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The Inlet View E-News brings you announcements, news, and updates from Belin Memorial United Methodist Church. Visit us
online
for more details!
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from the desk of Walter Cantwell
When it comes to Christmas trees, there are two types of people: artificial tree people or real tree people. There are some benefits to having an artificial tree. You can reuse the tree, it is stored in your attic, there is no mess, and you don't have to bend over to water it every day. Also, you know that the tree will have no bare spots or misshaped limbs. But, with all that being said, I am a real tree person. Though a living Christmas tree comes with imperfections,
I like the smell, even though I sneeze for the first three days it is in our house.
Last year, Christiana and I asked her dad to bring us a tree from the mountains of North Carolina. He was scheduled to be in town the weekend we were decorating. So, the stars had aligned for us to have a fresh cut tree. On his way to Murrells Inlet, he let us know that there had been a snow storm while he was selecting the tree, which gave me pause to wonder how much time and energy went into picking out our tree. When he arrived, Christiana and I looked at each other and said, "This is the tree he brought us?"
During the month of December in The Harbor, I will be preaching on the traditional Advent themes of hope, love, joy, and peace as they are seen in some of my favorite Christmas movies. The Harbor sermon series is titled "Christmas at the Movies." Come early, grab a bag of popcorn, and see which clips I will show. In The Sanctuary, Mike will be preaching on "Who is This Jesus?" throughout the month. On December 9th, the Belin Chancel Choir will be leading worship as they present the cantata, A Christmas Collage. You do not want to miss this special season filled with beautiful music on both sides of the street.
When you come to worship on Sunday morning, I encourage you to park on the Field of Dreams. I am expecting first-time guests and would love to make room for them at Belin Memorial. Don't forget to invite all of your friends and neighbors to join us in worship. Sometimes it takes many invites for them to accept. When they do come, I hope they can find a parking spot because you have made room for them in the parking lot. Also, a team is being formed to help with parking on Sunday mornings. If you are interested in volunteering, please email Jane Sparks, [email protected].
Join us at Belin's Family Keepsake Christmas this Saturday. The fun begins at 9 AM in the Family Life Center. This is a great way to focus on the reason for the season.
Please remember to bring your Angel Tree gifts with you to worship on Sunday! A team of volunteers will be taking them to Helping Hand on Monday morning.
The tree sitting on the top of my father-in-law's SUV was tiny. There was no way we were going to be able to put all of our ornaments on the tree or use all of our lights. Once it was in our Christmas tree designated corner, it looked even smaller. I am not a tall person, and I did not even need to stand on anything when placing the star on the top of the tree. Both of us made fun of the tree, but over the weeks, it "grew" on us. The tree was beautifully shaped and smelled wonderful. Only our most cherished ornaments made it on the tree. By the time New Year's arrived, I was quite fond of our mini-tree. The quicker than usual tear down was also a pleasant surprise.
Don't be overwhelmed by everything that comes with this season. Don't be overwhelmed by imperfections. Slow down, and rediscover the amazing gift of God's love by being with your church family this December. I guarantee your appreciation for the wonderful gift of Jesus will continue to grow.
Keep appreciating,
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Family Keepsake Christmas
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Family Keepsake Christmas
Saturday, December 1, 9 AM - 11 AM
Family Life Center
Join us in celebrating the true meaning of Christmas, Jesus' birthday!
- Snacks and Hot Chocolate
- Christmas Crafts and Games
- Keepsake Ornament
- Pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus
Contact Emeline Jordan for additional information, [email protected] or 843.997.8519.
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Food Drive for Backpack Mission
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Next Food Drive:
Saturday, December 1
11 AM - 3 PM
Lowes Foods of Murrells Inlet
SHOP | DONATE | VOLUNTEER
Belin's Backpack Mission has teamed up with Lowes Foods in Murrells Inlet to collect food items for our local school children. If you are able to donate 1-4 hours of your time to assist, please contact Kara Dellinger,
[email protected] or call 843.855.4227.
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All gifts must be in by noon this Sunday, December 2!
Thank you for brightening a child's Christmas this year!
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The deadline to place orders is Monday, December 3.
A limited number of poinsettias to decorate The Harbor and The Sanctuary are available to order in honor or memory of loved ones ($15). Persons honored or remembered will be included in the
December 9 worship bulletin. Poinsettias may be picked up after the Christmas Eve services on December 24.
Order forms are available to pick up in the Family Life Center and narthex or
click HERE to print.
