Current Justice Opportunities:: Family Promise :: supporting a family in transition
Current Series:: Present Tense
12.19.10
We’re a community who believes that the best way to celebrate the birth of a King who embodied love and kindness is to allow that same beautiful justice and mercy to be born in us in the present. At the very core of all the celebration, shopping, decorating, overeating, overspending, and traditions of Christmas is an ancient echo beckoning each of us to embrace humility and bring joy to our worlds. The shopping malls are swallowing our souls; take some time out this December to reignite your heart with a meaningful and souldeepening celebration of the core of Christmas.
The Christmas Village Toy Store
The Christmas Village Toy Store is a program that allows families with limited resources to purchase toys for their kids at a reduced cost, while funneling the proceeds back into the community. Thanks for your generosity in helping to fill the shelves of the store this year! You can drop your gifts in the lobby this morning either before or after Transit - if you bought a gift but forgot to bring it with you, you can drop it off this week at Warehouse 242 (2307 Wilkinson Blvd) anytime from 9:00am to 5:00pm this Monday (the 13th) through Thursday (the 16th) Visit www.christmasvillagetoystore.com for more information on the store or contact Scott Miller with any questions.
Water for Christmas
Water for Christmas is a program that helps people to direct their holiday resources in a rewarding fashion. Rather than spending all of the gift budget on things that friends and family may not need, Water for Christmas allows people to direct those funds toward clean-water projects in other areas of the world. You can get started by visiting www.equitas.cc/christmas to sign your family up for the program and start contributing. Start a group for your family, or join the Watershed group and help us work together to bring clean water to those in need overseas.
Street Soccer 945
News:: Christmas Eve service :: 6:00p on December 24th
You and your family are invited to join us for our Christmas Eve service this year! Amidst the hustle and holiday rush, take a respite from the pandemonium where you and those you love can take a moment to be reminded of all that lies beneath the veneer of the shopping season. The Christmas Eve service will begin at 6:00pm, and childcare will be available for kids age 4 and younger. We look forward to seeing you there!
Family Promise :: volunteers needed tonight!
We have offered to help a family in transition get set up in their temporary space at Warehouse 242 this evening. We are pretty well set for moving them in, but we have an urgent need for volunteers that can help provide dinner for the family and volunteers tonight. It’s an easy, one-time commitment that can have a lasting impact in helping a family move forward and make positive changes. Contact Scott Miller or circle the icon on your connection card to see how you can help.
No Transit December 26th
There will be no Transit on Sunday, December 26th, the sunday after Christmas - take time to relax and enjoy the holidays with your family and friends. We’ll be back on Sunday, January 2nd to kick off the new year - with so much that has happened over the past 12 months, we are excited about what 2011 holds for our community. We look forward to you being a part of it!
Girls On The Run :: volunteer oppportunities available
Girls On The Run is a character development program for girls in grade 3-8 that uses running to teach values and a sense of self - the program combines training for a non-competitive 5k with self-esteem enhancing, uplifting workouts and community service. Volunteer spots are open to help meet with and run with the girls after school on Mondays and Wednesdays at Byers from 1:45-3:15 beginning in February - for more info, contact Rachael Shaughnessy (krehfish79@aol.com / 434.851.9640) or circle the icon on your connection card.
Stogies and Stilletos :: returning on January 9th (by popular demand)
Imagine crawling into the mind of the opposite sex...understanding how they think, why in the world they act the way they do, and what really motivates them. Possible? Well, maybe at least a little. Watershed’s Stogies & Stilettos series is our way of unearthing the possibilities of understanding yourself, understanding the opposite sex, and embracing both our similarities and our differences. Young, old, single, dating, or married; come on your own or drag your significant other along. Start 2011 off on the right foot by investing in the future of your relationships.
New Watershed shirts
Need a Christmas gift idea? New Watershed kids shirts are here! Our new blue kids shirts are for sale in the cafe area, along with the adult sizes in both blue and cranberry as well. Kids shirts are $8, and all other styles are $10. There are a few travel mugs left as well for $5 (to pay for any shirts, just drop it one of the Transit boxes in the cafe)
Blocs::
Family Promise is helps families in need by providing temporary housing while they are getting back on their feet. We have offered to help get a family set up in their temporary space on Sunday, December 19th. You can help by unloading the truck that will be carrying the family’s beds and belongings, or by helping provide dinner for the family and the volunteers that night. This can be a great way to “get your feet wet” in the area of justice here at Watershed, or a good way to make some new friends and get connected! Contact Scott Miller or circle the icon on your connection card for more information.
