IYKYK or Not
There are many anacronyms in the texting world. I will admit that at times I have to look them up. IYKYK translates to “if you know, you know”. It is that time of year, Vacation Bible School is coming FAST! If you have ever helped, you know, or maybe you don’t. This amazing outreach ministry requires hours and hours of planning, building, decorating, dividing children into groups, purchasing snacks, training, coordinating volunteers, and so on.
It has been a true joy to watch as Navarre UMC prepares to welcome almost 250 children (give or take), along with 100+ volunteers next week to “Live It Out”. Our children, youth, adults, staff, and more have worked tirelessly for the last three days getting ready under the direction of our Children’s Minister, Christine Gersic. Our campus has been converted into a campground complete with a waterfall and so much more.
Next week, the children attending will learn through games, Bible stories, music, fellowship, games, and more that Jesus said in John 13:34, “Love one another, just as I have loved you.” We have a wonderful opportunity to share God’s love with all who will be here. Children, youth, and adults meet the Risen Christ at Vacation Bible School. Lives are changed in a good way. Be in prayer for all who will set foot on our campus next week as we “Live It Out”!
IYKYK and if you didn’t, you know now!
Peace,
Paula
Dirt
Our mission is unapologetically clear: to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. It’s a bold statement, and at first glance, it might sound like everything we do is confined to Sunday worship, small groups, and the walls of our sanctuary. But transformation—real transformation—often begins in the most unexpected places. Sometimes, it starts with a little dirt.
If you’ve taken the time to drive around the back of our church property lately, you’ve probably noticed something new taking shape. For years, that field behind the parking lot was little more than a forgotten space—unused, dusty, and full of prickly sand spurs. Occasionally, we’d host an Easter egg hunt or a game of kickball out there, but the fun was always cut short by cries of discomfort as the burrs embedded themselves in tiny feet. In many ways, it was a field full of missed potential.
That is, until last fall—during a stewardship series preached by Pastor David—something stirred.
Sitting in one of those services was a man who saw not just an empty lot, but an opportunity. What if that rough patch of land could become something more? What if it could serve our community, our church, and our mission all at the same time? And just like that, an idea was born: a youth soccer program right here on our property.
The benefits were immediately clear. First, there would be a complete transformation of the land itself. No more sand spurs. In their place—soft green grass, level fields, and open space designed for kids to play safely. Second, this project would bring a new stream of revenue to the church, turning an underutilized resource into a sustainable investment in our future. But those two things, as great as they are, weren’t even the most important outcomes.
Because then came the third benefit—the one we couldn’t have planned for.
During the soccer program’s very first season, a member of our church found herself chatting with parents on the sidelines. One of the moms shared how her community theater group had just lost their performance venue and was scrambling to find a new space for their next production. Without hesitation, our church member mentioned our sanctuary, which is equipped with lighting, sound, and plenty of seating—everything a small theater group would need.
A quick meeting later, and it was clear that this wasn’t just a rental opportunity—it was a partnership in the making. Plans quickly emerged to collaborate with our children's choir and Christmas musical. Ideas began flowing, and relationships started forming. Before any curtain had even risen, one of the families from the theater group started attending worship with us. Just by opening our doors—before a single performance or rehearsal—seeds were planted.
That’s the beauty of ministry. We often talk about building bridges to the community, about finding new ways to invite people onto our campus, hoping they might one day walk into a worship service. We pray that by simply showing hospitality, hearts might open. But even in our best strategic planning, we never imagined how quickly God would begin to move.
What started as a sermon about stewardship turned into a soccer field. That field turned into a mission hub. And now, that mission is expanding into the arts, community outreach, and new families becoming part of our story.
Because ministry doesn’t always begin with a pulpit. Sometimes, it starts with a patch of dirt.
Honoring Our 2025 Graduates
Celebrating Brody Leach & Lucy Poston
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and He will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
Graduation is a time to reflect, cheer, cry happy tears, and prepare for the biggest glow-up yet—adulting. And this year, we are thrilled (and a little emotional) to celebrate two of the finest teens ever to grace our halls and help stack chairs: Brody Leach and Lucy Poston.
As the Children’s Director (and lucky enough to be married to the Youth Director), I’ve had a front row seat not only to their faith and leadership, but also to their jokes, snack preferences, and incredible growth. These two are unforgettable. And NUMC family, it’s time to show them how proud we are.
Brody Leach
Fort Walton Beach High School – Class of 2025
Graduation Date: May 23
Heading to: University of Central Florida
Major: Biomedical Engineering & Physics (because he doesn’t believe in taking it easy)
Brody is the guy who never asks for recognition but deserves all of it. He’s the one quietly picking up trash after everyone leaves, moving chairs before you even realize they need moving, and asking with total sincerity, “How are you doing today?”
He has been in our youth group since 6th grade, and in that time, he’s become a true servant-leader. He’s the go-to guy in both youth and kids’ ministry, and honestly, I don’t know what we’re going to do without him. He’s mentored younger students, tutored my own child, and made a deep impact in so many quiet, faithful ways.
Brody accepted Christ at youth camp, and it shows in how he lives every single day—with humility, kindness, and zero drama. He’s the kind of teen who doesn’t need a spotlight to shine. (Though we do wish he’d let us brag on him more—so here we are.)
