THE STARKVILLE DISTRICT NEWSLETTER

THE STARKVILLE DISTRICT NEWSLETTER

Your Connection to the Starkville District of the Mississippi Conference of the United Methodist Church

Friday I March 4, 2016

P . O . B o x 1 3 2 9 , S t a r k v i l l e , M i s s i s s i p p i 3 9 7 6 0 • ( 6 6 2 ) 3 2 3 - 0 1 9 8 • ( 6 6 2 ) 3 2 3 - 0 0 8 6 ( f a x )

CONNECTIONSRESIDENT BISHOP:Dr. James E. Swanson, [email protected]

DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT:Rev. Embra [email protected]

ADMINISTRATIVEASSISTANT:Tammy [email protected]

COMMUNICATIONSASSISTANT:Gwen [email protected]

DISTRICT HEALTHCOORDINATOR:Carolyn Jacksonandrewandcarolyn@

bellsouth.net

LAY ACADEMY DEAN:Rev. Sarah [email protected]

Find us on TWITTER

@StarkvilleUMC

Find the FACEBOOK group at

www.facebook.com/Groups/

StarkvilleDistrictUMC/ SYMBOLContinued on page 7...

Volunteers have made their way to MathistonUnited Methodist Church and are putting con-crete in for the cross. (Photo submitted)

Former pastor Franklin Lowe (left) and Roger Millershowcasing the cross from Wood College at its newlocation at Mathiston UMC. Volunteers said the crosshas been repainted and benches added. They hope toadd flowers to the area soon. (Photo submitted)

A symbol of faithfinds a new homeBy Gwen Sisson

It has been a landmark in Webster County formany, many years, and now, the cross from WoodCollege has a new home at Mathiston UnitedMethodist Church.

Church members say the move was a perfect fit,marking the landmark’s continued representationfor the work God in Webster County.

According to members of Mathiston UMC, thecross and flame were a gift for Wood from theclass of 1942 and 1992, marking 50 years of serv-ice to students and God. Because Mathiston

Cast members from Kosciusko FUMCin the 2015 production of HIS LASTDAYS. (Photo by Gwen Sisson)

An Easter tradition

continues at Kosciusko FUMCBy Gwen Sisson

Rev. Matt Tucker said portraying Jesus in the play, “HisLast Days” at Kosciusko First United Methodist Church forthe past several years, has been impactful.

“Try carrying a cross, literally, while some high school kidswhip you,” Tucker said. “It will make you realize this wasnothing compared to what Jesus actually went through forloving us. He is compassion, which means ‘that which youwill suffer for,’ because studying about the crucifixion, I real-ized there I no more painful of a way to die than that andJesus endured as an obedient servant of God’s will for ourlives. That is awesome!”

KOSCIUSKOContinued on page 8...

THANK YOU to all of thechurches that have paid 100percent of their apportionmentsalready this year. We want tocontinue to uplift these churches and the ones who areon target to having 100percentpaid by the end of the year.The Starkville District had thehighest percentage of allDistricts in Conference in paidMission Fair Shares in 2015 andhas had an increase over thissame period last year. Thankyou so much for your faithfulwork and ministry.

– Dr. Embra JacksonStarkville District

Superintendent


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Starkville District AmazingPacers make great strides

By Gwen Sisson

Starkville District Clergy are setting theexample for health and fitness in their con-gregations, and are making a big impact ontheir future.

Health has been a big initiative in theMississippi United Methodist Conferencein recent years, and one of the key ele-ments of the program is The Amazing Pace-- a walking and activity program for mem-bers of the Mississippi Conference healthbenefit plan and for conference retirees andspouses.

Cecil and Julia Williamson have partici-pated in The Amazing Pace from the begin-ning.

“At first it was a competitive thing to see

if we could stay in the top five of our district,” (Julia) Williamson said. “Italmost became an obsession for me to walkaverage 10,000 steps a day.”

(Julia)Williamson said in the early days,they would walk three miles at the begin-ning of every day, plus an evening walk.

“Now our bodies feel better to do twowalks of one and a half miles only eachday, weather and schedules permitting,”(Julia) Williamson said.

About the time they stopped the three-mile neighborhood walks, Julia alsochanged her personal goal to 8,000 stepsper day, which was much more manageableif she wanted to get other things done.

AMAZING PACERSContinued on page 9...

