Stop Hunger Now seeks to open warehouse in Mississippi.
Stop Hunger Now is an organization that provides direct food relief in crisis areas and in areas where chronic hunger and malnutrition exists. Its innovative model of developing international partnerships, as well as working with indigenous organizations, has created a responsive, timely method of distributing life-saving aid and services by the most economical means possible.
In ongoing efforts to end world hunger, Stop Hunger Now's goal is to build at least one warehouse on each of the major continents, keeping a minimum of five to 10 million servings of food at each location. Stop Hunger Now wants to duplicate its successful warehouse operation not just overseas, but also in several regions of the country. For this reason, the Mississippi Conference is in the process of enlisting donors, supporters and volunteers to help establish a warehouse right here in our state.
Ending hunger is possible within the lifetime of our children. The way it is (25,000 dying of hunger everyday) is not the way it needs to be. The United Nations estimates that through school lunch feeding programs similar to one’s used by Stop Hunger Now (SHN) hunger can be cut in half in the next 25 years.
SHN works to end hunger through:
Emergency Relief: Providing food and aid immediately following a crisis situation
School Feeding Programs: Supplying schools in crisis areas with high protein, vitamin enriched, dehydrated rice-soy meals
Capacity Building: Supporting partnership organizations with capacity building grants designed to improve local program infrastructure and support programs
By using minimal organizational staff, SHN is able to maximize the amount of aid delivered to people in need. SHN has provided over $44 million dollars worth of aid to more than 65 countries worldwide.
This volunteer driven and supported ministry has become a very popular missions event and last year. At Annual Conference, there were over 100,000 meals packaged by 400 volunteers in only 2 days, way ahead of the estimated completion time. The food packaged consists of dehydrated, fortified rice-soy meals containing over 20 vitamins and minerals especially formulated for the undernourished. The meals are vacuum-sealed in bags three millimeters thick. This popular and successful mission activity has also been staged at Galloway in Jackson, Meridian First and Shaeffers Chapel, Columbus and at the University of Southern Mississippi in years past.
If you, your church, mission group, civic group or social club is interested in helping get a Stop Hunger Now warehouse started here in Mississippi, please contact Mike Ward at MHJBWARD@aol.com or Jorge Navarrete at Jorge@mississippi-umc.org.
Jorge
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Child Abuse Prevention Month
4 children die every day because of it.
Every 10 seconds another child experiences it.
At least one person in your congregation is/ has been the victim of it.
What is it? Child Abuse. It occurs at every socio-economic level, across ethnic and cultural lines, within all religions and at all levels of education. The effects of it are life-long and invade every aspect of a victim’s life. What is the good news in all of this? We can and are doing something to address the problem.
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. It is an excellent time to focus on child abuse education. Children need to be taught to know the difference between good and bad touches. Parents need to learn the scope of child abuse and what to look for in their own children. Teachers, pastors, grandparents, and/or anyone who cares for and loves children needs to understand the problem, their role in addressing it and what we can do as a community of faith to minimize the possibilities of children being abused.
There is nothing more heartbreaking than to sit with a child and their parent(s) after abuse has occurred. The pain and the wounds are truly too deep for words and the ripple effect of that pain in the family and community is intense. Here is an opportunity for you to be pro-active…to involve yourself now before a situation arises and causes such grief, mistrust, and woundedness in your community. Be a part of a solution!
· Host a child abuse education program (I along with any number of pediatricians, social workers, etc. would happily lead this event)
· Celebrate and make known to the congregation what your local church is doing to protect children from abuse while in the care of the church
· Offer a Safe Sanctuaries workshop to motivate people toward action
· Proclaim April as Child Abuse Prevention Month and build teaching opportunities around that theme
· Become educated about the work of Wesley Community House in Meridian. It is one of our United Methodist Community Centers that specializes in ministry with victims of child abuse.
· There are several different child-oriented coloring books and teaching tools specifically for children on this subject. Offer them as a gift to children in your community.
· Promote better parenting by offering a seminar just for them focusing on discipline, anger management, and child abuse.
· Consider a preaching series focused on Christ’s teachings regarding children and the faith community.
We cannot eradicate child abuse in a one month effort. We may not be able to effect statewide education and change. However, we CAN make a difference. We CAN save at least one child from the horror and pain abuse inflicts. We CAN and we must! I hope you will join with me in welcoming and honoring Christ as we truly welcome and honor the children that God has entrusted to us.
Michelle Foster
Every 10 seconds another child experiences it.
At least one person in your congregation is/ has been the victim of it.
What is it? Child Abuse. It occurs at every socio-economic level, across ethnic and cultural lines, within all religions and at all levels of education. The effects of it are life-long and invade every aspect of a victim’s life. What is the good news in all of this? We can and are doing something to address the problem.
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. It is an excellent time to focus on child abuse education. Children need to be taught to know the difference between good and bad touches. Parents need to learn the scope of child abuse and what to look for in their own children. Teachers, pastors, grandparents, and/or anyone who cares for and loves children needs to understand the problem, their role in addressing it and what we can do as a community of faith to minimize the possibilities of children being abused.
There is nothing more heartbreaking than to sit with a child and their parent(s) after abuse has occurred. The pain and the wounds are truly too deep for words and the ripple effect of that pain in the family and community is intense. Here is an opportunity for you to be pro-active…to involve yourself now before a situation arises and causes such grief, mistrust, and woundedness in your community. Be a part of a solution!
· Host a child abuse education program (I along with any number of pediatricians, social workers, etc. would happily lead this event)
· Celebrate and make known to the congregation what your local church is doing to protect children from abuse while in the care of the church
· Offer a Safe Sanctuaries workshop to motivate people toward action
· Proclaim April as Child Abuse Prevention Month and build teaching opportunities around that theme
· Become educated about the work of Wesley Community House in Meridian. It is one of our United Methodist Community Centers that specializes in ministry with victims of child abuse.
· There are several different child-oriented coloring books and teaching tools specifically for children on this subject. Offer them as a gift to children in your community.
· Promote better parenting by offering a seminar just for them focusing on discipline, anger management, and child abuse.
· Consider a preaching series focused on Christ’s teachings regarding children and the faith community.
We cannot eradicate child abuse in a one month effort. We may not be able to effect statewide education and change. However, we CAN make a difference. We CAN save at least one child from the horror and pain abuse inflicts. We CAN and we must! I hope you will join with me in welcoming and honoring Christ as we truly welcome and honor the children that God has entrusted to us.
Michelle Foster
African-Americans in the News: Timothy E. Crisler
Timothy E. Crisler
Lay Leader for
Mississippi Annual Conference
Timothy Crisler is the Senior Corporate Communications Specialist and lead spokesman for Entergy Nuclear fleet, Entergy Corporation, the fourth largest electricity producer in the United States. At Entergy Nuclear, Crisler is a member of the Generation Communications staff. As Senior Corporate Communications Specialist, he oversees strategic planning and communications to internal and external audiences. Other responsibilities with the company include media relations, public relations, community relations, internet communications, crisis planning and response, meeting planning and local government relations. Crisler joined Entergy in 2005.
He has served in many capacities throughout his professional career. Prior to joining Entergy, for over a decade, Crisler was employed with Mississippi’s largest television station, NBC affiliate WLBT TV 3 as Senior News Producer. During his tenure there he served as an associate producer for the weekend Newscast, associate producer for sports journal, Producer of Frank Melton’s Bottom Line, Producer of the Early Morning show, Producer of the Noon Newscast, Field Producer, Creator and Producer of the Mid-Day Mississippi Show, Public Affairs Assistant and Marketing Assistant. As Senior News Producer, he was involved in many other aspects of local programming and public relations for the station.
Crisler has also held the top communications position at Mississippi’s largest African American Funeral Home, Peoples Funeral Home, Inc. in Jackson. He also served for a couple of years as an adjunct professor at Belhaven College, teaching various communications courses to young and upcoming journalist.
His educational background includes a bachelor of arts degree (cum laude) in broadcast communications from Alcorn State University and a master of science degree in mass communications with emphasizes in public relations and marketing from Mississippi College.
In addition to his career, Crisler has been active in many professional, civic, and charitable causes. Currently he serves as Conference Lay Leader for the Mississippi Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. Crisler was elected as conference lay leader in June, 2008. He is the youngest person ever to serve in this position and only the second Africa-America elected to serve as conference lay leader for Mississippi Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. As conference lay leader, he is the head layman of 190,000 United Methodists in 1,147 congregations in 11 districts across the state of Mississippi.
