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2014
ASK
SEEK
FIND
EVERY MEMBER HAS A MINISTRY Ordinary People - Extraordinary Impact
THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A CHRISTIAN SPECTATOR! WE ARE ALL IN THE GAME. Being a Christian is not something we place on our calendar. It is who we are, inside and out. It is our approach to life. It is at the core of our being wherever we go. We belong to Christ. This is why at Myers Park Presbyterian, we say Every Member Has a Ministry. Jesus does not leave anyone on the bench. Our faith, our relationship with God, our Christian ethics – they are always in play. Church is not a place we go to – it is who and what we are in the world. You are about to read some inspiring stories about people who are living their faith through a relationship with Jesus Christ. They are in ministry, and ministry is in them. You will see that ministry can happen at any time, in any place.
Sometimes you plan for it and often you do not. Sometimes ministry is a yearlong commitment and other times, Christ will use you for what seems like minutes. Ministry is defined by Jesus, not by us. It is wherever the Spirit of God is using you for the sake of the kingdom. That is ministry. You will find diversity in the stories you are about to read. You will find joy and a growing sense of faith and commitment in the people who tell these stories. Every member has a ministry in this church because we all belong to Christ, and he does not leave anyone sitting on the bench.
STEVE EASON SENIOR PASTOR
LE AR N HOW OU R
MINISTRY MENTORS CAN HELP YOU on page 34
TABLE OF CONTENTS 2 A COMMON THREAD
A Simple Idea Makes Clean Water Possible
4 HEAD TO HEART
The Longest Journey
6 LIKE A GOOD NEIGHBOR
Putting Faith to Work in Grier Heights
8 SIMPLE ACTS
How One 20-Something Spends Her Vacation
10 THE RIPPLE EFFECT
The Impact One Pebble Can Make
12 PERFECT TIMING
Getting Connected as a Youth
14 FAITH AT ANY LATITUDE
Why Staying in the Boat is Not an Option
16 THE CIRCLE OF LIFE
Plugging Into an Endless Energy Source
18 FEEDING BODY AND SOUL
Ministry that Fits Your Schedule
20 EXPERIENCING LIFE TOGETHER
Sharing in the Aha Moments
22 GOING THE DISTANCE
How Ministry Choices Change Over Time
24 GOOD FAITH ESTIMATE
The ROI of Peer-Led Faith Building
26 THE TIPPING POINT
From Nuts and Bolts to Relationships
28 TEACH YOUR CHILDREN WELL
Faith Lessons from Birth
30 BEHIND THE SCENES
The Blessings of Flying Under the Radar
32 THE MULTIPLICATION FACTOR
Member Times Ministry Equals Infinite Joy
34 MINISTRY INDEX
36 - SERVE THE CHURCH
38 - SERVE THE COMMUNITY 39 - SERVE THE WORLD
Taking Ministry to the Next Level
If you have comments or questions about Journey or Myers Park Presbyterian communications, please contact Dorothy Lineberger at dlineberger@myersparkpres.org or 704.927.1267. You also may contact Bob Davies, communications committee chair, at candescence@carolina.rr.com.
A
COMMON
THREAD
TALKING ABOUT KNITTING AND EASING AFRICA’S WATER SHORTAGE IN THE SAME SENTENCE SEEMS LAUGHABLE. NOW IMAGINE USING ONE TO BOOST THE OTHER. THIS SEEMINGLY DIAMETRICALLY OPPOSED CONCEPT WAS THE BRAINCHILD OF HARRIET PHARR.
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PEOPLE WITH CLEAN WATER 2
IT ALL BEGAN WHEN SENIOR PASTOR STEVE EASON CHALLENGED THE CONGREGATION THI SW TO GET INTO DEEPER WATER. AS MA DE “As I listened to Steve tell us to think outside And we could always count on of the box, the idea just hit me. What if Doug Faris to buy the items that PO
we could get the congregation to create hand-knitted items, and then sell and donate the proceeds towards shallow wells in Malawi? I talked about it with Lydia, my daughter, as we walked home from church and then a few friends – Jan Swetenburg, Muffin Campbell and Arlene Fenlon – and everyone thought the plan was so crazy it just might work,” Harriet said. As the concept for A Common Thread began to take shape, little could deter Harriet. Not even the fact that she did not knit very well. “My mother is a beautiful knitter. I’m still not very good. Knitting, however, was just kind of a vehicle – a simple concept that anyone could grasp. It was a concrete way you could make a difference right here at home,” said Harriet. There were a number of knitters in the congregation who rallied to the cause. The Take My Hands Presbyterian Women’s circle – mostly from Sharon Towers – knitted two-thirds of the items they sold. The first sale was a “congested, festive mess” according to Harriet in what was then the CrossRoads area of the church. On the table were two jars: one with dirty water similar to what was found in Malawi and the other with clean water. “People saw what a difference purchasing a knitted hat could make and awareness just grew exponentially. More people began buying and knitting every year. It didn’t matter if you were five years old or 50. One person bought 20 hats for their nieces and nephews.
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hadn’t sold because he wanted to support the cause. We even had individuals, families and circles who would outright buy wells. That would be their Christmas present to their family,” she said. Since it began in 2006, A Common Thread proceeds have been used to purchase and build 115 shallow wells in Malawi, furnishing 17,250 people with clean water. Harriet, however, will take no credit. “All of this was made possible because of a simple idea and people’s incredible generosity. I’ve been a member of Myers Park Presbyterian for 31 years, but at each sale I was surprised and proud about how this church steps up,” said Harriet. Interestingly, Harriet has never traveled to Malawi. “I enjoyed meeting the minister from Malawi on one of his visits but I did not feel called to see the wells firsthand. I felt like I did my best work for Malawi right here at home,” she said. The last A Common Thread sale took place in December and Harriet was asked if she was sad that this chapter was coming to a close. “It’s been a good run. This is a concept that I thought would have a lifespan of about three years and it went six. Now I’m looking for the next thing to get excited about,” she said. Laughing Harriet added, “I think God says, ‘Harriet, I’ll give you an idea because you won’t get it on your own.’ So I’m looking forward to my next quest.”
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HEAD HEART
The longest journey that an individual faces is the 18 inches from head to heart – a distance that can seem like a chasm, especially for men. This statement was made by someone who speaks from personal experience.
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When Sandy Weathersbee was in his 30s, he said he lived in a “spiritual desert” without even realizing it. He was a church member, but his focus was on work and getting ahead. This is a far cry from the person who stands before you today. A person who says the Great Commission is his life. What made the difference? Sandy said it really started when he attended a faith-based conference in Dallas several years ago which focused on Matthew 28:19. Prior that time, Sandy’sthat churchaninvolvement The to longest journey individualcentered faces on is the 18 administrative at to Myers Park–Presbyterian, had can chaired inchesroles. fromHere head heart a distancehethat seem like the facilities and columbarium evenstatement been the laywas made a chasm, especiallycommittee for men.and This leader of global outreach team from personal experience. bythe someone who speaks 4
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WHEN SANDY WEATHERSBEE WAS IN HIS 30s, HE SAID HE LIVED IN A “SPIRITUAL DESERT” WITHOUT EVEN REALIZING IT. HE WAS A CHURCH MEMBER, BUT HIS FOCUS WAS ON WORK AND GETTING AHEAD. THIS IS A FAR CRY FROM THE PERSON WHO STANDS BEFORE YOU TODAY. A PERSON WHO SAYS THE GREAT COMMISSION IS HIS LIFE.
