The MinistryVolume 2, Issue 1 January 2018

Sundays 8:00 am Holy Eucharist 9:00 am Coffee Hour 9:30 am Adult Choir Rehearsal 9:30 am Adult Sunday School 9:30 am Children & Youth S.S. 10:30 am Holy Eucharist

Mondays 5:30 pm Centering Prayer 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

Friday 10:00 am Busy Bees Playgroup

Office HoursMonday - Thursday

9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Friday9:00 am - 12:00 pm

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

Happy New Year!It is a tradition every year to make a New Year’s resolution. Exercise more. Eat better. Journal daily. Work harder. Rest longer. Even if we don’t take up a resolution, no doubt our minds have asked the question, “How can I improve myself in 2018?” Not too long ago I heard an interview with Harvard professor of psychology Ellen Langer. The conversation was about mindfulness, and it grabbed me so much I even preached on it a couple months back. She made the comment, “Whatever you’re doing, you’re doing so either mindfully or mindlessly, and the consequences for being in one state of mind or the other are enormous.”

I feel it is so easy for us to go through life mindlessly. Our lives can be exhausting, one meeting/event/project after another. It is so easy to look at those big screens on our wall, on our desks, and especially in our hands all day long without realizing you’ve hardly looked away. And when life is like this we spend so much time doing and achieving that we forget to simply be present. In the wake of our incessant need to

accomplish, we lose touch with the things so important to us; our friends, family, and God.

This isn't a healthy way for us to live. God intends for us to fully live into this magnificant world He created. God wants us to take time watching the sunrise, to value a conversation with a stranger, to play with our family. But in a society that values production, such mindfulness does not come naturally.

So, In short, I guess I’m asking for us to make a resolution together. It’s not going to get you those six pack abs you’ve been dreaming of, but it should help you on your journey… Let’s make a commitment to our community that we will be mindful. Let’s show that we value one another. That we will be present. We will pay attention to the life going on around us. We will listen to that friend speaking directly to us. We will cherish each and every moment with our families. And we will notice God’s majesty in everything!

Morris+

January NewsMen's Group MeetingAll men of the church are encouraged to come Tuesday, January 9 at 6:30, pm to discuss the upcoming draw-down. Meal will be provided.

Services on Council SundayOn Sunday, January 28, we will only have one service at 10:30 am with the Rev. Harriet Simmons preaching and celebrating.

DrawdownThe Men's group annual drawdown fund-raiser will take place Friday, February 9 at 6:30 pm. There will be activities for youth and childcare for the Mediator's youngest, in the Ed Building. All proceeds from the drawdown will go towards a new boiler for our Church.

Priest’s Book ClubThe book club will meet Wednesday January 31, after the Parish Supper to discuss "Barking to the Choir" by Father Gregory Boyle. Copies of the book are available in the bookstore.

Annual MeetingMediator's annual meeting will take place Sunday, January 21, during and after the 10:30 am service. We will not have an 8:00 am that day to encourage participation in the annual meeting. We will have our annual potluck following the service. Fried chicken will be provided.

Annual Meeting ReportsThe office is hard at work preparing our annual report. If you are the leader of a ministry at Mediator, please get your report to us by January 10.

Parish DirectoryMediator is WAY overdue for a new pictorial directory. Be on the lookout Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings for Sophie Calderon who will be taking family pictures for the new directory.

Episcopal Church WomenECW will meet Monday, January 22, at 6:00 pm in the Parish Hall for a White Elephant Bingo Night! All women of the church are invited. It will be $5 to play and a meal will be provided. Stay tuned to Thursday News for more information about White Elephant Bingo.

Excess BBQ WoodThe Church has left over wood from the BBQ. Any member is encouraged take some of the excess wood.

With a new year comes new hankerings and a same old song. The Wayfarers travel group is getting ready to get on the road again in 2018. If you have suggestions for places to visit, please let me know. Also, if you are interested in serving on the trip planning committee, we will meet on January 17th at 6:30 PM after the Wednesday meal. The one-time meeting will be to vote on Wayfarer day trips for 2018. I will arrange the

January trip and rely on committee input to plan the remaining trips.The group’s primary purpose is to offer outings for members. Although the majority of travelers are 55+ years of age or older, room permitting, anyone of any age can join us. We reserve seats for members of the Mediator first, and then open registration to non-members if seats are not filled.

Deacon's MusingThe Mediator Wayfarers: “On the Road Again”

“On the road again Just can't wait to get on the road againThe life I love is making music with my friends.”— Willie Nelson

Trips Suggested Thus Far• To a recycling center to support the Mediator’s Green Movement initiative.• Visit Mississippi’s Two New Museums: the Museum of Mississippi History & the Civil Rights

Museum in Jackson.• Mississippi Museum of Art: “Picturing Mississippi: 1817-2017, Land of Plenty, Pain and

Promise” exhibit.• The Dwelling Place for a day of Meditation.• Heartwood Birdhouse Outlet & Donna’s Produce in Star, MS.• German WWII POW Museum in Aliceville, AL & Bevill Lock & Dam.• Helen Keller Home (Tuscumbia, AL) & Frank Lloyd Wright House (Florence, AL).