He is a member of the White Oak United Methodist Church in Crystal Springs. In his church he serves as Lay Leader, Certified Lay Speaker, member of the Steward Board, Chairman of the Educational Committee, Sunday School Teacher, Bible School Teacher, Choir member, Prayer Coordinator, Trustee Chairman, Finance Chairperson, Couples Ministry Chairperson, Worship Chairperson and member of the Pastor Parish Relations Committee and was the former president of United Methodist Men in his church.
In the community, he serves on the Board of Directors for Alcorn State University Wesley Foundation, were he is an honorary life member. He is a Prince Hall Mason and member of Sanderson Lodge Number 22 of the Most Worshipful Stringer Grand Lodge Free and Accepted Masons, Holy Royal Arch Masons, United Supreme Council Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Free masonry Southern Jurisdiction, Grand United Order of Odd Fellows, member of the Mississippi Grand Council Royal & Select Masters, member of Rissah Temple No. 130 Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine of North and South America and its Jurisdictions, where he currently serves as The Illustrious Chief Rabban, member of T.C. Almore Grand Commandery of Mississippi - Knights Templar, Joseph B. Henderson Commanders of the Rite Jurisdiction of Mississippi and he is also a member of Jackson’s local chapter of Association of Black Journalist, Public Relations Association of Mississippi Central Chapter, Southern Public Relations Federation Member, American Association of blacks in Energy, NAACP and a Member of Alpha Kappa MU National Honor Society.
Crisler is married to the former Katrina Golliday and they reside in Raymond Mississippi.
Lay Leader for
Mississippi Annual Conference
Timothy Crisler is the Senior Corporate Communications Specialist and lead spokesman for Entergy Nuclear fleet, Entergy Corporation, the fourth largest electricity producer in the United States. At Entergy Nuclear, Crisler is a member of the Generation Communications staff. As Senior Corporate Communications Specialist, he oversees strategic planning and communications to internal and external audiences. Other responsibilities with the company include media relations, public relations, community relations, internet communications, crisis planning and response, meeting planning and local government relations. Crisler joined Entergy in 2005.
He has served in many capacities throughout his professional career. Prior to joining Entergy, for over a decade, Crisler was employed with Mississippi’s largest television station, NBC affiliate WLBT TV 3 as Senior News Producer. During his tenure there he served as an associate producer for the weekend Newscast, associate producer for sports journal, Producer of Frank Melton’s Bottom Line, Producer of the Early Morning show, Producer of the Noon Newscast, Field Producer, Creator and Producer of the Mid-Day Mississippi Show, Public Affairs Assistant and Marketing Assistant. As Senior News Producer, he was involved in many other aspects of local programming and public relations for the station.
Crisler has also held the top communications position at Mississippi’s largest African American Funeral Home, Peoples Funeral Home, Inc. in Jackson. He also served for a couple of years as an adjunct professor at Belhaven College, teaching various communications courses to young and upcoming journalist.
His educational background includes a bachelor of arts degree (cum laude) in broadcast communications from Alcorn State University and a master of science degree in mass communications with emphasizes in public relations and marketing from Mississippi College.
In addition to his career, Crisler has been active in many professional, civic, and charitable causes. Currently he serves as Conference Lay Leader for the Mississippi Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. Crisler was elected as conference lay leader in June, 2008. He is the youngest person ever to serve in this position and only the second Africa-America elected to serve as conference lay leader for Mississippi Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. As conference lay leader, he is the head layman of 190,000 United Methodists in 1,147 congregations in 11 districts across the state of Mississippi.
He is a member of the White Oak United Methodist Church in Crystal Springs. In his church he serves as Lay Leader, Certified Lay Speaker, member of the Steward Board, Chairman of the Educational Committee, Sunday School Teacher, Bible School Teacher, Choir member, Prayer Coordinator, Trustee Chairman, Finance Chairperson, Couples Ministry Chairperson, Worship Chairperson and member of the Pastor Parish Relations Committee and was the former president of United Methodist Men in his church.
In the community, he serves on the Board of Directors for Alcorn State University Wesley Foundation, were he is an honorary life member. He is a Prince Hall Mason and member of Sanderson Lodge Number 22 of the Most Worshipful Stringer Grand Lodge Free and Accepted Masons, Holy Royal Arch Masons, United Supreme Council Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Free masonry Southern Jurisdiction, Grand United Order of Odd Fellows, member of the Mississippi Grand Council Royal & Select Masters, member of Rissah Temple No. 130 Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine of North and South America and its Jurisdictions, where he currently serves as The Illustrious Chief Rabban, member of T.C. Almore Grand Commandery of Mississippi - Knights Templar, Joseph B. Henderson Commanders of the Rite Jurisdiction of Mississippi and he is also a member of Jackson’s local chapter of Association of Black Journalist, Public Relations Association of Mississippi Central Chapter, Southern Public Relations Federation Member, American Association of blacks in Energy, NAACP and a Member of Alpha Kappa MU National Honor Society.
Crisler is married to the former Katrina Golliday and they reside in Raymond Mississippi.
Redesign of the Parish and Community Development Committee/Health and Wellness Website
The Mississippi Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church Parish and Community Development Committee and Health and Wellness is pleased to announce the launching of our redesigned website. Our new site has been redesigned with a fresh new look and has been updated with current information to better meet the needs of members and others in the Internet community. We sought to make the site well-organized, visually helpful, and uncluttered, so that access to our content would be quick, easy, intuitive and enjoyable. The improved organization of the site is supported by navigation that stays with you throughout the site. The top navigation bar shows you the main sections of our site and will always be there. The side navigation shows you the contents of the particular section that you are in, and stays with you throughout that section. As a result, you will always know where you are in relation to the whole site. If you want to see what resources we have, just click on the Links button. You can find numerous resources there. It is now easier to see what events, meetings or conferences we have coming up by clicking on the Calendar button. Brochures for upcoming events are beneath the calendar and may be downloaded with the click of a mouse.
Obviously, any redesign involves an improved graphic look for the site, and ours is no different. We hope that you will find the look cleaner, more consistent, and more integrated. Our redesign project was not solely about updating the look of the site. We hope that all of the features, together with the improved look, combine to provide you an enjoyable and edifying experience on our site. Your comments and suggestions for strengthening our communications through this website are encouraged and welcome! If you experience any problems using the new website or if you have any suggestions, please contact Angela at angela@mississippi-umc.org. With your help, we can all benefit.
In order to get to the site, go to www.mississippi-umc.org and click on the “Ministries” dropdown menu, click on “Congregational Development.”
Obviously, any redesign involves an improved graphic look for the site, and ours is no different. We hope that you will find the look cleaner, more consistent, and more integrated. Our redesign project was not solely about updating the look of the site. We hope that all of the features, together with the improved look, combine to provide you an enjoyable and edifying experience on our site. Your comments and suggestions for strengthening our communications through this website are encouraged and welcome! If you experience any problems using the new website or if you have any suggestions, please contact Angela at angela@mississippi-umc.org. With your help, we can all benefit.
In order to get to the site, go to www.mississippi-umc.org and click on the “Ministries” dropdown menu, click on “Congregational Development.”
The Mississippi Conference Requests Nominations for the Tobias Gibson and Francis Asbury Awards
The Tobias Gibson Award is given to individuals who have made major contribution preservation, collecting and promoting Methodist history.
The Francis Asbury Award is for Fostering Ministries in Higher Education. Bishop Francis Asbury encouraged United Methodists to build schools in locations central to our churches so that young adults and youth would have more opportunities to broaden their minds. The Francis Asbury Award recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions to higher education and campus ministry at the local, district or annual conference level of the church. The award recipient will be recognized during the 2009 Annual Conference proceedings.
The Francis Asbury Award is a non-monetary award that recognizes either clergy or lay people, employed or volunteer, who are members of The United Methodist Church and meet the following criteria:
- A United Methodist, lay or clergy
- Active in strengthening and promoting the church’s work in higher education and campus ministries (schools, colleges, campus ministries, scholarships) at the annual conference, district or local church level
- Offer outstanding leadership beyond the basic responsibilities, to help bring more awareness to the importance of the church’s ministries in higher education
- Involved in efforts that agree with the direction and goals of Mississippi Conference’s board of higher education and campus ministries as well as those of the Division of the General Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry
All Awards will be presented during Annual Conference at the Award Banquet, Thursday, June 11, 2009.
To nominate an individual contact Rev. Fitzgerald Lovett at P. O. Box 1147, Jackson, MS 39215 or http://us.mc392.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=fitzgerald@mississippi-umc.org.
