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

In April our family enjoyed a few days in the Inlet. We had received our new appointment to Belin Memorial and were excited to look at the area from a perspective different than that of a tourist. We knew what it was like to vacation here, but wanted to see what it might be like to live here. We weren’t disappointed and haven’t been since becoming residents.
 
One of the gifts I’ve enjoyed here is the view of the inlet. I can see it from my office, see it better when I’m walking to my car, and see it best when I take the time to walk across the street to it. It’s beautiful in every phase. That was something we learned during our April stay. A friend arranged for us to enjoy a house directly on the inlet and we were able to watch it fill and recede throughout the day. Instead of the stagnant postcard-like view we had enjoyed before – beautiful, but stuck in one phase – we could now see its different phases coming and going.
 
Like many of you, I’m excited to feel the cooler weather arrive and experience the different seasons of life at the inlet. I’m confident each will bring its own beauty and blessings.
 
God has set life up like that – phases, seasons, ebbs and flows, beauty and blessings to be found and enjoyed in each, if we’ll look.
 
I continue to annoy my family with looking. I might be a danger on the roads, catching every glance I can of the water, slowing down to marvel at the live oaks, watching the birds fly by. I’ll say, “Do you see that? This place is so beautiful” and, so far, they’ve hidden their eye rolls. Maybe that’s because their eyes are captivated by the beauty, too. I never want to take it for granted. To do so would be to squander the gift of being here.
 
We could say the same of many locations in the world and, even more so, of many of the relationships we’ve been given. Our home families, our church families, our friends who become like family are relationships that we can easily take for granted, which is both a sign that we trust they are lasting and don’t have to be treated too delicately, but also something we might wake up and regret when they change or cease.
 
In one of Jesus’ more confounding parables, he tells of a rich man who fires his manager for squandering his resources ( Luke 16:1-13 , which we’ll hear Sunday). The confounding part is that Jesus seems to commend the manager for improving his lot by dishonest means. On Sunday, we’ll take a stab at what that might be about, but the first message to me is the reminder to not squander, to not let the gifts we’ve been given slip right past us while we’re looking the other way, or looking but not seeing, or seeing but not appreciating. 
 
Very much appreciating being in this place and season of life with you,
Worship With Us
Currently & Upcoming
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 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 .

ConnectNights
Thursdays through October 10
Join us, beginning 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 Monday) : [email protected] or call 843.651.5099 

Click HERE for more information!

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.

Belin 55+ Singles
Gatherings in September
Belin 55+ Singles will meet tomorrow, Friday, September 20, 5:30 PM for dinner at Costa Calamari Italian Restaurant.

On Friday, September 27, the club is planning to 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.

Closer to Scripture
Begins Sunday, September 22, 4 PM - 5:30 PM, FLC
Closer to Scripture is a non-traditional, in-depth Bible excursion. This study, led by Craig Miller, will take advantage of social science tools that are profoundly impacting biblical research and translation. More than a study that delves into the social science of the Bible, we will use our inquiries as a platform for application to contemporary issues. To register for this course or for any additional information, contact Jane Sparks , 843.357.5185.

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.

Epworth Children's Homes
Thank you for your generosity!
Over $7K was raised during our last offering. When you make a financial contribution in any amount to Epworth Children’s Home you are investing in a child’s educational, spiritual, physical and emotional future.

Congregational News
  • The United Methodist Men are meeting Monday, September 23, 6:30 PM in the FLC. Join us for Christian fellowship and a great meal. Please RVSP by Friday, September 20, by clicking HERE or calling the church office at 843.651.5099.

  • All are invited to join the Rollie Hanna Breakfast on Wednesday, September 25, 8:30 AM in the FLC. Enjoy a delicious hot breakfast and short program led by Rev. Tom Brittain. A donation of $3 is appreciated. No reservation required. 

  • The annual Blessing of the Animals Service will be held Sunday, October 6, at 4 PM in St. John's Outdoor Chapel.

  • 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 servers heart and a desire to make a difference in many family's 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. 

  • The Belin Creative Learning Center currently has student openings available for 4-year-olds, both half-day and full-day. For more information please contact Amanda Romance, 843.651.2930.

  • If you have yard work that needs to to be done and you are not physically able, Belin Youth is willing to help! Please contact Brandy Streett, 843.385.1676.

  • Waccamaw Intermediate School is in need of volunteers to help with their Good News Club. This club brings the Good News to children. Shepherds are needed one day a week from 2:30 PM - 4 PM. If you are interested please contact Garvin Gilley, 843.222.1069.

  • 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.

Thanks for reading the  Inlet View  e-news!