Seaside United Methodist Church

Volume 29, Issue 6 June 2020

A Note from Francis

Greetings Seaside. Well, here we are. It’s June. What a year it has been. There have

been many twists and turns in our journey. We have encountered many peaks and valleys. In

and through it all, we have discovered what we already knew, God is present with us! It’s been

a year with laughter and tears as we have experienced life together.

In recent days, my thoughts have gone back to the day in which I was introduced as the Wilmington District

Superintendent. I said, quite off the cuff, “this may be the end to the Wilmington District as we know it.” Little did I know that in

three years the entire Annual Conference would reorganize and the Wilmington District would cease to exist, replaced by the

Harbor District.

Last June I was appointed as the Intentional Interim of Seaside UMC and I thought, with this Bladen County boy going to

SUMC, it might change worship as we know it. Well guess what, we have not worshipped in the church since mid-March.

Hopefully, the effect will not be long-lasting.

Putting all kidding aside, my coming to Seaside has changed things for me. You as a congregation have blessed Gail and

me more than you can possibly know. The past couple of years have been particularly difficult for this congregation, but you have

never lost sight of your purpose or your ministry. You have given me a place to preach and allowed me the privilege of walking at

your side on this journey. I know it is difficult to believe but I, a preacher, am at a deficit for words with which to express my

gratitude for you.

In addition to being a wonderful congregation, you are blessed with a great staff. Everyone has impressed me with their

commitment, not just to the church or to their job, but to their Lord. If ever there was a doubt about that, these past couple of

months should have erased any and all concerns. They are not only a blessing to the church but they have been a true blessing to

me.

On June 21, I will conclude my time as Senior Pastor of this great church. In my departure I am excited for your new

pastor, Rev. Gene Cobb along with his wife Brenda as they arrive on the scene on June 23. However, I am also excited for Seaside

Church. I believe this is the beginning of a wonderful relationship between pastor and church with ministry leadership well into

the future.

Please know that I will be praying for you in the years ahead. Gail and I will miss you but we leave knowing that you are

in good hands, the same hands you’ve been in all along, the Lord’s. Continue to trust God’s leading in the ministry that awaits.

Just as God has used his church in countless ways in the past, God will continue to do so in the future.

From time to time we expect to be in the area, drawn by all that this place offers to retirees such as ourselves. It will be a

joy for our paths to cross. Should such a moment occur, please do not hesitate to speak. You may have to jog my memory.

Still in One Peace,

Francis

God’s

Sanctuary

by the

Sea

Friends:

Page 2

O radiant God, in the midst of

tribulation, suffering, crippled

hope and shattered dreams,

stand by these Your servants

until they are well once more.

Father Hear Our

Prayers

Praying for:

Friends & family members

Un-churched

Divorced/separated

Un & under employed

Persecuted Christians

Children of the world

Human Trafficking

Law Enforcement

Peace talk

Providence Home

Victims of violence, abuse,

terror attacks & natural

disasters

Veterans

Abortion Laws

Leaders of our Country

Prayer Requests Contact:

