2
2014
GOD AT WORK: OUR
Change Agent D NA
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hat exactly is a change agent? It is someone who acts as a catalyst. Asks the right questions. Brainstorms an idea. Leads by example. More often than not, it is an ordinary person that God uses to do extraordinary things. This issue is filled with articles about change agents. People like you, inspired by Christ, who recognize a need and do something about it. No two stories are alike. Whether it is Kathleen Cooke creating Sprout Outreach, Joe Helweg forming Men of Purpose, Court Young spearheading Emerging Leaders, Lib Gallagher exemplifying hospitality, or Jane Lockwood recruiting for Vacation BIble School, they all consider what they do as simple ministry. It could be coaching soccer like Otto Lowe, manning the Urban Ministry front desk like Betty Cowden, or gathering Room in the Inn supplies with your preschoolers like Claire Marston. It could be laughing over dinner with the “Cookie Monster� at Room in the Inn like Jackson Sippe, venturing to El Salvador on medical mission like Lauren and Martin Wilkinson, or cementing relationships through our Trinity group like Sarah Stanton. It could even be crafting the outreach strategic plan like our dedicated team of ten. The common denominator: God is moving and equipping each person, regardless of age and ability, to do creative kingdom work. The accounts are all different, yet they are all the same. These youth and men and women are on the journey of discipleship, getting their hands in the mud of ministry. They are serving Christ and growing in their faith, in their love and in their joy. The fruit of the spirit can be seen in their lives. Each story invites us to go deeper in our discipleship, so read and enjoy.
STEVE EASON SENIOR PASTOR
TABLE OF CONTENTS 2 NOT IF, BUT HOW
16 POINTS OF CONNECTION
4 FIELD OF DREAMS
18 PERFECT TIMING
6 ORDINARY TO EXTRAORDINARY
20 DEFINING MOMENTS
8 COURSE CORRECTION
22 THE FACE OF HOSPITALITY
10 FRIENDS FOR LIFE
24 LIFE IS A CHALLENGE: MEET IT
12 SEEING EYE TO EYE
26 EVERY MEMBER HAS A MNISTRY 2.0
14 OUTREACH REIMAGINED
28 INSTAGRAM CHALLENGE
The Soul Imprint of Neighbors
How a Hobby Became a Ministry
One Mom Doing What She Can
Getting Back to the Core
A Church You Can Call Home
When Attitude Defies Age
Ways to Fuel Sustainable Change
The Thread that Unites Us
God’s Plan Rules
Ideas Can Strike Anytime, Anywhere
Never Underestimate the Power of a Hug
Leaving Nothing to Chance
Find a Fit for Your Passion
Live Faith in One Photo
If you have comments or questions about 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.
The small South Carolina town where Betty Cowden grew up imprinted her soul. At least the people did.
From an early age, she lear ned that when a neighbor needed a h elp ing ha nd, the question was nev er “if ” but “how”.
why the time Betty spends each Tuesday at the Urban Ministry Maybe that is Whether it is booking time with a trained counselor Center grounds her. iling address, B etty simply wants to help our homeless or setting up a ma n e e d. neighbors get the help they This kind of service for Betty is simply an extension of her faith. She and her husband, Bill, joined Myers Park Presbyterian 42 years ago, in part because they lived in the neighborhood but mostly because they liked the new Gateway Sunday School class that Richard Vinroot and Bill McGuire were helping form for young couples. Over the years, Betty has taught Sunday School, served as a deacon and elder and even helped lead the outreach portion of the church’s first capital campaign. Professionally, she has taught math to Myers Park High School’s gifted and talented youth, and adults at Central Piedmont Community College. Many of the latter were high school dropouts, some of whom came from prison. Betty described working with the former inmates as one of the most rewarding experiences of her life, “quickly discovering that many had been at the wrong place, at the wrong time, far too often in life.” She moved from CPCC to manage some of the Foundation for the Carolinas scholarship funds. Now that family commitments and work have eased, she carefully weighs the value of each and every opportunity. The first thing she added back in was Urban Ministry “because it grounds me.” The next were the 34-week D2 Challenge, led by Senior Pastor Steve Eason and Associate Pastor Von Clemans, and
Executive Pastor Millie Snyder’s weekly Bible study. Betty’s soon-to-be-retired husband convinced her to join him in D2. They now have a morning ritual, sitting in their library, reading the Bible together over coffee and discussing the daily study material. “I have learned so much more than I expected to, and the fact that we have done this together has been incredibly meaningful. This class has taken the Bible from beginning to end and made all of the pieces fit together.” She has particularly loved the small group aspect of D2. Her mixed-gender group — the “best group ever” — includes a recent widower, a single professional, a young mother, a professor, a banker, a mortgage broker and a small business owner. Betty finds their comments perceptive and insightful. Yet Betty finds Millie’s weekly study equally compelling. The only difference is scope. The all-women group focuses on specific books of the Bible – Old Testament in the fall and New Testament in the spring. “I love Millie’s study because of the mix of ages and because Millie is such a good teacher. I appreciate how she gets people with different views to share their opinions. It is intimate, yet interactive, and I find that a great way to learn,” she said. This mother and grandmother believes you cannot have faith in action without
faith formation, and the more you learn and grow in faith, the more compelled you are to serve. It is also the reason she has accepted the job as chair of Myers Park Presbyterian’s outreach urban ministry team. “There are overwhelming needs. The homeless face a three- to four-month wait for glasses because there are not enough eye doctors, and sign up on forever-long lists for lawyers and dentists. They need a license ID so they take public transportation to the DMV with a dated voucher. They wait and if they don’t get seen that day, they have to start all over again. It breaks your heart,” she said. Yet each time Betty serves, she also feels rejuvenated. “You get to know these men and women and they come back to thank you for a pair of socks. They let you know how they are doing on their own. Those are the priceless moments,” she said. So is the time when she sees the Church at work. “During the months when we had all of the snowy, icy weather, we had churches calling who weren’t scheduled for Room in the Inn and in two hours had 22 more beds for that night. The organized Church may have problems but this is when you find it truly inspirational,” said Betty.
