What an exciting Easter we had!! It is always inspiring to see families together, and families coming in from out of town. Our attendance at the Niceville campus was 3751 and the St. Mark campus was 966…(both records) giving us a total Easter attendance of 4717 and an average total attendance now of 2900 a Sunday. 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!

Our St. Mark campus had 5 Easter services to handle the crowds they had. This is one of the reasons why our Administrative Board has approved the concept for St. Mark to double the size of the new children's center, to expand their sanctuary 80 seats, and to add the required parking. In addition, in anticipation of our St. Mark property hitting capacity soon, we are exploring how we might establish another campus in north Crestview in the future.

All of these dreams will take resources to help us fulfill God's call upon us to meet the exciting need we are experiencing in Crestview. People are responding to the gospel and it is exciting to watch. Thank you for your vision and giving that is making it possible for us to grow the Kingdom of God in other venues!!

Our Board approved some initial funds for the architectural drawings, the Capital Stewardship campaigns, and purchasing wetlands so that we can build on our current wetlands. I would like to emphasize that these initial funds are for startup costs only. We propose to raise all of these funds through a 3 year capital stewardship campaign at St. Mark, and a one year "mini campaign" at Niceville, and through the sale of our two parsonages. The goal would be to fund our future vision without borrowing any more money.

Further approvals by our entire congregation, District committee on buildings, and meeting financial goals will need to be met before any construction can start. If all goes well in everything, construction would potentially begin in October and be finished in April of 2014. We have a long way to go, but the journey is getting more and more exciting!

The theme for 2013 National Day of Prayer is Pray for America, which emphasizes the need for people to place their faith in the unfailing character of the Almighty God, who is sovereign over all governments, authorities, and men. The theme is based on Matthew 12:21: "In His name the nations will put their hope." Come, Thursday, May 2, to Niceville City Hall on Partin Drive for the Niceville-Valparaiso service, at noon. Click on this link to view/pray a prayer for our nation: http://nationaldayofprayer.org/2013-pastor-greg-laurie-2/

VOLUNTEER COMMITMENT WEEKEND…MAY 18-19… I hope you are prayerfully considering where God is calling you to serve. You can fill out your Volunteer Commitment Card any time before our Volunteer Commitment Weekend, May 18-19. This can be done online at: nicevilleumc.org/connecting/serve.html ...or by turning in your card to the church office or dropping it in the offering plate!

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 moving and we would like to honor and pray for you in our May 26 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!

See you Sunday,

Rev. Rurel Ausley
Lead Pastor

Upcoming Messages

"Not a Fan" Message Series continues into May...

fan: an enthusiastic admirer. In the Gospels, Jesus never seemed too interested in fans. Is that how you define your relationship with Him? An "enthusiastic admirer"? Close enough to Jesus to get the benefits but not so close to require sacrifice? He was looking for followers. Not just any follower though, but a... completely. committed. follower. How would things change if you lived as Jesus lived, and loved the way He loved? Join us after Easter and step across the line from fan to follower.

April 27-28 - The Comfortable Cross
May 5-6 - More Than Rules
May 11-12 - Is Jesus Enough?

Then join us for:

May 18-19 - "Find Your Place to Serve" / Volunteer Commitment Weekend

Beginning May 25-26: "WHY?" Series begins...

Ever wonder WHY we do some of the things we do here at the church? Join us from May 25/26 - June 8/9 and discover the answers to WHY we worship like we do, what communion is all about, and the reason for baptism.

Miss a Message? Watch/Listen online!

Pastoral Article

Rev. Lew Wilder, Connections Pastor

Rev. Lew Wilder Every week in worship we ask you to fill out the Communication Card and place it in the offering plate. We take worship time to do this because we think it's important. I am devoting this article to explaining why.

First, and foremost, the Communication Card lets us know that you attended worship on the weekend! We track worship attendance every week, and if you're not here for a few weeks, we become concerned. We miss you when you're not here! If you have ever received a card, a phone call or a letter from me or one of my team, it's out of that concern for you that we communicate. We would like to know of any issues that you may be having so that we can support you. It's a very intentional way for us to care for you.

Another reason we ask for this is so that we can communicate to you opportunities to take advantage of, missionaries to pray for, and opportunities to serve.

Prayer requests are another important reason we take time in the worship service to ask for it. If you have a need that you would like covered in prayer, enter it in the space provided, and rest assured that your request will be prayed for numerous times throughout the week. If your request is confidential or private, you need do nothing, and your request will be placed in the Upper Room to be prayed for by your Pastors and the Upper Room team. If you would like for you request to be remembered by all who enter the Prayer Chapel, just check the second box, and it will be placed there.

