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

We have many exciting events! You may need to click "view entire message" at the bottom of this email to see them all.

September is National Recovery Month!

This month, we celebrate the strength of individuals in recovery and the incredible communities and providers who support them. It's a time to raise awareness about mental health and substance use disorders, and to honor the dedication of those who make recovery possible.

Let's work together and show our support for people on their recovery journey. Recovery is real, and it's something to be celebrated!

Be on the lookout for 12 Step Eucharists happening all around the Diocese.

Check out these recovery resources -

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Find treatment and support services at https://www.samhsa. gov/
• Recovery Ministries of the Episcopal Church: Learn more about this ministry of the National Church dedicated to addiction and recovery at https://www.episcopalrecovery.org/ 
• Episcopal Recovery Program of MS: Get support within our Episcopal community and access an ever-growing list of meetings at Episcopal Churches by visiting https://erpms.org/.
• Area 37 Mississippi Assembly of Alcoholics Anonymous: Find local AA meetings in Mississippi at https://aa-mississippi.org/
• Mississippi Al-Anon: Get support for families and friends of people with alcohol use disorder at https://msafg.org/

Praying with Creation

Daily Devotions for the Season of Creation

FORMATION

Daily, Monday, September 1 - Saturday, October 4, 2025

You're invited to sign up for NEW Daily Devotions for the 2025 #SeasonofCreation - delivered to you by email each day September 1st - October 4th!

This is an offering of the Province 1 (New England) Episcopal EcoRegion. Each day of the Season of Creation participants will receive an email which highlights a different species in New England/ Province 1 ecosystems. Each email will include a photo, a brief description of the species for the day, a few thoughts on how the species reflects our image of God, and a closing prayer.

Many thanks to an Episcopal Path to Creation Justice, the Province One EcoRegion, the Creation Care Team of ECCT, and the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts.

Game Night

FELLOWSHIP

Thursday, September 18, 2025

6:00 p.m.

St. Pierre's, Gautier

4412 Gautier-Vancleave Rd.

Gautier, MS 39553

Mark your calendars! We're having a GAME NIGHT on Thursday, September 18. It'll be a fun night of games and good company. Join us at 6:00 pm in Bridges Hall. All are welcome!

We are looking for hosts for game night. If you would like to host a month(s), please email stpierreschurch@gmail.com.

Grief Support Group

EDUCATIONAL, COMMUNITY

Wednesdays

2:00 p.m.

St. Thomas, Diamondhead

5303 Diamondhead Cir.

Diamondhead, MS 39525

St. Thomas Episcopal Church will be hosting the Fall Grief Support Group starting Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at 2:00 p.m.. The Support Group typically meets for 6 weeks and the sessions last for about an hour. The program will provide information to help grieving individuals understand the overwhelming feelings that accompany a loss, as well as coping skills to deal with them. We can more effectively deal with grief and move through it when we are in a safe environment with others who are also dealing with similar experiences.

If you have had a loss that is difficult for you to cope with please join us on Wednesday September 3. We are located at 5303 Diamondhead Circle across from the Diamondhead Community Center. All are welcome!

For further information please call Cornelia at 228-363-2211 or St. Thomas Church at 255-9213

“The Gospel and Ted Lasso”

A 3 Week Study and Potluck Dinner

COMMUNITY, FORMATION



Sunday, September 21, 2025

Sunday, September 28, 2025

Sunday, October 5, 2025

5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

St. Philip's, Jackson

5400 Old Canton Rd

Jackson, MS 39211

Mark your calendars for September 21st, 28th, and October 5th from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. and join us for The Gospel and Ted Lasso: A 3-week study and potluck dinner. During this study, we'll be looking at Scripture, clips of the show "Ted Lasso," and how God and the Gospel are speaking to us through the characters. Each week will center on a different theme, and a Nursery will be provided for those with children younger than PreYC and EYC ages. For those who cannot attend, we will be streaming the sessions, and you don't have to attend all of them to get something out of it.

Nursery registration is required to ensure proper staffing.

FYI: the show has adult language.

Youth Delegate Election

YOUTH



Sunday, September 21, 2025

4:00 p.m.

