Summer @ Crossgates UMC
 
June 2015 Newsletter
From The Heart

Gra ce and peace in our Lord Jesus Christ!

This past week Rev. Dr. O. Gerald Trigg passed from this life into life triumphant. Rev. Trigg was the pastor of my home church, Caswell Springs UMC, when I was born and was the representative of God who administered the waters of baptism (and a bit of fire) that has constantly challenged and transformed my life.

 

Jerry, as my family knew and referred to him, has shaped my life in ways that I am still realizing even today. Though he moved away from Caswell Springs when I was only a year old, the witness of his life not only shaped my life, but ministry as well. Jerry's life was a life lived with passion, with an unwavering commitment to justice and love, and a willingness to allow God to speak truth through him even when it wasn't a popular or easy word.

 

On January 2, 1963 he joined 27 other "young" pastors in drafting and signing a statement known as the "Born of Conviction" statement.   The statement addressed concerns of racism, segregation and the trends of curbing the "freedom of the pulpit". Some of the pastors came under such intense scrutiny and threat that they felt the need to leave MS and Jerry settled in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

 

Here is an excerpt from the "Born of Conviction" statement:

"Born of deep conviction of our souls as to what is morally right, we have been driven to seek the foundations of such convictions in the expressed witness of our Church. We, therefore, at the outset of this new year (1963) affirm the following:

   

1) The Church is the instrument of God's purpose. This is His Church. It is ours only as stewards under His Lordship..."

The statement continues to call for: freedom of the pulpit; that all are equal n God's sight (a statement against racism); for the support of public schools; and affirms an opposition to communism (which was involved in the conversation about racism). Included in the statement is a reference from the Methodist Council of Bishop's statement about the role of pastor from November 16, 1962 which includes:

" ...In obedience to his Lord and support of the prayer, 'Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven,' he champions justice, mercy, freedom, brotherhood, and peace. He defends the underprivileged, oppressed, and forsaken. He challenges the status quo, calling for repentance and change wherever the behavior of men falls short of the standards of Jesus Christ." (Born of Conviction... ,The Mississippi Methodist Advocate, January 2, 1963)

 

In many other ways Jerry lived out his life to the truth of the gospel and a witness for the love of Jesus Christ. Jerry truly lived with a passion and fire deep within his soul that God had placed there and used for his kingdom's work throughout his days. Jerry will be missed but his legacy and mission will live on through the hearts and work of those who were challenged and shaped by his witness.

 

I carry the Born of Conviction statement in my notebook every day as a reminder of those who continue to shape my life and of my call to ministry. It continues to challenge and shape me and calls me to live with conviction and passion. Do you truly live with a deep conviction about Christ's work in your life? Do you really believe that this is God's Church now? I wonder what do you have a passion for? Whose life are you shaping?

#reclaimFIRE   & help #reclaimCUMC

 

Your servant in Christ,

 Chris  

 

  Rev. Chris Cumbest, Senior Pastor 
ccumbest@crossgatesumc.org
WORSHIP
8:30AM & 10:30AM Worship
June 7    Communion Sunday w/ Elizabeth Cumbest Byrd  2 Corinthians 4:13- 5:1  
June 14  Vacation Bible School Sunday - There will only be a 10:30AM service this day.  Please join us at 9:00AM in the Activity Center before the service for a farewell reception given for John Joiner.  
 
June 21  David and Goliath  1 Samuel 17: (1a, 4-11, 19-23) 32-49 
June 28  Continue the Journey with David  2 Samuel 1: 1, 17-27 


Click here to access our video archive of worship services.
GROW
Church-Wide
Join us MONDAY, JUNE 1st as our church hosts the Africa University Choir for a fun night at the Braves game! Help us give them a hearty Crossgates UMC welcome by joining us at the game. Please email adickerson@crossgatesumc.org to sign up! Cost is $10 and includes your ticket, food & drink, and a great time! 

Africa University opened in 1992 with our very own Mississippi Conference helping to make it happen.  Find out more about this great university here
The choir will also perform in our District at Anderson UMC in Jackson on May 31st at 5:00pm.  You don't want to miss this opportunity to hear them.


A Note of Thanks
Our family is so blessed to have such a wonderful church family to minister to us. Over the past year, the staff and congregation have stood by and supported us in countless ways, big and small. We want to thank you for the food, cards, visits, calls and prayers as we made this journey. Everyone was so kind to help with the visitation, service of celebration and the meal for our family. From preparation of the sanctuary and welcome center, to preparation and service of the lunch and all in between, we thank you. We offer our heartfelt appreciation to the staff, ushers, musicians, and our minister. Thanks to each of you for your love, concern and support.

The Family of the Rev. Larry Creel

MEAL MINISTRY
Mark your Calendars for these special nights starting w/dinner @ 5:30pm:


Join us for our another special night JULY 29th with our annual Mystery Dinner!
More info about the great cast and menu coming soon!

Click here for Wednesday, June 24th menu.
Children


If you haven't registered your child yet,
Register Here.

