Light Partners are churches that share experiences across racial lines. Bible study, worship, prayer and many other activities increase cultural understanding
Many churches in the Mississippi Conference have already become Light Partners. We hope that your church has begun this journey, if not; today is a good time to start.
Forrest Hill UMC and Middlebrook UMC are prime examples of Light Partners. Conference staff members, the Reverends Steve Casteel and Fitzgerald Lovett, are the pastors of Forrest Hill and “The Brook” respectfully. The two churches are next door neighbors with a pine tree grove between them.
There have been several projects Forrest Hill and Middlebrook have sponsored such as:
- The 40th anniversary of the assassination of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
- A pew exchange where five (5) members of Forrest Hill worshiped at Middlebrook and vice versa.
Little things can make a big difference!!!
During the Christmas season, the two (2) churches came together for worship and fellowship. After worship one Sunday morning, the churches met in the pine tree grove. They fellowshipped, prayed, sang Christmas carols and decorated the Christmas tree, which had been planted a few years earlier. Later the churches came together in the fellowship hall of Middlebrook for soup, chili, stew, gumbo and fellowship.
Light Partners are living examples of the love of Christ.
Blacks and Whites worshiping together from Christmas at Middlebrook to Ash Wednesday service at Forrest Hill.
Forrest Hill UMC and Middlebrook UMC are examples of the light that continue to shine across the state of Mississippi. If you would like more information about Light Partners, contact the Office of Connectional Ministries at connectionalministries@mississippi-umc.org or (601) 354-0515 ext. 14.
3 comments:
I whole heartedly support this ministry. In "06" I was removed from my Charge as local Pastor because a friend of another race attended with me as my quest. I only wish my case could have been further reviewed. The reaction of opposition was intense enough that anything said about me was used to have me removed. I still regret this for our Church as it is the reverse of the Great Commission and spirit of love. I'm surprised this happened since I didn't suspect in the least that it could happen in our Church that takes it's stand on the Motto:"Open hearts, Open minds, Open Doors. I am sorry that now I am disconnected by order of the Board of Ordain Ministry and the DS.
My Prayers remain for all those who dare to be the champions of a Church that crosses the bridges to connect to others with Christ love in all the world.
The need that isn't being seen is the taking care of our fellow brothers and sisters in ministry. When we hear a need, a cry, a suffering soul, why can't it be addressed like our heavenly Father would. To connect is to 'wrap loving arms' around ANY child of God..no matter who they are, because it's WHOSE they are that matters most...or it should matter.
I whole heartedly support the ministry which would see who the first anonymous is and 'do something' instead of reading and deleting.
amen to that.
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