Join Us for Worship this Sunday, May 19, 2024

The Day of Pentecost,

Whitsunday

at Messiah, Myrtle Beach!

Dear People of the Messiah:

This Sunday we celebrate Pentecost. It is traditionally the day that marked the birth of the Christian church. Our first lesson takes to the upper room where the disciples are gathered praying and praising God. Suddenly, the Holy Spirit came in with what sounded like a great wind and tongues of fire rested on each of those gathered in the room. They were instantly filled with such joy as they began to speak in different tongues praising and worshiping God. Those who heard them thought they were drunk which Peter quickly corrected and then went on to preach an amazing sermon. So much so, three thousand people were baptized that day. Peter told those in the crowd that what they are witnessing is the fulfillment of the prophet Joel’s prophesy when God promised to pour out His Sprit on ALL people.

I’ve always believed that we don’t give the Day of Pentecost the recognition it deserves. I believe it is as important as Christmas and Easter. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that Hallmark hasn’t figured out how to capitalize on it. It could also be that the Church does very little in way of teaching about the Holy Spirit. Although I have my suspicions, I guess I really don’t know why that is. I hope to change some of that this Sunday.

Rev. Jim Craig

Bishop's Visitation Sunday, July 14, 2024

For those of our members who have never been Confirmed or Received into the Episcopal Church, the Bishop's annual Visitation is an excellent opportunity. Perhaps you've returned to the church after a time away and would like to recommit yourself to a life of faith. There is a ceremony called "Reaffirmation." Perhaps you'd like to mark your joining Episcopal Church of the Messiah with a special ceremony with the Bishop. If any of this interests you, please see Fr. John or Charlie Jordan, so we can design an appropriate class or preparation process for this excellent event.

Clergy Retreat April 28-30

In the photo above, the clergy of the Diocese of South Carolina gather for the Spring Clergy Retreat at the Saint Christopher Camp and Conference Center, Seabrook Island, April 28-30. Vicar John Sorensen was in attendance at the clergy retreat.

Church of the Messiah Upcoming Worship Schedule

Pentecost Sunday, May 19, 2024, Rev Jim Craig

Trinity Sunday, May 26, 2024 (Memorial Day Weekend) Rev John Sorensen, Celebrant; Charlie Jordan, Preacher

Second Sunday after Pentecost, June 2, 10am: Rev Jim Craig

Third Sunday after Pentecost, June 9, 10am; Rev John Sorensen

Fourth Sunday after Pentecost (Fathers Day), June 16, Rev Jim Craig

Fifth Sunday after Pentecost, June 23, 10am, Fr. John

ST. ANNE'S, CONWAY, WELCOMES NEW RECTOR

From the Diocese of South Carolina Newsletter

It's a new season of ministry in Conway, SC, as St. Anne's Episcopal Church welcomed their new rector, the Rev. Kevin Sparrow, on Sunday, May 5. It was a joyful time of worship and fellowship as the congregation enthusiastically welcomed their new rector.

Father Sparrow's call to St. Anne's was announced in February. He comes to St. Anne's from Montpelier, Vermont, where he has served as priest-in-charge of Christ Episcopal Church since 2021. Blessings on this new ministry and the wonderful people of St. Anne's!

Volunteers are needed to deliver Mobile Meals. Messiah and St Philip Lutheran share providing volunteers several times each year, and our next week to serve will be the week of July 1-5. Volunteers meet the Mobile Meals van at First Presbyterian Church on Grissom Parkway at 8:30 and the delivery route is usually completed around noon. If you are interested or have questions, please speak with Rick Stall at church or give him a call (843.449.2752). Mobile Meals is one of Messiah's earliest outreach efforts and a wonderful way to serve as the hands and feet of Jesus in our area. 

The 2024 Messiah Church Vestry

The 2024 vestry held their organizational meeting on Sunday, February 18, after church, choosing officers. Above, Left to Right: John Sorensen, Vicar; Jim Kiefer, Jr. Warden; Monica Orosz; Peggy Kovacs, Treasurer; Rick Stall, Senior Warden; Patrick Patterson, Clerk; John Manley; Charlie Jordan, Legal Advisor; Eileen Fairchild.

In March, 2024 the vestry made decisions aimed at upgrading our office equipment and the live worship broadcast equipment. Plans are also being made for audio sound reinforcement to help people hear during worship. In addition, a cleaning service will be cleaning our facilities twice a month! The vestry is planning hopefully for a new future!

