WAVES

October 2009 Newsletter
Seashore District UMC
REFLECTIONS
 
Breaking the Curse
 
"October 2004.  The country watched as the curse was broken.  On the night of a total eclipse, after 86 years of heart-wrenching defeat, Boston fans' cheers ricocheted off the walls of Busch Stadium and ascended into the firmament as the Boston Red Sox won their first World Series since trading Babe Ruth.  Ballplayers can be superstitious folks.  They believe in things like Lucky Game Underwear that Can't Be Washed or the Winning Streak Will Break.  Trading Babe Ruth was a Bad Thing for the Red Sox.  As the results rolled in, year after year, the fans, the Red Sox Nation knew it.  But 86 years later, a miracle happened in St. Louis, and cheers echoed around the world.
 
About 86 years ago mainline churches did something.  Maybe we washed our lucky game underwear.  Maybe we traded Babe Ruth.  Lots of people have lots of ideas.  But we have not been winning any evangelism series for one looong stretch of time.  It's about time that curse gets broken.  It can be done.  It is time to see our players jumping and slapping each other's backs.  It is time to hear the cheers of our fans echoing into the firmament again.  It is time."
 
So begins Martha Grace Reese in her book, Unbinding Your Heart.  Across Mississippi, congregations are taking up the challenge to "Knock on 9."  I've often wondered what it would take to turn the tide of excitement and growth in the United Methodist Church.  What I know is this...
  • until each one of us is captured by the passion to do something...
  • to knock on even one door...
  • to have one conversation with one person about our faith...
  • to tell someone about the heart of the Gospel, Jesus Christ...
  • to become committed and passionate about reaching people and offering Christ's love and healing, His mercy and grace...

Find the people in your congregation, one or two of them, or 10 of them, and invite them into the Forty Day Adventure Reese outlines in her book.  Begin the journey in prayer.  Prayerfully ask God to show you people who need a connection with Him. 

I'm hearing in my ear this day that chorus, "People Need the Lord, People need the Lord, at the end of broken dreams, he's the open door."   We do.   We all do.
 
Pray.
Knock on 9.
Invite.
Tell.
 
And do it again.
 
For the sake of the Call.
 
I'm knocking on 9.  In my neigborhood.  At the coffee shop.  At the grocery store. At the resturant.
 
We don't have to hit home runs.  Just a few base hits and we break the curse.
 
Your partner in the Gospel,
 
Bill
"Tide"ings from Around the District
 
It's hard to believe that summer is already over.  In fact, as I sit to write, it's the third day of Fall.  I don't know about you, but this past summer for me seems to have been just so dreary.  We have had so much rain.  It doesn't seem like we have had much opportunity for the traditional outside summer activities that I enjoy so much.  The weather hasn't given us much opportunity for that.  You've probably realized by now that I'm going somewhere with the word "opportunity."  Well...you're right!  There is a great opportunity that the weather hasn't hindered for us.  In fact, we are blessed to have this great opportunity all the time, rain or shine.  It's called "Witnessing," "Testifying," "Evangelism," "Telling Others," and "Sharing the Good News." 
 
The Living Bible paraphrases Colossians 4:5 like this, "Make the most of your changes (opportunitieis) to tell others the Good News."  I believe we are most effective in sharing the "Good News" when we just tell our own story.  We should tell what God has done for us in Jesus Christ.  We have experienced the new and exciting life this "good news" brings to us.  The same powerful news that changed our lives and destiny will change others also.  What an opportunity we have.
 
Everyone matters to God; no exceptions!  Listen to this!  "For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself, no longer counting people's sins against them.  This is the wonderful message he has given us to tell others."  (2 Cor. 5:19 NLT)  If you have been hesitant or afraid to share this Good News with those around you, ask God to give you a greater love for them.  As long as there's one person in your circle of influence who isn't in God's family, you must try to reach them.  To do less is to say in effect, "they don't really matter!"  "They can go to hell!"  What are we willing to do so that people we know will go to heaven?  Invite them to church?  Share our story?  Pray until they're saved?  Make use of the opportunity!  Our mission field is all around us.  Just imagine the joy of greeting people in heaven that you shared your story with and helped to get there.  The salvation of a single soul is more important than anything else you'll ever achieve.  Why?  Because only people are going to last forever!  What an opportunity!
 
