The  Inlet View  e-news brings you announcements, news, and updates from Belin Memorial United Methodist Church. For a staff list with contact info, click HERE . Visit our WEBSITE  for more details and be sure to follow us on social media:
Pastor's Notes
from the desk of Will Malambri

The 2019 Belin Memorial Golf Tournament for missions was a great success. Many thanks are due to the sponsors, players, and especially the volunteers and Brandy Streett for a great tournament. The course was beautiful, the turnout was strong, missions were given great support, and my sermon from the day before followed me. Or, more accurately, it haunted me. 
 
I should never talk about seeking to be more godly and contented ( 1 Timothy 6:6 ) the day before I play golf. Knowing that I get frustrated with a sport I play too infrequently to ever imagine I should be good at, I reminded myself before we started, “You’re not good. You haven’t practiced. Just enjoy the beautiful course and time with your father and friends.” I tried to remind myself of that throughout the tournament. Too often, I failed.
 
History will confirm that Saint Paul was not a golfer, but maybe there was a primitive version he played. While I was playing, I sure resonated with his words, “I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate” ( Romans 7:15 ). Oh, how I’d like to become godly and contented in golf so that, like the 85 year-old member of our foursome, I can one day say, “Oops” and smile when I hit another bad shot. I’m not there, yet. I’ll pray about that.
 
In light of this week’s scripture ( Luke 17:1-10 ), I’ll also pray that my actions didn’t and won’t cause someone to stumble. And, I’ll pray to be forgiven and able to forgive others. And, I’ll pray that I do what is expected of me as Jesus’ disciple. Jesus has high expectations of his disciples in this week’s gospel reading. The disciples were right to ask him to increase their faith. It takes great faith to do what Jesus would have us to, to become who Jesus would have us become, to be healed of our tendency to return to doing the very things we hate. Frustratingly, knowing what’s right and doing what’s right aren’t the same thing. 
 
A start is to put ourselves in places where we can be encouraged in doing what’s right. Gathering in worship, we’re reminded that salvation isn’t dependent on our perfection and that God is far greater than our personal flaws. Coming together on World Communion Sunday, we’re reminded that we’re in this together, united in Christ across cultural and national lines, anticipating the Great Banquet when Jesus will host his children from all across the globe in a celebration that we can only begin to imagine. This Sunday afternoon’s Blessing of the Animals (4 PM in St. John's Outdoor Chapel) will help us to care for and appreciate the gift of creation, including those companions who love us unconditionally and receive our love with great appreciation. The fellowship, service, and discipleship groups Belin offers help us to do and be better.
 
When our actions or our lives aren’t exactly what we’d hope they’d be, finding reasons to be grateful, finding ways to serve, seeking after and offering forgiveness, praying and praising (all parts of worship) help us get closer to what we aim to be. When are lives and actions do reflect what we’d like them to be, humbly giving thanks (another element of worship) is the most appropriate response. Whatever state you find yourself in today or Sunday, gathering for worship and departing to serve are what lead to an increased faith, which can’t help but lead to increased godliness and contentment – maybe even on a golf course.
 
See you Sunday,
Worship With Us
Currently & Upcoming
Blessing of the Animals
Sunday, October 6, 4 PM
St. John's Outdoor Chapel
In recognition of the Feast Day of St. Francis, our annual Blessing of the Animals service will be held this Sunday, October 6, at 4 PM in St. John’s Outdoor Chapel. St. Francis, who founded the Catholic Church’s Franciscan order, is remembered for his generosity to the poor, his willingness to minister to the lepers, and his love for animals and nature. As the patron saint of animals, his love for all creatures is expressed in his Canticle of Creatures . 

All pets (on leashes or in carriers) are welcome and will be blessed individually. There will also be a time of remembrance to memorialize pets. Worshippers may bring a photo of their pet/s (living or passed) that cannot be in attendance.

Monetary donations and contributions of pet supplies (food, treats, toys, blankets, etc.) will be received on behalf of local rescue shelters.

Belin Bar-B-Que & Fall Festival
Silent Auction and Donations
Planning for the Bar-B-Que & Fall Festival 2019 has begun. The Silent Auction is an exciting part of the event. There will be many wonderful items on which to bid such as: fishing trips, golf packages, tickets to local venues, gift cards, art, ceramics, jewelry, spa services, legal services, antiques, and so much more.

