TABLE OF CONTENTS 2 MEASURE OF A HEART
14 THE REAL HUNGER GAMES
4 REBIRTH
16 CIRCLES OF INFLUENCE
Reflections on Living Your Faith
The Tale of a Self-Professed Late Bloomer
Sounding the Gong on a Global Crisis
Growing. Flexing. Building Relationships.
6 MINISTRY THAT CLICKS
18 STILL WATERS RUN DEEP
8 FINDING YOUR MATCH
20 THE INTERSECTION OF FAITH AND LIFE
10 LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL
22 EVERY MEMBER HAS A MINISTRY 2.0
One Youth Steps Out of His Comfort Zone
A Unique Equation: Interest + Passion = Ministry
Believing Even When the Direction is Unclear
How a Rocky Start Morphed into a Life’s Work
How a Holistic Approach Brought Peace
Find a Fit for Your Passion
12 A CHERISHED TRADITION
Celebrating our Church Family in Montreat
If you have comments about this edition of Journey, please contact Dorothy Lineberger at dotlinecom@earthlink.net. For questions or more information about Myers Park Presbyterian communications, please contact Bob Davies, communication chair, at candescence@carolina.rr.com. 1
MEASURE o W
hen I am introduced as the pastor of Myers Park Presbyterian Church, people often ask me “How big is your church?” That is an interesting question. Over 5,000 men, women, youth and children call our church home. Our campus is nearly 200,000 square feet. But the true measure – our heart – is bigger than any building or membership number.
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You can see that heart lived out daily through Every Member Has a Ministry. This core Myers Park Presbyterian initiative was born 12 years ago. Why? To remind us as Christians that we are called to be students of Christ – disciples – and get our hands in the “mud of ministry.” Ministry can be anywhere, doing anything. The key is to remember that we are not consumers. We are servants. And God is equipping us for ministry
of a HEART here at home, at work, and throughout our world. A member of our church who was a judge once said to me, “I’ve always thought of what I do on the bench as a kind of ministry. It just means a lot to me that the church now sees it that way!” And why not? Wherever you are, you are an ambassador for Christ. Wherever the fruits of the Spirit are being manifested in your life, and wherever you are
being faithful to the ethics and the morals of the kingdom of God, you are in ministry. The stories you are about to read are inspiring. They are full of joy and enthusiasm. The individuals and their ministries are unique and varied. But the invitation is the same. Live out your baptism. Put your hands in the mud of ministry. Follow Christ…and be prepared for a heck of a ride!
STEVE EASON PASTOR 3
REBIRTH THE TALE OF A SELF-PROFESSED LATE BLOOMER
It seemed like a gap year — a gap year that lasted 30 – 40 years. At least it did to Rooney Robison. That is how she described life before and after the D2 Challenge. 4
G
“I FEEL LIKE I CAME OUT A DIFFERENT PERSON,”
A long-standing member of Myers Park Presbyterian, Rooney said she “always strived to be a good Christian and a decent human being.” When her children were younger she served in diverse discipleship roles, teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School and leading a Presbyterian Women’s circle.
