The Changing Tides - Back Bay Mission

Volume LIII, No. 2
The Changing Tides
1012 Division St.
A Community Ministry of the United Church of Christ Biloxi, MS 39530
Phone (228) 432-0301 Fax (228) 374-2922
www.thebackbaymisson.org
Email: backbaymission@thebackbaymission.org
www.facebook.com/BackBayMission
Celebrating 90 Years of Transformative Ministry
“A Power In
This Place”
Why
Gerald Catron
fell in love
with Biloxi
featured on page 6

Board of Directors
Dale Bonds (Louisiana)
President
Scott Martin (Texas)
Vice President
Bob Tucei (Mississippi)
Treasurer
David Yochum (Wisconsin)
Secretary
Mark Hollinger (Ohio)
Immediate Past President
Douglas Anders (Texas)*
Mary Schaller Blaufuss (Ohio)*
Jaye Brice (Mississippi)
Jennifer Lenox Craig (Massachusetts)
Kathy Fox (Texas)
Jonathan Morgan (Connecticut)
Don Stoner (Florida)*
Anne Wehrly (Texas)
James Carswell (South Carolina)
Robert Brautigam (Illinois)
John Magee (Missouri)
*Ex-officio
Rev. Sharon Prestemon,
Executive Director
Derek Eady
Editor
BBM Campus Peace Pole
Mission Statement
Back Bay Mission, a community ministry of the United Church of Christ, serves the Mississippi Gulf Coast and the wider
church community by faithful witness for social justice and compassionate service to the poor and marginalized.
Vision Statement
Back Bay Mission shall embody with integrity and truth the prophetic mandate of Micah:
“…to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.”
Table of Contents
Reflections from the Executive Director........................3
International Impact & New Team Additions.................4
Celebrating 90 Years: The Wade-In of 1963
& Volunteer Groups.....................................................5
Cover Story: A Power In This Place..................................6
Donors & Contributors............................................. 3, 6, 7
Back Bay Mission has an “official” Facebook page.
www.facebook.com/BackBayMission
Come check us out and share stories, comments,
and photos about your experience here at Back Bay Mission.

REFLECTIONS FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The Power of Volunteer Service
If I were to ask you what Back Bay Mission does, you’d probably think first of our client-directed
programs. You might mention the more than 400 families each month that have food on their tables
because of our food pantry services, or the households that still have electricity because of our financial
assistance. Perhaps you would think of our Micah Day Center and other vital programs serving
those who are homeless, and the ways we treat each homeless guest with dignity and care. Images
of housing might come to mind, the homes we build and the homes we repair in an effort to revitalize
neighborhoods and ensure safe and dignified housing for lower income families. Or maybe you
would think of our historic commitment to advocacy and community development over these last
90 years, one more way we live out our core value of social justice.
All of these things are at the heart of what we do, no doubt about it. These are the programs that
result in literally thousands of individual lives being positively impacted each and every year. Hungry
families are fed. Homeless people are housed. Economically fragile households are given the boost
they need to stabilize. Communities are substantially changed to better serve the most vulnerable
among us.
Yet there is another aspect of what we do and have done for decades that is equally transformative
and worthy of note: we provide extraordinary and life-changing experiences for volunteers. Since at least the 1960’s, volunteers
have been an essential component of how we accomplish our ministries. During the Civil Rights period, volunteers
like George Wright from the University of Michigan marched at our side as we fought for equal rights. (See separate article.)
And since the 1960’s, Back Bay Mission has hosted a steady stream of “workcamp” volunteers from throughout the United
Church of Christ nationwide who have labored with us to repair housing and preserve low-income neighborhoods. In the
first five years after Hurricane Katrina alone, the Mission hosted 7,464 volunteers who donated over $4 million worth of labor
to recover our storm-battered communities. Incredible!
Today, volunteers continue to be a mainstay at Back Bay Mission. Some come for a week to perform housing rehabilitation
tasks. Some come for longer terms, working as members of our staff team to help us achieve our mission. And some are
residents of the local area, eager to make a difference in their own community. Regardless of the length of their stay or
the nature of their work, all our volunteers tell us they are profoundly changed in the process. As one week-long volunteer
recently stated in a letter she sent with a gift: “At the beginning of our volunteer week I thought I might have been looking
to this trip to be a life-changing experience a bit too eagerly. But by the end of the week I knew I had found what I came
seeking. I had indeed been changed, and received far more as a volunteer than I could possibly have ever given.”