FIELD OF DREAMS
THE REINSURANCE BUSINESS IS A SEA OF NUMBERS, RISK MEASUREMENT AND NEGOTIATION. SOMETIMES OTTO LOWE FEELS LIKE HE IS LITERALLY SWIMMING IN FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. WEDNESDAYS, HOWEVER, ARE DIFFERENT.
D
uring the fall and spring soccer season, Otto starts looking forward to his evening coaching activities on the Grier Heights fields, almost from the moment his alarm clock rings. It has not always been this way. Otto grew up playing soccer in New Jersey and had coached his middle and youngest daughters in Charlotte Junior Soccer. Yet he never really thought about how the sport could dovetail with discipleship until fellow member Cori Ray overheard him talking at Lemonade on the Lawn about missing coaching. It was what some might call a true “God moment.” That summer, Otto began working with Cori, Ben Page and the Urban Eagles in Grier Heights. It was very low key. “We grilled burgers in Ben’s driveway, did a little Bible study, and then went to play some pickup soccer on the fields beside the Grier Heights church,” he said. In the fall of 2012, Otto became an assistant coach. “For me, this has been a real faith breakthrough,” said the husband and father of three girls, who are 13, 19 and 22. That statement may come as a surprise to many. After all, Otto has been actively engaged at Myers Park Presbyterian for nearly 20 years. He plays the saxophone with the Celebrate band, is completing officer training to become a deacon, and he and his wife have taught children and youth in every grade in Sunday School but high school. But something about the Grier Heights experience has been rejuvenating. “I never had any interest in traveling to Africa or El Salvador but I had always been curious about what was going on in Grier Heights since there was such need literally across the street,” he said. Otto felt compelled, yet unqualified, to teach children and youth because in his early years, faith had seemed like an obligation, not a choice.
“I think you have to trust the Holy Spirit when you’re outside your comfort zone. Going in, you may be apprehensive, but God equips you as you go.” This has certainly been the case for Otto. Last season as he drove three youth back from a soccer game, the reinsurance executive/coach/father/husband/saxophone player/ Sunday School teacher/deacon-in-training had a revelation. “God does amazing things with relationships. Here I was a 50-year-old dude in the reinsurance business, with these three guys in my car who could not have been more different. Then David, a gifted rapper who has lived in Grier Heights his whole life, started the beat. Yoel, the immigrant son of Eritrean cab drivers, joined in. At that point, Kit, a Vietnamese refugee, who never says anything, started as well. So I figured it must be my turn, right? Wrong. They looked at me like I was crazy. We all started laughing and could not stop,” he said. Otto concluded with this thought, “I have spent a lot of time reading what politicians think the answers are, but I am convinced through experience that being engaged with our neighbors may be the best way to make a difference. You will be amazed how much you have in common and how much you can learn from one another.”
Discover how you, your children and family can build relationships in Grier Heights through the Urban Eagles Development Academy which will launch this fall. Children, five- through eightyears-old, are invited to play on teams coached by members of the professional Charlotte Eagles team. For more information, contact Tracy Watts at tswatts@carolina.rr.com.
GOD DOES AMAZING THINGS WITH RELATIONSHIPS.
Shampoo. Toothpaste. Toothbrushes. Soap. Socks. Washcloths.
Ordinary to Extraordinary
These ordinary items seem to have no special significance. But three-yearold Louise and five-year-old Charlotte know that people who have no homes find the items priceless.
