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Join Us for Weekend Services
May 27 & 28
Acts 2:1-21
From Chaos to Community
Pete Berntson, Proclaimer
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Pentecost Worship This Weekend
Join us in celebrating the remarkable gift of the Holy Spirit during our Pentecost worship services this Saturday at 5:30 p.m. and at 8:30 a.m. or 11 a.m. on Sunday! This festive occasion holds profound significance in the church calendar as we commemorate the outpouring of the Spirit upon the early disciples, the birth of the Christian Church, and the ongoing presence of God with us.
The gift of the Holy Spirit in our lives enables us to experience God's love, guidance, and power profoundly. During our worship services, we will dive into the rich symbolism and meaning of Pentecost, exploring the powerful work of the Spirit and its relevance in moving us from "Chaos to Community."
To enhance the festive atmosphere and visually symbolize the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, you are encouraged to wear red, orange, or yellow attire. These vibrant colors reflect the flames of the Spirit as described in the book of Acts. Let us fill our sanctuary with a vibrant tapestry of colors, uniting in joyful recognition of this extraordinary festival.
So, choose which service you will attend, wear your brightest colors, and join us as we celebrate Pentecost in a spirit of unity and expectation. Together, let us anticipate the mighty work of the Holy Spirit in our midst.
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It's a mini "Blessing of the Animals"
Come this Saturday, May 27, at 5 p.m. for a mini "Blessing of the Animals." There are a number of our furry / feathered little friends whose "parents" have requested one more blessing by Pastor Pete.
It is also good to take time to thank God for our pets that bring us joy and love. In gratitude, we will ask for God's blessings on those who bless us.
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Esperanza Grace Baptized May 20
The joy of the Lord was experienced on Saturday evening, May 20, as Austen and Glenn Hecker brought their daughter, Esperanza Grace, to the waters of baptism. The Sacrament of Holy Baptism was administered in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit by Pastor Pete and Lauren McLeod.
With the laying on of hands, Pete offered a blessing, declaring Espy's true right name as "Esperanza Grace, Beloved Child of God." In ancient times, children born into royal families were anointed with oil. Lauren anointed Epsy with oil in the sign of the cross, marking Espy as a member of the family of Christ forever.
Gifts of a baptismal candle and a beginner's Bible were given. A celebration potluck followed in the Fellowship Hall.
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Prayers for Rev. Bullion and Family
As part of each worship service between now and July 1, special prayers will be offered for Rev. Bullion and her family as they prepare to come as our next spiritual leader. Be part of this by signing up to offer the prayer (either one provided or one of your own composition) using this Worship Role SignUpGenius.
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“Love Offering” to be collected
for Pastor Pete and Kathy Berntson!
We’ve been blessed by Pastor Pete and Kathy serving the Church of the Palms, and we would like you to come and celebrate with us.
A casual reception will be held in their honor on
Sunday, May 28
3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Christian Fellowship Center
A basket will be at the reception to collect well-wishing cards if you wish to share a personal note of thanks.
Hope you can join us!
The Staff Parish Relations Committee
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Office Closed Memorial Day
The Church Office will be closed on May 29, in recognition of Memorial Day. In an emergency, Pastor Pete may be reached on his cell at 843-694-7447.
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Memorial Day Tribute Encore
Join in viewing an encore for the 2021 Memorial Day Tribute first presented in 2021. This recording will be live-streamed this Memorial Day, May 29, at 7 p.m. on the Church of the Palms YouTube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/c/cotpsc.
This service includes music by Anna Marie Kuether and Lauren McLeod. The service also includes readings from two of our beloved veterans, Richard Robertson and Jack Forster, who have joined the Church Triumphant since the original presentation.
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My House of Prayer Service
Join us Friday, June 2 at 11 a.m. for a time of personal prayer and reflection. The service will last about a half hour and will provide scripture, music, prayers and times of silence. It's a time to sit peacefully and allow the Holy Spirit to guide your thoughts and prayers.
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Details on 2023 Ordination Service at Annual Conference
The complete worship booklet for the 2023 SERVICE FOR COMMISSIONING, ORDINATION, RECOGNITION OF ORDERS AND RETIREMENT scheduled for 7 p.m. on June 4, in Florence, may be viewed here. (Caution: the booklet is 23 pages!)
This is the worship during which Pastor Pete will be ordained, along with 11 others. The worship will also include commissioning and recognition of the retiring clearly. Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball, resident bishop of the West Virginia Conference, will be the proclaimer.
The worship will start with a processional of some 200+ special participants. The specific link for the live stream of the worship (expected to be 2 1/2 hours +) is not yet available but is expected to be listed on the UMCSC Conference webpage at http://www.umcsc.org. Video and printable reports are already available on that same website.
David Voyles is the Church of the Palms Lay Member of the Annual Conference and will attend June 4-7, along with Pastor Pete.
