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INA PUBLICATIONMISSION OF PARKWAY HEIGHTS UMC • JUNE 2020 Pandemic Ponderings During these summer months, Bruce is sharing his taught to “look twice, paint once” and to “see what you newsletter space with his co-workers. Bruce posed see, not what you know is there” (paraphrasing). In so some questions to the Parkway Heights staff, such doing a “red” apple may have hints of yellow, green or as: “How is your faith affected by this pandemic?” blue in it. Sometimes, you can find explanations through and “What’s going on with your soul during these reflections or other ways; sometimes it’s just there. This type of seeing is a letting go of expectations and being in times?” This month you’ll hear from a few of our staff the moment, being still, being receptive to your senses. members, and next month, you’ll hear from more. So, during this strange time of social distancing and such a drastic change to our ways of going about our Pandemic Pondering while Painting business, find your “be still” moments. It may be your 5 a.m. scheduled quiet time, pre-bedtime prayer, mowing Be still, and know that I am God! -Psalms 46:10 the grass, painting the gutters or being creative. Open your mind, your eyes and your hearts. See what’s really Being still is something I’ve never been good at doing. there, whether it’s what you expect or not. You might just Sure, I can sit still and watch a movie or TV or listen discover that pine trees are purple. to a sermon or lecture. I can also quiet my mind and contemplate, meditate or pray. But the normal image -Wes Arrington invoked by the term “be still” of not moving physically and reaching a contemplative state at the same time... that doesn’t happen often. Pandemic Reflections I am best at being physically When Bruce asked the staff to volunteer to write about still when how the pandemic is affecting us, I would not normally my mind is be one of the first to raise my hand! I am not the type of distracted or person who puts my thoughts down on paper, keeps focused on journals, etc.; however, this week has been extremely something difficult for me. entertaining or educational. You see, instead of working between the office and I am best at home this week, I should be preparing to go home to achieving a Wes Arrington’s recent watercolor painting of Parkway Heights Scotland to visit my family and friends for two weeks. It still state of mind has been three years since my last visit, and my husband when I am being and I were both so looking forward to it. I should have creative with artwork or even yard work. It’s a shift inside been buying new clothes and deciding if I need to take me that allows the day’s work and worries to slough off heavy winter clothing or just get away with lightweight like water off a duck’s back. I reach a quiet state of mind clothes that I could layer. Until a vaccine is available, it that opens me up to a level of prayer, contemplation or is unlikely I will be able to fly home. My mum will be peace that I, personally, just cannot schedule. 90 years old next July, and there is no way I will put her health at risk. I pray that I will see my family and friends I have a wide variety of interests, one of which is painting. sometime next year. I primarily work in watercolor and was taught by Wyatt Waters at Mississippi College. When painting, I was continued on next page FYI PANDEMIC PONDERINGS, continued A Message from Bruce I can’t believe how our lives have all Church never closed, friends! changed in the last few months. Social distancing, wearing masks, staying indoors We are working very hard toward that whenever possible — who would have day when we can safely gather for ever thought we would be living like this? Sunday worship. We are thinking I know that one day, when the world creatively, but we need to be careful scientists have a vaccine, and we all try out of concern for our neighbor to return to some kind of normalcy, we — which is our essential work as will get on with our lives again. It will be the body of Christ. Also, we never different to what we have been used to, but we will adapt to keep each other safe. Avril Sword’s sister, Linda, and closed! But just like baseball games, their mum, Betty concerts and the like, it would be Now that the country is starting to reopen, it does give me time to reflect. unbelievably selfish to rush back on There have been some good things that have come out of this pandemic Sunday morning. When it comes to — the generosity, neighbors helping each other, checking in on the elderly, God’s essentials, it seems that Amos everyone using their talent wherever needed. How many of us have wished has the right word to us all: for more hours in the day? God has listened. Maybe this is his way of saying I hate, I despise your religious festivals; we must slow down! your assemblies are a stench to me. My colleagues have overcome big hurdles in bringing our worship service 22 Even though you bring me burnt to your home each Sunday through technology that we had no idea how offerings and grain offerings, I will not to use. I would never have thought my mom and sister would be watching accept them. Though you bring choice the service on Facebook with me at the same time! It has been a very long fellowship offerings, I will have no time since we have been able to worship together, and for that, I am truly regard for them. thankful. 23 Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your I miss you all dropping into the office to say hello and telling me your news harps. and concerns. I continue to pray for my church family and friends and can’t 24 But let justice roll on like a river, wait to see you all again when it is safe to do so. righteousness like a never-failing stream! Grace and Peace,

