THIS WEEK N OV E M B E R 1 0 | 2019
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.
TODAY The Flowers on the Altar are given to the glory of God and in memory of former Altar Guild members, by the Altar Guild. Receiving the Sacrament of Holy Baptism at the 9:45 a.m. service is Cora Ellen Black, daughter of Erin and Tyler Black. Dr. Howell, our Senior Pastor, is recuperating from foot surgery this past week. He is fine, is working remotely, and will be back with us soon.
Our Deepest Sympathy Juanita "Nita" Wolf Witte, sister of Betty Paules and Anna Damron, who died on November 2, 2019. Roy Bowman McKnight, Jr., husband of Mary Jane McKnight, father of Will McKnight, and grandfather of Anna Steed, who died on November 2, 2019. Leslie C. “Buzz” Holshouser, Jr., father of Bradford Holshouser, who died on October 19, 2019.
Youth Parent Coffee Talk, today 9:45 a.m.-10:45 a.m., Francis Chapel: Trey Ishee from Southeast Psych will be discuss Promoting Healthy Childhood Autonomy. Youth Group and Confirmation, today, 5:45 p.m.-7:45 p.m., Jubilee Hall: Grades 6-12 are invited to join us tonight. Dinner is Hubee D’s food truck for $8.
UPCOM ING Young Adult Meet and Greet, Sundays, 9:45 a.m., room 133: Join us for a laid back setting to meet other young adults, discuss scripture, and have a time of fellowship. Come as you are when you are here! 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. Grief Support Group, November 11, 18, & 25, 6:30 p.m.-7:45 p.m., room 106: Bill Roth leads a workshop designed to assist & 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. Register with Carmen Rivera at crivera@mpumc.org. In God’s Image, Tuesday, 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.
LABYRINTH, November 11-17: We invite you to make intentional space this season to encounter God and spend time in prayer. The theme for November is the Gift of Encouragement. For specific hours and to learn more, visit www.myersparkumc.org/contemplative
Evening Moms’ Group, Tuesday, 7:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m., off-site location: Join us to meet other moms at MPUMC for a time of fellowship, faith development, and deepening relationships. Sign up with Rachel Heath at rachel.heath1@gmail.com. Pastors’ Wednesday Bible Study, 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., room 108: Join us as Rev. Uiyeon Kim leads us in this week's study entitled "Season of Contentment and Gratitude." Email Lisa Ross-Smit at lrsmit@mpumc.org to make child care reservations. 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. How Has God Wired You to Serve?, Thursday, 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, God-given design. Registration and pre-class exercises are required. Contact Carol Tate at ctate@mpumc.org to sign up. Middle School Mayhem: Friday, 7:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m: Calling all Middle School youth, grab a friend and join us for Middle School Mayhem at Big Air. Cost is $20. Sign up at www.mpumcyouth.org. Youth Serving the City, Saturday, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.: All youth are invited to go to Aldersgate and play Bingo with the residents and then have lunch together. Sign up at www.mpumcyouth.org.
O R D E R CH R I STM A S TR E E S AN D WR E ATH S: 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 order yours today online at www.myersparkumc.org.
Myers Park Readers, November 17, 7:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m., room 149: Join us for a special book study of J.R.R.Tolkien’s, The Lord of the Rings series, starting with The Hobbit. All ages are welcome. If you have questions or would like to join, please contact Grace Pressley at gpressley03@gmail.com. Caregivers Support Group, November 19, 11:30 a.m., room 105: Share the challenges and rewards of the experience. Contact Parish Nurse Lauren Smith at lsmith@mpumc.org.
UPCOM ING CONTINUE D Young Adults Monthly Brew, November 21, 7:00 p.m., Resident Culture, 2101 Central Avenue: Join us for a casual night to meet other young adults from MPUMC. Parenting Through the Phases, November 24, 10:00 a.m.-10:40 a.m., Jubilee Hall: Join us monthly for coffee and conversation that will focus on different developmental phases in a child’s life. This month’s session: 4th & 5th Grades. A panel of experts will be on hand to answer questions and offer tips. Details: Amy Harriman at aharriman@mpumc.org. Service of Hope and Consolation, December 2, 6:30 p.m. in Francis Chapel: Each holiday season, we welcome the bereaved to this special service, praying that the music, words, and candlelight comfort those for whom Thanksgiving and Christmas can be painful. Contact Bill Roth at broth@mpumc.org. Kneeling at the Manger, December 8, 4:00 p.m., Jubilee Hall: Mark your calendars for this service of story and song. A narrator will read the story of Christ’s birth and children of all ages are invited to come forward dressed as their favorite Nativity character. The Children’s Choirs will sing.
JUBILEE PLUS! GIVING FUND: 100% of funds given to this second-mile giving fund go out the door to support our global partnerships like Zoe Empowers and Faith Ministry. Give generously to Jubilee Plus! year-round online or write a check to the church with Jubilee Plus! in the memo line.
Christmas Concerts: December 15, 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 1501 N Tryon: Join us for either of our two concerts. The 150-voice chorus, comprised of our adult, youth, and children’s ensembles will join with a full orchestra featuring our own Myers Park Strings, and Myers Park Bells to ring in this season. Free event and free parking. Shuttle from MPUMC will be available starting at 2:30 p.m. No tickets required.
