Sundays 8:30 am Holy Eucharist 9:15 am Coffee Hour 9:30 am Choir Practice/Sunday School 10:30 am Holy Eucharist

Tuesdays 9:00 am Education for Ministry 6:00 pm Education for Ministry

Wednesdays 12:45 pm Prayer Shawl Knitters 5:30 pm Holy Eucharist 5:45 pm Parish Supper 6:15 pm Children/Youth Activities 6:30 pm Choir Rehearsal

Thursdays 8:30 am Bible Study

Fridays 10:00 am Busy Bees Playgroup

Office HoursMonday - Thursday: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Friday: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Contact us 3831 35th Avenue • 39305 601.483.3959

Clergy & Staff The Rev. Morris Thompson, Rector morris@mediatormeridian.org

Marc DeCoste, Director of Christian Ed marc@mediatormeridian.org

Paige Brooks, Parish Administrator paige@mediatormeridian.org

Lora Tucker, Organist/Choirmaster Michael Barney, Sexton

The MinistryVolume 2, Issue 11 November 2018

I am proud.

I feel like I should just leave it at that, but Paige tells me this article needs to be closer to 400 hundred words, so I guess I’m going to have to elaborate. I am SO proud. Proud of you! Proud of this Church.

As we approach the 50th anniversary of the BBQ, Ann Glazar and Diane Quick are researching the origins of the BBQ. Perhaps many of you know, the BBQ, as we now know it, spawned from a booth the Mediator held at the local fair. We sold burgers and other items. Fr. Kishpaugh was known to wake up early and cook breakfast for and minister to the folks working the fair. It was a fun operation that didn’t bring in much money, but offered local ministry and community.

However, there were limitations. Most striking was that only a few members of our church could participate in the fair booth. So, the vestry challenged the church to propose a new fundraiser and ministry that would involve every member of the Mediator. The thought was we are stronger when we work together. Thus, the BBQ was born.

The BBQ, and now also the bake sale, are not only a fundraiser for our community’s ministries, they are our essence. The fact is we are better together. We are more

worshipful, better servants, and more loving to friends and strangers. We work hard. We challenge the belief that the small should be discounted. We can and do have an impact on this world.

When we come together we ensure the children of Beraud, Haiti a proper education. We build the walls needed to embrace their education and we provide salaries for their hardworking teachers as we seek to be a part of God’s transformation even in far away places.When we come together we build true community. We invite those who have felt forsaken into a loving community. We feed our friends and neighbors. And we give all that we raise to support the needs of the city in which we reside.

While I am so grateful for the abundance we have raised this month, over $7,000 for our brothers and sisters in Haiti and over $16,500 for our community through the BBQ and bake sale, for what I am truly proud is your commitment to Christian fellowship. That is what makes this place special!

Someone, so many years ago, brilliantly realized how powerful the Mediator can be when we all come together. There is nothing this church can’t do!

You make me so proud.

Morris+

When we come together...

Announcements

Pledge Cards DueIf you have not turned in your pledge card, please prayerfully consider your 2019 contribution, and return your card as soon as possible so that we can begin budgeting for the next year.

New DirectoryOur new parish directory is almost here! We should begin passing them out on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings mid-November.

End of Life PlanningDuring Wednesday Parish suppers in December we will hold brief presentations on end of life decisions. We will focus those three weeks on working with a funeral director, church service planning, and end of life care & estate planning. We will have people on hand to help assist you in planning for the end of life so your family won't have to. Contact Morris for more information.

Wednesday Night CooksThank you to all who have been willing to cook for your parish! We are still in need of more cooks. Get your team together and pick out a Wednesday to prepare a meal. Call the office if you are interested in signing up.

2018 PledgesAs we approach the end of 2018, we are also nearing the end of the 2018 Pledge Campaign. If you have any questions about where you stand in your commitment to the church, please contact Barbara Thomas, bookkeeper, or Alice James, treasurer at the office. As always, your inquiry will be kept confidential.

