April 2019 Newsletter

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April 2019 Our Mission: To fulfill our call to be the physical presence of Jesus Christ... by worshipping God with passion, intentionally growing in faith, proclaiming the gospel with grace, and humbly serving in love.

Contents: Page 1:

Holy Week and Easter

Page 2:

Monthly Reflection

Page 3:

Holy Week Schedule

Page 4:

Missions

Page 5-8: Adult Ministries Page 9: Women's Circles and UMM Page 10: Pastoral Care Page 11: Children's Ministry Page 12: WCA and WCP Page 13: Youth and Evangelism Page 14: Church Announcements Page 16: Church Information

EASTER S U N D A Y

Holy Thursday 7:00 p.m. | Sanctuary

Good Friday 7:00 p.m. | Sanctuary

Easter Sunday 7:00 a.m. Sunrise Service | Cemetery Entrance 8:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m. | Sanctuary 10:10 a.m. | Family Life Center 11:00 a.m. Bonds Grove | 6:00 p.m. Monroe Campus

Join Weddington United Methodist Church this Holy Week and Easter Sunday, as we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

We begin our celebration of Holy Week on Palm Sunday (April 14) at regular Sunday worship times, with a procession to commemorate Christ’s entry into Jerusalem at the Weddington Campus. Holy Thursday (April 18) and Good Friday (April 19) services will be held in the Weddington Campus Sanctuary at 7:00 p.m. In addition to our regular worship times on Easter morning, we will celebrate with a Sunrise Service at 7:00 a.m. at the cemetery entrance on Providence Road. We will also have Easter Sunday services at our Bonds Grove and Monroe campuses at regular Sunday worship times.

We invite you to bring flowers on Easter Sunday to adorn the crosses sponsored by the members of the Lucy Price Circle. For more information on our Easter celebrations, see page 3.

WELCOME TO WEDDINGTON UMC The Weddington UMC family is a vibrant and growing congregation, and we invite you to become a part of this exciting and dynamic church, as we seek to serve as the Body of Christ in our world. God is doing great things in and through this church. We offer a variety of worship styles and ministry opportunities.

We would love to have you join us for worship, ministry, and service. As the church, we are a family. To learn more about WUMC, attend a Meet Weddington session to get to know the staff and learn more about the church. For more information on Meet Weddington see page 15.

Monthly Reflections - Rev. Dr. Terry Moore Holy Week and Easter April 14-21 is one of the most sacred weeks of the Christian Year. The week is known as Holy Week. This is the week where the gospel of Jesus Christ is confirmed. This is the week that becomes the lens through which we understand the rest of our faith.

Jesus will look to God and plead for the forgiveness of the very ones who placed him on the cross. A mother will weep as she watches her son die. The body of Jesus will be placed in a tomb and a stone will be rolled against the entrance. On Saturday, we will grieve. (Matthew 26:36-27:66)

I invite you to mark your calendars and plan to walk once again with Jesus into Jerusalem, to the Upper Room, to the cross at Golgatha, and then to the garden tomb. Even if you are on break or vacation, this is a good time to pause and remember. To have conversation with your family each day of what is happening and how it changes our lives.

Thank God, however, for Easter Sunday. On Easter Sunday we will visit the tomb only to find it empty. We will hear rumors and reports that Jesus has risen. We will then encounter the risen Christ for ourselves. We will witness the resurrection. We will hear God proclaim ultimate victory over evil, sin, and death. (Matthew 28:1-15)

On Palm Sunday, Jesus makes what some would call a “suicide ride” into Jerusalem. The crowds shouted, “Hosanna! Save us now!” By the end of the week, we hear the crowd shout, “Crucify him!” (Matthew 21:1-11)

This week is Holy Week. It is indeed a holy week. God intervenes and offers his amazing sacrificial love and grace for all who will believe.

On Holy Thursday, Jesus will gather his disciples in the Upper Room. He will share the Passover meal remembering how God had delivered the children of Israel from captivity. He will then break bread representing his body and share the cup representing his blood that he would offer for our sins and the sins of the world. (Matthew 26:17-35) Over the next 24 hours, Jesus will be betrayed by one of his own disciples. Peter, one of Jesus’ closest disciples, will deny him three times. Jesus will be arrested, beaten, and mocked. The crowds will cry, “Crucify him!” Jesus will be nailed to a cross which was death by cruelty.

