Beacon for the Week of December 15th

The Beacon December 12, 2021

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, December 12th

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Giving Opportunities - Are you looking to give this holiday season? We currently have three opportunities to donate.

• Angel Tree • Teenage Gift Card ministry • Mission's Advent calendar Learn more about each event on our website at shalimar-umc.org/church-life.

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Poinsettia Project - We have honored or remembered those important to us for years through our Poinsettia Project. This year, the money will go to Safe Connections, Blessings for Children, and Shelter House. You can fill out the form for the Poinsettia Project on the website or under the church app's Advent section.

Please be sure to mark your donation as being for the Poinsettia Project. shalimarumc.org/christmas#poinsettia

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White Christmas - On Christmas Eve, annually, Shalimar UMC has collected a special "White Christmas" offering for two organizations that help house children: Children in Crisis and the United Methodist Children's Home. Both of these organizations serve our local community. You can give to the White Christmas Offerings by marking "White Christmas" as your memo. shalimar-umc.org/ christmas#white-christmas

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Christmas Caroling - Join us as we go Christmas Caroling on Wed, Dec 15th. We will meet at 2:30pm in front of the Family Life Center. We will divide into caroling teams and be back by 4:30pm.

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Christmas Eve - Christmas Eve Services at Shalimar UMC  Service for children and their families will be at 3pm in the FLC  A service of lessons and carols will be in the Sanctuary at 5pm led by the youth choir and 7pm led by the chancel choir  The Freedom service will be at 11:07pm in the FLC All services will celebrate Holy Communion. The 5pm, 7pm and 11:07pm services will include candle light. All services will be Livestreamed. shalimar-umc.org/ christmas

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Sunday, December 26th - We will only have 1 service the Sunday after Christmas, Dec 26th at 9:30am in the Sanctuary. The service will be in-person and online.

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Attendance - We would love for you to register your attendance with us. You can fill out the web form found online shalimar-umc.org/worship-attendance, or you can send an email to office@shalimar-umc.org.

Ministerial Staff Dr. Philip McVay - Lead Pastor Dr. Brad Bradford .................................................................................. Worship Paster Rev. David Garvin ....................................................................................... Youth Pastor Rev. Matt Langford ............................................................................. Associate Pastor Rev. Faith Parry ......................................................................... Communication Pastor Vacant ............................................................................... Children’s Ministry Director Karen Jadin .................................................................................. Director of Preschool Dawn Rozofsky ................................................................................... Director of Camp Ben Savage ................................................................... Worship Ministries Associate 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 Rev. Faith Parry (850) 420-9888 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, December 12, 2021 Advent 3 | Light to All Nations | Luke 2:15-20

TRADITIONS – SANCTUARY 8:00am – In-Person & Online The SUMC Chancel Choir and Orchestra will present Festival of Christmas

CONNECT – FAMILY LIFE CENTER 9:30am – In-Person & Online The SUMC Chancel Choir and Orchestra will present Festival of Christmas

TRADITIONS – SANCTUARY 11:00am – In-Person & Online The SUMC Chancel Choir and Orchestra will present Festival of Christmas

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 Inspiring Worship Opportunities Just Ahead Well, here we go! Already, we are approaching the third Sunday of Advent. Hard to believe there are only two Sundays left before Christmas! 2022 will begin in less than four weeks. As we continue the journey to Christmas Eve, let us prepare our hearts to worship Jesus, the newborn King! And worship we will.

In the coming weeks, Shalimar United Methodist will offer great worship opportunities. One of the things I know is how blessed we are at Shalimar UMC with the uplifting special music productions. We are blessed!

This Sunday, December 12th; Our Chancel Choir and Orchestra will present the Festival of Christmas. This special “extravaganza” will be offered in the Sanctuary at 8:00, 9:30, and 11:00am.

I hope you will make it a point to be in worship for this special Sunday.

If you desire a service with a sermon, Rev. Matt Langford will be focusing on the Gospel of Luke’s message about the birth of Jesus at the 11:07 service. So, as you consider worship this Sunday, you can actually “double-dip” in both the Sanctuary and Family Life Center and encounter two completely different services. Matt and Ben will also lead us in worship regarding the third Sunday of Advent.

On Wednesday, December 15th, there will be an informal time of “Christmas Caroling” for some of our members. If you would like to join the caroling, gather in front of the Family Life Center at 2:30pm. No singing tryouts necessary! Everyone will be welcome for this time of caroling and joy of the season.

Sunday, December 19th, we will focus on the Gospel of John’s introduction of Jesus for our Advent Mosaic. This message will be preached at 8:00, 9:30, 11:00, and 11:07am and will mark the fourth Sunday of Advent. This Sunday will continue to lead us to prepare our hearts for Christmas Eve, which at that time, will only be five days away!

On Christmas Eve, we will return (after outdoor services last year) to our regular service times and locations of previous years. Our Family-Children’s service will be at 3pm in the Family Life Center. Our traditional services will be at 5pm (Youth-led) and 7pm (Chancel Choir-led). Each Sanctuary service will have lessons and carols, a

short homily, and end with communion, candlelight, and the singing of Silent Night.

