![The sunrise service is 6 a.m. April 16 at Gene Clary Park in Laurel Hill. [Pixabay.com]](https://crestviewbulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/ghows-DA-4c70f6d3-c642-7413-e053-0100007fd2c9-c6c6b0c0.jpeg)
LAUREL HILL — The Laurel Hill Ministerial Association has scheduled its annual Easter sunrise service.
It begins at 6 a.m. April 16 in Gene Clary Park, New Ebenezer Road, Laurel Hill. Clergy from several area church will lead the service.
Participants should bring folding chairs and dress for cool weather.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Laurel Hill Ministerial Association sets Easter service
![Yvonne Shanklin is an Edward Jones financial adviser. [Special to the News Bulletin]](https://crestviewbulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/ghows-DA-4c70f6d3-c609-7413-e053-0100007fd2c9-c1bcf7ff.jpeg)
High debt levels … lack of savings … the inability to budget – these problems all have several causes, but one of them is almost certainly financial illiteracy. Too many of us just never developed the money management skills necessary to cope with our complicated – and expensive – world.
But if you have young children, you can teach them some money-smart lessons – and who knows? You could use the opportunity to give yourself a few valuable reminders, too. Here are some suggestions for a financial "curriculum":
•Save for a goal. In our highly commercialized culture, it's almost inevitable that your children will eventually become somewhat acquisitive. Obviously, it's important to teach them that they can't have everything – and they certainly can't have everything right now. So, once they are old enough to receive an allowance or to earn money in some fashion, encourage them to set a goal for something they want, such as a toy or video game, and to put money aside every week for that goal. It's also an excellent idea to model this behavior yourself. So if you are considering making a major purchase in the not-too-distant future, such as a car, show your children how you are setting aside money regularly for this purpose, rather than borrowing as much as you can or putting the entire purchase on a credit card.
•Establish a budget. It can be challenging to create a household budget and just as difficult to stick to it – but for most people, it's worth the effort. You'll be doing your children a favor by showing them how you have a certain amount of income and where it goes – mortgage, utilities, groceries, retirement accounts, etc. – each month. Explain to your kids that by staying within your budget, you can help avoid problems such as debt and extra fees tacked onto bills for late payments. You might also want to point out that, as your income rises, you can gain greater flexibility in budgeting. Here's the key point: Living within your means pays off in the long run.
•Have fun with investing. It might surprise you, but even young children enjoy learning about the investment process, especially if you explain to them that they can be an owner of a company that makes a product or service they like.
You might want to pick such a company and, along with your child, chart its course over time. You could give your child a pretend $100 bill to "invest" in this company and then see how its value changes, explaining along the way that various factors – such as the popularity of the company's products, the skill of its managers, and so on – will affect the stock's price.
At some point, you may even wish to purchase real stocks for your child and place them in a custodial account. And you might also want to show your child how your own stocks and other investments are performing. The investment world can be fascinating, and by sharing your enthusiasm for it with your children, you can encourage them to invest throughout their lives.
Knowledge is power. And the more knowledge about finances and investing that you can impart to your children now, the more empowered they will be to make smart financial moves in the future.
Edward Jones wrote this article for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Teach your children about finances, investing
![Rip currents pull people away from shore, not underwater. Rip currents are not undertows or riptides. [Pixabay.com]](https://crestviewbulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/ghows-DA-4c70f6d3-c607-7413-e053-0100007fd2c9-a2cc5b72.jpeg)
It was disheartening to read that even with a double red flag, at least nine people had to be rescued from the gulf recently, and one person lost their life.
In that spirit, I believe it is important to review information on the importance of respecting our sometimes unforgiving gulf.
Swimmers getting caught in rip currents make up most lifeguard rescues. These tips from Florida Sea Grant and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service list what to do if you encounter a rip current.
ABOUT RIP CURRENTS
Rip currents form when water flows away from the shore in a channeled current. They may form in a break in a sandbar near the shore, or where the current is diverted by a pier or jetty.
From the shore, you can look for these clues in the water:
•A channel of choppy water
•A difference in water color
•A line of foam, seaweed or debris moving out to sea
•A break in incoming wave patterns
Rip currents pull people away from shore, not underwater. Rip currents are not undertows or riptides.
HOW TO ESCAPE
•If you get caught in a rip current, don't panic! Stay calm and do not fight the current.
•Escape the current by swimming across it — parallel to the shore — until you are out of the current.
•When you get out of it, swim back to the shore at an angle away from the current.
•If you can't break out of the current, float or tread water until the current weakens. Then swim back to shore at an angle away from the rip current.
Rip currents are powerful enough to pull even experienced swimmers away from the shore. Do not try to swim straight back to the shore against the current.
RESCUING OTHERS
Many people have harmed themselves trying to rescue rip current victims. Follow these steps to help someone stuck in a rip current.
•Get help from a lifeguard.
•If a lifeguard is not present, yell instructions to the swimmer from the shore and call 9-1-1.
•If you are a swimmer caught in a rip current and need help, draw attention to yourself — face the shore and call or wave for help.
