The Circuit Rider Nov./Dec. 2022

The Circuit Rider

Bishop Lewis, Mississippi’s New Episcopal Leader

Please join with the Mississippi Delegation in welcoming Bishop Sharma Lewis as the next episcopal leader of the Mississippi Area. Bishop Lewis’ tenure will begin January 1, 2023. Bishop Lewis currently serves as the resident bishop of the Richmond Episcopal area, and became the first African-American woman to be elected and consecrated to the office of bishop in the Southeastern Jurisdiction of The United Methodist Church in 2016. [Read More]

Thanksgiving Memories with the Swansons

The Swansons have shared with us their joys around giving thanks, their reimagining of Thanksgiving with their family due to the pandemic, their gratitude for collaborative mission with the Mississippi Conference and their blessings throughout the year. As we commemorate their time here in the Mississippi Conference and congratulate them on Bishop Swanson’s retirement, take a moment to look back at their Thanksgiving messages to the Mississippi Conference over the years. Click here to view.

Mississippi’s Shelton Elected Bishop

Congratulations to Rev. Dr. Connie Mitchell Shelton, district superintendent in the Mississippi Conference, who was elected to the office of bishop by the Southeastern Jurisdiction’s United Methodist clergy and laity, from the nine states forming the Southeastern Jurisdiction. Bishop Shelton will be the episcopal leader of the North Carolina Conference beginning January 1. [Read More]

Laity Sunday Celebrations Across the Conference

Matthew Johnson, Connectional Ministries and Communications Assistant

Laity Sunday 2022 was observed on October 16, with the theme Rise Up and Reveal God’s Grace. The theme scripture was taken from II Timothy 1:8-12. Read more here about how Laity Sunday was celebrated throughout the Mississippi Conference.

Galloway senior pastor, Rev. Cary Stockett at laity celebration.

What is Jurisdictional Conference? SEJ Conference Highlights

Jurisdictional conference is the quadrennial meeting of clergy and lay delegates from the annual conferences within the boundaries of one of five U.S. jurisdictions: North Central, Northeastern, South Central, Southeastern and Western. Jurisdictional Conferences convene every four years. The business includes the election and assignment of bishops.

The 2022 Southeastern Jurisdictional, SEJ, Conference convened at Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center in North Carolina Wednesday through Friday November 2-4. At the conference three new bishops were elected and nine bishops were assigned to episcopal areas. In addition, delegates participated in worship services, a memorial service, a retirement service and voted on resolutions put forth by annual conference delegates. For more news from the 2022 SEJ Conference, click here.

Swanson’s Sermon Uplifts SEJ Conference

Matthew Johnson, Connectional Ministries and Communications Assistant

Episcopal leader of the Mississippi Area, Bishop James E. Swanson Sr. preaches opening worship.

On Wednesday, November 2, the 2022 Southeastern Jurisdictional, SEJ, Conference convened at the Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center in North Carolina. As the elder bishop in the college, Bishop James E. Swanson Sr. presided over his last opening worship service at the SEJ Conference as an active bishop. Bishop Swanson’s inspirational sermon during the worship service reassured delegates and bishops that God is with us and there is nothing to fear. [Read More]

United Methodists to Meet in Charlotte for Worldwide Conference

The Commission on the General Conference has announced that the 2024 United Methodist General Conference will be held April 23 to May 3, 2024, at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. General Conference is the top policymaking body of The United Methodist Church. The assembly meets at the beginning of each quadrennium to consider revisions to church law, as well as adopt resolutions on current moral, social, public policy and economic issues. It also approves plans and budgets for church-wide programs for the next four years. Delegates from Africa, Europe, Asia and the U.S. will attend the 11-day gathering, which is expected to attract about 5,500-7,500 people. Click here to read the full announcement.

Episcopal Elections

U.S. Bishops Receive Assignments

The United Methodist Church’s five U.S. jurisdictional conferences elected 13 new bishops during their Nov. 2-5 meetings. Each episcopal assignment will be effective January 1. The elections bring the number of active U.S. bishops to 39, but the U.S. currently has 46 episcopal areas. Each jurisdiction’s college of bishops and committee on the episcopacy arrange coverage of the episcopal areas, with some assigning bishops to serve more than one episcopal area. Click here to see the full list of episcopal assignments.

United Methodists: A CONNECTED CHURCH

The Rev. Sharon Austin, a candidate for bishop from the Florida Conference, is supported by another delegate during the Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference meeting in Lake Junaluska, N.C.

