SURFSIDE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH   

 

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 | NIV

I have been blessed with a great group of faith-filled and faithful people on the 50th Anniversary Committee. My gratitude goes to Morris and Sybil Hucks, Nancy Yongue, Ed Curlee, Bruce French, Ronnie and Sarah Lane Norton, Gini Abee, Judy Lienemann, youth reps Haley Altman and Caroline Gamble, and Pastor Todd and Pastor Laura. Thank you to each one (and all together) for your love for Our Lord and for SUMC! -- Betsy Swaim    

Surfside UMC has sponsored five men into the ministry:  Jimmy Squires, Tony Calhoun, Trip Lowery, Lou Perez and Brad Dean.        Quest Circle (begun in 1989) and United Methodist Women     Our church secretaries through these first 50 years have been a blessing.  Judy Anderson Long and  Patricia Bunch (office helpers), Tressie Faidley, Shelia McCumbee, Sharon Curry and Kesha Sims!      For 40+ years I have been part of the music ministry of SUMC. It has enriched my life and, hopefully, has helped to bless those who have heard us praise the Lord in song. -- Betsy Swaim     When my husband came ahead of our family to his new job with AVX in Myrtle Beach, it was March, after Hurricane Hugo had come ashore. The beach looked GREAT and we were excited to be moving to the South. But after seeing too many restaurants, T-shirt shops and hotels, I asked Denny “Where is the community of Myrtle Beach?” We settled in Deerfield but have also lived in Socastee, Pawleys Island and now Murrells Inlet. SUMC has been “my community” and a blessing in my life. -- Judy Lienemann

My 2 children were baptized here. My 5 grandchildren were baptized here. My 2 children were married here. My husband’s funeral was here. This church has been a part of my life for the past 44 years and blessings too many to mention.  

One of the many blessings I have received from SUMC is helping with Jason’s House. I was asked in 1994 to be on the committee by Dee Reisert (chair for 16 years). In 2011, after Dee’s passing, I became chair. This 32 year mission brings so much joy and happiness to cancer children and their families. It gives them memories of their free week’s vacation that will last a lifetime. Thanks, SUMC for caring, loving and supporting this wonderful ministry. -- Elaine Paige    Working with Jason’s House is a Blessing!    ‐‐ Billie Newton McLain      My blessing has been meeting all the wonderful people that are in this church. After moving here I was greeted and introduced to so many nice folks and learned of all the wonderful things this church does.   Blessings have flowed into my life from Surfside United Methodist Church in many ways, but especially through worship, music, learning and relationships. My relationship to God and my spiritual growth have been nurtured here through guidance from our pastors and the many friends in the laity of our church, through the years. Hart and I were married here in 1986 by Rev. Henry Flowers. I am so grateful and pray that the future may offer opportunities for us to be channels of blessings to others through the Surfside United Methodist Church and beyond. -- Fonda Rist   EVERY CLERGY PERSON who has served SUMC (since my husband and  I became members here in 1973) has been a source of blessings in my  life.  I am grateful for their friendship and for the ministry of each one.   ‐‐ Betsy Swaim   

  The blessing of a beautiful service and a warm and loving welcome….   This church has blessed us with the Word of God. Through many beautiful worship sermons and hymns, we have felt the love of God. In this church we got the grace of Jesus as our Lord and Savior.     We were blessed by our church family when they kept US in their prayers and sent HIM cards and more cards. As I displayed them on our dining room table, he would look at all the cards and tell everyone who came by to look at his prayer table. He considered every card to be a prayer for him. Thank you, dear church family. I love you.   Blessings at SUMC: funeral service for one wonderful husband in 2002 and marriage to another wonderful husband in 2007…many friends and God’s grace. -- Linda Pagoni   In 1999, my wife and I moved to Myrtle Beach, SC. We had been members of the Methodist faith since 1975. The first Sunday we attended SUMC, Diana Scroggins (the choir director) heard about Marlene and me from our son Mark who was singing in the choir. The last 17 years have been a blessing for us. Thank you for leading us to this church where Jesus is present every Sunday! -- Jeff Jewell (lay speaker)   I moved to Surfside the year after my husband died.  Not knowing anyone here, I began going to  different churches to see where I felt “at home”.  Once I visited SUMC, I was home.  I met so many  wonderful friends, joined Hope Circle, and became active within the church.  Belonging to this church  has provided me with so many blessings and has given me a home away from home.     ‐‐ Bonnie Maddox    My list of blessings at SUMC (1984-2016): Married here to Fonda, preached several times in the 80’s, Operation Christmas Child, our ministers, our choirs (member for many years). -- Hart Rist