SAFE SWIMMING TIPS
You can swim safely this summer by keeping in mind some simple rules.
•Do not overestimate your swimming abilities. Be cautious at all times.
•Never swim alone.
•Swim near a lifeguard for maximum safety.
•Obey all instructions and warnings from lifeguards and signs.
•If in doubt, don't go out!
Laura Tiu is an agent at the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension office in Crestview.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: How to survive rip currents
![The Rev. Mark Broadhead is pastor at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview. [File photos | News Bulletin]](https://crestviewbulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/ghows-DA-4c70f6d3-bbef-7413-e053-0100007fd2c9-130d1c26.jpeg)
Editor's Note: This is the first of two columns discussing the last week of Jesus's life before his crucifixion.
April 9 is Palm Sunday, the start of the last week in the life of our Lord on earth. It started with, in essence, a parade.
Jesus was placed on the back of a donkey to ride into the city of Jerusalem. People heard he was coming and rushed to line the roadway to cheer him on. They covered the road with their cloaks, tunics, and palm branches.
These were two symbolic actions that are typically lost on the modern mind. The placing of articles of clothing and palm branches was the early version of the red carpet treatment. By their actions, the people declared Jesus to be their leader.
They shouted, "Hosanna!" which translates, "Save now!" By word and action, they were declaring, "We acknowledge you as our leader who is going to save us from the hardships of life!"
The second symbolic act was Jesus riding on a donkey, more symbolism lost on us today.
In ancient times, whenever a king rode into a town on a horse, it was a declaration that the king was arriving to wage war. The horse was a symbol of power, strength and authority.
When a king rode on a donkey, it was a symbol that the king was arriving to declare peace. The donkey was a symbol of calm and serenity.
So if Jesus was riding into Jerusalem to become king of the people, to lead them into freedom from Rome, why was he riding a donkey? To some, it didn't make sense.
In some ways, Jesus doesn't make sense because his teachings counter how people typically think and react.
He taught, if someone strikes you on the cheek, don't retaliate. If someone is your enemy, love them. Pray for those who persecute you. Don't fight evil with evil, but overcome evil with good. These teachings are still alive today! There is nothing about force in his teachings.
And this is one of the things that eventually led to some people wanting to have Jesus put to death. He was not going to physically fight Rome. He was not going to give people what they demanded. People of power and authority were threatened or disillusioned.
Jesus rode into Jerusalem that day on a donkey — in a declaration of peace. The people declared Jesus to be their leader and king.
But the people were fickle. By mid-week, the declarations of love and loyalty expressed on Sunday turned into cries of hatred and violence by Thursday.
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: Analyzing Christ's arrival in Jerusalem
CRESTVIEW — Crosspoint has set Easter services for its Crestview locations.
Crosspoint North Crestview
Four Easter weekend services and an egg hunt are scheduled for the church's north site.
A Family Experience service is 3 p.m. April 15 at 6268 Old Bethel Road, Crestview, with an egg hunt afterward.
Sunday contemporary worship services are 8 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. April 16, and a contemporary service 11 a.m. April 16 at the same location.
See www.yourcrosspointnc.org for details.
Crosspoint South Crestview
The southern site scheduled Family Experience services for 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. April 15, followed by egg hunts at 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. that day at the church, 2250 PJ Adams Parkway, Crestview.
Sunday services include the traditional one at 8 a.m. April 16, or Contemporary and Cafe services at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. April 16 at the church.
See www.yourcrosspointsc.org for details.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crosspoint sets Easter services
![An April 22 basketball tournament will help Milligan Assembly of God students raise funds to attend a youth camp. [Pixabay.com]](https://crestviewbulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/ghows-DA-4c4ab0ca-ac44-4d56-e053-0100007fd734-5a4e47ca.jpeg)
CRESTVIEW — Milligan Assembly of God's Arson Student Ministries will host a three-on-three co-ed basketball tournament to raise funds for a youth camp.
The event — 8 a.m. April 22 at the church's Family Life Center, 5408 U.S. Highway 4, Baker — is a double-elimination, seeded tournament, with the seed position determined by registration time. The first team to register will be the No. 1 seed.
The cost is $75 per team of three to five players age 16 and up.
The tournament winner gets a $300 prize and free entry into the next tournament. The second-place team wins a $150 prize and free entry into the next tournament.
April 20 is the registration deadline. Register at www.mag.church/3on3.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Milligan Assembly of God sets basketball tourney
![An Okaloosa beach is under a health advisory. [Pixabay.com]](https://crestviewbulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/ghows-DA-4c4ab0ca-aba4-4d56-e053-0100007fd734-28dbd33f.jpeg)
FORT WALTON BEACH — An Okaloosa County park has potentially hazardous bathing water, the Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County stated April 3.
Liza Jackson Park, Fort Walton Beach, failed tests based on EPA-recommended enterococci standards. Enteric bacteria's presence indicates fecal pollution from storm water runoff, pets and wildlife or human sewage.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: One Okaloosa park receives hazardous water advisory
![Crestview Tractor Supply will host an event about raising backyard chickens. [Pixabay.com]](https://crestviewbulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/ghows-DA-4c4ab0ca-a775-4d56-e053-0100007fd734-e0efb78d.jpeg)
CRESTVIEW — Tractor Supply Company in Crestview will host a backyard poultry information event.