TOP 20 STARKVILLE DISTRICT

PACERS for 2015• Jerry Horton• Nancy Bishop• Embra Jackson• Laura Young• Donald Bishop• Curtis Bray• Paul Young• Julia Williamson• Pam Bray• Jan Horton

• Cecil Williamson• George Buell• Byrd Hillman• Rosia Jackson• Sam Morris• Robert Whiteside• Raigan Miskelly• Leslie Mills• Tammy Carroll• Jean Threadgill

TOP 20 MISSISSIPPI CONFERENCE

PACERS for 2015• Grady Bailey• Robert McCoy• Todd Carr• Virginia Bailey• Bob Rambo• Marjorie Walker• Donald Lewis• John Bowie• Philip Messner• Glenda Corley

• Will Dowling• Janna Jobe• Earl Greenough• Jan Shock• Ray Stokes• Charles Felder• Linda Rickman• Jerry Horton• Gary Thompson• Don McCain

Digital Advertising grants available for local churchesWhat are Digital AdvertisingGrants?

Digital Advertising Grants pay foronline advertising for local UnitedMethodist Churches in order toraise awareness of that church bygeo-targeting the online communitypre-designed Rethink Church staticdigital ads placed on websites inyour area. The ads will have a pre-set Rethink Church message deter-mined by the season (Lent, Back-to-School or Advent). These ads

will be customized using eitheryour church logo or our in-housedesigned UMC branding with yourchurch name and will link directlyto your church website but cannotbe altered in any other way.

When can my church apply for adigital advertising grant?

Digital Advertising Grants areavailable for churches during three“seasons” each year: Lent/Easter,Back-to-School and Advent. The

application is open preceding eachseason:• Lent/Easter (application period isOctober 1 – January 7)• Back-to-School (application peri-od is April 1 – July 1)• Advent (application period isAugust 1 – October 1)

All grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Churchesawarded a digital grant are only eli-gible to reapply every other year.

How can my church getapproved for a digital advertisinggrant?

Applying United Methodistchurches must meet the followingcriteria:a. Applying churches must have aworking, welcoming website.b. Your church website must clearlyindicate United Methodist affilia-

DIGITAL ADSContinued on page 6...


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LENTEN LUNCH SERIESis underway at FirstUnited Methodist Churchof Eupora at noon eachWednesday during Lent.The theme of this year’sseries is “A Messagefrom the Cross.” A deli-cious soup and sandwichlunch is provided by dif-ferent adult SundaySchool Classes eachweek for a donation forlocal missions. On Feb.17, Rev. Travis Gray ofFirst Baptist Church ofEupora (left) kicked offthe series, followed byRev. Jeep Pepper ofMathiston UMC (Above).(Photo - left- by GwenSisson & Photo above byDorothy Pepper)

“I feel Lent is important because it prepares us for the reason for the Easterseason. Lent also prepares me as I give up something important during thistime. It is not a "one time only" go to church in a new dress or suit. We need towalk these 40 days and focus on what our Lord went through.” – Jessie Frye

“It can be a time of renewal IN OUR LIFE AS A CHURCH as we look to see ifwe have grown spiritually in the last year.” – Rev. Jean Threadgill

“Lent reminds us of our sinfulness and mortality. It offers an explicit time forself-reflection and need for our forgiveness and to be forgiving.” – Rev. GeorgeBuell

“Sometimes Christians want to jump to the glory of Easter without realizingwhat it took to get to Easter morning. Lent helps us take time to count the costof our salvation.” – Rev. Giles Lindley

“It is a time of repentance, forgiveness and renewal.” – Mike Dowd

“During Lent I reflect on what Jesus did for all of us. I tend to spend moretime in prayer and thinking ahead to Easter and the celebration of Jesus'Resurrection.” – James Black

“Lent offers us a season to examine our own hearts, to see what opposes Godin our lives, and to receive the healing and transforming power of God's loveand grace. It invites us to keep an eye on our own hearts and lives that wemight truly love other people because understanding the good and evil in ourown hearts enables us to be merciful as God is merciful.” – Anne RussellBradley

Why is LENT important to the life of the church?

Mississippi Conference leaders werein attendance for the MississippiLegislative Breakfast at First BaptistChurch in Jackson, held on Jan. 28.Bishop James Swanson Sr. led theprayer for the legislature and theMississippi Supreme Court. Also onthe program was Rev. Emily Sanfordof Galloway Memorial UnitedMethodist Church in Jackson. Sheblessed the meal. The photo (seen atright) of Mississippi Conference dis-trict superintendents was taken atthe breakfast. In the picture from leftto right: Rev. Andy Ray (Senatobia),Rev. Jimmy Barnes (Tupelo), Rev.Embra Jackson (Starkville), Rev.Stephen Cook (West Jackson), Rev.Rusty Keen (Meridian) and Rev.Mattie Gibson (Greenwood).

