Your Life - Faith & Values

Friday, Oct. 30, 2009

Beauvoir UMC reaches out in many ways

BILOXI — At the entrance of the Beauvoir United Methodist Church there is a cross made out of drift wood. This simple cross is a reminder that all are welcome even those who have drifted off somewhere they do not want to be.

Church members are reaching out to assist those who are in need within the community.

“There is a great need in the immediate area with the number of people at risk,” said Pastor Michelle Bailey. “We are trying to help them improve their situation in a positive way. You need to treat the issue at a more basic level to help rebuild their lives.”

Beauvoir Methodist provides food and clothing to about 250 people a month. In the past few months that number has doubled.

“It is because of economic reasons,” Bailey said. “Folks are without jobs and people are out of their savings and resources. There are long-term economic issues involved.”

Members are also reaching out to the community in other ways. Recently they hosted a fundraising event for the Bethel Free Health Clinic in Biloxi.

Church members are actively involved in the Interfaith Hospitality Network, which provides a place for families to stay until they get back on their feet. Beauvoir Methodist participates with other churches to pay some expenses for the families as well as providing meals.

The church played a big role after Hurricane Katrina. Volunteers from Hands On Network and Hands On USA were housed in a large facility that sits behind the church. Hands On Network and Hands On USA are non-profit organizations that assist in rebuilding communities when the need arises. Over more than a three-year period, about 5,000 volunteers stayed at the church.

Not only did Beauvoir Methodist members house volunteers, they also provided a place to worship for a couple of local churches after the storm.

“I have been overwhelmed with the desire the members have to make a difference and to share the love of God,” Bailey said. “We are an open community and all people are welcome here. It is a diverse and open faith. Our history has been long and this year we have grown by 25 percent in worship attendance. This last year the focus was on organizing outreach. We are now starting to reach out to families and want to concentrate more on our youth and the children ministries.”

Bailey is from Indiana. She specializes in Biblical storytelling. “Biblical storytelling provides a unique opportunity to experience and engage the word of God,” she said.

She became the pastor in January.

“I am very privileged to serve such a giving and loving congregation to serve God by serving the community around us,” Bailey said.