2024 Circuit Rider Souvenir Journal

The Mississippi Conference of The United Methodist Church

TheCircuitRider Souvenir Journal

Reigni Re ing OUR IDENTITY

Summer 2024

Why I ‘m Staying

f

MISSISSIPPI CONFERENCE, Now, more than ever, we need to be a church in a posture of discernment and discipleship. I’m staying and I’m grateful that you’re staying so together we can lead people to Jesus.

Peace and Blessings, BISHOP SHARMA D. LEWIS Bishop in Residence Mississippi Episcopal Area

Mississippi Conference of The United Methodist Church

2024 SESSION

CONTENTS 4 Welcome from Bishop Sharma D. Lewis 12 Spiritual Leadership Helps Resource Miss. Prayer Movement 14 Disaster Response: Miss. Answers the Call for Survivors 18 Faith Communities Formation: Partnering with Churches, Making Disciples

of the Mississippi Annual Conference 22 Conference Mission Offering Helps MCH Open Swanson House 24 GC 2020: Miss.

Conference Impact 26 Administry Continues Responsible Stewardship 28 UM Higher Education Spotlight: Millsaps College

22

14

28

12

26

24

18

On our cover: Praise dancer praises to “House of Prayer” at the 2023 Called Session of the Mississippi Annual Conference in December. Cover photo courtesy of Greg Campbell Photography, Inc.

Summer 2024 The Circuit Rider Souvenir Journal 1

2024

Reigniting Our Identity

Letter from the Editor WE SERVE THE GOD OF MORE THAN ENOUGH! Like Moses, years ago I had an indescribable encounter with God where He supernaturally declared to me, “I AM.” Since that amazing moment, God continues to reveal all who He is in various seasons of my life. Having mostly belonged to small faith communities, I’ve had many experiences reminding me that God is “El Shaddai,” one

No matter our connection’s size, remember who we are because of who God is.

of the names through which God revealed Himself to Israel commonly referenced as meaning “the God of more than enough.” I have

Jasmine Haynes, MMC, APR Editor-in-Chief jhaynes@mississippi-umc.org

seen repeatedly how small groups and congregations can

achieve great feats by being united

even in our reduced size, God is using the

in mission and belief—one Lord, one faith,

remnants to further efforts in aiding disaster

one baptism—because they serve the God

recovery, focusing on the spiritual discipline

who is more than enough. Yes, we have fewer

of prayer and most importantly, making and

congregations than we had five years ago—

growing disciples in new and established faith

even one year ago—but that doesn’t mean we

communities. No matter our connection’s size,

have to be smaller in faith or impact.

remember who we are because of who God is.

If God is with us, then all things are possible,

Remember, the Lord told Gideon (Judges

because we serve a God who is more than

7:2-8) to reduce the people Gideon gathered

enough. So, fan into flame the gift of God and

to battle against the Midianites so God could

join us in Reigniting Our Identity!

demonstrate to Gideon and Israel that it was not Israel’s hands, but God’s hands who made them successful. In this year’s souvenir journal, I challenge you to discover how Photos courtesy of the Mississippi Conference Communications

2 The Circuit Rider Souvenir Journal Summer 2024

Peace and blessings, Jasmine Haynes

Volunteers from the Presbyterian Church of Wyoming partnering with Miss. Conference Disaster Response to help rebuild house in Rolling Fork impacted by 2023 tornadoes.

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 Sharma D. Lewis https://bit.ly/BishopLewis @Mississippi_UMC https://twitter.com/Mississippi_UMC College students pray during Statewide Wesley Retreat at Timber Creek Camp in Morton.

Mississippi Conference https://bit.ly/2JVqnma Mississippi United Methodist Conference

TheCircuitRider Souvenir Journal

PUBLISHER Mississippi Conference Communications

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

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jasmine Haynes ART DIRECTOR/GRAPHIC DESIGNER Cindy W. Clark EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATION Rev. Vickie White ADVERTISING MANAGER Matthew Johnson SUMMER 2024

Summer 2024 The Circuit Rider Souvenir Journal 3

From the Bishop

Welcome to the 2024 Session

of the Mississippi Annual Conference!

D

DEAR SISTERS AND BROTHERS IN THE

followed by our guest preacher,

churches and extension ministries to

MISSISSIPPI ANNUAL CONFERENCE,

Bishop Frank Beard, episcopal leader

display their servanthood ministries.

serving the Illinois Great Rivers

I’m encouraging us as an annual

Conference. Bishop Beard will preach

conference to come out and see the

our Ordering of Ministry Service

love of Jesus Christ as we continue to

at St. Matthew’s United Methodist

“Take Jesus to the Streets.”

I believe that an annual conference resembles the qualities of a family reunion. We gather for worship, fun and fellowship by eating several meals around the table!

I would like to take the opportunity to thank the Mississippi Annual Conference Planning Team and the Millsaps College Staff for their diligent hard work and excellent hospitality as we prepare for annual conference on June 20-22, 2024, in Jackson.

This year I’m excited that we are partnering with Millsaps College, a school affiliated with The United Methodist Church since its founding in 1890. Interestingly, Millsaps has produced more United Methodist bishops than any other college or

Church, in Madison. I want to thank Rev. Rickey Haynes and Rev. Marta Sobrino-Bolen who will preach the Memorial and Mission Services, respectively.

On Thursday, June 20, we will hear a comprehensive report from our heads of delegation, Rev. Fred Britton and Mr. David Stotts. I want to take an opportunity to thank the Mississippi Annual Conference Delegation for their hard work, dedication and diligent preparation during our General Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina. In addition, I would like to thank several clergy and laity

Photo courtesy of Mississippi Conference Communications

university in the country!

who traveled to General Conference

Our theme “Reigniting Our Identity,”

learn how The United Methodist

is guided by the biblical passage

Church functions. There were many

found in 2 Corinthians 5:17 in the

legislative changes at the General

New International Version (NIV)—

Conference that affects our Book of

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the

Discipline. I encourage you to please

new creation has come: The old has

be present for this important and

gone, the new is here!”

insightful report.

I am very blessed to preach the

This year we will host our first

opening worship service again

Mission Fair in The Millsaps’ Bowl for

4 The Circuit Rider Souvenir Journal Summer 2024

to support our delegation and to

This year our annual conference mission offering will support our conference benevolences that are in our mission shares.

I would like to thank the leadership of Rev. Vickie White, director of connectional ministries for her nine years of faithful service in coordinating the Mississippi Annual Conference. Rev. White will be transitioning to retirement and the annual conference wishes her well!

Please continue to keep the annual conference gathering in your prayers!

May the Holy Spirit guide us as we seek to answer God’s call. I’m looking forward to meeting and worshiping with you in Jackson!

Peace and Blessings,

Bishop Sharma D. Lewis Resident Bishop of the Mississippi Annual Conference

“

2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:

The old has gone, the new is here!”

Reigni Re ing OUR IDENTITY

Summer 2024 The Circuit Rider Souvenir Journal 5

2024 | Agenda

2024 Session of the Mississippi Annual Conference Agenda

This is a tentative agenda.

Event details are subject to change. Visit the 2024 Session of the Mississippi Conference app for the latest updates.

Thursday, June 13, 2023

Friday, June 21, 2024

6:00 p.m.- 7:30 p.m.

7:00 a.m.-8:30 a.m.

Local Pastors and Associate

Members Breakfast – Kava

8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Registration

Laity Session Webinar

Thursday, June 20, 2024 7:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

Registration

8:45 a.m.-9:00 a.m.

Gathering Music

8:00 a.m.-9:00 a.m.

Clergy Session – Hanger Dome –

9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.