E NGAG E M E NT OPPORTUN ITI E S Thanksgiving Table Tithe, now-November 20, Lobby: We are collecting Thanksgiving food items, plus a $25 donation (gift card or check), for neighbors at Marie G. Davis School and our partners at Loaves & Fishes. Look for tagged bags with instructions throughout the building, and drop off items in the marked bin through November 20. Questions? Contact Julie Wentz at jwentz@mpumc.org. Jubilee Store, shop starting this week, serve December 7-8, St. John’s Baptist Church: Help parents in Charlotte Family Housing’s programs create a special Christmas for their children. Starting this week, pick up a gift tag from one of our trees scattered around the church. Or sign up to serve with these families (as an inventory worker, shopping assistant, gift wrapper, greeter, or childcare worker) on December 7 and 8. Visit www.myersparkumc.org/jubilee-store to sign up or learn more. Drivers Needed, Thursday, November 21, 10:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Tupelo Honey: Help Sedgefield Middle School honor their Scholars of the Month by providing transportation to their luncheon. Volunteers must already be pre-approved to drive the church vehicles. Lunch will be provided. Details: Frank Turner at frank.turner@allentate.com.
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.
Stuff a Backpack for the Salvation Army, November 17-December 5: The Salvation Army's Christmas Cheer Program provides Christmas gifts and fresh school supplies to more than 11,000 children. You can make Christmas magical for a child in need by filling backpacks with supplies! Pick up backpacks from outside the Children's Ministries office. Return your filled backpacks to the Children's Ministries office by Thursday, December 5. Room in the Inn: Every Thursday and Friday night from December 1 through March 31, we open our doors and hearts to provide warm meals, warm beds, and warm fellowship for homeless neighbors. In total, we will host over 400 of our neighbors that might not otherwise have someplace to stay. There are various opportunities for individuals, families, and groups to participate, such as driving the van, preparing and serving a meal, and staying overnight with our guests. For more details and to sign up to serve, contact greg@willisengineers.com. Make Sandwiches for Urban Ministry, 3rd Mondays, 9:00 a.m., Jubilee Hall: Call Martha Abbey at 704-264-6892 for details. Sort Donations at Loaves & Fishes, 2nd Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m., Loaves & Fishes warehouse: We meet monthly at the warehouse at 648 Griffith Road, to sort donated food. Email Laura Weller at lauraoweller@yahoo.com with questions. Sunday Morning Check-in Kiosk Greeters: Looking for a quick and easy but meaningful way to serve in Children’s Ministries? Consider helping as a check-in kiosk greeter on Sunday morning! This commitment requires just 20 minutes of your time, but it is a huge blessing to families and staff. Check out the SignUp Genius on the Children’s Ministries web page and sign up! Questions: Email Amy Harriman at aharriman@mpumc.org.
INTERFAITH THANKSGIVING SERVICE, November 26, 7:00 p.m., Friendship Missionary Baptist Church: Join MeckMin as it presents it's 44th annual citywide Interfaith Thanksgiving Service. Dr. Howell will be the speaker for this event, located at 3400 Beatties Ford Road. The evening's theme will be "A Time of Healing: Weaving A Tapestry of Faith."
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
WELCOMING JAMIE YEARWOOD TO OUR STAFF
We're pleased to announce that Jamie Yearwood, our new Director of Development began Monday, November 4. Jamie has nearly a decade of experience working in fundraising, most recently as the Director of Leadership and Annual Giving at Queens University, nurturing relationships with alumni and friends of the university which led to meaningful philanthropic support to advance the mission of Queens.
A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Jamie earned a BA in Corporate Communications from Elon, and then completed her MS in Sports Studies at the University of Tennessee. She and her husband, JD, are parents to 3 girls; Emmy (4), Hattie (2) and Annie (2 months). They are members at Selwyn Avenue Presbyterian Church where Jamie has served as an Elder. She was co-chair of the Stewardship Committee and Chair of the Child Development Center Board. Please join us in extending our warmest welcome to Jamie as she joins the MPUMC Family!
UMW FALL GATHERING Join us for a wonderful night to shop local vendors that support great causes, hear from our guest speaker about the importance of education in our local community, and fellowship with other women of the church.
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
The event, which is sposored by the United Methodist Women, will meet in Jubilee Hall starting at 5:30 p.m. The cost is $10 which includes dinner at 6:00 p.m. There will also be a donation collected for the UMW World Thank Offering and for our school partnership with Marie G. Davis. Register at myersparkumc.org/women.
THIRD QUARTER FINANCIAL UPDATE by Richard Wood
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.
Greetings all. Contributions to the church for the first nine months of 2019 were $3,362,479, essentially even with the same period last year. The budget for 2019 is $5,993,138. Our operating expenses increased 7.5% over the same time last year which combines for a year to date operating deficit of $940,284, the largest operating deficit in recent history. I would ask that everyone prayerfully consider their giving pattern and frequency to the church as we approach the holiday season and end of year. Contributions to Jubilee Plus! for the first nine months of 2019 were $348,739. Remember this is our 100% funds out the door ministry, which includes vital local and world outreach programs and is not supported by general church operations. Your support of this ministry is very important. The next report will be for the full year of 2019 financial results in January, 2020. Best wishes for a wonderful holiday season.