Upcoming Events

The Seeds You SowOn Wednesday, November 14, all members of the Mediator are encouraged to gather at St. Paul's for their Wednesday evening activities. Representatives from the diocese will speak to the Camp Bratton Green and Gray Center capital campaign to improve both the camp and retreat center's experience. Worship at St. Paul's will begin at 5:30 and "The Seeds You Sow" Campaign presentation will follow. Come learn how you can support this vital ministry of the Diocese! Contact the office for more information.

Parish Thanksgiving Day MealMediator will host its annual Thanksgiving Day Meal in the Parish Hall at 12:30 pm. Turkey and dressing will be provided. If you and your family would like to join

your Mediator family please bring a side, salad or dessert to contribute to the meal. For more information or questions contact the church office or Lori Douglas.

Neighborhood Movie NightFriday, November 30, at 6:00 pm, we will host a movie night in the Parish Hall. Pizza, drinks, and popcorn will be provided. The movie will be "Shrek." People of all ages are welcome!

Wayfarers Holiday ShoppingOn Friday, November 30, Wayfarers will be traveling to Jackson for all your shopping needs! The bus will depart at 8:00 am and travel to the Chimneyville Arts Festival, then to the Renaissance for lunch and wonderful shopping. The bus should return by 5:00 pm. Contact the office if you would like a seat on the bus!

Canterbury ClubMediator's New college ministry with Meridian Community College and the Meridian branch of MSU will meet Monday, November 26 from 6:00-7:30 pm in the Parish Hall. All college age people are welcome!

Priest’s Book ClubOn Wednesday, November 28, at 6:15 we will meet in the Adult Ed Room to discuss "Here If You Need

I often hear from those around me about kids these days. I hear that they don’t know how to communicate, or have fun, or engage with the outside world in the way that those in previous generations did. As someone who has worked with children and youth for the past several years, I can tell you that this is so far from the truth. In my last position, we had an annual beach trip, which despite being in January, was always one of my favorite outings. It was a reminder of how simple experiences and personal relationships are still valued today among our younger generation.

Last month was my first experience at Camp Bratton-Green. Without many of the distractions of technology that we typically hear about, camp allows for simple

moments together, relationship building, and an outlet to disconnect from the stresses of daily life. I saw teens gathering a group of chairs to sit and chat, others playing ping pong or painting their fingernails together. While our society has certainly cultivated more impersonal forms of communication in some ways, it’s clear from these experiences that not all is lost. Ultimately, these retreats give me great hope for this upcoming generation and prove that their reputation is not wholly accurate. If you’re not typically involved in children or youth ministries, there are many ways to get involved. If you do, I think you’ll be surprised by your experiences!

Marc DeCoste

Marc's Monthly Meltdown

Vestry Highlights• The Chapel door handle will be replaced to make the

door easier to unlock. The deadbolt will be removed, and the second keyhole will be filled in.

• Quarterly financial statements will be mailed and another at the end of the calendar year.

• Emily Thompson is facilitating a weekly Bible study group for younger women (20s through 40s). Participation has been good, with nearly 10 women attending.

• Excitement is mounting as the Barbecue approaches. Fr. Morris wants to challenge past successes and move forward with new ideas while respecting past traditions.

Members

Sr. Warden, 2020Bill Scaggs

Jr. Warden, 2019Ray Martin

Class of 2019 Class of 2020

Alice James, Treasurer Paige Brooks, Clerk

Class of 2021Brenda Easterwood

Ross GoodinFred Wile

Ceil BunyardAnn GlazarClifton Quinn

Beth CalderonPat Downey

James Weems

Morris Thompson, Chair

Me" by Kate Braestrup. Our next book will be “Educated: A Memoir” by Tara Westover. We will meet Wednesday, January 9 to discuss "Educated."

MCC Music @ MediatorOn December 9 at 3:00 pm the Meridian Community College Flute and Brass Ensemble led by the MCC Directory of Bands, Jonathon Romero will play festive Christmas music at the Mediator. The event is free, and all are encouraged to come get in the spirit!

ECW Christmas PartyECW will have our Christmas party on Monday, December 10, 6:00 pm in the parish hall. We will play "Dirty Santa." Gift limits for Dirty Santa are $10. All women of the church are invited to come, and bring a friend for a night of fun!