Business Session #3

Millsaps College

10:00 a.m.- 10:30 a.m. Break for Memorial Service setup

9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Opening Worship

Bishop Sharma D. Lewis, Preaching

10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Memorial Service

Rev. Rickey Haynes, Preaching

10:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Business Session #1

12:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m.

Lunch Break

Election for jurisdictional delegates

Retirees Luncheon – Millsaps

will be held as long as needed

Cafeteria

to fill slate.

1:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m.

Business Session #4

12:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m.

Lunch Break

5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

Mission Service followed by

Laity Luncheon – Millsaps Cafeteria

Mission Fair in The Bowl at

Candler Lunch – Christian Center

Millsaps College

Duke Lunch – Wells UMC

Rev. Marta Sobrino-Bolen, Preaching

1:30 p.m.- 5:00 p.m.

Business Session #2

5:00 p.m.

Dinner Break

Saturday, June 22, 2024

7:00 p.m.

Celebration and Ordering of

8:45 a.m.-9:00 a.m.

Gathering Music

Ministry Service

9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Business Session #5

12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m.

Closing Worship

Bishop Frank Beard, Preaching

Bishop Sharma D. Lewis, Leading

The Vision of The Mississippi Annual Conference The Mississippi Annual Conference – empowered by love, generosity, justice and apprenticeship – forms spiritual leaders, faith communities and connections so more disciples of Jesus Christ transform the world.

6 The Circuit Rider Souvenir Journal Summer 2024

ATTEN PARK DEE ENTR ING ANCE

NORTH STATE T ATTEN PARK DEE ENTR ING ANCE

PARKING IT

CIRCLE

THE BOWL

WHITW ORTH

EUCLID STREET CON PROD FERENCE S UCTIO T N T AFF/TEC ENTR EAM PARK H/ ANCE ING

OAKWOOD STREET

Cafeteria/ Kava Room /EX

TRY

EN

WEST SECURITY GATE

TRY

Maurice C. Hall Activities Center

PARKING

IT

/EX

HANDICAPPED/SPECIAL NEEDS/ MEMORIAL SERVICES PARKING ENTRANCE

RIVERSIDE DRIVE

P

ATTEN ARKING DEE P ARKI NG

HANDICAPPED/SPECIAL NEEDS/ MEMORIAL SERVICE

EN

PLAZA

Hanger Dome

2024 Session of the Mississippi Annual Conference June 20-22

STREE

PARKING

ATTENDEE PARKING

UE

MARSHALL STREET

SOUTH SECURITY GATE

PARKING

ATTENDEE PARKING

PARKING

PARK AVEN

➔

WEBSTER STREET

NORTH WEST STREET

ATTENDEE PARKING

➔

➔

➔

➔

PARKING

➔

NORTH WEST STREET

NORTH SECURITY GATE

Millsaps College Campus Map

TO I-55

➔

NORTH

▲

➔

WOODROW WILSON DRIVE

Summer 2024 The Circuit Rider Souvenir Journal 7

2024

AC Biographies

2024 Session Annual Conference Speakers BISHOP SHARMA D. LEWIS

Recently, Lewis shared the joyous news of her

Episcopal Leader of the Mississippi Area

engagement to Rev. Dr. Lewis E. Logan II.

Preaching: Opening Worship Thursday, June 20 at 9:30 a.m.

BISHOP FRANK BEARD

Bishop Sharma D. Lewis was born and raised in Statesboro, Georgia in a loving Methodist family. She comes to Mississippi after having Bishop Sharma D. Lewis

served the past six years in the Richmond area of the Virginia Annual Conference. She was the first African American woman to be elected bishop in the Southeastern Jurisdiction of The

Preaching: Celebration and Ordering of Ministry Service Thursday, June 20 at 7:00 p.m.

Bishop Frank Beard served as the senior pastor of Castleton United Methodist Church prior to being elected to the episcopacy. He has been

United Methodist Church in 2016.

elected five times to serve as a delegate to

Prior to her election in 2016, she held a

the conference at Jurisdictional Conference.

distinguished record of service in the North Georgia Conference serving as a district superintendent of the Atlanta-Decatur-Oxford District, pastor at Wesley Chapel United Bishop Frank Beard

Episcopal Leader of the Illinois Area

Methodist Church, associate (and subsequently senior associate) pastor of the 8,000-member Ben Hill United Methodist Church in Atlanta and as senior pastor of Powers Ferry UMC, a

General Conference, and six times to represent He served as the chairperson of the Indiana delegation in 2016.

Beard has served in a variety of leadership roles at every level of The United Methodist Church. Within the conference, he has been a district superintendent, and has been actively involved as a member or former member of

cross-racial assignment in Marietta, Georgia.

the board of ordained ministry, the episcopacy

Offering her gifts to The United Methodist

committee, Black Methodists for Church

Church in a variety of ways, Lewis sits on the

Renewal (BMCR) and the large church initiative,

board of multiple United Methodist seminaries,

just to name a few.

committee, the church development

and as a key member of organizations supporting women and African Americans in

At the general church level, Beard has served

ministry. She is also the author of “Journey to

in positions with the General Commission

Transformation,” and “Struggle to the Cross”—

on General Conference, including 2020 Site

both Lenten studies.

Selection Chair, General Board of Higher Education and Ministry and the General Board

Lewis is a graduate of Mercer University,

of Discipleship, as well as serving as a member

the University of West Georgia and

of the National Black Methodists for Church

Gammon Theological Seminary at the

Renewal and secretary of the General Board of

Interdenominational Theological Center.

Discipleship.

8 The Circuit Rider Souvenir Journal Summer 2024

Ordained a deacon in 1982 and an Elder in

couple have two adult children and four

1985, Beard has served in many different

grandchildren.

ministry settings ranging from small to large churches, as well as having served as district superintendent of the former Kokomo and North Central Districts for eight years prior to his appointment to Castleton United Methodist Church in July 2012.

REV. MARTA SOBRINO-BOLEN

Associate pastor New Albany/La Misiòn United Methodist Church Preaching: Mission Service Friday, June 21 at 5:00 p.m.

Rev. Marta Sobrino-Bolen was born and raised

Beard is married to Melissa Kay Riffell Beard,

in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and at age 16 she

and they have two daughters and three

came to America to attend college. Bolen

grandchildren. He is an avid outdoorsman,

possesses a bachelor’s degree in education

fisherman and lover of sports.

from Blue Mountain College and a master’s

REV. RICKEY HAYNES

Dean of the cabinet and District 1 Superintendent

degree in early childhood education from the University of Mississippi. After graduating, she returned to her home island and worked for

Preaching: Memorial Service Friday, June 21 at 10:30 a.m.

30 years in the government of Puerto Rico. Her

Rev. Rickey Haynes grew up on a small farm in

and implementing programs for children and

the Ingomar community south of New Albany and is a cradle Methodist. Ordained as an elder in the Mississippi Conference in 2014, Haynes currently serves as dean of the cabinet and District 1 superintendent.

passion has always been creating, developing Rev. Marta Sobrino-Bolen

families in need.

Bolen is the associate pastor at New Albany/ La Misiòn United Methodist Church and has been developing a very vibrant Latino Ministry in New Albany and Union County. The ministry,

Haynes began his ministry serving as a bi-

named La Misiòn nourishes the Latino

vocational pastor for more than 20 years

community through a tutoring program for

before transitioning to full-time ministry.

elementary school kids, giving aid to families

Pastoring small membership churches in

that just arrived in the United States and

the Coldwater-Arkabutla Charge, Crenshaw-

providing clothes, food and translation services

Sledge Charge and Senatobia First-Hunter’s

for families in need.

