Reflection and Perspective
Matthew Johnson, Communications Assistant
In celebration of 100 years of Black History Month, Mississippi Conference retired elder Rev. Joe May shared his reflections on growing up in Mississippi during the Civil Rights Era, how churches can honor Black History Month and why Black history is a significant part of Mississippi United Methodist history. Read More
Winter Storm Disaster Response Update
Matthew Johnson, Communications Assistant
Mississippi Conference Disaster Response and the United Methodist Committee on Relief, UMCOR, are still working to assess and address damage in North Mississippi caused by Winter Storm Fern. Since the end of the storm, disaster response teams have been active in helping provide for the needs of survivors and clearing debris, but there is still much work to be done. Read More
Volunteers assist with debris removal at Camp Lake Stephens. Photo courtesy of facebook.com
2026 Leadership Gathering: Webinars and Survey
The Council of Bishops will host a leadership gathering in Calgary, Canada, on October 20–24, 2026, bringing together hope, vision and imagination for the future of The United Methodist Church. To prepare for this event, the council is partnering with United Methodist Communications to offer three webinars open to all United Methodists. These sessions explore how our new vision love boldly, serve joyfully, lead courageously—is grounded in our mission and Wesleyan theology. There is still time to share your voice through the denomination-wide survey. Your insights will help shape how the church listens, discerns and leads in the years ahead. Read More
Photo: Greg Campbell Photography, Inc.
Rev. Joe May speaks during annual conference.
Lenten Resources Available for Churches
The United Methodist Church has resources available for the Lenten season. Click here to see a list of Lenten devotionals that will help church leaders and congregants experience Lent as a season of reflection and attentiveness. Click here for the “Renewed in Mercy” worship series from Discipleship Ministries. An agency of The United Methodist Church, Discipleship Ministries helps local church, district and conference leaders fulfill the shared dream of making world-changing disciples. The series features worship resources for each Sunday in the Lenten season.
Apply Now for UM Communications Scholarships
People interested in pursuing a career in religious communications are encouraged to apply for scholarships through United Methodist Communications, UMCom. Scholarships are available for both undergraduate and post-graduate study. The deadline to apply is March 15 Click here for more information and to apply.
Photo courtesy of resourceumc.com
Support the Global Spreading of the Gospel
Miracle Sunday takes place on Sunday, May 17. On this day, United Methodist churches worldwide will give an offering in support of theological education for clergy in Africa, Europe and the Philippines. Click here to learn more about Miracle Sunday and how your offering can help fulfill the Great Commission.
Webinar to Focus on Reviving UMM Groups
Mississippi Conference United Methodist Men, UMM, are hosting their monthly meeting on Tuesday, February 24 at 7:00 p.m. on Zoom During this month’s meeting, attendees will hear from former Virginia Conference UMM president, Albert Weal Jr. who will be speaking on ways to revive the UMM in your congregations. Click here for the Zoom link. For more information email conference UMM president Cedrick Hull at chull1906@yahoo.com.
Bishop Sharma Lewis Logan leads the 2024 Ash Wednesday service at the conference office.
Photo courtesy of Matthew Johnson
Photo courtesy of www.endowftecc.org
Rev. Louise Aaen baptizes a baby in Denmark.
UWF to Host Spiritual Growth Retreat
During the first weekend in March, the Mississippi Conference United Women in Faith will host a spiritual growth retreat at Lake Tiak-O’Khata in Louisville. The theme of the retreat is Experiencing Emmanuel: “For Such a Time As This.” Click here for more information, cost and to register. The deadline to register is Friday, February 27 There will be no onsite registration.
Photo, right: Mississippi Conference UWF president, Kathleen Smith, right, and vice president Virginia Case. Photo courtesy of Greg Campbell Photography, Inc.
FCF Shares Gospel at Dixie National Rodeo
Faith community formation staff shared the gospel with visitors during the Dixie National Rodeo. The volunteers prayed with attendees, offered gospel tracks and provided information about the Mississippi Conference’s missions and ministries. Click here to learn more about the services available through the office of faith community formation.