MS Conference

Leaders attend

Legislative Breakfast


4BAPTISM

The late Rev. BernardCrump has been nominat-ed for a very special dis-tinction.Lindsey Chapel, Plair,

Jones Chapel in Tibbee,Rockhill and St. PaulUMC in West Point madecontributions that allowedthe Starkville District tonominate the late Rev.Bernard Crump into theOrder of Dickson.

Aformal presentationwill be held in the future with the United MethodistFoundation. Aplaque with Rev. Crumps picture will beengraved and placed on permanent display in theMississippi Annual Conference offices.

In 2002 Mr. & Mrs. W. O. “Chet” Dillard of Clinton,Mississippi established “The Dickson Order” in memo-ry of Rev. Nathan Andrew Dickson. The DicksonOrder is a special interest restricted endowment fund tohonor ministers of The Mississippi Conference of TheUnited Methodist Church who have served faithfullyand blessed the lives of individuals in the churches theyhave served. The income from the Fund providesscholarships for individuals enrolled in a seminary pur-suing pastoral ministry.

Individuals, churches, or organizations wishing tobestow this honor upon a minister must make a contri-bution of at least $1,000 to the Fund. To be eligible formembership in The Order, a minister must have serveda minimum of 20 years.

At the time and place desired a plaque with a repre-sentation of the honored minister will be presented tothe recipient or their family. Another plaque will beplaced at some designated place within the Conference.Recognition of this honor will be made known at thefollowing session of The Mississippi AnnualConference.

The Donors, and any other person or persons desiringto do so, may make additions to the Fund in any formacceptable to The Foundation, by current or deferredgifts, devises, bequests, etc., at any time and from timeto time, provided that any person or persons so makingsuch additions to the Fund shall be bound by the termsof the Endowment Agreement.

For more information about the Dickson Order, go tohttp://www.ms-umf.org/?page_id=216.

Crump

nominated into

the Order of

Dickson

By Rev. Dr. Carl K. EllisLay Academy for Rural Church Ministrieswww.larcm.org

I believe that athletes and musicians have something to teach pastors when it comes tothe craft of preaching and leading the local church.

First they all get ready by warming up. If you arrive early to a baseball, football, bas-ketball, or any athletic event, you will notice that the athletes warm up. They do stretch-ing, running, and go through drills that they have gone through thousands of times before.If you arrive early at a concert, symphony, or recital you will notice that musicians arewarming up. Just like they did thousands of times before they are running through musi-cal scales to limber up their fingers or their vocal chords.

When we decide to go into preaching we have warm ups as well. There is Bible study,prayer, meditation, and all the other disciplines. Just as athletes and musicians warm upevery day, we to need to stretch our spiritual minds, souls and hearts. This is not rehears-ing our sermon, reading for sermon examples, praying so that God will change our listen-

Lay Academy for Rural Churchesblog helps develop preaching skills

LAY ACADEMYContinued on page 11...

Rev. Jeff Pepper had a crowd of friends,family and church members looking onas he baptized Swazye Carpenter, daugh-ter of Chris and Reagen Carpenter andgranddaughter of Hubert and KayRobertson. The baptism was heldNovember 8, 2015 at Salem UMC on theMcAdams charge. (Photos submitted)

A special day in the life ofa family and their church

Crump


MISSIONS5

MARCH 16-20 • Cabinet Appointment MakingSessionsMARCH 18-19 • Spiritual Leadership InstituteRetreat: Loving, Learning, Leading,at St. Andrew’s UMC, Oxford, MSMARCH 25-28 • District & Conference Officesclosed in observance of EasterHolidaysAPRIL 4 • Calling All Clergywomen of theMississippi Annual Conference.Bishop James Swanson Sr. invitesyou to join him for an informal time ofconversation held in the MetroJackson area. More details will beannounced later. Spread the word!APRIL 5 • Retiree Paperwork DueAPRIL 9 • Spiritual Leadership Institute FirstLaunch: Loving, Learning, Leading,more info TBAAPRIL 30 • From 7:30 a.m.- 5 p.m. at StarkvilleFirst U.M.C.— Lay Servant/SpeakerTraining. More details to beannounced.MAY 30• District & Conference Officesclosed in observance of MemorialDayJUNE 6 • First Time Appointees MeetingJUNE 8-11 • Mississippi Annual Conference,Jackson, MSJULY 4 • District & Conference Officesclosed in observance ofIndependence DayMARCH 16-20 • July 13-16, 2016—SEJConferenceAUGUST 15-16• 3 “L” AcademySEPTEMBER 5 • District & Conference Officesclosed in observance of Labor DayNOVEMBER 23-25 • District & Conference Officesclosed in observance ofThanksgivingDECEMBER 23, 2016-JANUARY 2,2017 • District & Conference Officesclosed in observance of Christmas &New Year’s Day