radually though, life grew hectic. Her family started a business that kept her occupied weekdays from sunup to sundown. Rooney said there were so many things to do, she “felt like she was evaporating into thin air.” She found herself growing more and more disconnected from the church. “I longed to be engaged but somehow I didn’t have time or make time to grow in my faith,” she said. Last year, however, when Rooney and her husband moved to Southminster, she found herself breathing a little easier. The octogenarian became determined to take a discipleship class. When Rooney saw the D2 Challenge described in the bulletin, she knew the time had come. “I would be the first to tell you that I was green as a sapling when I started this class. I was unsure whether I could do it, and nerved out because my brain seemed to be deteriorating more rapidly than the rest of me,” she said. Rooney surprised herself by soaking up the knowledge as a willing, determined learner. “I don’t remember things like people in their 20s, 30s and 40s. It requires more review and asking questions, but what a gift it has been,” she said. Now thanks to D2, “the most awakening experience I have ever had,” Rooney feels like she has opened Pandora’s box. “I may have understood Christmas and Easter but there was so
much I did not know,” she said. The indepth study, coupled with stimulating discussions with the pastors and members of all ages is “like having a facelift or something. I feel like I came out a different person,” she said. Rooney elaborated saying, “It has given me such perspective. I realize that throughout the years when I was going through problems, God was right there giving me strength. And I know now that the church is part of me and I’m part of the church. It means so much to me to count the two ministers who taught the class and my fellow learners as part of my history book of friends.” The only regret Rooney has it that she did not make time for this spiritual growth earlier in life. “I’m at an age when most of the people I’ve known are in St. Peter’s onion patch. So when I see someone at breakfast and need to tell them something, I do it then because they might be gone by lunch,” she said with a smile. That is why Rooney advises everyone to “jump on opportunities like this one.” The wife, mother of four and grandmother laughingly continued, “Who would have ever thought that a Wednesday night discipleship class at church would become my big whoop-de-do? It was and is, so I tell everyone I know that discipleship is a terrific ride. Grab onto it while you can.” 5
DANIEL WATTS HAS CALLED MYERS PARK PRESBYTERIAN HIS CHURCH SINCE BIRTH.
The now 14-year-old even played baby Jesus in the annual nativity play. Since that time, Daniel says he has been surrounded by people and opportunities that have grown his faith in amazing ways.
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This is particularly true when it comes to handson mission engagement. Daniel’s school, Trinity Episcopal, pairs each grade with a yearlong service partnership. For example, in thirdgrade, Daniel helped the homeless through Urban Ministry, and in fourth-grade he worked with cognitively disabled students through the Metro School. At that time, he also began working with the Urban Eagles serving dinner to, and playing soccer with, fellow youth in the Grier Heights and Birchcroft neighborhoods. Daniel said, “I really enjoyed getting to know the kids in both neighborhoods. At first it was a little hard. For example, many of the Birchcroft kids were refugees so not all of them could speak English very well. It was difficult sometimes to understand them. But over time, I made good friends in both places. I especially liked it when some of the Grier Heights youth I’d met played on a basketball team with me and went on mission trips with our church.”
“IT IS CRAZY THE AMOUNT WE HAVE COMPARED TO THE REST OF THE WORLD AND THE PEOPLE IN OUR CITY.” Daniel’s participation in Myers Park Presbyterian’s mission trips began in sixthgrade when he went to New Orleans and served the homeless. “I learned a lot about poverty working in the shelters and helping serve meals there,” he said. In seventh-grade, Daniel took part in the Arkansas Heifer International poverty simulation. You could see the passion on his face as he described his experience saying, “At Heifer you are assigned a region in the world and mine was Africa. We slept in mud huts without running water. All we had to eat were onions and carrots so if we wanted something more we had to go to other villages and ask for help. It was just a taste of the severe conditions people in Africa and India live with every day,” he said. That same year Daniel also served on a CROSS Missions team here in Charlotte and took part in a diverse array of urban ministry opportunities. When asked to describe the greatest joy of these ventures, the eighthgrader said, “Heifer was meaningful because I experienced what it was like to live in a
mud hut without running water. When we worked in New Orleans, it was seeing the homeless men and women’s reaction to the gift of an apple or a sandwich. With CROSS, it was putting a smile on the face of a neighbor.” Daniel said each ministry has impacted his approach to life. “They made me realize how much we have and what we take for granted. It is crazy the amount we have compared to the rest of the world and the people in our city,” he said. He also found that the more he engages in ministry, the more it encourages him to do more. Daniel smiled saying, “When I was working in Grier Heights and saw Ben Page leading our Urban Eagles team in devotion, I saw how strong his character was and how much we were all learning. It made me so happy just to be a part of it.” After a brief moment he added, “Getting started in ministry is not hard. Just step out of your comfort zone and try things until something clicks.”