Blessed through my Son … The UMYF group at Surfside was one of my own biggest blessings. Our son, Matt, was very involved in all kinds of ways in the youth group- from unloading pumpkins in that hot trailer, to manning the pumpkin patch, to white-water rafting and camping trips, They played Trivial Pursuit and had big challenges on the annual ski trips, to helping with sport stuff and games during Bible School, to selling funnel cakes to raise funds at the Fall Festival. In all these group events, he learned leadership skills. He learned how to be a good team player, how to do his part in helping his church and this community. I think one of his most intense experiences was going summer after summer to Salkehatchie. Not only did he gain building and repair skills, he saw how important it was to help others in their times of need. Matt Abee was blessed to be a part of this MYF, and in turn I got the blessings, too. It kept him busy, and from getting into the wrong crowd. It blessed him by keeping him involved in the workings of the church, and learning about the rituals and it kept his faith strong. He was really blessed by his Sunday School teachers and those UMYF leaders. You and I can agree on one thing. We all want what is best for our children, and his group of friends and we parents formed pretty strong bonds. I know how blessed I am, because of how my son turned out, with the influence of a strong youth group. I just hope you and your children and even your grandchildren can be a part of a youth group like Matt had, because what blesses your children will also bless you. Just like it has blessed me. -- Chester Abee

Care Circle has represented Caring for and Respecting Everyone from 1988 to the present.

Our CARE Circle Sisters know CARE Circle has been a blessing to us all.

Gini Abee, Gayle Causey, Shirley Cox, Cindy Ferguson, Leslie Martin, Belinda McKee, Sarah Lane Norton, Barbara Ramsbottom, Lisa Terry, Julie Warner

Blessings from the Fellowship Sunday School Class

The Fellowship Sunday School class is a Blessing to us all. We welcome new members as we study new applications, historical and current events relating to the Bible and the basis and basics of out United Methodist faith.

 

BLESSINGS For over three decades, the Abee family has been blessed in countless ways. I could count 70 times 7  the number of Blessings in this place we have received to celebrate the years we have had in this  church. 

B  Baptism: Our son, Matt was christened on Pentecost Sunday in 1988.  We are reminded  that we, as a church family must take responsibility to help in the upbringing of each  child christened in our midst    L  Love: Shown through several health journeys‐ Matt with emergency spleen surgery  following a soccer tournament in 2005, Chester with back surgery 2006 and prostate  issues after that; me‐ dealing with hip replacement surgery followed with complications,  just this year – the cards, meals, visits – amazing!    E  Everyone on the 50th Anniversary Committee planning, setting up, serving, cleaning up  and working continuously to make this a Jubilee Celebration    S  Sunday School: Especially the Fellowship Class, who has been together and stays  together, working, giving, helping with all events of the church    S  Sisters in faith, in our United Methodist Women, especially in CARE Circle for over thirty  years, who look after each other and those in need in our congregation    I  I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of Heaven and Earth – I cherish our Creeds,  sacraments, familiar hymns, and structure of worship – these keep me grounded and my  faith firm       N  Now these three remain: faith, hope and love… these three things. And the greatest of  these is love. I Corinthians 13:13 – Paul made it clear that love never ceases, that we are  to love one another in word and deed – one of my favorite verses, used at our wedding  in 1981 –     G  Giving: Knowing others who also share their time, talents, gifts, service   and their  witness and working with them on various committees every year    S  Saints: Those who have gone before us, who made this church the building, the mission,  the ministry, the congregation we now are. We can stand   on the shoulders of those  members with wisdom, generosity, steadfastness and fortitude who helped to make our  church a place to worship and family    BLESSINGS, yes Blessings. More than I deserve, more than I anticipate, more than I can ever give  back. I am continuously showered with an abundance of Blessings in this place…  ‐‐ Gini Abee 

 