CALENDAR

After wonderful services at Maben UMC on “Super Bowl Sunday”, Maben UMC had theirannual Souper Bowl of Caring with Pastor Scarlet, and Tim, bringing soup and salads, andmembers bringing cornbread and crackers. Heath Ivy also brought his Seafood Gumbo.Members from Lagrange UMC also attended the event. Members of both churches broughtcanned goods for the food pantry. (Photo submitted)

(Above) Mathiston United Methodistrecognized pastors Roger Miller, andwife, Ann, along with Rev. Jeep Pepper,and his wife, Dorothy, at a PastorAppreciation Luncheon on Sunday,October 18, in the church FellowshipHall. (Photo submitted)

Lots of activities at Mathiston UMC...

(Left) Ann Miller, Dorothy Pepper, andDr. Imogene Brown survey items to bepacked for Operation Shoebox atMathiston UMC. (Photo submitted)


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tion through language and/or UnitedMethodist branding on the landingpage.c. Churches must be willing to usepre-designed ads that match UMCbranding that displays a RethinkChurch message determined by thegrant season.d. Applicants must complete a fol-low-up evaluation that includesdetailed information about atten-dance/visitor increases and/or web-site increased visits.e. Churches awarded a digital grantare only eligible to reapply everyother year. (i.e., if awarded a grantin Advent 2015, the church mustwait until Easter 2017 to applyagain).

What if I have a two-point chargeor my neighboring UMC appliesat the same time?

If two churches with the same tar-get zip codes apply for the same buyperiod, the first church to apply willhave their choice of run times. Theexception to this would be if thechurches agree to run at the sametime and understand their ads maycross each other on similar or eventhe same websites during the adver-tising period.

Can I use my church logo?Yes, church logos can be used on

some of the digital ad designs. Youwill need to provide your church’slogo in one of the following for-mats: jpeg, psd, eps, ai. (one hori-zontal and one vertical layout willbe needed).

Can I use my church address ormy own church message?• The ads are too small to contain achurch address. We encourage youto make sure your website’s landingpage has all necessary informationfor a visitor to feel welcomed and tobe able to connect with your churchquickly and easily.• These are pre-designed ads with aspecific Rethink Church messagefor the season to match any nationaladvertising that may be running atthe same time. This gives thechurches a further tie-in to thedenominational advertising andhelps their ads get more attention ona larger scale. For this reason, we donot allow for individual church mes-saging on the ads.

What if my church doesn’t have alogo?

We can help you! We now offer tobuild your church a logo based onthe most recently designed United

Methodist branding. We encouragechurches who take advantage of thisoption to carry their new brandedlogo through to their website, sta-tionary, bulletins…anywhere thatyou would use a logo to promoteyour church!

What will my ads look like?Although the use of church logo

and the messaging may differdepending on the season, here areexamples of what some of our pre-designed ads look like with theRethink Church messaging and achurch logo and with a UMC brand-ed church logo.

When will my ads run?Each season’s ads run two full

months online. Easter will run twomonths prior to Easter Sunday andmay change each year depending onthe date of Easter (in 2016 themonths will be February – March).Back-to-School will always runAugust – September and Adventwill run November – Decembereach year.

How can I view my digital adsonline?

You will receive a proof of youronline ads to approve before theadvertising begins, but there is noway to let you know the exact sites

on which your ads will be showing.Please know that they may be seenon large, national websites likeCNN or The Weather Channel aswell as on smaller sites like a localnews channel. Since these ads aregeo-targeted and there are other tar-geting features they use (onlinebehavior, etc.), there is a real-timebidding process that happens withdigital media. This means that thead is only served to people who fitthe targeting criteria and only inyour immediate area. Our buyersalso go through re-optimizing forthe two months and continue totweak the buys based on impres-sions, click through rates, etc.

How do I know if the ads wereeffective?

We should be able to give youImpression Rates, Clicks, and Click-Through Rates 4 to 6 weeks afteryour advertising period is complet-ed. We may be able to provide somescreen shots too. During the periodthe ads are running, please makesure to track your visitors and getfeedback about how these ads areattracting visitors to your congrega-tion. We will send you an evaluationform/survey to give us a follow upreport.

DIGITAL ADSContinued from page 3...