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FINDING YOUR
MATCH How can you match your interests and passion to a ministry? That was the question Amy Bynum asked herself when she joined Myers Park Presbyterian two years ago.
Over coffee with Michelle Thomas-Bush,
associate pastor for youth and their families, Amy agreed to serve as an adult leader for our youth’s weeklong summer CROSS Missions experience. She understood that CROSS was Myers Park Presbyterian’s urban outreach ministry for middle and high school youth from across the country. What Amy did not know was how CROSS would influence her personally.
Amy, a wife, mother of two teens and
“I had done service projects as a teacher so I
middle school English teacher, said,
assumed CROSS would be like that. The first
“I’m passionate about teaching and
day I discovered how powerful and eye-opening
working with youth and I wondered if
the experience would really be,” she said. In
those kinds of skills could be used to
July, Amy and two other adult leaders served
impact Charlotte.”
neighbors in need alongside a group of our 10 middle schoolers at different urban ministry sites throughout Charlotte.
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“IT IS
T
SO he
behind-the-scenes
included
cooking
everyone they met – something that really
the
impressed Amy as a CROSS leader. “I was
donated
anxious. But I knew in order to lead by
clothes and visiting Alzheimer’s
example, I had to put my boundaries and
patients. The one Amy found
fears aside,” she said.
most
however,
The joy that resulted from the CROSS
was sharing a meal with men
experience continues to enrich Amy’s faith
and women at the Crisis
life and her feeling of community at this
Assistance
There
church. “Seeing the impact of this week on
she was surprised to encounter a former
my daughter was such a blessing. So was
acquaintance who was now struggling
being able to talk to her about it because I
with addictions. Their conversation that
had experienced the same things firsthand,”
day forever changed Amy’s perception of
she said.
homelessness.
When asked if there was anything else
Amy experienced a similar revelation on the
she wanted to add, Amy became
CROSS Urban Walk which includes a three-
animated saying, “Before serving
mile trek to the Urban Ministry Center. The
as a youth leader, I found it
desired outcome is to heighten awareness
easy to come to worship and
among the youth and leaders of what daily
leave. Now I seek out ways to
reality is for the homeless. As Amy walked
get connected. It feels like I
through the city’s underpasses, beside scruffy
belong and that I can make
patches of trees and bushes, and near unused
an impact. Getting involved
buildings, she could see evidence of places
has changed my view of
where these men and women were finding
Myers Park Presbyterian and
nightly shelter. Amy began to see urban
Charlotte. If anyone is hesitant
Charlotte with fresh eyes.
about moving forward, I would
Despite the harsh realities of poverty and
tell them to take the step and get
homelessness, the Myers Park Presbyterian
involved in ministry. It is so worth it,”
teens showed a natural compassion to
she said.
homeless,
sorting
meaningful,
Ministry.
for
work
WORTH
IT.”
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The call came at 6:30 a.m. one July morning. Jamie McLawhorn’s sister had just been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Jamie and his wife, Hunter, were shocked and overwhelmed by the news. The couple’s immediate response was to turn to their Myers Park Presbyterian family.
“Sometimes faith is believing, even when you don’t know what direction to go.” 10
LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL
N
“I cannot imagine where I would be without the ministers who provide council and wisdom, without the friends who pray for and with us.
The first place I wanted to go when I heard my sister’s news was Sunday morning worship,” said Jamie.