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“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life." John 3:16 (NRSV) 16

In ministry together, Rev. Dr. Terry Moore Senior Pastor

Holy Week Worship Schedule Palm Sunday Regular service times with a procession to commemorate Christ’s entry into Jerusalem at the Weddington Campus Holy Thursday 7:00 p.m. in the Weddington Campus Sanctuary Good Friday 7:00 p.m. in the Weddington Campus Sanctuary Easter Sunday • 7:00 a.m. Sunrise Service in the Cemetery with Brass Quintet • 8:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary with The Chancel Choir, Brass Ensemble, and Percussion • 9:30 a.m. in the Weddington Campus Sanctuary with Praise & Worship • 10:10 a.m. in the Family Life Center with Praise & Worship • 11:00 a.m. in the Weddington Campus Sanctuary with The Chancel Choir, Brass Ensemble, and Percussion • 11:00 a.m. at the Bonds Grove Campus • 6:00 p.m. at the Monroe Campus *Nursery care will be available for Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the 8:00, 9:30, 10:10, and 11:00 services on Easter Sunday at the Weddington Campus.

Childcare is also available at the Bonds Grove and Monroe campuses on Easter Sunday.

Journey Through the Bible Holy Land Pilgrimage We invite you to join Rev. Dr. Terry and Nancy Moore on a pilgrimage trip to the Holy Land next year, March 23-April 2, 2020.

We will be booking and traveling with the Educational Opportunities tour company.

Through this trip, you will have the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of Jesus. You will gain an understanding of what life was like in the days of Jesus (culture, customs, and traditions), the history of the Holy Land, and how geography shaped biblical events. You will become excited about the Bible. Reading and hearing the Bible will never be the same.

Trip touring locations will include Jericho, Qumran, Bethlehem, Nazareth, Capernaum, Mount of Beatitudes, the Sea of Galilee, Tabgha, Megiddo, Mt. Carmel, Caesarea, Jerusalem, the Garden of Gethsemane, the Old City, and Emmaus.

The trip includes: • Roundtrip Airfare • Deluxe Motorcoaches • Sightseeing with Experienced Guides • Entrance Fees to Sites Visited • 1st Class Hotels & Superior 1st Class Hotels • Outstanding Buffet Breakfast & Dinner Daily • Online Bible Study Guide • Lecture Series (on most departure dates) For more information on this trip, please contact Rev. Dr. Terry Moore at the church office or visit the Educational Opportunities Tours website.

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Missions Local Missions . Rev. Rocio Ávila-Ramírez.

Local Missions

Foreign Mission Chairperson .

Ivan Merritt

Room In The Inn We enter Spring giving thanks to God and to you for your service this past Winter season. In partnership with Urban Ministries, we were able to welcome and host 48 neighbors and provide them with warm beds and a meal. Thank you to all who supported and served with Room In The Inn. Sign-ups for next Winter will be available again in November. If you would like to learn more about this ministry, please visit www.urbanministrycenter.org.

Parkwood High School We are excited to share that a new partnership has developed between Weddington Church and Parkwood High School. Teachers from Parkwood have been donating dry and non-perishable foods for a developing food pantry within their school for their students in need. The response from the students has connected teachers with more and more families in need. The school’s pantry needs consistent replenishment. We are joining Parkwood teachers with the task of stocking their food pantry. Currently, some of our Life Groups are organizing to take on this mission. Praise be to God that we are able to serve God by serving others.

Benton Heights Elementary School This school year we humbly served in love the teachers at Benton Heights Elementary School, which is located only half a mile from our Monroe campus. We started off the year with a Back to School Breakfast for the staff. During this time, we were able to bless them not only with a delicious breakfast, but also with gifts to help them this school year. At Christmas, we provided them with lunch and were even able to have volunteers stay in the cafeteria with students so teachers could enjoy a stress-free lunch. In addition, throughout the year, with the help of several groups, we were able to provide the staff with snacks for their monthly meetings. A few of our members of our congregation have become Reading Buddies and mentors. Thank you to those who have provided snacks and have volunteered this school year.

The teachers are truly grateful for all we have done. When I’m there volunteering, at least one teacher stops me each time to thank me for what we are doing.

God has allowed us to do great things at Benton Heights this year but I believe He is calling us to do GREATER things next year.

