From our Lead Pastor
What an exciting Easter we had! It is always inspiring to see families together and families coming in from out of town. With your help, we were able to handle the entire crowds well, and it proved to be a very inspirational day. Our attendance at the Niceville Campus was 3680, and 624 at the St. Mark Campus, giving us a total Easter attendance of 4304 and an average total attendance now of over 2500+ a Sunday. As exciting as Easter always is, the most important work is what we do from week to week. I want to encourage you to be faithful to the Lord in making worship your top priority every Sunday and to invite any friends, relatives, co-workers, or neighbors who aren’t currently attending a church!
Thank you so much for your generous support of our Blue Lake offering on Easter Sunday. The cash offering was over $8,000! Many, many others also sent pledges and cash directly to Blue Lake by participating in their "20 for 12" campaign. As I said on Easter, there is probably no other single place that has contributed to our people coming to Jesus Christ, than Blue Lake. Literally, hundreds of teenagers, through the years in our retreats and many adults through all of the Emmaus Walks that we support!
Our church has always been a great supporter of Sharing & Caring! This is a local, all volunteer based organization that provides food and other services for families in need who live in the Niceville/Choctaw/Valparaiso community. Niceville UMC has volunteered to help restock their pantries for the month of May. If you are able to help, a list of items they need are in this newsletter. All donations can be dropped off at Sharing & Caring, 104 Bullock Boulevard in Niceville, FL 32578. Hours: Monday-Thursday from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. and Fridays 9:00 a.m.–12 p.m. Let’s stock them up and show them our support!
Moving Away? In a community such as ours with a lot of military-related families, moving becomes a way of life. If you are moving this summer, we would like to know who you are, when you are moving, and where your next assignment is. Even if you are not in the military but are moving away, please let us know. We will make a list of all those moving and we would like to honor and pray for you in our May 26-27 worship services. We consider you to be our missionaries to other churches and though we will miss you tremendously, we pray God’s best for you!
We are continuing our series entitled "Christian to the Core" where we have been examining 8 core values that are central to spiritual maturity! In August, our small groups will begin studying these core values and will be equipping as many as possible to teach them. One of the core values is "multiplication" and we as Christians, need to be discipling 
others. So take lots of notes and learn these messages so that you can teach someone else!
As you are reading this, I will be serving as a delegate to our General Conference in Tampa, Florida. Over the two weeks between April 24 and May 4, nearly a thousand delegates and an estimated 2,500 visitors will gather at the Tampa Convention Center for the 2012 United Methodist General Conference Session. As a special note, Dr. Steve Furr, AWF Conference Lay Leader, will be giving one of three laity addresses on Wednesday, April 25. The plenary session will start at 7 a.m. CDT. He will speak after the opening prayer and Episcopal address. Please pray for us all that good decisions will be made for our Church!
See you Sunday,
Rev. Rurel Ausley
Lead Pastor
Upcoming Messages
"Christian to the Core" Message Series
Remaining messages:
April 28-29: Family Priority
May 5-6: Faithful Stewardship
May 12-13: Integrity
Our Next Series of Messages begins
later in May...
UNSTOPPABLE!
What would happen if we truly embraced Jesus’ words that, as the Church, nothing can stop us? If we really understood the power of who we are together under Christ’s leadership? We could become the unstoppable force that Jesus meant for us to be! We would change the world! Join us over the next few weeks as we explore the different ways the Bible talks about the Church, and how we can become the UNSTOPPABLE force God designed us to be.
May 19-20 Body
May 26-27 Army
June 3 Family
June 10 Bride
Pastoral Article
Rev. Brice Early, St. Mark Campus Pastor
St. Mark Campus News
St. Mark Campus is doing great! God is continuing to bless the growth and excitement on campus and we are seeing a steady stream of new families join the congregation. Recent developments on the Children’s Center include brick and shingles and we are on schedule for completion by mid-August.
The new parking lot, sidewalks, and sign are helping us take care of the people God is sending us. For Easter, we had 3 worship services and had 624 people present!
Our Children's and Student Ministries are bursting at the seams and thankfully the kids are bringing their parents to church with them! I will be starting as the full-time Campus Pastor in the near future to help keep up with the growth. And although my family and I are going to miss seeing the congregation at the Niceville UMC Campus that we have grown to love 
over the past 8 years, we are excited to see what God is going to do.
I want to personally invite you to come up and see for yourself what God is doing and to come celebrate our St. Mark Campus.
Please pray and give praise for the continued construction, the growth of the campus, and for my upcoming transition.
Celebrating God's Growth,
Brice B. Early
St. Mark UMC Campus Pastor
Photo at left: At the time of the newsletter writing, brick was being laid on the exterior of the Children's Building. Changes occur daily!
Volunteer Commitment Time (for August 2012 - July 2013)
Information about volunteer opportunities
Volunteers are the life-blood of our church!
