This Week at Myers Park United Methodist Church | March 16-March 22 | Shifting Connections

THIS WEEK M A R C H 1 6 | 2020

LENTEN PRAYER

www.myersparkumc.org 1501 Queens Road Charlotte, NC 28207

704.376.8584 info@mpumc.org

LIVESTREAM WORSHIP TIMES 8:45 a.m.

9:45 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

WE LCO M E To O u r C h u rc h !

We are the body of Christ, growing in faith and serving others.

Our Deepest Sympathy

STAY CALM & CONNECTED B Y R E V. B I L L R O T H

James Denis Deviney, Jr., father of Erica Mark, and grandfather of Ayden, Brady, and Savannah Mark, who died March 7.

In Celebration Amara Cadence Pozyck, daughter of Cameron and Kendra Walter Pozyck, sister of Riley Pozyck, and granddaughter of Larry and Linda Walter, who was born on January 17.

LENTEN COMMITMENTS LENTEN DEVOTIONAL Our Stephen Ministers provide an annual Lenten devotional booklet for us, which is free of charge. They are available to view online and include essays from church members, clergy, and staff.

LABYRINTH Spend time on the Labyrinth with God. Hours are posted online at www.myersparkumc.org/contemplative.

PRAYER WALL In this season of Lent we hope you will participate by offering your prayers to our church-wide prayer wall, located in the lobby and outside the hallway near the Sanctuary.

If you have a prayer request that you would like to share with our clergy, email them to us at prayer@mpumc.org. These prayer requests will remain confidential and will only be viewable by our clergy staff.

ARTSCHARLOTTE GALLERY Now through Easter in the second floor lobby, we are hosting an exhibit of fine art, entitled “Beauty from Brokenness” from March 1-April 12. Be sure to visit.

Friends, Many of us have high levels of stress and anxiety due to the COVID-19 threat. This concern is real, and it brings much uncertainly and many disruptions to our lives.

Unfortunately, in our attempt to slow down the spread of the virus, we are practicing social distancing. While distance is an excellent strategy for slowing the virus, it is not suitable for our emotional health. Human beings have always calmed and soothed the nervous system by “proximity seeking” or getting close to each other for comfort and protection.

For example, during the attacks of 9/11, what did we all do? We made phone calls to our loved ones. We had huge numbers in our worship services following 9/11. Why, because we all needed comfort and connecting to God and each other for solace.

Connecting is a primary human coping strategy for regulating emotions like anxiety. But social distance is our weapon to slow the virus.

So what can we do? Several suggestions:

1. Keep in touch with phone calls and face-time to undo your aloneness. Connection is especially crucial if you live by yourself.

2. Self-soothe by practicing centering prayer, daily offices (devotions, scripture readings, and prayer).

3. Calm your body with exercise, proper nutrition, and less caffeine.

4. Calm your mind with this question: Do I know myself to be in danger at this moment? Am I in danger right now, not could I be in the future, but rather at this moment?

If not, take three deep breaths and relax your whole body. The goal is to stay calm and clear your mind of catastrophic thoughts.

Listen to calm music or use meditation videos to lessen anxiety.

Here is one I have used.

OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE B Y R E V. N AT H A N A R L E D G E

Grace and peace friends, We are thankful for your willingness and eagerness to serve.

The most important thing that we can do now is serve well and responsibly. Part of serving well is staying healthy and maintaining the well-being of our vulnerable neighbors.

With a crisis of this scope, we recognize that large non-profit agencies (in partnership with the government and large corporations) are best equipped to meet the large scale needs of our community. For that reason, we are trusting our partners who are on the front lines to guide us on how to support them during this COVID-19 crisis. For now, we will not be organizing in-person service opportunities to maintain the safety of all, but financial contributions are welcomed. Please see below the ways that your financial giving will make an immediate impact for our vulnerable neighbors. Give onilne by clicking here.

Crisis Assistance Ministry - Crisis Assistance Ministry provides immediate help for families who will need financial support for rent, groceries, medical expenses, transportation, and utilities. Between interruption of employment and families utilizing their services for the first time, they anticipate the need to double in scope during this crisis.

Loaves and Fishes - Loaves and Fishes provides for our food insecure neighbors. While this need is ongoing in our community, school closings and interruption in employment opportunities will require additional commitments.

Urban Ministry and Mens Shelter of Charlotte - For the vulnerable neighbors on the streets and without adequate housing, Urban Ministry and Mens Shelter of Charlotte are on the front lines of meeting their needs and your generosity will make a significant impact. Also, we encourage you to give directly to their amazon wish list.

And as other needs arise from partners Many of you have asked how to meet the needs of our children at Marie G Davis School.

Currently no volunteers are allowed on CMS property as they practice social distancing.

However, CMS has a plan. You can read it via the link below: Here’s how these student s will be cared for.

As the landscape changes in the coming weeks, we will continue to update you on opportunities to engage. We are grateful for your patience and prayers as we navigate this complicated and evolving crisis.

Shalom, Nathan Arledge

WHERE DID YOU WORSHIP WITH US ON SUNDAY? Many of our church family sent in photos of their Sunday morning worship yesterday. This was our first venture into digital-only worship and we’re so thankful that we could do it with you!

CO N N E C T WITH US !

F o l l ow u s o n s o c ia l m e d ia @ my e r sp a r k u m c

NEW BUILDING HOURS Our normal office hours will now be:

V i s i t o u r we b s i te w w w. mye r s p a rk u m c .o r g to find small groups, ways to serve and engage, how to give, and plug in with other members of our church!

9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. | Monday-Friday The building will be open until 6:00 p.m.: Tuesdays & Wednesdays These hours will be observed until further notice.

OUR CLE RGY Dr. James C. Howell Senior Pastor Rev. Nathan Arledge Pastor of Missions & Community Engagement Rev. Taylor Barefoot Pastor for Emerging Ministries Rev. Jessica Dayson Pastor for Young Adults & Lay Involvement Rev. Uiyeon Kim Pastor of Discipleship Rev. Bill Roth Pastor of Congregational Care Rev. Nancy Watson Executive Pastor

CARING FOR OUR CHURCH COMMUNITY We hope to prepare in anticipation of growing needs in our church community in response to the outbreak of COVID-19. With so much uncertainty of what needs may arise, we are now working to find folks who are in the low risk category who would be willing to help shop, deliver supplies, or address other needs as they arise. If you are contacted to assist with needs, please be extremely cautious.

Please decline if you have symptoms, or have been exposed to anyone who may be ill.

If you live alone, struggle with anxiety, have auto-immune disorders, or have other health risks and would like intentional follow up, please let us know. If you have a current need for assistance at this time, please let us know that as well.

We will structure our care response efforts in ministry with you based on the information that you share via the form in the link provided below:

TALK WITH A PASTOR A pastor on staff stands ready to respond to your question or concern. Those needing immediate pastoral help should call 704-376-8584 and follow the prompts to the pastor on call.

Assistance and Volunteer Form