What is TME-News?

TME-News is a bi-weekly e-newsletter from the Diocese designed to quickly share the latest events and happenings. It'll arrive in your inbox every other Wednesday. This e-newsletter complements The Mississippi Episcopalian magazine, which will continue to be published online monthly, focusing on in-depth features and inspiring faith stories.If you have ideas for inspirational faith stories from our Diocese to share with our Diocesan family, please email msepiscopalian@dioms.org. 

• Subscribe: If you've received this e-newsletter as a forward or seen it on Facebook and would like to subscribe, click HERE.
• Share your news - if you have an upcoming event at your church, ministry, or school that you'd like to share with the Diocesan family, click HERE or on the purple button bar below.

Events are listed chronologically and categorized as follows:

• FELLOWSHIP: Social activities
• FORMATION: Events related to our faith journey (individual or communal)
• ARTS: Arts-related events
• YOUTH: Youth events
• COMMUNITY: Events for and/or by the community
• EDUCATIONAL: Learning events

NOTE: We have many exciting events! You may need to click "view entire message" or [Message clipped] View entire message at the bottom of this email to see them all.

Forward Day by Day

Daily Devotions

FORMATION

Daily, December 1 - 31, 2025

Online

The December Forward Day by Day Daily Devotions will be by Bishop Wells. To access these devotions online, simply visit the website via the link, and select the blue square labeled "Forward Day by Day."

Wednesdays in Advent

FORMATION

Wednesdays in Advent

beginning Wednesday, December 3, 2025

6:00 PM

St Patrick's, Long Beach

321 N Cleveland

Long Beach, MS 39560

This Advent, take a moment for reflection and peace with a series of special services at St. Patrick's, Long Beach. All events begin at 6:00 PM.

• December 3rd: Walking a Labyrinth - Find peace as you journey the painted canvas path in our sanctuary. This is an invitation to lay aside your concerns and contemplate the journey ahead.
• December 10th: Eucharistic Adoration & Benediction - Join us for a deeply contemplative and meditative service of Adoration before the Most Blessed Sacrament. A beautiful way to focus your spirit this season.
• December 17th: When Christmas Hurts (A Blue Christmas Service) -When the nights are long and the season is difficult, we gather to give space to grief and loneliness. In the midst of darkness, we will light candles and remember those we miss.

All are welcome! We look forward to sharing these sacred moments with you as we await the light of Christ.

Blue Christmas Mass

FORMATION

Wednesday, December 10, 2025

6:30 PM

St. Peter's by-the-Lake, Brandon

1954 Spillway Road

Brandon, MS 39047

A Blue Christmas Service is offered especially for those hurting during the holidays. It’s often offered on the longest night of the year or at other times during the holiday season.

Some come because they are mourning the death of a loved one. Some are far from home. Some suffer from illness, addiction, or estrangement. Some are lonely, struggling financially, or in conflict with another. Some hurt because of the great pain, need, and violence in our nation and world. The reasons for coming are many.

We gather in the midst of suffering to remember God is good. God is strong. God is near. We are not alone, and we have every reason to hold on to hope.

Please join us for prayers of hope and healing. We will have our service on Wednesday, December 10th at 6:30 PM. All are welcome.

Entering the Ark of Advent:

A Contemplative Retreat

FORMATION

Saturday, December 13, 2025

8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

St. Alban's, Bovina

5930 Warriors Trail

Vicksburg, MS 39180

Now is the time—we are told in the lectionary readings of Advent—to waken from sleep (Rom. 13), to stand within the gates of Jerusalem (Ps. 122), and to enter, like Noah, with faith into the dark ark of unknowing (Matt. 24). In contemplative prayer, we will take up these commendations as meditative instructions.

Join retreat leader David Prichard, Episcopalian and Buddhist practitioner, for a contemplative Advent retreat on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 8:30 AM-4:30 PM at St. Alban's, Bovina. Cost $25, or what you are able to pay, with meals provided. Register through the QR code on the flyer or by calling the church office at 601-636-6687.

Rededication of Chapel of the Cross,

Rolling Fork

FORMATION

Saturday, December 13, 2025

11:00 AM

Chapel of the Cross, Rolling Fork

35 McLaurin Avenue

Rolling Fork, MS 39159

You are warmly invited to join the community for the Rededication of the Chapel of the Cross Episcopal Church in Rolling Fork. This special service marks a new chapter for the Chapel of the Cross in Rolling Fork, and we hope you will be present to celebrate this moment of renewal and faith.