Deadline for the Tobias Gibson and Francis Asbury Award nominations is April 13, 2009.
Climate Changes: Planetary, Religious, and Theological
Dr. Michael S. Hogue
Thursday, March 5, 11:30-12:45, Leggett Center of Millsaps College
Lunch provided – Reserve your spot now: mailto:raydk@millsaps.edu or 601.974.1337
Sponsored by the Religious Studies Dept. and the John Templeton Foundation
In a context of religious pluralism, how might religious leaders and public theologians most creatively engage globally scaled moral challenges such as climate change? In response to this question, this talk begins with an analysis of the moral structure of planetary climate change, interpreted as an illustration of the need to move beyond environmental thinking. Following this, the question is raised of whether the globalizing present might be described as not merely a time after the secular, but also, paradoxically, after religion. Might this post-religious ethos, against common sense, actually present new openings for public theological engagement of global challenges like climate change? The talk closes with reflections on this possibility by outlining the emphases of a pragmatic public theology.
Dr. Michael Hogue is Assistant Professor of Theology at Meadville Lombard Theological School in Chicago, Illinois. He received his doctoral degree from the University of Chicago Divinity School in 2005. He was awarded a Templeton Prize for Theological Promise in 2008, based on his first book, The Tangled Bank: Towards an Ecotheological Ethics of Responsible Participation. He has published articles and reviews in various academic journals and currently serves as review editor of The American Journal of Theology and Philosophy, as secretary of the Highlands Institute of Theology and Philosophy, and on the planning committee of the AAR's Empiricism and Pragmatism in Religious Thought group. At the moment, his research and teaching focus especially on questions of public theology and theological pragmatism. Dr. Hogue is currently completing a second book on religious ethical responses to climate change and pluralism.
Thursday, March 5, 11:30-12:45, Leggett Center of Millsaps College
Lunch provided – Reserve your spot now: mailto:raydk@millsaps.edu or 601.974.1337
Sponsored by the Religious Studies Dept. and the John Templeton Foundation
In a context of religious pluralism, how might religious leaders and public theologians most creatively engage globally scaled moral challenges such as climate change? In response to this question, this talk begins with an analysis of the moral structure of planetary climate change, interpreted as an illustration of the need to move beyond environmental thinking. Following this, the question is raised of whether the globalizing present might be described as not merely a time after the secular, but also, paradoxically, after religion. Might this post-religious ethos, against common sense, actually present new openings for public theological engagement of global challenges like climate change? The talk closes with reflections on this possibility by outlining the emphases of a pragmatic public theology.
Dr. Michael Hogue is Assistant Professor of Theology at Meadville Lombard Theological School in Chicago, Illinois. He received his doctoral degree from the University of Chicago Divinity School in 2005. He was awarded a Templeton Prize for Theological Promise in 2008, based on his first book, The Tangled Bank: Towards an Ecotheological Ethics of Responsible Participation. He has published articles and reviews in various academic journals and currently serves as review editor of The American Journal of Theology and Philosophy, as secretary of the Highlands Institute of Theology and Philosophy, and on the planning committee of the AAR's Empiricism and Pragmatism in Religious Thought group. At the moment, his research and teaching focus especially on questions of public theology and theological pragmatism. Dr. Hogue is currently completing a second book on religious ethical responses to climate change and pluralism.
2009 Footsteps in Hope AIDS Walk/Run
Hello Walkers!
The 2009 Footsteps In Hope AIDS Walk/Run is 40 short days away! That's 960 hours/57600 minutes/3456000 seconds left to:
- gather your friends, family, etc together to form a team
- collect donations in support of our wonderful 2009 beneficiaries
- start training to walk or run the 8K distance
Below is a quick review of the what, where, when, how, and why.
What
Footsteps In Hope
8K AIDS Walk/Run
Where
Old Trace Park
Ridgeland, MS
When
March 29, 2009
2pm - 6pm
How
Register at http://www.footstepsinhope.org/
Why
To support the Local and Global fight for improved healthcare. This year's benefiting organizations include: Building Bridges, Grace House, Hope Project, Mississippi Episcopal AIDS Committee, UMC Adult Special Care, UMC Pediatric AIDS Care.
If you have any other questions at all, feel free to email footstepsinhope@gmail.com.
We are also looking for additional volunteers to help us cover day-of registration and our water stop. If you are interested, please let us know.
Thank you so much!
I look forward to Walking with you,
~Liz Coleclough
Footsteps In Hope Coordinator
http://www.footstepsinhope.org/
The 2009 Footsteps In Hope AIDS Walk/Run is 40 short days away! That's 960 hours/57600 minutes/3456000 seconds left to:
- gather your friends, family, etc together to form a team
- collect donations in support of our wonderful 2009 beneficiaries
- start training to walk or run the 8K distance
Below is a quick review of the what, where, when, how, and why.
What
Footsteps In Hope
8K AIDS Walk/Run
Where
Old Trace Park
Ridgeland, MS
When
March 29, 2009
2pm - 6pm
How
Register at http://www.footstepsinhope.org/
Why
To support the Local and Global fight for improved healthcare. This year's benefiting organizations include: Building Bridges, Grace House, Hope Project, Mississippi Episcopal AIDS Committee, UMC Adult Special Care, UMC Pediatric AIDS Care.
If you have any other questions at all, feel free to email footstepsinhope@gmail.com.
We are also looking for additional volunteers to help us cover day-of registration and our water stop. If you are interested, please let us know.
Thank you so much!
I look forward to Walking with you,
~Liz Coleclough
Footsteps In Hope Coordinator
http://www.footstepsinhope.org/
Monday, February 16, 2009
2009 Annual Conference Speakers
Steve Sjogren Steve & Janie Sjogren have been planting churches throughout the US and Europe for the past 25 years. They have planted / helped plant successful churches in Los Angeles, Oslo, Norway, Baltimore, Cincinnati and now Tampa.
Their primary focus, upon reflection, has become clearly the establishing of a large church or two then the rolling out of a cluster of churches in the general area.
Their primary focus, upon reflection, has become clearly the establishing of a large church or two then the rolling out of a cluster of churches in the general area.
Rudy RasmusRudy Rasmus is an emergent messenger, an urban prophet, and global humanitarian with a passion for outreach to our world’s poorest citizens. Pastor Rudy co-pastors the St. John’s United Methodist Church located in Downtown Houston with his wife Juanita.
Rudy and Juanita have been married for 23 years and are the proud parents of two daughters, Morgan and Ryan who are both in college.
Rudy and Juanita have been married for 23 years and are the proud parents of two daughters, Morgan and Ryan who are both in college.
Chris Lahr Small Things With Great Love
No one does anything great! I am convinced that we do not need to do anything great, but simply do small things with great love. A radical following of Jesus is about the day-to-day grind of life, it is doing small things with great love. Then at some point in your life, you take a step back and you become amazed at all of the “greatness” that has occurred.
Chris is the Academic Director/ Recruiter for Mission Year headquartered in Atlanta.
Chris is the Academic Director/ Recruiter for Mission Year headquartered in Atlanta.
Key Hotel List
Looking for a place to stay while you attend the MS Annual Conference? The Conference office has partnered with key hotels in the area to offer special discounts from June 11 – 14, 2009.