Online via Zoom

On Sunday, September 21 at 4:00 p.m., youth in our diocese will all gather together on a Zoom call hosted by the diocese to elect all of the Convocational Youth Delegates to Annual Council.

We'll begin by all meeting together with the Bishop and then breakout into zoom rooms by Convocation with the Deans (or other designated leader) to hold each election.

Once the elections are over, we'll gather back together for a blessing.

Individual youth can log-on to the Zoom or if groups of youth (i.e. an EYC) want to log-on together, they can do so.

Jackson-Area Young Adult Night

FELLOWSHIP



Tuesday, September 23, 2025

6:00 p.m.

Fertile Ground Brewery

800 Manship St, Suite 100

Jackson, MS 39202

Calling ALL Jackson-area Episcopal Young Adults! Join us for an evening of fellowship at Fertile Ground Brewery on September 23 from 6:00 -8:00 p.m. Your first drink of choice (beer or non-alcoholic beverages available) and Poppy's Pies pizza is on us! RSVP via email to Rev. Deacon Gabbie Munn at gmunn@stcolumbs.org.

Pumpkin Patch

at St. Philip's, Jackson

COMMUNITY



starting September 24, 2025

St. Philip's, Jackson

5400 Old Canton Rd

Jackson, MS 39211

It's almost time! St. Philip's Annual Pumpkin Patch is opening soon!

Join us for fall fun, pumpkins of all shapes and sizes, and Jackson's biggest pumpkin patch.

Wednesdays with Invite Welcome Connect Webinar Series

EDUCATIONAL



Wednesdays starting September 24, 2025

1:00 p.m., central

Online via Zoom

Join us for an Introduction to Invite Welcome Connect with Facilitator: Steve Welch, Executive Director, IWC, and a Special Guest.

Curious about what Invite Welcome Connect is all about? Join us for an overview of this ministry that has helped congregations across the Episcopal Church grow in faithful invitation, genuine hospitality, and deep connection. Clergy and lay people alike will gain insight into making their churches true beacons for evangelism, hospitality, and belonging in their communities. Perfect for anyone seeking fresh energy for welcoming and connecting in their parish.

This is one session of a free Webinar Series on Evangelism, Hospitality, and Belonging. Looking for fresh energy in your congregation’s ministry of invitation, hospitality, and belonging? Join us for Wednesdays with Invite Welcome Connect, a free webinar series designed for congregations of all sizes—especially small churches seeking practical, doable steps. Led by experienced trainers and ministry leaders, these interactive Zoom sessions will inspire, equip, and encourage you to extend a warmer welcome and deepen the bonds of community. Register for one or more sessions (or all of them!) and you’ll receive recordings afterward to share with your team.

Recovery Sunday: 12 Step Eucharist

FORMATION, COMMUNITY

Wednesday, September 24, 2025

5:15 p.m.

Epiphany, Tunica

1061 Shady Ln

Tunica, MS 38676

Our Bishop has called on us this month to celebrate the strength of individuals in recovery and the incredible communities and providers who support them.  On Wednesday, September 24th, we will hold a 12 Step Eucharist in communion with those of us in recovery and those of us impacted by those with substance use disorders. All members of the community are invited to join us for this special service.  

Blessing of Law Enforcement

FORMATION, COMMUNITY



Wednesday, September 24, 2025

5:30 p.m.

St. John's, Laurel

541 North 5th Ave.

Laurel, MS 39441

Join us for Evensong with Blessing of Law Enforcement. Dinner for Law Enforcement and Families will be held in the Parish Hall at 6:15 p.m.

Christian Climate Training

EDUCATIONAL

Saturday, September 27, 2025

10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Central

Online via Zoom

Are you ready to turn your faith into action for creation care? 

We're so proud to announce that Tracy Stebbins, co-chair of our own diocesan Creation Care Task Force, is one of the facilitators for this important training! And guess what? The Episcopal Church has the most sign-ups of any denomination so far! Let's keep that momentum going!

Join us for the Christian Climate Training with Blessed Tomorrow to gain the knowledge, resources, and confidence to speak and act on climate change in your community and beyond. This training is free, practical, inspiring, and rooted in both faith and science.

