THIS WEEK O C TO B E R 2 7 | 2019
The Door to Castle Church Wittenberg, Germany
www.myersparkumc.org 1501 Queens Road Charlotte, NC 28207
704.376.8584 info@mpumc.org
8:30 a.m. Sanctuary Worship 8:45 a.m. Church In The Round 9:45 a.m. Sanctuary Worship 11:00 a.m. Sanctuary Worship
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 Leslie C. "Buzz" Holshouser, Jr., father of Bradford Holshouser, who died on October 19.
In Celebration Emma Caroline Hight, daughter of Jenni and Christopher Hight, granddaughter of Jerry and Janice Brady, and niece of John Brady, who was born on October 19..
TODAY Reformation Sunday: Today, we celebrate the anniversary of the Protestant Reformation by remembering the day Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses to the church door in Wittenberg, Germany, sparking the Protestant Reformation, which strove to recover the primary of Scripture and the vitality of faith. Today, we remember that the Church is always in need of reform and unity, not division. Dr. Howell, our Senior Pastor, is away on a short holiday today and will return to our pulpit next Sunday. The Sacrament of Holy Baptism: Receiving the sacrament of Baptism at the 8:30 service is Owen Jennings Cunningham, son of Lindsay and Matt Cunningham. Being baptized at the 9:45 service is Henry Gordon Blackburn, son of Shelby and Barrett Blackburn. Being baptized at the 11:00 service is Vera Ellen Walsh, daughter of Rebecca and Mike Walsh. Armenia Mission Learning Session, today, 9:45 a.m., Francis Chapel: Join us as we welcome Nara Melkonyan. Nara is the Program Director for Project AGAPE, the Western NC UMC and North Carolina UMC organization that provides support to our brothers and sisters in Armenia. Nara will share stories from Project AGAPE's 25-year history and where our work is headed. A question-and-answer session with Nara and Chris Lepore, 2020 Armenia trip leader, will follow her presentation. Questions: Chris Lepore at c.note.lepore@gmail.com. Parenting Through the Phases, today, 10:00 a.m.-10:40 a.m., Jubilee Hall: Do you have a new baby or are you expecting? Join us monthly for coffee and conversation that will focus on different developmental phases in a child’s life. This month’s session: New Baby. A panel of experts will be on hand to answer questions and offer tips. Details: Amy Harriman at aharriman@mpumc.org. Youth Group and Confirmation, today, 5:45 p.m.-7:45 p.m., Jubilee Hall: Youth in 6th12th grades are invited to join us tonight. Dinner is BBQ sliders, baked beans, chips, and dessert for $8.
UPCOM ING UMW FALL GATHERING, November 14, 5:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m., Jubilee Hall: Women of all ages are invited to join the United Methodist Women in Jubilee Hall for the Women's Fall Gathering. There will be food, fellowship, vendors, and ways to give to good causes. Dr. Phillip Johnson, principal at Marie G. Davis, will be our keynote speaker. Cost is $10 per person.
All Saints Sunday: All those who follow Jesus, who love God and others are “saints.” That means they are a part of God’s family forever! Next Sunday, as we remember the saints whom have gone before us, we encourage you to bring in a photo of a loved one to hold during the worship service as a way to honor his or her memory. Centering Prayer, Mondays, 5:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m., room 024 or Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.11:00 a.m., Francis Chapel: A beautiful chance to come as you are to learn and practice a form of wordless prayer alongside others. Questions: Rev. Uiyeon Kim at ukim@myersparkumc.org. Question, Persuade, and Refer Training, Monday, 6:30 p.m., room 110: Offered by Mental Health America (MHA), this training teaches attendees to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis, and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help. Register with Carmen Rivera at crivera@mpumc.org. Caregivers Support Group, Tuesday, 11:30 a.m., room 105: Share the challenges and rewards of the experience. Contact Parish Nurse Lauren Smith at lsmith@mpumc.org. Moms, Meet Amy at Amelie's, Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m., Amelie’s at Park Road Shopping Center: Amy Harriman, MPUMC’s Director of Children’s Ministries, wants to get to know you! All moms are invited to join her for conversation, community, and complimentary coffee. Questions: Email Amy at aharriman@mpumc.org.
