This sign is displayed outside a church that I pass each day on the way home. Everyday my mind gets to racing…I wonder what my children would say is taught in our homes….I wonder what I taught today as we hurriedly readied ourselves for school and work….I wonder what my children are understanding about our teachings on love, responsibility and grace…I wonder what I might be teaching my children and my husband about my faith in God?
How are we, as leaders in the church, equipping our parents, grandparents and caregivers to be the best teachers they can be in their “homeschools?” There are numerous resources available to assist family “teachers” in their efforts.
Here are some curriculum resources to assist you in your efforts:
Conversations for Life: Talking with Your Child
Conversations for Life: Talking with Your Teenager
Created by God - a curriculum about human sexuality
Some books I would recommend:
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families by Stephen Covey
Children and Prayer by Betty Shannon Cloyd
Raising Great Kids by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend
Hand in Hand: Growing Spiritually with Our Children by Sue Downing
Some workshops that I can offer in your district, cluster or local church:
Parenting in the Pew – Designed for parents and worship leaders, this workshop will explore the ways we can best engage, encourage and assist children in their experiences of church and worship.
The 5 Love Languages of Children – Based on the book by Drs. Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell, this workshop will offer parents insight and understanding into the ways their child best expresses and receives love. Together, parents will discover how to express unconditional feelings of respect, affection, and commitment that will encourage and strengthen their family for the rest of their lives. This workshop has also been adapted into a session offered to leaders who work with children and youth in order to improve the ways that we communicate, discipline and engage with one another.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Doing Good All the Time
Recently, Wesley House has been transformed from the inside out with new building remodeling and targeted new programs, specially designed, to help people in the community be productive and healthy, with a staff that is professionally trained and called to serve.
The face of poverty is changing across the nation and in Meridian and surrounding area it is no different today. One half of the clients now being served at Wesley House are first time "askers" with…one third of those having college degrees … Some, more than one!
Wesley House wants to make a real difference in the lives of those who come to the "community house" where they are treated with the idea in mind that they were all created with a specific design and purpose by our Creator. While there will always be poverty, the Bible does not say that the same people have to live there all of their lives!
So, Wesley House is concentrating on helping those who are ready to help themselves. Each case is dealt with on an individual basis, and all people are treated with the same love and respect, whether they live under the bridge or are in the same Sunday School class as the staff…it simply does not matter. At this time of year Wesley House is asking people to make an investment … That’s right an investment in their community through the lives of the men, women and children that come their way. It is important to realize the impact of the work being done there is "God-driven."
With your help, He will allow folks at the Wesley House to serve those who come knocking on their door.
For a full length copy, please email Ginger Grissom Stevens, Director at gingerstevens@bellsouth.net – Phone 601-485-4736.
The face of poverty is changing across the nation and in Meridian and surrounding area it is no different today. One half of the clients now being served at Wesley House are first time "askers" with…one third of those having college degrees … Some, more than one!
Wesley House wants to make a real difference in the lives of those who come to the "community house" where they are treated with the idea in mind that they were all created with a specific design and purpose by our Creator. While there will always be poverty, the Bible does not say that the same people have to live there all of their lives!
So, Wesley House is concentrating on helping those who are ready to help themselves. Each case is dealt with on an individual basis, and all people are treated with the same love and respect, whether they live under the bridge or are in the same Sunday School class as the staff…it simply does not matter. At this time of year Wesley House is asking people to make an investment … That’s right an investment in their community through the lives of the men, women and children that come their way. It is important to realize the impact of the work being done there is "God-driven."
With your help, He will allow folks at the Wesley House to serve those who come knocking on their door.
For a full length copy, please email Ginger Grissom Stevens, Director at gingerstevens@bellsouth.net – Phone 601-485-4736.
Thank You
Sometimes in our rush to Advent and Christmas we run right past Thanksgiving.
This past week I was privileged to attend the Development Summit sponsored by the General Board of Global Ministries. Mission agencies and board members from across the denomination gathered to learn how to resource their missions.
It was an incredible experience for several reasons.
This past week I was privileged to attend the Development Summit sponsored by the General Board of Global Ministries. Mission agencies and board members from across the denomination gathered to learn how to resource their missions.
It was an incredible experience for several reasons.
- The event was such a quality experience with excellent leaders and resources.
- I was reminded that there are thousands of people serving God in hundreds of ways every day around this world through the United Methodist Church.
- I was reminded that development isn't about money as much as it is about telling incredible stories of what the money is and can do!
- Finally, I was reminded of my manners. Say "please" and "thank you".
One of the ideas we were given was to have a "thank-a-thon".
Take time to thank those who make your ministry and mission happen. Cool.
So here is the beginning of my "thank-a-thon".
Thank you for all you do and have done. We are so blessed in the Mississippi Annual Conference to have so many generous and faithful servants of God! I thank God for you and for the congregations in the 1138 places where the Kingdom is coming. I have been blessed by you!
