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Reflections
Growing up in the Deep South with roots in rural Mississippi, I am blessed to have known front porches that yielded water from a  well. I can remember pumping water into a pitcher in the early morning so my grandmother could prepare breakfast. I remember lessons learned when you didn't leave the pump handle up or if you failed to keep a little water near by to prime the pump.
The image of the well is one steeped in my conscious memory. Scripture is filled with images of transformational encounters at wells.
There is another well I have come to know and it is alive with living water flowing weekly. It is "The Well," a new community of faith growing out of First United Methodist Church, Long Beach. Ben Barlow is the teaching pastor for The Well. Sunday we gathered on the town green in Long Beach for worship and the celebration of the first anniversary of the beginning of The Well. Over 350 gathered in the cool breezes among the live oak trees.
Children danced with party hats. Two teenager girls hugged; one crying...I imagine a broken heart. The band sings "God of the City." The prayer is for greater things in their community. Ben stands to preach. He says, "I pray that this will be a ministry that seeks to tear down the walls that are holding you so that God can connect with your life." Ben reads from II Corinthians 5:11ff.
He reminds us what it is to be ambassadors for Christ, ministers of reconciliation. He challenges us to the high calling through which the love of Christ compels us to make known who God is, to make known God's graciousness. He speaks of a God who is madly and deeply in love with you. And it is all a gift, grace poured out freely.
Ben speaks and the congregation becomes silent. I let his words wash over me. The authenticity of the message captures my heart and mind.
I leave the service and drive to Madison to attend the funeral of Courtney Schloemer. Courtney's forty years were filled with joy and suffering from an illness that would not let her go. She was an ambassador for Christ and did not let her body keep her from her truth. She is one who made God's love and graciousness known. She knew the gift about which Ben spoke. The service was a celebration of God's love and hope and life. With triumph, the choir closed the service with the Hallelujah Chorus. We left the service knowing we had been to the kind of well about which Jesus preached.
In a day when life, mirrored by a new faithful congregation and a life celebrated by a community of faith gathered, my life is deepened. Every now and then I am allowed to be a part of that greater cloud of witnesses...ambassadors of reconciliation.
I give thanks to God for The Well and for St. Matthew's United Methodist Church. Two places where lives are being held with such tender care that children and teenagers and all the rest of us can know that God is doing greater things than we could ever imagine.
Bill |
| "Tide"ings from Around the District | |
Very often the emphasis placed on our various religious celebrations gets clouded by the emphasis placed upon them by the secular world. Even our children become confused over their meaning and importance. 
My favorite cartoon in the Sunday comics is Family Circus. In one of the past Easter cartoons, the children have found their Easter baskets and are enjoying them. One asked, "Who colored all these eggs?" To which anothe replied, "It was the Easter Bunny!" "Who gave us the jelly beans," asked another? The reply, "The Easter Bunny." "And, the chocolate rabbit?" The answer, "The Easter Bunny."
Obviously, there was nothing beyond the reach of the Easter Bunny.
The family attended Easter Services at church and heard the preacher say, "They came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been rolled away." "Who could have done this," he asked. To which the little boy jumped upon the pew and yelled, "It had to be the Easter Bunny!"
We must remember that Easter is much more than an Easter Bunny, colored eggs, a new dress or an Easter bonnet. God did a great and wonderful thing. He raised the Lord Jesus from the dead. He's alive! He lives today! And, because He lives, we can face tomorrow without any fear. Because He lives, there is always hope; even when things sometimes seem so hopeless.
Don't miss the opportunity to join together with all our Church family as we celebrate His resurrection on Easter Day. Bring your family and invite your friends. Let's fill the church!
Hope to see you on Easter and every Sunday!
Rev. Pete Herndon, Roberts Chapel UMC Reflections from your Pastor... |
| Seashore Mission's Springfest |
 Mark your calendars for May 5, 2012. Seashore Mission will hold Springfest at the Biloxi Town Green from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. There will be a Kids' Korner ($5 for a Kids' Korner all day armband), live music, great food, silent auction, crafts and t-shirts. Admission is free and donations are accepted. All proceeds to support the ministries of the Seashore Mission. |
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Pre-Conference Briefing (May 20)
Save the Date! | |
The Seashore District's Pre-Conference Briefing will be held Sunday, May 20 at 3 p.m. at Biloxi First UMC (14220 Highway 67 North). 
Details will go out soon to all Members of the 2012 Annual Conference. |
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Capturing Momentum - Building a Viral Congregation
Men. Ministry. Mission.
May 20 - 22
Seashore United Methodist Assembly |
 Capturing Momentum - Building a Viral Congregation is a retreat for male clergy highlighting how you can ignite your community of faith. The focus will be on four key concepts: your story, your brand, your stragety and your builders.