As you read other stories we share throughout this newsletter’s pages, you’ll see more evidence of just how powerful a volunteer
experience at Back Bay Mission can be……and that’s exactly what we intend.
We know that part of changing the world is changing minds and hearts one person at a time. And as people of faith, we
know that humble acts of service are the highest forms of sharing God’s love. We give God thanks for our volunteers and
all the ways they help us multiply our ministry and our impact. And we pledge to continue providing the most extraordinary
volunteer experiences, one powerful moment, one meaningful lesson at a time.
Grace and peace,
Rev. Shari Prestemon, Executive Director
Is Back Bay Mission in your will?
To let us know of your planned gift
or to consider making one, contact
Executive Director Shari Prestemon,
sprestemon@thebackbaymission.org
or 228-432-0301 ext. 303.
“Second Liners Mardi Gras Club” of MS Gulf Coast stopped by Back
Bay Mission to present a gift to Executive Director Shari Prestemon.
Celebrating 90 Years The Changing Tides 3

International Impact
By Derek Eady
Miles to go
Name: Doerte Hesselmen
In German: Dörte Heßelmann
From: Dinslauen, Germany
Position: Micah Day Center Coordinator (Volunteer)
Duties: Performs multiple administrative support functions,
as well as client service support activities.
Doerte Hesselmen, arrived in Biloxi, MS January 4, 2012 as part of an international volunteer program. This
was her first visit to the states in any capacity, yet she fit in as if she were a native of Biloxi.
As Doerte’s volunteer service time winds down here at Back Bay Mission, I caught up with Doerte to discuss her experience at Back Bay, the culture
shock of working in the states, lessons learned and what advice Doerte would give her replacement.
How did you find out that you were coming to Biloxi, MS?
My assignment coordinator called me and said Back Bay in Biloxi, MS needed somebody. I’d never heard of Back Bay or Biloxi, but I was eager to help
out wherever I was needed.
What was your first day like at the Day Center?
Actually, there was a volunteer lunch on my first day. They were honoring volunteers who had worked at Back Bay. I felt special immediately when I
noticed that they had a place for me and I hadn’t even started.
What were your first interactions with Day Center clients?
Seemed as though everyone knew I was coming. They’d say, “Oh you’re the German girl.” Everyone on staff and even the clients were very patient with me.”
You’re in a different country, different surroundings. When you were off work what did you do for recreation?
I played a lot of sports. I went to the local community center and got involved with a pick up volleyball team. I’d go to the beach, very often. The
volunteer groups that would come down to rebuild houses often invited me over for dinner.
What was one of the first lessons you learned on duty at the Day Center?
Wow! A shower can make a difference.
In what way?
Well not just appearance but the way a person feels. The clients had new attitudes about everything when they would come out of the showers. I am
glad we can provide that service.
Had you ever worked in an environment that served the needs of the homeless?
No. It was weird working here at first because I admit I had blinders on when I dealt with our homeless clients. Once I started working with them, it
changed the way I felt.
How do you see the impact of Back Bay Mission in this area?
We have a big impact. We start by treating our clients like people. I know it’s not realistic to help everybody but one person matters and I’ve discovered that.
What are some life lessons that you’ve learned during your time here?
I’ve learned to sit and to reflect. I’ve become more reflective by being here. I’ve learned there are many reasons some are homeless.
What have you learned about the rewards of volunteering?
The biggest reward is the gratefulness of our guests. When I see them move on I get kind of sad that I won’t see them around anymore. But, I also know
that they’re in a better place. (visibly moved)
Are you alright?
Yes
Let’s say that your replacement is reading this interview right now. What would you want them to know about Back Bay Mission and this experience?
Back Bay Mission is going to be a place where you can feel at home. You will experience a very welcoming environment and helpful staff members.
The work is a lot of fun because you get to know new people with different stories every day and you can learn a lot from that. It is a wonderful experience
to have an impact on other people‘s lives and also to notice how they change you.