Avril Sword Verse 24 is our essential task. Always has been. Always will be. The best ceremony in the world, the best preaching in the world, the best The Virtue of Patience anthem in the world is smelly to God I love to read. With so much more time at home, I decided it was a good without an active concern for those time to revisit some classics, so I have been reading Little Women. Letting in the margins. Also, please refer to my mind escape from our world’s current situation to this different time and 1 Corinthians 13 and listen to Paul place has been refreshing. or see Jesus in Luke 10 for what’s essential. Throughout the story, I’ve noticed that one of the traits the characters

exhibit is patience. Each person in this novel goes through trials; and This is not reactionary in any way to although they get discouraged and sad, they bide their time. They anybody. However, if you want to be understand that by keeping their faith in God, joy comes in the morning. the Church right now, let go of your building for a little bit longer. It was Having patience to get through this abnormal time is difficult. I have felt never about the building. Peace! anxious thoughts and found many things to worry about. I keep thinking continued on next page FYI PANDEMIC PONDERINGS, continued that it would be so much easier if some, whether because of job loss this pandemic would simply be over or even loss of a loved one. But for by now! I am as guilty as anyone in me personally, the challenges have our “microwave culture,” where we actually just been inconveniences or are accustomed to having things annoyances in the grand scheme. The immediately. We’re not used to positives outweigh the negatives if I waiting. If I’m being honest, I admit choose to practice patience. Emily, Julie, Sid and Keith Collins that I will pick up my phone to pass after working out together time if I have to wait more than a For instance, I have loved the slower minute for something. pace of life! What a gift! mothers making do by a thread; the poets and the out-of-work bartenders It has been such a blessing to be able Some days during the past few standing by as past-due bills pile on to work from home during this time. I weeks have been harder than others. like a bully’s insults; to those who am so fortunate to have that flexibility I have missed spending time with lay it all down, tired and spent and when I know many others do not my family and friends, especially on hanging by a moment; and to anyone have jobs that allow that. Easter Sunday. However, after not searching for some small sign of seeing my parents for several months, tangible hope or even spiritual relief Although juggling online learning it made our reunion over Memorial in this time: What if God is still good? was not fun, the teachers worked hard Day weekend that much sweeter. What if, despite how things may look to keep the students motivated. I am There have been other times when or feel, God is bringing purpose and grateful for technology that made I felt lonely, but then a knock on my determination to the bent and broken school possible. door revealed someone like Virginia among us, even if we do not see it Kirkpatrick, my children’s “grandfriend.” My family and I are in good health, with our eyes or on our social feeds?” She’d be bringing fresh strawberries or (Juan Vidal, “Is God still good during an Easter basket. (Mrs. Virginia doesn’t and I am so thankful for this. I do not take it for granted. the coronavirus pandemic,” The Jesuit seem to understand that my kids are Review, May 11, 2020 issue) supposed to be brightening HER day, My list could go on… not the other way around!) It’s easy to feel absolutely hopeless as In the days ahead, if I begin to feel our country faces an unprecedented The times I felt the lowest have been any disappointment, I will try to pandemic that has turned our lives when I’ve lost my patience with my follow the advice of wise Marmee upside down and to wonder: Is God children, which I must admit, is almost who encouraged her Little Women still good? In my household, we’ve daily. My discouragement doesn’t last to look to God. “Be comforted, dear found ourselves making adjustments too long though. It’s impossible to be soul! There is always light behind the to our expectations of how this spring discouraged when the weather has clouds.” would unfold. Our daughter, Emily, been gorgeous, like this spring. We’ve graduated from high school with no enjoyed countless family walks, bike -Brooke Bryan fanfare or ceremony. Baseball season rides and a was canceled, and any sports practice couple trips for next year has been postponed to play in the for our son, Keith. My husband, Sid, river. Those Faith During the Pandemic unexpectedly found himself in the were good hospital for a few days with no family for my soul. These words have been bouncing allowed to be by his side. As for me? around in my head for the last few Well, my introverted, list-making, I know this weeks: routine-loving soul has taken a pandemic beating. has been “And so I ask the wavering believers, Neal, Morgan and Brooke truly life- the cynics and backsliders; the weary Bryan enjoyed the outdoors. altering for and the heavy-laden; the single continued on next page FYI Stephen Ministry Still Here for Our Congregation Pray for Katie Giedd Bear one another’s burdens, and in Even though we have not been Congratulations to our own Katie this way you will fulfill the law of meeting in our church building, Giedd for graduating in May with her Christ. Galatians 6.2 our Stephen Ministers are still Master of Divinity degree from Asbury working to provide care to our Theological Seminary! congregation. Stephen Ministers are Katie has been appointed to the laypeople – Christian Our Stephen Ministers Senatobia Conference of the United men and women – are available to talk Methodist Church. She will be serving trained to provide to anyone who would as associate pastor at Clarksdale UMC one-to-one care to like a listening ear. and senior pastor of both Friar’s Point people experiencing Currently, they are UMC and Lyon UMC. a difficult time in life, also helping our such as grief, divorce, North of 70 Ministry We are proud job loss, chronic or by making phone calls of Katie as she takes on these terminal illness, etc. and running errands for our new roles. older adults. However, Stephen Please be in Stephen Ministers come from all Ministers are not intended for any prayer for her as walks of life. Their commonality? A certain age group. she shares the passion for bringing Christ’s love love of Christ in and care to people during a time Questions? Email stephenministry@ the Delta! Katie Giedd of need. parkwayheights.org.

