Miss. Conf. Prayer Coordinator Prays for Lieutenant Governor
Matthew Johnson, Communications Assistant
Before starting their legislative duties, Mississippi’s state leaders received prayers for God’s guidance and direction in their work during the 10th annual Legislative Prayer Breakfast. Faith leaders of different denominations offered prayers for each branch of state government. Read More
Mississippi Conference prayer coordinator, Sarah Halford prayed for God’s wisdom over Lieutenant Governor, Delbert Hosemann.
New Mural Helps Congregation Welcome Community
Vision Task Force Begins ‘Spring Cleaning’
Jasmine Haynes, Communications Specialist
The Mississippi Conference Vision Task Force met via Zoom Monday, January 12. In the spirit of entering a new year and transitioning into deep winter, one member of the team likened the workflow of this third gathering of the task force to that of a common tradition focused on tidying one’s house as the seasons change. Read More
Matthew Johnson, Communications Assistant
St. Luke United Methodist Church in Cleveland recently completed work on a new garden mural designed to reflect the welcoming presence of the congregation. The mural was created with the theme “Different Flowers One Garden,” and is painted on the largest wall on the church property. St. Luke is hopeful that the mural will stand as a sign to the community that their members are ready to welcome anyone who wishes to attend. Read More
St. Luke UMC’s garden mural. Photo courtesy of Rev. Hannah Shempert
United Methodists at Jackson’s Call to Prayer
Haynes, Communications Specialist
United Methodist clergy and laity appeared on and off stage at Jackson mayor, John Horhn’s 2026 All-city Call to Prayer and Action event Thursday, January 15 beginning at 6:00 p.m. Horhn and his Jackson Rising/Interfaith Task Force invited people of various faith backgrounds from across the Metro Area to come together and align as people of faith and action. Read More
Miss. United Methodist pastor, Rev. Maxine Bolden prays with Mayor John Horhn at Jackson’s All-city Call to Prayer and Action event. Photo courtesy Jasmine Haynes
Photo courtesy of Matthew Johnson
Jasmine
Support the Global Spreading of the Gospel
Miss. Conference Youth Welcome to Attend Rise Weekend Retreat
The Capital District will host Rise Weekend
February 13-15
The Rise Weekend retreat is designed for young people in grades six through 12, and will invite youth into a meaningful, Christ-centered weekend focused on belonging, faith formation and spiritual growth. Through worship, teaching, small groups and shared experiences, students will be encouraged to explore their faith, ask honest questions and discover how God is at work in their lives. Click here to see the full retreat schedule. The cost to attend Rise Weekend is $250 per person. Churches interested in participating or reserving spots can email Mary Beth Davis Ashley at marybeth@ stm-umc.org
Image courtesy of Mary Beth Davis Ashley
Sunday, May 17 is Miracle Sunday. On Miracle Sunday, United Methodist Congregations worldwide will collect the Miracle Sunday offering that will help fund theological education for clergy in Africa, Europe and the Philippines. Rev. Lisa Garvin (Photo, right) has been named as the Mississippi Conference coordinator for Miracle Sunday. She will work with district coordinators to provide resources for educating congregations on Miracle Sunday. Click here for more information on Miracle Sunday and to see district coordinators.
Donate Online to Miss. Conference Community Centers
You can now give online to support Mississippi Conference community centers. These ministries serve as the heartbeat of their communities offering childcare, employment training and food pantries. Your donation will provide much needed assistance to these ministries and allow them to continue spreading Christ in their communities. Click here for the online donation hub for more information and to donate.
Scholarship Portal Now Open
The Methodist Foundation of Mississippi is committed to helping students achieve their educational goals while staying connected to their faith community. If you are an active member of a United Methodist church in Mississippi, a Mississippi church with UMC heritage, participate in a Mississippi Wesley Foundation campus ministry or are an active member of a church that holds an active investment account with the Methodist Foundation of Mississippi, you may qualify for one of their scholarships. UMC Seminary students pursuing ministry through a UMC Senate-approved seminary are also eligible for awards. Click here for more information on Methodist Foundation scholarships. Applications are due by April 1
Pastor prays during the opening of the Manila, Philippines field office. Photo courtesy of the United Methodist Endowment Fund
Good Shepherd Center preschoolers participate in class. Photo courtesy of facebook.com
Photo: Miss. Conference
Photocourtesyth
Mississippi Conference News
Leaders Read, 2026 Bible Challenge
From Genesis to Revelation, scripture contains an abundance of proverbs and principles with insight about wisdom, resilience, ethical decision-making and effective leadership. As servant-leaders in your congregation, community and your home, level up your leadership skills and make time daily to study God’s word. Click here to participate in the 2026 Bible Challenge and download the monthly reading plans for the rest of the year. You can also download graphics to use in church publications and social media.
