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.

Vacation Bible School

YOUTH



Wednesday, June 25 - Friday, June 27, 2025

5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

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

1954 Spillway Road

Brandon, MS 39047



St. Peter's by-the-Lake "Roundup" VBS is coming in June. We invite all children ages 5 through 12 to join us. Wednesday, June 25, Thursday, June 26 and Friday, June 27, we will meet from 5 to 7 p.m. for dinner, story time and music, crafts, activities and games. On Saturday, June 28 from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m., we invite all the children and parents to join us for a family cookout.

Resource Retreat

focusing on Annual Giving and Stewardship

FORMATION EDUCATIONAL



Saturday, June 28, 2025

9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

St. James', Jackson

3921 Oakridge Drive

Jackson, MS 39216



This retreat aims to equip church leaders with the knowledge and skills needed for a successful annual giving campaign. The retreat will focus on the practical aspects of stewardship, including estate planning and a theological understanding of abundance. Additionally, the retreat seeks to foster spiritual talents and enhance the capacity of leaders to further serve their congregations and communities.

Please email andrews@dioms.org. We are excited to support and engage with you in this vital journey of spiritual growth and stewardship.

The Lay Leadership Workshop - An Introduction

FORMATION EDUCATIONAL

Saturday, June 28, 2025

1:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Nativity, Water Valley

609 Main Street

Water Valley, MS 38965

The Lay Leadership Workshop will be offered for all who are curious about lay ministries in The Episcopal Church, especially those offered as part of our rich liturgical heritage. We will discuss and invite questions on the variety of roles available in our churches, including Lay Eucharistic Ministers, Lay Eucharistic Visitors, Lectors & Intercessors, and Lay Worship Leaders. Other opportunities for lay leadership in worship include: acolytes, altar guild, greeters, and ushers.

Our leaders will be David Benway, Diocesan Director of Lay Ministries, and Canon Gary Meade, Canon to the Ordinary.

We will gather at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 28 at Church of the Nativity in Water Valley, Mississippi to begin our conversation. Training will be offered depending on the need and interest of those attending, but no one will be required to make a firm commitment to lay ministry. Just come to listen, learn, and discern. We will conclude by 4:30 p.m.

You, your curiosity, and your questions are invited.

St. James', Jackson presents

The Divine John Prine

Outdoor Community Mass

COMMUNITY

Saturday, June 28, 2025

5:30 p.m.

Fondren Yard

3025 N State St

Jackson, MS 39216



Using nothing but Prine’s music as hymns, we will celebrate the Eucharist together with Prine as our guide. John Prine’s music is as religious and heartwarming as any we hear on Sunday mornings. This will be a chance to enjoy each other in a relaxed atmosphere.

Small Churches Collaborative

EDUCATIONAL

Tuesday, July 1, 2025, and Tuesday, August 5, 2025

2:00 p.m.

Online via Zoom



Do you wonder how to keep worship engaging on those Sundays when you don't have Holy Eucharist scheduled? Do you need more lay people trained to lead and help with worship? Are you in the position of planning liturgy without ever having received any instruction in planning liturgy? Our July & August meetings will focus on liturgical planning, resources, and leadership. Please join us over Zoom the first Tuesday of the month at 2:00 p.m.

Camp Wonder

YOUTH

Monday, July 7 - Friday, July 11, 2025

9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Coast Episcopal School

5065 Espy Avenue

Long Beach, MS 39560

Camp Wonder will meet from Monday, July 7, through Friday, July 11, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on the campus of Coast Episcopal School, 5065 Espy Avenue, Long Beach, MS 39560. Camp drop-off and pick-up will be in Turtle Hall behind the Gail Keenan Art Center facing Espy Avenue.

The cost of the camp is $30, which will be due on the first day of camp (cash or check made payable to CES with "Camp Wonder" in the memo).

Camp Wonder was created for children who would otherwise not be able to have this unique experience. We are looking for children between the ages of 7 and 10, and entering grades 2nd through 4th, who will be engaged and excited to have this opportunity. We are accepting 24 campers, so please register soon as it will be first come, first served.

