By Woody WoodrickAdvocate Editor

One open conference staff position has been filled while another is nearing the end of the application peri-od.

Lisa Michiels of Gulfport has been hired as director of com-munications for the Mississippi Conference, Bishop Hope Morgan Ward announced. The conference also seeks a new conference youth coordinator.

“It’s an exciting time to be involved with the church as we seek to reach more peo-ple, more younger people and more diverse people,” Michiels said. “I look forward to being part of the team that tries to meet that mission.”

Michiels has been involved in conference communications since Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Cost in 2005. She provided communications leadership for the Seashore District immediately following the devastat-ing storm, and then worked in a similar post for the Mississippi United Methodist Katrina Recovery until last spring.

“Her skills were displayed well (follow-ing Katrina), and then what developed with General Conference through UMCOR and United Methodist Communications proved to be invaluable,” said the Rev. Steve Casteel, director of Connectional Ministries. “She’s a very systematic and thorough person.”

Michiels played a key role in develop-ing a DVD about Katrina recovery that was shown at the 2008 General Conference in Fort Worth, Texas, and also spoke on behalf of the recovery effort in annual conferences around the nation.

Michiels has a background in both jour-nalism and general communications and public relations. She has owned a newspa-per, a radio station and managed non-profit organizations.

Casteel said Michiels will emphasize two major areas: strengthening and consistent re-evaluation of internal conference com-munications and helping be the face and voice of the conference.

Michiels will transition into the job with the

Michielsaccepts jobin UM office

Michiels

In this issueCommentary 2 Mission and Ministry 3 Around the Conference 4-5 Classifieds 7 Ministry Connection 7 Photo File 8

Surprise!School district honors UM pastor, page 3

Vol. 62 / Issue 11 March 4, 2009

General Church: The centerpieces for ministry in The United Methodist Church over the next four years are: • Developing principled leaders for the church and the world • Creating new places for new people by starting congregations and renewing existing ones • Engaging in ministry with the poor • Stamping out killer diseases by improving health globally

Mississippi Conference: The ministry focus of the Mississippi Annual Conference is to make dis-ciples of Jesus Christ by connecting to More People, More Younger People and More Diverse People (MP3).

See michiels page �

Just basicIt’s all about Jesus’ death resurrection, page 2

By Woody WoodrickAdvocate Editor

Folks at Hinds Chapel United Methodist Church have gone MIA.

No, they’ve not disappeared but have become Methodists in Action. In response to the struggling economy, the DeSoto County church created the MIA ministry to help those in need.

“This goes from providing provisions for their homes, helping out around the home, helping peo-ple in the church and community with whatever it is they need,” said the Rev. Ray Owens, pastor at Hinds Chapel on the Horn Lake Charge. “This min-istry is in direct response to these hard economic times.”

While the impact of the economic downturn seems mixed among Mississippi Conference churches, accord-ing to an informal survey by the Advocate, many are doing as Hinds Chapel has done — finding ways to help those in need. The churches are doing this while keep-ing a close eye on expenses, and some are even fighting their own financial battles.

“We are working hard to minis-ter to those of our church family who have lost their jobs,” said the Rev. Cary Stockett of Jackson Christ UMC. “We seek to provide support on a number of levels, including net-working about job openings, resume development, financial planning and emotional support.”

A few years ago, Brandon St. Mark’s UMC started a program for those facing job

problems. The ministry is focused on men in the church. Women are also offered help on an individual basis, but the focus has been on men because of their reluctance to seek help. Independent psychologists were also engaged as consultants.

Phil Miracle, a former lay leader at St. Mark’s, began weekly meetings at his home that combined prayer, job counseling and networking. The meetings began more than three years ago and continue weekly. The group meets at 7:30 a.m. over coffee and ends when members need to get to their jobs or keep other appointments.

The men in the group help each other through job loss and network-

See economy, page �

Owens

stOckett

Many Mississippi

Conference churches are

finding ways to help those in

need through ministry.

Money woes create mission opportunities

throw out the

LifeLine!

2 Mississippi United Methodist Advocate/March 4, 2009 3Mississippi United Methodist Advocate/March 4, 2009

Commentary

Gift of books make world of differenceMost of us have heard the story about

the boy picking up starfish that had been washed ashore by a storm

and throwing them back into the sea. A man passing by, seeing thousands of starfish on the beach, pointed out the futility of the boy’s efforts. The man insisted, “What you are doing won’t make any difference.”

“It will make a difference to this one,” the boy responded, as he threw another starfish back into the water.

One billion people in our world live in extreme poverty having less than one dol-lar each day to provide for their family. You and I can’t help all of them but we can make a difference. A new mission initiative is being launched to help you and your church accomplish a great deal in helping the extremely poor in India. By holding a book drive in your church you can support Second Mile Global Coalition and provide care for children who have no family, medi-cal care for those who would otherwise have no access to a physician, community devel-opment and food for the hungry. You can help educate a Bible college or seminary student who will become a church planter who believes in ministering to the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of those living in extreme poverty.

The books you donate will be sold at an

affordable price to those who could not oth-erwise afford such books. The money col-lected from the sale of these books is used to fund our orphanages, schools, church plant-ing program, medical clinics and microen-terprise loan program.

In addition to Bibles and Christian books there is a great need for good children’s books, both Christian and secular. One of the best ways for a young Indian living in a remote village to improve the prospects for his/her future is to get a good education and become proficient in the English language. Good children’s books written in English can contribute immensely to this process.

n For information go to Second Mile Global Coalition’s web site at www.2mgc.org or contact Thompson at gdt@cableone.net or 228-861-1944. Thompson is pastor at Biloxi First UMC.

n Editor’s note: Third in a series

The most important thing I can ever know is that Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, came into this

world, lived, suffered and died to forgive my sins and give me a blessed and eternal life. Everything else is secondary to that divine sacrifice and proclamation; therefore, that is my good news and yours.

