Email submissions and photos about special events, musicians, speakers, classes, etc., to faith@crestviewbulletin.com. Send items at least two weeks in advance if possible. Items run on a space-available basis.

Crestview FUMC Chancel Choir to perform

CRESTVIEW — Crestview First United Methodist Church's Chancel Choir will present Joseph M. Martin's Christmas cantata, "Journey of Promises," in December.

Performances are during morning services, set for 8:30 and 11 a.m. Dec. 22 at the church, 599 8th Ave.

Both services will be held in the church's main sanctuary.

Director of the choir is Kevin Lusk. Leon Curenton, the church organist/pianist, accompanies the choir.

Latter-day Saints members to help with genealogy searches

Elder Tom Price and his wife, Irene, full-time missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, travel through Southern Alabama and the Florida Panhandle giving presentations and helping people start their genealogy/family history.

The Prices will be in the region until April 2021 to help public or church groups with genealogy searches.

For questions or to inquire about an event for your group, email them at priceirene@yahoo.com with the word “presentation” as the email subject.

Salvation Army needs volunteers to help ring bells

MARY ESTHER — The Salvation Army invites individuals and organizations to attend its Welcome Campaign Kickoff, which is 10 a.m. Nov. 23 at the main entrance of Santa Rosa Mall, 300 Mary Esther Blvd.

Join the Red Kettle Campaign's Honorary Chair, Northwest Florida Daily News Publisher Tim Thompson, and the Beach Brass for the campaign kickoff.

Share the Christmas spirit by manning a Salvation Army Red Kettle and help the organization continue the tradition of the ringing bells across Northwest Florida communities.

The volunteers make it possible for the Salvation Army to help those in need long after the Christmas tree and decorations have been packed away.

Those who would like to ring the bell Mondays through Saturdays in Okaloosa and Walton county communities may contact Salvation Army Lt. Camilo Rojas at 243-4531; or Board Chair Tom Rice at 302-0266.

RECURRING

AWANA PROGRAM: 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesdays, Joy Fellowship, 5978 Old Bethel Road, Crestview. Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed is for 4-year-olds through fifth-graders. Call 682-6219 to register.

REFORMERS UNANIMOUS: 6 p.m. Fridays, Central Baptist Church, 951 Ferdon Blvd. S., Crestview. Faith-based recovery program for people with any addiction. Directed by Wendell Morgan. 682-5525.

RESTORATION AND RECOVERY MINISTRY: 6:30 p.m. Fridays, Kingdom Life Worship and Training Center, 798 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Crestview. Weekly outreach ministry for healing, restoration, wellness and wholeness. For people who have struggles with addiction.

BREAD OF LIFE OUTREACH MINISTRY: Sign up and a brief ministry and prayers at 11 a.m. and box pick-up is 3 p.m.11 a.m. Fridays, Kingdom Life Worship and Training Center, 798 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Crestview. The church distributes boxes of once a month per person.

CELEBRATE RECOVERY: 7-8:30 p.m. Fridays, Church of New Covenant, 3191 New Ave. N., Crestview. Faith-based 12-step program for people seeking healing from things that keep them from living healthy balanced lifestyles.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FAITH BRIEFS

CRESTVIEW — The congregation of First Baptist Church of Crestview recently voted to have Dr. Stan Lewis become their new lead pastor.

Lewis, who was born in Milton, met his wife, Kristin, while in college at the University of West Florida. The couple have three daughters: Brittan, Lauren and Ashlyn.

Lewis earned a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

“When I was in my 20’s, I really felt the Lord was calling me into ministry,” Lewis said. “I didn’t want to do that, I wanted to be a military pilot, so I ran from the calling. Eventually, I came to understand that was where I needed to go, so I gave up my pursuit of a career in the military to do ministry.”

Since becoming a minister, Lewis has served at many churches, including Olive Baptist Church in Pensacola and the First Baptist Church of Birmingham.

Before his time at First Baptist, Lewis served as an executive pastor at Olive Baptist.

Lewis said he was let go by the church, but it was not due to anything immoral, illegal or unethical. In July, he was called to be the interim lead pastor at First Baptist Church.

“First Baptist was not on my radar; it came out of the blue,” Lewis said. “The pastor search committee reached out to me to be the interim to come in and lead.”

According to Lewis, the church was going through a time of transition and needed leadership in various areas.

Lewis officially became the church’s interim lead pastor on July 14.