One thing we are looking forward to doing is having different groups adopt a teacher for the school year. Our goal is for each teacher (approximately 60) to have people from Weddington Church showing them love by writing notes and providing little goodies throughout the year. We would love to have more of our congregation become reading buddies and mentors, and join us in humbly serving in love at Benton Heights Elementary School. If you would like more information on how you can help, please email me at katie.monroechildcare@gmail.com. -Katie Bradshaw, Children's Ministry Associate - Monroe Campus

April Opportunities for Service Fixing It For Christ is an annual local four-day Christian community service project that is led by Waxhaw United Methodist Church. More than a dozen churches from around the area participate in this four-day project each June. This year’s dates are June 19-22. Volunteers will work to make much needed improvements on homes in the community, such as trimming shrubs at the home of an elderly shut-in, roof replacement and repair, painting, and electrical and plumbing repair.

The skills of the volunteers range from skilled construction workers and tradespeople, to those who love working in the kitchen to prepare meals for participants, to those who can simply show up and follow directions.

Please visit fixingitforchrist.com to learn more about this opportunity and to sign up to volunteer. You may also contact Tammy McGee at tmillsmcgee@gmail.com with questions.

If you are interested in learning more about the ways you can be a part of serving in local missions, please go to our website or contact Rev. Rocio Ávila-Ramírez through the church office.

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Adult Ministries Adult Ministries . Patsy Sorrell "The Passion of the Christ" Film Date: Wednesday, April 17 Time: 6:30-8:45 p.m.

Location: Family Life Center Join us as we gather during Holy Week to watch the film, The Passion of the Christ in the Family Life Center.

This movie is a depiction of the events that unfolded in the twelve hours leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. This time will help remind us of the profound courage and sacrifice of Jesus and the extraordinary expression of God's love. *Please note that the film is Rated R due to the graphic nature of the events.

Childcare is available by reservation - please contact Carolyn Nelson no later than Sunday, April 14.

New Adult Bible Study Living With A Holy God Time: Wednesday Evenings, 6:30-8:00 p.m.

Location: Family Life Center Multipurpose Room Begins: April 24 - June 12 Leader: Ann White How often do you like to enjoy soaking up the sun? On an early Spring day, we enjoy just being outside and in the warmth of the sun. Imagine yourself in the tabernacle that Moses erected in the wilderness – it’s all dark inside except for the lampstand with its seven lights set so that they are shining forward. Imagine yourself enjoying the light of the lamps. The light represents the presence of God, so by sitting there enjoying that light you are in a sense “basking in the presence of God.” But how do we get to enter into that situation? How do we get that close to God? Exodus ends with the comment that even Moses wasn’t able to go into that presence. The Psalmist tells us that the one who has clean hands and a pure heart can come in. The book of Leviticus is all about God graciously making a way for the Israelites to come into His presence. It is about a Holy God living in the midst of the people. Leader Ann White, a seasoned Bible translator, shares how her interest in Leviticus was piqued by a question from a fellow Bible translator who didn’t want to title the book “About Levi” in his language. So, he asked for suggestions – the consensus was this: “Living with a Holy God.” Come and learn what Leviticus has to tell us. We will also set those instructions into the larger context of salvation history.

God graciously invited the Israelites to enjoy His presence, just as he graciously invites us to live with Him. To register for this or any of our current Bible studies, please visit www.weddingtonchurch.org/bible-studies or contact Patsy Sorrell at the church office.

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Adult Ministries Life Groups at WUMC Looking to join a group where you can connect with others, build friendships and intentionally grow in your faith?

If so, we have good news! Life Groups at Weddington UMC are designed to help us grow in community with one another. If you would like to know more about Life Groups at Weddington UMC, please contact Patsy Sorrell, Director of Adult Discipleship at the church office.

2nd Sunday Life Group Connection Sunday, April 14 The 2nd Sunday of each month a member of our Life Group Ministry Team is available in the Narthex and the Family Life Center before and after each worship service to answer questions and help you find a group that will be a good fit.

Our “Connectors” look forward to helping you find ways to get connected and involved at Weddington Church. Stop by to see us on Sunday, April 14!

In addition, you can contact Patsy Sorrell for more information, answer questions and help you find ways to grow and connect.

Single Adults If you are a single adult interested in growing in faith, building friendships, and serving others, please join us.

April Schedule: April 3

Bible Study - The Gospel of John in the Family Life Center from 6:30-8:00 p.m.

April 7 Emmet's Social Table in Waxhaw at 12:15 p.m.

April 10 Bible Study - The Gospel of John in the Family

Life Center from 6:30-8:00 p.m.

Cafe Connections Looking for a cup of coffee, good conversation, and a time to connect with others on Sunday mornings? Join us in Helms Hall or the Family Life Center before and after worship or Sunday School. It’s a great way to meet new friends, connect with old friends, and find ways to get connected at Weddington Church!