(see back for meeting times/contact info)
Blocs :: micro-communities that meet during the week Our community is made up of smaller groups (called “Blocs”) that meet at various times/locations during the week. All the Blocs are listed on the back of the Weekly - if you see a one that sparks your interest, contact one of the Bloc Leaders (see back for contact info), or circle the icon on your connection card and one of the leaders will contact you to fill you in on the details. Most of the Blocs are taking some time off over the holidays, but will launch back up again in Januar; if there’s one you are interested in, contact the leader to join up next month.
GreenHouse ::
Hello Greenhouse Parents! Every year, our amazing GreenHouse kids perform a song in the Christmas Eve service, and we would LOVE to have your little ones participate this year! We have copies of the CD available for you in Greenhouse, and if you’d like you can download the music/lyrics straight from our website (contact Kayla for details if you didn’t receive the link in your email) Kids need to arrive at 5:15 on the nose Dec. 24th for rehearsal, and the service will kick off at 6pm. Thank you!
Street Soccer 945 is the first year-round soccer program for those struggling with homelessness and poverty in the United States. It uses healthy living, support from a community of teammates, and mentoring relationships as key ingredients to achieving life goals and overall well-being. Soccer has proven to be a remarkable tool for delivering these elements to people caught in the trap of homelessness. For more information on how to get involved. visit www.streetsoccer945.org or email Jonathan George at jgeorge@urbanministrycenter.org
Hope Teams
Hope Teams, a partnership with the W.I.S.H Program, are groups of 4-6 people within Watershed who provide mentoring friendships to a family in transition. A Hope Team provides relationships, encouragement and emotional support to families transitioning out of homelessness and moving into a more selfsufficient life. Hope Teams require a short training and a 1-year commitment from each team member. For information on initial Hope Team training dates or to learn more about the program, circle the icon on your connection card or email Jamie McCollum at jamiemccollum@gmail.com
The Catapult Project:: supporting a neighborhood school so that it can soar Lunch Buddy
The Lunch Buddy program provides an easy but powerful way to have a lasting impact on a kid’s life through a mentoring friendship. Lunch buddies come to school once a week to talk, play games, read or have lunch with their buddy. Time slots are from 10:30-10:55am, 11:15-11:40am and 11:30-11:55am. Contact: Rachael Shaughnessy - krehfish79@aol.com / 434.851.9640
Reading Tutor
One of the biggest needs at Byers Elementary this year is for reading tutors. Reading tutors come to Byers once a week for roughly 45 minutes, and spend time helping to tutor either one or a group of students in reading. Time slots are available between 8:00am and 1:30pm Contact: Scott Miller - scottm@watershedcharlotte.com / 704.302.4592
Staff Appreciation
A large part of The Catapult Project has been investing in the teachers at Byers, so that they can in turn pour into the students. We periodically have opportunitites to help show appreciation to the staff (bringing snacks for the teacher work room, providing food/drinks for staff meetings, and much more) Contact: Pam Watson - granypam@carolina.rr.com / 704.599.9087
Girls On The Run
Girls On The Run is a character development program for girls in grade 3-8 that uses running to teach values and a sense of self. The program combines training for a non-competitive 5k with self-esteem enhancing, uplifting workouts and community service. Contact: Rachael Shaughnessy - krehfish79@aol.com / 434.851.9640
Right Moves For Youth
Right Moves is a program that helps kids build a sense of belonging and self-esteem, while providing them the encouragement, support and resources they need to build a successful foundation for life. The program meets on Tuesdays from 12:45-1:30pm. Contact: Ryan Grammatico - grammatico1@gmail.com / 803.524.1816
Upcoming Justice Opportunities:: Room In The Inn :: helping neighbors in need (Jan-March)
During the most bitter months this winter, Watershed helps to run Room at the Inn, an interfaith network of winter shelters for our homeless neighbors in Charlotte. Room In The Inn provides some of our neighbors with a warm place to rest for the night, a meal, and some friendly faces. Volunteer opportunities are available for everything from preparing meals and cleaning up to driving neighbors to/from the site and staying overnight.
Girls On The Run 5k (May)
Through Girls On The Run, young women from Byers train for a non-competitive 5k at the end of the semester. Watershed helps with the race at the end of the Spring semester by providing volunteers to help staff the event, and “running buddies” who run with the girls and encourage them throughout the race. Circle the icon on your connection card if you’d like more info as the event draws near.
