2020 Circuit Rider Souvenir Journal

The Mississippi Conference of The United Methodist Church

TheCircuitRider Souvenir Journal

Mission

The

Continues

Summer 2020

Donor Advised Funds

Short Term Fund

Trusts

Endowments

Long Term Fund

Resources

Presentations Planned Giving

P.O. Box 2415 Ridgeland, MS 39158

Scholarships

601-948-8845 ms-umf.org

THE CIRCUIT RIDER Souviner Journal | 2020

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12 18 I assure you that when you were younger you tied your own belt and walked around wherever you wanted. When you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and another will tie your belt and lead you where you don’t want to go.” 19 He said this to show the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. After saying this, Jesus said to Peter, “Follow me.”

– John 21:18-19 On our cover: Mississippi Conference disaster response case manager, Robin Jackson hands over the keys to home owner, Mavis Scott, as disaster response teams celebrate the reconstruction of her house after being damaged by a tornado in Lauderdale County.

CONTENTS IN THIS ISSUE 3 Letter from the Editor 4 Welcome from Bishop James E. Swanson Sr. 6 2020 Ad Interim Meeting Proposed Action Items 17 Retirees and Ordinands

Photo courtesy of the office of Connectional Ministries and Communications Summer 2020 The Circuit Rider Souvenir Journal 1

2020

The Mission Continues

Letter from the Editor At first glance, our churches, our state and

Disruption can be fruitful. Chaos can create

our nation look and operate in a manner

clarity. Pauses can quiet all the distractions

vastly different from the regular rhythm we

from our purpose. Yes, the world’s

were all used to 12 months ago. Did it bring

rhythm has stopped, but The Mission

us joy? No, but at least we were comfortably

Continues. We are still helping families and

entranced in the melodic lull of busyness;

communities recover from weather-related

bound by rituals and routines. Then

disasters, as well as donating personal

Editor-in-Chief

something happened. What was supposed

protective equipment to Mississippi

jhaynes@mississippi-umc.org

to be just another first day of school left

healthcare professionals to aid their efforts

hundreds of children not knowing where

in this pandemic. Churches are still feeding

their parents were when Immigration and

the hungry. Sunday school classes are still

Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents raided

giving to our benevolence organizations.

several work sites here in Mississippi last

This issue of The Circuit Rider Souvenir

August. As 2019 came to a close, the world

Journal highlights the hope we have as

began to hear about an outbreak of a

believers—even in the midst of havoc—and

virus in Wuhan, China called COVID-19. No

celebrates our connectional ministry as the

one suspected that months later it would

body of Christ.

Jasmine Haynes, MMC, APR

disrupt the whole globe. No one imagined that the way we’ve had church for hundreds of years would suddenly change.

2 The Circuit Rider Souvenir Journal Summer 2020

Be encouraged and stay safe, Jasmine Haynes

Photos courtesy of UM News and the office of Connectional Ministries and Communications

LOVE

GENEROSITY

JUSTICE

APPRENTICESHIP

Ways to Stay Connected to the Conference L

ooking for ways to stay connected to the Mississippi Conference?

Follow, like or opt-in to any of the options below to receive tips, updates and ministry resources from the Mississippi Conference:

The Mississippi United Methodist Conference https://bit.ly/2lbVpLm Bishop James E. Swanson, Sr. https://bit.ly/2jAYVPu MS Conference Youth and Families http://bit.ly/2dHPNYc @Mississippi_UMC https://twitter.com/Mississippi_UMC Mississippi Conference

TheCircuitRider Souvenir Journal

PUBLISHER Mississippi Conference Communications EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jasmine Haynes

https://bit.ly/2JVqnma Mississippi United Methodist Conference https://bit.ly/2rpHWD7 Sign Up Now! Sign up for e-news updates, which includes The Circuit Rider http://bit.ly/opt-in4

ART DIRECTOR/GRAPHIC DESIGNER Cindy W. Clark EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATION Rev. Vickie White ADVERTISING MANAGER Ed Chapman SUMMER 2020

