Happening This Morning
Welcome, New Members! This morning we welcome new members to the life of our church: Colleen Willis, Emily and Harrison Mathis, Janice McRorie, Betsy and Sam Myers, Susan and Jim Dulin, Sara and Mason Gosse, and Rachel and Todd Hamrick.
Youth Sunday Mornings: Starting Point, 9:45 a.m.-10:45 a.m., Jubilee Hall: Youth will gather for doughnuts and coffee and then participate in exciting interactive stations and group discussion.
K-5th Grade Food Collection for Weekend Food Bags, today and September 26: In anticipation of the churchwide weekend food bag collection in October, families of kindergarteners–5th graders are invited to participate in our collection of weekend food bag items. Children can bring any of these items (in any quantity) to their Sunday School classrooms: soup cans with a pull-tab, boxed stovetop macaroni and cheese, packets of Ramen noodles, individually packaged cheese crackers, individually packaged fruit snacks, packets of oatmeal, and cans of Vienna sausages with a pull-tab. We will gather these items and assemble them into finished food bags at a later date. Questions? Email Betsy Scott at bscott@mpumc.org.
Children’s Chapel: Kindergarteners-2nd graders attending the 11:00 a.m. worship service may leave the sanctuary during the Gloria Patri to watch the rest of the worship service with other children in Memorial Chapel. Children will be supervised by a clergy member and an adult volunteer. For more information, email Dr. Uiyeon Kim at ukim@mpumc.org.
Blood Drive Sign-Ups, today and September 26, Lobby: Sign up to donate blood at the Blood Drive Mobile Unit in memory of Robert Lutz, which will be in the Parish Life Building parking lot on October 3 from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. For more information or to schedule an appointment, email Carmen Rivera at crivera@mpumc.org.
Come Sip (Coffee) and Shop at Goodness Gracious, Sunday-Thursday, 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Have you shopped in Goodness Gracious lately? They have so many wonderful gift items, and your purchases support so many wonderful community partners including Changed Choices, Circle de Luz, and the students and staff at Marie G. Davis. Come in, grab a cup of coffee (yes, it’s back!), and pick up something for a friend, a family member, or even for yourself!
Happening This Week
Mindful Mondays, September 20, 10:30 a.m., Zoom: Offered by Rev. Bill Roth and Parish Nurse Lauren Smith. Learn to embody the present moment with compassionate awareness and discover the emotional, physical, and spiritual benefits of meditative practices. Open to first-timers or those who wish to renew their mindful practice. Register in Realm or with Carmen Rivera at crivera@mpumc.org. You may also directly join the Zoom meeting at your convenience.
New - Wednesday Bible Study, September 22, Live at 11:00 a.m. and viewable later: Join us as Dr. Howell and Duke Divinity School Professor Ellen Davis discuss the prophet Micah, why the Old Testament matters, how we hear justice and hope, and more! Watch live on Facebook live or Livestream. Also available on YouTube.
Last Week to Sign Up for Faith Ministry Trip, sign up by September 25: Join our team traveling to Faith Ministry in Reynosa, Mexico to build a house for a family and experience days of joyful labor, sweat equity, meaningful worship, and connection. The trip is open to anyone 16 and over who has been vaccinated. We will lodge and take meals at Faith Ministry. The cost of the trip is $600 plus airfare. Email missions@mpumc.org if you have questions, or click here to sign up!
New This Week
New - Sign Up Now for the 16th Annual Women’s Retreat, February 11-13, 2022, Montreat Conference Center: Join us as we “Begin Again” with a weekend of renewal and rest, friendship and learning, and lament and praise. Our lives, our relationships, and our world have experienced much change: cancelled plans, postponed gatherings, and virtual everything. Grief and loss abound. Journey with speaker Rev. Caitlin Harper of the Northern Alabama Conference of the UMC as we grow in trusting that God is on the other side of every new beginning. Cost is $200 per person double occupancy or $290 for single occupancy. Register before November 7 to save $20! For the safety of all attending the retreat, we request proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test within 48 hours of the beginning of the retreat. We will continually review this policy and any necessary safety precautions. Click here for details and to register.