Let me close with a passage from Ephesians. Ephesians 1:3 "How we praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we belong to Christ"Our whole lives should be a "thank-a -thon."
Happy Thanksgiving!
Live loved,
Steve
Monday, November 17, 2008
Letter from Tommy Miller
We hear a lot these days about the bad economy and how many people are struggling to make ends meet, and this is true. But God has so richly blessed so many of us United Methodist that we tend to forget how much God has really done for us. With the holidays coming up Good Shepherd Community Center in Vicksburg, one of our Mississippi United Methodist Community Centers, is helping to make a difference in the lives of people in need.
Good Shepherd will be giving out meals to 200 families this Thanksgiving. Through donations of food and money we will be able to give these families a feast for their Thanksgiving meal that we all would be proud of and food for at least 7-8 more meals for their family. With the number we have signed up we should give out almost 4,000 meals the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. You can help by providing canned goods or by your donation to this ministry.
Christmas is right around the corner and we have adopted 275 children to provide toys and clothes for this year. You cannot imagine the joy on the parent's faces when they pick up those toys on December 18th and hear the reports of how special Christmas was for their family because of our shared ministry. You can help by adopting a family or a child to provide Christmas.
Please be in prayer for all of our outreach ministries this year as we continue to work in our communities to meet the needs of so many. Your continued support of our ministries will help us continue to be hands and feet of Jesus in our hurting and lost world.
Thank You - Rev. Tommy Miller
Good Shepherd will be giving out meals to 200 families this Thanksgiving. Through donations of food and money we will be able to give these families a feast for their Thanksgiving meal that we all would be proud of and food for at least 7-8 more meals for their family. With the number we have signed up we should give out almost 4,000 meals the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. You can help by providing canned goods or by your donation to this ministry.
Christmas is right around the corner and we have adopted 275 children to provide toys and clothes for this year. You cannot imagine the joy on the parent's faces when they pick up those toys on December 18th and hear the reports of how special Christmas was for their family because of our shared ministry. You can help by adopting a family or a child to provide Christmas.
Please be in prayer for all of our outreach ministries this year as we continue to work in our communities to meet the needs of so many. Your continued support of our ministries will help us continue to be hands and feet of Jesus in our hurting and lost world.
Thank You - Rev. Tommy Miller
Monday, November 10, 2008
Children and Politics
My two elementary children have been swept up in the hype of this presidential election. Over supper, on more than one occasion, both have engaged their father and I in conversations about the politics of our next president, his family, and how the choices of our government might affect them.
Is it even appropriate that my two young boys are already becoming aware of the political society in which we live? Is it helpful that they know what some of the issues are at the forefront of everyday conversations? What is the right language that I, as their parent should use, to speak with them about such a complex issue?
Finally, it came to me. I need to speak to them about the issues that they understand. I need to speak into the situations that they find themselves in daily as they engage with other children and families at school, at church and in our extra-curricular activities. Some of the issues that we now discuss in our car rides, around our dinner table, and in conversations on the back deck include:
Education – We discuss the importance of education and its gift to shape and form our lives into the person God has created us to be. A staggering 35% of students who enter school in Mississippi do not graduate. We share with our children the expectation that we have to see them graduate from high school and continue their education in college.
Poverty – 30% of Mississippi’s children live in poverty. We find ways to let our children see poverty first hand so that they have a point of reference for our discussions. We talk about the ways that we have been blessed through God’s goodness and how through our own hard work and commitment we are able to provide for our family. We discuss some of the different situations that people encounter as they live in poverty. Constantly, we encourage our children to live out the command, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Money - Who isn’t talking about money right now? We have just recently started paying our 8 year old a weekly allowance for certain household chores that he completes. There are some responsibilities that are “part of being a family” and he doesn’t earn money for these things. Every week he must divide his allowance into three categories: tithe, savings, and spending. As we go to various stores, he now uses his own money for toys, candy, etc. This provides many opportunities for us to talk about delaying gratification, the importance of tithing, and the importance of saving for various unplanned event that may arise in life. The bi-product in this is that we are able to help our children understand that money is not in endless supply!
The point of all of this: The issues being discussed in the coffee shops, at lunch, and around the watercooler at the office affect us all, regardless of age. We need to understand exactly what is being said and unsaid. Most importantly, we need to ask the question “How does this effect the children?”
If we really want to be about making disciples for the transformation of the world, then we have to be active in transforming the world from what it is to what it can become for our children and all the generations to come.
Will you be a part of these conversations with the children in your life?
I hope you will!
Is it even appropriate that my two young boys are already becoming aware of the political society in which we live? Is it helpful that they know what some of the issues are at the forefront of everyday conversations? What is the right language that I, as their parent should use, to speak with them about such a complex issue?
Finally, it came to me. I need to speak to them about the issues that they understand. I need to speak into the situations that they find themselves in daily as they engage with other children and families at school, at church and in our extra-curricular activities. Some of the issues that we now discuss in our car rides, around our dinner table, and in conversations on the back deck include:
Education – We discuss the importance of education and its gift to shape and form our lives into the person God has created us to be. A staggering 35% of students who enter school in Mississippi do not graduate. We share with our children the expectation that we have to see them graduate from high school and continue their education in college.