Summer 2020 The Circuit Rider Souvenir Journal 3

Mission

The ®

Continues

John 21:15-22

LOVE | GENEROSITY | JU 4 The Circuit Rider Souvenir Journal Summer 2020 Lightstock.com

From the Bishop

Facing Challenges, Answering the Call

T

The conference year of 2019-2020 began as a year filled with tremendous

promise and yet fraught with challenges as we found ourselves seeking to be engaged in the ongoing mission of “Making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World.” This mission is rooted in Jesus’ words to his disciples in Matthew 28:19-20 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

These words of Jesus continue to drive us today, even in the midst of these

live into our calling, our

fruitful as disciples of Jesus Christ. We are determined to face the challenges of living as the witnesses of Jesus wearing the reality of the coronavirus pandemic,

responsibility to be the

during this opportunity to transform our history of racial injustice with God’s call for us to live into Paul’s words, “There is neither Jew nor Greek; there is neither slave nor free; nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

Galatians 3:28 CEB.

call or responsibility we

We are continuing to live into our calling, our responsibility to be the body of

continue that is free of

Christ. It is not a call or responsibility we continue that is free of pain or sacrifice, but we are more than willing to follow Jesus.

pain or sacrifice, but we

Our scripture theme for this year 2020-2021 will be John 21:15-22. I ask that you read it and pay close attention to Jesus repeatedly saying to Peter, “follow me!”

Jesus sternly says to us today, “It’s not over, The Mission Continues…

body of Christ. It is not a

are more than willing to follow Jesus.

Grace and peace,

Bishop James E. Swanson, Sr.

USTICE | APPRENTICESHIP Summer 2020 The Circuit Rider Souvenir Journal 5

Photo of Bishop Swanson courtesy of Greg Campbell Photography , Inc

We are continuing to

challenging and extraordinary times that we are still seeking to be faithful and

2020 Ad Interim Meeting Proposed Action Items 1. Disposition of Resolutions #3, #4, #5 and #6 to be formatted as needed to be forward by the secretary of the annual conference, in communication with the authors, to the postponed 2020 Session of the General Conference as directed in Emergency Rule 28. Pre-conference Journal 124-129, 143 ➢ Petition #3 On Human Sexuality (Subtitled: Petition Concerning the Practice of Homosexuality) ➢ Petition #4 to Merge Western Jurisdiction into South Central Jurisdiction ➢ Petition #5 to Require General Conference Ratification of Bishops ➢ Petition #6 to Discontinue Karen Oliveto as a Bishop of The UMC 2. Consent Calendar

• Section I: Leadership: Includes annual conference nominations, as well as ratification of boards and agencies

• Section II: Administry

➢ Report of the Board of Trustees with the exception of the Disaffiliation Vote ➢ Report of the Board of Pensions ➢ Report of the Board of Medical Benefits ➢ Archives and History

• Section III: Connectional Ministry Updates

➢ All reports

• Section IV: Spiritual Leadership

➢ All reports ➢ Report of the Commission on Equitable Compensation

• Section V: Episcopal Office

➢ All reports

• Section VI: Other Reports

➢ To be submitted for the record

• Section VII: Resolutions and Petitions

➢ Petition #1: Dinas Prayer Petition ➢ Petition #2: Housing/Rental Allowance for Retired and Disabled Ministers 3. Standing Rules Report referenced in pages 144-146 of the Pre-conference Journal 4. Disaffiliation votes 5. CFA Reports and 2021 Budget referenced in pages 31-46 of the Pre-conference Journal 6. Dean of the Cabinet Report referenced in pages 129-139 of the Pre-conference Journal

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Summer 2020 The Circuit Rider Souvenir Journal 7

2020

Mission Focus

Six United Methodist bishops, including Bishop Swanson, went to CAR on a mission exploration to survey how they could help spread the seeds of the Gospel in CAR’s mission fields.

Bishop Swanson touring during Central African Republic Mission Exploration Nov.11-18, 2018.

