FAITH
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Growth in hard times I’m obsessed with weather. Prior to moving here, I lived in an area where tornadoes are a serious concern. A portable weather radio was my constant companion, at least until the day it died during the middle of a tornado outbreak. Some people enjoy going outside on a beautiful, perfect day. SHANNON I’m far more SEYLER likely to go Faithfully Yours outside to watch storms rolling in. My husband patiently accepts the fact that I’m a weather geek and tolerates my fascination with storms. He came home the other night and advised me to look outside. There was a storm brewing to the north. We stood together quietly looking at intense flashes of lightning. It was beautiful. Watching that lightning triggered a childhood memory. When I was a kid, I lived in an area that had intense electrical storms. Sometimes, there wouldn’t be any rain, just endless lightning in the sky. My mother would call me out to watch the nighttime lightning. It was a special time of bonding, not only with her, but with nature itself. To me, it was a spiritual experience. One thing I’ve noticed during my years of storm watching is that there can be incredible beauty just prior to severe weather. A sky that’s spawning funnel clouds can be an astonishing sight. Of course, this doesn’t mean that the resulting devastation is beautiful. I’ve seen the horrific aftermath of storms firsthand. I’ve walked through what was left of a neighborhood after a tornado ripped it to shreds, and was horrified by the sight of Biloxi following Hurricane Katrina. I also remember watching a TV news broadcast as, just a short distance from my own residence, rescue crews pulled people out of upper story windows after
NONPROFIT OF THE WEEK: CHARITY NAVIGATOR Charity Navigator is an online resource that evaluates, ranks and provides detailed financial information about charities. Many people, companies and organizations consult this website before donating money. Unfortunately, not all charities are equal. Some have been exposed as frauds, maintain ridiculously overpaid directors, are seriously mismanaged, or just highly ineffective. Charity Navigator, a nonprofit group, keeps tabs on charities, offering details about the reputations and effectiveness of charitable organizations. It’s helpful to know if your donations will actually reach those in need. Charity Navigator maintains several helpful Top Ten lists, such as “10 Charities Routinely in the Red,” “10 Inefficient Fundraisers” and “10 Top-Notch Charities.” Charity Navigator keeps the public informed so people can donate more wisely. As they note in their own mission statement, “Charity Navigator works to guide intelligent giving.”
Nicole P. Barefield, Publisher Randal Seyler, Editor Cameron Everett, Production Supervisor The News is published every Wednesday and Saturday by Halifax Media Group, 1364 N. Railroad Ave., Chipley, FL 32428. Periodicals postage paid at Chipley, Florida. © Copyright 2013, Halifax Media Group. All Rights Reserved. COPYRIGHT NOTICE: The entire contents of the Washington County News are fully protected by copyright and cannot be reproduced in any form for any purpose without the expressed permission of Halifax Media Group.
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Faith EVENTS Bethlehem Camp Meeting BONIFAY — The Bethlehem Family Camp Meeting will continue through June 28 at 3073 Highway 160 in Bonifay. For more information, visit bethlehemcamp.org or call 547-2598.
Northside Baptist VBS PONCE de LEON — Northside Baptist Church in Ponce de Leon will have Vacation Bible School from 5:30-8:30 p.m. June 23-28 for ages 3 through sixth grade. For more information, call 974-0225.
St. John’s VBS St. John’s Free Will Baptist Church will have Vacation Bible School from 6-8 p.m. June 23-28. Ages 3 to 12 are welcome. For more information, call Pastor Whitehead at 415-1354 or Scott Williams at 373-2553.
