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Join Us for Weekend Services
May 20 & 21
John 17:1-11
Glory All Around
Pete Berntson, Proclaimer
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Wear Red on Pentecost
On May 27 and 28, Church of the Palms will celebrate Pentecost. Wearing red on Pentecost is a great tradition: it’s an outward sign of the inward transformation by the Holy Spirit in each of our hearts. As “tongues of fire” came to rest on these disciples on that first Pentecost long ago, we gather together and then leave still blazing with the fire of hope God offers all through God’s Spirit.
Red is a sign that the good news of Jesus came to all who were there in a language they could understand from people with whom they would not otherwise have communicated.
So you are invited to wear red for Pentecost. You are also invited to proclaim the reality of grace, hope, and salvation in Jesus.
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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
To show our gratitude and to help them move into their new home, the Staff Parish Relations Committee is collecting a “love offering” for them.
If you would like to contribute, please make checks payable to COTP and memo “Love Offering”. Your offering may be dropped in the Sunday’s collection plate or mailed to the church. “Love offerings” will be collected thru Sunday, May 21.
A basket will also 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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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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My House of Prayer Service
Join us Friday, May 19 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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Baptism of Espy Grace & Celebration Potluck
Join in the excitement and praise to God that Esperanza Grace will receive the Sacrament of Holy Baptism at "The Gathering" on May 20, at 5:30 p.m.
Espy's formal adoption court date has finally been set for June 29 in Myrtle Beach!
Join us in the Fellowship Hall for a Potluck following the Gathering Service and Baptism of Esperanza Grace on Saturday, May 20. Come and join us to rejoice in the blessing of precious little "Espy" and her amazing family.
Please use SignUpGenius to let us know you are coming and what you may be bringing or contact Barbara Rice 301-639-7571, sprbar1@yahoo.com or Carole Smith 513-260-8353, carolesmith9999@gmail.com.
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Coffee With Pete - May 21
The final "Coffee with Pete" will be Sunday, May 21, between services in the Fellowship Hall. This is an informal time of asking Pete any question that is on your mind. And if you don't have any questions, he surely will!
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New Study of First Corinthians beginning May 28
The Sunday Class, which meets in Room 106 at 9:45 a.m., will start 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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COTP YouTube -- Reaching Out Beyond the Walls
Did you know that one of the significant ways Church of the Palms is reaching people outside the walls of the building is through our YouTube Channel? Sharing live streams of our worship services (or at least two of the three each week), special events, and rewinds of musical numbers allows people worldwide to connect with us.
In April, 22 more people subscribed to our channel - http://www.youtube.com/c/cotpsc. There were 1,968 views of our different programs and events. 20,000+ minutes of video from Church of the Palms were viewed. Just in April.
Make sure to thank our Worship Enhancement Team (WE Team) members for their ongoing efforts in this ministry to reach others for Christ. They often get told when things don't go right but rarely get thanked for the vast majority of the time when things go well.
Know there is room for YOU to be part of this ministry team in both technical and non-technical ways. Training is provided in all positions. Contact Susan Voyles (susan@palmsumc.org), Chair of Worship, or Anna Marie Kuether (AnnaMarie@palmsumc.org) to be part of reaching out to the world for Christ!
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Larry Sanders Certified as Lay Speaker
Congratulations to Larry Sanders on recently being Certified as a Lay Speaker of the South Carolina Annual Conference.
A lay speaker is a certified lay servant who has received additional training to serve as a pulpit supply in local churches across the conference.
Larry has met all requirements (and then some!) listed below:
1. A Local United Methodist Church member -- eg. Church of the Palms!
2. Obtained recommendation from the Pastor and Church Council
3. Completed a track of Study courses
-- Basic Course
-- Public Prayer
-- Leading Worship
-- United Methodist Polity
-- United Methodist History
-- Spiritual Gifts
-- Preaching
4. Interviewed with and obtained recommendations from the District Committee on Lay Servant Ministries.
Congratulations Larry! This was no small achievement.
Larry will proclaim next at Church of the Palms on June 27 and 28. As one of the very few Certified Lay Speakers in South Carolina, he can be called upon at any time. With very little advance notice, Lay speakers serve by preaching the Word when requested by a pastor, district superintendent, or Committee on Lay Servant Ministries. He will be in great demand.
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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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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.
Women’s Bible Study Fellowship
Meeting in the Fellowship Hall from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Thursday mornings, this in-depth study focuses on A Kingdom Divided, A Study of Old Testament Kings and Prophets.
For more information contact Terrie Winkates: 847-363-2595.
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In Joy and Thanksgiving
For Austen and Glenn Hecker as they move through the adoption process to receive Esperanza Grace, set for 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
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
Jeff Thiel
Alan and Carole Bethel
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
John and Tara Hurley
Courtney, granddaughter of Dick and Diana Tesman
Kelly Brink, daughter of Larry and Margie Fullen
Ed and Chris Baker
Those Grieving
Durwin and Mary Hallgarth in the death of Durwin's brother; his only remaining sibling of 13.
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You and I are engaged in a significant journey as we prepare to part ways, and you have the opportunity to welcome Rev. Shannon Bullion as your next Pastor and spiritual leader. The time is flying by, and I trust that somehow, somehow, everything of importance gets completed.
I am so very grateful that Anna Marie, Sandy Biggs, and Carol Ann are taking on more responsibility so that things can be maintained until Shannon arrives and your new direction can be set. You can read in the previous article how your Staff Parish Relations Committee has wisely engaged with Lauren McLeod to help out on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Lauren not only comes with the needed skills she refined the last time she helped us out but will also be able to help cover vacations and scheduled absences in June. More importantly, I think the opportunity for Lauren and Shannon to spend time in July will be profoundly helpful to both of them as they re-architect "The Gathering" currently on Saturday nights.
As for Kathy and me, the packing has started. Trustees will be repainting the Pastor's study in the first part of June, so my focus has been packing my books. Kathy is first focusing on all her crafts and supplies. In our small apartment, it has not taken long for boxes to be "crowding us in," — but we understand it is all part of the process.
I am also learning the details of the upcoming Annual Conference and my Sunday afternoon appearance before the Clergy on June 4 as they vote to accept me (or not!) as an Elder in Full Connection. Then that evening at 7 p.m. is the Service for Commissioning, Ordination, Recognition of Orders, and Retirement. I learned last week, during our time with the Bishop, that this service will start with a processional of 200+. Anna Marie will appreciate the length of hymns needed to allow that many people to enter. I will be at the front, the fifth person behind the cross bearer and acolyte! Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball and Bishop L. Jonathan Holston will enter last, following the Episcopal Banner Bearer. Yes, I am getting excited about this, as you know how I enjoy pageantry. However, we are also told to prepare for a service that will likely extend beyond two and a half hours. (I will include a link to the PDF of the entire program for those interested in next week's Palm Notes.)
But before then, let's concentrate on all the wonderful events happening here: Baptism of Espy Grace and Celebration Potluck, Communion, Reception of New Members and Farewell to Members, Bells of Praise, May River Brass Quintet, the celebration of Pentecost, and the celebration of the birth of the Church, and a little more time for Kathy and I to say "Goodbye" and the much needed "Thank You!"
Pete+
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May Birthdays
Carolyn Blymiller 05/19
Sandy Collins 05/19
Sylvia Kaufman 05/19
Katherine Cuppia 05/24
Richard Reeves 05/24
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
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