Contemplation Spirituality 101:

An Intro to Contemplative Pray

FORMATION

Sunday, December 14, 2025, and

Sunday, December 21, 2025

2:00 - 4:00 PM

St. Philip's, Jackson

5400 Old Canton Road

Jackson, MS 39211

Have you wanted to learn about Contemplative Spirituality and didn't know where to start? Have you thought that Contemplative Spirituality means only sitting around?

This Advent, join the Revs. Les Hegwood and Marie Smith as they lead a two-week exploration of Contemplative Spirituality in all its various forms. We'll be covering practices you may automatically think about as a part of Contemplative Spirituality, and some you may have never thought of as such!

We'll meet in the Parish Hall on Sunday, December 14th and Sunday, December 21st from 2:00 - 4:00 PM. Bring yourselves and an open mind! For planning purposes, please register via the provided link.

For more information, contact the Rev. Les Hegwood at les@stphilipsjackson.com or the Rev. Marie Smith at stphilipsjackson.com

#allarewelcome

Second Sundays at St. Mary's, Bolton

FORMATION

Sunday, December 14, 2025

3:00 PM

St. Mary's, Bolton

209 E. Madison Street

Bolton, MS 39041

Mark your calendars for an afternoon of worship and music as we prepare our hearts for Christmas. Join us for Second Sundays at St. Mary's on December 14th at 3:00 PM for a traditional Holy Eucharist service, celebrated by the Rev. Canon Gary Meade with Harvey Smith as the Lay Worship Leader.

Following the service, immerse yourself in the joyful sounds of the season with a special musical feature, "Hark, The Glad Sound; The Savior Comes," with beautiful Advent Melodies performed by: Allison Jenkins, Vocalist; Sid Champion, Piano; and Matthew Magee, Violin.

It’s the perfect opportunity to pause, reflect, and enjoy inspiring music in community. Stay after the service! A reception will follow in the Terry Brantley Parish Hall.

Holiday Services

FORMATION

Community Christmas Cantata: December 14th, 7:00 PM at First Baptist

Longest Night Service: Wednesday, December 17th, 5:15 PM

Christmas Eve Eucharist: Wednesday, December 24th, 5:15 PM

Christmas Day Eucharist: Thursday, December 25th, 5:15 PM

Holy Name Day: Wednesday, December 31st, 5:15 PM

Epiphany, Tunica

1061 Shady Lane

Tunica, MS 38676

If you're in the Top of the Delta, join us at Epiphany for worship during various holy days in Advent and Christmas. We'll have the heat on for you.

Advent Lessons and Carols

COMMUNITY

Sunday, December 14, 2025

6:00 PM

St. Philip's, Jackson

5400 Old Canton Road

Jackson, MS 39211

All are welcome to join the St. Philip's Choir on Sunday, December 14th, at 6:00 PM as they present their annual Advent Festival of Lessons and Carols. Featuring new and timeless works, we welcome you to take a break during this hectic season and fill your cup with us.

#allarewelcome

Dickens Dinner

FELLOWSHIP

Thursday, December 18, 2025

6:00 PM

St. Philip's, Jackson

5400 Old Canton Road

Jackson, MS 39211

Our Annual Dickens Dinner will be on Thursday, December 18th, at 6:00 PM. Melanie Williams and her team are hard at work preparing for an evening of merriment and wonderful food!

The cost for the event is $15 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under. All meals can be pre-purchased through the link below. You should click on the dropdown menu for "Parish Life", and then note "Dickens Dinner" in the memo line. In addition, you are welcome to come by the church and pay in cash or by check. All reservations and payments must be submitted no later than Tuesday, December 16th, at noon.

If the cost is prohibitive for you, please call the office and let us know - we have a place set for you, and don't want anyone to miss this! As always, if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact Christy Howell in the church office.

Rededication of Christ Church,

Church Hill

FORMATION

Saturday, December 20, 2025

11:00 AM

Christ Church, Church Hill

57 Church Hill Road

Natchez, MS 39120

We welcome one and all to celebrate the rededication of the Mother Church of Mississippi.  

Christmas Lessons and Carols

COMMUNITY

Sunday, December 21, 2025

4:00 PM

St. James', Jackson

3921 Oak Ridge Drive

Jackson, MS 39216

Join us for a service of Christmas Lessons and Carols. The service of Nine Lessons and Carols originated at Truro Cathedral in the second half of the 19th century and has become one of the most beloved choral services of the season. Our service will feature traditional carols and anthems, as well as some newer works that we are certain will become favorites. All are welcome, and a reception will follow the service.  