I do believe in all kinds of help ministries to all people. I have been much involved in world hunger, Habitat for Humanity, Volunteers in Mission, recreational and other human care ministries. These are effective and a part of our Christian faith and service, but apart from the first statement above, these ministries can be help-ful but may produce no fruit for God’s kingdom and no life changing event in the recipient.

When sharing your faith with individu-als, small groups or preaching, you will observe a rather ho-hum response to the “God loves you” approach. I know that I have clearly seen and felt the deeper response in individuals, small groups and congregations when they hear what Jesus suffered and sacrificed for our souls. The atonement must be personalized

for the hearer.Isaiah said it before it

happened: “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have every one turned to his own way, and the Lord laid on him the iniquity of us all.” (Chapter 53)

Persons are deeply moved and intensely thankful to another person who saves their

life, especially if there is great risk or pain involved. The atone-ment is God’s way of telling us of our worth in His heart and of His supreme sacrifice to save us. Teaching, wit-nessing or preaching that does not include the sacrificial life and death of Jesus as essential to our salva-tion is a form without power and ignores the bottom line of the

good news.From Herod’s efforts to kill him as a baby to

his cries of “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me,” Jesus suffered every abuse sinners could impose. With his final breath,

he said, “It is finished.” He had achieved the means of salvation for everyone who will believe and receive him. It means “Jesus paid it all, all to him I owe.” It means Isaiah 53:5 and multiple other scriptures had been fulfilled.

St. Paul said, “Christ sent me to preach the gospel, not with eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (� Corinthians �:�7,�8)

Charles Wesley wrote, “O Love divine! What hast thou done! The immortal God hath died for me! The Father’s co-eternal son bore all my sins upon the tree. The immortal God for me hath died; my Lord, my love is crucified.”

He also wrote, “He breaks the power of cancelled sin; he sets the prisoner free; his blood can make the foulest clean. His blood availed for me.”

John Wesley said, “There for me the Savior stands, shows his wounds and spreads his hands! God is love! I know, I feel; Jesus weeps and loves me still.” John Wesley’s transformation from academics to spiritual power came when he realized that Jesus had forgiven his sins in their entirety by His full, perfect and sufficient sacrifice for the sins of the world.

John Wesley’s preaching was powerless as long as it focused on rules, self-discipline and works. His heart warming of May 24, �738, did not negate these but enabled him to know that life in the spirit begins with a heart-felt discovery of what has already been done by a savior on a cross. That Aldersgate event was the closest date there is to the birthday of Methodism.

Jesus offers that forgiveness to every repentant soul by way of divine atonement. For Jesus and Wesley this is the heart of the gospel. Forward to the basics leads straight to the cross.

n Martin is a retired clergy member of the Mississippi Conference.

rev. Glenn martin

advoCate Columnist

n “Redeem Israel, O God, out of all its troubles. . .” — Psalm 25:22

I read the whole of Psalm 25 appointed for the beginning of Lent, all the way to the last

verse.Just last week, with 45 Mississippi

travelers I crossed in a bus through a massive gate in the new wall Israel is constructing around designated Palestinian territory. Inside the wall is Bethlehem with the fields of the shepherds and the Church of the Nativity, children and families — Christian and Muslim — homes and schools and businesses.

At Hope Secondary School, stu-dents were overjoyed to practice their English with us. We learned that the students at this mission school of The United Methodist Church were all children who had survived poverty and broken homes. They have been gathered in by our church. They are loved and taught. Last year, every graduate passed the rigorous examinations required for graduation in their nation.

At Bethlehem Bible College, we received the witness of a mission-ary of our church, a Palestinian Christian, who gently shared the history of the long struggle for land. When asked what the Palestinians desire from the United States, he said simply, “That you be even-handed in your support of Israel and of Palestine.” As we left this holy time, one of our group sitting behind me said gently, “I once was blind, but now I see.”

Lent is a time for confession, for naming our guilt, “for it is great.” (Psalm 25:��)

In January, I saw another wall. This wall is being built by our coun-try on the border between Mexico and the United States. Our wall is looks just much like the wall divid-ing Palestine from Israel, except that we are building a double wall and in some places a triple wall. With United Methodist friends, I stood at a place in the wall that is still wire, not yet concrete. We cel-ebrated communion with leaders of the Methodist Church of Mexico, passing the bread and cup through a torn place in the wire.

These are huge problems, com-plex issues, great challenges. In our place, here in Mississippi, let us this Lent name before God the walls that continue to divide. Let us be faithful witnesses to Jesus Christ, who in this season teaches, heals, weeps, forgives and rises to break through every dividing wall.

GleaninGsBy Bishop hope morGan Ward

A Lenten prayer

Published twice a month, 24 times a year, on the first and third Wednesday of each month, by the Mississippi Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church, 32� Mississippi Street, Jackson, MS.

Periodicals postage paid at Jackson, MS and additional mailing offices.

■ Woody Woodrick, Editor ■ Cindy W. Clark, Layout

Postmaster: Send address changes to The Mississippi United Methodist Advocate, P.O. Box 1093, Jackson, MS 39215-1093

Mississippi United Methodist AdvocAte (Usps 354-360)

321 Mississippi Street / P.O. Box 1093 / Jackson, MS 39215-1093 / Phone: 601-354-0515

Forward to basics leads to the cross

How You Can Help

n Personally donate Bibles, Christian books, children’s books

n Give $� per book you donate to help pay the cost of collecting, shipping and distribution

n Make an additional donation to help with the cost of books collected from other sources such as libraries

n Organize a book collection event through your church, Sunday school class or other group

Needed Books*n Bibles (all translations) n Bible dictionaries, concordances,

commentaries, etc. n Christian books n Encyclopedias n Dictionaries n Good children’s books (secular and

Christian)

*Please, books only, no CDs, cassettes, videos, etc.

rev. dr. Gary

thompsonGuest Columnist

By Joel McNeeceCalhoun County Journal

Dr. Scott Wright, pastor of Lewis Memorial United Methodist Church, was standing in front of a class at Calhoun City Elementary where he was serving as a substitute teach-er when he was told he had been named the Parent of the Year for the school.