Contact me with suggestions at 601-201-2105. Keep in mind most trips range within 200 miles of Meridian and average 8 hours or less. Deacon Steve Owen

Vestry HighlightsMembers

Sr. Warden, 2018Michael VanVeckhoven

Jr. Warden, 2019Ray Martin

Class of 2018 Class of 2019 Class of 2020

Alice James, Treasurer Paige Brooks, Clerk

Susan KirchheferCarolyn MitchellDaniel Wile

Ann GlazarGayle Gray

Clifton Quinn

Beth CalderonPat Downey

James Weems

• The mutual ministry review for Fr. Morris' rectorship will begin in February with a meeting with Canon Stephens

• The Finance Committee presented the Vestry the 2018 budget, and it was approved. Budget has grown by nearly 10%

• Endowment committee met with Winky Glover to begin drafting of the Mediator Legacy Society Endowment.

• Vestry finished business early and departed for a Christmas party at Fr. Morris' home

Senior Warden Nominee

Bill Scaggs has been a member of Mediator since 1981. He is a regular attendee of the 10:30 service, and can be found leading the adult Sunday school lectionary based class, participating in the Priest's book club, and at our Wednesday parish suppers. Bill was nominated by Mediator's outgoing senior warden, Michael VanVeckhoven.

Vestry Nominees (3 positions open)Brenda Easterwood has been a member of Mediator since 1980. While enjoying many roles in the past, she is currently a member of the slaw crew (where she served as chair this year), a member of the choir, vacation Bible school teacher, EfM student, and member of the altar guild. She raised two daughters and currently five grandchildren in this church. Brenda was nominated by Gayle Gray.

Ross Goodin has been a member of Mediator since 2004. Ross can often be seen at the 10:30 service alongside his wife, Amy, and sons Bo (12) and Jake (8). He is active in the men's group fundraisers and Annual BBQ. Ross was nominated by Carolyn Mitchell and Julia Claire Mitchell

Fred Wile has been a member of Mediator since 1980. In his past he has served as a vestry member, BBQ chairman alongside his wife Sissie, and as a member of the choir. In the Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi he served as a member of the Gray Center Board. Fred was nominated by Barbara Thomas.

Regular Parish ActivitiesJanuary Food Pantry ItemsJan. 10 canned or powdered milkJan. 17 canned or dry beans Jan. 24 canned meatJan. 31 peanut butter

Adult Sunday SchoolCome check out our lectionary based Adult Sunday School in the Parlor Room. Each Sunday we will tackle the assigned weekly readings through reflection and discussion. Sunday School will not meet on January 28.

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.

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.

Centering PrayerCome experience Centering Prayer on Monday evenings at 5:30 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.

Choir Mediator is always on the lookout for more members in our growing choir. We are especially in need of men's voices. Practices are Wednesdays at 6:30 pm.

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.

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!

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!

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. 1 Issue Date January 2018

3831 35th Avenue · Meridian, MS 39305 · 601.483.3959

MARK YOUR CALENDARS January 21 Annual Parish Meeting January 26-28 191st Annual Council Southaven February 9 Annual Drawdown February 13 Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper February 14 Ash Wednesday April 1 Easter

Episcopal Youth Activities Diocesan News

EYC's Winter ScheduleJan. 7 Bowling 5-7 (All EYC'ers)Jan. 12 Overnight trip to Jackson for MLK Jr. Jan. 21 EYC @ St. Paul'sJan. 28 No EYC, Annual Council in SouthavenFeb. 4 Super Bowl Party at St. Paul'sFeb. 11 EYC @ Mediator (All EYC'ers)Feb. 13 Shrove Tuesday Pancake DinnerFeb. 18 EYC @ St. Paul's (separate)Feb. 25 EYC @ Mediator (combined)

Wednesday Night ActivitiesEvery Wednesday evening our 5th through 12th grade youth are invited to participate in the NOOMA video series. NOOMA is a short video hosted by Rob Bell that leads groups into deep discussion about finding God in their everyday life.

191st Annual CouncilThe 191st Annual Council of the Diocese of Mississippi is taking place January 26-28 in Southaven. If you have never been to council, we encourage you to come and experience the excitement of the Episcopal Church in Mississippi!

If you are staying back home, please know that there will only be one service on Sunday, January 28, at 10:30 am. The Rev. Harriet Simmons will preach and celebrate the Eucharist.

Mediator's RepresentativesMorris ThompsonSteve OwenAnn Glazar(Our new senior warden)

Bob GlazarLou RawsonSally Scaggs

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