April 16 $5 Movie Night at Sun Valley Theaters April 17 The Passion of the Christ, in the

Family Life Center from 6:30-8:45 p.m.

May 1

New Bible Study begins at Hemby House, 6:30 p.m., Free of Me by Sharon Hodde Miller

For updated information, join our private Facebook group or contact Lisa Sweet through the church office to be added to the email updates.

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Cafe Connections takes place in the: Sanctuary Building 9:00-11:00 a.m. in Helms Hall Family Life Center 9:45-10:10 a.m. and 11:15-11:30 a.m. in the Family Life Center (Gym)

Opportunity to Serve

Connections Adult Ministry Guidebook

Sunday Morning Connectors Would you like to meet

Did you know that you can view up to date information about what's happening in Adult Ministries by viewing our Adult Ministry guidebook, Connections? These guidebooks are available on the church website, mobile app, or can be picked up at the church. Connections is filled with information on all of our Life Groups, current Bible Studies, Sunday morning Classes, and more! It's a great way to stay connected and be intentional in your faith journey.

new people and help them find ways to get connected at Weddington Church. The Discipleship Team is looking for new members who have the gift of hospitality and helping others find ways to get involved, make new friends, and grow in faith.

If this is something that you enjoy, please contact Patsy Sorrell at the church office for more information.

View the latest Spring Connection at ww.weddingtonchurch.org/connections.

Day to Day Discipleship Did you know that you have a wonderful online Christian resource available to you and your family - and there's no cost to you?

RightNow Media is a huge online Christian video library that aims to provide powerful and useful Christian resources for every age. These videos can be used at home with your family, or in your small groups and classes. Our hope is that this resource will help every member of our congregation learn and grow in their faith and relationship with Jesus Christ. Learn more about RightNow Media and create your FREE account today at www.weddingtonchurch.org/rightnow-media.

Once you have made a profile, we invite you to check out our Weddington UMC library filled with recommended content from our pastors and staff. We also encourage you to download the RightNow Media app on your smart phone, tablet, and smart TV for access on the go.

Kings & Queens . Sandra McKee The Kings & Queens Our next meeting will be on April 11 at

10:00 a.m. in the Family Life Center. Join us for lunch, fellowship, games, and a wonderful program of music provided by Elaine Brown.

Golden Corral Luncheon Wednesday, April 17 at 11:30 a.m. We will leave the Fellowship Hall back parking lot at 11:00 a.m.

Contact Sandra at the church office if you would like to ride with us.

Senior Celebration at The Cove Please note the date has been changed to August 12-14. Guest speaker is Pete Briscoe. A deposit of $100 reserves your spot.

K&Q playing Minute to Win It games and enjoying lunch at the March meeting Page 7

Adult Ministries Women's Ministry Women's Bunco Night Many thanks to the Women's Ministry Team for a great evening of faith, fun, and fellowship at Women's Bunco Night in March! The ladies enjoyed great food, wonderful company, learned how to play Bunco, and there were lots of laughs and new acquaintances made.

A special thanks to Gabrielle Andrews who coordinated the evening and Amy King who shared a heartfelt and meaningful message on how God doesn't roll the dice when it comes to His faithfulness to us.

We had so much fun, we're going to do it again!

Women's 2019 Fall Retreat Date: Location: Speaker:

November 8-10, 2019 Lake Junaluska Retreat Center Elizabeth Poplin

We hope you will join us for the 2019 Fall Women’s Retreat at Lake Junaluska. Come away, be still, and discover the freedom and transformation that only Jesus can bring about... trading brokenness for joy, comparison for contentment, and longing for peace.

We’ll look to Jesus and ask Him to fill us with all that He is and has for us to live transformed lives. Let’s escape the noise, quiet our hearts, and meet God in a fresh new way.

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Registration now open! For detailed information or to register visit:

www.weddingtonchurch.org/women

Women's Ministry Circles Mary Martha Circle gathers as a group of loving and

caring women in fellowship - supporting each other, growing in faith, and helping to serve the needs in the church and surrounding community.

Our April meeting will be Friday, April 5, at 9:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Our guest speaker will be Patsy Sorrell, our Director of Adult Discipleship at WUMC. We look forward to her visit and message for us. Also, circle members will be filling Easter treat bags for the Homework Help Kids in Monroe.

We welcome all ladies of the church to our meetings. Contact Mary Revels at revelsmary@carolina.rr.com or Tommie Craig at tommiecraig@carolina.rr.com for more information.

