Arise, Shine, Grow!

Go and bear fruit, fruit that will last…John 15:16
 
In the midst of this unique time, we are focusing our ministry in The Mississippi Conference toward fruitfulness.  Just as vines are pruned for fruitfulness, so our life in community through challenges emerges more faithful and fruitful.

The recession is impacting The United Methodist Church locally and globally, in districts and conferences. Many local churches are experiencing a decrease in offerings as a result of economic factors and are creating leaner staffing and ministry configurations. This dynamic present across the annual conferences of United Methodism is present in our annual conference. In this time, we are called to do more with less.

Therefore, the Cabinet and the Council on Finance and Administration have been working together seeking best ideas after a season this summer and fall of prayer and dialogue. Changes are projected in the way we are staffing and supporting the ministry of the annual conference.

A leaner staff and cabinet will be carefully aligned with the mission of The United Methodist Church: to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Staff will work in focused ways with the five tables of ministry: leadership, mission, reconciliation, stewardship, and ministry with young people. Partnerships are developing with VISTA and Millsaps College so that staffing responsibilities will be assumed at reduced cost for focused areas of our ministry.
The changes will not be without discomfort. Staff persons with long service will be in transition to other places of work. Our prayers will surround them.

As I move across the annual conference and am present in local churches and gatherings of laity and clergy, I sense a spirit of confidence in what God is doing through The United Methodist Church. For the next three years, we will continue to celebrate evangelism, mission and generosity. Our annual conference themes will be in 2010, “Arise, Shine, Grow!;” in 2011, “Arise, Shine, Go!” and in 2012, “Arise, Shine, Give!”

We want to be fruitful, growing in evangelism and mission and generosity. I look forward to making this journey with you all.

With gratitude for your partnership in Christ’s ministry,
Hope Morgan Ward