The Beacon 2-27-2022
Welcome to Shalimar UMC We are so glad you’ve chosen to worship with us this week! Hearing assistance devices are available for the Sanctuary. Please see an usher to obtain these aids. All services can be found online at Shalimar-umc.org.
O ur Visio n Christ-centered, multigenerational, family and community relevant ministries through worship, discipleship, and mission.
O ur Missi on REAC H, T EAC H, and SEND We REACH out to our congregation, community, and the world to TEACH the word of God as provided in the Holy Scripture, and SEND our members and missionaries to be witnesses to God’s grace and His promise of eternal life to us through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Wors hi p S ervices T rad itions At 8:00am and 11:00 Sunday mornings in the Sanctuary, we celebrate through the rich traditions of our faith such as hymns led by organ and piano, seasonal vestments, and traditional Methodist liturgy. Our Chancel Choir leads the 11:00am service. Conn ect At 9:30am Sunday mornings in the Sanctuary, we engage in a four-fold service of gathering praise, service of the Word, Holy Communion with candle stations for prayer, and sending forth. The music is a blend of contemporary praise songs and upbeat hymns. Fre ed om At 11:07am Sunday mornings in the Family Life Center Gym, we worship through modern music, multimedia, and a teaching style message in a nontraditional atmosphere. We come to God as we are to experience the freedom of not having to stay that way.
Here's what you need to know this week. The Week of Sunday, February 27th •
Joyful Place – Our new respite program, Joyful Place, will be opening soon. Training days for volunteers will be Fri, Mar 11, Tue, Mar 15, and Thu, Mar 17 from 10am-2pm. An Open House is scheduled for Wed, Mar 16 from 4pm-7pm. Visitors can stop by before or after the Wednesday night Fellowship meal. All Wednesday groups are invited to stop in as well. On Tue, Mar 22, Joyful Place will open for the care of individuals with dementia. So, come visit the director, Leigh J. Rice, and be in prayer for this much needed new mission.
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30-Hour Famine: Join the youth group on Fri, Mar 4 at 6pm for an overnight event for students in grades 6-12 with an emphasis on service and fasting. We challenge you to take part in ending world hunger! Pick up time for students will be Sat, Mar 5 at 7:30pm.
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Follow Me - For our next sermon series, everyone will receive a 40day “Follow Me” plan to learn how to be like Jesus and how to follow Jesus daily. The plan will be available on Wed, Mar 2. A study guide will also be offered free on Sun, Mar 6. Dedicating 40 days to follow the Lord will make remarkable differences in each of our lives. So let us all listen to Christ and learn the true meaning of discipleship. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” ~ Matthew 4:19 (NIV)
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Ash Wednesday – On Wed, Mar 2, we will have a come-and-go imposition of ashes from 11:30am-12:30pm in the Sanctuary and a traditional service at 6pm in the Sanctuary for Ash Wednesday. Both events will have options for touch or a no-touch way to participate.
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Attendance - We would love for you to register your attendance with us. You can fill out the attendance card found in the pews and chairs, use the web form found online shalimar-umc.org/worshipattendance, or send an email to office@shalimar-umc.org.
