May 31, 2024

Friends,

Greetings in the Lord. It was G.K. Chesterton, a philosopher and Christian apologist, who said, “Education is simply the soul of a society as it passes from one generation to another.” We at Sea Island congratulate all those who are graduating from area high schools in addition to those who are receiving diplomas and undergraduate degrees from their respective colleges and universities. May your education, with God’s blessing, help you fulfill your dreams and aspirations for the future.

Men of the church are invited to an 8 o’clock Saturday morning breakfast (June 1) that will include eggs, bacon, biscuits and shrimp gravy. Come and enjoy the fellowship as we catch up with one another in what has been a very busy last four weeks. In addition to the breakfast, the Property Committee has a couple of projects that should not take long but in the words of Mike Yoakum could certainly use some extra hands. If there are enough able bodies we might also find time to drop the new well pump down the well shaft. POC: Mike Yoakum at 843.263.6133 or mikeyoakum29920@gmail.com.

This Sunday morning, the second Sunday after Pentecost, is going to be a very special day in the life of our community of faith as we receive a new adult member in the 8:30 service, as we recognize and honor our high school and college graduates in the 10:30 service, and receive two new members in the 10:30 service by way of the sacrament of baptism and their profession of faith. We will also break bread and share the cup by way of Holy Communion. “When we take communion together (The Lord’s Supper), we should reflect on the life we share with one another because the life of Christ is active in our hearts,” (Dietrich Bonhoeffer)

In addition to summer camps at the Bethelwoods Conference Center, York, SC; the Montreat Worship & Music Conference and the Youth Conference also at Montreat in North Carolina, this summer’s Camp-in-a-Van Week (July 28 thru August 2) will be here before we know it. Our children will experience Bible lessons, fun and games, music and art with a water day with water slides on Wednesday and a hamburger cookout on Friday. We have received the news that a few more registrations are available. Questions can be directed to Kay Keeler at 843.812.4207 or kaykeeler52@gmail.com.

Needs for the Camp-in-a-Van Week are as follows:
Home Hosts for the college students July 28 thru August 2, two college students per home. We anticipate 4 college student counselors and a chaperone.

Meals: Breakfast may be provided at the host homes or at the church. Lunch will be provided by the Christian education committee. Further information for supper meals will be available next week.

Volunteers: We are in need of assistants who can oversee the occasional needs of the children and helping the college students in the classroom.

Sign up sheets are available in the Narthex, Gathering Room, and the Office Reception area or by text to Kay Keeler at 843.812.4206.

Now, my friends, in your coming and going, your rising and sitting, may you abide in the peace of Christ Jesus. Do what God wills, follow where Christ calls, pray for the gifts of the Spirit; and may the blessing of God the Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer rest on and remain with you now and always. Amen. (from the Iona Abbey Worship Book) +

Sea Island at a Glance

Sea Island (College) Scholarship Applications
Available in the Church Office

Summer Camps & Conferences

Bethelwoods Camp & Conference Center, York, SC
Jump, Swim, and Paddle your way to Bethelwoods
Summer Camps for Children & Youth; 803.366.3722; info@bethelwoods.org

Salkahatchie Service Camp’ June 15 -22

Montreat Worship & Music Conference, Montreat, NC
Lead Us Homeward, June 23-28
For Children, Youth & Adults
POC: Kay Keeler, kaykeeler52@gmail.com or 843.812.4206

Montreat Youth Conference, Montreat, NC
Planting Peace, July 21-27
For Senior High Youth
POC: Susan Seckinger seckingersm@gmail.com or 843.812.0432, Rebecca Angelo rebpolk@hotmail.com or 843.321.1302

Camp-In-A-Van, Provided by Bethelwoods Counselors
Explore the Parables of Jesus & God’s Covenant Relationship with Creation
July 29 through August 2; 9 AM to 2 PM
For Children: K thru 6 through 5th Grades, Register by May 30, Friday
POC: Kay Keeler, kaykeeler52@gmail.com or 843.812.4206

Invite friends to add to the fun! Haven’t had time to fill out the registration? Please call or email Kay Keeler via her above contact information.

Why Camp-in-a-Van?

This unique Bethelwoods Program has existed for almost 60 years. Camp in a Van exists to build relationships, teach the love of God to young people, and immerse young people in God’s creation (even if only for a few hours!). Camp in a Van is a weeklong unique blend of outdoor and congregational ministry. Designed for young people grades K5-5th*, Camp in a Van is a joint effort between Bethelwoods and our congregation. Bethelwoods provides all of the programming (staff, supplies, game equipment, curriculum resources, and activities) while we provide support services. Registration deadline is May 30. Kay Keeler 843.812.4207; kaykeeler52@gmail.com

Presbyterian Youth Connection & Presbytery Youth Council
Deadline for PYC applications is Sunday, August 18
The Charleston Atlantic Presbytery Youth Council is looking for new members for 2024-25. The Youth Council is a unique opportunity for high school youth to gain valuable leadership skills, learn more about the Presbyterian Church (USA), get to know other youth from around the presbytery, and serve the church in an important and challenging way. Please see Pastor Steve, Susan Seckinger or Rebecca Angelo for information regarding requirements and an application.

Salkehatchie Service Camp
Affiliated with the South Carolina United Methodist Church
Repairing homes on S. Helena Island, June 15-22
POC: Dean & Jo Feaster, 864.787.5761 or dean.feaster@gmail.com; feastje@gmail.com
Home is the place where we feel most comfortable, loved, and protected, but what if your roof leaks in the storms or your feet fall through the cracked floors or your front steps are dangerously wobbly?

Over the years, hundreds of homes across the state have received new roofs, ramps, flooring, ceilings, bathrooms, kitchens, and improvements in accessibility. On behalf of our community of faith the Sea Island Mission Committee, with endorsement from the Session Council, is happy to coordinate this effort again this summer with our church campus hosting over (50) youth and advisors. Sea Island youth have also been involved in this ministry in previous years.

Volunteers must be 14 years old, and all adult volunteers must do a background check. Cost is $250 per volunteer. Please see Dean or Jo Feaster (contact information is listed above or reach out to Hugh Gouldthorpe 804.317.2258 or hugh312@gmail.com. Pastor Steve is available for questions as well.