Sunday, April 21, the vestry met after church.

Monday, May 20 is the next vestry meeting.

Around the Church

Last Wednesday, while Patrick was moving into a new apartment in North Charleston, He and dad Vicar John visited Fr. Dow Sanderson at Good Shepherd, Summerville. Like Messiah, Good Shepherd is in rented space and making plans to relocate to a new location owned by the parish. There are five such congregations in the diocese, and Fr's Sorensen and Sanderson plan to continue such affinity meetings, to share wisdom and encouragement.

Intercessory Prayer Group

Prayer requests for the Intercessory Prayer Group can be placed in our new prayer box. It is red to symbolize that it is a space filled with the Holy Spirit.



Simply fill out a prayer request card and place it in the red prayer box in the back of the church and the Intercessory Prayer Team will pray for your needs.

Two Study Groups During Eastertide

Tuesday Evening Study Group

Julian of Norwich Study

The Tuesday Study group meeting at the home of Charles and Amy Jordan is studying Julian of Norwich. This group, led by Charlie, hosted by Amy has been meeting for over a decade. They have been studying Revelations of Divine Love by Julian of Norwich. Email cjordan@pearcelawgroup.com for more information, to order a book, or to receive the Bible Study emails.

Charlie & Amy invite members and friends of Messiah to attend, here are the general particulars for the Tuesday evening meetings:

Dinner is at 6 at 1523 Brookgreen Drive, Myrtle Beach. The discussion begins about 6:45. Read more about Julian at Ancient Anglican.

Wednesday Morning Bible Study on James

To begin June 5

A new women’s Bible study will be starting on Wednesdays in June and July. Cindy Craig is the Leader. We will be studying the book of James, an 8 week series by Beth Moore (available on Amazon for $16.) We go from 10-12 noon and then go out to lunch afterwards. We will be meeting upstairs at Messiah's Upper Room and we do have a wonderful time!

For questions, see Cindy at Church or email her at c.k.craig@hotmail.com

Our October Visioning Retreat II Concludes with Recommendations for Building a New Messiah Church

Our second visioning retreat with Ann Fleming of the Episcopal Church Building Fund (photo above) concluded Monday afternoon, October 30, with five specific recommendations for building the new Messiah Episcopal Church on a new property in Myrtle Beach. You will be hearing more from the Steering Committee in the coming weeks, and the Vestry will consider the recommendations at their November 19 meeting. But here is a brief Summary of the Recommendations of our team, pictured above.

(1) begin the process of calling a full-time residential priest to Messiah by Summer of 2024, and provide a paid support staff for the office to support our clergy and ministry

(2) Grow and Expand the Messiah Congregation, and redevelop and improve existing parish program and ministry offerings

(3) Proceed with the purchase of a 1.4 acre lot that we believe is the future location of the Episcopal Church of the Messiah in Myrtle Beach

(4) Develop a financial and business plan to fund 1-3 above and lay out the timeline and steps that will lead to the construction of our new church within five years. This report will become our plan to be presented to and approved by the diocese for support and funding for this new future!

(5) Meet with the Diocese for acceptance and funding.

Stay tuned for more news, and keep our congregation in prayer. This will require the time, talent and treasure of each of us!

Many Blessings,

Fr. John

Messiah Sunday Children's Program

Our regular worshippers include at least three families with young children who have difficulty attending the entire worship service. Most churches consider it a part of their ministry to all their members to provide a childcare opportunity during Sunday worship. Our Fall Childcare program began September 10.

Chelsea, our new childcare person has enjoyed working with our children and will continue to do so. With your support and encouragement, Messiah will develop a quality, predictable Sunday Children's Program. This is an important component to church growth! We will also be employing a second childcare worker, Victoria, who is Chelsea's back-up.

Dear Reader:

Messiah Episcopal Church is a congregation in transition, seeking to rebuild at a new location after losing our church property in a schism that started over ten years ago. It's an exciting time to be part of a congregation! Please join us at Church Sundays at 10am. We are located in a shopping center at 4201 North Kings Highway, adjacent to (behind) Finish Strong Fitness. To reach me directly, you can email me at lakesinai@comcast.net.

Our Church Secretary, Patty Tate, is in the office Tuesdays and Wednesdays. You can email her at messiahatthebeach@icloud.com. She particularly wants you to email her photos of yourself for the Church Directory, which we print periodically in the office when there are new additions or updates. These directories are available at the back of the church.

Many Blessings to you,

Fr. John Sorensen, Vicar