From our Lead Pastor
Happy New Year! I do hope that your New Year is getting off to a great start. I love new beginnings. Though most statistics show that people don’t keep their New Year’s Resolutions very long, I believe that we can make spiritual vows before the Lord that He will help us keep... like reading our Bibles, praying consistently, worshipping regularly, giving to the Lord, and winning people to Jesus and His Church. These are the real commitments that are so vitally important to our daily lives. Making good choices is important too!
Join us for our New Year’s messages on "Life’s Healing Choices", beginning January 8. This is a great time to invite people to church. Share your publicity card with a neighbor! 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.
On Monday, January 2, students will be going back to school (including Wesley Academy). Although the church office will be closed that day for the New Year holiday, all of us will be returning that week to new routines for the New Year! Make one of your New Year’s resolutions to be involved in our Wednesday night suppers! Our Wednesday Night Suppers and programs will kick off Wednesday (January 4). With a full blast of new small group opportunities, Wednesday night Children’s Programs, and Youth activities… find a "Winter Finder" brochure today and learn about the new and exciting things for all ages that are taking place on Wednesday nights!
How about starting the new year off by volunteering to serve? We need your help now! Did you know that it takes over 400 volunteers to keep our Children’s Building running? That means our volunteers are extremely valuable! One of those might be you! Come and volunteer in the happiest place on campus with the greatest kids! You can make a difference in a child’s life by volunteering in children’s ministry. Call us at 678-4411 ext. 187 or stop by the Children’s Building to volunteer for... Wednesday night, H2O, Sunday School, Kids Worship 2, Worship & Wonder, or the Welcome Desk! We would love to have you as part of our team at Niceville UMC!
On Sunday, January 29, Dr. Timothy C. Tennent, President of Asbury Theological Seminary (ATS), will be our guest preacher in 8:00 a.m., 9:32 a.m., and 11:00 a.m. morning worship services. We are fortunate to host this distinguished Christian leader for the weekend. On our staff we have 7 graduates of Asbury Theological Seminary: Rurel Ausley, Jeremy Smith, Herstel Carter, Tyler Fuller, Lisa Ausley, Ed Chandler, and Lew Wilder. Greg McKinnon and Allison Posell have taken classes from Asbury Seminary that contributed to their ordinations. Asbury has had a tremendous impact upon our church and the United Methodist denomination. Our church is hosting Dr. Tennent and other ATS alumni for the weekend.
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.
January 7/8 - Recognize Our Need
January 14/15 - Reach Out to God
January 21/22 - Let Go
January 28/29 - Receive Forgiveness
February 4/5 - Make Changes
February 11/12 - Forgive Others
February 18/19 - Commit to Grow
February 25/26 - Help Others
Pastoral Article
Rev. Jeremy Smith, Teaching Pastor
I LOVE MY CHURCH
As the year comes to a close, I think it’s important to take a few moments and reflect on what all God has done in my life, and the life of my family, over the past year. And as I do that this year, I can’t help but include the people of Niceville UMC in that reflection.
In thinking about this church, the only thing I can really say to sum up how I feel is: I LOVE MY CHURCH! I love serving with you, worshipping with you, teaching here, praying with you, and seeing God move in life after life after life in this church and subsequently, in this region. Seeing people have their life changed by Jesus Christ NEVER gets old, and God is certainly doing that through you and His Church here in Niceville. I think about the thousands of people served every week through worship services on two campuses, meals of various kinds, classes, small groups, Sunday school classes, bus ministry, youth and children’s activities, recreation ministry, counseling, benevolence, senior adult ministry, singles ministry, Celebrate Recovery, the Bargain Box, all that God has done at St. Mark, and the list goes on and on...!
We have no idea the tremendous impact Jesus Christ is having through us as we love and serve each other and those in our community. I thank God that He even lets me be a part of it at any level! I thank God for this staff and these people! I encourage you, as the year comes to a close to take time to reflect on what God has done in your life over this past year, and thank Him for every good and perfect gift that He’s given. As you do that, pray for the ministry of Niceville UMC, and pray how God can use you to further His Kingdom in greater ways over this next year.
I LOVE THIS CHURCH! I LOVE OUR GOD! Thank you for letting me be a part of what’s happening here!
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, January 8, 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).