We are pleased to announce the
additions of Chris Marlin-Warfied
and Derek Eady to our team.
From L to R: Chris Marlin-Warfield and Derek Eady
Chris is our Church Relations Associate and Derek is our
Community Relations Associate. Chris will work to strengthen
individual and congregational support for Back Bay Mission
within the UCC. Derek will work to develop a stronger
network of support on the MS Gulf Coast.
4 The Changing Tides Celebrating 90 Years

Celebrating 90 Years of
Transformative Ministry
In this 90th Anniversary year of Back Bay Mission’s founding, The Changing Tides will feature
narrative snapshots of the Mission’s history. Many thanks to Back Bay Mission historian & United
Church of Christ member Terry White (Falmouth, MA) for contributing these historical articles.
The Wade-In of 1963
By Terry White
There have been many events in the life of Back Bay Mission
that have both reflected its faith-based commitment to social
justice and shaped its future. The wade-in of 1963, the casino challenge
of the 1990s, and Hurricane Katrina in 2005 come quickly to
mind.
On June 23, 1963, three persons associated with the Mission
joined sixty-nine Blacks in an effort to integrate the Biloxi beaches.
The third attempt under the leadership of Black physician Gilbert
Mason, the 1963 event recalled the bloody ending to the 1960
wade-in and for the first time included whites. Back Bay Mission
director, the reverend Roger Gallagher; pastor of the UCC Biloxi congregation, the reverend Jack Aregood, and University of Michigan
student and Back Bay Mission summer volunteer, George Wright, driven by the faith commitment to social justice that has long characterized
Back Bay Mission, joined the wade-in and were arrested and convicted. The conviction was later over-turned by the U.S. Supreme
Court. While an apparent failure, the wade-in led to eventual opening of the beaches and broader integration of the community.
Reaction to the wade-in led to the decline of the UCC congregation in Biloxi and tension between the Mission and the Biloxi community.
However, the event became a symbol of the Mission’s commitment to justice and its willingness to live out the faith that gave it
birth. The wade-in also has given courage to the Mission staff and its supporters over the years to persevere in its mission.
VOLUNTEER GROUPS THAT SERVED March 2012 – June 2012
Although several churches may have collaborated in a service trip, only the name of the church that organized
the group is listed. Thanks to all for such generous service to the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community!
United Protestant; Grayslake, IL
Heidelberg College; Tiffin, OH
Faith UCC; State College, PA
Amherst Comm. Church, Amherst, NY
Longmont UCC; Longmont, CO
Fist Cong of Lake Worth, FL
Illinois South Conference, IL
Columbia UCC; Columbia, CT
UCC; Cedar Falls, IA
UCC-Greenawalds; Allentown, PA
First Community; Columbus, OH
First UCC; Carlisle, PA
Share Kindness, St Louis, MO
Immanuel UCC; Carlyle, IL
First Federated Church; Peoria, IL
St Paul’s UCC; Manheim, PA
This volunteer group made the journey to Biloxi from
St Paul’s UCC located in Manheim, PA.
Celebrating 90 Years The Changing Tides 5

A Power In This Place by Derek Eady
Ask Berea, Kentucky native Gerald Catron to sum up Biloxi, MS. Ask him to discuss Back Bay Mission, the
residents that make up this community and his experience in volunteering to help rebuild what Hurricane Katrina
destroyed.
Gerald won’t necessarily bring up seafood, or southern hospitality. You won’t hear much about the strength
of Magnolia trees rupturing top soil and springing to life in their full Mississippi blossom. There aren’t mentions of
beaches, tropical weather, or places to “try one’s luck.”
Gerald may eventually get to all those things, but none of those things are first. When you ask Gerald Catron
about Biloxi, and Back Bay Mission, one word describes in totality his experience…power. “There’s a power in this
place” says Gerald when asked what keeps drawing him to this area.
Gerald’s first trip ever to Mississippi came in 2009 when Gerald’s home church, Union Church in Berea KY, sent a
volunteer group to rebuild homes on the Gulf Coast as part of Back Bay Mission’s Housing Recovery program. “I was
the group’s cook.” Gerald says with a laugh. “The funny thing is that I was the only one in the group with a background
in carpentry.”