Without adequate volunteers, we would not have incredible children’s and student ministries; we would not be able to deliver over 1200 meals every Saturday through Supper on Saturday; we would not have parking lot attendants, greeters, and ushers who make our church a warm and welcoming place; and we would not be reaching out to Guatemala, Haiti, Mexico, Italy, Ecuador and other places through mission trips.
The week of April 23, you should have received an email or letter with information about the many volunteer opportunities that are available. Please prayerfully consider where God is leading you to serve. It is our goal that every member and active participate would be serving in at least one significant area of ministry according to their spiritual gifting.
You can also look online at nicevilleumc.org/connecting/serve.html
Vacation Bible School 2012
VBS will be June 11-15, 2012!
Registration...
Early registration: April 29-May 20 $10 per child, family max of $25
optional t-shirts - $5 each
Registration after May 20: $15 per child, no shirt option
All registration is online at www.nicevilleumc.org/children
Scholarships are available for the registration fee.
Volunteers...
It takes hundreds of volunteers to make VBS an exciting outreach!
Volunteer online at www.nicevilleumc.org/children
There are many areas to serve:
Greeting
Classrooms
Arts and Crafts
Decorating
Music
Set up & take down
Bus Ministry
Prayer
Puppets
Snack needs: plain M&M’s, pretzel sticks, Starburst & Smarties candies, goldfish, 2 liter bottles of root beer, mini marshmallows.
Craft Needs: cans of non-menthol shaving cream, baby wipes, cornstarch, Smarties candy
Drop off any snack donations in the Children’s Building.
Let’s soar this year and see that "with God all things are possible" during our 'Sky' VBS.
Wesley Childcare
Registration for 2012 Summer and
2012-2013 School Year Term is now open...
Registration packets are available in the Children’s Building
or on our website at nicevilleumc.org/wesleycc/
A non-refundable registration fee
is due at time of registration.
For more information please call 678-4411, ext. 187.
Employment Opportunities
Wesley Employment Opportunities for Summer/Fall FT and PT Positions
Summer employment: June 26 – August 9.
Fall employment begins August 21. Hours and days vary per program.
Teachers must have experience with young children and be willing to meet licensing requirements.
Applications are available in the Children’s Building. Deadlin: April 30.
Contact Kathy Trawick, 678-4411.
Prayer Opportunities
Don’t forget to pray for The United Methodist Church General Conference going on right now (April 24-May 4). Our Lead Pastor, Rev. Rurel Ausley is a delegate and will vote on the direction of our church for the next 4 years.
National Day of Prayer is Thursday, May 3, 12:00–12:45 p.m. in front of Niceville City Hall.
Gather with local dignitaries and community members and enjoy patriotic music as we celebrate "One Nation Under God"--this year's theme.
Upper Room: Would you like to expand your prayer life? Spend more time in prayer for our church, its ministries and leaders? If so, please email Susan Warren at susanw.warren@gmail.com
Recreation
The Recreation Ministry is taking registrations for Adult Indoor Soccer for ages 18 and up. Cost is $40.00 and increases to $50.00 after May 18. Registration ends May 25. Games are mostly Friday evenings during the months of June and July. You can register online at nicevilleumc.org/recreation or come by the Community Life Center.
During the month of May NHS students take their AP and AICE exams in our gymnasium. The gymnasium will have limited accessibility. Please check the schedule at the Welcome Center.
Welcome New Members!
We joyfully welcome the following new members to our church family, who joined in March 2012.
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May Featured Events
May 3 |
National Day of Prayer |
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May 13 |
Mother's Day |
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May 13 |
Discover Class |
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May 15 |
Children's Ministry Volunteer Training |
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May 17 |
WOW Spring Luncheon |
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May 19-20 |
Volunteer Commitment Weekend (for August 2012-July 2013) |
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May 20 |
Senior Commissioning and Lunch |
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May 23 |
Great Night of Children's Music |
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May 26 |
Community Life Center closed for Recreation |
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May 27 |
Graduate Recognition at 11:02 Service |
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May 28 |
Memorial Day OFFICES CLOSED |
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May 28 |
Community Life Center closed for Recreation |
Women's Ministry
Save the date!
Women’s Ministry is planning their Second Annual 'Rags to Riches" Fashion Show - Thursday, June 28.
Student Ministries
Upcoming Calendar:
Mother’s Day Tributes: Here is a great way to show your love and appreciation for Mom--include her in our Mother’s Day Tribute. Tributes will be published on a special bulletin insert on Mother’s Day, May 13. The deadline to turn in envelopes is Monday, May 7. All proceeds benefit Student Ministries (Youth).
High School Senior Commissioning and Lunch: Sunday, May 20, 1-3 p.m., in the Fellowship Hall. Cost $5 per family member; $15 family maximum. Registration deadline is Wednesday, May 9.
Confirmation Celebration and Baptisms: Wednesday, May 16, 6-8 p.m., in the Fellowship Hall.
Graduation Sunday and Brunch: Sunday, May 27– Brunch in the Youth Café at 10 a.m. for all high school class of 2012 graduates. Recognition and prayer for all graduates, high school and college, at the beginning of the 11:02 service. Wear your caps and gowns to the service.
