TThe MMinistry - Amazon S3
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Volume 5 Easter Issue
The Ministry March - April 2021
How do we return?
This month, your vestry met in intrigues me is the multitude of gifts
person for the first time in over a that are needed to make up the “One
year. Wearing masks, we gathered Body” of Christ.
Sundays
8:30 am Holy Eucharist in the parish hall, sitting in a circle
Your vestry has noticed a new variety
9:30 am Music Rehearsal with chairs appropriately spaced. The
of gifts and services and activities
9:45 am Go Live on Facebook topic of conversation: “How do we
10:30 am Holy Eucharist that make up our church. From how
return?”
we have adapted and thrived in digital
Tuesdays A year has passed since we last media to how we have embraced
4:30 pm Guitar via Zoom
engaged in Sunday school, sat virtual gathering in fellowship,
Wednesdays around tables with delicious food, formation, and administration. There
9:00 am EfM rode the bus, sang together, played is a recognition that moving forward,
12:45 pm Prayer Shawl Knitters
Music Rehearsal afternoon
together, and worshiped together. we must not only incorporate the
6:00 pm Youth Bible Study One year has passed since we hugged new gifts we have discovered, but
and cried and laughed and prayed as continue to nurture this thread of
Thursdays
8:30 am Bible Study one body, one whole church. How creativity that runs deep into the
do we safely return to face-to-face Mediator’s core.
Office Hours fellowship at the Mediator?
Monday - Thursday: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm To be clear, this does not mean we
Friday: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Your vestry’s answer to the question are replacing the 2019 Church of the
surprised me, “Not as we were before.” Mediator. Rather, it means we are
Contact us It became clear, as we spoke about entering into a season of discernment
3831 35th Avenue • 39305
601.483.3959 our time in this pandemic, that our and visioning for our church. As we
church has already begun the process begin the conversations with the
Clergy & Staff of adapting to a quickly transforming various groups and ministries that
The Rev. Morris Thompson, Rector world. Needs have changed. Ways make up the Mediator, we need
morris@mediatormeridian.org
of gathering have changed. Our your help to imagine the needs and
Katy Watkins, Youth Director reach has changed. But our mission, possibilities of the future. How can
katy@mediatormeridian.org
sharing God’s unconditional love, our the gifts we discovered compliment
Paige Brooks, Parish Administrator
paige@mediatormeridian.org values, acceptance, nourishment, the previously thriving ministries of
Lora Tucker, Organist/Choirmaster
empowerment, and action, remain our church? What new ministries are
lora@mediatormeridian.org constant. needed now that we know what we
Michael Barney, Sexton are capable of? How can we share
In his first letter to the Church in
God’s unconditional love in new and
Corinth, Paul writes, “Now there
exciting ways?
are a varieties of gifts, but the same
Spirit; and there are a varieties of The opportunity is before us. We
service, but the same Lord; and there will need your help to craft our new
are varieties of activities, but it is the reality!
same God who activates all of them
in everyone.” Paul speaks about Morris+
each of these spiritual gifts, but what
Episcopal Church Women
ECW is going to have a planning
meeting after Easter. We are looking
for ideas or suggestions for planning
Notes from Lora
our new year which will kick off in
As we approach Holy Week and Easter, I'd like to express my
September. If you have ideas please
appreciation to members of our Mediator Music Ministry Team for the
contact Nancy Boswell or the office.
generous gift of their time and talents.
We are all looking forward to getting
back together. Special thanks go to Sue Shoffiett, flutist and to our quartet: Benét
Moore Pervez, Carolyn Mitchell, Robert Herrington, and Chris Jenkins.
Altar Guild
This group has rehearsed Wednesday afternoons and Sunday mornings
The Mediator Altar Guild is looking
at 9:30 to provide music for Ash Wednesday and the Sundays during
for new members to add to our
Lent. They will also provide music for Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday,
existing teams. If you are interested
Good Friday, and Easter. Many thanks go to Emily Thompson, Michelle
in learning about this ministry
Snodgrass, and Jimmy Smith who have been cantors during Lent.
contact Nancy Boswell or the office.
