We welcomed Associate Pastor Justin Wells and his lovely family to our church in January 2023
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Pastor Justin has already become a welcome blessing for us. Not only is he a stellar IT whiz, but he brings a fresh perspective to our church. Shown below are Pastor Justin and his wife, Jana. You can join Pastor Justin on most Saturday evenings at 6pm in the chapel with communion, and once a month on Sundays, when he gives Pastor Edie a break. If you haven’t already done so, stop by and say hi to Pastor Justin!
Our first “event” of the year is always one of our biggest – Rise Against Hunger, where we gathered on a Saturday morning to pack 15,000 meals to be sent to hungry children and families abroad. Working on the food assembly line. Each meal consists of a vitamin pack, grains, dried vegetables and rice. Rise Against Hunger is an international hunger relief non-profit organization that coordinates the packaging and distribution of food and other aid to people in developing nations.
Left: Getting ready to bang the gong after every 1,000 meals are packed. Center: The guys packing the sealed meals. Right: Our packers and heat sealers/labelers Check out www.riseagainsthunger.org for more information on how you can help.
The United Women in Faith gathered to make their wonderful chicken pies. As usual, sales were very brisk and, though they made over 200 pies, all were sold lickety-split! Pictured above are the seasoned chicken pie makers, queens of the kitchen and our hearts! In the middle is our trusty record-keeper! Thanks to all the ladies of the Taylor Brown Circle, a division of the United Women in Faith, for your labors of love over the years! Proceeds go to charity/missions.
…and put it in the bag for you and for me! Yum-Yum! All done for the time being. Be sure and check back for our next sale! Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper We gathered for a pancake supper and watched an Adam Hamilton video afterwards.
Pastor Justin, the chair and members of our trusty trustees, and members of the kitchen/hospitality committee cooking and serving up delicious-ness
Celebrating Women’s History Month & International Women’s Day, the Ocean View United Women in Faith presented the entire service March 5. Roger is greeted by our ever-faithful usher, Susie, pictured with young-at-heart Blanche
Sandy and the ladies of the choir gave Greg and the guys a break. Gail Lee brought the sermon at all 3 services.
Many thanks to the UWF ladies for stepping up as readers and liturgists. Communion was celebrated as it is on every first Sunday.
Rock Painting
Stop by the narthex and pick up a rock to hide and share! We spend a few hours spreading the word about OVUMC by painting river rocks. Our website address is painted somewhere on each rock.
We always have a nice mix of regulars and new faces. Join us for lots of fun! We provide the supplies; you provide the talent!
We gathered at the beach for a Good Friday Cross Walk. Pastor Jim Shaver (Ret.) read scripture while Associate Pastor Justin Wells carried the cross to symbolize Christ’s journey to Calvary .
In addition to walking, there were prayers, reflection, and singing by Jana Wells.
In April, we were able to squeeze in a bonfire before the bonfire season ended. Black Sails Adventure Company set everything up, including chairs with pillows, and of course, the bonfire.
We will continue to meet on the beach at the same place (Womble Street Access) on the last Tuesday of the month during the months of June, July and August. Check out the OVUMC calendar, your weekly bulletin, or the big screen in the sanctuary for details.
In the fall months (September, October, November) we will announce the gathering times, since the sun sets earlier every month. We will continue to meet at the same spot unless otherwise noted. Check out our Facebook page for updates and more information!
The OVUMC Book Club sponsored a presentation and book signing by Rev. Deb Richardson-Moore.
The Nurture Committee hosted several “Bag Lunch & Game Days” Folks brought their lunches and enjoyed games afterwards. Participants tested their wits at games such as Mexican Train Dominoes, Scrabble, and Uno. Bag Lunch & Game Day occurs monthly on 3rd Tuesdays.
We Welcomed New Members in the Spring After attending weekly classes, new members were welcomed to Ocean View. The Nurture Committee and Women of Faith hosted a reception for the New Members after the 11:00 service on March 26.
Success Stories from Pastor Justin Ocean View is known within the community to be a church that offers help to those in need. In conjunction with Brunswick Family Housing and the Southport Oak Island Interchurch Fellowship, we help with hotel stays, rent, utilities, medicine, food, and gasoline. Most of the time we do not know what happens to those who we help. But, sometimes they give us an update. There is one person who we have helped over the first part of the year with food and gas, who is now working locally as a chef. They have expressed their gratitude for all that they received and the counsel given in their time of need. Another person, who has a disability, was living in their car. We helped them with a hotel stay and food. They have now been able to move to the Raleigh area to be closer to the doctors they require. These are only two examples of the needs that Ocean View has been able to meet for those in the community. Those who we can help are grateful for the generosity of Ocean View United Methodist Church. NCCUMC General Conference was Held June 15-17 Pictured left are this year’s delegates, along with Pastor Edie.
Farm to Table (FTT) Photos & Feedback from a Local Family to Ocean View FTT Volunteers The following is an excerpt from a letter received from one of our FTT recipients. "The Farm to Table Program has allowed me to feed 5 growing boys fresh fruits and veggies while on a limited budget with rising costs. It's allowed us to try new things along the way too! My sons get so excited when our produce bags are delivered, they race outside and dig into the bags instantly. This program has kept us fed in a healthier manner over the last year, and I am forever grateful!" We're so appreciative of the volunteers who work hard to keep our FTT Program going by cultivating and delivering fresh, local produce. They are a part of Ocean View's Creation Care Team. Pictured above are Tiffany Goss, Food Hub Manager for Men and Women for Youth and Families, and Paula Vise, Ocean View’s Farm-to-Table Coordinator. Pastor Edie is shown right, watering the Ocean View Creation Care Garden, behind the church. Top: Tomato plants from OV’s Creation Care Garden are ready for distribution to families.
July 25 - "Meet Me at the Beach" Gathering Our July beach gathering featured another one of Oak Island's fabulous sunsets, fun and fellowship. Parking is FREE! Bring a chair, something to drink if you want, and a friend! These events are super You just may make a new casual and friendly! Wear friend or get a chance to your swim suit if you want to chat with one of our staff take a dip! members!
Backpacks for Brunswick Family Assistance Many thanks to all who helped the local children of our community by taking a tag and filling a backpack with back-to-school clothing and supplies for children right here in our community! Thanks to those who donated, kids will be off to a great start!
“Fifth Sunday” Potluck in July
Stay tuned for more photos!
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