Rev. David Keller
Wesley UMC (Ocean Springs)
From the Pastor's Desk... 
 
 
Seashore District Lay Leadership School
October 23-24
Seashore UM Assembly
 
Courses offered:
  • Basic Lay Speaking (you must take this before taking an advance course)
  • Lay Speakers Interpret to Others our UM Heritage
  • Lay Speakers Lead Small Groups

Payment and registration must be received by October 15.  Course fee $50.  Overnight accommodations at SUMA are $45.

 
Additionally a Youth Lay Speaking Retreat will also be held October 23-24 at SUMA.  Cost:  $50 for weekend.  You will need to bring bedding and toiletries, as you will be housed in the dorms on campus.  All food will be provided for the weekend.  Anyone who is interested in exploring a call to ministry is welcome to attend!
 
Call the district office for a registration form at 228-604-2300.
 
North GA Flooding & Request for Teams 
 
The assessment teams in the North Georga Conference have come back with reports that the damage and need is much greater than originally expected and they are in need of more teams. 
 
The North Georgia Disaster teams have been working to set up housing accommodations for teams who will be traveling to the area.  To learn more about sending UMVIM teams to deal with the recent flooding, contact the official call center at 678-533-1443 (located at the conference headquarters at Simpsonwood Retreat Center in Norcross).  The call center will be keeping lists of needs to match with the list of those who are able to help.  Volunteers are also needed to staff the call center and for long-term recovery. 
 
For more info you can contact Dr. Julia Crim, North Georgia UMVIM Coordinator, at julia.crim@hotmail.com.
 
2009 Summers Lecture
Tuesday, October 13
Millsaps College
9:30 a.m. (registration) - 3:30 p.m.
Dr. Barbara A. Holmes, Guest Lecturer
 
"Race and the Cosmos:  An Invitation to View
Race in a Completely New Light"
 
Please register by contacting the Center for Ministry at 601-974-1488 or wheatbc@millsaps.edu.  Lunch is available for $10.  One-half unit (.5) CEU available for participation in the full schedule. 
 
Statistical Reports/Direct Bill Meeting  
November 5
Cedar Lake UMC 
 
Rev. Daivd Greer will conduct a training session at 6:30 p.m. to introduce the new program for the 2009 statistical input.  We will be using the Eagle System, which has been developed by GCFA.  Deadline for reporting your 2009 statistical reports will be Friday, January 29, 2010.  
 
David Stotts will host a meeting regarding Direct Bill beginning at 7:00 p.m.  This meeting will be beneficial for all Clergy, Finance Chairs, Treasurers and PPRC Chairs.  
 
October 18 - Laity Sunday
 
The United Methodist Church continues to celebrate and welcome the witness of the laity.  When John Wesley was hesitant to affirm preaching by the laity, his mother Suzanna suggested that he hear a lay sermon.  The sermon was so powerful that John Wesley changed his mind.  Lay speaking became a prominent feature of the Methodist movement as Methodists made an effort to prevent "silent pulpits."
 
We continue in that tradition.  Sunday, October 18 is Laity Sunday - a day to celebrate the work of the laity and to receive a sermon from a lay person.  To learn more about lay speaking ministries, contact Cheryl Denley (MS Conference Lay Speaking Ministries) at senatobiadistric@bellsouth.net or Rev. Sherry Judy (Seashore District Lay Speaking Ministries) at sherryjudy@bellsouth.net.
 
 
Conference Staff & Clergy Directory
 
The MS Annual Conference 2009-2010 Staff & Clergy Directory is now available online at www.mississippi-umc.org.  It is formatted for you to be able to download and print in book format.  You will find it on the homepage top menu under "Resources" or use the easy link on the right hand side of the page.
 