Giving :: weekly need: $7,899 last week: $7,718
Blocs are smaller communities that meet during the week, each centered around various interests. From social gatherings to spiritual discussions, service groups to outdoor adventures, there’s a Bloc for everyone! For more info (including maps and directions), visit www.watershedcharlotte.com Immerse an 8-week exploration of life, faith and Christian spirituality. Engaging conversation, thought-provoking discussions and relational connectivity. meets at a variety of dates/times - contact the Bloc leaders for more info
Matt O’Neil - matt@watershedcharlotte.com / 704.299.0557 Andrew Lombardo - ajbardo25@hotmail.com / 704.773.8881
One.1 explores the kind of intimacy, connection and “oneness” God really wants us to have with Him and each other. For couples who have previously experienced divorce or who have been married 5 years or more. contact Bloc leaders to sign up for the next session
Tim Abare - timabare@mac.com / 704.491.7405 Ann Abare - aabare@gmail.com / 704.681.0316
One:2 explores the kind of intimacy, connection and “oneness” God really wants us to have with Him and each other. For of engaged couples and couples married for 4 years or less. contact one of the Bloc leaders to sign up for the next session
Tony and Becky Santoro - becky_santoro@yahoo.com / 704.770.5020 Zach and Jami Fay - jami.fay@wachovia.com / 704.408.0227
Her: Grow meets weekly to read, discuss, and do life together. Join together in community with other women to grow spiritually and relationally. contact one of the Bloc leaders to sign up for the next session
Rachael Cook - rcook@itekcorp.com / 704.258.8910 Kayla Jones - kaylamjones@gmail.com / 828.260.0419 Lauren Grabill - lauren.grabill@gmail.com / 704.615.4723
Soccer The Soccer Bloc (better known as FC Watershed) is a great opportunity to brush up on your skills, build relationships and help in our continued partnership with Street Soccer 945.
Heidi Snyderburn - FCWatershed@yahoo.com / 704.226.5443 Matt Sharp - FCWatershed@yahoo.com / 603.540.0902 Rachelle Chreiten - FCWatershed@yahoo.com
Intersect:North an 8 to 10-week experience of connecting with others over good drink, thoughtful conversation, and new friendships. Families with children - please contact the bloc leader to discuss child care alternatives. Next meeting: TBD
Greg and Kelly Geers - kellygeers1@gmail.com / 704.237.4217
PG: Parental Guidance an 8 week conversation with parents from all walks of life. Parents are invited to join us as we dialogue, laugh, cry and dream about how to unleash our kids’ greatest potential. contact Bloc leaders to sign up for the next session
Matt Weisner - weisner79@yahoo.com / 919.280.6920 Jennifer Weisner - jennifer_weisner@yahoo.com / 704.619.4305
Fantasy Football free, fun, competitive-but-friendly, and open to any and all Watershedders. We’ll get together periodically to watch games and cheer on our players.
Paul Kubinski - paul_kubinski@yahoo.com / 704.574.2353 Chris Fawcett - cj@12back.com / 704.281.7527
Her: Gather meets once a month, open to all women of Watershed. Gatherings include everything from fun social events “out on the town” to friendly casual get-togethers. Next meeting: TBD
Ashley Grammatico - ashleygrammatico@yahoo.com / 704.582.2355 Rachael Shaughnessy - krehfish79@aol.com / 434.851.9640
PrimeTime Prime Time is the bloc for those who may be young at heart, but mature in age and stature. Meets once a month at various locations around Charlotte to share a meal and have a good time getting to know each other. Next meeting: TBD
Pam and Gene Watson - granypam@carolina.rr.com / 704.599.9087
Coffee Break takes a time-out from the hustle and stress of everday life, sit down for a while and relax with other moms who know what you’re dealing with. When: 2nd and 4th Wednesdays from 9:30am-12:00pm Where: 14205 Northridge Dr
Naomi Hofert - nchofert@cccountertops.com / 704.968.3754
OnRamp 2-week Bloc open to anyone new to Watershed that would like to meet new friends and learn more about our community. Topics include our mission and values, and how to connect beyond just Transit. Next Meeting:January 30th Where: Amelie’s (2424 N. Davidson St)
Scott Hofert - scott@watershedcharlotte.com / 704.258.8672 Matt O’Neil - matt@watershedcharlotte.com / 704.299.0557
Rove a monthly gig of leaving the plush environment of the city and embracing friends, nature, and the freshness of the outdoors. returning this Spring
Adam Desautels - WatershedRove@gmail.com / 336.392.9695 Rachel Desautels - WatershedRove@gmail.com / 704.689.7671
PO Box 12749 Charlotte NC 28209 704.644.0919 info@WatershedCharlotte.com
Scott Hofert (co-pastor) - scott@watershedcharlotte.com Matt O’Neil (co-pastor) - matt@watershedcharlotte.com Matt Shaughnessy (music/tech/creativity) - mattS@watershedcharlotte.com Scott Miller (justice/leadership) - scottM@watershedcharlotte.com Taryn Hofert (music/creativity) - taryn@watershedcharlotte.com Kayla George (Greenhouse) - kayla@watershedcharlotte.com Donna O’Neil (administration) - donna@watershedcharlotte.com