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 Will Malambri
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I like words. They have utility. They can be used artfully. Creative uses of words entertain and inspire.
The words someone chooses can reveal something about him or her. Is he careful in order to protect himself or because he does not want to offend or hurt? Is she mean-spirited or just unaware of how those words are heard? Is he more motivated to be “right” than “kind?” Does that word choice mean anything more than where she is from and how she learned the language?
Language matters. The Letter of James contains much-needed wisdom and admonition, this from chapter 3: 8 No one can tame the tongue—a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse people, made in the likeness of God. 10 From the same mouth comes a blessing and a curse. My brothers and sisters, this ought not to be so.
James seems to be holding two realities in tension: 1) The tongue is not permanently subdued. In other words, I may start the day remembering that “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all” and by breakfast have already said some not-nice things. 2) Like any powerful tool that has the potential to be a weapon, we need to be extra-vigilant to consider our words, both their meaning and how they might be received.
For instance, it may not matter whether you say “autumn” or “fall” as you welcome the new season today, or it may say something about you. Because I like words, I was interested to see their etymology. Autumn is older. It was a well-received addition to the English language because before that they referred to this time of year as “harvest,” which could be unclear. Was someone referring to the season or the act of harvesting when he said, “harvest.” “Autumn” cleared that up.
But, a few centuries later, people began to speak of the fall of the leaves and “fall” became a new name for the season. Of course that can be confusing because we use fall in at least three ways: fall, the season; fall, as in stumble; The Fall, as humanity’s sin that has perpetuated brokenness in the world and makes statements like “the tongue (is) a restless evil, full of deadly poison” an easily defendable declaration.
Today, the autumnal equinox or the start of fall, we’ll have nearly equal hours of darkness and light. Maybe that’s a good way to remember the results of The Fall. Those created in God’s image (Genesis 1:26-31) fell through sin (Genesis 3) and entered into a state of “both-ness.” We have light and darkness in us. I don’t think it’s equal parts. But whatever the ratio, I believe Jesus reveals the path forward, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life,” He said (John 8:12).
This fall, as those living with the lingering effects of The Fall, consider the beauty of the falling leaves and the reality of the growing darkness and determine, “Is Jesus the Light who guides my paths” and if so, how will that decision determine what comes out of your mouth?
Trying to choose words wisely,
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God of every season, as the summer sun fades, and the days grow shorter, we thank you for leaves of green and brown and yellow and orange and red, for their reminder of the beauty of life shared with all of God’s creation and of the reality of this life’s finitude. We thank you for the coming chilly starts to days and cool, refreshing nights. We pray that, however long the daylight or however dark the night, we will always turn to your Son to guide our way and brighten our path. We pray, also, for those in Puerto Rico, Ukraine, and other places where storms and war have made this day, not this season, their focus. Bring them comfort, support, and peace in these difficult days. Amen.
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Sunday
September 25, 2022
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The Harbor
Modern Worship
8:45 AM & 11 AM
"Everything Is Possible"
Mark 9:14-29 (NIV)
Isaac Dusenbury
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The Sanctuary
Traditional Worship
8:45 AM & 11 AM
"Only Through Prayer"
Mark 9:14-29
Connie Stinson
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Growth Group Sign Up
This Sunday, September 25
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Growth Groups are small groups of 12+/- adults who meet in homes on a weekly basis to study God's Word, share together and support one another in their Christian lives. Groups meet on various days and times of the week for approximately an hour for Bible study, fellowship, prayer and encouragement. Growth Groups are the place where we establish relationships and grow towards spiritual maturity together.
If you are interested in hosting or belonging to a Growth Group contact Mary Mallick ([email protected]), or sign up this Sunday, September 25, before or after worship services.
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Hiring Sunday Nursery Worker
Children's Ministry at Belin Memorial
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Are you loving, energetic, able to lift kids, change diapers, and play on the floor with children? Our Children's Ministry is in need of a Sunday morning nursery attendant, preferably with technology experience that can help parents with our check-in system. Hours are every Sunday, 8:15 AM - 12:15 PM. Contact Emeline Jordan, Director of Children's Ministry [email protected].
