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WAVES |
March 2012
Newsletter of the Seashore District UMC |
Reflections
A Love That Never Ends
For I am convinced that nothing can separate us from God's love in Christ Jesus
our Lord: not death or life, not angels or rulers, not present things or future things, not powers or height or depth, or any other thing that is created.
-- Romans 8: 38-39
All the persons of faith I know are sinners, doubters,
uneven performers.
We are secure not because we are sure of
ourselves but because we trust that God is sure of us.
-- Eugene Peterson, A Long Obedience in the Same Direction
"Does God like you?" I asked a five-year-old little girl. She stifled a grin.
She is a compassionate soul.
"Yep," she said easily, confidently, certainly.
"How do you know?"
"Because of the way he talks to me. He just
likes me. I recognize it in his voice."
-- Robert Bensen, Between Dreaming and the Coming True
I will not leave you alone. You are mine.
I know each of my sheep by name.
You belong to me. If you think I am finished with
you, if you think I am a small god that you can
keep at a safe distance, I will pounce upon you like a roaring lion, tear you to pieces, rip you to shreds,
and break every bone in your body.
Then I will mend you,
cradle you in my arms, and kiss you tenderly.
-- Brennan Manning, Lion and Lamb
My experience has been that God loves us with a love that will not let us go. As Paul so eloquently tells us in Romans 8, there is nothing that can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Nothing. Neither failure, disappointment, inadequate prayer, poor church attendance, guilt, weakness, just to name a few. God loves us even when we wish God didn't. God loves us even when we act unloving toward others. Which is to say, when we don't act like Christians. When our lives are a mess, God loves us. God's love is persistent, resistant to rejection, and extravagant. (See Matthew 13, the parable of the sower.)
My experience has also taught me that life is complicated. Schedules are hectic. Following Jesus is often not easy, nor is it easy to hear God's voice in the noisiness of our lives.
May we hear God's voice in the unfinished, incomplete places of our lives. For He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it in you.
-- Bill McAlilly
Prayer: O God, in these days of Lent as we journey toward the cross and to the empty tomb, do not let us go. In the uneven places of our lives, God, show us that you make us whole. Give to us that deep sense of assurance and pardon as we seek your face. Open us that we might hear clearly a deep word of forgiveness and love. Amen.
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"Tide"ings from Around the District
So far, my time in South Sudan has been really amazing. We have seen and heard some difficult things since we have been here, but overall...the blessings continue to rain down from the sky.
Yesterday we visited a community called Kenyi. They were far--far away. When we pulled up to the community, the children were lined up singing and dancing to greet us. The community worships under a blue tarp near a beautiful tree and they are considered a "new church start". Ninety some people worship under the shade of this tree and they are hoping to begin construction on their church building before the rainy seasons begin. The church will be built large enough for 200 to worship in and will be used for a school during the week.
As we drive from place to place, there is a red dust that swirls through the air. The red dust comes from a material they put on the dirt roads to give them more substance. As I have seen the dust fly, it makes me reflect on the scripture in Genesis--the story of Cain and Able. God can hear the blood of Able crying from the land and I can hear the blood of the people crying from this place.
There is a bridge we drive over almost every day. My friend Mandela's friends--2 of them were killed near this bridge. Both of them were killed for participating in a radio show that Mandela led during the wars. He shared with me that his life was threatened as well. As he shared this story with me, I could see that he was re-living the moment. His empty hand was squeezing his phone as if it were there as he shared with me his memory of receiving that call.
Mandela shared with me that he lost his life in those wars along with his friends. Now, his life--he can't get it back--he shared, so he lives for the next generation. He said, "those of us who saw the war with our eyes and who were damaged by that evil, we must work so that our children can have a new country--a new reality." Mandela helps to get education into the barracks of the military and into the villages to the women because he believes that all need to be educated. As I listen to his stories, I am challenged...I believe he is particularly annointed for the work that he is engaged in, but his life so models the life of Jesus, that it humbles me when I listen.
The children here, their smiles are beautiful. You can see me walking with 2 of them in the picture above. I do believe they are children who deserve a different sort of future than many of the people in South Sudan have been afforded. It is worth giving our lives to create different futures for the children around the world. I invite you all to be in prayer for the many people in this community here who are giving their lives to build God's Kingdom in this land. I am being richly blessed by their testimonies and their witnes.