And, finally, indicating that you will be joining us for dinner on Tuesday or Wednesday helps us to prepare.

The Communication Card is an important part of our worship time. Please take the time to fill yours out every week. Thanks!

Baptism

Have you ever wanted to take the next step in following Jesus by getting baptized?

Well, here's your chance!

If you've never been baptized before, we are talking about Baptism, and doing baptisms, of all kinds - including full immersion (dunking), in our weekend services on June 8-9.

Baptism We will be baptizing whoever comes forward that day, and will have extra supplies for those who decide on the spot. If you already know you want to be baptized on that day, we'd like to know beforehand.

Please email Jeremy Smith at jsmith@nicevilleumc.org.

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 19, 9:15-10:45 a.m., 905-907, Community Life Center. This is open to anyone and is required for membership (if/when you wish to join).

Next Steps

Beginning or renewing your journey with Christ? Here is where you'll learn to take those next steps in that journey.

Group meets Sundays, May 26 and June 2, 9:30-10:30 a.m., in Room 802.

Contact Stephanie Case at scase@nicevilleumc.org for any questions.

Find Your Place to Serve

Volunteer Commitment Weekend - May 18-19

In April you should have received an email or letter about all the volunteer opportunities available for August 2013 through July 2014. If you did not receive the information, please call Pam Connell at the church (678-4411, ext. 111) and we will get the information to you.

I hope you are prayerfully considering where God is calling you to serve. You can fill out your Volunteer Commitment Card any time before our Volunteer Commitment Weekend, May 18-19.

This can be done online at:

nicevilleumc.org/connecting/serve.html

...or by turning in your card to the church office or dropping it in the offering plate any Sunday.

National Day of Prayer

National Day of Prayer
The theme for 2013 is Pray for America, which emphasizes the need for people to place their faith in the unfailing character of the Almighty God, who is sovereign over all governments, authorities, and men. The theme is based on Matthew 12:21: "In His name the nations will put their hope." Come Thursday, May 2, to Niceville City Hall on Partin Drive for the Niceville-Valparaiso service, at noon.

If you are unable to attend the National Day of Prayer event, please join us in prayer wherever you are. Imagine the outpouring of heavenly power that is possible when millions of Americans unite in prayer.

Student Ministries

Discover Class for Youth/Confirmation:

Father's Day Tributes: Show your love and appreciation for Dad. Tributes will be published in the bulletin on Father's Day weekend, June 15-16. Tribute envlopes will be in the May 25-26 bulletin. Water Night Fill out the envelope; include a donation to Student Ministries, and place it in the offering plate. Envelopes can also be submitted to the Student Ministries office until Wednesday, June 5. Proceeds will benefit Student Ministries (Youth).

Student Ministries Water Night: Wednesday, June 12! For students in grades 6-12. Wear dark colored shirts, modest shorts and bring a towel. Check in at Nexus and Fusion as usual.

Missions Opportunity: "Beautifully Broken"

A Women's Mission Opportunity

Consider joining a team of women only traveling to Ecuador to facilitate a 3-day retreat ministering to single mothers and their children. The trip is June 24-July 3, 2013, and approximate cost is $1800. Scholarships are available. Deadline May 1. Please contact Shannon Rice at srice@onemissionsociety.org or 850-855-3749.

Sharing and Caring Food Drive

It's not too late! April was Niceville UMC's month for focusing our love on a great local ministry: Sharing and Caring. If you would like to donate now/anytime to this important and consistent community ministry, bring donations Monday-Thursday between 9:00 and 1:00 to 104 Bullock Blvd (behind the Pavilion across from the Niceville McDonalds). NOW is our time to step up and shine! Take a look at what they need:

Canned Food/Staples		Household Items/Toiletries
Jelly	Cereal	Laundry Detergent
Peanut Butter	Pancake Mix	Dish Detergent
Peas/Mixed Vegetables	Syrup	Toilet Tissue
Tuna/Chicken	Instant Potatoes	Bar Soap
Canned Meat	Rice	Diapers – all sizes
Canned Fruit	Canned Ravioli	Razors
Spaghetti or other noodles	Canned Spaghetti O's	Shampoo/Conditioner
Macaroni & Cheese	Canned Tomatoes	Toothpaste
Pasta Sauce		Toothbrushes

Wesley Childcare Registration

Wesley Childcare Registration for Summer and Fall 2013-14 is underway! Full-time and part-time options are available for children ages Infant–Pre-Kindergarten.