At Sturgis UMC’sJanuary Day Out pro-gram, church mem-bers watched a spe-cial video from TheHoppers. (Photo sub-mitted)

Sturgis UMC’sDay Out

FELLOWSHIP


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ANNOUNCEMENTS• UNITED METHODIST MEN’S MEETING – TheUMM at First UMC Columbus will host a LowndesCounty Cluster meeting for United Methodist Men onMarch 14, at 6 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of thechurch, which is on College Street. The event willinclude a free supper and a featured speaker. The eventshould conclude no later than 8 p.m. All male membersof Starkville District churches are invited, as are all ourpastors! Please inform your congregations of this eventand encourage their attendance! Without a doubt, thiswill be a "good time” with plenty of fellowship and out-standing food! Please let us know a ballpark number ofthose who will be attending so we may prepare our mealaccordingly. Please contact Andy Tentoni at (662) 352-1844.

• SCHOLARSHIP AVAILABLE – If you are aMississippi UMC Clergy Spouse and enrolled in school,you may want to apply for this scholarship! The nextSusanna Wesley Memorial Scholarship will be awardedon April 1, 2016. Please submit your applications toShannon Potter at [email protected]. To get yourapplication information go to www.msumcclergyspous-es.org , then go to the "Forms and Files" tab. You willfind links to the scholarship guidelines and scholarshipapplications.

• THANK YOU STARKVILLE DISTRICTCHURCHES – The Starkville District had 100 percentYear End Stats turned in by the Conference deadline.Thank you for all your hard work!

• RENFRO TRUST FUND – The Renfro Trust Fundawards annual bricks-and-mortar grants to small ruralUnited Methodist congregations in the SoutheasternJurisdiction. Renfro Trust Funds are again available foraward, beginning in 2016. The deadline for applicationis September 1 of the year in which the application ismade. Please note: Applications will only be acceptedwhen submitted through the Office of the Director ofConnectional Ministries of the Conference in which youare located. Questions about the application form, awardprocess, or the Renfro Trust Fund may be directed to:David Dommisse, SEJ Conference Treasurer at [email protected] or at (804) 521-1109 or to AnneTravis, SEJ Conference Secretary [email protected] or by calling (865) 410-6747.

• TARP AND DEBRIS REMOVAL TEAMS NEED-ED ASAP – Tornadoes that touched down on Tuesday,Feb. 2, 2016 left a path of destruction in the Mississippicommunities Collinsville and Scooba. Tarp and debrisremoval teams are needed to aid disaster responseefforts. Those who would like to help can call theMeridian District disaster response coordinator, MikeSims at (601) 479-4995.

Methodist became church home to somany students, the church requested itsplacement on church grounds after WoodCollege was sold to the Golden TriangleRegional Planning and DevelopmentDistrict.

“Wood College has been a UnitedMethodist Institution in Webster Countyfor years,” said Rudy Johnson, directorfor the Golden Triangle RegionalPlanning and Development District. “Itwas only fitting that the cross and flamego to Mathiston UMC for the Mathistoncommunity, where it all started.”

Johnson said he was happy the land-mark would “have a good home.”

“We don’t know what will happen inthe future at Wood College,” Johnsonsaid. “But now we know the cross andflame will have a good home forever, inthe community that meant so much to thestudents and instructors of WoodCollege.”

Rev. Jeep Pepper, pastor at MathistonUnited Methodist Church, said he thinks

the Wood College cross is a great addi-tion to the church campus.

“This looks like a beautiful setting foran Easter sunrise service,” Pepper said.

Ross Harrison, owner of HarrisonPlumbing and Construction who helpedmove the cross from the Wood Collegecampus to Mathiston UMC, said he haslived in the Mathiston community hisentire live and the cross at Wood Collegehas been a symbol of faith for the com-munity for as long as he can remember.

“I felt honored to be able to help withthe relocation and was glad that the crosswas still going to be part of this commu-nity,” Harrison said.

Harrison took his time and planned outthe relocation so the cross would not getdamaged in any way. He said he thoughtthe cross weighed between 600-700pounds and was worried about howthings were going to go.

“The Lord definitely had his hand inthe move that day because everythingwent very smooth, better than I everexpected.” Harrison said.

(Above)Volunteershelp removethe cross fromthe WoodCollege loca-tion, includingSam Wilkes,Brian Perkins,Ross Harrisonof HarrisonPlumbing andConstruction,and AustinPerkins.(Right) Volunteersdigging thehole to placethe WoodCollege crossat MathistonUMC. (Photossubmitted)

SYMBOLContinued from page 1...


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For Tucker, it has been difficultas an actor thinking about Jesus’reactions to different situations inthe play, such as his facial expres-sion when Judas betrays him, orwhen Peter denies him threetimes, or how to portray his suf-fering on the cross.

