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.

Invite Welcome Connect

Small Congregation 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.

Interfaith Dialogue on Prayer

COMMUNITY

Thursday, January 22, 2026

6:30 PM

St. Philip's, Jackson

5400 Old Canton Road

Jackson, MS 39211

So, what's the big deal about prayer? Why do we pray? What does prayer look like across a number of interfaith traditions?

Join us on Thursday, January 22nd at 6:30 PM in the Parish Hall as we host the Dialogue Institute Mississippi's Interfaith Dialogue "The Importance of Prayer in Our Lives: Why do we pray?" We'll have discussion with interfaith leaders, table discussion, and networking to continue the conversation well after the event.

Refreshments and childcare will be provided

For planning and childcare staffing purposes, RSVPs are needed. Please RSVP in our Linktree (https://linktr.ee/stphilipsjxn) or via the email in the photo.

#allarewelcome

Men's Breakfast

at All Saints', Tupelo

FELLOWSHIP

Saturday, January 24, 2026

8:30 AM

All Saints', Tupelo

Parish Hall

608 West Jefferson Street

Tupelo, MS 38804

Join our Men’s Group Breakfast! We’re gathering in the North breakout room of the Parish Hall for a morning of fresh coffee, hearty food, and great conversation. Please reach out to Richard Pate to RSVP and help us get an accurate headcount for food. #allfindawelcome

"The Prodigal Son"

Sunday School Book Study

FORMATION

Sunday, January 25, 2026

11:00 AM

Epiphany, Tunica

1061 Shady Lane

Tunica, MS 38676

Join us starting on Sundays for Sunday School as we begin "The Prodigal God" by Timothy Keller. Discover the unexpected hope and radical grace hidden in the famous parable of the two brothers. See you there!

Enneagram Small Group: The Road Back to You

EDUCATIONAL

Sundays, beginning January 25, 2026, continuing through April

4:30 - 6:00 PM

St. Peter's, Oxford

113 S 9th Street

Oxford, MS 38655



Interested in learning more about the Enneagram in a thoughtful, down-to-earth way? Join us for a small-group study using The Road Back to You book and podcast. Together we’ll explore personality, relationships, and spiritual growth in a welcoming, conversational setting—no prior Enneagram knowledge needed.

Contact Danica Boyd danicalayne@gmail.com or Brooke Worthy brookeworthy@gmail.com for more information. We’ll meet Sundays from 4:30–6:00 PM, starting January 25 and wrapping up at the end of April. Come as you are and join the conversation!

EYCentral Gathering

YOUTH

Sunday, January 25, 2026

5:30 - 7:00 PM

St. Peter's by the Lake

1954 Spillway Road

Brandon, MS 39047

Central Convocation EYC folks join us for an EYCentral celebration as we kick off the season together with a Mardi Gras flair! We’re gathering for a night filled with fun games, a delicious dinner, and plenty of king cake.

"Before the Streetlights Come On" Book Study

EDUCATIONAL

Tuesdays in January

Tuesday, January 27, 2026

12:00 noon - 1:00 PM

Online via Zoom

Join us for our final 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

A Nutritional Shift: Rethinking Sugar, Embracing Natural Fats and God's Design for Food

EDUCATIONAL

Tuesday, January 27, 2026

5:30 PM

All Saints', Tupelo

Parish Hall

608 West Jefferson Street

Tupelo, MS 38804

Join us for "A Nutritional Shift: Rethinking Sugar, Embracing Natural Fats and God’s Design for Food". Guest speaker Julie Gibens, CFNC, will share her expertise on addressing the root causes of health issues by utilizing a dietary approach centered on movement, self-care, and proper nutrition. A nursery will be provided for those attending with children.

Small Church Collaborative

Monthly Zoom Meeting

EDUCATIONAL

Tuesday, February 3, 2026

2:00 PM

Online via Zoom

Our next meeting will be February 3, at 2:00 PM, over Zoom. The Rev. Jennifer Deaton will join us to talk about preparing for Lent & Holy Week, and we'll share resources that work particularly well in small churches. 



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

Curious about the Small Church Collaborative, check out our website here packed with info and resources.

