Grace and peace to each of you today, as we together move toward new dimensions in ministries with youth in the Mississippi Conference.

 

Mississippi Youth Annual Conference (MYAC) is newly envisioned by the youth among us!  MYAC, with the powerful theme "Unhindered," will unfold March 2-4, 2012, at Christ United Methodist Church in Jackson.  

 

The new MYAC will no longer exist to imitate an Annual Conference for teenagers.  It will focus on encouraging and challenging youth to grow in their relationship with God and to strengthen them for ministry in their local churches and communities.  Rather than a political focus with legislation and plenaries and CCYM executive elections, the new MYAC will offer

• Impacting worship and preaching
• Workshop that focus on spiritual formation and leadership development
• Small groups where students will meet and interact with new friends from other churches
• Training for those who work with youth as volunteers or salaried staff
• Welcome to all youth, whether or not they currently go to church

The new MYAC will be our exciting, expansive, life-changing connectional event for youth.  This is a wonderful opportunity for the youth in your church and community.  It is an opportunity to launch youth ministry in your church.  It is an opportunity to grow youth ministry in your church.  It is an opportunity to deepen and extend youth ministry in your church.

 

I urge each of you who serve as pastors in the Mississippi Conference to support the new MYAC themed "Unhindered."  Bring or send the youth in your shepherding care, and recruit youth in your extended community.  Visit www.mississippi-umc.org/myac2012 for complete information on the event.

 

Strong and growing youth ministry is vital for our life together as United Methodist people.  This gathering is a new beginning:  in it is planted the seed for vibrant youth ministr in every place in Mississippi.

 

I look forward to seeing many of you and the youth you will bring and send March 2-4, 2012 to "Unhindered," MYAC 2012.

 

With gratitude for your ministry with young people,

Hope Morgan Ward

 

 
By Frank Haynes

 

As you can tell, we are very excited about the New MYAC.  We believe the changes mentioned by Bishop Ward will make a great impact on your youth, you as a leader and all our churches both for the present and future.  Remember, this MYAC is completely different than the past.  It is essential that all of our churches support the new MYAC with our participation and prayers, and that together we encourage this to be a priority for our youth ministries, whether you have one or 100 youth in your church.  Our hope and prayer is that this will truly be a connectional event that will transform our student into disciples of Jesus Christ who are transforming their church, their community, and the world.  I want to suggest some helpful tips that will make your registration easier and cheaper.

• First, please visit the website, www.mississippi-umc.org/myac2012 for all event information, registration information and documents needed to register.
• Second, make sure you first download the registration and release forms on the website, as this will guide you on how to register.  There is a credit card payment option, but you will still need to fill out the form so we may have all participants and church information.  To pay with a credit card, follow the link found on the MYAC website.
• Third, pay attention to all deadlines, particularly the price deadlines found on the poster on the website.  The super early bird deadline is October 28 and the early bird deadline is December, 2.  Our suggestion is that even if you don't have students signed up, you are welcome to estimate the amount you will bring and send in their information at a later date.  We will assume that if you do not send us the information, but send a check or pay by credit card, you are just reserving spots at the lower rate.  Please remember and be cautious on doing this, because there are no refunds.
• Finally, please use the commercials on the website and the posters all pastors received a few weeks ago to advertise.  If you would like more posters or personalized hand out cards, please email frank@mississippi-umc.org with your address.

Upcoming UMVIM Team Leader
Training in Biloxi

   

The next UMVIM training is scheduled for Saturday, October 8-10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Biloxi First. The training will be led by Rev. David Newton. Cost is $20 for the UMVIM manual (pay at door) and pre-registration is required.  Register by calling or emailing the leader with your name, church, phone number, and email address by Monday, Oct. 3. To register call 228-875-8900 or email umvim@mississippi-umc.org. Biloxi First s located at14220 Hwy 67 N, Biloxi.

 

Wonderful Wednesdays Scheduled
at Holly Springs First  
 
Holly Springs First will hold Wonderful Wednesdays, days of fellowship and faith building in October.  The program will be centered around the theme:  The Church is the Church when...with a meal at 6 p.m. followed by worship at 7 p.m. 

Speakers and meals scheduled as follows:

• October 5:  Rev. Andy Cotton, Clarksdale First. Covered dish meal.
• October 12: Rev. Mark Anderson, Hernando First. Covered dish meal.
• October 19: Rev. Scott Larsen of Mineral Wells First. Fish fry by Kenny Dickerson.
• Fish plates are $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 years and younger. You are asked to call the church office at 662-252-1439 to reserve a plate. Reservations are suggested so that enough fish can be prepared.