This training is open to all who are called by their faith to care for all that is sacred, including the earth and all its creatures.

Ready to register? Secure your spot and join the movement!

St. Francis Blessing of the Animals

at St. Elizabeth's, Collins

FORMATION



Sunday, September 28, 2025

10:00 a.m.

St. Elizabeth's, Collins

1201 South 4th Street

Collins, MS 39428

Join us for our annual St. Francis Blessing of the Animals! 🐾

Bring your beloved pets—leashed or in a carrier—for a special service of blessing and gratitude. Stuffed animals and photos of pets are also welcome.

The service will be held in the beautiful Memorial Garden Chapel behind the church. Open to everyone!

Recovery Sunday: Holy Eucharist Rite II

with 12 Steps of Recovery

FORMATION, COMMUNITY

Sunday, September 28, 2025

11:00 a.m.

St. John's, Aberdeen

402 W. Commerce Street

Aberdeen, MS 39730

We are joining with congregations across the Diocese in observing Recovery Sunday. Anyone who struggles with addiction, either for themselves or alongside a loved one, is invited to join us for worship as we honor those who have courageously entered recovery. We will recognize those who continue to suffer with addiction. Our worship this day will remind each of us that God meets us with grace no matter our needs. Even addiction cannot separate us from God's grace, love, and life.

One Flock, Knitting and Needlework Group

FELLOWSHIP

Wednesday, October 1, 2025

First Wednesdays of every month

3:30 - 5:00 p.m.

St. Stephen's, Indianola

205 East Gresham St.

Indianola, MS 38751

The One Flock, Knitting and Needlework Group meets on the first Wednesday of the month from 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church.

Bring your needles or hooks, your yarn or thread, or your desire to learn a stitch or two! All are welcome!

I have other sheep, also...so there will be one flock, one shepherd. John 10:16

Ladies Spiritual Retreat

with Rev. Jennifer Holder

based on Anne Lamott's Book Help Thanks Wow

FORMATION



Friday, October 3 - Saturday, October 4, 2025

8:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

Nativity, Water Valley

609 N Main St.

Water Valley, MS 38965

The Ladies of Nativity of Water Valley, MS are hosting a ladies' spiritual retreat facilitated by Rev. Jennifer Holder. The retreat will be based on Anne Lamott's book Help Thanks Wow - Three essential prayers. Lamott is an author full of wit and teeming with life experiences she readily shares. She leads readers into spiritual exploration along with her by her comfortable writing styles.

Rev. Jennifer Holder, a retired priest who makes her home in Hattiesburg is the retreat leader. She attends Trinity Episcopal Church there and also serves as a supply priest around the Diocese of MS. Jennifer moved to Mississippi from Texas in 2023 where she had been a deacon and hospital chaplain in Dallas, the priest for Canterbury House at Texas Tech University in Lubbock and rector of St. Christopher's Episcopal Church.

"I am very excited to lead this retreat. It evolved from chats with new friends made at Cursillo 138 in April. I have used this amazingly simple primer on prayer for several retreats and it often shapes my own prayers. It has drawn me closer to God. I hope it ca help others, too, " Mother Jennifer said.

Invitations have been extended to participants in Cursillo 138 as well as St. Peter's Oxford. If anyone is interested in joining us, please let us know by 9/22/25. Please contact nativitywatervalley@gmail.com or Kathy Shoalmire at (662) 801-6695.

Annual Rummage Sale

COMMUNITY



Saturday, October 4, 2025

8:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

St. Mark's, Raymond

Parish Hall

109 N. Oak Street

Raymond, MS 39154

Join us for a giant garage sale with items for the whole family! We'll have everything from furniture and home goods to toys and clothes. All proceeds support our church's community efforts. Bring your friends and family and get ready to shop!

ECW Fall Meeting

A Wonderful Morning with Bishop Wells

EDUCATIONAL, FORMATION



Saturday, October 4, 2025

9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

St. Christopher's, Jackson

643 Beasley Road

Jackson, MS

You're invited to a special event: "A Wonderful Morning with Bishop Wells!" The Episcopal Church Women Annual Fall Conference is happening on Saturday, October 4th. Join us from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for a time of connection and conversation.