New Podcast Episode: Mountain T.O.P. with Margaret Barr: 2021 graduate Margaret Barr joins us to share about her faith journey after high school as a summer intern at Mountain T.O.P. Beyond Baptism: Wisdom, Encouragement and Hope for Parents, created by Children’s Ministries and Youth Ministries, is intended for parents and adults invested in the young people of our church. Access all episodes here. Subscribe, rate, and review today!
Events and Opportunities
Order Your New Nametag During Our 2021 Nametag Campaign: We recently redesigned our nametags to include our new logo, and now is your chance to get one for free! Members and visitors, age 13 and older only, may order a new tag. The first 300 who register for a new nametag will receive it for free! After that time, nametags are available for $5 from Goodness Gracious Gifts. Click here to place your order for a free nametag.
Middle School and Fall Confirmation Day Retreat, September 26: Due to concerns about COVID-19 and the Delta variant, this year’s retreat is now a one-day retreat that will be one AMAZING adventure! Everyone will enjoy lake activities, an epic Amazing Race, worship, and more. Together we will grow in God’s love and bond with each other. Click here to register for the retreat.
Final Youth Server Ministry Training, September 26, 2:00 p.m., Sanctuary: Fifth-twelfth graders are invited to train to serve as Bible carriers, acolytes, and crucifers during sanctuary worship services. For more information, email Bruce Lawrence at bruce3@carolina.rr.com or Katharine Willis at katharinecwillis@gmail.com.
Yoga + Prayer: Updated Offerings: Meredith Starling continues to lead gentle yoga sessions on Mondays and Thursdays at 12:00 p.m. via Zoom, but exciting changes are ahead. Beginning September 26, Meredith will lead in-person gentle yoga sessions on Mondays at 12:00 p.m. and Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. and deep stretch sessions on Sundays at 6:30 p.m. in Francis Chapel. These classes will be offered simultaneously on Zoom. Masks are required, and a $5 donation is suggested. For more information, email Meredith at starlinm@bellsouth.net or Rev. Taylor Pryde Barefoot at tbarefoot@mpumc.org.
Coffee, Conversation, and Connection, September 28, 1:00 p.m., Zoom: Join Rev. Bill Roth and Parish Nurse Lauren Smith for emotional support and care. We will share, connect, and explore how we can increase our well-being and resilience. Register with Carmen Rivera at crivera@mpumc.org. You may also directly join the Zoom meeting at your convenience.
Women’s Gathering, September 28, 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m., room 103-104: All women of the church are invited to gather to meet other women, have meaningful conversation, and grow closer to God. This monthly gathering will offer a time of support and community. Take time for you! Sign up here, or email Rev. Jessica Dayson at jdayson@mpumc.org with questions.
Forward for 4th and 5th Graders, sign up by September 30: Forward meets the first Sunday of the month from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. beginning October 3. Through this ministry 4th and 5th graders will grow faithfully in fellowship and deepen their spiritual foundation as they get ready for middle school. We will meet outside (weather permitting). We also need adult leaders to assist each month. Click here to sign up. For more information, email Amy Jo Alspaugh at amyjo@mpumc.org.
Missions' September Collection: Donations for The Merry Market, now through September 30: Missions is excited to announce The Merry Market, an expanded edition of its annual holiday store concept (formerly Jubilee Store). This year Missions is partnering with OurBridge for Kids, an organization that meets the academic and socio-emotional needs of newly arrived and first-generation American children and their families, to provide an empowering, joy-filled holiday shopping experience for more than 150 families. Your donations are critical to the success of the store so we have set up a convenient Amazon Wishlist from which you can shop. Thank you for supporting this favorite holiday tradition! If you have questions, email missions@mpumc.org.
As we remain in prayer for our siblings in Haywood County, NC and Louisiana, who are recovering from the devastating effects of recent natural disasters, we encourage you to give as you are able to support relief efforts. Please see below for details on how you can help or visit our website for more information. If you have any questions or concerns, email missions@mpumc.org.
Maybe I’m Amazed - A Podcast with Dr. James Howell: Throughout his career, Dr. Howell has developed meaningful relationships with a wide spectrum of people, and he’s taken time to learn each of their stories. Maybe I’m Amazed is a collection of amazing conversations James has with amazing people experiencing everyday miracles. Click here to access all episodes.