The retreat will begin on May 20 at 6 p.m. and conclude on May 22 at 11 a.m. Cost is $165 (includes lodging, meals and retreat). Eligible for 1 CEU.
Greg Arnold will serve as guest speaker during the retreat. He is founder and publisher of Live Bold Magazine ( www.livebold.org), an online magazine reaching thousands of Christian men each day. He has developed a core framework of ministry with men called M3: Men. Ministry. Mission.
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| Keeping up with General Conference |  General Conference 2012 will open on Tuesday, April 24, at the Tampa Convention Center and remain in session through Friday, May 4. As the only body that can speak as The United Methodist Church, the 988 delegates from around the world will write The Book of Discipline 2012 and The Book of Resolutions 2012, adopt a budget for general church operations during 2013-16, elect members of the Judicial Council and the University Senate and take other actions.
The assembly will open with worship and Holy Communion at 4 p.m. (all times are EDT), April 24, gather for morning prayers at 8 a.m., April 25-28 and April 30-May 4, worship together at 8:30 p.m., April 25-26, and April 30-May 3 and close with worship on May 4. Other worship service special events include:
- An Act of Repentance: Toward Healing Relationships with Indigenous Peoples, Friday, April 27, 7:30 p.m.
- We Need a River: A Celebration and Challenge of Mission and Ministry, Sunday, April 29, 7 p.m.
GC2012.umc.org is the official General Conference website. It will feature live streaming of all plenary sessions and worship services listed above, petition tracking, news and information. Visit often for pre-General Conference updates.
Subscribe to the daily news digest from United Methodist News Service. Go to umns.umc.org, scroll down the right side to "Get the Latest Headlines by Email."
Download the General Conference mobile app from United Methodist Communications. The iPhone, iPad and Android apps are now available.
Direct questions about General Conference to InfoServ, infoserv@umcom.org, or click on "Questions" at www.umc.org.
Use social media, including Facebook, www.facebook.com/gc2012, and Twitter, www.twitter.com/2012. The Twitter hashtag is #gc2012.
Subscribe to the Daily Christian Advocate at www.cokesbury.com or by calling (800) 672-1789. The Advance Daily Christian Advocate is available at gc2012.umc.org.
Visit the Mississippi Annual Conference website, www.mississippi-umc.org for updates of special interest to people in our conference. |
| "Surf"ing the District |
Beauvoir UMC is partnering with other food pantries in the area to attempt to offer assistance to the local Vietnamese community. Kaitlin Troung and the Asian Americans for Change can get funding by winning a $1000 grant if they receive enough votes. To cast your vote, to go www.sunherald.com to vote for Troung in Oxfam America's International Women's Day Challenge (voting end at 2 p.m. on March 29).
Quench Ladies Ministry at Byrd Chapel UMC will be holding a fundraiser on Saturday, April 21 at 6:30 p.m. Please come and join them for a movie. They will be selling hamburgers, hot dogs, pickles, popcorn, drinks and baked goods.
The children at Cedar Lake UMC will carry palm branches into the sanctuary at the beginning of the service on Palm Sunday. Following worship, the church will hold their annual picnic and Easter egg hunt. On Maundy Thursday, a communion service will be held at 6:30 p.m. Members will participate in a sunrise service on Easter morning at Palmer Creek Campground at 6:30 a.m. and morning worship service at 10 a.m. Additionally, Carolyn Krohn is taking orders through April 15 for large, beautiful Boston Ferns ($18 each) to raise money for Feed My Sheep and Fisher House of Keesler. If you are interested, contact her at 228-392-7039 or 228-860-1595.
Gautier FUMC hosted their 12th annual Blessing of the Bikes on March 17. Ron Moore, from the Christian Motorcyclists Association, was guest speaker for worship on Sunday, March 18. On Palm Sunday, a covered dish lunch will follow morning worship, with an Easter Egg Hunt planned for the children after lunch.
The children at Gulfport FUMC will wave palm branches during worship on Palm Sunday, April 1. An Easter Egg Hunt and family fellowship time will take place later that morning following the Sunday School Journey Groups. Maundy Thursday service is scheduled for April 5 at 7 p.m. and Good Friday worship will be held at 7 p.m. on April 6. Celebration of the Resurrection will take place at 9:30 a.m. on Easter morning. Additionally, members are collecting personal care kit items for Gulf Coast Community Ministries. Bins for collection are at the elevator in the sanctuary and in the Fellowship Hall for those interested in providing items such as deodorant, mouthwash, flashlights, candles, etc.