“As an interim, you are there as a placeholder,” Lewis said. “You are there to bring some stability and move things in a positive direction and make sure things are stable.”

Lewis signed a six-month contract, but after a couple of months being in the role, Lewis was asked about becoming the official lead pastor. After much prayer with his family, Lewis agreed.

“I didn’t see me being the lead pastor on the horizon,” Lewis said. “I really felt there was another place I would be going but that door never opened. This one did, so we were able to walk through it.”

The church’s congregation voted Lewis into the lead pastor role on Oct. 27.

“We were ecstatic, that was very exciting for us” Lewis said of the vote. “As the lead pastor, you become responsible for the flock, and there’s a much greater level of leadership.”

Now that he has been called as the lead pastor of First Baptist Church, Lewis is looking forward to “bringing aspects of health back to parts of the church.”

Lewis said some of those aspects include mission work, growing as a servant in the the community and seeing the church reach its full potential.

“It’s a very strategic place that it is in, and you are in the middle of a place that is exploding with growth,” Lewis said. “We are excited about playing a part and bringing in some new initiatives that maybe haven’t been done in the past.”

The church held a reception Nov. 16 to celebrate their new lead pastor.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: First Baptist Church of Crestview welcomes new lead pastor

Email submissions and photos about special events, musicians, speakers, classes, etc., to faith@crestviewbulletin.com. Send items at least two weeks in advance if possible. Items run on a space-available basis.

Salvation Army needs volunteers to ring bells

The Salvation Army invites individuals and organizations to attend its Welcome Campaign Kickoff at 10 a.m. Nov. 23 at the main entrance of Santa Rosa Mall, 300 Mary Esther Blvd., Mary Esther.

Join the Red Kettle Campaign's Honorary Chair, Northwest Florida Daily News Publisher Tim Thompson, and the Beach Brass for the campaign kickoff.

Share the Christmas spirit by manning a Salvation Army Red Kettle and help the organization continue the tradition of the ringing bells across Northwest Florida communities.

The volunteers make it possible for the Salvation Army to help those in need long after the Christmas tree and decorations have been packed away.

Those who would like to ring the bell Mondays through Saturdays in Okaloosa and Walton communities may contact Salvation Army Lt. Camilo Rojas at 243-4531 or Board Chair Tom Rice at 302-0266.

RECURRING

AWANA PROGRAM: 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesdays, Joy Fellowship, 5978 Old Bethel Road, Crestview. Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed is for 4-year-olds through fifth-graders. Call 682-6219 to register.

REFORMERS UNANIMOUS: 6 p.m. Fridays, Central Baptist Church, 951 Ferdon Blvd. S., Crestview. Faith-based recovery program for people with any addiction. Directed by Wendell Morgan. 682-5525.

RESTORATION AND RECOVERY MINISTRY: 6:30 p.m. Fridays, Kingdom Life Worship and Training Center, 798 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Crestview. Weekly outreach ministry for healing, restoration, wellness and wholeness. For people who have struggles with addiction.

BREAD OF LIFE OUTREACH MINISTRY: Sign up and a brief ministry and prayers at 11 a.m. and box pickup is 3 p.m. Fridays, Kingdom Life Worship and Training Center, 798 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Crestview. The church distributes boxes once a month per person.

CELEBRATE RECOVERY: 7-8:30 p.m. Fridays, Church of New Covenant, 3191 New Ave. N., Crestview. Faith-based 12-step program for people seeking healing from things that keep them from living healthy balanced lifestyles.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FAITH BRIEFS

Many local churches will have volunteers decorate their cars and fill their trunks with candy for trunk or treat. Some even host a full festival.

Check out the church-hosted Halloween events we found on Facebook.

CRESTVIEW

Trunk-or-Treat at Central Baptist Church

When: 5-8 p.m. Oct. 31

Where: 951 S. Ferdon Boulevard

Trunk-or-Treat is a safe and fun way for families and children to enjoy Halloween.

DESTIN

Destin United Methodist Church Trunk-or-Treat

When: 6-8 p.m. Oct. 23

Where: 200 Beach Drive

This is a free community event. Invite your friends, family and neighbors. The event will have candy, inflatables, popcorn, cotton candy, a dunking booth, candy, games and fellowship.

Village Family Fun Fest

When: 4-6 p.m. Oct. 27

Where: 101 Matthew Boulevard, Destin

Village Church will present its annual fall festival. Join them for games, food, inflatables, trunk-or-treating and more.

