Mississippi Conference of the United Methodist Church
TheCircuitRider Quarterly Newsletter
Connecting with Campus Ministries By Jasmine Haynes, Communications Specialist for the Mississippi Conference
Children and youth aren’t the only
communities can do to support collegebound students in their congregations is to find out where those students are going to college. Then congregations should ensure they know about the Wesley Foundation on that campus and make a connection.
students headed back to school. Young adults are returning or embarking on a journey of ‘adulting’ and learning what all that entails at colleges and universities around Mississippi and at out-of-state campuses. Now is a great time for faith communities to offer guidance and support to students who belong to their congregations, as well as partner with campus ministries to help those who are a long way from home. According to East Mississippi Community College (EMCC) Wesley Foundation Director Rev. Zac Cox, the first thing faith
“It’s so important for students to have a safe and positive place to go and a Wesley Foundation is that place.” – Rev. Zac Cox
EMCC Wesley Foundation students out bowling. Photo courtesy of Rev. Zac Cox.
“College is a time of growth and selfdiscovery for students that can lead to anxiety about decisions that will impact their futures,” said Cox. [Read More]
Merging Methodist: First UMC, St. Paul’s to Become One By Josh Troy, The Clarksdale Press Register
“There was no deliberate plan,” Vanderburg said. “It was not that I was coming here to do this. I was sent here to continue the process and see where it led. We began doing more joint things together. We started doing joint worship every quarter, things like that.”
IN THIS ISSUE:
A joint service between First United Methodist Church and St. Paul’s United Methodist Church filled the pews recently. (Courtesy Photo)
Vanderburg said people enjoyed joint worship and pushed the effort for the churches to come together. He acknowledged there are always some people not happy with change, but felt the merger would be a positive move. [Read More]
Camp Lake Stephens: Children’s Retreat page 2 | Methodist Rehabilitation Center: Meridian Resident Rebounds in Record Time page 2 | Fam Jam: Heirs to the Throne Tour page 3 | Cares and Concerns page 4
FALL 2019
Two Methodist churches in Clarksdale have been coming together for more activities the past five years. First United Methodist Church on East Second Street and St. Paul’s United Methodist Church made the move to have one pastor for the first time with the hiring of John Garrott in 2015. Neville Vanderburg came from Belmont United Methodist Church in Belmont and replaced Garrott as pastor in 2017. The churches took another step in coming together as they agreed to consolidate as of July 1. Most of the services and other major activities will move to First United Methodist Church. Each church voted in favor of consolidation individually on April 21. Then both churches came together to vote for consolidation and it was approved at the Mississippi Methodist church conference in Jackson June 8.