DOWNTOWN
Hampton Inn & Suites-Coliseum
320 Greymont Ave
Jackson, MS 39202
601-352-1700
Reservation Code: UMC
Rate: $89.00 + Tax
Free Hot Breakfast Included
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites
310 Greymont Ave.
Jackson, MS 39202
601-948-4466
Resveration Code: UMC
Rate: $89.00 + Tax
Free Hot Breakfast Included
NORTH JACKSON
Hampton Inn
465 Briarwood Dr
Jackson, MS 39206
601-956-3611
Reservation Code: MET
Rate: $89.00 + Tax
Free Hot Breakfast Included
Cabot Lodge Jackson North Hotel
120 Dyess Rd
Ridgeland,MS39157
601-957-0757
Reservation Code: UM Conference
Rate: $89.00 + Tax
Free Hot Breakfast Include
Hilton Jackson
1001 E County Line Rd
Jackson, MS 39211
601-957-2800
Reservation Code: UMC
Rate: $119.00 + Tax
Marriott Residence Inn
855 Centre St.
Ridgeland, MS 39157
601-948-0671
Reservation Code: MS AC
Rate: $109.00 - $139.00 + Tax
Free Hot Breakfast Included
CLINTON
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites
495 Springridge Rd
Clinton,MS39056
601-708-0400
Reservation Code: MSAC
Rate: $89.00 + Tax
Free Hot Breakfast Included
Hampton Inn
493 Springridge Rd
Clinton,MS39056
601-925-9393
Reservation Code:
Rate: $95.00 + Tax
Free Hot Breakfast
Comfort Inn & Suites
5010 Hampstead Blvd
Clinton, MS 39056
601-924-2500
Reservation Code: MAC
Rate: $89.00 + Tax
Continental Breakfast Included
PEARL
Hilton Garden Inn LLC
438 Riverwind Dr
Pearl, MS 39208
601-933-1163
Reservation Code: MS UMC
Rate: $85.00 + Tax
Breakfast $5.00 additional
Holiday Inn Select
110 Bass Pro Dr.
Pearl MS 39208
601-939-5238
Reservation Code: MAC
Rate: $101.00 + Tax
MADISON / RIDGELAND
Hilton Garden Inn Madison
320 New Mannsdale Rd
Madison, MS 39110
601-420-0442
Reservation Code: MAC
Rate: $99.00 + Tax
Breakfast Included
Hyatt Place Hotel
1016 Highland Colony Parkway
Madison MS 39110
601-898-8815
Reservation Code: MAC
Rate: 109.00 + Tax
Red Roof Inn
810 Adcock Dr.
Ridgeland MS 39157
601-956-7707
Reservation Code: MS UMC
Rate: $44.99 + Tax
Days Inn
150 Centre St
Ridgeland MS 39157
601-956-7466
Reservation Code: MS UMC
Rate: $74.99 + Tax
Continental Breakfast Included
OUTER AREA
Ramada Limited Airport Hotel
341 Airport Rd S
Pearl, MS 39208
Local: 601-933-1122
64.99 + Tax
Free Hot Breakfast
Country Inn & Suites By Carlson
1004 Treetop Blvd
Flowood,MS39232
Local: 601-939-2676
$79.00+
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites
115 Sunny Dr
Canton,MS39046-5129
Local: 601-859-8355
$55.00 + Tax
Comfort Inn Airport
235 S Pearson Rd
Pearl,MS 39208
Local: 601-932-6009
Candlewood Suites
241 S Pearson Rd
Pearl,MS39208
Local: 601-709-2670
$59.00 per night + Tax
DOWNTOWN
Hampton Inn & Suites-Coliseum
320 Greymont Ave
Jackson, MS 39202
601-352-1700
Reservation Code: UMC
Rate: $89.00 + Tax
Free Hot Breakfast Included
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites
310 Greymont Ave.
Jackson, MS 39202
601-948-4466
Resveration Code: UMC
Rate: $89.00 + Tax
Free Hot Breakfast Included
NORTH JACKSON
Hampton Inn
465 Briarwood Dr
Jackson, MS 39206
601-956-3611
Reservation Code: MET
Rate: $89.00 + Tax
Free Hot Breakfast Included
Cabot Lodge Jackson North Hotel
120 Dyess Rd
Ridgeland,MS39157
601-957-0757
Reservation Code: UM Conference
Rate: $89.00 + Tax
Free Hot Breakfast Include
Hilton Jackson
1001 E County Line Rd
Jackson, MS 39211
601-957-2800
Reservation Code: UMC
Rate: $119.00 + Tax
Marriott Residence Inn
855 Centre St.
Ridgeland, MS 39157
601-948-0671
Reservation Code: MS AC
Rate: $109.00 - $139.00 + Tax
Free Hot Breakfast Included
CLINTON
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites
495 Springridge Rd
Clinton,MS39056
601-708-0400
Reservation Code: MSAC
Rate: $89.00 + Tax
Free Hot Breakfast Included
Hampton Inn
493 Springridge Rd
Clinton,MS39056
601-925-9393
Reservation Code:
Rate: $95.00 + Tax
Free Hot Breakfast
Comfort Inn & Suites
5010 Hampstead Blvd
Clinton, MS 39056
601-924-2500
Reservation Code: MAC
Rate: $89.00 + Tax
Continental Breakfast Included
PEARL
Hilton Garden Inn LLC
438 Riverwind Dr
Pearl, MS 39208
601-933-1163
Reservation Code: MS UMC
Rate: $85.00 + Tax
Breakfast $5.00 additional
Holiday Inn Select
110 Bass Pro Dr.
Pearl MS 39208
601-939-5238
Reservation Code: MAC
Rate: $101.00 + Tax
MADISON / RIDGELAND
Hilton Garden Inn Madison
320 New Mannsdale Rd
Madison, MS 39110
601-420-0442
Reservation Code: MAC
Rate: $99.00 + Tax
Breakfast Included
Hyatt Place Hotel
1016 Highland Colony Parkway
Madison MS 39110
601-898-8815
Reservation Code: MAC
Rate: 109.00 + Tax
Red Roof Inn
810 Adcock Dr.
Ridgeland MS 39157
601-956-7707
Reservation Code: MS UMC
Rate: $44.99 + Tax
Days Inn
150 Centre St
Ridgeland MS 39157
601-956-7466
Reservation Code: MS UMC
Rate: $74.99 + Tax
Continental Breakfast Included
OUTER AREA
Ramada Limited Airport Hotel
341 Airport Rd S
Pearl, MS 39208
Local: 601-933-1122
64.99 + Tax
Free Hot Breakfast
Country Inn & Suites By Carlson
1004 Treetop Blvd
Flowood,MS39232
Local: 601-939-2676
$79.00+
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites
115 Sunny Dr
Canton,MS39046-5129
Local: 601-859-8355
$55.00 + Tax
Comfort Inn Airport
235 S Pearson Rd
Pearl,MS 39208
Local: 601-932-6009
Candlewood Suites
241 S Pearson Rd
Pearl,MS39208
Local: 601-709-2670
$59.00 per night + Tax
Meal Reservations for Annual Conference
Individuals, groups, and others who plan to host a luncheon or dinner during the 2009 Annual Conference, June 12-14, 2009, please contact the meal reservation team leader, Rev. Elbrist Mason. He can be reached via phone at 601-813-5597 or by email at Masontime321@yahoo.com.
Please have the following information available.
Please have the following information available.
Group or Organization Name:
Expected number of guests:
Date Preference:
Friday, June 12
Saturday, June 13
Sunday, June 14
Meal Preference:
Lunch
Dinner
POC Name:
POC E-mail:
POC Phone/Alt. Phone:
Friday, February 13, 2009
Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century New Ministry Spotlight
The Mississippi Conference has two new ministries that are helping churches move to the next level of service. These new ministries are Online 2009 and Communities of Shalom. Both ministries have been received very well in the Mississippi Conference.
Online 2009 is a program designed to give Mississippi churches a way to reach out to their local and world communities for Christ by establishing a presence on the worldwide web and assisting pastors who have been reticent of the technological advances around them to establish e-mail accounts. The first phase of Online 2009, known as the pilot, recently sent out solicitations for churches to complete an application requesting assistance in establishing a website. The web development service is free for the selected churches. The only cost for the selected congregations is the webhosting fee, i.e., the cost to have their website on the worldwide web. Three churches were selected as pilot churches. They are Asbury UMC, Holly Springs, Haven UMC, Winona, and Mt Pleasant UMC, Gulfport. After the launch of the pilot websites at annual conference, other churches will be selected on a rolling basis. The goal of the program is for every African-American church in the Mississippi Conference to have a website.
Communities of Shalom is a ministry birthed at the General Conference of 1992. The purpose of this ministry is not only to address social justice issues on the surface, but to examine the root causes of economic and social disparity and solve problems via systemic changes. Several churches just completed the initial training for Communities of Shalom. They are: I Challenge You (ICU), a community program based at Revels UMC, Greenville; Unique Learning Center for Children (ULCC) based at Wesley UMC in Greenwood; Holmes County Town and Country Ministries based in Goodman; Cluster of Love, an ecumenical ministry based at New Zion UMC in Crystal Springs; and, Cornerstone Ministry, a cooperative ministry in the Forest Hill community in South Jackson which includes Middlebrook UMC and Forest Hill UMC. After the initial training, the selected sites, as a group, will go through five training sessions facilitated by the National Communities of Shalom representative, Will Dent. The training sessions will rotate sites to allow the national representative as well as Shalom participants to be exposed to as many sites as possible. After completing the five required training sessions, each site will be certified as a Communities of Shalom site and receive a start up grant from the National Communities of Shalom organization.
