The Wave

Psalms 107:29 He makes the storms calm, so that

The Waves are at peace and still.

First United Methodist Church of Mexico Beach, Florida

Jerry Arhelger, Pastor A Word from Pastor Jerry. Greetings to my friends, family and fellow workers in the Lord Jesus and in the Great Defining Joys of His Grace! Three years ago, on the first Sunday in February, I stepped into the pulpit as pastor of the Mexico Beach United Methodist Church. My scriptural text was Jeremiah 3:15, And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding. That was my heart by the leadership of the Holy Spirit then and it still is now. I want to hear from the Lord and have the wisdom to minister knowledge and understanding to you His Church. As we have allowed the Word to Work Mightily in us, we have together seen great blessings in the Lord over the past three years for His glory, honor and praise. I am excited to see so many stepping into their giftings and talent among the Body of Christ. We are the Body of Christ called to function under the leadership of the Lord Jesus. With the many ministry opportunities within the church being developed there is a place for everyone who has a desire to serve. Follow the leadership of the Holy Spirit and let Him give you the desires of your heart in placing you into His plan for your life. Paul admonished the church in 2 Corinthians 11:3 in saying, But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve in his craftiness, your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity and the purity that is toward Christ. I love Gods Word and I love to dig deep into its truths. Our Thursday night Bible Study gives us the time that we often dont have on Sunday morning to go deeper into the scriptures. I have discovered great complexity in the simplicity of God and I have discovered great simplicity in the complexity of God. All in all everyone who knows Him always kneels in AWE at His Supreme Nature. The devil wants to deceive us into leaving the simple and sincere truth of His Gospel. That simple truth is built in Christianity around He has died, He is risen, He will come again. I want us as a church this year to embrace the Salvation of He has Died, be filled with the Power Of He is risen and the Seeking Church that will Welcome His Return. Be looking to Jesus..Church! He is Coming in Great Power and He is the Power of our Salvation. This is the year of Revival. Enjoy each event and fellowship with His love! Great appreciation for all the work and ministry you all do! Love and blessings to you all always, Pastor Jerry

In This Issue:
A Word from Pastor Jerry Sunday School Congratulations New Ministries Ministries Graba Java offer Activities Multi-Media Cook Books for Sale Coming Soon Gods Pathlight Adult Bible Study Weekly Church Calendar

Volume 2, Issue 1 Dec. 2013-February 2014 Editors: Gayle Gavorcik Georgene Brinkley Jeanne Davis
Sponsors: Ralph & Cathey Parker-Hobbs

New Mens Ministry Named

By Ron Rakestraw

The First Mens Breakfast was held on Saturday, February 1 and was a fun fellowship shared by about 30 men. Bobby Pollock headed up the breakfast team consisting of Lanny Howell, Jack Mullen, Greg Kline and Ron Rakestraw. The menu was scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage patties and links, turkey sausage, sausage gravy, cheese grits, biscuits, coffee and orange juice. Our pastor, Jerry, opened our meeting with prayer then welcomed the men and challenged us to be an active group and suggested we adopt the name of "Men of Valor" which we adopted. Tom Gavorcik spoke about "Heavenly Hammers" and what was planned for the future. Additional men signed up to join the group. Ron Rakestraw brought a short devotional and closed the meeting with prayer. The next meeting will be held on March 1st.

The Cook Books Are In!

A meeting for persons interested in being part of the Visitation Team met at the church on January 27th. Some volunteers expressed the concern that they would not be able to physically visit ill parishoners but they would be able to phone them. Also Bruce Giet expressed desire to go with a volunteer on a visitation and sing some songs and play some music. A list of people sick, in the hospital, nursing homes, recovering from an illness or just needing a wellness check is being compiled. Anyone wishing to volunteer to be a part of the team, please contact Carol Bonanno at 850-527-2399.

The cook books, which are dedicated to our Pastor, are priced at $10.00 each and make great gifts for everyone! The cover art is done by our sister, Jean Davis. Proceeds will go to support our Emergency Response Team and missions of Women of Hope (UMW). To get your copy or contact Lori Butler. If you haven't seen Pastor Jerry's salad recipe you may be missing out!!!!