Susanna Wesley Circle (SWC) The Susanna Wesley Circle is a great group of Godly women who gather for fellowship, to serve others, and to grow in their faith. Free childcare is available in the children’s wing (Sanctuary Building) for children 7 months and older from 9:15-11:45 a.m. We typically meet the 1st Friday of each month (September-May).

Please join us for our next Susanna Wesley Circle on Friday, May 3, from 9:30 -11:30 a.m. in Helms Hall. We are so excited to hear from Rev. Meredith Hinton, one of our Youth Ministers from Weddington Church. There will be free child care for children 7 months and older.

Lucy Price Circle invites all ladies of Weddington Church to

our April meeting on Tuesday evening, April 9, at 6:30 p.m. at the Hemby House. Our very own Donna Rich will be giving her testimony. Her inspiring story of faith and reliance on the Lord through the difficulties she has faced following a surgery that left her with a disability and constant pain will surely warm your heart.

Lucy Price will continue the tradition of placing flower crosses in front of the entrances for the Sanctuary and Family Life Center on Easter Sunday. We invite everyone attending the Easter services to bring flowers from home and place them on the crosses to honor our risen Lord.

The Lucy Price Circle is currently the only circle that normally meets in the evening. Our circle tries to be mission focused and has projects, activities, and events to help House of Pearls (a Christian transition home), our WUMC Monroe Campus Homework Help children, a family with special needs, and other mission oriented opportunities. Our meetings may have a speaker, an activity, and/or a meal. We enjoy eating and having social times, but also want to share the love of Christ by serving others.

The Lucy Price Circle normally meets on the second Tuesday evening from September through May. For more information, contact Carolyn Canzonieri at cpc.canzonieri@gmail.com.

Men's Ministry Men’s Connection Breakfast The United Methodist Men meet in the Youth Center of the Family Life Center from 7:309:00 a.m. twice a month on Sunday for food, fellowship, and to discuss various topics. All men are welcome!

April Dates and Topics: • April 14 - Bob Sorrell will present a program on Imerman Angels, an organization that matches newly diagnosed cancer patients with

survivors of the same cancer who care and provide information and support during treatment.

• April 28 - The volunteers who recently worked with Building Brothers in John's Island will share their experience. Lloyd Briggs will lead the presentation.

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Pastoral Care Pastoral Care Ministry . Rev. Ed Briggs A God Moment from the Weddington Christian Counseling Center Ministry "I was going through a major life transition - a lot of changes all at once. I prayed and always had faith that God had a plan for me, but I didn’t have the tools to emotionally or psychologically navigate the difficult times, and it became overwhelming. One Sunday I was sitting in church and suddenly felt this sense of peace and calling and it became apparent - it’s okay to ask for help and it’s okay to admit that I can’t handle everything on my own. I started seeing Tony Gibson at the Weddington Christian Counseling Center and the feeling of resilience and greater healing was almost immediate. Talking through life’s problems and the difficult situations with Tony in a safe place with no judgment has been a monumental aid in moving forward with positivity and God’s grace. Tony is incredibly supportive and SO easy to talk to. I’ve really appreciated his approach to helping me find solutions and ways to navigate the tough times. I highly recommend to anyone that is struggling with any sort of difficulty - whether it’s relationships, grief, times of transition, anything- to seek out help and contact Tony." - Anonymous

Narcotic’s Anonymous Testimony "As a person that has experienced addiction, the combination of outpatient treatment and the Narcotics Anonymous program has saved my life. As a young mother, my drug of choice was alcohol but quickly got out of control and also became a prescription drug dependence when a doctor prescribed sleeping pills for sleeplessness and a slew of Benzodiazepines for my anxiety. After a family intervention, I went to a local outpatient treatment center. I attended an alcohol 12 step program because it was a required component of treatment. I simply didn't fit in. I needed to talk about the other addictions in my life.

I stopped going. I relapsed. I went straight back to treatment. I decided to try Narcotics Anonymous. It was the best choice I have made during my recovery. NA covers ALL ADDICTIONS. For someone who also suffers from food addiction, shopping addiction, AND a drug and alcohol problem, this was the place I needed to be. NA welcomes all addictions and all people. If you or someone you love is concerned about drug and/or alcohol abuse, please consider an NA meeting." - Anonymous

Caring Hearts Ministry You or someone you know might be confined to home or to assisted living. Loneliness may be a real struggle for you or this other person. We at Weddington UMC have a wonderful ministry called Caring Hearts. Volunteers with this ministry seek to love and support individuals who are not able to get out as much due to declining health. Our visitors come by at least once a month and are present for birthday celebrations. It is a blessing to see how a strong bond is formed into a friendship between the Caring Heart visitor and the home-bound person. If you are interested in having a Caring Heart visitor for yourself or for a loved one, please contact Rev. Ed Briggs at the church office.