Our final service for Christmas Eve will be at 11:07pm. The service will feature contemporary Christmas Music, a homily, communion, and candlelight as well!

As families are spending time together, and as many in our congregation are traveling, we will have only one worship service on December 26th. The Sunday after Christmas will feature the one service at 9:30am in the Sanctuary. We encourage you to come as you are and share in worship if you are in town.

Let me give you a sneak peek into January. The first Sunday, January 2nd, we will share in Epiphany Sunday. Then, on January 9th, we will give everyone a chance to remember their profession of faith in Jesus and remember our baptism. We will also welcome persons to plan their baptisms this Sunday.

Finally, on January 16th, we will begin our new series, WIN THE DAY. We will seek to leave our past behind, live fully in the present, and lean into the future. If you want to prepare for this series, you can secure the book by Mark Batterson called WIN THE DAY.

Well, as you can see, there are great worship opportunities just ahead! We hope you will be present with us for these special days!

Shalom, Philip

Dr. Philip McVay, Lead Pastor

philip@shalimar-umc.org

Attendance Dec 5, 2021

In-Person Livestream

Children’s Programs (930\11)

8:00 Service

9:30 Service

11 :00 Service

11:07 Service

27

106

127

98

150

82

59

75

46

Total: 770

The flowers placed in the sanctuary today are given to the glory of God. In Memory of Nikki Hobb’s Aunt, Amy. ~ Preschool Staff

Dec 15th RSVP: 850-651-0721 by noon Tuesday

Roast Beef Grilled Chicken Christmas Dinner

Sundays Worship and Bible 9:30am - 10:30am 11:00 - 12:15pm

CHILDREN@SHALIMAR-UMC.ORG

In Sunday school, during the advent season, we are studying “The Story of Christmas – Mary and Joseph.” Last week we learned about the Angel Gabriel visiting Mary and Joseph and how we can trust God’s plan. This week we will learn the story of Jesus’ birth and the reason for His coming. Hope to see you there!

Thanks to all who attended and helped with the Kidz Club musical, “Emmanuel!” Did you miss it? It’s not too late to watch from the Livestream archives. It will brighten your day! The kids did a great job!

The Kidz Club Christmas party will be held during their usual time, 5:30-7:00, on Wednesday, December 15th! So come for supper and stay for the fun!

Join us for our Christmas season events!

Sunday, December 12 Festival of Christmas Chancel Choir and Orchestra Musical 8:00am, 9:30am, and 11:00am Sanctuary

Friday, December 24th Christmas Eve Services (all services include Holy Communion)

3:00pm - Family Life Center Children’s Ministry led service 5:00pm - Sanctuary Service of Lessons and Carols with the Youth Choir and Candlelight 7:00pm - Sanctuary Service of Lessons and Carols with the Chancel Choir and Candlelight 11:07pm - Family Life Center A Freedom Christmas Eve with the Freedom Band and Candlelight

Sunday, December 26th 9:30am - One Service in Sanctuary

SUNDAY: Student Worship | 5-7pm | FLC Gym Join us for snack supper, games, fellowship, and worship!

WEDNESDAY: 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

Here is a creative and unique way to support our direct community ministries of The Bread House and Blessings for Children.

Download an Advent Calendar, get a box, and place the designated items in the box each day.

At the end of Advent, bring them to the church and bless these ministries as they reach out and meet the needs of our community.

Download calendar at shalimar-umc.org/christmas#advent-box

Week 85 Numbers Bags Collected - 530 Bags Given Out - 272 Gift cards Given - 0 Members Served - 279

Total Numbers Bags Collected - 25,113 Bags Given Out - 22,369 (83.8 tons) Gift cards Given - 176 ($7,525) Members Served - 18,911

3 New Families visited this week, representing 13 individuals.

It was a big week for donations! Destin Harvest came through hugely this week. There have been light loads for the last 4-6 weeks, but this week we got slammed, which is all good! God provides when needed! Thanks to everyone who continues to support the Bread House!!

ITEMS NEEDED THIS WEEK: 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.

Blessings for Children Blessed are the Givers and Grateful are the Recipients There’s a card I like to send that has the above sentiment; it is meant to be sent in response to one thing we are specifically thankful for, but I believe it is the sentiment that applies to every moment of our lives. We are always recipients, and may we be blessed to be “givers” when we are able. And while we are in the traditional season of giving, Christmas, and have passed through the traditional season of thanks, Thanksgiving, at an active, loving, mission-minded church like Shalimar UMC, we remain year-round in a season of thanks and a season of giving. And we live that out each week at our Blessing for Children outreach ministry for children in need. The givers show up each week with donations of the new items we distribute and with gently used children’s items that are the extra blessings in our Treasure Chests that our families can take home as needed.

