From our Lead Pastor
Before we leave the year 2011 completely behind, let me say that we have finished 2011 in a great way. In our Advent Offerings this year you gave to our White Christmas Children’s Home Offering, $65,994! You gave $27,373 to the Mozambique Orphanage Fund. You gave $28,335 to the Congo so that our missionary Paul Law can scholarship pastors in their school for an area that would have none otherwise! You gave $29,571 for the Iraq Community Center.
These are very generous, sacrificial offerings for the poorest of the poor and their needs as we enlarge the Kingdom of God. Thank you so much for your remarkable, outstanding, generous giving. I am so proud of our church. These offerings are above and beyond our regular tithes and offerings.
We continued to be very strong for the year 2011: Our worship attendance average for the year was 2141! This is a record average for us and the first time our annual average is over 2,100--up by 111! Our St. Mark campus averaged an additional 245! Our attendance for our 7 Christmas Eve services was 3,477 (up over 500+) and the 3 services at St. Mark totaled 531. All ten services totaled 4,008.
I am so excited about our Annual Missions Conference on February 18-22. Early church missionaries were accused of “turning the world upside down” in their RADICAL GOING. What part do we have in finishing the Great Commission and in presenting a God-centered worldview?
You are invited to the MISSIONS BANQUET, Sunday Evening, February 19, 5:30 p.m., Community Life Center with KEYNOTE SPEAKER: JONATHAN MORTON. Popular menu: Poppy Seed Chicken, Florentine Rice, Chef’s Vegetable, Roll, Cheesecake….COST: $5.00 adults; $2.50 12 & under (see page 3 for more information). $15 Household max.
Originally from the United Kingdom, Jonathan Morton joined One Mission Society in 1994 as a field missionary to Mexico. Over the next decade, he developed significant social outreach ministries which led to planting new churches, and the training of local leaders to effectively reach their own nation for Christ. Since 2008, Jonathan has been serving as the Director of 
International Ministries, and is responsible for OMS vision, ministries and staff in Latin America and Europe. His wife, Lupita, serves through pastoral and ministerial visits throughout these regions.
Please don’t forget to mark March 10-11 on your calendar. We will have our Consecration Weekend to make our 2012 commitments to the Lord. Each March, we focus on the first mile giving, the tithe. This is when we seek God for what we will give to Him, through the Church, for all of our regular ministries. We encourage people to give to God… not to the Church, to a budget or to the pastor! We give Him what we think will represent our best thanks and gratitude for all His blessings to us. We don’t think about how much the Church needs or how large the budget may be. We try to think only about what God wants us to do. When we all do that, there is always enough to do all God wants us to do!
See you Sunday,
Rev. Rurel Ausley
Lead Pastor
Upcoming Messages
Everybody has their hard times and issues to deal with, and there are many different doors you can choose to walk through to deal with them. Experiencing healing and happiness even in the midst of those difficult times is also a choice we can make.
Regardless of what you are struggling with... whether it’s emotional, financial, relational, spiritual, or sexual, the principles that lead to healing and happiness are always the same, and the choice is always yours. Join us January through February as we begin the New Year by making LIFE’S HEALING CHOICES.
remaining messages...
January 28/29 - Receive Forgiveness
February 4/5 - Make Changes
February 11/12 - Forgive Others
February 18/19 - Radical Going: Turning the World Upside Down (Missions Conference)
February 25/26 - Help Others
Discover Class
New to our Church?
Want to know more about who we are and what we’re all about?
Come join us for the Discover Class to get answers to these and other questions you may have on Sunday, February 12, 9:15-10:45 a.m. The class location is Room 905-907, Community Life Center. This is open to anyone and is required for membership (if/when you wish to join).
Pastoral Article
Dr. Herstel Carter, Congregational Care Pastor
Stephen Ministry is "God's Love in Action"
In one of his 2010 Devotionals Rick Warren wrote, “In order to love your neighbor as yourself, you need to start seeing the needs of the people around you.” Rick added that it is not always easy to see those hurting on the other side of the road, but if we will open our eyes we will observe people who are hurting emotionally, spiritually, and physically.