Living Nativity

FELLOWSHIP

Sunday, December 21, 2025

5:00 PM

St. Alban's, Bovina

5930 Warriors Trail

Vicksburg, MS 39180

Come and experience the Christmas story with live animals in the bucolic setting of Bovina! Beginning at 5:30 PM, the Nativity story will come to life in the Outdoor Chapel. The Nativity play will be reprised at 6:15 PM, and anyone is welcome to put on a costume and join in the story. If you would like to participate, please arrive by 5:00 PM.

The Eve of the Nativity

FORMATION

Wednesday, December 24, 2025

3:00 PM, and

10:45 PM

All Saints', Tupelo

608 Jefferson Street

Tupelo, MS 38804

Join us as we celebrate the Eve of the Nativity on Tuesday, December 24th:

• 3:00 PM - Holy Eucharist service for all ages! A nursery will be provided.
• 10:45 PM - "Midnight Mass" service featuring the All Saints' Choir.

St. Columb's Christmas Eve Services

FORMATION

Wednesday, December 24, 2025

5:00 PM, and

10:30 PM

St. Columb's, Ridgeland

550 Sunnybrook Road

Ridgeland, MS 39157

Get ready for a beautiful Christmas Eve at St. Columb's Episcopal Church! Join us for our Family Christmas Service at 5:00 PM on December 24th, featuring our special Christmas Pageant, youth performances, and a children's sermon. If you prefer a late-night service, our Midnight Mass begins at 10:30 PM, with Christmas Hymns, Holy Incense, and Anglican Chant.

The Eve of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ

FORMATION

Wednesday, December 24, 2025

9:00 PM

St. Mark's, Jackson

903 Dr. Robert Smith, Sr. Parkway

Jackson, MS 39203

Join us for a joy-filled, candlelight evening of worship, music, and fellowship as we celebrate the beautiful story of the birth of our Lord and Savior. We might even throw in some hot chocolate or hot cider!

Winter Solstice

at Camp Bratton-Green

YOUTH

December 27, 2025 - January 1, 2026

Camp Bratton-Green

1530 Way Road

Canton, MS 39046

Winter Solstice is a mid-winter camping experience for 9 - 12 graders at Camp Bratton-Green. WS is a bit different in that it is more low-key and provides significant time for conversation about God, teen-age life and other topics of interest. All are welcome! Scholarships are available. Registration and applications for staff can be found at www.graycenter.org/camp.bratton.green.

"Before the Streetlights Come On" Book Study

EDUCATIONAL

Tuesdays in January

Tuesday, January 6, 2026

Tuesday, January 13, 2026

Tuesday, January 20, 2026

Tuesday, January 27, 2026

12:00 noon - 1:00 PM

Online via Zoom

Join us for a meaningful book study of "Before the Streetlights Come On" by Heather McTeer Toney! This powerful book explores why Black people and other minorities are disproportionately affected by the climate crisis. The discussion will be facilitated by the Rev. Joe Porter.

This is a critical conversation for Creation Care. Don't miss out!

For questions, please email tracy.stebbins@gmail.com

The first three people to register will receive a copy of the book!

Small Church Collaborative

Monthly Zoom Meeting

EDUCATIONAL

Tuesday, January 6, 2026

2:00 PM

Online via Zoom

Start 2026 organized! Join the next Small Church Collaborative meeting on Tuesday, January 6, at 2:00 PM via Zoom for "Getting Organized for the New Year," with the Rev. Canon Gary Meade. He will cover new audit guidelines and parochial reports.



Email emalphurs@stalbansbovina.org for the link to join.

Wednesdays with Invite Welcome Connect Webinar Series

EDUCATIONAL



Wednesday, January 21, 2026

1:00 PM, Central

Online via Zoom

The Invite Welcome Connect Small Congregations Webinar Series continues with a session on January 21, 1:00 PM, Central with Steps for the Future, with presenters: Mary MacGregor and Jenni Faires of the Diocese of Southwestern Virginia.

Inviting persons to our churches is a significant act of evangelism for Episcopalians and is critical for our future. Invite Welcome Connect thoroughly looks at what we need to consider when we are about this task and has tools and processes you can utilize as part of this effort. Small churches don’t need to feel overwhelmed as they consider how they can help their parishioners do this critical ministry. Mary and Jenni will discuss the ministry of Invite and share a special assessment tool designed for small congregations to establish a baseline for creating faithful steps for its future.