Marlen Mapes

mjmapes@atmc.net

Phone 575-6007

Candie Meier

candiem1@gmail.com

Phone 599-8089

Freddy Tatum

fetatum@atmc.net

Phone 579-1187

Friends

Lou Alliotta

Mary Androski

Francis Aloysius

John Androski

Betsey Arrelano

Jill Aspy

Margie Bailey

Jason Bolick

Thomas Bryson

Jana Case

Maria Comer

Rosemary Connell

Jimmie Davis

Jordan Edwards

Ben Fara

Brian Federaro

Helen Fleming

Linda Haddad

Mini Haynes

Todd & Michelle Higgins

Allison Hughes

Bryan Hyde

John

Cheryl & Chris Jenkins

Neil Kennedy

Joe Kirby

John Kirtley

Paul Kuwik

Barbara Lipton

Lorraine

Pat Manser

Jerry McCormick

MC Moody

Linda Morgan

Charles Moore

Rich & Diane Nevins

Erin O’Laughlin

Kay O’Neal

Tom Page

Tyler Pence

Andy Preseau

Marc Roulier

Tommy Rushing

Savannah

Rob Shoemaker

Justin Simmons

Sterling

Kris Thompson

Everett Vail

Ray VandenBerghe

Nathan Vonhausen

Peter Walsh

Lesley Williams

Members

Family of Jack Bartlett

Carol Sigafoos & Family

Family of Len Steiner

Family of Charlotte Sweeney

Members

Samantha Keisler &

Family

Jackie Lewis

Frank Malkin

Virginia Marshall

Mike Matlock

Betty Pursey

Joyce Redgrave

Sue Amyx-Eggert

John Benson

Sue Bowling

Lisa Crumlish

Perry Day

Donna Groenke

Lynn Hoefflin

Brenda Hollyfield

Zane Blakeley

Matthew Bronson

Justin Bryson

Carson Dowell

Dale Ellis

Jo Hoffman

Kristina Kelley

Tyler Kelley

Marschal Martens

Matt Monroe

Roger Shoemaker

Trey Shuler

John Verneau

Friends

Family of Carol Bright

Family of Wendy Cadwell

Family of Tracy Clontz

Family of Carol Hosselini

Family of Carolyn Jenkins

Family of Betx Lowery

Please contact us with

updates every 30 days.

Bereavement

Serving

Our Country

John Sloper

Bob Wiltbank

Bev Williams

Jan Withrow

Peggie York

You Can Play an Important Role in Our Stephen Ministry...

...because you may know of a friend, neighbor or relative who is going through

a difficult time and who could benefit from the focused care, encouragement

and support of a Stephen Minister. If you know of someone who is hurting and

want to learn more about how you might connect them with Stephen

Ministry, call (confidentially) Mary Ann at 910-231-5437 or Deb at 607-761-8451, both Stephen

Leaders here at Seaside. In John 15:12 Jesus says, “This is my commandment, that you love one

another as I have loved you.”

Family of Iva Ryne

Family of Vance Tingler

Family of Clarence & Mildred

Willoughby

June 7: Trinity Sunday Genesis 1:1-2;4a and Psalm8 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 Matthew 28:16-20

June 14: Genesis 18:1-15, (21:1-7) and Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 Exodus 19:2-8a and Psalm100 Romans 5:1-8 Matthew 9:35-10:8, (9-23)

June 21: Genesis 21:8-21 and Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 Jeremiah 20:7-13 and Psalm 69:7-10, (11-15), 16-18 Romans 6:1b-11 Matthew 10:40-42

June 28: Genesis 22:1-14 and Psalm 13 Jeremiah 28:5-9 and Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18 Romans 6:12-23 Matthew 10:40-42

Given In Memory Of: Joyce Hilgenberg

By: Dr. James F. Hilgenberg

Given In Honor Of: Kathy Fisher

By: Kenneth & Rebecca Seibert

Memorial/s & Honoraria

Seaside United Methodist Golf Tournament Rescheduled to August 15

The Thistle Golf Club On-line Registration Now Open

If you have registered to play on the original tournament date of June 6, the UMM Golf Committee will contact you regarding the August 15 date. Visit our website at www.seasideumc.org and click on the golf banner to register and pay on-line. If you have any questions regarding your registration or the August 15 date, please contact UMM golf committee member Wayne Matthews at 910-575-4267. Proceeds of the tournament benefit all of the charities that the United Methodist Men support.

As "social distancing" continues, new ways of keeping in touch with each other and worshipping remotely as a church family are so important. YouTube: Sunday Worship Services and Special Videos We are video recording the sermon and posting it to our new Seaside YouTube channel. Open the YouTube app, type Seaside United Methodist Church in the search bar and once you find our YouTube Channel, you can "Subscribe" and then be notified anytime we upload any new content. Special Emails and Updates from the Pastors: If you receive Seaside's Thursday "Currents" email, you will automatically receive all special emails and updates. Facebook: Seaside UMC has a Facebook page with all sermons and special videos posted as soon as they post to YouTube. Texting: Your Seaside Staff wants to stay in touch with you as best as possible during this time of "social distancing." We have the ability to send text messages to you, if you would like. Please note that you must opt in to receive them. Signing up for text updates is simple. Just text the word "START" to 910-490-2216. You will then receive an automated reply letting you know that we received your request. You can also stop them by opting out. Telephone: Seaside's Congregational Care team and staff continue to reach out to those members of our church family that are homebound or most vulnerable. Keep in mind that each of us is a member of Seaside's Congregational Care team and have the ability to make a difference in someone's life by a simple phone call.

