December 10, 2023 Beacon

BEACON

week of December 10, 2023

Shalimar United Methodist Church

Shalimar UMC Lead Pastor

Dr. Alan McBride Pastors and Staff Dr. Brad Bradford Worship Pastor Rev. John Kelsoe Associate Pastor Gerald Batton Custodian Chris Bennett Facility & Maintenance Manager Chris Bennett Interim Youth Director Pat Brantley Office Administrative Assistant Denise Heath Financial Secretary Sarah Hicks Children’s Director Karen Jadin Preschool Director Tony Mallini Interim Church Administrator Heyward McKenzie Chef Amanda Marshall Nursery Coordinator Sara Morrison Financial Assistant Leigh J. Rice Respite Director Dawn Rozofsky After School & Camp Director Ben Savage Director of Worship Arts Jeremy Thiess Ministries Assistant

Stay In Touch!

Shalimar United Methodist Church 1 Old Ferry Road, Shalimar, FL 32579 (850) 651-0721 office@shalimar-umc.org

Our Vision Christ-centered, multi-generational, family & community relevant ministries through WORSHIP, DISCIPLESHIP, and MISSION.

Our Mission We REACH our community with the good news of Jesus Christ.

We TEACH how to love God and to love one another as ourselves.

We SEND disciples into the world to share their experiences of Jesus.

Weekly Schedule Week of December 10th

Sunday, 10th Chancel Choir Musical 8, 9:30, 11am Adult Sunday School 9:30 am Shalimar Students Sunday School 9:30 am Special Buddies Sunday School 9:30 am Shalimar Kids Worship 9:30 am Shalimar Kids in Freedom Worship 11:07 am Special Buddies 5 pm Shalimar Students Worship 5 pm

Monday, 11th Bread House Threads of Love Connect Service Rehearsal Alanon Lighthouse Rehearsal Church Council Meeting AA

9 am 10 am 5:30 pm 6 pm 6 pm 6:30 pm 8 pm

Tuesday, 12th Joyful Place Shalimar Kids 3rd Grade Bible Study Joy Ringers Bell Rehearsal Men’s Group Prayer Group Freedom Service Rehearsal

10 am 3:45 pm 5:30 pm 6 pm 6 pm 6:30 pm

Wednesday, 13th Bread House Blessings for Children Students Band Rehearsal Fellowship Dinner Shalimar Kids Club Shalimar Students Small Groups Gloryland Old Testament Studies Pastor’s Class Rejoice Young Adults Chancel Choir AA

9 am 10 am 4 Pm 5 Pm 5:30 pm 5:30 pm 6 pm 6 pm 6 pm 6 pm 6 pm 7 pm 8 pm

Thursday, 14th Shalimar Mom Co. Joyful Place Shalimar Kids 4-5th Grade Bible Study Stephen Ministry

9:30 am 10 am 3:45 pm 6:30 pm

Friday, 15th Bread House Shalimar Kids: Parent’s Night Out

9 am 5 pm

Saturday, 16th Pickleball

9 am

This Week in Worship Sunday, December 10, 2023 CHANCEL CHOIR & ORCHESTRA – SANCTUARY 8:00 a.m. | 9:30 a.m. | 11:00 a.m. – In-Person & Online The Chancel Choir and Orchestra Musical Presentation:

“The Silence and the Sound” by Heather Sorenson

Led by Rev. Dr. Brad Bradford

Soloists – Summer Gruber, Tracy Mank,

James and Lisa Given

Narration – Mike and Marcia

WrightReynolds

Reader’s Theater – Jackson Baugh and

Lauren Tedeton FREEDOM SERVICE – FAMILY LIFE CENTER 11:07 a.m. – In-Person & Online Message by Rev. John Kelsoe

1 John 4:7-21 Worship Led by Ben Savage

The Freedom Worship Team

Church Life Parents’ Night Out Even parents need a night off occasionally! Let us look after the kids for Parents’ Night Out on Friday, December 15, in the Family Life Center while you take care of that last-minute Christmas shopping. Use the QR Code to register your PreK–5th graders by Thursday, December 14, so we can plan accordingly for dinner.