Chapel Charge before becoming a district superintendent in 2018.

worship service and children’s ministry. She is also an ardent

worked in several positions with the Mississippi

advocate for the rights of

Land Bank. He holds a B.A. in Liberal Arts

immigrants and their families.

State University. He received his M.Div. from Memphis Theological Seminary in 1998.

Get the 2024 Session of AC App! Scan to Download

In addition, Bolen started a bilingual

Prior to entering the full-time ministry, Haynes

and a B.S. in Accounting from Mississippi

Rev. Rickey Haynes

Bolen is married to Billy Bolen, and the couple live in Etta, Mississippi. Together they

Haynes has been married to Barbara

have two daughters and four

Thompson Haynes for 52 years. The

grandchildren.

Summer 2024 The Circuit Rider Souvenir Journal 9

10 The Circuit Rider Souvenir Journal Summer 2024

“

From the Conference Lay Leader

Our annual conference has been through a lot, lost a lot, but we remain standing—the church, The United Methodist Church.

Fanning the Flames

LaToya Redd Thompson helps deliver the Laity Address at the 2024 United Methodist General Conference in Charlotte, N.C. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News

LaToya Redd Thompson Mississippi Conference Lay Leader and Association of Annual Conference Lay Leaders President

I GREW UP UNITED METHODIST, A

the praise team ministry and directed

nurture, outreach and witness in our

cradle Methodist, some call it. Growing

the children’s choir. Being active in the

churches.

up, I saw my parents read both the

local church spread to being active in our

Bible and the United Methodist Book of

broader connection. I was privileged to

Discipline regularly. They didn’t treat the

serve eight years as district lay leader of

Book of Discipline like it was the Bible.

the former East Jackson District and then

However, they had a healthy respect for

eight years as the conference lay leader of

it. They were very active in the church

the Mississippi Annual Conference. I have

when I was growing up—serving as

served my term as conference lay leader.

council chair, finance chair, trustee chair,

I want to thank you for your great support.

United Methodist Men president, United

I have seen and felt the love of Christ across

Methodist Women president and others.

our state and denomination and have seen

Whatever committee they were leading,

that it was not just my parents, but a whole

they would reference the Book of Discipline

annual conference who follows the Bible,

and study that committee and how the

are active in our churches and are people of

other committees worked together. I was

order and structure.

raised by two people who believed it was important to follow the Bible, to be active in your local church and to be people of order and structure. They ignited an appreciation for those three things in me.

I have the privilege of serving not only as the Mississippi Annual Conference Lay Leader but also as the president of the Association of Annual Conference Lay Leaders for our global church. In that role, I gave a laity address at General Conference.

I said in that address that we are Gideon’s

lot, lost a lot, but we remain standing—the Our district superintendents have a larger territory and cannot do what we grew

The fire they lit in me resulted in me being

accustomed to them doing. Our pastors

active in church wherever I have gone. For

are spread thin. The United Methodist

example, when I attended Burns—now

Church began with a heavy lay ministry

Oxford First United Methodist Church—

structure. We must return to a structure

while going to law school, I sang with

where lay ministry carries the day-to-day

whom God will use to do miraculous things.

I wholeheartedly believe that.

Our annual conference session theme this year is “Reigniting Our Identity.” We need only reignite our identity as United

Our annual conference has been through a church, The United Methodist Church.

army, the remnant described in Judges 7,

Methodist disciples of Jesus Christ. We lay people need only know and live into our history and calling to be active advocates of the gospel of Jesus Christ. To ignite means to catch fire. If we will reignite our identity, the Holy Spirit will fan the flame, and God will use us—the remnant army of God—to make disciples of Jesus Christ and catch Mississippi on fire for God.

Summer 2024 The Circuit Rider Souvenir Journal 11

Photo courtesy of Mississippi Conference Communications

Bishop Sharma D. Lewis preaches at the 2023 Called Session of the Mississippi Annual Conference in December. Photo courtesy of Greg Campbell Photography, Inc.

Spiritual Leadership Helps Resource Mississippi Prayer Movement

W

By Jasmine Haynes Mississippi Conference Communications Specialist

WHAT BEGAN AS AN INVITATION TO CREATE AND PARTICIPATE in daily prayer as a conference, has now evolved into a larger initiative to practice the spiritual discipline of prayer.

At the December 2023 called session of annual conference Mississippi’s episcopal leader, Bishop Sharma D. Lewis, invited attendees to pray daily a “Prayer for the Mississippi Annual Conference,” a collection of one-sentence prayers composed from people across the state.

In alignment with Bishop Lewis’ encouragement to be people of prayer, the Mississippi Conference Office of Spiritual Leadership is offering multiple resources to deepen or begin their spiritual practice of prayer.

According to Rev. Trey Harper, director of spiritual leadership, prayer will be defining the work of his office for the foreseeable future.

12 The Circuit Rider Souvenir Journal Summer 2024

“We have been amazed by the responses from both clergy and laity since Bishop Lewis issued her call to prayer last year,” said Harper. “The past and future prayer retreats have seen some amazing work of the Holy Spirit.”

Bishop Lewis expressed that one of the core facets of being Christian is being a people of prayer and she wants people to remember the power of prayer, which is why “Reigniting Our Identity” is this year’s annual conference session theme.

“If we as people of faith pray in accordance with what pleases God, we will see the sick become healed,” said Lewis. “We will see people being held captive by chains in their lives break free. We will see revival, and we will see spiritual growth in every local church that takes Jesus to the Streets.”

“

“If we as people of faith pray in accordance with what

pleases God, we will see the sick become healed. We will see people being held captive by chains in their lives break free. We will see

revival, and we will see spiritual growth in every local church that takes Jesus to the Streets.” – Bishop Sharma D. Lewis

Centuries.” They will teach on the necessity of prayer and how to pray, and the goal of the tour is to inspire various prayer ministries across the state. The conference

Chat and Chew with Bishop Lewis 2.0 attendees read the “Prayer for the Mississippi Annual Conference” at First United Methodist Church in Gulfport.

has made the book available to purchase for clergy at all Chat and Chew with Bishop Lewis stops. The book will also be available See Spiritual Leadership, page 34

Titled “Pray Mississippi,” Lewis also shared that people will see this prayer movement permeate all the ways in which the conference works to strengthen and grow the kingdom of God. Spiritual leadership office staff Sarah Halford, associate director of lay leadership, and Rev. Maxine Bolden, strategist for preaching and evangelism, have been tasked as prayer coordinators to help facilitate and resource the “Pray Mississippi Movement.” According to Halford, being conference prayer coordinators entails encouraging a spirit of prayer and helping individuals and congregations tap into the power of prayer.

“Our prayer is that the spirit of prayer and the movement of the Holy Spirit will be woven into the very fiber of our conference,” explained Halford.

Bolden shared that she was enthusiastic about the assignment and the journey of the prayer movement.

“This role excites me because it aligns with God’s call to me in this season to return more to this ministry of corporate prayer,” said Bolden.

Sarah Halford, Lay Leadership Associate Director

As prayer coordinators, they will also help identify strategies as they resource clergy and church leaders.

This year, spiritual leadership has hosted the Spiritual Wellness Retreat April 18-20 and invited clergy to a time away in prayer and personal discipleship at Camp Wesley Pines in Hazlehurst. The retreat ended with the Mississippi Conference Prayer Service for General Conference Saturday, April 20, which was both livestreamed and held in person, and open to both clergy and laity.

