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

Whether because of The Byrds’  Turn, Turn, Turn  or from Bible study, most people are familiar with Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 . With the wisdom of Solomon, the writer recognizes that life is lived in the midst of seeming contradictions and endless “both/ands.” The church knows quite well that there is “a time to be born, and a time to die.” Our principal faith stories are built around both of these realities. Jesus’ birth and death (and resurrection), along with Pentecost, form the three pinnacles of the Christian year. And, throughout the year, we commemorate the lives of those born into and those who die within our church family.
 
Belin celebrated the arrival of Charlie Dusenbury on Monday – the same day we had a memorial service for Dottie Brinkhorst. It’s not only a reminder of the circle of life, but that life includes both, always. We always find ourselves in the midst of joy and sorrow, ordinary and extraordinary. Pregnancies, so filled with excitement and anticipation, also come with fear and trembling. Births, too. We pray for those going through the process of bringing life into the world, even as we pray for those who want to and cannot, or are trying to, or have lost a child in the process. 
 
When a beautiful new life is born among us, such as we have known this week, we can’t help but wonder what will come of that life. There are so many possibilities, in all directions. And those who are further down the road realize the prayers need to continue. We’d be wise to offer just as many prayers for our teens and those trying to rear them as we offer for all the new parents and their new children.
 
Charlie Dusenbury is born into a world that is complex. He won’t remember the issues of today, but the world will face other challenges when he’s 30 and considering bringing a child into it. He will have reason to pray for situations in the world that he has little control over, but that break his heart, just as we do this week. That he’ll know to pray for such situations is because his parents and his church will have shown him. Whatever action he takes regarding injustice in his neighborhood, or across the world, will be, in part, because of what we’ve said and done around him.
 
Charlie and the other babies of this church, and of other faithful communities around the world, enter a world that is filled with both/ands. Even so, it is our prayer that the Holy Spirit and our faithful examples will lead them to develop a world that is more on the positive side of the both/and than the negative. Maybe our attempts at faithfulness will help them lead this world to more times of planting, healing, building up, laughter, dancing, gathering, embracing, and, most especially, love. 
 
These are the kinds of things we hope for while we’re living (and working) between the first and second coming of Christ. In a sense, we are in exile - not quite home but working to get there, to be part of God’s kingdom coming on earth as it is in heaven. On Sunday we will reflect on Jeremiah’s hopeful letter, inspired by a word he received from God, and sent to those in exile ( Jeremiah 29:1, 4-14 ). His words are a reminder that even in a time of distress and doubt, it’s always a time for faithfulness and faith.
Worship With Us
Currently & Upcoming
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 next Thursday, October 17, 6 PM - 8 PM in the Family Life Center gym 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 !

ConnectNights
Tonight! Starting at 4:30 PM
Join us tonight for our final ConnectNight, 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 

Click HERE for more information!

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 this Sunday and every 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 this 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 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 this Sunday.

Belin 101
Starting Sunday, October 13, 10 AM, FLC Gym
This four-week course offered twice a year is designed for new members and inquisitive minds who would like to learn more about Methodism and opportunities for involvement at Belin Memorial.

Class dates and speaker:

  • October 13: Will Malambri
  • October 20: Walter Cantwell
  • October 27: Greg Hill
  • November 3: Jane Sparks

Please call the church office if you plan to attend so that we may prepare class materials accordingly, 843.651.5099.
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 this 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.

Venturing Crew
Open House on Thursday, October 17, 6:30 PM
Scout Hut (behind the FLC parking lot)
Do you like to backpack, canoe, or kayak (or want to learn)? Are you interested in becoming a better leader? If you answered 'yes' to these questions, venturing may be for you. Venturing is BSA’s high adventure program for boys and girls. Our Venturing Crew is run by youth with advice from adult advisors. Crew members must be at least 14yo (or 13yo and completed 8th grade) but not yet 21yo. Adults over 21yo are welcome to serve as advisors. Please come to our open house if you are interested. For more info please contact Doug Wahl , 843.267.6616.
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 this Tuesday, October 15.

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

Congregational News
  • Mark your calendars! Community Health Day is Friday, October 25, 7:30 AM - 10:30 AM in the FLC gym. A variety of health information will be available at no cost, and blood screenings will be available at a nominal cost. Learn more by clicking HERE.

  • Save the Date: Chick-fil-A Trunk or Treat is being hosted at Belin Memorial this year. Join us Saturday, October 26, 5 PM - 7 PM, in the FLC parking lot for trick or treating, face painting, bouncy houses, Chick-fil-A fare and more!

  • 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 this coming Wednesday, October 16, 8:30 AM in the FLC. Enjoy a delicious hot breakfast and short program led by George Olive. A donation of $3 is appreciated. No reservation required. 

  • Join us this 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 this coming Monday, October 14, 10 AM in the FLC. All are invited to attend!

  • 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.

  • The Zumba class scheduled for Thursday, October 17, will be not be held.

  • The Meditation Gathering/Workshop scheduled for next Thursday, October 17, will not be held.
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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