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 community)
• 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.

Community Blessing Event

FELLOWSHIP COMMUNITY

Saturday, August 9, 2025

8:00 - 11:00 a.m

St. Mary's, Vicksburg

Parish Hall

900 First North Street

Vicksburg, MS 39183

Community blessing event presented by the Daughters of the King, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. Everyone invited, Everything FREE.

Yet with a Steady Beat

A Conversation on the 70th anniversary of Emmett Till

with Bishop Dorothy Wells and

former Presiding Bishop Michael Curry

COMMUNITY

Sunday, August 10, 2025

3:00 - 4:30 p.m.

St. Andrew's Cathedral, Jackson

305 E Capitol St.

Jackson, MS 39201



The Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi will commemorate the 70th anniversary of the murder of Emmett Till with a pair of conversations at St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Jackson. 

On Sunday, August 10, at 3:00 p.m., Bishop Michael Curry, former Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church, will join Bishop Dorothy Wells of the Episcopal Diocese in Mississippi, in a conversation about the ways in which Emmett Till’s death affected Mississippi and our nation – and how 70 years later, The Episcopal Church continues to strive to be a fountain of healing and a place from which holy conversation may take place. Registration is encouraged, and may be completed by using the QR code on the attached flyer or this link - https://standrews.ms/emmett-till-commemoration-events/ 

The Journey Series - The History of Us: White, Black and Together in the United States Led by Bishop Dorothy Sanders Wells

Saturday, August, 9, 2025 - waitlist

9:00 a.m - 3:00 p.m.

St. Andrew's Cathedral, Jackson

305 E Capitol St.

Jackson, MS 39201

On Saturday, August 9, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., as a way of setting context for the Sunday afternoon conversation and as part of the Adele Franks Crispin Journey Series, Bishop Wells will offer her workshop, The History of Us: White, Black and Together in the United States at St. Andrew’s Cathedral. Bishop Wells’ workshop, which emanated from her doctoral work, has been widely offered in the Diocese of West Tennessee and is centered around the holy understanding that part of our baptismal covenant to respect the dignity of every human being is to be willing to hear and respect all of our shared history – and not to silence any voices in the recounting of that shared history. Registration for the Saturday program is limited to 75 persons and is now on a waitlist. To be placed on the waitlist, scan the QR code on the attached flyer or this link - https://standrews.ms/emmett-till-commemoration-events/ 

14-year-old Emmett Till was visiting relatives in Mississippi in August 1955, when he and other family members stopped for refreshments at Bryant’s Store, in Money, Mississippi. After an encounter with store owner, Carolyn Bryant, during which Emmett Till was accused of having whistled at, touched, or made a suggestive remark to Bryant, young Emmett was kidnapped, beaten, and shot; his body was thrown into the Tallahatchie River. The persons accused of having killed him – Carolyn Bryant’s husband, Roy, and his brother-in-law, J.W. Milam – were acquitted by an all-white jury. Emmett’s mother, Mamie Till-Mobley, asked photographer David Jackson to capture the image of her son’s beaten, bludgeoned body, so that Americans could see what had happened to the youth. Roy Bryant and J.W. Milam were acquitted by an all-white jury of having killed Emmett Till. But David Jackson’s photograph, along with Bryant and Milam later having sold a story to Look Magazine, confessing to the killing, ignited a national conversation and helped galvanize the Civil Rights Movement. In this year of the 70th anniversary of Emmett Till’s death, the Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi is grateful to offer these opportunities for conversation and continued healing.

Sunset Chords

featuring Rev. CJ Meaders & Rev. Walton Jones

ARTS

Sunday, August 10, 2025

5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

St. Andrew's Cathedral, Jackson

305 E Capitol St.

Jackson, MS 39201

St. Andrew's Cathedral's Sunset Chords outdoor music series continues with a performance by CJ Meaders, rector of St. Columb's, Ridgeland, and Walton Jones, rector of Resurrection, Starkville. All are welcome to join us on the Cathedral columbarium at the corner of East Capitol and West Streets in downtown Jackson. We recommend you bring a chair as well as any snacks and/or beverages you may want.

Christianity in the Comics

EDUCATIONAL

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

All Saints', Tupelo

608 West Jefferson St.

Tupelo, MS 38804

Join us for Wednesday Night Dinner & Program on August 13th at 5:30 p.m. Special presentation by Nick Phillips: "Christianity in the Comics"! Explore faith in your favorite comic strips.

