🌱 Pastor Makes Welcoming Pledge + Marriott Renovations Almost Done

Good morning, everybody. It's Wednesday in Hilton Head and I'm back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening in our community.

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: Mostly sunny. High: 92 Low: 76.
• Thursday: Humid with plenty of sunshine. High: 89 Low: 76.

From our sponsor:

Today’s Hilton Head Patch newsletter is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. T-Mobile has invested billions to light up their best network ever, covering 99% of people in America with LTE, which helps to keep communities like ours informed and connected. We thank T-Mobile for their support and for making today’s Hilton Head Patch newsletter possible.

Here are the top three stories today in Hilton Head:

1. Christ Lutheran Church in Hilton Head Island officially declared this past weekend that they are a “Reconciling in Christ” congregation. Pastor June Wilkins shared on Sunday that his congregation will be welcoming to all individuals, despite their sexual orientation or gender identity, and even put this pledge into writing later that same day. In agreement with various members of the church, they want to ensure their parish is a welcoming and safe space for anyone who chooses to walk through the door. (WSAV)
2. On Tuesday, Jun. 27, Marriott Hilton Head Resort & Spa officially announced the completion of the resort’s second phase of renovations. The new changes will feature a variety of different upgrades including a complete transformation of guest rooms and suites, updates to a number of the resort’s public areas, addition of dining outlets and function space. The almost finished luxury hotel is located in the exclusive residential community of Palmetto Dunes, which was named as one of the top southern resorts by Condé Nast as a part of their Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards. (Business Wire)
3. According to a number of recent reports, the University of South Carolina was officially approved to hire a third, full-time assistant baseball coach. Joey Holcomb, former two-year assistant and recruiting coordinator at Campbell University will be joining USC’s baseball staff for this upcoming fall season. Holcomb’s new role was originally a volunteer assistant role that the NCAA’s legislation approved as a third full-time, on-field position earlier this year. (The Island Packet)

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Today in Hilton Head:

Wednesday, June 28

• Hilton Head Hustle Scavenger Hunt At Sweet Al's Cafe (11:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• Late last week, an-hour long search from the Coast Guard began in Hilton Head Island after numerous reports of a drowning victim at a Palmetto Dunes beach. According to the Sheriff's Office, there were no victims found throughout the search and the department confirmed that no missing persons reports were filed. (Yahoo! News)
• Looking for something fun to do on Independence Day this year? Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina will be hosting Hilton Head's largest fireworks display on Tuesday, Jul. 4, and the celebration is entirely free to attend. (HiltonHeadIsland.org)
• Beaufort County will officially be hosting its annual Salute From the Shore event where military aircraft will make their way down the South Carolina coast. Visit here for more information and make sure you come dressed in your best red, white and blue attire to celebrate Independence Day. (Beaufort County Government SC via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Carifest Fete en Blanc (June 30)
• Add your event

That's it for today. See you all soon for another update!

— Lauren Kubiak

About me: Lauren is an Editor for Lightning Media Partners. She graduated from Rowan University with a Bachelor’s in journalism. She was previously a full-time editor at an association management firm, editing peer-reviewed nursing journals, textbooks, and newsletters.