NOTICE: To download a *print-friendly* pdf of "The Circuit Rider", click here.(Available Wednesdays, after 1:00 p.m.) |
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CORRECTION:
The byline for the story Pleasant Hill UMC Forming a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) in the Sept. 27 issue of the Circuit Rider was incorrect. The story was written by Cynthia Laird, Senatobia District Communicator. The Circuit Rider apologizes
for the error.
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10-Fold begins October 10, 2011  |
Children's Sabbath
October 14-16, 2011 |
Special SundaysMethodist Student Day
November 27, 2011 |
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. · Cleaning Bucket Contents List · School Kit Contents List · 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. Brookhaven Brookhaven 1st UMC 215 W Cherokee, Brookhaven, MS 39601 Contact: Rev. Wayne Webster (601) 833-3519 / brofumc@bellsouth.net East Jackson Christ United Methodist Church 6000 Old Canton Rd., Jackson, MS 39211 Contact: Rev. Chuck Meador Greenwood Grenada 1st UMC 161 S Line St. Grenada, MS 38901 Contact: Susan Kane
Hattiesburg
Ellisville First United Methodist Church
202 South Church St., Ellisville, MS 39437
Contact: Rev. John Richardson
Voice: 601.477.8776 Fax: 601.477.2213
jdricha@gmail.com /www.ellisville-fumc.comMeridian College Park UMC 1103 Hwy 19 N, Meridian, MS 39307 Concact: Rev. Kenneth Owen Seashore Nugent UMC 13183 John Clark Rd.,Gulfport, MS 39503 Contact: Rev. Gavin Lance Presley Senatobia Columbus Central UMC 1201 College St., Columbus, MS 39701 Contact: Francis Johnson West Jackson Clinton 1st UMC
100 Mt Salus Dr., Clinton, MS 39056 Contact: Bill Burrows
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Dates to Remember
Lambuth Day 2011
(Bishop Ward to speak)
October 6, 2011 at 2 p.m.
Pearl River UMC, Madison, MS
UMVIM Leader Training
October 8 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Biloxi First, Biloxi
Senior High Spiritual
Life Retreat
October 8-9, 2011 Camp Lake Stephens Click here for more information.
General Board of Global Ministries
(Bishop Ward serves on the board) October 10-12, 2011 New York, NY
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.
Bishop Ward at Ovett UMC
(Bishop Ward to present sermon)
October 16, 2011 at 11 a.m.
Ovett UMC, Hattiesburg, MS
UMVIM Gathering
October 22, 2011 at 10 a.m. United Methodist Foundation Ridgeland, MS
JustPeace
Annual Board Meeting
(Bishop Ward serves on board)
October 28-29, 2011 Washington DC
Council of Bishops
October 30-November 4
Lake Junaluska, NC
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
 When Hope and History Rhyme History says, Don't hope
On this side of the grave,
But then, once in a lifetime
The longed-for tidal wave
Of justice can rise up,
And hope and history rhyme.
So hope for a great sea-change
On the far side of revenge.
Believe that a farther shore
Is reachable from here.
Believe in miracles
And cures and healing wells.
-- Seamus Heaney Today, let us pray for all United Methodists engaged in ministries with victims of crime, inmates, families of those incarcerated, and ex-offenders. May these ministries increase among us.
John and Charles Wesley visited in jails as students in Oxford and in England, Wales, and Ireland throughout their lives. They urged Methodists to follow their example. May we be faithful to this rich heritage and this great need in our own time.
In this eye-for-an-eye world, we have seen a dramatic embodiment of faith, hope and love.
Out of their deep faith in Jesus Christ, the family of James Anderson asked for the state to seek justice, but not the death penalty, in the trial of his killers. The world is amazed at this extraordinary response to the violent hate crime in June.
The Anderson family is expending their energies in the establishment of The James Anderson Endowment for Racial Tolerance.