We'd love to hear from you. On Palm Sunday and Easter, our new Soprano Choir will add their
voices to our outdoor celebrations. This group has been rehearsing on
Calling all LEM and Readers Thursday afternoons. After Easter, some members of this group will
Boy have we missed your voices! begin providing music on Sundays. This will give our quartet a much
As we begin to open the service to deserved break until Ascension and Pentecost.
more participation, we are excited
to bring back our LEMs and Sunday Our guitar class continues to meet on Tuesday afternoons at 4:30 by
Readers. Be on the lookout for more Zoom. I hope to have this group accompany some hymns soon.
information and opportunities to After the Easter season I will be recruiting new cantors. If you enjoy
serve in this important ministry. singing or playing an instrument, please contact me at 601-693-7086
or stop by the choirloft after church. We offer many opportunities for
Acolyte Leader
ministry to anyone who likes to sing or who plays an instrument.
Do you trust kids with fire? Have you
heard of "text messaging"? Do you
have a certain love of children and Digital Media Team Outreach Team
military precision? If you answered Fr. Morris is putting together a The Mediator is forming an Outreach
yes, then boy do we have the job for digital media team to help bolster Team to help provide opportunities
you! The Mediator is looking for a our online presence. If you are for our church to serve Meridian.
new Acolyte leader to schedule and interested in photography, filming, The goal of the Outreach Team is
train our acolytes. Contact Fr. Morris video editing,website development, to partner with local organizations
if you are interested. (We're willing or social media contact Fr. Morris and ministries to help inform our
to change the title to Acolyte Master congregation of the needs of our
if necessary). Mediator Health Initiative community and the needs of these
Since February, every Tuesday, organizations. It will also give
Men’s Group Conversations
Wednesday, and Thursday at Noon, our membership an opportunity
MEN OF THE CHURCH, Fr. Morris is
the office staff of the Mediator has to participate in these ministries.
calling on you! As we emerge from
put on their walking shoes and hit If you feel called to be a part of
the confines of our Lazy Boys and
the neighborhood. We walk from this Outreach Team or have any
flat screen tvs the question arises,
30 minutes to an hour and cover questions, contact Fr. Morris. We
"what do men need from their
anywhere from one to two miles. hope to have our first meeting by the
church?" If you are interested in this
Everyone is welcome to join, just end of April and begin scheduling
conversation contact Fr. Morris.
show up at the office building at ministry partnerships for the fall!
Community Garden Conversations Noon!
The Mediator is in early talks with
another ministry in town about
creating a community garden on
Congratulations!
our campus. The goal is to connect Zephyr Ira Moore-Pervez born March 19
the church to the neighborhood by
irl! to Benét and Adam Pervez and big brother
creating a common use space that
focuses on nutrition. Contact Fr.
It's a G Zigby.
Morris if this interests you!
Katy's Corner
Youth Pilgrimage to Alaska Youth Hikes
After postponing for a year, our youth pilgrimage to In preparation for the youth pilgrimage to Alaska,
Juneau, Alaska is finally scheduled for July 12th – the pilgrims are hiking training at Bonita Lakes.
July 19th! We are excited to have 15 youth and four Beginning after Easter we will meet at 3 pm on Sunday
chaperons going on the trip. The pilgrimage will be a afternoons. This will be a time of community building
time of fun, reflection, and connection with God. and preparing physically for our hikes while in Alaska.
Youth Sunday Vacation Bible School
We will honor our high school seniors at the 10:30 Vacation Bible School will take place in person at St.
service on Sunday, May 9th, which also happens to be Paul’s on June 28th – July 2nd. Bible school is open to
Mother’s Day! We sure are excited for our graduates! children age three through fourth grade. Children and
youth in 5th Grade – 12th grade , as well as adults, are
encouraged to volunteer to help.
Birthdays & Anniversaries
April Birthdays Prayers of the People
Bo Goodin..................................4 Sarah Mutziger........................18
Lucy Van Veckhoven ����������������4 Bilbo Mitchell.......................... 20 Mediator Prayer List: Marion Madison,
Kiersten Shelton �����������������������6 Emma Johnson.........................21 Ruth Anne Metze, Jaden Griffis,
Carolyn Mitchell ������������������������6 Randy Kemp.............................21 Ally Gressett, Dennis Roberts, April
George Walker........................ 11 Eddie Ott................................. 24 Jourdan, Kathy Wilson, Linda Locker,
Marion Deeb............................ 13 Madison Brent......................... 26 Sherry Gould, Kathy McKay, Caroline
Marie Melancon.......................15 Belinda Ott.............................. 28 Wilson, Beverly Bryson, George
Helen Swann............................16 Abby McCary.......................... 28 Hayes, Jim Butler, Nancy Ray, Jimmy
James Weems..........................16 Morris Thompson ������������������� 30 Whittington, John Ed Brent, Howard
Beeland, David Smith, David Fluker,
DD Mask, James Ott, Judy Snodgrass,
May Birthdays James Slaven, Jennifer Wedgeworth,
Deidra Wells, Gary Avara, Spike
Mack Thompson �����������������������2 Leslie Priester.......................... 21 Watts, Jennifer Flake, Sarah Flake,
Virginia Brand............................3 Lora Tucker..............................23 Diane Lawson, Leighton Driskill, Chris
Eileen Moss................................4 Tammy Bryan...........................23 Trayal, Katy Nofire, Margaret Molpus,
Katy Watkins..............................5 Ralph Walters..........................27 Ken Murphy, Bob Owen, Harry Moore.