Music in the City

featuring Michael Bunchman and Hsiaopei Lee

COMMUNITY

Tuesday, February 3, 2026

5:45 PM

Mississippi Museum of Art

380 South Lamar Street

Jackson, MS 39201

Music in the City is a monthly concert series sponsored by St. Andrew's Cathedral and held at the Mississippi Museum of Art. This month, we welcome Michael Bunchman, piano, and Hsiaopei Lee, viola. This event is free and open to the public. There is a cash bar available, which opens at 5:15 PM, and the performance begins at 5:45 PM.

Invite Welcome Connect

Nurturing What God Is Growing Among Us

EDUCATIONAL



Wednesday, February 4, 2026

1:00 PM, Central

Online via Zoom

Healthy ministry begins with paying attention. In this free webinar, Invite Welcome Connect will introduce a simple, grace-filled assessment tool designed to help small congregations reflect on how they currently practice the ministries of evangelism, hospitality, and belonging. The tool creates space for holy noticing, helping leaders and ministry teams discern where God is already at work and where new growth may be possible, especially in the small church context.

Sacred Earth, Sacred Voice:

A Quarterly Book Series on Faith, Creation, and Justice

Hosted by the National Episcopal Church Women’s (ECW) Creation Care and Environmental Justice Committee

FORMATION

Wednesday, February 4, 2026

6:00 PM Central

Online via Zoom, no registration required

Join Episcopal Church Women from across the country for the launch of our new quarterly book series, Sacred Earth, Sacred Voice. Each season, we’ll explore a powerful book that brings faith, creation care, and justice into conversation – amplifying diverse authors and sacred wisdom.



Our first gathering will feature an informal group discussion of the acclaimed anthology:



All We Can Save: Truth, Courage, and Solutions for the Climate Crisis Edited by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson and Katharine K. Wilkinson. You can find All We Can Save here

This collection of essays, poetry, and art centers the voices of women leading the climate movement – scientists, farmers, teachers, poets, and activists – offering deep insight, courageous storytelling, and a shared vision for what’s possible.

Iona Collaborative's

Community Conversations

EDUCATIONAL

Thursday, February 5, 2026

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!

The Infant Upheld the Ancient:

Music for Epiphany

COMMUNITY

Sunday, February 8, 2026

4:00 PM

St. James', Jackson

3921 Oak Ridge Drive

Jackson, MS 39216

The Compline Choir of St. James' will present a concert of choral music for Epiphany. The program features works by Arvo Pärt, Thomas Tallis, Sarah Rimkus, Gustav Holst, and others. This is a free concert and all are welcome!

Super Bowl Chili Cook Off

COMMUNITY

Sunday, February 8, 2026

5:00 PM

St. Columb's, Ridgeland

550 Sunnybrook Road

Ridgeland, MS 39157

Get out those chili recipes and join us for a night of fun and fellowship while raising money for the HMM and our outreach fund. Contact Cathy to enter your delicious recipe!

St. Elizabeth's Shrove Tuesday (Mardi Gras) Pancake Supper

COMMUNITY

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

5:00 PM

St. Elizabeth's, Collins

1201 S. 4th Street

Collins, MS 39428

Come celebrate Mardi Gras with the community at St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church for their annual Pancake Supper on Tuesday, February 18th. Join us for pancakes, sausage or ham, juice, and coffee for just $7 at the door. Whether you choose to dine in or carry out, you’ll be supporting a great cause, as all proceeds go directly toward local community outreach.

Prone to Wander

Lenten Book Study

FORMATION

beginning Saturday, February 21, 2026

9:00 AM

Nativity, Water Valley

609 Main Street

Water Valley, MS 38965

Lenten Book Study begins Saturday, February 21 at 9:00 AM. The book is Prone to Wander by Joanna Harader. Order your book now. It is arranged as daily devotionals with probing questions for each day. All are invited to participate. We had some very good discussions during Advent and found that it was such a good one to learn more about each other.

Into The World In Peace,

YAC Retreat

FELLOWSHIP

Friday, February 27 - Sunday, March 1, 2026

Gray Center + Camp Bratton-Green

1530 Way Road

Canton, MS 39046

How do we engage the world with faith and compassion? Join the Young Adult Commission of the Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi for a retreat focused on personal reflection, community, and faithful engagement with the great joys and challenges of this world.