Ministerial Staff Dr. Philip McVay - Lead Pastor Dr. Brad Bradford .................................................................................. Worship Pastor Rev. David Garvin ....................................................................................... Youth Pastor Rev. Matt Langford ............................................................................. Associate Pastor Ben Savage ................................................................... Worship Ministries Associate Dawn Rozofsky ................................................................................... Director of Camp Karen Jadin .................................................................................. Director of Preschool Leigh J. Rice ..................................................................................... Director of Respite Vacant ............................................................................... Children’s Ministry Director After Hours Emergency Pastoral Assistance: Dr. Philip McVay (850) 607-1133 Dr. Brad Bradford (850) 227-4328 Rev. David Garvin (850) 319-0072 Rev. Matt Langford (334) 437-3931 1 Old Ferry Road | P.O. Box 795 Shalimar, FL 32579 (850) 651-0721 shalimar-umc.org | office@shalimar-umc.org Office Hours: Mon - Thu: 8 am - 4 pm | Fri : 8 am - 12 pm
Stay Connected! Facebook: Shalimar UMC
Visit us online: shalimar-umc.org
THIS SUNDAY IN WORSHIP Sunday, February 27, 2022 The Transfiguration of Our Lord | Luke 9:28-36
TRADITIONS – SANCTUARY 8:00am – In-Person & Online Message by Dr. Philip McVay Worship Led by Dr. Brad Bradford Joy Ringers – Praise to the Lord, the Almighty Tracy Mank – Unbroken Praise
CONNECT – SANCTUARY 9:30am – In-Person & Online Message by Dr. Philip McVay Worship Led by Dr. Brad Bradford The Connect Worship Team Holy Communion Celebrated by Rev. Matt Langford
TRADITIONS – SANCTUARY 8:00am – In-Person & Online Message by Dr. Philip McVay Worship Led by Dr. Brad Bradford Joy Ringers – Praise to the Lord, the Almighty Chancel Choir – Psalm 150 Tracy Mank – Unbroken Praise
FREEDOM SERVICE – FAMILY LIFE CENTER 11:07am – In-Person & Online Message by Rev. Matt Langford Worship Led by Ben Savage The Freedom Team
Philip’s Focus Ash Wednesday is a Big Day and Some of the Reasons Why This coming Wednesday, March 2, is our Ash Wednesday Service at 6pm. It is one of the most special times of the year. Why is Ash Wednesday so special? There are numerous reasons. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent. The day signals new spiritual practices beginning for 40 days. The 40 days is FOLLOWING the same steps of Jesus, who spent 40 days in the wilderness before His Kingdom ministry. Likewise, following a plan for 40 days can lead us to new spiritual vitality as we prepare for Easter!
Ash Wednesday also sparks a lot of questions. So let me seek to answer some of the questions that may be on your mind. How long is Lent? 40 days or 46 days? Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of 40 days leading up to Easter Sunday. If you count the days, you will discover that there are actually 46 days. So, why do we say 40 then? In the early church tradition of Lent, they considered Sundays as "little Easters," therefore they were subtracted. So, 46 days minus the 6 Sundays of Lent gives you a total of 40 days. Why does the date of Ash Wednesday change each year? The date of Easter changes every year, and thus the date of Ash Wednesday also changes with Easter. The date of Easter is pre-set on the calendar for many years as you want to look ahead. How is the date of Easter determined? In A Primer for Church Worship, Hoyt Hickman explains, "you may have wondered why Easter falls on a different date each year. Like the Jewish Passover, it is determined by the moon's phases. Early Christians debated the proper date for the Pascha. They agreed in the fourth century that it, unlike the Jewish Passover, must always be celebrated on Sunday so that the weekly and yearly celebrations of Jesus' resurrection reinforce each other. Easter in western Europe came to be observed on the Sunday after the first full moon on or after the first day of spring, which can place Easter as early as March 22 or as late as April 25. This is how Roman Catholics and Protestants still date Easter."