“I struggle with these partsevery year but I also ask God toallow me to be His vessel beforeevery show so He takes care ofme,” Tucker said.

Tucker is the pastor atBellefontaine UMC and LebanonUMC in Webster County, butgrew up in Kosciusko and recent-ly served as their youth pastor formany years.

The 31st annual “His Last Days:The Passion Play” will be present-ed by Kosciusko First UnitedMethodist Church in Kosciusko,the three nights prior to Easter,March 24, 25, and 26 at 8 p.m. onthe grounds of the church. Thereis no cost for admission, no tick-ets are required, and no reserva-tions are necessary to attend theperformance. A nursery is provid-ed. Parking for vehicles, includingvans and buses, is convenientlylocated near the church grounds.

The live outdoor drama whichportrays Jesus’ betrayal, trial, cru-cifixion, resurrection, and ascen-sion begins in front of the churchon Washington Street and pro-

gresses onto North Natchez Streetwhere the last scene, theAscension, takes place. Visitorsneed to bring a lawn chair or blan-ket.

The script was written by thelate Rev. Charles Wiggers duringhis pastorate of the church. Theproduction is currently under thedirectorship of Diane Grey, JoeDoty, and David Casteel. TerryJones serves as production direc-tor.

During the one hour production,actors portray Jesus’ last days, asit goes from the Last Supper toGethsemane to the betrayal ofJesus to the trials, punishment,crucifixion, resurrection, andfinally the ascension and GreatCommission.

People from throughout theKosciusko community worktogether to help First UMC’sannual production of “His LastDays: The Passion Play.” The castis just short of 100 people andthere are also 25-40 people work-ing behind the scenes.

“There are a lot of things I real-ly enjoy about this production, butone of the main ones is how itcaptivates young people,” Tuckersaid. “I have seen so many youngpeople in tears and in the sanctu-ary after the play is over.”

Diane Gray, director of “HisLast Days: The Passion Play,”said many of the cast have per-formed in the drama every year

and some in the very same roles.“These individuals, who have

never seen the drama from anaudience’s point of view, continueto give their time and talents asthey fulfill the church’s missionstatement to learn the story, livethe story, and tell the story ofJesus Christ,” Gray said.

Gray said the drama takes on alife of its own as sound and light-

ing engineers, makeup artists, hairstylists, costume designers, andseamstresses utilize wardrobe andprops housing pottery, shepherd’shooks, crowns, elegant robes, andeverything anyone needs to assistin making the production moreauthentic and realistic.

“The audience is offered a senseof what Christ experienced for usall during His last days,” Graysaid. “The logistics of the dramadraws the audience into the actionas they become the crowd whofollowed Jesus and witnessed hiscrucifixion.”

Starkville DistrictSuperintendent of the MississippiConference of the UnitedMethodist Church, Dr. EmbraJackson, said having served as apastor in Kosciusko many yearsago, he has always found the out-reach ministry of the drama, “HisLast Days” a great way to connectthe church with the community.

“I also find that it is a wonder-ful way to help tell the story ofthe last days of the life of Christ,”Jackson said. “The actors and setare so realistic and one is visuallytransported to Jerusalem of 2,000years ago.”

For more information about theperformance, go tohttp://www.fumckosciusko.com orcall the church office at (662)289-1412.

KOSCIUSKO UMCContinued from page 1...

“His Last Days:ThePassion Play” will be

presented byKosciusko First

United MethodistChurch in Kosciusko,

the three nightsprior to Easter,

March 24, 25, and 26at 8 p.m. on thegrounds of the

church.There is nocost for admission,

no tickets arerequired, and noreservations are

necessary to attendthe performance.

The Crucifixion scenefrom HIS LAST DAYS: ThePassion Play in 2015 atKosciusko First UMC.(Photo by Gwen Sisson)


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“Now I just enjoy competingwith myself, trying to keep that8,000 steps average per day,”(Julia) Williamson said. “I love thetime walking because it's a greattime for Cecil and I to share what-ever is on our hearts that day. It'stime to be together. At the sametime it helps us help each other tostay strong.” Williamson said regular walkinghas strengthened the couple physi-cally and helps keep their marriagestrong.Fourteen years ago, (Julia)Williamson averaged less than twomiles of walking a day, just goingback and forth to work, and walk-ing around the office or home.