Baccalaureate – Tuesday, May 29, 7 p.m., at Christ Our Redeemer Catholic Church for all graduating high school seniors and their families.
College/Young Adult:
Graduation Sunday is May 27. Wear your caps and gowns to the 11:02 a.m. service for prayer and recognition at the beginning of the service. Please send us your graduation information to be included in the bulletin that Sunday. Deadline for graduation information is Sunday, May 13. We need your name, degree, major and school. Call 678-4411 ext. 151 or email scase@nicevilleumc.org.
Bargain Box
The Bargain Box has new hours!
With the addition of more volunteers and steady donations, the Bargain Box Ministry has extended their hours on Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Hours for all other days are: Monday-Thursday and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. If you would like to volunteer your time, please contact Larry Boyce at LRBoyce@cox.net. Donations are accepted during regular hours OR smaller items can be placed in the drop box. Thank you for helping to make this ministry such a success!
Sharing and Caring
Sharing & Caring Food Collection
Sharing & Caring is a local, all volunteer based organization that provides food and other services for families in need who live in the Niceville/Choctaw/Valparaiso community. Niceville UMC has volunteered to help restock their pantries for the month of May. If you are able to help, below is a list of items they need. All donations can be dropped off at Sharing & Caring, 104 Bullock Boulevard, Niceville, FL 32578. Hours: Monday-Thursday from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. and Fridays 9:00 a.m.–12 p.m.
For more information, call 729-3600 or visit www.sharing-n-caring.org/nicevillehome.htm
Active Adults 50 Plus Ministry
50-Plus Travelers Events:
Is an Alaskan cruise and land tour on your "Bucket List"? Join us May 21-June 1, 2013. Prices range from $3,426-$4,226 plus $269 for pre-night and tour. This includes airfare and all fees and transfers. Book by May 1 with $100. Please contact Barbara for more information, 678-4411.
Farmer’s Opry and Dinner: May 18—Enjoy dinner, then concert by The Marksmen in Chumukla, AL. Depart at 4:00 a.m. Cost is $26 includes dinner, concert and transportation.
Lunch & More: May 31—Tour Arcadia Mill and enjoy lunch at David’s Catfish (Milton). Depart at 9:00 a.m. Be back in Niceville approximately 3:00 p.m. Cost is $4 plus Dutch treat lunch.
Trip to Georgia: June 21-22. Depart at 7:00 a.m. Tour the Thronateeska Heritage Center, Flint River Aquarium, Andersonville National Historic Site (POW Museum), Americus and Plains. See our brochure for full details. Cost: $85 double occupancy (includes hotel, admissions, transportation and Friday’s breakfast; other meals are Dutch treat). Register early. This trip limited to 23 travelers.
Lunch & More: June 28—Tour the DeFuniak Library (the oldest still functioning library in Florida) and enjoy lunch at the DeFuniak Hotel. Depart at 10:15 a.m. Cost is $2 plus Dutch treat lunch.
May Young At Heart Luncheon
Join us on Tuesday, May 1, 11:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Cost: $5. Program: Ambassador Chorus, Ruckel Middle School. Please call the church office by Friday noon, April 27, 678-4411, to sign up or cancel. Thank you for helping us keep our lunch count accurate.
Please see our brochure, online or in the information bins, for a full listing of upcoming trips. To sign up for trips, please contact Barbara, 678-4411, ext. 123. All trips depart from the Parking Lot on Helms Street.
Prayerful Concerns
Recently Hospitalized:
Kim Andrews, Elaine Beattie, Karen Edwards, Selman Ellisor, Sandra Jackson, Doug Livingston, Jr., Sharon Myers, Brenda Reavey, Chuck Robinson, Sr., and Sharla Stevens.
Sympathies:
To Brenda Cannafax and family on the death of her father, Leon Crowder.
To Sharon Jacobs and family on the death of her father.
To Christy Smith on the death of her grandmother, Sylvia Stalnaker.
To LeRoy Thornal on the death of his brother, Billy.
To Steve Posell and family on the death of his sister, Kathy Anderson.
To Harma Bloyer and family on the death of her husband, Captain Stanley Bloyer, retired US Navy.
To Rick Pierson on the death of his father.
To Sally King and family on the death of her mother, Norma Stewart Winegeart.
Culinary Announcement
Meal Price Change:
The culinary team at Niceville UMC has done an exceptional job maintaining consistent meal prices over the past 7 years—even amid delivery fuel surcharges, food cost increases and overhead increases. Many innovative cost saving and waste reducing techniques have been employed, and we applaud their efforts.
As costs continue to rise, though, it has become necessary to make appropriate adjustments to provide the same quality offerings of a main course, beverage and dessert to our growing attendance on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.
While new meal prices will go into effect beginning July 2012, we believe there is still great value inherent in our meal program.
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, May 13, 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).
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. 5, 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.