Attendees can engage in a number of activities centered on learning how to care for and manage an at-home flock from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. April 8 at the store, 320 James Lee Blvd. W., Crestview.
"The popularity of raising backyard poultry has continued to grow year after year and it has a lot to do with the convenience of getting fresh eggs right from your own backyard," Rosalind Viall, manager, said. "Our goal is to ensure that anyone who's interested in raising a backyard flock has the resources and information needed to do so."
The company has all items needed to raise poultry, including starter kits, feeders, bedding, heat bulbs and lamps, coops, according to a store media release. And for the poultry enthusiast, an expanded selection of poultry products is available at TractorSupply.com.
In addition to the main event, attendees may enjoy a pet adoption section and poultry clinic. The Pins & Mutts Adoption group will be on site from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Northwest Florida Great Dane Rescue will be there 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Call the store at 682-0945 for details.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Tractor Supply hosts poultry care event
Editor’s Note: This continues our Celebrate Community series on nonprofit organizations that improve North Okaloosa County residents’ quality of life.
BAKER — The Baker Area Ministerial Association unites North Okaloosa church pastors and staffers for conferences, religious events and various training sessions.
The nonprofit group's next gathering is a Palm Sunday celebration scheduled 6 p.m. April 9 at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, 5595 U.S. Highway 4 S., Baker.
In the Christian tradition, Palm Sunday observances take place the week before Easter Sunday, in celebration of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem as king, his crucifixion and resurrection.
For the association’s observance, Pilgrim Rest Minister of Music Darren Williams will direct a community choir of members from local churches. The guest speaker is the Rev. Curt Rainey, First Baptist Church of Holt's pastor.
The group will accept offerings at the event to support its various ministries.
Multiple North Okaloosa County churches coming together during the Easter season is nothing new for the association.
"We have an Easter service annually. Sometimes it's sunrise service, but this year we decided to try a Palm Sunday service," Eugene Strickland, the association’s secretary, said.
The group also has an annual Thanksgiving service, and two churches — First Baptist Church of Holt and Shady Grove Assembly of God in Baker — operate food pantries for area families in need.
In addition, the association, as a go-between for the Baker Lions Club and the Florida Baptist Convention, coordinates FBC's annual free mobile dental clinic in Baker.
And, just in case you’re wondering, community involvement doesn’t stop there.
Two member churches provide food ministry and utility bill assistance to area residents.
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WANT TO JOIN?
North Okaloosa church congregations interested in joining the Baker Area Ministerial Association may attend its meetings, which are 8:30 a.m. second Tuesdays of the month at Shady Grove Assembly of God in Baker.
Baker Area Ministerial Association members include:
•Cross Creek Country Fellowship
•First Baptist Church of Baker
•First Baptist Church of Holt
•First Baptist Church of Milligan
•Golan Assembly of God
•Holt Assembly of God
•Magnolia Baptist Church
•Milligan Assembly of God
•Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church
•Shady Grove Assembly of God
•Shockley Springs Baptist Church
•The Shepherd's Church
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Baker area churches unite
Palm Sunday and Holy Week are almost upon us. This Sunday is Palm Sunday, when, as detailed in Matthew 20:9, Jesus rode into Jerusalem on the back of a young donkey to palm branches waving and the crowds crying, "Hosanna to the Son of David; Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord."
Just a few days later, many of these same people were shouting for His crucifixion. Public opinion had turned against the Lord and the rest of the week would be somber until Easter morning.
After the triumphal ride into Jerusalem, Jesus went about His usual business of teaching His disciples, all the while knowing what would transpire later in the week.
If you knew your life would end in four or five days, what would you do? Would you go about your normal business, or would you do things differently? I know that I would spend as much time with my family as I could.
Would you gaze upon a beautiful sunrise or sunset one last time while holding hands with your beloved spouse? Undoubtedly, we would all have important things to say to those we love if we knew our lives were ending, and, I can guarantee that the time would fly by.
Jesus imparted new teachings to His disciples during Thursday's Last Supper, so they would be prepared to carry on His ministry.
In the Christian tradition, many churches remember the week of Christ's death with Maundy Thursday services to commemorate Christ's last Passover supper with His disciples and Good Friday services, the day we remember His crucifixion and burial.
Most Crestview churches will have extra services during Holy Week. You can check the paper and see what times these services are offered. Several churches will offer Easter egg hunts for the children, a fun activity in which to participate.
Do you, as a family, have any Palm Sunday and Holy Week traditions?
Do you deliberately turn off the television set and read God's Word as a love offering to the Lord?
Do you reflect on the great gift of love the Lord gave us when He willingly died for our sins?
Janice Lynn Crose, a former accountant, lives in Crestview with her husband, Jim; her two rescue collies, Shane and Jasmine; and two cats, Kathryn and Prince Valiant.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Reflecting on Palm Sunday, Holy Week