The Constitution of The United Methodist Church provides for checks and balances among the three general or worldwide church bodies the General Conference, the Judicial Council and the Council of Bishops, each of which plays a vital role in church life. It also illustrates the place of the general agencies, whose ministries and programs serve the global church. Click here for a graphic to teach local church leaders and members about the organization of their denomination and the unique roles and responsibilities of each body/entity.

During the 2022 Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference, the Western Jurisdiction and Southeastern Jurisdiction addressed how bigotry has marred the bishop election process. The Western Jurisdiction held a highly unusual, closed session and released a statement of repentance at its next business session. The Southeastern Jurisdiction is forming a task force to study the impact of racial bias in the nomination and selection process for bishop candidates. [Read More]

Methodist Foundation Announces Rate Increases

The Methodist Foundation of Mississippi is announcing increases for short-term accounts and 12-month timed deposits. As of November 1, the short-term account interest will be 3.75%. A new 12-month timed deposit will earn 4.5%. Those interested in the 12-month deposit must commit by January 2023 and remain in the fund until December 2023. The rate will be effective only on funds deposited for a full 12 months. Any funds withdrawn early will be subject to penalty. For more information, click here.

Little Light of Mine Special Offering

The special offering for Methodist Children’s Homes, MCH, supports their daily operations. With the support of your church, MCH is able to care for the hundreds of children that pass through its doors each year. The Special Sunday offering for Methodist Children’s Homes is December 11, but your church can collect your offering any time of the year. Just make sure to mark your envelope or check to designate it for the special offering. For more information on MCH and resources to share with your congregation, click here

Is The UMC Really…? Part 3: Disaffiliation, Abortion and Apportionments

Ask The UMC has been answering an increasing number of questions from congregations wondering about the future of The United Methodist Church and whether they should consider disaffiliating from it. This is the third of a series of articles providing answers about a variety of questions Ask The UMC has received multiple times through emails, phone calls and live chats. Click here to read the article. To view other installments of this series, click here. Your questions and feedback are always welcome email them to AskTheUMC@umc.org.

Native American Heritage Month

Native American Heritage Month has been observed every November since its designation in 1990. During the month, Native people in the United States share their culture, traditions, music, crafts, dance and concepts of life. Native American Heritage Month also gives United Methodists an opportunity to reach out to indigenous groups in the community and to learn about and from their Native American sisters and brothers. For ideas on incorporating Native American Heritage Month into your services, click here.

Mississippians Benefit from UM Student Day Offering

Mississippi United Methodist student Jaci Murden is a recipient of a UM scholarship thanks to your generosity through giving towards the annual connection-wide UM Student Day offering. Finances are a major hurdle for many college students. As the cost of a college education rises, many students are looking for opportunities to garner additional funds to offset the cost of higher education. Through the United Methodist Student Day offering happening Sunday, Nov. 27, United Methodist churches can invest in the future of the church by helping provide scholarships for Methodist students. [Read More]

Mississippi Conference News

City of Jackson Proclamation Honors Bishop Swanson

Jackson, Miss. Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba issued a proclamation honoring Mississippi episcopal leader, Bishop James E. Swanson Sr. The proclamation recognized Swanson’s years of service as a pastor and bishop in The United Methodist Church and his 10 years of leadership in the Mississippi Conference. City of Jackson spokeswoman Melissa Faith Payne delivered the proclamation and the extended cabinet accepted on Swanson’s behalf. Bishop Swanson attended the presentation by Zoom.

Unique Christian Ministries Celebrates New Beginning

New life has been breathed into the former St. Mary United Methodist Church in New Albany. On Sunday, November 13, at the former St. Mary’s building, Bishop James E. Swanson Sr. joined by New Albany District superintendent, Rev. Dr. Raigan Miskelly and Unique Christian Ministries pastor, Rev. James Dye, chartered Unique Christian Ministries as a new congregation in the Mississippi United Methodist Conference. The church is a new beginning for a resilient congregation and an example for other small membership churches in the conference. Read more about this church revitalization.

The Gathering Registration is Now Open

Registration for the 2023 Gathering is now open. Youth in grades 6-12 are invited to Christ United Methodist Church, in Jackson, on February 24-25, for a high energy weekend conference filled with dynamic worship, fellowship, relevant teaching, laughter, friendship, inspiration, fun and life-change. The registration fee is $70 per person for those who sign up before February 13, and $80 for those who sign up after. There are also scholarships available. Click here to register your youth group for the biggest Jesus party of the year.