Whatever skills Gerald possessed would soon be put to the test when a court order demanded that a house be
demolished, leaving a Biloxi family with nowhere to turn and no hopes of returning back to the place they once called
home. Back Bay Mission appealed to the courts that the home could be rehabbed, and subsequently a court order
was issued to stop demolition.
The demolition was halted, but not forever. The court declared that the project had to be completed by early
January, and this was almost Thanksgiving. Gerald felt compelled to act. He felt as if he had been called and brought down to Biloxi, to see this project all the way
through.
Gerald went back to Kentucky with his volunteer group to be with his family during Thanksgiving. Then immediately after the holiday, Gerald was on his way
back to Biloxi, to finish the job and see this local family back in their home.
This was a “get it done at all costs project” says Gerald. “The house needed to be trimmed out, cabinets had to be hung, floors needed putting down; it was
basically the entire inside that needed to be completed.” Gerald’s work days became work nights, starting at 8:00am and working to 12:00am, sleeping on a cot,
when he could sleep.
Gerald slept many nights in the unfinished home. When I asked Gerald what kept him going through the cold, rainy, and lonely nights, Gerald replied, “I just
wanted to see those people back in their home.”
That he did. The homeowners were able to move back in and since 2009 Gerald has come back to this place of power over 15 times. “I’ve been blessed and I
have the skills and talents to help, so why not,” adds Gerald.
Gerald also says that, “I receive as much of a blessing as the homeowners.” Gerald’s family and friends have since made trips down to experience the “power”
of this place.
“My best friend of thirty years who has never been on the coast came for visit and now has fallen in love with this area. He says he wants to come down to
volunteer his services,” Gerald says with a leaning smile.
As for Gerald, he and his wife have just made the momentous decision to become permanent residents of the Gulf Coast. Gerald’s many missions to the coast,
working on great Back Bay Mission projects, and meeting the warmhearted people on Mississippi’s coast have served as catalysts for such a life- altering move.
For Gerald, moving down to the coast was the natural order of things. The trips back and forth and, constantly thinking about the coast when he was back in
Kentucky all culminated in a decision that was three years in the making.
Gerald and his family will soon be trading blue grass for blue crabs. They know they’ll be missed by their relatives and their Union church family. Still, for the
Catron family they simply can’t escape the pull, the luring, and the tugging of their heart strings reeling them to the coast….for good.
I asked Gerald why he feels Back Bay’s Housing Recovery program is so important. “Home is where the heart is.” Gerald replied.
He then added, “It’s a chance to give people what you would want. And I guess that’s real power.”
John Zorich and Dennis Burke present a gift to Executive Director Shari
Prestemon on behalf of The Peoples Bank. During the entire month of
May, The Peoples Bank collected non-perishable food items on behalf
of Back Bay Mission. Customers brought these items to The Peoples
Bank, Harrison County locations.
Employees of Boomtown Casino in Biloxi raised donations for
Back Bay Mission through their employee “Jeans Day.”
6 The Changing Tides Celebrating 90 Years

Thank You! Your generosity enables our ministry and changes lives.
The following gifts were received between February 2012 - June 2012 only.
individual/corporate gifts
A
Mary E Arenberg
Mr. & Mrs. Andrew & Phyllis Allan
Patricia A Arndt
Della H Arrieta
Mrs. Ruth Aschbrenner
Larry Auck
B
Ms. Margaret Babunovic
Jennifer Baker
Ms. Gail Ballweg
Mr. & Mrs. Rims & Judith Barber
Mrs. Evelyn Basinger
Mr. & Mrs. Michael & Virginia Beamish
Ms. Mary Beaumont
Mr. Ernest Bengston, Jr.
Jeanette & John Bertsch
Biloxi Regional Medical Center
Rev. Gene Birmingham
Mr. Marzo Bliss
Mr. & Mrs. James & Dale Bonds
Ms. Nancy Bowden
Ralph Brown
Mr and Mrs Gary L Burkey
C
Mr. & Mrs. Gerald & Susan Cambria
Patricia Carpenter
Mr. & Mrs. David & Betsy Carr
Ms. Eleanor Chapman
Biloxi Yacht Club INC.