Photo courtesy of United Methodist Communications

Mission Focus 2020 at Home and Abroad:

Miss. Disaster Recovery and the Central African Republic (CAR)

By Jasmine Haynes, Communications Specialist

In early March the Mississippi Conference’s

CAR’s mission fields. The group was welcomed

episcopal leader, Bishop James E. Swanson Sr.

by President Faustin-Archange Touadera and

announced a request that United Methodist

later discussed and prayed about The United

churches co-labor with him in raising donations

Methodist Church Central African Republic

towards “two tremendous needs. The people

Mission Initiative. Formerly a French colony,

of the newly formed Central African Republic Annual Conference and those who continue to seek to rise above the devastation of disasters that happen repeatedly right here in Mississippi,” explained Swanson.

Mission Abroad

the Central African Republic’s population is approximately 50 percent Christian (25 percent Protestant and 25 percent Catholic), 15 percent Muslim and 35 percent animists. Out of all the diamonds produced each year there, 30 to 50 percent of them leave the country deceptively under private concealment and the nation

Six United Methodist bishops, including Bishop

is one of the top 10 poorest countries in the

Swanson, went to CAR on a mission exploration

world ranking 173 out of 178. The literacy rate

November 11-18, 2018 to survey how they

is 51 percent and the average life expectancy is

could help spread the seeds of the Gospel in

44 years old.

Photo left: March 24 - Mississippi Conference Disaster Response teams donate PPE to medical staff.

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ERTs in Heidelberg help survivors rebuild.

CAR leadership developer, Rev. Marcel Sachou speaks at CAR Mission Initiative church plant. Photo courtesy of United Methodist Communications

Caption

Worship at CAR church plant. Photo courtesy of United Methodist Communications

Mavis Scott receives keys at last nail ceremony celebrating the reconstruction of her home that was previously damaged by a tornado.

In late 2019, CAR church planter and leadership developer, Rev. Marcel Sachou visited several churches and groups in the Mississippi Conference to share the glory sightings of what’s been happening in CAR, as well as what mission and ministry goals he hopes to reach in the future.

The three areas of focus in this initiative are Bangassou, Bangui and Ndanguela.

According to Sachou so far, the initiative has had success in several objectives which include setting up administrative structure for the mission initiative, training mission initiative leaders and installing small group in faith communities to name a few. Sachou requested prayers from the Mississippi Conference for CAR’s Mission Initiative to experience peace, stability, leadership development and evangelism focusing on

church construction. Plans are in the works for The Mississippi Conference Board of Global Missions to partner in advancing the CAR Mission Initiative by possibly aiding in areas of sustainable development, literacy and education, equipping evangelists and church planters and empowering women. Through connectional giving, Mississippi can play an impactful role in advancing the kingdom as the mission continues in CAR.

Mission in Mississippi Here at home, mission offering funds will go to help cover costs of the disaster ministry that United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) grant monies do not cover and emerging needs from new weather events.

According to Mississippi Conference Disaster

In the midst of an ever-increasingly active weather cycle, severe weather hit right in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic and created limitations on size of in-person meetings. This has caused challenges, but not stopped ministry.

See Mission Focus, page 16 Summer 2020 The Circuit Rider Souvenir Journal 9

2019 UMCOM staff

United Methodist Communications

Turns 80!

By Diane Degnan

Director of Public Relations at United Methodist Communications

T

his year, United Methodist Communications celebrates 80 years of communication ministry.

Communication has changed dramatically during the agency’s storied history, the seed of which began at the Uniting Conference of 1939, where bishops voiced the need for more effective communication. The denomination’s first communication agency—the Commission on Public Information—opened its doors the following year with a focus on telling the church’s story by getting publicity in newspapers, magazines, radio and theater newsreels.

That was the first step on a journey toward creation of a comprehensive communications agency that today engages millions of people with the story of God’s work in the world Workers prepare a lighting grid for the 2019 United Methodist General Conference in St. Louis. Photo by Mike DuBose, UMNS. February 20, 2019.

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March 15, 2020 - Worship during the coronavirus pandemic; Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Photo courtesy of United Methodist Communications

Photo courtesy of United Methodist Communications

through The United Methodist Church. United Methodist Communications (UMCom) continues to tell inspirational stories of individuals and congregations living out their faith through a myriad of modern communication channels.