early five years later, Jamie’s sister is still undergoing chemotherapy but her condition remains stable. The duo and their extended family enjoyed a wonderful time of Thanksgiving together celebrating the joy of life. “She has a phenomenal faith and it has been such a strong witness to our family. Her attitude is whatever comes, she knows God will shepherd her through it,” Jamie said. The father of three high schoolers and Myers Park member for over two decades said that during tough times and good times, the church gives him strength and perspective. Jamie explained, “Here at this church I find my faith nurtured, supported and challenged. It is here that my children learn faith. It is here that I am reminded how my family has been blessed and that we should share our blessings.” That is a key reason why Jamie has become a ministry mentor, helping fellow members find where their unique passions can help meet real needs. His diverse ministry experience certainly helps. Over the years, Jamie has served as a basketball coach, facilities and administrative team chair, elder, youth and confirmation leader, and stewardship chair. How did he get started? “Honestly, it was because someone reached out and asked me. I am so glad they did. As I have grown more engaged, my faith has deepened and I have found that I make my relationship with Christ a priority,” he said. Jamie and the
other ministry mentors recognize that taking that first step in a large church can be somewhat intimidating. “Sometimes people assume that a church like ours is a well-oiled machine that really does not need their gifts and talents. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Not to mention, the incredible joy that comes from ministry,” he said. The property development/ management executive smiled. Then he described the experience he and his wife had last year serving as confirmation coordinators. The eighth-grade class included their twin daughter and son. “Working with the youth throughout their yearlong confirmation journey was great, but a real highlight was when they shared their faith statements. I was amazed at the maturity of these 14-year-olds. They expressed confidence and doubt, wisdom and naïveté, and strength and fear. It was a true joy to witness for both me and Hunter,” he said. Jamie also was deeply moved by fellow members who supported the church so joyfully during the recent recession. He said down times like that one and his sister’s ongoing illness have shaped his faith. “I definitely have learned to have a more patient faith. Just because things aren’t working the way you expect them to, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. It is knowing that God is still with you even if the answer is not what you want it to be,” said Jamie.
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ACHERISHED
BRYN MILES IS A LIFER.
SHE WAS BORN AND RAISED AT MYERS PARK PRESBYTERIAN LIKE HER PARENTS AND HER GRANDPARENTS BEFORE HER. Maybe that is why being part of this church family means so much to Bryn. You can see it in her warm smile and hear it in her infectious laugh weekdays as she greets people of all ages who enter the welcome center. 12
TRADITION
“WHEN I AM IN MONTREAT WITH MY CHURCH FAMILY, I FEEL CLOSE TO GOD.”
S
ome of the many ways Bryn has served include offering hospitality to the homeless through Room in the Inn, supplying food for Loaves and Fishes, serving as a choir assistant, and teaching children’s Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. Her ongoing spiritual growth has been fueled by Presbyterian Women circles, discipleship classes and Executive Pastor Millie Snyder’s Thursday morning Bible study. But you can really see Bryn’s love for fellow members come alive at Montreat. Bryn has chaired our church’s fall mountain retreat for nearly 10 years. Why? “Montreat has a special place in my heart and I want to continue the tradition,” she said. A prime motivation of Bryn’s ministry: watching adults and children have good old-fashioned fun and building lifelong, Christ-centered relationships. Bryn says there is no substitute for singing around the campfire, learning how to square dance or worshipping together with the Blue Ridge Mountains as a backdrop. “Focusing on the simple things of life is so refreshing. You watch the kids playing Clue or wading in the creek and you realize you don’t always have to be doing something grand.
You connect on a whole new level and realize our church is not as big as you thought,” she said. She remembers experiencing an “aha moment” on one of her family’s first trips to Montreat when her children were very young. “We happened to be in the same room that year. It was just so nice at night to lie in bed talking about the day’s adventures with Laura and Charles William. I started thinking if we were at home, they would have had the television on. It just made me realize how special this time without distractions could be,” she said. Whether it is finding someone to call the square dance, purchasing prizes for the annual Bingo game or gathering supplies for the arts and crafts stations, Bryn cherishes each and every Montreat organizational detail. “Montreat is just ingrained in me. I really cherish our group talks on faith and the time we spend worshipping together. You will hear some amazing things coming out of the mouths of babes,” she said. “Getting to know other people in a small group makes the church feel more intimate. It gives you friends of all ages.” Bryn paused for a moment, smiled and added, “When I am in Montreat with my church family, I feel close to God.”
13
THE
AG YO ES UT SU H O HA IT U F AL PL IRN P W L A BE STI ETS ITH FO C G AN TH RE M LOV D EIR A ES ST NNI , AT NG IO NS .
