First United Methodist Church of Mexico Beach, Florida

Jerry Arhelger, Pastor

Psalms 107:29 He makes the storms calm, so that The Waves are at peace and still.
Volume 2 Issue 4
October 2014


Editors: G. Gavorcik
Jeanne Davis
G. Brinkley

Sponsors:
Ralph & Cathey Parker-Hobbs

The Wave
A Word from Pastor Jerry.

Greetings in the Great Joys and Salvation of Our Lord Jesus!

Hi my precious family and friends in God the Father and the Lord Jesus.
We prepare our hearts and places of worship and fellowship for the soon appearing of
our northern friends and family. A small cool breeze can be felt in the early mornings
and soon we will be in the holiday season rejoicing in the Celebration of the Birth of the
King of Kings. All of these are indicators of new seasons (opportunities) and a return to
the refreshing constant truths of the Gospel message.
The world struggles with the battle between light and darkness. Jesus is coming soon!
Guard your hearts always. We must remain faithful to pursue personal peace in true
and honest fellowship with the love and grace found in God our Father through His son
Jesus. Lets lift up our eyes toward the redeemer of our souls and keep the light on!
The Word (Jesus) is Working Mightily in Us and We are the Body of Christ. We do all
things for the glory, honor and praise of the Lord Jesus.
I am excited about new opportunities and outreach with Team Jesus. The call to
Revival and the need to share the Gospel in the Great Commission is moving within
my heart and soul.
Lam 3:21 But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope:
Lam 3:22 The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end;
Lam 3:23 they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Lam 3:24 "The LORD is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in him."
Lam 3:25 The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.
Lam 3:26 It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.
In this scripture found in Lamentations we read about the faithfulness of Our Lord and
that our hope in all situations rest in His love that never ceases. Lets focus on the
price. With all happening in this troubled times always take time to experience His
fresh mercies daily. Great is His faithfulness. Take a moment to meditate upon the
truths of these scriptures.
I love and appreciate you all and I look forward to us serving together as we prepare
the way for the return of Our Lord Jesus.

Love and great blessings to you all always. See you in Worship and fellowship!
Pastor Jerry
In This Issue:
A Word from Pastor Jerry
Bible Study
Choir
Mission Trip to Slidell, LA
Christmas Shoe Box
Food Pantry
Stay In Touch
Ministries
Multi-Media
Events
Cook Books for Sale
Adult Bible Study
Weekly Church Calendar

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Choir
By Wanda Walker
Please join us!
Choir Practice Mondays 6:30pm CT
The choir is preparing for the Christmas season.
We will be performing the music from last years program on Sunday mornings so
those who missed last Christmas season can enjoy the music.
Please plan to join us. We welcome everyone and need your voices!
This will be a special time of sharing and celebrating Jesus.
For more information contact
Wanda Walker
(850) 227-5068 or (850) 648-5395

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Find us online at
www.umcmexicobeachfl.com
And
Like us on Facebook


In the Footsteps
Of the Bible


Join us as our local group shares a pilgrimage through the Holy Land
May 11-21, 2015

Spiritually Directed by Pastor Jerry Arhelger
Led by Catherine Klein of Journeys Travel
For more information and itinerary Contact Catherine 850-387-4221







By Carol Bonanno

On the first Sunday of each month, we will be
collecting a love offering for the pantry.
The money collected will be used to purchase gift
cards for those in need so that perishable items may
be purchased, i.e. dairy, bread, etc.

We thank you for your support.

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Celebrate Recovery
With Ronnie and Jeannie Davis Jones

It is exciting to be part of this
program and to see what happens as we take
this walk with Jesus, toward healing and
recovery from past hurts and freedom from
anything that holds us in bondage.
Gifted Blessings
by Gayle Gavorcik
Our mission is to support our church
ministries as they minister hand in hand to our
community and globally by using the
blessings of God given gifts and talents for
His Glory.
EARLY RESPONSE TEAM
Aka ERT
By Lori Butler



The ERT team will be traveling to Slidell, LA to help
the needy with other volunteers at Epworth
Center. We look forward to serving in whatever way
needed and sharing the love of Jesus with those we
come in contact with. Epworth center is a ministry
that helps rebuild homes and lives. We are excited for
the opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus.
Please pray for our trip to be safe and that we are
effective witnesses for the Kingdom of God.
Lord Bless!
Women of Hope
By Amber Butler
Greetings to all!
The Women of Hope had our first meeting of the new upcoming year on Tuesday, September 23, 2014.
We had about 10 women to attend. We want to extend an invitation to all women for the next meeting
tentatively set for Wednesday, October 15, 2014 at 6:30 p.m. CST.
We have a great time learning about the Lord and coming together for fellowship. During the
September meeting we discussed some ideas for upcoming charity events. We are planning to have a
bake sale for Thanksgiving. We discussed putting together boxes for the annual Operation Christmas
Child charity, and the annual poinsettias sold at Christmas time. We plan to contribute to the upcoming
charity event for Rockin Randall and recently contributed to the charity event for William Thursbay.
We hope to see some new faces at next months meeting and look forward to what the upcoming year
together will bring
God Bless!
Line dancing will resume Wednesday,
November 5 at 9:00 am CT
Contact Ardie Schreck
Womens Small Group
Join us at the Paradise Shores clubhouse on
Thursdays at 9:15 CT
as we study Power Thoughts by Joyce Meyer