Under the leadership of Grace Nuffer, our Crisis Care Ministry team “opened their eyes” to the needs of those in our church and community. In response to what they observed, 15 volunteers stepped forward to “re-introduce” Stephen Ministry to our congregation. These gracious people have begun their training to become Stephen Leaders who will “equip others to provide distinctively Christian one-to-one care to those who are experiencing crises in their lives, both in our congregation and community.” These “others” will be Stephen Ministers “full of faith and the Holy Spirit” (Acts 6:5) who receive 50 hours of training in Christian care giving skills, covering topics such as active listening, distinctively Christian care, feelings, confidentiality, and, crises theory. Stephen Ministers are committed Christians who answer Jesus’ call to “Love one another, even as I loved you,” by ministering through distinctively Christian resources, and simply “being there” for people who are hurting. Stephen Ministers are not counselors, therapists, or casual visitors. They are well-trained, caring Christians who will walk “alongside” a person who is hurting as long as necessary, providing the emotional and spiritual support they need. Some needs observed by our Crisis Care Team include, but are not limited to: grieving the death or loss of a loved one; hospitalization; serious or terminal illness; divorce; being home-bound; facing a life transition; incarceration; unemployment; or relocation.
As our Stephen Leaders begin to put “God’s Love Into Action,” you can support our Stephen Ministry by: Praying for our Stephen Leaders as they prepare to equip Stephen Ministers; Consider serving as a Stephen Minister; and by Identifying those who might benefit from the care of a Stephen Minister - be sure to get that person’s permission first!
If you are interested in becoming a Stephen Minister you can call me at 850-678-4411, ext. 130 or you can contact our Administrative Assistant, Carol Givens at ext. 166.
Missions Conference 2012
February 18-22, 2012
"RADICAL GOING: Turning the World Upside Down"
Please download the Conference Flier (PDF) for all the details:
Key scripture: Acts 17
Missions Banquet
Conference Schedule
Keynote speaker
Guest Missionaries
Short Term Trips
New Courses
Network
Course begins February 19.
Sundays, 9:30 a.m., Room 912.
Network, a six-week course that helps you find out where you fit in the body of Christ by discovering your God-given gifts, passion and personal style, will be offered on Sunday mornings, beginning Sunday, February 19, at 9:30 a.m., in Room 912 in the Community Life Center. Register Online or email mtaylor@nicevilleumc.org.
Life Changing Bible Study
Course begins March 7.
Wednesdays, 6:00 p.m., Room 800. Taught by Lisa Ausley.
LifeChanging Bible Study, a course taught by Lisa Ausley, will be offered beginning Wednesday, March 7, at 6:00 p.m., in Room 800 in the Chandler Center. This course will help you learn how to study the Bible on your own, by giving you the tools to work with. Lisa and her brother, Matt Friedeman, have co-authored the text for the course, and will be available to autograph your book on Sunday morning, March 4. Register Online or you can email mtaylor@nicevilleumc.org.
Men's Rally 2012
Join us on Saturday, February 4, for our
Men’s Rally 2012: Struggles Facing Godly Men
This biblically-based event will include inspirational messages to help men cope with challenges they will face in their lives.
Come hear our guest speakers:
- Rev. Ed Chandler
- Rev. Jeremy Smith
- Dr. Bob Richburg
Doors open at 7:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall; free breakfast begins at 8:00 a.m., event will conclude at 12:30 p.m. Register online by Sunday, January 29, at nicevilleumc.org/smallgroups. For more information contact: Bob Gamon 217-6984 or bobgamon1@cox.net
Great Night of Methodist Singing
Sunday evening,
January 29
Mattie Kelly Arts Center, 6:00 p.m.
Eight of our area United Methodist Churches join together for this unique and very enjoyable event. The evening will feature a large combined choir, orchestra, small vocal ensembles, and great congregational singing.
There will be a variety of music with something for everyone.
Participating Churches include:
Destin UMC
FUMC Crestview
FUMC Fort Walton Beach
Mary Esther UMC
Niceville UMC
Shalimar UMC
St. Mark UMC, and
Trinity UMC.
Wesley Academy Fall Registration
begins Monday,
January 30
Beginning Monday, January 30, at 10:00 a.m., you can register for full-time and part-time classes!
Children must be 3, 4, or 5 years old on or before September 1, 2012.
Packets are available in the Children’s Building or nicevilleumc.org/wesley/
A $100 non-refundable registration fee is due at registration.
For more information, please call 678-4411 ext.187.
Recreation Ministry
Recreation Ministry is hosting a trip to a Pensacola Ice Flyers game on Saturday, February 11.
This event is open to everyone, however all youth (under 18) must be accompanied by an adult. Cost is $16.00 per person and Pre-Registration is required - only 60 spots available!
