5 9 9 E i g h t h A v e n u e5 9 9 E i g h t h A v e n u e —— C r e s t v i e w , F l o r i d a 3 2 5 3 6C r e s t v i e w , F l o r i d a 3 2 5 3 6T e l e p h o n e : ( 8 5 0 ) 6 8 2T e l e p h o n e : ( 8 5 0 ) 6 8 2 -- 2 0 1 82 0 1 8 -- E m a i l : o f f i c e @ c r e s t v i e w f u m c . g c c o x m a i l . c o mE m a i l : o f f i c e @ c r e s t v i e w f u m c . g c c o x m a i l . c o m

W e b S i t e :W e b S i t e : W W WW W W .. W E L C O M E H O M EW E L C O M E H O M E 22 C R E S T V I E WC R E S T V I E W .. C O MC O M

36 CHRISTIAN WAYS TO REDUCE STRESSI borrowed this from Julia Gassett, read and enjoy.

An Angel says, “Never borrow from the future. If you worry about what may happen tomorrow and it doesn’thappen, you have worried in vain. Even if it does happen, you have to worry twice”.

1. Pray2. Go to bed on time.3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.4. Say NO to projects that won’t fit into your time schedule or that will compromise your mental health.5. Delegate tasks to capable others.

6. Simplify and unclutter your life.7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don’t lump the hard things all together.10. Take one day at a time.11. Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety. If

you can’t do anything about a situation, forget it.12. Live within your budget; don’t use credit cards for ordinary purchases.13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut) This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.17. Get enough rest.18. Eat right19. Get organized so everything has its place.20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life.21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.22. Every day, find time to be alone.23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don’t wait until it’s time to go to bed to try

and pray.24. Make friends with Godly people.25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good “Thank you Jesus.”27. Laugh.28. Laugh some more29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).32. Sit on your ego.33. Talk less; listen more.34. Slow down.35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.36. Every night before bed, think of one thing you’re grateful for that you’ve never been grateful for before. GOD HAS A WAY OF

TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU. “If God is for us, who can be against us?”Pastor Bruce

Parents,Vacation Bible School is right around the corner! Come join usfor Adventures on Promise Island June 4-8, in the eveningsfrom 6:00 to 8:00. The Bible tells us that God always keeps Hispromises and His promises will never change. Amid swaying palmtrees, exotic wildlife, and welcoming sunshine, children will ex-perience life-changing adventures and explore what the Biblesays about the promises of God. Each day on Promise Island,kids will see God at work in the lives of Old and New TestamentBible people and realize that God’s promises are for us too! Sojoin the fun on Promise Island! God’s promises never change,but your life definitely will!

Please be in prayer as we are preparing for our BIGGEST CHILDREN'S OUTREACH EVENT ofthe year. Pray for VBS and for the children's ministry to spread the GOOD NEWS to asmany children as possible. Invite children in your neighborhood to come. Pick up extra VBSregistration forms and give them to every child you know. Pray for the volunteers who havealready been working hard and diligently making preparations. Join up with us and serve Christthrough this ministry. We are still in need of volunteers. It will be absolutely awesome to wit-ness how God can use us to reach children with the message of salvation! VBS is an investmentin eternity!

Thank You,Mrs. Vicky

Children's ActivitiesSundays: 8:00 am Nursery (Infants up through 5 years old)

9:30 am Sunday School11:00 am Children's Church

Tuesdays: 9:00 am -12:00 Mom's Morning OutWednesdays: 6:00-7:30 pm Children Small GroupsFridays: 9am -12pm Mom's Morning Out

May 11th 5pm - 9pm Parents Night OutJune 4th-8th 6pm - 8pm Vacation Bible School

Donation HeartGold Fish

&Capri Sunsare neededthis month!

Mom's Morning OutMom's Morning Out is held on Tuesdays andFridays from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon. This isstaffed by our trained nursery personnel. You

can contact Elaine Mistele at 306-1092 orfumcmmo@cox.net to reserve a spot. The costis $12.00 per child per day. Spaces are limitedso call early to reserve a spot for your child.