For additional information on these ministries, you may contact Rev. Fitzgerald Lovett, the Mississippi Conference Representative for SBC-21 and Communities of Shalom, at fitzgerald@mississippi-umc.org, or Sandra Randall, Online 2009 Program Coordinator, at sandra@sbc21ms.com.
Online 2009 is a program designed to give Mississippi churches a way to reach out to their local and world communities for Christ by establishing a presence on the worldwide web and assisting pastors who have been reticent of the technological advances around them to establish e-mail accounts. The first phase of Online 2009, known as the pilot, recently sent out solicitations for churches to complete an application requesting assistance in establishing a website. The web development service is free for the selected churches. The only cost for the selected congregations is the webhosting fee, i.e., the cost to have their website on the worldwide web. Three churches were selected as pilot churches. They are Asbury UMC, Holly Springs, Haven UMC, Winona, and Mt Pleasant UMC, Gulfport. After the launch of the pilot websites at annual conference, other churches will be selected on a rolling basis. The goal of the program is for every African-American church in the Mississippi Conference to have a website.
Communities of Shalom is a ministry birthed at the General Conference of 1992. The purpose of this ministry is not only to address social justice issues on the surface, but to examine the root causes of economic and social disparity and solve problems via systemic changes. Several churches just completed the initial training for Communities of Shalom. They are: I Challenge You (ICU), a community program based at Revels UMC, Greenville; Unique Learning Center for Children (ULCC) based at Wesley UMC in Greenwood; Holmes County Town and Country Ministries based in Goodman; Cluster of Love, an ecumenical ministry based at New Zion UMC in Crystal Springs; and, Cornerstone Ministry, a cooperative ministry in the Forest Hill community in South Jackson which includes Middlebrook UMC and Forest Hill UMC. After the initial training, the selected sites, as a group, will go through five training sessions facilitated by the National Communities of Shalom representative, Will Dent. The training sessions will rotate sites to allow the national representative as well as Shalom participants to be exposed to as many sites as possible. After completing the five required training sessions, each site will be certified as a Communities of Shalom site and receive a start up grant from the National Communities of Shalom organization.
For additional information on these ministries, you may contact Rev. Fitzgerald Lovett, the Mississippi Conference Representative for SBC-21 and Communities of Shalom, at fitzgerald@mississippi-umc.org, or Sandra Randall, Online 2009 Program Coordinator, at sandra@sbc21ms.com.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Treasures for Ministry in the Local Church
Whenever I have opportunity to attend a conference I always try to make time to check out the bookstore and display tables. I am curious to see what is being highlighted as the “new and best” thing. I continue to be surprised by the number of “treasures” that I stumble upon when I allow myself the time to browse and explore.
While in Jacksonville, FL at a National Connectional Ministries Quadrennial Training Event I discovered several resources I would consider “treasures” that I want to share with you.
Three Simple Rules for Following Jesus by Linda Robinson Whited– this is a 6-week study for children based on the Three Simple Rules book that many of us have recently studied.
Three Simple Rules for Christian Living by Jeanne Torrence Finley– this is a 6-week personal reflection workbook that examines the ways we incorporate the Three Simple Rules into our daily living.
Safe Sanctuaries: The New Edition by Joy Thornburg Melton– this updated workbook looks at ways we can protect children, youth and vulnerable adults from abuse in our places of ministry. It also offers suggestions for getting started, how to respond when an allegation occurs and why it is imperative that we engage in the work of Safe Sanctuaries.
The Wesley Study Bible – Wow! What a great resource. Bishop Ward recently described it in this way: “The Wesley Study Bible marks the first time that the writings of John Wesley have been compiled with the New Revised Standard Version. More than 50 leading scholars contributed to the study notes, most of which reference the writings of John Wesley. An equal number of pastors penned motivational thoughts on who to live out the Scriptures. More than 60 Wesleyan theologians added "key-concept" writings that help us live deeper into the overarching themes and the specific topics throughout the Bible.”
The Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations by Bishop Robert Schnase and the five (5) individual workbooks that invite congregations to more deeply look at each of the practices through prayer, self-reflection, devotions and scripture readings. These books look at the central ministries important to congregational life and vitality. The areas of focus include radical hospitality, passionate worship, intentional faith development, risk-taking mission and service, and extravagant generosity.
The Crisis of Younger Clergy by Lovett Weems and Ann Michel – I knew less and less younger clergy were choosing to serve in the local church but I never understood why. These authors offer insight into the vocational choices of our young clergy, the crisis it is presenting in our local congregations and some of the ways that we might reverse the trend. This book is very thought-provoking and insightful into the state of the church today.
I was reminded again of the richness of devotional materials published by UpperRoom Ministries. Their bi-monthly periodicals, Pockets for children, DevoZine for youth, Weavings and Alive Now! for adults, are all great resources for personal reflection and spiritual growth.
Now, as good as these resources sound in this little article you and I both know they won’t do us any good if we don’t use them as they are intended. Here’s a challenge for you: use one of these resources during the season of Lent for your individual or family devotional time. At the end of the study evaluate its import in your own life. Consider these questions in your evaluation: Where did it leave you challenged? Where did you sense the gracious presence of God? What difference did the use of this resource make in your own life?
My hunch is that if we give our best effort and are open to the Spirit of God we might experience God in a new and fresh way. We have the potential to discover a “treasure” that is waiting to be unearthed. Are we willing to do a little work to find that which awaits discovery?
While in Jacksonville, FL at a National Connectional Ministries Quadrennial Training Event I discovered several resources I would consider “treasures” that I want to share with you.
Three Simple Rules for Following Jesus by Linda Robinson Whited– this is a 6-week study for children based on the Three Simple Rules book that many of us have recently studied.
Three Simple Rules for Christian Living by Jeanne Torrence Finley– this is a 6-week personal reflection workbook that examines the ways we incorporate the Three Simple Rules into our daily living.
Safe Sanctuaries: The New Edition by Joy Thornburg Melton– this updated workbook looks at ways we can protect children, youth and vulnerable adults from abuse in our places of ministry. It also offers suggestions for getting started, how to respond when an allegation occurs and why it is imperative that we engage in the work of Safe Sanctuaries.
The Wesley Study Bible – Wow! What a great resource. Bishop Ward recently described it in this way: “The Wesley Study Bible marks the first time that the writings of John Wesley have been compiled with the New Revised Standard Version. More than 50 leading scholars contributed to the study notes, most of which reference the writings of John Wesley. An equal number of pastors penned motivational thoughts on who to live out the Scriptures. More than 60 Wesleyan theologians added "key-concept" writings that help us live deeper into the overarching themes and the specific topics throughout the Bible.”
The Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations by Bishop Robert Schnase and the five (5) individual workbooks that invite congregations to more deeply look at each of the practices through prayer, self-reflection, devotions and scripture readings. These books look at the central ministries important to congregational life and vitality. The areas of focus include radical hospitality, passionate worship, intentional faith development, risk-taking mission and service, and extravagant generosity.
The Crisis of Younger Clergy by Lovett Weems and Ann Michel – I knew less and less younger clergy were choosing to serve in the local church but I never understood why. These authors offer insight into the vocational choices of our young clergy, the crisis it is presenting in our local congregations and some of the ways that we might reverse the trend. This book is very thought-provoking and insightful into the state of the church today.
I was reminded again of the richness of devotional materials published by UpperRoom Ministries. Their bi-monthly periodicals, Pockets for children, DevoZine for youth, Weavings and Alive Now! for adults, are all great resources for personal reflection and spiritual growth.
Now, as good as these resources sound in this little article you and I both know they won’t do us any good if we don’t use them as they are intended. Here’s a challenge for you: use one of these resources during the season of Lent for your individual or family devotional time. At the end of the study evaluate its import in your own life. Consider these questions in your evaluation: Where did it leave you challenged? Where did you sense the gracious presence of God? What difference did the use of this resource make in your own life?
My hunch is that if we give our best effort and are open to the Spirit of God we might experience God in a new and fresh way. We have the potential to discover a “treasure” that is waiting to be unearthed. Are we willing to do a little work to find that which awaits discovery?
Friday, February 6, 2009
I’ve Been Thinking about... Generosity
Last year the people of the Mississippi Annual Conference gave more money to the apportionment than ever before!!! Part of this generosity, $1.1 million, was shared with the General Church for World Service, in addition to this, Mississippi churches sent in an additional $228,692 in “second mile giving” in support of missionaries and missionary projects throughout the world add to that the fact that well over 30 Mississippi church led volunteer mission trips went to Africa, Latin America, Russia and other overseas locations.