“It was a huge surprise to say the least,” Wright said.

A few days later he was in his office at the church when he received an e-mail from the school district office congratulating him on being named the Parent of the Year for the whole district.

“Couldn’t believe it,” Wright said grin-ning. “I wondered if I had to pay somebody or something.”

It wasn’t nearly as big a surprise to his many students in Calhoun City Schools, the members of his church or the people in the community.

Since arriving in Calhoun City four years ago, Wright has taken an active role in the community. Whether serving as a volun-

teer fireman, emceeing local fundraising events or mentoring-tutoring students at Calhoun City Elementary with the local Rotary Club, Wright is serious about being involved.

“This church is very supportive,” he said. “It’s the best church I’ve ever pastored, as far as openness and willingness for me to do all I want to do. They want a pastor really involved in the community. I think that’s why we fit together well.

“I don’t feel like I’m just appointed to Lewis Memorial, but to Calhoun City and

Calhoun County. As John Wesley said, ‘The world is my parish.’”

Wright began substitute teaching last school year at both the elementary and high school.

“I really enjoy it. I enjoy children and youth,” he said. “We have a small children’s ministry here at the church, but we really don’t have any youth, so getting involved with the schools gives me that opportu-nity.”

2 Mississippi United Methodist Advocate/March 4, 2009 3Mississippi United Methodist Advocate/March 4, 2009

learningcan help

end abuse

By Susan ChristensenSpecial to the Advocate

Wheelchair softball will join Methodist Rehabilitation Center’s growing list of adap-tive sports, thanks to a $7�,�2� grant from the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation.

The gift will pay for the purchase of equip-ment, and the sport will be debuted at a summer instructional clinic in Jackson. The grant also will fund expansion of wheel-chair fencing and handcycling, two popu-lar programs that currently serve only the Jackson area. Clinics and events will bring the two existing sports to the Gulf Coast, Northeast Mississippi, the Delta and central Mississippi.

“We found out about the grant in December, and I can’t think of a better Christmas present,” said Ginny Boydston, therapeutic recreation director at Methodist Rehab in Jackson. “It’s always exciting to introduce something new to the state, and softball is a game that a lot of people want to play.”

Neal Pettigrew of Byram is one who can’t wait to get back in the game. “That is what I’ve been wanting to play more than any-thing,” said the 44-year-old, who was para-lyzed in a �99� car accident. “I pitched for many years, and I’ve mentored my son. Baseball is one of my favorite sports.”

The only one of its kind in Mississippi, Methodist Rehab’s therapeutic recreation program has helped thousands of people with disabilities return to an active lifestyle through a variety of adaptive sports. Over the years, participants have been able to sample tennis, basketball, quad rugby, sled hockey, water and snow skiing, power soc-cer, scuba diving, road racing, hunting, fish-ing and even dance.

“These opportunities promote health and independence, and the expansion made possible with this grant is wonderful news

for Mississippians who have disabilities,” said Chris Blount, director of the Wilson Research Foundation at Methodist Rehab, who led the grant proposal effort.

Many of Methodist Rehab’s adaptive sports programs are supported by grants, and Boydston said the Neilsen Foundation has been an especially generous benefac-tor. “I’m very honored that they believe in us,” she said.

The foundation awards grants to chari-ties benefiting spinal cord injury research and rehabilitation. It was established in 2003 by Ameristar Casino founder Craig H. Neilsen, who was paralyzed in a �985 car accident and died in 200�.

“The Craig H. Neilsen Foundation is proud to support Methodist Rehabilitation Center,” said Beth Goldsmith, executive director. “As Chairman of Ameristar Casinos and the Neilsen Foundation, Craig Neilsen’s

son, Ray, has continued his father’s gener-ous support for the innovative programs and excellent patient care offered to those associated with MRC. This partnership has made an important difference in the lives of the MRC patients.”

Ameristar Vicksburg employees and the Neilsen Foundation helped Methodist Rehab purchase its original fencing and handcycling equipment in 2005. And Boydston said she’ll be relying on athletes from both sports to help with the upcoming clinics. “I’m looking forward to them taking a leadership role,” she said. “Their hands-on experience will be an extra benefit to the people learning the sports.”

n To learn more about Methodist Rehab’s adaptive sports and recreation program, call Boydston at 601-364-3566.

Wheelchair softball coming to Miss.

mission and ministry

Four children die every day because of it.

Every �0 seconds another child experiences it.

At least one person in your con-gregation is or has been the victim of it.

What is it? Child abuse. It occurs at every socio-econom-

ic 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 the problems of child abuse. 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 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 chil-dren being abused.

There is nothing more heart-breaking 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 commu-nity is intense. Here is an oppor-tunity 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. Here’s how:

n Host a child abuse education program. (I, along with any num-ber of pediatricians, social work-ers, etc., would happily lead this event.)

n 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

n Offer a Safe Sanctuaries work-shop to motivate people toward action

n Proclaim April as Child Abuse

rev. miChelle

FosterConneCtional

ministries

See wright page 7

Wheelchair softball players enjoy all the action of the sport in these photos from the National Wheelchair Softball Association.

Pastor winsaward as district’s top parent

Dr. Scott Wright, pastor of Lewis Memorial UMC in Calhoun City, stands with some of the children from the elementary school where he substitute teaches and volunteers frequently. His efforts earned him Parent of the Year honors for Calhoun City Schools.

See foster page 7

4 Mississippi United Methodist Advocate/March 4, 2009 5Mississippi United Methodist Advocate/March 4, 2009

around the ConFerenCe

Ordinands of the last quadrennium were the focus group for the Feb. �0-�9 Journey of Biblical Discovery. The group expanded to 4� pilgrims, including �8

ordinands, embodying the connection of 2� local United Methodist churches. Many of these congregations sup-ported clergy financially in this significant time of learning and renewal.