He’s also:
A cross-country and track star
FCA Runner of the Year (his teammates voted, not just his mom)
Representing our church at the Annual Conference
A former Trustee Committee member at church—yes, even the adults trust him
His motto?
“God’s plan, not yours.”
It’s tattooed on his heart (not literally... yet), and it’s how he lives.
Brody, we’re going to miss your quiet strength and your kind heart. UCF, you're getting one of the best. We’ll be here, keeping the chairs straight in your honor.
Lucy Poston
Navarre High School – Class of 2025
Graduation Date: May 30
Heading to: Pace University in New York City
Majoring in Business and chasing Broadway dreams (yes, both)
Lucy Poston is a whole vibe. She is sharp, bold, hilarious, and just the right amount of theatrical. If you’ve ever had a conversation with Lucy, you probably laughed, learned something, and left wanting to wear glitter.
I’ve known Lucy’s family since we moved to Florida in 2014—and they’ve become like family to us. Watching Lucy grow into the confident, capable, wise-beyond-her-years young woman she is today has been pure joy.
Lucy has:
Starred in dozens of productions (including Rock of Ages, where she stole the show)
Led Navarre’s improv troupe as President (yes, she’s that quick-witted)
Done hair, makeup, mentoring, and theatre fundraising
Been involved in student government and Sacred Heart fundraisers
Made us all laugh ‘til we cried... more than once
She’s heading to Pace University with big dreams and big plans—and we’re already predicting red carpet interviews where she says, “Well, it all started at my church in Navarre...”
Her advice for life?
“Surround yourself with people who bring out the best in you and do your best to be that person for others.”
And that’s exactly who she is.
Lucy, we’re going to miss your sass, your sparkle, and your soul. Keep shining, keep trusting God, and please remember us when you're accepting your first Tony.
Church, It’s Our Turn
These two have poured love, leadership, and laughter into our church. Now it’s our turn to return it.
Please bring a card, note, small gift, or prayer to place at their table in the lobby. We’re keeping the table up for TWO Sundays to give everyone a chance to show Lucy and Brody just how much they’re loved.
Let’s fill their arms with blessings and their hearts with encouragement. They may be heading off to new adventures, but they’ll always belong here.
Praise!
Psalm 113 says: “Praise the Lord! Praise, O servants of the Lord; praise the name of the Lord. Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time on and forevermore. From the rising of the sun to its setting the name of the Lord is to be praised. The Lord is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens. Who is like the Lord our God, who is seated on high, who looks far down on the heavens and the earth? He raises the poor from the dust, and lifts the needy from the ash heap, to make them sit with princes, with the princes of his people. He gives the barren woman a home, making her the joyous mother of children. Praise the Lord!”
On Palm Sunday, I was privileged to travel to Jackson, Alabama, to preach for a clergy friend who is receiving medical treatments. As I drove across the Garcon Point Bridge to Interstate 10, the sun was rising from the east and the moon was setting in the west. What an amazing moment as I witnessed the dawning of a new day and the setting of the previous night. I was reminded of a camp song we sang at Blue Lake as I was growing up. It went like this. “From the rising of the sun, to the going down of the same, the name of the Lord shall be praised. Praise ye the Lord, praise ye the Lord. From the rising of the sun, to the going down of the same, the name of the Lord shall be praised.”
I get caught up sometimes in all that is going on around me, responsibilities, commitments, and more. I find that I forget to praise God for all that I have. This song and Psalm remind me that from the time the sun comes up until it goes down, and more that I need to be praising God. It doesn’t have to be elaborate, a simple thank you for this day is good and or whatever you are thankful for. Praising God needs to be number one for us. So remember, “from the rising of the sun to the going down of the same, the name of the Lord shall be praised. So praise ye the Lord, praise ye the Lord. From the rising of the sun to the going down of the same, the name of the Lord shall be praised”.
Confirmed and Confident
Hey Church Fam!
This upcoming Sunday is a special one—Confirmation Sunday! It's the day we celebrate our youth who've taken a BIG step in their faith journey. They've asked questions, explored their beliefs, and decided to say, "Yes, I'm in!" to following Jesus and being part of our church community.
Why Confirmation Matters
In the United Methodist Church, confirmation is more than a tradition; it's a meaningful milestone. Typically, youth around 7th or 8th grade engage in a preparation process that lasts several weeks. During this time, they learn about our history, our faith, ask tough questions, and build relationships that often last a lifetime.
The Impact of Confirmation
While specific statistics on confirmation retention can vary, studies have shown that youth who go through confirmation are more likely to stay connected to their faith communities into adulthood. It's not just about the classes; it's about the relationships and the sense of belonging that keeps them engaged.
A Time to Celebrate
So, let's celebrate our confirmands! They've shown commitment, curiosity, and courage. They've laughed, learned, and maybe even had a few awkward moments along the way. But most importantly, they've grown in their faith and are ready to take on the world with Jesus by their side.
As we cheer them on this Sunday, let's also commit to walking alongside them in the days to come. Confirmation isn't the end—it's just the beginning of a lifelong journey of faith. And as their church family, we're here to support, encourage, and love them every step of the way.
See you Sunday!