What is the significance of Ashes Imposed on Ash Wednesday? "The use of ashes is a sign of mortality and repentance and has a long history in Jewish and Christian worship. The imposition of Ashes can be a powerful nonverbal and experiential way of participating in the call to repentance and reconciliation." (United Methodist Book of Worship) The Ashes are imposed on the forehead or top of the hand with the words "remember you are dust, and to dust, you will return. Repent and believe the good news of Jesus." Ash Wednesday is one bookend that begins remembering our need for repentance and remembering our mortality. And the other bookend, we proclaim the glorious, good news of new life and resurrection! What does it mean to give up and add things for Lent? The giving up of something for personal discipline is traditional for Lent, as well. One common practice may be the giving up of certain foods during Lent. Or it may be a decision to give up something like television or Facebook and free up time for spiritual practices. In giving up things, we make more room for God. As we give up things, the 40 days of Lent become a great time to add new habits. What can we add to our life to bring us closer to Jesus? We ask our congregation to consider adding the FOLLOW ME 40-day discipleship plan this year. This plan includes a daily scripture and theme relevant to FOLLOWING JESUS. Why observes Lent? One of the reasons to have a season of Lent is to follow through the teachings and life of Jesus at least once a year. This means each year, we will FOLLOW the steps of Jesus through the wilderness, the teachings of the Kingdom, miracles, and revisit the life of Jesus with His disciples. The taking of time to recall and revisit the events in the life of our Lord add meaning leading up to the crucifixion and resurrection. In short, we prepare our hearts each year for the good news of Jesus's victory over death, sin, and evil. And the weeks of Lent, Palm Sunday, Holy Week, Good Friday, and Easter mean all the more. Our goal is to follow the steps of Jesus to become more like Jesus each day. Lent prepares us and helps us grow as disciples. Well, I hope this article added some meaning to your Ash Wednesday! I look forward to seeing our church family on Ash Wednesday and starting this 40-day journey of FOLLOWING HIM together! Shalom, Philip Dr. Philip McVay, Lead Pastor philip@shalimar-umc.org
Attendance Feb 20, 2022
In-Person Livestream
Children’s Programs (930 & 11)
8:00 Service
9:30 Service
11 :00 Service
11:07 Service
32
115
59
135
136
108
49
62
50
Total: 746
Do you need to talk to a pastor? Is it the weekend and you do not know who to call? Look here! Each week we will update the pastor on call. We are here for you! Call or text.
Fri, Feb 25 - Sun, Feb 27 Rev. Matt Langford - 334-437-3931
Mar 4th from 12pm to 12am Mar 5th from 8am to 6pm Cross Corner Sanctuary Bring a non-perishable food item for the Bread House and your own snacks. For more info contact Pat Brantley at 850-830-1355.
Mar 2nd RSVP: 850-651-0721 by noon Tuesday
Mexican Night Grilled Chicken KIDS: Tacos
The one+ONE group meets every Monday to go out to eat together. If you are interested in going, call Eileen Cox at 850428-0714.
SUNDAYS: Student Worship | 5-7pm | FLC Gym Join us for snack supper, games, fellowship, and worship! WEDNESDAYS: Small Group | 5-7PM | FLC Gym Join us for worship, discussion, and fellowship! GET INFORMED: Follow our Facebook and Instagram pages to stay updated on student activities.
Youth@shalimar-umc.org
Sundays Worship and Bible | 9:30am & 11:00am Last week, the children had a great time at our “Family Game Night”! We had 65 children attend! As our Wednesday night keeps growing, we need one or two more adults to help the children with their crafts, set design and practice their lines for their musical. No planning is required. If you can come, even one Wednesday, you will be blest by the smiles, energy, and creativity of our children! Call Kathy Curry at 850-428-1087 and join the fun. We have three wonderful volunteers who sit with the children at supper every week! The children claim them as their own and look forward to seeing them. So, if you would like to be a part of our Wednesday family, make a supper reservation, and come! There is a seat waiting for you!
If you or someone you know are going through a difficult time contact one of our Stephen Ministry Leaders. Our Stephen Ministers are ready to provide you with focused, confidential, one-to-one Christian care and help you experience the healing power of Christ's love for you. Sara Michaelson 865-3343; Amanda Harris 651-3888; Cathie Buckman 613-6414; Casey Brennan 461-9008.
We celebrate our new program, Joyful Place. Leigh J. Rice has been busy preparing for the opening of this new Respite program. An open house will be from 47pm on Wed, Mar 16 and the grand opening is set for Tue, Mar 22 from 10am-2pm. Join us in prayer as we pray over this new ministry.
Welcome New Members
Casey Yanez Feb 20, 2022—1107 Service
From the Doyle Family: Thank you to all who prayed, sent cards, shared remembrances, and those who attended the service for Fred. We are so appreciative. Betty Doyle - Matthew 5:16
Registration Open See Karen - Preschool Director - 651-0721 VPK registrations must have VPK certificate Found at https://familyservices.floridaearlylearning.com/
Here at MOPS (Mother of Preschoolers), we gather and support moms. We believe in the simple but revolutionary idea that remarkable things happen when we come together, face-toface. If you are expecting or have an infant, toddler, or preschooler, this group is for you!