No one of us can change the world, but we all have a life's expanse for witness.
Christ graced this world with miracles and healing. Christ, the Wellspring, lives in our hearts. Therefore, we hope for sea-changes. We believe in distant shores. With gratitude for your ministry with all Christ came to save, Hope Morgan Ward |
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:: News & Announcements
Wesley Theological Seminary Accepting Applications for Doctor of Ministry in Church Leadership
Wesley Theological Seminary is accepting applications for Doctor of Ministry in Church Leadership Excellence. The application deadline is Dec. 1, 2011, for the May 2012 cohort. The program provides clergy the enhanced knowledge, skills, and motivation to increase congregational and denominational service, vitality, and growth. A serious engagement with contemporary secular leadership studies is held in tension with theology as participants examine the biblical, theological, and ethical foundations of ministry through the lens of leadership to enhance their own fruitful practice of leadership. The combined resources of the Wesley faculty and the Lewis Center for Church Leadership bring depth and energy to this program. For more information, prospective students may visit www.wesleyseminary.edu/doctorofministry or contact Dr. Lovett H. Weems, Jr., director of the Lewis Center, at 202-885-8621 or lovettw@wesleyseminary.edu.
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Senatobia District UMW to Hold Annual Meeting Oct. 8 The Senatobia District UMW Annual Meeting will be Oct. 8 at Batesville First UMC. Registration and fellowship will be from 9:30-10 a.m., with meeting beginning promptly at 10 a.m. and ending by noon followed by lunch hosted by the Batesville UMW Ladies. The very special guest for the day is a surprise, but here are a few hints to build your curiosity: the Senatobia District Superintendent came to the district from the special guest's birthplace, but the mystery guest later moved in to the world famous heartbreak hotel after a brief stay in the jailhouse! He eventually landed in a city to our north at a home still visited by millions each year who marvel at the jungle room! The secret person promises to Love Us Tender! He visited the land of the islands but it made him feel the same way he felt about Christmas, blue! Be sure to be present October 8 and invite others to join you. For more information contact the Senatobia District office at 662-562-5865.
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Blessing of the Animals at Water Valley First Oct. 16
Water Valley First UMC will host a Blessing of the Animals on October 16, 2011, at 3 p.m. on the front lawn of the church. The service reminds us God created all the creatures of the earth and called humanity to have dominion over all things. Many people can relate to the great joy that animals of all kinds bring into our lives. You're invited to bring your pets to have them blessed. It does not matter what kind of animal it is, horse, dog, cat, fish, or even livestock. Load them up and bring them. This is a great opportunity to minister to animal lovers and extend hospitality to those outside the church. In case of rain the service will be moved inside the fellowship Hall. Water Valley First is located at 603 N. Main St., Water Valley. For more information call 662-473-2682.
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Revivals to be Held Across Conference
Central UMC in Jackson will have a Fall Revival on October 10-12, 2011 beginning at 7 p.m. nightly. The theme of the revival is "Order My Steps." The scripture reference is Proverbs 4: 10-15. The evangelist is Rev. Cleavern Robertson, Mt. Pleasant UMC, Vaughn. Central UMC is located at 500 North Farish Street, Jackson, MS 39202. Please contact Rev. Stephen Cook, Pastor or Carlos King, Evangelism Chairperson at 601-355-7858 for additional information.
Victoria UMC will be having a revival Oct. 16-18 at 7 p.m. nightly. Rev. Anita Lawson will be the speaker on Sunday, Rev. Jim Cox on Monday, and Rev. Rex Wilburn on Tuesday. Victoria UMC is located at 5746 Hwy 178W, Victoria. For more information call 662-838-2371.