Peace & Love, Rev. Michelle Shrader Gateway UMC |
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District Clergy Meeting
March 6
10 a.m.
Gateway UMC
(16020 South Swan Road, Gulfport) |
 Medical Benefits Webinar
Thursday, March 8
6:30 p.m.
Biloxi FUMC
(14220 Hwy. 67 North)
Rev. Trey Harper and Mr. David Stotts will present in a live-streaming format the medical plan modification that is being brought to the 2012 Annual Conference for approval. This meeting is for all clergy and lay members of The Mississippi Annual Conference. |
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2012 Culture of the Call Church Award
The Foundation for Evangelism is now accepting nominations for the 2012 Culture of the Call Church Award. This award, given annually, recognizes one local United Methodist Congregation with a culture that encourages young people to respond to God's call to full-time Christian service as a result of their being active in the life of that church. For information and nomination forms, go the Foundation's website, www.foundationforevangelism.org. Deadline is April 3, 2012. Mail or email the completed forms to: Dianne Collins, The Foundation for Evangelism, P. O. Box 985, Lake Junaluska, NC 28745 or to dcollins@foundationforevangelism.org. The Harry Denman Evangelism Award For more than thirty years, The Foundation for Evangelism has been privileged to work with each Annual Conference in celebrating the outstanding personal evangelism and commitment to Offer Them Christ of United Methodist Clergy, Laity and Youth by sponsoring the prestigious Harry Denman Evangelism Award. Nomination packets may be downloaded from the Foundation's website, www.foundationforevangelism.org or you may receive a packet in the mail by calling 800-737-8333. |
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General Conference 2012
 50 Days of Prayer: Before and After General Conference 2012
Join with United Methodists around the world by using the daily prayer book, 50 Days of Prayer: Before and After General Conference 2012, which is available as a free download, or you can subscribe and have it delivered each day to your email. The prayer book was written by various church leaders and designed by the Prayer Team for General Conference and can be found at http://50daysofprayer.upperroom.org. Let's unite in prayer starting March 16!
 Remember the Future: 30 Days of Preparation for General Conference with Bishop Robert Schnase
Each day, beginning March 26, a new essay by Bishop Schnase will be posted and delivered without charge to email subscribers. The essays will explore a key topic, scripture and suggest ideas for deeper reading and exploration. These daily meditations explore hope, purpose, leadership and making and becoming disciples of Jesus Christ and also explore the mission of the church in a time of great change. The page at their website, www.ministrymatters.com/30days, has a brief introduction to the series and an easy email signup.
General Commission on Religion & Race General Conference Website a Portal to a New Church, New Reality, New Conversations
GCORR announces the release of a new website, www.gcorrgc2012.org, designed as a user-friendly experience to build new conversations around General Conference 2012. The Conversation page takes users to video and audio interviews by some of the denomination's key thinkers, discussing some of the critical questions facing the church. The Legislation page takes readers through a comprehensive look at all GCORR submitted legislation going to GC2012. The Language page opens a portal to new ways of communicating about ideas and issues that reflect cultural competency. Social Media on the new site plays a prominent role, infusing online exchanges with up to the minute debate, discussion and ideas.