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hat is why these two preschoolers and their mom helped organize a birthday party for Jesus at church one Wednesday and asked families to help stock Myers Park Presbyterian’s Room in the Inn supply closet. Enough toiletries were donated to fill our supply room and that of six other churches. Claire Marston, mom of the two preschoolers, said the idea originated as part of Presbyterian Women Circle 4, led by Associate Pastor for Children and Their Families Julie Hester. Most of the women in the circle are parents of preschool and elementary-aged children. As a group, they are constantly brainstorming ways to grow in their faith and instill these principals in their children. “Being surrounded by other moms at the same stage of life who want to be better disciples and better parents strengthens you. This is such a great group, and it provides us with incredible community,” she said. Yet just three years ago, Claire knew very little about
One of the aspects Claire enjoys most about the circle is the wisdom provided by Julie. “She is such a great leader and as a fellow mom, has wonderful insights. She shares ideas and meditations and helps us prioritize. “Being around other women of faith who have the same goals for their family brings us all such joy and we want to pass it on,” she said. This desire to share is, in part, what has driven the circle’s outreach initiative. After the group studied how to raise children with an outreach/community service mind, Kelly Catanese, a circle member, came up with last summer’s Bright Blessings concept. Families worked together to create gift bags with toiletries and bookmarks for homeless children. That led to the Room in the Inn project described above and to an ongoing outreach initiative for families with children aged three to third-grade called Sprout Outreach. “It’s like a snowball and it has been amazingly easy
Presbyterian Women. “At the time, I thought it was just for the older women of our church. I could not have been more wrong,” said the vibrant millennial. Julie asked Claire to help start and lead the monthly parenting circle, a role she continues today. The group has 35-40 members; about half have taken part all three years. The remainder includes women who bring friends or neighbors, Weekday School moms, mothers with infants in arms, even a nurse. “We start each meeting with prayer and ask God to quiet our minds and open our hearts and amazingly that is what happens. One of the things we try to stress is that our study guide is great, but if you haven’t done the homework, you can simply show up and listen. If you missed the first semester and want to try a class, that’s fine. If you come to a class and discover it’s not for you, it won’t hurt our feelings. If you bring a baby and the baby cries, no worries. We’re simply sharing in God’s grace together,” she said.
because of the commitment and community you find at Myers Park Presbyterian. So many people want to help,” she said. Claire said what she tries to do is look for the little ways to serve. “Right now I may not be able to build a Habitat house but I can help gather shampoo and washcloths,” she said. To someone unsure of how to get involved, the wife and mother of two recommends trying something that looks interesting, knowing that it does not have to be a lifelong commitment. “As for me, I’ll never be considered a star church member, I’m just a mom who’s doing what she can,” she said.
COURSE CORRECTION There are 2,123 miles between Charlotte and Los Angeles. For over a year, due to a business acquisition, Joe Helweg felt like his body flew on autopilot between the two cities. It was grueling mentally and physically. Joe made a decision when the “lost year” concluded to prioritize church and faith.
LEAP OF FAITH
Joe and his wife, Sally, had joined the church in 1996, shortly after their marriage. He had been involved with the Fred Lowrance men’s Bible study, driven the Room in the Inn van, taken part in Habitat builds, and even served on the Weekday School board, but he felt like he had more of a “consumerist” attitude, engaging when and if it suited his schedule. In 2009, he made the decision to go deeper spiritually. A year later he was nominated to become an elder.
SUNDAYS Bring a friend and visit the Men of Purpose Sunday School Class. Join other men of all ages for Bible study, discussion, debate and prayer as the group focuses on a different passage of Scripture each week.
“Honestly it was a big leap of faith, like drinking from a fire hose,” he said. After going through officer training he received his assignment to serve as outreach chair — an assignment that he jokingly thought at first might be a clerical error. “They don’t have a varsity letter jacket for outreach but I thought maybe they should. You look around the room and see people like Jerry Barron, a physician who has served in El Salvador on multiple mission trips, and Jo Stewart who is now vice chair of the Presbyterian Mission Agency. These guys are giants. I could never set up a clinic or do what he has done. How could I be qualified for this?” he said. After much prayer, however, Joe came to a few realizations. “I knew that I was good at strategy work and financial statements were like coming home to me. At the time our outreach ministry was in the midst of the capital campaign so they needed a plan to get to their fiscal target state. There were tremendous parallels to my day job so I began to see that I could bring something to the table,” he said. The time he spent as outreach chair proved to be incredibly rewarding as Joe received a firsthand view of the role Myers Park Presbyterian plays locally and globally. It gave him a fresh perspective about our “comprehensive, energized, active” faith community.
When Joe finished his term as elder, he looked for new ways to strengthen his faith. A friend invited Joe to his F3 — Fitness, Fellowship and Faith — group. For a time, he even attended Sunday School at a sister church with these men and then worshiped at Myers Park Presbyterian. The husband and father of three felt unsettled by this choice and he was encouraged by men in the group to start a similar class at Myers Park Presbyterian. So Joe launched the Men of Purpose class in January — a class that averages 15-25 attendees each week. “There is a season for everything, and I knew a number of men who had a thirst and hunger to go deeper in scripture, including myself. Guys can get filled up with such KoolAid, like they have to win the deal, make the most money, or be the ultimate provider. Meanwhile we are getting farther from Christ and the purpose-driven life. What we’re trying to do is help each other get back to our core reason for being,” he said. The financial executive said with a smile, “Worry and self-consciousness used to keep me from loving my neighbor. Through prayer and great mentors I came to a realization. When God puts something in front of would be amazed at the gifts you have. I know I was.”