College Students Welcome to Attend 2026 Statewide Wesley
The 2026 Statewide Wesley retreat takes place February 27-March 1 at the Timber Creek Camp in Pulaski. During the retreat, students from each Mississippi public university and junior college will gather for a time of worship, games and fellowship with their peers. The cost to attend is $100 per student. Students interested in attending can contact the Wesley Foundation on their campus to register. For more information on the Statewide Wesley retreat email Rev. Eric Davis at revericdavis@gmail.com
Wesley students gather to play Uno during the 2025 Statewide Wesley. Photo courtesy of facebook.com
Miss. Conference Immigration Task Force to Meet in Jackson
IRev. Marta Bolen leads a workshop during the 2024 Clergywomen’s Retreat.
Clergywomen’s Day Apart
On Thursday, February 26, Mississippi Conference clergywomen will gather at Poplar Springs Drive United Methodist Church in Meridian for Clergywomen’s Day Apart. The one-day retreat begins at 10:00 a.m. and will feature a sermon from Mississippi’s episcopal leader, Bishop Sharma Lewis Logan. For more information on the Clergywomen’s Day Apart, email Rev. Emily Sanford at revemilysanford@gmail.com
n November, the Mississippi Conference hosted an Immigration Guidance webinar designed to advise churches of their rights when interacting with immigration enforcement. Members of the annual conference are encouraged to review the webinar here to equip and inform themselves on this sensitive topic. Some of the clergy and laity who attended the webinar came together to form the Mississippi Conference’s Immigration Task Force. The task force will meet on Tuesday, February 3 at the conference office in Jackson to discuss helpful information and resources churches can use when facing immigration questions. For more information on the Mississippi Conference Immigration Task Force email associate conference lay leader, Kayra Johnson at panama10@gmail.com
Photo courtesy of Matthew Johnson
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“Ashes to Alleluia” Offers Renewal and Transformation
The new Lenten study, “Ashes to Alleluia,” invites readers on a 40-day journey of renewal and transformation through the sacred season of Lent. Blending biblical insight, theological depth and personal experience, Bishop Sharma Lewis Logan and Rev. Dr. Lewis Logan II offer a powerful guide for individuals and groups seeking spiritual growth and deeper discipleship. Click here for more information on the Lenten study and to purchase. Use the discount code UMC 15 for a 15 percent discount at checkout.
SAVE THE DATES
Statistical Reporting Deadline –Jan. 31
The last day for churches to submit their statistical reports for 2025 is Saturday, December 31. Reports can be submitted through the AC Stats system found on the Mississippi Conference website. If you have questions about your church’s statistical reporting, contact your district statistician
Giving Sunday Methodist Rehabilitation Center – Feb. 15
For 50 years Mississippi Conference benevolence, Methodist Rehabilitation Center has helped restore the lives of people who have suffered disabling injuries and illnesses. Mississippi Conference congregations can support Methodist Rehabilitation Center’s
mission through the Giving Sunday offering. This year Methodist Rehab’s Giving Sunday is February 15. Click here to learn more about the Methodist Rehabilitation Center.
UMCOR Sunday – Mar. 15
On UMCOR Sunday United Methodist churches recognize and support the ministry of the United Methodist Committee on Relief, UMCOR. One hundred percent of donations collected on this special Sunday support relief and recovery. 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 April 3 and 6 as we take time to
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 for Environmental Justice, GBCS (Washington, DC)
• Pastor of Faith Formation, St. Andrew By-The-Sea United Methodist Church (Hilton Head Island, SC)
• Agency Partnership & US Annual Conference Lead, UMCOM
• Dean of Chapel and Campus Ministry, Dillard University (New Orleans, LA)
• Part-Time Director of Children’s Ministry, Mullins UMC (Memphis, TN)
celebrate the Risen Savior with our friends and families. Offices will reopen April 7 at regular business hours.
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:
• Rev. Brenda McCaskill joined the Church Triumphant January 26.
• Marie Mitchell, widow of Rev. Doyle Mitchell, went to be with the Lord January 6.
• Bonnie Boyte, widow of Rev. Rank Boyte, took her earthly rest December 18.
• Rev. Dale Whitlock was called to his heavenly home December 18.