|
July 9, 2026
I am asked frequently, “How old is the church?” Not knowing if they’re talking building or congregation, I give them both – “The congregation was established in 1925, and the Sanctuary was opened in 1992.” Their response is often along the lines of, “Well, the building is beautiful, timeless, and fits the setting so well.”
I agree and am grateful for how well the building has done these past 34 years. Given the amount of use and the waterfront location, it is remarkable that the carpet has lasted as long as it has and that the pews have held up so well. It is time to freshen them up, though, and, while we’re at it, to freshen up the paint.
That work began Monday. The pews were removed and taken to North Carolina where the wood will be refinished, the seating will be reinforced, the upholstery will be replaced, and the endcaps will be repainted. The carpet will be removed, too, with new flooring coming in toward the end of the project. Painting will be done, as needed.
Given the scope of the project, we now anticipate being out of the Sanctuary until September 27.
Until we are back in the Sanctuary, the worship schedule is:
8:45 AM - Modern Service - in The Harbor
11 AM - Traditional Service - in the Family Life Center
Both services will be livestreamed.
Thank you for your patience as we do the important work of taking care of the beautiful Sanctuary, a gift for which we are the current stewards. Thank you to all who are doing the work of moving hymnals, choir robes, and more, or are removing carpet, or are giving leadership and oversight to the project, or are being flexible about preferred time and location for worship services.
I realize that last one is not a small ask. We are creatures of habit and form preferences and schedules for good reasons. I appreciate the adjustment this requires of all of us. I also appreciate what the Holy Spirit might do with it.
The Spirit is known to use an opportunity like this to do something with us. The service changes will mean sitting in new locations, with some people we don’t yet know. For some it will be a new location. Be open and watch what God does. I believe we’ll prove by the end of this project that “The church is beautiful, timeless, and fits the setting so well” will continue to describe both the building and the congregation.
Ministries continue, regardless of where we worship. Here are notes about that:
SPECIAL PARKING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUNDAY MORNING SERVICES – During the Sanctuary renovation, the Field of Faith will be open for parking during the worship services. There will be extra handicap parking in the Family Life Center lot with a row of parking spaces clearly marked adjacent to the side portico.
STARTING POINT – Sunday, July 12 at 10 AM – Please note that the group will meet in Room 11 in the Family Life Center beginning this week during the Sanctuary renovation.
BOOK TALK & SIGNING EVENT with UMCSC RESIDENT BISHOP LEONARD E. FAIRLEY for his memoir, SILVER LININGS (Advocate Press) – Monday, July 20 at 7:30 PM in the Gym in the Family Life Center. Books will be available for purchase, $25 (cash, check, credit card). Hosted by Belin Memorial UMC.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES COLLECTION – continues through July 31 benefitting Georgetown and Horry County Schools students. Collection bins are available in the Family Life Center. Help make the beginning of the new school year more exciting through supplying necessary materials for enhanced learning. For more information, please contact, Kim Oakley, Director of Children’s Ministry (kimo@belinumc.org; 843.357.5194).
YOUTH GROUP SUPPORT – As the new year begins for the youth program, there are opportunities to lead, guide, and support the program and activities. Please contact Brandy Streett, Director of Youth Ministries (brandys@belinumc.org; 843.357.5177) for more information about serving in this significant way.
See you Sunday,
Will
| 