PANDEMIC PONDERINGS, continued In times like these, it’s more important than ever to during this most unlikely time. And remember, God is still cling to our faith, because only God and God alone good. He goes before you and with you. can get us through this unique situation. I’ve found myself whispering this breath prayer at different times Grace and Peace, during the day: “The Lord himself goes before you and Julie Collins with you. God is bringing purpose and determination.” Rather than filling my days with mindless activities, social media trolling and the latest news headlines, I’ve tried to intentionally look for indications of God’s presence and Reflection of the Pandemic goodness at work. The last time I preached in front of a live crowd was on It turns out that I have loved the extra time with Emily March 8, the second Sunday in Lent. I can remember before she goes to college in the fall. I have watched how stressful that second week in March was — how Keith find creative ways to stay physically strong, so he’s overwhelming and preposterous it seemed to suspend ready when football practice begins. Sid has been able worship indefinitely. I announced the cancellation of to finish home projects that have been on the list for the March 15 Sunday morning service on that Friday years; plus he was able to rest at a time when his body afternoon, March 13. I had so many questions swirling desperately needed it for healing. As for me? Well, I’ve through my head about what would happen in the found a new love for letter writing and a more focused ensuing weeks: How can we hold this together? How do approach to self care. These have all been bright spots we remain the Church in light of the threat of this virus during an indefinite quarantine. and its impact on our Sunday morning worship? Will our congregation and our Hattiesburg community get Continue to look for God in the most unlikely places continued on next page FYI PANDEMIC PONDERINGS, continued through this? I felt like we were flying enjoyed doing online worship, Some of you have told me that you in the dark with no point of reference. nothing beats showing up physically have felt more of God’s presence and It gave me some comfort that my and spiritually to hear, sing, pray. I will love during this stressful time than peers all over the state and country never ever take that for granted again! you have in your entire life. I concur. were doing the same thing. We were I so look forward to that day we can This disruption of “business as usual” all in this together. I may have been gather in a room together to praise has opened my heart up to new nervous, but I never felt lonely. God. I’m glad we are doing a live realities, new hopes and new insights. online service. I go back each Sunday God has also given me a chance to and read comments of people who re-prioritize things in my life. That has were a part of it. It’s not quite the been such a gift! same as gathering together, but it We aren’t out of this thing yet. makes a difference to see that people Businesses are opening back up; are hanging in there and making the I know. We’ll soon begin opening most of our online worship. things up incrementally at the church. I’ve learned that though these times But our world will continue to have Bruce placed this yard sign in front of his house to to deal with this threat. We may never have been called “unprecedented,” thank our health care workers. get back to normal — and that may that in some ways they are not. be a good thing. We will continue to I continue to grieve for the hundreds Scripture reminds that we are part pray together for one another and for of thousands of people in this world of a faith tradition that has seen it all this beautiful and broken world. that have died because of this virus. over the past few thousand years. We I pray often for those who have are truly surrounded by saints who died, who are fighting for their lives I’m delighted that this thing called have gone through incredible pain, even now and for those who are hope — this gift of God we’ve suffering and uncertainty. The Bible ministering to them. It certainly been given — is quite sturdy, quite has given me an incredible amount of puts my own inconvenience in trustworthy. He really does have comfort. I’ve read old stories in new perspective. Here are a few things I’ve the whole world in his hands. I will ways since this pandemic. I’m thankful learned so far from this challenging continue to hold tightly to this hope we don’t have to reinvent the wheel season of life. in Christ. Even if my grip slips, I know as we journey through this tough that this hope is holding me tightly, as I’ve learned that people are time together. well. It’s holding you, too. It’s going to resourceful and creative. People keep pulling us through until we get cannot only function in a distressful Most importantly, I’ve learned that to the other side of this. It always has. time; they can surprise you with God is still showing up! That may be It always will. tenacity and determination. You find the most inspiring thing of all. You - Bruce Case out a lot about what people believe just can’t keep God out of our world. when they actually have to work and struggle through a difficult time.

