The MinistryVolume 2, Issue 12 December 2018

Welcome to Advent"The voice of one crying out in the

wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every

valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low,

and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth; and all flesh shall see the

salvation of God.'"

I’ve always been perplexed by this metaphor for the coming of the Messiah. This text that we hear nearing the beginning of advent is eerie. For me, it evokes thoughts of divine tectonic shifts and unsteady grounds all ushering in the way for Jesus. Honestly, I’ve never really liked this metaphor, I'm more a fan of the "built on a firm foundation" message from Jesus.

In my mind, John and the Prophet Isaiah's "prepare the way" message has always seemed horrific. I think of earthquakes, landslides, things that unsteady one’s foundation. I picture trees and buildings toppling as if all society is falling into ruin. This hardly seems like good news, but as my seminary professors always said, "If

you haven't found the good news, you haven't looked hard enough."

I recently read a commentary on this passage that spoke of "the way" as "the road." Roads in biblical times, could be treacherous paths. They could wind up mountains, be poorly paved, and take you on long detours away from the direction of your final destination. Days, weeks, months could be spent navigating your road. It could be grueling to simply get to the next town over. Taken in this context; straightening the road, leveling the hill, raising the valleys, and smoothing the terrain, the passage is full of good news for the traveler.

We are all travelers on this journey to the Christ. We are all seekers hoping to hold a glimpse of the divine. What this passage means for our journey, is that our God is making it as short, as simple, as direct as possible. This Advent, as you prepare the way of the Lord, know that the journey will be swift, because he will be coming directly to you! Morris+

Sundays 8:30 am Holy Eucharist 9:15 am Coffee Hour 9:30 am Choir Practice/Sunday School 10:30 am Holy Eucharist

Tuesdays 9:00 am Education for Ministry 6:00 pm Education for Ministry

Wednesdays 12:45 pm Prayer Shawl Knitters 5:30 pm Holy Eucharist 5:45 pm Parish Supper 6:15 pm Children/Youth Activities 6:30 pm Choir Rehearsal

Thursdays 8:30 am Bible Study

Fridays 10:00 am Busy Bees Playgroup

Office HoursMonday - Thursday: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Friday: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Contact us 3831 35th Avenue • 39305 601.483.3959

Clergy & Staff The Rev. Morris Thompson, Rector morris@mediatormeridian.org

Marc DeCoste, Director of Christian Ed marc@mediatormeridian.org

Paige Brooks, Parish Administrator paige@mediatormeridian.org

Lora Tucker, Organist/Choirmaster Michael Barney, Sexton

New Directory!Our new parish directory is finally here! Copies are available in the office, church narthex, or parish hall. Call the office if you need one delivered.

End of Life PlanningDuring Wednesday Parish suppers in December we will hold brief presentations on end of life decisions. The first Wednesday Morris will speak and be available to help you plan your service. The second Wednesday representatives from Barham and Webb funeral homes will come to talk about funeral preparations. The third Wednesday Winky Glover will talk about advance directives and estate planning. Contact Morris for more information.

Breakfast with St. NickOur Annual Children's Breakfast with St. Nick is Sunday, December 9, at 9:30. Children of all ages are welcome to participate. There will be activities, a breakfast, and, of course, story time with St. Nick! Contact Marc if you would like to help.

Christmas PageantOur Christmas Pageant is during the 5 pm Christmas Eve Service. Children and Youth ages 3 and up are encouraged to participate. Practices for the Pageant are Sunday Dec. 16 at 9:30am, Wednesday Dec.19 at 6:15pm, and Sunday Dec. 23 at 9:30am. The children will also meet at 4 pm on Christmas Eve for a final dress rehearsal. Contact Marc if your child plans on participating.

Wednesday Night CooksThank you to all who have been willing to cook for your parish! We are still in need of more cooks. Get your team together and pick out a Wednesday to prepare a meal. Call the office if you are interested in signing up.

2018 PledgesAs we approach the end of 2018, we are also nearing the end of the 2018 Pledge Campaign. If you have any questions about where you stand in your commitment to the church, please contact Barbara Thomas, bookkeeper, or Alice James, treasurer, at the office. As always, your inquiry will be kept confidential.

Priest’s Book ClubOur next book is “Educated: A Memoir” by Tara Westover. We will meet Wednesday, January 9 to discuss "Educated." Copies are available in the bookstore.

