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 Isaac Dusenbury
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In his book, Incarnation, Bishop Willimon writes, “Jesus becomes the test of all of our statements about God.” I’ve been thinking about that line in particular in preparation for Sunday. I wholeheartedly agree, but here’s the real question: what are our statements about God? We may be inclined to start listing off everything we’ve learned in church and Sunday School, saying things like “God is love” or “God is merciful,” etc. However, let us not take for granted that our statements about God took centuries to formulate. As it turns out, the statement “Jesus Christ is Lord” proved to be one of the most controversial statements of all.
And yet, that is what we believe. We believe God was in the person of Jesus Christ. As we observe Jesus’ life as recorded in the gospels, we learn that Jesus is both a helper and a noticer. It’s likely evident what I mean when by “helper,” but what do I mean by “noticer?” Even in the ancient world, life was busy. Life was dominated by hard work in those days and there was little time for leisure. People were constantly coming and going much like today. A lot of people – people like widows, orphans, and lepers – went unseen.
But Jesus was a noticer. He didn’t just pass by on the other side. Whether it was a lowly fisherman, a diseased leper, or a tree-climbing tax collector, Jesus stopped and noticed the kinds of people others didn’t or wouldn’t. You couldn’t even touch the hem of his garments without him noticing. And certainly, if someone ever cried out for help or expressed a great need like hunger or thirst, you best believe Jesus stopped and noticed them then. Jesus was extremely aware at all times – vigilant, even – and always took the initiative with others rather than wanting or expecting people to come to him.
So if we say that Jesus is both a helper and a noticer, that means we’re also saying that God is both a helper and a noticer. God is inclined to stop, help, and notice even the most distant voices. In Jesus, we learn that God is not too proud or aloof to get down at eye level with the lowliest of the low. Whereas people like us tend to get caught up in the rat race of life, we see the creator of the universe considering the lilies of the field. Even the most subtle details we observe in Christ can reveal the most astonishing truths about God. In Jesus, we receive a walking, talking, living image of the Holy Triune Lord.
I look forward to exploring these ideas and more with you on Sunday. Remember, Willimon’s book, Incarnation, stands behind our current sermon series. I have some discussion questions listed for you below that will help you prepare for Sunday and, hopefully, give your Sunday School class or small group some interesting points to consider. As always, thanks for your time in reading this article and for all the special ways you’re a part of Belin Memorial.
Blessings,
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Discussion questions from Chapter 3 of Incarnation:
● Is the saving work of God purely individual?
● How does God say yes to us while also saying no to how we’re living?
● Willimon writes, “The Incarnation not only tells us who God is but also
God’s intention for us.” What is God’s intention for us?
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Friday Unity Prayer
Follow along in prayer with us every Friday at noon.
Creator of the universe, you made the world in beauty, and restore all things in glory through the victory of Jesus Christ. We pray that, wherever your image is still disfigured by poverty, sickness, selfishness, war, and greed, the new creation in Jesus Christ may appear in justice, love, and peace, to the glory of your name. Open our hearts to your power moving around us and between us and within us, until your glory is revealed in our love of both friend and enemy, in communities transformed by justice and compassion, and in the healing of all that is broken. Seeking to be true friends of all, we offer our prayers on behalf of the church and the world. Amen.
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The Harbor
Modern Worship
8:45 AM and 11 AM
"Help Is on the Way"
John 14:8-14
Isaac Dusenbury
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The Sanctuary
Traditional Worship
8:45 AM and 11 AM
"Flesh"
John 6:51-58
Will Malambri
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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.
Belin Youth will be going to Costa Rica on a mission trip Saturday, July 22 - Saturday, July 29. An informational meeting will be held Monday, February 13, at 5:30 PM, in the Family Life Center. To register click HERE.
Youth Group will meet this Sunday, February 5. 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. On Sunday, February 12 youth will combine middle school and high school classes for a competition night from 4 PM - 5:30 PM.
Youth Prayer Breakfast is every Tuesday 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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Scout Sunday
This Sunday, February 5, at 11 AM
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This Sunday, February 5, is Scout Sunday at Belin Memorial UMC in The Sanctuary at 11 AM, with a Court of Honor to follow. Afterward, all Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, alumni 396 Scouts, Scouts from other states, and Scouts who were Scouts in other decades, are invited back to the Scout Hut for a Homecoming/Reunion/Open House. Spread the word to your friends, family, and neighbors who were Scouts way back when. For more information click HERE.