Welcome New Members!
We joyfully welcome the following new members to our church family, who joined in October 2011.
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 Lori & Chuck Dowd Niceville |
 Clancey Hopper Niceville |
 Anna & David Keener Niceville |
 Katy Myrick (with mother Sue Rejonis) |
 Jody & Ben Osborne Niceville |
 Deb and Mike Weesner Niceville |
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Counseling Ministry
"Heart Talk"
Start off the new year learning how to communicate more effectively with the people in your life. "Heart Talk" is a six-week class that focuses on learning how to engage our own hearts with words and thoughts as we interact with people around us and how to care for our relationships and the people in them.
Beginning on Tuesday, January 3, we will meet in Room 208 from 6:00–7:30 p.m. Class size is limited. Call 678-4411, ext 166 or email cgivens@nicevilleumc.org. There is no cost; childcare is provided.
Celebrate Recovery
New Celebrate Recovery Women’s Step Studies Beginning in January!
Here are the times and locations:
Wednesdays, 6–7:30 p.m., beginning January 4, at St. Mark UMC in Portable 1A;
Thursdays, 10 a.m.–noon, beginning January 12, at Niceville UMC Room 208; and
Sundays, 11 a.m.-noon, beginning January 8 at Niceville UMC Room 208.
Child care is available during each of these meeting times.
Life's Healing Choices
"Life’s Healing Choices" offers freedom from our hurts, hang-ups, and habits through eight healing choices that promise true happiness and life transformation. We are offering two ladies’ classes on Wednesdays at Niceville UMC. One begins January 4, 6–7 p.m., Room 208 led by Donelle King. The other begins Wednesday, January 11, 6:15–7:45 p.m., Room 402/404 led by Stephanie Case (WWW.Christ group listing).
Volunteer Opportunities
Jesus modeled being a servant by washing His disciples’ feet.
Are you willing to be a servant? We don’t need you to wash feet, but the SOS Ministry does need help with washing food containers on Saturday afternoons. Come and find out more at a training session on Saturday, January 21, in the Community LIfe Center Kitchen, from 2:30-4:30 p.m.
January not only brings a new year but many new children to our church.
If you have been looking for a place to serve, then this is your opportunity. Did you know that it takes over 400 volunteers to keep our children’s building running? That means our volunteers are extremely valuable! One of those might be you!
Come and volunteer in the happiest place on campus with the greatest kids! You can make a difference in a child’s life by volunteering in children’s ministry. Call us at 678-4411 ext. 187 or stop by the Children’s Building to volunteer for...
Wednesday night H2O
Sunday School
Kids Worship 2
Worship & Wonder
Welcome Desk
We would love to have you as part of our team at Niceville UMC!
Small Groups
Introducing a New Small Group...
Start the new year by joining this great new small group! Finding My God Bod is a weight loss accountability group for adults. Starting Tuesday, January 10, in Room 956 in the Community Life Center from 6-7:45 p.m. For more information, simply contact Michelle Ruschman fmgb333@cox.net or on Facebook: FindingMyGodBod.
Are you connected with a Small Group?
The new year is a great time to join! We have new groups starting in January. Some are just for men, or just for women, couples or singles... lots of groups to fit your needs.
Are you willing to lead a small group
or host a small group in your home?
To join a group or host one,
please contact:
Brice Early
Small Groups Minister
bearly@nicevilleumc.org
678-4411 ext. 146
New Courses starting in early 2012
The Alpha Course:
Course begins January 4. Meets Wednesday evening, 6:00 p.m., Room 703. Facilitators: John & Heidi Allen.
Alpha is an opportunity to explore the meaning of life in a relaxed, friendly setting. Each week people enjoy laughter and learning in a fun and friendly atmosphere where no question about life or God is seen as too simple or too hostile. Alpha is for anyone who thinks there may be more to life than meets the eye. Come investigate questions about the existence of God, the purpose of life, the afterlife, the claims of Jesus and more. Register Online!
Financial Peace University
Begins the first week of January and is offered on Tuesday (Room 700), Wednesday (Room 400), and Friday (Room 700) at 6:00 p.m.
This is a 13-week life-changing program that empowers and teaches you how to make the right money decisions to achieve your financial goals and God’s plan for your life. The course includes practical lessons on eliminating debt, building wealth, giving like never before, and much, much more!