Poverty – 30% of Mississippi’s children live in poverty. We find ways to let our children see poverty first hand so that they have a point of reference for our discussions. We talk about the ways that we have been blessed through God’s goodness and how through our own hard work and commitment we are able to provide for our family. We discuss some of the different situations that people encounter as they live in poverty. Constantly, we encourage our children to live out the command, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Money - Who isn’t talking about money right now? We have just recently started paying our 8 year old a weekly allowance for certain household chores that he completes. There are some responsibilities that are “part of being a family” and he doesn’t earn money for these things. Every week he must divide his allowance into three categories: tithe, savings, and spending. As we go to various stores, he now uses his own money for toys, candy, etc. This provides many opportunities for us to talk about delaying gratification, the importance of tithing, and the importance of saving for various unplanned event that may arise in life. The bi-product in this is that we are able to help our children understand that money is not in endless supply!
The point of all of this: The issues being discussed in the coffee shops, at lunch, and around the watercooler at the office affect us all, regardless of age. We need to understand exactly what is being said and unsaid. Most importantly, we need to ask the question “How does this effect the children?”
If we really want to be about making disciples for the transformation of the world, then we have to be active in transforming the world from what it is to what it can become for our children and all the generations to come.
Will you be a part of these conversations with the children in your life?
I hope you will!
Building Bridges
Galatians 3:28
(New International Version)
There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
(New International Version)
There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008. I witnessed something that I thought would never happen. Senator Barack Obama, an African American, was elected president of the United States of America.
Millions of Americans voted without regard to race.
This presidential campaign was historical for several other reasons also. Senator Clinton and Governor Palin also opened the doors for females. Millions of voters showed that gender does not have to be a factor. Governor Richardson reminded us that American is not just black and white. The election was historical because of the record number of people who registered and voted. There were more voters, more younger voters, and more diverse voters in this election.
Across America, we saw people coming together without regard to gender, age or race. As I watched this take place I wonder where does my home state of Mississippi stand.
Many claim that we are a state weighed down by the past. They say that we are not able to look beyond color. Sadly enough, this was only reinforced when after the election of Senator Obama students in Pearl, Mississippi, were told they could not say his name. When students are punished for saying the name of the president elect of the United States of America, what does that say about us as a state?
I pray that we do not allow our great state to be defined by the misguided action of a few. I call upon the the body of Christ which resides in the “Great State of Mississippi” to stand together as black, white, red, yellow and brown, showing the world that we are not defined by race but by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We have an opportunity to show that love is greater than hate and Jesus is bigger than racism.
Lighter Partners is one way you and your church can make a difference. If you are not a Light Partner, today is a great day to start.
Time will not change things, it is Christ filled people who in time bring about change.
Bits & Pieces
The word compassion is not used very often these days, but Jesus showed compassion towards all the needy people he encountered all through his ministry and thus modeled for us how we should respond to human suffering and need. He responded with action. The hope is closely linked to faith and suggests to us that we can put our faith into action and by doing this show compassion and give hope to those who need help.
Because the poor will always be with us until the Lord returns there is no shortage of mission and outreach projects in which we and our churches can get involved …
This Sunday the West Jackson District started a 4 day revival and Charge conference combination meeting that also features four mission initiatives. The theme is “To Revive the Church, to Reconnect Us. To Resource God’s People and to Reach Out in Christ’s Name.” The following four preachers, churches and ministries will be featured: Connie Shelton, Joe May, Rob Hill and Keith Tonkel; Good Shepherd Mission, Bethlehem Center, Society of St. Andrew, and Stop Hunger Now; Anderson UMC, Jackson, FUMC Clinton, FUMC Yazoo City and Hawkins UMC in Vicksburg.
What a Great Idea!!!
Pray, give and do for the least, the last and the lost of your community and the world!!!
Do you need help getting your missions committee started?
Please contact me (Jorge) and I will be glad to help.
Because the poor will always be with us until the Lord returns there is no shortage of mission and outreach projects in which we and our churches can get involved …
- Is there a jail near where you live where you and your church can come and visit and share the gospel, teach the inmates how to read and write or perhaps coach and encourage them to get their GED?
- If there is a hospital, nursery home nearby why don’t you call and find out how your church missions group can help?
- Is there a need for a soup kitchen or food pantry, clothes closet or other similar program to help the poor?
- Have you thought about needs by looking at people in groups such the elderly, children, immigrants, at risk teens?
This Sunday the West Jackson District started a 4 day revival and Charge conference combination meeting that also features four mission initiatives. The theme is “To Revive the Church, to Reconnect Us. To Resource God’s People and to Reach Out in Christ’s Name.” The following four preachers, churches and ministries will be featured: Connie Shelton, Joe May, Rob Hill and Keith Tonkel; Good Shepherd Mission, Bethlehem Center, Society of St. Andrew, and Stop Hunger Now; Anderson UMC, Jackson, FUMC Clinton, FUMC Yazoo City and Hawkins UMC in Vicksburg.
