Rob’s RemarksA few years ago, I served a church in Greenwood, which was the beneficiary of several gifts throughout the years. The gifts were of varying amounts. One person gave money to support a ministry for mentally challenged adults in our community who worshiped at the church. Other people gave gifts toward scholarships to support persons interested in ministry as a vocation.

One widow left both United Methodist churches in town a half million dollars each. These resources allowed the churches substantial opportunities for ministry, which benefited countless others in the community and abroad. One of the churches used the money to build a family life center, which became one of the most significant venues for ministry in the community.

All these gifts were special because they were planned gifts. They were intentional because they were given in people’s wills.

Have you ever thought about including Parkway Heights UMC in your estate planning and your will? Planning ahead is a caring way to provide for your family’s needs. As a good steward of what God has provided for your life on earth, leaving a legacy of good will and favor through this church is an act of supreme generosity.

So, please consider making Parkway Heights a part of your last will and testament as a means of grace, so the work of Christ may continue to flourish through your faithfulness. Thank you.

Grace and Peace,Rob

Rob Gill

inmission A PUBLICATION OF PARKWAY HEIGHTS UMC • MAY 2015

Reminder: Wednesdays @ Parkway will resume in the fall.

Thank You!The USM Wesley Foundation raised $7,715 at the Pastor Cook-off and Auction held April 13 at Parkway Heights. The Wesley Foundation

would like to thank everyone who supported this event.

Mark Your CalendarTeam5:1 Senior Sunday

and BBQ PicnicSunday, May 3, 10 a.m.

Africa University Choir Performance at Heritage UMC

Tuesday, May 19, 6 p.m.

FestivalSouth Concert for Edwards Street Fellowship Center

at Saenger TheaterSaturday, June 6, 7:30 p.m.

Mega Sports Camp VBSMonday, June 8-Thursday, June 11,

8:30 a.m. - noon

ONE Combined Worship ServiceSunday, July 5, 10 a.m.

Mission FestWednesday, July 22, 5:15 p.m.

Senior Adult VBSMonday, Aug. 17-Thursday, Aug. 20

10:30 a.m. - noon

Summer of RefreshmentWith school winding down and vacations on the horizon, summer is a great time to unwind, renew and intentionally refresh your faith. This year, we will once again offer our Summer of Refreshment to help you nurture your relation-ship with God through regular times of prayer and reflection. Using an online community (search Summer of Refreshment on Facebook), we’ll present inspira-tional messages and suggest resources to help you set your minds and focus on God. You can also follow us on Twitter at @RefreshSummer.

Wesley ClubThe senior adults of Parkway Heights’ Wesley Club will gather for a meal and program on Thursday, May 21 at 11:45 a.m. in Founders Hall. Rev. David Sellers will speak about the ministry at The Open Door.

The Wesley Club meets on the third Thursday of each month. Everyone over the age of 55 is welcome! If you are interested in attending, please call 601.544.7873 to make a reservation.

fyiJune Communion Offering for Africa University Our communion offering on June 7 will be combined with the Mississippi UMC annual conference offering for Africa University. We hope you will be able to participate. The following is a letter from Dr. Aubrey Lucas and Dr. Joe May, co-chairs of the Mississippi-Africa University Partnership.

Dear Mississippi United Methodists,

This letter brings good news about Africa University! In 1992 The United Methodist Church opened Africa University, located in Zimbabwe, formerly Rhodesia, to provide much needed higher education for that continent and for the fast-growing United Methodist Church in Africa. From 49 students that first year, the University has grown to almost 1,500 students representing 23 different African countries. The University offers the traditional liberal arts and sciences and prepares students for careers in theology, education, agriculture, business, government and health-related fields.

