50 States Church Surch and Update

  Week 35, Seacoast Vineyard

"Look! The virgin will conceive a child!
And give birth to a son,
and they will call Him Immanuel, meaning 'God with us.'"
Matthew 1:23

"Remember, no man is poor if he has friends."
~Clarence the angel, 'It's a Wonderful Life.'



The SV sat in a strip mall, just off the Myrtle Beach main drag. Worker bees set out bags with candles in them as we arrived for the 4:30 Christmas Eve service. We entered with a happy greeting from many; after all, it's Christmas. 

The building was well appointed with brick facades on the side and front. The band (3 guitars, keyboard, drums and flute) warmed up with ten minutes to go, and the faithful were a noisy crowd, a good sign. At the green flag, a quintet sang a song and then led the Christmas carols. We sang three or four, then the pastor spoke. 

He referenced the Hobbit, which I haven't read nor seen, but talked about how a group of nobodies stood up for what's right. Next he spoke of the Titanic, which sank on it's maiden voyage. 85% of the men perished, because women, children and disabled went first. He quoted Winston Churchill, who referred to it, indicating in early Rome or Greece the survivors would have been quite different, as the able would have gotten off first, the crew next, and the wealthy would have paid their way out, leaving women, disabled and children. Christianity has civilized us. Then he gave us another number (I love numbers), 95% of service in America is performed by Christian organizations, as the One taught us to do. 

We lit our candles for the traditional 'Silent Night' rendition, always a nice end of a Christmas service.  After the service we stopped at the rest room and then I checked out the Visitor's Room, where we met Mike. He was a friendly guy who loves the Lord and His church. We told him our story, then he shared how they miraculously acquired the building. Yes they bought it, and the church has been growing well.  A very nice church, that serves and worships well.


And now, full of Christmas cheer, Quilter Girl!


We scored with our hotel room for the holidays.  We are on the 5th floor with an ocean view in Myrtle Beach.  The view is great and I love the ocean.  Kevin went to see the movie 'Lincoln' and I did a couple loads of laundry, read and quilted.  It was a very relaxing day.  

We had a very disappointing dinner at a local diner.  It was a buffet with not very good food.  Tomorrow we'll try again at the resort next door.  

QG

We wish you all a Merry Christmas, and God bless you. No post tomorrow, but we'll see you Wednesday as we head for Charleston. 

1 comment:

Mel said...

That IS a nice view from your room! Merry Myrtle Beach Christmas to both of you, and I hope you find a good place to eat your Christmas Lunch, Dunch, Linner or Dinner... whatever you end up calling it!