I’ve learned that people can actually GOOD NEWS! stay connected even when we We praised God when Berneice Barham rang can’t physically meet. It’s been the bell after her last chemo treatment, which extraordinary to see and hear stories happened to fall on her birthday - May 6! of people reaching out to one another in love to combat loneliness Berneice was surprised when she came home and fear. I’ve seen us rise to the to a decorated house, provided by her friends occasion with phone calls, groceries and neighbors! and prescriptions. I’ve seen prayer amplified in many different ways. We love you, Berneice! I’ve learned that as much as I’ve FYI What Does It Take to Make Online Worship Happen? Worshiping online through our Facebook live services is “It is my privilege to help deliver the Word in this uncer- relatively convenient for our members. Most of us don’t tain time,” Andy said. “And, by doing so, I have learned even have to get dressed to participate! While we drink some really cool new skills! If you are not helping some- coffee or enjoy our porch, all we have to do is sign on, one else, you are not helping yourself.” and the service is ready for us in a matter of seconds. During the week, Andy builds the service with any text, It might be easy for us to take this for granted, but just graphics or videos and tests it, so that it is ready to go on as with a typical Sunday in our building, many things are Sunday. happening behind the scenes in order to make Sunday worship accessible for us all. “As in a live worship event, you want everything to work without a hitch. In the case of live broadcasting, it is po- On Tuesday morn- tentially more important to get things right because this ings, the staff is how we are all worshiping right now. Technical errors members hold their can inhibit people’s worship experience,” he said. weekly meeting via Zoom. During Throughout the week, more work is being done: this time, plans for • Lesley Ellison prepares the Children’s Moments and Sunday worship arranges for music and a storyteller. are finalized. Duties are designated; • Bruce and the musicians, such as Sam and Jennifer Scripture verses Bruton, practice together. Andy Gilstrap adjusted the sound while Melissa are selected; other • Brooke Bryan and Wes Ingram create the announce- Dews and Bruce Case led music during our ment slides. online worship service on May 17. details are decided. • Susan Eaton writes the script for Sunday with any Once the plans are made, Andy Gilstrap prepares every- announcements to be made. thing to go online. If you’ve been participating in our on- • The staff gathers before the service to rehearse again line worship, then you have probably heard Andy’s name and pray together. mentioned. Our online worship experience would not be what it is without Andy. Many details are also being considered to allow for the best experience possible. For instance, if Bruce appears to Lead Pastor Bruce Case said of him: “Andy has been a be sweating while he’s preaching, it’s because the air con- God-send. He helped us work through difficult logistical ditioning unit must be turned off during the broadcast to issues of sound and video. We have definitely advanced keep the humming sound out of the microphones. in our online quality because of Andy.” Another challenge is the delay of about 11 seconds be- Andy came to Parkway Heights by way of Sam Bruton. tween the broadcast software and what actually happens Sam invited Andy be a part of the praise band, and he on Facebook. has been playing drums during the 8:30 a.m. service for This can make several years now. When we realized that we would be timing tricky. worshiping on Facebook for the foreseeable future, Sam asked Andy’s advice on improving the quality of sound, We are all so we could include music. Andy took on the project with thankful for the a happy and generous attitude! hidden bless- ing of Face- Since his real job titles are assistant director of bands, book worship instructor of percussion and technical director of the and all those Brownstone Center for the Arts at Pearl River Community who make it When our worship leaders are on camera, College, Andy had the knowledge we needed. happen! this is the view they see. FYI