Africa University is blessed with the generosity of the global United Methodist Church. This support and the careful management of the University, under its board of directors and the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, have resulted in a debt-free campus! Mississippi United Methodists have provided leadership and support for Africa University from its beginning by serving on the committee to find a location for the University; by serving on its board of directors; by providing scholarships for students; and by erecting on a mountain overlooking the campus the United Methodist emblem of the sword and flame. We now have an opportunity to continue that support and to help ensure the future of Africa University. The great need today is for endowments, which will serve the University now and in the future. Over 5,000 students have graduated from Africa University. These Africa University alumni are making disciples and addressing the challenges of hunger, poverty, disease and conflict. We United Methodists can be proud of Africa University and through The POWER of We, our gifts will assure its future.

Global Leadership SummitNo matter where you lead—church, work, community—the Global Leadership Summit is a world-class experience designed to help you become a better leader and embrace your grander vision, the reason God called you to lead.

Global Leadership Summit takes place each year at Willow Creek near Chicago. It is broadcast live to over 375 host sites.

Parkway Heights will be taking a group to Biloxi to participate in the live GLS simulcast August 6-7. If you would like to attend, contact Susan Eaton by Sunday, May 10 at susaneaton@parkwayheights.org. The cost is $50 (plus meals) for those who attend with the church. Space is limited at this price, but people can still attend the simulcast on their own if they’d like.

Visit www.willocreek.com/events/leadership to learn about GLS.

Concert for Edwards St. Fellowship CenterThis year’s opening concert of FestivalSouth will feature “Under the Boardwalk,” an energetic tribute band who performs doo-wop, Motown and early rock ‘n roll. Under the Boardwalk will perform hits from the Beach Boys, Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke, The Drifters, The Four Seasons and more!

All the proceeds from the concert will benefit Edwards Street Fellowship Center. The event will take place Saturday, June 6 at 7:30 p.m. at the Saenger Theater in

Downtown Hattiesburg. Tickets are $25 each, and they can be purchased at our church on the Sunday mornings of May 17, 24 or 31. Tickets can also be purchased through the Southern MIss ticket office.

PH happeningsSpring has been busy at Parkway Heights! Look at what’s been going on!

On Palm Sunday, the children in the 8:30 service led the congregation into worship with the waving of palm branches.

During Sundays in Lent, the Sanctuary Choir presented pieces from Handel’s “Messiah.” On Maundy Thursday, we

were blessed with a larger presentation of the musical.

perfectly imperfect Women’s RetreatDuring the weekend of April 24-25, the Women’s Ministry of Parkway Heights hosted a spiritual life retreat titled “perfectly imperfect.” Around 35 women gathered at the beautiful Longleaf Plantation for this time of spiritual growth.

Lori Shuck led the praise music, and our own Susan Eaton taught studies on Rahab, Naomi and Ruth. Those attending learned how God chose and used these unlikely women—imperfect women. The ladies also learned how everyone is worthy in God’s eyes.

It was a fun weekend that included beading bracelets, silly photos and great food! New friendships were formed, and faith was strengthened. We invite you to join us for future Women’s Ministry events. If you have questions, contact Susan Eaton at susaneaton@parkwayheights.org.

Ladies enjoyed time outside for small group discussions.

Lindsey Lewis and Jennifer Staten were “roomies” at the retreat.

Betty Bradley and Marge Cervantes enjoyed breakfast and fellowship before worship on

Easter Sunday, April 5.

Sidney Smith shared his testimony and musical talents in all three worship services

on Sunday, April 26.

outreachOutreach Spotlight: Navajo Mission TeamThe Navajo Vacation Bible School Mission is the longest continuously running national mission trip at Parkway Heights. It began in 1998 and has continued annually with over 100 different people participating in this experience.

The primary function of the mission trip is the Vacation Bible School, which averages 20-30 children each year, with over 400 Navajo children and adults having been taught the stories of the Bible in the 16 years of this mission. Other contributions of the mission trip have included small building projects, clothing drives and even a women’s retreat. Each year Christmas stockings are filled by the people of Parkway Heights and mailed for distribution to Navajo children.

A String and a Prayer beading group (with the generous support of PHUMC) is an extension of the Navajo VBS Mission Team and has donated over $7,000 to different projects related to the Navajo nation. Look for this group selling their jewelry May 3 and 10. It makes a perfect Mother’s Day gift!