Wesley News"breakers"
 
The Mission Team at Perk Campus Wesley has chosen to host a Packing Event for Stop Hunger Now at The Barn.  A date has not been confirmed for the event (will be announced soon) but several fundraisers have been set up to raise money for their goal of packaging 10,000 meals.  On October 1, "Homecoming Club Night - Luau" will be held from 7:30 p.m. until 11:30 p.m. and on November 5, "Club Night - Thriller" will be held from 7:30 p.m. until 11:30 p.m. Quarter donations will be accepted at both events.  If you've got quarters to spare and would like to donate to this fundraiser, contact Max Parker or Brooke Eccles at 601-928-6009.
 
Additionally, on Saturday, October 10, Perk Wesley will tackle the restoration project of an abandoned circa 1900 grave site from 8 a.m. until 12 noon.  For more info, contact The Barn at 601-928-6009.
 
 
On Wednesday, September 23, JD Wesley students, faculty and staff gathered at noon at the flagpole to lift up prayers at the annual "See You at the Pole Rally."  Following prayer time, JD Wesley members gave out sack lunches to those who attended. 
 
 
 
The Wesley Foundation Board for Pearl River  Campus Ministry will meet on Tuesday, October 6 at 4 p.m. and the regular 11 a.m. meeting will be serving meals to the students.  Both meetings will be held in the Youth Building.  If you are able and interested in helping with meals, contact Rev. Jeff Pruett or Diane Weiss at 601-463-0108.   Volunteers are very much appreciated!
 
 
Project Safe Space/El Pueblo Update
 
  • On August 5, Biloxi Police & Fire Department hosted a Community Night Out at Nativity BVM.  Staff and many Project Safe Space members attended to show their support for the police department's efforts to strengthen neighborhood spirit and community partnerships.
  • Sandy Codella led a group of community members on August 15 in a Community Clean-up effort.  Approximately 70 people showed their support by picking up trash and sprucing up the neighborhood around the Project Safe Space office.
  • Project Safe Space & El Pueblo joined together on August 28 to honor the 4th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.  After the interfaith worship celebration at The Church of the Redeemer, members attended a panel discussion held on the latest situation with affordable housing.
  • A small group gathered on Saturday, August 29 for the Katrina Bridge Walk to show their support for the food drive that supported "Feed My Sheep."  Later that evening, they attended a film festival at Bethel Church, which highlighted human rights in relation to the storm. 

Project Safe Space Hours are:

Mondays from 7:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. (breakfast, lunch & dinner with Bible Study at 4:30 p.m.)
Tuesdays & Wednesdays - case management by appointment
Thursdays from 7:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. (breakfast & lunch)
Sundays - worship with brunch at 10:30 a.m.
Showers & laundry on Mondays & Thursdays
 
Come & See.  Get Involved!  At home chefs, volunteers, hygiene kit donations, monetary donations and daily prayers are all ways you can help out. 
 
For more info or to volunteer, call 228-436-3986.
"Surf"ing the District
 
Biloxi FUMC has a new rotation Sunday School Program.  Pre-K 4 through 5 graders "dig into the Bible" each week to search for hidden artifacts which lead them to the power verse for the month.  The group meets at 9:30 a.m.
 
Cedar Lake UMC celebrated marriage recently by recognizing 12 couples, who had been married at least 50 years, at an August 30  service.   Following Rev. Garry Ruff's sermon, "The Sanctity of Marriage, " he officiated at a short ceremony in which five of the couple reaffirmed their marriage vows.  A wedding reception followed the service.
 
A new Cub Scout Pack is forming.  Boys ages 6-10 are invited to attend den meetings at Diamondhead UMC on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. To learn more about the program, contact Cherie Schadler at 228-323-2924 or the church office at 228-255-6888.
 
Gautier FUMC will celebrate Children's Sabbath on Sunday, October 11.  The children will assist with leading worship and by helping the greeters and ushers.  This is a wonderful opportunity to support the children as they begin their journey of being church leaders.
 
Gulfport FUMC will have a potluck supper and children's musical, "Moses & The Freedom Fanatics," on Sunday, October 4 beginning at 5 p.m.  Bring family and friends for a fun night of fellowship, great food and entertainment.  They will also host "trunk or treat" on October 25 from 4 to 6 p.m.  There will be food, lots of candy, games and activities.  Karaoke with a professional DJ and the youth praise band will provide entertainment.
 