REAL
HUNGER
GAMES Some scoop and pour dried food into bags, others seal the packets, still others weigh and bundle them into containers. The spirit of community and fun is undeniable, yet there is an underlying seriousness of purpose. After all in less than 3 ½ hours, their teamwork will result in 25,000 Stop Hunger Now meals that will feed 150,000 people.
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H
earing about the annual Stop Hunger Now event that takes place on the Myers Park Presbyterian campus and actually participating in it are two different things. Just ask 15-year-old Thomas Williams, a co-chair of the event. A participant in this mission activity for the third straight year, Thomas said, “Stop Hunger Now is such a genius program. I like being able to help so many people with so few volunteers in so little time.” The Charlotte Latin sophomore especially enjoys seeing people celebrate the gong ring that signals each 1,000 meal milestone. Each dehydrated rice/soy meal is fortified with 23 essential vitamins and nutrients and costs just 29 cents. “I find this project so meaningful because hunger is such a big global issue that really is not discussed. Hunger is so ever-present that people think of it as a given and that there is nothing we can do. But we can end hunger in our lifetime,” said Thomas. Being able to tackle substantive issues is something the teen
values. That is a key reason why he appreciates Myers Park Presbyterian and our church’s fellow youth. “Being able to talk through faith/life issues really helps me grow. Our youth group is made up of kids from schools throughout Charlotte. But I find that they are some of the closest friends I have that I can really talk to about what matters.” This has proven true for Thomas throughout his experience at Myers Park Presbyterian, but especially as a youth. He cites the opportunity to build faith and community at Montreat through youth programs. He talks about seeing a different side of Charlotte and “bursting the bubble” through his two years of CROSS Missions urban service. And he describes the change of pace in last year’s history of the Bible discussion in Sunday School and this year’s focus on ethics. Thomas summarized it all by saying, “I llike doing faith and life here.”
3.5hrs = 25,000 meals = 150,000 people 15
CIRCLES of INFLUENCE It all boils down to relationships. At least it does for Mary Beth McIntyre. As she recalls the ministries that she has been drawn to over the past two decades at Myers Park Presbyterian, the common denominator is they all have been centered on building relationships.
Whether it is chairing the couples’ ministry, assisting as a deacon, or more recently serving as a youth class advisor and confirmation leader, Mary Beth has found tremendous joy helping people grow in faith and in community with one another. This is a key reason why Presbyterian Women has been a central focus of hers for nearly 10 years, including in her current role as moderator. 16
A
wife and mother of sixth-grade James and ninth-grade Ellie, she said, “A church our size can be challenging, so I like to look for ways to make it smaller and more approachable. Presbyterian Women is designed to do just that. It allows us to strengthen our faith together, and deepens and broadens our connections as women through smaller groups. Watching the relationships form and deepen is a true blessing.” Mary Beth described a recent conversation with a Presbyterian Women committee chair. Unsolicited, the woman described her then/now perception of the women’s group. Mary Beth recounted it saying, “She said she was pretty hesitant to get started. She wasn’t a social person and didn’t feel attached to the church. But once she started attending, she was so grateful. It gave her a place of connection, friends that she thought she would never have, and an avenue to uncover and discover God’s blessing.” With tears in her eyes Mary Beth continued saying, “As I listened to her, something crystallized. I thought about how Presbyterian Women had enriched my life. It helped me move from a passive to an active faith. It transformed church from a Sunday place to so much more. It wove faith and church into the daily fabric of my life.” For Mary Beth it all began years ago when she attended the spring Montreat women’s retreat. She was assigned a “potluck” roommate, Catherine Armstrong. The duo connected, staying up late talking each night and laying the groundwork for a special, enduring friendship. “I think many women are a little confused about Presbyterian Women. They think you have to join something to participate. The reality is if you are a female member of Myers Park Presbyterian, you are automatically one of us,” she said. That is good news based on the exciting new intergenerational focus and influx of women in their late 20s-early 40s which has occurred over the past two years. A prime example was the inaugural spring Women of Faith luncheon which included three speakers and over 200 attendees of varying ages and stages of life. “We are growing and flexing to meet the everchanging needs all around us just as Myers Park Presbyterian is doing. That is why we tell everyone to come on. You will be welcomed with open arms,” said Mary Beth.
