The Circuit Rider
Prayer Conference Charts Path for Prayer Ministries
Jasmine Haynes, Communications Specialist
Clergy and laity from various regions of the Mississippi Conference gathered at Central United Methodist Church in Meridian Saturday, March 29 for the 2025 Pray Mississippi Conference. Themed “Teach us How to Pray,” the conference highlighted the vision of the prayer movement here in Mississippi, included personal prayer testimonies, had group exercises and featured teachings on the history of prayer, scriptures on prayer and interactive prayer activities. Read More
Miss. Conference Takes Journey on Justice
Jasmine Haynes, Communications Specialist
In mid-March, 38 travelers gathered for introductions, devotion and prayer at Anderson United Methodist Church in Jackson, and boarded a bus that would take them on a Civil Rights tour across the south for six days. Based on Ezekiel 11:19, the theme of this tour is “No Stone Unturned for Justice.” At the invitation of Bishop Sharma Lewis Logan, the episcopal leader of the Mississippi Conference, people signed up for the tour and committed to spending time in group devotion and contemplation through the use of a daily devotional and worship guide Read More
Announcing the Miss. Conference New District Names
At the 2024 Called Session of the Mississippi Annual Conference in October, the annual conference received a report and recommendation from the Implementation District Realignment Team, also known as the IDRT, and voted on a reduction from seven to five districts. The new district names of the Mississippi United Methodist Conference are the Northern Hills District, the Central District, the Capital River District, the Red Clay Hills District and the Gulf Pines District. Look to see changes to district URLs, websites and communications in the future. Read More
Connecting Worship and Daily Living
in Lent
Lent is a season of preparation for the joy and hope of Easter. During Lent, many people fast or take on new activities aimed at improving their lives. Daniel Benedict, a former staffer at Discipleship Ministries, offers disciplines churches can employ during Lent that will help members connect worship and daily growth. Read More
Photo, right: Rev. Frank Newell kneels in prayer during Ash Wednesday service.
Photo courtesy of Jasmine Haynes
Bishop Sharma D. Lewis Logan (holding microphone) asks Rev. Lynn Mote how local congregations can pray for their surrounding communities.
Civil Rights Tourgoers, (left to right), Brayden Gaut, Dr. Marcus Gaut and Rev. Haven Boyd listen during a daily reflection on justice in Atlanta.
Join Clergy Retirement Plan Webinar
Wespath is hosting a virtual no-cost webinar for clergy and lay focused on the new Compass Clergy Retirement Plan, investments, benefits and well-being. The event takes place on Wednesday, April 30 beginning at 11:00 a.m. Click here to find information on the webinar segments and presenters and to register.
2026 United Women of Faith Assembly Website Now Open
The website for the 2026 United Women in Faith Assembly is now open. The upcoming gathering will take place in Indianapolis, Indiana, May 15-17, 2026. The theme for the event is “Dream It! Believe It! Do it!”
Click here to view the website and find all the activities, workshops and worship events of the 2026 Assembly.
Native American Ministries Sunday
Sunday, May 4 is Native American Ministries Sunday. On this special Sunday United Methodists are called to recognize and honor the gifts and contributions made by Native Americans to our society and church. The Native American Sunday Offering helps develop Native American Ministries and provides scholarships. Click here for the Native American Sunday pastor and leader kit.
Financial Leadership Course Teaches Good Stewardship
Matthew Johnson, Communications Assistant
Six Mississippi Conference pastors and their lay leaders learned techniques of congregational financial stewardship thanks to an eight-session course offered through Garrett Theological Seminary’s Life-Long Learning. The course entitled Financial Leadership for Churches explored financial best practices, leadership roles and responsibilities and the importance of mission clarity and integrity. Equipped with this knowledge, church leaders were prepared to be good managers of the resources God’s people provide. Read More
Photo courtesy
Photo right: Bonnie Marden, top row second from left, leads pastors in the Financial Leadership for Churches course.
Photo:
Photo courtesy resourceumc.org
Screenshot courtesy Bonnie Marden
Members of United Women in Faith worship together during Assembly.
Download 2025 Annual Conference Session App
Stay up to date will all things annual conference by downloading the MS UMC Conference app. The app can be found in the Apple and Android app store. On the app, you will find the most up-to-date information about the event including hotels, the agenda and as details are finalized, more information will be added or updated in the app. For those without smartphones and tablets, or who just prefer using the website, you can click here
Mission Grants Help Empower NextGen Women
Youth participate in a session during Tea Time.
