Churches across the Mississippi Conference are taking advantage of cooler fall weather to reach out to their communities. Fall outreach events like outdoor worship, carnivals and trunk or treat open doors for members of the community to learn
about churches, get to know members and pastors and provide a safe place for youth to have fun. Churches of any size can take advantage of these opportunities to meet new members of their communities and showcase the love of Christ. Read More
Preparing for All Saints Day and Advent
During the latest Pop-up Preaching event, Rev. Dr. Raigan Miskelly, senior pastor at Galloway Memorial United Methodist Church in Jackson, led a time of learning on preparing sermons for All Saints Day and Advent. Click here to watch playback of Miskelly’s message for ways to honor the cloud of
witnesses who have joined the Church Triumphant and Advent.
Inset photo: Rev. Dr. Raigan Miskelly speaks during the United Women in Faith luncheon. Photo Courtesy of Greg Campbell Photography, LLC
Sharing Faith at the State Fair
Matthew Johnson, Communications Assistant
For the third year in a row, representatives from the office of faith community formation, FCF, offered prayer and reminders of God’s goodness with fairgoers during the Mississippi State Fair. The outreach opportunity, inside the Mississippi Trade Mart, allowed people to share their faith stories, struggles and triumphs with volunteers who were ready and willing to share the love of Christ with them. Read More
Photo courtesy of facebook.com
Photo courtesy of Matthew Johnson
Matthew Johnson, Communications Assistant
Rev. Chadwick Bowen prays during the blessing of the pets.
Bishop Sharma Lewis Logan prays with two fairgoers.
Capital River District Hosts World Communion Sunday Service
On Sunday, October 5, churches from across the Capital River District gathered in the Bowl on the campus of United Methodist-related Millsaps College in Jackson, for a World Communion Sunday worship service. Usually observed on the first Sunday in October, World Communion Sunday celebrates the unity of Christians worldwide at the Lord’s table and focuses on our connection as one body in Christ. Click here to watch playback of the worship service led by Capital River District Superintendent Rev. Trey Harper.
You can now donate online to financially support the missions and ministries of the Mississippi Conference’s benevolences. Click here to visit the online donation hub and find information on each benevolence. You can also learn how your support will help them continue being the hands and feet of Christ in their communities.
Wespath Offers Ways to Support Clergy Well-being
For Clergy Appreciation Month, congregations honor their shepherds and all that they contribute in ministering to God’s people.
.org
Wespath Investments is offering 50 tips to help congregations support their pastor’s physical, emotional, spiritual, social and financial health and well-being. Click here to read the tips.
The Enduring Impact of Methodist Giving
The Methodist Foundation of Mississippi was forged out of the belief that “Planning for Tomorrow’s Church” is a vital part of the mission of faithful Methodist people. Among the most impactful of these efforts are endowments and scholarships that have opened doors for Methodist students. Many of whom might never have been able to afford an education otherwise. Click here to read how endowments and scholarships established through the foundation can benefit future generations of Methodists to come.
Rev. Trey Harper and Rev. Sue Hyland offer Communion.
Memorial Service altar during the 2024 annual conference session. Photo Courtesy of Greg Campbell Photography, LLC
Photo courtesy of facebook.com/wellschurch
Mississippi Conference News
The African American Leadership Academy/Iron Sharpens initiative continues Saturday, October 25 at Anderson United Methodist Church in Jackson. The event will feature an all-star lineup of experts who will equip pastors, leaders and laity to embrace faithful financial stewardship and cultivate a lifestyle of generosity rooted in God’s grace. The cost to attend is $15 and .2 CEUs will be available for clergy who attend. The deadline to register is Friday, October 17 Click here for more information and click here to register online. There will be no onsite registration.
Celebrate 2025 Laity Sunday Generosity Event to Feature All-star Presenters
Usually observed on the third Sunday in October, Laity Sunday celebrates the ministry of all lay Christians. This year’s Laity Sunday theme is “Be Strong in the Spirit” taken from Ephesians 3:16. Click here for more information on Laity Sunday and links to worship resources and graphics you can use in your announcements, websites and social media.
UWF Host Annual Meeting
At the beginning of October, the Mississippi Conference United Women in Faith, UWF, gathered to host their 37th annual meeting at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Hattiesburg. The meeting was a time of worship, business and mission. Click here to read the full report on the UWF Annual Meeting by UWF communications officer, Lori Polk.
The deadline to submit applications for the 2025 Connectional Ministries Mission Grants is Friday, October 31. Mission grants are used to help form spiritual leaders, develop new places for new people, renew existing congregations and/or engage in ministry with the poor. Only applications submitted online will be considered. Click here to apply.
Rev. Melvin Amerson teaches a workshop. Photo courtesy of Jasmine Haynes
Members of the Mississippi Conference UWF hug in greeting during their annual meeting. Photo Courtesy of Jasmine Haynes
Bishop Lewis Logan’s New Advent Study Benefits UMCOR
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
SAVE THE DATES
2026 AC Session – June 3-5
The 2026 Session of the Mississippi Annual Conference is set for Wednesday through Friday, June 3-5 on the campus of Millsaps College located at 1701 N. State St. in Jackson. Click here to read the full announcement.
Benedictine Prayer Retreat –
Nov. 10-15
Clergy are invited to a time away to focus on the discipline of prayer during the Benedictine Prayer Retreat November 10-15
The retreat takes place at the St. Bernard Abbey in Cullman, Alabama. The registration fee is $350 and 3.0 CEUs are available. Click here to register today, there are only a few slots left.
Thanksgiving Office Closure –Nov. 27-28
The conference and episcopal offices will be closed Thursday and Friday, November 2728, as we celebrate Thanksgiving with family and friends. Offices will reopen Monday, December 1 at regular business hours.
Final 2025 Pop-up Preaching Event – Dec. 8
The final Pop-up Preaching event of 2025 takes place on Zoom on December 8 beginning at 6:00 p.m. Rev. Maxine Bolden will lead attendees in a time of learning focused on preparing sermons for the new year. Click here for more information and the Zoom link.
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.
• Director of Youth and Family Ministries, Parkway Heights UMC (Hattiesburg, MS)
• Lead Pastor, Central Appalachian Missionary Conference (Big Creek, KY)
Giving Sunday: The Methodist Children’s Homes – Dec.
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Methodist Children’s Homes brings hope and restoration to children and youth who have been neglected or abused. The Giving Sunday Offering supports the Methodist Children’s Homes ministry and daily operation. Congregations can also support Methodist Children’s Homes through the Little Light of Mine special offering. Click here for more information and to donate.
Christmas Office Closing –Dec. 18-Jan. 2
The conference and episcopal offices will be closed December 18-January 2 as we celebrate the birth of our Savior. Offices will reopen Monday, January 5 at regular business hours.
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:
• Imogene Hoffmann widow of Rev. Robert Huffman passed away October 2.