Clinton First UMC will host revival Oct. 16-19 with Dale Hathorn of Standing Tall Ministries as guest evangelist and Cinde Lucas of Overflow Ministries as worship leader. Services are scheduled as follows: Sunday morning at 8:45 and 10:45 a.m.; potluck meal at 5:30 p.m. and evening services at 7 p.m. On Monday and Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. and Wednesday dinner at 5:15 p.m., praise music at 6 p.m. and worship at 6:30 p.m. A Women's Brown Bag Bible Study will be held Monday - Wednesday at noon. For more information visit www.fumcclinton.org. Clinton First is located at 100 St. Salus Rd., Clinton.
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Stonewall UMC Invites "Come Back" Guest to Stay for Church
Saturday, Oct. 8, is the annual "Come Back to Stonewall Day" celebrated each year in the town of Stonewall. And Stonewall UMC is opening its doors to all with an invitation to stay one more day and come back to the church of your choice while you are in Stonewall this weekend.
Stonewall UMC will have a full morning of singing, visiting, remembering and a gospel message, followed by pot luck lunch served by members. "Our folks are excited about a brand new kitchen and plans for a renewed sanctuary," said Rev. James Hall, pastor. "We look forward to sharing this with those who 'come back to Stonewall' for this special weekend of fun, fellowship, food and the Holy Presence of Christ."
The morning will start at 10:30 a.m. this Sunday, Oct. 9, in the sanctuary located at 323 Wainwright Avenue, just two blocks north of Erwin Road/Highway 513 in Stonewall. For more information call 601-659-0320.
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:: Celebrations
A Health Revolution Begins in Starkville
By Rev. Tony Proctor, Starkville District Communicator
On a beautiful Saturday morning in September people from across the Starkville District came together at Griffin UMC for a groundbreaking training event. The United Methodist Church, University Medical Center, and Southern Remedy have partnered together to train individuals to become Community Health Advocates for the Starkville District.
Community Health Advocates are laypersons trained to assist individuals and communities in adopting healthy behaviors. They are extremely effective in linking patients in a supportive faith environment to health care systems and are important to the coordination of disease prevention and treatment services that reflect the value systems of the community.
The Starkville District is the first to host such an event in Mississippi. Dr. Embra Jackson, Starkville District Superintendent, expressed excitement about this event. "What we learn in doing this pilot program in our district we plan to take to the Greenwood and Hattiesburg districts as well, " said Jackson. "Jesus Christ came that we may have abundant life. Health and wellness is a part of who we are, particularly as United Methodists." Jackson anticipates this program will help all our churches, regardless of size, to connect health and wellness to their ministry.
The stated goal of the program is "to train individuals to become Community Health Advocates in their community. Doing so will lead to increased health awareness and literacy, which may lead to an improved health status of individuals within the community." The certification training included learning to calculate BMI (body mass index), how to test blood glucose, and how to accurately take a blood pressure. Community Health Advocates that were trained at this event will be able to help educate our local communities as well as training more advocates to help reverse the health problems we are facing today.
"We have an epidemic of bad health in our state," proposes Dr. Richard deShazo of Souther Remedy, a Mississippi Public Broadcasting weekly radio show about health. According to Dr. deShazo a great deal of this problem is self-made. We make poor decisions about our health because we don't know better. Cuts in education have led to less focus on health education and physical education. Another contributing factor is the type of food that is available in our country has shifted. Dr. deShazo spoke about "Fresh Food Deserts," communities where fresh fruit and vegetables are unavailable and fast food is readily available and cheap. These and other factors have led to an epidemic of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension. Training Community Health Advocates is the key to turning this problem around.
This day of training will have far reaching effect on the lives of many people throughout our state. Jaquelin McCoy, Mississippi State Department of Health representative, attended the training as an observer to see how the Community Health Advocate training might be used as a part of the training of health workers under her guidance. On the more local level, Rev. Eddie Lee Jones shared how this event would help his congregation. "What we are talking about today is this training is right here at our church," said Jones, pastor of the host church. He feels the trained Health Advocate and the kits for testing will help his congregation and community be aware of how to deal with health problems like diabetes as well as learn to make healthy choices
Bishop Hope Morgan Ward added her support of this day of training. "Health ministries are at the heartbeat of our life together as United Methodist people," said Ward. "Jesus Christ gives life abundant and eternal. We follow Christ in mission as we grow together, seeking wellness for all. Our prayer and hope is for healing -- in body, mind, spirit, and relationships. The Starkville District is leading the way in these essential health ministries, well-led by Dr. Embra Jackson, District Superintendent."
