The Circuit Rider
District 6 Celebrates New Faith Community
Jasmine Haynes, Communications Specialist
Approximately 80 people gathered for the constituting of the new faith community, the Church at the Barn Sunday, November 10 at the campus of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC) in Perkinston, Mississippi. Among those in attendance were around 50 United Methodists who transferred their membership from the district to this new church, several guests and four people who decided to join the church that day. Read More
Clergywomen Build Community During 2024 Retreat
Matthew Johnson, Communications Assistant
Clergywomen of the Mississippi Conference gathered at Crossgates United Methodist Church in Brandon, for the 2024 Clergywomen’s Retreat. The theme of the event was “Choosing the Better Part: The Revival of Rest in Jesus,” based on Luke 10:41-42. During the retreat, clergywomen were able to worship, fellowship and connect with their sisters in ministry while learning important ways to take time away to rest. Read More
The Church Has Left the Building
Matthew Johnson, Communications Assistant
Volunteers from the Mississippi Conference Office of Faith Community Formation shared the love of Christ with fairgoers during the 2024 Mississippi State Fair. For the second year, the conference purchased a booth inside the Mississippi Trade Mart, where interested fairgoers could stop by for a word of prayer, information on Mississippi Conference missions and ministries or items such as New Testament Bibles and crosses. Many who stopped by the booth were blessed and encouraged by the experience. Read More
Bishop Sharma Lewis, left, Rev. Trey Jones, middle and Rev. Dr. Jason Zebert speak with visitors to the Mississippi Conference booth. Photo courtesy Matthew Johnson
Members and friends gather for the chartering of the new faith community, the Church at the Barn.
Photo courtesy of Kaylee Alexander
Clergywomen worship together during the retreat. Photo courtesy Matthew Johnson
Resources to Celebrate the Advent Season
United Methodist Churches celebrate the season of Advent four Sundays before Christmas. During this season, we prepare for and anticipate the coming of Christ. Discipleship Ministries has Advent worship resources available for each Sunday before Advent. Click here to view the resources. Click here for a video that explains the Advent season.
Biloxi’s Moore Community House Celebrates Century of Ministry
Mississippi Conference benevolence, Moore Community House, in Biloxi, recently celebrated its 100th year in ministry. On a sunny Friday afternoon in October, many who have benefitted from the ministry’s education, childcare and job training programs gathered to recognize the agency’s history and impact on the Gulf Coast Community. Read More
Confirmation Retreats Offered in 2025
In 2025, Methodist campgrounds will be offering confirmation retreats. While at these retreats, youth gather and learn what it means to be Christian and United Methodist. Seashore Assembly, in Biloxi, will host confirmation camp January 24-26, 2025, and Camp Lake Stephens, in Oxford, will host their confirmation camp February 28-March 2 . For more information on Seashore Assembly’s confirmation retreat contact Rev David Huffman at 228.436.6767. For more information on Camp Lake Stephen’s confirmation retreat contact Kayla Martin at 662.234.3350.
Mississippi Conference Disaster Response Update
Mississippi Conference has been hard at work restoring lives in Mississippi and for brothers and sisters affected by Hurricane Helene. Trained conference early response teams, ERT, are currently serving in North and South Carolina and Florida. Associate director for UMCOR and UMVIM, Rev. Frank Newell offers a report on the recovery work ERT teams have helped complete. Read More
Photo right: Mississippi Conference ERT chainsaw team with South Carolina Conference Bishop Leonard Fairley. Photo courtesy Willie Morris
Photo above: Kids participate in a group exercise during the 2020 Seashore Assembly confirmation retreat. Photo courtesy: Seashore Assembly Facebook page.
Photo right: Rev. Carol Burnett, addresses the crowd during the 100th anniversary celebration. Photo courtesy Rev. Dayna Goff
UM-related Millsaps College Inaugurates New President
Recently Millsaps College held a weekend full of festivities celebrating the inauguration of their new president, Frank Neville. Earlier this year, the Millsaps College Board of Trustees welcomed Neville as its 12th president, culminating an exhaustive national search. Neville most recently served as senior vice president of strategic initiatives and chief of staff at Georgia Institute of Technology. During his tenure, he developed and implemented their strategic plan and improved administrative services. Read More
Treasurer’s Notes
In his final notes, conference treasurer, David Stotts, reminds churches about end of the year preparations. Included are notes on medical insurance, salary and pensions, mission shares and the new nonprofit annual report requirement from the Secretary of State. Click here to read his latest notes. The administry department is also inviting clergy to attend 3 “L” Academy. The two-day event will assist clergy in their preparations for retirement. For more information on 3 “L” Academy, click here.