Bishop Hope Morgan Ward was the worship leader and Willis Britt and Bob Rambo were the teachers at a myriad of Biblical places. From a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, the group viewed the landscape where Jesus spent 85 percent of his ministry. Visits in Galilee to Capernaum, Bethsaida, Kursi, Magdala, Chorazim, the Mount of Beatitudes, the Quiet Place, Peter’s Primacy, Cana, Nazareth and Zippori enlivened spirits as the “fifth gospel” of the land opened the Biblical texts in fresh ways. Visits to Megiddo, Caesarea, Jericho, Qumran expanded understanding of Biblical cul-ture and history.

In Jerusalem, visits to Bethlehem, Bethany, Bethphage, the Mount of Olives, Garden of Gethsemane, Mt. Zion, Upper Room, King David’s Tomb, Jerusalem Archaeological Park, the Western Wall, the Pool of Bethesda, the Via Dolorosa and Church of the Holy Sepulchre and finally the Garden Tomb were times of learning and worship.

In the center of the journey was a day of mission engage-ment, learning more about the complex and deeply trou-bled relationship between the state of Israel and the people of Palestine. At Yad Vashem, the expansive and deeply moving Holocaust Memorial in Jerusalem, the group went forth to individually ponder the great tragedy and to pray for peace. Moving through the massive gate in the fence built between Israel and the Palestinian Territory, the group felt deep grief for continued division. At Hope Secondary School and Bethlehem Bible College, both Advance projects of The United Methodist Church, the group had opportunity to engage with joyful Palestinian children and their teachers and with leaders in theological education and seminarians.

Delta State Wesley Foundation takes mission trip to Honduras

With the help of many donors and friends in the com-munity and various fund-raising projects, a group of �9 stu-dents from the Wesley Foundation at Delta State University

flew to La Cieba, Honduras, working with Salt and Light Ministries.

While in Honduras they embarked on a new culture jour-ney of food, singing, leading worship and way of living. They spent the week building homes out of cinder blocks and mortar, digging septic tanks, teaching children Bible lessons (in Spanish) and meeting people of the Honduran culture.

The Wesley mission team is currently exploring ways in which it can continue to serve the people in their own back-yards in the Mississippi Delta.

5 ministries complete first stepin Communities of Shalom journey

Communities of Shalom is a ministry birthed at the �992 General Conference. 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 dispar-

ity and solve problems via systemic changes.

Several Mississippi churches just completed the initial training for Communities of Shalom. They are: I Challenge You (ICU), a communi-ty program based at Revels UMC in 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 commu-nity 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 Will Dent the national Communities of Shalom representative. The training sessions will rotate sites to allow the national rep-resentative 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 Community of Shalom site and receive a start up grant from the National Communities of Shalom organization.

For information on this ministry, contact the Rev. Fitzgerald Lovett, the Mississippi Conference representative for Communities of Shalom, at fitzgerald@mississippi-umc.org.

Nominations sought for annual history, higher education awards

The Mississippi Conference seeks 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 pro-moting 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 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 recipi-ent will be recognized during the 2009 Annual Conference proceedings.

The Asbury Award is a non-monetary award that recog-nizes those who meet the following criteria:

n A United Methodist, lay or clergyn 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

n Offers leadership beyond the basic responsibilities, to help bring more awareness to the importance of the church’s ministries in higher education

n Involved in efforts that agree with the direction and

4Holy Land tour offers learning, renewal

Methodist Tested RecipesH c. butter (Judges 5:25)2 c. flour (1 Kings 4:22)H tsp. salt (Leviticus 2:13)1 c. figs (1 Samuel 30:12)1 H c. sugar (Jeremiah 6:20)2 tsp. baking powder (Luke 13:21)H c. water (Genesis 24:11)1 c. raisins (1 Samuel 30:12)3 eggs (Isaiah 10:14)1 T. honey (Proverbs 24:13)1 H C. almonds (Genesis 43:11)Cinnamon, mace, cloves (1 Kings 10:10)

Blend butter, sugar, spices and salt. Beat egg yolks and add. Sift in baking powder and flour, and then add water and honey. Put fruit and nuts through food chopper and flour well. Follow Soloman’s advice for making good boys in Proverbs 23: �4. Fold in stiffly beaten egg whites. Bake for one hour in 375-degree oven.

— By lou emma hollis in Taste & See published by the United methodist women of Jackson epworth Umc

Scripture Cake n He looked around, and there by his head was a cake of bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again.— � Kings �9:�

Have a recipe too good to keep? Share it with our Advocate readers. If your church has its own cookbook, we would like a copy. Mail to Woody Woodrick, Methodist Tested Recipes, P.O. Box 1093, Jackson, MS 39215.

Fitzgerald

A Mississippi Conference tour group stands on the Mount of Olives overlooking Jerusalem during a recent Holy Land tour.

Maggie Bootman and Angelique Arnold bond with Honduran children.

Ben McNeir and Josh Boren work with Honduran friends in dig-ging a 12-foot pit for a septic tank.

4 Mississippi United Methodist Advocate/March 4, 2009 5Mississippi United Methodist Advocate/March 4, 2009

around the ConFerenCe

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 June ��.

To nominate an individual, contact the Rev. Fitzgerald Lovett at P. O. Box ��47, Jackson, MS 392�5 or fitzgerald@missis-sippi-umc.org.

Deadline for nominations for the Tobias Gibson and Francis Asbury awards is April �3.

Program lands sub-grantI Challenge You, Inc., a program of Revels

United Methodist Church in Greenville, has received a sub-grant from the Department of Public Safety Division of Safety Planning.

The $22,880 grant is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods Anti-Gang Program.

The Revels program plans to use the grant to enhance services provided to students by hiring certified tutors for math and reading. Program leaders said they believe if students are more successful in school they are less likely to drop out of school.