“I was beginning to have bloodpressure and other heart prob-

lems,” (Julia)Williamson said. “In2002, I was diagnosed with breastcancer. Cecil and I began walkingtogether in 2001. Walking helpedme maintain and regain mystrength as I went through chemoand radiation therapy.”(Julia) Williamson sees a cardiolo-gist regularly and her doctors arealways surprised at how much shewalks.“It has all worked with medicinesto stabilize and strengthen myphysical condition,” (Julia)Williamson said.Cecil deals with persistent backpain, which can be a challenge.But walking the shorter stretchesseems to help and hopefully slowthe progress of arthritis and what-ever else causes his pain.

“In short, we like the programbecause it helps us maintain our

physical health and independence,as well as gives us quality timetogether to just share whatever ison our hearts,” (Julia) Williamsonsaid.

Jerry and Jan Horton, retiredminister from Columbus, also saidThe Amazing Pace program keepsthe couple motivated for goodhealth.

“It is also encouraging to see ourDistrict making steps toward betterhealth,” Horton said.According to Lee Burdine, one ofthe coordinators of the health ini-tiative, The Amazing Pace partici-pants also receive rewards. If aparticipant averages 5,000 stepsper day for 10 months, they canearn a $100 Visa gift card.Additionally, participants areencouraged to make appointmentswith their local health careproviders and schedule a freeannual physical. Each year partici-pants can earn a "rebate" of $75when they schedule a free annualphysical.

“Using District team formats, itencourages our members to stayactive,” Burdine said. “Walking 30minutes per day has been provento greatly improve and maintainyour health.” Burdine said The Amazing Pacealso offers nurse coaching to inter-ested active participants who signup for this service.

“The Amazing Pace has beenvery successful in promoting anactive lifestyle,” Burdine said.“Our conference has been theleader in clergy wellness through-out all of the Methodist

Conferences and the StarkvilleDistrict remains near the top inparticipation and daily steps.”Burdine said billions and billionsof steps have been uploaded to theMississippi Conference AmazingPace page.

Burdine said MississippiConference participants use tradi-tional pedometers and the latestbluetooth wireless activity trackersas part of this program. This year,The Amazing Pace has partneredwith Fitbit which allows partici-pants to use the many personalFitbit varieties of trackers for theirAmazing Pace site.Starkville District SuperintendentDr. Embra Jackson said he has per-sonally participated in TheAmazing Pace program since dayone.

“I have found that it is one of thebest and least stressful ways tomaintain a healthy life style,”Jackson said. “The pedometersthat record our steps are stylish,come in various colors, can beworn on your wrist or in yourpocket. The fact that they can bedownloaded to your computer oran APP on your phone is even bet-ter. In addition we have friendlycompetition with other walkersand with other districts. All thishelps remembering to walk a joyrather than a job.”

Learn more by going tohttps://members.walkingspree.com/login/amazingpacemsTo download the $75 health rebateform: http://www.bhs-hms.com/msconf.

AMAZING PACERSContinued from page 2...

StarkvilleUMC’s ‘Menfor the Master’performThe "Men for the Master"

from Starkville UMCrecently entertained the

Razmus UMW Circle ofMathiston UMC. (Photo

submitted)


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CONFERENCE MISSION SHARESWe are so excited to announce that thefollowing churches have made significantcontributions to the work of the MississippiConference and the United Methodist Churcharound the world through their Mission FairShares offerings through January 31, 2016.

100% PAID• Longview• Sturgis• St. Peter• Macedonia• Military• Brooksville• Rockport

ON TARGET (16.67%)• Mt. Hermon• Drake Hill• Mt. Lebanon• Shaeffers Chapel• Columbus: St.Stephen

• Kosciusko: Wesley• Bevil Hill• Louisville: Hopewell• Maben• Bethel• Salem (Sallis)• Noxapater• Starkville: First• Dumas Chapel• Mathiston• Mt. Moriah(Mathiston)• Salem (Weir-Salem)• West Point: First• Flower Ridge

DISTRICT MISSION SHARESWe are so excited to announce that thefollowing churches have made significantcontributions to the work of the StarkvilleDistrict through their Mission Fair Shares offerings through March 3, 2016.

100% PAID• Baldwin• Caledonia• Bethel• Macon: New Hope • Mathiston• Weir• Center Ridge RuralHill• Rocky Hill• Sturgis• Camp Ground• Bevil Hill• Buffalo• Columbus: NewHope• Salem (Weir-Salem)• Piney Grove• Flower Ridge• Drake Hill• Maben• Artesia• Vernon• Mt. Lebanon• Shuqualak• Hopewell• Piney Grove(Louisville)

• Providence• Macedonia• Pleasant Hill(Louisville)• Noxapater• Liberty Hill• New Zion• Palestine• Starkville First• Mt. Salem (WeirCircuit)• Mt. Moriah(Mathiston)• Mt. Moriah (Macon)• Bellefontaine

ON TARGET (16.7%)• Starkville: Aldersgate• Macon: First• Kosciusko: First• Military Chapel• Whitehall• Ackerman: First• Columbus: First• Siloam• Louisville: Whitehall

ABIDE: Spiritual Leadership Initiative will hold a retreat on March 11-12 at St.Andrews UMC in Oxford.