WHAT MADE THE DIFFERENCE?
andy said it really started when he attended a Search Ministries conference in Dallas last January which focused on Matthew 28:19. Prior to that time, Sandy’s church involvement centered on administrative roles. Here at Myers Park Presbyterian, he had been on the facilities and columbarium committee and even been the lay leader of the global relations team. They were all natural fits because of his professional experience, yet Sandy felt he really was not very good at any of them. “I don’t feel like I see a big enough picture. I’m not out there in front of it,” he said. While at the conference, Sandy realized that small groups were where he could make an impact. Yet having this realization and making it reality were two different things. Sandy was not sure how to get started. Then he attended a session meeting as an elder and made it known that he would like to be part of small group formation at Myers Park Presbyterian. Shortly after, Steve Eason preached on Acts 16 and Sandy felt the “door was wide open.” The two men began brainstorming the launch of what is now the successful Weekday School Dads’ Bible Study. “Smaller groups allow you to cultivate relationships, and bridging that gap between head and heart is really meaningful. It happens in circles, not rows. In happens in a discussion group, not as a lecture. Sometimes it even happens in silence when no one is speaking,” said Sandy. This fall, Sandy also helped found and facilitated The Well Sunday School class (shown at left). The class of men and women, singles and marrieds, which is open to all ages, now has 65 on the roster. They function as a discussion group with chairs in a semi-circle and shared leadership. When asked to describe the joys and challenges of this journey, Sandy gives a slight shrug, smiles and says the whole experience has been a leap of faith. “Christ has given me the courage to stand up in front of people and not worry about what they think of me. That courage seems to spill over other and is self-perpetuating. I still find that surprising, but the full joy of faith is embracing its mystery and beauty. Faith is not something we can tag, box and wrap up for folks. It is not always a + b= c,” said Sandy. The energetic man pauses and says patience is a key ingredient. “Building a small group ministry is a slow process. You have to whittle away at it and then you find it becomes contagious. People start talking about it at parties. Others get interested and look into it. The spiritual curiosity builds. In essence, it’s reproductive evangelism that multiplies through relationships. It’s seeing where God places you and who he puts you in front of. It’s a great adventure,” said Sandy.
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Look up the characteristics of a good neighbor and you will find words like obliging, affable and hospitable. Curt Seifart is all three and more, but he would react to such a description with seeming disbelief. To Curt, these qualities come naturally and he does not like the thought of being singled out.
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n many ways, that is why Seifart, a Realtor, is so good at what he does. Curt focuses on building relationships and fulfilling a person’s dream of what a home should be, whether he is fixing a roof on a Habitat critical home repair build, digging sewer lines for Getsemani homes in El Salvador, or partnering with aspiring residents of Elizabeth Heights. This mindset made him a perfect fit for a new discipleship role identified by CrossRoads Corporation for Affordable Housing, the 5013(c)(3) Myers Park Presbyterian helped found to revitalize Grier Heights. The nonprofit had purchased a six-acre tract of land on Heflin Street and began building houses for mixed-income residents. CrossRoads needed help, however, finding buyers who would become not just investors, but neighbors, actively engaged in positive change for the Grier Heights community. Curt had read about the ongoing activities with interest and wanted to become involved. His phone call to fellow Myers Park Presbyterian member and CrossRoads Executive Director Don Gately seemed almost like telepathy. Gately was just getting ready to call Curt. Both saw the marriage of Curt’s professional skills and heart for ministry as a perfect fit. A few weeks later, the Helen Adams Realtor had become the listing agent for eight new homes and began overseeing all marketing for Elizabeth Heights. The intent of CrossRoads is to work hand-inhand with the neighborhood on revitalization, not gentrification, explained Seifart. In some ways, that has made the job more difficult. Initially Curt handled 10-15 calls a week from individuals who saw
the value proposition, but were unaware of the overall mission. Seifart quickly dispels any misperceptions you might have about affordable housing. “I can tell you unequivocally that there is nothing like this out there,” he said, adding that Jim Burbank and the JCB Urban construction company built the homes with amenities that significantly exceed comparablypriced for-profit products. The challenge Curt faced was finding individuals/families that fit the buyer profile which included a creditworthiness threshold and a personal income cap – a challenge the always energetic Seifart met and exceeded. Today all of the homes in phase one are either sold or under contract, and Curt and his boutique firm have foregone any commission. Sometime in January, phase two is expected to launch. There is already a list of potential buyers. The reward for Seifart is seeing neighbors meeting neighbors with such excitement about the greater Grier Heights community. “I go home nightly and tell my wife that I am blessed to work with this team. Donnetta Collier with Self-Help is an angel who works tirelessly to get people qualified, the Grier Heights leaders believed when others did not, and Myers Park Presbyterian and the CrossRoads team took a risk. Not to mention the encouragement I received from my Tuesday morning men’s Bible study. Men like Von Clemans, Bruce McIntyre and Enrique Sanchez helped me understand a big part of Jesus’ teaching was putting your faith into action. My advice to others is to figure out your passion and find a way to use it to help someone else,” Curt said. Spoken like a true neighbor. 7
NUMBERCRUNCHER BY DAY, YOUTH ADVOCATE BY NIGHT. 8
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everal years ago, after Hannah accepted her corporate finance job and moved to Charlotte, she found herself “church hopping.” Then she recalled the advice of her college mentor to get plugged into a church family quickly to ensure that it remained a priority. “Myers Park Presbyterian was the place that felt the most like home. I like that people here want to engage in ministry and live out their faith, not just ‘do church,’” said Hannah. Since she had experience leading youth small groups throughout high school and college, Hannah volunteered to serve in the youth and their families’ ministry shortly after joining Myers Park Presbyterian. She has chaperoned lock-ins, led weekend retreats and taken part on the Philadelphia and El Salvador mission trips. Youth Associate Pastor Michelle Thomas-Bush is quick to add that Hannah uses her personal vacation time to take part. When asked why she does it, Hannah does not hesitate in her response, “I love to see these youth serve and learn and grow from the experience.” She recalled
I love to go on Sundays and see the youth I’ve met and hear what is going on in their lives. For me, it adds perspective to my life. I’m number crunching all day and they give me a total change of scenery. It challenges me to focus less on myself and keeps my faith alive,” said Hannah. The 25-year-old attributes much of her enthusiasm for ventures like this one to a mission experience she participated in with our youth two years ago. The high schoolers were asked to clean up a public park in Philadelphia. They were surprised that there were no children playing anywhere in sight until the local guide told them to be careful because of the hypodermic needles which were lying around. “That came as such a shock to me at that time. I realized that something simple like cleaning up a park could make a difference in a child’s life. It was no longer just a trip to me. It was a way for me to love God and others through simple acts,” said Hannah. Hannah sees much of what she does with, and for, youth as just that: simple. “I really just go and hang out with them. I’m short so I often get mistaken for being a youth, but maybe that helps me get to know them better,” she said. She is quick to add that getting to know the middle and high schoolers takes time and persistence. “It can be a bit awkward at first, but if you think about it, anything worthwhile takes some work in the beginning. For me, nothing could be more rewarding,” said Hannah.
TODAY, HANNAH THOMPSON FINDS BOTH ROLES ARE A NATURAL FIT. what it was like in Philadelphia saying, “It was tough for them. There were no showers, so they had to bath outside with a hose and cold water. They worked all day and slept on the floors, but not a single youth ever complained. “Sharing circumstances like that with them and building those connections is just a passion of mine.
MENTOR THE NEXT
G E N E R A T IO N go to ser ve.myersparkpres.org/ch urch
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THE
RIPPLE EFFECT
THROW ONE LITTLE PEBBLE INTO THE SEA, AND THOSE RIPPLES GO FAR AND WIDE. That was a statement made recently by Tim Leaycraft – a statement that capsulizes his ministry experience, profession and life. Leaycraft, a Wall Street analyst who commutes between New York City and Charlotte each weekend, joined Myers Park Presbyterian with his family in 2005, but it was not until 2008 that he began to see life and faith in a whole new way. “When the financial crisis occurred, I found myself at a crossroads. I had put everything I had into my work and the bottom dropped out. At that point, I had a lot of questions.
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ach of Myers Park Presbyterian’s global mission experiences includes pre-trip training. It was during one of those sessions, led by Bruce McIntyre, that Tim had a growing sense of unease and began questioning his own motivations. “I starting thinking that going on this trip was too much about me. As I looked around the team and mentally calculated what we were each spending to participate, I wondered if the Salvadorans would be better off if we’d write a check and then hire local people to do the work,” said Leaycraft. When they arrived at Getsemani, Leaycraft quickly discovered nothing could be farther from the truth. “This is a wonderful working partnership with a profound two-way sense of gratitude. It helped me connect the dots with
“The El Salvador mission experience was a chance for me to step out of my comfort zone. My motivation wasn’t all that inspiring. Sure I wanted to help people and alleviate suffering, but I think deep down I was looking for answers personally as well,” said Leaycraft.
Christ’s teachings. Writing a check might seem more efficient but that is not what we are called to do. A lot of what Jesus taught like ‘the last will be first’ stands convention on its ear. You go in thinking you’re there to give them a gift, but in reality, it is an even transaction. Each side has to be prepared to accept the gifts of each other so we can be better prepared to accept God’s gifts. That could take a lifetime,” he said. Leaycraft said the El Salvador trip deepened his respect for the way our church reaches out locally and globally, and opened his eyes to ministry that he continues today. He serves on the board of the Charlotte Bilingual Preschool, a nonprofit organization designed to help the growing number of immigrant families navigate a new language, culture and public school system.