VBS at St. Philip's - S.P.Y. Parables

YOUTH



Tuesday, July 15, 2025 - Thursday, July 17, 2025

11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

St. Philips', Jackson

5400 Old Canton Road

Jackson, MS 39211



Vacation Bible School at St. Philip's! July 15 through 17th, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.. Lunch provided.

Vacation Bible School

YOUTH

Tuesday, July 15 - Thursday July 17, 2025

4:00 - 6:00 p.m.

St. Columb's, Ridgeland

550 Sunnybrook Rd

Ridgeland, MS 39157



Registration is OPEN for Vacation Bible School at St. Columb's Episcopal Church from Tuesday, July 15, through Thursday, July 17 from 4 -6 p.m.! This year, we are excited to teach children the story of Joseph and his brothers from the book of Genesis. The story will highlight the values of forgiveness, reconciliation, and the power of dreams. Children will be assisted by volunteer staff and participate in activities based on the story. Dinner will be provided each evening.

Lay Worship Leader Conference

FORMATION EDUCATIONAL

Saturday, July 19, 2025

10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Chapel of the Cross, Madison

674 Mannsdale Road

Madison, MS



Led by: The Rev. Tom Fanning and The Rev. Andrew McLarty

Cost: $10 (to cover lunch)

What it Covers: A general customary for preparing and leading Morning Prayer Rite II, and different lay ministry licenses in the Diocese of Mississippi. The conference begins with Morning Prayer Rite II in the Chapel.

Register here: https://fs8.formsite.com/mmpd0f/sxpscjib3j/index

Registration Deadline: July 15, 2025.

Attendance at this conference will fulfill your continuing education requirements. Please spread the word to the Lay Leaders already licensed in your churches – we can't wait to see you there!

Vacation Bible School

and Summer Day Camp

YOUTH



Monday, July 21 - Friday, July 25, 2025

VBS - 8:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Summer Day Camp - 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Christ Episcopal Church, Bay St. Louis

912 South Beach Blvd

Bay St. Louis, MS

Get ready for an out-of-this-world summer at Christ Episcopal Church in Bay St. Louis! From July 21-25, we're launching into VBS and Summer Day Camp, with an exciting outer space theme.

Our morning VBS is completely free and runs from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM. After a lunch break, the adventure continues with our Summer Day Camp, packed with thrilling space and water activities until 5:30 PM.

The cost for Summer Day Camp is $100 per child for the entire week, and that includes snacks to keep your little astronauts fueled!

For more information, give us a call at 228-467-7757.

Mississippi Conference on Church Music and Liturgy

FORMATION ARTS

Tuesday. July 22, 2025 - Sunday, July 27, 2025

St. Philip's, Jackson

5400 Old Canton Road

Jackson, MS 39211



Join us this summer for the 50th year of the Mississippi Conference on Church Music and Liturgy!

Conference Theme: Sing what we believe!

This wonderful conference offers church musicians and clergy inspiration, continuing education, and fellowship. Generously supported by the Diocese of Mississippi. Open to musicians and clergy of all denominations!

Highlights include:

• Music shopping with Lois Fyfe Music of Nashville, TN
• Nationally renowned faculty: The Rev. William Bradley Roberts, Deke Polifka, Matthew Hoch, and The Rt. Rev. Douglas Scharf.
• Held on the campus of St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, Jackson, MS
• A new musical setting of the Eucharist by Jessica Nelson
• Grateful for a generous grant from the Association of Anglican Musicians!

Huge Rummage Sale

COMMUNITY

Saturday, July 26, 2025

7:00 - 11:00 a.m.

St. James', Jackson

3921 Oakridge Dr.,

Jackson, MS 39206

St. James' Episcopal Church is hosting a huge rummage sale, and you're invited! You'll find a wide variety of items, including clothing, toys, baby and household items, home décor, furniture, rugs, and much more.

All proceeds from the rummage sale will go to local Outreach Ministries to assist families in crisis. By shopping at the sale, you'll be helping those in need in your community.