Presbyterian Women is designed to do just that. It allows us to strengthen our faith together, and deepens and broadens our connections as women through smaller groups. Watching the relationships form and deepen is a 17
A rocky start:
those three words are what Martin Waters laughingly uses to describe his introduction to Myers Park Presbyterian. One of his earliest childhood memories is being pushed through the hedges of his yard which adjoined the church’s property. Dressed in “a Little Lord Fauntleroy suit,” Martin was told by his parents to attend Sunday School.
FROM THAT DAY FORWARD THIS CHURCH HAS BEEN AN INTEGRAL PART OF MARTIN’S LIFE.
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T
he 88-year-old describes decades when he alternated serving as a deacon for six years and then as an elder for 10-year terms. “Today you couldn’t get anyone to serve for that long. I probably wouldn’t do it either. But I was honored to do it then,” said Martin, who has been elected a church officer six times. The proud member of the Builder generation has been a go-to person “on the money side of the church” working on annual and capital campaigns; served as the Sunday School superintendent for more than a decade; and even taught youth Sunday School one year. “I was no better than average. I’m usually good on my feet, but my option was not renewed,” he said jokingly. Martin is thankful about who and what Myers Park Presbyterian is today. “I feel our church has finally reached our potential. Seeing how we have mobilized is a heck of a thing,” he said.
“WHAT WE ARE DOING THROUGHOUT OUR COMMUNITY AND THE WORLD IS REALLY WHAT WE HAVE BEEN CALLED BY GOD TO DO.” The father and grandfather described chairing a committee several years ago that included some of the senior leaders of Myers Park Presbyterian. “This was a wonderful team of dedicated people – people like Lib Harkey, Peg Ransen and Doug Booth. We were asked to prayerfully set forth a vision of what our church could and should become. It was such a joy to discuss the possibilities and to realize how far we have come as a church family,” said Martin. Another great joy in the still-active property manager’s life was serving on the
Presbytery of Charlotte’s new church development team. Martin recalls finding and acquiring the acreage for what would become South Mecklenburg Presbyterian Church. He started by creating a 4 x 8 foot battle plan of possible sites and pinning it to the wall. Systematically he contacted every property owner to no avail. Martin left the best site to the end because he felt it would be impossible to acquire. “I was coming up empty, but the Lord looked down and made it happen,” he said. Today that church has 1,000+ members and Martin is happy that
God could use his skills through this sort of ministry. Martin thinks this marriage of skill and passion through Every Member Has A Ministry defines us as “a national leadership church.” There is emotion in his voice as he says, “I have probably been to 5,000 church meetings in my lifetime. I know that it is not perfect. But there are times, not every Sunday, but a high percentage of times, when as worship concludes I want to raise my hands and say man I have been to church today. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.” 19
The Intersection of Faith & Life
F
&
L
D2.2 ON THE JOURNEY OF FAITH, ALSTON ROBERTSON’S
LIFE HAS INTERSECTED
WITH MYERS PARK
PRESBYTERIAN
TIME AND AGAIN.