There are 72 Latino preschoolers, ages 3-5, who attend the school, with 300 more on the waiting list. “We incorporate a dual language approach which not only helps equip them for success in our culture, but also honors the children’s heritage, We partner with the parents to further their children’s education much like we do in Getsemani. This helps them arrive at CMS’ doorstep prepared to move ahead,” he said. But when asked why he speaks of the school with such passion, Leaycraft reflected on an experience he had a year ago. “I had just flown from my brother’s Yale Divinity graduation to the bilingual preschool graduation. It made me think about the Getsemani children as well. These experiences were polar opposites by every conceivable measure, yet they were connected by the same spirit. They were two ends of a common continuum, with one being the potential outcome of the other. That potential reenergized me to do more,” he said. 11
Sunday morning for many teens means hitting the proverbial snooze button. Afterall, school is just hours away. But for Caroline Roddey, the timing could not be more perfect. Each week the 15-year-old finds herself energized and recharged as part of the Celebrate praise team. Caroline, who jokingly refers to herself as a Myers Park Presbyterian lifer, joined the team as a vocalist this fall. It was a natural fit. “Music is a way I really connect. I find myself getting lost in it – for me it is almost like praying,” said Caroline. Her decision to audition for the team is one she has never regretted. “I thought it looked like fun, but I didn’t expect it to be so much like a little family,” she said. She is especially blessed by the time, prior to each service, when the team holds hands and prays for one another. For Caroline, this opportunity to glorify God through music, both on the Celebrate team and through youth choir is nothing short of amazing. Yet it is not the only way she serves. Just last month, hundreds of children were blessed by the work Caroline and our youth ministry did helping organize the Christmas Jubilee Store, a partner project with Myers Park Methodist. The store offered Charlotte Family Housing parents an empowering, dignified way to select and purchase Christmas gifts on behalf of their children. “All of us felt like this was a really cool way to give back to the community,” she said. It seemed like a natural extension of her work as leader of the youth 12
council’s mission and outreach team – a team that is responsible for coming up with the mission trips, youth activities and budget. “This has really stretched me because you have to think beyond yourself and consider what the youth as a whole would find challenging,” she said. That kind of big-picture awareness was also vital to her service on the middle school pastor selection committee which recently hired John Turnbull. Yet Caroline finds that mission trips and conferences are still the highlight of her church experience saying, “I’ve never had a bad mission trip.” In fact, she recalled a Montreat youth conference two summers ago when she and Emily Hinshaw shared a song during worship with fellow campers. As the duo sang the lyrics from Secrets by OneRepublic which speaks of being “sick of all the insincere” and not caring “if critics ever jump in line” she felt a special connection to God and her faith. For this tenth-grader, staying on the sidelines is simply not an option. “I tell friends all the time to just try one thing – it might be a mission trip or a youth dinner. People are always welcoming. There are so many ways to get to know others in the church. It is not something to take for granted and it will bless you in so many ways,” she said.
AGE IS
REL ATIVE
WANT TO SERVE? GO TO “JUMP ST ART ”
at serve.myersparkpres.org
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Faith
Preach the gospel, T and if necessary, use words. That is a motto Carol Houle strives to follow whether it is on Oxford Place, a courtyard in Budapest, Hungary, or a remote jungle in South America. Carol is proof positive that living your faith is not bound by geography. 14
he self-described explorer has visited 20 countries and lived in more than a few of them. It is these experiences that have led to her specific ministry choices. For example, since joining Myers Park Presbyterian, Carol has taught Sunday School to children ranging from kindergarten to third-grade. Why? “I want my kids to see me in action when it comes to their spiritual development; seeing faith is important to me increases its value to them,” said Carol. The same kind of passion is evident when Carol describes her work with our church’s Hungary ministry. “I lived in Hungary for six months and witnessed firsthand the enormous prejudice towards the Roma. You see that all across Europe. They live a nearly unbearable life.” Statistics show that only one in five Romani children enroll in, and just 13 percent complete, secondary schools; 42 percent of Romani children without issues are sent to classes for pupils with learning disabilities; and overall life expectancy among the Roma is 10 years less than their non-Roma counterparts.
That is why Carol served on the Hungary team for three years helping analyze the partnership with the Great Church of Debrecen, and determining the best ways to help the Roma, the largest minority in Hungary. “I enjoy being part of an international ministry. You quickly learn that a country may be quite different from the United States, but the people are very much alike,” said Carol. She saw that point lived out again recently as part of the World Vision team’s visit to El Salvador. “This is a program where you can make sustainable change,” said Carol. She describes World Vision’s policy of going into a community for 20-25 years, assessing challenges and enlisting residents to make change. Carol describes meeting Kelvin Jonathon, a four-year-old Salvadoran boy, her family began sponsoring shortly before the trip. Jonathon, who lives in the coffee-growing mountain regions of El Salvador, is very small because of malnutrition. His father is a farmer. “Jonathon lives in a small house with his extended family close to him. What really hit me was they don’t what we have. The things we consider important like jobs, cars, big houses – don’t interest them. They want family around, a roof overhead and food to eat. They
invest in relationships and people,” said Carol. She was amazed at the deep connections our church’s mission team forged on such a short trip saying when they left “everyone was crying, even the guys.” She continued, “With every experience like that, your faith grows and you see God at work in the world.” Carol particularly enjoyed seeing the program’s positive impact, and building relationships with the other women on the mission team – something she regards as priceless, especially since she initially had been fearful about taking part. “El Salvador is one of the most dangerous places on the planet and I had small children at home. But after praying about it, I really felt called to go and serve,” she said. She is so glad she made that choice. At one point on the trip, the team visited a family. A youth scaled a coconut tree, cut off the top of the coconut, and offered it to them with straws as refreshment. The five women were giddy sharing that fresh coconut, because each drink coconut water at home. “To us, it was a little bit of divine intervention. This whole experience proved to me that if you want to walk on water, you have to get out of the boat,” said Carol. 15
e l c r i C The of Life
It all began when she was in her 20s, newly married
and a member of a church her husband had attended since birth. Mary Howard Shaw’s initial thoughts about Myers Park Presbyterian were that it was too big and too pretty. THEN SHE ENGAGED.
All of her misperceptions fell away and Mary Howard experienced what she describes as “plugging your cord into an electrical outlet” and finding a lifelong source of strength. 16
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inistries for Mary Howard have mirrored life stages. The journey started as a youth advisor prior to having children. Next she served as a deacon and chair of the small group ministry when pregnant with her first child. As her family grew, the young mother began teaching children’s and adult Sunday School and serving on the adult education leadership team. Mary Howard gave birth to Ruthie, the youngest of her four children, right before she rolled off her three-year term as an elder. Throughout, her family has served together through Family Promise and Room in the Inn, literally “taking the baby there,” she said.
Each ministry was powerful at that stage of life, but she determined after 14 years of leadership, it was time for change. “I loved each chapter, but as you grow and mature on your faith journey, you see the need to do something different. My development was more heavily weighted on the leadership side and I wanted to shift to direct involvement and being more of a soldier,” said Mary Howard. When she rolled off the session, Mary Howard announced that she was taking an unofficial sabbatical from churchwork. Then fellow member Tracy Watts, our church’s local outreach director at the time, asked if she could bend her rule and join the Billingsville Elementary leadership team. Mary Howard, who has her masters in reading education, felt “an amazing synchronicity in that moment.” “It was like Frederich Buechner’s quote about your ‘greatest passion meeting the greatest need,’ coming to life,” she said. She found a new energy to her faith on the team and subsequently, through tutoring. “I’m an academic by nature. Making things head-oriented is where I’m naturally inclined and comfortable. But sometimes the less cerebral, the wider your heart opens and the more intuitive faith becomes,” said Mary Howard. This kind of faith and love for church family is something
the Shaws hope to instill in their children. “When I think back through the highlight reel, people are the best part. We have such rich intergenerational opportunities. The discussions I had in my Presbyterian Women’s circle with women of my mom’s age were priceless. I’ll never forget serving at the Cornerstone and seeing my kids playing Uno with moms and kids who were homeless. It was such a simple, fun activity but it has laid the groundwork for them in their attitudes towards others and toward life,” she said. Serving as a family through Family Promise (now Charlotte Family Housing), Mary Howard said, you are “confounded by the love that you feel.” Yet making time to serve is not easy. “Just keeping up with the level of activity and prioritizing church is a challenge. It is not normal culturally. Sports on Sunday is not rare anymore, We have to consciously show that this matters at our house,” she said. Yet Mary Howard is the first to admit that she makes mistakes. “As parents, we say the right things, but sometimes we miss. The key is to try again and not give up,” she said. When asked why, she quickly responded, “Walking along the path with the people of this church and its ministries is energizing. Faith does not have the same pulse when we’re away.” 17
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t could be an elderly neighbor who always had warm smiles for your children; a nearby couple who in the past weeded their flower beds and mowed their lawn with great pride; or even a friend’s son who has been injured in a severe accident. For whatever reason, now they are unable to prepare their own meals. These are the individuals who receive Friendship Trays, and according to Patricia Joslin, these are the people who need our help.
