wfn.org | Beach Worship

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"UNITED METHODIST DAILY NEWS 97" by SUSAN PEEK on April 15, 1997 at 14:24
Eastern, about DAILY NEWS RELEASES FROM UNITED METHODIST NEWS SERVICE (261
notes).

Note 259 by UMNS on Aug. 5, 1997 at 15:58 Eastern (2158 characters).

Produced by United Methodist News Service, official news
agency of the United Methodist Church, with offices in
Nashville, Tenn., New York, and Washington.

CONTACT:    Ralph E. Baker                              447(10-71BP){259}
            Nashville, Tenn. (615) 742-5470                  Aug. 5, 1997

EDITORS NOTE: A photo is available for this story.

New Jersey United Methodists meet
beach wear with communion ware

by Robert Lear*

      OCEAN CITY, N.J. (UMNS) ~ Bikinis and boogie boards,
standard fare on the beaches of this seaside resort, give way
on one beach to a chalice and loaf early on summer Sunday
mornings.
      Now in their second year, the communion services
sponsored by St. Peter~s United Methodist Church usually are 
attended by 20 to 30 casually-clad people of all ages.
Several different denominations usually are represented among
the vacationers and city full-time residents who take part.
      The Rev. Bob Smith, senior pastor at St. Peter~s, and
the Rev. Gina Hendrickson, newly-appointed associate pastor, 
share in leading the services that run about 20 minutes.
Included are a familiar hymn sung from memory, prayers,
scripture readings and consecration of the communion
elements.
      The chalice and bread are placed on a simple black
folding table a few yards from the incoming surf. The
worshippers form a circle and commune by intinction as the
rising sun casts long shadows across the sand.
      ~People enjoy sharing communion on the beach,~ Smith
said. ~It also provides my own worship ~ helps me get ready
in the best possible way for the rest of Sunday.
      For some, college students for instance, who sell
pizza, popcorn and ice cream on the nearby boardwalk, the
service provides an opportunity for worship they might not
otherwise have.
      Come September, the little black table will be put away
and the services will return to their home at St. Peter~s
awaiting the coming of another summer on the edge of the
Atlantic Ocean.
#  #  #

      * Lear is retired director of the Washington office of 
United Methodist News Service living in Wernersville, Pa.

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