Part of this generosity was also shared with our Mississippi Methodist community centers, Children’s Home, Choctaw Mission, United Methodist Hour, Baddour Center and so many other missions and programs throughout the state. Add to this the contributions made directly by the specially designated Special Sunday Offerings and the many generous individuals and church donations in response to local and national emergencies and disasters, and the number of volunteers going to serve in these areas.
Mississippi has been recognized nationally as being the most generous state and this morning I heard on the radio that it has been recognized also as the most religious. Well, we already knew or suspected as much, but what does it say about us as people? It demonstrates that we have Christian hearts that care about our neighbors across the world and our neighbors close to home!
While we should feel good about being faithful to our Christian mandate to do good and our Methodist tradition of personal piety and social action we need to acknowledge that in the midst of a lost and hurting world we cannot afford to become complacent, but must continue on our journey to draw closer to God and our neighbor. As we traverse through the current economic recession in this the poorest state we cannot forget that many more of our neighbors are in need now and that the organizations that help them need more than ever our prayer and financial support.
On a somewhat related note and to correct an omission from last week I would like to salute Ernestine Varnado, United Methodist Deaconess serving as a missionary at the St. Andrew’ Mission in McComb as a parish nurse. Her Missionary Support Code is 982905.
Thank you friends for giving, praying and serving!!!
Jorge.
Part of this generosity was also shared with our Mississippi Methodist community centers, Children’s Home, Choctaw Mission, United Methodist Hour, Baddour Center and so many other missions and programs throughout the state. Add to this the contributions made directly by the specially designated Special Sunday Offerings and the many generous individuals and church donations in response to local and national emergencies and disasters, and the number of volunteers going to serve in these areas.
Mississippi has been recognized nationally as being the most generous state and this morning I heard on the radio that it has been recognized also as the most religious. Well, we already knew or suspected as much, but what does it say about us as people? It demonstrates that we have Christian hearts that care about our neighbors across the world and our neighbors close to home!
While we should feel good about being faithful to our Christian mandate to do good and our Methodist tradition of personal piety and social action we need to acknowledge that in the midst of a lost and hurting world we cannot afford to become complacent, but must continue on our journey to draw closer to God and our neighbor. As we traverse through the current economic recession in this the poorest state we cannot forget that many more of our neighbors are in need now and that the organizations that help them need more than ever our prayer and financial support.
On a somewhat related note and to correct an omission from last week I would like to salute Ernestine Varnado, United Methodist Deaconess serving as a missionary at the St. Andrew’ Mission in McComb as a parish nurse. Her Missionary Support Code is 982905.
Thank you friends for giving, praying and serving!!!
Jorge.
Monday, February 2, 2009
The Advance
I was proud to find out that our Bishop Hope Morgan Ward has been named Chair of The Advance Committee of the United Methodist Church for the next four years. The Advance is the accountable, designated-giving arm of The United Methodist Church that ensures 100 percent of each gift received reaches its intended mission or ministry. By giving to The Advance you or your church can decide which program or ministry to support through the well over 1,000 projects of The Advance which cover programs from evangelization and church growth to community centers support and humanitarian UMCOR relief programs throughout the U.S. and the world. This is truly a “glocal” (global and local) mission and outreach program.
Note that there are two Advance projects in Mississippi:
Tax-deductible gifts may be given to any of these “Advance” projects (Advance number must be included on check) through any of the following:
Mississippi going on temporary mission trips to Africa, Russia , Latin America and other countries this year.
Finally, Erie Stuckett of the Revells UMC in Greenville informed me that there are several $2,500 grants (funded by The Advance) available for United Methodist related ministries and organizations in the counties designated as part of the Appalachian Region Initiative (mostly northeast and east-central counties). If you are interested in viewing the application.
Let me know if any questions or comments regarding missions and outreach or any of the above mentioned items.
Jorge.
Note that there are two Advance projects in Mississippi:
- Gulfside United Methodist Assembly … Advance # 760235
- Mississippi Choctaw United Methodist Mission … Advance # 761544
- Steve Claris church and community worker serving at the Choctaw Mission ... Advance # 3020817
Tax-deductible gifts may be given to any of these “Advance” projects (Advance number must be included on check) through any of the following:
- The local Church
- The Annual Conference
- Online Giving
- Toll-free hotline to Global Ministries: 1-888-252-6174
- By mail to: Advance GCFA, P.O. Box 9068, GPO, New York, NY 10087-9068
Finally, Erie Stuckett of the Revells UMC in Greenville informed me that there are several $2,500 grants (funded by The Advance) available for United Methodist related ministries and organizations in the counties designated as part of the Appalachian Region Initiative (mostly northeast and east-central counties). If you are interested in viewing the application.
Let me know if any questions or comments regarding missions and outreach or any of the above mentioned items.
Jorge.
MP3 Stories: "The Barn"
It was the beginning of the fall semester 2005. A good many Wesley students were returning from the previous year and after six years of serving as Wesley Director a new co-directorship had been formed with LaSonya Turner, my first Student Intern in 1999.
This new venture was comforting, but my spirit remained restless. I was a planner, an organizer, an extremely detail-oriented person. Nothing seemed concrete, programs and projects were still fluid. The Back to School Bulldog BBQ was on tap, flyers were out for Tuesday night’s Bible Study and Sunday evening Vespers. Beyond that, nothing was definite or so it seemed. Trying to justify my restlessness I assured myself we deserved some ordinary time. The campus was still healing from the deaths of three students killed in February 2005. The driver had survived. He was one of our baseball players, Fred Lewis, who went on to become an outfielder with the San Francisco Giants.
My husband and I were building a new cottage in Success during 2005. We had sold the big house our four children had grown up in and were living in a camper trailer. The building project had consumed my summer, and I knew part of the problem with not being prepared for the fall semester was due to neglect on my part. We were hanging the new kitchen cabinets when our daughter phoned to let us know a predicted Category 5 storm was less than 24 hours away!
A day later, Katrina struck. The strong winds were still gusting when we set out, equipped with two chain saws, to find our families on the coast. The 25 minute ride took nearly 3 hours. We found them! Some were clinging to all that remained of their possessions. Their houses were gone and somehow, they survived.
Fear struck again! What about my students? Our cell phones had some battery life remaining so calls went out, one after another. Shawn Foles and his mother were already helping others. Andrea Noll’s home was destroyed but she and her family were out searching the neighborhood for survivors. Soon all were contacted. All were safe, many homeless, but nonetheless safe.
The following months were days with no end. We began and ended our days trying to salvage what was salvageable, shelter those needing shelter, cook on grills and transport food to family and friends staying in tented parts of their homes that remained. The County let us move into our house that was under construction so the camper could go to a family without one. Our unfinished home became shelter to elderly family members and a hub for overnight visitors checking on family and friends.
A month after Katrina hit land, MGCCC (Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College) opened the Perkinston Campus letting students back into the dorm rooms. For students, the possessions they had left behind were now priceless. The old house we affectionately called The Wesley House had a large oak lying across the back, but was still standing. Wesley Foundations from other states soon came to spend their fall breaks with us mucking out houses. As each new group arrived they brought fresh new energy. Perk Wesley students joined in the recovery efforts for months but were growing weary and hollow eyed. They wanted normalcy. They, like many, were growing weary of the storm’s destruction. Little did we know, for us, the real storm lie just ahead. A new year and a new semester arrived.
LaSonya and the students seemed to be settling into a good routine of ministry. It was January 12. My bags were nearly packed and ready for vacationing in the mountains when the call came from the college. Six students had been killed in an early morning accident. Two others were in critical care at Forest General Hospital. LaSonya, crushed with the news, asked me to come and be with her as she ministered to the campus. One of the joys of serving the Perk Campus had always been the closeness of its faculty, administration, and student body. During tragedies such as this, however, it was the closeness that compounded the pain and sorrow. Everyone hurt. Everyone mourned.
Andrea Noll, one of my favorite students had been at The Club with those in the accident. She sobbed as I held her. “We never meant to do anything wrong. We just wanted to be together. We just wanted to sing. We just wanted to dance.” Her words would haunt me for days and months ahead. After the funerals and memorials, it was time for a sabbatical.
