The Circuit Rider
20 Years After Hurricane Katrina...
Gulf Pines District Hosts Remembrance Service
Bishop Sharma Lewis Logan along with retired bishops Bill McAlilly and Hope Morgan Ward will lead Gulf Pines’ Hurricane Katrina Remembrance Service at First United Methodist Church of Gulfport Sunday, August 31. A reunion reception in the fellowship hall will follow the service. Click here for more information on the event.
Rev. Susannah GrubbsCarr (right), introduces Bishop William J. Barber II (left) to the congregation. Photo courtesy of Jasmine Haynes
Wells UMC, Stop for Poor People’s Campaign
Jasmine Haynes, Communications Specialist
Co-founder of the Poor People’s Campaign, Bishop William J. Barber II came to Jackson, Mississippi to deliver a powerful charge for biblical justice and mercy recently, and one of his stops was at Wells Memorial United Methodist Church. Barber was in town to facilitate one of his ‘Moral Mondays’ events, which are protests by impacted people, people of faith and moral leaders who hold elected leaders and government accountable to enact a moral agenda that responds to the urgent needs of the poor, according to breachrepairers.org Read More
Leadership Academy Focuses on Discipleship
AALA/ISI attendees work together at table with Play-Doh. Photo courtesy of Jasmine Haynes
Jasmine Haynes, Communications Specialist
Clergy and laity from local congregations and extension ministries from around the state converged in Jackson for the African American Leadership Academy/Iron Sharpens Iron (AALA/ISI) discipleship initiative Saturday, August 23 at Anderson United Methodist Church. Attendees gleaned several strategies and practical next steps from the event’s facilitator, sought-after coach and consultant, Rev. Olu Brown. Read more to find out what Play-Doh has to do with discipleship.
Photo courtesy of NOAA.gov
Mississippi Conference Lay Leader, Vera Thomas
2025 Laity Sunday Theme: Be Strong in the Spirit
Laity Sunday celebrates the ministry of all lay Christians. In 2025, Laity Sunday will be observed on October 19 Click here to read a message from conference lay leader Vera Thomas detailing the new Laity Sunday quadrennium theme—Together by Grace, upcoming Laity Sunday annual themes and 2025 Laity Sunday graphics to use in your announcements, websites and social media.
Building Things of Eternal Value
Through managing investments and awarding scholarships, the Methodist Foundation of Mississippi builds things that change lives and communities creating an eternal value. Click here to learn from
communications specialist for the Methodist Foundation of Mississippi, Jennifer Allen, how your relationship with the foundation creates an impact that will last forever. Image courtesy of Methodist Foundation of Mississippi
The United Methodist Church Unveils New Vision Statement
The Council of Bishops along with the Connectional Table have set a new vision for The United Methodist Church. The new vision encourages United Methodists to live boldly, serve joyfully and lead courageously in local communities and worldwide. Click here for resources to learn more about the new vision and how to present it to congregations and click here for a video explaining the new vision.
United Methodist Men
Elect New General Secretary
Rev. Dr. Rick Vance was elected the new general secretary for the United Methodist Men prior to their Men’s and Scouting National Gathering in July. Vance replaces Mississippi’s former episcopal leader Bishop James E. Swanson Sr. who will move into an advisory role. Vance has served with United Methodist Men since 2016. Click here to read the full announcement.
Inset photo: United Methodist Men’s president, Rev. Dr. Rick Vance.
Photo
Photo
courtesy Greg Campbell Photography LLC
TBishop Lewis Logan’s New Advent Study Benefits UMCOR
he Mississippi Conference’s episcopal leader, Bishop Sharma D. Lewis Logan—along with three of her bishop colleagues—are the authors of Advent in Four Words: An Advent Study by Four United Methodist Bishops. Proceeds from the book go to the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). The book is now available at cokesbury.com, amazon.com and the Market Square Books’ website. Members of the Mississippi Conference are invited to use the discount code adventconference to receive a 20 percent discount on any books purchased individually or for groups. To take advantage of these discounts, simply order your books at marketsquarebooks.com
Members of St. Matthew’s UMC extend their hands in prayer during Blessing of the Backpacks. Photo courtesy of WJTV.com
St.
Matthew’s
Blesses
Backpacks for 2025 School Year
St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church, in Madison, covered students, teachers and administrators in prayer as they started the 2025 school year. The church held its annual blessing of the backpacks during Sunday morning worship and reminded students that God goes with them wherever they are. Click here to watch the full story from WJTV 12.