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The WE Team needs YOU!
Church of the Palms' Worship Enhancement ministry is looking for new members.
Interested? Join us on June 12 at 3 p.m. to see what this great group is all about.
If you are looking for a way to make a difference in the life of the Church this is the place for you. Without the WE team, the message couldn’t be heard, and the music wouldn’t be sung. Through the WE team ministry, thousands of individuals around the globe hear and see the story that Church of the Palms must tell. Sharing the love of Jesus through today’s technology isn’t always easy but it is rewarding. If you are interested but unable to attend the June meeting, contact Anna Marie Kuether to find out more information.
This meeting will also be a time of regrouping for our WE team ministry. It is with great sadness and appreciation, that our Worship Enhancement team has to say goodbye to the person who has been trainer, worker, and scheduler for the last 5 years. Sandie Gies, we will miss you! We will work to uphold the quality standards you have helped set.
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Lauren McLeod -- Assistant for Summer
Due to excellent foresight in planning and budgeting, the Staff Parish Relations Committee is pleased to announce that Lauren McLeod will support the Church of the Palms on Mondays and Tuesdays as a temporary staff assistant.
During the rest of Pete's tenure and throughout June, tasks will shift from Anna Marie, Sandy Biggs, and Carol Ann to Lauren. This shift will provide coverage during staff vacations and scheduled educational seminars, will allow more time for Anna Marie, Sandy, and Carol Ann to assume and modify the process necessitated for Pete's reappointment, and time to prepare for Shannon's arrival on June 28.
During July, Lauren will continue to help with the overall workload but will also be able to help orient Shannon to nuances of Church of the Palms, especially the Saturday night worship "The Gathering."
Lauren must return to nursing school in August, so the time will go quickly, given all the work that must be done. Make sure to watch for Lauren in the office on Mondays and Tuesdays and thank her for her contributions.
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Safe Water Ceramics Update
Kudos to our congregation who were vital in joining with others to provide $7,000 to support Safe Water Ceramics in Tanzania. In an email dated March 29, 2023, the Grand Circle Foundation project manager in East Africa reported that twenty water filters have been added to all six schools in Karatu. In addition, ten water filters are now available to the Fame Clinic in Karatu – proof that Church of the Palms' worldwide mission outreach is enriching and stabilizing populations on the other side of the world.
As the scarcity of water across the globe intensifies, particularly for clean water, please continue to support this mission. Checks may be written to Church of the Palms with the memo line indicating Safe Water Ceramics or through purchase of one of the books written by Wanda Lane. Wrinkles in Paradise, More Wrinkles in Paradise and Before Wrinkles: Stories of a Relaxed Childhood and Teen-Age Angst will make you laugh, reflect, and cherish the stories in your own life. Proceeds from book sales are forwarded to Safe Water Ceramics.
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Two Local Habitat for Humanity Affiliates Announce Merger
Habitat for Humanity of the Lowcountry will serve Beaufort and Jasper counties.
Hilton Head Regional Habitat for Humanity and LowCountry Habitat for Humanity are pleased to announce the merger of the two affiliates, which will begin operating as Habitat for Humanity of the Lowcountry on July 1, 2023.
The Board of Directors of both organizations voted in favor of the merger, and members of each will combine to form the initial governing body of Habitat for Humanity of the Lowcountry.
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Support The Mercy Mission
Please continue to bring your canned and packaged food donations plus unopened toiletries to the containers in the narthex for The Mercy Mission Pantry.
Your support will help supply the food pantry in Hardeeville. The pantry collects items such as: cereal, canned vegetables, canned tomatoes, dried beans, pasta sauce, small bags of rice, pork and beans, canned fruit and bottled water along with personal care items including individually wrapped toothbrushes and toothpaste.
Special needs at this time are canned peas and canned corn.
Please contact Sylvia Kaufman for additional information: 843-705-5306.
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J-Walkers
Come join us! Church of the Palms’ singles group is meeting regularly for food, fellowship, and fun. Let us help you be part of the Church of the Palms Christian "YOU BELONG" connection.
If you are single, attend Church of the Palms and want more information, contact Stanlee Way 309-337-5998, Sylvia Kaufman 571-278-4973, Bill Graner 843-707-7137 or Dee Hunley 410-599-5906.
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Spiritual Formation Opportunities
Sunday Morning Classes:
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1 Corinthians, Searching the Depths of God - The class meeting Sundays, at 9:45 a.m. in Room 106 will begin a new six-week study on First Corinthians on May 28. The sourcebook will be 1 Corinthians, Searching the Depths of God, by Jaime Clark-Soles. Clark-Soles is a Teaching Professor at Perkins School of Theology, among other credits. The book is available for $10. The study will be facilitated by Harry Danforth and Larry Fullen. Contact hd71@outlook.com (Harry) or lbfullen@verizon.net (Larry) if questions or to purchase a book.