Please be thinking about what you would like to donate this year. All items should be new, or in like-new condition, handmade, antique, or of collectible value. All proceeds go to the outreach fund to help families in need. Please pray for the success of this important ministry.

Click HERE for more details.

ConnectNights
Tonight and Next Thursday 
Join us tonight for an evening of fellowship and learning. ConnectNights consist of Kingdom Kids Choir (K-5), Gathering Dinners, and special classes and activities for adults, youth, and children.

Kingdom Kids Choir (K-5th Grade) : 4:30 PM - 5:15 PM
Gathering Dinner:  5:15 PM - 6:30 PM
Adults: $7, Children (4yo-11yo): $4
(3yo and younger): FREE
Dinner RSVP (weekly by noon Tuesday) : [email protected] or call 843.651.5099 

Click HERE for more information!

BCLC Superhero Bash
Thursday, October 17, 6 PM - 8 PM, FLC
Calling all super heroes! Put on your cape and come save the day! Join our Belin Creative Learning Center on Thursday, October 17, 6 PM - 8 PM in the FLC for a live DJ, dancing, and games! Light refreshments will be served. Costumes are encouraged, but not required.

Ticket prices are $25 for 1 adult + 1child, $5 for each additional child, and $10 for each additional adult. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online by clicking HERE . You can also purchase tickets by contacting Amanda Romance , 843.651.2930.

Click here to see the FLYER !

Kairos Inside
Collecting Cookies/Salty Snacks
KAIROS INSIDE is a multi-denominational outreach program and Christian retreat held twice annually at the Camille Graham Correctional Center for Women in Columbia, SC.

We will be collecting cookies and/or salty snacks to take to the prison for their upcoming retreat weekend. Cookies can be homemade (preferred) or store bought but not individually wrapped or in single serving packages (as they will be opened and inspected).

The deadline to donate is this Monday, October 7, at 9 AM. Please drop donations (as close to this date as possible) in the collection bin marked "Kairos" in the Family Life Center lobby. If you are interested in volunteering or learning more, contact Shelley Smith, 843.999.1007.

Beautiful Writing Workshop
Begins Tuesday, October 8, 10 AM - 12:30 PM, FLC
Learn the art of “Beautiful Writing” for any occasion at a 2.5 hour calligraphy workshop. Enhance your penmanship, address envelopes, write greeting cards, or create calligraphy art. Class fee is $35 per person and includes calligraphy pens, guides, practice papers, and materials to create calligraphy art (30% of all class fees donated to Belin UMC). Please register HERE .

Introduction to Calligraphy I
 Tuesday, October 8, 10 AM - 12:30 PM (only 3 spots left for this date)
Tuesday, November 19, 10 AM - 12:30 PM

Calligraphy II (for those who have taken Calligraphy I or have some calligraphy experience)
Tuesday, November 12, 10 AM - 12:30 PM
Tuesday, December 10, 10 AM - 12:30 PM

Starting Point
Sunday, October 13, 4 PM - 5:30 PM
Every second Sunday of the month
Are you interested in joining Belin Memorial but don’t know where to begin? Starting Point is the place for you! Starting Point meets the second Sunday of each month in the FLC at 4 PM. This informal gathering is led by our pastors and provides you an opportunity to learn more about Belin Memorial and discover what it means to be a member of our church family. During our time together, the pastors will answer any questions you might have about the life of the church, the logistics of becoming a member, and the expectations of members. 

At the end of Starting Point, there will be time for you to speak with our pastors so that they will be able to better know the newest members of our congregation. We hope to see all of our prospective members and newest congregants at our next Starting Point.

A Grandparent's Heart
Starting Tuesday, October 15, 6 PM, FLC
Devotion and Prayer Group
As a grandparent do you feel overwhelmed, worried, scared for your grandchildren’s future? Perhaps you don’t live close to your grandchildren and do not see them often. If any of this sounds familiar please join this once-a-month meeting of grandparents to pray, share joys, concerns and to find support.

This group will meet on the third Tuesday of each month starting on Tuesday, October 15 at 6 PM in the FLC. You do not need to register; just come! For additional information, feel free to contact Jane Sparks , 843.357.5185.

Mission Opportunities
A disaster recovery trip is scheduled for November 11-15. We need ten volunteers to work on houses due to Hurricane Florence and flooding issues in the Marion district.