As members and guests of Parkway Heights, you can celebrate the good works being done by the church through this mission. You can help by supporting the jewelry sales, making a financial gift or possibly joining the mission team itself. For more information, contact any of the Navajo team members or Wes Arrington at wesarrington@parkwayheights.org.

Food Drive to Benefit Edwards StreetBe sure to leave a bag of non-perishable food by your mailbox on Saturday, May 9 for the annual Letter Carrier Food Drive. Edwards Street Fellowship Center will be one of the recipient agencies of the food collected. Edwards Street always needs extra volunteers to help on the day of this food drive, so if you can help, please let them know!

The Big EventOn March 21, volunteers from the University of Southern Mississippi helped our church move supplies into storage. They also helped relocate the BreadBasket food pantry. We are grateful for their help! PHUMC hosts Woodley Party

On Thursday, April 23, Parkway Heights sponsored a party for the children from Woodley Elementary School who were recognized for good behavior. The students were provided pizza and cookies, as well as a fun jump castle, super slide and obstacle course. They also enjoyed a photo booth. A big “THANK YOU” goes to all the volunteers who helped make this a special day for the kids. The children obviously had a great time, as they were overheard saying, “I wish I could live here!” and “This is the best day of my life!”

Parkway Heights’ Director of Outreach Wes Arrington spent the morning with the Woodley students.

The Woodley students enjoyed the silly costumes and props that were used in the

photo booth.

children & youthConfirmation SundayParkway Heights had an amazing celebration on April 19 as we confirmed 14 young people and prayed for five more who finished their first year of confirmation. Thank you to everyone who helped make this a memorable moment in the lives of our young people. The 2014-2015 confirmands were Nellie Arrington, Davis Bruton, Ben Buffington, AC Bynum, Jackson Ford, Sam Manning, Emmie Perkins, Lauren Powe, John Milner Price, Gannon Priebe, Jacob Russell, Quinn Sellers, Kathryn Slaughter and Ca’Toria Swain. The 2015-2016 confirmands are Sarah Grace Arrington, Emily Collins, Will Eaton, Colin Hughes and Meredith McCall. Please continue to pray for these young people and offer them your support and congratulations.

SOS Mission TripThis year’s SOS trip will be another great week of serving in Memphis, June 21-27. The trip is open to current 7th-12 graders. The cost covers every-thing except three meals, snacks and souvenirs.

We have a few spots still open! Registration will close Wednesday, May 20.

You do not have to pay the full $300 at registration. Final payment is due June 1. To register, visit http://bit.ly/SOSRegistration

Youth Calendar May 3 - Senior Sunday and Senior SN@PMay 10 - NO SN@P (Mother’s Day)May 17 - SN@P Crawfish Boil... 6th Graders come to SN@PMay 24 - NO SN@PMay 31 - NO SN@P

May 2, 7 p.m. - Will Ford: Black and Gold Revue - OGHS Show Choir performance at William Carey University

May 5, 7 p.m. - Ca’Toria Swain: Spring Band Concert at Forrest County Agricultural High School

May 12, 7 p.m. - Jackson Ford, Cason Gill & Emmie Perkins: Black and Gold Showcase - OGMS Show Choir performance at Oak Grove Primary School

May 14, 5:30 p.m. - Emily Runnels: Senior Violin Recital at William Carey University Chapel

May 16, 10:30 a.m.- Caroline Batson and Anna Weston Burks: Piano Recital at Parkway Heights

High School Graduations

May 2, 2 p.m. - Amy Arrington and Emily Runnels: Homeschool Graduation at Parkway Heights

May 15, 7 p.m. - Jarred Graves: Petal High School Graduation at Reed Green Coliseum

May 21, 7 p.m. - Sam Lovitt and Emily Welch: Sacred Heart High School Graduation at Sacred Heart Chapel

May 23, 10 a.m. - Alese Buffington, Casey Ford, Will Ford and William Gillespie: Oak Grove High School Graduation at Reed Green Coliseum

Youth Crawfish Boil

Sunday, May 17, 5-7:30 p.m.Hoods’ Canebrake Pavilion

$10 for crawfish Pizza available

Susan Eaton presented a prayer shawl to each confirmand as a gift from the Prayer Shawl

Ministry Team.