A constant throughout the years has been a willingness to evolve to meet the changing needs and media consumption habits of audiences. Radio and film were a focus in the early days, and the Radio and Film Commission was formed in 1948.

In 1954, “television” was added to the name as they began to produce programs such as The Pastor and The Way. The denomination’s communications functions evolved through many name and structural changes before the 1972 General Conference consolidated TRAFCO and Methodist Information with the Division of Interpretation, and the resulting agency was named United Methodist Communications.

UMCom continues to tell inspirational stories of individuals and congregations living out their faith through a myriad of modern communications channels.

See UMCOM, page 14 Summer 2020 The Circuit Rider Souvenir Journal 11

Summer 2019; photo courtesy of Camp Lake Stephens

CLS Major Milestone Marks Forward-Moving Ministry

I

By Jasmine Haynes, Communications Specialist In a year full of surprises and setbacks, Camp Lake Stephens (CLS) has reached its 75th year of transforming lives in God’s woods and waters, and plans are in the works to expand its reach with additional ministry opportunities.

In the early 1930s, Dr. John E. Stephens, developed and implemented several outdoor camping experiences for children and youth in North Mississippi. Stephens envisioned establishing a permanent camp in the North Mississippi Annual Conference and shared this dream with Oxford’s Junior Chamber of Commerce. The chamber supported Stephens’ vision and purchased 87 acres

Photo courtesy of Camp Lake Stephens

Photo courtesy of Camp Lake Stephens

Summer 2019; photo courtesy of Camp Lake Stephens 12 The Circuit Rider Souvenir Journal Summer 2020

Photo above: Photo courtesy of Camp Lake Stephens; photo above right: Summer 2019; photo courtesy of Camp Lake Stephens

of land and donated it to The United Methodist Church for the formation of a summer camp. The first camp was held in July 1946 and named Camp Lake Stephens, in honor of Stephens’ leadership in establishing the camp.

Camp Lake Stephens is one of the oldest camps in the state and a vital ministry of the Mississippi Conference.

Every summer since then, campgoers come from various locations to experience fun and fellowship, grow deeper in their walk with Christ and learn healthy habits involving social interaction, self-confidence and how

to celebrate their individual gifts and abilities.

The CLS board of directors are in the final stages of the most recent strategic planning process and camp executive director, Rich Swartwood explained that the mission has been reaffirmed and the context of that mission is being broadened to fit the needs of those who CLS serves.

Two of the initiatives growing out of that strategic planning are the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and the worship arts programs See CLS, page 15

W

“We dropped off a troubled, traumatized child at Camp Lake Stephens. A week later, we picked up a child who had hope, who still speaks months later of the “loving and nurturing people” at the camp. We all still have a lot of work ahead, but Camp Lake Stephens is the transformative reset we needed. We are forever grateful.”

– Guardian of 2019 senior high camper

Photo above: Photo courtesy of Camp Lake Stephens; photo right: Summer 2019; photo courtesy of Camp Lake Stephens Summer 2020 The Circuit Rider Souvenir Journal 13

UMCOM page 11 A constant over the years has been working in partnership with local churches to provide training and resources for church leaders. In the 50s, motion pictures and filmstrips were produced for church use, which evolved to video tapes with the advent of VCRs. Today UMCom provides a multitude of resources, content, services and training designed to equip and empower church leaders, training 3,000+ people and serving 4,300 churches in 2019.

Communications created 90 million impressions in 2019 through ads, and most recently launched a new campaign aimed at ending racism, In 2001, United Methodist Communications created the denomination’s first comprehensive advertising campaign to

raise awareness of The United Methodist Church, sharing messages of invitation through TV commercials, print ads and billboards. The launch occurred just six days before the terrorist attacks in the U.S. on

September 11. Overnight, the advertising message was shifted to one of hope and healing: “The people of The United Methodist Church are praying with you.”

Since that time, UMCom has used advertising to reach people who are struggling with grief and loss in the aftermath of natural disasters and tragedies, from the Sandy Hook shooting to the Boston Marathon bombing to a Minnesota bridge collapse to floods and hurricanes. United Methodist Communications created 90 million impressions in 2019 through ads, and most recently launched a new campaign aimed at ending racism.

