Sundays 8:00 am Holy Eucharist 9:00 am Coffee Hour 9:30 am Adult Choir Rehearsal 9:30 am Sunday School for all ages 10:30 am Holy Eucharist

Tuesdays 6:00 pm Education for Ministry

Wednesday 12:45 pm Prayer Shawl Knitters 5:30 pm Holy Eucharist 6:00 pm Parish Supper 6:30 pm Adult Choir Rehearsal 6:30 pm Children and Youth Activities

Thursdays 8:30 am Bible Study 11:00 am Centering Prayer

Friday 10:00 am Busy Bees Playgroup

Office HoursMonday - Thursday

9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Friday9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Contact us 3831 35th Avenue • 39305 601.483.3959

Clergy & Staff The Rev. Morris Thompson, Rector The Rev. Steve Owen, Deacon Paige Brooks, Parish Administrator Lora Tucker, Organist/Choirmaster Michael Barney, Sexton Emilia Calderon, EYC Director

Interruptions

The MinistryVolume 2, Issue 5 May 2018

A clergy friend and I were talking the other day and she asked how I was doing. I hesitated to respond with my typical, “Great!” And instead said, “Well, everything was going great. We were almost done with our Director of Christian Ed search; we were making headway on some vestry projects; and we were rocking and rolling in the office, but then this tornado hit. Now, everything on my desk has to wait. I’m now dealing with a tornado.”

Then, she said it, “I get it, but isn’t the Church’s role a ministry of interruptions.”

I’ve been thinking a lot about that statement, that we are a ministry of interruptions. The more I think about it, the more I find it to be true. We all plan our life, and we work hard to stay according to the plan. However, reality often derails our plans. Our child wakes up sick, we’re involved in a car accident, we don’t get the promotion for which we have been

working, or a tornado rips off our roof. And just like that, our plans are interrupted.

These interruptions cannot be ignored. They demand a response. They call us to immediately change our priorities. Yes, interruptions are inconvenient, but the truth is ministry is inconvenient. It is inconvenient to love one’s enemy. It is inconvenient to welcome the stranger.

In my case, after the storm, it was inconvenient for that random neighbor to help me cut up half of the tree that had fallen in my front yard. I know it was inconvenient for Melvin, Les, and Eddie to come to my house after the parish clean-up to help me cut down the rest of that tree. But, I am so grateful for them and their help in my time of need. I am thankful that they answered the interruptions of life. I am thankful they live into the true ministry of the church, that ministry of interruption.

Morris+

Upcoming EventsYouth SundayYouth Sunday will be May 6 during the 10:30 service. The sermon will be presented by both Sophie Calderon and Sabrina Solomon. There will be a punch and cake reception following the service to congratulate our seniors; Sophie Calderon, Andrew Shelton, and Sabrina Solomon. There will be no 8:00 service that Sunday.

Mother’s Day BaptismsOn Sunday, May 13, we will be welcoming 4 new members into our congregation. Landry, daughter of Claire & Lance Price, Sadie & Owen, daughter and son of Ashley and Dustin Hill, and Alxixon J. Sims, granddaughter of John Temple.

Adult Movie NightThe Adult movie night has been rescheduled for Thursday, May 24, at 6:00 pm. We will watch "The Heretic" a documentary on fringe Evangelical leader Rob Bell. Nick and Al's pizza and popcorn will be provided. BYOB.

Rector’s Book ClubThe book club will meet Sunday, June 3, during the Sunday School hour to discuss, "The Power of Meaning" by Emily Esfahani Smith. Copies are available in the bookstore.

Neighborhood Movie NightFriday, May 18 at 6:00 PM, we will host a movie night on the church grounds. Pizza, drinks, and popcorn will be provided. The movie will be "Coco" and show outside weather permitting. All are welcome!

Pentecost SundayTo celebrate this festive Church Birthday, we are having a parish cookout! We will have hamburgers, baked beans, and chips after the 10:30 service. We have ordered a jumpy house and slide for the kids (and adult kids, don't be ashamed!). Don’t forget to wear your red!