Regular Parish Activities

Busy Bees PlaygroupThe Busy Bees Playgroup meets every Friday morning from 10:00-11:30 am at the church playground and nursery. This is a wonderful time for parents to get together and allow their kids some playtime. Infants through preschoolers and their caregivers are invited. Join us, rain or shine! Adult Sunday SchoolNow through the end of the year the Sunday school will be focused on the beliefs and practice of the

Episcopal Church. If you are new to the church and are interested in confirmation this is the class for you! We will go through the book, “Walk in Love” one topic a week discussing the key elements of Christianity and Anglicanism. Copies are available in the Mediator Bookstore.

EYC November Schedule Nov. 4 EYC @ St. Paul’sNov. 11 EYC @ MediatorNov. 18 No EYC- ThanksgivingNov. 25 EYC @ St. Paul’s

Prayer Shawl KnittersAll are invited to experience the prayer, fellowship, and joy of knitting at our weekly prayer shawl knitters' group. The group meets Wednesdays at 12:45 pm in the parlor room. Come join this rowdy crew. Beginners welcome!

November Food Pantry Items7 pkg. dry spaghetti or rice 14 boxed macaroni & cheese21 canned meat28 canned/boxed kits or sauces such as spaghetti, chili

Bible StudyCome join our Thursday morning Bible study in the EfM room. This faithful group meets every Thursday morning from 8:30 to 9:30 am to read through and discuss holy scripture.

Diocesan Events

Cursillo #135Come away to relax and renew at the Gray Center from Thursday, November 8 through Sunday, November 11. Contact Morris for more information.

Happening #88Happening is a diocesan weekend retreat for youth in grades 10-12. It will take place November 9-11 at St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Gulfport! This is a wonderful opportunity for your children to experience God in a deep and exciting way. Happening Reunion will be at St Mark's, Gulfport the same weekend. ECW Fall RetreatECW is having its annual fall retreat at Gray Center November 16-17. The theme, Magic and Miracles in the Modern World will be presented by the Rev. Patrick Sanders of St. Peters Gulfport. Registration forms may be found in the office or on the diocesan website.

Winter SolsticeWinter Solstice is a week of camp for youth in grades 9-12. This camp takes place Dec 27, 2018 – Jan 1, 2019 at Camp Bratton Green. It is a week of fun, fellowship, and renewal that will promise your kid a wonderful time during the holiday season. Check out the diocesan youth website or contact the office for more information.

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 2 No. 11 Issue Date November 2018

PO Box 3400 · Meridian, MS 39303

Mediator History

<<Name>><<Address>><<City>>, <<State>> <<Zip>>

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

November 19-23 Office Closed Thanksgiving Week November 30 Neighborhood Movie Night December 9 MCC Brass Ensemble December 16 Breakfast with St. Nick December 20-21 EYC Jr. High Advent Lockin

Nominations are now open to elect a new junior warden, three new vestry members, and three council representatives and two alternates for the 2020 Mississippi Diocesan Council. The role of Junior Warden is a two-year commitment. To be eligible an individual must be at least 21 years of age, baptized, confirmed or received, have been faithful in corporate worship, and known by the treasurer as a pledging member of the church. The role of Vestry Member is a three-year commitment. The same requirements of the Junior Warden apply to any Vestry Member. To be a council representative or alternate you must be at least 16 years of age and meet the same requirements of the Junior Warden and Vestry.

If you feel called to one of these roles in the church, or would like to nominate an individual for such a role, contact the office for the Vestry Nomination Form. All nominees must be submitted by December 31, 2018.

Vestry NominationsDiane Quick and I are collecting and organizing the documents and records that reflect the history of the Mediator. We are currently looking for materials related to the Mediator when it was still located at Key Field (late 1940s-early 1950s). If you have photos, service leaflets, newspaper clippings or other items from that period and are willing to lend or donate them to the collection, please contact Diane or me by phone or e-mail and let’s talk.

Since it is Mediator Barbecue season, we are also compiling a list of Barbecue chairpersons from the past 40+ years of this unique ministry that is such an integral part of the Mediator’s identity. If you ever served as overall chairperson, please contact us. (If you can recall the year that you chaired…PRICELESS!)

Thanks,Ann Glazar and Diane Quick