Jo and Lester Leonard are such a blessing to Surfside United Methodist Church. Their restaurant knowledge and generosity each Wednesday evening as our Spirit Night Dinners took place profited our treasury and grew our membership as friendships were formed across the dining tables each week. The Snow Birds knew where to come for some “home cooking.” -- The Many Spirit Night Diners  

SUMC CRAFT GROUP has been a blessing to us all!   I received many blessings last year after my emergency surgery and extended recovery. I thank God for Todd, Laura and all my many friends at SUMC who prayed for me, sent cards and visited. It is a "Blessing" to belong to SUMC. -- Norma Culler   Being new in Myrtle and starting with the Spirit Night dinner, I met people of the church and had much fellowship; went to the Alpha class and it was a wonderful experience; then joined the church, wonderful God-fearing people here. I feel much blessed to be here and look forward to many more blessings as I get involved with the church community. 

Being a member of Joy Circle has been a blessing.  

Surfside UMC is filled with people who truly love our Lord and want to honor him through their service to the church. I have been so blessed by many of our lay leaders, who serve God and others by faithfully and joyfully using their gifts and talents. I am especially blessed by those who quietly serve behind the scenes helping to build up the body of Christ, the church. May God continue to bless Surfside UMC as we celebrate “50 years of blessings in this place!” Love, Pastor Todd

Blessings from Our Youth; Past and Present So, 50 years of Blessings here at Surfside United Methodist Church…

Surfside United Methodist Church has been part of my life for close to thirty years. I moved here in 1987 as the preacher’s kid. And I grew up in the Church with great memories, through UMYF and the service that it brings. The trips, the retreats and all that it brings- the Life Lessons. After college, I came back and served as a Youth Counselor and started growing friendships and working with the youth and others that I keep in touch with now. Probably the most important part of working with the youth was working the Pumpkin Patch. I met my wife there as she came to purchase a pumpkin from the Pumpkin Patch. We’ve stayed in the church and were married in the sanctuary here. We now have two children that have been baptized here. It’s been an integral part of my life and continues to be as my children grow in it. It’s special to me and my wife as we grow our family in Christ’s Love. --Brian Adams

Of course, I haven’t been here for all fifty years. I’ve only been around for about twentyeight, but I was born here, baptized in this church, and grew up through the MYF and on up. Throughout those years, I’ve been blessed with so many things from the Church. Tangible skills like going to Salkehatchie and replacing roofs. And also intangibles, like learning about friendships and comradery. It’s really meant a lot to me over those years, and the church has taught me so much. But what it’s really taught me is, it’s about family. This church is a family that’s had fifty wonderful years, and I know we’re looking forward to fifty more. --Matt Abee

I grew up in Surfside Methodist and went to Youth Group through middle school and high school. One thing that meant a lot was when Reverend Charlie Inabinet came to Columbia during a hurricane- Hurricane Charlie, actually- to perform my wedding ceremony. --Matt Norton

I’m very thankful to be a member here at Surfside United Methodist Church. My first memory I have of this church is when I was eight or nine years old. My Grandmother (who was a Baptist, but we won’t hold it against her) gave me a Bible for Christmas that year. I remember being in my bedroom, and I was reading the Bible and it dawned on me that I had never been baptized. So I went to my Mom and Dad in the living room and said, “Mom. Dad. I want to be baptized.” Now, I don’t know where that came from, but my dad said he had never been baptized either. So we called Reverend Quay Adams who was the pastor here at that time and we set up a time for a conference. Then my dad, my brother and I were all baptized here in this church at the same time. So that’s a tremendous memory for me. That started me being really involved in this church. When I was in sixth grade, I came to the MYF group here with Kim Maldoven as the leader. We had so many great times, all the way from sixth grade through my senior year in high school. I made dear friends who are still friends to this day from being on the ski trips together, and on camping trips, and our Sunday night services and worship services we did. I remember going on scavenger hunts, riding around in each other’s cars, going door to door asking for canned foods for the Canned Food Drive. I just had a great time- fun, fellowship- just growing up with this church. So now I’m so thankful that it’s time for me to raise my two boys here in this church, as well. I’m very proud to be a member of Surfside United Methodist. -- Victor Rogers

