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March 26, 2026
The season of Lent ends this Palm/Passion Sunday and we enter Holy Week. As we
continue our journey to the Cross and the Celebration of the Resurrection of Christ, we are reminded that even nature declares the glory of God. Creation continually reveals the grandeur of God’s creation. The sun, moon, stars, and atmosphere are visible evidence of God’s handiwork.
“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.”
(Psalm 19:1)
While we do not usually think of creation “speaking” using words, its voice is silently heard throughout the world each day declaring praise and testimony to the Triune God. During Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem shortly before his crucifixion, the Pharisees told Jesus to silence his disciples. Jesus answered, “…if these were silent, the stones would shout out...” (Luke 19:40). If humanity is quiet, they would “burst into cheers!” Even inanimate objects would testify to his Messiahship.
I would encourage you to take some time and go by the Belin Memorial Gardens to appreciate God’s magnificent creation and let it “speak.” Near the red shed is a group of plants known as the Lenten Rose. While they are not truly a member of the rose family, they bear five-petaled flowers that show up in early spring, representing hope and new life. The name comes from its bloom time that coordinates with the Christian Year Season of Lent. In nature, they mirror the journey of Christ. The blossoms appear to bow their heads, looking toward the earth in a posture of humility and prayer. They remain resilient and bloom emerging through the harshness of late winter and into the newness of early spring, representing hope, endurance, and resurrection promise. Many thanks to the Belin Memorial Gardeners who manicure and tend the gardens so that God’s beautiful creation and nature itself continue to witness to and declare the glory of God.
Below are some of the ways the glory of God is lived out in this community and beyond.
Easter Egg Hunt – this Saturday, March 28, 10 AM – 12 Noon – The Egg Hunt will take place outside. Inside the Family Life Center will be games, cookie decorating, face-painting, photo opportunities, and a visit from the Easter Bunny. The event is open and free to all.
Blessing of the Inlet T-Shirts – will be on sale this Sunday, March 29 between services in The Harbor narthex, and are also available in the Family Life Center, Lee’s Apothecary, The Lazy Gator, and Lee’s Inlet Kitchen for $20/each.
United Methodist Men – will meet this Monday, March 30 at 6 PM in the Family Life Center. The guest speaker is John Moak, an EMS helicopter pilot, who will share powerful and meaningful experiences from his years of service in emergency medical aviation. For more information or to RSVP, please contact Gordon Myers at (gordonmyerspresident.belinumm@gmail.com; 843.344.4256).
Holy Week Services – Foot Washing Service, Thursday, April 2 at 6 PM, St. John’s Outdoor Chapel; Maundy/Holy Thursday, April 2 at 7 PM in the Sanctuary with Holy Communion; Good Friday, April 3 at 7 PM in the Sanctuary.
Good Friday Fish Fry – Friday, April 3 in the Family Life Center – Serving times: Lunch 11:30 AM – 1 PM; Dinner 5 PM – 6:45 PM. Tickets are available in advance in the church office, FLC office, or from any member of the United Methodist Men. Cost: $15/plate
Community Garden – Friday, April 3 at 9 AM in the Field of Faith – The Belin Memorial Community Garden Team is ready to prepare and plant. The purpose of the garden is to provide individuals and families in the area who are experiencing food insecurity with fresh produce during the summer and fall. You are invited to join in planting seeds, setting plants in the ground, and tending the garden. No gardening experience is necessary. Just bring your willingness to join the mission and give a helping hand.
Church Offices Closed – Friday, April 3 and Monday, April 6
Guatemala Mission Trip – Saturday, June 6 – Saturday, June 13 – Deadline to sign up is Wednesday, April 8. There are only four available openings. For more information, please contact Sherri Henderson, Director of Missions and Outreach (sherrih@belinumc.org; 843.357.5172).
Year of Kindness: Fruit and Vegetable Drive – Thank you for your generosity in providing fresh fruits and vegetables that were distributed to local veterans and to participants in the “Bridge to Bridge Run” in Georgetown. They were received with much appreciation for the gift and for the blessing of being remembered and appreciated. Thank you for making all this possible and for the tangible reminder of “God with us.”
GriefShare - is a nondenominational grief recovery support program to help individuals navigate the grieving process following the death of a loved one. A group is being sponsored at First Baptist Church Murrells Inlet on Thursdays, April 2 - June 25, 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM. For more information, please contact the sponsoring church.
UMC – SC Apportionment Giving – Apportionment giving connects us to a larger ministry. It stretches across many ministries including giving youth across the SC Conference opportunities to grow as disciples and leaders in the Church. Examples of those opportunities are Revolution, Immerse, Called SCMYP, and Campus Ministries that promote and encourage personal and ministry potential. Thank you for your generosity as we connect in ministry in the local church, community, and beyond.
Epworth Children’s Home Updates – “Save the Dates” – Epworth Mother’s Day Offering, Sunday, May 10 – and – “May on Millwood” Celebrating Epworth’s 130 Years – Saturday, May 30 – details to follow.
Shalom,
Sandra
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