MCC Music @ MediatorOn Sunday, December 9 at 2:00 pm the Meridian Community College Flute and Brass Ensemble led by the MCC Director of Bands, Jonathon Romero, will play festive Christmas music at the Mediator. The event is free, and all are encouraged to come get in the spirit!

Poinsettias and GreeneryIf you would like to donate money towards the Christmas poinsettias or greenery in honor or memory of an individual, contact the office before December 20 or fill out the form in the Sunday bulletins and place in the offertory bags with a check.

Parish Christmas CleanupOn Saturday, December 15, from 8:00am to 10:00am we will have a parish cleanup for Christmas! Bring your rakes, blowers, and wheelbarrows. Rain makeup date will be the following Saturday.

ECW Christmas PartyECW will have our Christmas party on Monday, December 10, 6:00 pm, in the parish hall. Bring your favorite heavy hors d'oeuvre. We will play "Dirty Santa." Gift limits for Dirty Santa are $15. All women of the church are invited to come, and bring a friend for a night of fun!

Bookstore NewsBe sure to check out the bookstore and items displayed in the parish hall for some great Christmas gifts! Shop now for the best selection. Gift certificates are also available.

Annual Meeting ReportsThe annual meeting for the Church of the Mediator is January 20. It will take place during the 10:30 service, and we will have a parish lunch afterward. If you are the leader of a ministry at Mediator, please get your report to us by January 11.

Decorating for ChristmasFollowing the 10:30 service on December 23, we will decorate the church for Christmas Eve Services. Let the office know if you plan to be in attendance as snacks will be provided to get you through!

We have now received 92 pledge cards totaling $383,716 for our 2019 budget. This includes 34 increased pledges and 13 new pledges! Thank you everyone who has supported our pledge drive so far, we are on target for our best stewardship year, and with great stewardship comes great possibilities for our church!

However, we are still shy of our $400,000 goal to meet the basic needs of our parish. Please help us get the rest of the way!

We would like to complete our Stewardship drive by December 9, therefore we need anyone who has not yet turned in a pledge card to help us by doing so immediately.

Stewardship Update

Becky Glover

Thank you all who came out and worked hard this past BBQ! It was a raging success as both a community builder for our church and as an outreach fundraiser.

The Two day Bake Sale, Quilt raffle, BBQ Ticket, and Loose Meat Sales totaled over $17,000! Thank you for making this a great BBQ year!!

48th Annual BBQ Totals

Vestry HighlightsMembers

Sr. Warden, 2020Bill Scaggs

Jr. Warden, 2019Ray Martin

Class of 2019 Class of 2020

Alice James, Treasurer Paige Brooks, Clerk

Ceil BunyardAnn GlazarClifton Quinn

Beth CalderonPat Downey

James Weems

• Mediator Haiti Gourmet Cocktail Supper and the BBQ both successful.

• Drainage problems in the women’s restroom in the Parish Hall have been corrected

• Vestry to authorize the Men’s Group to operate a drawdown without having to ask for vestry approval each year

• Wednesday nights during the December parish suppers there will be brief presentations on end of life decisions.

Regular Parish Activities

Adult Sunday SchoolThis month we will finish up "Walk in Love" and begin discussions on our next adult Sunday School class. Sunday School will not meet on December 23 or 30.

Wednesday Night EucharistEucharist is offered every Wednesday night at 5:30 and is followed by our Parish Suppers. There will be no Eucharist on December 26.

Wednesday Night SuppersJoin us every Wednesday night at 6 for a parish supper $5 person and $15 max per family. Activities for children and youth follow the meal. There will be no meal on December 26.

Busy Bees PlaygroupThe Busy Bees Playgroup meets every Friday morning from 10:00-11:30 AM at the church playground and nursery. Infants through preschoolers and their caregivers are invited. Join us, rain or shine! No Busy Bees on December 28.

Prayer Shawl KnittersAll are invited to experience the prayer, fellowship, and joy of knitting at our weekly prayer shawl knitters' group. The group meets Wednesdays at 12:45 PM in the parlor room. Come join this rowdy crew. Beginners welcome!

Bible StudyCome join our Thursday morning Bible study in the EfM room. This faithful group meets every Thursday morning from 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM to read through and discuss scripture.