Parent's Night OutParents Night Out will be held Friday, May 11th,

from 5:00 to 9:00 pm. This is staffed by ourtrained nursery personnel. The cost is $15.00

per child and will include a pizza dinner,entertainment, and snacks. We will play Wii

sports and dance games, do arts and crafts, andwatch a movie. Space is limited. Contact Vickyat the church (682-2018) to reserve a spot for

your child.

Vacation Bible SchoolAdventures on Promise Island

will be held June 4th thru 8thin the evenings from 6pm to 8pm.

On Promise Island, kids discover God’slifesaving love. Amid swaying palm trees,

exotic wildlife, and welcoming sunshine, kidswill experience five powerful, unchanging

promises of God; I am with you I care about you

I give you what you need I will save you I will answer you

Zachary Sanders May 4thChristopher Sanders May 4thMolly Keller May 9thHaley Sara Smith May 9thElise Medlock May 10thEmma Medlock May 10thLogan Allen May 17thJesse Little May 19thMichael LaRoche May 22ndKailey Jade Secondine May 24th

Wesleyan Child Care CenterWe are accepting applications for

VPK for the 2012/2013 schoolyear. The spaces are limited andfilling up fast. Please contact OsaBell at 682-7319 for applicationinformation and to reserve your

child's VPK spot.

"Christ caringfor people

throughpeople"

IN TIME OFCRISIS

CALL ON YOURSTEPHENMINISTER

TheListener’s CreedBy Dale Jordan Heath

I believe I am here-a sister, a brother,

friendby the grace of God

to lend my hand,my shoulder, my ear-

to impart the loveextended to me from

the Father,to be quick to listen,

slow to speak,but speak the truth in

love,to affirm and assure

the low in spiritwith words from God.

I believe I shouldempathize

not criticize or judge,keeping my eyes

open,to realize-

there but for thegrace

of God go I.

SMALL GROUP HAPPENINGS -GET CONNECTED

Small Group Leaders…Something for You

existed small groups carried it along? Did you also know that

Have you heard God’s Spirit say, “You know, I really think it’s

answer back, “But Lord, I don’t know a thing about that. And be-sides, it’s kind of scary! I honestly think you’re whispering in the ear of the wrongperson.”

Really? Do you doubt that God knows what He’s doing? Surely not!

A small group isn’t necessarily one that meets on Wednesday evenings. You mightmeet during the day, or you might already be a Sunday school teacher in an adult

say but, “OK God, I trust you.”

Very soon a Small Group Leaders Gathering will be available for you to come and learnexactly what it takes to lead a smaller group. And if you’ve already heeded the Father’scall, this gathering will give you some new ideas and show you how to take your group

Please let Delynn Roberts know you’re interested in the Small Group Leaders Gather-ing by calling the church office at 682-2018.

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Fishes & LoavesSatisfy Your Hunger & Feed Your Soul

Wednesday Nights @ 5:00 pm in the FH

May 2nd - Chicken Alfredo w/Penne Pasta, Steamed Broccoli & Cauliflower,Tossed Spinach Salad, Garlic Bread & Assorted Cream Cakes

May 9th - Spaghetti w/Meatballs, Fried Zucchini, Cheesy Garlic Bread, Tossed Spinach Salad &Chocolate Parfaits

May 16th - Roast Beef w/Gravy, Rosemary Potatoes, Carrots, Mixed Green Salad, Rolls,Assorted Cream Pies

May 23rd - Meatloaf, Glazed Carrots, Rice Pilaf, Rolls, Tossed Spinach Salad,Upside Down Strawberry Shortcake

May 30th - Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Steak Fries, Baked Beans, Coleslaw &Ice Cream Sundaes.

Reservations Required You must make reservations if you are planning to attend the dinner. You must sign up for

your meals each week no later than Monday at 4:00 pm. Dinners reserved but not eaten will still need to be paid for, so make sure if you will not be

able to attend, you call the church office and cancel your reservation by Monday at 4:00PM.

The cost of the meal will be $6.00 per adult and $3.00 per child (10 years old & under)

Beyond BenevolenceHave you ever felt that you were at the end of your rope because of your circumstances? Ifso, then you can identify with the families that come to our church through the BenevolenceMinistry.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 states “Encourage one another and build each other up, just as in factyou are doing”Through this Ministry we are able to touch lives & encourage others in times of need as Godhas instructed us to. Please know that God loves and cares for you right where you are.