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Cook Books Are Still Available
The cook books, which are dedicated to our Pastor, are priced at $10.00 each
Makes a great giff or 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 contact Lori Butler.
Ministries
Jesus

Italian Pot Luck Dinner
With Lindy and Theirry Harrison
October 31 at 6:00 pm CST
in the fellowship hall
Bring your favorite Italian dish to share
Lindy and Theirry will be showing slides and
telling stories from their Italy trip and are
looking forward to any tales from Italy you
may have to share

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Gods Pathlight
By Fred Meschino



https://www.facebook.com/
GodsPathLight
Studies and Lessons leading you to
a deeper relationship with our
Heavenly Father. The focus is in
helping you in your everyday walk.
Adult Bible Study
Frank Healy
9:45 am Sunday
Now studying Numbers
Important Transition for
Two Generations of Gods
People Isreal

Join us as we dig deep into
Gods Word
MEN OF VALOR
Fellowship Breakfast
The Mens Breakfast for October
has been cancelled
Please join us
Saturday, November 1, 2014 at
7:30 AM CST
In the
Fellowship Hall
It is
September 27th and already the trees are starting to change their colors into red, gold, yellow, and all
the most wonderful colors God can imagine. The weather for September has been very warm but we
know cool weather is just around the corner. We Northerners are very fortunate in that we get to
change families and friends for the winter months. One of the best assets of our wintering in
Mexico Beach is The First United Methodist Church with Jerry and all of Gods people and what a
joy it is as we renew friendship from last year. The Bible tells us that once we accept Christ into our
lives every person who has accepted Christ becomes our brother and our sister in Christ, so in
reality we are going to Florida to see our brothers and sisters not just friends. It has always amazed
me that once you find out a person has accepted Christ into their life how close you become and the
2 , 3 or 4 of you can talk for hours about Christ and what He has done for you and how He has
changed your life. Several years ago Lynda and I attended a church in the south and not one person
said hello, introduced themselves or acknowledged our presence and when the Pastor was
dismissing the congregation he said that because they were such a loving church that they should go
out and show their love to all the people they meet. I was their brother and Lynda was their sister
and they did not even say hello or anything to us. That memory has stuck in my mind and I always
try to welcome whoever comes thru the church door as that person IS GODS CHILD. If my blood
sisters, I have 2, came to my church I would certainly be happy to see them and welcome them with
open arms because I love them, and that is how we should welcome any person coming into our
church. The one thing that drew us to FUMC in Mexico Beach was the warm and friendly people
who attended the church. keep up the good work, we have Heaven To FillGOD BLESS
EACH ONE , and we will see you in January
Dave & Lynda Ferguson Ontario Canada
Our View From The North
By Dave & Lynda Ferguson

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Homeless Identification Program
By Ronda Lynch
I am so happy to announce a wonderful praise report for the Homeless Identification
Program HIP. Through the funding from FUMC and the love donations from the
congregation, we have been able to continue helping the homeless individuals and the
at risk individuals gain their identification needs to help them move forward with their lives. In the
process, we have managed to let these individuals know about the Lord, and the Lords moving in their
lives. There have been three individuals in particular that we were able to re-establish asking the Lord to
come into their lives and one of them was a first time soul saying the prayer of salvation. Praise the
Lord! This is surely the Lords mission, and He has exploded this mission with great success. I have
two cards from individuals that just wanted to thank us for the helpthose cards belong to you; they
belong to the Lord. Needless to say, it warms my heart to see the smiles and relief that we are able to
accomplish with your help. Since the idea became a reality, we have successfully obtained 41 birth
certificates, 63 state identification cards, 4 drivers licenses, and 3 marriage certificates. We have 28
individuals that are currently in the process of getting all of their documents in order, 28 applicants who
are waiting to be seen, and 74 absolutely completed goals for individuals that had no way of
accomplishing this on their own. We take the opportunity to talk about the Lord when we see these
individuals, and if we save just one life, it is all worth it. Thank you for being a part of this mission that
was laid upon my heart like a lightning bolt back in January. To God be the glory!!