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Christmas Gathering Dinner & Children's Pageant
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The Annual Christmas Gathering Dinner
Wednesday, December 12, 5 PM
Family Life Center
Reservations are required for this catered dinner. Please reserve by Monday, December 10, at 12 noon. Reserve online (click) or contact Brandy Streett, [email protected] or 843.357.5180.
Menu: fried chicken, green beans, macaroni & cheese, roll, cupcakes, and beverage (catered by Prossers BBQ Restaurant of Murrells Inlet). Cost is $8 adult; $4 ages 3-11; no charge under 3 years of age. Volunteers are needed to assist with set up and serving of the meal (contact Brandy Streett).
The annual Children's Christmas Pageant will be performed this same evening, beginning at 6 PM (no reservations needed for pageant attendance). We hope you will bring the whole family for this evening of great food, warm fellowship, and a joyful message from our children.
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Harbor Worship Volunteers
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Ushers, greeters, and parking lot attendants for our Harbor worship services in the Family Life Center are needed.
If you would like to help on one of these teams, please contact Mickie Hilton, [email protected] or 843.655.9308.
A NOTE ABOUT PARKING -
We are now forming a parking lot team to assist with parking supervision at the Family Life Center on Sunday mornings. Please be considerate of others by parking only in designated parking spots and not blocking traffic flow. When the paved lot is full, there is ample parking in the grass field just steps away from the Family Life Center entrances. Your cooperation will make our parking areas safer for everyone.
To those of you who choose to park in the grass field in order to save closer parking for those who are guests or are less mobile - THANK YOU FOR YOUR KINDNESS AND CONSIDERATION!
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Blessing of the Animals
Sunday, December 9, 4 PM
St. John's Outdoor Chapel
This is a time to give thanks for all God's creatures and remember those pets no longer with us. All pets are welcome and will be individually blessed. Remembrance candles will be available to light. Please have your pets in a carrier or on a leash. Monetary and pet supply donations to benefit local animal shelters will be appreciated.
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Are you a runner? Are you a "want to be" runner?
We have exciting news of a wonderful Bible study that also includes preparation and training to become a runner! Beginning in January, RUN FOR GOD will be offered to integrate training with the word of God.
One person stated, "God used running to teach, guide and strengthen my faith. He opened my eyes and heart to a deeper relationship with Him. I have learned that our daily struggles in life mirror the struggles of a training regimen."
The Bible study will be held on Thursdays beginning January 10, 2019 with training on the following Saturdays of each week. The goal is to participate in the Race for the Inlet on March 30! Should you have questions or need more information please contact Jane Sparks.
Keep your eyes open for more information in the next few weeks!
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COMMUNION SUNDAY
December 2, 2018
THE SANCTUARY
Traditional Worship
8:45 AM, 11 AM
Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:1-2
Mike Alexander
THE HARBOR
Modern Worship
8:45 AM, 11 AM
Jeremiah 33:14-16
Walter Cantwell
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Pray for healing and peace for our Belin Memorial family members in need.
Click HERE
for Congregational News and Prayer Concerns.
Don't miss this year's Murrells Inlet Christmas Parade this Sunday, December 3, beginning at 3 PM. Our Girl Scout Troops 130 and 2500 will be collecting non-perishable food items along the parade route for Belin's Backpack Mission. Bring your friends, neighbors, and a few food items.
Please join us at 11:30 AM on Wednesday, December 5, for our next Adult Fellowship Luncheon. It's a time of fun and fellowship as we come together for a great meal and chance to make new friends. Please bring a covered dish to share if able.
Sunday school for children will be on a shortened schedule on December 9 (10 AM - 10:30 AM) to allow families to get seats for the Christmas Cantata in The Sanctuary.
Ladies, join us for our upcoming Circle meetings:
- Grace Circle Christmas Social: Monday, December 3, 6 PM (at the home of Betsy Alexander). Contact Peg Otterberg at 843.685.5033.
- Miracle Seekers Circle: Tuesday, December 4, 6 PM
- Frances Wilson Circle: Monday, December 10, 10 AM. Guest speaker is Walter Cantwell - everyone is welcome!
For information regarding upcoming events for our Youth Ministry, please sign up for the weekly Youth E-News by contacting Austin Bond at
[email protected]
. Please also follow @BelinYouth on Instagram and Snapchat!
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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 - a church with heart!
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Thanks for reading the Inlet View E-News! Visit our website for the most up-to-date information on everything happening at Belin Memorial!
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