Your $25 registration fee covers a delicious breakfast and lunch. Don't miss this opportunity to gather with fellow Episcopal women at St. Christopher's in Jackson (643 Beasley Rd).

We hope to see you there!

Blessing of the Animals

at Incarnation, West Point

COMMUNITY, FORMATION



Saturday, October 4, 2025

10:00 a.m.

Incarnation, West Point

505 W. Broad St.

West Point, MS 39773

All are invited to our annual Blessing of the Animals!

Bring your beloved pets to The Church of the Incarnation on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 10:00 AM. We'll be honoring the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals.

Please make sure your pets are on a leash or in a carrier. We can't wait to see you and your furry, scaly, or feathered friends!

Blessing of the Animals

at Grace, Canton

COMMUNITY, FORMATION



Sunday, October 5, 2025

10:00 a.m.

Grace, Canton

161 E Peace St

Canton, MS 39046

Grace Episcopal Church, 161 E Peace St., Canton, MS, will host its annual Blessing of the Animals, Sunday, October 5 during the 10:00 a.m. service. We will gather in the courtyard.

Blessing of the Animals

at St. Peter's, Oxford

COMMUNITY, FORMATION



Sunday, October 5, 2025

4:00 p.m.

St. Peter's, Oxford

113 South 9th Street

Oxford, MS 38655

Join us in our parking lot with your animal family members for a blessing!

Evensong

COMMUNITY

Sunday, October 5, 2025

4:00 p.m.

St. James', Jackson

3921 Oak Ridge Drive

Jackson, MS 39216

The Choir of St. James’ will offer a service of Evensong including David McKinley Williams’ “Now Are We Come to Eventide," responses by Paul Spicer, canticles by Thomas Attwood Walmisley, and Charles Woods’ setting of Longfellow’s “O Lord that Sees from Yon Starry Height. A reception will follow the service. All are welcome and we hope you will join us!

Blessing of the Animals

with the Episcopal Community of Meridian

COMMUNITY, FORMATION



Sunday October 5, 2025

5:00 p.m.

Mediator, Meridian

3825 35th Ave

Meridian, MS 39305

The Episcopal Community of Meridian invites you and your animal companions to the Blessing of the Animals to commemorate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. We will meet in the memorial garden of the Church of the Mediator for a brief service to give thanks to God for the gifts of God's creation and our furry/scaly/feathery friends. Please have your animals on a leash or in a carrier.

Small Church Collaborative

COMMUNITY, FORMATION



Tuesday, October 7, 2025

2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Online via Zoom

Join the Small Church Collaborative on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. for a special roundtable with Bishop Wells!

This is your chance to share your joys and challenges as a leader of a small church in Mississippi. Bishop Wells wants to hear from you and discuss how the Diocese can be a resource.

To get the Zoom link, please email emalphurs@stalbansbovina.org.

Mission Abundance

COMMUNITY



Thursday, October 9, 2025

5:30 p.m.

St. James', Jackson

3921 Oak Ridge Drive

Jackson, MS 39216

Gather a few friends, decorate your table as you choose, bring the sides you love best, and get ready for a fun evening! Cost of admission covers the protein for our dinner, prepared by the St. James' Saintly Chefs. To donate to the auction, please reach out to Kathryn at kathrynwise15@gmail.com. All proceeds will directly support St. James' outreach programs.

45th Annual Bluegrass Mass and Goat Roast

FELLOWSHIP



Sunday, October 12, 2025

10:30 a.m.

St. Philip's, Jackson

5400 Old Canton Road

Jackson, MS 39211

Please join us for our 45th Annual Bluegrass Mass and Goat Roast on Sunday, October 12th at 10:30 a.m. A beautiful Bluegrass Mass followed by lunch and music on the grounds!

Dinner on the Grounds

FELLOWSHIP



Sunday, October 12, 2025

12:00 noon

St. Alban's, Bovina

5930 Warriors Trail

Vicksburg, MS 39110

Come to the country for St. Alban's annual Dinner on the Grounds, Sunday, Oct. 12 from 12:00-2:00 p.m. following the 11:00 a.m. Eucharist. Featuring catfish plates, live music by Booth Buys, and the ECW Country Market, you are invited to an afternoon of good food and fellowship in Bovina. All proceeds benefit Lifting Lives Family Shelter. Tickets may be purchased for $15 each at the church by calling 601-636-6687 or online at stalbansbovina.org.