God Bless You I seek in prayerful word, dear friend, My heart’s true wish to send you, That you may know that, far or near, My loving thoughts attend you.

I cannot find a truer word, Nor better to address you; Nor song, nor poem have I heard Is sweeter than God bless you!

God bless you! So I’ve wished you all Of brightness life possesses; For can there any joy at all Be yours unless God blesses?

God bless you! So I breath a charm Lest grief’s dark night oppress you, For how can sorrow bring you harm If ‘tis God’s way to bless you? And so, “through all thy days may shadows touch thee never” But this alone-God bless thee- Then art thou safe forever. Author Unknown

An Ascension/Aldersgate Message from Bishop Hope (Published May 24) Dear United Methodist friends, Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus Christ. This year, Ascension Day and Aldersgate Day converge meaningfully on our calendars on Sunday, May 24. To a narrow question of limited hope, Jesus responded, announcing that you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. With Christians near and far, we are humbled, connected and encouraged as we hear the promise of power and the privilege of witness. On May 24, 1738, John Wesley felt his heart strangely warmed as the weight of striving was displaced by the gift of faith. Methodists mark this as the day when a whole new world opened for ministry. Thank you for your creativity and perseverance in the new world in which we now find ourselves. In the stillness of physical distancing, at this time of Ascension and Aldersgate, let us center our hearts, our lives, our plans calmly, graciously, confidently. God is with us. And so, as those who share hearts strangely warmed, as recipients of God's purpose and power, let us. . . Be confident that Christ's ministry is urgent in this time of anxiety, danger, uncertainty and grief. We lament with our communities the losses of this season: losses of safety and stability, of employment, of anticipated celebrations, of funerals, of time with beloved elders and little children. Let us share our grief faithfully, using the scriptural practice of lament, as we mourn with those who mourn. Jesus promises that those who mourn will be comforted. And after we have suffered for a little time, the God of all grace. . .will restore, support, strengthen and establish you - I Peter 5:10. Be confident that our ministry is not about our buildings, as helpful as they can be to us. While we might gather in our facilities, it does not seem loving, wise or safe to do so. Our buildings have small foyers and classrooms, narrow doorways and hallways. Our facilities were created to draw people together, not to help them be socially distant. Giving thanks for your facilities, carefully evaluate them before welcoming people into them. Let us keep the health and safety of all people in the center of our decisions. Be confident in God's vision for humankind and the whole creation. COVID-19 has laid bare the harsh realities of inequity, systemic injustice and racial prejudice in our communities, our state and our world. Let us do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with God through reading, study, prayer, conversation, engagement, advocacy and witness. May all who identify as white own the reality of power and the urgency of dismantling white privilege and racism as we lament the disparities that COVID-19 and the recent racial murders of Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor make painfully clear. Be confident in the continued generosity of God's people. Boldly invite generosity as people continue to be constrained in their homes. While many experience personal economic impact from the pandemic, many others yearn to serve and give and are responding to invitations to share of their abundance. The hope of a higher offering is a misguided reason to resume face-to-face worship. We are learning that the willingness and eagerness to support financially God's mission is not tied as closely to physically gathering as we have thought it to be. It is tied to the confident and graceful invitation to give in order to share in God's ongoing mission in the world. Be confident that God is calling us out into a new future. God is ever-onward, and we are a pilgrim people. There is no going back to pre-COVID-19. There is only going forward. Let us continue reaching out by telephone and internet, connecting virtually to pray and learn and worship, serving and planning in ways that are appropriate and safe for our neighbors. As the time comes to gather safely, we will continue our experiments as we connect virtually with new people in new places in new ways into the future. We Methodists are Ascension and Aldersgate people, witnesses with warmed hearts. Your creativity, compassion and

commitment inspire your churches and your communities. I give thanks for each of you today.

