First Advent Sunday, 2014

Churches called ‘FIRST anything’ sound so presumptuous.  Maybe they weren’t supposed to when named, most in the 19^th century, but to me they have always seemed to be courting praise for being the first.  For instance I have only several times seen any town church called ‘SECOND something’ and never a ‘Third’.” Though I have seen a bank down here in Florida whose name is ‘5^th /3^rd bank of…’. Catchy, ‘eh?

But First Cocoa Beach United Methodist Church is one of the ‘FIRSTS’ that deserves some attention.  Pastor Melissa Stump is in her third year here and her passion for real hands on ministry is apparent in the way she works with her parishioners to make sure Sunday School, Youth and Children’s Ministries, and the twice monthly FREE community dinner and food and clothing pantry ‘git ‘er done’!

 Melissa’s background is Youth Ministry and I’d say she brings the best parts of that education into this local pastor’s role.

In addition to being instantly welcomed by her when we first called to request a parking space for FROG and TOAD almost a week ago, this morning she greeted us herself at 8:30am and showed us to the combined adult SS class using the sermon subjects for Advent as their discussion topics from the Adam Hamilton book, ‘Not A Silent Night’.

 

Discussion was led by Jim and Brinda. Brinda is a retired UMC Diaconal Minister (Deacon) and the two of them taught about the Advent Wreath and deeply about the sacrifice of Mother Mary for her baby and grown Son Jesus.

At 9:45 we all headed upstairs to the vaulted ceiling worship center., Those of you who know Lititz UMC’s sanctuary can imagine this one, only twice as high to the peak.  We participated in a 90% traditional and 10% contemporary service that was preached by Melissa in what I can only call a Methocostal style. Lively and really motivating toward Christian service.

The choir led us in two praise songs. She offered a great Children’s Message, and preached with a passion that demanded, and she gave, an invitation to come to Christ.

Communion followed and Mona and I were SO blessed! One of Melissa’s two communion server couples (they serve at two stations from half loaves and a cup by intinction) had to take a hurt neighbor to the hospital this morning.  So Melissa looked right at us, halfway back in this deep auditorium and asked if we could respond to a surprise request to assist in serving today.  Of course we stood up and came forward instantly.

We heard several speak of the desire of the congregation to begin offering a ‘younger’ style of service, maybe in addition to this one.  I hope they do! 

Back to the coach for a light lunch, our books and I’m starting to play my computer in one of two ‘Gettysburg’ games.  No, some things just don’t change!

Then I walked a couple of blocks to the local PUBLIX store for some small needs and on my return we walked over to the FCBUMC Fellowship Hall for the church bi-monthly community supper and food pantry event.

There might have been 100-125 folks who came from the church, from the local homeless community and from the neighborhood. Many were first timers and all were treated to a really GREAT turkey dinner, all you could eat, with every trimming including pumpkin or pecan pie.

The food bank is not large but they served at least 40 or so families and I think were pretty much empty when they closed. But they’ll receive donations over the next two weeks to open up again.  They receive no government aid in grants or food.  All is supported by this congregation and the next door neighbor Presbyterian Church.

We met a great guy who pedaled in from down the island for Sunday School, Church the meal and the Food Pantry.  Shadow is this free spirit's name and he joined the church RED BIRD MISSION Team this September and wears the shirt to prove it!

Pastor Melissa and her husband (who leads the Youth Group with some others later on Sunday evenings) are fostering to adopt beautiful little Faith.  Keep them in prayer as they begin the journey which many of you know can be a very trying one for all.

We met several parishioners who once lived in Pennsylvania, and one from Coatesville.  He knew all about Douglassville.  Everyone from anywhere seems to  know Lancaster.

We sat for dinner with a couple who are from Indianapolis originally who sold everything or gave it away upon retirement 1 ½ years ago.  They work-camp at a campground in Indiana in the summer and live at Jetty Park on the Cape Canaveral Canal at the ocean in the winter in their THOR gas engine coach.

They love it.  I don’t think they had to get out of bed to see the ORION launch across the canal on Friday.

Tomorrow we attempt to pick up our mail again on Merritt Island. Perhaps the weather will be warm enough to walk on the beach but the sea breeze will probably be too cool to sit out, for us, anyway.

Once we have the mail we’ll call up our friends the Gresh’s in Kissimmee and see when we might be able to get together with them.  Meanwhile the temps continue to slowly drop, and the Florida Keys continue to beckon.

We have to ask Paul at COASTAL RV why the new water pump sometimes is cycling high and low pressure when we are running a faucet slowly.  Normally such action means some air is trapped in a line but we can’t find any.  If only all our mechanical issues were so small!

-Ken