WUMC Support Groups NA Fridays, 10:00 p.m., Fellowship Hall Room 2

AA Wednesdays, 6:00 p.m., Fellowship Hall Room 2

Saturdays, 11:00 a.m., Monroe Campus Fellowship Hall Contact: Kasei, kaseidelpezzo@gmail.com

AL-ANON Thursdays, 7:00 p.m., Hemby House

Contact: Nina, nina_michelle7@yahoo.com or 704-499-2564

Saturdays, 8:00 p.m., Fellowship Hall Contact: Nina, nina_michelle7@yahoo.com or 704-499-2564 1st Saturday monthly, 3:00 p.m., Fellowship Hall Contact: Nina, nina_michelle7@yahoo.com or 704-499-2564

Contact: Don, hanssally@aol.com or 704-243-0765

Contact: Sarah N. (704) 654-8529; sjn2003@gmail.com or Chris R. (704) 904-6849; cgr1057@aol.com

ACA, Adult Children of Alcoholics Fridays,

6:30 p.m., Room 209. Contact: suzanne.rakoczy@gmail.com

NAMI Family Support Group 2nd Thursdays, 7:00 p.m., Room 214, John and Evann Duncan, 704-292-2287

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Children's Ministries Children’s Ministry . Carolyn Nelson News and Announcements VBC Registration is Roaring to go!

This year we will ROAR! Life is Wild…God is Good! Stop by Sunday, April 7 as we kick off our VBC registration for 2019. Crew Leaders will take your registrations at the KidCheck station and Family Life Center each Sunday morning. VBC will take place Monday, June 24 - Friday, June 28 from 9:00 a.m. – 12 Noon. Children must turn 5 years old by August 31, 2019 and entering into Kindergarten. This year we also welcome children with special needs to join us for our HISkids VBC. Questions? Please contact Carolyn Nelson. This VBC is a roaring good time!

Easter Egg Candy Needed to fill over 3,000 eggs! Individually wrapped candy can be brought to the KidCheck station, Helms Hall, or the Family Life Center and placed in the bin marked, “The Ark Easter Candy.” Thank you for your generous donations. Our kids will be very happy!

Palm Sunday Parade!

Children in the 4 year old class through 5th grade are all invited to participate in a special Palm Sunday parade on Sunday, April 14. Children who attend the 9:30 service must arrive by 9:15 a.m. to Helms Hall. Children for the 10:10 service should arrive by 10:00 a.m. and meet under the sound booth. Children who are attending the 11:00 service will meet at 10:45 a.m. in Helms Hall. We will parade into the Sanctuary or Family Life Center and wave our branches as we say, “Hosanna, Hosanna!”

Jesus Is Alive Easter Eggstravaganza will take place on Saturday, April 13 at 10:00 a.m. in the Family Life Center. Children age 2 through 2nd grade can come and enjoy a petting zoo, jump houses, crafts, lots of Easter eggs, and the Gospel message. Egg hunts will start right at 10:00 so be on time! Please bring an Easter basket for all your candy! Volunteers are needed to serve that day.

Would you like to help? Please email Carolyn Nelson.

Easter Sunday Nursery and Children’s Classes

JESUS IS ALIVE! Easter Eggstravaganza

Saturday, April 13, 10:00 a.m.

WUMC Family Life Center and Grounds For children age 2 through 2nd grade

Come be a part of the fun!

Easter Crafts Nursery care for children will be available at the 8:15, 9:30, 10:10, and 11:00 hoursPetting in ourZoo The Easter Message nursery wing. Sunday morning classes are available for the 3 year old, 4 year old,Egg andHunts Face Painting Jump Houses kindergarten classes at the 9:30, 10:10, and 11:00 hours only. Children in 1st-5th grades are invited to worship with their families. Happy Easter and let’s celebrate that Jesus is Alive! Don’t forget your Easter basket!

JAM (Jesus & Me) will not meet on Wednesday, April 24 due to Spring Break. We Want will to return the help with this event?

Contact Carolyn Nelson at 704-814-1312 following week. or at carolyn.nelson@weddingtonchurch.org Noah's Nursery is looking for a few more hands. Volunteers are needed during the 9:30 and 11:00 hours to come and rock a little baby, play with our littlest ones, and share Jesus in a sweet and fun way. If you are looking for a place to serve in 2019, please consider serving in our nurseries. Our little ones need people who care about them and can show them! Contact Carolyn Nelson for more information.