Network
Course begins February 19. Will meet Sunday, 9:30 a.m., in Room 912.
Discover your spiritual gifts, personal style, and God-given passion for serving in the body of Christ! People who take this course will discover the spiritual gifts God has given them and have a better understanding of who God created them to be. The result will be that you will truly discover where you fit in the body of Christ! Register Online!
Life Changing Bible Study
This study begins March 7 and will be held on Wednesdays, 6:00 p.m., Room 800. Taught by Lisa Ausley.
Studying the Bible in order to become more Christ-like in our lives is one of the driving aims of the person who desires to follow Christ fully and completely. This study will introduce you to an effective model of personal Bible study that will lead you to read the Bible more carefully, more consistently, and more creatively, with more understanding and application with the aim of having a personal encounter with God as you examine the text. Register Online!
Women's Ministry
Women of the Word (WOW) will begin a new study, January 12, 9:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall. All women are invited to join them for Beth Moore’s "Daniel: Lives of Integrity, Words of Prophecy". Daniel faced unbelievable pressures—to compromise his faith, to live in a hostile culture, and confront temptations and threats—today’s believers face many of the same trials. Cost of the book is $15. Contact: Carol, 897-3541 or Carlotta, 279-6096 for more information.
January Featured Events
Jan. 2 |
New Year's Holiday; Offices Closed |
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Jan. 2-5
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Passion 2012 Conference (College Students & High School Seniors) |
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Jan. 4 |
Wednesday Winter Activities start |
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Jan. 7 |
Upward Youth Basketball Games Begin! |
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Jan. 8 |
Discover Class |
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Jan. 16 |
Martin Luther King's Birthday |
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Offices and facilities closed |
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[ Okaloosa Co. Schools closed ] |
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Jan. 17 |
[ Student Holiday, Okaloosa Co. Schools closed ] |
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Jan. 20-22 |
Sabbath 2012 |
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Jan. 21 |
SOS Container Washing Training |
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Jan. 27-29 |
"A Time Away" Prayer Retreat |
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Jan. 29 |
Great Night of Methodist Singing |
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Jan. 30 |
Wesley Academy Preschool Registration for 2012-2013 |
Men's Spiritual Rally/Symposium
Niceville UMC will host a spiritual rally for men, called
"LIVING IN A FALLEN WORLD" - Saturday, February 4, 2012
This biblically-based event will include inspirational messages to help men cope with challenges they will face in their lives.
Doors open at 7:30 a.m. for sign-in and fellowship; breakfast begins at 8:00 a.m., and the event will conclude around noon.
Look for more information to follow about how to sign up and about the speaker/schedule.
Student Ministries
from Tyler Fuller, Middle School Guy
The new year is a great time to reflect on the year behind us, and look ahead at what is to come. The passage of another year reminds us of who we have been and what we have done, and encourages us to look towards the hope we have in our future.
We have had a great year in Student Ministries. We have truly seen the Lord moving among our kids and shepherds. We are grateful for where the Lord has brought us, and we are excited about where the Spirit is leading us.
I hope you feel the same way, both about your personal life and faith, and the place you are serving. I pray that you can reminisce on 2011; with all its successes and failures... tragedies and triumphs, and see the hand of the Lord guiding you and us into a new and better place. We Methodists sometimes use the phrase "moving on to perfection" as a way of talking about the process that the Holy Spirit uses to continually make us more like Christ. I pray that you can recognize and sense the places the Lord is leading you, where you have been and where you are going.
Student Ministries News & Events:
Blitz: Grades 6-12, March 16-18 at Blue Lake Assembly, Andalusia, AL. Middle School (MS) retreat run by High School (HS) students and adult shepherds. Registration: Nov. 9 – Dec. 28 $100 MS and $50 HS; 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, June 22–30, Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico. Construction and community projects in poverty stricken areas of Puerto Rico. Parent/Student Informational meeting will be Sunday, Jan. 8, 12:15–12:45 p.m. in the Youth Theater. Cost is $1,200.
Sabbath: Grades 9-12, January 20-22. Blue Lake Assembly, Andalusia, AL. High School retreat. Registration deadline is Dec. 30.