For questions, contact Sarah Hicks, Children’s Ministry Director, at (850) 217–0694.

Students Christmas Party Shalimar Students will host their annual Christmas party in the Family Life Center from 5–7 p.m. on Sunday, December 17. Wednesday night Small Group Christmas parties will be hosted from 5:30–7 p.m. on December 20. Email Chris Bennett, Interim Youth Director, at youth@ shalimar-umc.org for more information.

Christmas Eve Services Invite a friend to worship with you at our Christmas Eve services this year!

- Traditions service – Advent Week 4: “Peace” | 9 a.m. | Sanctuary * - Brunch | 10 a.m. | FLC - Freedom service – Advent Week 4: “Peace” | 11:07 a.m. | FLC * - Children’s Christmas Eve service | 3 p.m. | FLC - Service of Lessons & Carols (featuring Youth Choir) | 5 p.m. | Sanctuary * - Service of Lessons & Carols (featuring Chancel Choir) | 7 p.m. | Sanctuary * - Contemporary Christmas Eve service | 11:07 p.m. | FLC * Nursery provided in the FLC during these services. Holy Communion served at all evening services. Candle lighting at 5 p.m., 7 p.m., and 11:07 p.m. services.

Chancel Choir & Orchestra Musical The Chancel Choir and Orchestra will present their annual Christmas musical, “The Silence and the Sound,” next Sunday, December 10, at the 8:00, 9:30, and 11:00 a.m. services.

Good of the Church Youth Choir Musical

Last Sunday, our Youth Choir presented their Christmas musical, “Emmanuel: God is with Us,” at 9:30 and 11:07 a.m. services in the Family Life Center.

Thank you to Rev. Dr. Brad Bradford, Tracy Mank, Robin Baugh, Melanie Schenck, Laurel Tovrea, the AVL Team, and the Youth Choir students for their many weeks of preparation for the production.

Offering Moment ADVENT OFFERING Stop by the Angel Tree today in the Sanctuary Narthex or FLC Lobby to pick up a child’s name and spread the love of Christ to those who need it most in our community. If you have any questions, please get in touch with Erica Jones, Mom Co. co-coordinator, at ericacaitlyn15@gmail.com. Please return gifts to the Bread House between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays before December 16.

Attendance 12.03.23 8: 930: 11: 1107: Kids: Bay Port Chapel: Livestream: TOTAL:

84 132 124 119 22 22 189 685

Children in Crisis CIC is committed to “Providing Homes…Keeping Brothers and Sisters Together.” Since 2008, they have given a safe home to abused, neglected, and abandoned children in our community.

For more information about CIC, visit childrenincrisisfl.org.

Embrace Florida Kids Formerly the United Methodist Children’s Home, Embrace Florida Kids strengthens biological and foster families by providing resources, and a safe, stable environment for children.

Learn more about their story and their work advocating for vulnerable children and families at embraceflkids.org.

Destin Harvest Destin Harvest provides weekly food deliveries to programs in Okaloosa and Walton County who are battling food insecurity— including our very own Bread House! They receive daily overages from local grocery stores and deliver directly to faithbased feeding outreach programs, food pantries, soup kitchens, backpack programs, homeless shelters, low-income afterschool programs, meals-on-wheels, and even subsidized mental health clinics. Learn more at destinharvest.org.

Shelter House Shelter House provides free and confidential services to sexual assault and domestic violence victims in Okaloosa and Walton County.

Articles & Announcements DID YOU KNOW? The SUMC Missions & Outreach Committee connects with many agencies in our local community. One of those agencies is One Hopeful Place. This is a ministry for our homeless to go during those cold freezing nights to be warm, fed, and given the opportunity to wash clothes and bathe.