I grew up going to Surfside United Methodist Church. I was part of the youth group for many years. I was involved in choir and all of that was very much a blessing to me. The church is still very much a part of my life. My husband and I got married there, and also baptized all three of our girls there. So we’re very thankful for the church community. --Lucia Norton Burchell

I’m home visiting from Colorado. I’m so happy to be here. I was raised in this church and I’m so happy to be here with my son, Leroy. He was just baptized. I’m standing in front of the Christmas tree and my sister and I made a lot of the chrismon ornaments in the fourth and fifth grade. I was so blessed to be raised here and still consider it my church family. Thank you so much for having me (back home). --Evan Livesay Cockrum 

              Sunday School Classes I’m very appreciative of SUMC because of the fellowship and the help that I have received through the years through the loss of my family members. You guys have sometimes been better than the blood family, and I appreciate that very much. -- Tabitha Byrd

I appreciate SUMC because I go here. Yeah! -- Koa Wilm I appreciate SUMC because when my dad died, they were all supportive.

-- Trae Altman

I love this place because we’re all friends. -- Erin Carr I appreciate SUMC because it’s fun to come here.

-- Jane Wolff

Hi. I’m twelve years old and I’ve been in the church since I was a baby. The church has been a blessing to me because it’s a place where I can go to talk to people and learn about God and feel safe there. It’s offered a lot of things such as the Youth Group, being an acolyte, the Pumpkin Patch and ski trips. -- Elizabeth Parrish I’m eleven and I have also been in the church since I was a baby. I found a lot of friends here at SUMC. It is the place I always can go if I need any help. -- Erienne Byrd Monty Carr (Donna Hugenin): What do you guys love about being in this church?

Alexis Ellerbe: I love learning about the Baby Jesus. Maddie Turner: I love angels!

Bubby Bingham: I like learning about Jesus and God. Camryn Carr: I like the Bible Stories.

Stella, a visitor: I like (the stories and) to eat popcorn Madison Ellerbe: I like Jesus.

Ava Sevier: I like everything!  

When our family moved to Surfside Beach in 1985, we left behind on Hilton Head a church that had been very important to us, so we were very thankful to become part of Surfside United Methodist, a church that has been the cornerstone of our lives. SUMC has blessed our children through the dedication of all those involved with children and youth ministries, and has continued to play an important part in their adult lives, through marriages and baptism of babies. As a couple, we are grateful for support and love from our church family in all aspects of our lives, whether they be joyful or difficult. We praise God for our 31 years of "blessings in this place". -- Ronnie and Sarah Lane Norton   My Mother passed away this past July 2nd. Pastor Todd called me himself to console and offer any help and prayers needed. I really appreciated him making the call himself. I cannot believe that he is leaving, I truly feel he is one of the best things that has happened to our Church since I have been going here for 18 years. A special thank you for him. I certainly understand needing to go and help family but he will really be missed. I do not mean any disrespect to any others, it’s just for some reason I really connected to his way of preaching. I also want to mention the card and letter from the Women of the Church during my time of need that was much appreciated. -- God Bless, Pat Westmoreland   At the good age of 68 years while I was attending SUMC God decided that I needed something else in my life. So SUMC was offering an old testament Bible study with Pastor Kim as the leader. I was free on most Tuesday morning's so wanting to try and understand the Old Testament and become more involved in this church I attended. I was the only man in the small group but I was blessed to meet some of the kindest women who shared their thoughts and listened to mine and together we grew to be what I feel was close and comfortable with each other. Today I can see their faces in church and we can contact with each thru being in this ministry. I have joined other ministry programs at the church and experienced nothing but good in this part of my life. I praise my God for leading me down this path that started in year 2003 at SUMC. Just want to thank my brothers and sisters at SUMC for being a part of my life journey. -- Bill Matthews  