Into The World In Peace will take place February 27th through March 1st at Camp Bratton-Green. It is intended for young adults in their 20s and 30s.

Sign-up information coming soon. If you have questions, contact diomsyac@gmail.com.

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.

Adored Treasures, An Evening of Musical Gems

ARTS

Sunday, March 8, 2026

5:00 PM

Trinity, Natchez

305 South Commerce Street

Natchez, MS

On Sunday, March 8, we welcome home a "musical gem" of our own: Dr. Danielle Watson. Once a beloved member of our choir, Danielle returns to the Natchez stage as an accomplished soprano for "Adored Treasures," a special recital in collaboration with pianist Dr. Gonzalo Aguilar.

This evening of music carries a vital mission. Every ticket purchased helps us restore the "heartbeat" of our sanctuary—the Trinity Church Organ. Your presence ensures that our music program and our historic organ continue to inspire for generations to come. Tickets are $30.00 at the door.

Coast Episcopal Classic

COMMUNITY

Thursday, March 19, 2026

7:00 AM

The Oaks Golf Club

24384 Club House Drive

Pass Christian, MS 39571



Coast Episcopal School will host the Coast Episcopal Classic, a community-wide golf tournament bringing together business leaders, families, and supporters to benefit the school’s academic programs and future growth.

Designed as a four-person scramble, the Coast Episcopal Classic offers a fun, competitive, and welcoming environment for golfers of all skill levels. Proceeds from the event directly support Coast Episcopal School’s mission to provide an enriching, faith-based education that prepares students for success in the classroom and beyond.

Participants will enjoy a full day of golf, on-course contests, food, prizes, and sponsor recognition, while helping fund programs that enhance curriculum, faculty, and campus opportunities for students.

Registration and sponsorship opportunities are now open. Businesses and individuals interested in participating or supporting the Coast Episcopal Classic are encouraged to visit golf4ces.givesmart.com for details.

Registration Fee: $400 per 4 person team

Rummage Sale

at Holy Trinity, Vicksburg

COMMUNITY

Saturday, March 21, 2026

7:30 AM - 12:00 Noon

Holy Trinity, Vicksburg

900 South Street

Vicksburg, MS 39180

We are now accepting donations from household items, clothing, toys, decor and more! Start cleaning out those closets and bring us your unwanted items! If you have items to donate, please call the church office or Beverly Rice!

We also need volunteers to assist in all the prep work, as well as the day of the event.

A Day of Spiritual Renewal

FORMATION

Saturday, April 25, 2026

St. James', Jackson

3921 Oakridge Drive

Jackson, MS 39216

Save the date! The Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi and the Diocesan Committee on Ministry with LGBT Persons & Allies are proud to present A Day of Spiritual Renewal. We are looking forward to a meaningful time of connection and growth; keep an eye out for more details and registration information coming soon!

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!

Pilgrimage

FORMATION

Friday, May 1 - Saturday, May 3, 2026

The Episcopal Dioceses of Mississippi and Massachusetts invite you to reflect on the history and the continuing impact of racism in our country by tracing the path of the Civil Rights Movement. This five-day bus pilgrimage is a sacred invitation to reflect on the history of racism in our country and our collective journey toward healing and justice. The journey includes stops in Gulfport, Jackson, Africatown, Montgomery, and Selma.

Itinerary, cost, and other details will be available at Council.

Icon Painting Workshop

at St. John's, Laurel

ARTS

Monday, June 22 - Saturday, June 27, 2026

St. John’s, Laurel

541 N 5th Avenue

Laurel, MS 39440

For the fourth year, St. John's, Laurel will host Byzantine iconographer Theodoros Papadopoulos of Larissa, Greece, in a six-day iconography workshop. No prior experience is necessary, but come ready to work hard. Course fee is $850 and includes all painting materials, including boards, pigments, brushes, color pictures, etc. Please note that the workshop will be held during a busy part of the tourist season in Laurel, so book any accommodations early. For further information, contact Fr. Karl.

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.

Province IV Creation Care News

Subscribe to the environmental ministry community of Province IV of The Episcopal Church newsletter today!

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.