FRIENDS
FOR LIFE
Peanut butter has many amazing qualities; including sticking to the roof of your mouth, but who knew it also could cement relationships? Sarah Stanton and members of the Trinity class have found it does just that now that they are preparing after-practice dinners for Grier Heights youth on the Urban Eagles soccer teams. This kind of service project is just one of the countless ways Sarah and her husband, Brian, as leaders of the Trinity class, are trying to help fellow adults their age give back and learn and grow together. “We think it is an important part of our faith to help others, not just look inward at our own needs. It’s interesting that after serving at Room in the Inn, or even just making sandwiches together for the teams, you learn so much more from one another,” she said. Sarah and Brian met on a blind date and married in 2006, but it took several years for them to join Myers Park Presbyterian. Brian had grown up in another faith tradition and Sarah was attending a different Presbyterian
church. One of the main reasons they became members here was because of Trinity. Sarah said, “We saw this class as a way to make a big church smaller. The people we have met are amazing and we have deep friendships. It has been such a great fit for our group’s age and stage. We truly feel like this is where God wants us to be,” said the mother of two. The couple who worked at rival banks for a number of years also see the Myers Park Presbyterian faith community as “a good way to move beyond 8 – 5 jobs.” Sarah said the church has “woven its way into our lives” and describes how she starts her day with the electronic daily devotions, takes part in a small monthly Bible study,
“IT IS SUCH A BLESSING TO HAVE A CHURCH YOU CAN CALL HOME”
GET CONNECTED
has her son enrolled in the Weekday school, and recently helped with the consignment sale. Brian has taken part in D2 at the invitation of a friend and both are participating in the Emerging Leader Challenge. “Having other people who share the same faith values — I want to foster that in our church and have other people experience the same friendships. To know that there is someone to call. For me, the women of Trinity have been a phenomenal support with prayer requests. This is a group I can trust. My husband and I both feel that the personal relationships we have
here at this church from a faith perspective are deeper than any we have ever experienced and it is a true blessing,” she said. Sarah paused for a moment, then continued saying, “I’ve always been a person of faith, but here at Myers Park, faith has become a part of my everyday life. I feel Christ is more present. We see God at work here and it is awesome.”
If you are in your late 20s45, strengthen your faith and relationships as part of Trinity. Also take part in the Emerging Leader Challenge Sept. 15, Nov. 10 and January 2015. This quarterly dinner workshop, led by Steve Eason, will help you discover how to live an intentional faith at work, at home and in today’s world, and become a leader in this church and community.
SEEING
EYE TO EYE
People laugh when 60+ Bill Scott says his best friend is in ninthgrade. Then they meet Jackson Sippe. All it takes is watching the duo in action at Room in the Inn and you realize why Bill is not kidding. Loyalty, intelligence, humor, generosity, honesty: Jackson exemplifies all the traits you look for in a committed friend.
Bill Scott and Bill Southerland had grown up together and it seemed natural to share the opportunity with the younger generation. Thirty Room in the Inn experiences later, Jackson is still serving. Each Thursday during the colder months of the year, Jackson leaves school and heads straight to the Myers Park Presbyterian Outreach Center. He begins sorting and assembling the sheets, towels and pillow cases for the team that makes the 16 beds. The goal is to make each homeless neighbor feel at home so Jackson makes sure there are enough Bibles — one for each bed — and soap, shampoo, toothpaste and toothbrushes. At 5:45 p.m. Jackson gets in the van headed toward the Urban Ministry Center to pick up our church’s overnight guests. He looks forward to this time, hoping that they will be hosting some familiar friends. “The great thing is our church is well set up with an elevator and a special needs bathroom, so we can take anyone, even people in wheelchairs and on crutches,” said Jackson. Just as he made this
JACKSON BEGAN SERVING AS ONE OF OUR CHURCH’S WEEKLY ROOM IN THE INN HOSTS OVER 1½ YEARS AGO ALONGSIDE HIS GRANDFATHER, BILL SOUTHERLAND. comment, a man in his late 40s who was using a cane came up to shake his hand. The man had recently been released from the hospital after having his third stroke and was trying to overcome the associated paralysis. Flexible space also allows the church to accomodate men, women and families in separate sleeping quarters. Jackson also enjoys “circling up” for prayer and mealtime conversations. “Mr. Scott always says, ‘we don’t do grim’ at these meals so we work to get people smiling and talking to us and one another. A lot of these men and women have really interesting stories. One guy I met had travelled around the Southeast setting up staging for bands. Another had worked with the Billy Graham ministry,” he said. But the best part of the evening for the rising high school sophomore is the devotion time. “Seeing people with so many things going wrong for them who have so much faith is incredible. One person who spoke up recently could have rivaled Steve (Eason),” he said. Jackson also likes witnessing the goodness in people firsthand. During some of the bitterly cold months, our church offered an extra weeknight of accommodations to the homeless, hosting guests on Thursdays and Fridays. That is how Jackson got to know the self-proclaimed Cookie Monster, a nickname that came about naturally because of the middleaged gentleman’s love for sweets. “On that Thursday, the Cookie Monster needed a shirt and shoes. He was so grateful that we had them, and afterwards said to let him know if there was any way he could help us. The next night we had a 70-year-old man who was really struggling. The Cookie Monster washed the elderly man’s clothes, helped him get cleaned up and organized everything for him. Many folks are happy for the help, but seeing this man reach out to help someone else impressed me in a huge way,” he said. This kind of experience is why Jackson keeps coming back to serve at Room in the Inn. “Try it once,” he said, “I’m sure you’ll feel the same way.”