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In-Person meetings: 2nd & 4th Thursday of each month 9:30-11:30am (with holiday week exceptions) Playdates and Mom’s Night outs
For more information: Call/text Joy Jones at 850-758-0090 or search for our MOPS of Shalimar group on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/mopsofshalimar) Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (ESV)
Guidebook for 2022 Guide Book & Directory Advertising Opportunity We are in the process of updating our annual Guide Book & Directory for the church. This book will contain everything pertinent to our church: the various ministries, organizations, committees, activities, functions and events plus a complete directory of all members. This book is being provided and direct-mailed to each family at no cost to our church, and it is again being subsidized by local businesses that advertise. If you own or manage a business and would like to find out about advertising in our book, please call the Church Office. Recent survey results by Guide Book Publishing show that 92.1% of families would rather patronize a Guide Book & Directory advertiser over a non-advertiser. It “will pay” to advertise in our new Guide Book & Directory.
Update Membership Information Does our Church database have YOUR family membership record correct? Here is your chance to update YOUR record for our annual Guide Book & Directory (if you haven’t already done so). It is time for us to update our database with any changes, additions, or deletions that may have occurred in YOUR family over the past year. Have you changed your phone number? Have you moved? Are you preparing to move soon? Are all of your children still at home and are they all included in your membership record? Do you want your record published? If you have not already informed the Church Office about changes to your record, please let us know now so that the information in the Guide Book & Directory is correct. The Church Office number is 850-651-0721 or you can email office@shalimar-umc.org.
Thank you for your help!
Week 96 Numbers Bags Collected - 471 Bags Given Out - 259 Gift cards Given - 0 Members Served - 234
Total Numbers Bags Collected - 28,629 Bags Given Out - 25,262 (94.7 tons) Gift cards Given - 235 ($8,645) Members Served - 21,708
9 new families visited this week, representing 25 individuals
Bakery Goods
Ice Cream
Our Destin Harvest drop this week was a huge blessing! We received a lot of bakery goods (pic on the left), and what everyone likes, a pallet of ice cream (pic on the right)! Of course, we never know exactly what we will get, but we’re happy to have anything! SUPPLIES IN NEED: 1. Paper Towels and toilet paper (a must need each week) 2. Jelly and Peanut Butter 3. Canned Vegetables If you don’t have time to shop, you can donate money to The Bread House by sending a check to SUMC; in the MEMO line, enter “Bread House.” Questions or want to become a volunteer, contact Janet Norris, 850.598.5399, email norrisjanet59@gmail.com or Pete Peters, 703.395.2437, email fpeters1@cox.net, or stop by. We’d love to have you!
Blessings for Children 2023 is calling already! Will you answer? When we opened the doors of Blessings for Children in January 2019, our mission was “to meet the needs of children in our community while encouraging and developing Christ-centered and church-involved relationships with their families.” Our mission remains the same, but to keep that mission-focused and fresh, our ministry is looking for someone to lead us onward starting in 2023. This ministry is thriving and growing. It meets our community’s needs with a committed and gifted group of volunteers and a church family that encourages our mission with their faithful and generous support. But now, it is time for someone else to step into the oversight role. Every successful ministry needs a point person, and with your gifts and skills, your passion and enthusiasm, and your guidance and ideas, Blessings for Children can continue to do the God-directed work that is needed. Is God nudging you to do something new, something different for Him and His children and yourself? Please contact Mary Jane Robertson, (850) 499-6173 or mjr53@cox.net to see how that nudge will bless you and others! If you would like to join us in helping our area’s children in need at Blessings for Children, here are some ways to consider: Please pray for the ministry and all who participate. Be on the lookout for families you can refer to us for assistance. • Consider donating items we distribute to the children: diapers (size
4, 5, and 6 in particular), pull-ups, wipes, school supplies, children sized t-shirts, socks and underwear, children’s toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, lice treatment kits, and toilet paper. A complete list of items we distribute can be found at
shalimar-umc.org/blessings-for-children. You can donate items by stopping by the #10 2nd Street house behind the church any Wednesdays from 11:30am - 3:30pm. •
Children’s bibles, bible stories, and activity books are always a joy to receive and distribute. Spanish language Bibles are always needed!