This time there was no promise of a return date. In the back of my mind, there was no returning. There was no trip to the mountains. My spirit was too far down in the valley, with no desire to ease the pain. Thoughts of the students tragically killed, seldom left my mind. One was our baseball pitcher, two were sisters, (the only two daughters of a mother whose spouse had died the year before), three were Perkettes, four were cousins, five all went to the same Catholic Church, and six graduated from the same high school. All were good kids. All were God’s children.
Mourning cast a dark shadow over me. I became even more rebellious than normal. The deep seeded warnings not to read books of the Apocrypha no longer held their grip. 2 Esdras (the complete version with all 16 chapters) was read repeatedly. The Prophet Ezra was discovered. His vision in Chapter 10 of a woman that refused to be comforted when her only child died gripped my soul. Just as Ezra cried out to God, so too, I cried in my heart. God sent Ezra to a field to fast eating only plants that flowered. Perhaps my cry was also heard! My husband brought home a garden tiller as my Valentine gift! The garden became all consuming and eased my sorrow.
The call that came asking me to return to Perk Campus Wesley Foundation was a heavy burden. After a sleepless and prayerful night, the cross was, again, mine to carry. My first visit with Dr. Mary Graham, Vice President of the Perkinston Campus, brought news the Perk Barn was going to be torn down. Another Katrina casualty! As the Perk Barn was demolished the vision for a new Barn was birthed. A new barn to house the Perk Wesley! A shelter - a safe place - a sanctuary in a sense. Instead of Perk students going to The Club they would go to The Barn. There would be karaoke, and dancing. There would be lemonade and sweet tea and nachos and cheese. Hotdogs, chili and homemade brownies! We would eat, drink and be merry! We could use trees damaged by Katrina, and volunteer labor! We would get sponsors from local businesses and pledges from donors! My mind was racing with possibilities!
What would the Board of Directors think? What would Higher Education and Campus Ministries think? What would the District Superintendent and, for that matter, the Bishop think? Perk Wesley had $30,000.00 in the building fund. That was only a tenth of what was needed to re-build. Later it occurred to me a tenth was a tithe. It would take sacrificial giving of time, and talent, and money. It was going to take complete trust by two families (that of Larry Haley and Dale Vuyovich) that God was going to provide for them as they took time off from their jobs to build The Barn. It was going to take nothing shy of a miracle to build The Barn! The miracles came. Jim and Jody Nightengale donated the land. Local businesses became sponsors. Donations for matching funds came forth and much was given by those closest to the building project. Perk’s Soccer Coach and Drafting Instructor, drafted our working set of plans. Over 60 large pines, damaged by Katrina, were donated by Preston and Deb Webb of McHenry and that was only the beginning of tree donations. Tommy and Lisa Bennett, saw-millers from North Carolina, milled the trees into rough cut lumber for no cost, while board members worked to spray it for termites and stack it for drying. Perk Wesley students, both current and former, came to work on The Barn’s construction. College Students from J.D. Campus, Massachusetts, Simpson College, Iowa, MSU, and USM spent their fall and spring breaks building walls, decking the roof, and laying water lines. When it was time to stand the second floor, Woodville United Methodist Church arrived in full force. In two days the loft stood totally framed! We needed a lift to get the plywood to the second story roof.
The next day one was on the job site. We needed a lift operator. One appeared. When it was time for the shingles we received the best Christmas present ever!
From local painters, to drywall hangers, to finishers, and the guys that installed our metal soffit, gifts came forth. Our heating and air, insulation, electrical, and appliances, all came with blessings too numerous to count. Woodville returned a second time and helped install our siding and light fixtures. The skills they brought helped tremendously, but it was their encouragement and financial gifts they left that kept us moving forward.
Magnolia Restaurant served as the hub for Larry Haley, Chair of our Trustees. It was there he shared The Barn project with everyone that came in to eat breakfast. It was Larry, the “git-er-done guy” as he became known, that found The Barn’s windows. Amazingly these windows had been stored on a trailer rig in a neighbor’s horse pasture. Beautiful, brand new, Pella Windows! Huge windows and over a hundred of them. The sizes and shapes were an exact match to the plans that had been drawn!
The Barn’s miracles kept me in awe and as it neared completion, my heart spoke to God; “Will they come?” Since the work had begun in August 2006 God had been faithful. The skills, the materials, and the money had always been right on time. The doors would open August 2007. There would be something new for Perk Students that fall semester: Club Night @ The Barn. Students would have a choice. “The Unequivocal Choice.” Dr. Graham said, during its Grand Opening where hundreds of students gathered to sing and dance on the first Club Night.
The Barn –It’s a beautiful place for beautiful people. It’s home to the Perk Campus Wesley: A United Methodist college ministry that strives to make a positive difference in peoples lives everyday. The ministry has grown from a few dozen students to a few hundred students. Every week night The Barn is the place to be if you’re a Perk student. Everything from a Taize’ style prayer, to the traditional Wesley dinner and Bible Study happens here. From the Gospel Choir, to Faith Renown, our cutting-edge praise band. From being in step with the Step Team, to Karaoke night and Bulldog Dominos on Club Night. The Barn is the gathering place for students that just want to sing! That just want to dance! The Barn is used on weekends for wedding gatherings, golden anniversaries, graduation parties and college gatherings for retirements and such. The usage funds help the ministry keep pace. It is difficult to budget for a ministry that booms from having 25 students attend the Statewide Convention one year, to over 60 the next. The Perk Campus Wesley has over 60 members going to Statewide Wesley 2009! Its visioning board and extreme student leadership continues to be its strength.
The Barn looks and sounds like a night club on Thursday nights. One of the plumbers that donated his time and skills during our construction phase, John Tisdale, is now our Karaoke D. J. He’s a great guy and the students love him. Each week the Karaoke equipment goes up but the Altar never comes down.
Not long after the grand opening several students came into the kitchen and one of them said, “Ms Susan, we notice all the stuff hanging around.” “What stuff? I asked. “You know, the stuff!” and one pointed to a cross on the wall. “What about it?” I asked. “We’re atheists,” he replied, “Do you want us to leave?”
“No,” I said, “I want you to stay.” “Cool,” he said, “cause it’s pretty cool here.” He came back every week and each time he came into the kitchen for a hug. Finally one night he burst open the door and shouted, “I LOVE THIS PLACE!” It was the last Club Night before Christmas break. When it came his time to sing he dedicated the song to me: “God Bless The Broken Roads That Bring Me Home To You.” He came into the kitchen for another hug. “Why are you crying,” he asked, “I did the best I could!” With tears streaming down my face I asked him if he understood the song. He looked at me, smiled that beautiful smile, and said, “I wasn’t always an atheist, Ms. Susan. My church didn’t like me. Everyone accepted me here, just as I am. Merry Christmas, Ms. Susan and thanks for The Barn. It’s two thumbs up!”
It’s one of many, many, stories that keep my heart full of joy and my soul strangely warmed. When I do retire, I going to sit at The Barn and tell the stories over, and over again!
This new venture was comforting, but my spirit remained restless. I was a planner, an organizer, an extremely detail-oriented person. Nothing seemed concrete, programs and projects were still fluid. The Back to School Bulldog BBQ was on tap, flyers were out for Tuesday night’s Bible Study and Sunday evening Vespers. Beyond that, nothing was definite or so it seemed. Trying to justify my restlessness I assured myself we deserved some ordinary time. The campus was still healing from the deaths of three students killed in February 2005. The driver had survived. He was one of our baseball players, Fred Lewis, who went on to become an outfielder with the San Francisco Giants.
My husband and I were building a new cottage in Success during 2005. We had sold the big house our four children had grown up in and were living in a camper trailer. The building project had consumed my summer, and I knew part of the problem with not being prepared for the fall semester was due to neglect on my part. We were hanging the new kitchen cabinets when our daughter phoned to let us know a predicted Category 5 storm was less than 24 hours away!
A day later, Katrina struck. The strong winds were still gusting when we set out, equipped with two chain saws, to find our families on the coast. The 25 minute ride took nearly 3 hours. We found them! Some were clinging to all that remained of their possessions. Their houses were gone and somehow, they survived.
Fear struck again! What about my students? Our cell phones had some battery life remaining so calls went out, one after another. Shawn Foles and his mother were already helping others. Andrea Noll’s home was destroyed but she and her family were out searching the neighborhood for survivors. Soon all were contacted. All were safe, many homeless, but nonetheless safe.
The following months were days with no end. We began and ended our days trying to salvage what was salvageable, shelter those needing shelter, cook on grills and transport food to family and friends staying in tented parts of their homes that remained. The County let us move into our house that was under construction so the camper could go to a family without one. Our unfinished home became shelter to elderly family members and a hub for overnight visitors checking on family and friends.