Follow us @thearkwumc

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Weddington Christian Academy . Adell Keen, Principal News and Announcements Science Fair We had a wonderful Science Fair on March 15. The students had lots of creative projects! The highlight of the event was the annual 4th grade egg drop.

Spring Break will be held Friday, April 19 through Friday, April 26. Students return to school on April 29.

Registration We are still registering for the 2019-2020 school year! Please visit our school website to get more information about our admissions process: www.weddingtonchristianacademy.org/admissions.

Weddington Christian Preschool . Emily Campbell, Director Easter Blessings As we prepare our hearts for the sorrow of the cross and the elation of the empty tomb, we pray you encounter the omnipotent Father who orchestrated our salvation. May you and your family have a blessed Easter. “He isn’t here! He has risen, just as He said!” Matthew 28:6 Candy for Caring Hearts will be our April Mission. We will collect individually wrapped Easter chocolates or mints April 1 - 11 for our WUMC Caring Hearts Ministry. Caring Hearts serves 23 of God’s grown up children who are home-bound or in the care of nursing facilities by sharing love and celebrations. In addition to our collection, we will be looking for volunteers to fill treat bags on Thursday, April 11. Please email us at wcp@weddingtonchurch.org or call 704-849-7628 if you would like to help!

Spring Choral Programs Please join us for the WCP Spring Choral Programs: • The Three’s Program: Tuesday, April 2 at 6:30 p.m. in the Weddington Campus Sanctuary • The Bond’s Grove Campus Program: Thursday, April 4 at 11:00 a.m. in the Bonds Grove Campus Sanctuary Connect with WCP Be sure to “like” WCP on Facebook for all of the latest news, and “link” us at Harris Teeter (5584)!

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Youth Ministry . Charlie Brown & Rev. Meredith Hinton Sunday Night Youth begins at 6:30 p.m. There are

programs for Jr. and Sr. High students, with Bible study and games. Afterward, everyone comes together for worship.

Youth Bible Study Join us on Wednesdays from

7:00- 8:00 p.m. in the Youth Center. Doors are open from 6:30- 8:30 p.m.

Confirmation Service The Confirmation service for our confirmands and their families will be on Sunday, April 14 at 6:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary, with a reception to follow in Helms Hall. This service is open to the entire congregation. We encourage you to join us as we celebrate this important time in our young people's lives.

March was an amazing month full of deep conversations and opportunities to grow in our faith. One of my favorite moments from the month was just before Ash Wednesday.

One of our students came up to me and shared how she was sad she wouldn’t be able to be at our service because of a softball game. I shared with her that she had the best kind of opportunity to be covered in dust playing softball! She said, “Yea! That’s right! Maybe I could put some dirt in my face in the shape of a cross!” How cool is that? I love the faith and the creativity of our youth. They are eager to live out what they believe and I am always inspired by their devotion and courage.

We look forward to April - we have our Jr. High Retreat and our Confirmation service. What a beautiful busy time of year.

Not to mention the wonder and miracle of Easter! Thanks for all of your support for this ministry.

Evangelism Ministry . Rev. Amy Hutchison Opportunities to Serve Community Events Throughout the year, we partner with

various community organizations to be present and add value at community events. The purpose of our presence is: 1, to build awareness of Weddington UMC and 2, to build relationships with the community. We have found this to be a great opportunity for small groups to bond together while serving. We will provide you with everything you need: a shirt, giveaways, and the tent. You will provide us with hands and feet and smiling faces!

Upcoming Opportunities: Ballantyne Village Easter Egg Hunt April 20, 12:00-3:00 p.m. in Ballantyne Village Food Truck Fridays • May 3, 4:30-8:30 p.m. at Weddington Town Hall • May 10, 4:30-8:30 p.m. at Weddington Town Hall • May 17, 4:30-8:30 p.m. at Weddington Town Hall • May 24, 4:30-8:30 p.m. at Weddington Town Hall Jammin' By the Tracks • May 3, 5:30-9:30 p.m. in Downtown Waxhaw • June 7, 5:30-9:30 p.m. in Downtown Waxhaw • July 5, 5:30-9:30 p.m. in Downtown Waxhaw • August 2, 5:30-9:30 p.m. in Downtown Waxhaw • September 6, 5:30-9:30 p.m. in Downtown Waxhaw • October 4, 5:30-9:30 p.m. in Downtown Waxhaw

Neighborhood Bags Ever moved into a new house and

found a gift from your neighbor waiting at the door? You could be that neighbor! We will supply you with a grocery bag, small giveaways, and church information. Feel free to add a gift to the grocery bag as well, drop it off at your new neighbor’s house or hang it on their door. What a great way to welcome your new neighbor and invite them to church at the same time! If you do take one of these bags to a neighbor, we ask that you shoot Amy an e-mail so we can know which neighborhoods these bags are going to.