199th Annual Council

of the Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi

Friday, January 30 - Saturday, January 31, 2026

St. Andrew's Episcopal School, North Campus

Ridgeland, MS

Registration opens soon!

Iona Collaborative's

Community Conversations

EDUCATIONAL

Thursday, February 5, 2025

6:30 - 7:30 PM, Central

Online via Zoom

These aren't just webinars. They are monthly online gatherings designed for leaders like you to connect with others who truly understand the unique joys and struggles of leading a small church. Think of it as a virtual coffee hour, where you can find encouragement, share what's on your heart, and be nourished for the journey ahead.

Each hour-long session is a dedicated time for spiritual reflection, a short, insightful presentation, and intimate breakout conversations with fellow leaders from across the country. Guided by experienced spiritual directors, these small group discussions are a chance to hear how other churches are navigating similar challenges and to leave with fresh insights and renewed hope.

Mark your calendars for our upcoming gatherings:

• February 5, 2026
• March 12, 2026
• April 16, 2026

All conversations take place on Zoom from 6:30 - 7:30 PM, Central.

Whether you're a pastor, a diocesan staff member, or simply someone who believes in the power of small churches, you are welcome here. Renew your hope, find your people, and get ready for the road ahead. Ready to join the conversation? We can't wait to see you there!

YAC Retreat

FELLOWSHIP

Friday, February 27 - Sunday, March 1, 2026

Gray Center + Camp Bratton-Green

1530 Way Road

Canton, MS 39046

Mark your calendars for the Young Adult Committee (YAC) Retreat from Friday, February 27, to Sunday, March 1, 2026. This is your perfect chance to hit the reset button, connect with community, and enjoy a weekend focused on renewal. Stay tuned! We'll be sharing more info soon. Get ready to join us!

Diocesan Youth Events

YOUTH

Calling all youth! Get ready for an incredible Spring 2026 filled with faith, community, and fun with Diocesan Youth Events!

Registration for Happening, Jr. High DOY, and Sr. High DOY open January 1, 2026.

Happening #100

at St. Andrew's Cathedral, Jackson

March 6 - 8, 2026

Jr. High DOY

at Camp Bratton-Green + Gray Center

March 27 - 29, 2026

Sr. High DOY

at Camp Bratton-Green + Gray Center

April 24 - 26, 2026

For more information on other upcoming youth events, and how to get involved, please visit diomsyouth.org.

Cursillo

FORMATION

Friday, May 1 - Saturday, May 3, 2026

Gray Center + Camp Bratton-Green

1530 Way Road

Canton, MS 39046

Join us for a transformative weekend of faith and community at Gray Center! What to Expect? Spiritual growth, community bonding, and a revamped-yet-familiar experience!

Space is limited! Registration deadline is April 1, 2026. To attend, you need a recommendation from a Sponsor and your Church Priest. Start the conversation and prayerfully consider joining us!

Christmas Clergy Supply Needs

Friends,

If you are a clergy member available to supply at a church this Christmas — or are looking for a priest or deacon to lead worship — please let me know.

Blessings,

Gary+

2025 Advent and Christmas Resources

from the National Episcopal Church

In Luke’s telling of the Christmas story, startled shepherds are the first to hear that good news of great joy given to all people. Since then, through generations and generations, across the world, we keep sharing this Good News, receiving signs from God that, in the coming of Jesus Christ, we have received the greatest gift of all.  



The Episcopal Church wants to help you and your congregation share that Good News with each other and your neighborhoods, especially this Advent and Christmas. Find our free resources based on invitation, the Way of Love, racial reconciliation, faith formation, and more.

Sixteen Resources for Advent

from ECF

Advent is right around the corner, beginning this year on Sunday, November 30, just after Thanksgiving. To help you celebrate this sometimes overlooked season, the ECF Vital Practices team has collected sixteen resources from across the Episcopal community, including calendars, prayers, coloring pages, toolkits, and more. We hope you enjoy this upcoming season to pause and reflect on the hopeful miracle that is to come.

Communique, Fall 2025

EDUCATIONAL

The latest Communique, the publication of the National Episcopal Church Women (NECW), is officially out!

Inside this edition, be sure to check out some Mississippi mentions -

• The message from 2nd Vice President NECW, our own Gloria Rogers.
• The incredible work being done at the Environmental Learning Center and how St. Mark's, Jackson is contributing to its success.

Daily Office with the Marble School

FORMATION

Daily, ongoing

Online via Zoom



The Daily Office is an excellent spiritual discipline.

