from the desk of B. Mike Alexander, Jr.

Some months ago, I, along with a number of staff members and laity, traveled to Kansas for a Leadership Conference at Church of the Resurrection, the church that Adam Hamilton pastors. Church of the Resurrection is so awesome. It is committed to practicing radical hospitality to members and guests. It is amazing to experience the warmth of Jesus Christ in that setting, but I can say honestly this church family does the same! I'm grateful for the warmth of fellowship that permeates this Belin Memorial church family.

At the Kansas City airport, on our way home, I remember washing my hands in the men's room. It was immaculate. Everything had a shine. The floors looked extremely clean. The place smelled fresh and clean. The trash had been emptied. Before I walked out, I noticed a janitor polishing a mirror. He eyed the mirror carefully to make sure there were no smears. Our eyes met. Having just spent four days experiencing radical hospitality, I said to him, "Thank you for the way you clean this place." He responded as humbly as he could, "Thank you for noticing. Most people don't."

Recalling this airport exchange brings to my mind how thankful I am for all the people around Belin Memorial who make church happen every day around this place. I'm mindful of many who have worked behind the scenes to make our Belin Heritage Day this Sunday, January 13, 3:30 PM, an anticipated celebration. James L. Belin was a leader in this community, and he made a difference in the lives of many. I hope you join me in The Sanctuary for this special event. I'm mindful of those who have worked with children and youth, Boy Scouts and Girls Scouts. We are nurturing leadership for the future. I'm mindful of those who have worked with our upcoming Blood Drive on Tuesday, January 15, 8 AM - 1 PM. You know, these things don't just happen. I'm mindful of those who have worked behind the scenes as we plan to gather at our next Town Hall, January 20, 4:00 PM, to keep the conversation going about our building plans. I'm mindful of those who have worked behind the scenes every week on this campus to make music for our four services of worship so powerful and meaningful. I'm mindful of those who have worked on our Belin Backpack Mission . Children are being fed regularly. I'm mindful of how many have worked on our ZOE Mission . By the way, a team from this church will be headed to Kenya, a country in East Africa, in the near future.

It just doesn't stop around here. We're planning our Lenten series. We're talking now about a busy May and June. Church happens every day around this place because there are many who are cleaning mirrors, mopping floors, planning, going, praying, working, studying, etc. Things just don't happen because we snap our fingers.

Had I not gone to Church of the Resurrection and experienced firsthand such radical hospitality, I'm not sure I would have acknowledged the janitor's presence in the restroom. Several months later I find myself thinking about a gentle and humble man who was grateful for being recognized.

The truth is that we all hunger to have someone recognize us and celebrate the value of what we do and who we are. The Apostle Paul speaks to this hunger. He declares in Philippians 1:3-5: "I thank God every time I remember you." As we move into our last five months together, let me assure you that I have NOT taken any of you for granted. I thank God for ALL of you who have been faithful to Jesus with your prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. Yes . . . I sure do thank God!

Pastor Walter Cantwell invites you to Starting Point, a casual question and answer session this Sunday. Ask questions, enjoy fellowship, and find your place at Belin Memorial. All are welcome!

Growth Groups have been such a blessing to those 200+ people who have been participating. Existing groups will begin meeting again the week of January 13. Growth Groups consist of 10-14 people who meet in homes every week (or every other week) to share in Christian study and community.

New groups are now being formed. Should you be interested in facilitating or hosting a group or registering to join a group, please contact Jane Sparks, [email protected] or 843.357.5185.

You will be blessed!

Join the Centennial Team in celebrating the Heritage of Methodism on the Waccamaw Neck and the birthday of the Rev. James L. Belin.

Sunday, January 13, 2019, 3:30 PM
The Sanctuary (note - change of location)

Our brothers and sisters from Brown Chapel, Heaven's Gate, Saint James, Saint Paul's Waccamaw, and Surfside United Methodist Churches will join us to share stories, history, and music with us as well as enjoy birthday cake and ice cream. Please plan to join us for this joyful celebration of our shared heritage.

Contact Henrietta Huff, Centennial Team Chairperson, for details, 843.222.7721.

Please consider donating blood at the upcoming Red Cross Blood Drive. Walk-ins are welcome, but those with appointments will be given priority.

Sign up at redcrossblood.org/.

- Wednesday, January 16, 5:30 PM: Bovine's Restaurant for dinner (prime rib special). RSVP to Charlotte Downey by January 15.

- Saturday, January 26, 3 PM: Movie at Market Common and dinner at California Pizza afterward. RSVP to Charlotte Downey.

Charlotte Downey for information or to RSVP: 843.655.2568.

- Tuesdays, 9 AM - 12 PM begins Feb. 5
- Wednesdays, 5 PM - 8 PM begins Feb. 6

Learn how to make our local, treasured sweet grass baskets in a class offered by Gail Moona, local sweet grass basket maker. Class size is limited, so sign up soon if you wish to attend.

Register by contacting Gail Moona at 843.360.2492. Checks should be made payable to Gail Moona and may be dropped off in the Family Life Center drop safe.