Daughters of the King Fall Assembly

EDUCATIONAL, FORMATION



Friday, October 17 to Saturday, October 18, 2025

St. Pierre, Gautier

4412 Gautier Vancleave Rd.

Gautier, MS 39553

Save the date for the Daughters of the King Fall Assembly!

Join us for a weekend of fellowship and spiritual growth, hosted by the Lydia Chapter of St. Pierre Episcopal Church in Gautier, MS. The weekend will begin on Friday, October 17, 2025, with a Fellowship Gathering. The assembly will continue on Saturday, October 18, 2025, with our Business Meeting, Guest Speaker, Holy Eucharist, and Lunch.

Coast Episcopal School’s

Toast to the Coast

COMMUNITY

Friday, October 17, 2025

7:00 p.m.

845 E Scenic Dr

Pass Christian, MS 39571

Toast to the Coast is Coast Episcopal ,School’s annual fundraiser. This year we’re celebrating the 75th Anniversary of CES educating children on the MS Gulf Coast. “A Diamond Jubilee” will take place on Friday, October 17, 2025 at 845 East Scenic Drive in Pass Christian, MS.

Over 30 Gulf Coast restaurants come together on the gorgeous beachfront property to wow event goers, along with specialty cocktails, silent auction, and local band Crow the Culprit will rock the stage.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available, visit our website for more information and to secure your tickets today!

St. Columb's Episcopal Church's

20th Anniversary Homecoming Drawdown

FELLOWSHIP

Saturday, October 18, 2025

6:00 - 11:00 p.m.

St. Columb's, Ridgeland

550 Sunnybrook Road

Ridgeland, MS 39157

Our 20th anniversary Homecoming Drawdown is a chance for us to celebrate 20 years of fun, fellowship, and giving back to our community. We are inviting sponsors, community, church and family members to join us for a good old-fashioned homecoming weekend. It is a great time to reconnect with anyone who has ever had a relationship (or wanted to have one) with St. Columb's.

Tickets for the drawdown can be purchased here: https://stcolumbs.wufoo.com/forms/q1vv0wh016zkmmg/

For more information, contact the church office at 601.853.0205.

Godly Play Core Training

in New Orleans

EDUCATIONAL

Friday, October 24 - Sunday, October 26, 2025

Trinity, New Orleans

1329 Jackson Ave.

New Orleans, LA 70130

Join us for an intensive 18-hour spiritual growth experience designed to equip participants as Godly Play leaders and practitioners. This hands-on training combines discovery learning with practical skill development in an atmosphere of prayer and play. Tuition $350.00.

Jack-O-Lantern Jam

COMMUNITY

Saturday, October 25, 2025

4:00 - 6:00 p.m.

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

1954 Spillway Road

Brandon, MS 39047

Jack-O-Lantern is scheduled for Saturday, October 25 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Our event is open to the community and we hope to have a lot of people attend our event.

We will have "Trunk or Treat", hot dogs and hamburgers, drinks, games, live music and lots of fun.

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

Daily Evening Prayer

with St. Patrick's, Long Beach

FORMATION

Weekdays, ongoing

6:00 - 6:30 p.m.

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 p.m.



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.

From our Creation Care Task Force

Season of Creation, A Celebration Guide for Episcopal Parishes

EDUCATIONAL, FORMATION

The celebration of this Season began in 1989 when Ecumenical Patriarch Dimitrios I established September 1 as a Day of Prayer for Creation for the Orthodox Church. The World Council of Churches extended the celebration to October 4th, the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi. The yearly themes, logos, and other resources are provided by the ecumenical organization to which we belong as members of the Anglican Communion.