What a Great Idea!!!
Pray, give and do for the least, the last and the lost of your community and the world!!!
Do you need help getting your missions committee started?
Please contact me (Jorge) and I will be glad to help.
Mission PRoP
Spiritual formation and reformation often happens in such a surprising place. Michelle Shrader says God is always up to "Holy mischief". Amen! Well this weekend I was gifted with some of God's unusual blessings from a very unusual source.
This year at Annual Conference we will begin with what we are calling a "1 Plus Day." Thursday, June 11th we will have some extraordinary guests lead us in worship and conversation about our call to serve. One of the people we invited is Chris Lahr of Philadelphia, Pa. Chris is a part of a ministry called Mission Year. It is an incredible ministry that invites young adults to spend a year in service with the poor and homeless in inter-city Philly.
In preparation for the AC, I went to Philly this weekend to meet Chris and to see the ministry first hand. It was great timing because they were having a "PRoP" weekend. A PRoP weekend is a right of passage weekend. Chris talked about the rights of passage, so many cultures have and the fact that our culture has really lost that crossing point into adulthood. So on these weekends young people are invited to "cross over."
The weekend began with a gathering with the team and a conversation/devotional about poverty and homelessness. There is a movie and open discussion about the nature of homelessness. Then the participants are taken to a thrift store to get their wardrobe for the next day. Then they are given their night "shelter meal" of peanut butter and jelly, chips and a warm soda. This group was then taken to Chris's church building (Iglasia del Barrio) in the middle of one of the poorest Hispanic communities in Philly. They are instructed not to turn on lights or to use the water or toilets. There are a few flashlights given out and they are on their own (only able to bring three (3) items with them, excluding any electronic devices). They sleep there.
The next morning they are awakened at 6:30 (the time many shelters force their residents to leave) and given another sack lunch like the night before. They are then instructed to go to a particular part of town to spend the day with the homeless...no money, no ID, just their clothes on their back.
They are instructed to fulfill a checklist.
This weekend rocked my world. I thought I was so in tune with the poverty thing. Wrong! I was changed because I joined the group for most of the weekend (some I helped Chris prepare). It was one of a series of life changing gifts God has given me lately. One was the Delta Meeting about two months ago, secondly was a trip to our own HOPE mission for the poor and Homeless in Greenville, where I spent the day with Matthew Pharis who is appointed there. All of this is happening in the context of our General church initiatives for the next four years. One is centered in "Poverty".
As I reflected on the weekend and all that is happening, I have been reminded of our missional roots in Wesley. I am also reminded that the A2 indicators told us we are losing our passion for community mission. We are missing one of God's greatest gifts. Not the things we can do for the poor, but what they can bring to us.
After this weekend I have a new vision of Jesus words,"the poor will be with you always." It isn't a condemnation it is a gift. These people are our barometer for the health of our world and they will be here until "the Kingdom comes" because it cannot be until they have led us all to serve each other.
Mississippi is the poorest state in the nation. We have been forever! We can change that if we let the poor teach us. I hope to help us develop our own "Mission Year" here. It is time to change the numbers.
There are more poor now than before Dr. King's "Poor Peoples Campaign."
This isn't the Dream...but it ain't over yet!
Join me as I pray and dream. E-mail if you feel a passion for this. If you want to read more check out my blog later this week as I begin a series of reflections on the experience.
I am so glad I went through this right of passage.
Wanna come?
Live loved,
Steve
This year at Annual Conference we will begin with what we are calling a "1 Plus Day." Thursday, June 11th we will have some extraordinary guests lead us in worship and conversation about our call to serve. One of the people we invited is Chris Lahr of Philadelphia, Pa. Chris is a part of a ministry called Mission Year. It is an incredible ministry that invites young adults to spend a year in service with the poor and homeless in inter-city Philly.
In preparation for the AC, I went to Philly this weekend to meet Chris and to see the ministry first hand. It was great timing because they were having a "PRoP" weekend. A PRoP weekend is a right of passage weekend. Chris talked about the rights of passage, so many cultures have and the fact that our culture has really lost that crossing point into adulthood. So on these weekends young people are invited to "cross over."
The weekend began with a gathering with the team and a conversation/devotional about poverty and homelessness. There is a movie and open discussion about the nature of homelessness. Then the participants are taken to a thrift store to get their wardrobe for the next day. Then they are given their night "shelter meal" of peanut butter and jelly, chips and a warm soda. This group was then taken to Chris's church building (Iglasia del Barrio) in the middle of one of the poorest Hispanic communities in Philly. They are instructed not to turn on lights or to use the water or toilets. There are a few flashlights given out and they are on their own (only able to bring three (3) items with them, excluding any electronic devices). They sleep there.