Forms are available online at nicevilleumc.org/wesleycc or at the Welcome Desk in the Children's Building M-F 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Contact 678-4411 ext.187 for more information.

Recreation

Summer Recreation: Grades 1-5. Program runs June 25 - July 31. Monday is Arts and Crafts Day 2nd-5th Graders only. 12:30-2:00 p.m. Pre-Registration required. Limited to 20 kids. Tuesday is Rec Road Trip Day. Please see schedule for trip details/cost. Pre-Registration required. Limited to 30. Wednesday is Open Gym Day. Drop-in for $7 per child. Gymnasium games and activities. Just come and play! Registration forms and payment must be received prior to event date if pre-registration is required. Summer Recreation: Arts & Crafts Mondays, 12:30-2:00 p.m. Grades 2-5 only. Pre-registration required. Limited to 20 kids. View specific craft details in the Summer Recreation brochure.

Summer Gymnastics! Just for Summer! Grades 1-5. Mondays in July 2-2:40 p.m. Cost is $30 for all 5 classes – no individual class pricing. Limited to 15 kids. Pre-registration required.

Tennis Camp for children Ages 6-10. Thursdays, 2:00-3:00 p.m. June 27-July 25. Cost is $25 for 4 classes – no individual class pricing. Limited to 18 kids. Pre-registration required.

Make Believe Summer Recreation: Preschoolers, ages 4-5. Mondays and Thursdays, 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. beginning June 24 and running through August 1. Each themed week will have games, arts & crafts and stories. Registration starts April 15 and will end once full. Limited to 20 children per date. Pre-registration required.

Adult Indoor Soccer League for ages 18 and up is registering NOW! Early registration cost is $40 per player and increases to $55 after May 16. Registration Deadline is May 23. Games will be played on Friday evenings after 5 p.m. in the gymnasium in June and July. Register online at nicevilleumc.org/recreation or in person at the Community Life Center.

"Angels" Needed

VA Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System is reaching out to the community for Medical Foster Home caregivers to care for our nation's heroes - - our Veterans.

To learn more about the VA Medical Foster Home program you may call: our local Medical Foster Home coordinator at (850) 912-2297 or 1 (866) 927-1420 ext. 32297.
Their website is:
www.biloxi.va.gov/biloxi/services/mfc.asp
or visit our own website at
nicevilleumc.org/congregation-care/ (Congregational Care Ministry)

From the Lil' White House

"Anxiety and Depression"

by Leonard Goldman

In our fast pace, high expectation, always busy culture, we can find ourselves emotionally overloaded or exhausted. Struggles with anxiety and depression are among the most frequent issues, and they tend to go hand in hand. There are a variety of causes for these moods as well as approaches for treatment.

Unfortunately, sometimes, we tend to neglect what God has to say about our emotional well being.

Read the full article at:
nicevilleumc.org/counseling/anxiety.html

Vacation Bible School

June 17-21, 2013 - 9:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

VBS Registration begins May 5:
Early registration through May 27:
$10 per child, family max of $25,
optional shirt-$5
After May 27: $15 per child, no shirt option
Register online: www.nicevilleumc.org/children/
Scholarships available for the registration fee

It takes hundreds of volunteers to make VBS an exciting outreach!
Volunteer at nicevilleumc.org/children/
or call Children's Ministry at 678-4411 extension 187.
Volunteers are still needed for:
Greeting, Classroom Teams, Decorating, Bus Ministry, Prayer.

JUMP in with us as we put our faith in action!

Snack donations NEEDED...
plain M&M's, goldfish crackers, oyster crackers, non-refrigerated chocolate pudding cups, pizza sauce in squeezable bottles, raisins, mini marshmallows. Drop off any donations in the Children's Building.

May Featured Events

2	National Day of Prayer
5	VBS Registration Begins
11	Singles 30-Year Reunion Celebration
12	Mother's Day
16	Senior Commissioning Dinner
18-19	Volunteer Commitment Weekend
19	Discover Class
22	Confirmation Celebration/Baptisms
25	Community Life Center Closed
27	Memorial Day Office Closed
27	Community Life Center Closed
29	Great Night of Children's Music

Great Night of Children's Music

Great Night of Singing On Wednesday, May 29, at 6:30-7:15 p.m. in the Sanctuary, the Aqua Kids (3 yrs.-1st Grade), and the H2O (2nd-5th Grade) children's choirs will present their Great Night of Children's Music

ALYVE (Amazing Love Youth Vocal Ensemble) will be an added feature this year. You will not want to miss this annual performance of over 100 children's voices.

Active Adults 50 Plus

Young at Heart: Join us in the Fellowship Hall, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., on Tuesday, May 7. Andrew and Marielos Griffin will share about their call to Guatemala full time and Andrew will present a mini classical guitar concert. Cost for lunch: $6. Please sign up or cancel by Friday, May 3, noon, 678-4411, or bwilder@nicevilleumc.org

Missions Day! Join us on Thursday, May 16, as we lend a hand to the house parents with some spring cleaning in the family homes providing foster care at The Children's Neighborhood. We will depart at 8:30 a.m. and return at noon. Contact Barbara Wilder, 678-4411, bwilder@nicevilleumc.org.

Explore Atlanta: Monday-Friday, Sept. 23-27. Traveling by motor coach, we have a full week planned beginning with an Atlanta Braves baseball game. Also: Georgia Aquarium, Cyclorama, CNN Studio Tour, World of Coke, Stone Mountain, High Museum of Art, Atlanta History Center. Cost: $525 with double occupancy includes motor coach transportation, all admission fees, 5 meals, lodging, snacks and drinks.Only 12 spots left. Departing from the Niceville campus at 7:30 a.m., with pick up at St Mark campus at 7:50 a.m. Deadline to sign up with deposit is June 1.

"Living Well with Senior Moments" concludes on... Thursday, May 2
Presentation by Heritage Gardens Funeral Home;
Casualty Affairs, Eglin Air Force Base. Join us in Marler Chapel, 6–7 p.m.
Contact Barbara Wilder, 678-4411 or bwilder@nicevilleumc.org

Barbara Wilder
Active Adults
50 Plus Minister
678-4411, ext. 123
bwilder@nicevilleumc.org

Please check our ministry calendar online for what's planned for later months! Simply visit nicevilleumc.org/seniors and click on "Calendar" in the left menu.

Prayerful Concerns

Recently Hospitalized:

RECENTLY HOSPITALIZED:
Holt Agne, Mike Anspach, Bob Apfel, Kathy Barham, Kelly Brown, Rick Comer, Peyton Early, Gordon High, Cindy Jannazo, Sharon Junco, Bette McKinnon, Suzanne Niedbalski, Alayna Nixon, Ruth Randall, Virginia Smith, Lloyd Williams.

Sympathies:

To Doug Burgess on the death of his wife, Jenny,
To Betty Weeks on the death of her husband, Charlie,
To Mike Weesner on the death of his mother,
To Wanda Ward upon the death of her mother,
To Donna Boles on the death of her daughter-in-law,
To JoDean Bean upon the death of her father,
To Lynn Holland upon the death of her mother,
To LeRoy & Joyce Thornal and family on the death of their grandson, Price Thornal,
To the family and friends of Warrene Gaspard,
To Nancy Baldwin on the death of mother, June Swart,
To Rhonda Tippett on the death of her father,
To the family and friends of Errick Springfield,
To Renee Hill on the death of her father,
To Bette McKinnon on the death of her husband, and to Greg McKinnon on the death of his father, Joe,
To Frank Cranor on the death of his sister, Blanche William,
To Ian Sutton on the death of his father, Jonathan.

Thank You...

To Our Church Family, the Body of Christ: We are so grateful to you for your cards, calls, e-mails, flowers, and most of of all, your prayers during the past few weeks after the the tragic loss of our grandson, Price. It was very comforting to know that so many cared. We love you all. In Christ, Leroy (Leak) and Joyce Thornal

Announcements

Giving Envelope Hints: We have many occasions when we cannot post cash giving from the pew/basket giving envelopes because we are unable to read the name. Here are some tips to make sure you get credit for your cash gift:
1. We need your full name. In the case of common names (John Smith), include your spouse or your address.
2. Please print.
3. Please print.
4. Please print.

The Church Library needs your overdue books and/or media back. Please search your home, office or car for any overdue or lost library items and return them to the library as soon as possible. Your cooperation would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Stewardship Report

This report below is an image.

Please Pray for Your Niceville Campus Staff

This listing below is an image.

Staff as of April 2013
For a complete listing of all staff with email links, visit the Staff Contact List online.

Connections Newsletter, Vol. 30, 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.