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Patricia, a Myers Park Presbyterian member for over eight years and our church’s Friendship Trays coordinator for the past three, said the statistics might surprise you. Recipients range in age from their 20s to their 100s, but about two-thirds are elderly women. Most have a chronic illness like diabetes, and the vast majority live on less than $15,000 a year. She describes Friendship Trays as basically a “meals on wheels” program for the elderly and disabled. Drivers are asked to pick up and deliver a prepared meal to those who subscribe to the service. Although she is a deeply private individual, Patricia said, “Getting to know the people on your route and their families is one of the best things about this ministry. The people are so grateful and will tell you over and over how much each meal blesses them. One woman, a retired nurse, passed away recently. Some members of our team had been delivering meals to her for 10 years. Carrie had been on my route for a very long time and always brightened my day.” Friendship Trays also is a quick, well organized way to serve with an average of six or seven stops per route. “All you have to be able to do is pick up and deliver the food and have a twominute conversation,” said Patricia, a retired elementary school principal, who has an ongoing monthly route and substitutes for fellow church members three or four times a month.
SO WHY DID SHE GET STARTED?
Myers Park Presbyterian has 65 people who serve on the Friendship Trays team, delivering meals either monthly or weekly. At least 15 more disciples are needed. Interested? Contact Beth at bbell@myersparkpres.org.
PATRICIA PAUSED BEFORE ANSWERING THEN SAID, “I WANTED TO BE OF SERVICE TO THE WORLD AND I WANTED MORE OF A CONNECTION TO THE CHURCH, BECAUSE BEFORE I FELT ANONYMOUS.” SHE ENCOURAGES OTHERS TO JOIN THE TEAM AND PROMISES TO ACCOMPANY NEWCOMERS ON A TRIAL RUN. “FRIENDSHIP TRAYS ALLOWS YOU TO DIP YOUR TOE IN MINISTRY IN A WAY THAT FITS YOUR SCHEDULE. YOU CAN EVEN SERVE ONCE EVERY SIX MONTHS. YOU WILL FIND IT MAKES YOU FEEL SO GOOD TO GIVE BACK,” SHE SAID.
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EXPERIENCING LIFE TOGETHER
ASK JEFF LIVINGSTON WHY
HE HAS ENJOYED THE CHALLENGE OF TEACHING CHILDREN’S SUNDAY SCHOOL, LEADING FOURTH- AND FIFTH-GRADERS ON THE MISSION KIDS URBAN WALK THROUGH SOME OF CHARLOTTE’S DODGIER AREAS, OR WALKING ALONGSIDE FELLOW MEMBERS WHO ARE EXPERIENCING LIFE ISSUES. TO HIM, THE ANSWER IS SIMPLE. 20
“When people ask me why I do these things, I always think of that old hymn’s refrain, ‘because He first loved me.’” “Christ has given so much to me, I want to give back,” said Jeff. The 45-year-old pauses and adds “but I get so much more out of it than I ever give.” Jeff says when he teaches Sunday School, for example, and sees “the light bulb going off for those kids, when they understand something about the Bible for the first time, it has such deep meaning and gives you a feeling of accomplishment,” he said. The father of two has found that experience mirrored as a Mission Kids parent liaison. “Mission Kids is such a great opportunity for the children to visit with, and serve, neighbors who are less fortunate. I think they see Jesus’ teachings brought to life. When we visit Samaritan House and a man who had been really successful in construction shares how he lost it all to drugs and alcohol, they listen,” he said. One of the ministries that Jeff finds most impactful is serving as a Stephen Minister. His initial interest began with a quick read through the church bulletin. He followed up with Wayne Felton, the Stephen Ministry contact, but was worried about the time commitment, given his job, family and children’s sports activities. The next time he saw it in the bulletin, however, he felt he must respond to the call. “Our church has been so
good to me personally I really saw this as my chance to give back. The messages from the pulpit, the people I have met; I feel like a member, not a number. I know if I hit a rough spot and need to pour my heart out, someone would be there. So it seems only fitting to be there for others,” said Jeff. Stephen Ministers serve people facing a full spectrum of needs including divorce, illness, a loved one’s death, children with drug addiction and job loss. “We walk alongside people who are facing major life issues, telling them right up front that we don’t have all the answers. We simply provide the care. God provides the cure. I am just thankful to be part of the many heartfelt discussions and aha moments,” he said.
The Stephen Ministry is looking for individuals to train as confidential caregivers for fellow members. Interested? Contact Beth at bbell@myersparkpres.org.
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GOING THE
DISTANCE
HOW FAR WOULD I GO FOR MY BELIEFS? That was the question Barbara Atkins asked herself after seeing the aftermath of systemic political, economic and social persecution the people of Hungary had endured for nearly half a century. Barbara, a member of Myers Park Presbyterian for 27 years, has been involved with many ministries here including youth, music, the fall Montreat retreat, Habitat and Grier Heights – she even helped start what today is known as Every Member Has a Ministry. Her true passion, however, is her global outreach work in Hungary. 22
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he Charlotte banker began her work on the Hungary team in 2006 through the music exchange, but once she travelled to the country and saw their ministries firsthand, “I knew this was where I wanted to serve,” she said. Today the ministry has grown and evolved to focus on joint outreach projects with the Great Church of Debrecen, specifically those targeted at assisting the elderly, the mentally and physically disabled, and the Roma in both Hungary and the Ukraine. Under the Communist regime, organized religion was banned in the central European country by the government. The Communist government forced the Reformed Church to sign an agreement on Oct. 7, 1948, that brought all work and personnel of the Church under control of the state and Communist party. In addition, since physical and mental disabilities were incompatible with the Communist ideals of physical strength, many individuals suffering from disabilities were removed from sight and housed in remote institutions. Today two decades after Communism was abandoned, the damage lingers. “The people’s trust in God at the Great Church is so remarkable
knowing what they have had to overcome. Seeing their faith despite seemingly insurmountable odds has been a powerful witness and a great joy in my life. Working alongside them as they rebuild the outreach ministry of this centuries-old church and conduct such vital work has given me such perspective, outside of our church, country and even our paradigm of worship,” she said. The ministry at the Immanuel Home for disabled children has been particularly meaningful to Barbara. “I had a handicapped niece who shared many of these children’s challenges. But my niece’s experience was totally different because she had such a strong network of care in our country,” she said. Hungary does not provide nearly as much governmental support for the education of disabled children, so that is left up to the church. “Immanuel Home provides education, respite care, and socialization to these children – things that are vital to their development. We have hosted a number of their teachers so they can observe and train with the Holy Angels staff and Metro School staff (pictured at left and below). These women are so passionate about optimizing the experiences of children in their care, regardless of the severity of their disabilities. It inspires me to want to do more and more,” Barbara said. When asked how she chooses her ministry involvement, Barbara paused for a moment and then responded, “I’ve chosen different ministries at different times of my life. When my children were younger, I took on supportive roles that nurtured them in the children and youth ministries. But I like to change it up. It is easy to get involved with the day-to-day routines of work and life and neglect nourishing ourselves spiritually and emotionally. But giving back through ministry is so fulfilling. I’d recommend it to everyone.”
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GOOD FAITH ESTIMATE
APPRECIATION POTENTIAL. FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS. RETURN ON INVESTMENT. THESE ARE WORDS TO LIVE BY FOR BYRON BROWN, A COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE BROKER, IN HIS PROFESSIONAL LIFE.
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Surprisingly, Byron found the same analytical abilities he uses in the workplace were valuable as he and his wife grew more involved with Trinity Sunday School.