Remembering Our Friends at Wesley Manor When Wesley Manor mentioned to the staff at Parkway Heights that the residents were becoming a bit lonely and bored in quarantine, we sprung to action. Julie Collins ordered items for 80 gift bags, and Julie Collins, Sarah Grace Arrington and Wes Avril Sword put them together. On May 14, Arrington prepared hamburgers for relief workers. Wes Arrington delivered the bags to a very appreciative group of residents and staff at Tornado Relief During a Wesley Manor. Pandemic

Natural disasters can happen any time — even during a pandemic! Our neighboring counties endured two rounds of tornadoes in April. During April and May, UMCOR and MEMA volunteers stepped up to help victims apply for FEMA funding. Parkway Heights delivered meals for several weeks to the volunteers.

WESLEY CLUB ANNIVERSARY Wesley Club celebrates its 40th anniversary this year! In our InMission newsletters throughout 2020, we’ll share some pictures of Wesley Club over the years. Bruce Case delivered lunch to disaster relief work- ers in the Soso community on April 29. Wesley Club Christmas party in the late 1990s FRONT PORCH PROJECT UPDATE Thanks to Jennifer Allen and our congregation’s participation and donations for the Front Porch Jean Jordan, Sara Brewton and Project, we raised over $1,300 for Helen Paul rode a carousel on a our Christmas-Easter fund. Wesley Club trip in 2009. Thank you! YOUTH SN@P Schedule

Beginning June 7, SN@P small groups of 20 or fewer will meet outside at various homes from 6 until 7:15 p.m. Social distancing policies will be fol- lowed. Please RSVP to each SN@P by Thursday of that week.

If you would like to host one of these SN@P evenings, please let Wes Ingram Karen, Meredith, Dan and Henry McCall prayer with Hoy Schramm and his family know.

June 7: Rising 7th-9th guys @ Hayes Senior Sunday Burks’ home Senior Sunday on May 24 may have looked differently than previous years, but we still celebrated our high school graduates and showed our support June 7: Rising 7th-9th girls @ Caroline for them as they take the next steps in life. Morris’ home June 8: Rising 10th-Graduates @ TBD* The day began with a private service in the Sanctuary where each senior and his or her family were prayed over by our pastors. The seniors were June 14: TBD also prayed over by our congregation during the online worship service. The day ended with a lunch in the Berry House yard and a parade in which June 21: No groups due to Father’s our members rode by, waved and shouted their good wishes. Day Thank you to everyone who sent letters to these young people, prayed June 28: TBD over them or took time to join the parade. It was appreciated! *Due to Cultivate retreat, we are moving the high school gathering to Monday, June 8.

Colin Hughes led the Call to Worship. prayer of blessing over Emily Collins

HHS TEACHER APPRECIATION The pandemic could not stop Thu Sellers and Wes Ingram from orga- nizing a teacher/staff appreciation breakfast for Hattiesburg High School on May 6. Thanks to all who provided Clifton, Heather, Austin and Abigail Lane Susan, Will, Rachel and Stewart Eaton food items! CHILDREN LOFT ENJOYS ZOOMING Children’s Our 5th and 6th graders are still News enjoying their Zoom gatherings on Sundays at 4 p.m. If your child would like to participate, contact Lesley Ellison. Let’s Celebrate Pentecost!