Spiritual leadership also plans to facilitate several upcoming happenings that are initiatives from the Pray Mississippi Prayer Movement. One of the main events will be a prayer tour with Bishop Lewis and Rev. Dr. Terry Tekyl in September. This weeklong tour will include seven stops across Mississippi where both Lewis and Tekyl will meet with clergy and laity and teach about prayer from Tekyl’s book, “Chronicles of Prayer: Praying in Jesus Name for 21

Rev. Trey Harper, Director of Spiritual Leadership

Rev. Maxine Bolden, Strategist for Preaching and Evangelism

Summer 2024 The Circuit Rider Souvenir Journal 13

[Disaster Response]

Home dedication led by Mennonite Disaster Services. Photos courtesy of Mississippi Conference Communications

Mississippi Conference Answers the Call for Survivors

M

By Matthew Johnson Mississippi Conference Connectional Ministries and Communications Assistant

INCREASED WEATHER-RELATED DISASTERS AND destruction has Mississippi Conference Disaster Response busier than ever. With the help and generosity of Mississippi Conference congregations, disaster response is answering the call by offering assistance with rebuilding and restoring homes and lives after disaster events.

The year of 2023 was historic in terms of disasters occurring across the United States. According to Climate.gov, the U.S. suffered 28 weather and climate-related disasters tallying a price tag of at least $92.9 billion. Mississippi Conference Disaster Response partners with the United Methodist Committee on Relief, UMCOR, and United Methodist Volunteers in Mission, UMVIM, to provide the best relief for disaster survivors. As The United Methodist Church’s

14 The Circuit Rider Souvenir Journal Summer 2024

membership has decreased, grants and assistance from UMCOR cannot be as generous. This gives Mississippi United Methodist congregations the opportunity to fill the void in support.

Rev. Frank Newell, associate director for UMCOR and UMVIM, leads disaster response efforts for the Mississippi Conference. One of his goals is to train and prepare volunteers to help in post-disaster environments through early response team, ERT, trainings.

“Right now, we are focusing on continued readiness through increased early response team, ERT, training opportunities,” said Newell. “As the size and frequency of disasters expand coupled with less grant funds from UMCOR, more lay

volunteers will need to be prepared to help us with future disaster recovery.”

ERTs establish the presence of the church in the early days after a disaster. At ERT trainings, volunteers are taught the best ways to meet the needs of survivors.

Whether it’s through being a listening ear, helping to prevent further damage to homes or pointing survivors to helpful resources and government aid.

Rev. Frank Newell, (far right), participates in an ERT training.

In addition to readiness, Newell is starting two additional training programs for volunteers that will help United Methodist churches be centers of relief for disaster survivors.

Disaster survivor, Regina Brown and family.

“We are training volunteer navigators who will go out into the community post-disaster and make sure people have important information and know where to sign up for aid,” said Newell. “We are also starting the Connecting Neighbors program where we teach congregations how to respond to disasters for yourself, your church building and your neighborhood.”

Mississippi Conference Disaster Response is also hard at work completing repair and rebuild projects from previous storms. A generous mission offering from the Mississippi Conference of more than $38,000 collected during the 2023 Annual Conference Session helped rebuild homes and offered long-term recovery to hard hit areas that had no other resources.

Yolanda Horne, one of five disaster case managers overseeing Mississippi Conference disaster recovery efforts, details the cases she has completed and others that are still in progress.

“We have completed five home rebuilds and five homes are in the process of being rebuilt,” said Horne. “Five families had major repair work done on their homes and there are another 11 homes in various stages of repair. We are receiving calls daily from survivors now that they can see evidence of recovery.”

Regina Brown, Silver City resident and a survivor of the March 2023 tornadoes that swept across the Mississippi Delta had her home rebuilt. Brown’s original house was destroyed by the tornadoes while she and her children were inside. The family lived for months in an emergency trailer. With assistance from Mississippi Conference Disaster Response partnering with

Mennonite Disaster Service, a new three-bedroom home was built for Brown and her family. At her home dedication, Brown describes how she was blessed by God through Mississippi Disaster Response.

“This is a dream come true,” said Brown. “After the storm, I didn’t think I’d ever have a home again, but thanks to God and the disaster response volunteers my family has a place to call home again.”

If you’d like to know more about Mississippi Disaster Response visit https://www.mississippi-umc.org/disasterresponse or email Rev. Frank Newell at fnewell@mississippi-umc.org.

Summer 2024 The Circuit Rider Souvenir Journal 15

Jesus commands all Christians in the Great Commission— spelled out in Matthew 28:18-20— to “make disciples of all nations.”

Beauvoir UMC in Biloxi holds candlelight service centered on healing. Photo courtesy of Rev. Michelle Bailey

Grace UMC in Iuka feeds a local volleyball team.

Photo courtesy of Rec. Steve Kennedy

Faith Community Formation:

Partnering with Churches, Making Disciples

N

By Jasmine Haynes Mississippi Conference Communications Specialist

NEARLY 74% OF MISSISSIPPIANS ARE NOT INVOLVED IN A religious congregation—that’s over 2 million people who do not go to church according to a ReligionInsite report from MissionInsite, an online demographic mapping database. Jesus commands all Christians in the Great Commission—spelled out in Matthew 28:18-20—to “make disciples of all nations,” which leaves congregations a lot of ground to cover in the Mississippi mission field. That’s why the Mississippi Conference Office of Faith Community Formation provides numerous tools and consultation opportunities for congregations to multiply their efforts towards achieving the Great Commission. Lighthouse Congregations, hospitality training and Fresh Expressions are just three of faith community formation’s many outreach initiatives.

Lighthouse Congregations Lighthouse Congregations is an initiative created to be both a safe place for people to explore the next steps on their faith journey post-church closures and disaffiliations, and to steer churches to refocus on 18 The Circuit Rider Souvenir Journal Summer 2024

several foundational tenets of faith communities. Churches that pursue becoming a Lighthouse Congregation look at the ways in which they can illuminate how they engage in worship, discipleship, sacrament, pastoral care, discernment, mission and healing.

Rev. Michelle Bailey, pastor at Beauvoir United Methodist Church in Biloxi, explained that the church’s lay member to annual conference brought the Lighthouse Congregations information back from the conference. As Bailey and the lay leadership began the process of becoming a Lighthouse Congregation, they saw opportunities to shine in the areas of mission and healing. Bailey shared that the church is strong in mission as they house a food pantry and host a health clinic and Parkinson’s support group, just to name a few. However, after much conversation, the church’s leadership felt there were some opportunities for growth around healing.

“We realize that offering our Lecto Divina group’s prayer retreat to the congregation on a wider basis than just to the small group would be a wonderful way that we could expand the opportunity for folks to have spiritual renewal and healing,” said Bailey. “Then, we decided to focus on healing for our Lenten season and we’ve had a candlelight service that was

The Fresh Expression, La Misión hosts dinner church. Photo courtesy of Rev. Marta Sobrino-Bolen

“

“Faith community formation has played a dynamic role in our growth— they accelerated our success and provided us with resources that we very badly needed.”

Students takes advantage of tutoring services offered by La Misión. Photo courtesy of Rev. Marta Sobrino-Bolen

Outline Type

– Rev. Steve Kennedy Pastor, Grace UMC

focused on healing, so this [the Lighthouse Congregations process] was a way of us being intentional about what we’re doing.”

Bailey also shared that having Rev. Trey Jones, associate director of faith community formation, walk alongside her through the process helped her communicate various concepts or intentionality and interconnectedness with the congregation, and the church became better able to offer Christ to the surrounding community.

Hospitality Training Grace UMC in Iuka is a new church start that began the process of becoming a Lighthouse Congregation and utilized several resources from faith community formation. They used a report about their surrounding area from MissionInsite.