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he young couple joined Myers Park Presbyterian in 2009 and immediately plugged into this class of their peers. “It’s been a great way to get to know people in our demographic and meet others. When Alston Robertson asked the group as a whole if anyone was interested in helping with curriculum planning, I said yes because I wanted to have some stake in the game,” said Byron. Initially the class had struggled to get people involved and have good discussions. Now the planning team – of which Byron is a member – is experiencing great synergy and strong results. “Our goal is to excite the class, drive interest and parlay different leadership skills,” said Byron. One week the diverse curriculum might focus on a sermon review, another might be a clergy question and answer session, still another might be an elder interview. The planning team’s goal is to challenge their peers to go deeper in their faith – an approach that seems to be working. Class numbers have quadrupled and relationships have been strengthened as well. “We feel like we have a family to plug into that will support us in good times and bad. It really shows the more you put into it, the more you get out of it,” said Byron. Last spring, Senior Pastor Steve Eason challenged the Trinity class to be “more than a civic club, to be a place of peer-led faith building.” So in addition to strengthening their curriculum, Byron and other Trinity members decided to serve
together through ministries such as Charlotte Family Housing (formerly Family Promise), Habitat for Humanity and Room in the Inn. At least five or six Trinity men serve NovemberMarch through Room in the Inn. “I went into it hesitantly because it was spending the night with the homeless and I was not sure what to expect. But it has become one of the most fulfilling ministries I’ve ever been involved in. These people are so humble and appreciative. Many were in jobs like ours until their world turned upside down. It has given me a lot of perspective. “It definitely changed my assumptions regarding the homeless. I realized the fundamental problem was that I didn’t understand and that I needed to be part of the solution. It definitely grows the empathy side of your faith so that you can identify with people of different walks and experiences – people who may not be just like you but who share the common bond of faith,” Byron concluded. When asked why he chose these specific ministry options, Byron paused for a moment considering his answer. Then he responded with a smile saying, “I feel a great sense of satisfaction filling in the gaps as a worker bee. Whether it is serving through Habitat, saying overnight at Room in the Inn, or helping plan our class curriculum, each ministry is so fulfilling. That is what I would really like to tell someone who is hesitant to get involved. You may feel like you won’t fit in, but take the leap of faith because you will experience immeasurable joy.” 25
T N T I O N I P O G P N G I P N I P I P T P I E T H THTE
KOOL-AID SERVED IN A RECYCLED YOGURT CUP. THAT WAS THE TIPPING POINT FOR TREY SMITH.
Smith has been a member of this church for over 40 years. He has served as an elder and chaired the facilities, personnel and nominating committees as well as the administration council. But Smith had not taken part in an outreach ministry until four years ago.
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“I
’ve always been a nuts and bolts guy, both professionally and personally. In school, I leaned toward math because it was concrete. That’s why I had always steered away from outreach ministries because they seemed too subjective to me,” he said. But when Dick and Judy Ranson invited the industrial technology executive and his wife, Louise, to take part in an upcoming mission trip to Cuba, they decided to go. Trey said the decision was not really for the “right spiritual reasons.” The couple was pulled in more by the people who were going and their desire to see Cuba. All that changed the second day in Luyano, Cuba, when the 12-person team visited a prayer cell. “It was almost like a ladies circle being held in someone’s home. I could not get over these people’s generosity and the depth of their faith,” he said. The experience was epitomized by the refreshments described earlier. “What they had, they wanted to share, and they wanted to share because we were brothers and sisters in Christ,” Trey said. That day marked the start of what would become a ministry passion for Smith. A good part of each week for Trey, co-chair Kay Ethridge and other team members is spent strengthening our church’s global partnership with the men and women of Cuba. “Like Bob Lupton says in Toxic Charity, our focus is not on building walls, it is on building relationships. In Cuba, a whole generation has been skipped by church because of the Communist regime. There is a shortage of pastors and they lack resources. We’re simply trying to help the ministers care for the people who are hungry for faith. The church is being buoyed up by Cuba’s youth,” he said. Smith recalls a conversation he had with a local Cuban. Trey commented that it must be hard to be a Christian there. The man shook his head and said it was much harder for Americans because we have so many distractions. Trey saw that point driven home one evening while sitting in a small hotel lobby. Eight youth showed up at the door in Remedios and invited the Myers Park Presbyterian mission team on a tour of the small, historic town. “The youngest boy was 10-years-old and he was so excited to share details. As we walked from place to place, we started picking up more kids like the Pied Piper. The enthusiasm on their faces was priceless. It made us realize that the future of the church was in these youth – youth who were excited to spend a Saturday night talking to us about God’s work,” said Trey. The husband, father and grandfather sees the ministry in Cuba and outreach as an important part of his spiritual growth and encourages others to get involved with ministry. “Try an outreach ministry. For me, that’s the glue of discipleship and discipleship is what our church is all about,” he said.
“OUR FOCUS IS NOT ON BUILDING WALLS, IT IS ON BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS.”
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IT
is never too young to get started. That was a belief about community service that Molly Bollier’s mom instilled in her almost from birth, a conviction that deepened as they partnered on mother/daughter projects through the National Charity League in California. “Those experiences got my feet wet and set a real pattern in my life as a Christian and as a person,” said Molly, a wife, mother of two, and Freedom School Partners’ director of finance. She continued, saying, “I think it is so important to teach children Christian principles when they are old enough to understand and appreciate them, but still young enough to establish lifelong patterns.” So when Molly and her husband joined Myers Park Presbyterian six years ago, she knew she wanted to get involved but decided to take a measured approach. “I didn’t grow up Presbyterian so I wanted something I could manage while I checked things out. For me, that was starting with one of the meal ministries, simply making a casserole once a month. It gave me a sense of belonging and gradually I started meeting people,” she said. Next, Molly was asked to partner with our church’s local mission director to help lead the existing Mission Kids program. The goal was to heighten participation and strengthen the experiential learning experience for fourth-
and fifth-grade children and their families. “I wanted children to see how close they live to people in need – where we live and worship is literally blocks away,” said Molly. That idea gave birth to the Mission Kids Urban Hike. “It is such a joy to see things click with the children, especially the ones who start out a little apprehensive and come full circle and see that serving others is a natural part of living. The experience sets up great parent/child conversations,” she said. These are some of the ways that Molly and Steve Bollier explain community to their own children. “We want them to understand that life is not just home, church, school, and the block around our neighborhood,” she said. But the parents ensure that the lesson does not stop there: they stress faith as the core of each service opportunity. “I have been blessed to meet people who express their faith so loudly that it makes me want to dive into scripture and deepen my commitment to Christ,” Molly said, “and we want our children to have that same experience.” In fact, this desire to instill traditional faith-based values in their son and daughter was one of the key reasons the Bolliers chose Myers Park Presbyterian’s Weekday School as their preschool. Molly began serving on the Weekday School board last school year. “It is such a pleasure interacting with the families, not to mention, the loving teachers, the healthy, happy children, and a leadership team that has never been stronger.” This overall sense of community is what she values most about Myers Park Presbyterian as a place for her family. “Our children want to be there and we want to be there. It’s such a blessing,” said Molly. That is why her advice to someone who has not gotten involved is “to do something. It will enrich your life in ways you can only imagine.”
READY TO
SERVE
AS A FAMILY?
GO TO “JUMP ST ART ” 28
at serve.myersparkpres.org
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BEHIND THE SCENES
Larry Burton likes serving behind the scenes. In fact, he prefers anonymity. Larry, who has been a Myers Park Presbyterian member “forever and a day,” grew up in this church and strives to serve well. But talking about his ministries makes him more than a little uncomfortable. “I like flying under the radar,” he said. 30
With a bit of reluctance, the husband and father of two agreed to share his diverse Myers Park Presbyterian ministry experiences in the hopes that it might trigger an idea for someone else. Larry has served as the “crowd control” children’s Sunday School teacher; explained basketball fundamentals as a coach for nearly a decade; dug trenches in El Salvador; chaperoned youth at Montreat; weighed master plan options on the building committee; taught 12th-grade Sunday School; and conducted Saturday morning visits with some of our homebound members.