The program manager for the grant is Rosemary Horne with the Division of Public Safety and Planning in Jackson. The Revels I Challenge You Program is directed by Erie Stuckett.

Passion play dates setFirst United Methodist Church of

Kosciusko will present its annual passion play, His Last Days, on at 8 p.m. April 9-��.

This year’s presentation will be the 24th consecutive performance of the one-hour outdoor drama written by the Rev. Charles Wiggers. Performed on the church grounds, portrayers in authentic Biblical costumes depict the events of the last days leading to Christ’s crucifixion and ascension. The play is presented each year on Thursday, Friday and Saturday prior to Easter.

No admission is charged, and a nursery is provided. No reservations are necessary. Parking for vehicles, including vans and buses, is located near the church grounds where the drama will take place. Guest might want to bring their own chairs.

First United Methodist Church is locat-ed on the corner of East Washington and Natchez streets in Kosciusko. For informa-tion, contact the church office at ��2-289-�4�2 or at chur�23@bellsouth.net.

Senegal missionary set to visit 6 Miss. churches

Missionary Karen Ujereh will be in Mississippi in March and early April for itineration.

Plans call for her to visit Clarksdale First United Methodist Church, Cleveland St. Luke UMC, Marion and Pleasant Grove UM churches in Meridian, Meridian Poplar Springs UMC and Hattiesburg Parkway Heights UMC in Hattiesburg.

Ujereh is a missionary with the General Board of Global Ministries assigned to Dakar, Senegal where she serves as GBGM’s area financial executive as well as supervising projects of the United Methodist Church in Senegal. As AFE her responsibilities include oversight of all receipts and disbursements of GBGM funds for projects in the confer-ence. Supervising the Prison Ministry in three prisons, Ujereh is also the VIM coor-dinator for Senegal and hosts about four teams a year.

A native of New Orleans, Ujereh serves with her husband, Sebastine, a native of Nigeria who has also served as a UM mis-sionary, and they have three children: Jessica, born in New Orleans and Sebastine,

Jr. and Laura, who were both born in Nigeria. Ujereh is a lifelong member of Bethany United Methodist Church in New Orleans.

Pianist, vocalist Saik to perform on Gulf Coast

Nashville recording artist Paul Saik will present two concerts March 8 at Ocean Springs St. Paul United Methodist Church.

Saik, a vocalist and pianist, is scheduled to perform at the �� a.m. service on the East Campus and at 3 p.m. on the downtown

campus. A native of Jackson,

Saik began playing piano at age 3 and spent much of his time performing in church. His first church posi-tion came at the age of �3 as the church pianist at First Baptist Church in Pearl. He started play-

ing the organ at age ��. Saik studied piano and organ at Mississippi

College and received a Bachelor of Music degree in piano, winning several awards and competitions. He also studied at the University of London. A Pressar Scholar, Saik furthered his education at Baylor University, where he received a Masters of Music degree in church music and organ.

A versatile singer, Saik has performed with opera companies throughout the United States and around the world. But after many years of performing on some of the biggest stages in the world, Saik realized that the successes of his career could not outweigh the stresses and challenges that he faced every day. Saik has recorded seven CDs.

Admission is free. A love offering will be collected for Saik, who has waived his pro-fessional fees for each event. The down-town campus is located at 800 Porter St.; East campus is on the corner of Mississippi 57 and U.S. 90 (Bienville Boulevard). For information, call the church office at 228-875-570�.

Books offers insight into Tupelo man’s speeches

In the new book, A Time to Speak: Speeches by Jack Reed (University Press of Mississippi), the Tupelo businessman discusses the events surrounding his speeches and talks about

race relations within his church, his deep involve-ment in public education with his close friend William Winter and with George H. W. Bush, and his own run for governor in �987.

For more than 50 years, Jack Reed has been a voice of reason

in Mississippi — speaking from his plat-form as a prominent private businessman and taking leadership roles in public educa-tion, race relations, economic and commu-nity development, and even church polity. Excerpts from more than a dozen of Reed’s speeches over a 50-year period (�95�–2007) are included in this volume.

Reed always delivered his speeches with a large dose of good cheer, but his words were not always cheerfully accepted, especially in his early years when he spoke out on behalf of public schools and racial equality. His will-ingness to participate in civic affairs often led him to leadership roles at state, regional and national levels — including the presidency

of the Mississippi Economic Council, chair-manship of the President’s National Advisory Council on Education, and charter mem-bership on the United Methodist Church Commission on Religion and Race.

Danny McKenzie places this original material in historical and biographical con-text and provides the reader with the neces-sary information to understand each speech and event. A Time to Speak illustrates how a private citizen with courage and a smile can effect positive change. McKenzie, a vet-eran Mississippi newspaper columnist, is the author of Matters of the Spirit: Human, Holy, and Otherwise.

McKenzie and Reed are scheduled to take part in book signings at Square Books in Oxford (March 3) and Lemuria Books in Jackson (March �0). Both events begin at 5 p.m.

Adams honors CarruthThe congregation

of Adams United Methodist Church celebrated its oldest member in February.

Ruth Williams Carruth celebrated her �0�st birthday on Feb. 22. She was one of nine siblings and

the only one still living. In �930 she married John P. Carruth, Jr. and became a member of Adams Methodist Church in Auburn. She still attends church on a regular basis except on Mother’s Day – she does not want to be the oldest mother present.

Carruth’s accomplishments include an unknown number of handmade quilts and needlework designs that have been, and still are, enjoyed by many. Her two adopted sons, Leland and John Paul Carruth, were clothed in their younger years by her sewing skills. Due to bad eyesight and loss of hear-ing, Carruth can no longer do the things she enjoys most: Quilting and needlework.

In her �0� years Carruth says she has seen many changes. Recently, she experienced for the first time a fast food drive through. She says she is awed by the life and lifestyles of today and the wonders of the technologi-cal age in which we live.