Seaside Electronic Recycling Fair (SERF) Saturday, June 13

We are moving forward with this on June 13 from 9AM to Noon or until the truck is full, whichever comes first. Our partner, Southern Environmental Solutions of the Carolinas is ready

to be here. The Shed will NOT BE OPEN to accept your electronic items for recycling. We apologize for any inconvenience. Items accepted are anything that carries an electric or electronic charge, AC or DC. We are confident that we can keep volunteers and visitors safe by adhering to social distancing rules and safe, healthy practices. We’ll be able to remove items directly from your vehicles to store in the truck; there should be no need for you to get out of your vehicle. Thanks for your flexibility, understanding and assistance!

Greetings to you all as we continue looking forward to a new “normal” at Seaside. As you know, the Country Fair Spring Fling (CSFS), originally scheduled for the

week of May 19-23, was cancelled. A “Mini CFSF” originally scheduled for June 13th has also been cancelled. Many Seaside members have been asking “When is the Shed going to open?” The Country Fair Steering Committee is aware of this and wants to allow our patient congregation the opportunity to donate items that would have been collected for the CFSF (Housewares, Sports/Leisure, Tools/Hardware/Electronics and Garden). Due to the changing and unknown plans for Seaside’s opening, this has been put on hold. As of this writing, the Steering Committee does not know what guidelines will be in place, what the timeline might be and what the impact on our church might be. Our main concerns are three-fold: (1) Limited storage space in our Bins at Ample Storage (we don’t have the space to store goods from both the CFSF and the CF. (2) Will we have enough volunteers willing to come to church (whenever that may be) to do the work that needs to be done? (3) Planning for the Country Fair Fall Festival (CFFF), which as of this writing, is still scheduled for late October. The Country Fair Steering Committee greatly appreciates everyone’s understanding and patience. The recent pandemic has forced ALL of us to think, behave and plan differently. As soon as we receive guidance on what will happen, we will make a decision and communicate it to you! Be well! Kim and Carolyn

Country Fair

Monday, July 6—Friday, July 31 8:15 AM—4:00 PM Daily

As of this writing, plans continue to welcome 21 students to Seaside’s STARS Summer Literacy Program this summer.

STARS leadership continues to monitor and work to comply with all CDC, State, and American Camp Association guidelines for

summer camps, to keep everyone as safe as possible during this unique time.

Following is information on the daily schedule as well as volunteer needs:

7:45—8:15 AM Students arrive: Parents remain at drop-off until child’s temperature is taken, health questions asked, etc. If all is

good, students enter through preschool doors and parents depart. Students will go directly to their classroom until it is time for

breakfast. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO ASSIST WITH SIGN-IN

8:15 AM Breakfast/Noon Lunch: Tables will be widely separated in the Fellowship Hall and students will eat meals with their class.

Breakfast/Lunch Volunteers will be assigned to one table only and will be asked to wear masks. The volunteers will have the tables

ready to go with food placed on the table prior to the children coming in and then assist with any needs at their table and wipe

down table & chairs following the meal. Children will remain at their table during the meal. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR

BREAKFAST AND LUNCH. IF POSSIBLE, CONSIDER SPECIFIC DAYS EACH WEEK. Breakfast volunteers—7:50 to 9:00 AM, Lunch

11:30 AM—1:00 PM

8:45—noon, 12:30—1:30 PM: Children will have instructional time in their classroom. With the change to a four week program

and 80 hours of instructional time required, there will be an extra hour of instructional time after lunch.

1:30—4:00 PM Enrichment time: This year all enrichment activities will take place at Seaside with plans to offer a diverse schedule

of activities that are both fun and educational. 2-3 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED EACH DAY from 1:30—4:00 PM to assist the TA’s that

will be helping in the afternoons.