SENIOR PARADE On Sunday, May 31, we will celebrate Ramsey and Rylan Lewis hon- Pentecost! Pentecost is the day that ored our high school seniors we remember the gift of the Holy Spirit, the Helper that Jesus had during their parade on Senior promised the disciples. The Holy Spirit Sunday, May 24. gave them (and gives us) the ability to tell others the good news about Jesus with courage and boldness. The disciples experienced the Holy Spirit as a loud noise that sounded like wind We Love “Miss” Dorothy! and what looked like fire appearing above each of their heads! Pentecost Dorothy Arcement has a passion and is considered the birthday of the gift for teaching girls’ Sunday School. church as 3,000 people were baptized She and her girls have really been that day! missing each other lately. To show their love, her Sunday School Here are a few activities that families students, along with their families and can do for Pentecost: others, held a parade in front of her • Make a Pentecost trumpet or home on May 20. In true “Miss” wind sock! Use what you have During the past several weeks, “Miss” Dorothy style, she gave each family on hand. You could use a toilet Dorothy has sent gifts to her girls, like this some flowers and candy in return! paper tube or a rolled up piece of cross that Brooklyn Worrell received. paper for the body. You could use streamers or cut up tissue paper for the “tail.” Encourage your chil- dren to blow through the tube or just wave it around!

• Make a flame headband! Again, just use materials you have on hand. If you don’t have con- struction paper, encourage the children to draw and color the flames! Be sure they wear it during Children’s Moments on Sunday, May 31! Cars lined “Miss” Dorothy’s street for her “Miss” Dorothy and her family cheered and parade. Sophia Turner is pictured looking waved as her parade passed by. • Last but not least, make cupcakes out the window of the first truck. to celebrate the Church’s birthday! Mail Room Sympathy to... - Helen Moss, on the death of her Dear Parkway Heights Friends, April 3, 2020 sister, Faith Salathe

Your steadfast support of Edwards Dear Lovely Ladies from Parkway - the family of Camille Storm Street Fellowship Center means so Heights, - the family of Juanice Peden much to all those who depend on our - Becky McKeehan and Clara ministries. Thankfully, our food pantry Your kindness and generosity have and medical clinic never ceased Pegues on the death of Becky’s touched me in a special way. I have mother and Clara’s grandmother operations this spring since both are been down for a number of years considered “essential businesses.” On and cannot do what I once did. I - Mary Dryden on the death of her May 1, our thrift store reopened with have always been very active until mother, Carol Hickman lots of safety precautions, such as no my livedoid vasculopathy took over more than 20 customers in the store my life. During this time, I had two at any one time. hip surgeries and two back surgeries, Worship with Us Online! which really pulled me down. From March 1 through May 13 this • Sunday Worship: 10 a.m. live on Therefore, I have spent a lot of time in year, 624 new families have registered our Facebook page for our food pantry services. We the hospital. I have real understanding praise God for generous friends like of others who have problems like • Children’s Moments: Sundays at you! Your monthly donations ensure mine or worse. Now I have an added 9 a.m. live on our Facebook page our food pantry shelves remain problem, but God will see me through • Open Door Community: Thursdays stocked with nourishing food for again. at 6:30 p.m. live on The Open these families — as well as all of the Door’s Facebook page individuals in our previously enrolled It takes friends like you who reach out households. and brighten our days and give us hope and strength to push on. Thank Thank you for faithfully caring for you! neighbors in your community, even in the midst of a pandemic. “Keep Love, on loving one another as brothers Floanne Kersh Parkway Heights UMC and sisters. Do not forget to show 2420 Hardy Street hospitality to strangers, for by so Hattiesburg, MS 39401 doing some people have shown www.parkwayheights.org hospitality to angels without knowing PHUMC Finances 601.544.7873 it.” (Hebrews 13:1-2) April 2020 Blessings, Income ...... $146,916 Bruce Case, Lead Pastor Ann McCullen Expenses ...... $117,033 Executive Director Net ...... $29,883 Julie Collins, Executive Pastor Edwards Street Fellowship Center YTD Actual Susan Eaton, Associate Pastor Income ...... $560,308 David Sellers, Pastor, CHURCH OFFICE HOURS Expenses ...... $534,527 The Open Door Community Net ...... $25,781 Phone calls are answered Monday- Wes Ingram, Pastor, Friday, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Limited staff YTD Comparison Youth & Families members are in the office on Mondays and Thursdays, 8 a.m. - Budgeted Income ...... $582,469 Lesley Ellison, Children & Families 1 p.m. If you need access to the Actual Income ...... $560,308 church building on Mondays or Budget Deficit ...... $22,161 Wes Arrington, Thursdays, ring the intercom bell. Outreach & Facilities