Photo, left: Rev. Dr. Jason Zebert, left, and Bishop Sharma Lewis Logan, right, stand in front of the faith community formation booth at the Dixie National Rodeo. Photo courtesy of Rev. Tim Thompson
Attend the Lenten Retreat for Clergywomen
All Mississippi Conference clergywomen are invited to step away and be nurtured at a Lenten Day Away for Mississippi Clergywomen. The retreat takes place Thursday, February 26 beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Poplar Springs United Methodist Church in Meridian. Click here for more information and to register. There is no fee to register but the deadline to submit registration is Monday, February 23.
Photo, right: Clergywomen worship together during the 2024 Clergywomen’s Conference. Photo courtesy of Matthew Johnson
CFO Updates
In her latest updates, Mississippi Conference CFO, Dr. Felicia Gavin, expresses gratitude for your giving in 2025, and her excitement about recently implemented technological changes that will help streamline and enhance operational processes in the conference, districts and local churches. Click here to watch the latest update from the CFO.
Photo courtesy of Jasmine Haynes
Dr. Felicia Gavin
“Ashes to Alleluia” Offers Renewal and Transformation
Join Bishop Sharma Lewis Logan and Dr. Lewis E. Logan II on Zoom Monday through Friday for a 40-day journey of renewal and transformation. This online devotional gathering will take place from 6:00 to 6:30 a.m. CST through the sacred season of Lent, which concludes on Good Friday, April 3 The husband-and-wife team will walk through their Lenten devotional, “Ashes to Alleluia,” but it is not required that you have the book to participate. Click here for more information and Zoom link, and click here if you are interested in purchasing “Ashes to Alleluia.” Use the discount code UMC 15 for a 15 percent discount at checkout.
SAVE THE DATES
Statewide Wesley – Feb. 27–Mar. 1
United Methodist Students from each of Mississippi’s public universities and junior colleges will come together February 27-March 1 for the 2026 Statewide Wesley retreat. The event will take place at the Timber Creek Camp in Pulaski. At the retreat, students will have an opportunity to worship, play games and fellowship with their friends. The cost to attend is $100 per student, and students who wish to attend can contact the Wesley Foundation on their campus to register. For more information on the 2026 Statewide Wesley retreat email Rev. Eric Davis at revericdavis@gmail.com
UMCOR Sunday – Mar. 15
On UMCOR Sunday United Methodist churches recognize and support the ministry
of the United Methodist Committee on Relief, UMCOR. Offerings collected on this special Sunday support UMCOR’s cost of doing business so that 100% of any gift to a special project will go toward that project. Click here for the UMCOR Sunday pastor and leader kit, where you can find resources you can use in your church’s publications, social media and worship services.
Easter Office Closing – Apr. 3 and 6
The conference and episcopal offices will be closed Friday, April 3 and Monday, April 6 as we take time to celebrate the Risen Savior. Offices will reopen Tuesday, April 7 at regular business hours.
Good Friday Worship Experience | 7 Sisters of the Spirit – Apr. 3
This Good Friday, April 3, Bishop Sharma Lewis Logan and six of her sister bishops will
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
• Agency Partnership & US Annual Conference Lead, UMCOM
• Ministry Assistant, Mississippi State Wesley Foundation (Starkville, MS)
• Adult Choir Director, Central UMC (Meridian, MS)
• Dean of Chapel and Campus Ministry, Dillard University (New Orleans, LA)
• Director of Children’s Ministries, Fairhope UMC (Fairhope, AL)
take part in the 15th annual Seven Last Words worship service at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Hanover, Maryland. This is the first time all seven African American female bishops of The United Methodist Church will be leading worship together. The event begins at 6:00 p.m. CST Click here for more information on the worship service.
AALA/ISI Preaching and Teaching –Apr. 18
The preaching and teaching module of the African American Leadership Academy/Iron Sharpens Iron, AALA/ISI, takes place Saturday, April 18 at Anderson United Methodist Church in Jackson. The module is designed to sharpen participants craft in proclaiming the gospel. The cost to register for the event is $35 and the deadline for registration is April 10. Click here for more information on the preaching and teaching module.
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:
• Dr. Gemma Beckley, wife of former Rust president Dr. David Beckley, passed away in late February.
• Rev. Jesse Moore went to be with the Lord January 9.