October 2011 Newsletter from Seashore District UMC

October 2011

WAVES

Newsletter of the Seashore District UMC

What's On The Calendar?

October 13

DS meet with clergy

at Grains of Montana in d'Iberville (8 a.m.)

District Trustees Meeting at Seashore Assembly (11 a.m.)

October 16

Charge Conference hosted by Diamondhead UMC (2 p.m.)

Charge Conference hosted by Handsboro UMC (6 p.m.)

October 18

DS meet with clergy at Cracker Barrel Restaurant in Moss Point (8 a.m.)

DS meet with clergy at Lucedale FUMC

(12 noon)

October 23

Charge Conference hosted by Coalville UMC (2 p.m.)

October 25

DS meet with clergy at Sawmill Restaurant in Wiggins (12 noon)

October 30

Charge Conference hosted by H. A. Brown Memorial UMC (2 p.m.)

Charge Conference hosted by Weems Chapel UMC (6 p.m.)

Prayer Requests

The family of

Mr. Fred Gill

The family of Mrs. Mary Catherine Speed

Reflections

My soul finds rest in God alone, the rock of my salvation.

Psalm 62:1

If you travel to northern Ireland to County Antrim, you will come to Giants Causeway, a geological formation that is a wonder to behold. On the edge of the sea, hexagon shaped rocks protrude through the ocean's floor to reveal a marvelous sight. In May while on sabbatical, Lynn and I were able to see this 60 million year old formation. Sixty million years old! In fact, in traveling around Ireland, one is surrounded by a sense that God has been at work in the world for a very, very long time. There are a variety of holy sites in the country which undergird this sense of holiness. It has the effect on one's spirit that all does not rest on my shoulders. That, in fact, God has been has work in the world long before I was and will be long after I am gone.

In 1493, The Nuremberg Chronicle was published for the first time. It describes Europe as "depressed." On the one hand, it was a publishing feat that surpassed anything that had ever been available. On the other hand, it described a civilization with little vision or hope. There were depictions of the great cathedrals in Europe and the Holy places in the Mideast. However, at the end of the book, there were blank pages left for those owning the book to fill in the events that took place prior to the world coming to an end! Then, for the next 50 years, the Renaissance sprang forth. There was more radical change in every human endeavor than had ever happened before.

We are living in a similar season in the church. There is anxiety in our system. We are longing for a sense of God 's direction. We need to hear the refrain, "my soul finds trust in God alone, the rock of my salvation." Our strength for the future lies not in the denomination, but in God alone. I believe God is calling us into a new future rooted in scripture and centered in Christ.

Be watching and listening for the ways God is calling you and the ways God is leading.

Peace,

Bill

"Tide"ings from Around the District

Have you seen the plethora of shells left by the cicadas as they have molted? The backyard of the parsonage seems to have more than I remember anywhere else. They are on the deck, stuck to trees and some are in Christy's ferns.

I picked one up and held it to the light of the setting sun. Illuminated a bit, the details of the former resident existed, so much so, that I could see where the individual segments of the abdomen had been. This transparent shell is a reminder of what used to be. In all my days, I have never seen the actual process of how that cicada extracts itself from the exoskeleton. This molting process is a necessity for continued life. It's quite amazing to think about how a cicada emerges from the little slit it creates on its back. Basically, it has outgrown itself and has to leave the past behind.

This is where I think there's a bit of God's grace in this story. God created this tiny bug that comes through an area every so often, and He created it to be transformed into a new creature. It has a new body. If it stayed in the old shell, it would die; if it didn't die, it would have a limited existence.

This is a lesson for me: God calls me from my former life that had me all bound up. He called me to leave my old life behind and experience how I am a new creation in Christ Jesus. As the cicada leaves its former shell on a tree most often, I left my former life at the tree of Calvary, where Christ died for my sin.

There was a couple, a husband and wife team, that did a lot of singing in one of the communities that I served. She was well over six feet tall and he was about five feet, four inches tall. But boy, could they sing! One of my favorites they would sing was entitled, "I Have a New Body; Praise the Lord, I have a New Life." The joy that was exhibited by these singers caught the attention of my then, three year old son. Any time they would get up to sing at one of the all night singings, my son would shout, "Sing that New Body song." Grant would begin to move and clap with the music. She would rare back, and as we say in the hills, "She'd let it fly." It wasn't long until the whole congregation would be singing along.

Even as I write this article (at night), I can hear the cicadas singing a song in the distance. Could it be they are singing, in their language, a song about their new body? I don't talk "bug talk." However, I am singing a new song every day for the new body and life God has given me. As the Apoltle Paul said, the former things have passed away; all things are new in Christ Jesus (my paraphrase from Ephesians 4:22-23).