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Rollie Hanna Breakfast
This Wednesday, September 28, 8:30 AM
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Join us this Wednesday in the Family Life Center for the next Rollie Hanna Breakfast, the "Best $3 Breakfast in Town.” Enjoy great food, meet some new people and find out about this summer's youth project “Belin Builds.” Brandy Streett and the youth will tell you all about it. Bring a friend and a hearty appetite.
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Youth Ministry
Youth Group This Sunday, September 25, 5 PM - 7:15 PM
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Contact Brandy Streett, Director of Youth at [email protected], for more information on any of our Youth Ministry activities.
Youth Prayer Breakfast this Tuesday, September 27, at 7 AM, at Chic-fil-A in Murrells Inlet. Join us every Tuesday morning for prayer and fellowship.
Middle School Lock-in is Friday, September 30, in the Family Life Center.
Annual Mud Bowl is Sunday, October 2, from 4 PM to 6 PM, on the Field of Faith. All youth are welcome.
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Blessing of The Animals
Sunday, October 2, 3 PM
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In celebration of all God’s creatures, our Blessing of the Animals service will be held Sunday, October 2, at 3 PM, in St. John’s Outdoor Chapel, located behind the FLC. You may attend to honor or remember a special pet/s; all pets must be on a leash or in a carrier. Monetary donations, as well as pet food, toys, and supplies, will be received and given to a local animal shelter in support of pet fostering.
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Sweetgrass Baskets
New Class Begins Tuesday, October 4
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Learn how to make our local, treasured sweetgrass baskets! This four-week class will meet Tuesdays starting October 4, 9 AM - Noon. Contact Gail Wright (843.698.6394) at least one week in advance, so she can prepare your package and let you know current prices for materials and classes. Please arrive to your first class with scissors and a bag for your materials.
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Fall Harvest Festival & BBQ
Saturday, October 8, 9 AM - 3 PM
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The Belin Memorial Fall Harvest Festival & BBQ will be here in a little over two weeks. Barbeque tickets ($15) and t-shirts ($20) will be available after all services today and next Sunday, October 2. Purchase a ticket for a plate of barbeque with two sides and a roll or a pint of barbeque. Long-sleeved and short-sleeved t-shirts are available. Avoid the lines and help support Belin Memorial's community outreach.
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Women's Retreat
Friday, October 14
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Ladies, grab some girlfriends and join us on this Women's Retreat. There are only a few spots left. The group leaves on Friday, October 14, for Cherry Grove, SC, and will return Sunday, October 16. This is a weekend for spiritual growth and fellowship. Register HERE today.
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Hurricane Emergency Plan
Active Season Predicted
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National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration still expects an above-normal hurricane season. NOAA’s update to the 2022 outlook — which covers the entire six-month hurricane season that ends on Nov. 30 — calls for 14-20 named storms (winds of 39 mph or greater), of which 6-10 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or greater). Of those, 3-5 could become major hurricanes (winds of 111 mph or greater). NOAA provides these ranges with a 70% confidence. - Information provided by NOAA.gov
Click HERE for a copy of the Belin Memorial UMC Hurricane Emergency Plan. Print a copy for yourself and keep it handy through this hurricane season.
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Sunday, September 18, worship attendance numbers (in-person and online): The Harbor 652; The Sanctuary 860
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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.
Bethea (Darlington): Frances Eason
Carolina Gardens: Pauline Caverly, Kathryn Wall
Conway Manor: Mary Shumaker
Garden Manor: Diane Harler
Inlet Oaks: Janet Eddy
Lakes of Litchfield: Rhea Carter, Dot Hanna, Sharon Judd
MB Estates: Robert Willey
National Health Care: Gordon Fol, Bill Hawver,
Beverly Mussen, Ruth German
The Palmettos: Anne Berry, Mona Giles
St. Gabriel: Peg Bryan, Carol Todd
Other: Christie, Dan M., Eva and Family, Frank and Mary, Jeff, Kurt, Linda and Rich, Lori, Melody, Melrose, Michael, Nancy, Pamela M., Patricia, Patti D., Rich, Ron and Lynn, Ronnie, Sandra, Scott, Belin Memorial Clergy, People of Ukraine, Police, National Guard, Protective Services, US Military Personnel, and individuals submitted on prayer request cards.
Sympathy is extended to Carole Schmidt, family, and friends in the death of her daughter, Kelli; and Becky Hale, family, and friends in the death of her father, Don Zavala.
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Thanks for reading the Inlet View e-news!
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