Faith Archive

With all the uncertainty in the world today, from war in Israel and Palestine to political divisions in the United States, many people are looking at 2024 as an opportunity to begin anew and help find answers for the questions in their lives. Churches, and the people who lead them, provide that opportunity.

Each year, we often look back at our successes, our failures and what we would like to see change in the new year. Navarre area churches are no different.

The world was in shock after the attack on Israel that took place in October. Now, uniting to demonstrate their support for the nation of Israel and its peoples, local faith leaders are joining together to present “A Night to Honor Israel” that will provide the community with a unique opportunity to stand together against antisemitism.

There’s a new store on New Hope Road in Midway. St. Paul United Methodist Church recently opened the New Hope Thrift Store, which is just southwest of the main church building and the preschool building. The thrift store is set to have an official grand opening in January but had a soft opening Tuesday, Dec. 5.

The story of Jesus’s birth is well known. The Bible, in the Book of Luke, describes the birth of Christ and presents a story of multiple people and animals (wise men from the east with gifts, shepherds and their flock, Joseph and a pregnant Mary, just to name a few) traveling to and converging at one manger, for the arrival of the newborn king, Jesus Christ.

Christmas is arguably the most popular holiday in the United States.

Each year, millions put toys and other gifts under Christmas trees, attend Christmas services and travel to see family. According to the National Retail Federation, consumer spending during the 2023 holiday season, which is anchored by Christmas, is expected to be between $957.3 billion and $966.6 billion.

Around five years ago, Angela Zangerle, a Navarre resident, was taking a tour of Santa Rosa Kids House, a nonprofit which provides services such as counseling, as well as shelter, for children who’ve been abused. The nonprofit has helped thousands of children, according to its website.

On Nov. 5, Navarre United Methodist Church held a 40th anniversary celebration during their Sunday service. The church also held a fellowship luncheon after the service.

Pastor David Morris delivered the sermon, where he discussed the past, present and future of the church.

On Nov. 4, a local church will be building beds for those less fortunate.

Navarre United Methodist is partnering with Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a national nonprofit which builds twin sized beds for children ages three to 17 and delivers them fully furnished. From 2012 (the year it was founded) to 2022, Sleep in Heavenly Peace has delivered approximately 140,583 beds. There are 326 chapters of the organization.

Few people think of a church as the place for a haunted house attraction, but for the Community of Christ Church in Navarre, it has become a tradition.

Although the event was last held in 2018, Danny Hawkins, Huston Hawkins and Jack Porter, the event organizers, haven’t forgotten the thrills (and chills) which make ‘Fear Forest’ a spectacle to behold.