This Week at Myers Park United Methodist Church | November 17-November 23

THIS WEEK N OV E M B E R 17 | 2019

Huntington Beach, SC by Albert Dulin

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 Lois Sparks Pittman, sister of Ruby Sparks, who died on November 10.

TODAY The Flowers on the Altar are from the wedding of Leigh Ann Smith and Raj Merchant. They are given to the glory of God and in memory of the bride’s mother, Cheryl Snipes Smith.

Dr. Howell, our Senior Pastor, is recuperating from foot surgery. He is fine, is working remotely, and will be back with us soon.

Youth Group and Confirmation, today, 5:45 p.m.-7:45 p.m., Jubilee Hall: Youth in grades 6 -12 are invited to join us tonight. Dinner is Moe’s Taco Bar for $8.

Myers Park Readers, tonight, 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. All ages are welcome.

For more information, please contact Grace Pressley at gpressley03@gmail.com.

In Celebration Margaret Fletcher Self, daughter of Virginia and Blake Self, granddaughter of Amelia and Courtenay Miller, and niece of Payson and Claude Miller, who was born on November 12.

Olivia Ava Sieber, daughter of Meredith and Michael Sieber, granddaughter of Bert Lampley, and niece of Alison Lampley, who was born on November 9.

Wallace Riggs Smoak, son of Camilla and Will Smoak, grandson of Carolyn Johnston, brother of Calloway Smoak, and nephew of Emery Johnston and Taylor Johnston, who was born on November 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.

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.

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.

Grief Support Group, November 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.

REVOLUTION OF VALUES FEATURING JONATHAN WILSON-HARTGROVE, tomorrow, 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.

Moms, Meet Amy at Amelie's, November 20, 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. This is the last meeting, so don’t miss your chance to meet Amy! Questions: Email Amy at aharriman@mpumc.org.

Pastors’ Wednesday Bible Study, 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., room 108: Join us as Rev. Nathan Arledge leads us in this week's study entitled "Jesus is Lord! Now What?"

Email Lisa Ross-Smit at lrsmit@mpumc.org to make child care reservations.

HOT Wednesday has concluded for the season and will resume January 8.

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. Young Adults’ Friendsgiving, November 23, 5:00 p.m., 621 Berkeley Avenue: Young adults and their children are invited to Friendsgiving. Bring your own drinks, and sign up to bring a dish to share by contacting Lindsay Stewart at lindsaycannadystewart@gmail.com.

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.

INTERFAITH THANKSGIVING SERVICE, November 26, 7:00 p.m., Friendship Missionary Baptist Church: Join MeckMin as it presents its 44th annual citywide Interfaith Thanksgiving Service. Dr. Howell will speak at this event, located at 3400 Beatties Ford Rd. The evening's theme is "A Time of Healing: Weaving A Tapestry of Faith."

How Has God Wired You to Serve? December 5, 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.

Young Adults’ Christmas Party, December 14, 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m., 2410 Valencia Terrace: The Agape Sunday School class invites all young adults to gather around an outdoor fire for appetizers and desserts. Children are also welcome, and toys will be available inside. Bring your own drinks. For more information, contact Mallory Fiery at Mallory.fiery@gmail.com.

UPCOM ING CONTINUE D 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, composed 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. ASL Interpretation will be available during the 4:00 p.m. service. Shuttle from MPUMC is also available starting at 2:30 p.m. No tickets required.

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 order yours today online at www.myersparkumc.org.

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. Schedule with Carmen Rivera at 704-295-4818.

JUBILEE PLUS! GIVING FUND: 100% of funds given to this second-mile giving fund go out the door to support partners such as Jubilee Store, Brookhill Community Center, and Crisis Assistance Ministry. Give generously to Jubilee Plus! year-round online or write a check to the church with Jubilee Plus! in the memo line.

E NGAG E M E NT OPPORTUN ITI E S Jubilee Store, shop now, 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.

Goodness Gracious Gifts: Have you stopped by Goodness Gracious Gifts lately?

Be sure to stop in and check out the Christmas décor and gifts. All proceeds go to support missions!

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.

SERVICE OF HOPE & 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.

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.

Zoe-Kenya Mission Trips: Register today for either the February 18-27 or July 1423 missions. Our teams will visit Maua, Kenya to learn more about their orphan empowerment program. Sign up at www.myersparkumc.org/kenya-zoe.

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 ensembles will perform.

Middle School Chicago Mission Trip, register now: We have ONE spot open for a Middle School Youth to serve alongside our friends at DOOR Ministry July 12-17. For more information, contact Sarah Simmons at ssimmons@mpumc.org.

High School Mexico Mission Trip, register now: We have five spots open for high schoolers to serve alongside our friends at Faith Ministry July 19-25, 2020. For more information, contact Ellen Spence at ellenspence@mpumc.org.

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.

THANKSGIVING TABLE TITHE, nowNovember 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.

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

YOUTH TREE & WREATH SALE

by Ellen Spence

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!

The Youth Christmas Tree and Wreath sale is more than a fundraiser for our Youth and the Community. Every year, youth and parents gather the first weekend of December to work the tree lot. This has been a tradition of the Myers Park United Methodist Youth group for over 20 years. We love seeing the familiar faces that come year after year to get their trees, wreaths or garland. We love meeting new people that have ordered a tree from us for the first time! And we hope to see all of you there December 5-7.

Each year, we invite Families from Refugee Support Services to join us on Friday night to fellowship together, pick out a tree, and eat dinner. Families from Nepal, Bhutan, Vietnam, Mexico, and Burma have felt the love of the MPUMC Youth the past few years and your generous donations and purchase of trees help us do this.

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.

A note from a Refugee Family from last year: Thank you so very much for beautiful pictures and everything today. Kids very happy to see first fresh Christmas trees. It's huge but they love it. You are blessing to us. May God bless you and your family with abundantly love. We got to meet nice , kindness, and loving people there. Specially thanks to you how great you have loving us so much. Don't know what else to say beside thank you. I am humbly honor for all you done. We love the foods and Christmas tree.

With love, Rachel - on behalf of MooPaw, Tsigab and their families!

We encourage you to pre-order your tree, wreath, or garland online at www.myersparkumc.org/events/youth-tree-sale, and join us to celebrate community and the holiday spirit. All proceeds this year will be going to help offset the costs of our youth mission trips and for building supplies where needed. If you buy your tree in the mountains or elsewhere, please consider purchasing a tree to donate to a family from Refugee Support Services in Charlotte or simply make a donation to the sale.

Tr e e L o t H o u r s • Thursday, December 5 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

• Friday, December 6 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Family fun night with

Hubee D’s Food truck • Saturday, December 7 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.