AIDS event draws nearThe second annual Footsteps In Hope

AIDS Walk/Run will return to Old Trace Park in Ridgeland.

The inaugural event last spring drew hun-dreds of participants to help support local and global HIV/AIDS organizations. Over $20,000 was raised.

The 2009 event is set for 2 p.m. March 29. Registration is now active through www.footstepsinhope.org.

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� Mississippi United Methodist Advocate/March 4, 2009

ing. Miracle works with others individually writing job descriptions, making contacts and rehearsing interviews.

“Mainly, we let them know they are not alone, we listen to them and we care about them, “said Miracle.

“The ministry is based on worship, prayer and the understanding that our faith in God can guide us through the most stressful situations. “

Columbus First UMC has been involved in the Crown Financial Ministries program and plans to continue, said the Rev. Sam Morris, lead pastor.

“For all of my seven years here, we have encouraged Crown for our people — and for the last three years we have pushed hard to get more families to participate as we witnessed the positive benefits to our families and individuals in the church,” Morris said. “Crown emphasizes a biblical understanding of our lives as stewards of God’s resources. And, very importantly, it teaches people how to get out of debt and then live debt free lives.”

As the United States faces economic uncertainty over the next several months, and possibly years, the Rev. C.J. Caufield of Kosciusko Circuit (Pierce Chapel and Marvin Chapel UMCs) said the times should be viewed as an opportunity for evangelism.

“This isn’t the time for the members to tighten up their wallets and for the church-es to tighten up their coffers,” he said. “This is the time for the church to step up to the plate and offer assistance and hope like never before. Let us not become fear-filled as the world, but while we act prudently, we must be the church that God intended. Peoples’ lives are difficult. Our neighbors are in need. How will we show our obedi-ence to and the grace of Christ?”

Bishop Hope Morgan Ward offered simi-lar thoughts.

“There is enough for our lives, for our pro-vision, for our ministry,” said Ward. “As the economic crisis continues, we are in min-istry to those impacted — those who have lost jobs and homes, those who had little before and who have less now, those who are affected by the diminishing of resources of helping agencies and social services.

“This is a time to live simpler, to share more freely. Our ministry is not dependent on a good economy. Our ministry flows from God’s continuing generosity to us.”

How bad is it?The impact of the economy on churches

in the Mississippi Conference is about as mixed as opinions on how the country should recover, according to the Advocate survey. Some churches have not felt much impact from the downturn, while others have had to lay off staff and reduce pro-gramming to meet financial obligations.

The Barna Group, which examines a vari-ety of faith-related issues, in December reported that more than �50 million people had been affected by the economic crisis and that will have a negative impact on their giving to churches and other non-profit groups. Based on its survey, Barna predicted churches would lose billions in contributions nationwide.

Barna’s research indicated that 20 percent of those surveyed said they had cut back on giving to their church. Not surprisingly, those most affected by the downturn have reduced their giving the most.

However, a pastor who works with church-es on fund raising said churches that com-municate well to their members about min-istries do well financially. “A lot of it depends on how churches communicate to their people what they’re doing in mission and ministry,” said the Rev. Kurt Appel, a cler-gy member of the Mississippi Conference who works for Cargill Associates. “The aver-

age person coming on Sunday morning is not engaged with what’s going on. Where people are having success raising money is where people understand where their money is going.

“Overall churches have a good feeling about their finances. People have to have an idea of how lives are being transformed by the ministry of the church. How that is com-municated is key (to fundraising),” he said.

Jackson Christ UMC and Brandon First UMC indicated they’ve felt the strain of the economy. Christ UMC had to reduce staff and budget. “(We have) felt the pinch of the recession, and have made wise but pain-ful adjustments neces-sitated by a slower economy, including

cutbacks in program, outreach and even staff,” said Stockett, senior pastor. “We felt that it was imperative that our congregation be assured that the church will live within its means financially, while continuing to watch expectantly for God’s abundance.”

Brandon First UMC Administrator Ray Wallace said pledges have fallen off, requir-ing a reduction in the budget. “So far, we have not had to reduce staff. We are looking at reducing our mailings of newsletters, etc., and we have postponed all but the most essential of repair projects and no new proj-ects will be started,” Wallace said.

The Rev. David Price, senior pastor at Meridian Central UMC, said the church has felt some impact, but has also placed emphasis on total stewardship.

“(We are) seeing some effects of the slow economy in the offering plate,” Price said. “This is minimized by our emphasis on whole life stewardship, focused on using all our gifts to glorify God together. Our com-mitment campaign focuses on ‘Building Up the Body of Christ’ placing equal emphasis on personal and spiritual growth and giv-ing our time, prayer, money and witness. Commitment on the part of individuals is strong, and we are looking at our strength in much more than money. Some of our members have already felt the crunch in lowered income and in job loss, as is true everywhere.

“Our approach is to do more with less in every area of fiscal spending in the church. We are working at this systematically and deliberately, paying close attention to not cutting quality out of our ministry.”

Other churches also indicated they’ve had to take steps to deal with fewer contribu-tions. Some were in areas already under economic strain before the current crisis began.

Watching closelyThe most common theme in the respons-

es was that even churches that haven’t felt a direct impact are taking a closer look at finances. That includes the conference.

“The annual conference is seeking cost-saving measures, holding the line on sala-ries and on expenses,” said Ward. “It is our intent to be faithful stewards of every gift offered to Christ through the church.”

Starkville First UMC is combing its budget for ways to save money. “In the past the youth have traveled many miles (Alaska in 2008 and in previous years abroad) on a mission trip. This year we will stay in the United States and near Mississippi,” said Lynn Berch. “Same as our adult missions, we will concentrate on more community efforts.

“At this point we are praying a lot, cutting back where we can and keeping a very posi-tive attitude.”

“Our finance committee and staff work

diligently to be certain to monitor our con-tributions and spending so that we have held these in balance,” said the Rev. Chris Cumbest of Ocean Springs St. Paul UMC. “We certainly are all taking steps of faith to know that God will help supply the needs that we have.”

