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September 11, 2025
The neighborhood where my family lives put up a “Never Forget - 9/11” display this week. The neighborhood is also hosting a blood drive in honor of 9/11 today. I don’t know how closely this aligns with the technical definition for active memory, but to me the blood drive is a way to actively remember.
After the heinous terrorist attack in 2001, prayers and flags went up, donations of money, material items, and blood were given, and a sense of unity flooded our country. There were also compassionate and generous acts by people of other nations.
While we learned that we are vulnerable to terrible acts and grieved the loss of life and the changes to our society that would come, we also demonstrated that more unites us than divides us and that we will rush to our neighbors’ aid when they are stricken.
Twenty-four years later, seeing or hearing “9/11” brings a lot to those minds of anyone with an inkling of what happened in those days. We remember, not only by acknowledging the attacks happened. We remember, not only by acknowledging that heroic responses followed. We actively remember by doing things that represent the best of those days.
Yesterday’s assassination of Charlie Kirk was the opposite of that. Regardless of anyone’s opinion about another’s political stances, there is no place for political violence in our country. We must do better as citizens and our public figures must model better for us.
As followers of Jesus, let’s show the way. Like we did on 9/11/2001 and in the days following, see the people around you today as fellow citizens, not as political rivals. Look for ways to help the people you encounter. Inconvenience yourself to the benefit of another as an active remembrance that evil acts won’t win by dividing, they’ll be defeated by our uniting. As people all around the world did on 9/11, pray for our country, our leaders, our first responders, and our fellow Americans who are grieving and suffering. Actively remember so that the best of who we are as a nation is represented in our never forgetting.
Because acts of kindness are something to practice year-round and not just on solemn anniversaries, our congregation is participating in a Year of Kindness. You were exceedingly generous in August by donating 3,215 pairs of shoes for the people of Guatemala and Haiti. You did a nice job inviting guests to join us for worship this past Sunday. There will be more acts of kindness coming.
To represent this year’s emphasis, Year of Kindness T-shirts are available for purchase. There’s a sample in today’s photo. You can find yours in the Family Life Center for $15.
Some other important notes for you:
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The High School Lock-In begins tomorrow (Friday, September 12) at 9 PM in the Family Life Center.
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Consider blessing students grades 6-12 by leading Youth Sunday School on a weekly or once a month basis. Classes are Sundays from 10-10:45 AM in the Family Life Center. Materials are provided. Contact Brandy Streett for more information (brandys@belinumc.org; 843.385.1676).
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We will receive the Epworth Work Day Offering this Sunday, September 14. Watch or read more about Epworth’s powerful ministry by clicking those links.
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Starting Point will be held this Sunday, September 14 at 10 AM in Room 11 in the Family Life Center. Come learn more about finding your place at Belin Memorial.
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Fall Harvest Festival & BBQ Tickets and T-shirts are now available to purchase in the Family Life Center and church office. BBQ plate tickets are $15 each and T-shirts are $20 each.
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Community Basketball League registration opens Monday, September 22. You can register your child by going on the NOW page or by clicking HERE. For more information, please contact Sherri Henderson (sherrih@belinumc.org).
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Be sweet and donate a treat for October’s Trunk or Treat. Please bring wrapped candy donations between September 25 and October 19 to be given away during the upcoming Trunk or Treat Community event on Saturday, October 25. For more information, please contact Kim Oakley (kimo@belinumc.org).
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Murrells Inlet Masonic Lodge #368 will be hosting a Murder Mystery Dinner on Friday, September 26 at 6 PM in the Family Life Center. Tickets are available in the Family Life Center and church office. Tickets are $50 per person and $25 for 12 years and younger. For more information contact Jim McLean (jim.mclean356@gmail.com; 860.416.0014).
Actively remembering today,
Will
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