Tales from the Thrift
The thrift store and We Care ministry serves a diverse population. We are in the business of helping people. And we do it alot, every day. Sometimes the volunteers here do not see who we are helping. What is seen is Candace quietly giving food to someone outside the door, or just hearing me yelling and seeing me run around asking for a particular size of shorts or shoes for someone at the door.
One day a young man came to our mission, asking for help. He shared that he is currently going through a difficult time, and wanted to get back home to his family in Washington. That would be the state, not DC, just about as far away from Florida as one can get. He had been employed, lost his job, and was currently making do living out of a tent not too far away. We gave him some food, and asked him to return the next day, so we could look into how we could help. He returned, and we set out to help the best we could. The cost of getting him home was surprisingly quite reasonable, and for us, very doable. We purchased him a bus ticket to Washington, and an Uber ride to the bus station. He was very appreciative, and we wished him well. Candace and I thought that was the end of the story. This was one of many bus tickets we have bought to help others in tough spots get to where they need to be. A couple weeks later, when the phone rang in the office at We Care, a young man was on the other end. He identified himself as being the same young man that we had helped earlier, and stated that he was calling from Washington state. To say thank you. He did not need to do this, but wanted to express his appreciation for our help. Amazing. What came to mind was the Bible story from the book of Luke, in which the man with leprosy was healed, and returned to say thank you. Here at We Care, do not expect a thank you. We do what we do because it is what is asked of us. And yet, this young man went out of his way to call us and express his gratitude. We never know who will need help, or when we will need help. What we do know is that faith and gratitude will carry us through both the good and tough times.
An Open Letter to Teachers and Educational Staff
It's that time of year again – the start of a new school year! The excitement is visible, but we know it comes with mixed emotions for educators and staff. As you step into your classrooms and school buildings, facing the unknowns of a school year, we want you to know that the team here at Navarre United Methodist stands firmly beside you. You are not alone, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
As the new school year begins, we understand the whirlwind of activities that come with it. From getting to know your new students to handling essential paperwork and building relationships with families, we know it can be overwhelming. Among the busyness, we want you to remember that you are doing incredible work that impacts the lives of young minds.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you embark on this new year. We pray for your strength, patience, and unwavering dedication to shaping the next generation of learners. We are praying for you and your families, who stand by your side in supporting your passion for education. We understand that being an educator is not just a job; it's a calling, and your commitment does not go unnoticed.
As educators, you can ignite curiosity, foster creativity, and inspire a love for learning in your students. You are the guiding light that can lead them toward their full potential. Your dedication makes a difference, and you have the unique opportunity to shape the minds and hearts of the future.
We recognize that the road ahead may be filled with challenges and uncertainties, but please know that we are here to offer a helping hand whenever needed. Whether it's finding resources, sharing ideas, or providing emotional support, we are a community of individuals united by our shared mission of nurturing young minds.
As the new school year begins, we want you, our dear educators, and the educational staff to know that you are valued and appreciated. Your work goes beyond the classroom; it leaves a lasting impact on the lives of your students and their families. We stand with you, supporting your journey with our thoughts, prayers, and unwavering encouragement. Remember, you are not alone – the Navarre United Methodist team is here for you every step of the way.
Here's to a new school year filled with growth, inspiration, and endless possibilities. Thank you for being the heart and soul of education, and may this year be one of your most rewarding yet.
A Tribute To Hildreth Hall
There is a lot happening here at the church right now, with Hildreth Hall being one of the busiest areas. We have carpets being replaced, walls being painted, rooms being renovated, lights being changed, and a stage being brought back. This building holds countless memories. I know many of you have been here longer than I have, and I'm sure you have plenty of your own. I have fond memories of Wednesday night dinners with my family after work at the preschool. I also recall many preschool events held in Hildreth Hall. Even though my son Henry is about to start middle school, I still remember him at 4 years old, singing adorable songs on the stage and participating in a Mother's Day tea during the preschool program.
As I walked through the building with Lorraine Taylor this week, we shared a laugh as she reminisced about a particular wall being taken down, then put back up, and now being taken down again. Robert Trigg affectionately remembers the spot he stood in the back left corner of the building during the choir for so many years. Over the almost 40 years since its establishment, Hildreth Hall has welcomed countless individuals through its doors. If walls could speak! This week, I sat down with some of the trustees and staff to reflect on all the amazing experiences that have taken place within that building.
Hildreth Hall has served as the primary worship sanctuary and, after Hurricane Sally, as an alternate worship space. It has also been a home for Sunday school classes and small groups. The hall has hosted a plethora of events including Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, AA meetings, homeowner associations, church-wide Bible studies, Methodism 101 sessions, Bird Flu inoculation coordination, staff appreciation events, retirement parties, weddings, wedding receptions, funerals, baby showers, birthdays, Wednesday night dinners, Financial Peace University sessions, Emmaus reunion dinners, Gideon Bible distribution, sorting of school backpack distributions, early response teams for natural disasters, years of Vacation Bible School, a voting precinct, youth band practices, youth lock-ins, book fairs, chili cook-offs, breakfasts with Santa, Spring and Fall festivals, CPR training, active shooter training, Re-boot combat recovery sessions, a sorting station for "Feeding the Gulf Coast", thrift store Christmas parties, volunteer recognition parties, High School sports banquets, recreational league sports banquets, all-church government meetings, preparing pregame meals for the NHS football team, COVID response teams, choir and piano recitals, 30-hour famines, strategic planning weekends, hail and farewell events, tall and small ball gatherings, community craft fairs, Walk Through the Bible sessions, mission trip preparations and planning meetings, dinners with the disciples, the former staff offices and workroom, countless covered dish dinners, and numerous preschool events such as teas, lunches, parties, graduations, and Fitness Fridays.