UTO BoxesUTO Boxes are available in the Narthex. UTO encourages us to give thanks to God for those blessings and make an offering. Intake for UTO is Pentecost Sunday, May 20.

Episcopal Church WomenECW is meeting Monday, May 21 at 6:00 p.m. for our final meeting this semester. Alice James has offered to host at her house in town. Please bring your favorite pot luck dish to share with everyone. All women of the church are invited. The Mediatorbus will leave the church parking lotat 5:45 pm. Due to limited parking at Alice's house, you are encouraged to carpool or ride the bus.

WayfarersWayfarers is taking a trip to The Museum of Mississippi History & The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum on Thursday, May 24. The cost is $20.00 for the bus & tour for both museums. There will be a Dutch treat lunch at Iron Horse Grill. Deadline for Mediator members is Monday, May 21 then open to non-members. Call the office or Steve if you are interested in attending this wonderful trip about Mississippi.

Haiti VBS 2018The dates for Haiti VBS 2018 have been set for July 13-19. If you are interested in attending the cost usually runs $1300-1500. This includes airfare, lodging, and meals. Interested individuals should contact Robert Covington 601-480-9711 or Vicky Hayes 601-604-3650.

National Acolyte FestivalThis Fall, October 5 - 7, our acolytes will be traveling to our nation's capitol for the annual National Acolyte Festival at the National Cathedral. We will be joining churches from around the country for a special service and will spend time viewing some of our national museums. If you are interested in this opportunity contact the office. More information upcoming.

OK, let’s get this straight—I was an English teacher before I became a deacon. Grammar matters. However, sometimes there are exceptions to the rules. How many times have we heard the Southern vernacular, “You done us real proud”? Somehow it is more heartfelt to drop the formalities and get to the heart of the issue with a hearty southernism.

A level-2 tornado hopped-skipped-and-jumped across Meridian and then touched down in Marion. News reports say an estimated 40 single houses and numerous housing units were directly hit by the storm. Downed trees, debris, and water-soaked dwellings gave a testament to the ferocity of the storm. To counteract this horrible event, a call for help went out to our church community. And we responded in an amazingly generous way. Morris and I took loads of clothing, food and numerous Wal-Mart cash cards

to people affected by the storm—donations given so graciously from our congregation. To date monetary donations have raised over $4,100!

Thanks Mediator for the part you played in meeting the needs of so many storm victims! You are worthy of an English teacher breaking a few rules because you broke some rules yourself: in our day people too often seem to follow the “rule of self”—being “I” centric, uncaring and simply unconcerned if it didn’t happen to them. Not our church community. We take to heart “love thy neighbor as we would love ourselves.”

You done us, God and Christ real proud, Mediator. Kudos to all who gave to the cause of helping heal those who hurt in our community.

Deacon Steve

“You Done Us Real Proud, Mediator!”

Regular Parish ActivitiesMay Food Pantry ItemsMay 2 canned or dry beansMay 9 canned meatMay 16 canned assorted soups/

package of crackersMay 23 canned yellow vegetablesMay 30 canned green vegetables

Wednesday Night SuppersJoin us every Wednesday night at 6 for a parish supper. $5/person or $15 max per family. Activities for children and youth follow the meal. Our last parish supper will be May 16.

Join the ChoirMediator is on the lookout for choir members. Practices are Wednesdays at 6:30 PM & Sundays at 9:30 AM. Choir practice will end for the summer after May 16.

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

Wednesday Night EucharistHoly Eucharist is offered every Wednesday night at 5:30 and is followed by our Parish Suppers. Every second Wednesday is Holy Eucharist with Healing. Our last Wednesday Eucharist will be May 16. We will resume Wednesday Eucharist in August.

Busy Bees PlaygroupThe Busy Bees Playgroup meets every Friday morning from 10:00-11:30 AM at the church playground and nursery. Infants through preschoolers and their caregivers are invited. Join us, rain or shine!