Rob Gill spoke to the confirmands during the 8:30 a.m. service.

children & youth Children’s News

Parents’ Night Out

Parents’ Night Out is a unique ministry offered to parents at Parkway Heights on the first or second Friday of each month. Parents can enjoy an evening out while their children are cared for by our loving nursery staff. Parents’ Night Out will be held Friday, May 8, from 6 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. Please register your child by noon on Thursday, May 7 to ensure adequate staffing and pizza. You can register on MyParkwayHeights or look for registration on the NEXT Possibilities.

Mother’s Day Photos

To honor our mothers, the Parkway Heights Preschool Ministry Team will be hosting a special Mother’s Day “photo booth” near the nursery/preschool check-in desk on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 10. Pictures will be taken from 8:15 a.m. until 11:15 a.m. We hope everyone will stop by and take a memory with them on this special day!

Easter Egg Hunt Fun! Parkway Height’s annual Team5:1 Easter Egg Hunt was a wonderful success! Everyone who came enjoyed a fantastic time! Thank you to Warren and Carolyn Hood for being such gracious hosts and providing families with beautiful Easter memories. Thanks also to all who provided cookies, our 5th and 6th graders for being “egg hiders” and to Morgan Bevon who was a wonderful Easter Bunny!

Volunteer Opportunities

Our Children’s Ministry has several serving opportunities available. We are looking for just the right people to serve in our preschool area on Sunday mornings. There are a few spots still open if you would like to serve as a Sunday School teacher in the 2, 3 or 4-year-old classes. We also need volunteers who would like to help in our nursery during worship services. And anyone interested in serving on our Preschool Ministry Team is encouraged to do so! This team helps to plan, promote and implement special events that cater specifically to preschoolers and their families. If you would prefer working with children age K-6th grade, there are opportunities to serve as a small group leader or to help our large group team deliver each week’s theme in fun and engaging ways.

Elinor and Daphne King were excited to find Easter eggs!

Samantha, Carter and Christian Moody and Gannon Bufkin snacked on goodies at the

Easter Egg Hunt.

Loft Mission Trip

The Loft is a preteen ministry designed for children in 5th and 6th grades. Every other year, this special group has the opportunity to take part in a mission trip. In past years we have traveled to Austin, Texas; Nashville, Tennessee; and Charleston, South Carolina. This year, we will be staying a little closer to home and traveling to Jackson to spend some time on the campus of the Mississippi Methodist Children’s Home. Our preteens will be helping out with various projects including some light landscaping work, sorting items for the Home’s thrift store and helping with birthday parties for the children who are residents at the Home.

The trip will be July 6-10. Total cost for the trip is $175 per person. The cost includes meals, a T-shirt and a trip to Grand Paradise Water Park in Collins on our way back to Hattiesburg. If you would like more information, please contact Jennifer Morgan at jennifermorgan@parkwayheights.org. Scholarships are available for both children and adults.

children & youth Children’s News

VBS/Mega Sports Camp

This year, Vacation Bible School is getting a new twist! Mega Sports Camp will be held June 8-11 from 8:30 a.m. until noon each day. Mega Sports Camp is a quality sports training camp where kids will learn new skills in their favorite sports, as well as experience Bible stories and inspiring stories from professional and Olympic athletes.

Camps for the week will include soccer, basketball and cheerleading. Each sport will be led by a “head” coach, who will help children learn new skills and develop existing ones. “Huddle” or small group leaders will help kids see that the sports concepts of preparation, focus, encouragement and change are also ways they can grow their faith and be examples of

God’s love for others. Additionally, there is an energetic opening and “halftime” rally with great music and Mega—our very own mascot! And, of course, there will be snacks because with all this fun, kids are sure to work up an appetite!