The A. C. Marble School prays Morning Prayer, Noonday Prayer, Evening Prayer, and Compline every day. You can join others in prayer from your home or office. You can join on your computer, smart phone, or tablet.

Once a week? Once a day? So many options!

For more information on Chapel at the Marble School: https://acmarble.dioms.org/chapel.html

Register your ECW or Women's Ministry with the National ECW



The National ECW is asking all parish and diocesan Episcopal Church Women (ECW) and Women Ministries to register their group. We need your contact information to better serve you. As they gather this list of ministries, they will be able to assist those groups that register with a wider umbrella of support services.

Daily Evening Prayer

with St. Patrick's, Long Beach

FORMATION

Weekdays, ongoing

6:00 - 6:30 PM

Online via Zoom with Phone-in Option



Join Us for Daily Evening Prayer. Take a few minutes to pause and reflect with us during Evening Prayer (Rite II). St. Patrick's Episcopal Church in Long Beach, MS, hosts this service online via Zoom every weekday from 6:00 to 6:30 PM.



Joining is Simple. On Your Computer or Mobile Device: Just click this link to enter the meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89493661876?pwd=Vnz0pFdMjHCxjqtxLsp8vnCc80rzgR.1

Alternatively, you can manually enter

• Meeting ID: 894 9366 1876
• Passcode: 379056

Joining by Phone: No internet connection is needed to join.

• Dial (312) 626-6799 (long-distance charges may apply).
• Enter the Meeting ID (894 9366 1876) and press #.
• Press # again when prompted for a personal ID.
• Enter the Passcode (379056) and press #.

Want the Daily Readings? If you'd like to get the readings sent directly to your inbox, just email Jason Trumble at sacristanstpatrickslongbeach@gmail.com to be added to the list.

2026 UTO Grant Application:

Justice and Bridging Divides

EDUCATIONAL

The United Thank Offering (UTO) is accepting applications for its 2026 grants. This year's focus, Justice and Bridging Divides, is inspired by the scripture from Amos 5:24, "But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream," and C.S. Lewis’s reflection on transcending our individual selves to understand and connect with others.

The UTO Board seeks applications that go beyond simple dialogue and inspire action undertaken together by those who are different.

Project Requirements

We will fund projects that build bridges and work toward a more just world. Your application must demonstrate the following:

• Collaboration: How two previously disconnected groups will work together on the project.
• Local Impact: How the project will create meaningful change within a local community.
• Focus on Process: We recognize that success may not be measured by specific outcomes, but by the learning and growth that happens through the collective work and process.

The UTO acknowledges the deep, ongoing harm experienced by marginalized people and the resulting divisions in our world. We seek to fund projects that address this trauma and build bridges in the pursuit of a more just world.

Application Details

• Materials Available: The updated application materials for 2026 will be available starting June 1, 2025.
• Submission Deadline: The application is typically due to the diocesan office on the first Friday in January 2026 by 5:00 p.m. The diocese can submit one grant from its office and one from a companion diocese.
• Grant Writing Resources: For more information on grants and to access webinars on grant writing, visit the official UTO websites: http://www.unitedthankoffering.com and http://www.episcopalchurch.org/uto.

Episcopal Recovery Program

COMMUNITY



Check out the website dedicated to supporting addiction recovery within our community. This includes an ever-growing directory of meetings held at churches throughout the diocese and recovery resources. Visit the site today and discover the resources available to help those within our diocese. Let's work together to foster healing and hope.

Update Your Congregation's Contact for Children/Youth Formation

YOUTH

It's that time of year again! Please let me know if there have been any changes in who the best person is to receive information about children and/or youth formation in your congregation. Please use this link to let Whitney know if there are any changes. If not, the same contacts as last year will be used.

Creation Care News

Are you ready to dig deep and sow some seeds of change? We invite you to sign up for our diocesan Creation Care Task Force Monthly newsletter, where we share news, ideas, and inspiration from the Diocese of Mississippi and beyond! 

Every month, you'll receive a delightful bouquet of tips and resources to help you nurture our beautiful planet and bring about the Kingdom of God on Earth right here, right now!  

Ministry Opportunities at Allin House

The Diocese of Mississippi is seeking to fill two positions of ministry in the Diocesan office: Executive Assistant to the Bishop and Diocesan Program Administrator. Click on the titles for detailed job descriptions, or contact Canon Gary Meade more information or to recommend a person for either position. 

Applicants are asked to send a letter of interest accompanied by a resume and list of references by email Canon Gary Meade or mailed to his attention at: The Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi, P.O. Box 23107, Jackson, MS 39225-3107.