Ms. Susan Coburn
Mr. & Mrs. Bill & Olive Cochran
Ann Collum
Mr. & Mrs. Walter & Patricia Colteryahn
Mr. & Mrs. Jim & Debbie Compton
Rev. & Mrs. Jack & Nancy Cook
Ms. Florence Coppola
Mr. & Mrs. Walt & Jean Cottrell
Donna J Counselman
Ms. Jane Coven
Don Curry
Mr and Mrs H L Curry
D
Daniel & Alice Hall
David’s UCC
Harry & Barbara Davidson
Ms. Janice Davis
Rev. & Mrs. Cornelius & Priscilla De Stigter
Mr & Mrs.James L. and Jean Doane
Mr. & Mrs. Paul & Molly Dunford
E
James & Suzanne Ettwein
F
Ms. Dorothy Felson
Mr. & Mrs. Nevin & Liz Fessler
Mr. & Mrs. Walter & Judith Fisher
Ms. Marie Fortune
Aetna Foundation
GE Foundation
Ms. Sharon Fowler & Ms. Barbara Putrino
Rev. Frederic Franzius
Mr. & Mrs. Bradford & Lisa Freeman
G
Rev. & Mrs. John & Nadine Gantt
Douglas Gerdt
Mr. & Mrs. John & Helen Gilsdorf
Patricia L Mc Glade
Mr. & Mrs. Nigel & Vera Godley
Mr. & Rev. Charles & Charlotte Gosselink
Mrs. Mary Gower
Tim & Kim Greene
H
Dr. Richard & Dianne Halverson
Mr. Bernhard Harst
Ms. Lois Harwick
Ms Letha Haucke
Mr. & Mrs. Brian & Marjorie Hayhurst
Mr. & Mrs. Edwin & Carol Haywood
Mr. & Mrs. David & Mildred Henry
Heritage United Methodist-Men
Brice Hughes
Rev. & Mr. Barbara & John Hunter
I
ING
J
Jeanne Schmidt Andry
Ms. Debra Joseph
K
John L Kessler
Sarah Kirchhoff
Ms. Kathryn Kline
Rev. & Mrs. John & Joanne Klueter
Robert Kroll
Rev. & Mrs. Ronald & Elaine Kurtz
L
Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey & Pamela Lacina
Mr. Bruce Landis
Phyllis Leaman
Mr. & Mrs. James & Grace Lebo
Ivory Lewis
Ms. Judith Libby
Ms. Shirley Loomis
Ms. Norma Ludwig
M
Mr. John Magee
Mr. & Mrs. Richard & Linda Mangnall
Greg and Brenda Marin
Teresa H. Martinez
Hannah Mays
Mr. & Mrs. William & Eileen McCarron
Medtronic
Christopher Mereschuk
Microsoft Matching Gifts
Janice E Mier
Mr. & Mrs. John & Mary Miller
Linda Miller
John Mitchell
Ms. Geraldine Mooers
Ms. Priscilla Morrison
Beth Ferrari
Dr. Cynthia N Munson
Mr. & Mrs. Nelson & Sandie Murphy
N
Mr. & Mrs. Jon & Marlene Neidhold
Nordson Corporation
O
Rev. & Mr. Gail & William O’Neal
Ms. Marilyn Oyster
P
Mr. Gerald Paulison
Jodi & Jeremy Peake
Dr. & Mrs. William & Martha Peck
Mr. & Mrs. Don & Monica Peters
Ms. Jean Petterson
Patterson’s Pharmacy INC
Preston Hood Chevrolet LLC
R
Ms. Denise Rabidoux
Rev. & Mrs. Merrill & Elizabeth Ressler
Rev. Cheryl Stoneback
Ms. Helen Rice
Mary E Richter
Suzanne Robinson
Floyd L or Eunice D. Rogier
Mrs. Evelyn Rose
Mr. & Mrs. Ronald & Mary Roth
S
Mr. & Mrs. Phil & Barbara Salstrom
Mr. & Mrs. Donald & Barbara Schmidt
Rev. & Mrs. Edward & Goldie Schneider
Rev. Alfred Schroeder & Mrs. Catherine Sprague
Rev. & Mrs. Bruno & Linda Schroeder
Mr Scott Simpson
Mr. & Mrs. Floyd & Anne Smith
Mr. Clark Sparks
Abby Spurrier
Ms. Melissa Boyle & Ms. Jennifer Stenersen
Ms. Barbara Sterling
Ann Stevens
Revs. Tom & Brenda Stiers
David Mook & Kathleen Stodgell
Mr. & Mrs. Clarence & Mary Stone
Mr. & Mrs. Gayle & Lois Strickler
T
Mr. & Mrs. William & Edith Temte