A month after Katrina hit land, MGCCC (Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College) opened the Perkinston Campus letting students back into the dorm rooms. For students, the possessions they had left behind were now priceless. The old house we affectionately called The Wesley House had a large oak lying across the back, but was still standing. Wesley Foundations from other states soon came to spend their fall breaks with us mucking out houses. As each new group arrived they brought fresh new energy. Perk Wesley students joined in the recovery efforts for months but were growing weary and hollow eyed. They wanted normalcy. They, like many, were growing weary of the storm’s destruction. Little did we know, for us, the real storm lie just ahead. A new year and a new semester arrived.
LaSonya and the students seemed to be settling into a good routine of ministry. It was January 12. My bags were nearly packed and ready for vacationing in the mountains when the call came from the college. Six students had been killed in an early morning accident. Two others were in critical care at Forest General Hospital. LaSonya, crushed with the news, asked me to come and be with her as she ministered to the campus. One of the joys of serving the Perk Campus had always been the closeness of its faculty, administration, and student body. During tragedies such as this, however, it was the closeness that compounded the pain and sorrow. Everyone hurt. Everyone mourned.
Andrea Noll, one of my favorite students had been at The Club with those in the accident. She sobbed as I held her. “We never meant to do anything wrong. We just wanted to be together. We just wanted to sing. We just wanted to dance.” Her words would haunt me for days and months ahead. After the funerals and memorials, it was time for a sabbatical.
This time there was no promise of a return date. In the back of my mind, there was no returning. There was no trip to the mountains. My spirit was too far down in the valley, with no desire to ease the pain. Thoughts of the students tragically killed, seldom left my mind. One was our baseball pitcher, two were sisters, (the only two daughters of a mother whose spouse had died the year before), three were Perkettes, four were cousins, five all went to the same Catholic Church, and six graduated from the same high school. All were good kids. All were God’s children.
Mourning cast a dark shadow over me. I became even more rebellious than normal. The deep seeded warnings not to read books of the Apocrypha no longer held their grip. 2 Esdras (the complete version with all 16 chapters) was read repeatedly. The Prophet Ezra was discovered. His vision in Chapter 10 of a woman that refused to be comforted when her only child died gripped my soul. Just as Ezra cried out to God, so too, I cried in my heart. God sent Ezra to a field to fast eating only plants that flowered. Perhaps my cry was also heard! My husband brought home a garden tiller as my Valentine gift! The garden became all consuming and eased my sorrow.
The call that came asking me to return to Perk Campus Wesley Foundation was a heavy burden. After a sleepless and prayerful night, the cross was, again, mine to carry. My first visit with Dr. Mary Graham, Vice President of the Perkinston Campus, brought news the Perk Barn was going to be torn down. Another Katrina casualty! As the Perk Barn was demolished the vision for a new Barn was birthed. A new barn to house the Perk Wesley! A shelter - a safe place - a sanctuary in a sense. Instead of Perk students going to The Club they would go to The Barn. There would be karaoke, and dancing. There would be lemonade and sweet tea and nachos and cheese. Hotdogs, chili and homemade brownies! We would eat, drink and be merry! We could use trees damaged by Katrina, and volunteer labor! We would get sponsors from local businesses and pledges from donors! My mind was racing with possibilities!
What would the Board of Directors think? What would Higher Education and Campus Ministries think? What would the District Superintendent and, for that matter, the Bishop think? Perk Wesley had $30,000.00 in the building fund. That was only a tenth of what was needed to re-build. Later it occurred to me a tenth was a tithe. It would take sacrificial giving of time, and talent, and money. It was going to take complete trust by two families (that of Larry Haley and Dale Vuyovich) that God was going to provide for them as they took time off from their jobs to build The Barn. It was going to take nothing shy of a miracle to build The Barn! The miracles came. Jim and Jody Nightengale donated the land. Local businesses became sponsors. Donations for matching funds came forth and much was given by those closest to the building project. Perk’s Soccer Coach and Drafting Instructor, drafted our working set of plans. Over 60 large pines, damaged by Katrina, were donated by Preston and Deb Webb of McHenry and that was only the beginning of tree donations. Tommy and Lisa Bennett, saw-millers from North Carolina, milled the trees into rough cut lumber for no cost, while board members worked to spray it for termites and stack it for drying. Perk Wesley students, both current and former, came to work on The Barn’s construction. College Students from J.D. Campus, Massachusetts, Simpson College, Iowa, MSU, and USM spent their fall and spring breaks building walls, decking the roof, and laying water lines. When it was time to stand the second floor, Woodville United Methodist Church arrived in full force. In two days the loft stood totally framed! We needed a lift to get the plywood to the second story roof.
The next day one was on the job site. We needed a lift operator. One appeared. When it was time for the shingles we received the best Christmas present ever!
From local painters, to drywall hangers, to finishers, and the guys that installed our metal soffit, gifts came forth. Our heating and air, insulation, electrical, and appliances, all came with blessings too numerous to count. Woodville returned a second time and helped install our siding and light fixtures. The skills they brought helped tremendously, but it was their encouragement and financial gifts they left that kept us moving forward.
Magnolia Restaurant served as the hub for Larry Haley, Chair of our Trustees. It was there he shared The Barn project with everyone that came in to eat breakfast. It was Larry, the “git-er-done guy” as he became known, that found The Barn’s windows. Amazingly these windows had been stored on a trailer rig in a neighbor’s horse pasture. Beautiful, brand new, Pella Windows! Huge windows and over a hundred of them. The sizes and shapes were an exact match to the plans that had been drawn!
The Barn’s miracles kept me in awe and as it neared completion, my heart spoke to God; “Will they come?” Since the work had begun in August 2006 God had been faithful. The skills, the materials, and the money had always been right on time. The doors would open August 2007. There would be something new for Perk Students that fall semester: Club Night @ The Barn. Students would have a choice. “The Unequivocal Choice.” Dr. Graham said, during its Grand Opening where hundreds of students gathered to sing and dance on the first Club Night.
The Barn –It’s a beautiful place for beautiful people. It’s home to the Perk Campus Wesley: A United Methodist college ministry that strives to make a positive difference in peoples lives everyday. The ministry has grown from a few dozen students to a few hundred students. Every week night The Barn is the place to be if you’re a Perk student. Everything from a Taize’ style prayer, to the traditional Wesley dinner and Bible Study happens here. From the Gospel Choir, to Faith Renown, our cutting-edge praise band. From being in step with the Step Team, to Karaoke night and Bulldog Dominos on Club Night. The Barn is the gathering place for students that just want to sing! That just want to dance! The Barn is used on weekends for wedding gatherings, golden anniversaries, graduation parties and college gatherings for retirements and such. The usage funds help the ministry keep pace. It is difficult to budget for a ministry that booms from having 25 students attend the Statewide Convention one year, to over 60 the next. The Perk Campus Wesley has over 60 members going to Statewide Wesley 2009! Its visioning board and extreme student leadership continues to be its strength.
The Barn looks and sounds like a night club on Thursday nights. One of the plumbers that donated his time and skills during our construction phase, John Tisdale, is now our Karaoke D. J. He’s a great guy and the students love him. Each week the Karaoke equipment goes up but the Altar never comes down.
Not long after the grand opening several students came into the kitchen and one of them said, “Ms Susan, we notice all the stuff hanging around.” “What stuff? I asked. “You know, the stuff!” and one pointed to a cross on the wall. “What about it?” I asked. “We’re atheists,” he replied, “Do you want us to leave?”
“No,” I said, “I want you to stay.” “Cool,” he said, “cause it’s pretty cool here.” He came back every week and each time he came into the kitchen for a hug. Finally one night he burst open the door and shouted, “I LOVE THIS PLACE!” It was the last Club Night before Christmas break. When it came his time to sing he dedicated the song to me: “God Bless The Broken Roads That Bring Me Home To You.” He came into the kitchen for another hug. “Why are you crying,” he asked, “I did the best I could!” With tears streaming down my face I asked him if he understood the song. He looked at me, smiled that beautiful smile, and said, “I wasn’t always an atheist, Ms. Susan. My church didn’t like me. Everyone accepted me here, just as I am. Merry Christmas, Ms. Susan and thanks for The Barn. It’s two thumbs up!”
It’s one of many, many, stories that keep my heart full of joy and my soul strangely warmed. When I do retire, I going to sit at The Barn and tell the stories over, and over again!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