Liberty Church VBS
Charity Navigator www.charitynavigator.org Charity Navigator 139 Harristown Rd Suite 101 Glen Rock, NJ 07452 their apartments were submerged by flood waters. So I’m not in any way making light of the survivors of floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes or other disasters. But the fact remains that nature can provide beauty in addition to devastation. This can also be true of life. Everyone goes through rough times. However, it’s possible to find beauty in the midst of hardship. Finding it can be like spotting the beauty in a storm. You’ll never see it while cowering in a closet. You have to be brave, step outside and open your eyes. Step outside whatever difficult situation you may find yourself in and take a good, honest look. You might be surprised by what you see. Often, the beauty of tough times comes from the lessons we learn. Other times, what seems like a catastrophic loss can bring new beginnings. As the old saying goes, when one door closes, another opens. Consider the case of someone leaving an abusive
Saturday, June 22, 2013
spouse. Leaving may seem very difficult at the time, but it opens up a whole new life of dignity and self-respect. Sometimes, a change in a job situation or a sudden move can be challenging. I once had to leave a certain university rather abruptly due to financial issues. It wasn’t my fault, and I found it devastating at the time, but it started a chain of events that led to my getting married. I can take graduate courses anywhere, but as it turned out, finding my longtime friend, collaborator and husband was worth far more to me than staying where I was. Had I not moved precisely when I did, my life would’ve turned out very differently. If you’re experiencing problems, stop and take a deep breath. Gather your thoughts, and then start looking for beauty. Even in times of trouble, behave as if your life is overflowing with beauty and goodness. The storms of life may seem severe at times, but they can also be filled with surprising moments of wonder, awe and discovery.
VERNON — Liberty Church is offering kids in kindergarten through fourth grades Vacation Bible School from 5:30-8:30 p.m. June 24-28. At VBS, kids can choose a sport — if they’ve played all their life of just started yesterday, this VBS will improve their skills. All sorts of drills and practice games will get kids focused on the fundamentals that make athletes great. Plus, VBS creates a positive and encouraging environment that pumps up their confidence and selfesteem. You can join the VBS team at Liberty Church, 3983 Creek Road, Vernon. Dinner is provided nightly, and it’s free. Transportation will be provided. If your child needs a ride or for more information, call or text Gwen Brock at 260-6924.
New Prospect VBS CHIPLEY — New Prospect Baptist Church will have VBS from 5:30-8 p.m. June 24-28. This year’s VBS is titled Colossal Coaster World. There will be fun and learning for all ages. Supper will be provided. For more information or transportation, call Pastor Kermit Soileau at 638-3638 or VBS Director Lynn Jackson at 6380993 or 703-9635.
Poplar Springs VBS POPLAR SPRINGS — Poplar Springs Baptist Church will have VBS from 5-8:30 p.m. June 24-28. A light supper will be served at 5 p.m. each day. Face Your Fears at Colossal Coaster World. Tap into God’s
promise to give you courage to face your fears by trusting Him. Your day at the park will include Bible stories about Paul and his journey to face his fears by trusting God. In this one-week adventure, kids will learn to trust God through Bible stories, crafts, motivating music and games. The church is at 1098 Lovewood Road.
Outreach event BONIFAY — Bonifay First United Methodist Church will have a free hot dog lunch at 11 a.m. Monday, June 24, across from the courthouse at 202 N. Oklahoma St., on the lawn in front of the church’s educational building. There will be free grilled hot dogs, chips and dessert. This event is sponsored by the Outreach Area of the Bonifay First United Methodist Church.
Donnie Swaggart in Marianna MARIANNA — Donnie Swaggart, pastor and evangelist, will have services at 7 p.m. June 28-29 and at 10 a.m. June 30 at the National Guard Armory. This is a free event. Doors will open one hour before service time. For more information, call 209-9365 or email ayofthecrossfwc@gmail.com
New Bethany Fifth Sunday Sing VERNON — New Bethany Assembly of God will have a fifth Sunday sing June 30. Dinner will be served at 12:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall of the church, at Hinson’s Crossroads. For more information, call Brother Leon Jenkins at 773-3003.
The Maharreys CARYVILLE — The Maharreys will perform at 7 p.m. July 3 at Harris Chapel Holiness Church, 8 miles north of Caryville on Highway 179.
