Rededication of our restored building was Sunday, April 6, 2008

           
       Mississippi City United Methodist Church                                    Church Sign

              
              Reading the Liturgy                                                              Sanctuary

Rod D-Rishel - Rededication 4-6-2008.wma
Rod D-Rishel - Recognition 4-6-2008.wma
Rededication_0002.wmv     - Pictures in movie taken 4-6-2008 by Angie Davis of Jamestown UMC, Elkhart, Indiana.           

                                                           Rededication 4-6-2008
       On Sunday, February 3, 2008, the congregation of Mississippi City United Methodist Church was able to move back into our church that had to be rebuilt after Hurricane Katrina came ashore on August 29, 2005. Since then, the church members have been getting acquainted with our newly refurbished surroundings and adjusting to our bright and beautiful building as we plan for the future.
        We hope to be the church for the community on the Coast and reach out to those looking for a church home. Since our return to 219 Courthouse, our attendance at the worship services has gradually increased, with new faces every Sunday. Our faith-based preschool, Wesley Academy, has all new furnishings, equipment and supplies as well as a brand-new playground, and enrollment has steadily increased since the re-opening.
         The rededication of our church sanctuary was held on Sunday, April 6, 2008. Invitations had been mailed to all the volunteers, donors, churches, former pastors, contractors, bankers and elected officials who had worked with us during the recovery, and our Seashore District Superintendent, Rev. Bill McAlilly, was invited to assist Pastor Rod Dickson-Rishel, with the rededication ceremony. Pastor Rod’s sermon was entitled, "Devoted Fellowship."
          Following the sermon, Rev. McAlilly read a letter of congratulations from Rev. Hope Morgan Ward, Bishop of the Mississippi Conference, and presented the church with a check for $50,000 from the Baltimore-Washington United Methodist Conference. Pastor Rod introduced our guests – volunteers and supporters from Elkhart, Indiana; Gulf Shores, Alabama; Peachtree City, Georgia; and Tupelo, Mississippi; five former pastors, Lamar Martin, Jimmy Ormon, Jim Williams, Tom Sorrell and Ken Dickson; financial advisors from Regions Bank; and elected officials including Gulfport Mayor Brett Warr.
          Pastor Rod also presented "Hero" medals to Dot McDaniel, Dot Regel and Gini Hansen, for their service to the church. Gary Clay, our worship leader, presented a print, "Double Trouble," by Marty Wilson, to Rod from the congregation for his dedication and leadership during the restoration process.
          Following the morning worship, the United Methodist Women of Ms. City hosted a reception for all our honored guests and church members. The flowers for the rededication were provided by Jim & Chellie Ormon, Gulf Shores U.M.C. and Linda Hollingsworth, and were beautifully arranged by Elaine Tinsley. The lovely table linens were furnished by Apex Linen & Laundry Service. Our heartfelt gratitude to all.
          The restoration process has been a very humbling experience. None of this would have been possible without your prayers, our faith in God, and our many, many volunteers and donors. We are so thankful to everyone, and thank you, Lord!