For more information call the church at 662-252-1439. 

Gyspy AZAL Carns in Concert at Central UMC   

    

Gypsy AZAL Carns will present a concert of apocolyptic blues and rock music in the Fellowship Hall at Central UMC in Meridian, October 9, 2011 at 5 p.m.

 

Carns started performing in clubs in 1963 and making records in 1966. He has anointed the United States, Japan, France, England, Germany, Italy, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, China, and Israel with his vocals, percussion, and eclectic 12-string bottleneck guitar & Dobro prowess.  Carns is also known as a blues songwriter, co-penning a Koko Taylor tune with Fred James and Mary Ann Brandon that garnered two Grammy nominations.  

 

Blues Revue states: "Gypsy  Carns, a one-man wrecking crew who plays a "stompbox" tambourine / kick drum combination, harp, 12-string resonator guitar....this is hammering, powerful stuff, driven by Carns'  energy and rough-hewn vocals." In 2008, Gypsy won the distinct honor of "Christian Blues Artist of the Year" at the Momentum Awards in Brentwood, TN. Using the Delta blues musical format, Gypsy combines Messianic lyrics for a unique blend of authentic American music. His energy and commitment are evidenced through his powerful live performances.

 

There is no charge for the concert and everyone is welcome.  For more information call the church at 601-693-1521.  Central UMC is located at 1004 23rd Ave., Meridian.

 

Bishop Ward to Speak
at Central UMC, Jackson   

  

Central UMC in Jackson cordially invites you to World Communion Sunday Celebration on October 2, 2011, beginning at 10 a.m.  Bishop Hope Morgan Ward will be the speaker.  For additional information, please contact Rev. Stephen T. Cook, pastor at 601-355-7858. Central UMC is located at 500 North Farish Street, Jackson.

Alcorn State Wesley Foundation to Hold Radiothon, Oct. 23          

 

The Wesley Foundation, Inc. of Alcorn State University (ASU) would like to welcome the Mississippi Methodist to participate in our 1st Radiothon with WPRL 91.7 FM (Alcorn State University Radio Station) to benefit The ASU Wesley Foundation of Alcorn State University. The Radiothon will be held, Sunday, October 23, 2011 from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.  and will include a live broadcast of the Homecoming Finale, Sunday morning REALworship Service at Oakland Memorial Chapel and a live Gospel Fest at 5:30 p.m.

 

The purpose of the Radiothon is to encourage listeners to contribute their monetary support to the ASU Wesley Foundation. The goal is to raise $35,000 for the programming the student organization. For more information on how to participate contact the ASU Wesley Foundation at 601-877-9959.

Pratt UMC Holds Fall Revival Oct. 3-5          

 

Pratt Memorial UMC will hold their fall rival Oct. 30, 2011 with services beginning at 7 p.m. each night. This year's theme is  "Let There be a Revival, and Let It Begin With Me," set with the scripture Habakkuk 3:2.

 

Speakers for the event are as follows:

• Monday, Oct. 3:  Rev. Iva Dixon, Greater Union Church, Lexington.
• Tuesday, Oct. 4: Rev. Rev. Joe May, Anderson UMC, Jackson.
• Wednesday. Oct. 5:  Rev. Reginald Buckley, Cade Chapel M.B. Church, Jackson.

Pratt Memorial UMC is located at 1057 W. Pascagoula St., Jackson, MS 39203.

 

For more information please call Rev. Brenda McCaskill at 662- 910-0240  or Annie Clay, Evangelism Chair at 601-540-2544.

New Prospect UMC to Campmeeting   

Celebrates 132 Years          

 

The Vancleave area United Methodist Churches, Bonnie Chapel UMC, Mt. Pleasant UMC, Pine Grove UMC, Red Hill UMC, and Vancleave UMC, will serve as hosts for the 132nd  meeting of New Prospect United Methodist Campmeeting.  The pastors of these churches are J. A. Sharp, Sally Bevill, Sturman Williamson and Arthur Carlisle.

 

New Prospect Campmeeting 2011 will kick-off with a gospel sing Saturday, Oct. 8 at 7 p.m. featuring "HOSANNA."  Keeping with tradition, Mt. Pleasant and Red Hill UM Churches will hold their morning services on Sunday, October 9 at the Campground and invite you to worship with them.  Sunday School will begin at 10 a.m. and worship at 11a.m. where Rev. Sally Bevill will deliver the message.   Also, on Oct. 9 the Memorial Service will begin at 7:30 p.m. with guest minister Rev. Brian Scott from Caswell Springs UMC delivering the message.