There is a feeling of reverence every time I enter our sanctuary. Our family was fortunate to be part of this congregation when it was built and have been worshipping in it together many times. I feel God's presence when I enter our church and feel blessed to be able to worship in such a holy place. -- Nell Boyd     Since 1968, Mary Baker Circle has been a blessing to its members, SUMC, and the community through many wonderful service projects.     We moved to Myrtle Beach from Erie, PA 14 years ago. My husband was transferred with International Paper Company. I had never been here previously and didn't know a soul, and had 2 young daughters to help through this transition. One of my first priorities, after getting moved in, was to find a church. I visited many (I am originally a Presbyterian), but didn't feel a real connection until SUMC. The church is beautiful, I enjoyed listening to Charlie and Joel, there were many youth activities and I was VERY impressed with the choir! I wanted a church in our school district and SUMC met every requirement for this South Carolina newbie. There is a beautiful spirit in this place and it only gets better. Surfside United Methodist Church was, and still is, my first family after moving here and I will be forever grateful for God's direction! -- Lisa Couture     SUMC has provided a Holy place of Worship for me and my family for many years. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to share my faith with Christian friends and grow in Christ. It has provided many challenges to serve others and to be a good neighbor to those in need, a place to worship and praise our God!!! My family has been members for about 15 years.  Being a  member of SUMC feels like home and that is an extra special  blessing.  SUMC has blessed us with an amazing church family.     ‐‐ Kim Griffin   

 

When I think of all of the outstanding programs that have taken place and all of the organizations  that meet under our roof at Surfside United Methodist Church, I think it is a blessing to worship  here.  I have always said, "A busy person is a happy person."  We have many, many happy people  at Surfside UMC; each one working hard to be the hands and feet of Christ in our Community.    The Methodist Women have a long history of being an active part of this church.  The kneeling  cushions at the altar rails and Chrismon ornaments on the tree each Christmas are only two  reminders of the good works of those who came before us.  I have personally been part of the  cookbook sales to create and furnish a parlor and to redecorate the nursery.    Members come and go as United Methodist Women, but we are all bound by our purpose to know  God and experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ; to create a loving and  supportive fellowship.    Belonging to Surfside United Methodist Women is a blessing to many women in our congregation.    ‐‐ Judy Lienemann, President 2013‐2016      Surfside United Methodist Church has been the source of so many blessings for me during the years. One of those is Hope Circle. Just after becoming a member here, one of first ladies I met invited me to visit Hope Circle, even came and picked me up. From the very beginning I felt loved, appreciated and needed. This committed group of women study the word and look for ways to minister to others cheerfully and with hearts of love. Though the years, the ladies of Hope have come and gone as life happens. I have grown in my Christian walk and made many dear friends as we all work together to make a difference for those who are hurting and need a helping hand. Thank you HOPE CIRCLE. Elaine Reid

When Drew was diagnosed with cancer, life became a series of week-long trips to MUSC for inpatient chemotherapy. Even when we were at home, we were busy with lab work and day trips to Charleston, for clinic visits. Surfside United Methodist Church helped us in so many ways. The most important was constant prayer, for which we will be forever grateful. Other ways were meals, frozen bags of soups (great, easy meals after long days on the road), help with housecleaning, prayer quilts, and love gifts of checks that always arrived in the mail from church members, just when we most needed them. Even after Drew died, Pastor Kim helped us through the most difficult time in our lives by providing group grief care counseling. She gave us so much love and reassurance, that one day, we would move past the worst of it, and hold on to our wonderful memories of Drew. Andrew has been loved and remembered through the presentation each year of scholarships to college students, through the Andrew "Drew" John Lattin Scholarship Fund. This loving gift comes from the United Methodist Men's Group. SUMC has blessed us in so many ways! This is what we are all called to do...be the hands and feet of our Lord. Honestly...we know that not all churches do. This one does!! -- Laurie and John Lattin

My first year at Surfside UMC has been filled with blessings. Before I even moved, I received a warm welcome when the lay delegates found me and introduced themselves to me at annual conference. Then the SPRC provided a warm welcome, and the United Methodist Men braved the heat to move some of our belongings and parsonage furniture to storage. As I began to get to know you the blessings increased. When my responsibilities shifted, you poured out blessings in your words of affirmation and encouragement. I've been blessed as you've allowed me to share this journey with you. As I've experienced for myself and heard how you have experienced blessings in this place, I wonder how others will be blessed here too. Rev. Farrell Cox and Bishop Holston inspired me when they celebrated 50 years of God being at work in this place. My hope is that we will step out and bless others by being a place of warmth and comfort that will bless others in the storms of life. So I am grateful for the blessings that have abounded in this place and look forward to how God will continue to bless people in this place and the places we go. Peace, Pastor Laura