COMING SOON!
Friday~February 28.Meet & Greet followed by Down Home Country Radio Show WMBC Saturday~March 1...Men of Valor breakfast Sunday~March 2..Chuck Ellis as Paul

Heavenly Hammers
By Tom Gavorcik

10 new members signed up at the Mens Breakfast bring the total number of members to 35! Encouragement is an important part of this ministry. Folks are needed to keep the person in need company or performing other small tasks while the group is working on the project. We plan to order Heavenly Hammer T-Shirts to wear on missions. Stay tuned for more info! If you are aware of someone with a need please contact Tom Gavorcik 330-204-4884 Even the children have been involved!

CONGRATULATIONS
Jeannie Davis and Ronnie Jones on their engagement Jeannie and Ronnie met at church January 2012 Jeannie said Yes on November 11/12/13

John 15:12 This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.

Music Ministry
We are fortunate enough to have Mike and Cheryl, snowbirds, who have a music ministry, playing and singing at two nursing homes in the area on a volunteer basis.

Ann Laluzerne has invited anyone interested to join her in praying through the neighborhood as she walks in the evenings For further information please contact Ann after 5:30pm at (850) 227-4900

Join Us For Breakfast!

Come Fellowship! On the 3rd Sunday each month between services in the fellowship hall The Cooking Crew Gary Schloerb, Frank Healy, Jim Chambers and Bob Ingram Thank you for your hard work each month

Emergency Response Team

aka ERT
The ERT is working on getting the needed supplies to properly stock the ERT trailer for readiness. If you would like to donate items or funds toward the ERT supplies please contact Carol Bonanno or Lori Butler.

Graba Java Internet Caf

2904 Hwy 98, Mexico Beach, Florida 32410

Wednesday 9-10am CT In the fellowship hall For futher information contact Ardie Schreck

Graba Java has been kind enough to offer a free drink with purchase of a meal to anyone mentioning The Wave Newsletter during the month of February! Thank you Shawna and Amy!
See you there!

Choir New Ministry

Suggested Book of The Month
Each month a new book will be presented as a suggestion for reading . A copy of the book will be available in the Library for you to sign out. Another copy will be on display as you enter the church along with a description of the book. Please take a copy of the description with you to help you choose the correct book to purchase at your favorite book store.
By Wanda Walker

While waiting for The Lord to send a piano player our way the church is enjoying special music periodically. For those of you with talent of voice, instrument or both please share with us by doing a special song. Know of someone you feel led to have come in to share? Please contact Pastor Jerry or Wanda Walker at 648-5395

Womens Small Group

Thursday mornings at 9:15am CST Study is from Joyce Meyer, Power Thoughts

Gods Pathlight
By Fred Meschino

Adult Bible Study

Frank Healy

9:45 am Sunday

https://www.facebook.com/GodsPathLight

Now studying Leviticus

A Holy God Explains How To Worship Him Join us as we dig deeper into Gods Word

Studies and Lessons leading you to a deeper relationship with our Heavenly Father. The focus is in helping you in your everyday walk accompanied by the guidance and help of our Heavenly Father. The lessons are developed with the Word Of God and the leading of the Holy Spirit as I study, meditate and research the depth of the meaning and define how to relate it to everyday life. Every lesson has a practical application that can readily be used in our walk. I strive to make sure it is relevant to today's timeframe and today's problems one might encounter.

Q. Who was the greatest financier in the Bible?

A. Noah; he was floating his stock while everyone was in liquidation.

The Food Pantry is in Need of Paper Towels, Toilet Paper, Canned Meats, Juices, Toiletries If you would like more information, have donations or know of someone in need please contact Carol Dow 850-227-6831

MULTI-MEDIA

Our Church Library is up and running!!!

Our new church library is up and running with a great selection of Christian Inspirational, Devotional, Bible Study, Children's books and more available to sign out. Ardie Schreck has been busy collecting and organizing the library located at the end of the fellowship hall. Please remember to sign your name and add the requested information when you sign books out. Donations of Christian books are happily accepted especially for Christian children's books.

Cant be at church with us year around?

Would you like to receive Pastor Jerrys sermons, studies, videos and other sharing of Gods Word?

COMMUNITY CRAFTING
Local and Snowbird Crafters gather every Thursday morning at 10:00am cst in the fellowship hall. Join us as we bring our favorite crafts and share instructions with our friends. Everyone Welcome! For more information contact Sue Nilsen 850-648-5127

Pastor Jerry has envisioned a way of sharing with you when you are unable to physically be in church services or present for activities . All by email, online, facebook or CD If you would like to participate please complete your contact information and which method you prefer to use to participate.
For further information contact Gayle Gavorcik at ggavorcik@icloud.com or 330-204-8839

Exercise Class
Monday and Thursday 8:00 am CST In the fellowship hall
Improve your fitness and health Exercise with us on Monday and Thursday 8-9am CT Strengthening, firming, increasing balance and flexibility using weights, tube, ball and yoga mat. Bring any equipment you have. Experienced exercise instructor, personal trainer and nutritionist

View From The North

By Elaine Hornstein Yes, No, Maybe, Not Yet The realization that the power of prayer has never been under estimated, I see that so much in the United Methodist Church in Mexico Beach. I read When Gayle asked me to write an article for The the posts on Facebook and see and hear the results Wave, I thought why me? Then I thought why not while we are "up North" and what a wonderful tesme? I contemplated what I would say for many timony this Church has. weeks and have prayed for many hours to find a When we ask for prayers, the "warriors" begin imsolution to my dilema. Praying was the answer. mediately. It doesn't matter who we are or where I have always known that answers to prayer come we are from, members or non members of the in various forms of answers: Yes, No, Maybe, Not Church. It only matters that we are "The Body of Yet! Everything happens in HIS timing and that Christ" and let HIS word work mightly in us. was a hard thing for me to accept. A few weeks ago, Pastor Jerry was having a probA few years ago, we began thinking about a move lem with the "technology" at the Church. I began back to Indiana and I knew that was what I wanted thinking about the technology of today's world and to do and I prayed about the thought for three then I thought about the "original" technologist, years. Non stop praying but, God kept telling me Jesus Christ! HE was the beginning in creating it would be in HIS timing. First HE answered Heaven and Earth. HE was the original! HE is the with, NO, then it was MAYBE and then it was reason for everything and HE taught us everyNOT YET! This summer it was YES! Patience thing. HE gave us every tool to learn and trust has never been one of my virtues and I just couldHIM. n't understand why HE was making me wait so Yes, No, Maybe, Not Yet! Keep praying and HE long. will give you the answers in HIS timing!

Ministry Through Technology

By Lori Butler

Find First United Methodist Church of Mexico Beach

What a blessing to be able to use technology to keep us close and to lift each other up in prayer. Let's use every means available to take the Gospel to the world. If you are new to Facebook or the Internet in general, please contact Lori or Bo Butler for assistance.

on Facebook
Like" our page and keep up with what's going on with your church family no matter where you are. Please post and let us know what you're up to!

Find us online at
www.umcmexicobeachfl.com . Be sure and check it out!

We have a Facebook prayer chain that works in conjunction with the telephone prayer chain. Please post your prayer requests and your praise reports.

If you would like to receive the prayer list and the newsletter by email, please make sure we have your email address.

Women of Hope
By Katrina Larson

The Women of Hope (UMW) seek to glorify Jesus as we minister to women, our community, and global missions. We will support one another in hope, care, and Christian faith as we engage in prayer, Bible study, fellowship, and service together. Our meetings will be held the third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 and will include praise, fellowship, inspirational devotions or speakers, and planning. We also offer small care groups, Bible studies and church-wide and community outreach events. All women are invited to attend and participate in our activities and service projects! Please contact Katrina Larson at kclarson96@yahoo.com for more information.

Sunday School is Awesome!!!

With Judy Schloerb and Dawn Hennington

Two precious truths that we have been teaching the students are 1) God Incarnate and 2) Heaven is for Real!
During the Advent Season we focused on lessons of Hope, Love, Trusting God, Faith, God Incarnate and Immanuel. My heart personally is encouraged when I re-study Gods loving plan to reconcile us, His creation, to Himself by wrapping Himself in skin and going obediently to the Cross. At half-time (of our class time), the students join together for scripture and activities teaching on Heaven. The curriculum, Heaven is for Real, is based from the eyewitness experience of 4 year old Colton. Colton visited Heaven while in the hospital. Jesus allowed him to come back to earth and share his experience through the book Heaven is for Real. (Its in our church library.) Using more than 13 Bible verses the students are learning that Heaven is a place to aim for, to look forward to, not dread. Gods trusted Word tells us Heaven is full of love and comfort, and loved ones are waiting for us there. How much the Father loves each of us, to prepare such a place for us with Himself to live eternally together! The Lord be with you, (and also with you). Let us pray: My Father in Heaven, Creator of Heaven and Earth, thank You that You love us so much that You wrapped Yourself in skin and came to Earth, to lead and guide us into a closer relationship with our Heavenly Father. We thank You that just as we believe Genesis 1:1 and John 3:16, we believe all of Your Word, even as it explains to us the wonders of Heaven. What a joy and hope we have in our future with You there. To God be the Glory. Amen.

Intercessory Prayer Ministry

By Cathi Rigdon

The Lord is at work in the prayer ministry of First Methodist Church of Mexico Beach! While we have both the FaceBook and Telephone Prayer Chains working to pray about the immediate needs that arise, God has laid upon the hearts of our leaders the need to form an Intercessory Prayer Team to pray for the more specific needs of and events happening within our church. The Bible tells us to pray; therefore, it is the responsibility of every Christian to pray. But then, there are those who are called to be intercessors PLEASE PRAY about the Intercessory Prayer Team. It will begin with myself and three other people chosen by the Lord. This position will require your time, commitment and all else that comes with being an intercessor. If, after praying and careful consideration, you feel you may be one of the called, please contact me so we can talk and pray.

Homeless Ministry
By Chrissy Couch

This is a brief description of the ministry my sister Ronda Trickey Lynch and I, Christina (Chrissy) Trickey Couch have found ourselves starting. I say it that way because WE did not start it, the Lord did!! It all began when we decided to be obedient to the prompting of the Spirit to volunteer Christmas Day at the local Panama City Rescue Mission for the homeless. Ronda and I both have such a huge heart for these particular people because we both, during the course of our past lives WITHOUT CHRIST, found ourselves at one time or another in fact homeless, drug ridden and lonely.( Most of you know a bit of my testimony.) So in just that one faithful day at the mission we became acquainted with several people from the streets. Well, as the Lord would have it, Ronda and I stumbled upon some of these people and many more, living in the park close to her house. so she started talking with them, got to know a bit of their stories and what their immediate needs were besides the obvious of housing. Turns out due to the limited capacity at the Rescue Mission, they were having to sleep in the cold out of doors frequently and stated that sleeping bags would be such a blessing to have. So she and I prayed together and presented the need to the Lord, asking Him to use us to make a difference in the lives of these precious folks in Jesus name, in Jesus love. Thats when He told me to ask you guys, my loving church family, for the sleeping bags. You guys responded beautifully!! A love offer- May the Lord bless you all!! ing was even presented to Ronda and I. Even though I specifically asked you all NOT to give money, just The Word is working mightily in us! the bags. But you see, the Lord knew we would need that mon-

ey because more people showed up to receive bags than we originally thought. Moreover, a new need was brought to our attention: birth certificates and picture i.d. s. This is so our God! It did not originally occur to us that to get temporary housing, foodstamps, helps from some of the churches, not to mention JOBS, especially the daily-work places that hire by the day, they ALL require some form of identification ! So a lot of our little band of new friends were really stuck because of this. One precious lady named Teresa, was very adament that she desperately needed her picture i.d. because she actually had several job opportunities available to her plus a real chance at getting into the temporary housing project. Thats where the rest of the love offerings have come into play. We were successful in taking this lady where she needed to go and pay for her birth certificate and picture i.d. A picture is showing Ronda and Teresa beaming with the joy of the Lord after getting the i.d. and documents she has been needing for so long. The Lord is working mightily in Ronda and I on this thing and whats even more fantastic is these folks are getting to know who the Lord Jesus is, how much He truly loves them right where they are, and that He has a life more abundant just for them!! Needless to say, Ronda and I are beyond humbled by this whole experience!1 We are so thankful that the Lord is using us and guiding us to help bring the lost to Him and meet some basic needs. Most of all, our love walk has absolutely exploded into a beautiful vision for a viable ministry to help the homeless people on the streets of Panama City. We are currently letting the Lord led us and show us what to do, where to go. We are still in the infancy stage on a VERY small scale right now, but we are researching, making contacts, applying for grant money and non-profit status, and have a goal and vision of opening up an office or halfway house of sorts to further this mission on a larger scale. I will keep you my church family posted. Keep us in your prayers please! Thank you from our hearts to all you precious Saints who donated sleeping bags, money and/or goods to this project. As I said before, but it bears repeating, Ronda and I are so grateful that the Lord is using us. We are blessed to be a blessing! Amen?