More information coming soon or contact
Lori Butler or Carol Bonanno

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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 inmates are learning that it will be hard to gain the trust of their family when they are released. They
are also working on their behavior and thoughts. At Calhoun Correctional Institute this class is
not mandatory. At The Gulf Correctional Institute it is mandatory
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.
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
For further information contact Lindy at 678-603-3426

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The church library is a success!
Several from our church family been using the library
lending system to borrow books.
When you use the library please remember to sign your
name and add the requested information when you sign
books out. Then place the books in the designated area
when returning them.
Donations of Christian books are happily accepted
especially for Christian children's books.
For more information please contact
Ardie Schreck at 648-2248
COMMUNITY CRAFTING
Local and Snowbird Crafters will return in January 2015 . contact Sue Nilsen 850-648-5127
MULTI-MEDIA
Cant be at church with us year around?
Would you like to receive Pastor Jerrys
sermons, studies, videos and other sharing of
Gods Word?
Available by email, online, facebook or CD
For further informaton contact Gayle Gavorcik at
ggavorcik@icloud.com or 330-204-8839
Join Us For Breakfast!
Come Fellowship!
On the 3rd Sunday each month
between services in the
fellowship hall
Gary Schloerb, Frank Healy, Jim Chambers
and Bob Ingram
Thank you for your hard work each month
5th Sunday Combined Service and
Pot Luck Dinner

In each month with a 5th Sunday we will have a
combined service followed by a potluck dinner.
Plan to join us for a wonderful time of worship followed
by great food and fellowship.
Heavenly Hammers
By Tom Gavorcik
Heavenly Hammers will be in full swing
again soon in the Mexico Beach to St. Joe Beach area.
Thank you to Ron Rakestraw and others who kept up with
projects this summer and for making our ministry a
success.
Stay tuned for upcoming projects!
Congratulations!



Ronnie & Jeannie
Jones
September 28, 2014

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A Heart For Prayer
By Cathy Rigdon
[Read Psalm 27] Two little girls, ages 4 and 2, were being kept busy by their mother while traveling on an
airplane so they wouldnt disturb the other passengers on the flight. When the pilots voice came over the
intercom for an announcement, Catherine, the youngest, paused from her activities and put her head down. When
the pilot finished, she whispered, Amen. Because there had recently been a natural disaster, perhaps she
thought he was praying.
Like little Catherine, I want a heart that turns my thoughts toward prayer. I think that the psalmist David had that
kind of heart a childs and we see indications of that in Psalm 27 as he speaks of facing difficult enemies
(vs. 2). In vs. 8, he says, your face, LORD, I will seek. Some say that David wrote this psalm when he was
fleeing from Saul (1 Sam. 21:10) or perhaps his own son, Absalom (2 Sam. 15:13-14). That prayer and
dependence on God were in the forefront of Davids thinking is apparent as we look closely at his words; and
he was not disappointed as God proved to be his sanctuary (vs. 3-4).
We need a sanctuary as well. Perhaps reading this psalm (or others, such as 34, 37, 46 or 86 for example) can
help us develop a closer prayer relationship with God. Some guidelines to use as we read are to first pray and ask
God to connect with us as we read His Word, to be open to what God has to show us as we read. Second, as you
read, read slowly and take note of any words or phrases that seem to stand out to you. You make want to re-read
the Scripture again. Third, reflect on what God is saying to you through His Word and lastly, respond (pray) to
God by telling Him what is on your heart and mind from what you have read. Dont worry about the word you
say just express your heart to God and nestle down close to Him. As God becomes our sanctuary, our hearts
will naturally and more readily turn to Him in prayer, bringing about a closer, more intimate prayer relationship
with our Father God.
In prayer, God can still our hearts and guide our minds.
{Based on original material by Anne Cetas, OUR DAILY BREAD, **2014 by RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.}

by Carol Bonanno

Our church family continues to visit, minister to, supply food and transportation for
members of our church family and our community
Some volunteers expressed the concern that they would not be able to physically
visit ill parishioners but they would be able to phone them or send a card.
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.

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SUNDAY
8:30 am Worship Service
9:45 am Adult Bible Study
11:05am Contemporary Worship
Childrens service
Childrens Church
Communion 1st Sunday
Love offering for Food Pantry 1st Sunday
Combined Service (10am) followed by Pot luck dinner 5th
Sunday Breakfast every 3
rd
Sunday between services
MONDAY
8:00am Exercise
6:00 pm Worship Comm. Meeting (1
st
Monday)
6:30 Choir Practice
TUESDAY
10:00 am Council on Aging 1st and 3rd Mon.
6:00 pm Trustees Meeting 1st Tuesday

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY
8:00am Exercise
9:15 am Womens Group Power Thoughts
6:30 pm Bible Study
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
Church Web Page: http://umcmexicobeachfl.com/
Weekly Church Calendar
Watch the weekly bulletin for special events!
(all times central)
Friday


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First United Methodist Church of Mexico Beach
PO Box 13652
Mexico Beach, FL 32410
First United Methodist Church
Of Mexico Beach, FL
111 N. 22nd Street
Mexico Beach, Fl 32456
(850) 648-8820
Jerry Arhelger, Pastor
umcjerry@gmail.com

Sunday Worship:
Traditional 8:30am CT
Contemporary 11:05am CT
First United Methodist Of Mexico Beach









Pastor Jerry Arhelger

Ministering to the beaches hand in hand