The givers volunteer to serve each week to put a face on God’s love as their servant hands and hearts take care of the needs. The givers pray for this ministry and the families that request specific prayers. The givers give to this church so that the missions of this church can be funded. They offer to this particular ministry or other ministries within the church that touch their hearts to support the mission. The givers are the families we serve who receive the items their children need, and then the next time they are in need, they arrive at the #10 2nd Street house with their children’s outgrown clothes or toys or books. These gifts and their blessed givers relive needs, offer a warm welcome and encouraging words, share and pray in a family’s troubles or joys, and are always breathing God’s love over all of us who are the grateful recipients. Thank you for your continued support of our Blessings for Children’s ministry and all the missions that our church undertakes during this Christmas season and every season!

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.

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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.

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

Angel Tree The Angel Tree Christmas campaign will begin Nov 21st-Dec 16th! For those who may not know, the Angel Tree has been a Christmas tradition at Shalimar United Methodist for decades. Through this campaign, our church members graciously give to those families who need assistance in providing for their young children.

This year, the giving campaign will change from years past. Traditionally, a large Christmas tree is placed in the Narthex of the sanctuary and the Family Life Center with Angel Tags that can be adopted and shopped for. Gifts are then returned wrapped for each child.

This year, after input from many areas of our church and congregation, it was decided we need to change the way The Angel Tree program works and responds to needs of our nominated families.

Instead of focusing on the individual child, we want to include the parents and guardians of the children by providing them gift cards from Walmart.

We are asking that our church family donate Walmart gift cards in the amount of $25.00 each. Depending on your budget, you can donate in $25.00 increments. So, if you would like to donate $100.00, you would purchase 4 - $25.00 Walmart gift cards and return them to the Gift Card boxes in the Narthex or in the church office.

At the end of the campaign, we will distribute the gift cards in equal amounts to the nominated families from our own congregation and those who are associated with our church family.

Thank you for your continued support and generosity at Christmas and always!

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

The young adult ministry at Shalimar UMC is tailored for those ages 18 -35. We hope to create a place where you feel welcomed, heard, and reenergized. In whatever stage of life you find yourself, we will have an opportunity for you to find community, be surrounded and supported by others, and walk through life with others. We will have small group Bible study and discussion, worship nights, fun activities and trips, as well as opportunities to make a difference in our community. We hope you will come and be a part.

REVIVE: Join us on Monday nights from 7-8 at the Cross Corner Fellowship Hall for Bible study and discussion. We will go back to our Wesleyan roots and have a time to meet together, listen to one another, pray for each other, and walk through life together.

Dec: 6

COLLECTIVE: Every 2nd Monday night we will meet from 7-8 at Cross Corner for a time of worship. We will have music led by other young adults from our group and Pastor Matt will share a lesson with us. We will have food and activities on this night and provide an avenue to invite new friends to join us and create a more casual environment.

Dec 13

UNITED: United are the times that we will be out in the community either united together having fun or united in service to our community.

Dec 20: Christmas party

Weekly Schedule Sunday, December 12th Worship Times In-Person Traditions Worship ........8:00 & 11:00 am Connect Worship ........................... 9:30 am Freedom Worship ....................... 11:07 am Sunday, December 12th 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 Band Rehearsal ............... 12:30 pm GriefShare ....................................... 3:00 pm Youth Choir ..................................... 4:00 pm Student Worship ............................ 5:00 pm REBOOT Zoom .............................. 5:30 pm Monday, December 13th Bread House ................................... 9:00 am Library ............................................ 10:00 am Threads of Love ........................... 10:00 am Connect Team Rehearsal ............ 5:30 pm Healed ............................................. 5:30 pm Alanon .............................................. 6:00 pm Lighthouse Rehearsal .................... 6:00 pm Young Adults .................................. 6:30 pm Tuesday, December 14th Bell Rehearsal ................................. 5:30 pm Freedom Band Rehearsal ............. 6:00 pm Men’s Group ................................... 6:00 pm Prayer Group .................................. 6:00 pm

Worship Times Online Traditions Worship ........ 8:00 & 11:00 am Connect Worship........................... 9:30 am Freedom Worship....................... 11:07 am Wednesday, December 15th Bread House ................................... 9:00 am Library ........................................... 10:00 am Blessings for Children ................ 12:00 pm Fellowship Dinner .......................... 5:00 pm Kidz Club .......................................... 5:30 pm Youth Small Groups ...................... 5:30 pm Awaiting the Already .................... 6:00 pm Christian Friends ........................... 6:00 pm Gloryland ......................................... 6:00 pm Rejoice .............................................. 6:00 pm Thursday, December 16th REBOOT ......................................... 5:30 pm ALZ .................................................... 6:00 pm Boy Scouts ....................................... 6:00 pm Stephen Ministry Training ............ 6:00 pm Emerald Coast Barber Shop ........ 6:30 pm Friday, December 17th Bread House ................................... 9:00 am Emmaus Dinner ............................. 6:00 pm Saturday, December 18th Pickleball .......................................... 9:00 am