Griffin Chapel Participates in National Night Out
Members of Griffin Chapel passed out happies during National Night out.
Griffin Chapel United Methodist Church, in Starkville, participated in the 2025 National Night Out. During National Night Out, community organizations partner with police departments and host fun events like block parties, picnics and safety demonstrations. The events help build trust between residents and law enforcement. Click here to see photos from the event.
Upcoming Laity Rallies
Be on the lookout for a laity rally near you. Laity rallies are being hosted in each district throughout the conference to bring laity together. These rallies are free and open to all laity. The presentations are being tailored by the individual districts to the needs and desires of the district. Click here to learn more about the Northern Hills District laity rally taking place September 14 at 3:00 p.m. at Oxford First United Methodist Church.
Laity listen to a presentation on prayer during the Capitol River District laity rally.
Photo courtesy of Griffin Chapel UMC Facebook
Photo courtesy of Kayra Johnson
SAVE THE DATES
Labor Day Office Closure – Sept. 1
The conference and episcopal offices will be closed Monday, September 1 in recognition of the Labor Day holiday. Offices will reopen on Tuesday, September 2 at regular business hours.
GCFA Quadrennial Training –Sept. 16-18
You are encouraged to attend the General Council on Finance and Administration’s jurisdictional virtual Quadrennial Training, that will be held online from September 16-18. This free training event is designed to empower and connect leaders within the United Methodist connection. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to pick which sessions may be most helpful to them in their roles in a convenient online format via Zoom. Subject matters during the training will range from communications to trustee and personnel matters and more. Click here to register. For more information visit gcfa.org/ quad-training
Faith Community Formation Outreach at State Fair – Oct. 2-14
For the third year in a row, representatives from the office of faith community formation will set up a booth in the Mississippi Trade Mart during the Mississippi State Fair October 2-14. Volunteers will be on hand to share prayer and information
on the Mississippi Conference’s missions and ministries with fairgoers. For more information on the faith community formation booth contact Rev. Dr. Jason Zebert at jzebert@mississippi-umc.org.
United Women in Faith Annual Meeting – Oct. 3-4
The Mississippi Conference United Women in Faith will hold their annual meeting Friday and Saturday, October 3-4 at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Hattiesburg. The event will feature worship experiences, fun, fellowship and the installation of the 2026 officers and leadership team. You can download the registration form at the link above. The deadline to register for the fall meeting is September 12. For more information on the UWF annual meeting contact Lori Polk at polklori@yahoo.com
Pop-up Preaching Event – Oct. 6
The next virtual Pop-up Preaching event will be held on Monday, October 6 beginning at 6:00 p.m. Rev. Dr. Raigan Miskelly will lead a time of learning focused on preparing sermons for All Saints Sunday and Advent. All are welcome to attend even if you have not attended a previous Pop-up Preaching event. Click here for more information and the Zoom link.
Clergy Spouse Retreat – Oct. 17-18
The Mississippi Conference Clergy Spouses are hosting a fall retreat October 17-18. The
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 listings, click here
• Senior Accountant, Conference Office (Jackson, MS)
• Director of Youth and Family Ministries, Parkway Heights UMC (Hattiesburg, MS)
• Lead Pastor, Central Appalachian Missionary Conference (Big Creek, KY)
• Assoc. Director Children’s Ministry, Brentwood UMC (Brentwood, TN)
retreat is $50 to attend and will feature a time of gathering with devotion and fellowship and conclude with a tour of the Two Mississippi Museums. Guests will make their own reservations at the Home 2 Suites in Flowood, just ask for the UMC clergy spouse rate when booking. For more information on the Clergy Spouse Retreat email Becky Young at becky. young68@gmail.com
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:
• Rev. Kent Brown went to be with the Lord August 27.
• Rev. Arthur Johnson transitioned to his heavenly home July 10.
• Rev. David Willoughby answered heaven’s call May 29.
• Rev. David Brooks passed away May 21.
• Lillian Boren, widow of Rev. Aubrey Boren, died August 3.
• Rev. Eddie Spencer joined the Church Triumphant July 29.
• James Word, husband of Rev. Antoinetta Word, went to be with the Lord July 12.
• Rev. Henry Thornton went to his heavenly home July 1.
• Rev. John Boyd Jr. passed away June 24.
• Rev. Glenn Seefeld finished his earthly service June 20.
• Rev. Ever Jean Burt passed away June 9.
• Amber Burton, widow of Rev. Charles Burton, went to be with the Lord May 1.