Grace UMC’s pastor, Rev. Steve Kennedy shared that they found statistics that people in their area outside of the church had a lot of angst about church and 70% of people say they did not feel welcome while attending church. Seeing a need to overcome this barrier, the church then pursued faith community formation’s hospitality training and begin incorporating several practical ways to welcome people in their worship service. Kennedy said that some of the fruitful activities they have implemented are having the church start welcoming people from the parking lot, at the door and at a hospitality table upon entering the church. There is a 16-year-old boy who is the first to encourage people to come in and give them a bulletin, which according to Kennedy, creates a very positive experience in the first few seconds of being there.

“We want to connect with people as much as we can in that time right before worship and the response to that has been incredible,” said Kennedy. “One lady said, ‘the moment I put my hand on the door, I knew I had found my church home.’”

Kennedy shared that they began averaging 25 people in weekly worship last year in July and quickly moved to 50 folks in worship on average weekly. Grace UMC had 75 people in attendance this Easter, and now face a good problem— they’re running out of room. According to Kennedy, faith community formation has offered resources every step of the way for Grace UMC. “Faith community formation has played a dynamic role in our growth,” shared Kennedy. “They accelerated our success and provided us with resources that we very badly needed.”

Fresh Expressions Usually led by lay people, Fresh Expressions take church outside of the traditional building and creates conversations that introduce people to Christ. Scriptures says that Jesus did spend time in synagogues, and He often met people where they were—at a well, on His way to His next destination, over meals and many other like instances. Fresh Expressions are extensions of existing congregations that aim to cultivate faith and community for person who have never been involved in church or have left the church.

See Faith Community Formation, page 35 Summer 2024 The Circuit Rider Souvenir Journal 19

20 The Circuit Rider Souvenir Journal Summer 2024

“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

2024

Ordinands & Retirees

A Service of Celebration and the Ordering of Ministry At the Service of Celebration and the Ordering of Ministry, the Mississippi Conference Board of Ordained Ministry presents Bishop Sharma D. Lewis 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 Jane Elizabeth Feisel Jarod Owen Saucedo Morgan Lang Spencer Associate Membership Patricia Cauthen Hardacre

Commissioning as Deacon and Elder Allen Gould Regan Walter Griceson Roberts Jr. Jill Renee Senn Sandra Faye Wilson

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 June 5, 2024.

Elders in Full Connection Mervyn Jonathan Altman Ellis Ray Branch Frederick Lee Brooks III Fred Shell Britton Alice Carol Burnett Perry Lincoln Carr Joe Miller Coggins Sheila R. Cumbest Christopher Oris Cumbest James P. Genesse

Peggy Ann Gibson Robert N. Gill John Robert Hall Rickey Lynson Haynes Heather K. Hensarling Toby Eugene Lofton Paul Edward Luckett W. Hall Miskelly Jesse Wayne Napier Stylon A. Proctor Joseph Thaddus Ranager

David Glenn Schultz Jeffrey Stephan Shannon John Joseph Shelton IV David Joe Slaughter Richard Carrington Stockett III Eddie E. Ward Victoria Leigh White Associate Members Oscar Marion McGough James Owen Petermann Thomas Alan Randall Gary Arthur Glazier

Local Pastors Deborah Ann Bracey Brenda Cager Michael Irving Dorr Sr. Paula Angelita Faulks Alberta Hendrix Bennie Kay Napier Patsy Oakes Shirley Faye Wilder

Summer 2024 The Circuit Rider Souvenir Journal 21

Outside view of Swanson House, at right, common area of Swanson House. Photos courtesy of Methodist Children’s Homes of Mississippi

This remarkable gift has given young ladies from traumatic backgrounds, a safe and secure Christian environment to call home.

Conference Mission Offering Helps MCH Open Swanson House

L

By Matthew Johnson Mississippi Conference Connectional Ministries and Communications Assistant

LAST OCTOBER, METHODIST CHILDREN’S

Conference, no matter its size, can contribute to a mission

Homes of Mississippi completed renovations

bigger than themselves.

on Swanson House, an emergency placement residence for teenage girls. Renovations were completed thanks to a generous donation of $76,000 from the Mississippi United Methodist

Conference Mission Offering. This remarkable gift—collected during an offering in honor of then retiring Bishop James E. Swanson Sr. and Mrs. Delphine Swanson, during their final annual conference in 2022—has given young ladies from traumatic backgrounds, a safe and secure Christian environment to call home.

For his final annual conference session Bishop Swanson chose Methodist Children’s Homes of Mississippi to be the recipient of the conference mission offering. Methodist Children’s Homes is a Mississippi Conference benevolence, located in Jackson, that helps bring restoration to children and youth who have been neglected or abused.

The newly renovated Swanson House will house five teenage girls and function as an Adolescent Diversion Unit, the highest level of care Methodist Children’s Homes has to offer. Each

Each year Mississippi Conference congregations harness

resident of Swanson House is provided with a therapist,

the power of connectional giving by committing before

social worker and specially trained staff to help process any

annual conference to give connectionally towards a mission

grief they may have faced. Here a resident, identity withheld,

focus. Through this giving, every church in the Mississippi

describes what it’s like to live in Swanson House.

22 The Circuit Rider Souvenir Journal Summer 2024

Photo courtesy of Methodist Children’s Homes of Mississippi

Bishop James E. Swanson Sr. and Mrs. Delphine Swanson - left; Danny Roland, chair of episcopacy committee - center, and Devon Loggins, then Methodist Children’s Homes CEO - right, present a check of the amount raised during the mission offering. Photo courtesy of Greg Campbell Photography, Inc.

Jordan Faison serves as communications coordinator for Methodist Children’s Homes.

“The staff are very loving and nice and cook good homemade meals,” said the

“The staff are very loving

Swanson House resident. “We are free to do whatever we want within the rules.

Swanson House is a place I can call home for as long as I stay here.”

Methodist Children’s Homes are supported by mission shares, but assistance from Mississippi Conference congregations is vital to helping Methodist Children’s Homes give children the care they deserve. Methodist Children’s Homes communication coordinator, Jordan Faison, explains the importance of support from Mississippi Conference churches.

“Mississippi United Methodist Churches are extremely important to helping Methodist Children’s Homes fulfill our mission to bring hope and healing to hurting children in Mississippi,” said Faison. “Because of the support of Mississippi Conference churches, Methodist Children’s Homes is able to care for children as the Lord commands and in a therapeutic manner.”

“

and nice and cook good homemade meals. We are free to do whatever we want within the rules.

Swanson House is a place I can call home for as long as I stay here.”

– Swanson House Resident

Through their generosity Mississippi United Methodists have changed lives for the better at the Methodist Children’s Homes. Teenage girls now have a safe Christian atmosphere to heal from trauma.

If you would like to know more about Methodist Children’s Homes, the services they provide and how your church can assist visit www.mchms.org.

Summer 2024 The Circuit Rider Souvenir Journal 23

»

Members of the Mississippi Conference Delegation seated among other delegations in a plenary session at the 2020 Postponed General Conference.

GC 2020: Mississippi Conference Impact

A

By Jasmine Haynes Mississippi Conference Communications Specialist

FTER AN EIGHT-YEAR GAP DUE—TO THE COVID PANDEMIC— since the last regular session of General Conference was held, General Conference was called to order Monday, April 23, 2024.

Of the 862 delegates elected to represent The United Methodist Church, over 730 gathered in the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.

General Conference is the top policy-making body of The United Methodist Church. The assembly meets at the beginning of each quadrennium to consider revisions to church law, as well as adopt resolutions on current moral, social, public policy and economic issues. It also approves plans and budgets for churchwide programs for the next four years. As one would expect from an eight-year hiatus, there was much business that the General Conference needed to handle. This article will focus on some of the major legislative topics and what their outcomes mean for the Mississippi Conference of The United Methodist Church. Remember, although delegates voted on many matters, all legislation must be vetted through the Judicial Council to make sure that the legislation is constitutional before it can go into effect.