“We have reduced our budget for 2009; we have not given any salary increases,” said Mary Ann Gray, lay leader and Finance Committee chair at Macon First UMC. “We are looking at every expense item in our budget. We are asking for volunteers to do some of the jobs such as manning the nurs-ery during worship services.”

Stepping out in faithEven those churches that are hurting

or being “extra” careful with finances are attempting to be pro-active.

“The one thing I’ve been trying to com-municate to my people is hope,” said the Rev. Andy Stoddard of Ripley First UMC. “God is still at work. God is still active in our lives. Even in the dark-est hour, even when the legitimate things that we have every right to be afraid of are staring us right in face, God is still with us.

“That’s the thing that I have been led to do, is remind folks of the hope we have in God’s presence, even in tough times,” he said. “We are being cautious with our resources, however. We are keeping a close watch on utilities and holding costs down as much as possible.”

At Kalem UMC in Morton, church mem-bers have committed to paying their con-ference apportionments in full, said the Rev. Wally Cason. “For us, a small church, contributions have gone up and attendance is growing. The people of the congregation have taken up special offerings to raise their level of giving to conference apportion-ments,” Cason said. “We have cut no pro-grams even though many in our congrega-tion have threats of layoffs. Money is scarce, but people still dig deep for their church programs, especially for the youth.”

Oxford St. Andrew’s UMC recently con-ducted a capital funds campaign that increased the budget and created a three-year building commitment of over $430,000, says Tim Mays, lay leader.

“This is great considering the economy and we only have �00 regular giving fami-lies,” he said.

“This is very telling. It says that the people who regularly give have an understanding of tithes and the directive God has given us, not to mention the blessings manifested by this.

“However, I think our greatest opportuni-ty as a church and a denomination is to not

concentrate so much on ‘preaching to the choir,’ but communicating to the Christians who do not create a culture of giving in their personal life. A culture of giving to all of our members and potential members will not only strengthen the church but truly help but these Christian allow God to bless them. I agree with Montgomery Paul Webb who said ‘giving money to spread the Gospel or to help those in need should arise as a natural expression of the believer’s dedica-tion to God.’”

The Rev. George Buell said giving at Starkville Aldersgate UMC has increased over 2008. “In fact, we are ahead of our projected budgeted giving through the first seven Sundays of calendar year

2009,” he said. “Historically, the Starkville Aldersgate community has budgeted our giving and our expenses based upon our mission and ministry needs rather than determining mission and ministry support based on the amount of money received. An understanding that all we have and all of who we are already belongs to God perme-ates the minds of many of our members.

“This approach to stewardship as a life-style has consistently empowered us to rise up and provide life transforming missions and ministries as we seek to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. We do not know what the future holds; yet, we do know God will provide us with that which we need to continue to meet the needs of those God places in our path. It’s not about us anyway, it’s all about God and putting the opportunities for mis-sion and ministries God places before us first remembering it is as we meet the needs of others we are, in reality, meeting our own needs.”

Ocean Springs Wesley UMC is also step-ping out in faith, says Giff Ormes, chair of the church Communications Committee. “We are acknowledging the situation and taking a large step in faith by continuing with our building plans to construct a new worship center,” Ormes said. “Our goal is to serve the people of our community by bringing the comfort of Jesus to them, and we feel we can best do that with a demon-stration of faith.

“We are not a wealthy church by any stretch of the imagination, but our congre-gation is strong, faithful and willing to bite the bullet, so to speak, to build this church,” Ormes continued.” Is this the right thing to do in these trying times? After much prayer and consultation among the members, we know it is.

“The foundation has been set, the con-crete is dry and we are getting ready to embark on the next phase of construction.

“How do we respond? We say, “In Him, the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord.” (Ephesians 2:2�)

Rev. Shane Stanford who has been serving as team leader for Message and Media since June. Stanford has accepted an appointment to Gulf Breeze (Fla.) First United Methodist Church.

The Rev. Eddie Willis, who is leading the search committee, said he hopes to have the conference youth coordinator position filled by June. Applications are being accepted through March �5. Willis, director of Wesley Foundation at Delta State University in Cleveland, said he has received several appli-cations.

He said he considers the post an important role in the conference’s ministry.

“This is the time in a Christian or non-Christian’s life when they are formulating their faith and spirituality,” Willis said. “We

have a chance to lead young people and young adults to a Christian lifestyle.

“I work with college students. I do coun-seling and preaching to students who are preparing for their first job or are about to get married. It’s such a formative time.”

The teen and young adult years are when many drift away from their church. Willis said he wants to see the Mississippi Conference and The United Methodist Church maintain a strong presence in that age group.

“I don’t want to see us lose ground in the United Methodist Church,” he said. “There have been times when I’ve been to events through other denominations and they seemed put together well, but I would like for the United Methodist Church to have quality events and quality programming.”

michiels, from page 1

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7Mississippi United Methodist Advocate/March 4, 2009

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The Ministry Connection provides an oppor-tunity for United Methodist churches in Mississippi seeking to fill staff positions and persons in Mississippi seeking staff positions to give notice of availability. Cost of the ads is 25 cents per word with a $5 minimum.MUSIC DIRECTOR — Trinity UMC in Gulfport seeks a music director. You must be a Christian

who has a passion for leading worship. Experience in both liturgical and contempo-rary worship is preferred, but not required. Also, at least a B.A. in music and training in church work is preferred, but not required. An important part of this job will be to encour-age others to use their gifts in ministry. We are looking for an energetic team player who can

help us envision new possibilities for worship. Send resume to: Trinity UMC, 5007 Lawson Ave., Gulfport, MS 39507; call 228-8�3-27�7 or e-mail dlarosa@trinityumc.com.PIANIST/ORGANIST — Pianist/organist need-ed for Sunday morning service. Decell United Methodist Church, Wesson. Salary negotiable based on experience. Resume required. Contact

Rev. Mary Stewart, pastor at �0� �43-2749 or e-mail us at DecellMemorialUN@bellsouth.net.PIANIST — First United Methodist Church of Ridgeland seeks a pianist. Send resume to 234 West Jackson St., Ridgeland, MS 39�57; phone �0�-85�-�45�.