Anna Wile...................................8 Ann Glazar...............................28
Jimmy Whittington ������������������ 10 John Temple............................29 We pray for those who have died
Sherry Dean............................. 13 Stacey Booker.........................30 this past month: Patty Perry Narro,
Diane Quick.............................. 16 Lance Brent..............................30 Hardy Graham, Sr., Connie Bradley,
Jeanette McPherson ��������������� 17 Tony Harper, Syria Sturdivant, Harold
Galyean, William Godwin.
April Anniversaries May Anniversaries
Bruce & Julie Martin �������������� 20 Carl & Margaret Carver ��������� 17
Les & Cordelia Hoppes ��������� 31
Vestry Hi
Vestr Higghli
hligghts
Members • Parish hall renovations in the parlor room and back
meeting room are nearing completion. The parlor has
Sr. Warden, 2022 Jr. Warden, 2023 been repainted, re-carpeted, and is receiving new blinds.
Ann Glazar Lou Rawson The back meeting room has been repainted and received
Class of 2022 Class of 2023 Class of 2024 technology upgrades for hybrid meetings.
• Conversations have begun on the need to update the
Ceil Bunyard Debby Hamm Lance Brent
parish hall and education building bathrooms and to
Winky Glover Dustin Hill Sarah Neville Darsey enlarge the nursery.
Elizabeth Honeycutt Dana Van Veckhoven Sissie Wile • The Mediator was awarded a grant of nearly $9,000 for
Alice James, Treasurer Morris Thompson, Chair Benét Moore-Pervez, Clerk technology upgrades for distance education and formation
from the Community Foundation of East Mississippi.
Tell us about your family and pets
- names, etc. - My parents are
Mediator Senior Spotlight
Lance and Jennifer Brent, and I My favorite team would be the Saints.
have a 14 year old sister named Favorite quote, bible verse, words of wisdom? - Philippians
Madison. My dog’s name is Dixie. 4:13 “I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens
We adopted her from EMAR, and Me”
she is 2 years old.
What activities have you been involved in at Mediator? - I
Tell us about you - your hobbies, have been in the Episcopal Youth Group and worked the
goals, accomplishments, teams, annual Church BBQ.
Bayleigh Brent school activities, etc. - I have
attended Lamar since the 9th How long have you been a member of Mediator? - I have
Lamar School
grade, where I played soccer, been a member since birth.
and currently playing tennis. I enjoy doing activities Do you have a favorite Mediator memory that you’d like to
outside and spending time with my friends. share with us? - My favorite memory would have to be
What college do you plan to attend? Major? - I plan to every Easter spent at The Mediator. It is such a cheerful
attend Mississippi State University in the fall, and I plan time, and everyone is so content.
to become an Environmental Scientist. Would you like to share a little known fact about you? - I
What are your favorites - foods, movies, restaurants, books, love music, art, and nature. I would like to think that I am
sports, teams, etc. - My favorite foods are pasta and any a fairly creative person.
type seafood. My favorite movie is Forrest Gump. My Anything else you’d like to share? - I am a very shy person,
favorite restaurant is Panera Bread. My favorite book is but every time I attend The Mediator my shyness goes
Bud, not Buddy. My favorite sports are soccer and tennis. away. I can be myself there.