We are planning some fun outings for the summer!
Don't forget to check our webpage for information and updated calendar! 
Jennifer Mayeu, Director of Children's Programming
Carolyn Jones, Director of Early Childhood
Sheri Blankenship, Director of Elementary Childhood
children@crossgatesumc.org

CROSSGATES METHODIST CHILDREN'S CENTER NEWS 

 

Crossgates UMC members will receive priority when enrolling their children at the Children's Center beginning June 1, 2015. When the CMCC Board sought input from other centers and discussed the pros and cons of this issue, it became clear to the entire board that this is a change we need to make. It's our hope that this decision will strengthen the bond of ministry and cooperation between our congregation and the Children's Center.

 

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

The Children's Center is seeking 2 persons who have Commercial Driver's Licenses to volunteer as back-up drivers OR 2 persons who are willing to get a CDL in the event that...... the Center will reimburse the cost of the CDL and background check. Please contact Colleen Smith, CMCC Director at 601-825-0555 if you are interested in serving in this way.  

  

In other Center business....

  • we are in the process of updating our Inclement Weather Closing Policy
  • Prioritizing needed repairs & renovations of our buildings
  • Pursuing the feasibility of establishing a scholarship fund for those in need and CUMC staff
  • Identifying ways CUMC members might volunteer in ministry at the Center

More later on these as decisions are made.

 

 

Colleen Smith, Children's Center Director
colleen.cmcc@gmail.com
Frances Savage, CMCC Board Chairperson
Youth
Mississippi Youth Encouraged to "Let their Light Shine" at NEXUS
Sponsored by the Conference Council on Youth Ministry (CCYM), this year's NEXUS event for students is themed "Illuminate" and will take place Wednesday, June 3, 2015 at Crossgates United Methodist Church in Brandon, MS. This gathering will feature radiant worship with communicator, Rev. Kordell Sims, Sr. and music by Matt King. Find more information here
BIG STUF SUMMER CAMP

Who: 7th-12th Grades

Where: Panama City, FL

When: June 26-29

$100 due June 7

For more information visit www.bigstuf.com  

 

WEDNESDAYS WITH JOHN

June 3, 10, 17 & 24

11:00AM  Meet @ church to go out to lunch

Hang out @ church until 2:00PM 

 

 

John Joiner, Youth Director

jjoiner@crossgatesumc.org

Adults
If you haven't signed up for our fun night at the Braves Game, Monday, June 1st, as our church hosts the Africa University Choir it's not too late!    Find out more about this great university here.  Help us give them a hearty CUMC welcome by joining in on the fun! 
The cost is only $10, which includes your ticket, food, drink, and fun!!
Email adickerson@crossgatesumc.org to sign up.
Peace, Allison

SUMMER BOOK CLUB- Bay Window Books in downtown Brandon each Wed. @ 6:15pm.
The next book will be Fannie Flagg's The All-Girl Filling Station's Last Reunion.
To find out more, email adickerson@crossgatesumc.org
 
ALZHEIMER'S CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP meets the 1st Thursday of each month in the main building, room 326.  The next meeting is Thursday, June 4th @ 4:30PM.
A light supper is served.

FOREVER YOUNG ROAD TRIP- We have a fabulous group going on our trip to Oxford on
June 25-26th!  We will meet at the church at 8am to head to Oxford.  Don't forget to bring money for a quick lunch on the way!  We will explore Oxford as we visit Faulkner's Home, take a special tour of the Ole Miss Athletic Facilities, stroll on the square, eat at Taylor Grocery, and at the legendary Ajax.
 
This is a great time to join a group on Sunday mornings! Check out the groups below to find the right fit!
College-age & Young Adult Group Starting Sunday, June 7th through July!
 Join Erika Berry for small group off the gym in room 336 @ 9:30am.  Whether you're home from college...leaving for college soon...starting graduate school... just moved back in town...single...engaged...married-- YOU GET THE POINT-- this is the class for YOU!!




Rev. Allison Dickerson, Associate Pastor
adickerson@crossgate sumc.org 
SERVE
Click here to find out more!

Be the Hands and Feet of Christ JULY 17-19th
as we serve on a great mission trip to the Coast!

This trip is for children, youth, & adults-but  every child must be accompanied  by an adult. We'll meet at the church Friday morning at 8am to travel to the Coast  and return home on Sunday afternoon.
Help us serve those in need, hear the stories of the continual rebuilding after Katrina, and of course have some fun too! To sign up, please email Allison 


Rev. Allison Dickerson, Associate Pastor
adickerson@crossgatesumc.org
GIVE
Finance
DOLLARS FOR DEBT

In addition to your regular tithe for the work of God through the life of this congregation, we encourage everyone to participate by giving a dollar bill in the offering plate. The "Extra Dollar Giving" will go toward arresting our church building loan.

    

Thank you for donating your dollars and please remember to re-enroll your Kroger card each year.  If you are not already enrolled in the Kroger rewards program, call or see Robin Jeffcoat to find out how you can be a part of this easy program that can make a big difference. 
    
Robin Jeffcoat, Director of Finance

rjeffcoat@crossgatesumc.org

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