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he range of activities is amazing and so is what Larry has learned from each ministry. He cites some examples. “El Salvador was a blast, getting involved on the construction side. It was fun at all levels. When I went to El Salvador the first time, I was in a frustrated place professionally. I came back with a different mindset. Getting to know Pastor Rodriquez and his family gave me a new perspective on what we think is challenging,” said Larry. He enjoyed coaching basketball as well. As a coach, Larry said, “I just tried to help them live their faith and demonstrate what it means to be a Christian – how to behave when you don’t win, how to lift up other boys who are not as talented.” His eyes gleamed as he described a buzzer-winning
shot made in the championship game by one of the team’s hardest workers. “That was a great moment,” he said. As a 12th-grade Sunday School teacher, Larry says, “you have to bring your ‘A’ game. They are listening even when you think they are not and you better have something substantive to say.” But it is when Larry begins describing his visits to Sharon Towers and Southminster as a deacon of the church that you really hear his passion. “My family has always been active at this church. People always joked about my grandmother that if only one person got to go to heaven, it would be her. I think that is why I love these visits. I meet people I never would have gotten to meet – folks who knew my parents and
grandparents,” said Larry. Most people would not place Saturday morning visits to retirement communities on their list of top priorities, but Larry does. “One Saturday I visited a 93-yearold lady. Usually the visits are 15 minutes but I stayed two hours. I had the best time listening to her. I got way more out of it than she did. That always seems to be the case. I had my arm twisted to be a deacon. I didn’t want another meeting. But through it, I’ve gotten to spend time with people who have been instrumental in this church and have just gotten disconnected because of their age. For example, sitting and talking with Virginia Lewis (shown above) who has been a member for nearly 50 years is a true blessing.” A blessing that came while flying under the radar. 31
The Multiplication Factor
1 X 1 = INFINITE JOY
It happened the first night she was in this central African country. Jet-lagged and exhausted, Courtney Pender began walking through the Congolese village trying not to stumble in the darkness. All of a sudden she heard singing. At first it was one voice, then several, and as Courtney neared what she would discover was the church, she found an entire group of children singing with an irrepressible joy.
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“The joy and faith that I saw in those children’s faces and heard in their voices is something I will carry with me forever,” said Courtney. The journey that brought the 34-year-old kindergarten teacher there was equally remarkable on a number of levels.”
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s an eight-year Myers Park Presbyterian member, Courtney has been involved with diverse ministries. A local Habitat build was an easy first step, thanks to the invitation of a friend. She deepened her involvement by agreeing to chaperone youth on the Habitat El Salvador mission experience, this time when Associate Pastor for Youth and Their Families Michelle Thomas-Bush made the ask. Courtney describes the Habitat experience: “What’s there not to like? You are seeing families without a home have permanent shelter – a place they can call their own. You build strong relationships working alongside the family so you experience the same sense of joy at completion that they do,” she said. As she began searching for an ongoing way to assist fellow members, Courtney chose Stephen Ministry – a role that she jokingly says must have been preordained by DNA. “Both of my parents had served as Stephen Ministers
so it was something that I wanted to do from a young age,” she said. The experience has been rewarding. “Just being there for people is such an affirmation of faith,” she said. But what dramatic turn of events prompted Courtney to take the nearly 7,000 mile journey across the Atlantic Ocean to the Democratic Republic of Congo with the Myers Park Presbyterian mission team? The answer: simply sitting in worship reading the church bulletin. “I had always wanted to experience a mission trip and when I saw the need for teachers, I contacted Fay Grasty. As she described the Congo education team and its eduction efforts, I just knew I wanted to take part,” said Courtney. Courtney’s trip to Africa in the summer of 2009 was both incredible and eye-opening. “I had never seen that type of poverty. The need was so great, yet the depth of joy among the people I met seemed endless.” Initially Courtney felt overwhelmed as she worked with the teachers and principals.
There seemed to be no way to resolve the ongoing challenges. What she discovered from her fellow teammates, however, is that her Congolese brothers and sisters were not looking to her for answers. Instead they just saw Courtney as a friend and source of hope. Although she has not been able to return to Congo, Courtney remains an active member of our church’s Congo ministry stateside. “This is an amazing group of people. We have a medical team, an administrative team and an education team. There are certain things we can’t change like poverty or government. A war can happen at any time. But we are making a difference,” she said. Courtney paused, and then added, “Ministries take you out of your comfort zone and as disciples that is what we are supposed to do. But you don’t have to cross the ocean to find need. I always tell people to try a few ministries and see how they ‘walk.’ You will build lasting relationships and the experience will never leave you,” she said.
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EVERY MEMBER HAS A MINISTRY
H
ere at Myers Park Presbyterian, you will hear a lot about Every Member Has a Ministry. Why? Because we want you to experience the JOY that we have found in ministry. Ministry is serving Christ wherever, whenever, in the church, community and world. It leads to wonderful friendships. It furthers our faith. It allows us to spread God’s love. And it empowers and grows us in ways we cannot even imagine. Take a look at the diverse ministries we offer in this index. Pray about getting involved and making a commitment. Discuss your options with a ministry mentor. Then join us as we engage on this journey of faith.
MINISTRY MENTORS How do you select a ministry mentor? There is no right or wrong way. We have provided a few details for each mentor in case you have children of similar ages, common interests, or simply recognize or know the person. The choice is yours. Contact Beth to get started.
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CATHERINE Collins
JANE Glenn
LUCI Heeseman
JOE Helweg
Catherine and her husband, Quincy, have six grown children and 12 grandchildren. The retired fashion consultant says her husband’s joyful outlook, energy and deep beliefs have inspired her to go above and beyond when it comes to faith. She hopes to do the same for you as a mentor, providing ideas, encouragement and prayer so you can share in the joy that comes from ministry.
Jane and her husband, Andy, have three children -- two daughters, who are 24 and 22, and a 16-year-old son. Her father’s legacy as a Christian inspires her to live each day according to Ephesians 2:10, remembering that each of us is “God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works…” Jane prays that she can help you grow in your faith by finding a meaningful ministry.
Luci and her husband, Stephen, have daughters who are 18 and 11, as well as a 15-yearold son. She serves as a retirement community life coordinator. Luci cites her 107-year-old grandmother’s deep faith and heart for the homeless as a lifelong example, and The Hole in Our Gospel’s redemptive message as a source of encouragement. Let Luci share her joy of mission and ministry with you.
Joe and his wife, Sally, have sons, ages 14 and 9, and a 12-year-old daughter. The financial service mortgage specialist regards his wife as the most inspirational person in his life because “she never makes excuses for responding to God’s call.” Joe’s work as a ministry mentor is focused on helping our church be more relational and intentional and to assist one another in living out Psalm 139:23-24.
MINISTRY INDEX I am excited to introduce a new service at Myers Park Presbyterian: ministry mentors. Whether you are new to ministry, or have been serving for decades and need a change, consider a jump-start conversation with me or one of our mentors. WHO: WE ARE MEMBERS OF MYERS PARK PRESBYTERIAN, JUST LIKE YOU, WHO HAVE FOUND JOY AND FAITH IN OUR MINISTRY JOURNEY. WHAT: WE SERVE AS ADVOCATES AND PRAYER PARTNERS TO HELP YOU DISCERN WHERE GOD IS CALLING YOU NEXT. HOW: WE HELP YOU NARROW DOWN THE 100+ MINISTRY OPTIONS AVAILABLE WITHIN OUR CHURCH, OR THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX TO FIND A FIT FOR YOUR PASSION.
BETH BELL MEMBERS’ MINISTRY COORDINATOR phone 704.927.1266 email serve@myersparkpres.org web serve.myersparkpres.org
Remember calls change so we can support you if you are ready to go deeper or take a step back. This is a service we provide with no pressure. We are just fellow members, assisting one another in the journey of faith and ministry. So, e-mail, call, or meet one of us for coffee. When you go where God wants you to go, you are in for the ride of your life!
Beth
JAMIE McLawhorn
TOM Okel
AMY Peacock
DAVID Simas
Jamie and his wife, Hunter, have a 17-year-old daughter and 14-year-old boy/girl twins. The property development/ management company president finds daily inspiration in the parable of the seeds and the courageous fight by so many of his family and friends who are battling cancer. As a mentor, Jamie hopes to help you experience the same faith enrichment he has found through ministry, in part as a legacy to our children.
Tom and his wife, Amy, have a 17-year-old daughter and twin 14-year-old sons. Tom made a midlife career switch from the financial services industry to oversee a nonprofit land trust. He strives to emulate his father who as it says in Ephesians 4:1-7, lived “a life worthy of the calling you have received.” Tom wants to help you navigate our church’s many impactful ministries and find your place.
Amy and her husband, Ed, have a 10-year-old son and nine-yearold daughter. A fitness advocate and Chi instructor, Amy considers each day a gift, in part because of her mother’s decadelong ALS battle and her father’s death from cancer. At the time, she saw these experiences as a “double whammy” but now they serve as motivation. Amy thinks of mentorship as being a “joy finder” and is ready to help unite your life experience and passion with ministry.