Wherever you are in all that is happening,God does strengthen you to do what He has called you to do.When you are the neediest, He is the most sufficient.When you are completely helpless, He is the most helpful.When you feel totally dependent, He is absolutely dependable.When you are the weakest, He is the most able.When you are most alone, He is intimately present.When you feel that you are the least, He is the greatest.When you feel the most useless, He is preparing you.When it is the darkest, He is the only light you need.When you feel the least secure, He is your Rock and Fortress.When you are the most humble, He is most gracious.Remember in your weakness, He is your strength.

~unknown author~

“I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13The Communion Rail offering in April was $896.00. Thank you so much for your giving hearts!

Serving alongside you, Delynn Roberts

An Invitation To Membership

To the Woman: Who finds meaning in her church and is drawn to fellowship. Whose life is packed full of activity and obligations. Who struggles with loneliness or meaningless tasks. Who is juggling jobs and family and trying to be faithful to both. Who seems overburdened with the traditional woman’s role of caregiver. Who feels she has gifts which are wasted or underdeveloped. Who needs a supportive community to affirm her own purpose and commitment to God….

WE INVITE YOU TO MEMBERSHIPIN UNITED METHODIST WOMEN

Joining this group of committed women is a unique opportunity...no matter who you are or where in your life you are at thismoment..to move in harmony with other women who have been responding to this PURPOSE for over one hundred years.Thanks to all of you who support us in so many ways in our Mission Goals. We could not do it without our church mem-bers and staff who continue to step up and help when we ask them too. The UMW of First United Methodist Church ofCrestview is indeed grateful and thankful for your kindness.Blessings,Judy BrockettUMW Unit President850.682.2676

The Cross and the Next Generation

I believe we live in a culture of fear. The media wants us to live in fearbecause it creates viewers. Politicians want us to live in fear because itcreates votes. It is hard to live well and make good decisions whenoperating out of fear.

I believe fear is what drives much of the church. We fear losing relevance. We fear decliningnumbers. We fear failure. Again, it is difficult to live well and make good decisions when operatingout of fear. It's even more difficult to follow Christ.

Following a Savior who went to the cross will not happen if we are consumed by fear. Perhaps thisis why we turn Christianity into something easier or simpler like: just being positive, prosperitygospel, four-line prayers, one hour on Sunday, being conservative (or liberal) etc....

We mold and shape Christianity into what we want because following the way of the cross isdifficult. In fact, to the world the cross is folly. It doesn't make sense in a culture obsessed with thegods of success, efficiency, and image. I wonder sometimes if the church has fallen victim to thosesame gods.

I'm hoping the next generation will not fall victim to these idols. I hope as a youth pastor I amteaching them and showing them something different. Although I know I fail often.

I pray for a generation that embraces the cross as a way of life. Who follows Jesus even when itdoesn't make sense. Who seeks his calling even when it doesn't seem smart or efficient. I pray for ageneration who is selfless, compassionate, forgiving, non-violent, and worship-full. I pray that theypursue these things not because they "work" but because this is how Jesus lived. And following himis more important than anything else.

Grace and Peace,

Brandon

Student Ministry Updates

Summit—Wednesday Night Worship ServiceCurrent Series: “Relationships By Design”Mission Trip to Inner City Nashville—June 17-22

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1*Ministry Tm Mtg 9MMO 9:00-12:00Kid’s Street*Ladies Bible Study9:30am Room 208

2 *Prayer Grps 7 & 9*Dinner 5:00 pm FH*Bell Choir 5:30 pm*Chancel Choir 6:30 pm*Kid’s Street 6 :00 pm*Youth 6:00 Crossroads*Groups 6:00-7:30 pm

3*Band Practice6pm Sanctuary*Finance Committee7:00 pm Conf Room

4Bus in Use by GroupOne 9:30 am- 3:00 pm*MMO 9:00-12:00Kid’s Street

5*Soup kitchen11:00-12:00FH

6 Communion SundayRegular Schedule*Youth Team SmallGroups 5:30 pm TheCrossroads Center*Praise & Prayer 6:00 pmChapel

7*EmmausReunion6 pm FH

8*Ministry Tm Mtg 9MMO 9am-12pm*Ladies Bible Study9:30am Room 208*WCCC Board Mtg.5:30*Committee Mtgs.6:00*Church Council 7:15