O
utreach is a passion at Myers Park Presbyterian. It is deeply woven into the church’s change agent
DNA. For decades, through outreach,
OUTREACH
meaningful relationships have been built. Significant achievements have been realized. Lives have been transformed. But can we glorify God in a better, more intentional way through this ministry? That was the question posed to a 10-person outreach strategic planning
HEIGHTEN MINISTRY COLLABORATION
team exactly one year ago today. Each
Pamela Davies
team member was carefully chosen for his/her leadership abilities, strategic planning skills and outreach expertise. Their charge: lay the groundwork for a new outreach team leader while a national search is underway, and develop a clear, sustainable fiscal plan. From June through December, the team — Jeff Armstrong, Leigh Brewer, Pamela Davies, Linda deCastrique, Cathy Deckerman, Craig Gourley, Alan Lewis, Mary Mandeville, Fletcher Wright (chair) and Richard Hill (consultant) — conducted a 360-degree assessment of outreach. Scripture was explored to better understand the purpose and nature of mission outreach. Local and global ministry partners were interviewed. Focus groups were conducted among staff and lay leaders. The financial model was evaluated. The intense analysis yielded Outreach Reimagined — a strategic plan which was discussed and approved at the February session meeting. What changes/improvements will you see as we move forward? The five vision imperatives are explained here.
INTEGRATE FAITH AND SERVICE Linda deCastrique
“Myers Park Presbyterian Church has a long history of serving and making a difference in our community and world. In doing so, we not only help others, but we experience God in new ways. We want to foster a more intentional collaboration between our church’s ministries to integrate discipleship, mutually grow one another’s practices, reach unengaged members and create crossgenerational opportunities.”
“Outreach is more than good work or offering help to others. We follow Christ’s lead so it is more than social justice. True outreach requires answering Jesus’ call to deepen our faith and share God’s love. When we get lost, we can look to scripture as our road map, our GPS. As a church, we want to live out God’s call by integrating faith formation and faith in action throughout our ministries.”
EQUIP LEADERS AND DISCIPLES
COMMIT TO FEWER, DEEPER MINISTRY PARTNERS
Mary Mandeville
Vicki Garrett
“Our church is passionate about outreach, but why do we serve? We see a vital need for the outreach and educational ministries to partner and deepen the Biblical roots of our call. Our goal would be to develop comprehensive training which focuses more intentionally on the “faith” piece of outreach and equips us as leaders and disciples to be more effective participants in God’s work.”
“Myers Park Presbyterian currently supports 31 local ministry partners, ranging from Christian schools to homeless ministries. In some cases, we provide financial support and in others we have disciples serving faithfully. Ministry work is about relationships. That is why our church wants to go deeper in relationship with fewer ministry partners. Serving in Christ’s name is more than meeting once a year and writing a check!”
FUND MINISTRY JOYFULLY Fletcher Wright “Fueling sustainable change requires deep discipleship. That kind of discipleship can be seen locally and globally, thanks to our outreach investment of over $6 million in capital campaign funds. To continue outreach ministry at this level, the session aspires to raise $2 million per year for outreach through a combination of annual, major gift and endowment giving. God calls us to continue to go forward, not backwards. Let us respond to God’s love joyously!”
There is a long, slender thread that stretches from Berkeley Avenue to Oxford Place then circles the perimeter of Charlotte and finally encompasses the world.
This anomaly has not made any headlines or triggered any National Security Agency investigations. Why? Because it simply is a description of Court Young’s worldview.
C
ourt Young has visualized this connecting thread throughout her life and spiritual journey. She sees it each day as a litigation attorney, as a wife and
POINTS OF CONNECTION
mother, and more importantly, as a Christian. Court, a lifelong member of Myers Park Presbyterian, took part in her “first big venture” with Family to Family as part of the pilot program birthed by Sally Helweg. Over the next few years, Court hosted Room in the Inn and grew very actively involved with Jacob’s Ladder as a board member and pro bono attorney. Yet she “always has been drawn to serving the church in whatever ways are needed.” So in addition to outreach, Court’s engagement has ranged from teaching kindergarten and second-grade Sunday School to chaperoning MissionKids, preparing shelter casseroles and serving as a member of the officer nominating committee.
“For me it is always about how I can best help nurture and strengthen our church family,” Court said. This goal has led to two current initiatives she is proud to be part of at Myers Park Presbyterian. One is stewardship. “No one likes to talk about money, including me. But that’s not how I see stewardship. My husband, and our family — we see stewardship as a way of life. It is God letting us participate in his kingdom,” she said. As Court has increased her involvement on this team, the necessary link between faith formation, service and giving as integral parts
of discipleship has become increasingly clear. Yet she and fellow member Beth Pence were not sure that people of all ages understood the correlation. That led to the Emerging Leaders Challenge which began in May. These quarterly forums led by Senior Pastor Steve Eason are for emerging leaders in their late 20s – 45. Each is designed to explore the hows, whats and whys of discipleship and how to live each day purposefully. “We as a church are making such a difference both at home and worldwide, but it requires each of us growing in faith and serving side by side. That
means as individuals, we must approach this journey very deliberately,” Court said. She continued saying, “Once when I was helping host Room in the Inn, I ate dinner beside a woman and her child who clearly were exhausted and hungry. They were both very quiet but then the mom turned to me and whispered a thank you. I was blown away because I was just thinking what a privilege it was to share the same space with her. Serving like that brings such joy. It is something I pray everyone can experience.”