David and his wife, Caroline, have four children, 15- and 13-year-old boys and 9-yearold twin girls. The financial services insurance executive cites Tim Keller’s The Prodigal God was his favorite book. David was moved to become a mentor by Beth Bell’s servant leadership. He wants to help you “stick your neck out” through ministry in ways that will make a difference in your own life and the people around you. 35
SERVE THE CHURCH OPPORTUNITIES
Stewardship Noon meetings, first Monday of each month. Plan and execute our financial stewardship emphasis which includes publicity, member contact and postcampaign follow-up.
COMPASSION MINISTRIES BEHIND THE SCENES
Church Friends
Communion Prep
Forge intergenerational friendships and help our homebound members stay connected to the church.
One hour, Sundays, June-August; some Saturdays, September-May. Purchase and prepare communion items; four teams serve on a rotating monthly schedule.
Facilities Committee First Monday each month, 5 p.m. meetings. Oversee our campus facilities’ maintenance and systems.
Flower Ministry
Funeral Host As needed. Offer hospitality to grieving families and their guests.
Funeral Usher As needed. Distribute bulletins and assist guests with seating and campus directions.
As needed, typically weekends.
Helping Hands
Rearrange and distribute worship, wedding and funeral flowers to members living in retirement centers.
Flexible opportunities.
Meal Ministry At home. Prepare delicious, well-balanced meals for others in times of need.
Myers Park Presbyterian Cooks Tuesdays and Wednesdays, afternoon/early evening. Be a chef ’s assistant; prepare food, set tables and serve.
Photographers Flexible opportunities. Document members on outreach projects, mission trips and special church events.
Reception Two-hour weekday shifts, as needed. Extend hospitality to visitors, work on staff projects, sign for packages and answer the phones; basic training is provided for this need-based service opportunity.
Sanctuary Keepers Flexible opportunities. Replenish the sanctuary pew racks on a rotating schedule.
Silver Polishers One hour, three times a year. Help keep the silver looking bright for our worship services, weddings and funerals.
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Flexible opportunities.
Assist fellow members with carpentry, gardening and other light household tasks.
Blood Drive Coordinator Blood drives held on fall and spring Sundays. Help donate, organize, coordinate and recruit other blood donors for our semi-annual blood drives benefitting both the Community Blood Center of the Carolinas and the American Red Cross.
Ministry Mentors Flexible opportunities. Serve as a mentor to other members as they seek to engage in ministry.
Trinity Flexible opportunities. Plan fellowship and study opportunities for adults in their 20s through early 40s.
Wedding Team Flexible meeting times, some Saturdays. Assist our wedding directors as they finalize details and ensure a positive and meaningful wedding experience for the families.
Women’s Retreat Team Flexible meeting times, November – March. Organize this women’s weekend of spiritual reflection – includes speaker selection, worship and music planning, registration and hospitality.
Prayer Ministry Flexible opportunities. Participate in our church’s intercessory prayer team, centering prayer group, Christian meditation, and Lenten and Advent prayer services.
Stephen Ministry As needed; training begins each January. Care for fellow members one-on-one, confidentially, during times of transition such as death, job loss and illness; requires 50 hours of training and a two-year service commitment. Ministry training sessions are offered January – April.
LEADERSHIP
MUSIC Celebrate Choir Wednesday evening rehearsals, Sunday morning worship. Audition required. Praise and worship as part of our contemporary band.
Children’s Choirs Wednesdays Take part in one of our four children’s choirs: our preschool choir, first and second grade choir, and kindergarten/transitional kindergarten choir practice from 4:45-5:45 p.m., while our third- through fifthgrade choir meets from 5:30-6:15 p.m.
Adult Small Group Ministry
Children/Youth Handbells
Flexible opportunities.
Wednesdays. 4:45-6:15 p.m.
Research small groups and activities and assist in the creation of an ongoing small group ministry.
Join one of our handbell ringer teams. This ensemble includes second- through ninth-grade children.
Adult Sunday School
Adult Handbells
Sunday mornings. Help adults grow in faith (single or multiple sessions).
Adult Education Ministry Council Second Thursday of each month, 1-2 p.m. Conceptualize, plan and implement programs/activities that help adults grow and mature in faith.
serve.myersparkpres.org | 704.927.1266
SER V E T H E C H UR C H
Wednesdays Learn a fresh way to share your musical talents. Take part in the adult group for beginners, Rookie Ringers, which rehearses Thursdays from 5:45–6:45 p.m. The more experienced adult handbell ensemble, Providence Ringers, rehearses Wednesdays from 7-8:30 p.m.
Sanctuary Choir Thursday evening rehearsals, 7 p.m., Sunday morning worship. Audition required. Lift your vocal and instrumental talents in worship through one of our choirs or ensembles.
Youth Choir Wednesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. Share your love for music with your peers, the church and the community as part of this vibrant group that sings monthly in worship, at special services, and at retirement homes during the holidays.
SERVING OUR CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES Art & the Bible, September-April
Handbell Helpers, September-April Wednesday evenings.
Take attendance and check children in and out of rehearsal.
Mission Kids Sundays, school holidays, September – May. Chaperone outreach events for fourth- and fifth-grade children during the school year.
New Baby Ministry As needed. Welcome a new baby into our church by providing a baked good and card about children’s ministry opportunities.
New Members, Children’s Ministry Flexible need, Sunday mornings, January, March, June, September and October.
Assist with art activities and supervise children.
Befriend new members, participate in introductory Sunday classes, and follow up as individuals transition into membership.
Children’s Choir Helpers, Sept.-April
Tapestry/Special-Needs
Wednesdays evenings.
Wednesday evenings.
Take attendance and check children in and out of rehearsal.
Children’s Special Events Flexible opportunities. Plan, coordinate or assist with our Walk to Jerusalem (April) and other special events.
Children’s Sunday School Support Sunday mornings, September – May, 9:45–10:45 a.m. Provide teacher support or serve on a classroom teaching team.
SERVING OUR YOUTH AND THEIR FAMILIES The best way to get involved with our youth and their families ministry is to discuss your gifts and talents with Associate Pastor Michelle Thomas-Bush. Go to MThomas-Bush@myersparkpres.org. Skills needed generally fall into three categories: event coordination, acting as a dinner host, or serving as a mentor. Note that one of our biggest needs in this ministry is serving as a youth event coordinator. Here are ways you can serve in youth ministry:
Basketball Coach Weekly practices; Saturday games, December – March. Instill basketball skills and Christian sportsmanship in youth ages 6-18 through our church’s league.
Scout Leader Flexible opportunities. Take part in this vibrant ministry; male and female leaders are needed.
Sundays, 11 a.m. and/or Friday evenings.
Youth Advisor
Nurture and work with our special-needs children during worship.
Sunday evenings, September – April.
Vacation Bible School One week in the summer. Share in this formative summer experience for the children of our church and community. Act as a classroom guide, assist in the art studio, help in the science lab or lead the outreach team.
Vacation Bible School Team Flexible, late spring and summer.
Offer advice, feedback and wisdom to the children, youth and wellness ministries as part of this parent advisory team.
Youth Choir Helpers Wednesday evenings, September – April. Call roll and monitor behavior during weekly rehearsals or assist with robes, worship assembly, provide clean-up and breakfast coordination when this group participates in Sunday worship.
Recruit helpers, aid in publicity and finalize details for this faith-enriching summer experience for children.
Youth Class Dinner Coordinator
Sunday mornings, September – May, 9:45 –10:45 a.m.
Wednesday Night Team
Recruit class dinner hosts and provide publicity for this small group activity.
Foster children’s faith using our SPARK curriculum; training is provided.
Help plan children’s choir and art activities.
Children’s Sunday School Teacher
Children’s Supply Team Flexible opportunities. Organize Sunday School classroom supply closets, teacher resources and children’s ministry materials.
Wednesday evenings.
Wee Worship
Sundays as needed, September – April.
Youth Class Dinner Host Sundays, September – April.
Sunday mornings during worship.
Build relationships with youth in a single grade by planning and leading a monthly dinner.
Teach preschool 3s through transitional kindergarten children during Sunday worship.
Youth Event Coordinator
Crisis Care
May to September, flexible meeting times. Plan and lead one of our major youth events such as the fall kickoff or senior recognition.
Flexible opportunities. Help church families in times of crisis by providing a meal or other appropriate services.
Family Outreach Flexible opportunities. Coordinate or participate in events for church families with our outreach partner families.
serve.myersparkpres.org | 704.927.1266
SER V E T H E C H UR C H
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SERVING OUR YOUTH AND THEIR FAMILIES (CONTINUED) Youth Fellowship Dinner Team Sunday evenings, September – May.
