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March 12, 2026
Visual symbols serve as powerful non-verbal language that communicate the story of the Jesus’ birth, life, ministry, death, resurrection, and ascension. Some symbols associated with Lent include the liturgical color purple, the cross, crown of thorns, water, nails, and the Lenten rose.
One of the more common symbols of the Passion of Christ is the monogram “INRI.” These four letters are a shorthand for the Latin “Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum,” which translates to “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews,” representing the official charge against Jesus. Pilate ordered this superscription to be placed on the cross of Christ in three languages: Latin, Greek, and Hebrew so that everyone could read it – Latin for Romans, Greek for travelers and foreigners, and Hebrew for local people.
Pilate also had an inscription written and put on the cross. It read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” Many of the Jews read this inscription because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and it was written in Hebrew, in Latin, and in Greek. (John 19:19-20)
The local leaders quickly voiced objection to the inscription as Pilate and demanded a revision. “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but ‘This man said, I am King of the Jews.’” (John 19:21)
Pilate refused to budge. He answered, “What I have written I have written.” (John 19:22)
INRI is a powerful reminder of Jesus’ ultimate victory on the cross.
Every Sunday, including those in Lent, are “little Easters” and Jesus Christ is “King of kings and Lord of lords! And he shall reign for ever and ever...” (Handel)
Some opportunities to participate in the ministry and mission of the church now and in the immediate future include:
Reserve an Easter Lily – All orders must be received no later than this Monday, March 16. Click HERE for the order form or pick up a form from the church office.
Year of Kindness for March – Fruit and Vegetable Drive benefitting Homebound Veterans and “Bridge to Bridge” Runners:
- Donations of fresh fruits and vegetables will be collected on Sunday, March 15 and Monday, March 16 in the Family Life Center to make baskets to be distributed to Homebound Veterans.
- Donations of fresh fruit only (apples, oranges, bananas, grapes, etc.) to be distributed to runners during the “Bridge to Bridge Run” will be collected on Sunday, March 15 through Thursday, March 19.
Click HERE to watch the video by Mary Mallick, Director of Adult Ministries, for more information about this exciting ministry.
Camellia Community Event in the Belin Gardens –Saturday, March 21, 10 AM – 12 Noon – Belin Gardeners will host live demonstrations on air layering, grafting, and camellia plant care.
Concert Series – Belin Memorial is hosting the Coastal Carolina University Chanticleer Singers on Saturday, March 21 at 7 PM in the Sanctuary.
Belin Memorial Easter Egg Hunt – Saturday, March 28 at 10 AM – 12 Noon in the Family Life Center with games, inflatables, lots of fun, and a visit by a special Bunny Rabbit including photo opportunities. This is a free event for children and families. Bring your Easter basket, bag, or bucket and join in a fun time.
Summer Camps for Kids – Registration for camps is now open. Register early as some camps have limited space available. Kids’ Cooking with Ms. Kim; Rainforest Falls Vacation Bible School; Summer Basketball; Kids’ Summer Theatre are available. Click HERE to register: For more information, please contact Kim Oakley, Director of Children’s Ministry at (kimo@belinumc.org; 843.357.5194).
United Methodist Men – Monday, March 30 at 6 PM in the Family Life Center – Guest speaker John Moak is a retired EMS helicopter pilot. Please RSVP by Sunday, March 29 to Gordon Myers, UMM President (gordonmyers.belinummpresident@gmail.com; 843.344.4256).
Made on Purpose, a recently released book authored by Bill Barber, member of the Belin Pastoral Cabinet, is available through Amazon at an introductory price as an E-book for 99¢ and the softcover book version is discounted by $2.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Belin Memorial UMC will never call you to request donations or personal financial information over the phone. If you receive such a call, please do NOT give any money or share any personal details or any financial information of any kind. Contact the church office immediately to verify any request and provide as much information about any such call including information about the source of the call (date, time, phone number, etc.).
Shalom,
Sandra
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