20
Alston fondly remembers the 10 childhood years spent at this church. It seemed only natural to return at age 29 when she moved back to Charlotte from Washington, D.C. Since Alston embraces the holistic nature of discipleship – growing, serving and giving – she looked for ways to engage in all three arenas. She sought out a group of likeminded people her age, and with encouragement from church leaders, helped start Trinity – an active group of individuals who now range in age from
T
ogether Trinity’s single and married, men and women engage in growth, fellowship and outreach activities. “Over the last three years, we have learned so much from one another and have made what I know will be lifelong friendships,” she said. This same motivation also spurred Alston to help form the Emerging Leaders Challenge, a quarterly forum that typically draws hundreds of individuals. “Our demographic is the biggest in the church. Steve Eason recognized the leadership promise and had this brainchild to help us cultivate our potential as Christian leaders,” she said. It is obvious that caring for, and inspiring the church of the future, is a passion for Alston. That is why the strategic vision team seemed so fitting for her. You can feel the energy as she describes an upcoming strategic initiative saying, “In early spring, we are going to begin asking every member of this church to take part in what we are calling Taking Our Pulse. This will be a time of group meetings where people with diverse perspectives can describe what they think our church should look like as we move forward. It is a time to brainstorm together, and to think both individually and collectively about who we hope to be as a faith community. We really want to continue raising the bar.” The 30-something sees great value in learning and growing alongside fellow Christians. It has driven her participation in D2 and D2.2 and her
service as a deacon. “I look forward to sharing the wisdom of people with varying ages and backgrounds. Discussing scripture together in the D2 classes makes me dig deeper. That is also why I love being a deacon. Sitting down for an hour and being able to soak up the wisdom of some of our church’s best and brightest who are in their 80s and 90s is so precious to me,” she said. Alston credits the way Myers Park Presbyterian has changed her life both for her service on the stewardship team and her ongoing financial commitment. “Everyone’s journey is different, but this church has made me more intentional with my faith and brought me such peace,” she said. She straightens her shoulders and her countenance brightens. Then Alston adds, “As a child, I thought of giving to the church as a donation. As an adult, I see it as an investment – an investment in faith brought to life as I grow, serve and give here.”
“Everyone’s journey is different, but this church has made me more intentional with my faith and brought me such peace.” 21
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
BETH BELL
PASSION MEETS THE WORLD’S GREATEST NEED.”
MEMBERS’ MINISTRY COORDINATOR phone 704.927.1266 email serve@myersparkpres.org web serve.myersparkpres.org
L
et one of our ministry mentors help you narrow down the 100+ options. Whether you have been serving for years and are looking for your next call or this is your first time in ministry, we can help you find a perfect fit for your passion. Take a look at the descriptions below, select a ministry mentor, then 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 your life!
ELSIE
22
JOE
Barnhardt
Helweg
“Psalm 121 reminds me that our help comes from the Lord, and inspires me to give back. In my work in the textile industry and at church, jumping to fill needs has allowed me to serve in ways that have brought me great joy. I have met believers who have challenged and helped me grow in my faith. I want to help you have a similar experience.”
“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.”
SCOTT Mercer “Man’s chief aim is to glorify God and enjoy him forever. I am a commercial insurance broker, and have enjoyed serving as a deacon and Stephen Minister. It is amazing how God takes one experience and connects us to the next. My goal as a ministry mentor is to help you find where God is leading so you can have the same kind of life-enriching experience.”
LUCI
Heeseman “My work as a retirement community life coordinator and 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.”
DAVID Simas
JANE Glenn
Willingham
ROB
CATHERINE Collins
“Tim Keller’s The Prodigal God is my favorite book. Its message of hope is something I consider daily in my work in insurance for the financial services industry and in ministry. 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.”
“Growing up, I watched 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.”
“The relationships we have with God are personal, but not private. Combining a successful career with service is something I strive to do daily in my career as a commercial real estate lender. Let me help you find the right avenues of service that will enrich your life.”
“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.”
MINISTRY MENTORS AMY
JAMIE
Peacock
McLawhorn
“For me, each day is a gift. That is partly why I am a Chi instructor and fitness advocate. I have this attitude partly 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’m ready to help you unite your life experience and passion with ministry.”
“My career is 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.”
CHRIS Kirkland “My children inspire me because each one has unique abilities that they use to make the world a better place! This is something I strive to do through my work with InReach and as a ministry mentor. Our God has blessed each of us with incredible gifts – some we are aware of, and some yet to be uncovered. Join us in seeking the will of God.”
TOM Okel “In recent years, 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.”
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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.