Our ZOE trip to Kenya is scheduled for February 18-27. This is your last chance to sign up. A deposit of $400 needs to be made by October 15.

For more info about mission opportunities, please contact  Brandy Streett , 843.385.1676.

Meditation Gathering/Workshop
Thursday, October 17, 10 AM, FLC
Join us for a 90-minute Meditation Gathering/Workshop   on October 17, 10 AM, in the FLC. This gathering will be held to show the essential and easily learned techniques for setting your surroundings and preparing yourself for deeper composure and inner awareness. This workshop blends Native American and Asian meditative styles that nurture an emotional tranquility that quiets the daily noise. Register by contacting Jane Sparks , 843.357.5185.

Honorariums and Memorials
Honorarium or memorial gifts are a meaningful way to remember or honor a loved one while helping the mission and ministries of Belin Memorial continue to impact the world.

Gifts may be given . . . 
  • in loving memory of a family member or friend 
  • in honor of a special person (or group) that has touched your life in a significant way
  • in recognition of an event or occasion that has special meaning in your life or the life of the church

Memorials and Honorariums can be made online or mailed to the church office: Belin Memorial UMC, PO Box 528, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576. Please indicate in whose memory or honor you are sending your gift so that it can be listed correctly in the Inlet View e-news. Your donations are tax deductible.
Congregational News
  • Youth Basketball League registration has begun! Please check the WEBSITE or pick up a registration form in the FLC. Spaces are limited. For more info, please contact Brandy Streett, 843.385.1676.

  • All are invited to join the Rollie Hanna Breakfast on Wednesday, October 9, 8:30 AM in the FLC. Enjoy a delicious hot breakfast and short program led by Bryan England. A donation of $3 is appreciated. No reservation required. 

  • Join us on Sunday, October 13, from 3 PM - 5 PM for the Belin Youth Mud Bowl. Youth, wear your mud clothes and expect to get dirty. Spectators welcome... it's a lot of fun! For more info, please contact Brandy Streett, 843.385.1676.

  • Frances Wilson Circle will be meeting Monday, October 14, 10 AM in the FLC. All are invited to attend!

  • Attention Shoppers! The Belin Backpack Mission is in need of shoppers. If you are interested, please contact Jane Bowers, 843.655.3064. Thank you for your interest in this important ministry.

  • Jack’s Bible Study for men meets on Thursdays, 10 AM - 11:30 AM, in the FLC. Join us for a slow walk through the Bible. Great discussions lead to great learning. Learn from others and share with others. Make Bible study an enjoyable habit!

  • Greg Hill, Linda Harrill, and Connie Stinson are rebooting the Singles Class for 55 and older! They meet every Sunday at 10 AM, room 3 in the FLC. Join them as they co-lead a revved up new start to the class. We hope you come! We want to know you! Spread the word and plan to be there! For more information, please contact Linda Harrill.

  • In search of a Sunday School teacher! Help lead preschoolers and kindergartners on their faith journey, allowing their parents the opportunity to attend Sunday School, too. You don't have to have a child to serve, just a server's heart and a desire to make a difference in many families lives this year! For more info, please contact Emeline Jordan, 843.997.8519.

  • Youth Ski Trip is January 17-20, 2020, at Winterplace, WV. The cost is $475 and a deposit of $100 needs to be made along with permission form by November 1. The ski trip is for 6th-12th grade at a first come basis, spots are limited. A deposit and form must both be received to guarantee your spot. For more info, please contact Brandy Streett, 843.385.1676.

  • Kim Provenza of Mobile Meals wants to give thanks to all who helped deliver meals to our community this week: Cathy Chilson, Meredith Baum, Sue Carreiro, Ellen Laurir, Carol Herd, Jann Bullock, Edward Sepp, Cindy Parsons, Susan and Duncan Rogers. Thanks again to all. It will be Belin Memorial's turn to serve again in November, see you then!

  • Church members have been receiving an email purporting to be from our Senior Pastor. The email source is not an official email account at Belin Memorial UMC. This effort is a scam seeking the purchase of gift cards. We will never solicit gifts or items of monetary value through an email exchange! Please be aware that is a common scam and you can always verify by calling the church first, 843.651.5099.
The Week Ahead
Take a moment to look through the calendar for the upcoming week to see what's going on in the life of Belin Memorial United Methodist Church.

Thanks for reading the  Inlet View  e-news!