Tell us about play or walk whenever you need to. discipline yourself to set clear goals,
your family Tell us about you - your hobbies, goals, and work towards those goals every
and pets accomplishments, teams, school day will do a lot more to guarantee
names, etc. - activities, etc. - Throughout high your success than any other single
I have a school I played soccer, volleyball, factor. Set goals for yourself without
mother, Jill tennis, track, and a while back used worrying about what others around
Johnson who to play basketball and softball as you are doing, and take it one step at
is always well. I am a part of the Beta Club, a time to achieve those goals.
there for National Green School Society, What activities have you been involved
Emma Grace Johnson me and
Lamar School Junior State of America, as well as in at Mediator? - I have been involved
has been a the Mock Trial Team. I am a member in the youth group, trips to Camp
major supporter through my life. I of the Dusty's Social Service Club Bratton Green, and the trip to Taize
am thankful for her discipline and where I have worked for community where we experienced a once in a
everything she has done for me to events. I love taking random trips to lifetime memory.
get to where I am today. My father, the beach, hanging out at Dalewood
Mike Johnson is one of the sweetest How long have you been a member of
with my family and friends, and riding Mediator? - I have been a member
people I know who would give the four wheelers at the camp.
shirt off of his back for anyone. He of the Mediator since birth, April 21,
spoils me rotten and cares for my What college do you plan to attend? 2003.
sister and I deeply. Chloe Johnson Major? - I plan to attend Mississippi Do you have a favorite Mediator
is my older sister who attends UWA State University and major in memory that you'd like to share with
and cheers. She has been there for International Business with a minor us? - My favorite Mediator memory
me since the day I was born, she also in Pre-law. is traveling to Tazie with the youth
takes great care of me and is there What are your favorites - foods, group to not only learn about God,
for me any time I need it. She is very movies, restaurants, books, sports, but meet people from all across the
responsible and I look up to her and teams, etc. - My favorite food since globe and learn about the different
all of her accomplishments she has I went to Europe when I was about cultures there are.
made. These three people have been 6 is spaghetti; any form of pasta Would you like to share a little known
there for me through the good times really. My favorite restaurants would fact about you? - I have had three
and the bad, and I could not have be Outback, Sake Sushi, Amore, concussions and five head injuries,
done it without their support. I have Firehouse Subs, and Panera. and had to take a lot of tests to make
two dogs, Blanca who is always there Favorite quote, bible verse, words of sure I was okay.
to lay with me and sleep, and Kai who wisdom? - A few words of wisdom
is the sweetest dog and will always that I have is that your ability to
Tell us about my free time I do a lot of reading and at the Mediator, I've been involved in
your family writing. things such as food drives, helping
and pets What college do you plan to attend? with the annual barbecue, and
names, etc. - Major? - I plan to go to MCC and various youth events.
I live with my transfer to Mississippi State, and I How long have you been a member of
mom (Susan) will most likely major in English. Mediator? - I've been a member of
and my dad What are your favorites - foods, the Mediator for about thirteen years
(Scott), as movies, restaurants, books, sports, I believe.
well as my teams, etc. - My favorite sport is Do you have a favorite Mediator memory
parrot Timmy, swimming, but I also enjoy cycling. that you'd like to share with us? - One
lizard Spike, My favorite book is The Count of
Lauren Kirchhefer cat of my favorite mediator memories
Fanny, Monte Cristo, and my favorite food is
Home School is probably the first barbecue that
and dog Juno. tacos. I was old enough to help out with. I
My grandmother (Novella) also lives
Favorite quote, bible verse, words was helping the younger kids at the
in town.
of wisdom? - I love the quote arts and crafts table, and it was a lot
Tell us about you, your hobbies, goals, "Knowledge is of no value until it's of fun.
accomplishments, teams, school put into practice." Would you like to share a little known
activities, etc. - I have been on a swim fact about you? - A little known fact
What activities have you been involved
team for nearly eleven years, and I about me is that I love nature and
in at Mediator? - Throughout my time
have played the piano for 10 years. In hiking.
Tell us about your family and pets around the community in volunteer programs, organizations,
names, etc. - My parents are Dr. and fundraisers. I started a project last summer and partnered
Miles and Hayley Shirley. I have with Keep America Beautiful to clean up and maintain heavily
one sibling, Conner Shirley, who is trafficked roads in our town.