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A Study of Moses - The class, led by Jill Swab meets at 9:45 a.m. in room 107. Contact Jill: j.swab2331@gmail.com.
Sisters!!
The Sisters!! weekly Wednesday morning Bible study meets this week, led by Faye Fetzer. The study is in the Fellowship Hall from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
On the first Wednesday of each month, Sisters!! have a coffee social at 10 a.m. followed by study time from 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Brothers!
The Brothers! Thursday morning Bible study meets this week, led by Pat Ary. The Brothers! will continue their study of the Book of Acts. The group starts with a full breakfast at 8 a.m., study at 8:30, and closing prayer at 9 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall.
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In Joy and Thanksgiving
For Esperanza Grace’s baptism for her formal adoption by Austen and Glenn Hecker on June 29.
For Ailing Zhong and Alexander Atkins, as they move through the Green Card process for Ailing.
For Direction, Comfort, Protection
For our Country, our UM Church, and the leadership of each
Thanking God for continued Healing and Wholeness
Sharon Boulware
Lou Greer
Mark Forry
For Those Under Hospice Care
Doris Milnes, sister of Gary Bolstad
John Hurley
Ill / Healing
Helen Berntson
Don Myers
Dan Mabey
June Stone
Kevin Aylmer
Vickie DeSantis
John Kowalk
Amy McCarthy, daughter of Ed and Katie Corbitt
Charlie Snyder
Marsha Harrison
Eileen and Milt Baker
Rob Densmore, relative of Connie Hanna
Cathie and John Ryerson
Randy Ward, nephew of Sharon Boulware
Elaine Graham and son Gray Graham
Ed Vercamp, cousin of Bill Johnson
Nolan Forry, grandson of Mark and Linda Forry
Courtney, granddaughter of Dick and Diana Tesman
Kelly Brink, daughter of Larry and Margie Fullen
Ed and Chris Baker
Al Kozak
Hospitalized
John Klai, cousin of Pete Berntson
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I am so grateful to have the opportunity one last time at Church of the Palms to be part of Pentecost worship! It is one of my favorite worship services of the year!
Pentecost serves as a reminder of the divine gift of the Holy Spirit poured out upon each of us, providing us with strength, courage, and wisdom. The Holy Spirit empowers us to overcome challenges, seek harmony amidst differences, and build meaningful connections within our community. And the Holy Spirit calls us by the Gospel, enlightens us with unique divine gifts, sanctifies us, and keeps us in the true faith.
This weekend Church of the Palms will commemorate the ongoing outpouring of the Holy Spirit with worship services designed to inspire, uplift, and transform. Lauren McLeod will lead on Saturday with some powerful music. On Sunday, the May River Brass Quintet, Anna Marie, Janet, the Praise Team, and the Chancel Choir will provide extra enthusiasm to our praise and worship.
To symbolize the profound impact of the Holy Spirit, I encourage everyone attending the service to wear vibrant colors such as red, orange, or yellow. These colors represent the fire and light of the Holy Spirit, igniting our hearts and illuminating our souls. By adorning ourselves in these colors, we can visually demonstrate how the Holy Spirit has been graciously given to each one of us.
I am excited to share my proclamation entitled "Gaining a Clearer Perspective: From Chaos to Community." I want to emphasize, one more time, how over the past 12 years, you, Church of the Palms, has been molded and transformed by the Holy Spirit into a unique community of faith and enabled to navigate the complexities of life, finding clarity and purpose even amidst the chaos.
Let's gather together in the presence of the Holy Spirit and emerge with a renewed sense of purpose, hope, and community. Come, let us celebrate the power of Pentecost together!
Pete+
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May Birthdays
Marsha Harrison 05/26
Selma Patrick 05/26
Lorraine Miller 05/27
Ed Hazlett 05/28
Mary Anne Schroeder 05/28
Meda Luscko 05/29
Larry Sanders 05/29
June Birthdays
Leslie Van 06/03
David Baumeister 06/04
Sue Heusner 06/05
Ed Raney 06/07
Ed Baker 06/08
Harry Garrabrant 06/12
Racine Padgett 06/12
Ann Gray Brooks 06/13
Nancy Smith 06/13
Bill Graner 06/14
Sandy Tanner 06/14
Ann Anderson 06/16
Marilynn Lose 06/17
Olivia Wyrick 06/18
John Dubiel 6/19
Marsha Layman 06/19
Sandy Ruble 06/21
Katie Corbitt 06/22
Mary Alice Meyer 06/23
Cheryl Hurley 06/24
Joe Sharpe 06/24
Donna Wiles 06/24
Eileen Baker 6/26
Gordon Arnold 06/27
June Stone 06/27
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Your Church of the Palms Leadership | | | | |
