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Pastor's Notes
from the desk of Walter Cantwell

Early one spring when I was in middle school, my father’s coworker gave him two tickets to the Masters Golf Tournament. Knowing how much I loved playing and watching golf, it was a no brainer who my father was taking with him to the tournament. 

We arrived on a Thursday morning just as the gates were opening. Friends had shared that we should go immediately to Amen Corner in order to secure a perfect spot for viewing. Quickly, we made our way to the famed stretch of holes. Every few moments, I would stop and look around at the magnificent golf course. Never in my life had I seen such manicured greens or so many azaleas in full bloom. Each angle provided a picture-perfect post card view. When we finally made our way to Amen Corner, I was in awe. The ponds were perfectly sculpted, every piece of pine straw was in its correct place, and there was not a single weed to be found. Having nothing to compare this place with, I looked up at my father and asked, “Do you think this is what heaven looks like?”

Heaven, and its unique concept, intrigues Christians. Countless descriptions of a heaven-like place have been described by individuals who have encountered near death experiences. Authors, like C.S. Lewis in the Chronicles of Narnia , have captured our imagination by crafting stories about heaven. Theologians have debated where heaven will be located, when it will arrive, and what it will be like. 

The Book of Revelation has provided the Church throughout the centuries with a unique vision of heaven. On this coming Sunday in The Harbor, Isaac’s sermon, Heaven, is based on Revelation 5:11-14 . What is fascinating about this section of Revelation is that heaven will be filled with praise. The angels, the saints, and all of creation will lift their voices in praise of the One who is worthy. 

Several questions raced through my mind while reading this text: how am I preparing for heaven? Am I cultivating a life of praise and worship? Where do we witness creation praising God?

Worship is one of the primary intersections of heaven and earth. It is the place where we intentionally welcome the presence of the divine through embodying a posture of worship. We encounter God through our songs, prayers, Scripture readings, offering, and reflection on the Word. Do we come every Sunday expecting to catch a glimpse of heaven?

In The Sanctuary, Will’s sermon, We Give What We Live, reflects on 1Timothy 6:6-19 . Approaching this text after hearing John’s vision in Revelation, the verse, for we brought nothing into the world, so that we can take nothing out of it , reminded me that we were created for heaven. Our destiny is to be in the complete presence of God. 

What are you holding onto that prevents you from embracing life in Jesus Christ, embracing heaven here on earth? 

Grace and Peace,
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 (Friday, October 4), our annual Blessing of the Animals service will be held 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
Thursdays through October 10
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!

25th Annual Golf Tournament
Monday, September 30, Noon tee-off
Wachesaw Plantation
Don't delay! Sign up today for the 25th Annual Belin Memorial United Methodist Church Golf Tournament to be held this Monday (September 30) at noon at Wachesaw Plantation. Registration will begin at 10:30 AM and will include lunch. Dinner will be provided at the end of the tournament at Kimbel’s restaurant. For more information please contact a Missions team member or Brandy Streett , 843.385.1676. You can also download an application or sponsor form by clicking HERE .

Belin Scouts
Join our scouting ministry!
Our Scouting programs are getting back into gear with the new school year. We are currently looking for anyone interested in joining Scouting here at Belin:

  • Youth from K-5th grade are eligible to join Cub Scouts.

  • Youth from 6th grade through age 18 are eligible to join Scouts BSA. We are starting a new girls-only troop this year! We already have an established boys-only troop.

  • Parent volunteers are needed to help. Our unit is 100% volunteer-led.

  • Other adult volunteers are welcome as well. We are seeking merit badge counselors and other leaders to help serve our youth.

For more information, please contact Denise Wahl , 843.424.6939.

The Belin Cub Scout Pack 396 is looking for a Cub Master who is committed, creative, professional, and passionate about making a lasting difference in the lives of young children. PLEASE let us hear from you!! No scouting experience is needed, but online training and a safe sanctuary clearance is a must. If you’d like more information regarding this exciting volunteer opportunity, please contact Doug Wahl , 843.267.6616‬, or Denise Wahl , 843.424.6939‬.

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

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 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.

Sweet Grass Basket Classes
New Classes starting in October
Four-Week Classes
Learn how to make our local, treasured sweet grass baskets ($45 non-refundable deposit plus $50 supply fee due prior to class start).

  • Tuesdays, 9 AM-12 PM, begins October 1
  • Wednesdays, 5 PM-8 PM, begins October 2

NEW! Five-Week Advanced Class
Learn how to make starters, French knots, jewelry box lids, ovals, and basket repairs ($180 fee due prior to class start).

  • Thursdays, 9 AM-12 PM, begins October 3
 
Class size is limited, so sign up soon by contacting class instructor Gail Wright, 843.254.4268. Bring scissors and a large bag to carry your materials. Checks should be made payable and mailed directly to Gail Wright.

Congregational News
  • 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.

  • Tomorrow (September 27) the Belin 55+ Singles will get together at the Market Common to watch Downton Abbey (time TBD) and will meet again after the movie at 5:30 PM for dinner at California Pizza across from theater. If you plan on attending these events, please RSVP to Charlotte Downey, 843.655.2568.

  • 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 to 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! Please contact Emeline Jordan, 843.997.8519.

  • If you have a senior in high school this year, please contact Brandy Streett, 843.385.1676. She is working on planning a few "Senior Nights" this year. 

  • Kim Provenza of Mobile Meals wants to give thanks to all who helped deliver meals to our community this week: Jim Runion, Connie Guyer, Lori Chernisky, Jill Johnston, Diane Smith, Donna Squires, Adeleine Culclasure, Charles Tyler, Rob Gardiner and John Stuckey. Your time and kindness is more than appreciated. God bless you all.

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.

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