“For unto us a child is born…”

With these words, the prophet Isaiah looked ahead to the birth of our Savior. What a joy it is to celebrate the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ! Christmas marks a singular event that changed the course of history. We even reckon time itself—in the year of our Lord—from the birth of Jesus. The Incarnation is the great mystery and miracle of the faith: God the Son becoming human to reveal the heart of God the Father and to offer himself for the sins of the world. Grace took on flesh and moved into the neighborhood.

During this Christmas season, my prayer is that you will experience the peace that only Jesus can bring. In the midst of the busyness and noise of this time of year, I hope you will find the time and space to reflect on God’s goodness and receive the hope that Christ gives through the presence of the Holy Spirit.

I am deeply grateful for the faithful witness of our churches across the MidSouth. Thank you for proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ in your communities and for living out that good news through worship, service, and mission. May God continue to bless and strengthen your work as you reach your mission field for the sake of the Kingdom.

I also encourage you to give prayerful consideration to our special 2025 Christmas Offering, which will help establish a Global Methodist Conference in the Nile Valley of Africa. Churches in South Sudan and Sudan are seeking to form a new Wesleyan witness in one of the poorest regions of the world. Our goal is to raise $40,000—$25,000 to support the convening of the conference and $15,000 to send leaders from the MidSouth to assist Bishop Scott Jones in training leaders for this important work. We have multiple resources for churches to share with congregations on the MidSouth website, including a video message from Bishop Scott Jones, printable flyers, and social media and/or bulletin graphics.

In addition, I want to highlight several leadership and ministry opportunities here at home.

Beginning in January, we will launch International Leadership Institute (ILI) trainings across the MidSouth. These trainings are designed for both lay and clergy leaders who desire to lead faithfully and effectively in their local churches as we make disciples of Jesus Christ and spread scriptural holiness across the conference. With eight training sessions across the region, be sure to check the event page to find the nearest location, learn more, and register online.

Later in January, on the 31st, our Prayer Team will be hosting Symphony of Prayer events throughout the conference. These gatherings invite all Methodists—lay and clergy alike—into a deeper life of prayer that undergirds everything we do for the mission of God. To participate in these prayer events and receive training resources to share with your congregation, visit the Symphony of Prayer website event page for registration.

A Certified Lay Minister (CLM) Course will be offered online on February 21st and 28th. This course will cover the history, polity, and doctrine of the Global Methodist Church. You can learn more about this online course and register on the event page.

God is at work in the MidSouth Conference! I constantly hear stories of lives being transformed, churches renewed, and mission opportunities embraced. It is a joy and a privilege to serve alongside you and to work with our churches and ministry teams as we seek to put Jesus on display in a world that desperately needs healing and hope.

I am always open to invitations to preach or to share more about the ministry taking place across the MidSouth. You may reach me at chowlett@midsouthgmc.org to schedule a visit.

Until then, may God richly bless you with his mercy and love this Christmas season.

Grace and Peace,
Chris