“For me it is always about how I can best help nurture and strengthen our church family”
SEPT. 15, NOV. 10 AND JAN. 2015 Discover how to be a leader in this church and community and live an intentional faith at work, at home and in today’s world. If you are in your late 20s – 45, mark your calendar for the Emerging Leader forums which include an optional dinner at 6:30 p.m. and a program/discussion which runs from 7–8 p.m. For more information, go to adults.myersparkpres.org/learn
LAUREN & MARTIN START DATING HIGH SCHOOL - MEDICAL MISSION TRIP SEWANEE GRADUATION
ARGENTINA MEDICAL MISSION
PERFECT TIMING MAKING PEOPLE FEEL BETTER IS A PASSION FOR LAUREN WILKINSON. IT STARTED IN HIGH SCHOOL WHEN SHE WENT ON A MEDICAL MISSION TRIP WITH HER SURGEON FATHER TO THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC. LAUREN ASSISTED HIM AS HE OPERATED IN THE “MIDDLE OF NOWHERE” FOR FIVE DAYS STRAIGHT.
THE FIRE WAS LIT.
EL SALVADOR MEDICAL BRIGADE LAUREN & MARTIN MARRY PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT SCHOOL IN S.C.
It
seemed only natural after Lauren’s Sewanee graduation that she would apply to physician assistant graduate programs. She was surprised when she did not get in immediately. With that door closed, Lauren decided to enter the mission field in Argentina and work at a medical mision clinic. A week prior to her South American move, she and Martin Wilkinson, a college classmate, became engaged. “We were both from Charlotte but had never met until we got to college,” said Lauren, “and after we got engaged we were going to be halfway around the world from one another. How’s that for timing?” Over the next year Lauren’s fluency in Spanish and her commitment to healthcare grew. So did the long-distance relationship with Martin. Both shared a passion for serving others and took part in several mission trips together before marrying in 2005 and eventually settling in Charleston where Lauren completed her physician assistant graduate work. The couple who now have three children — ages 4, 2 and 3 months — moved back to Charlotte and joined Myers Park Presbyterian four years ago. They have engaged in ministry together teaching three-year-old children’s
RETURN TO CHARLOTTE
Sunday School. They also have served separately. Lauren assists every other month in the Charlotte Community Health Clinic and Martin tutors at Billingsville Elementary School. They began praying about global outreach opportunities after their second child was born. “We wanted to get involved with a regular cadence,” said Martin. Then they read about the church’s upcoming mission trip to El Salvador in the Sunday bulletin. The primary goal was opening the Getsemani medical clinic. “After speaking with Jerry Barron, Frances Foxworth and Anna Carter, we realized that Lauren could do the medical side and I could do the business side on this team,” he said. The trip far exceeded their expectations, but it did have its challenges. “When Lauren and I arrived as part of the advance logistics team, the clinic was not complete. We had thousands of dollars of equipment to deliver and hundreds of people to be treated so we had to think fast,” said Martin. “We saw this as challenging and exciting at the same time,” said Lauren. They enlisted local men and women to help them upfit the community center into a makeshift medical clinic. They chopped and lashed bamboo
“WE SAW THIS AS CHALLENGING AND EXCITING AT THE SAME TIME.” poles together and hung brightly colored fabric to separate treatment areas. By the time the medical team arrived on Wednesday, everything was ready for the seemingly unending lines of patients. The couple says mission “keeps them grounded” and gives them perspective when the unexpected happens. Lauren was pregnant with their third child when Martin found out his job had been eliminated. It happened on a Friday and the following Monday a Charleston home they had been trying to sell for six years sold. By the time their daughter was born, Martin had found a new job he loves. “There are so many aha moments when you stop and think about God’s plan at work in our lives. If I’d gotten into PA school the first time I’d applied, I wouldn’t have gone to Argentina. That’s where I became fluent in Spanish, and that fluency helped us upfit the clinic and interpret for the doctors. Those are the times when you realize that God has perfect timing,” said Lauren.
DEFINING MOMENTS IDEAS CAN STRIKE ANYTIME, ANYWHERE. JUST ASK KATHLEEN COOKE.
THIS FALL SUNDAYS AT 9:45 A.M. Discover family-friendly ways to make faith real to your children in the Sparking Faith class. Also make plans to join us this summer for the next Sprout Outreach activity. Watch for details.