Habitat for Humanity Drawdown

COMMUNITY

Friday, August 15, 2025

6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

St. James', Jackson

3921 Oakridge Dr.

Jackson, MS 39206

The Central Convocation of the Diocese of MS invites you to participate in our "Drawdown to Build Up" event scheduled for August 15 at 6 p.m. at St. James Episcopal Church in Jackson. The event features a chance at 10k, live music, a silent auction, and great food! The drawdown raises funds to build or renovate a home in the capital area for a local family. Tickets are $100 each and include a spot on the drawdown board and dinner for two.

Sr. High DOY

(Division of Youth) Weekend

YOUTH

Friday, August 15 - Sunday, August 17, 2025

Gray Center - Camp Bratton-Green

1530 Way Road

Canton, MS 39046

Fall Sr. High DOY registration opens early! This year we moved the dates for the fall Sr. High DOY almost a month earlier to not directly conflict with as many high school activities.  We hope this allows more youth to be able to participate!  

Who?  Sr. High DOY is for youth in 9th -12th grades.  Adults who work with youth are also invited to apply to staff.

What? A Division of Youth (DOY) weekend retreat is full of spirituality, fun, and just plain being yourself. Each weekend has a unique theme planned and implemented by a group of youth known as the DOY Council and is packed with faith, friends, music, games, and fun!

Where? DOY weekends, a ministry of the Diocese of MS, are held at Camp Bratton-Green

How much does it cost?  $100 - but partial and full scholarships are available when you fill out a registration form.  Fee Schedule: $80 before July 15, $100 Starting July 16, $120 after August 10

When? Registration begins on Friday night between 7:00-8:00 pm (be sure to eat supper before you arrive!)  Check out is Sunday morning at 9:00 a.m.

Pies & Prose

ARTS



Friday, August 15, 2025

6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

St John's, Ocean Springs

701 Rayburn Ave.

Ocean Springs, MS 39564

Pies & Prose, 4th edition, is a fundraiser for the St. John’s, Ocean Springs Endowment. Local authors read from their published work. Many pies, savory or sweet, are available at no charge. Other refreshments will be available. Tickets are $25.00 per person and can be purchased via the church website, at the door, or by contacting Keith Stuart at 228-374-8325. Hope to see you there. Thank you for your support.

Spiritual Renewal

FORMATION COMMUNITY



Saturday, August 16, 2025

8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Church of the Resurrection, Starkville

105 N Montgomery St

Starkville, MS 39759

Join us for the 17th Annual Spiritual Renewal, an enriching event designed to uplift and inspire, presented by The Committee on Ministry for LGBT Persons. This year's renewal will be led by the Rev. Andy Andrews, with the Rev. Susan Hrostowski and the Rev. Walton Jones.

For a cost of $30, your registration includes snacks, a boxed lunch, and a T-shirt.

Check-in will take place from 8:30 to 9:00 a.m., with coffee, juice, and pastries available to start your day. The spiritual renewal will conclude with a Closing Eucharist beginning at 3:00 p.m.

Registration is now open! Be sure to secure your spot by the August 8th deadline. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact Betty Melton at diomslgbt@gmail.com.

Convocation Altar Guild Meetings

COMMUNITY

Calling all Altar Guild members!



Mark your calendars for upcoming Convocation meetings:

Coast: August 16, 2025, at Christ Church, Bay Saint Louis

Old River: August 23, 2025, at Mediator-Redeemer, McComb

Coldwater: August 23, 2025, at St. Peter's, Oxford

Backpack Blessing

YOUTH

Sunday, August 17, 2025

10:00 a.m.

Church of the Redeemer. Biloxi

1904 Popps Ferry Road

Biloxi, MS 39532

We will bless the backpacks of all our students on August 17th at the 10:00 a.m. service. Bring your bag and get a tag so that our youth may be reminded that their church family is lifting them up.

All Saints' Concert Series presents Farewell to Summer

COMMUNITY

Sunday, August 17, 2025

4:00 p.m.