The Judicial Council is the highest judicial body, or court in the denomination.

24 The Circuit Rider Souvenir Journal Summer 2024

Major Legislative Action: Regionalization During a plenary session on Thursday, April 25, delegates at General Conference voted 586 to 164 in favor of a Worldwide Regionalization Plan. The stated purpose of regionalization is to give The United Methodist Church’s different geographic regions equal standing in decision-making. The legislation that was brought to the session of General Conference takes several steps toward that goal: • It renames and realigns the existing central conferences as regional conferences so there is equality in naming and the elimination of a label (“central”) that reminds all too much of the previous history of a segregated Central Jurisdiction in the United States. The result will be eight regional conferences (the existing, renamed “central” conferences and the United States).

• It creates a regional conference for the United States, with powers parallel to that of the other regional conferences worldwide and makes room for regional conferences outside the United States to create jurisdictions within their central conferences if they so wish.

• It provides greater clarity about the power these regional conferences have to customize the denomination’s Book of

Discipline as adopted by the General Conference for the sake of mission and ministry in their own areas, and the potential greater autonomy annual conferences will have to be contextual in their mission and ministries.

What does Regionalization mean for the Mississippi Conference?

It’s important to note that voting to affirm regionalization is requesting a structural change in The United Methodist Church and requires an amendment to the denomination’s constitution. A constitutional amendment requires at least a two-thirds vote at General Conference. The regionalization amendment received 78% of the vote.

However, in order for the Worldwide Regionalization Plan to be ratified, the amendment will also need at least a two-thirds cumulative total vote of all annual and central conference lay and clergy voters across the globe. If they receive the necessary number of votes, the results would be announced by the United Methodist Council of Bishops.

The regionalization constitutional amendment was sent out within 30 days after the adjournment of General Conference, which means some annual conferences could vote on the amendment this year. However, although annual conferences can vote by this year’s session, they do not have to. According to Bishop Sharma D. Lewis, the Mississippi Annual Conference will not vote on regionalization this June during annual conference and the conference will have ample time to study the legislation, as well as time to explore how regionalization will impact Mississippi’s congregants, local churches and connectional ministries.

Ask The UMC—the official information service of The United Methodist Church—has explored ways that regionalization already exists for central conferences, as well as the implications of enabling a greater degree of regionalization for United Methodists in the United States.

To read this “What is Regionalization?” series, go to this URL – https://bit.ly/whatIsRegionalization.

Major Legislative Action: Human Sexuality Language General Conference voted to remove The United Methodist Church’s ban on the ordination of clergy who are “self-avowed practicing homosexuals.” Delegates approved this change alongside 22 pieces of legislation on the consent calendar, which allows delegates to pass multiple petitions in bulk if they have overwhelming support in legislative committees and have no budgetary or constitutional impact. The vote on the consent calendar

Bishop Sharma D. Lewis watching a presentation while presiding at the 2020 Postponed General Conference.

«

The Mississippi Conference Delegation: (front row, left to right) Kathleen Smith, Jaci Murden, Rev. Leann Burris and LaToya Redd Thompson; (middle row, left to right) David Stotts, Rev. Fitzgerald Lovett, Rev. John Branning and Rev. Zach Beasley; (back row, left to right) Rev. Dr. Embra Jackson, Rev. Fred Britton, Dr. David Beckley, Steve McAlilly and Rev. Mitchell Hedgepeth.

Moses Kumar, General Secretary and Treasurer of the General Commission on Finance and Administration (GCFA), gives the financial report at General Conference.

Photo courtesy of Paul Jeffrey/UM News

See GC 2020 Impact, page 30 Summer 2024 The Circuit Rider Souvenir Journal 25

Volunteers pray over the mission offering during the 2016 Session of Annual Conference.

By Matthew Johnson Mississippi Conference Connectional Ministries and Communications Assistant

A

AS THE MISSISSIPPI CONFERENCE HAS DECREASED IN SIZE, THE BUDGET has decreased as well. The current spending plan for 2024 is $8,224,765, and the spending plan for 2025 will be $5,998,862. A reduction of 27.06%.

This was done by design as the office of administry planned to maintain 2024’s missional giving amounts for Mississippi Conference churches.

Conference treasurer and director of administry, David Stotts explains why local churches will not be required to give more in the upcoming budget year.

“We want our United Methodist people and local churches to understand they are not giving their part plus the part of the churches that departed the denomination,” said Stotts. “The only way to prove that is to ask for no more, and to reduce our expenditures because there are fewer churches.”

David Stotts, CPA Mississippi Conference Treasurer

The current spending plan for 2024 is $8,224,765, and the spending plan for 2025 will be $5,998,862. A reduction of 27.06%.

26 The Circuit Rider Souvenir Journal Summer 2024

Giving is an important practice for Christians. Malachi 3:10 reads “bring the full tithe into the store house that there may be food in my house. Test me in this says the Lord Almighty. And see If I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out a blessing that you will not have room enough to store.”

As United Methodists, the connectional nature of our denomination allows our giving to bless many in our local churches, our conference and throughout the world. Our gifts are the fuel for the missions and ministries of the Mississippi Conference and The United Methodist Church. When we honor God with these heartfelt offerings, churches, districts and the conference have a sacred duty of responsible stewardship of those funds. Stotts,

Photos courtesy of Greg Campbell Photography, Inc.

Administry Continues Responsible Stewardship

explains why it’s important to be good stewards of gifts entrusted to do God’s work.

“We as the districts and conference have a sacred fiduciary duty to care for God’s money,” said Stotts. “When Mississippi United Methodists entrust their gifts to us, we must do the work as we said we would and be prudent on how we spend it because we are accountable to God and God’s people.”

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul teaches the Corinthians to determine what to give by first searching their hearts, and then giving joyfully. In 2 Corinthians 9:7 scripture reads “each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

“

“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

– 2 Corinthians 9:7

Through giving, we show appreciation to God for all that he blessed us with beginning with the gift of his son Jesus. Responsible management of God’s gifts ensures that The United Methodist Church in Mississippi will have the resources necessary to be the hands and feet of Christ in the world. As we move forward with less, administry will live into its calling to be effective and prudent managers of gifts that have been entrusted to do God’s work. If you want to know more about the administry department and how they manage the finances of the Mississippi Conference visit www.mississippi-umc.org/administry. To see how your 2023 mission shares benefited the Mississippi Conference and The United Methodist Church visit www.mississippi-umc. org/localchurchfinance.

District secretary, Darlene Gibbs, right, contributes to the mission offering during the 2023 annual conference mission offering.

Volunteer helps collect the 2019 mission offering.

Summer 2024 The Circuit Rider Souvenir Journal 27

Photos courtesy of Millsaps College Communications

“

The historical liberal arts college is deeply rooted in Methodism and over the years has produced leaders that have positively impacted The United Methodist Church, the state of Mississippi and the world.

Students gather for photo on campus grounds.

Photos courtesy of Millsaps College Communications

UM Higher Education Spotlight:

T

MILLSAPS COLLEGE

By Matthew Johnson Mississippi Conference Connectional Ministries and Communications Assistant

THE 2024 SESSION OF THE MISSISSIPPI ANNUAL CONFERENCE

convenes in Jackson on the campus of Millsaps College.

Established in 1890, Millsaps is one of two United Methodistrelated institutions of higher education in the state of Mississippi. The historical liberal arts college is deeply rooted in Methodism and over the years has produced leaders that have positively impacted The United Methodist Church, the state of Mississippi and the world. In this profile, you will learn facts, provided by the Millsaps College archives about Millsaps College’s history, mission and its connection to the Mississippi United Methodist Conference.

