As you start looking for the perfect Christmas presents this year, think about giving gifts that will make a difference and be treasured long after the holiday passes.

Choose a project from the Global Ministries gift catalog as an alternative to a traditional gift.  Help vulnerable populations and support vital United Methodist mission projects all around the world while honoring someone special in your life.  And remember, with a gift through The Advance, 100% of your donation reaches its intended mission and ministry.

Give a meaningful gift to a loved one and bring the hope of Christ to the world.

Here are just a few examples of gifts that you can give that will honor someone and change lives:

• $25 will feed a child under age of 5 nutritious meal for 15 days in Somalia
• $55 will purchase one cleaning bucket for an American family whose home needs mucking out after a flood or severe storm
• $75 will cover the purchase of books for a year for a theology student in Estonia
• $300 supports a young adult working in mission with marginalized communities throughout the world
• $500 will support a Covenant Relationship with a missionary who is offering hope and faith to God's people around the world

And there are many more ways you can help.  Once you've made your donation, tell the honoree about your gift by using The Advance Alternative Giving cards that you can print from the webpage.

This year give the special people in your life gifts of hope that will make a difference long after Christmas is over.

Candler Faculty Play Leading Role in Translating 'Best-Selling Book of All Time'

The Bible is the best-selling book of all time, but if surveys of biblical literacy in the United States are any indication, few Americans actually read their copy. The Common English Bible, a brand new translation that posted its half-millionth sale in November, aims to change those dismal statistics by making the biblical text more understandable while maintaining accuracy. Six members of Candler School of Theology's faculty worked on this translation.
 
"Every translator thinks their translation is the most accurate, but I really feel that we got it right," said David Petersen, associate dean of faculty and academic affairs and Franklin N. Parker Professor of Old Testament at Candler. "The Common English Bible is accessible to a broader readership yet also has a greater breadth of scholarly investment than other versions."
 
Petersen served on the Common English Bible's Board of Editors as Old Testament editor. Brent Strawn, associate professor of Old Testament, also served on the board as Hebrew associate editor. Between the two of them, they edited 33 of 39 Old Testament books in the Common English Bible.

Link here to continue reading article.

Bethlehem UMC in New Albany hosted the 2011 Clergy Christmas Party on December 2, 2011. Clergy and their families from around the district came together to celebrate and fellowship together over a steak dinner prepared by the good ladies and gentlemen of the church. Bro. Hal Hall of the Coffeeville UMC, provided the evening's entertainment in character as Elvis Presley, singing such favorites as "Are You Lonesome Tonight", "Teddy Bear" and of course "Blue Christmas".

The district provided gifts for the children in attendance and Bro. Kerry Powell presented Rev. Jerry Beam, District Superintendent and his wife Sally and Lou Ann Staggs, secretary with gifts from the district clergy.

New Zion UMC Receives Last Grant Installment

New Zion UMC in Starkville recently received the last installment of a Church Revitalizafftion Grant from the Mississippi Conference in the amount of $41,221.00.  This grant was used to assist the church in the construction of a new building.  The funds for this grant were available as a result of churches paying their mission fair shares (apportionments).  Shown in the photo are: front row left to right, Rev. Tyrone Ellis, Ms. Stephanie Hollingshed, Ms. Ethel Shine, Mr. Joe Jones; second row: Mr. Herman Bush, Ms. Dorothy Lanier and Ms. Lenora Samuels.


The Senatobia District recently held a Christmas Party for clergy. "The Christmas party expressed gratitude to our pastors and spouses.  The ladies went beyond expectations in preparing the table scapes," said Rev. Andy Ray, Senatobia District Superintendent. "Our thanks to the men and women who also helped serve along with volunteers from Baddour Center and the NWCC Wesley Foundation."  Entertainment was provided by Mrs. Bonnie Lovdahl on piano, Timothy Switzer on saxophone and the Baddour Miracle Encore Singers.

Please be in prayer for Rev. Larry Patrick (TUP-Houston: First) who is hospitalized at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo after an automobile accident on Sunday.