Register at the Welcome Desk in the Community Life Center. If you have any questions, please call 678-4411 ext 145.
Welcome New Members!
We joyfully welcome the following new members to our church family, who joined in December 2011.
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Photos not available for: Steven and Stephanie Guy Melissa Davis, Niceville |
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Student Ministries
Student Ministries News & Events:
Blitz: Grades 6-12, Mar. 16-18. Blue Lake Assembly, Andalusia, AL. Middle School (MS) retreat run by High School (HS) students and adult shepherds. Registration: Dec. 29 – Feb. 1 $125 MS and $75 HS; and Feb. 2 – Mar. 7 $150 MS and $90 HS.
Mission Juana Diaz: 9th grade students who have already served on a mission trip and all 10th-12th grade students, Jun 22 – 30, Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico. Construction and community projects in poverty stricken areas of Puerto Rico. Cost is $1,200.
Student Ministries (Grades 6-12) Shepherd Training: Sunday, February 5, 2 – 3 pm, Community Life Center Youth Theatre. For all current and want to be youth shepherds.
7 Bridges Mission Trip: Grade 9, Feb. 24-26, Atlanta, GA. For 9th grade students desiring to serve the homeless living under the bridges in Atlanta. Registration ends Feb. 19. Cost is $25.
Visit nicevilleumc.org/students for more information/forms.
Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday is February 22.
We will offer communion and the imposition of ashes in the Marler Chapel during the following times: 5:30–8:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., and 4:30–5:45 p.m.
This is a come as you are, stay as long as you need to, time of reflection as we begin the season of Lent.
Other Missions News
Advent Offerings 2011 Totals!
What generous Advent Offerings you gave in December! Here are the totals of the record giving!
Congo (Pastors’ School and Mission Churches) = 28,335.12
Mozambique (Orphanage Fund) = 27,373.23
Iraq (Community Center) = 29, 571.66
United Methodist Children’s Home = 65,994.28
Total= $151,274.25
Haiti Children’s Angel Project: = $3,005.00
Announcing Mission Trips for 2012
Ecuador - March 13-22 (Women)
Niceville UMC and Dynamic Women in Missions present “The Patchwork of Our Lives,” a mission trip to Pallatanga, Ecuador, March 13-22.
Homes for Haiti - April 14-22 (Men)
Our third trip to help Haitian nationals build homes post-earthquake. $1,200 (Covers flight out of Pensacola, and food and lodging in Haiti).
Guatemala - June 2-10
Cost: Approx. $1500
Our tenth year of serving the Casa Bernabe Orphanage!
For complete information about the above trips visit: nicevilleumc.org/missions/mission-opps.html
Thinking about Missions?
Wondering to what or where God is leading you? Want to talk directly to field missionaries?
One Mission Society is bringing OneWeekend to Niceville UMC just for YOU, March 2-4, 2012!
OneWeekend is a kingdom-focused interactive retreat for anyone interested in deepening their journey into missions. It is a combination of fellowship,worship, intercession, and interactive learning that will provoke a dialogue about your involvement in the Great Commission. Complete information about how to register and the full schedule will be available online soon. Visit: nicevilleumc.org/missions/
Visit: nicevilleumc.org/missions/
Active Adults 50 Plus Ministry
To sign up for trips, please contact Barbara, 678-4411, ext. 123. All trips depart from Parking Lot on Helms Street.
50-Plus Travelers Events:
Glen Miller Orchestra and Dutch Treat Dinner: Thursday, February 2, Naval Air Museum, Pensacola. Departing at 2:00 pm. Cost: $27.00. This trip is full.
Don Edwards Concert: Friday, February 3. Grammy nominated singer-guitarist Don Edwards is a cowboy balladeer who is unusually well-versed in cowboy lore and musical traditions. $15 for first 20 tickets; then $18. Depart at 6:30 p.m.
Dominick Farinacci and Aaron Diehl Concert: Friday, February 17. Jazz at its finest presented on piano and trumpet! $15 for first 20 tickets; then $18. Depart at 6:30 p.m.
Festival of Four Concert: Friday, March 2. Folk and traditional music from across the globe. “..the performance never lacked a sense of joy and a genuine love for the music…” Includes Flamengo guitar, flute, mandolin and guitar. $15 for first 20 tickets; then $18. Depart at 6:30 p.m.