St. James' Episcopal Church welcomes your donations of gently used items for the sale.

Donation Drop-Off Dates & Times:

• Sunday, July 20: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• Monday, July 21 - Thursday, July 24: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Donation Guidelines:

• All items must be clean.
• Please bring clothing on hangers.
• No books, please.

Large Items: If you have large items you'd like to donate, you can take a picture now or anytime during the year and send it to Maura Jelliffe at 601-594-1860.

If you have any questions, please contact:

• Maura Jelliffe: mjell2014@gmail.com
• Catherine Hames: catherinehames4@gmail.com

Convocational Altar Guild Meetings

COMMUNITY

Calling all Altar Guild members!

Mark your calendars for upcoming Convocation meetings:

Delta: August 2, 2025 at Nativity, Greenwood

Old River: August 9, 2025 at Mediator, McComb

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

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

Tombigbee: TBD at All Saints', Tupelo

More details to come for Tombigbee!

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



Join our Bishop Dorothy Wells and former Presiding Bishop Michael Curry on Sunday, August 10 at 3 p.m. for some thought-provoking conversation about the 1955 murder of Emmett Till in this year of the 70th anniversary of his death in Mississippi. We'll talk about how his death impacted our nation, perceptions that still persist about Mississippi, and how The Episcopal Church in Mississippi continues to be a fountain of healing. Registration and more details coming soon!

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.

Spiritual Renewal

FORMATION COMMUNITY



Saturday, August 16, 2025

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

Church of the Resurrection, Starville

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 Very 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.

Cursillo 130

FORMATION

Friday, September 5 - Sunday, September 7, 205

Gray Center

1530 Way Road

Canton, MS 39157



The Cursillo weekend, a diocesan-wide event held at Gray Center camp, is a unique opportunity for spiritual growth, primarily organized and led by lay members of the church.

Throughout the weekend, you'll engage in small group discussions, spiritual talks, and services, all designed to foster relationships, encourage evangelism, and promote reconciliation. The goal is for this experience to deepen your faith and strengthen your relationship with Christ and the church.

The weekend typically begins around 5:30 PM on Friday and concludes Sunday mid-day after a closing Eucharist service.

We strongly encourage you to speak with your priest and others who have attended a Cursillo weekend to learn more. We require all attendees to have a sponsor. Your sponsor will be a valuable resource, available to answer your questions, help you prepare for the weekend, and support you after your experience.

If you're interested in serving, we are still seeking staff members to help make these weekends possible. Please consider applying online!

The deadline to register is August 4, 2025.

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.

Camp Bratton-Green Summer 2025!

YOUTH



Check out the remaining sessions!

Honduras Medical Mission Team Applications Open

COMMUNITY

Ready to make a meaningful impact? Join the Honduras Medical Mission 2026 Team! We're seeking compassionate individuals to help provide essential medical care.

🗓️ Mission Dates: February 14-21, 2026

💰 Team Fee: $850 (includes in-country transport, meals, and mandatory retreat) + your airfare. Sponsorship opportunities through your home parish may be available.

➡️ Application Deadline: July 15, 2025

✅ Team Selection Notification: August 2025

💸 Team Fee Due: September 15, 2025

🤝 Mandatory Team Retreat: November 22, 2025 (10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at St. Peter's, Oxford, MS)

📧 Apply by sending your application to: hondurasmedicalmissionms@gmail.com

OR mail to:

Honduras Medical Mission

c/o George Jackson

819 North 6th Ave.

Laurel, MS 39440

Don't miss this chance to make a real difference! Learn more and apply today!

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.

CBG Nurse's Station Restock

YOUTH

Gray Center/Camp Bratton-Green

1530 Way Road

Canton, MS 39046



EY2nds is a group of youth from the churches in the central convocation. This spring we are gathering at Camp Bratton Green for a service weekend. One of our goals is to clean, organize, and restock the nurse's station. If you would like to help us you can buy supplies for this using our Amazon wish list. Thanks a million.

Contact Lisa Saucier for more info. LisaS@stphilipsjackson.com

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

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!