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April 16, 2026
This past Sunday afternoon was a very special day in the life of Belin Memorial UMC and the Murrells Inlet community. The Farewell to Oliver’s Lodge (previewed in last week’s Coastal Observer article) included meaningful reflections from Emma Fogler, a descendant of the Olivers, interesting historical context and anecdotes from Lee “Moo” Brockington and Kin McKenzie, and a moving description of the condition of the building and the process moving forward from Alan Todd, Executive Director of Conway Architectural Salvage and Heritage Project.
Dr. Todd described the house as “twisting” and “dying” and said the work his team will do will provide “hospice care to her.” He told me they will salvage and repurpose every bit they can, right down to the nails. They will only use saws when absolutely necessary, working primarily with crowbars. The crowd, the ceremony, and the “tasting” on Sunday were a fitting way to give thanks for what that lodge and restaurant have meant to the community and to give thanks for whatever God may be leading us to next.
The next is still very much unknown, not only for that part of the property, but for the entire campus and the ministry as a whole. If you have been wondering, “What will the church put up when Oliver’s Lodge is removed?” the answer is “God only knows.” That’s not being flippant or disrespectful. It’s being honest and faithful. We are in a process of seeking God’s guidance to help us discover God’s next. To that end, the Strategic Planning Team (SPT) met again this week.
The SPT is engaging in a long and deliberative process that will be informed by our congregational identity (who we are), examine our internal context (our needs and strengths), and evaluate our external context (who are our neighbors, how can we be in ministry with/for them, what is going on around us). We will seek input from the congregation and community in this process. Again, it will be a while before there is anything to recommend to the Church Council and congregation. Thank you for your prayers as we seek to listen for God’s guidance in all of this.
Speaking of listening, I’m excited to let you know the Senior Pastor with whom I served for my first 8 years of ministry, Rev. Tom Pietila, will preach at Belin Memorial (in The Sanctuary) on April 26. Tom is a native of Ohio, a graduate of Duke Divinity School, led several churches throughout South Carolina, including Socastee UMC, is one of the best preachers I have ever heard, and has had a significant influence on many, including me, over the years. I look forward to our welcoming Rev. Pietila one week from Sunday.
In the meantime, you may want to listen to or watch a fun podcast I was part of recently. In keeping with the professional sports “draft season” that we’re in, three of my best pastor friends and I had a mock “draft” of books of the Bible. (Theo-nerdy, I know, but fun.) The idea is “If you had to use these 7 books as your ‘team’ (only ones you can preach from) for the next 3 years, which would you draft (select) and why?” It gave us a chance to laugh and learn as we talked about what we like about the various books of the Bible. You might enjoy it. You can watch on YouTube or listen on Apple or Spotify.
Other ways to listen, learn, and/or laugh:
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Joining the women’s Spring Selah gathering tonight, Thursday, April 16 at 6 PM in the Family Life Center (FLC).
- Enjoying the Indigo Choral Society Spring Concert this Sunday, April 19 at 4 PM in The Sanctuary.
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Growing friendships and listening to Belin Memorial's newest Pastoral Cabinet Member, Rev. Jonathan Nettles at the Rollie Hanna Breakfast on Wednesday, April 22 at 8:30 AM in the FLC.
- Participating in the Year of Kindness April Challenge by choosing five loved ones, friends, or family to reach out with a card expressing words of kindness. Think of friends you haven’t seen in a while, those who are important to you, people that have had a positive impact on your life.
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Springing Forward with Jesus by participating in the Bible Studies starting soon. Contact Mary Mallick (marym@belinumc.org; 843.357.5185) for more information.
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Promoting the Blessing of the Inlet (BOI) by picking up (available in FLC Room 2) and wearing your T-shirts. If you would like to pick up one of the BOI yard signs, please contact Charlie Gudeman at (814) 571-5829 or pick one up at the church.
- Helping the Grace Circle cut and clean strawberries for the BOI Strawberry Shortcakes. This will happen on Friday, May 1 at 9:30 AM in the FLC Small Dining Room.
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Contact Brandy Streett (brandys@belinumc.org; 843.357.5177) if you have someone graduating this year. Graduate Sunday will be Sunday, May 17. The deadline for information is Monday, May 11.
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Registering for Vacation Bible School (VBS) before Monday, June 1. The VBS theme this year is Rainforest Falls, and it will be held Monday, June 22, through Thursday, June 25.
Listening, Learning, and Laughing with you,
Will
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