Transportation: Transportation will not be offered this year, either daily or for field trips. Monday Night Dinners: Parent engagement will look much different this year. Due to distancing guidelines and recommendations, no large gatherings will be held. STARS leadership is working with the teachers on how to effectively engage with parents regarding student progress. STARS leadership is also exploring ways to provide the Monday night “meal” in a creative and different manner. Interested in Learning More About Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteers, especially at sign-in and meal time are critical to the program. That said, we understand that especially this year, folks need to feel safe and comfortable in volunteering. Please contact Meg at 910-620-3706 (cell phone) or email her at megood@seasideumc.org by Wednesday, June 10. This year we will not use on-line daily scheduling as we have the past two years. All scheduling will be done individually by Meg. Prayers: Thank you for your continued prayers for God’s guidance in this planning process

Caring for Others

During this time of “social distancing,” so many from Seaside’s family of faith have set

an example in caring for others; their family members, church family members,

neighbors and friends.

Seaside’s Stephen Ministry recently received a CareMail that offers great advice for

caring for grieving persons during social distancing. Even when you can’t offer care in

person, there are still ways to be a light in the darkness of someone’s grief. Seaside’s Stephen Ministry team

felt these were great reminders for all of us as we care for others.

• Be there emotionally for the person. When you are not able to be physically present, you can still let the person know you are there for them and you do care. As you connect with them, give them your full attention.

• Encourage the honest expression of feelings. In a caring way, ask how the grieving person is really doing and what they’re thinking and feeling, and show that you are willing to listen.

• Listen and validate. Validating lets the person know you heard what they said and you accept that they feel that way. For instance, if the person says, “Sometimes it hurts so much I don’t know what to do,” a validating response would be “That sounds awful. I’m sorry you’re going through that.”

• Avoid platitudes or other words that discount the person’s feelings. Platitudes are words that sound caring or helpful on the surface but usually end up causing further pain, such as “She lived a good, long life” or “Only the good die young.” Words that discount the person’s feelings include “At least . . .” or “You shouldn’t feel that way.”

• Let the person know that it’s okay to grieve. Too often people feel pressured to rush through their grief or bury their feelings, and that may be especially true in the current crisis. Grieving is normal, natural, and necessary. Encourage the person to take the time they need to grieve.

• Be there for the long term. Grief takes time, so if you’re willing and able, let the person know you’ll be there for them throughout the grief journey—and then follow through. Check in periodically to see how they’re doing. They’ll likely appreciate knowing you remember their loss and still care.

Even though it’s not the same as in-person care, these behaviors can make a big difference to someone who’s grieving, especially during these times when people may be feeling very alone.

2 Timothy and Titus

Daily Reading Schedule for June

June 1: II Timothy 2:14-19

June 2: II Timothy 2:20-26

June 3: II Timothy 3:1-9

June 4: II Timothy 3:10-17

June 5: II Timothy 4:1-8

June 6: II Timothy 4:9-15

June 7: Worship

June 8: II Timothy 4:16-22

June 9: Titus 1:1-16

June 10: Titus 2:1-15

June 11: Titus 3: 1-7

June 12: Titus 3: 8-11

June 13: Titus 3:12-15

June 14: Worship

In recent weeks, Seaside's staff have experienced issues with both sending and receiving emails. Many inter-staff emails are going to spam, as well as emails that we

receive from you. In addition, Zoom invitations are not being received when sent, causing the participant to either miss the call or sign-in late. Following are suggestions if you experience these issues: Email: Check your junk or spam folder frequently. Where possible, indicate that the sender's emails should not be classified as Spam. Please allow the recipient time to open and respond to your email. Zoom Invitation: If you know you have been invited to attend a Zoom call and have not received the invitation with meeting information at least 5 minutes prior to the meeting start time, text the call host and advise them that you have not received the invitation. Technicians have been contacted to help understand these issues. With the increase in email and on-line meetings, it may be internet volume that is responsible. Thank you for your patience as we work through this.