When I joined SUMC in May 2008, I had no idea how much my life would be transformed in the coming years. I was never involved in being an active member of my former church. There was just something special that I felt in my heart with everything at SUMC. My relationship with God started growing as I had never felt it before. I got involved with Bible studies, Wednesday’s Spirit Night, Jason’s House and began enjoying fellowship with my new church family. As time went on, I wanted to give more of “me” to God and to my church. I accepted the position of Recording Secretary on Church Council, which is something I would have been scared to death to do in the past. United Methodist Women voted me to be Judy Lienemann’s Vice President (again, very nervous, but yet a peacefulness within my heart). I was on the Operation Christmas Child committee for several years and then became co-chairman of this amazing mission. I wanted to do more... God has a purpose for me in this life of chaos and uncertainty, and had it not been for my church, SUMC, and the incredible friends I have at SUMC, I don’t think my life journey would have taken me to where I am today. The “hole” in my center being, that I felt for most of my life has now been filled…with God and His amazing blessings. Thank you SUMC for bringing me closer to my Lord who is taking me on a path to Eternal Life. I love SUMC and my church family…God bless you all. --Linda Ritchey     

Our family has been blessed in many ways over the last 38 years. We have had children baptized, involved in the youth programs, married, and grandchildren baptized. Fred was blessed many years with his involvement in the choir. The support and blessings we received during two major illnesses gave us understanding of how important our church is to us. Our church has been blessed with ministers and assistant ministers willing to give their time to ensure we have a wonderful place to worship. -- Fred & Dolores Parsons

50 YEARS OF BLESSINGS IN THIS PLACE;  A CONVERSATION WITH SUMC CHARTER MEMBERS  NOTE: The following are excerpts from a video interview with five SUMC Charter Members:   

 

  Austin Thompson  “I’m really glad now to go to church and see all the people and all the changes  that’s happened since 50 years ago, it’s really been a joy.      Nancy Yongue “(SUMC has) been a blessing to our family also.  I was working and Sybil would give my  little girl a ride to the little children’s choir practice and they felt loved by the people in this church.  I  remember one Sunday my youngest son Roger had gone off to talk to one of the adults after class  and I thought my husband took him home and he thought I took him home and we both went home  without Roger.  And he went back to pick him up and the adult that Roger was talking to was still  waiting on us to pick him up.  So my children felt loved here.      Teresa Thompson “I like to think of the church as the Charter members planted the roots and planted  the seeds and as the plant progressed to grow, that all the members of the church came together and  nourished that plant.  I think that the plant has grown and flourished and I think the more members  that we have come in here ‐ that makes the plant stronger.  I hope that the young people coming up  today will tend to the plant.   

                          Morris Hucks “I’d like to tell you about the first Sunday in our small church here.  We didn’t have any  windows and the preacher was preaching and as he was preaching the jets were flying over and he’d  have to stop and that’s kinda the beginning of it.  It was a tough go but we pulled together and it  worked real good and it was a blessing to all of us.”    I have been blessed to be a member of Surfside United Methodist Church. This congregation of God trusting people has helped me in my Christian growth. -- Sybil Hucks (charter member)

Blessings---thankful for many friends and the awesome accomplishments that were done so quickly in this place… -- A Charter Member

 

 

   

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:3-12 | NIV

       

    “Blessings Abound”    By Pepper Choplin    A Song Written for Surfside United Methodist Church     In Celebration of Fifty Years of Blessings in This Place     

  

    BLESSINGS ABOUND    The rising of the morning,  the peace of setting sun,  the changing of the seasons  as nature cycles run,  the joy of simple beauty  will fill our open eyes.  As gratitude spills over  we come to realize:    Chorus:  Blessings abound,  blessings will fill our days.  We raise the sound  of thanks and joyful praise.  We thank you, Lord,  You are the source of  every gift that we have found.  Blessings abound.    The love of friends and family  who we are blessed to know,  the caring love and comfort  which will between us flow.  Through peacefulness and conflict,  it’s strong enough to stand.  Love is the greatest treasure  provided by Your hand.    This life is a garden  of blessings You supply.  So teach us now to cherish  the wondrous gift of life.  When gratitude is blinded  by trouble and despair,  lead us to new thanksgiving  and help us to declare: