FORT WALTON BEACH — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recently had a Day of Service at three locations throughout the Fort Walton Beach Stake. Its 10 congregations, including a brand new Spanish branch, Women of Crestview, Niceville and Fort Walton Beach chapels filled the needs of many in the community.

The men and boys and some of the ladies worked on the grounds of Children in Crisis, spreading pine straw, mowing, trimming and weeding.

Relief Society ladies created lap blankets for nursing home residents. In the Crestview Chapel alone, they created more than 50.

Girls representing "Activity Day" members put together potted blooms for the sick, the needy and new mothers in the congregations. Their Niceville counterparts earned money, chose supplies, bought and assembled them into gift bags for birthdays. They then delivered them to Sharing and Caring.

Participants sewed and decorated sturdy cloth bags for foster children, who often must throw their belongings into plastic garbage bags for a quick move.

Some groups decorated placemats to take to nursing homes and assembled hygiene kits for the homeless. The kits had toothpaste, toothbrushes, lotion, lip balm; crackers, nutrition bars, bottled water, Band-Aids, Q-tips and encouraging notes.

Participants also created teddy bears to take to the Pensacola Oncology Neonatal unit at Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola, and 24 volunteers donated pints of blood to the blood bank at the Niceville Chapel.

Jessica Boden, 18, said, "It is so cool to produce things and use our talents to serve others. And what a good feeling it produced in all of us to be part of such a vast project!"

Christine Cross said, "I am so impressed with the love, companionship and the sense of accomplishment we all feel as we create such varied items for the needy in our community."

President Tammy Jones and her counselors, Sally Reynolds, Katrina Dilmore and secretary Marcia Fleming, directed the event.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints stake has Day of Service

Is ignorance bliss?  Sometimes.

I have not been on social media much over the past couple of weeks. Nor have I been watching the major news networks.

I’ve discovered my blood pressure has come down and my temperament has evened out a couple of notches.

I still read the newspapers to keep abreast of major items. And, fortunately, most of that news is opinion–free.

I don’t need the inflammatory rhetoric that comes from either “side of the aisle.” Those kinds of comments are designed to stir emotions, causing people to get riled up to support one side or the other. 

So, in this case (at least for me) ignorance is bliss. 

In another area, however, ignorance is disastrous. 

When one doesn’t know what the Lord says about living life, about how to treat other people, about how much one is worth to God, disaster can settle in. 

In Isaiah 43, God said, “I have called you by name, you are mine!” When that message is heard, it can bring great comfort, but you have to know this. 

In Hebrews 8, the Lord said, “I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” Yes, God will forgive your sins, and they will not be held against you, but you have to know this.

Luke 18 states, “God will always give what is right to his people who cry to him night and day, and he will not be slow to answer them.” It is important to understand that God will give what is needed, not what is wanted, but you need to know this.

Psalm 136 states, “He remembered us when we were in trouble.  His love continues forever.” God is with you in every circumstance in life. He will never abandon you, but you have to know this.

Matthew 10 states, “God even knows how many hairs are on your head.” You are known intimately by God, but you have to know this.

These passages from the Bible are just a few of the numerous reminders of who God is, who you are, and how much you mean to God. God never abandons those he loves. You are loved by God, and the door to forgiveness is open wide, but you must enter through that door.

Don’t be ignorant of what God has to say to you. That kind of ignorance can be disastrous.

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: Ignorance not always bliss

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 minstry 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.

North Okaloosa County churches can send listings to news@crestviewbulletin.com. Items run on a first-come, first-served, space-available basis.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: North Okaloosa County Faith Calendar

CRESTVIEW — A family pancake breakfast fundraiser for Summit Church of Crestview is scheduled.

The event is 8-10 a.m. April 6 at Applebee's Grill + Bar, 215 Rasberry Road, Crestview.

All-you-can-eat pancakes, bacon and beverages will be served.

Contact Darius McDonald, darius@mysummitchurch.net or 603-2443 for details.

Tickets are $8 per person at the door.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Pancake breakfast to benefit Summit Church

Earlier this week I decided it was time to clear out my email inbox. With the number of emails I receive for church work, denominational responsibilities, and personal contacts, I tend to read them and move on without deleting them.

When my total inbox count reached over 3,000, I decided it was time to clear out the old “stuff.” I didn’t want to simply trash everything for fear I would delete something important. I began the long, arduous task of deleting one by one. 

When I got to emails from January 2018 I was especially glad I did not simply dump everything into the trash, because I came across emails from my brother containing photos of our childhood. Photos of grandparents, parents and siblings brought memories flooding back. 

It was a delightful trip down Memory Lane. During the journey through time I also reflected on the ways those people and times influenced who I am today (for good or for ill). 

It can be way too easy to keep moving forward in life without reflecting on how we arrived where we are as individuals. Who were the key figures? What were significant events? What lessons — both painful and joyful ones — were learned? 

Socrates said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” When we go along the path of life without looking at the significant people and events, we lose a great deal. 

The season of Lent is the time designated for personal examination. What has gone well? What has not gone well? To whom have we given great joy? To whom have we caused pain? 

