MESSAGE FROM JIMMY…
I have 3 things for you today…
1. Do you pray?
I know you pray, but have you visited the prayer room located off from the narthex in the Sanctuary? This space has recently been redecorated. Thanks to Jacque Tharp and Dianne Alford…AND a little financial help from the Trustees! Visit this space this month when you’re fasting and needing a special place to pray. You will feel the warmth of the space and the presence of the Holy Spirit inviting you to pray.
2. Transition Committees have been formed.
The following three committees have been organized by the Lay Leadership Committee and Ministry Council to guide the work of our church for the next 12-18 months during this season of transition. We ask that you pray for these committees that they may be attuned to the Holy Spirit as they begin to discuss and make decisions about our future. We pray for the outcomes of their work to be in accordance with God’s will.
Doctrine and Affiliation Team
The purpose of this group is to create a summary document that outlines our church’s transitional doctrines. Second, this group will explore the options available to our church for future affiliation with another Methodist denomination, network, or association.
Members: Anthony Wilson (Chair), Dennise DeRossette, Pam McCord, Nel Joyner, and Charles Pope
Vision and Strategic Planning Team
The purpose of this group is to look at defining the unique part of God’s mission that our church is called to do. We will develop a strategic plan that defines our “God dream” and some clear pathways to accomplishing some new kingdom initiatives for the next 2-3 years.
Members: Chance and Kayla McDavid (Chair), Phil and Kathy Fisher, Joan Langston, David and Kathy Greene, Linda McBrayer, Tedd and Loraine Gilbert, Mike and Carol Norcom, and Austin and Jessie Van Etten.
Stewardship and Debt Retirement Team
The purpose of this group is to develop a strategy for creating a culture of generosity that supports our annual budget and pays off our debt.
Members: Robert Penn, Mike Dawson, Jim Boxx, Fred Akers, Wayne and Dianne Carson, Dr. John and Brenda Goolsby, Randy Bledsoe, and Kay Farmer
- Team Dynamics:
- Lay leadership Committee nominated. Ministry Council approved.
- Size of Teams – 5-12 members
- Chair – Nominated by Lay Leadership Committee.
- Goals – Transition Leadership Team will provide a few goals to guide their work.
- Authority – Advisory role to Ministry Council/Transition Leadership Team.
- Time Frame – Teams will meet no longer than 18 months (December 31, 2025)
- Meeting Frequency – Allow the teams to define. Minimum, every other month.
- Reporting – Chairs report monthly to Transition Leadership Team. Teams reportquarterly to Ministry Council and/or Town halls (September, December, March, June, September, December). As need to Ministry Council for approval of items.
- Transition Leadership Team Representation – Chairs of each team become members of the Transition Leadership Team and attend/report monthly at meetings.
3. Have you signed up for a Neighborhood Gathering?
Do you believe God is up to something in our midst? Join Jimmy for one of our neighborhood gatherings to hear what is stirring in our pastor’s heart and share your dreams and visions for the future. May the Holy Spirit be poured out upon us this month as we fast, pray, and gather to share our stories with each other. To sign up email [email protected] or call the church office – (601) 924-6671.
Here is the list of Neighborhood Gatherings that are scheduled for August:
1st Gathering- Viewpointe Subdivision
Thursday, August 15th @ 6 pm
Laci & Russell Pittman
2nd Gathering- Lakeridge Subdivision
Sunday, August 18th @ 6 pm
Brenda and John Goolsby
3rd Gathering- Cascades Subdivision
Monday, August 19th @ 6 pm
Pam & Benjie Barham
4th Gathering- Southern Oaks Subdivision
Thursday, August 22nd. @ 6pm
Angie & Les Howell
5th Gathering- CMC
Sunday, August 25th. @ 10 am
CMC- Sanctuary
During Sunday School hour
6th Gathering- Old Vineyard Subdivision
Monday, August 26th. @ 6 pm
Mavis Pollard
Reserve your spot quickly by emailing [email protected] or by calling the church office (601) 924-6671. There are 15 spots available at each host home. The spots at the church are unlimited.
3. Looking for a study group this semester? I want to recommend Dr. Gary Cockerill’s Wednesday night group this semester. Here is a description of this group.
“The Whole Bible—One Book from Many Books” taught by Gary Cockerill.
Have you ever asked the question, “How does all of this stuff in the Bible fit together?” Or maybe you’ve thought, “Is the Old Testament still important?” This twelve-week course has two goals: (1) To help you get the “big picture” of the Bible as a whole and what it is about. (2) To help you understand how each part of the Bible contributes to this “big picture.” We will be using Christian Faith in the Old Testament: The Bible of the Apostles (Thomas Nelson, 2014) as a resource. This course is highly recommended for Sunday School teachers.
It begins on August 21st in the Worship Center. Sign up today by emailing [email protected] or sign up at our Wednesday night supper next week. We will have books available for purchase.
I hope to see you Sunday as we dive into the second of our core values – Formational Community.
Jimmy
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