OUR IDENTITY AS A CHURCH

With MIPC having been organized in 1925, have you ever thought about why our church has been active for the Gospel for almost 100 years? In 2024, we have the opportunity to consider such a serious question.

The first reason our Christian congregation is based off Highway 17 in Murrells Inlet is to supply regular opportunities for worship, the hearing of God’s Word, and corporate times of prayer. In an area of South Carolina where traffic symbolizes but one of the daily pressures many residents and visitors experience, there is a demand for a quiet environment that is free of the world’s intrusions and distractions.

MIPC’s desire is that its worship and quality music highlight the supreme worth and glory of God; in addition, may its preaching convey the absolute authority and application Scripture has in every department of life. For God’s people to be equipped into maturity and service, the Word must be FAITHFULLY PREACHED AND OBEYED.

A second purpose for our church is that there be trustworthy resources for solid Biblical instruction based on God’s Word. Frankly, because there are so many ideas about how one becomes a Christian disciple, this church seeks to destroy those which are only clever disguises for humanism or religiosity. Therefore, while it is not always appreciated, we agree to come under conviction as needed, and thus TRUTH is PURSUED even at the expense of wrong beliefs, traditions, and conduct. Sunday School classes and our Bible study groups hopefully help us to grow in Christ!

Thirdly, this congregation finds loving fellowship to be a need that is met by hosting purposeful initiatives where Christian friendships can occur through weekly coffee chats after the worship services, special programs (e.g., by the Music Ministry), meals, and opportunities for service in response to needs in the community. Last year, MIPC made our church grounds available for two Festivals of Arts & Crafts (three more are projected for this year), plus two other regular outreaches to children have begun with the “Trunk or Treat” events in the fall complete with games, food, hayrides, music, face-painting, and more. Next year we are considering increasing our presence for possible a Farmer's Market and Food Truck Alley.  Also, our 100th year Anniversary is being planned for the church and the Little Chapel, with plans in the works for a GRAND event. Classes for youth are available during Sunday School at 8:45 am. Every Sunday, the nursery is available to those families who have come to worship the Lord.

Finally, worship not only draws believers to instruction and fellowship, but also to evangelism and missions. The Bible mandates that each Christian be a clear reflector of God’s redemptive love in Jesus Christ – He is the Savior of His people! Our missions committee has been inactive for ideas, but active in giving, for most of 2024 so volunteers are especially needed to assist in this area of service. Through the corporate ministries of MIPC, may the Holy Spirit develop GIFTED and HOLY LIVES to the end that the Kingdom of Light be advanced along our portion of the Grand Strand as well as beyond!

Yours in Christ,

Reverend Peter M. Brzezinski