Book Private Viewing of Gulfside Story
“The Gulfside Assembly Story” is an award-winning documentary that captures the profound legacy of Gulfside Assembly, established by black leaders within the Methodist Church to foster spiritual growth, education and community empowerment for African Americans in the early 20th century. Private viewings of the documentary are available for groups of 50 or more. Proceeds from ticket sales will directly support the ongoing mission of Gulfside Assembly, ensuring this historic site continues to inspire and serve future generations. For further inquiries and pricing levels please contact Cheryl Thompson, executive director of Gulfside Assembly at gulfsideassociation@gmail.com or 504.710.4884.
District Realignment Passes at Called Session
The Mississippi Annual Conference, the cabinet and episcopal leader, Bishop Sharma D. Lewis affirmed the recommendation of the Implementation District Realignment Team (IDRT) to reduce conference districts from seven to five during a called session of annual conference. Click here to read the full report from the 2024 called session.
Bishop Sharma D. Lewis presents journal to newly inaugurated Millsaps College President, Frank Neville. Photo courtesy of Jasmine Haynes
David Stotts greets annual conference attendees. Photo courtesy Greg Campbell Photography, Inc.
Happy Thanksgiving from Bishop Lewis
As we approach Thanksgiving Day, we experience changes in time and seasons. I’m grateful to serve the God that never changes and is the same yesterday, today and forever. Click here to watch my Thanksgiving greeting to you, and I pray you take a moment to reflect on the faithfulness of God in your life. You can also click here to download the video and share it with your congregations.
SAVE THE DATES
UM Student Day – Nov. 24
Sunday, November 24 is United Methodist Student Day. One hundred percent of offerings collected on this Special Sunday support scholarships for United Methodist students. Click here for the United Methodist Student Day pastor and leader kit.
Thanksgiving Office ClosureNov. 28-29
The conference and episcopal offices will be closed November 28-29 as we celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday with our friends and families. Offices will reopen Monday, December 1 at regular business hours.
Methodist
Children’s
Homes Giving Sunday – Dec. 8
Methodist Children’s Homes brings restoration to children and youth who have been neglected or abused. The Giving Sunday offering supports the children’s homes ministry and daily operation. Congregations can also support Methodist Children’s Homes through the Little Light of Mine special offering. For more information, click here
Christmas Office Closure –Dec. 24-Jan. 2, 2025
The conference and episcopal offices will be closed December 24 – January 2, 2025, as we
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
As a courtesy to the Mississippi Annual Conference, job announcements from across the United Methodist connection are featured in The Circuit Rider. To submit an employment notice, send an email to news@mississippi-umc.org. Postings are not guaranteed to appear more than once in Mississippi Conference publications. To read a description of job opening(s) listed below as well as other listings, click here.
• Executive Assistant to the Bishop | Conference Office (Jackson, MS)
• Contemporary Worship Leader—Part-time | St. Mark’s UMC (Brandon, MS)
• Director of Youth Ministry | St. Mark’s UMC (Brandon, MS)
• Secretary | Poplar Springs Drive UMC (Meridian, MS)
• Treasurer | Poplar Springs Drive UMC (Meridian, MS)
• Youth Community Ministry Director | Woodbine UMC (Nashville, TN)
celebrate the birth of the Savior. Offices will reopen at regular business hours Thursday, January 2.
Publication Note: The next publication of The Circuit Rider will be released January 2025.
CARES AND CONCERNS
As you pause to pray this week, take time to ask for strength, peace and comfort for the families and friends of those listed below who have joined the Church Triumphant:
• Bishop Clay Lee Jr. went to be with the Lord November 11.
• Carolyn McRaney, wife of Rev. Samuel McRaney passed away October 29.
• Rev. Van Moore went home to be with the Lord on October 18.
• Rev. Lamar Chamblee joined the Church Triumphant October 12.
• Rev. William Lowery passed away on September 29.