ShareFest 2012

What an awesome God we serve! Today I was blessed to see people of all races and ages working hand in hand to bring about change at Brown Elementary.

ShareFest 2012 began on Sunday evening in the Family Life Center when 20 young people gathered to share ideas on how they could work together to improve the Mid-town area. Monday began with the Dr. Martin Luther King prayer breakfast at New Hope Baptist Church. The message was brought by Rev. Marcus Cheeks, Pastor of True Light Baptist Church, Jackson. Our own Pastor, Rev. Stephen Cook, led us in the grace and closing prayer. After a delicious breakfast, we were off to Brown Elementary to complete our day of service.

Our group had now grown to 32 youth and 10 adults and we were eager to tackle today's projects. Thanks to the generosity of the members of Central United Methodist Church, Leadership Jackson and A1 Pallet Company we were able to purchase all of the materials needed to build 3 compost bins, 12 garden beds, and an outdoor classroom. The total number of volunteers for ShareFest 2012 was close to 100, hailing from Leadership Jackson, Central UMC, Americorps Read Across America and Foodcorps. We were even fortunate to have several political candidates roll up their sleeves and get a little dirty on behalf of Brown Elementary. Our own Joyce Jackson, candidate for City Council Ward 3, led the way.

The generosity did not stop with supplies and manpower, but also included delicious coffee and warm cookies from Hilton Garden Inn (King Edward Hotel) and lunch from the Mid-Town partners.

Thank you to all who donated money and shared your time with us today. Our young people learned valuable lessons in community, teamwork and friendship.

Michelle Henry,
Family Life Center Director
Central United Methodist Church

ShareFest 2012

Central United Methodist Church is partnering with Leadership Jackson to beautify the grounds of Brown Elementary. Our focus will be on the playground area, the sidewalk and the area between Brown and Rowan. Join us January 16 for ShareFest 2012. ShareFest 2012 - "A Day On, Not A Day Off." For more information, please contact the church office at 601.355.7858.

Happy Independence Day

"For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters, only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another." Galatians 5:13

Paige and I spend some Saturday afternoons in mother-daughter time at Koinonia cafe. not just because they serve the best turkey sandwich with cranberry relish, but because the place epitomizes all that its name represents. It is truly a community place. The type of community that Jesus talked about, one that is open to all and accepting of all.

Today we celebrate freedom. The day the United States won its independence from the English monarchy. As you celebrate in whatever manner you choose, please remember that as Christians we are free as well. God bought our freedom from damnation for our past mistakes and our future missteps, but please don't use that freedom to do wrong, or focus on yourself. Instead use the freedom of Jesus Christ to love one another and to bring about a community that is open to all and accepting of all as we strive to make disciples for Jesus Christ.

How do we do that? Galatians 5:14 gives us the way, "Love others as you love yourself." When we operate in a spirit of love, we no longer focus on the faults of others, but rather on their strengths. The unity among believers is strengthened and the world sees God's people as the shining example. As an example, we can change what society sees as normal, reinstate morals and values and make love and acceptance of all the everyday thing.

What's your stake in the future?

As parents of six children Philemon and I have based a lot of our decisions on what will provide the best future for our children. From our political affiliation to our city/neighborhood of residence to our community service, we work hard at trying to provide a bright future for our children. We also believe that everyone, even children, should have a personal relationship with God, love for family and friends and a sense of giving to others, not just financially, but of our most valuable asset, our time. This helps to ensue a successful future for yourself as well as those you come in contact with.

As a community of believers, we should look at our young people, youth and children, as OUR children. We should work tirelessly to help them to secure a successful future. How do we do that you ask? By making sure that our decisions will enhance their relationship with God, teach them how to love their family and friends and make sure that they learn by our example how to give to others their talent and treasure, but most importantly their time.

The Office of the Family Life Center along with the Nurture, Outreach and Witness committees are planning a program entitled M@C, Mobilization at Central. M@C will focus on all members of Central, but first and foremost our young people. You see, our young people are not the church of tomorrow if we don't start preparing them and involving them today! As Rev. Cook has been known to say, "If you don't stand for children, you don't stand for much."

The first activity for M@C will be a Youth Retreat held in the fall. Each member of Central will be asked to participate in some capacity. Please help us to set a good example for our young people by giving of your treasure, your talent, but most importantly your time. For Rev. Cook has told us many times that "God loves a cheerful giver." So join with us and help us to stand for children.

M@C's future activities are up to you. If you are a ministry chairperson or committee member or you believe that the Family Life Center could assist a ministry with programming, please contact your NOW chairperson and the Family Life Center Director on how we can team up and work together to provide a successful future for ALL.

Michelle

Becoming the Change We Want To See

On Saturday, May 14, the Outreach committee of Central United Methodist Church in a collaborative effort with the Children's Defense Fund, Farish Street Missionary Baptist Church and New Hope Missionary Baptist Church held a Parents Luncheon in the Family Life Center.

To paraphrase Ghandi, we must become the change we want to see. The purpose of the luncheon was to have an open dialogue about how the churches of the Farish Street community could support the youth and parents on becoming the change that we want to see. After a delicious meal, the parents and members present actively engaged in conversation to bring about change in our community through education, support, preventative measures and intervention.

A followup activity is being planned and we hope to see more members and parents present as we become the change we want to see!

Prayer

"Everyone prays in their own language, and there is no language that God does not understand."

Duke Ellington

As we began to teach our children about prayer, we first felt it important to set the example, so we pray in their presence each night. Then we taught them what I term the lullaby prayer, "Now I lay me down to sleep,...". Next there was the Lord's prayer, which was greatly helped by them going to a private Christain school where the Lord's prayer was said daily. The older they get, the more we talk about prayer. We explain to them that your prayer is your conversation with God. Tell him whatever it is that you want him to know. He is your best friend and will keep your secrets and give you comfort in trying times. There is nothing that you can't say to him and no sin so great that he won't forgive. His love is unconditional and eternal.

