Experience a unique southern culture along Mississippi’s scenic coastline - one of the “Deep South’s” most intriguing places to visit. Gulfside Assembly, a National Historic Landmark, is located on the beaches of the beautiful Mississippi Gulf Coast - nestled in between New Orleans and NASA on the West and Biloxi on the East. Right there at Gulfside, wade in the waters of the Gulf and walk along the longest man-made beach in the world.

At this Primetimers event, you will learn about the history of Gulfside Assembly. The land was first purchased in 1923 by Bishop Robert E. Jones, the first African American Bishop and for decades, Gulfside Assembly contributed to the education, ministry, and leadership of African Americans. Also experience Gulfside’s continued ministry of warm and welcoming southern hospitality. As you explore the area, you can learn about its history and the role of the church in its development. Field trips will include viewing various religious art pieces. Visit “Christ in the Oaks,” a depiction of an African Christ figure, and tour the Marion and Agony Grotto’s stone-carved scenes from the life of Jesus.

Primetimers will also experience the local flavor of the area. Visit the small artistic town of Bay St. Louis, home of nationally acclaimed artists, Alice Mosley, local folk artist and Richmond Barthe, an African-American Harlem Renaissance Artist. Meet and watch today’s local artists in action. Experience delicious Deep South cuisine: Cajun, Creole, and Soul. Primetimers might even take in a local Mardi Gras parade!

Participants will have the opportunity to serve in mission through: light construction on cottages at Gulfside, making lap quilts for local nursing homes, and/or reading and visiting with children and the elderly.

EVENT CODE: 4GSA

EVENT LOCATION: Gulfside United Methodist Assembly, Waveland, Mississippi (60 miles Northeast of New Orleans)

EVENT DATE: February 1 - 5, 2004

COST PER PERSON:
$450.00 [includes housing, meals, local transportation, accident insurance and entrance fees]. Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from the event.

ROOMS:
Two housing options are available at Gulfside: in Leisure Village’s well-equipped cottages or Longmore Inn. Rooms are double occupancy with private baths. All accommodations are handicap accessible and have air-conditioning, TVs, and telephones.

MEALS:
Cajun, Creole, and Southern cooking is reflected in the homecooking that you will enjoy here at Gulfside Assembly. The first meal will be dinner on Tuesday, February 1. The last meal of the event will be dinner on Friday, February 4.

TRANSPORTATION:
Participants flying in should use the Armstrong International Airport in New Orleans or the Gulfport/Biloxi Airport in Gulfport. Transportation from and to the airport is available through Gulfside, at the expense of the participant.

REGISTRATION:
The registration deadline for this event is: December 15, 2004
Make checks payable to: Gulfside Assembly
Please send completed registration and deposit to:
Primetimers, Mission Volunteers, General Board of Global Ministries
475 Riverside Drive, Suite 330, New York, NY 10115

EVENT CONTACT:
Patricia Harvey
Telephone: 228-896-7377
Email: pharvey@cableone.net

Gulfside Assembly
Telephone: 228-467-4909
Email: gulfsideassembly@earthlink.net

Article on Gulfside Assembly, by Linda Green

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Primetimers
A Mission Volunteers Program of the General Board of Global Ministries
The United Methodist Church
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E-mail: primetimers@gbgm-umc.org

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