The next morning they are awakened at 6:30 (the time many shelters force their residents to leave) and given another sack lunch like the night before. They are then instructed to go to a particular part of town to spend the day with the homeless...no money, no ID, just their clothes on their back.
They are instructed to fulfill a checklist.
- Spend an hour alone.
- Only travel in groups of three (3) or less
- Panhandle for money
- Dumpster dive
- Spend time with the homeless
- Don't stay in buildings longer than 30 min. Then they are sent out with a token for the L-train with instructions about where to meet for pick up.
This weekend rocked my world. I thought I was so in tune with the poverty thing. Wrong! I was changed because I joined the group for most of the weekend (some I helped Chris prepare). It was one of a series of life changing gifts God has given me lately. One was the Delta Meeting about two months ago, secondly was a trip to our own HOPE mission for the poor and Homeless in Greenville, where I spent the day with Matthew Pharis who is appointed there. All of this is happening in the context of our General church initiatives for the next four years. One is centered in "Poverty".
As I reflected on the weekend and all that is happening, I have been reminded of our missional roots in Wesley. I am also reminded that the A2 indicators told us we are losing our passion for community mission. We are missing one of God's greatest gifts. Not the things we can do for the poor, but what they can bring to us.
After this weekend I have a new vision of Jesus words,"the poor will be with you always." It isn't a condemnation it is a gift. These people are our barometer for the health of our world and they will be here until "the Kingdom comes" because it cannot be until they have led us all to serve each other.
Mississippi is the poorest state in the nation. We have been forever! We can change that if we let the poor teach us. I hope to help us develop our own "Mission Year" here. It is time to change the numbers.
There are more poor now than before Dr. King's "Poor Peoples Campaign."
This isn't the Dream...but it ain't over yet!
Join me as I pray and dream. E-mail if you feel a passion for this. If you want to read more check out my blog later this week as I begin a series of reflections on the experience.
I am so glad I went through this right of passage.
Wanna come?
Live loved,
Steve
Monday, November 3, 2008
Happy Anniversary BMCR!!!
The Southeastern Jurisdiction (SEJ) of the Black Methodist for Church Renewal, Inc (BMCR) celebrated their 40th anniversary on the Mississippi Gulf coast.
There were 16 different conferences represented including New York and New Mexico. The Mississippi and Western North Carolina Conference had the largest number to register, with eighteen. Mississippi Conference Officers elected for 2009 included Rev. Z. Beasley, vice-coordinator and Rev. J. Barnes, nomination committee.
Dr. D. Beckley and Rust College were thanked for hosting Harambee 2008. Rust College welcomed over two hundred and sixty youth from across the SEJ. A presentation of the event was shown at the meeting. Representation from Rust College did a wonderful job representing the Mississippi Conference. Dr. Beckley greeted the youth by riding his motorcycle on stage. Due to the large success of Harambee, Haaambee II is being planned. Harambee is for youth and Harambee II will be for college students/young adults.
Rev Z. Beasley and the Mississippi planning team are to be commended for a job well done.
Important details about the business session will be reported at a later date.
There were 16 different conferences represented including New York and New Mexico. The Mississippi and Western North Carolina Conference had the largest number to register, with eighteen. Mississippi Conference Officers elected for 2009 included Rev. Z. Beasley, vice-coordinator and Rev. J. Barnes, nomination committee.
Dr. D. Beckley and Rust College were thanked for hosting Harambee 2008. Rust College welcomed over two hundred and sixty youth from across the SEJ. A presentation of the event was shown at the meeting. Representation from Rust College did a wonderful job representing the Mississippi Conference. Dr. Beckley greeted the youth by riding his motorcycle on stage. Due to the large success of Harambee, Haaambee II is being planned. Harambee is for youth and Harambee II will be for college students/young adults.
Rev Z. Beasley and the Mississippi planning team are to be commended for a job well done.
Important details about the business session will be reported at a later date.
Mission and Outreach the Methodist Way
It may be surprising, but not all Methodists in the state know about the following six community centers in the Mississippi conference that are in the front lines of doing mission and outreach in our state; the work they do provides indispensable mission programs to the communities being served and is central to the church’s mission and outreach work in the state.
Your church can be in mission with these folks by praying for their staff and volunteers and the thousands of men, women and children they serve; you can give of your time, treasure and talent to their mission; and you can certainly call and ask what you can do by volunteering to work alongside.
Wesley House Community Center, Meridian
Feeding the hungry, welcoming the stranger, clothing the naked, healing the sick; Wesley House has been ministering to and serving the needs of the least, the last and the lost in the Meridian area since 1904. With six mission agencies under one roof consisting of Christian relief, education, child advocacy/victim’s services, free clinic and community center Wesley House is the go to place for these services to over 33,000 people in need in 15 counties surrounding Meridian.