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June 1

Randy Thompson Barb Bernauer Randy Howell

Brian King Kathy Duckworth

June 2 Fred Robertson Kurt Jacobson

June 3 Flo Strickland

June 5 Guy Camino

June 6 Brent Jackson

Lyda Force Jill Ellringer

June 9 Gwen Wiseman Stephen Harris

Sara Moore

June 12 Mary Lou Farr

Paul Brown

June 13 Suzanne Sourwine

Deb Wensel

June 14 Patty Brisson

Debbie Sain-Bissett Kathryn Parker

Linda Smith

June 15 Billy Sirk

June 16 Betty Jane Pursey Nancy Kingman

Tim Parsons-Gilman

June 18 Jim Boone Bob Biser

Glendora Moses

June 19 Carol Aspy Dick Giblin

June 21 Mary Sleker

June 22 Sandy Campbell

June 23 Toby Ream

June 24 Dianne Jones Donnie Pike Jim Varner

June 25 Randy Bowling Linda Hedman Bev Williams

June 26 Jamie Shoemaker

June 27 Lynn Shoemaker Sue Amyx-Eggert

June 29 Ed Zimmerlee

Donna Groenke

June 30 Jeff Oxnard

June 1 Trip & Jackie Purcell

June 2 Michael & Martha Hetrick

Michael & Sherri Shytle

June 3 Roger & Sharon Terry John & Carol Sloper

Richard & Heidi Berger Cliff & Roz Dahlen

June 4 Dick & Freddy Tatum

June 6 Doug & Dottie Scalzo

June 7 Larry & Ruthie Cramer

June 8 Gerry & Diana Strickland Charles & Debbie Gurreri

June 9 Jamie & Mary Webster Shoemaker

June 10 Ed & Erdeen Zimmerlee Wade & Ginny Goyne

Ralph & Donna Gardner Paul Miraglia & Penny Sue Spohn

June 11 Don & Pat Lehman

Kim & Peg Frankford Tom & Sheree Seben

June 14 Tom & Linda O’Laughlin

June 15 Preston Kelly & Betty Snyder

June 17 Donnie & Ann Pike

June 18 Phil & Kathryn Parker

June 20 Larry Carleton & Dianne Jones

June 22 Guy & Nancy Camino John & Mary Lou Farr Dan & Michele Foote

Jeff Oxnard & Joanne Jenkins

June 23 Gil & Kathy Johnson

Jay & Gaye Kerr Barry & Gerry Hartman

June 24 Lloyd & Jennifer Shaffer

June 28

Bob & Sandie Bell Nick & Pam Gilbert Lin & Linda Bradley

8 am Traditional Service

( Communion every Sunday)

9:30 am Praise Service

(Communion 1st Sunday each month)

11 am Traditional Service

(Communion 1st Sunday each month)

Seaside United Methodist Church

1300 Seaside Road, SW

Sunset Beach, NC 28468

(910) 579 5753 Fax: (910)575-6535

Web: www.seasideumc.org

ELECTRONIC SERVICE REQUESTED Non-Profit Org.

U.S. Postage Paid

PAID

Shallotte, NC

Permit No. 102

Church Staff

Senior Pastor: ................................................................................................... Francis Daniel

Executive Pastor: .............................................................................................. Stefanie Riley

Minister of Music: ............................................................................................ Kathryn Parker

Director of Congregational Care: ..................................................................... Carol Sigafoos

Director of Discipleship Ministries: .................................................................. Nancy Camino

Assistant Director of Contemporary Worship Music: ...................................... Lynn Enzor

Assistant Director of Traditional Worship Music: ............................................. Janette Schroeder

Director of Worship Technology: ...................................................................... Tim Duclos

Director of Communications: ........................................................................... Mary Ellen Good

Office Manager: ............................................................................................... Kathleen Thompson

Administrative Assistants: ................................................................................ Linda O’Laughlin

.......................................................................................................... Cindy Hardy

Nursery Coordinator: ....................................................................................... Sandie Bell

Director, STARS Program: ................................................................................. Barb Duclos

Facilities Manager/Custodian: .......................................................................... Rick Burge

Custodian: ......................................................................................................... Samantha Keasler