Mr. & Mrs. Gordon & Barbara Thomas
Mr. & Mrs. Ron & Mary Trimmer
Trout Farms Inc
Rev. & Mrs. Robert & Margaret Tucker
Robert Turton
Ms. Irene Tweito
U
United Way of South Mississippi-Operating
Account
Nannette Utter
V
Mr. & Mrs. Angelos & Elizabeth Vamvakas
Ms. Mary Van Evera
John & Bonnie VanOverbeke
John & Jane Veldman
Ms. Mary Sue Voth
W
Rev. & Mrs. Melvin & Mary Walton
Michelle Ward
Carol Washburn
John & Johanna Will
Mr. & Mrs. Steve & Nancy Wilson
Randy L Winker
Ms. Marilyn Workman
Y
Mr. & Mrs. David & Marcia Yochum
Ms. Abigail Young
Z
Ralph & Andrea Zuleeg
HONOR GIFTS
A
Frances S Anderson
in honor of Jim & Wyonne Hegland
Hobart & Charlotte Anderson
in honor of Jamis Dalle
Rev. & Mrs. Jack & Joy Aregood
in honor of Jerry Paul’s Retirement from
Deaconess Organization
B
Bethel UCC
in honor of Jim & Jan Dondlinger
Mr. & Mrs. Walter & Dorly Brunner
in honor and gratitude for David & Anne Weaver
D
Dana Glenn Dunleavy
in honor of William “Uncle Bill” Fairchild
E
Mr. & Mrs. Michael & Elaine Eisele
in honor of Dorothy Noer 70th birthday
F
Mr. & Mrs. James & Wendy Fanning
in honor of Shari Prestemon’s birthday
G
Grace UCC
in honor of Shari Prestemon
Grace Green & Janice Jones
in memory of Violet Moss
H
Laurinda Hafner
in honor of The Rev. Dr. Priscilla Bizer
Odessa Hooker
in honor of Margaret Hooker
R
Terrie Rangel
in honor of engagement for Katherine Wiltz
and Daniel La Vie
W
Laura Whiston
in honor my father, Charles Whiston, who
celebrated his birthday on April 6 and has
volunteered through Back Bay several times
Mr. & Mrs. Terry & Olivia White
in honor of Pear Stephens 100th Birthday
Mr. & Mrs. Alvin & Norean Woodin
in honor of Dr. Gerald Cambria
CONGREGATIONAL GIVING
A
Amherst Community Church
Snyder, NY
B
Bethany Congregational
San Antonio, TX
Bethany UCC
Freeport, IL
Bethany UCC
Cuyahoga Falls, OH
C
Chapel Hill UCC
Louisville, KY
Ms. Eleanor Chapman
Glastonbury, CT
Christ Congregational Church
Silver Spring, MD
Christ Congregational UCC
Brockton, MA
Christ UCC
Dupo, IL
Scottsdale Congregational United
Church of Christ
Scottsdale Congregational, AZ Church of
the Isles
Indian Rocks Beach, FL
Church of the Redeemer
Westlake, OH
Brentwood Congregation Church
St Louis, MO
Cross Church
Seguin, TX
Warren Congregatinal Church
Warren, CT
First Congregational Church- Homeland Circle
Washington, CT
Columbia Congregational-Women’s Guild
Columbia, CT
Columbia UCC
Columbia, MO
Mr. & Mrs. Jim & Debbie Compton
Hattiesburg, MS
Congregational Church
Mystic, CT
Congregational Church
Detroit Lakes, MN
Congregational Church of Weston
Weston, MA
Congregational Church-Dorcas Society
Marlborough, CT
Congregational UCC
Decorah, LA
Congregational UCC
Austin, TX
Congregational UCC
St. Charles, IL
Congregational-Women’s Fellowship
Baudette, MN
D
David’s UCC
Kettering, OH
E
E. Woodstock Congregational Church
E. Woodstock, CT
Emmanuel UCC
Allentown, PA
Emmanuel UCC
Bluffton, OH
English Congregational UCC
Big Rock, IL
Evangelical UCC
Highland, IL
F