Ginger Stevens, Director, gingerstevens@bellsouth.net – Phone 601-485-4736
St. Andrew’s Mission, McComb
SAM has been serving the McComb area since its incorporation in 1997 as a community center serving the many needs of senior citizens 55 and over as well as operating a free clinic which is staffed with doctors, nurses and clerical personnel for people of all ages. In addition it offers a special food service for handicapped seniors and a diner which is open to all and serves hot meals twice a week. SAM also operates a thrift store and provides many other services such as GED classes, parenting classes, and even a parish nurse who provides holistic health care in the community.
Ed Codding, Director, edcodding@yahoo.com – Phone 601-684-4678
Moore Community House, Biloxi
Since 1924 Moore CH has been in ministry to the Coast community in East Biloxi it provides quality childcare education and programs for community development and comprehensive family assessment and referrals. Since January, the former Biloxi Epworth United Methodist Church has been restored into a temporary facility for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years while Moore Community House completes its new child development center which was destroyed by Katrina and is now under construction; when the new center is completed Epworth will be turned over to the community as a community center. Moore offers programs to help single mothers working and/or going to school to help them gain self sufficiency including new job training programs in cooperation with HUD and the Biloxi Housing Authority.
Carol Burnett, Director, cburnett@mschildcare.org Phone – 228-669-4827
Good Shepherd Center, Vicksburg
Good Shepherd Center ministers to the least, the lost, the lonely and the last in the name of Jesus Christ through its varied ministries of daycare, GED program, free clinic and its Thanksgiving and Christmas food distribution programs.
Tommy Miller, Director, gscc@canufly.net – Phone 601-636-7687
Edwards Street Fellowship Center, Hattiesburg
Located in the southeast corner of Hattiesburg ESFC has served this low income community for almost 30 years. The center’s programs include quality multi-cultural pre-school care and educational services for children between the ages of six weeks and five years; a recently built food pantry has increased its capacity to provide food assistance to over 125 families each week; Cub, Boy Scout and Girl Scout children 6-16 meet here; and there are special programs to help girls’ develop their unique gifts and self image take place here; computer classes and social activities for older adults are also offered through ESFC.
Iva Brown, Director, esfcenter@comcast.net – Phone 601-544-6149
Bethlehem Center, Jackson
The Bethlehem Center is a National Mission Institution related to the United Methodist Church. Serving in one of Jackson’s poorest neighborhoods for the past 70 years, the Center serves low-income families and individuals through affordable quality childcare, a free income tax assistance program, a counseling center, and various community development initiatives. Recently it has expanded its program to include an infant room.
Tajuana Thicklen, Program Director, bethlehemcenter601@live.com – Phone 601-355-0224
Your church can be in mission with these folks by praying for their staff and volunteers and the thousands of men, women and children they serve; you can give of your time, treasure and talent to their mission; and you can certainly call and ask what you can do by volunteering to work alongside.
Wesley House Community Center, Meridian
Feeding the hungry, welcoming the stranger, clothing the naked, healing the sick; Wesley House has been ministering to and serving the needs of the least, the last and the lost in the Meridian area since 1904. With six mission agencies under one roof consisting of Christian relief, education, child advocacy/victim’s services, free clinic and community center Wesley House is the go to place for these services to over 33,000 people in need in 15 counties surrounding Meridian.
Ginger Stevens, Director, gingerstevens@bellsouth.net – Phone 601-485-4736
St. Andrew’s Mission, McComb
SAM has been serving the McComb area since its incorporation in 1997 as a community center serving the many needs of senior citizens 55 and over as well as operating a free clinic which is staffed with doctors, nurses and clerical personnel for people of all ages. In addition it offers a special food service for handicapped seniors and a diner which is open to all and serves hot meals twice a week. SAM also operates a thrift store and provides many other services such as GED classes, parenting classes, and even a parish nurse who provides holistic health care in the community.
Ed Codding, Director, edcodding@yahoo.com – Phone 601-684-4678
Moore Community House, Biloxi
Since 1924 Moore CH has been in ministry to the Coast community in East Biloxi it provides quality childcare education and programs for community development and comprehensive family assessment and referrals. Since January, the former Biloxi Epworth United Methodist Church has been restored into a temporary facility for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years while Moore Community House completes its new child development center which was destroyed by Katrina and is now under construction; when the new center is completed Epworth will be turned over to the community as a community center. Moore offers programs to help single mothers working and/or going to school to help them gain self sufficiency including new job training programs in cooperation with HUD and the Biloxi Housing Authority.
Carol Burnett, Director, cburnett@mschildcare.org Phone – 228-669-4827
Good Shepherd Center, Vicksburg
Good Shepherd Center ministers to the least, the lost, the lonely and the last in the name of Jesus Christ through its varied ministries of daycare, GED program, free clinic and its Thanksgiving and Christmas food distribution programs.
