Save the Date!

I am SO excited ... My friend and I are hosting an Extreme Couponing Workshop sponsored by Southern Savers at our church. We would LOVE to have you join us for some time of learning and fellowship!

In today's economy, pinching pennies is becoming increasingly important to many of us. And since the grocery bill is one of the largest expenses every family incurs, saving money on food is quickly becoming a focal point for families wanting to spend their limited incomes more wisely.
 
On Saturday, April 2 at 10:30 a.m., First United Methodist Church of Myrtle Beach will host an Extreme Couponing workshop lead by SouthernSavers.com frugal blogger, Jenny Martin, from Columbia, SC. Come and learn how to save 50% or more on all your grocery, household and personal care items. It's not just about cutting and handing over coupons! Learn how to use coupons effectively to save hundreds of dollars a month. Shop at your regular stores, buy the food you normally eat and pay half of what you normally pay. Using coupons effectively, the average family of four can save $250-$400 a month. To register for the workshop, go to http://www.southernsavers.com/. The cost is $10 per person and is payable by cash or check at the door.

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith."

Hebrews 12:2

Our Church's Altar

Almost exactly 4 years ago we had our sweet daughter Baptized. Conincidentally I was asked to write the cover of "The Steeple," our weekly church bulletin. It happened to be printed on the very day that we gave our child over to God, promising to pray for her, alongside my incredible church family, and to raise her to love our Lord, knowing that she belongs to HIM.

This is what I wrote ...

Have you ever thought about our church’s altar? Many incredible events take place here. The altar at First United Methodist Church holds a very special place in my heart. It is where my roots lie. Thirty years ago, my parents were married here. As infants, my brother and I were baptized here. I received my first Bible, was confirmed into this church as a sixth-grader, and sang in the children’s choir at this altar. I have spent many Sundays praying, confessing my faith, asking for forgiveness, and spending time with the Lord here at our altar. It is a very safe and comfortable place for me. Three and a half years ago, my husband, Jason, and I walked down the same aisle to be united in marriage together, and soon my brother will as well. Now, as we prepare to have our first child baptized at that same very special place, I am reminded of how meaningful First Church is to me.

1 Samuel 1:27 reads, “For this child I have prayed.” My daughter is such a blessing to us and she was prayed for since I was just a little girl at my church’s altar. Once we learned of our exciting news of becoming parents, I continued to pray not only for a safe delivery of a healthy baby, but also for our child to have a deep yearning to follow Jesus. To have her baptized at such a special place where so many amazing and meaningful events took place for me is truly a gift. Baptism is one of God’s many gifts to us, and my church is such a gift to me and my family.

It is only through God’s love and grace that I am able to stand at our church’s altar and receive His love, and what a perfect place to do it, with the ones I love, at First United Methodist Church.