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KATHLEEN’S EPIPHANY OCCURRED WHILE WATCHING HER FOURYEAR-OLD SON AND HIS FRIENDS FILL LUMINARY BAGS. SHE WONDERED IF THAT SAME ENERGY AND CREATIVITY COULD BE APPLIED TOWARD OUTREACH PROJECTS FOR CHILDREN HIS AGE AND THEIR FAMILIES. THE REST AS THEY SAY, IS HISTORY.
planning session with Associate Pastor for Children and Their Families Julie Hester the week before Christmas led to the birth of Sprout Outreach — outreach opportunities for three-year-olds through third-grade and their families. They had anticipated 15 children might attend the first January event and were amazed when nearly 150 children and adults participated. The second event met with equal success, and there are plans to continue activities throughout the summer. “We really want to fan the flame. The kids are asking whether they can do something similar next week, and the parents are excited about planting the seed and easing their children into helping others,” she said. Thinking about innovative ways to make faith real to children is something that Kathleen and her husband, Chip, have always prioritized. But Kathleen’s mom inspired the parents of two boys to step out of their comfort zone and take a leadership role at our church to help make this a reality. Chip and Kathleen had been attending Live Big, a Sunday School class for parents of children — ages four to 11 — to help them reinforce Sunday School concepts. The current leaders were ready to “pass the baton” according to Chip. Although he felt called to say yes, he was not sure he was ready. “The class was vibrant and the other leaders were so great, I simply didn’t want to goof it up,” Chip said. The property tax chief executive officer said, “I assumed to become a teacher I
would get a year of mentoring and men’s Bible study in preparation. Two weeks later I was at the front of this very smart class feeling more than a little nervous,” he said. Chip recruited two co-teachers, Cliff Smith and Whit Blount, who grew up together with him at Myers Park Presbyterian. Together they lead the renamed Sparking Faith class. There are generally about 30 parents in their mid-30s to mid-40s who attend each Sunday. “We really try to dig into the scripture together so everyone has context and feels equipped to reinforce their children’s takeaways. The goal is to stimulate faith conversations at home as a family,” said Chip. It definitely seems to be working. Chip described a recent conversation with his kindergartner. “At breakfast one morning, States asked me when we pray if we were talking to God. I said, ‘yes, buddy.’ Then he asked me how I knew that God answered. I told him my prayer had been that God would give me him, Mommy and Smithie and my prayers had definitely been answered. He gave me a big smile when I said that,” said Chip. “We are trying to immerse our boys in faith,” he said. Kathleen nodded and added, “The children’s ministry makes it easy. Julie is very supportive and her parenting circle is partnering with us on Sprout Outreach. There are just so many amazing people at this church who are ready to drop what they are doing and help out. That says a lot about our church family here at Myers Park Presbyterian.”
The Face of
Hospitality
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ib greets, smiles, hugs and what one fellow member describes as “holds court” with children of all ages (including those nearing retirement). She asks one child whether he is feeling better since he was sick and missed church last week. She congratulates a teen about her college decision. And she waits for the shy little preschooler who is standing behind his mother to come forward when he feels comfortable. “It’s amazing how many children actually wait for their turn to talk. They go through stages over the years, including the little fellows who are hesitant at first. Each one is beautiful to me and I look forward to Sundays so I can see them,” she said.
Where Lib Gallagher stands on Sunday mornings is not happenstance. Neither is her timing. Why? Because people count on her — little people. So from 9:20 – 9:45 a.m. where the two hallways of the children’s Sunday School classrooms converge, you will find Lib serving as the face of hospitality for Myers Park Presbyterian.
It does not come as a surprise that Lib always has been a “people person.” Even at Lewisville High School in Richburg, S.C., she was never shy. Lib graduated magna cum laude in mathematics and science from Winthrop University and came to Charlotte as a teacher. She continued this career for more than 30 years instructing in the public schools and at Central Piedmont Community College. She met her future husband, Clarence, a fellow greeter whose hospitality at the church is well known, shortly after arriving in the Queen City. They have been church members for nearly 60 years, along with their only son Bill Gallagher. She says, “It is hard to express the love we have for the people of Myers Park Presbyterian.” That love can be seen in Lib’s years of service as a deacon and elder, secretary of her Sunday School class, baptism and funeral helper, Presbyterian Women leader, and even as a member of the seasonal decorating committee. “I love helping the young people who bring flowers decorate the Easter cross,” she said. Amazingly, Lib’s
engagement shows no sign of diminishing. In addition to serving as a greeter, Lib tallies the number of Sunday School attendees weekly. She also is a trusted worker at funerals because “I really want to comfort the families at this time.” While she cannot do as many in-home visits to those who are homebound, Lib stays in touch by phone. “There are so many people who love our church. Even though they can’t get out, they want to keep up with all the good news so I’m glad to call and share with them,” she said. This level of dedication is why Lib and Clarence were recognized for their outstanding service by the Presbytery of Charlotte. They, however, see nothing special about what they do. It is Associate Pastor for Adult Education Von Clemans who puts into words how much the couple means to the people of Myers Park Presbyterian, “Clarence and Lib live out St. Francis’ admonition to ‘always preach the Gospel. If necessary, use words.’ They are a powerful example to us all about what it means to live out our faith in community.”
Life is a Challenge: Meet It JANE LOCKWOOD LOVES A CHALLENGE, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT COMES TO HER FELLOW YOUTH.
JULY 21 – 24 9 A.M. – 12:30 P.M., MONDAY – THURSDAY Imagine and build with God at this year’s camp, Workshop of Wonders. If you are a youth or adult who would like to join Jane and our Vacation Bible School team this summer, sign up now.