One Hopeful Place currently has a need for can goods, rice, and paper products. If you are interested in donating to this cause, please reach out to Ms. Sherry Jones, Community and Public Relations Director at 850-376-3509.

Dear Church Friends, Among the numerous joys I have had my first 5 months here as Lead Pastor, I’d like to share with you what has been one of my greatest joys! I have absolutely loved working with my friend, Jeremy Thiess. Jeremy, his wonderful wife, Shelley, and their kids, Zion, Charis, and Ezra are a fantastic, godly family and I love them very much. I remember, especially in August at Meigs Beach, assisting Jeremy as he baptized Zion and Charis, his oldest son and daughter. It was a holy privilege as pastor to assist this godly man in our ministry team as he shared in the joy of a father, leading his children in their process of knowing and loving Jesus Christ.

It has been an especially exciting time working with Jeremy in planning and implementing numerous worship activities across these five months that I’ve been here. Jeremy is extremely gifted and has a vision for communicating and expressing the love of Jesus. His expertise in so many areas of communication, writing, and presentation in media have been a special gift for Shalimar Church. Not many people, however, are aware of Jeremy‘s impressive background in Christian ministry, knowledge of scripture, his passion for careful exposition of theology, and his clear ability to present the Word passionately. It’s also been fun to hear all of this done with a wonderful Australian accent.

So, it is with sadness that I announce to our Shalimar Church Family, in this message, that Jeremy and Shelley and their family will be leaving our ministry at Shalimar Church to rejoin in a previous ministry arena at Crosspoint Church in Niceville. I am thankful, however that he has carefully prayed, consulted with me, and has made a decision which he feels is best in line with God’s direction.

Jeremy came to Shalimar Church in October of 2022 and his final day in ministry at Shalimar will be December 31.On that morning we will have two worship services in the morning, 9:00 AM and 11:07 freedom worship. Jeremy will be presenting God‘s word for me as I am away. But, on Sunday, December 17, we will recognize, express thanks, and pray as a church for Jeremy in each of our morning worship services. In addition to worship service recognition of Jeremy, there will be a reception at 9 o’clock and at 10:30 in the FLC for Jeremy, Shelley, and the kids. I hope that you will plan to express thanks and love to Jeremy for his service to God among us and tell him all the ways that you have appreciated his humble way of serving God here.

In this time of transition for Jeremy, please pray for him as he prepares to be the leader of the Worship Arts team at Crosspoint. I believe he is especially gifted in planning and presentation in multiple ways the wonders of God‘s Word in worship, and will be used well in that ministry by God. Until he leaves, please find every way you can to express thanks and love to Jeremy and Shelley and the kids.Tell them how much you and our church will miss them. I know that our Staff and especially the pastors whom Jeremy has assisted in numerous wonderful ways will miss his gifts for ministry.

As this transition takes place, I am excited to announce that Tanner Dubose, who was an Assistant in Youth Ministry this Summer has graduated from the University of West Florida with a degree in Communications and will begin serving as a Communications Assistant to help with some aspects of Jeremy’s ministry among us. Please pray for Tanner as he comes back on board.

In Christ, Alan

The holidays can be a difficult time for those who have recently lost loved ones. That’s why we are hosting a special Christmas service on Wednesday, December 20 at 4:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. The “Hope for the Holidays” service will offer scripture and words of comfort to help you walk through your grief; and you will have an opportunity to light a candle in memory of your loved one at the altar. The Sanctuary will also be open for prayer with our pastors before and after the service. We pray the presence of Emmanuel (God with us) will give you comfort and hope in your time of loss.

Hello everyone!

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Joyful Place. Our tree is filled with beautiful ornaments with the word JOY. If you have a JOYFUL ornament you’d like to place on our tree, come by Tuesday or Thursday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. and add to our collection.