All Saints', Tupelo

608 West Jefferson St.

Tupelo, MS 38804

Get ready for some amazing folk-rock! Tomfoolery is bringing their tight harmonies and cross-generational appeal to the All Saints' Episcopal Church Concert Series! Join us for the "Farewell to Summer" concert, Sunday, Aug 17th at 4 PM. It's FREE and open to everyone!

Old River Convocation

Altar Guild Annual Meeting

COMMUNITY

Saturday, August 23, 2025

9:00 a.m.

Mediator-Redeemer Parish - McComb

215 N. Broadway St.

McComb, MS 39648

The Old River Convocation Altar Guild is holding its annual meeting on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Mediator-Redeemer Parish in McComb, starting at 9:30 a.m. This is a fantastic opportunity for Altar Guilds in the Old River Convocation to connect and discuss how we can all work together more effectively. Our morning will wrap up around 12:30 p.m. with a delicious lunch.

Please note the corrected date for this event.

There's no registration fee, but please call or text Patsy Brumfield at 601-209-2107 for a head count. We can't wait to see you there!

A Time to Remember - Twenty Years Later

FORMATION

Saturday, August 23, 2025

6:00 p.m.

Church of the Redeemer, Biloxi

1904 Popps Ferry Road

Biloxi, MS 39532

Episcopal churches across the Coast invite you to an Evening Prayer with Bishop Dorothy Wells on August 23, 2025, at Redeemer, Biloxi. We will remember the struggle and celebrate the recovery after Hurricane Katrina.

Diocesan Disaster Response Team Meeting

COMMUNITY

Wednesday, August 27, 2025

1:30 p.m.

All Saints, Jackson

147 Daniel Lake Blvd

Jackson, MS 39212

Join us on August 27th for the Diocesan Disaster Response Team Meeting. All team members are asked to attend if possible, and all members of the diocese are welcome! We are always seeking new members and interested individuals.

We will discuss how to best respond to disasters in Mississippi and surrounding areas. For more information, contact Fr. Rick Roessler+, Chair, Diocesan Disaster Response Team, at Richard_Roessler@att.net or 210-375-5607.

Small Church Collaborative September Meeting

EDUCATIONAL

Tuesday, September 2, 2025

2:00 p.m.

Online via Zoom

The Rev. Patrick Sanders will help us get ready for our annual stewardship campaigns. Vestry members and treasurers, don't miss this opportunity to get excited about stewardship!

To receive the meeting link or be added to the email list, please email emalphurs@stalbansbovina.org.

Bring Your Own Book and Beverage BYOB

EDUCATIONAL

Wednesday, September 3, 2025

6:00 p.m.

Trinity, Pass Christian

Trinity Hall

125 Church Ave

Pass Christian, MS 39571

The group will be discussing the novel Forrest Gump by Winston Groom while enjoying beverages and each other's insights.

Art on the Rez

COMMUNITY



Friday, September 5 - Sunday, September 14, 2025

St. Peter's by-the-Lake

1954 Spillway Road

Brandon, MS 39047 

We invite you to participate in the 9th Annual Art on the Rez art show. This year's show will be held September 5 - 14. We strive to be a place where local artist of all ages can showcase their work and offer it for sale to the public. Art on the Rez also serves as a fundraiser for the outreach that we do. We raise funds by keeping 20% of the sale price of the artwork.

Invite, Welcome, Connect Conference

FORMATION



Saturday, September 6, 2025

8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

St. John's, Memphis

3251 Central Ave.

Memphis, TN 38111



Mark your calendars! The Invite, Welcome, Connect Conference is headed to St. John's, Memphis, on Saturday, September 6, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

This conference is a fantastic opportunity for all clergy and laity involved in welcome ministry. Guided by the gospel imperative to "Go and make disciples of all nations," the Invite Welcome Connect ministry is dedicated to equipping individuals and congregations in the vital practices of evangelism, hospitality, and connectedness. This empowering and inspiring event is presented by our friends in the Diocese of West Tennessee.

The cost to attend is $30.00.

To register and for more information, please email donna@stjohnsmemphis.org. Be sure to secure your spot by the registration deadline of September 1, 2025.

Concerts in the Country:

Mississippi Symphony Orchestra Chamber

ARTS



Sunday, September 7, 2025

5:00 p.m.

Chapel of the Cross, Madison

674 Mannsdale Road

Madison, MS 39110

Join us on September 7th as we kick off our 2025/2026 Concerts in the Country series with the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra Chamber! The concert will be at 5:00 pm in the Chapel of the Resurrection. It will be free to attend, but donations are welcome.

