Before She Spoke
Have you ever planned a meeting, a gathering, or a party and thought no one would show up? That was my concern on March 23 when we invited people interested in a Women’s Day Apart to meet and plan. I walked into the office for the gathering, and there were more women than we had chairs. God laughs at me often. The excitement in the room for a gathering where women can gather, worship, learn, and hear from God was electric. Over the next few months, this group came together and set a schedule, ordered supplies, determined a menu, and more. It has been a joy to watch what God is doing through these women. They somehow managed to get some of our guys to say “yes” to grilling chicken and providing lunch for the gathering. God is working in and through these persons.
This Saturday, September 6, approximately 80 women will gather for “Before She Spoke, embraced by the God who sees, hears, and knows”. Please take a few minutes in your prayer time to lift up this Day Apart. We can do so much when we work together to further God’s Kingdom.
Peace,
Paula
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
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”.
Where They Are
I love Sunday afternoons, there are so many activities to choose from after church. I can drive over to Navarre Beach and head west taking in the sand, the sun, and the view of the Gulf. There are football and other sports opportunities to watch on the television from my recliner. Meal prepping, a walk, and a nap are options as well. Twenty one persons from age 5 up from our church family chose a different scenario this past Sunday, February 2. They traveled to Pensacola to serve dinner to 62 persons at Bright Bridge Ministries at Richards Memorial UMC.
Their mission and purpose states “We’re committed to being a bridge to brighter days for individuals who are experiencing homelessness, addiction, hunger and more. Anchored in Christian values, we provide essential programs and resources that offer community members an opportunity for hope, healing, and life renewal.”
Our participation in this ministry is not new, it has just been on pause since COVID. It is now no longer on pause. I was humbled to witness this group of people from different small groups and areas of our church come together to serve those who needed a hot meal and a kind word. Many hands prepared meat loaves, mashed potatoes, green beans, rolls and homemade desserts. They then served, yes, actually served the food to those who were present to hear God’s word spoken and to partake in communion at 4 p.m. next door in the sanctuary. They served with joy, they served in a spirit of humbleness. They then rolled up their sleeves to clean.
It is easy to come to church on Sunday mornings, participate in worship and maybe attend a small group. I believe that there is more to Christianity than just that. I believe we need to meet people where they are. Navarre UMC supports many outreach and ministry opportunities through monetary means. I challenge you to go beyond that and serve. You can do that through our Thrift Store and We Care Program. We have a bed build with Sleep in Heavenly Peace on Saturday, March 22 and we will be back at Bright Bridge to serve dinner on April 6. Find a place to meet people where they are as we carry out the mission of Jesus, to make disciples.
Messy Christmas
It is no secret that life is messy. Just turn on the news and/or walk out the front door. People are recovering from natural disasters, and some are victims of war and violence. Others are just trying to make ends meet by feeding and housing their families. Sometimes life seems dark. Many people look at our children and youth and talk about how they are our future, the future of our communities, our world, and our churches. I believe they are the communities, the world, and the churches TODAY! This picture is of the gifts my mother received at her assisted living facility this past week. Gulf Breeze Middle and High School students came and sang Christmas Carols with the residents. They then handed out gifts and visited with them. They didn’t just hand them a gift and say, “Merry Christmas”, they took time to sit and visit with each resident. As we quickly approach Christmas Day, we are reminded in John 1:5, "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it." Thank you to all who encourage our children and youth to be lights that shine!