GRIER HEIGHTS
New Member Team Sunday mornings as available. Befriend new members and participate during their introductory Sunday classes and afterwards as they transition into membership.
Reception Desk Attendant
Further our youth fellowship by helping with one or two dinners. Set-up, organization and planning assistance is needed; meals are prepared by the church.
Sunday mornings; flexible opportunities.
Youth Fundraising Team
Sanctuary Lay Readers
Flexible opportunities.
Sundays, 8:45 or 11 a.m.
Plan and implement fundraising projects alongside several youth.
Youth Hospitality Flexible opportunities.
Greet members and guests by serving a two-hour Sunday morning shift at the reception desk.
Read scripture and offer the prayer for illumination.
Sanctuary Ushers Various Sundays per year, 8:45 or 11 a.m.
Welcome youth at our special events (adult opportunity).
Greet the congregation, distribute bulletins and collect the offering. Minimum service commitment required.
Youth Parent Workshop Coordinator
Sound Assistants
Flexible, workshops on Sundays. Plan and staff three parent workshops each year.
Youth Small Group Leaders Wednesday evenings and Sundays, September to May. Nurture and build rapport with small groups of middle or high school youth.
Youth Sunday School Teacher Sunday mornings. Lead our youth in interactive discussions relevant to their faith as part of a rotating teaching team.
SUNDAY MORNINGS Celebrate Lay Readers Sundays, 8:45 or 11 a.m. Read scripture and offer the prayer for illumination.
Celebrate Usher Several Sundays per year, 8:45 a.m. and 11 a.m. Prepare for worship, welcome the congregation, distribute bulletins and collect the offering.
Sunday mornings and as needed. Operate the sanctuary sound system during funeral services and worship.
Sunday School Teachers/Support Sunday mornings as needed. Help deepen faith (see details in age categories).
Help the children of Grier Heights soar through tutoring sessions, assisting in the classroom, providing snacks, or working in the vegetable garden.
Habitat for Humanity Flexible weekday and weekend commitment with fall new home build and spring home repair ministry. Work alongside prospective homeowners on construction tasks and see lives transformed. Opportunities are available locally, globally, and at the ReStore.
GRIER HEIGHTS: CROSSROADS CORPORATION Bulldogs Matter Afterschool Program One weekday a week from 3:45 –5:45 p.m. Help Grier Heights middle-schoolers excel in math and language arts through afterschool sessions at Alexander Graham Middle School.
Camp Harrison Flexible summer opportunities.
Sundays before worship.
Serve as a summer camp buddy to Grier Heights middle school students who qualify for this YMCA camp scholarship.
Provide Sharon Towers and The Cypress senior adults with bus transportation to worship and other special services as needed; no special license required.
Tapestry/Special Needs
Freedom School One hour a week in the summer.
Sundays, 8:45 a.m. -12 p.m.
Read to the students, chaperone field trips, lead an afternoon activity, or donate snacks and supplies.
See description on page 37.
Home Repair Teams
SERVE THE COMMUNITY
As needed. Partner with CrossRoads and Habitat for Humanity as we help low-income homeowners with critical home repairs; disciples are needed for three projects throughout the year.
OPPORTUNITIES
Swim Program One day a week during the summer. Participate in YWCA swim lessons for fifth- through twelfth-graders or provide dinner.
See description on p. 36.
CROSS MISSIONS
Urban Eagles
Hospitality Ambassador
Dinner Host/Shepherd
Serve as a living example of God’s love to Grier Heights youth through soccer and basketball.
Sunday mornings as available. Greet and answer questions with a smile for members and guests.
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Once a week during school hours.
Sunday Transportation
Communion Preparation Sunday mornings as available.
Billingsville Leadership Academy
Weekday evenings; some weekends.
Monday evenings and some Saturday afternoons throughout the summer. Extend hospitality to visiting youth groups by serving as a dinner host or accompany youth and adults on Saturday outreach projects.
serve.myersparkpres.org | 704.927.1266
S E RVE TH E C H U R C H
SER V E T H E C OMMUN IT Y
HOMEWARD BOUND
Friendship Trays
Charlotte Family Housing/Shelter Phase and Hope Teams
Deliver encouragement and a warm meal weekly to the homes of elderly, handicapped and homebound.
Weekdays at lunchtime.
Monthly evening team meetings and several optional trips each year. Opportunities to serve at home with local Salvadoran community.
Shelter Phase – weekday, evening and weekend opportunities. Hope Teams – ongoing, flexible schedule.
Loaves & Fishes
Unite with Charlotte Family Housing (formerly Family Promise) to provide safe shelter, meals and support services for homeless families several weeks each year, or become part of a 4–6 person Hope Team and provide ongoing comfort and friendship to a homeless family.
Assist the working poor by sorting food in the uptown pantry at First Presbyterian Church.
Harvest Center Tuesdays and Wednesdays, morning to midday. Prepare and serve meals, tutor, mentor, or lead devotions for our neighbors in need.
Men’s Shelter of Charlotte
Sort/unload food, Tuesday mornings; distribute food, Wednesday afternoons.
Patricia Fields Scholarship Buddy Flexible opportunities. Mentor a talented, yet at-risk, scholarship student during his or her college experience.
Regional AIDS Interfaith Network (RAIN) Flexible opportunities.
Weekday and weeknight opportunities. Serve meals, lead devotions and provide job skills counseling to homeless men.
Room in the Inn
At home; flexible opportunities. Donate meal items and prepare and transport casseroles.
Urban Ministry Center Weekdays, as needed. Work as a counselor or serve meals to help address the needs of the poor and homeless.
Thursday evenings, November – March. Choose from driving the church van, spending the night, preparing and serving meals, or leading devotions for our homeless guests.
SERVE THE WORLD OPPORTUNITIES
MERCY
Monthly evening team meetings and optional annual trip. Flexible opportunities to serve local Congolese community.
Charlotte Community Health Clinic
Support the model girls’ school and strengthen healthcare services in Tshikaji and surrounding villages.
Family-to-Family/ Learning Collaborative Flexible opportunities. Build relationships with families in need through fellowship events. Church families are matched with single mothers and their children.
HUNGARY Monthly evening team meetings and optional annual trip. Opportunities to serve local Hungarian congregation.
Monthly evening team meetings and optional annual trip. Team meets monthly in the evenings.
CONGO
Use your talents to provide healing for those who need, but cannot afford, healthcare. Physicians, physician assistants, nurses and interpreters are needed.
Sponsor a child or family and promote peace with a holistic approach.
MALAWI
Lead a devotion time with homeless men and women during the lunch hour on weekdays.
Thursday evenings.
EL SALVADOR: WORLD VISION
Partner with the Great Church to improve a disabled children’s home, develop senior adult programs and implement new outreach tactics.
Upper Room Devotional Team: Urban Ministry Center Flexible; several times a year.
Build 90 Habitat homes, provide clean water, and assist with education, medical services and microfinancing in Getsemani.
Optional annual trip. Opportunities to serve at home through child sponsorship.
Encourage compassionate care for people touched by AIDS through care teams and community education.
Shelter Casserole Ministry
EL SALVADOR: HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
CUBA Monthly evening team meetings and optional annual trip. Continue building a relationship with the seminary in Matanzas and the Presbyterian Church in Remedios; help meet the demand for new pastors; and further the groundswell of interest in religion and church membership.
Strengthen strategic planning and leadership; deepen infrastructure and sustainability; and assist with the ongoing operation of the crisis nursery, communitybased childcare centers, hospitals, schools and clean water programs.
There are countless other ministries in Charlotte and beyond where members are serving. Because many people want community and fellowship when they serve, we have limited this list to ministry teams. For more info go to serve.myersparkpres.org.
serve.myersparkpres.org | 704.927.1266
SERVE TH E C OM MU N I T Y
SER V E T H E WOR LD
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SERVING AS THE HANDS AND FEET OF CHRIST
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“I AM FOOD ON THE PRISONER’S PLATE… I AM THE PATIENT GARDENER OF THE DRY AND WEEDY GARDEN…
I AM THE STONE STEP, THE LATCH, AND THE WORKING HINGE…” Jane Kenyon
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Myers Park PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
JOURNEY
2501 Oxford Place Charlotte, NC 28207 myersparkpres.org
Myers Park PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
2501 Oxford Place Charlotte, NC 28207 myersparkpres.org