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A financial gift designated to Blessings for Children through the church allows us to replenish the needed items we distribute weekly.
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New volunteers are always welcome, with no regular commitment required. For additional information Mary Jane Robertson Email: mjr53@cox.net Visit: shalimar-umc.org/blessings-for-children Phone or text: (850) 499-6173 Open every Wednesday 12 - 3:30 pm
Prayer Prayer Room The Prayer Room is always available for your use. The code to enter is 1423. After each Sunday morning service, someone will be present to pray with if you would like. They will also respect your wishes to pray alone. Prayer shawls are available for your use. The Prayer Box with cards is available for you to leave a request for either the pastors or Prayer Team. They will pray for you or a situation you would like lifted up. There have been great reports of use for this special place. Prayer Chain You can add someone to the Prayer Chain, share an answered prayer or receive prayer requests and praises through email. We are excited to announce the prayer list can now be accessed on the website or app. Please call the office for the password to this page. If you’d like to start receiving the Prayer List via email, website, or app, please call the church office at 651-0721 or email prayer@shalimar-umc.org. Prayer Ministry Please contact the church office at 651-0721 if you are interested in becoming involved in one of the following Prayer Ministries: • Prayer Group - meets weekly to share praises and intercessory
prayer for people listed on the Prayer List (both church and personal) • Prayer Room Attendant - Volunteer to pray with those who come
to the Prayer Room after the Sunday morning worship services • Pray in the Prayer Room during each Sunday morning worship
service • Pray for special church functions and events • Participate in the Prayer Chain and Prayer Link
Weekly Schedule Sunday, February 27th Worship Times In-Person Traditions Worship ........ 8:00 & 11:00 am Connect Worship ........................... 9:30 am Freedom Worship ....................... 11:07 am
Worship Times Online Traditions Worship........ 8:00 & 11:00 am Connect Worship ........................... 9:30 am Freedom Worship ....................... 11:07 am
Sunday, February 27th Library .............................................. 9:00 am Children Worship & Bible ............ 9:30 am SS Adults ........................................ 9:30 am SS Youth .......................................... 9:30 am SS Special Buddies ........................ 9:30 am Children Worship & Bible .......... 11:00 am Youth Choir Drama ........................ 2:30 pm GriefShare Zoom ............................ 3:00 pm Youth Choir .................................... 4:00 pm Special Buddies .............................. 5:00 pm Student Worship ........................... 5:00 pm REBOOT Zoom .............................. 5:30 pm
Wednesday, March 2nd Bread House ................................... 9:00 am Splash I ............................................. 9:30 am Splash II ............................................ 9:30 am Library ........................................... 10:00 am Imposition of Ashes .................... 11:30 am Blessings for Children ................ 12:00 pm Fellowship Dinner .......................... 5:00 pm Ash Wednesday Service ............... 6:00 pm Choir ................................................. 7:00 pm
Monday, February 28th
Bread House ................................... 9:00 am Library ............................................. 10:00 am Threads of Love ........................... 10:00 am Healed ............................................... 5:30 pm Connect Team Rehearsal ............ 5:30 pm Alanon .............................................. 6:00 pm Lighthouse Rehearsal .................... 6:00 pm Tuesday, March 1st Joy Ringers Rehearsal ................... 5:30 pm Student Band Rehearsal ................ 5:30 pm Freedom Band Rehearsal ............. 6:00 pm Prayer Group .................................. 6:00 pm Men’s Group ................................... 6:30 pm
Thursday, March 3rd REBOOT ......................................... 5:30 pm Freedom AVL ................................. 5:30 pm Stephen Ministry Training ........... 6:30 pm Emerald Coast Barber Shop ........ 6:30 pm Friday, March 4th Bread House ................................... 9:00 am Scrapbooking ............................... 12:00 pm Saturday, March 5th Scrapbooking .................................. 8:00 am Quilting Group ................................ 8:30 am Pickleball .......................................... 9:00 am Freedom Pipe & Drape ................ 1:00 pm