Faith UCC
Ridgway, PA
Faith UCC
Brewster, OH
Faith UCC
Bryan, TX
Faith UCC
State College, PA
Faith UCC
New Braunfels, TX
First Church
Windsor, CT
First Church Congregational
Fairfield, CT
First Church of Christ-
& Ecclesiastical Society
Simsbury, CT
First Congregational Church
Des Plaines, IL
First Congregational Church
Portland, CT
First Congregational Church
Western Springs, IL
First Congregational Church
Malone, NY
First Congregational Church
Glen Ellyn, IL
First Congregational Church
Canton Center, CT
First Congregational Church
Columbus, OH
First Congregational Church
Muskegon, MI
First Congregational Church UCC
Littleton, NH
First Congregational Church UCC
Battle Creek, MI
First Congregational UCC
Concord, NH
First Congregational UCC
De Kalb, IL
First Congregational UCC
Elyria, OH
First Congregational UCC
Ravenna, OH
First Congregational UCC
Houston, TX
First Congregational UCC
Twinsburg, OH
First Congregational UCC
Menomonie, WI
First Congregational UCC-Women’s Fellowship
Ocala, FL
First Congregational UCC-Women’s Fellowship
Rhinelander, WI
First Congregational-
Women’s Fellowship
Watertown, CT
First UCC
Hollywood, FL
First UCC
Galion, OH
Friedens Church-Womens Fellowship
Washington, TX
Friedens UCC-Women’s Guild
Geronimo, TX
Zion United Church-Benevolence Fund
China Spring, TX
G
Golden Congregational Church
Ryan, LA
Good Shepherd UCC
Metairie, LA
United Church of Christ, Greenawalds
Allentown, PA
H
Heritage United Methodist-Men
D’Iberville, MS
Illinois Conference UCC
Westchester, IL
I
Immanuel UCC
Peotone, IL
Immanuel UCC
Needville, TX
L
Little Farms UCC
New Orleans, LA
Lyonsville Congregational Church
Indian Head Park, IL
M
Memorial UCC
Toledo, OH
Mt. Zion UCC
Wapwallopen, PA
N
N Guilford Congregational Church
North Guilford, CT
North Congregational Church-Women’s
Fellowship
Woodbury, CT
O
Ofallon UCC
Ofallon, IL
Old South UCC-Women’s Fellowship
Kirtland, OH
Our Saviour’s UCC
Ripon, WI
Ms. Marilyn Oyster
Alliance, OH
P
Palm Schwenkfelder Church
Palm, PA
Parkway UCC
St. Louis, MO
Peace UCC
Rochester, MN
Philippus UCC
Cincinnati, OH
Pilgrim Christian Church
Chardon, OH
Pilgrim Faith UCC
Oak Lawn, IL
Plymouth UCC
Spring, TX
R
Redeemer UCC
Marion, TX
Round Grove UCC
Lewisville, TX
S
Salem UCC
Doylestown, PA
Salem UCC
Lena, IL
Salem UCC-Men’s Fellowship
Alhambra, IL
Somers Congregational Church
Somers, CT
South Congregational Church
East Hartford, CT
Spring Hill UCC
Spring Hill, FL
St John UCC of Woodland
Wyatt, IN
St John’s UCC
Tiffin, OH
St Peter & St Paul UCC
Cincinnati, OH
St. John UCC
Rosenberg, TX
St. John UCC
Defiance, OH
St. John UCC
Freeport, IL
St. John UCC-Missionary Sewing
Reading, OH
St. John’s Christian Church
Archbold, OH
St. John’s Evangelical UCC
St. Louis, MO
St. John’s UCC-Honor Workers
Elmore, OH
St. Mark Church
Covington, KY
St. Paul UCC
Wausau, WI
St. Paul’s UCC
New Orleans, LA
St. Paul’s UCC
Sellersville, PA
St. Paul’s UCC
Downers Grove, IL
St. Peter’s Church of Coupland
Coupland, TX