my best friend. We have two dogs, Favorite quote, bible verse, words of wisdom? - The Lord
our rescue Maddie Grace and our bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you
English Cocker Spaniel Arthur. What and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and
we all love doing most is going to the give you peace. Numbers 6: 24-26
farm to let the dogs run and swim in What activities have you been involved in at Mediator? -
the lake. I was baptized at a very young age at the Mediator. I started
Tell us about you - your hobbies, acolyting in the third grade, and shortly after I began carrying
goals, accomplishments, teams, the cross. In the fifth grade I was confirmed in one of Bishop
Sarah Paige Shirley school activities, etc. - Art is one of Seage's first confirmations as Mississippi's Bishop. I began
Lamar School my biggest passions, and one of my getting involved in the Mediator/ St. Pauls EYC in middle
more recent awards was at the MAIS Overall Art Competition school. I have attended Camp Bratton Green since first camp
where my painting won first place. I played varsity volleyball in second grade, and at the start of middle school I began
and was a team captain on the varsity dance team. We won attending DOY. After participating in extensive fundraising
second overall at our 2021 State Dance Competition. I also ran events, I earned the amazing opportunity to travel to France
on my schools cross country team and won numerous state titles and stay in Taizé making connections with youth from across
which prompted me to complete my first half marathon in 2019. the world. As I moved into high school I began getting more
I am a member of numerous academic clubs such as National involved by being voted to serve as a DOY Counselor and serve
Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, National as a Youth Delegate at the Episcopal Church of Mississippi's
Art Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Junior State of America, Annual Council and make a speech on stage during the council
and National Beta Club. I presently serve as the Secretary session. This summer, I will travel to Alaska with the youth from
of the National Honor Society. I have been recognized as an our church. Over my 18 years as a member at the Church of the
Honor Roll student for academics and athletics. I have been Mediator, I have served yearly at the Annual Church BBQ and
nominated to participate in selective summer programs such Vacation Bible School - and even helped package "camp in a
as Lott Leadership, Envision National Youth Leadership Forum box" to distribute to our youth during the pandemic.
for Medicine, Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership, and Mississippi How long have you been a member of Mediator? - I have
Governor's School. been a member at the Church of the Mediator since birth.
What college do you plan to attend? Major? - I am going Do you have a favorite Mediator memory that you'd like to
to Ole Miss and I am pursuing a degree in Public Policy. I share with us? - Some of my most cherished memories come
was accepted into the exclusive Lott Leadership Institute for from the countless trips made on the church bus with Ms. Katy.
students with Public Policy Majors along with my acceptance We could be making a trips to Camp Bratton Green, Geyser
into the Chancellor's Leadership Class. Falls, or even Christmas Caroling in town, but these special
What are your favorites - foods, movies, restaurants, moments are ones that I will never forget!
books, sports, teams, etc. - My favorite food is shrimp and Would you like to share a little known fact about you? - I was
grits, and while I cook it best, I still love trying new recipes and asked to acolyte in the funeral for late Bishop Chip Marble,
interpretations of the dish. My favorite restaurant in Meridian and had the extreme honor of meeting the Presiding Bishop
is Amore. One of my favorite books is the Secret Garden. Micheal Curry who is the first African American to serve as the
I have played violin for 11 years, and I was named second Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church.
alternate in the local Distinguished Young Woman Program
Anything else you'd like to share? - Growing up with such a
where I performed a violin piece. I served as President and
compassionate and supportive church family has helped make
Vice President of the Dusty Social Service Club and helped
me who I am today.
Holy Week Schedule
Palm Sunday, March 28
8:30 am In the Memorial Garden
9:40 am Facebook Live
10:30 am begin in the Memorial
Garden and move to the Church
Maundy Thursday, April 1 Good Friday, April 2
4:30 pm Facebook Live 12:00 pm in the Church
12:45 pm Youth Stations of the Cross
5:30 pm in the Church
in the Memorial Garden
2:00 pm Facebook Live
Easter Day - Sunday, April 4
9:00 AM Facebook Live 10:20 AM Flowering of the Cross
9:30 AM EYC hides the Easter Eggs 10:30 AM Choral Easter Holy Eucharist
9:45 AM Children’s Easter Egg Hunt (outside weather permitting)
The Bishop has allowed congregational singing in outdoor settings only and masks are still required. We are
excited to try something new and celebrate Easter on our beautiful grounds. While benches and chairs will
be provided, we ask for those who are able to bring their own lawn chair.
The Ministry (USPS) 984580 Periodical
Postage Paid at Meridian, MS 39301
Published by Church of the Mediator PO
Box 3400 Meridian, MS 39303 Monthly
Postmaster: Send address changes to: The
Ministry PO Box 3400 Meridian, MS 39303
Volume 5 No. 1 Issue Date March-April 2021
PO Box 3400 · Meridian, MS 39303
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
March 28 Palm Sunday
March 29-April 2 Holy Week
April 4 Easter (1 service only)
May 9 Youth Sunday
May 23 Pentecost
June 28-July 2 VBS @ St. Paul's
,
You can also read