Haven Chapel UMC participated in the 4th Annual Unity Festival on March 17 in Gulfport. During the event, the youth had a booth selling sweets and turkey boil items. The Liturgical Dancers also performed on the talent show stage that afternoon. A Youth Praise and Worship Service is scheduled for Friday, March 30 and continuing on Saturday, March 31. The theme comes from Phillippians 4:13, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. The Girl Scout sponsored troop at Long Beach FUMC is collecting sewing supplies for a project in Limpio, Paraguay. Sylvia Hill teaches Paraguayan women to sew in order to support themselves and their families, teaching them a skill and also giving them confidence and courage to pursue their dreams. The girls are collecting thread, material, needles, pins, rulers, tape measurers, buttons, trim, lace, etc. Donated items can be placed in the collection container in the church narthex. The Chancel Choir at Lucedale FUMC will present Behold the Lamb at the 11 a.m. service on April 1. The children will also be waving Palm branches and singing in both morning services on Palm Sunday. On Saturday, April 7, an Easter egg hunt will be held at the Cochran home from 10 a.m. until noon. A Disney Character Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser is scheduled for March 31 from 9 a.m. until noon in the Christian Life Center. Proceeds are earmarked for Relay for Life.
The Gulfport Cooperative Parish will offer a Bible study entitled, "Introduction to the New Testament" beginning April 10/11 and ending June 5/6. There are two weekly offerings available for participants: Tuesday nights at Mt. Pleasant UMC from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. and Wednesday mornings at Mississippi City UMC from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Maundy Thursday services will be held at 6 p.m. at Pearlington UMC and at 7 p.m. at Clermont Harbor UMC. All are invited to participate in these services.
The children at Picayune FUMC sang during worship on Sunday, March 25 and participated in the Festival of Praise held at Poplarville FUMC that evening. Additionally, members at Picayune FUMC are collecting items to assemble Cleaning Buckets for tornado victims. If you're interested in helping, contact the church office at 601-798-4321.
Poplar Head UMC will host a Maundy Thursday worship service on April 5 at 7 p.m. and an Easter Egg Hunt at the Success Community Center on April 7 at 11 a.m. Lunch will be provided. Easter Sunday Service will be held at 9:45 a.m.
Polarville FUMC hosted The Children's Festival of Praise on March 25. Children's choirs from United Methodist Churches throughout the Pearl River County area participated in the event. Jr. and Sr. High area youth are invited to a prayer breakfast each week with Revs. Eric & Lisa Pridmore on Wednesday mornings at 7 a.m. at Hardee's Restaurant. Bring your friends and join them!
Ramsay Memorial UMC hosted a Women's Conference March 23-25. The theme was "She shall be called Woman" (Gen. 2:23). Various district clergy and laity were on hand as guest speakers during the weekend.
The children at Roberts Chapel UMC will have a Parade of Palms in worship on Palm Sunday, April 1. An Easter egg hunt is also scheduled for April 1 at 5:30 p.m. There will be food, games and hidden eggs. A special Good Friday Service will be held on April 6 at 7 p.m. All are invited to attend the Resurrection Day Service of Worship on April 8 at 11 a.m.
Safe Harbor UMC is hosting SpringFest on March 31 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. (free admission). There's something for the entire family; a car show featuring classic cruisers, live music, bake sale, creative dance, air jumpers, etc. You can also have your picture taken with the Easter Bunny! Hamburgers, hotdogs, chips and drinks will also be available. Vendor booths are available by calling 228-475-4833 or www.safeharborumc.com.
Saucier UMC will have their Easter Egg Hunt on April 1 following worship at 11:15 a.m. Lunch will be provided. They will also participate in the Easter Sunday Sonrise Worship at Palmer Creek Camp Ground on April 8. The annual Saucier Community yard sale will be held on April 14.
St. Mark UMC (Pascagoula) held their UMW Annual Tea at the East Jackson County/Orange Grove Community Center on Sunday, March 18. The theme for the event was "Holiday Tea." On Saturday, March 24, they participated in the Annual Gospel Explosion, a benefit for the Vanessa Haynes Memorial Scholarship and memory of Johnnie Price, a long-time supporter of the youth. The event was held at Pascagoula FUMC. Trinity UMC (Picayune) will hold an Easter Sunrise Service at 6 a.m. on April 8. The Easter Cantata will be performed during morning worship on Easter Sunday. All are invited to attend. A UMW Spiritual Growth Study and salad luncheon will also be held on Tuesday, April 17 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Vancleave UMC & Mt. Pleasant UMC will have their Easter Egg Hunt and Youth Scavenger Hunt at New Prospect Campground at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 31. The Easter Cantada will be performed at both churches on Sunday, April 1. Members are urged to bring flowers or greenery from their yards to adorn the cross outside the church on Easter Sunday morning.