Hyundai Production Plant Tour: Friday, March 16. Depart at 8:00 am. Cost: $5. Dutch treat lunch at Cracker Barrel, and stop at Priester’s Pecans on the way home. Return about 5:00 p.m.
Young At Heart Luncheon:
Our next Young at Heart Luncheon is Tuesday, February 7, 11:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Cost for lunch is $5. Program: Our own Heritage Museum will present a program on local history. To assure that we have food prepared for you, please sign up by calling the church office by Friday noon, February 3, 678-4411. To assure we do not have wasted food, please call and cancel should you then not be able to attend. Thank you so much for your help in keeping our count accurate.
Lunch and More!
Thursday, February 23. We will tour the Indian Temple Mound and have (Dutch-treat) lunch at the Olive Garden. Cost: $2, plus lunch. Depart at 8:50 a.m.
Please pick up an Active Adults 50 Plus brochure at any of the
church brochure racks. Our brochure includes information for all of our other activities, such as Game Day, Faithfully Fit, Mature Methodist Choir, Bible Study and more!
February Featured Events
Jan. 29 |
Great Night of Methodist Singing |
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Jan. 30 |
Wesley Academy Preschool Registration for 2012-2013 begins |
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Feb. 4 |
Annual Men’s Rally 2012 |
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Feb. 5 |
Training For Student Ministries Volunteers |
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Feb. 5 |
Administrative Board |
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Feb. 11 |
Ice Flyers Hockey Trip (Families) |
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Feb. 12 |
Discover Class |
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Feb. 12 |
Church Conference |
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Feb. 18-22 |
Missions Conference |
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Feb. 19 |
Missions Banquet |
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Feb. 22 |
Ash Wednesday Communion |
Prayerful Concerns
Recently Hospitalized:
Cyndy Bascom, Skip Boles, Richard Case, Thelma Gilland, Ron, Johns, Karen Manasco, Dot Manning, Vickie Miller, Debbie Moss, Polly O’Brien, Pete Peterson, Karen Smith, Charlie Weeks, Lloyd Williams, Ian Williamson, Candy Williamson.
Sympathies:
To Ed Adkins and family on the death of his father, Lawrence Adkins;
To the family and friends of Henry Harris;
To Suzanne Herzog and family on the death of her brother, Norman Lewis;
To the family and friends of Ruth Langston;
To Bruce Magerman and family on the death of his mother;
To BJ & Minnie Parrish on death of BJ’s mother, Estelle Parrish;
To Blane Pearson and family on the death of his cousin, Linda Bales;
To Susan Shearer and family on the death of her father, Richard Cotton.
Announcements
Guest Speaker, Dr. Tennent
We are privileged to host Dr. Timothy C. Tennent, President of Asbury Theological Seminary (ATS) on January 28-29. Dr. Tennent will be our guest preacher at our 6 p.m. Exchange service on January 28 and on Sunday January 29 at our 8:00, 9:32, and 11:00 a.m. services. We have 7 staff members who are ATS graduates; Asbury is having a significant impact in our community and our world.
Church Conference
A called Church Conference will be held on Sunday, February 12 at 5:00 p.m. for the purpose of approving the St. Mark children’s building. The conference will be led by our District Superintendent Dr. Jeremy Pridgeon. Childcare will be provided.
Thank You
Christian Flights International thanks you for donating to the Haitian Children’s Angel Project and/or committing to a student scholarship. Your contributions provide water, food, medicine, housing, and a Christian education to “the least of these”.
Stewardship Report
This report below is an image.
Please Pray for Your Niceville Campus Staff
This listing below is an image. For a complete listing of all staff with email links, visit the Staff Contact List online.
Connections Newsletter, Vol. 29, No. 2, Niceville United Methodist Church
Publication Deadlines: Bulletin - 12:00 noon each Tuesday. Newsletter: 15th day of the prior month. Connections is a monthly publication of Niceville United Methodist Church, 214 Partin Dr. S., Niceville, Florida 32578. Printed copies are only mailed to those who specifically sign up for that delivery means. Newsletters also available in brochure racks at the church.
If you wish to unsubscribe to this newsletter, please "reply" and put the word "unsubscribe" in the Subject line, or call 850-678-4411 850-678-4411. Please also include a message indicating whether you are choosing to remove your email address from the database, or you are only unsubscribing from the e-newsletter. Email addresses are also used for FirstNet tools, class communications, etc.