Hildreth Hall has witnessed many changes within its walls, and it is safe to say that we haven't seen the last of them. However, amidst every paint color change, carpet replacement, and wallpaper installation and removal, one thing remains constant - the fellowship, community, laughter, and memories that have been created, and will continue to be created, within those walls for many years to come. As it transforms into an intentional space for kids and youth on Sunday mornings, it will still be cherished and utilized for all the incredible events yet to come. So, let's salute Hildreth Hall for its exceptional service to our church family!
Did we miss anything? Please comment if you remember anything special from Hildreth Hall that we forgot!
Firmware Updates
Have you ever felt like everything you do takes you one step forward, but then something outside your control takes you two steps back? That’s been my tech life for the past couple weeks. For almost a year we have had a key piece of equipment on backorder (It’s called a Dante card. It allows our sound board in the sanctuary to send all of the signals to our sound board in our live streaming room). The same day I found out they cancelled our order, I ran into a guy who just happened to have received two more than he needed for his church and we got it at a discounted price.
I went to install it yesterday, and it fit perfectly. I turned on the sound board and nothing happened. More specifically, the sound board didn’t recognize that the card was installed. The problem was one number was different. We used to have the v2 model. This new card, and the reason there was a year where no one could get their hands on one, is a v3. New and improved, but not compatible without a firmware update. So I updated the firmware of the sound board, not a big deal. But then the computer software that you need to properly install the card needed to be updated as well. Again, not a big deal. But before it would launch after the update, it wanted me to update the operating system of the computer and that’s where I hit the brick wall. It’s an old computer and can’t update it’s operating systems. In other words, there is nothing I can do to make this work with this set up. And it took me two hours into what I thought would be a five minute install to figure that out.
Bonhoeffer said in The Cost of Discipleship that “In the gospels the very first step a man must take is an act which radically affects his whole existence.” When we see the disciples leave their boat to follow Jesus, we might give it a cursory thought about it meant leaving their job. But if you spend any amount of time thinking about all the repercussions and ripple effects that would have meant for their lives, you will realize that their whole existence was affected.
Jesus still calls us to take steps towards following him. And just like 2000 years ago, in order to follow him we have to radically change our existence. It’s like the trail of firmware updates, when you change one thing you suddenly realize that it no longer fits in the current ecosystem. But what ends up happening is that everything tends to get better. When Peter gave up commercial fishing, he went from an ordinary life to following the son of God. He went from having to pull fish out of the water to having fish and loaves multiply and appear in his very hands. He didn’t have silver or gold, but in the name of Jesus he could command the lame to walk. He rose Tabitha from the dead, prison walls couldn’t contain him. Of course, when he took his first step towards following Jesus, he knew known of that. I don’t know what your next step will be. It could be getting more involved in a small group, it could be giving money, investing time and volunteering, praying more, or any of a dozen other things. But what I do know is that when you take. A step towards following Jesus, you will be different, and there is nothing better than that.
By the way, the tech thing is going to work out. The whole process exposed some areas we weren’t being as efficient as we could be, and the final system is going to be so much better than it would have been and we solved some other problems along the way.
Woodworking
Woodworking is one of my favorite hobbies. It provides a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. As you create something beautiful and functional from a simple block of wood, you can also learn valuable lessons about faith and discipleship. I want to explore the connections between woodworking and Jesus, and how this hobby can help us grow in our faith.
One of the most important lessons that woodworking can teach us is about creativity. When we work with wood, we are essentially bringing something new into the world. We are using our God-given talents and creativity to transform raw materials into something beautiful and useful. In the same way, God has given each of us unique gifts and talents, and he calls us to use them to glorify him and serve others. We can honor God through our creative pursuits, whether it's woodworking, painting, music, or any other art form.
Another lesson that woodworking can teach us is about patience. Working with wood requires a great deal of patience and attention to detail. You can't rush the process, or you may end up with a flawed or incomplete project. In the same way, following Christ requires patience and perseverance. We must be patient with ourselves and with others as we grow in our faith and seek to become more like Jesus. We must trust in God's timing and plan for our lives, even when things don't go as we expect.
Woodworking can also teach us about stewardship. When we work with wood, we are using a precious resource that has been entrusted to us by God. We must be good stewards of this resource, using it wisely and responsibly. In the same way, we are called to be good stewards of the other resources God has given us, including our time, talents, and relationships. We must use these resources in a way that honors God and serves others.
Finally, woodworking can teach us about the value of hard work. When we work with wood, we must be willing to put in the time and effort required to create something beautiful and functional. In the same way, following Christ requires hard work and dedication. We must be willing to put in the time and effort required to grow in our faith and serve others.
Woodworking isn’t just a hobby, it’s something that can teach us valuable lessons about faith and discipleship. By being creative, patient, responsible, and hardworking, we can honorGod through our woodworking projects and our lives as a whole. As we work with wood, we can be reminded of the ultimate woodworker, Jesus Christ, who gave his life to create something beautiful and valuable: our salvation.