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.

Holy Hike

Connecting with God through Nature

with St. John's, Ocean Springs

FORMATION

Saturday, January 10, 2026

10:00 - 11:30 AM

Shepard State Park

1034 Graveline Road

Gautier, MS 39553

Join St. John Ocean Springs for a Holy Hike this Saturday! It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with God through the beauty of nature at Shepard State Park. To register, contact Julia at 228-219-2279.

"The Prodigal Son"

Sunday School Book Study

FORMATION

Starting Sunday, January 11, 2026

11:00 AM

Epiphany, Tunica

1061 Shady Lane

Tunica, MS 38676

Join us starting Sunday, January 11, 10:00 AM 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!

Second Sundays

at St. Mary’s, Bolton

FORMATION

Sunday, January 11, 2026

3:00 PM

St. Mary's, Bolton

209 E Madison Street

Bolton, MS 39041

As part of our Second Sundays at St. Mary’s, we are honored to welcome The Rt. Rev. Dr. Dorothy Sanders Wells for her annual visit. It promises to be a moving service of Holy Eucharist led by our Vicar, The Rev. Hailey Allin, and Lay Worship Leader Harvey Smith.

To lift our spirits even higher, we’ll be joined by the incredible talents of Jon Christopher Adams (tenor) and Tyler Kemp (piano) for special musical offerings you won't want to miss.

Mozart by Candlelight

by the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra

ARTS

Sunday, January 11, 2026

7:00 PM

Holy Trinity, Vicksburg

900 South Street

Vicksburg, MS 3918

The Mississippi Symphony Orchestra presents Mozart by Candlelight! Experience the beauty of Mozart at Mozart Magic! Join the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra for an evening of incredible music.

This concert is free and open to the public, with donations appreciated. Sponsored by Four Seasons of the Arts.

We hope to see you there for a wonderful night of music

"Before the Streetlights Come On" Book Study

EDUCATIONAL

Tuesdays in January

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

Wednesday Night Dinner & Program

at All Saints', Tupelo

FORMATION

Wednesday, January 14, 2026

5:30 PM

All Saints', Tupelo

608 Jefferson Street

Tupelo, MS 38804

Join us this Wednesday, January 14th at 5:30 PM as we explore the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. We’ll discuss how we can help our children (and ourselves!) fall more deeply in love with God through this unique, quiet form of discovery. Dinner: Chicken Pot Pie, Brussels sprouts, salad, and dessert. Cost: $8/person or $20/family. Nursery provided.

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.

EYCentral Gathering

YOUTH

Sunday, January 25, 2026

5:00 PM, and

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.

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.

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!

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, 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.

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.

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.

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.