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July 23, 2026
I was asked this week, “When is the church going to be ready?” We’re friends and can tease each other, so I knew I could push back a little. “The church is the people, and the people of God are always ready,” I said. He said (almost rolling his eyes), “Yeah, okay, but when is the church going to be ready?”
I let him know that things are progressing in the sanctuary – the pews are out and being refurbished. The carpet in the main part of the building has been removed. I reminded him we aim to be back in for the September 27 worship services and remain grateful for how much good is coming out of the present worship schedule.
My first response was correct, though. We want to be a “Ready Church” and to do that involves so much more than having beautiful spaces for ministry. The spaces are in service to the ministry and not the other way around.
I’m grateful for how our church family, by God’s grace, stands as a “Ready Church” seeking ways to active serve. The most obvious expression of that this week is Creekfront Salkehatchie. It has been a wonderful week. Four homes within two miles of Belin Memorial will be warmer, safer, and dryer when the teams finish their work tomorrow. Our neighbors, the participants, and the volunteers all have a greater sense of God’s love because of this week. Thank you to our camp leadership, our dedicated volunteers, our staff, and all the church family who help us to be ready and responsive to needs in our community.
To learn more about Salkehatchie and other ways the South Carolina Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church is responsive to needs, come hear Ward Smith, coordinator of Salkehatchie and Emergency Response Teams, share at the United Methodist Men meeting this Monday at 6 PM in the Family Life Center. To register for the $10 meal, contact President Gordon Myers (gordonmyers.belinummpresident@gmail.com, 843.344.4256).
A Ready Church communicates well, both with each other and with the broader community, and I am very happy to share the good news that Christina Kazmierski will begin Monday as Belin Memorial’s new Director of Communications and Marketing.
Christina recently relocated to the Grand Strand with her family and is grateful to call this community home. Faith has been a constant throughout her life—from growing up in the church, participating in mission trips and Young Life, to watching her father serve on the worship team. Those experiences instilled in her a love for serving others and a deep appreciation for the power of a Christ-centered community.
Professionally, Christina brings more than 15 years of experience in marketing, branding, hospitality, and event strategy, having led marketing efforts for luxury resorts, wineries, and entrepreneurial ventures. She is passionate about telling meaningful stories, building authentic relationships, and creating opportunities for people to connect.
For Christina, joining Belin Memorial is more than a new position, it is an opportunity to combine her professional experience with her personal faith. She is excited to help share the life and mission of the church, celebrate the incredible ministries already taking place, and invite others to experience the hope, love, and fellowship found at Belin Memorial.
When she's not at church, Christina enjoys spending time with her five and eight-year-old children, Tucker and Charlotte, visiting with family, exploring the beautiful outdoors, and embracing this new chapter with gratitude and excitement. She looks forward to getting to know the Belin Memorial family and serving alongside this wonderful congregation, and we look forward to welcoming Christina and her family.
Finally, a Ready Church participates in worship, service, growth, and fellowship. Here are ways to be part of each:
- Worship and Sunday School are in the Family Life Center right now. Special handicap parking is available near the FLC’s portico.
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The Back to School supply drive ends on Friday, July 31. Make sure you drop off your donations soon. Thank you to everyone who has already donated.
- Silent Auction Team for the Fall Harvest Festival & BBQ will hold a meeting on Wednesday, July 29 at 4PM. They are looking for volunteers that would like to help with the Silent Auction because the Fall Harvest Festival & BBQ is around the corner.
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Henrietta Huff will host a meeting about a possible needlepoint opportunity that would benefit Belin Memorial. The meeting will be this Tuesday, July 28 at 6 PM in the FLC. All, whether new to needlepoint or a pro, are welcome to attend. For more information, please contact Henrietta Huff (843.222.7721).
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Blessing of the Backpacks will be Sunday, August 2 at 8:45 AM during the Harbor Service. All students encouraged to bring their backpacks and have them start this new school year with a blessing.
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You are invited to a special Sunday Fun Day at Belin Memorial on Sunday, August 9 from 4PM – 6PM in the Field of Faith and the FLC. We will have soccer, inflatables, fishing on the dock, pickleball, and food. Come join us for an afternoon full of laughter, excitement, and good fellowship.
Thankful for our Ready Church,
Will
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