens for Christ. The youth chose the name to signify that Christ is the Lord of their lives. The name also welcomes all teens with a desire to learn more about the risen Christ and to worship Him. The Teens for Christ revival will be held on Sunday, Sept. 25, at 6:30 p.m. in the sanctuary. Guest speaker for the event will be Rev. Cathy Larsen, Minister of Christian Education at Mineral Wells UMC in Olive Branch. Also featured at the event will be Epiphany, the worship band of Mineral Wells. Epiphany uses contemporary worship songs, hymn arrangements, and eclectic pop/rock music to encompass a total worship experience.
Preceding the Teens for Christ event will be a pizza supper in the Fellowship Hall at 5:30 p.m. The cost is $5, and reservations are required. If your youth group would like to attend the meal, please make reservations by calling 662-289-1412 or email chur623@bellsouth.net to reserve spots for the total number of youth and chaperones attending. A time of fellowship will also be held after the service.
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Byhalia UMC to Present Play Sept. 30
Byhalia UMC, Senatobia District, will present the play The Wild West Adventures of Nehi Jones on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 at 6 p.m. The play, from Contemporary Drama Services, is a melodrama and a dinner theatre comedy. The cost is $12 per person for all over the age of 10 with the cost for those under 10 years at $6. A table of six can be reserved for $60. Call the church office for reservations at 662-838-6030 or Rev. Walter Goldsmith at 662-542-9021. Reservations for the play need to be made 24 hours before the play so we can know the number of dishes to prepare for the evening meal.
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Galloway Memorial UMC to Host
Reading of the Hiding Place
Drama Ministries of Galloway Memorial UMC, 305 North Congress St., Jackson, presents a staged reading of The Hiding Place, a play based on the story of the Ten Boom family, who worked with the Dutch underground during World War II to help Jewish people escape Nazi persecution. Times for the reading are: Friday, September 30, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, October 1, 2:00 p.m.; Sunday, October 2, 1:00 p.m. downstairs in the church Fellowship Center. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. Childcare is available.
In 1940, the Nazis invaded the Netherlands. In 1942 Corrie Ten Boom and her family, beloved watchmakers of Haarlem, became active in the Dutch underground, hiding Jewish refugees. They rescued many Jews from the Nazi SS, helping them because their father, a Biblical scholar, believed that the Jews were God's chosen people. The family also shared their Christian witness with Jews and Nazis, as well as with their family and friends.
Corrie's father and sister both died in German prisons, but their witness strengthened her faith. After the war, she wrote a book about the family, describing some of their pre-war life, their work in the underground, their arrest and imprisonment, and the faith that undergirded them throughout. She chose The Hiding Place as its title, because in the midst of trouble, "God is our hiding place!"
For further information about the reading, call the church at 601-353-9691.
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:: Celebrations
New Albany UMW Visits
Union County Heritage Museum
On Sept. 11, the New Albany First UMW held a special meeting at the Union County Heritage Museum to kick off programs for the new meeting year. The museum is hosting an exhibit entitled "Faith of Our Fathers," covering the history of churches in Union City. The UMW meeting was held amidst the display of antique hats ladies used to wear to church, pictures of baptisms in local lakes and ponds, old pulpits, Bibles, all kinds of church memorabilia.
 The title of the women's program was "I Love To Tell The Story". Some ladies who held leadership roles in making the extraordinary history of these churches women, were given certificates of appreciation. Other ladies who are no longer with us physically were fondly remembered.
Top photo: Mrs. Walter Harrison and Mrs. David Holmes are dressed for the occasion as their mothers did for their Women's Society of Christian Service Meetings.
Photo, above: Receiving certificates of appreciation for service: seated: Marjorie Livingston and Betty Godbold. Standing l-r: Beulah Hawthorne, Eleanor Ray, Martha Jane Lamar, Betty Enis, and Lila Ann Stewart.
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United Methodist Ministries of Marshall County Holds Choir Festival
The United Methodist Ministries of Marshall County (UMMMC) held its annual traveling revival September 11-13. Sunday night at Asbury UMC was Youth Emphasis, Monday night at Red Banks UMC, Rev. Anita Lawson brought forth the word. On the final night of the event, a choir-fest was held at Byhalia UMC in "the flame". Prazynmor (Byhalia UMC contemporary worship leaders), Tommy Woods(Byhalia UMC member) and Taylor's Chapel UMC Ensemble(which included ladies of the church and Rev. Keith Mason) were some of the groups who blessed those in attendance. Mick Gill shared his talent on the piano, as he played for congregational singing. Mick is the 12-year-old pianist at Red Banks UMC, a job he has recently taken over when his brother went away to college.
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:: Cares and Concerns
Rev. Paul McDonald, appointed to Forest UMC (EJA) was admitted to the St. Dominic Hospital for testing last week. No other information is available at this time. Keep Rev. Paul and his family in your prayers. Please remember Rev. Linda Whited in prayer as she was scheduled for surgery today. Linda is a Deacon in Full Connection, who has worked at The United Methodist Publishing House in Nashville for many years. Mrs. Helen Waters, mother of Lois Crump and mother-in-law of the Rev. A. W. Crump of the EJA, died September 15, 2011 in Meridian. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. September 24 at New Prospect Baptist Church in Meridian. Your prayers are requested. Shalini (Shelly) Stuart, the daughter of Anand & Rev. Sue Michael passed away on Saturday at the University Hospital in Jackson. Funeral services were held Tuesday, September 20 at McLaurin Heights UMC in Pearl with interment at Floral Hills Memory Gardens. Memorials may be made to the Girl's School Scholarship in India, c/o Rev. Sue Micheal. Send your prayers up for the Stuart and Michael families to keep their spirits continuous lifted.
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:: Employment Opportunities Across the Conference
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
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.
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