FORT WALTON BEACH

Neighborhood “Trunk-or-Treat” at First Presbyterian Church of Fort Walton Beach

When: 5-7 p.m. Oct. 26

Where: 134 Beal Parkway SW

First Presbyterian Church of Fort Walton Beach will set up in the parking lot on First Street. The vehicles will be decorated and members will pass out candy. Nearby churches along First Street will also participate, according to a press release. They include First Christian Church-DOC, First Church of the Nazarene, Catholic Charities, First Baptist Church and First United Methodist Church. Families will be able to walk down First Street and visit each church, the release said.

Trunk-or-Treat with Emerald Coast AG

When: 6-8:30 p.m. Oct. 31

Where: 117 Jonquil Ave. NW, Fort Walton Beach

Emerald Coast AG’s Trunk-or-Treat is just around the corner. All are welcome to this free event. People will join in the Emerald Coast Church parking lot for food, a bounce house and as much candy as you can carry. It will also feature games with the kids every 30 minutes for cool prizes.

Fall Festival at Destiny Worship Center

When: 6-9 p.m. Oct. 31

Where: Fort Walton Beach campus and campuses in Crestview, Destin, Freeport and Panama City Beach

Join Destiny Worship Center for its annual Fall Festival with family fun and festivities including inflatables, games, candy, attractions and much more. The Fall Festival is an outdoor, family-friendly event that is open to the community as a Halloween alternative. Register to attend at https://destinyworshipcenter.formstack.com/forms/fall_festival_registration. For more information and event locations, visit https://destinyworshipcenter.com/event/fall-festival-2/.

GULF BREEZE

Trunk-or-Treat at Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church

When: 5-6:30 p.m. Oct. 31

Where: 75 Fairpoint Drive, Gulf Breeze

Bring your friends and neighbors for a safe, family-friendly night of Trunk-or-Treating.

NAVARRE

Trunk-or-Treat at Momentum Church

When: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Oct. 27

Where: 8600 High School Boulevard

Momentum Kids will host a Trunk-or-Treat Oct. 27 after both gatherings. There will be tons of candy, bounce houses and more.

PACE

Trunk-or-Treat at Immanuel Baptist Church

When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Oct. 27

Where: 4187 Highway 90

Enjoy some free family fun featuring inflatable slides, bounce house, hayrides, candy, cake walk, and trunk or treating. Please, no scary costumes.

Fall Festival and Trunk-or-Treat

When: 6-8 p.m. Oct. 31

Where: 5200 Woodbine Road

Gather your family, friends, co-workers, and invite all your neighbors to this family-friendly Woodbine Church Fall Festival. Everyone is invited to join  the fun and excitement as the church celebrates the arrival of the fall season with a free Fall Festival. Activities will include a dunking booth, a picture booth, hayride, face-painting, target golf, Hot Wheels races, rain gutter boat race and even a Trunk-or-Treat. The church will serve Domino’s pizza, hot dogs, chili and popcorn. The event will be held on the church grounds. This event is a safe alternative to neighbor trick-or-treating.

PANAMA CITY/PANAMA CITY BEACH

Trunk-or-Treat with Woodlawn: A United Methodist Congregation

When: 5:30-7 p.m. Oct. 30

Where: 219 N. Alf Coleman Road, Panama City Beach

Join this year’s Trunk-or-Treat. The Family Ministry will host a night the whole family can enjoy — complete with games, movies on the lawn and candy. Bring your friends and family for this completely free night of fun. Check out woodlawnpcb.info/treat for info and costume guidelines.

PENSACOLA

Scenic Heights Neighborhood fourth annual Trunk-or-Treat

When: 2:30-4 p.m. Oct. 26

Where: Belvedere Park, San Gabriel Drive

Come enjoy the fourth annual Trunk-or-Treat hosted by the Scenic Heights Neighborhood Association. This event is free and family friendly. Costumes are not required but are encouraged. The church expects about 20 trunks this year. All attendees will vote on the Best Trunk.

SHALIMAR

Trunk-or-Treat at Shalimar United Methodist Church

When: 5-6:30 p.m. Oct. 27

Where: 1 Old Ferry Road

Join the fun and safe Halloween experience. The Fire Department will be the last “Trunk” in line. Shalimar UMC is a participant in the #TealPumpkinProject, with an allergy-free booth that has food alternatives. The church hopes every child will be excited to celebrate this imagination-filled holiday.