PHANTOM OF THE ORGAN, Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., Sanctuary: Children of all ages, come in your Halloween costume for this annual concert. There will be plenty of music, sing-alongs, movie clips, and surprise guests.
Forward, November 3, 4:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m., room 240: All 4th and 5th graders are invited to Forward. Details: Email Amy Harriman at aharriman@mpumc.org. Grief Support Group, November 4, 11, 18, and 25, 6:30 p.m.-7:45 p.m., room 106: Bill Roth will lead a four-session workshop designed to assist and support those grieving a loss. This will be a time of sharing our individual journeys and coming to a deeper understanding of the grief process of which we are now a part. To register, contact Carmen Rivera at crivera@mpumc.org.
UPCOM ING CONTINUE D Medication Information and Counseling Fair, November 6, rooms 237, 239, and 240, 3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.: Do you have questions about medications? Volunteer pharmacists will be available for one-on-one counseling and further discussion as needed. Pre-registration is required. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Parish Nurse Lauren Smith at lsmith@mpumc.org. Labyrinth, November 11-November 17, Monday-Thursday, 9:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m., Friday, 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m., Saturday, 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., and Sunday, 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Francis Chapel: Schedule subject to change; please call 704-376-8584 to verify. November focus is Thanksgiving/Gratitude. In God’s Image, November 12, 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., room 105: Our church is offering a gathering space for those who have been hurt by the General Conference’s adoption of the Traditionalist plan regarding same gender marriage and ordination. This group offers a safe and sacred space to share feelings, seek discernment, and receive support. Contact Bill Roth at broth@mpumc.org.
JUBILEE PLUS! GIVING FUND: 100% of funds given to this second-mile giving fund go out the door to support partners such as CareRing, QC Family Tree, and Project AGAPE. Give generously to Jubilee Plus! year-round online or write a check to the church with Jubilee Plus! in the memo line.
How Has God Wired You to Serve?, November 14, 6:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m., room 106: Register for a Wired 4 Ministry class to learn how to make a difference through your unique, Godgiven design. Registration and pre-class exercises are required. Contact Carol Tate at ctate@mpumc.org to sign up. Family Advent Night, November 20, 5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m.: All families are invited for a festive evening of dinner, advent craft-making, and cookie decorating. $10/adults, $7/children 12 and under, $35 max per family. Child care is available for children 2 and under. Email Lisa Ross-Smit at lrsmit@mpumc.org to make child care reservations. Event registration opens online November 1. Space is limited! Pre-order Christmas Trees and Wreaths, now-November 30: We have a new vendor for our trees and wreaths this year. The lot will be open for pick-up December 5-7. Please support our youth and pre-order yours today online at www.myersparkumc.org/events/youth-tree-sale/. Medicare Part D Counseling, open enrollment, now-December 7: One-on-one counseling offered. If you have Medicare Part D coverage or are becoming eligible for Medicare, you may find this counseling very helpful. Bring your list of medications and dosages. Contact Carmen Rivera at 704-295-4818 for appointment dates and times.
LORD, WHERE DID WE SEE YOU? November 4, 6:30 p.m., Jubilee Hall: Join us for a night of music and arts, featuring our own Church in the Round musicians and six new pieces of art commissioned by artists from UMAR. Visit www.myersparkumc.org/music-arts-umar.
Young Adult Ministry: Events and groups are updated regularly and posted to the website at myersparkumc.org/young-adults. Check it often or contact Rev. Jessica Dayson at jdayson@mpumc.org to be added to the email list.