St. Peter’s UCC
Elmhurst, IL
Steuben Congregational UCC
Willard, OH
Storrs Congregational Church
Storrs, CT
T
The Community Church
Vero Beach, FL
The First Church in Windsor-Paul & Desley
Monacos Trust Fund
Windsor, CT
Trinity Community Church
Cincinnati, OH
Trinity UCC
New Lebanon, OH
Trinity UCC
Canton, OH
Trinity UCC
Tiffin, OH
Trinity UCC
Brookfield, WI
Trinity UCC - Women’s Guild
Wooster, OH
U
UCC
Weimar, TX
UCC
Covington, OH
UCC
Keene, NH
UCC
Avon Lake, OH
UCC Church-Men’s Brotherhood
California, MO
UCC Congregational Church
Vermilion, OH
Central St. Matthew UCC
New Orleans, LA
Faith Community UCC
Maumee, OH
Mitchell UCC
Mitchell, SD
Peace UCC
Shawano, WI
Redlands UCC
Redlands, CA
St. John’s UCC
Mt. Pleasant, PA
St. John’s Reformed UCC
Sandusky, OH
St. Stephen UCC
Maquoketa, IA
UCC-Women’s Fellowship Union Church-Unit 6
Hinsdale,IL
United Church of Craftsbury
Craftsbury, VT
United Church of Dorset & E Rupert
Dorset, VT
United Church of Spring Valley-Women’s Guild
Spring Valley, NY
United Church of Sun City
Sun City, AZ
United Church on the Green
New Haven, CT
United Congregational Church
Lubbock, TX
United Way of South Mississippi-
Operating Account
Gulfport, MS
W
Westminster Presbyterian Church
Gulfport, MS
St. Paul’s Evangelical & Reformed Church-
Women’s Guild
Dallas, TX
Z
Zion Memorial UCC
Dayton, OH
Zion UCC
Waukon, IA
Zion UCC-Womack Women’s Guild
Clifton, TX
MEMORIAL GIFTS
A
Helen Alt
memory of Lester F. Alt
B
Mr. & Mrs. Wilbur & Jane Bastian
memory of Wilbur Bastian
C
Mr. & Mrs. Sherman & Arlene Canaan
memory of Leo “Charlie”Todaro
Koty Cooper
memory of Roger Perl
E
Elaine Eachus
memory of Donna Goodberlet
Ms. Joan Ernst
memory of Richard Engelhardt
F
Gail and Art Faris
memory Bill Fairchild
G
Ms. Marilyn Giese
memory of Stan Giese
Ms. Ruth Giesebrecht
memory of Roger Felson
Grace Green & Janice Jones
memory of Violet Moss
H
Tim & Sue Herbrand
memory of Steven Hitcock
Dorothy V Hope
memory of Mr. Robert Hope
K
Ms. Lillian Kiel
memory of Paul Irving Kiel
Mrs. Lynda Knight
memory of Butch Knight
L
Ms. Iva Nell Lang
memory of Kelly Lang
Kim Shefferman Leibowitz
memory of Roger Perl
Mr and Mrs Wilton Leppin
memory of Albert S. Johnson
M
Ms. Margaret Martin
memory of Bob Martin
Mr. and Mrs. James and Susan Melter
memory of Roger Perl
Dorothy Mitchell
memory of Bill Mitchell
Ms. Kathleen Mitchell
memory of Bill Mitchell
O
Mrs. Marcie Opfer
memory of Barbara Bergeson
P
Rev. and Mrs. Thomas P. Perl
memory of Rev. Dr. Roger Perl
John & Sheryl Prestemon
memory of Kelly Lang
Rev. Shari Prestemon
memory Bill Fairchild
Ms. Ann Marie Prophett
memory of Robert D Rieder
T
Mrs. Karen Tielkemeier
memory of Marsden
W
Patricia Worthman
memory of Stella Schmidt
Z
Rev. Fred Zimmerman
memory of Roger Perl
Celebrating 90 Years The Changing Tides 7

Celebrating 90 Years of Transformative Ministry
Back Bay Mission
1012 Division St.
Biloxi, MS 39530
NONPROFIT ORG
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT 268
GULFPORT, MS