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Main Street UMC Hosts Packing Event
On September 11, Main Street UMC, Hattiesburg hosted a Stop Hunger Now packing event, organized and lead by their youth group. In just a few hours, 158 church members of all ages and backgrounds joined forces around tables throughout the fellowship hall and packed 20,088 meals to be sent to Nicaraguan children and families whose bellies have been empty for too long. In addition to the meals packed, additional money offerings were given that will assist with ministries in Africa.
One interesting aspect of the packing event is the fun and fellowship it brings to those who serve. Although great work is taking place, the grace of God prevails in smiling faces, laughter, and conversation among those serving who say, "It doesn't feel like work; it feels like fun." Maurine Bruner-Philpot, a member of Main Street UMC expressed the vast importance of this "fun" is not lost on those taking part. "Each bag that's filled with rice, vegetables, and nutrients is a tangible way to reach out in grace to those whom we will never know," said Bruner-Philport. "The hands that touch each bag will touch ours as well. The lips that receive this food will do so, perhaps, with a smile that can be shared with the smile that was packed inside it at a church in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. When Jesus looked at the handful of loaves and fishes, He didn't see a small meal for one family; He saw, through the eyes of God's grace, a feast for thousands. Likewise, when we see a bagged meal for Stop Hunger Now, we should not see a small meal for one family, but a feast for thousands given in love by the mercy of hands touched by God. I am thankful to be a part of a church with that kind of vision."
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:: Cares and Concerns
Mrs. Mary Lou Arender spouse of the late Rev. Coley Arender of the East Jackson District passed away Sept. 26, 2011 at Hospice Ministries in Richland. Funeral services were held Sept. 29 at Chancellor Funeral Home in the Florence Chapel. Burial followed at Antioch Baptist Church in the Harrisville, MS area. Please keep the Arender family in your prayers.
Mrs. Myrtle Louise Campbell passed away Oct. 2, 2011. Mrs. Campbell is the mother ofRev. Chuck Campbell, retired elder, and the grandmother of Kim Shumaker, wife of Rev. David Shumaker who is the Associate Pastor at Starkville First UMC. Her home-going will be celebrated Wednesday, October 5, at 2 p.m. at the Hartman-Sharkey Funeral Home in McComb. Visitation with family and friends will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday and 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesday. Please remember the Campbell and Shumaker families in your prayers.
Mr. Carl Parker passed away Sept. 27, 2011. He is the father of Nan Wilson, wife of Rev. David Wilson who is pastor at Petal First UMC. Funeral services were held at Sumrall UMC on Sept. 30, 2011. Please remember the Parker and Wilson families in your prayers.
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:: Employment Opportunities Across the Conference
Beauvoir UMC, Biloxi is hiring for two positions; pianist and music director. The two can be combined for the right individual. Expectations include Sunday morning worship, special annual services, and Wednesday evening choir practice. Interested persons can contact PPRC, Beauvoir UMC by calling 228-388-1478 or email to beauvoirumc@cableone.net for complete job descriptions. Beauvoir UMC is located at 2113 Pass Road, Biloxi, MS 39531.
Hazlehurst First UMC is looking to hire a part-time Children's Ministry Director to begin in January 2012. The director will be responsible for developing ministries for children and their families. Salary and job description available upon request by calling 601-894-1709 or mail to Hazlehurst First UMC, P.O. Box 725, Hazlehurst, MS 39083. Hazlehurst First is located at 127 Caldwell Dr., Hazlehurst.
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