Murpheesboro Homeless Ministry

By Georgene Brinkley

I have been associated with Room in the Inn Homeless Shelter in Murfreesboro Tn for many, many years. I served as a staff volunteer prior to our transfer to Tyndall AFB and became active again upon our return to TN. To be successful in an endeavor of this kind you must be compassionate but call a spade a spade as our founder and Director often says. One must also be passionate about the cause because it is stressful and extremely tiring no matter the rewards. Our program is considered a work program for the homeless-if able, a resident must work. We allow residents to stay with us for 45 days. All needs are taken care of. That allows them the opportunity to save their money for utilities and housing. We are faith based and supported by the kind donations of Churches and the community. Approximately 100 area churches bring in dinner or provide funds for us to procure it. The meals are excellent and we have enough leftovers for lunch the next day. In order to live at our facility, an interview process is required and residents must have photo identification (this is also necessary for day work and other jobs around the city.) Along with providing lodging, meals, toiletries, clothing and any other personal needs, we also work with the housing authority and other agencies to help the residents obtain housing and services. God is present in every action; our stove goes out and someone knocks on the door with one that they no longer need. We process in two babies and shortly baby food donations arrive. I have witnessed the Lords work in our facility many years and still I find myself amazed at His bounty. Along with success stories, you must be prepared for the failures that tear at your heart. Residents struggling with addiction often fall off the wagon within days of moving out, temptation ever abounds and struggles continue. Why do we do it? For those brothers and sisters that use the opportunity get their lives back together, and go on to be successful members of the community. Most Americans are one pay check away from homeless, especially if there is no family. When two working members of a household lose their jobs and have no other resources, family or friends their only choice is a shelter. Living in a car in the freezing temperatures that we have endured can be fatal. The Police department often brings us families found on the side of the interstate, or in parking lots. Are these the dregs of society? No, they are Gods children just like you and I. Does every story have a happy ending? No, neither do our stories. But the many miracles that I have seen or been allowed to be a part of make it worthwhile. It is a calling.

CORRECTIONAL FACILITY MINISTRIES

By Pam Martin

In addition to her duties as Victim Advocate for the Salvation Army, and board member for the Gulf County Domestic Violence Task Force, Pam Martin teaches, through her faith based prison ministry, a victims awareness class at Gulf Correctional Institute (GCI) and Calhoun Correctional Institute (CCI). The attendees will receive a certificate of completion . The class covers crimes of all varieties to include domestic violence, violent crime, sexual assault, murder, child abuse, sexual abuse, drunk driving, and drugs and society. Discussions address the impact of these crimes on the victims; the perpetrators do not consider the overall impact on the victim and their family and friends. Pam forces them to think about the victims view of the crimes committed against them. Those participating enjoy the class and it gives them a voice. God surely blessed Pam with a unique talent and she in turn blesses those whose lives she touches. Lets continue to pray and support Pams efforts for the Lord Jesus. Contact Pam at (850) 769-7989.

Weekly Church Calendar

Watch the weekly bulletin for special events!

SUNDAY
8:30 am Worship Service Breakfast every 3rd Sunday 9:45 am Bible Study 11:05am Contemporary Worship

MONDAY
8:00 am Exercise Class 6:00 pm Worship Comm. Meeting (1st Monday)

TUESDAY
10:00 am Council on Aging 1st and 3rd Mon. 6:00 pm Trustees Meeting 1st Tuesday 6:30 pm Women of Hope every 3rd Tuesday

WEDNESDAY
9:00 am Line Dancing

THURSDAY
8:00 am Exercise class 9:15 am Womens Group Power Thoughts 10:00 am Crafts 6:30 pm Bible Study

FRIDAY/SATURDAY
Menss Breakfast 1st Saturday 7:30-9:00 am

Pastor Jerry Arhelger......................(850) 509 -8308 Email: umcjerry@gmail.com Church Office..(850) 648 -8820 Email: umcbeach@gmail.com Trustees Chairperson, Carol Woolley...(850) 537 -2399 Admin Board Chairman, Frank Healy.(850) 647-8028 Prayer Ministry, Cathi Rigdon..(850) 628-9049