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Vital Congregations 
Knowing that you want your congregation to be vital, you might be interested in "Dreaming of Vital Congregations," a five-part film series celebrating and exploring the issues we hold dear. These free films are great as discussion starters in small groups. For more information, go to http://www.gbod.org/site/c.nhLRJ2PMKsG/b.7970297/k.3B17
/Dreaming_of_Vital_Congregations.htm. |
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 "Surf"ing the District
Members at Biloxi FUMC will gather during Lent for a short time of meditation, study, prayer, petition and praise, coffee and conversation. Lenten Lauds--Psalms & Prayers began on February 28 and will meet each Tuesday morning at 10 a.m. All are invited to participate. A new small study group, "Invitation to the New Testament" also began on February 12. The group will meet on Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m. in the Education Building. UMW members at Cedar Lake UMC are sponsoring a "baby shower" for the Women's Resource Center at their community breakfast on March 3 (7 to 9 a.m.). Suggested items are diapers, wipes, formula, baby lotion, etc. Game night for Youth and Adults will be held on March 16 in the Fellowship Hall at 7 p.m. Just bring your favorite snacks and group game and join them in the fun. No childcare is provided. Gautier FUMC would like to begin a ministry that would encourage teachers in the Gautier schools. The ministry would consist of writing a personalized note of encouragement, making a homemade treat and praying for the teachers. If you'd like to get involved, give the church office a call at 228-497-1698. A mission trip for members is also scheduled to Roma, Texas, March 5th through 11th. Gulfport FUMC is inviting you to participate in thier upcoming mission trip to Costa Rica (June 2-9). Estimated cost per person is $1500. The group will be doing construction work on the children's home that is being built by missionaries, Will and Ella Faircloth during the morning hours. After lunch,Vacation Bible School will be held at local churches. A fun day is being set aside on Friday with options like zip-lining through the rain forest, white water rafting or a trip to see a volcano. If you are interested in being part of this mission team or have any questions, contact Chris Ray at chris@fumc-gulfport.org or 228-863-0047. The UMW at Handsboro UMC will host a Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser on Saturday, March 24 at 5 p.m. Plates are $7 and you may eat in or take out. All are invited to attend. Haven Chapel UMC held its Ash Wednesday service on February 22 at 7 p.m. Three youth from Haven Chapel participated in the Mississippi Baptist Keyboard Festival at First Baptist Church in Pascagoula on January 26. Each participant received a Superior rating for outstanding hymn playing. The same students, David Barnes, Alexis Jones and Raven Jones, also participated in the Annual Bach Festival at Hinds College/Raymond Campus on February 4. Superior and excellent ratings were given to the students. Are you ready to get fit? Come and join the Zumba class at Haven Chapel on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at 6 p.m. Members at Lucedale FUMC display an Easter Cross in their yard during the Lenten season. The crosses are draped with purple fabric during Lent, black fabric on Holy Thursday and changed to white fabric on Easter Sunday morning. The crosses serve as a testimony of faith to the community. The youth group participated in a 30-Hour Famine February 24/25 at Grace UMC and will attend the Winter Jam Concert on Sunday, March 4 in Mobile. Long Beach FUMC held an Educator Appreciation Day on Sunday, February 26, with the congregation recognizing educators in worship at all three services. A reception was held honoring the educators at 10 a.m. in the CLC. A group from Long Beach FUMC will begin their 28th year of service to the people of the Cumberland Plateau by heading to Camp Cumberland Pines on the morning of February 29 for a great weekend of service. Long Beach FUMC will also participate in a learning session each Thursday at 6 p.m. during the month of March with St. Thomas Catholic Church, Grace Lutheran and St. Patrick's Episcopal Church, gathering together to share about each congregation and their faith traditions. Members at Mississippi City UMC are collecting hairbrushes, diaper wipes, deodorant, soap and snacks for the Harrison County Youth Shelter. A green plastic bin by the sanctuary entrance door has been set up to accept donations. Additionally, a Red Beans & Rice fundraiser (carry-out) will be held on Thursday, March 15 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Picayune FUMC hosted the 2012 Festival of Praise for Pearl River County United Methodist Churches on February 26. Seven churches and choirs participated in this annual worship and praise service. A reception in the Fellowship Hall followed the service. A World Day of Prayer Service and luncheon will be held on March 2 from noon until 1 p.m. Singer Maura McIntosh will be on hand to share her witness. Ash Wednesday Services were held at Poplar Head UMC on February 22. Lenten studies will also be held at 6 p.m. every other Sunday. All are invited to attend. Holy Cow! During the season of Lent, Dr. Eric Pridmore is issuing a challenge to the children of Poplarville FUMC. If the children raise $500 to buy a cow through Heifer International