Because of the grace God has given me, I have a joy for life that's not bound by an old shell. I am thankful God loves me enough to transform my life so that I am seeking Him and following His call to serve Him in worship and mission in this time and place. That's my song. What song are you singing these days? With my old life nailed to a tree, I am always,

Rev. Jeff Pruett, Lucedale FUMC

Grace Notes

District Fall Mission Project - Cold Weather Kits

This fall, we are asking district churches to pitch in and help gather items to make Cold Weather Kits for Project Safe Space. Our goal is to complete 200 kits by November 24. Below is a list of things needed:

Nylon backpack
Cold-weather sleeping bag
Small, dark-colored plastic tarp
Sweatshirt (Large, X-Large or 2X)
Toboggan
Gloves
Scarf
Thick socks
Lip balm

For your convenience, the following churches have been designated as drop off sites for your collected items: Picayune FUMC (323 North Haugh Avenue); Lucedale FUMC (5101 Main Street); Wiggins FUMC (520 E. Pine Avenue) and St. Paul UMC, Biloxi (696 Martin Luther King Boulevard).

For more information, email Rev. Paige Swaim-Presley at paige.swaim@gmail.com.

"Dockside" Offerings

UMVIM Team Leader Training

October 8

Biloxi FUMC

10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Cost: $20 for UMVIM manual

wesleydn@bellsouth.net or 228-875-8900

Learning to Use My Bible

Overnight Retreat for 3rd & 4th Graders

October 14-15

Seashore United Methodist Assembly

Retreat Leaders: Rev. Leanne Burris, Holly Mixon

Cost: $45 per student (includes meals, lodging & curriculum)

Deadline for registration - October 7

www.seashoreassembly.org or 228-43-6767

Fall Lay Speaking School

October 28-29

Seashore United Methodist Assembly

Courses: Basic, UM Heritage, 5 Practices of Fruitful Congregations

Cost: $50

Deadline for registration - October 17

228-604-2300

"Surf"ing the District

The Adult/Senior Council on Ministry at Biloxi FUMC is raising money for Military BibleSticks, a project that allows our deployed forces to hear the Word of God. The Military BibleStick is a digital audio player, about the size of a pack of gum, that is pre-loaded with a dramatized recording of the entire New Testament. The church is committed to sending a minimum of 50 BibleSticks to our troops in Afghanistan and Iraq as part of a Veteran's Day Celebration on November 11. Cost of each BibleStick is $25.00. For more info or to help with this ministry, please contact the church office at 228-354-9136. A Children/Family Fall Fun Trip is also planned to Seward Farms on October 22.

Byrd Chapel UMC will host their annual Fall Festival on Saturday, October 29 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. All are invited to attend.

The Thursday Night Bible Study Group at Cedar Lake UMC meets at 7 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. The group is studying the Gospel of Matthew, which begins with a video presentation followed by discussion. Anyone interested is invited to participate. Cedar Lake's Fall Festival will also be held on October 30 beginning at 4 p.m. Come and enjoy the costume contest, cakewalk and trunk-or-treat activities.

Gateway UMC is hosting their 2nd Annual Blessing of the Animals on October 1 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. In addition to the animal blessing, there will be animal skill demonstrations, games for the kids, various vendors and food booths, and free microchipping. Contests for Best Dressed Pet, Pet/Owner Look-Alike and Best Pet Trick will also be held. A pet photographer will be on hand as well. For more info, contact the church office at 228-832-0135.

The date has been set for the Pie Ladies Rummage Sale at Gautier FUMC. Mark your calendars for October 8. Additionally, Gautier FUMC will celebrate Children's Sabbath on October 9. The annual Pumpkin Patch will open for sales on October 8 and their Fall Festival will take place on October 29.

Gulfport FUMC is hosting a Trunk or Treat on Sunday, October 23 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. They will also observe All Saints Day on Sunday, October 30. Gulfport FUMC has been designated as a cold weather shelter and will have a meeting on October 26 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. to discuss upcoming preparations. A guest speaker has been invited to discuss global homelessness and other local organizations will be on hand to network with and build relationships. If you are interested in being part of this day, contact Chris Ray at 228-863-0047.

Handsboro UMC will observe Laity Sunday on October 9. Homecoming will be celebrated on October 16, with Rev. Tom Freeman as the guest preacher. A fellowship luncheon will follow the service.

Heritage UMC has started a new Bible Study, Made to Crave, a book and Bible study written by Lysa Terkeurst to help you find the "want to" in how to make healthy lifestyle changes. The study encourages you to replace your food craving with "God" craving. The Fall Yard Sale will be held October 15 beginning at 7 a.m. (tables are $20). Also, a Children's Harvest Festival will be held on October 30 at 2 p.m. Lots of food, games, costume contest, etc. will be offered. All are invited to attend.

The UMW at Long Beach FUMC will host their Rummage and Bake sale on Saurday, October 1 from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. Everyone is invited to come and take home some treasures. For all of you heading to the Long Beach High School football game on October 7, Long Beach FUMC will be Tailgaiting with The Well across the street from the stadium from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Everyone is invited to join the Puppet Ministry Fellowship Supper on Sunday, October 9 at 6 p.m. for an evening of great fun and entertainment. Special effects, such as black lighting and "live puppets" are in store.