Love you ALL! - Leigh Rice

Through the years, one of the foundational pleas of the Prayer Team has been that “Our church would forever be a House of Prayer.” With that as our inspiration, we would like to present our Congregational Prayer Focus Plan for November. The November and December Prayer Focus will be available in the Sanctuary Narthex and in the FLC. They can also be downloaded from the church webpage.

This week we are praying for: • Continue to pray for our Pastors as they prepare for the upcoming ADVENT activities: Pray for good health, physical endurance, divine protection, and that they may receive an extra measure of God’s Grace.

• Pray that SUMC will have open hearts, minds, eyes, and ears to receive all God has for us.

• Pray for all the ADVENT activities during the upcoming month of December.

Jim Brantley, Shalimar UMC Prayer Team Coordinator

As Shalimar UMC has done for many years, we will be sending a mission team of nine members on this January 19–29 to serve Christ and love our Cuban brothers and sisters. This trip will focus on serving three Cuban Methodist churches and a Retirement Center with whom we have special relationship.

Please consider donating the following items for the team to bring to the churches of Cuba: • Medicines and vitamins of any kind • Personal hygiene products (male and female) • Perfume or cologne • Musical instruments (keyboards, guitars, brass instruments, etc) • Tools of any kind • Reading glasses • Sporting equipment • Craft items (for children’s Vacation Bible School) • Spanish Bibles Donated items can be placed in the designated box located in the FLC Lobby through Monday, January 15.

In addition to the items listed above, we also request your prayers for the safety of our team, and your financial gift support would be very welcome as well. To make a financial gift, please note “Cuba Mission” in the memo line; however you usually give to Shalimar UMC. Please contact Mr. Pete Peters at (703) 395–2437 or Pastor Alan McBride at (251) 747–3567 with any questions or special ideas to offer this mission experience.

Our new Advent series, “Make Room,” kicked off on December 3. This series explores our need to make room in our hearts for peace, hope, love, joy, and Christ during the Christmas season.

We look forward to seeing you there!

The next Church Council Meeting will be held on Monday, December 11, at 6:30 p.m. in the Family Life Center.

All are welcome to attend.

Invite a friend to worship with you at our Christmas Eve services this year!

Advent week four begins with morning worship services at 9 a.m. and 11:07 a.m. These services will fill our hearts with anticipation for the peace that Christ will bring at his arrival. There will also be a fellowship brunch in the Family Life Center beginning at 10 a.m.

Christmas Eve morning worship service schedule: - Traditions service – Advent Week 4: “Peace” | 9 a.m. | Sanctuary * - Brunch | 10 a.m. | FLC - Freedom service – Advent Week 4: “Peace” | 11:07 a.m. | FLC * * Nursery provided in the FLC during these services.

Then, we have four unique evening services to attend – each service intentionally designed to center our hearts and minds on the arrival of our Savior, Jesus Christ. All services include Holy Communion, with candle lighting at the Traditions and Contemporary services.

Christmas Eve evening worship service schedule: - Children’s Christmas Eve service | 3 p.m. | FLC - Service of Lessons & Carols (featuring Youth Choir) | 5 p.m. | Sanctuary * - Service of Lessons & Carols (featuring Chancel Choir) | 7 p.m. | Sanctuary * - Contemporary Christmas Eve service | 11:07 p.m. | FLC * Nursery provided in the FLC during these services.

DID YOU KNOW? For those individuals over 70 ½, there are two ways you can give from your IRA and avoid paying federal income tax on the withdrawal.

1. You can make a qualified charitable distribution tax-free from your IRA. You must request the distribution from your brokerage firm or financial advisor, and the check will be sent directly to the church.

2. For those receiving a required minimum distribution from their IRA, you can direct your brokerage firm or financial advisor to direct the distribution as a qualified charitable distribution and avoid any tax. The distribution will be sent directly to the church.

For more information on this excellent method of giving, contact your brokerage firm, financial advisor, or our Church Administrator, Tony Mallini at administrator@shalimar-umc.org.