9 *Prayer Grps 7 & 9*Dinner 5:00 pm FH*Bell Choir 5:30 pm*Chancel Choir 6:30 pm*Kid’s Street 6 :00 pm*Youth 6:00 Crossroads*Groups 6:00-7:30 pm

10*9:12 Band Practice6pm

11*MMO 9am-12:pmKid’s Street*Parent’s Night Out5-9pmKid’s Street

12*Soup kitchen11:00-12:00FH

13Regular Schedule*Youth Team SmallGroups 5:30 pm TheCrossroads Center*Praise & Prayer 6pmChapel

14*UMM 6pm FH*Action Outreach6 pm Rm 213

15*Ministry Tm Mtg9amMMO 9am-12pmKid’s Street*Ladies Bible Study9:30am Room 208

16 *Prayer Grps 7 & 9*Dinner 5:00 pm FH*Bell Choir 5:30 pm*Chancel Choir 6:30 pm*Kid’s Street 6 pm*Youth 6 pm Crossroads*Groups 6:00-7:30 pm

17*9:12 Band Practice6pm

18*MMO 9am -12:pmKid’s Street

19*Soup kitchen11am-12pmFH

20 Regular Schedule*Youth Team SmallGroups 5:30 pm TheCrossroads Center*Praise & Prayer 6:00 pmChapel

21 22*Ministry Tm Mtg 9MMO 9am-12pmKid’s Street*Ladies Bible Study9:30am Room 208

23 *Prayer Grps 7 & 9*Dinner 5:00 pm FH*Bell Choir 5:30 pm*Chancel Choir 6:30 pm*Kid’s Street 6 pm*Youth 6 pm Crossroads*Groups 6:00-7:30 pm

24*9:12 Band Practice6pm

25*MMO 9:00-12:00Kid’s Street

26*Soup kitchen11:00-12:00FH

27 Regular ScheduleBlood Drive Today*Praise & Prayer 6 pm

28The office isclosed

29*Ministry Tm Mtg 9MMO 9am - 12pmKid’s Street*Ladies Bible Study9:30am Room 208

30*Prayer Grps 7 & 9*Dinner 5 pm - FH*Bell Choir 5:30 pm*Chancel Choir 6:30 pm*Kid’s Street 6 pm*Youth 6pm Crossroads*Groups 6:00-7:30 pm

31*9:12 Band Practice6pm

“Love is a great thing and good, and alone makes heavy burdenslight, and bears in like balance things pleasant and unpleasant; itbears a heavy burden and feels it not, and makes bitter things sweet.The noble love of Jesus perfectly printed on the soul makes a man todo great things, and stirs him always to desire perfection, growingmore and more in grace and goodness.........Nothing, therefore, ismore sweet than love, nothing higher, nothing stronger, nothing larg-er, nothing more joyful, nothing fuller, nor anything better in heavenor in earth; for love descends from God, and may not rest finally inanything lower than God.” A selected reading from “Of the imitationof Christ” by Thomas a Kempis

Spring is in the air and the world is transforming before oureyes. Life is everywhere if we are so inclined to open oureyes and see what marvelous things the Lord has made. As Iread this from the “Imitation of Christ” I could not help but

think how grand God’s love is for his creation as I study the manyways in which he chooses to express that love. It is most humblingto count the ways if you would only try.

Perhaps I am a bit naïve to the pains of the world when I hear some tell me that they cannot feelthe love of God in their life. Am I a fool to trust such nonsense as an Omnipresent God? The Godwho is everywhere. The ways in which his love is evident are innumerous, yet we doubt. I studiedmy dog this morning as she watched six squirrels feeding on the bird feeder and playing on theporch. They taunt her on purpose. At least that is what she believes. She was shaking with antici-pation of the day the glass door suddenly opens and the squirrels are hers to chase. Red birds flewabout and mocking birds laughed as she trembled with frustration. She gets so worked up as tofinally pass out with exhaustion on the sofa.

