Safe Harbor UMC Takes Worship Outside for New Thing Sunday

By: Matthew Johnson, Connectional Ministries and Communications Assistant

Safe Harbor UMC's service at Presley's Outing.

Safe Harbor United Methodist Church in Moss Point took a unique approach to New Thing Sunday. Instead of having Sunday worship inside of their church building, Safe Harbor’s ministry team decided to leave the four walls and worship with members and new friends at Presley’s Outing a local campground.

Bishop Sharma D. Lewis dedicated Sunday, June 25 as New Thing Sunday in the Mississippi United Methodist Conference. On this special Sunday laity would come up with fresh ideas for conducting Sunday worship while clergy took a sabbath. This rest would allow clergy to spend time with loved ones and prepare for the 2023 session of annual conference. Rev. Kevin Bradley, pastor at Safe Harbor United Methodist Church, was grateful for the day of rest.

Rev. Kevin Bradley.

“New Thing Sunday was a great idea,” said Bradley. “I was able to step away and spend time with my wife and get some rest. That was a great idea and definitely worth doing again.”

For their New Thing Sunday, the ministry leadership team at Safe Harbor chose to worship at Presley’s Outing, a popular location that attracts tourists and visitors from many different places and is a popular area for locals. Prior to the event, the ministry team canvassed the area knocking on doors of campers and visiting with waterfront guests in addition to creating social media posts to bring awareness about their upcoming worship service.

Safe Harbor members Deanna Smith, right, along with husband Stacey.

On a beautiful Sunday morning, campers joined Safe Harbor’s members and enjoyed music, fellowship, children’s time, a sermon, prayer and lunch together. Lay member Deanna Smith explains the worship experience.

“I spoke with two of the campers who were both from out of town,” said Smith “They enjoyed sharing in ministry with us. It was nice to worship with someone from outside of your normal area.”

Safe Harbor’s New Thing Sunday celebration was a great way to Take Jesus to the Streets. We’d like for you to share your New Thing Sunday events and photos with us send them to news@mississippi-umc.org.