Frank Heckman leads our relationship with Stewart-Marchman and Beachside Neighborhood Watch
While serving on the Board of Directors of the Stewart-Marchman Foundation, I learned of the need for a civic or church group to "adopt" one of two juvenile detainees programs who are housed at the Stuart-Marchman Center - one being The Oaks consisting of 40 boys and The Pines with 58 girls. After reviewing this need with the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Beachside Neighborhood Watch, I got the "go-ahead" to "adopt" the 40 boys.
The position of being the "adopted family" consisted of visits with the young men on a frequent basis and getting together for family-type visits. We began with finding out what the boys liked to do on our evenings with them at the Center. Renting newly released movies was on the top of their list. We brought them a movie and a cooler of sodas to enjoy for a fun night. We all enjoyed being with our boys. Our Board suggested that we should add a snack along with the movie and sodas, so we now bring a variety of sandwiches, chips and always a freshly baked cake and feed the 40 boys, four staff and our volunteers who prepare and serve the "menu of the evening." Three of our church members, Ann Boring. Doris Hovis, and Tay Sullivan, are always there to help. The boys are very fond of these three ladies.
When the boys reach a point in their program they, if on the good behavior list, are allowed to go on "off campus" trips. One staff member for every five boys is required for trips to the THUNDER indoor football games, the CUBS baseball games at Jackie Robinson Stadium, the SPEEDWAY for car races and other events that offer B.N.W. free tickets. Prior to each event, the B.N.W. prepares them a "dinner of their choice" at COMMUNITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH. We now have our boys attend our church service on Sunday morning. Many of these boys have never been inside a church and in the last three years two have been baptized. They have lunch after church and then go to a private room at the OYSTER PUB for games of pool.
As a volunteer with our Stewart-Marchman Program, I have been enriched with knowing that our group will make a change in our boys lives - not all, however; but if only one life is changed, we have done our job.
FOR FURTHER INFO I CAN BE AVAILABLE 24/7 ON 295-3214. Thank you! Frank Heckman
Altar Guild
To be a part of this group that cares for our beautiful church altar, contact Carolyn Beekman and find out how you may help!
Missions
Is this the area where you feel God wants you to work? Maybe you're not sure. Maybe you want to know more about what needs to be done. Our church is involved in many missions and there is a place for you. Contact Grace Krouse, Gbkrouse@aol.com , Missions Coordinator, and keep our missions in your prayers.
Prayer Advocacy
Pastor Ken Zimmerman and Dennis Romano head up our prayer team that meets in the Church Library each Monday morning at 10 AM. Whether you pray as in the Lord's Prayer or just talk with Jesus as a friend, come pray with the prayer team on Monday mornings. Come and have communion with God.
Cuba/Florida Covenant
Our Cuba/Florida Covenant Representative is Carolyn Beekman.
FAMILY RENEW
Our Family Renew Community Representative is Chuck Day.
USHERS
There always seems to be a need for more ushers. This team is headed by Bob Stevens.
Back Porch Bible Study
This group meets every other Fridy night at 6:30 pm for dinner and to study the Bible. Everyone is welcome.