SOUTH WALTON

Trunk-or-Treat at Christ the King Episcopal Church

When: 4-6 p.m. Oct. 27

Where: 480 N. County Highway 393, Santa Rosa Beach

Join Christ the King and The Tree House for its annual Trunk-or-Treat event with prizes, a DJ, games, crafts and more. Bring your favorite pot of chili to enter the chili cook-off or a side dish to share. Trunk decorating begins at 3 p.m. and all cars must be decorated by 3:45 p.m. This event is open to the public and free to attend.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Church-based Halloween events

October has begun, and with it we hope to be the joyful recipients of some cooler weather and a little rain. It would be nice to have a reprieve from what has been a sweltering and very dry summer.

Refreshing temperatures. Rejuvenating rain. Such a hope and dream!

When will such a desire be fulfilled? Weather forecasters may offer some pretty good educated guesses. But in truth, only God knows.

Have you ever noticed that no matter what the weather is, there is often a wish for something different? In the summer, we complain about the heat and wish for cooler days. In the winter, we complain about the cooler temperatures we wished for in the summer and long for warmer weather.

It sometimes seems that contentment is a fleeting state. Part of the reason for this is the fact that we live in a society that is changing at an alarming rate. There seems to be an air of discontent no matter the topic.

If something doesn’t meet “my” expectations, it is wrong and needs to be thrown out. If you don’t agree with “me” you are wrong and you are now my enemy. If you don’t like “my” political candidate or ideology, you are as dumb as a rock. If you don’t believe like “I” do, you are going to hell.

There is a burgeoning trend toward isolationism. Stores and shops are closing because they are becoming “irrelevant.” People now shop online. It’s easier and takes much less time.

Libraries are closing because they are becoming “irrelevant.” People now read books online, can download movies, can look up any topic through the internet.

Churches are closing every day because people believe religion is becoming “irrelevant.” People observe judgmental and greedy behavior in some churches or church leaders and condemn all.

In my humble opinion, what people are actually seeking is stability in their lives. They are looking for fulfillment. They are craving happiness. But they want it right now, handed to them, with no glitches involved.

What most don’t realize is the upheaval, the unrealistic expectations, the move toward isolationism is a symptom of a deeper need – a need that many are unable to recognize.

That need is coming from their God–given soul which is longing to be fed and strongly united with God. While our human nature longs for food, shelter, and clothing, our soul longs to be nourished and strongly connected with God in a conscious way.

In my next column, I will share with you how real fulfillment can be found.

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is pastor at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: We could use more stability, fulfillment in our lives

The other day as I was out for a morning “power walk," I realized I was breathing harder than usual. As I started to pay attention to my body, I discovered a couple things.

My upper torso was quite tense: shoulders were hunched up, abdomen was tight, back was taut.

I also noticed my breathing was quite shallow. Well, that’s not quite true. I was taking deep breaths, almost in a gasping way.

But then I realized something that people who are serious about cardiac exercise may already know. I was not exhaling as much as I could or should.

I was inhaling as deeply as I could, but I was exhaling only so far. I started to wonder if I was not getting enough “fresh” air because there was still leftover “bad” air that needed to be exhaled.

So I did an experiment. I started exhaling all the way, pushing my lungs to expel all the air in them before taking a deep breath of fresh air. Immediately, I started to feel better. I struggled less with my breathing, and my whole body relaxed during the rest of my walk.

I don’t know if I played a psychological game with myself, or if there was actually something physical about changing my breathing pattern.

But this made me think about something similar within a theological context.

When we make a commitment to follow Jesus Christ, we become new persons. We are called to walk in his ways and follow his path. There are certain hopes and expectations placed on us by our Lord.

This new life in him is like inhaling a deep breath of fresh air. We draw deeply from his words of life, his grace, his forgiveness and love.

The question then becomes, do we exhale completely the bad habits, trash talk, selfishness, greed, etc. that originally kept us from following him? Or do we hang on to some of it, which keeps us from drawing in more fully the new life that comes from Christ?

The letter of James says, “Therefore rid yourselves of all sordidness and rank growth of wickedness, and welcome with meekness the implanted word that has the power to save your souls.” James 1:21 (NRSV)

Just like exhaling all the “bad” air from the lungs in order to make more room for the “good” air, so we must rid ourselves of those “bad” habits and ways of life in order to make more room for the “good” life offered in Jesus Christ.

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is pastor at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: New life in Jesus? Let go of the old one