Today’s flowers in the Sanctuary are given to the glory of God for Joe surviving heart surgery. Thank you to the ministers and church family for all your support. ~ Martha Gorecki Flower arrangements and roses can be given to the glory of God and displayed each week in the Sanctuary worship services.

Reservations for altar flowers can be made using the reservation book in the Sanctuary Narthex or by calling the Church Office at (850) 651–0721.

Advent 1

2

CEREAL

6

3

PEANUT BUTTER

7

SPAGHETTI SAUCE

11

12

16

CAN CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP

JELLY

8

PACKAGE PASTA

CAN CORN

4

Mac & Cheese

17

CAN MUSHROOM SOUP

5

PACKAGE OATMEAL

9

CAN TUNA

CAN/CUP FRUIT

10

PACKAGE RICE

CAN GREEN BEANS

13

14

15

18

19

20

CAN/BAG PINTO BEANS

CAN TOMATO SOUP

21

22

23

PACKAGE BABY WIPES

CHILDREN’S SOCKS

WASHABLE MARKERS

CAN/BAG WHITE BEANS

CAN CHICKEN

24 CHILDREN’S

LONG SLEEVE

T-SHIRTS sm-lg

CAN/BAG BLACK BEANS

PACKAGE DIAPERS ANY SIZE

25 MERRY CHRISTMAS

This activity will help you to gift those families and individuals served by the SUMC Bread House and Blessings for Children ministries. Here’s what you do: • Get a box. Decorate it if you want – maybe attach the December calendar we’ve provided here!

• Please return the box to the Bread House on Monday, Wednesday or Friday between 9:00 am and noon. Thanks!

Missions & Outreach Committee

Keep an eye out for the Advent Mission Box flyers in the Sanctuary Narthex and FLC Lobby this Sunday. This annual activity organized the SUMC Missions & Outreach Committee provides us the opportunity to gift those families and individuals served by the Bread House and Blessings for Children ministries.

Here’s what you do: • Get a box and decorate it if you want. Then, attach the Advent Calendar we’ve provided here.

• Everyday add one of the items listed on the Advent Calendar and check it off. Whatever amount you can donate is appreciated!

• When your box is complete, return it to the Bread House on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday between 9:00 a.m. and noon.

Week 17 – Dec 1st Food Distribution Numbers This Week Total 751 bags collected 67,402 393 bags given out 52,276 (196.0 tons) 0 card given out 239 ($8735) 424 members served 51,141 15 New Families visited this week, representing 65 individuals.

This week Destin Harvest brought us a pallet of milk!

Every inch of space was filled with milk!

Items always needed!

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Toilet paper and Paper Towels a must need each week!

Canned Meat; Tuna, Chicken, Spam!

Canned Vegetables: Corn, Green Beans, Mixed!

Dried goods, beans and rice!

Fruit, potatoes, onions

If you don’t have time to shop, you can donate money to The Bread House by sending a check to SUMC, MEMO line put “Bread House.”

Questions or want to become a volunteer, contact Pete Peters, 703.395.2437, fpeters1@cox.net, or Robin Hays @ 850-6217014. We’d love to have you!

A big thank you to Santa who stopped by the preschool to give out gifts and remind the children that Jesus is the first and best Christmas present we can ever receive!

Our church participated in the Fort Walton Beach Christmas Parade last week. We gave out beads, candy, and stress balls with information about the church. Thank you to Dawn Rozofsky, Sarah Hicks, Tony Mallini, and all the staff who organized this outreach opportunity, and everyone who joined in the fun in the nativity scene or walking alongside the float!

Shalimar Kids Club choir presented “The Little Drummer Dude” for their annual Christmas musical last Sunday night. Thank you to Kathy Curry, Sandy Moon, and all the children and volunteers who worked diligently to produce this event.

Contact Us Phone (850) 651-0721

Email

office@shalimar-umc.org

Address 1 Old Ferry Road Shalimar, FL 32579

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Website shalimar-umc.org

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