The UMW at Heritage UMC will hold a Fall Yard Sale on Saturday, October 17.  The UMM will have breakfast and lunch items available at the sale.  Additionally, a new Praise & Worship service will begin at Heritage on October 4 at 6:15 p.m.  Heritage Sunday School is also sponsoring a "Fun-O-Rama" on October 10 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  A Blood Drive with the American Red Cross is scheduled for October 18 from 7:30 a.m. until 12 p.m.  Donors will be registered in a quarterly drawing for a chance to win two Delta Air Lines tickets.
 
Leggett Memorial UMC is hosting a fundraiser dinner on October 3 from 3 to 6 p.m.  Proceeds will go to Revival UMC in Latnaya, Russia to help with the building of their church.  Dinner and dessert is $5; drinks are $1.  To place orders in advance, phone Lillie at 228-392-4690.  Take-out orders are welcome.
 
Main Street UMC is offering low impact exercise each Tuesday from 6:30-7:30 in Room 8 of the education building.  Jane Brown has received special training in how to lead and direct the class.  For more info, contact Jane at 228-467-1828.
 
Mississippi City UMC will hold an All Church Indoor Yard & Bake Sale on Saturday, October 3.  Times for the sale will be 8 a.m. until 1 p.m.
 
Mt. Zion UMC celebrated their 117th Church Anniversary on September 20.  Rev. Elijah Henry was the morning guest preacher and Rev. Robert Pittman was the afternoon guest preacher.  The St. Paul UMC Choir provided special music.  Dinner was served after the afternoon service.
 
New Prospect Camp Meeting gets underway with a gospel sing October 10 at 7 p.m..  Camp meeting service begins October 11 at 11 a.m.  Nightly revival services will be held at 7:30 p.m. October 12-18.
 
Roberts Chapel UMC will have a senior citizens luncheon on Thursday, October 22 at 11 am.  All area seniors are invited to attend.
 
Salem Camp Meeting will begin on October 5 and run through October 11.  Three services are scheduled for each day: 10:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., with activities planned throughout the week.  Rev. Dale Hathorn will be the guest speaker at the morning and evening services and area local pastors will be preaching the afternoon service.
 
Plans for a Fall Festival at Saucier UMC are underway for November 7.  The youth will have hamburgers, hotdogs, etc. for sale (proceeds for UMYF programs) and the UMW will have a flea market (proceeds for the food pantry).
 
St. Mark UMC (Gulfport) will celebrate Family and Friends Day on October 11 at 3 p.m.  Guest speaker will be Rev. Obadiah Clemons.
 
Rev. J. W. Crawley invited all to attend the Fall Revival at St. Stephen UMC, which was held September 28-30.  St. Stephen is located at 2917 Chamberlain Road in Gautier. 
 
Sweetwater UMC held their Homecoming Celebration on Sunday, September 27 at 3 p.m.  Rev. Freddie Cunningham from Moss Point was the guest speaker.
 
Trinity UMC (Picayune) has a busy October planned.  They will have an ice cream booth at "Praise in the Park" in Lucedale on October 10; their Fall Festival will be October 15 from 6-9 p.m.; Banana Split Sunday will be held on October 18 at 6 p.m. and a bonfire for the youth is scheduled for October 31.
 
Weems Chapel UMC held their Annual Women's Day Program on September 27 at 3:30 p.m. with the theme, "Where Would Jesus Sit?"  Mrs. Rosa Jackson, lay leader at Holmes Chapel UMC, was the speaker.
 
Members at Wesley UMC (Ocean Springs) will be volunteering October 12-16 at The Lord is My Help preparing take-out meals and serving in-house meals. 
 
White Plains UMC will host a benefit fish fry on Saturday, October 10 beginning at 5 p.m. to help defray some of the medical expenses for Shane Webb, a 16 year-old who was seriously injured in a boating accident in August.  Donations will be taken for the dinners.
 
Wiggins FUMC is hosting "trunk or treat" on Saturday, October 31 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. in the church parking lot.  Everyone is invited.
 