This year, outreach/evangelistic messages were placed outside the U.S. as UMCom seeks to grow its global footprint to meet the diverse needs of a worldwide, multilingual church, using the power of communication to enhance ministry and share the gospel of Jesus Christ with people everywhere.

Explore resources created to support your continued digital ministry and outreach efforts by visiting https://www.resourceumc.org/.

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CLS page 13 that CLS will offer. According to Swartwood, the driving force behind the STEM and worship arts-based focus emerged out of the awareness that not everyone experiences camp the same.

can have options to engage in team building, zip line, canoeing, kayaking and the pool.”

“At STEM camp, instead of just going through the high ropes course, campers will also have the opportunity to understand the activity through physics experiments,” shared Swartwood. “While at the creek, we will discuss things like the water cycle and try to observe some of the rare fish that are present there. Every activity will have a unique element to it that allows campers to engage in new and exciting ways.”

The camping programs offered at this faithbased retreat center create spaces where children, youth and adults can encounter God. In an effort to prevent any camper from being turned away, CLS raises over $11,000 each year and distributes the funds to campers who request assistance through a camp scholarship. Additionally, annual funds fill the crucial gap between what the actual cost of camp is, to what campers and retreat attendees pay to attend camp.

Additionally, the goal for the worship arts campers who attend is to create a space that fosters the growth of a love for singing, crafts, musical gifts and other artistic projects.

How You Can Help

Renovations are also needed around the campgrounds. Necessary facility repairs and upgrades range from improved recreation areas, to a major dining hall renovation/

In an effort to prevent any camper from being turned away, CLS raises over $11,000 each year and distributes funds to campers who request assistance through a camp scholarship.

expansion, to replacing the current lodge with an adult friendly hotel-style building with conference rooms and an office suite.

You can find these along with other options including to give to designated giving and legacy funds at www.camplakestephens.com/ support.

“Hopefully, as these camps progress and gain traction, we will be able to create more within them and even invite professionals— engineers, scientists, clinicians, musicians, artists—to take part in these unique camp sessions,” explained Swartwood about his dream for both the STEM and worship arts programs.

Camping and COVID-19 In light of the coronavirus pandemic, Camp Lake Stephens leadership decided not hold camp this summer. However, the staff has been and is still working very hard to keep the program and facility moving forward.

Tough calls were made as Camp Lake Stephen’s budget was reduced from $1.1 million to just over $500,000.

“With all the COVID-19 issues, we are going to celebrate our ‘75th summer’ next year,” said Swartwood. “We are excited for fall programming to begin and we are now opening this summer for small groups to come spend the day or night [late July/ August] with limited programming. Groups Summer 2020 The Circuit Rider Souvenir Journal 15

MISSION FOCUS page 9 Recovery project manager, Mellie Thomas, Mississippi disaster response efforts have served approximately 338 families under current grant funds and 189 families are still being helped. The good news is that 149 cases are now closed. These numbers account for people impacted in Warren, Hinds, Montgomery, Humphreys, Issaqueana, Washington, Sharkey, Marion, Clarke, Wayne, Jones, Greene, Covington, Forrest, Perry, Lowndes, Alcorn, Panola, Pearl River and Lauderdale counties.

In 2020 alone, Mississippi disaster response has provided aid for approximately 90 families impacted by the Pearl River flooding in February and still have 10 families being assisted with developing plans to reconstruct their homes.

In partnership with UMCOR, the Mississippi Conference has been walking along-side others in crisis, helping them adjust to their “new normal...” – Mellie Thomas Additionally, disaster response is working on forming a recovery group at the local level in DeSoto County. Local volunteers are needed in all these matters to serve on task forces and assist with repairs. In addition to construction, Thomas shared that recovery spans the gamut of financial needs and unfortunately, resources are always limited.

“The Mississippi Conference Disaster Team has a deep desire to help our local churches serve their communities and disaster survivors well and holistically. Every family we partner with is assessed for disasterrelated unmet needs,” said Thomas.