Tommy Miller, Director, gscc@canufly.net – Phone 601-636-7687
Edwards Street Fellowship Center, Hattiesburg
Located in the southeast corner of Hattiesburg ESFC has served this low income community for almost 30 years. The center’s programs include quality multi-cultural pre-school care and educational services for children between the ages of six weeks and five years; a recently built food pantry has increased its capacity to provide food assistance to over 125 families each week; Cub, Boy Scout and Girl Scout children 6-16 meet here; and there are special programs to help girls’ develop their unique gifts and self image take place here; computer classes and social activities for older adults are also offered through ESFC.
Iva Brown, Director, esfcenter@comcast.net – Phone 601-544-6149
Bethlehem Center, Jackson
The Bethlehem Center is a National Mission Institution related to the United Methodist Church. Serving in one of Jackson’s poorest neighborhoods for the past 70 years, the Center serves low-income families and individuals through affordable quality childcare, a free income tax assistance program, a counseling center, and various community development initiatives. Recently it has expanded its program to include an infant room.
Tajuana Thicklen, Program Director, bethlehemcenter601@live.com – Phone 601-355-0224
Holidays and Hospitality
"As you do it to one of these...you do it also to me" Matthew 25:40
We are in the season of thanksgiving, soon to be followed by Advent and then Christmas. People will be coming "home" for the holidays, others will be looking for a church to call their home. As we prepare for the holidays, let us do so by looking at our buildings, worship bulletins, and liturgies through the eyes and feet of a visitor. Here are some things to consider:
Consider having congregational greeters - it is their job to greet people, both known and unknown, as they find their place in the sanctuary.
We are in the season of thanksgiving, soon to be followed by Advent and then Christmas. People will be coming "home" for the holidays, others will be looking for a church to call their home. As we prepare for the holidays, let us do so by looking at our buildings, worship bulletins, and liturgies through the eyes and feet of a visitor. Here are some things to consider:
- Are parking lots clean and visitor spaces marked? Is it clear where to park and where not to park?
- Are entry ways welcoming and inviting? Is anyone at the doors to greet people as they arrive?
- Is your building welcoming to those in wheelchairs, on walkers, or crutches?
- Are there appropriate signs throughout the building identifying nurseries, classrooms, restrooms, sanctuary, choir room, church office, etc.?
- Is the bulletin user-friendly to those who are not familiar to our style and context of worship?
- Is The Lord's Prayer printed in the bulletin?
- If communion is to be shared, is it clear who can partake and how to partake?
- Is there an invitation extended to join the church?
- Are words of welcome offered to those who are gathered for worship?
- Are your members welcoming to those who are "strangers" to them?
Consider having congregational greeters - it is their job to greet people, both known and unknown, as they find their place in the sanctuary.
- What about the children and youth?
- What is happening in the service that would capture the attention of the children?
- How are children and youth involved in the leadership and planning of worship?
- Is the bulletin formatted in such a way to encourage children in their worship experience? If not, consider developing a children's bulletin that will aid them in their worship.
- How do you know who the visitor's are among you? How do you follow-up with them following the service to let them know of your gratitude for their presence?
- How is your church inviting people in the community and beyond the walls of the church to come "home" and to make their home in your church?
Let us be a people of welcoming grace and hospitality.
Investment
So how is your financial picture?
What a question! In light of the current economic situation what does the faith community have to say to the world?
What is it that we can share that will help folks find some hope?
I attended Catalyst (a conference in Atlanta for leaders) a couple weeks ago and heard Dave Ramsey speak. He talked about “unity” and afterwards he was asked what he had to say about the current crisis. He shot back quickly…”If you had done what I have been telling you to do you wouldn’t have to worry.” Dave is a big “debt free” person. He believes in being debt free, having an emergency fund, and in living within your means. He speaks often about tithing, but more about the fact that all we have is God’s and we are just stewards of it. We know that, but do we live into it…do we practice it?
Many of our churches face budgetary challenges. Many of our mission centers and institutions are in a financial crunch. It is easy to allow the pressures of this challenge to pull us apart. We have to pay bills and salaries and bank notes… it can be overwhelming. It seems like there just isn’t enough to go around. We have to choose what we pay first and what we must cut. It can get ugly fast. People can lose jobs and entire communities can be devastated. It is easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of panic and pessimism. At the local church and conference levels there is talk of short falls and lack of resources. Blame is cast and tension rises. This doesn’t solve anything! How we deal with this issue is a witness to the type of people we are and to what we value most. How would God have us act?
Now is when the “Church” can live into its true identity. We are the children of God. This God is a God of abundance. In God’s Kingdom there is always enough for everyone! What does that look like? Maybe the Second chapter of Acts captures the picture.