Christmas Movie NightFriday, December 21, at 5:30 pm, we will host a movie night in the Parish Hall. Pizza, drinks, and popcorn will be provided. The movie will be "The Star." People of all ages are welcome!

December Food Pantry ItemsDec. 5 cake or muffin mix Dec. 12 canned or powdered milkDec. 19 canned or dry beans Dec. 26 canned soups

EYC's December ScheduleDec. 2 EYC @ St. Paul'sDec. 9 ShoppingDec. 16 CarolingDec. 22 Dinner and a Movie

Diocesan EventsWinter SolsticeWinter Solstice is a week of camp for youth in grades 9-12. This camp takes place December 27- January 1 at Camp Bratton Green. It is a week of fun, fellowship, and renewal that will promise your kid a wonderful time during the holiday season.

Annual CouncilAnnual Council is coming up January 25-27 in Hattiesburg, MS. This is the gathering of delegates and youth from across the Episcopal church in Mississippi. Contact Fr. Morris if you're interested in attending.

Marc's Monthly MeltdownI’m typically a little over the top during the Christmas season. As a child, I was always the first to run outside and decorate the house as soon as it was socially acceptable. I play Christmas music way too early every year. In my college dorm room, I think I even put my Christmas tree up in October one year.

It is also true that this can be an incredibly difficult time of the year for many. For those experiencing homelessness, those with financial difficulties, or for individuals with a range of hardships, the Christmas season can be far from jovial.

This month, we have so much going on at Mediator. Within our church walls, we have Breakfast with St. Nick on the 9th and the

Christmas Pageant on the 24th. We have trees in our narthex and parish hall for toys and pajamas, and cards to give out to those in need here in Meridian.

Out of our abundance we give, to bring a little joy, but also to be present with those who too often have little to celebrate this season. We do great work in this community, but perhaps our most important work is reaching out and continuing to expand our notion of what community looks like.

Thank you, Mediator, for all that you do. Let’s continually strive as a church to reach more widely, to love more deeply, and in this dark time of the year, to bring a little light to those who are struggling.

Marc DeCoste

Class of 2021Brenda Easterwood

Ross GoodinFred Wile

Exciting things are happening with Mediator's Youth Group!

Pilgrimage • Youth Trips

Rite 13 & J2A

We are having a mandatory meeting for parents of children in grades 6-12 on January 6 after the 10:30 service. We will discuss a new and exciting direction for our youth and their Christian Formation.

We are looking to build something great for our youth here at Mediator, but we need your help and input. If you have any questions please reach out to Marc by text/call (508)523-1917 or email marc@mediatormeridian.org.

EYC Parent Meeting

Nominations are now open to elect a new junior warden, three new vestry members, and three council representatives and two alternates for the 2020 Mississippi Diocesan Council. The role of Junior Warden is a two-year commitment. To be eligible an individual must be at least 21 years of age, baptized, confirmed or received, have been faithful in corporate worship, and known by the treasurer as a pledging member of the church. The role of Vestry Member is a three-year commitment. The same requirements of the Junior Warden apply to any Vestry Member. To be a council representative or alternate you must be at least 16 years of age and meet the same requirements of the Junior Warden and Vestry.

If you feel called to one of these roles in the church, or would like to nominate an individual for such a role, contact the office for the Vestry Nomination Form. All nominees must be submitted by December 31, 2018.

Vestry Nominations

The Ministry (USPS) 984580 Periodical Postage Paid at Meridian, MS 39301 Published by Church of the Mediator PO Box 3400 Meridian, MS 39303 Monthly Postmaster: Send address changes to: The Ministry PO Box 3400 Meridian, MS 39303 Volume 2 No. 12 Issue Date December 2018

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3831 35th Avenue · Meridian, MS 39305 · 601.483.3959

MARK YOUR CALENDARS December 15 Parish Clean up January 6 EYC Parents Meeting January 21 Annual Parish Meeting January 25-27 192nd Annual Council Hattiesburg February 15 Drawdown

Dec. 9 9:30 am Breakfast with St. Nick Dec. 9 2:00 pm MCC Brass Ensemble Dec. 24 5:00 pm Family Eucharist with Pageant 10:30 pm Christmas Carols 11:00 pm Festive Eucharist with Incense

Christmas Events