In Stormie Omartian's book The Power of a Praying Parent, yesterday's thought for the day was "If you're aware of a child who doesn't have a praying parent, you can step into the gap right now and answer that need. You can effect a change in the life of any child you care about." That moved me, because I truly feel that we as a race of people are standing at the crossroads with a decision to make. It is imperative that the churches in the African-American communities step up their efforts to support the children within in our congregation and outside of our walls. There are children who may not have the privilege of parents who can teach them about the love of God and how to communicate with Him. As we make our decision on which path to take, I hope that we prayerfully consider those who need us the most, our children, and what is best for them.

I wish you peace and blessings.

Happy New Year

It seems ridiculous to wish folks a happy new year when it's almost February, but I attended an extraordinary conference yesterday and felt this greeting was appropriate. The conference was held at Central United Methodist Church and was titled The Power of Oneness. The leaders, Rev. Rayford Woodrick, Rev. Maxine Bolden and Atty. LaToya Redd did an excellent job on showing us the blessings that come from being one with God and one with your fellow man.

There is a saying that goes "when you know better, you do better." I always associate the acquistion of additional knowledge with new beginnings. Every new year is an opportunity to put away the things of the past and to start anew. Therefore, my friends, I wish you a Happy New Year, as we move forward in oneness, setting our goals and working in cooperative ministry, to clearly embrace what moving to the next level will look like and mean for Central UMC.

Black History Month

February is Black History Month and like most organizations in America, Central is planning several activities to celebrate this time of year. On Sunday, February 21 at 11:00 am, the youth of Central will present a play about Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott. As our special guests, the members of Green Elementary choir will perform. On Sunday, February 28 at the 8:30 service, the Morning Glory Singers will present Lest We Forget - Words of Black Poets and Composers. The 11:00 service will have a Heroes of the Community Celebration in which members of the congregation are asked to attend service dressed in traditional African attire. Lunch will be served immediately after the 11:00 am service.

What a wonderful time to invite family members and friends to share in this wonderful celebration!

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday

On Monday, January 18, 2010, Central United Methodist Church and New Hope Missionary Baptist Church joined together in A Day On, Not A Day Off, a celebration of the birth of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The day was filled with activity. We began with a Prayer Breakfast with Rev. Cook giving the message. His topic was There's No Shortcut to the Promised Land. New Hope provided a delicious breakfast which prepared us for Phase II, the cleanup. Five separate groups set out about the Farish Street District picking up trash and passing out recycle bins. Members of the community had planned a march and rally at the State Capitol in protest to the possible merging of Mississippi's Historically Black Colleges and Universities. What a beautiful experience to see the multi-generational crowd marching for the same cause. I have put together a video of the photos that were taken from that day. Let us always remember the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King in our daily actions, not just on the holiday celebrating his birth.

Souper Bowl I

In an effort to eradicate hunger and promote education in the Farish Street district, the Outreach Committee of Central United Methodist Church, through the office of the Family Life Center will host Souper Bowl I on Saturday, February 6. We will serve soup to homeless and indigent residents of the district as well as persons who enter our Family Life Center beginning at 3 PM. We have invited youth from across the city to join us in this service project.

There will also be a Souper Bowl Dance beginning at 6 PM in the Family Life Center. We are asking for two school supply items as admission. The items will be donated to Brown Elementary School. Concessions will be available.

Join us for this worthwhile event!

Parents Night Out

Join us for Parents Night Out on Friday, January 22 at 6:00 pm in the Family Life Center. Parents Night Out is an opportunity for children to have fun in a safe environment while parents have the opportunity to focus on their relationship.

Community of Shalom

Central United Methodist Church and the Family Life Center have joined with other Farish Street area churches to resurrect a Community of Shalom. The members have spent the last five months in training and will graduate on August 8. Below is the graduation presentation.

Shalom: A Day of Health and Wellness

5K Run - 5K Walk

Saturday, October 24, 2009, 6:30 am start time
Jackson Convention Complex, 105 E. Pascagoula Street, Jackson MS

*Pre-Registered Racers will receive a FREE pedometer and T-shirt.
Awards will be given to the overall winners, male and female in appropriate age groups.

For more information send email to CUMCFLCDirector@yahoo.com or call 601.355.7858.

Registration Information

Name _____________________________________ Gender: M / F

Address ______________________________________________

Email _____________________ Shirt Size: YXL AS AM AL AXL AXXL

Home Phone (____)__________ Cell Phone (____)_________ Age___

Signature_________________________ Date__________________

Pre-Registration Fee $10 Pre-Registration Deadline: October 10, 2009
Registration Fee $20 after October 10, 2009
Race Day Registration $30
Please make checks payable to Central UMC and send registration form to
Central United Methodist Church Family Life Center
517 N. Farish Street Jackson MS 39202

I, the signee above, and representatives knowingly waive, release, and forever discharge all rights and claims which it may hereafter accrue as a result of the services provided by Central United Methodist Church and its associations (Entities). Any and all injuries or death suffered during this event are not the responsibility of the Entities. The signee and its representatives knowingly assume all risk involved in this event. All participants must complete a registration form. The signee and its representatives will allow the Entities to use event pictures, comments, and media at their discretion. I realize that the event may be subject to cancellation at the discretion of the Run Committee and that my registration fee is non-refundable. All documents, cost, and any other proprietary information concerning this event are the sole ownership of the Entities.

Community Health Day

The Family Life Center is organizing a community health day. The planning meeting will be August 15, 9:00 am at the Family Life Center.