E NGAG E M E NT OPPORTUN ITI E S ZOE-KENYA Mission Trips, February 18-27 or July 14-23: Register today for one of two upcoming mission trips to visit ZOE in Maua, Kenya, to learn more about their orphan empowerment program. Sign up at www.myersparkumc.org/kenya-zoe. Costa Rica Spring Break Family Mission, register now: Join our April 13-20 mission trip (for ages 8 and up) to work alongside our ministry partners to construct buildings and strengthen relationships. Sign up at www.myersparkumc.org/costarica. Welcome Legal Asylum-Seekers, Sundays, 3:15 p.m., Greyhound bus station: Join us in a ministry of presence and hospitality here in Charlotte. Visit www.myersparkumc.org/bus-station to sign up, or email Janie Reynolds at jreynolds12@carolina.rr.com with questions.
REVOLUTION OF VALUES FEATURING JONATHAN WILSON-HARTGROVE, November 18, 7:00 p.m., Jubilee Hall: Author will share from his latest book, Revolution of Values, followed by an open discussion with community leaders whose values have led them to take action in the areas of housing, education, healthcare, and the displacement of people.
Make Sandwiches for Urban Ministry, 3rd Mondays, 9:00 a.m., Jubilee Hall: Call Martha Abbey at 704-264-6892 for details. October Collection: School Partnerships, now-October 31, Lobby: Donate Kleenex, hand sanitizer, sanitizer spray, sanitizer wipes, and printer paper to be used by our partner schools. Questions: Contact Julie Wentz at jwentz@mpumc.org. Border Pilgrimage, November 13-16: Join our mission team traveling to the US/Mexico border led by Rev. Nathan Arledge. Our border pilgrimages serve to draw awareness to the proximity of our sisters and brothers seeking asylum, migrant workers, and the journey of the immigrant in our everyday lives. For trip registration details, go to www.myersparkumc.org/border.
FOR THE LOVE OF READING, Tuesdays or Thursdays, 9:00 a.m., Marie G. Davis School: We need readers weekly, or on an occasional substitute basis, to work with children developing their love of books and reading. For more information, contact Amie Rucker at amierucker@gmail.com.
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
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!
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
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.
DRAW NEAR TO GOD AND HE WILL DRAW NEAR TO YOU (James 4:8a) Take a peek in room 257 during Sunday school, and you’ll be delighted by what you’ll find. It’s a serene space filled with the sound of soothing meditative music, lit only by twinkling lights. Inside are children tracing a finger labyrinth as they clear their minds of extra thoughts; building schools, churches, and hospitals out of Legos as they pray for the people who are in those places; putting together puzzles as they pray for all God’s people and creatures; looking out the window with binoculars to observe God’s wonderful world and giving thanks for all they see; holding a calming jar to be reminded how God reminds us to be still, to wait and to stay calm whatever the situation; and curling up on a bean bag chair or in the teepee to read a book. I want to be clear that this is not just a pretty place for children to gather and be quiet. Kingdom activity is happening in this space! The children are intentionally exploring ways to draw closer to God as they engage in different senses, kneel, worship, and are intercessors. Children rarely have an opportunity to be still and quiet, to listen for God, and to talk to God without interruption. This is indeed a special time. Here are comments from teachers and parents who have already visited the prayer room.
“I love the Prayer Room. It is so incredibly amazing to have the tangible resources to show children many different ways to pray. I had an overwhelming feeling of His presence when I was in there. I could truly feel The Lord’s Spirit. The feeling is just so strong…it was a lovely experience. Many thanks to the donor(s) and others who made it possible for us to have this on campus.” - Elisabeth Toms “Last spring we offered two temporary prayer rooms, and we are thrilled to now offer a permanent space for children and their families to explore prayer. Several church members gave their ideas, talents, and time to set up the space, made possible by a generous donation. Every few months, prayer stations will rotate and allow us to offer new experiences throughout the year. I look forward to seeing the room being used by the children and hope they feel the peace and calmness of knowing God is always with them.”- Leslie Lowery
It is my hope and prayer that children learn they can pray about whatever is on their minds. Whether they are happy, sad, angry, frightened, or deeply concerned over something, they can quickly learn to turn to prayer. May this space help children grow into a life-long prayer relationship with God. May God continue to bless this space and all who enter. We are all children of God so no matter your age, I hope you will visit this amazing sacred space. Amy Harriman Director of Children’s Ministries