Millsaps College is named in honor of Major Reuben Webster Millsaps, a native of Copiah County, Methodist lay person and successful businessman. Millsaps felt a deep passion about the need for the Methodists of Mississippi to establish a college of their own. Millsaps followed through on that passion by giving a gift of $50,000 to the Methodists of Mississippi, and in 1890 Millsaps College was chartered.

28 The Circuit Rider Souvenir Journal Summer 2024

In the years since, Millsaps has gone on to educate generations of United Methodist students and church leaders.

Eight United Methodist bishops call Millsaps College their alma mater, more than any other undergraduate program in the country.

These bishops are: • Nolan Harmon, class of 1914 • Ellis Finger, class of 1937 (and President of Millsaps, 1952-1964) • Roy Clark, class of 1941 • Joel McDavid, class of 1941 • Clay Lee, class of 1951 • Mary Ann Swenson, class of 1969 • Tim Whitaker, class of 1970 • Larry Goodpaster, class of 1970 • Bill McAlilly, class of 1978 Other notable alumni include numerous Methodist clergy, Mississippi governor Tate Reeves, jazz singer Cassandra Wilson and Mississippi Supreme Court Justice, James Graves Jr.

Bishop Bill McAlilly Class of 1978

Gov. Tate Reeves Class of 1996

Gleeful group of graduates from the Class of 2024 pose for a selfie.

From its earliest days Millsaps College has balanced the interrelationship between learning and the great issues of the time.

Millsaps was the first all-white college in Mississippi to make strides toward desegregation. Methodist clergy educated at Millsaps boldly proclaimed from pulpits the Wesleyan conviction that calls on Methodists to adhere to the needs of the poor and underrepresented.

• In the late 1930s, a student/faculty group urged Senator Theodore Bilbo to support the anti-lynching law introduced in the United States Congress.

• During the 1950s, Millsaps and Tougaloo College professors in their respective departments of Sociology crossreferenced classes so that integrated classes met on both campuses.

• Throughout the 1960s, Millsaps’ graduates who served as Methodist clergy in Mississippi, in their sermons and actions stood firm against racial segregation and discrimination in the state. A landmark 1962 open-letter, now called the “Born of Conviction” statement, was a public call to end segregation and support public schools in Mississippi.

This letter, written by Methodist clergy, was the first time white Christians in Mississippi had made such a declaration.

Sixteen of those 28 signers were Millsaps graduates.

• In 1965, Millsaps became the first allwhite college in Mississippi to voluntarily desegregate.

Many Mississippi Conference clergy were once Millsaps undergraduates. Millsaps is also home to Course of Study and the

License to Preach School where part-time local pastors take courses to gain the education and credentials needed to lead Mississippi Conference congregations. Rev. Ricky James, Millsaps chaplain, dean of the chapel and director of church relations and campus ministry, also an ordained elder in the Mississippi Conference and Millsaps alum, explains why this relationship is important to the survival of both institutions.

“Quite simply, we need each other,” said James. “The Mississippi Conference needs Millsaps to educate the next generation of ethical leaders for our churches, city, state and world.”

James went on to explain why Millsaps needs the Mississippi Conference.

“We need you to send us whole new generations of students to shape the future,” said James. “We need you to send money so that no student is ever turned away, and we need your prayers that Millsaps would flourish as a place where knowledge and vital piety join together.”

See Millsaps College, page 34

Summer 2024 The Circuit Rider Souvenir Journal 29

GC 2020 IMPACT page 25 was 692-51, with approval at 93%. Also on the consent calendar, delegates voted that superintendents are not to penalize clergy or churches for holding—or refraining from holding—same-sex weddings.

General Conference also removed from the Social Principles that the “practice of homosexuality…is incompatible with Christian teaching,” and removed the mandatory minimum penalties for clergy holding same-sex weddings.

What does the language change mean for the Mississippi Conference?

Be advised that although the ban has been lifted on performing samegender marriages, pastors will continue to preserve the right to choose what weddings to perform. Local church board of trustees will continue to preserve the right to determine which weddings to host. Persons are not prohibited from ordination due to being in a same-gender relationship. The Mississippi Conference Board of Ordained Ministries (BOOM) and District Committees on Ministry (DCOM) will continue to have authority to recruit, examine, confirm the calling of and discern the qualifications of those to be credentialed into licensed and ordained ministry. Bishop Lewis shared her awareness of how these legislative changes have impacted the Mississippi Conference.

“This is difficult. We are not all of the same mind on our theological beliefs related to human sexuality,” explained Lewis. “We need to all acknowledge and respect the feelings of those who are saddened and grieved by the legislative actions, as well as acknowledge and respect the pain experienced by those who disagreed for over 50 years with the church’s longestablished stance on human sexuality.”

Lewis also encourages everyone to continue engaging in dialogue rather than

conflict with fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

Major Legislative Action: Budget Cuts General Conference voted to decrease the apportionment percentage in an effort to balance funding connectional ministries through the general church budget and supporting the local church during financial challenges. Annual conference apportionments are the portion of church giving requested to fund the general church budget. Due to the pandemic and disaffiliation, delegates approved a compromise regarding apportionments.

Conferences will shift from their current base rate of 3.29% to a base rate of 2.6% for 2025 and 2026. A base rate is a key component used in calculating requested annual conference apportionment. If the apportionment collection rate is 90% or higher in 2025 and 2026, the base rate will increase to 2.9% for 2027 and 2028.

Additionally, delegates approved a 20252028 budget of $373.4 million. That total is contingent on collection rates being at 90% or more for the next two years. If giving is below that percentage, the budget bottom line will be $353.6 million—a reduction of approximately $19.8 million.

What do budget cuts mean for the Mississippi Conference?

The bottom line is that U.S. annual conferences—like the Mississippi Annual Conference—will be asked to pay lower apportionments compared to what delegates passed at the 2016 General Conference.

» The bottom line is that U.S. annual conferences—

like the Mississippi Annual Conference—will be asked to pay lower apportionments compared to what delegates passed at the 2016 General Conference.

Clergy Retirement Security Program (CRSP), which is the defined benefit plan that Wespath has historically offered.

Wespath maintains one of the largest faith-based pension funds in the world, serving more than 100,000 active and retired clergy and lay employees of the Church. A defined benefit plan is similar to the public employee retirement system— more commonly known as PERS—for state employees in Mississippi. When people retire, they receive a guaranteed monthly retirement income for the rest of their lives. A defined contribution plan is more like a 401K where in retirement, the participant lives off what they have contributed to the plan over time. In a defined contribution plan, it is possible to outlive the retirement savings. However, the defined contribution plan provides the ability to create generational wealth by leaving loved ones what’s left in the retirement account. This option is not available with the defined benefit plan.

Major Legislative Action: Clergy Benefits

Delegates approved the Compass plan by a vote of 658 in favor and 64 opposed.

Andy Hendren, top executive of Wespath expressed his excitement about the legislative action.

General Conference delegates approved a new retirement plan for United Methodist clergy in the U.S. Called Compass, it is a defined contribution plan rather than the

“We are pleased the General Conference has taken this important step,” explained Hendren. “Their thoughtful action will strengthen the long-term sustainability of

30 The Circuit Rider Souvenir Journal Summer 2024

benefit plans for our church and ensure retirement security for clergy.”

obtain a visa for travel to the U.S. They will be commissioned at a later time.

What does the Compass Plan mean for the Mississippi Conference?

Through denominational or ecumenical ministries, missionaries bear witness to God’s presence all around the world.