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That is why Associate Pastor for Youth and Their Families Michelle Thomas-Bush considers Jane her go-to person for Vacation Bible School. It all began four years ago when Michelle was relatively new to Myers Park Presbyterian. A large number of youth were needed to help serve at our church’ signature learning experience for children. Getting started on recruitment, however, looked pretty daunting until she remembered Jane’s go-to attitude.
hat year and every year since, Jane and her co-chair Anna Freund have not only met, but exceeded enlisting the number of youth needed for the summer program. In addition, thanks to Jane’s help with training and “getting the volunteers all pumped up” those same youth have come back year after year to serve. Why does Jane do it? “Because I love it,” she said. Jane got her start when a friend asked her to help at the church event. She enjoyed the experience so much she wanted everyone to share in the fun. Last year, 72 youth acted as classroom guides, assisted in the art studio, helped in the science lab and helped lead the outreach team. The rising senior at Myers Park High School leaves nothing up to chance when it comes to sharing this opportunity. She is willing to speak at conferences and uses every form of digital media including Instagram, Facebook and text. Jane even asks the friends of her two younger brothers if they will help. But the passion Jane has for Vacation Bible School goes way beyond the numbers. “I like working behind the scenes and seeing people sharing in such a rich experience. For me, the highlight is going to chapel. When you have a three- or four-year-old child sit on your lap and see the joy they get singing along with the Bible songs, you can’t help but be happy,” she said. Jane does not deny there are challenges. After all waking up at 7 a.m. on a summer morning is not a welcome activity for any youth, but the joy is undeniable. “The best part is watching the little children bond with their counselors. I love to watch them having fun and learning together,” she said.
EVERY MEMBER HAS A MINISTRY Here 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. FREDERICK BUECHNER DESCRIBES MINISTRY AS “WHERE YOUR GREATEST PASSION MEETS THE WORLD’S GREATEST NEED.”
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o let one of our ministry mentors help you narrow down the 100+ options available within our church, or think outside the box to find a fit for your passion. There is no right or wrong way to select a ministry mentor. Simply go to serve.myersparkpres.org to get started. When you go where God wants you to go, you are in for the ride of your life!
Looking for a summer discipleship opportunity? Check out these options: Drive youth to Montreat and on CROSS Mission experiences Host a CROSS Mission Dinner* Serve on a global mission team Help lead children at Vacation Bible School* Assist in Grier Heights: Serving as a Camp Harrison buddy* Mentoring at Freedom School* (minimum age 18) Coaching beginning swimmers* (minimum age 16) Taking part in an Urban Eagles summer cookout* *appropriate for youth
BETH BELL MEMBERS’ MINISTRY COORDINATOR phone 704.927.1266 email serve@myersparkpres.org web serve.myersparkpres.org
CATHERINE Collins
JANE Glenn
Heeseman
LUCI
Helweg
JOE
My husband’s joyful outlook, energy and deep beliefs have inspired me to go above and beyond when it comes to faith. I hope 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.
I grew up watching my father live life as a Christian according to Ephesians 2:10. I try to do the same, remembering that each of us is “God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works...” I pray that I can help you grow your faith by finding a meaningful ministry.
I work as a retirement community life coordinator. My ministry motivation was inspired by my 107-year-old grandmother’s deep faith and heart for the homeless and The Hole in the Gospel redemptive message. I want to share the joy of mission and ministry with you.
My wife inspires me daily because she always responds to God’s call and never makes excuses. By profession, I am a financial service mortgage specialist, but in my work as a ministry mentor, I want to help our church be more relational and intentional as we live out Psalm 139: 23-24.
MINISTRY MENTORS JAMIE
TOM Okel
I work in property development/ management. Daily I am inspired by the courageous fight of so many associates, friends and family members who are battling cancer. As a mentor, I want to help you experience the same faith enrichment I have found through ministry.
I made a midlife career switch from the financial services industry to oversee a nonprofit land trust. I strive to emulate my father who as it says in Ephesians 4:1-7, lived a “life worthy of the calling you have received.” I want to help you navigate our church’s many impactful ministries and find your place.
McLawhorn
AMY
DAVID Simas
I am a Chi instructor and fitness advocate. For me, each day is a gift. This attitude comes in part because my mother fought a decade-long battle with ALS and my father died of cancer. At the time, I saw these experiences as a “double whammy” but now they serve as motivation. I think of mentorship as a “joy finder” and I’m ready to help you unite your life experience and passion with ministry.
I work in insurance for the financial services industry and consider Tim Keller’s The Prodigal God my favorite book. I was moved to become a mentor by Beth Bell’s servant leadership. I want to help you “stick your neck out” through ministry in ways that will make a difference in your life and the lives of the people around you.
Peacock
CHALLENGE
#whatisministry
Live faith in one photo.
1 Show us what inspires and personifies ministry in your eyes.
2 Follow us @myersparkpres, post the photo to Instagram and tag it #WhatIsMinistry.
3 Check to see the ongoing live gallery of entries.
Carolyn Weber, Surprised by Oxford
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