Lucedale FUMC will celebrate Homecoming and also have a service of Dedication and Consecration for their new building on Sunday, October 30. Rev. Bill McAlilly, District Superintendent, will also be on hand for the activities.

Main Street UMC has started a 12 session DVD-based small group discussion that explores Jesus Christ for the new millennium. Light reading is helpful, but optional. Sessions meet on Sundays from 6:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. or on Thursdays from 10:30 a.m. until noon. Each class stands independent in case you miss one. For questions or information, contact the church office at 228-467-4538.

Mississippi City UMC will host a yard sale on Saturday, October 1 from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. All are invited to come by and browse and take home a few goodies. On October 16, the congregation will celebrate Heritage Sunday during morning worship, gathering in praise of the wondrous works of the Almighty God. A dinner on the lawn will follow the service.

Members at Picayune FUMC are talking alot about the Power of a Simple Gift as they start collecting items for Operation Christmas Child. If you're interested in helping fill shoe boxes or donating items, please give the church office a call at 601-798-4321 for the list of needed items.

Poplarville FUMC will have a Service for the Blessing of Animals on Sunday, October 2 at 4 p.m. The Blessing of Animals is traditionally observed on or near October 4, the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of Animals. All are invited to bring your favorite animal to receive a blessing (please have them restrained).

Roberts Chapel UMC will honor the memories of their Sainted Dead during an All Saints Sunday worship service on October 30 at 11 a.m. Additionally, Rev. Pete & Carolyn Herndon will be leading the music at New Prospect Camp Meeting the week of October 10-16 (service time at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. each day).

C.R.O.S.S. (Christians Reaching Out Supporting Singles) at St. Paul UMC (Ocean Springs) is sponsoring a Singles Dance in the Fellowship Hall on Friday, October 7 beginning at 7 p.m. Childcare will be provided only with pre-registration by October 3. Please bring at least one food item for "Backpack Buddies" to feed hungry children in Jackson County. For more info, call the church office at 228-875-5701.

Trinity UMC (Picayune) will celebrate World Communion Sunday on October 2 and Children's Sabbath on October 9. Additionally, the Men's Prayer Breakfast meets on the first Saturday of each month. The group provides a "honey do" service (repairs, yard work, etc.) to those needing assistance.

The children at the Vancleave/Mt. Pleasant Charge are starting a new mission entitled "Buckets of Hope." Each Sunday during the offering, the children will collect spare change. The collection through December 4 will be used for purchasing gifts for a child picked from the Angel Tree.

World Communion Sunday is October 2

World Communion Sunday is one of the six churchwide Special Sundays of The United Methodist Church. World Communion Sunday provides scholarships for U. S. racial-and ethnic-minority students and international students, on both undergraduate and graduate levels. To find more info on World Communion Sunday, go to www.umcom.org.

Laity Sunday is October 16

"Disciples Transforming the World - through Gifts" is the theme for Laity Sunday 2011. October 16 is the day set for this year's observance to celebrate the ministry of all Christians as their lives are empowered by the Holy Spirit. To find worship resources, bulletin covers, inserts and posters, go to www.gbod.org/laity.

"Offshore" Opportunities

Convocation of the Black Church

Overcoming Our Spiritual Challenges

October 15

Rust College

Featured speakers, Rev. Timothy Thompson, Dr. Larry Hygh, Jr., Dr. Fred Allen and Rev. C. J. Rhodes

For more info, www.mississippi-umc.org

Advent Programs Available

Society of St. Andrew, the national gleaning ministry, has two Advent programs that may be of interest to you and your church. For more info, go to http://www.endhunger.org/advent.him.

Passing the Peace - This booklet is an Advent devotion and giving program to help keep us focused on Jesus' coming, while providing a meaningful gift to feed hungry children and adults here in the U.S. The booklet asks participants to prayerfully reflect on the scriptures and devotions and also join in the ministry of feeding America's hungry by making a financial donation.

Alternative Gift Christmas Card - This Christmas you can give Americans fighting hunger and poverty hope by the simple act of honoring your loved ones with a gift donation to feed the hungry. Each $12 donation provides about 600 servings of fresh, nutritious food to America's hungry families and is a sincere and loving way to honor the special people in your life.

This Christmas, Rethink Church invites you to unwrap the story of Jesus' birth and experience anew Love personified. This four-week lectionary-based series will guide you through contemplating ancient scriptures, delving into Christmas traditions and relating to transformative experiences of Christ's birth throughout humanity. Worship activities for all ages are included to engage in the senses, as are challenges to live the message beyond Sunday morning. Supplements for children, youth, young adults and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities are included. For more information about "Outside the Box," go to www.umcom.org.