Missionaries engage in ministry that is defined by mutuality and partnership, seeking to expand the mission of God already present and active in people and places.

To be clear, clergy will retain CRSP benefits earned through the end of 2025, then begin earning benefits through the Compass Plan. The benefits of clergy who already have retired are not affected by the plan. With Compass, clergy will have retirement accounts that they control.

They are encouraged to contribute at least 4% of their salary to receive a full matching contribution from the church.

All U.S. clergy, regardless of their church’s size, will get at least a $150 monthly contribution plus 3% of pay for their account balance. Additionally, they will get another dollar-for-dollar match on up to 4% of pay. Compass also will provide matching contributions to help clergy pay off student loans. Compass is expected to be less costly than CRSP and will not generate additional long-term liabilities for annual conferences. This means that local churches in Mississippi will not have to bear the costs of those long-term liabilities as well.

The Mission Continues Outside of legislative action, General Conference celebrated the commissioning of several new United Methodist missionaries. The missionaries’ areas of foci are just as diverse as the locations they are going to serve and range from academia, poverty and ministry with young people to leadership development, agriculture and church planning. Their mission fields include the Middle East, the Philippines, North Katanga, the Republic of Ireland and Madagascar to name a few. According to Global Ministries—the international mission, humanitarian relief and development organization of The United Methodist Church—there were 22 missionaries trained for service to attend this commissioning, but six were unable to

ready to participate as a member in their legislative committees and vote on matters coming before the plenary sessions.”

Additionally, General Conference elected members of the Mississippi Conference Delegation to boards and committees.

Conference lay leader, LaToya Redd Thompson was elected to serve on the General Council on Finance and Administration, (GCFA). Rev. Leann Burris

Mississippi at the Worldwide Church Table

was elected to serve on the Standing

According to Rev. Fred Britton, the clergy head of the Mississippi Conference Delegation, the primary and reserve delegates spent countless hours in preparation for General Conference by studying over 1,000 pieces of legislation.

clergy and lay heads of the delegation, were

“I hope the Mississippi Annual Conference understands and appreciates the commitment of the delegation to serve at the 2020 Postponed General Conference,” said Britton. “They were well prepared and

actions of General Conference, visit

Committee on Central Conference Matters.

Rev. Fred Britton and David Stotts, the elected to serve on the Interjurisdictional Committee on Episcopacy.

For a closer look at all the major legislative https://www.mississippi-umc.org/ generalconference, the Mississippi Conference headquarters for General Conference information and updates.

We Want to Hear from You! T

ell us about your conference experience by completing this brief survey. Your feedback helps us continue to serve you with excellence as we develop and plan future conferences.

Visit the link below or scan the QR code to take the 2024 AC Survey.

https://bit.ly/2024msacsurvey

Summer 2024 The Circuit Rider Souvenir Journal 31

32 The Circuit Rider Souvenir Journal Summer 2024

Summer 2024 The Circuit Rider Souvenir Journal 33

SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP page 13 to laity during the 2024 Session of the Mississippi Annual Conference, as well as during the tour from September 21 through 27.

Additionally, spiritual leadership will be hosting the Clergy Women’s Retreat October 14-16. With the theme, “Called to Proclaim” based on Isaiah 61, spiritual leadership will host the Festival of Preaching for clergy October 17-18. From November 13 through 16 spiritual leadership will host the Benedictine Prayer Retreat at St. Bernard Abbey in Coleman, Alabama. This event is an opportunity for clergy to focus on the discipline of prayer. Those who attend will engage in retreat practices and read the book, “Praying with the Desert Mothers” by Mary Forman.

For more information on the Pray Mississippi Prayer movement, visit www.mississippiumc.org/PrayMississippi. To get connected to the aforementioned resources and events from the office of spiritual leadership visit www. mississippi-umc.org/spiritualleadership.

MILLSAPS COLLEGE page 29 As an educator of generations of Methodist students and future Methodist clergy, Millsaps is continuing its mission to inspire minds to be positive change in the world. To learn more about Millsaps’ educational programs and Methodist history visit millsaps.edu.

Other interesting facts about Millsaps: • In 1943, Johnny Carson attends Millsaps for V-12 naval officer training, entertaining his comrades with a magic and humor act.

• Louis H. Wilson, who graduated from the college in 1941, received the Medal of Honor for heroism in combat during World War II. He was the first Marine Corps commandant to serve full time on the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

• Millsaps has had seven students named as Rhodes Scholars in its history.

• Millsaps was the home to the New Orleans Saints training camp from 2006 until 2008.

34 The Circuit Rider Souvenir Journal Summer 2024

FAITH COMMUNITY FORMATIONS page 19 Rev. Marta Sobrino-Bolen recalled that years ago her Fresh Expressions journey began when God woke her up one day at 4:00 a.m. God told her to get a pencil and notebook and write down the vision to create a place for Latinos in the community where they will feel respected, loved, encouraged and nourished in order to improve their lives and the community. She says that God also gave her the name—La Misión. Bolen was a lay servant at the time and pursued Fresh Expressions training as a means to fulfill her call. She says that Fresh Expressions encourages participants to start with a project first, so she did.

“They just wanted to hear about Christ,” explained Bolen. “We also started spiritual coffee—it’s Bible study, but we call it spiritual coffee—to teach families to use the bibles we gave them. That’s how it started, a little bit at a time.”

First, there was a reading fair at a library for Spanish-speaking students in New Albany where some United Methodists in the community donated books in both English and Spanish. Then, by the end of summer last year Bolen held a focus group to find out the needs of the community and the results of the focus group suggested they needed translation services and tutoring. Since most of the mothers in the focus group didn’t speak English, they needed translations when they go to doctors and meetings and their kids needed help with their homework. So the fair spurred translation and tutoring services and created space for Bolen to build trust and relationships with those she served. This opened a door to devote efforts to their spiritual needs as well.

Over the last five years La Misión—this Fresh Expression turned congregation—has flourished in its missional goals with community development, family and spiritual development.

Over 100 people began coming to dinner church and the Fresh Expression became a church. Bolen said that for the last two years they have had Sunday service in both Spanish and English.

“It’s a bilingual service that I conduct and I’m now a pastor-don’t ask me how, by the grace of God,” said Bolen.

Faith community formation has many resources and tools to help churches make disciples.

For more information on Lighthouse Congregations, hospitality training, Fresh Expressions and ways to connect to other faith community formation resources visit https://www.mississippi-umc. org/faithcommunities.

Galloway United Methodist Church would like to thank Cary & Mechelle Stockett for their service & dedication to Galloway and it’s members. It has been an honor having them as part of the Galloway family and we wish them the best in their retirement.

We will miss them!

Summer 2024 The Circuit Rider Souvenir Journal 35

Congratulations The members of St. Paul United Methodist Church, Moss Point, congratulate

Dr. Peggy Gibson on her retirement and commend her for her service to the congregation.

36 The Circuit Rider Souvenir Journal Summer 2024

Thank You! Worship at the Mississippi Annual Conference reminds us of what brings us together. I am thankful each year to work with amazingly gifted clergy in our conference who share a passion for creative, multi-sensory worship, and who willingly give their time, talent, gifts, service and witness to create the annual conference worship services.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you. It is a privilege to work with you.

Renee Baldwin Director of Worship and Creative Arts for the Mississippi Annual Conference • Rev. Maxine Bolden, Rev. Dr. Stephen T. Cook and Rev. Sue Hyland, Opening Worship • Rev. Trey Harper and Rev. Pamela Cameron, The Service of Ordering Ministry • Rev. Andy Stoddard, The Service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance • Rev. Haven Boyd, Mission Worship • Rev. Susannah Grubbs Carr, Closing Worship

–

–

– –