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wright, from page 3

Prevention Month and build teaching opportunities around that theme.

n 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.

n Offer any several different child-ori-ented coloring books and teaching tools specifically for children on this subject as a gift to children in your community.

n Promote better parenting by offer-ing a seminar just for them focusing on discipline, anger management and child abuse.

n 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. 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 welcom-ing and honoring Christ as we truly wel-come and honor the children that God has entrusted to us.

n Foster serves in the Mississippi Conference Connectional Ministries office working with ministry to children and families.

He considered going back to school to get a teaching certificate, but after recent-ly completing his doctorate work, Wright decided he was ready to have a break from school work but not a break from school. The jovial, always looking for a laugh Wright is a popular figure walking the halls at CCES. Not a student passes him by without a fist bump, high five or big hug.

His wife Denise teaches fifth grade at CCES, and both his daughters Kaelin and Ali Grace attend school there.

“My wife is probably the best teacher I’ve ever known,” Wright said. “She gives her total heart to the job and really invests herself in the kids. She’s been an example to me, helping me learn to teach and how to connect with the kids.”

Kaelin and Ali Grace are quick to offer advice to their dad as well, especially when he’s on their campus.

“Kaelin told me I shouldn’t kiss her when were at school,” Wright said smiling.

In everything he does, he uses humor and laughter. “It generally is the best medicine,” he said. “When we laugh we open up more and make ourselves more vulnerable to one another. I believe that’s important.”

A Meridian native, the 39-year-old Wright said being genuine is the key to fitting in with the community.

“I try to be as real in the pulpit as I am when I bump into somebody in the grocery store,” he said.

During his �3 years in the ministry, serving at churches in Meridian, Enterprise, Benton, Byhalia and Calhoun City, Wright has served with the local fire department in three of those stops.

“It’s really an escape for me,” he said, “a way for me to get involved in the community by really helping people, particularly people

in need. Besides, what little boy didn’t grow up wanting to be a fireman, with the sirens, the loud horns and the big red trucks?”

Back at school He’s just “Bro. Scott,” where his motto of treating every kid like his own is evident in the kids’ faces as they see him

approaching. “This is fun, being around all the kids,” Wright said.

This story originally appeared in the Calhoun County Journal and is used with permission.

foster, from page 3 ?Who:KnowSomeone

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Mississippi United Methodist Advocate/March 4, 20098

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Downtown• Hampton Inn & Suites-Coliseum320 Greymont Ave Jackson, MS 39202 601-352-1700Reservation Code: UMCRate: $89 + TaxFree hot breakfast included

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Looking for a place to stay while you attend the 2009 session of the Mississippi Annual Conference? The Conference office has part-nered with key hotels in the area to offer special dis-counts from June 11-14.

Chunky United Methodist Church’s children’s department celebrated New Years Eve with a trolley ride around Lauderdale County to view Christmas lights. After a two-hour ride, pizza was served and then with hats, blow-ers and horns they watched as the adults provided fireworks. Taking part were (from left) Cameron Smith, Logan Beckham, Jamie McMillan, Hannah Gressett, Ashytn McMillan, Anna and Paxton Russell, LeAnn and Ayden Anderson, Lexie Beckham and Destiny Waller.

Pete Cowsert was honored Feb. 1 by Briarwood United Methodist Church for serv-ing 25 years as church treasurer. The award was presented by Fred Ray, the current treasurer. Cowsert and his wife Martha Cowsert are two of the four original members (1956) who are still active in the church. Among other duties of the 92-two year old is serv-ing as cook for the United Methodist Men’s breakfasts and as an usher each Sunday morning during worship services.

The Meridian District presented Group Publishing’s “Chocolate Boutique.” to the 30 spouses who attended the Clergy Spouses retreat held Jan. 16-17 at Camp Wesley Pines in Gallman. They tasted the extravagance of wonderful chocolate, and related it to the extravagance of God’s grace. They shared in worship music that included songs written especially for the retreat theme. They prayed, laughed and shared their hearts and lives. All spouses of clergy are encouraged to participate in the meeting and luncheon at Annual Conference, and the yearly January retreat.

Missions play a big role in the children’s ministry at Chunky UMC, The Rev. Gerald Chaney blessed seven flood buckets which were filled with supplies collected by the children. Those participating include Christian and Cade Clark, Anniston and Hagan Reynolds, leader Christie Rainer-Sprout, Ayden and LeAnn Anderson, Anna and Paxton Russell and Jamie McMillan. Others who took part include Lexie Beckham, Carley Clark, Hannah Gressett, and Dru and Kenlie Clark.

Kenny Clay and Noelle Clay presented part of the entertain-ment when the Men’s Club of Druid Hills United Methodist Church in Meridian served the members of the church with a Valentine’s steak supper on Feb. 11 under the leadership of President Walter Staniscavage. Rose Marie Lucovich pre-sented and acted as mistress of ceremonies for a program of music and comedy that followed the supper. Noelle Clay sang Amazing Grace and America the Beautiful. Her father Kenny Clay, director of music at Newton United Methodist Church, sang Can’t Help Falling in Love with You and The Gift of Love. Madeline Strahan and Jimmy Myers a sketch called Wash Day.

Photo by Lois Cooper

A Valentine’s banquet was held Feb. 14 in the Decatur United Methodist Church Pennington Fellowship Hall. The banquet was held for the women of the church. The men cooked the meal, served and entertained. Methodist Men who serenaded the women of the church with a medley songs included (from left) Percy Pearson, Larry Harms, Scott Hill, Caleb May, Jerry Freeman and Charles Boggan.

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