Volunteer positions are available in several areas! If you have experience in coaching soccer, basketball or cheerleading, this is a great opportunity to share your skills and build relationships with kids in our community! Even if you’ve never even shaken a pompom or you think a double dribble is how you got that coffee stain on your shirt, don’t worry! Your lack of sports knowledge is no reason to keep you on the sidelines! We will train you on everything you need to know!

If leading or coaching isn’t where you feel called to help, you can still help by allowing us to borrow any of the following sports equipment for the week: portable soccer or basketball goals, soccer balls or basketballs, practice jerseys, shin guards (all sizes welcome) or practice cones. These items will be labeled and returned to you at the end of Mega Sports Camp.

If you would like to volunteer or would like more information about how you can get involved, please contact Jennifer Morgan at jennifermorgan@parkwayheights. org. Volunteers can attend one or both training sessions to be held May 17 and May 24 at 12:45 p.m. in the Loft.

You can register for Mega Sports Camp online at MyParkwayHeights. Registration will be open until June 8. We hope your children will join us during this amazing week. We are so excited to offer such a unique experience!

Camp Wesley Pines

Parkway Heights will be taking two groups to Camp Wesley Pines for sum-mer camp this year. We will take chil-dren entering kindergarten, 1st, 2nd or 3rd grade July 27-29. This is a great introduction to camp because of its very short time frame. You can register and pay online at www.wesleypines.com. Cost for this camp is $140.

For children entering 4th, 5th or 6th grade, the Camp Wesley Pines dates are June 16-19. The cost for this camp is $300. You can register and pay on-line at www.wesleypines.com.

Scholarships are available for both camps. Please contact Jennifer Mor-gan (jennifermorgan@parkwayheights.org) about a scholarship prior to regis-tering for camp.

Also, let Jennifer know if your child will be riding the van to and from camp. If your child will be riding the van home from camp, please list Park-way Heights van/Jennifer Morgan as an authorized pickup person on your registration.

Finally, please mail, email or fax (601-892-3478) your child’s shot records to Camp Wesley Pines. All fees and registration forms are due two weeks prior to the start of each camp.

Mail RoomDear Friends,

Your faithful support of Edwards Street Fellowship Center shines the light of God’s love every day. Thanks to your generosity, neighbors are served at our food pantry, thrift store, children’s programs, wellness activities and through many other ministries. God bless you as you spread love and peace in the Pine Belt.

With gratitude,Ann McCullenDirector of Edwards StreetFellowship Center

New Members- Diane and Leguin Williams

Prayer Concerns - Chase Clayton- Herbert Hart- John Hutto- Helen Wilroy- Lee Delle Wilson

Sympathy To - Jenny Moore, on the death of her brother, Jeffrey Moore - June Pegues and family on the death of Jim Pegues - David Turner, on the death of his mother, Alice Kathryn Turner Smith

Praise - for the birth of Sadie Elise Price, born to Sarah and Chris Price

The family of Alice Kathryn Turner Smith expresses their appreciation for the prayers, cards and condolences with our mother’s recent passing away.

- David and Mary Turner

Parkway Heights UMC2420 Hardy StreetHattiesburg, MS 39401-5911

PHUMC Finances March 2015 Income $120,016 Expenses $126,798

NEXT Campaign Received as of 3/31/15 $1,548,000

Rob Gill, Lead Pastor

Susan Eaton, Associate Pastor

Julie Collins, Executive Pastor

Wes Ingram, Youth & Family

Jennifer Morgan, Children & Family

Debra Topp, Connections

Wes Arrington, Outreach

David Sellers, Pastor, The Open Door

Parkway Heights UMCPhone: 601.544.7873

parkwayheights@parkwayheights.org parkwayheights.ccbchurch.com facebook.com/parkwayheights

Sunday GatheringsWorship: 8:30 /9:45 /11 a.m.

Sunday School: 9:45 a.m.

Special thanks to our InMissionproofreader Nova Corley