The funny thing about my dog is, if let out, she wants to return within a few minutes to the safeconfines of the house. She will whine and cry until let in. My big black dog...on the other hand, isthe outside dog. He sits among the variety of creatures moving about the yard all day long. Heperks his ears and he watches them but never feels the need to chase them. Why...because he isamong them all day long. He accepts the truth that those creatures belong with him in the yard.He accepts them as part of his life.

The evidence of God’s love is about us all day long...that is if you’re in the yard. That is if you’re atpeace with the blessing God has about you. Otherwise, they are on the other side of the glass.The funny thing is...if let into the yard...do you immediately want back into your safe place whereno one can touch you.

“The noble love of Jesus perfectly printed on the soul makes a man to do great things, and stirs himalways to desire perfection, growing more and more in grace and goodness.”

Is it time to walk in the garden of love God has prepared for you? Is it time to give up your safeglass walls that forbid you from interacting with God’s immense promise of life? Jesus said, “I havecome to give you life...a life more abundant.”

Are the squirrels on your back porch?“for love descends from God, and may not rest finally in anything lower than God.”

Paul

Stewardship ReportStewardship ReportApril 2012April 2012

NEEDED WEEKLY: $15,366.00

AAPRILPRIL 11STST THRUTHRU AAPRILPRIL 1515THTH

Average Worship Attendance:523

Average Weekly Offering:$14,566.44

General Budget April Income:$43,699.32

OOURUR MM ISSIONISSION SSTATEMENTTATEMENT

Lead people to Jesus Christ,Involve them in caring for one another,

Equip them to go into the world to create disciples.For our 8:00 am Service:Month of May:

Bill Myers & Gene Wykle

Get to know

Bruce Sheffield, Senior Pastor

Brandon Dasinger, Associate & Youth Pastor

Kelly Clause, Youth Assistant

Kevin Lusk, Minister of Music

Paul Hinton, Contemporary Worship Leader

Vicky Anchor, Children’s Director

Diane Holzschuh, Administrative Assistant

Joyce Amos, Financial Secretary

Delynn Roberts, Ministry Administrator

Mark Clause, Facilities Superintendent

Barbara Strickland, Housekeeping

The Happy Timers

Please call Eloise Coker at 682-2300 for

You do not have to be a member of a SundaySchool Class to participate in Sharing andCaring. Just bring one or two non-perishablefood items every time you come to church andplace in the Sharing & Caring crate by theoffice. God bless you for your generosity.

UMM will meet Monday, May 14that 6:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall.Good food and good fellowship. Allmen are invited!

Don’t forget to eat at Mrs. B’s onThursday nights. 10% of the

proceeds is given to our church.Thank you for helping us in this way!!!

PASTOR BRUCE & THE SHREDDER

Pastor Brandon was leaving his office late one afternoon when hefound Pastor Bruce standing in front of a shredder with a piece of

paper in his hand.“Listen,” said Bruce, “this is a very sensitive and important

document, and Diane is not here. Can you make this thing work?”“Certainly,” said Brandon. He turned on the machine, inserted the

paper, and pressed the start button.“Excellent, excellent!” said Bruce as his paper disappeared inside

the machine, “I just need one copy.”

PresortedNon-Profit Org.

U.S. PostageP A I D

Permit No. 25Crestview, FL

RegularWorship Times

atFirst United

Methodist Church:

Sunday ServicesTraditional Worship in the Christ Chapel: 8:00 am

Sunday School & Children’s Sunday School: 9:30 amBreakthrough2 Worship in the Sanctuary: 9:12 amTraditional Worship in the Sanctuary: 11:00 am

Discipleship Groups & Children’s Church: 11:00 amPrayer & Praise in the Sanctuary: 6:00 pm

**********************************************************

We host dinner and small groups on Wednesday eveningsbeginning at 5:00 pm with dinner and 6:00 pm for smallgroups. These groups are for adults, youth & children.

Please call the church office at 682-2018 For furtherinformation.

599 EIGHTHAVENUECRESTVIEW, FLORIDA32536TELEPHONE: (850) 682-2018EMAIL:OFFICE@CRESTVIEWFUMC.GCCOXMAIL.COMWWW.WELCOMEHOME2CRESTVIEW.COM

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CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE AT:www.welcomehome2crestview.com

View the current newsletter on our website.

If you would like to placeflowers in the Sanctuary or Chapel,contact Cathy Thigpen at 682-0150