Adult Sunday SchoolCome check out our lectionary based Adult Sunday School in the Parlor Room at 9:30 AM.

Centering PrayerCome experience Centering Prayer on Thursdays at 11:00 AM in the EfM room. Use the EfM Room outside door to enter the room. This guided meditation welcomes people with all levels of centering prayer experience. Contact Sarah Mutziger for more information.

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.

Diocesan NewsCursillo #135Cursillo has moved to the summertime, June 21 - 24. Cursillo is a four day adult retreat in community. Adults of all ages are encouraged to go! Talk to Fr. Morris for more info.

Camp Bratton GreenNow is the time to sign up your child for Camp Bratton Green! Contact the office if you are in need of a scholarship. The camp is also looking for counselors and cabin parents. Contact Morris or visit the Gray Center website for more information.

Liturgical Arts ConferenceAre you into contemplative prayer, the rosary, labyrinths, liturgical painting, weaving, vestment making, flower arranging, or even stations of the cross? Then this conference is for you! October 19-24, Gray Center is hosting their second Liturgical Arts Conference and are inviting professionals from across the country to teach their trade. Visit www.liturgicalartsconference.com for more information.

Gee's Bend Quiting RetreatChina and Mary Ann Pettway from Gee's Bend Quilting will be providing a workshop October 31-November 4. Contact Gray Center for more info.

Vestry Highlights• The new chairs should be here by the end of April

• Accepted bid for the Parish Hall Roof

• 4th Annual Haiti Fundraiser – October 13, 2018: The event is set for this date and will be at the home of Ben Box and Robert Covington

• Christian Education Position: at present, there are two candidates for the position, both holding a Master’s Degree in Divinity

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

Ann GlazarGayle GrayClifton Quinn

Beth CalderonPat Downey

James Weems

Morris Thompson, Chair

After 3-1/2 years, Nancy Ziller is retiring as chairman of St. Monica's Prayer Guild. Nancy has done a tremendous job and we extend to her a very big THANK YOU!!

As most of you know, St. Monica's consists of a group of Mediator men and women who, upon request, offer intercessory prayers for the needs and concerns of others.

Requests are passed from one to the other by telephone, and all requests are kept confidential. No meetings -- just prayers.

The new chairman of this group is Billie Wright. If you would like to be a part of this ministry please contact Billie.

Julia Claire Mitchell

St. Monica's Prayer Guild

This years Vacation Bible School theme is "EARTHKEEPERS." Campers will learn about caring for God's beautiful creation. Children ages 3 through 4th grade are encouraged to participate. It will be June 25 - 30 from 10:00 am through 1:00 pm. Lunch will be provided.

We are on the lookout for both Youth and Adult volunteers. If you are available Katy or Emily.

VBS Donations

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. 5 Issue Date May 2018

PO Box 3400 · Meridian, MS 39303

May 6 Youth SundayMay 13 Baptism SundayMay 20 Pentecost CookoutSept. 8-10 Parish Retreat at CBGOct. 5-8 National Acolyte Festival

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Episcopal Youth Activities

Parish Weekend @ Bratton Green

EYC's May Schedule

VBS crafts will be made from recycled materials. We need the following donations:

Leave donations in the parish hall inthe designated containers.

• Cereal boxes - any size

• Milk jugs - ½ & 1 gallon

• Clear plastic soft drink bottles - all sizes

• Tin cans - all sizes

• Magazines that contain creation photos

VBS at Mediator June 25 - 30

May 6 Youth Sunday @ Mediator The Avengers @ Bonita Lakes 9May 13 EYC @ St. Paul'sMay 20 EYC @ Bonita

Mediator will host it's 2nd Parish retreat at Bratton Green the weekend of November 9-11. Mark your calendars. There will be games and activities for both adults and children. We will have full use of the camp's lake, hiking trails, disk golf course, and of course rocking chairs! It will be a fun and relaxing weekend. Call the office for more information and to sign up.

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