Happening Every Week
Southern Bells and Women’s Choir, Mondays: Join Brian Childers and the Southern Bells at 10:00 a.m. for a morning of music and fellowship. This is a non-performing handbell group; ringers work on techniques and music-reading skills. Then stay for the Women's Choir at 11:00 a.m. Open to women of all ages, this choir provides music leadership in worship services and performs in our annual Christmas Concert with the Charlotte Symphony. For more information, email Sue Bayne at sbayne@mpumc.org.
Children’s and Youth Choirs: Rehearsing on Wednesdays: Tinkerbells (handbells for K-2nd Graders), Alleluia Choir (K-1st Graders), and Junior Choir (2nd-5th Graders). Rehearsing on Sundays: Junior Bells (handbells for 3rd-5th Graders), Youth Bells (handbells for 6th-12th Graders), and Youth Choir (6th-12th Graders). Visit our website for rehearsal times and to register. For more information, email Director Brian Childers at bchilders@mpumc.org.
Bellissimo, Sundays, 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.: Designed for ringers seeking a handbell choir, musicians with a non-ringing background, and newer ringers looking to further their skills, this mid-level intermediate handbell group focuses on building skills and rings in worship once a semester. Participation in local retreats, mission trips, and festivals is an option for interested members. For more information, email Sue Bayne at sbayne@mpumc.org.
Deliver Meals to McCreesh Place and South Tryon Community UMC, Mondays and Thursdays, 11:00 a.m.: Every week MPUMC provides lunch to vulnerable neighbors at McCreesh Place and South Tryon Community UMC (Brookhill neighborhood). You can help us in this effort by picking up pre-packaged meals from Manolo's Bakery at 4405 Central Avenue and dropping them at McCreesh Place or South Tryon Community UMC. Click here to sign up to deliver to McCreesh Place. Click here to sign up to deliver to South Tryon. Questions? Email missions@mpumc.org.
Bus Station Ministry, Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m.: Welcome legal asylum seekers as they journey through Charlotte. Your gifts of welcome and presence can be a real blessing to these tired, anxious, and uncertain travelers. Pick up snacks, water, activities, hygiene supplies, and signage at the church on Wednesday mornings and meet bus #1098 at the Greyhound bus station at 518 W 4th Street. The bus is scheduled to arrive at 10:30 a.m. You can check the status of the bus' arrival here: https://bustracker.greyhound.com. Click here to sign up!
In-Person Study of the Old and New Testament, Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m.: Disciple Fast Track, which began September 15, is a 24-week overview of the Bible in a small-group setting. This life-changing, community-forming ministry is a beloved opportunity that we hope you will consider this fall. Child care is available by reservation only. For more information and to register, email David Dulin at ddulin@uwcentralcarolinas.org.
Youth Sunday Night: 5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m.: 8th Grade Confirmation meets in Jubilee Hall; 6:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m.: All youth (including Confirmands) gather for fellowship and worship in Jubilee Hall; 7:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.: 6th and 7th graders and high schoolers meet. Confirmands are welcome to stay and participate during this time.
Thank you for your ongoing generosity!
Your ongoing generosity to our church Operating Fund makes it possible for us to present personalized Bibles to our third graders each year. This year 74 children received one on Third Grade Bible Sunday!
Wesley Grants Awarded to Ministry Partners: Last month our church gifted more than $325,000 in Wesley Grants for capital projects to 28 local and global ministry partners. This year’s list of projects funded includes an indoor and outdoor discovery classroom at The Learning Collaborative, updates to food preparation and storage stations at Roof Above and Second Harvest Food Bank, housing upgrades at QC Family Tree, Project Agape in Armenia, and so much more.
Wesley Grant recipients completed an application process and were given careful consideration by our church’s Wesley Grants Committee composed of clergy and lay leadership. All grants are made possible through planned gifts to our church’s Wesley Foundation, which enables our church to support God’s work in our local and global community.
Marsha Armstrong Jarrell, mother of Doug (Charlotte), Taylor (Diep), and Ben (Kate) Jarrell and grandmother of Stuart, Baker, Jackson, Hannah, and Ella Jarrell, who died on September 2.
Dolores “Imo Jean” Powell Lyerly, mother of Deanna (Rick) Thompson and grandmother of Evan, Brent and Lauren Thompson, who died on August 30.
Michael Bauer Miller, husband of Jada Miller, who died on September 9.
Geoffrey Camille Jordan Schott, mother of Geoffrey Ruth Schott, who died on September 10.
We are the body of Christ - growing and serving.