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Moms Matter
This Monday, February 6, at 6:30 PM
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“Moms Matter” is an exciting new ministry for all women who are raising children. Support and encouragement will be offered while looking at ways to raise children in today’s world. The first meeting is this Monday, February 6, at 6:30 PM, in the Family Life Center. Enjoy appetizers and fellowship. Bring a friend; you don't have to be a church member to attend. Please register HERE or call Lara Blackwell (843.357.5175) in the church office. Childcare provided!
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Sweetgrass Baskets
This Tuesday, February 7
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Learn how to make our local, treasured sweetgrass baskets! This four-week class begins this Tuesday, February 7, 9 AM - Noon. Contact Gail Wright (843.698.6394) one week in advance, so she can prepare your package and let you know the price for materials and classes. Please arrive at your first class with scissors and a bag for your materials.
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Rollie Hanna Breakfast
This Wednesday, February 8, 8:30 AM
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The Rollie Hanna Breakfast is every Wednesday of the month (except the first Wednesday of the month) at 8:30 AM in the Family Life Center. This Wednesday, February 8, guest speaker Jon Bowman will talk about “Sharing Ourselves with Others.” Enjoy great food, meet new people, and find out why this is the "Best $3 Breakfast in Town.”
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Sisters in Faith
This Wednesday, February 8, 11:30 AM
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The Sisters in Faith fellowship group will meet this Wednesday, February 8, at 11:30 AM, in the Family Life Center. Jessica Flynn is the guest speaker this month. Everyone is asked to bring a sweet or savory dish to share. In March, Sisters are invited to join in worship for the Wednesday Lenten services in the Sanctuary and lunch after worship in the FLC. Group meetings will resume on Wednesday, April 12.
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Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner
Tuesday, February 21, 5 PM - 6:30 PM
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Tickets are available now in the church office, Family Life Center, or purchase one from a member of Grace Circle. Dinner will consist of pancakes with maple syrup, strawberries, blueberries, whipped cream, and bacon on the side. Adult tickets are $8, children (3 - 11 years) are $3, and children under the age of 3 eat free! All proceeds from this event help support mission projects.
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Directory Update
Where is it?
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Scratching your head and wondering what happen to the directory? It has not been an easy process and with a church the size of Belin Memorial, it became a huge project. Just when everything was ready for submission to the publisher we were informed that all names and addresses had to be hand entered by the Belin staff. Needless to say, this has been a daunting task. The directory is currently at the publisher with all information needed completed; we should receive a proof this week. Once that has been checked and resubmitted the company has 20 days to have finished directories ready to distribute. Thank you for your patience. There is a light at the end of the tunnel and hopefully by the end of February you will have your beautiful new directory in your hands!
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Honorariums and Memorials
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Gifts may be given...
- in loving memory of a family member or friend
- in honor of a special person (or group) that has touched your life in a significant way
- in recognition of an event or occasion that has special meaning in your life or the life of the church
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Memorials and Honorariums can be made online or mailed to the church office: Belin Memorial UMC, PO Box 528, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576. Please indicate in whose memory or honor you are sending your gift so that it can be listed correctly in the Inlet View e-news. Your donations are tax-deductible.
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Attendance numbers (in-person and online) Sunday, January 29: (Sanctuary) 1157, (Harbor) 849
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Click HERE to see a list of events, classes, and meetings scheduled for the week of February 5.
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Vintage Blessing of the Inlet t-shirts and mugs are available for sale in the Family Life Center lobby display case for $5 per item. See any staff member to purchase items. All money collected will support Belin’s Youth Ministry. Various sizes and BOI logos to choose from - while supplies last!
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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.
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
Tidelands: Steven Farraday, Linda Slone
The Palmettos: Anne Berry, Ruth German, Mona Giles
St. Gabriel: Peg Bryan, Carol Todd
Other: David, John W., Julie, Justin, Mike, Paul, Rachel, Veronica and family, Belin Memorial Clergy, People of Ukraine, Police, National Guard, Protective Services, US Military Personnel, and individuals submitted on prayer request cards.
Deepest sympathy is extended to Jan Covington Bridge, family, and friends on the death of her mother, Debra Williams Covington (Irmo, SC).
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Thanks for reading the Inlet View e-news!
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