The Inlet View e-news brings you announcements, news,
and updates from Belin Memorial United Methodist Church.
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A message from Pastor J.T. Brown
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Good afternoon Belin Memorial and welcome to the Inlet View. This afternoon I have a question for you: What has Jesus Christ done to draw you closer to God? As you ponder that question for a moment, I want to bring up one of those old church words that often gets used without being defined. That word is atonement, or as one of my seminary professors used to dramatically say “at one moment.” He would break down the word that way because he wanted us to understand that atonement refers to Christ’s work in drawing us closer to God. Various theories of atonement explain how Christ empowers us to live as those who are truly one with each other and one with God.
So . . . what has Jesus Christ done to draw you closer to God? Or rather, how has Jesus Christ worked to make atonement for your sins? Maybe some of you think the answer to that question is simple. Christ died on the cross to pay the price for sin. Or maybe some said that Christ taught us about God’s truth, and led us, by example, into a path of righteousness. Or maybe you said that Christ broke the power of death, and freed us from fear so that we can have more hopeful and Godly perspectives in life.
The truth is, it was a trick question. The Church has never settled on one simple atonement theory. No creed implies that there is only one action or one moment in which Christ made atonement for sin. The Biblical witness does not imply that there was only one moment when Christ brought us closer to God. Instead, there are many theories of atonement and there are many ways Christ reaches and empowers disciples. Jesus is still expelling sin and offering grace in new and creative ways. That’s one of the most exciting parts of serving a living God!
This week in worship we will start a new sermon series loosely based on a book written by Bishop William Willimon called Incarnation: The Surprising Overlap of Heaven and Earth. In the book, Bishop Willimon discusses an atonement theory that is one of the most ancient and widely accepted. The Incarnation Atonement Theory suggests that as God humbly became human, somehow the relevance of humanity itself was lifted to heavenly heights. It was the first act of Jesus Christ, simply being a human, even an infant, Jesus was already doing the miraculous work of re-establishing the broken relationship between God and humans.
Maybe there is something we can learn from the Incarnation Theory of Atonement. Sometimes being with, associating with, or making a point to understand each other is actually holy work. Where do you need to be? Maybe you have a relationship that is breaking down and reconciliation could start if you work to offer a more real and meaningful presence. Maybe you have a loved one who is suffering; a simple visit or phone call might do more for their healing process than you know. Maybe you know someone who is facing an injustice; putting yourself in their shoes is the first step in understanding how you can help.
When the Word of God became flesh, something incredible was accomplished on behalf of all humans. Of course, the story continues from there, but don’t underestimate that first step of simply being with, or being for, those who need you. Sometimes others don’t need what you can do, they simply need you. I look forward to exploring the incarnation together and considering how the Word-made-flesh can still shape us, and make us new. See you Sunday!
Blessings,
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Friday Unity Prayer
Follow along in prayer with us every Friday at noon.
Lord of all, Redeemer, and Restorer, lead us in the direction of truth and teach us to live in ways that bring you glory. You have gracefully claimed us as your people, even when we did not recognize you as God.
Today we accept the gift of your presence among us.
We will remember that you are in our midst when we encounter others who are in need.
We will remember that you are in our midst when others challenge our perspectives.
We will remember that you are in our midst when we meet a stranger.
We will remember that you are in our midst when it comes time to forgive others.
We will remember that you are listening when it is time to ask for forgiveness.
We gratefully accept the gift of the incarnation. Help us to live in love and peace with one another, remembering your love for humankind.
In Jesus name, we pray, Amen.
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The Harbor
Modern Worship
8:45 AM and 11 AM
"Why Come?"
Hebrews 1:1-3
Will Malambri
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The Sanctuary
Traditional Worship
8:45 AM and 11 AM
"God Revealing God"
John 1:1-13
Isaac Dusenbury
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Serve Our Community
Help Monitor Murrells Inlet's Water
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If you love the beauty of Murrells Inlet and want to help protect the water, consider volunteering through Murrells Inlet 2020 and Coastal Carolina University as a Water Quality Monitor. Email [email protected], contact Rev. Will Malambri, or click HERE for more information about being a good neighbor.
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Rollie Hanna Breakfast
This Wednesday, January 25, at 8:30 AM
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This Wednesday, January 25, at 8:30 AM, at the next Rollie Hanna Breakfast in the Family Life Center, hear from guest speaker Liz Duesing. Liz is the Development Director for Habitat for Humanity in Georgetown. Enjoy the "Best $3 Breakfast in town," and meet some new people.
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Acolyte Training
Thursday, January 26, 5 PM
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Acolyte (noun, from the Greek akólouthos) - an attendant of the Lord’s Table; an attendant, assistant, or helper in worship. An acolyte plays a very important role in worship, a tradition that is more than 1700 years old!
Since ancient times, light and fire have reminded people that God is here with us. An important part of the job as an acolyte is to begin the worship service. In our traditional worship, we use two acolytes and a crucifer. Worship officially begins when the crucifer enters bearing the cross and our acolytes bring the light of Christ into the sanctuary. This is a symbol of Christ’s presence with us at worship. The candles remind us that Christ was human and divine. The congregation is reminded of God’s presence with us, and the words of Jesus: “I am the light of the world.”
There will be an Acolyte/Crucifer training class in the sanctuary on Thursday, January 26, 5 PM. For more information email Lou Smith at [email protected].
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Shred-It
Saturday, January 28, 9 AM - Noon
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Protect your personal information and destroy your confidential documents, such as old tax returns, credit card receipts, legal documents, and more, at our paper shredding event on Saturday, January 28, from 9 AM to Noon. Belin Memorial has partnered with Shred-it so that you will have an opportunity to destroy your personal documents in a safe secure way. There will be youth on site to help unload your documents. Any tips received will help fund their next project.
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United Methodist Men
Monday, January 30, 6:30 PM
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Calling all men! Join us Monday, January 30, at 6:30 PM in the Family Life Center for fellowship, dinner, and quest speaker Pastor Will. He will discuss how Jesus asked the disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” How you answer that question affects every other question of your life. RSVP by clicking HERE or call the church office at 843.651.5099. See you there!
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Youth Ministry
All Youth Welcome
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Contact Brandy Streett, Director of Youth at [email protected], for more information on any of our Youth Ministry activities.
Youth Group will meet this Sunday, January 22. The middle school students will meet from 5 PM - 6:35 PM, and the high school students will meet from 6 PM - 7:15 PM.
Youth Prayer Breakfast is this Tuesday, January 24, at 7 AM, at the Chick-fil-A in Murrells Inlet.
Text "belinyouth" to 833-676-4626 to receive Belin Youth reminders.
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Lay Servant School
Sundays, February 5 & February 12
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Lay Servant Ministries provides training to equip laity to lead in the local church and community, providing educational opportunities to build the skills needed to be more effective Christian leaders.
What they do:
- Local Church Lay Servants serve primarily in the local congregation.
- Certified Lay Servants serve in the local congregation and beyond.
- Certified Lay Speakers provide pulpit supply.
- Certified Lay Ministers provide leadership in a ministry or church as part of a ministry team.
For those interested click HERE for more information.
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Attendance numbers (in-person and online) Sunday, January 15: (Sanctuary) 962, (Harbor) 697
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Women's Bible Study on the book of Hebrews begins Monday, January 23, in the Family Life Center at 6 PM. To register for this six-week study led by Jennie Cundiff click HERE.
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Are you interested in playing Cribbage? Contact Mary Mallick (843.651.5099, [email protected]) and let her know. If there is enough interest the group will gather on Thursday mornings at 10 AM, in the FLC.
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Click HERE to see a list of events, classes, and meetings scheduled for the week of January 22.
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Prayers and Concerns
Almighty God, shield of the oppressed, hear us as we pray for the friendless and the lonely, the tempted and the unbelieving. Be merciful to those who suffer, in body and mind, to those who are in danger or distress, and who have suffered loss. Let your love surround the infirm and the aged. Be especially near to those who are passing through the valley of death. May they find eternal rest, and light at evening time.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Angel Oak: Kathryn Wall
Carolina Gardens: Pauline Caverly
Conway Manor: Mary Shumaker
Garden Manor: Diane Harler
Inlet Oaks: Janet Eddy
Lakes of Litchfield: Dot Hanna, Sharon Judd, Irene Miller
MB Estates: Robert Willey
National Health Care: Gordon Fol, Beverly Mussen, Ella Jane Reed
The Palmettos: Anne Berry, Ruth German, Mona Giles
St. Gabriel: Peg Bryan, Carol Todd
Other: Art, Bev, Ed, Frances E., Noel, Paul, Lyn and Family, Belin Memorial Clergy, People of Ukraine, Police, National Guard, Protective Services, US Military Personnel, and individuals submitted on prayer request cards.
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Thanks for reading the Inlet View e-news!
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