New Baby Ministry As needed.
Lift your vocal and instrumental talents in worship through one of our choirs or ensembles.
Welcome a new baby into our church by providing a baked good and card about children’s ministry opportunities.
Youth Choir
New Members, Children’s Ministry
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
Flexible need, Sunday mornings, January, March, June, September and October. Befriend new members, participate in introductory Sunday classes, and follow up as individuals transition into membership.
Preschool Sunday School Teacher Sunday mornings, September – May, 9:45 –10:45 a.m. Foster children’s faith using our SPARK curriculum; training is provided.
Art & the Bible, September-April
Sprout Outreach
Wednesdays evenings.
Flexible Opportunity
Assist with art activities and supervise children.
Serve on a team to help plan 3-4 Outreach events per year for parents and children ages 3-3rd grade.
Children’s Choir Helpers, Sept.-April Wednesday evenings.
Take attendance and check children in and out of rehearsal.
Children’s Special Events
Sunday School Shephard Sundays, September- May, 9:45- 10:45 p.m. Serve in your child’s class, or another class, as part of a team. No lesson preparation involved.
Flexible opportunities.
Sunday School Workshop Leader
Plan, coordinate or assist with our Walk to Jerusalem (April) and other special events.
Sundays, September- May, 9:45- 10:45 p.m.
Children’s Sunday School Team Sunday mornings, September – May, 9:45–10:45 a.m. Provide teacher support or serve on a classroom teaching team.
Crisis Care 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.
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.
Serve Sundays for one month, one or more times during the year. Curriculum is provided for you to lead the children in one of the following areas: Storytelling, Art, Movies, Games and Bible Skills, Science and Mission.
Tapestry/Special-Needs Sundays, 11 a.m. and/or Friday evenings. Nurture and work with our special-needs children during worship.
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. Recruit helpers, aid in publicity and finalize details for this faith-enriching summer experience for children.
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.
Youth Advisor Sunday evenings, September – April. 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.
Youth Class Dinner Coordinator Sundays as needed, September – April. Recruit class dinner hosts and provide publicity for this small group activity.
Youth Class Dinner Host Sundays, September – April. Build relationships with youth in a single grade by planning and leading a monthly dinner.
Youth Event Coordinator May to September, flexible meeting times. Plan and lead one of our major youth events such as the fall kickoff or senior recognition.
Wednesday Night Team Wednesday evenings. Help plan children’s choir and art activities.
Wee Worship Sunday mornings during worship. Teach preschool 3s through transitional kindergarten children during Sunday worship. 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).
Provide Sharon Towers and The Cypress senior adults with bus transportation to worship and other special services as needed; no special license required.
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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 Weekly from 3:45-5:45 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Help Grier Heights middle-schoolers excel in math and language arts through afterschool sessions at Alexander Graham Middle School one or more days a week.
Serve as a summer camp buddy to Grier Heights middle school students who qualify for this YMCA camp scholarship.
Freedom School
Tapestry/Special Needs
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.
SERVE THE COMMUNITY
Home Repair Teams 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.
CROSS MISSIONS
Hospitality Ambassador
Dinner Host/Shepherd
Greet and answer questions with a smile for members and guests.
Help the children of Grier Heights soar through tutoring sessions, assisting in the classroom, providing snacks, or working in the vegetable garden.
Flexible summer opportunities.
Sundays before worship.
See description on p. 36.
Sunday mornings as available.
Once a week during school hours.
Camp Harrison
Sunday Transportation
Communion Preparation Sunday mornings as available.
Billingsville Leadership Academy
Participate in YWCA swim lessons for fifth- through twelfth-graders or provide dinner.
Urban Eagles Weekday evenings; some weekends.
Monday evenings and some Saturday afternoons throughout the summer.
Serve as a living example of God’s love to Grier Heights youth through soccer and basketball.
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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IF
I LOOK AT THE
MASS,
I WILL
NEVER ACT IF
I LOOK AT THE
ONE,
I WILL. MOTHER TERESA
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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