Local Church Resource: Simple Governance

As charge conferences wrap up and a new year of church leadership begins in January, now is a great time for local churches to consider or revisit a more simplified, accountable leadership structure that can empower, equip and set laity and clergy free to focus on the mission of making disciples and reduce how often they meet. Director of spiritual leadership, Rev. Trey Harper gives a broad overview of simple governance in local churches in this video. You can find more in-depth resources on simple governance here

Thanksgiving Office Closure – Nov. 24-25

The conference and episcopal offices will be closed Thursday and Friday, November 24 and 25 in observation of the Thanksgiving holiday. The office will reopen Monday, November 28 at regular business hours. The conference and episcopal offices wish you a joyous Thanksgiving as you gather with friends and family. Click here for ideas to celebrate Thanksgiving in your congregations.

SAVE THE DATES

Center for Ministry Hosts Disaffiliation Event – Dec. 1

The Center for Ministry at Millsaps College will host “Disaffiliation or the Threat - Feels Like a Divorce” on Thursday December 1 at the McRae Christian Center on the Millsaps’ campus. The retreat will provide worship, conversation, healing and hope for clergy that have been affected directly or indirectly by disaffiliation. The registration fee is $30, and guests are required to pre-register. Registration ends November 28. Lunch is provided and attendees will receive .5 CEUs. Click here to register.

Offices Closed for Christmas and New Year’s Day – Dec. 23-Jan. 2

The conference and episcopal offices will close December 23 as we celebrate the birth of our Savior and welcome in the new year.

Offices will reopen Tuesday, January 3, 2023, at normal business hours.

Human Relations Day – Jan. 15, 2023

The Human Relations Day Special Sunday offering benefits neighborhood ministries, community developers, community advocacy through United Methodist Voluntary Services and work with at-risk teens through the Youth Offender Rehabilitation Program. For ways to celebrate and promote Human Relations Day with your congregation download the pastor and leader kit by clicking here

Festival of Preaching –Feb. 16-17, 2023

Spiritual leadership will host the 2023 Festival of Preaching February 16-17 at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Brandon. The theme for the event is “Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning.” The keynote speaker will be Rev. Dr. Jody Hill president of Memphis Theological Seminary. Click here, for more information and to register.

Statewide Wesley – Feb. 24-26, 2023

Mississippi Campus Ministries will gather for a weekend of worship, teaching and workshops. The 2023 Statewide Wesley Retreat will be held at the Timber Creek Camp in Morton. For more information, click here

Spiritual Wellness Retreat –Mar. 9-10, 2023

Registration is now open for the office of spiritual leadership’s Spiritual Wellness Retreat. This time of rest and fellowship takes place on Thursday and Friday, March 9 and 10, at Camp Lake Stephens in Oxford and is open to all clergy. There is a $100 registration fee for the event that covers room and meals. Those interested in participating can click here to register.

Publication Note: The next publication of The Circuit Rider will be released January 2023.

Nov. Appointments/Status Changes

Church/District

New Pastor Start Date

• Pearl: First (EJA) Paige Swaim-Presley 10/30/2022

• Hebron (HAT) Connie Mitchell Shelton 10/25/2022

• Ocean Springs: St. Paul associate (SEA) Lacey Bowcock 11/1/2022

• Petal (HAT) Laurie Porciello 11/1/2022

• Hebron (HAT) Lindsey Robinson 11/14/2022

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

As a courtesy to the Mississippi Annual Conference, job announcements from across the United Methodist connection are featured in The Circuit Rider. To submit an employment notice, send an email to news@mississippi-umc.org. Postings are not guaranteed to appear more than once in Mississippi Conference publications. To read a description of job opening(s) listed below as well as other listing, click here

• Associate Director for Disaster Response/UMVIM, Conference Office (Jackson, MS)

• Church Pianist, Aberdeen FUMC (Aberdeen, MS)

• Children’s Ministry Director, First UMC (Mountain Home, AR)

• Director of Congregational Discipleship, Grinnell UMC (Grinnell, IA)

• Director of Student Ministries, First UMC (Mountain Home, AR)

CARES AND CONCERNS

As you pause to pray this week, take time to ask for strength, peace and comfort for the families and friends of those listed below who have joined the Church Triumphant:

• With deep sorrow we inform you of the death of Rev. Charles Kottenbrook who passed away November 3.

• Remember the family of Rev. Robert Howard in your prayers. Rev. Howard passed away October 22.

• We regret to inform you that Rev. Jimmy Cain passed away September 29.

• It is with a heavy heart and great sympathy that we share with you the passing of Shirley Richter, the wife of Rev. Raleigh Richter. Mrs. Richter Passed away September 25.