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Sunday, January 20 - "Looking Beyond The Present"

January 20
“Seeing Beyond the Present”
John 2:1-11
8:30 a.m. / 11 a.m.

This Sunday, January 20, we look more deeply at John 2:1-11. This passage is the record (only found in the Gospel according to John) of Jesus at the wedding of Cana. Here in the midst of the celebration, which would have spanned a week or so, Jesus is presented with a problem by his mother (never mentioned by name in the Gospel of John) — the party has run out of wine. And with that, a whole series of events is set in motion that helps us, you and me, realize the importance of seeing beyond the present to what God might have in mind.

So come this Sunday at 8:30 a.m and 11 a.m. as we dive deeper into this story of the water being turned into wine and the much more significant discussion of what that means for our daily life. Our time together will include the Sacrament of Holy Communion with unfermented wine, e.g., grape juice, as is the practice in the United Methodist Church.

Our time of worship at 11 a.m. will include the Sacrament of Holy Baptism for Gabriella Renee Fritsche with a reception following the worship time.

Sisters! Meet January 23

The Sisters!! Wednesday morning breakfast and Bible study will continue their study of the Gospel according to John on January 23, 2019, resuming at John 18:23. 

Join this group as often as you can and enjoy the fellowship and discussion.

Join a Sunday morning Spiritual Formation Study

Sunday morning Spiritual Formation classes are designed with a standalone topic and a different focus each week. Drop in any Sunday or every Sunday:

• Seekers, studying "The Orthodox Heretic," by Peter Rollins, now through February. Led by Chick Mazon, meeting in Room 107.
• Four-week study on prayer, now through January 27. Led by Harry Danforth and Larry Fullen, meeting in Room 103.
• "When God Became A Christian," beginning January 20, led by Richard Robertson. Meeting in Room 106.

Brothers! Meet January 24

The Brothers! Thursday morning Bible study will continue their study of the Gospel according to John on Thursday, January 24, at 8 a.m., resuming at John 21:17. 

Gathering starts with a hot breakfast at 8 a.m. with the study starting at 8:30 a.m. and concluding at 9 a.m.

 Additional details on The Brothers! available online.

The “Gathering” Pausing During January

The “Gathering” our alternative each Sunday at 10 a.m. is pausing for January. Launched in September, the Gathering has proved to be a rich and significant time of worship by Portia Foden and with music led by Michael McIntyre.

Michael is now being called to lead an emerging ministry on Fripp Island that meets Sunday mornings so he will be stepping down from his role as Music Leader of the Gathering.

So while the Gathering Dream Team reassembles and retools, the Gathering will not meet during January. Comments, prayers, concerns, and suggestions regarding the Gathering as we move into this next chapter of what God is calling us to do are welcome. Share them with Pastor Pete or Portia Foden, or forward them to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Please continue to keep those who call the Gathering their worship community and those working to advance it in your prayers.

New Member Sunday, January 27

Our first new Member Sunday of 2019 is January 27 at 8:30 a.m. or 11 a.m.

If you have felt God's urging to connect more deeply, simply contact Sandy Biggs, Church Secretary, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 843-379-1888 for a Family Information Sheet to get things started. Sandy can assist you with the details needed, including time with Pastor Pete.

An information/orientation luncheon is being held Sunday, January 20, for those interested in knowing more about Church of the Palms and what membership entails. There is no obligation to join if you attend.

Please contact the church office at 843-379-1888 or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you wish to attend so that we might ensure enough food is available.

Participate in the Bell Campaign

The Bell Campaign is underway and 11 more bells have been purchased. That leaves 26 more opportunities for you to honor or memorialize a special person in your life! Watch for continued updates!

It is exciting to know that people are also excited about having a Bell Choir! Although each bell costs $285, which includes a personalized inscription, any donation will be greatly appreciated towards the Bell Campaign.

Contact Norma Brown with questions.

Athen VBS FunShop - March 2

It's almost Spring and that can only mean one thing, Vacation Bible School! And in preparation for our biggest and best one yet we are set to Host another VBS Fun Shop on March 2, 8:30~12:30.

If you have attended one of these event's you know how fun it is, and if you haven't you simply must come and experience a day in the life of a VBS. This is your turn to be a kid again and learn all the fun dances and songs, try your crafting skills and help us learn how to transform Church of the Palms into ancient Athens this Summer!

We always have a great turnout and let's not let this year be an exception. So again make sure you register early to save $20.00 and help us gauge the number of supplies needed for this great morning or fun and planning.

Carrefour Friends Training - January 23

An informational meeting regarding the details of Carrefour Friends will be Wednesday, January 23, at 2 p.m. in Room 102.

Carrefour is a French word for "crossroads." Jackie Tuohig created Carrefour Friends as an outreach organization whose trained volunteers befriend lonely elderly people - people who are at a crossroads in their lives. Carrefour Friends may read a book, hold a hand, reminisce or engage in a relaxed conversation.

Jackie will be at this meeting to provide details about how to get involved and Carrefour Friends...care for friends.