Fortnight for Freedom BONIFAY — The Knights of Columbus, Council 10513, Infant of Prague, will sponsor a “Fortnight for Freedom,” as requested by the American Conference of Bishops, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. June 21 to July 4 at Blessed Trinity Church. Our Christian principles are under attack from the secular world we live in. One person or an army of people cannot reverse this trend. But God can. We need for God to intervene and help us in our cause for religious liberty. Everyone is welcome. For more information, call Bob Scholl at 849-2079 or 326-6225.
Community CALENDAR WEDNESDAY 10 a.m. to noon: Holmes Council on Aging provides hot meals and socialization. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: The Vernon Historical Society Museum is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Meetings are fourth Wednesdays at 2 p.m. 11 a.m.: Washington Council on Aging (Chipley) senior lunches; for reservations, call 6386217. Donations accepted. 1 p.m.: Line dancing, Washington Council on Aging in Chipley. 7 p.m.: Depression and Bipolar Support Group meets at First Baptist Church educational annex building in Bonifay. Call 547-4397.
THURSDAY 7:30 a.m.: Washington County Chamber of Commerce breakfast every third Thursday 9-11 a.m.: Amazing Grace Church USDA Food Distribution every third Thursday (Holmes County Residents Only) 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.: Money Sense at Goodwill Career Training Center; call 6380093; every third Thursday 10 a.m. to noon: Holmes Council on Aging
provides hot meals and socialization. 10:30 a.m.: Chipley Library preschool story time. 11 a.m.: Washington Council on Aging senior lunches; for reservations, call 638-6217. Donations accepted. 11 a.m.: Care Givers Support group meets third Thursdays at the First Presbyterian Church at 4437 Clinton St. in Marianna. Noon: Alcoholics Anonymous open meeting at New Life Assembly Fellowship Hall, Chipley 1 p.m.: Caregivers Meeting at Washington County Council on Aging in Chipley for more information call 638-6216 2 p.m.: Writers Group meets first Thursdays at the Chipley Library 4 p.m.: Holmes County Historical Society 2nd Thursday of each month. 6 p.m.: TOPS meets at 7 p.m. with weigh in at 6 p.m. at Mt. Olive Baptist Church 6 p.m.: The Holmes County Historical Society meets first Thursdays at 6 p.m. The public is invited. 6 p.m.: Washington County Council on Aging Line Dancing Class for more information call
6-8 p.m.: Washington County Council on Aging 50+ dance club for more information call 638-6216 6-8 p.m.: Marianna’s Gathering Place Foundation has a gettogether for 50+ senior singles, widowed or divorced on last Fridays at FRIDAY Winn Dixie in Marianna. Come join the fun for 6 a.m.: Men’s Breakfast and Bible Study at Hickory games, prizes and snacks while you get your Hill Baptist Church in shopping done. For more Westville. information, call 526-4561. 10 a.m. to noon: Holmes 8 p.m.: Alcoholics Council on Aging provides Anonymous open meeting bingo, exercise, games, at Chipley Presbyterian activities, hot meals and Church. socialization. 11 a.m.: Washington Council on Aging senior SATURDAY lunches; for reservations, The Holmes County call 638-6217. Donations Community Health accepted. Clinic, 203 W. Iowa Street, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: On third Fridays, Washington Bonifay, will be open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the first and County Council on Aging third Saturday will have a plate lunch The Alford Community available to anyone as a Health Clinic will be the fundraiser for our local senior citizens. Plates are 2nd and 4th Saturdays of $6. Must make reservation each month, from 10 a.m. until the last patient is at 638-6216 or 638-6217. seen. 3:30: Bead Class every second Friday at LaurdenDavis Art Gallery call SUNDAY 703-0347 8 p.m.: Alcoholics 5 p.m.: Red Hill Methodist Church Mission Anonymous meeting in the board room at Supper 4th Friday of Graceville-Campbellton every month January Hospital in Graceville. – September. 638-6216 6:30 p.m.: T.O.P.S. Mt. Olive Baptist Church on State Road 79 North. 7 p.m.: Narcotics Anonymous meeting, Blessed Trinity Catholic Church on County Road 177A