“Survivors can be uninsured and receive FEMA or MEMA grant assistance, but this only covers a portion of what the real need is. Also, survivors may be under-insured where their insurance policies may only cover up to a set amount and restoration

Speaking: Robin Jackson, Miss. Conf. disaster case manager; to the right of Robin: Mellie Thomas, Miss. Conf. Disaster Recovery project manager at last nail ceremony, March 2020.

of their home may exceed that.

These instances are where UMCOR and community funds fill in the gaps.”

In the midst of an ever-increasingly active weather cycle, Easter severe weather hit right in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic and created limitations on size of in-person meetings. This has caused challenges, but not stopped ministry.

Jefferson Davis, Covington and Jones Counties have all established long-term recovery committees that the Mississippi Conference Disaster Team is partnering with and the work of recovery is beginning to move forward. Additionally, the team is working with Grenada County to serve that community and are anticipating serving an additional 250 families under a new grant to assist those suffering losses and damages caused by the Easter tornadoes.

When asked about the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on disaster recovery Thomas stated that, “While we are having to change our methods, the mission has not changed. In partnership with UMCOR, the Mississippi Conference of The United Methodist Church has been walking alongside others in crisis, helping them to adjust to their “new normal,” for a long time. Now we are all in a storm adjusting to our new normal, but we’re not all in the same boat —everyone needs something different right now.”

Thomas added that the team treasures the relational part of their work but have

16 The Circuit Rider Souvenir Journal Summer 2020

Caption

implemented social distancing guidelines to continue the mission. Disaster case managers are still working across the state.

Face-to-face meetings are now telephone calls and verification documents are now being collected electronically. New ministry opportunities have risen as well.

“We have partnered with schools to deliver meals, we have supported medical staff with spiritual and emotional care and our churches are sewing masks to help with the shortage of protective equipment,” shared Thomas. “We have donated our masks, Tyvek suits and gloves from our cleaning kits to emergency personal and medical clinics.”

The funds given towards this year’s conference mission focus will help facilitate opportunities to bring about healing in this series of crises that have beset our brothers and sisters throughout Mississippi and ensure that the mission continues to spread the Gospel in the Central African Republic.

For those desiring to support the 2020 mission focus, write a check and put “2020 Mission Focus” in the memo line and make checks payable to: Mississippi United Methodist Conference | P.O. Box 1603 | Jackson, MS 39215

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, And before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations.” – Jeremiah 1:5

2020

Ordinands & Retirees

Service for the Ordering of Ministry At the Service for the Ordering of Ministry, the Mississippi Conference Board of Ordained Ministry presents Bishop James E. Swanson Sr. those persons who have responded to the call of God to proclaim and live out the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We honor the following persons and their call to life and work in ordained ministry: Ordained Elders Amber Lea Gray Joshua Daniel Gray Jonathan McNeil Lowry Parker II Jean Thomas “Trey” Skaggs III Elizabeth Ainsworth Miller Kathy Anne Vaughns Recognize Orders from Other Denomination David Ronald Upshaw, Jr. Linda Susan Fox

Ordained Deacon Haley Meredith Jones Commissioning as Deacon and Elder Samantha Gentry Wadswoth Anthony Dean Haines Katherine Marie Giedd Daniel Sean Darling Morgan Lang Spencer William David Collette Associate Membership Juanita Woodley Cook

Celebrating Retirees We celebrate the ministry of the men and women retiring this year, knowing that they will use their new-found free time in other ways to serve God and advance His kingdom. Well done!

Note: This List reflects those retiring as of May 20, 2020.

Elders in Full Connection David Buchholz Johnny Jolly Crosby Bobby Dailey Phillip Wayne Heidelberg Richard Michael Hicks David Hill Robert Lawrence Maugh, Jr. Bobby McGill

Harold Roger Puhr Joseph T. Reiff Victoria Sizemore-Baldwin James Twiner Larry G. White Deacon in Full Connection Sandra Elizabeth LeBlanc Robert Peden

Associate Members Ricky L. Reece Local Pastors Johnnye Ruth Davis Anita Wilburn Lawson Robert O. Lytle William C. McLaurin James Larry Wallace

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