Every quarter high school and middle school girls at Gautier First United Methodist Church gather for Tea Time Women Empowering NextGen Women. This event offers space for the teens to discuss issues that matter to them, to fellowship and to receive information on physical and mental wellbeing. The program was funded in part by mission grants offered through the office of connectional ministries. Click here to view photos from the most recent Tea Time event.
Board of Laity Announces District Wide Laity Rallies
The conference board of laity has announced district-wide laity rallies in each of the five Mississippi Conference districts. The aim of the rallies is to celebrate the fellowship of laity, inspire and encourage their efforts and support their invaluable work within local churches and districts. The first rally takes place in the Central District on Saturday, April 12 at First Unity United Methodist Church in Weir. Click here to register. For more information on upcoming laity rallies contact conference lay leader Vera Thomas at layleader@mississippi-umc.org
Watch the AALA Iron Sharpens Iron Event – African American clergy and laity from throughout the state gathered at Anderson United Methodist Church for the African American Leadership Academy Iron Sharpens Iron event. The meeting fostered unity among African American congregations and offered training and resources. Click here to see photos from the event. Click here to watch playback of the event.
Photo:
Photo courtesy Anderson
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Bishop Lewis Logan addresses attendees during the AALA Iron Sharpens Iron event.
SAVE THE DATES
Easter Office Closure – Apr. 18-21
The conference and episcopal offices will be closed Friday, April 18 through Monday, April 21 as we celebrate the Risen Savior. Offices will reopen Tuesday, April 22 at normal business hours.
Pop-up Preaching – May 1
The next Pop-up Preaching event takes place on Zoom May 1. Rev. Nance Hixson will lead a time of learning with a focus on preparing sermons for the summer slump. Click here for more information and Zoom link.
Publication Note:
The next Circuit Rider will be available at the annual conference session in June 2025.
Place an Ad in the 2025 Souvenir Journal
Purchase an ad in the 2025 Circuit Rider Souvenir Journal and showcase your appreciation, ministry or business. The Circuit Rider Souvenir Journal serves as a go-to guide for the 2025 Session of the Mississippi Annual Conference reaching around 75,000 Mississippi United Methodists. Click here for more information and to purchase an ad.
Methodist Senior Services Sunday Fund – May 11
The Methodist Senior Services special Sunday offering is May 11. The Senior Services Sunday fund meets the financial needs of elderly people who have outlived their resources and can no longer afford the cost of housing or care. The Sunday fund is not an apportioned item and 100% of donations are used to support elders. For more information on donating to Methodist Senior Services click here, and click here for the Sunday Fund video.
Memorial Day Office Closure –May 26
The conference and episcopal offices will be closed Monday, May 26 as we take time to
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
• Human Resource and Benefits Coordinator, Conference Office (Jackson, MS)
• Director of Family Ministries, Mumford UMC (Mumford, TN)
• Equity Justice Coordinator, GCORR (Nashville, TN)
• Part-time Administrative Assistant, Central UMC (Jackson, MS)
• Director of Youth Ministry, Cypress Lake UMC (Fort Myers, FL)
• Campus Minister/Director, ICC Wesley Foundation (Belden, Fulton and Tupelo)
• Part-Time Music Director, Main Street UMC (Bay St. Louis, MS)
• Contemporary Worship Leader—Part-time, St. Marks UMC (Brandon, MS)
• Multiple Openings, St. John’s UMC (Baton Rouge, LA)
honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Offices will reopen Tuesday, May 27 at normal business hours.
Juneteenth Office Closure – June 19
The conference and episcopal off will be closed Thursday, June 19 in observance of Juneteenth. Offices will reopen Friday, June 20 at normal business hours.
Clergy Moving Day – June 24
Tuesday, June 24 is moving day for clergy going to new appointments. The last Sunday in their current appointments will be June 22. The first Sunday for clergy in their new appointments is July 6.
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:
• Curtis Dixon Jr., husband of Rev. Linda Dixon, passed away on March 20.
• Rev. Washington Manning went home to be with the Lord on February 19.
• Rev. Thomas Morrow Jr. finished his earthly service on February 2.