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Welcome Rev. Jon Thompson!
Rev. Jon Thompson was born in Geneva, Illinois. Prior to answering his call to full-time ministry, Jon worked as an electrician. It was noted that he was the youngest certified lay speaker in southern Illinois.
Jon graduated McKendree University in Lebanon, IL. and Eden Theological Seminary. He served many churches in both Illinois and Missouri. He was ordained as Deacon in 1993 and Elder in 1996. Fast forward to 2019, Jon was appointed to serve as District Superintendent of the former Ozarks District. In 2022, after the Missouri Annual Conference went through redistricting, Jon was appointed as one of the Conference Superintendents.
Jon and his wife, Nona have two sons and four grandchildren. He enjoys hunting, fishing, kayaking and his furry friend Bentley.
Hate Divides, Love Unites Campaign Resources and Updates
The Missouri Conference has produced a digital graphics package about the uniting power of love, called Hate Divides, Love Unites, in time for another divisive election year. Print-ready files are available for download to produce yard signs, banners and t-shirts if your church would like to promote a message of love over hate. The Missouri Conference wants to become a brave, empowering place for people from diverse cultures and generations so that we can become a Church for all God’s people. We seek to do this by equipping Conference leaders and local churches for multicultural leadership, cross-cultural connection and healing justice.
- Read a press release about the campaign HERE.
- Access the digital graphics HERE.
During the Saturday Afternoon Business Session, a challenge was issued for United Methodist churches across Missouri to pledge money or sponsor Hate Divides, Love Unites billboards.
UPDATE:
If churches or individuals wish to donate money: make donations out to Missouri Annual Conference (memo line: Love Unites campaign), 3601 Amron Ct., Columbia, MO 65201. Once there is enough money donated, they will work with advertising companies to erect a Love Unites billboard in the Southeast District.
If a church wants to purchase a billboard on their own: ask the vendor for the production specs to send to their design company for re-sizing. These specs should be sent to Kim Jenne ([email protected]) with the deadline for production to meet their media window. The Annual Conference will re-size the art to the appropriate size for the board and send it to the outdoor company for final production.
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Southeast District Grants
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Fall Grants Due by August 1st
The Southeast District is offering ministry grants to any United Methodist church or affiliated organization in the district boundaries.
• Priority will be given to organizations that have not previously received a Southeast District grant.
• Priority will be given to Conference initiatives listed below.
- New Places for New People (NPNP) -New or growing Alpha programs.
- Next Generation Ministries - (birth-college age) New program that multiplies Next Gen Ministries in the local church.
- Raise up Missional Leaders – training or an experience to recruit, train or disciple missional leaders engaged in the congregation.
Details can be found in the Grant Application here:
• Fall Grants are due by August 1st. All applicants will be notified by September 1st.
Upcoming Lay Education Courses
Small Group Leadership Online Class – 9-11 a.m. on Aug. 17
Only a few seats remaining!
If you have either prayerfully decided or been “voluntold” to start a small group this fall, this course is for you. Join the Southeast District and lay member Millie McDowell in this two-hour Zoom session where we’ll review history to find that small groups are at the very core of our Wesleyan roots, learn about different types of small groups, and discuss the mechanics of running a group. We'll also talk about curriculum selection, group dynamics, and discover ways to encourage your group members to step into leadership. Learn more and register at www.moumethodist.org/eventdetail/they-ve-asked-me-to-lead-a-small-group-now-what-online-18379119
Fall Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Online Course-begins Sept. 11
Emotionally Healthy Spirituality is based on the premise that emotional health and spiritual health are inseparable and that many of us get stuck spiritually because we haven't done the hard work of becoming emotionally healthy. This eight-week online course will be taught by the incoming Assistant to the Bishop Rev. Melissa Dodd. Learn more at www.moumethodist.org/eventdetail/emotionally-healthy-spirituality-online-18356984
Other upcoming Online courses:
Questions?
Please contact Lisa Conley, SE Lay Education Coordinator at
[email protected]
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Get Up Conference
How would you describe your relationship with the Holy Spirit? Register for the Get Up Conference on Saturday, August 24 from 10:00am-3:00pm with guest speaker, Charity Goodwin, an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church and Pastor of Spiritual Formation and Groups at The Gathering. She will help you discover your purpose by addressing things in your life to cultivate a relationship with the Holy Spirit and more.
Cost is $30 per person and includes lunch & book! Childcare provided.
To see the flyer, click HERE.
Deadline to sign up is August 9, 2024.
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Community Worship Nights Concert Series
Join Trinity UMC (Piedmont) this summer for an incredible night of worship as the Community Worship Nights Series visits Piedmont, MO! Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the church, at the door or online.
Dates & Lineup:
Aug 4 - Seph Schlueter, Cade Thompson & Jeremy Rosado
For More Information, Click HERE for the flyer.
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Festival of Sharing Update
The SHAREFEST date for the Southeast District is October 4-5, 2024 at the Global Methodist Church in Dexter, MO. This ministry is non-denominational. There are a few kit changes for 2024.
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