It is right and good to give thanks to God for the joyful and positive parts of our lives. It is also right and good to give thanks for the less than joyful times, because when we look at them through the lens of faith, we can open ourselves to seeking and giving forgiveness. 

We can give thanks to God for being present during all aspects of our lives, for helping us through the challenges and for learning from our mistakes. We can give thanks for receiving strength from painful memories as well as for the lightness of heart for the joyful memories. 

I invite you to continue to reflect on your life, the good, the bad, the ugly, and the joyful. Give thanks to God for it all. Through the eyes of faith you will find the good in each situation.

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: Look for the good in each situation

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 minstry 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.

North Okaloosa County churches can send listings to news@crestviewbulletin.com. Items run on a first-come, first-served, space-available basis.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: North Okaloosa County Faith Calendar

PACE — The annual Faith in Action Sunday is March 31.

Each year members of Woodbine Church work to improve the lives of Santa Rosa and Escambia County residents by working on fixer-up projects for those who are unable to do for themselves. These much-needed projects include building ramps for the handicapped, neighborhood cleanups, painting, and helping the elderly with various tasks.

This event not only gives Woodbine Church members a firsthand look at the needs in their community, but it also demonstrates how the church is sharing their love by volunteering and shining the light of Christ with others.

Over the past several years, hundreds of Woodbine members have completed numerous projects in the Santa Rosa and Escambia communities. Faith in Action is intended to spread love and kindness throughout the cities of Pace and Pensacola while addressing some basic community needs.

To get involved, call 850-995-0007 to find out how to volunteer time, talents or resources, or visit woodbinechurch.org.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Woodbine Church hosting community action day

CRESTVIEW — A New Testament story inspired a local church to help the community's less fortunate.

First Baptist Church of Crestview’s Samaritan House ministry provides food and clothing for those who are cannot afford them on their own. The ministry is inspired by the story of Jesus feeding 5,000 people. Church member Shelia Byerle painted a mural depicting the story inside the building.

“We are a mission outreach. We help people in situations such as those who are on a low income,” said ministry co-chair Bev Lilley. ”People come and if they need it, we give it.”

Lilley co-chairs the ministry with Sally Devine.

Lilley said recipients receive help based on the honor system. No proof of eligibility is required.

“If they come and don’t need it, then that is between them and the Lord,” she added.

The Samaritan House is open on the third Monday of every month from 9-10:30 a.m. It is located on Pearl Street beside the Crestview Pregnancy Center.

The quantity of food given out each week is based on the size of the family. Each family member can also receive two items of clothing.

During the holidays, extra bags are passed out. The ministry gives out turkeys at Thanksgiving and hams at Christmas.

“We come up with a list of items needed,” said Lilley. “Each Sunday School class is given something specific to donate.”

Donations are not limited to just members of the church. Other people in the community can donate as well.

“We are on a limited budget,” Lilley said. “We appreciate any donations we can get.”

Food expiration dates need to be checked prior to donation, she said. Members of the community can also donate money by specifying that it is to go to the Samaritan House ministry.

All donations can be dropped off at the church at 171 Hickory Ave W.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Feeding 5,000 — one family at a time

At the two churches I serve, I decided to have a little fun during the otherwise somber season of Lent. I decided to present  a series of sermons entitled, “Because You Asked.” 

Several weeks leading up to the first Sunday in Lent, during the announcements in worship, I invited people to write down a passage of scripture or topic on which they had always wanted to hear a pastor preach and I would do my best to respond to them. 

I also mentioned this was not a round of “stump the preacher.” A couple of requests fell along this line, however. They were from the Song of Solomon verses 7:4 and 4:2: “Why does the author of the Song of Solomon equate his beloved’s nose with a tower of Lebanon?” Another question was, “Why does the bride equate her beloved’s teeth to shorn sheep?”

Most requests were more serious in nature. One was to preach on 1 Peter 3:3–7, which addresses husbands and wives, and wives not adorning themselves by braiding their hair, wearing gold jewelry, et cetera, and husbands treating their wives with honor. This was a great opportunity to remind each of us that we are called to treat one another with mutual respect. 

Another request was to preach on Exodus 17:1–7, with the question: “Why do people cry out for water, but not follow the path that leads to it?” This very good question opened the door to preach about following the path of Jesus Christ, not the path of entitlements.

Still to come is the request, “Preach on anything in the book of Revelation. That’s a hard one for me.”

I’ve thought about making that a short sermon by saying, “That’s easy. John ate some bad mushrooms that day. Amen. Our closing hymn is….”

I won’t do that, however. The sentiment about Revelation being hard to understand is held by most, and I plan to address it soon. 

Two other requested topics to be addressed are hypocrisy and what it means to be godly.

I share this with you, not to entice you to attend the congregations I serve, but to let you know that it is okay to ask questions of your pastor and leaders to seek their interpretations on a topic or scripture.

Bear in mind, you may not hear an interpretation you expect, but you will hear an honest interpretation for you to pray about and ponder.

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: Get an honest interpretation of Bible scripture