Visit nicevilleumc.org/students for more information/forms.
Missions Opportunities
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.
We are currently seeking women to join our team to prepare and provide a 3-day evangelical conference at an OMS retreat-facility for 75 Ecuadorian women. We will use hand-quilting to demonstrate how God uses 
all our experiences to piece together a beautiful patchwork of our life. No previous experience necessary; only your willingness to share God’s love.
Cost approximately $1600 (travel, accommodations & meals). All Niceville UMC and St. Mark UMC attendees receive a $350 church missions contribution toward their trip = your cost approximately $1250! Deposit $500 by January 16, balance March 1. For detailed information visit nicevilleumc.org/missions/mission-opps.html, contact Shannon Rice at 855-3749 or Zena Jenkins in the church office.
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
Missions Conference 2012
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 world view?
Mark your 2012 Calendars now and watch for full information!
Especially watch for registration information for Sunday night, February 19, for our Missions Banquet,
with a great keynote speaker, Jonathan Morton, from One Mission Society!
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/
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:
Dinner & More: King’s Brass--A First Arts Concert, Friday, January 13, 2012. Join us for hymn classics with a contemporary flair. Cost: $15 for first 20 to sign up with payment. Additional tickets available at $20. Before the concert we will enjoy dinner (Dutch treat) together. Depart at 4:45 p.m.
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.
Glenn Miller Orchestra and Dutch Treat Dinner--Thursday, February 2, Naval Museum, Pensacola. Departing at 2:30 p.m. Cost: $27.00. 25 tickets are available.
Dominick Farinacci and Aaron Diehl Concert—Friday, February 17. Jazz at its finest presented on piano and trumpet! $15 for first 20 tickets.
January Young-At-Heart Luncheon--Join us on Tuesday, January 10, 11:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Cost for lunch is $5. Program: Niceville Fire Department on personal safety. Please sign up by calling the church office by Friday noon, January 6, 678-4411.
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!
Prayerful Concerns
Recently Hospitalized:
Sandy Benson, Cynthia Bowers, April Branscome, Gladys Broadwell, Katie Donaldson, Evans Glausier, Julie Harrison, Jack Hederi, Pamela Jones, Ruth Longston, Alice Luchsinger, BJ Parrish, Ruth Randall, George Sullivan, Earl Talbot, Dean Trudeau, Krista Tucker, Cole Willey, and Judy Zoerb.
Sympathies:
To Dale Peterson and family on the death of his mother, Etta Mae Peterson;
To Kay Yount and family on the death of her mother, Ann Massincutt.
Announcements
Thank You
The Social Concerns Committee would like to thank the congregation for taking a STAR and buying a gift. Through your generosity many children in our community will have a blessed Christmas. Donna Haugh, Social Concerns Chairman
Dear Church Family
There is no way I can thank each of you for all you have done for me (us) in the past two months. You have brought food, sent flowers, cards, lifted me in prayer, and offered to help in so many ways. The Benign Positional Vertigo as of Dec. 13 is better, had another treatment yesterday. I have missed being in Sunday School and church for the past 5 Sundays, but hoping to be back by the New Year, or before. I have much to be thankful for in the midst of this "trying/testing" time. May God bless each of you—Ed joins me in thanks. We love you all, Sylvia Chandler
Congratulations
Proud great grandparents, Joyce and LeRoy Thornal announce the arrival of Molly Cate, born November 29, 2011, to parents Merritt and Mike Newell.
Prayer Retreat
A Time Away Prayer Retreat
Come experience "Peace in the Pines" and start the year off with a weekend of prayer and solitude at lovely Blessed Trinity Shrine Retreat near Eufaula, Alabama. Spend time worshipping God, seeking His direction as you wander the trails among 1200 wooded acres, or reflect and meditate in the attractive Retreat House. Spiritual direction will be provided as well as times of fellowship and united prayer. All linens are provided as well as meals from Friday’s supper to Sunday’s noon dinner for $160. We’ll have lunch in Eufaula on the way up. Departure time is 8:30 a.m. from Parking Lot A on Friday, January 27, and we’ll return to the parking lot by 4:30 p.m. Sunday, January 29. Space is limited to the first 25 persons.
Call Eva Huber for more information or to sign up (678-3201).
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. 1, 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.