Best Practices for 2025 Campaigns

A TENS Webinar

EDUCATIONAL



Saturday, September 13, 2025

11:00 a.m

Online via Zoom

Join TENS on Saturday, September 13, 2025, via Zoom. TENS webinars are always free.

This is a must-do for stewardship committees and lay or clergy stewardship leaders. Before your annual campaign begins, take a moment to review these proven practices, learn tips on running great fundraising campaigns, and prepare for a challenging Fall. The fundraising landscape this year is unique and presents new challenges and opportunities.

St Mary’s Bolton 15th Annual Homecoming

FORMATION



Sunday, September 14, 2025

3:00 p.m.

St. Mary's, Bolton

209 E. Madison Street

Bolton, MS 39157

Please join us for our 15th Annual Homecoming Jazz Eucharist with the Rev. Hailey Allin, Vicar, and Harvey Smith, Lay Worship Leader, and Special Music by The Tim Moak Trio.

2025 Episcopal Creation Care Gathering: Soil to Soul

EDUCATIONAL



Thursday, September 18 - Saturday, September 20, 2025

Procter Center

11235 State Route 38 SE

London, OH 43140

Registration is open for Soil to Soul: Conversation and Conversion: Transforming Hearts, Changing Culture. Come join in conversation with those steeped in prayer, theology, the wild outdoors, agriculture, and the front lines of pollution, climate change, biodiversity loss, and land use. Take time to wander over the acres of the Proctor Center. Come ready to put your feet on the ground and get your hands dirty. And come to contemplate the goodness of the earth and the wonders of creation.

In September we will welcome to the gathering two plenary speakers from the Diocese of Southern Ohio. Canon Katie Forsyth, Canon for Communications and The Rev. Canon Meredith Day Hearn, Canon for Congregations will be hosting the keynote sessions on leading culture change for creation care in faith communities. The event will also feature workshops, round table conversations, hayrides, and campfire worship.

The Episcopal Creation Care Gathering is an annual church-wide event focused on the work of Christian ministry, mission, and living on earth. These gatherings create space for conversation, learning, and practice as we explore the deep relationships that bind together spirituality, justice, ecology, discipleship, and evangelism.

Registration for the event closes September 1st.

For more information and to register visit https://www.proctercenter.org/events-page/eccg/ and follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1773780816876555/.

A video invitation from Jerusalem Greer, Procter Center Co-Executive Director - https://vimeo.com/1105500245?share=copy

ECW Fall Meeting

A Wonderful Morning with Bishop Wells

EDUCATIONAL FORMATION



Saturday, October 4, 2025

Save the date! More details soon!

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

Bags, Books & Boards

FELLOWSHIP

Thursdays, ongoing

11:00 a.m

All Saints', Tupelo

608 West Jefferson St.

Tupelo, MS 38804

Fellowship time, exploring ways to engage parishioners every Thursday at 11:00 a.m.

From our Creation Care Task Force

Some Good News for Plastic Recyclers!

EDUCATIONAL

Recycling solutions for plastic film packaging. Check the NexTrex website to see what plastic is accepted and where you can drop it off. Or encourage your church to join the challenge and conveniently collect the plastic there. Nextrex is closing the recycling loop by making decking and furniture from recycled plastic bags and film.

Let the Creation Care Task Force know if your church decides to take the challenge.

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: www.unitedthankoffering.com and www.episcopalchurch.org/uto.

UTO Offerings

EDUCATIONAL

Your gift to the United Thank Offering (UTO) helps change the world! You can send your donations to our coordinator, Brenda Hawkins, to support innovative ministries across the globe. Thank you for your generosity!

How to Donate:

• Mail: Send your checks to Brenda Hawkins, UTO Coordinator, ECW Diocese of Mississippi, 330 Lakewood Rd., Vicksburg, MS 39180.
• Email: brendadavishawkins@gmail.com
• Phone: 601-573-6962

Communique,

Summer 2025

EDUCATIONAL

Check out the Summer 2025 issue of Communique, the national ECW publication, online. Be sure to read page 4, "A Message from the 2nd Vice President NECW" - our own Gloria Rogers!

Episcopal Recovery Program

Website Launch

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!