At General Convention 2024, Resolution GC2024-D041 states:

Resolved, That the 81st General Convention encourage promotion of the first Sunday in September, 2024, as a special day of prayer for Creation, and encourage congregations and other worshiping communities to use resources from the Liturgical Materials Honoring God in Creation found in the Book of Occasional Services 2022 to celebrate this special day of prayer; and be it further

Resolved, That the 81st General Convention encourage celebration of the Season of Creation (September 1-October 4) in The Episcopal Church with liturgical and educational resources; and be it further,

Read the full Resolution here - https://www.vbinder.net/resolutions/694?house=HD&lang=en

Liturgical resources for celebrating the season from September 1st, the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, to October 4th, Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, with a perennial lectionary for Years A, B, and C are attached HERE. The use of this material is supported by Bishop Wells.

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.

UTO Collections

EDUCATIONAL

Practice gratitude and change the world with your gift to the United Thank Offering (UTO)!

The UTO is a powerful, women-led initiative that has been funding ministries for over a century. Every coin and bill donated is a tangible prayer of thanks, and your contributions make a real difference. In the spirit of gratitude, all collections are due by November 20, 2025, just in time for Thanksgiving.

To give please mail your check (made out to UTO) to our coordinator, Brenda Hawkins, at the address below.

Brenda Hawkins, UTO Coordinator

ECW Diocese of Mississippi

330 Lakewood Rd.

Vicksburg, MS 39180

For information on how to apply for a UTO grant, visit www.unitedthankoffering.org.

Thank you for your generosity!

Downtown Jackson Alley Gallery Mural Project at the Allin House

ARTS, COMMUNITY

Downtown Jackson Partners is seeking qualified artists or artist teams for a new mural installation in downtown Jackson, MS. This project aims to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the downtown area and foster community engagement through public art. Deadline to apply is September 30, 2025

The selected artist(s) will be responsible for the design, fabrication, and installation of a large-scale mural (82′×32′). The mural will be a focal point of an alleyway located between Capitol and Amite Streets, on the wall of the Allin House of Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi at 118 N. Congress St. The "Alley Gallery will contribute to the vibrant atmosphere of downtown Jackson by reflecting the history of the Episcopal Church in Mississippi. The earliest congregation of the Episcopal church in the state dates to around 1790, and many of its churches have made significant contributions to the state's cultural and architectural history. Recently, at the 198th Annual Council of the Mississippi Diocese, the theme "Telling Our Story" led to a reflection on the church's deeply intertwined history with the state.

An excerpt from Bishop Dorothy Sanders Wells' address highlights this connection: "Our story as a diocese is enmeshed in a story of a state—its natives and settlers, changing agriculture and industry, warfare and peace, conflict and struggle through richer times and poorer times, storms and winds—both literal and figurative—through rebuilding and retooling. Our churches have stood since the early 1820s as places of worship and sanctuary, as beacons of God's light in our cities and towns, as places for communities to gather as makeshift hospitals for the injured, as jumping off points for rebuilding. Our worshiping communities, although largely comprised of persons of European descent, have included all races, ethnicities and all kinds of folks who have found our churches to be places of welcome. The hands of enslaved persons helped erect some of our worshiping spaces and our own records reflect the baptism of persons who are part of our story."

Project Goals

• Beautify downtown Jackson, MS: Create a visually striking piece of public art that revitalizes the urban landscape.
• Enhance the pedestrian experience: Transform an underutilized alleyway into an engaging and memorable space for residents and visitors.
• Create a landmark piece of public art: Design a mural that serves as a recognizable and celebrated feature of downtown Jackson.
• Promote historical or cultural significance: Help tell a portion of Mississippi’s story by highlighting the history and contributions of the Episcopal Church in the state.
• Encourage inclusive community engagement: Create a mural that fosters interaction and a sense of shared community regardless of faith background, race, sexual orientation, or other characteristics.

Fall Diocesan Youth Events

YOUTH

Calling all youth! Get ready for an incredible Fall 2025 filled with faith, community, and fun with Diocesan Youth Events!

Save the Dates!

DOY Weekend:

• October 17-19: Junior High DOY Weekend

Happening #99 at St. Peter's-by-the-Sea, Gulfport:

• November 7-9: Staff Training
• November 21-23: Happening #99

All are welcome! We can't wait to see you there. For more information and to register, visit diomsyouth.org.

Episcopal Recovery Program

COMMUNITY

Exciting news for the Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi! We're thrilled to announce the launch of a new 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.

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. 

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!