by Easter, then he will wear a cow costume. Poplarville FUMC is also offering a wonderful devotional, The Sanctuary for Lent, that can be picked up at the church outside the sanctuary or in the Youth Building. You will be enriched by these short daily readings, which include a suggested Scripture reading, a short devotion and a closing prayer. Homecoming is set for Sunday, March 11 at Roberts Chapel UMC. Rev. Walter Turner will be the guest speaker. The service begins at 10:45 a.m. with lunch to follow. All are invited to attend. Saucier UMC held a Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper on February 21 with proceeds supporting the youth ministry. Also, a Mission Fest was held on February 26 with Bruce & Eva Johnstone, a couple active in ministry in Russia. Bruce and Eva give out Bibles and Christian books, as well, as "love" packages, during their mission trips. Youth Sunday will be celebrated on March 11 during the 9:45 a.m. worship service. Trinity UMC (Picayune) will have a World Day of Prayer of Service on Friday, March 2 at 9:30 a.m. Ted Musgrove and Buddy Broadway will give their Mexico mission experiences. Lydia Circle will begin their spring plant sale fund-raiser on Sunday, March 4. For an order form and list of plants for sale, call the church office at 601-799-4567. The children at Vancleave UMC are working on their next mission project. "Sweet Sleep" is a faith-based nonprofit organization that exists to share God's love by providing beds to the world's orphaned and abandoned children. To meet their goal, the children would like to raise $1,020 to provide beds, bedding and Bibles to orphans worldwide. Wesley UMC (Ocean Springs) will have a Worship Weekend with Ron & Patricia Owens March 23-25. This couple has been involved as participants and leaders in many worship and revival-related events stateside and abroad. Ron is also author of a book entitled, "Return to Worship." You can go on the Wesley website, www.wesleyos.org for more information regarding the weekend. A youth car wash fundraiser will be held, in conjunction with a Boy Scout spaghetti dinner, on March 10 from 3 to 6 p.m. The youth will give special attention to making your car sparkle. Additionally, the UMM is sponsoring a BBQ chicken plate fundraiser for ministry projects on Saturday, March 31 from 7 a.m. until 12 noon. Plates are $6.00 and can be taken out or eaten in. Wiggins FUMC will have special Lenten Services during the first five Sunday evenings at 6 p.m. Various guest speakers will be on hand to prepare attendees for the upcoming Easter season. On April 1, the FUMC Ensemble will be in concert and on April 5, the choir canata, "Come Touch the Robe" will be performed, along with the Service of Holy Communion. All are invited to take part in these special services. Additionally, on March 24, the Youth will hold a garage sale from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. All proceeds go toward the Summer Youth Mission Project. |
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What's on the Calendar?
March 6
District Clergy Meeting
10 a.m.
Gateway UMC
March 8
Board of Medical Benefits Webinar
6:30 p.m.
Biloxi FUMC
April 6 & 9
District Office closed for Good Friday & Easter holiday |
 2nd Annual Nicaragua Connection Conference
Seashore United Methodist Assembly in Biloxi will host the 2012 gathering of people supportive of the ministry of the Nicaraguan Methodist Church. Featured guests are Bishop Hope Morgan Ward for opening worship, pastors from Nicaraguan churches and a GBGM individual volunteer. The conference is open to those groups and individuals investigating the possibility of serving through short and long-term mission experiences. Please mark your calendar for April 12-14 for worship, fellowship and education and deepen your relationship with our sisters and brothers in the vibrant and growing Nicaraguan Methodist Church. |
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MS United Methodist Volunteers in Mission Meeting 
The annual meeting of the Mississippi United Methodist Volunteers in Mission is Saturday, March 3 from 10 a.m. until noon at the Mississippi United Methodist Foundation office (581 Highland Colony Parkway, Ridgeland). Plan to join in lunch at a restaurant following the meeting. You are invited to be prepared to share what God is doing in your area of ministry. This meeting is open to all and you are encouraged to bring others who may be interested in partnering as we offer Christ through the witness of missions. |
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2012 African-American Clergy &
Laity Leadership Retreat
"Innovative Ideas for Accelerating Church Growth"
April 16-18
Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center
This 3-day retreat will introduce pastors and laity to proven innovative ideas and best practices that !mpact United Methodist Church has used to create one of the fastest growing African-American churches in the UMC. Pastors are encouraged to bring a team of two or three leaders (those over outreach, Christian education, evangelism, music and worship, etc.).
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 Prayer Requests |
- Mrs. Miriam Mitchell
- Rev. Tom East
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Seashore District of The United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 6586
Gulfport, Mississippi 39506
Melodye Luke
228-604-2300
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