Wiggins FUMC will hold their annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 7 at 10 a.m. at the parsonage. All are invited and lots of fun, games and prizes are in store. Members will also participate in the Stone County Community Easter Sunrise Service on April 8 at 7 a.m. in Blaylock Park. |
| A Celebration Tea |
 Please join Lucimarian Roberts, Robin Roberts and Missy Buchanan to celebrate their new book, My Story, My Song...Mother-Daugher Reflections on Life and Faith, on April 20 at 2 p.m. at Oak Crest Mansion Inn (5267 Menge Avenue, Pass Christian).
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2012 Choir Music Weekend: Living in the Spirit
October 19-21, 2012
Lake Junaluska Conference & Retreat Center | 
The Spirit of God is the constant in the lives of believers and enables us to live life abundantly. Music is a vital "element" in the Spirit's "periodic table," and those who sing in the Spirit also live in the Spirit. Be a part of this special group of singers and ringers as we gather for a weekend of music and worship and "Living in the Spirit!"
Leadership includes: Gary Smith, Evelyn Laycock, Jackson Henry and Ginger Wyrick. Early registration (before May 15) is $50; after May 15 - $60. Space is limited. Lodging and event registration can be made at www.lakejunaluska.com/choirmusic or 1-800-222-4930. |
| Healthy Church Awards |
 Use this Health Ministries Survey to report your congregation's health ministry activities Healthy Ministries Survey. In order to receive a healthy church award, churches with memberships of 150 or less must report a minimum of four health ministry activities. Churches of 151 or more must report a minimum of eight health ministry activities. A team of volunteers will select the churches to receive the awards. Churches eligible will be recognized at the annual conference June 8-10 at the Jackson Convention Complex.
Applications must be postmarked by May 15. Additional copies of the Health Ministries Survey are available on the Conference website, www.mississippi-umc.org. Please submit to: angela@mississippi-umc.org or Angela Griffin, P O Box 931, Jackson MS, 39205-0931. |
| Disaster Response Info |
 UMCOR has been in contact with conference Disaster Response personnel in hard-hit areas, including Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee, and received initial early assessments of the damages caused by the severe weather that struck 12 states.
We are posting updates to the website (www.umcor.org) and to the Facebook page (www.facebook.com/UMCOR) on a regular basis. Tom Hazelwood is also reporting from the field on Twitter (@TomUMCOR).
UMCOR requests prayers for all who have been affected by these tornadoes and storms. Donations to US Disaster Response, UMCOR Advance #901670 will be used for the response. There is also an allowance for a sub-designation to Tornadoes 2012 (it is a drop down on the giving page), http://secure.gbgm-umc.org/donations/umcor/donate.cfm?code=901670&id=3018992. |
| Native American Ministries Sunday |
 Observe Native American Ministries Sunday on April 22, or give online anytime. Native American Ministries Sunday is one of the six churchwide Special Sundays with offerings. The special offering provides scholarships for Native Americans who plan to be ordained as clergy in The United Methodist Church and are attending United Methodist schools of theology, and other schools approved by the University Senate of the UMC. To learn more about Native American Ministries Sunday, order resources or donate online, visit www.umcgiving.org/nativeamerican. |
| Change the World 2012 | |
Change the World 2012 (May 19-20) is about coming together in  community and across the denomination to personify the love of Christ. It is about building community locally and fighting malaria globally. A Rethink Church annual event since 2010, Change the World has impacted thousands of lives worldwide. It is based on a book of the same name by Rev. Mike Slaughter who challenges churches of every size to "to be a mission outpost, living out Christ's ideals in today's world."
Simply put, Change the World participants select a mission project and invite their communities to participate. "Building community locally" may look like creating a community garden, stocking a food pantry, cleaning local parks or offering free health services. "Fighting malaria globally" may consist of hosting a run or walk that raises both money and awareness for Imagine No Malaria. There are many ways to imagine changing the world so that it reflects more fully the justice and compassion of God through Christ.
National advertising will run for 13-weeks up to May 19-20, pointing to rethinkchurch.org (the site for seekers) where registered churches will appear on an interactive map. Closer to the event, volunteers will be able to sign up online so you can engage with newcomers prior to and after the service projects. Registered congregations will receive a free, reusable lawn banner, Change the World T-shirt, and sermon series multi-media kit.
Sign up at www.umcom.org/changetheworld. |
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| What's on the Calendar? | |
April 6 & 9
District Office closed for Easter
April 12 - 14
2nd Annual Nicaragua Connection Conference
Seashore United Methodist Assembly,
Biloxi, MS
April 24 - May 4
2012 General Conference
Tampa, FL |
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Matthew 28:1-8 (NLT)
Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb.
Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. His face shown like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint.
Then the angel spoke to the women, "Don't be afraid!" he said. "I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn't here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you."
The women ran quickly from the tomb. They were very frightened but also filled with great joy, and they rushed to give the disciples the angel's message. |
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Prayer Requests