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October 2, 2025
“It is a great and holy thing to be invited to feast at the Lord’s table.” (Byron Anderson) That invitation will be extended this Sunday, on World Communion Sunday, which is celebrated the first Sunday in October.
In This Holy Mystery, there is a story of a little girl who went with her parents to receive Holy Communion. She was served a piece of bread and was offered the cup of juice to dip the bread. Disappointed with the size of the piece of bread she received, she burst forth with the piercing announcement, “I want more!” Her parents were mortified. The congregation and the pastor were amused. But how wonderful it is when people are so deeply moved by the Holy Sacrament, that we cannot wait to get to the Lord’s Table as community to share in the communal meal – and want more!
Eating together has been and is an expression of fellowship and relationship over time. In the first century, to be included in a meal signaled friendship and commitment to a relationship. The invitation indicated a commitment from the host to the invited; and the acceptance of the invitation indicated a commitment by the invited to the host. It was a reciprocal commitment/relationship.
Jesus shared a final meal with his disciples. At that meal, he gave an instruction in what we now know as the words of institution of the sacrament of Holy Communion. The instruction was to “remember.” Action is required by the giver and receiver in this committed relationship.
“…this is my body which is given for you.
Do this in remembrance of me.”
“This [cup] is my blood of the new covenant...
Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”
(UMH, 13-14)
Our Lord invites us to his Table to this sacrament of memory for what he has done, but also for what he continues to do, is doing, and promises yet to do. He suffered, was crucified, dead, buried, AND ROSE AGAIN. “The Lord’s Supper is the permanent dramatic pronouncement of the unchanging divine action in Jesus Christ.” (Barclay) Christ extends the invitation. We are invited. We hope you will accept the invitation and join us Sunday as, during this 24-hour period, the Table of this holy meal stretches across and wraps around the whole world. It is a great blessing to share in this holy, grace-filled meal with YOU. Alleluia!
As we are prepared for continued service, these are some of the ways to be engaged:
Please enjoy this first video, entitled “Worship,” that debuted as a part of our stewardship emphasis. It was featured online for all services and in the narthex in the sanctuary prior to the worship services this past Sunday. Please click here to enjoy the beautiful scenes of reflecting worship at Belin Memorial captured in the video.
Over the next weeks, please watch for a new video featured each week. These videos may also be accessed through the Belin Facebook page and at the beginning of each online worship service.
Fall Harvest Festival & BBQ – Sunday, October 5 – T-shirts ($20) and BBQ tickets ($15) will be available for purchase following all four of the worship services.
The BBQ Team is in need of donations of baked goods to compliment the meals and for the bake sale for shoppers to purchase to enjoy later. Please also continue to identify and set aside items for the Silent Auction that happens during the Festival. Baked goods and items for the Silent Auction may be dropped off at the Family Life Center beginning Thursday, October 9, from 9 AM – 2 PM. Please hold all items until October 9, as storage space is currently limited. For more information, please contact Diana Blessing (410.999.7468).
Blessing of the Animals – Sunday, October 5 at 4 PM, St. John’s Outdoor Chapel (in the garden area behind the Family Life Center). This is a special time as we look forward to seeing you and your pet(s). Please have all pets leashed or in carriers. Monetary donations, pet food, toys, and supplies will be welcomed and distributed to local animal shelters.
Rollie Hanna Breakfast – Wednesday, October 8 at 8:30 AM in the Family Life Center. Sandra Stevens Poirel will offer updated information about Epworth Children’s Home as Epworth is "STILL Making a Difference TODAY!" There are exciting ways you continue to make it possible for this ministry to expand, grow, and meet the needs of and care for children, youth, and entire families.
Starting Point – Sunday, October 12 at 10 AM in the Family Life Center, Room 11. This is an excellent opportunity to gather in a small casual setting to learn more about the church, connect with ministry leaders and pastors, and learn about membership.
Year of Kindness Collection of Coats and Warm Items – These items will be received in the Family Life Center beginning October 12. Please hold items until this date, as space is very limited. The items will be made available to area schools to be distributed as needed. School representatives will be invited to lunch at Belin Memorial and given the opportunity to “shop” from the donated items for their schools. Please contact Mary Mallick, Director of Adult Ministries, for more information (marym@belinumc.org; 843.357.5185).
Year of Kindness Scavenger Hunt – Detailed information is forthcoming about this exciting and fun event for all ages. A list of “items” will be made available. The hunter will need to take pictures of and turn the entire set of photos of the found items in to Mary Mallick. Watch for details. It will be fun to learn more about the church, campus, and programming. You may even have the opportunity to meet some new people on the journey. Please contact Mary Mallick with any questions, (marym@belinumc.org; 843.357.5185).
Belin Creative Learning Center (BCLC) is celebrating their 50th Anniversary! October 17 marks the fiftieth-year anniversary of BCLC. You are invited to join in the celebration of this special milestone on Friday, October 17 at 8:30 AM. The festivities open with a light continental breakfast followed by a program presented by the BCLC children at 9:15 AM in the Family Life Center. Come and see and join the Celebration!
Trunk-or-Treat Sweet Treats donations are welcomed to be dropped off in the sweet treat buckets in the Family Life Center. To reserve your “trunk” spot to meet, greet, and share the sweet treats during the Trunk-or-Treat Community Event, Saturday, October 25 in the Family Life Center parking lot, please contact Kim Oakley, Director of Children’s Ministry, (kimo@belinumc.org; 843.357.5194).
Shalom
Sandra
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