 

The 2011 Evangelistic Team will begin their time of service on Monday, October 10.  The team includes Glenn Martin, evangelist; Jerry Williamson, pianist; Pete Herndon, music; Lynn Mote, children; and Kim Parker, youth.

 

Daily worship and fellowship opportunities begin on Monday afternoon with the children's gathering for pre-school through 5th grade at 4 p.m. in the tabernacle.  The Ladies Prayer Meeting will be at 4:30 p.m. in the tabernacle and the Men's Prayer Meeting at 5 p.m. in the "Grove."  There will be gospel singing each night beginning at 6:30 p.m. prior to the evening service that begins at 7:30 p.m.  This time will feature local musicians and soloists.  The Youth, 6th grade and up will meet after nightly worship services in the Youth Tent.  At 8:00 a.m. and 11 a.m., Tuesday through Saturday, Morning Prayer Meeting and Morning Worship will be held in the tabernacle.  The early Morning Prayer times will be lead by lay persons from the local churches.  Rev. Glenn Martin will deliver the message at the Morning Worship service.

 

All are invited to fellowship and worship!  If you are not able to be present in person we ask that you pray that God's will be done and that His message be heard and received by all!

 

Pleasant Hill UMC Forming a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)      

By Rev. Tony Proctor, Starkville District Communicator 

 

Tim Curtis, Deputy Director of DeSoto County Emergency Services, and emergency volunteers Jack Thompson and Kenneth Johnson led a twenty-hour CERT class at Pleasant Hill UMC from September 23 through 25, 2011.  Training included instruction on disaster planning for the family, the church, and the community, and the equipment needed for responding to disasters.  Each family needs to agree on a meeting place close by the home, and a meeting place that is somewhere else in the town or community.  The CERT responders need to prepare a CERT kit with, among other things, first aid items and supplies to document important information on the scene of a disaster.  Each home should keep on hand at all times one gallon of water per person per day for at least three to seven days, food, utility items, and sanitation items.  Preparation should also include an auto emergency kit, and a personal evacuation kit ready to go if evacuation becomes necessary.

 

The class also learned some basic first aid, and viewed demonstrations of using a chair to lift to carry an injured person, how to safely remove heavy objects off of the injured without inflicting further injury to the accident victim or injuring the responders, and identifying and using items on hand to assist with these measures.   As Jack Thompson stated, "we are to be part of the solution -- not part of the problem".  One important matter that was emphasized repeatedly was always working with a buddy.  You and your buddy make sure that each other has put on the proper safety equipment, you and your buddy stay together and keep each other safe, and you and your buddy always check the area to be sure to have a safe entrance and a safe exit from the disaster area.

 

In addition to equipment needed around your home or business to ensure safety during a disaster, you may also want to consider purchasing a ham radio, and training, testing, and becoming licensed in the use of the ham radio.  I, like many others, thought a ham radio was a large, cumbersome piece of equipment that required use of Morse code, and which could only be operated by extremely skilled technical experts.  That is not the case.  You do not have to learn Morse code, and some of the ham radios are hand-held devices.  The ones for your vehicle are a little larger, but certainly not huge.  With communication being problematic in disaster areas, the ham radio allows you to communicate with other operators - both in the area and outside the area.  The instructors agreed to teach a twenty-hour ham radio class, and to provide testing so that the Pleasant Hill UMC CERT members can have one more tool to use in their community service.  This training could take place as soon as November, and there is also interest in having the instructors return to teach a first aid class in early 2012.

 

The weekend training was very helpful in our disaster response planning, and we are very grateful to the instructors who gave up their weekend to help us prepare.  They are anxious to provide CERT Training, first aid training, and other kinds of training which will enable others to be safe and to assist in emergency situations.  To do this, they give of their knowledge, and they give up personal time that they could be spending with family and friends.  As we observe their example of caring, sharing, bravery, and sacrifice, it is my hope that we will be willing to give some of our time to train, equip, and respond to needs in our communities.

Note: See photos of the training in Photo File, left column.   

Funeral services were held for Fred Gill at Lucedale First on Sept. 24, 2011. He was a beloved man in his community and the brother of Rev. Clint Gill retired Elder and uncle to Reb. Rob Gill pastor of the St. Marks UMC. Please hold the Lucedale community and the Gill family in your prayers.

 

Mary Catherine Speed, the spouse of the late Rev. John C. Speed who preceeded her in death, passed away on September 25, 2011. Mary Speed resided at the Mariah House located in Yazoo City. At this time there is no information regarding her burial.

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.