This program is designed to change the experience and performance of small church-es by changing what their leadership team sees and what it is inspired to do for God’sglory. To date, the following churches have committed to participate: Kosciusko First,Kosciusko Wesley and Mt. Lebanon of the Buffalo-Ethel Charge.

Church leaders who see the Kingdom and the way of Christ (John 3:3), whether layor clergy, have “flipped the page” and changed their model of expectations. Theyfocus their leadership on discovering and doing the will of God in their context, lead-ing their church by example to be in mission in their community and aligning with thepurposes of God for the salvation of the world.

A church leader who does not see is focused upon fixing some problem in thechurch whether it be related to finances, worship, fellowship, education, or mission.

The theme for the ABIDE program is “Seeing the Glory of God in Your Church.”The Gospels imply that Jesus made good use of the travel time between the various

events of his ministry. He often stopped to heal people he encountered on the road,spoke freely with his disciples teaching them many things, and developed a close rela-tionship with his traveling companions. This was not “down time” for him, but rathera critical component of his disciplemaking plan.

For more information about attending the ABIDE event at St. Andrews UMC inOxford, call the District Office at (662) 323- 0198.

ABIDE: A Small Church LeadershipInitiative retreat set for March 11-12

The StarkvilleDistrict goal for

the AfricaUniversity

endowment is toraise $130,000

over a three-yearperiod. To date,we have received

pledges of$36,000. Churchesare encouraged topledge a minimum

of $1,200. Makeyour pledge

TODAY! Contactthe District Office

for more information.


11

ers. Our rehearsal is a time ofopening our hearts and minds toGod's love, grace and forgivenessin our lives. Warm up and spiri-tual exercises help us to grow asdisciples of Jesus Christ.

Second, athletes have carefullyworked out game plans and musi-cians have a sheet with specificnotes composed by a composerthey follow. As pastors it isimportant for us to have sermonsthat are carefully worked out andwords that we follow. Just as an

athlete may change some parts ofthe game plans we too need to befree to allow the movement ofGod's Spirit to guide our preach-ing as well. However, waitinguntil Saturday night withoutpreparation is not always the bestway to preach. We have a gamebook, it is called the Bible. Wealso have the CommonLectionary, which will help uscover the major themes in theBible. This is extremely importantfor those of us who have onetheme we love to preach, over andover and over again.

Third, just as a coach carefullydevelops a game plan and thecomposer the music we too needto carefully write our sermon. Webegin by prayerfully choosing ascripture for preaching, research-ing (exegesis) a passage, develop-ing a theme and main points,adding examples and then ourconclusion. And then finally writ-ing the sermon.

Fourth, just as athletes practicethe game plan for the upcomingweek or musicians practice untilthey perfect the music they aregoing to perform, we to, need to

read through our sermon so thaton Sunday we are not reading themanuscript rather sharing thevibrant Word of God's grace withour congregation.

The Lay Academy for RuralChurch Ministries has developedthe Foundations for MinistryClass which helps new pastorsand those preparing to beginpreaching ministries to developtheir preaching skills. If you haveor know someone with an interestplease visit our web site larcm.orgor contact Rev. Dr. Carl K. Ellis [email protected].

LAY ACADEMYContinued from page 4...

STOP HUNGER NOW PACKING EVENT

By Lynn Lancaster

The Lowndes CountyCluster’s Stop Hunger Nowevent was a HUGE success!

On January 30, 10,812 mealswere packaged for the hungry.Just stop and think–over TENTHOUSAND otherwise hun-gry bellies will be full! Onbehalf of the Lowndes CountyMethodist Cluster, I want tosincerely thank everyone whowas involved. This was myfirst experience with this pro-gram, and I was personallyoverwhelmed by how manypeople came together for thepeople in need around theworld.

I’d like to thank UnitedWesley Church for allowing usto use their facilities, but inparticular Brother Dianne andAubrey. We couldn’t havedone it without you. To CurtisBray, thanks once again forreminding everyone to comeearlier in the week, and anotherthanks to Gene Merkel formaking the t-shirts. Job welldone everyone, and let’s hopefor more days like this.

Over10,000mealspacked

Documents

THE STARKVILLE DISTRICT NEWSLETTER