 October is Pastor Appreciation Month!
You are very much loved and admired and we appreciate your dedication and leadership.  We are very blessed to have each of you serve in The Seashore District. 
 
Thank you for shepherding God's people.
 
Society of St. Andrew Advent Devotion
 
The Society of St. Andrew invites you to participate in their 2009 Advent devotion and giving program, Prayers of Hope.  Prayers of Hope asks readers to reflect on and share in the work and mission of the baby in the manger who is Emmanuel, "God with us."  This year's theme focuses on the question, "What do you hope for in the coming of Christ?"  The Advent devotions will nourish your spirit while providing an opportunity to feed our hungry neighbors.
 
A sample packet of Prayers of Hope is available free of charge.  You can place your order by calling 1-800-333-4597 or by ordering online at http://www.endhunger.org/advent.htm. 

Looking Ahead...

October 4 
Stone County Charge Conference
(Wiggins FUMC) 6 p.m.
 
October 13 
Harrison Co. East Planning Meeting for Charge Conference
(St. Paul UMC, Biloxi) 2 p.m.
 
October 15
DCOM Members Training 
(Nugent UMC) 2 p.m.
 
October 18
Harrison County West Charge Conference
(Long Beach FUMC) 6 p.m.
 
October 23 - 24
Lay Speaking School
(Seashore UM Assembly, Biloxi)
 
October 25
Hancock County Charge Conference
(Mt. Zion UMC) 6 p.m.
 
November 1
Jackson County Charge Conference
(Safe Harbor UMC) 6 p.m.
 
November 5
Statistics Training / Direct Bill Meeting
(Cedar Lake UMC) 6:30 p.m.
 
Arise, Shine, Grow!
 
The 2010 Annual Conference Session of The MS Conference will be Friday - Sunday, June 11-13, 2010 at the Jackson Convention Center.
 
The theme of the conference will be Arise, Shine, Grow!  This theme will draw from the Biblical images of growing things, including the parables of Jesus.  This theme will help us all stretch through this year toward fruitful ministry, evangelism and mission.  We will celebrate churches having professions of faith, growing worship attendance, increased numbers of persons served in mission, growing numbers of children and youth and adults.
 
The Annual Conference Planning Committee envisions the Jackson Convention Center alive with growing peple and growing things - seeds, flowers, plants, trees, produce.  In this way, we will celebrate the ways in which we are growing in strength, in numbers, in vitality and in mission.
 
 
 
   
VISIT OUR WEBSITE
Prayer Requests
 
 
  • Rev. Cecil Locke (Shipman - Winborn Chapel Charge)
  • Miss Sabrina Faire Huffman (granddaugher of Rev. Gene & Patty Vance)
  • Jesse Cumbest (son of Revs. Chris & Sheila Cumbest)
  • The family of Rev. Bobby Joe Shell (retired)
  • Master Sean Paxton Greer (grandson of Rev. David & Sandra Greer) 
  • Ms. Mary Carter (District Lay Leader)
  • Rev. David Lowery (Picayune FUMC)
  • Rev. John Hearty (retired - Seashore District)
  • Mrs. Lorena Sharp (wife of Rev. J. A. Sharp)

 

 Prayer Corner
 
September 27 - October 3 
Rev. David Cumbest
Rev. Jim Curtis
Rev. Garry Ruff
Rev. Lloyd Rollins
Rev. Jerry Chapman
 
October 4 - October 10
Rev. LaSonya DeBose
Rev. Wilmer Dedeaux
Rev. Lindsey Robinson
Rev. Joe Reynolds
Rev. Tom Cumberland
 
October 11 - October 17
Revs. Dorothy & Rod Dickson-Rishel
Rev. Denise Donnell
Rev. Jeff Pruett
Rev. Tom Potter
Rev. Lamar Spencer
 
October 18 - October 24
Rev. Stacy Douglas
Rev. Charles Evans
Rev. Robert Pittman
Rev. Larry Pickering
Rev. Tom East
 
October 25 - October 31
Rev. Anna Fleming
Rev. Robert Gales
Rev. Mark Peters
Rev. David Newton
Rev. Lester Shows