“Everyone around was in awe--- all those wonders and signs done through the apostles! And all the believers lived in a wonderful harmony, holding everything in common. They sold whatever they owned and pooled their resources so that each person’s need was met.” (Acts 2:42-ff Peterson’s Message)
Maybe what we have to teach and learn is that what we think we need isn’t really need and what we want isn’t always what is best. We live in a culture of individualism and abundance. Many around us have been in economic crisis for all their life. We are (even in this crisis) for the most part still very wealthy! We have bountiful resources. Best of all we have each other. All of this is God’s gift to us. We have a chance to be awesome in the eyes of this world by just sharing what we do have with those who don’t have. Sound too simple? It is. We make it complicated. We decide that we have to have all this stuff in our churches and our houses and all the time there are those who have no stuff or houses. Maybe the scare of losing what we have shouldn’t drive us to fearfully hoard all we can, maybe it should drive us to remember who’s it is and what God would have us do with it. What if our spirit was that of those first century saints who found the riches of God’s kingdom in each other and not in their banks? What if our churches weren’t asking how can we make budget or keep our building open, but who needs what we have to survive? Some will say this is niave. The truth is that we often justify our indulgence and call it need. We have much to learn together. I cannot wait to see how God will perform the signs and wonders that will lead us forward in faith.
As stewards of this great bounty we have will God find us faithful? Will the world see us share and be drawn in by our generosity and compassion? If we want more people, more young people, more diverse people…let’s model this Biblical stewardship and love the people in need with our resources and not just our prayers.
This is Thanksgiving time. We have so much to be thankful for. Many have nothing. Could we set a place at the table for them? Could we sell what we have to help them? If we did I think it would look like a Kingdom Feast. It is time for a return to a simpler way, to a time where people are more important that things. We need to be communities where relationship is our primary currency and love our treasure. Money will not and cannot save us! Let this season be a time for generosity and sharing. “For God so loved the world …”, this is how we are saved! What an awesome God! See you at the feast and I hope you’re not alone.
Live Loved,
Steve
What a question! In light of the current economic situation what does the faith community have to say to the world?
What is it that we can share that will help folks find some hope?
I attended Catalyst (a conference in Atlanta for leaders) a couple weeks ago and heard Dave Ramsey speak. He talked about “unity” and afterwards he was asked what he had to say about the current crisis. He shot back quickly…”If you had done what I have been telling you to do you wouldn’t have to worry.” Dave is a big “debt free” person. He believes in being debt free, having an emergency fund, and in living within your means. He speaks often about tithing, but more about the fact that all we have is God’s and we are just stewards of it. We know that, but do we live into it…do we practice it?
Many of our churches face budgetary challenges. Many of our mission centers and institutions are in a financial crunch. It is easy to allow the pressures of this challenge to pull us apart. We have to pay bills and salaries and bank notes… it can be overwhelming. It seems like there just isn’t enough to go around. We have to choose what we pay first and what we must cut. It can get ugly fast. People can lose jobs and entire communities can be devastated. It is easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of panic and pessimism. At the local church and conference levels there is talk of short falls and lack of resources. Blame is cast and tension rises. This doesn’t solve anything! How we deal with this issue is a witness to the type of people we are and to what we value most. How would God have us act?
Now is when the “Church” can live into its true identity. We are the children of God. This God is a God of abundance. In God’s Kingdom there is always enough for everyone! What does that look like? Maybe the Second chapter of Acts captures the picture.
“Everyone around was in awe--- all those wonders and signs done through the apostles! And all the believers lived in a wonderful harmony, holding everything in common. They sold whatever they owned and pooled their resources so that each person’s need was met.” (Acts 2:42-ff Peterson’s Message)
Maybe what we have to teach and learn is that what we think we need isn’t really need and what we want isn’t always what is best. We live in a culture of individualism and abundance. Many around us have been in economic crisis for all their life. We are (even in this crisis) for the most part still very wealthy! We have bountiful resources. Best of all we have each other. All of this is God’s gift to us. We have a chance to be awesome in the eyes of this world by just sharing what we do have with those who don’t have. Sound too simple? It is. We make it complicated. We decide that we have to have all this stuff in our churches and our houses and all the time there are those who have no stuff or houses. Maybe the scare of losing what we have shouldn’t drive us to fearfully hoard all we can, maybe it should drive us to remember who’s it is and what God would have us do with it. What if our spirit was that of those first century saints who found the riches of God’s kingdom in each other and not in their banks? What if our churches weren’t asking how can we make budget or keep our building open, but who needs what we have to survive? Some will say this is niave. The truth is that we often justify our indulgence and call it need. We have much to learn together. I cannot wait to see how God will perform the signs and wonders that will lead us forward in faith.
As stewards of this great bounty we have will God find us faithful? Will the world see us share and be drawn in by our generosity and compassion? If we want more people, more young people, more diverse people…let’s model this Biblical stewardship and love the people in need with our resources and not just our prayers.
This is Thanksgiving time. We have so much to be thankful for. Many have nothing. Could we set a place at the table for them? Could we sell what we have to help them? If we did I think it would look like a Kingdom Feast. It is time for a return to a simpler way, to a time where people are more important that things. We need to be communities where relationship is our primary currency and love our treasure. Money will not and cannot save us! Let this season be a time for generosity and sharing. “For God so loved the world …”, this is how we are saved! What an awesome God! See you at the feast and I hope you’re not alone.
Live Loved,
Steve
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