Information Center The Information Desk is a place where

visitors are welcomed and are able to learn more about Weddington Church. If you are interested in serving at the Information Center in the Sanctuary Building or Family Life Center on a rotating basis, we would love to have you join the team. Please contact Rev. Amy Hutchison at the church office for more information.

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Church Announcements WCP's Emily Campbell Announces Retirement After 25 years of ministry with the Weddington Christian Preschool, Emily Campbell has decided to retire at the end of the school year (June 30). She has been such a blessing to this ministry. The good news is that she is still a vital member of our congregation and church family. She will always be a very real part of our ministry team.

We all love Emily and are grateful to God for her years of ministry at WCP and as part of our staff team. We are also grateful that we will remain in ministry together through this great church.

A search team is being formed to begin the process of finding a new WCP Director.

Columbarium Complete The columbarium added to the west end of our Weddington graveyard is complete!

The columbarium has 336 niches. Members can purchase niches for themselves and their family members. The purchase price for each niche will be $2,000. The dimensions of a niche are 12”x12”x12” and can hold two urns. Also available are memorial plaques and engraved pavers for those who would like to memorialize family members who may be interred elsewhere. Cost of a memorial plaque or paver is $300. Funds received for niches or plaques will first cover construction costs. Remaining funds beyond construction costs will be held in perpetuity for the care of the columbarium and our graveyards.

Anyone interested in purchasing a niche or who might like additional information please contact the church office.

Weddington Church App Have you downloaded our new church app yet? This new app includes many great features to keep connected with Weddington Church such as: • Sermon audio streaming • Special Events • Weekly Sunday bulletins • The Bible • And more!

• Giving The Weddington Church app is available for download in the Apple, Google Play, and Amazon app stores. Simply search for "Weddington Church."

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Meet Weddington Sessions

Wednesdays @ Weddington

Interested in becoming a part of the Weddington UMC family? As your clergy, program staff, and fellow Christians, it will be our privilege to grow and serve together. We request that anyone interested in membership attend one of our Meet Weddington Church sessions.

Fellowship meals are served from 5:00-7:00 p.m. in the Family Life Center (Sept-May). The cost per meal is $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for children, with a maximum of $20.00 per family.

Reservations are not required, and while we hope you stay to join us for a time of discipleship, that is not required either.

We’re glad to come together mid-week as a church family to break bread together, support one another in life and faith, and continue to build faith-filled friendships.

At Meet Weddington you will enjoy an informal time of fellowship, meet the pastoral and ministry staff, hear an overview of the ministry and mission of the church, and get answers to any questions you may have about Weddington UMC. Free childcare is provided in the Sanctuary building.

Meet Weddington Church sessions are typically held monthly.

The next Meet Weddington will be on April 28 at 5:00 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room.

Crisis RUN for Union County Crisis Assistance Ministry The 8th annual Crisis RUN to prevent homelessness with the Union County Crisis Assistance Ministry will be on Saturday, April 6 beginning at 9:00 a.m. at Wingate University. Races will include a 5K ($25), 10K ($30), and FunRun and Walk ($10 minimum donation). Students receive a $5 discount.

To register for the 5K or 10K races, register online at www.racesonline.com. To learn more please visit www.unioncrisis.org.

April Menu • April 3 - Deconstructed chicken cordon blue and rice, oven roasted green beans, roll, and assorted cookies • April 10 - Cheesy baked Italian sausage penne pasta, bread sticks, and peach dump cake • April 17 - Brown sugar and mustard glazed ham, scalloped potatoes, spring peas with bacon, roll, and carrot cake A salad bar is also available every week unless otherwise noted. * Please note that due to Spring Break, we will not have dinner on Wednesday, April 24.

Mother's Morning Out Registration Registration for the 2019/2020 MMO school year is open. We will continue registering students until we are full. MMO registration forms are available at the church office, MMO, WCP, as well an printable online.

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Learn more at www.weddingtonchurch.org/mmo.

Union County Crisis Assistance Ministry 1333 West Roosevelt Blvd. | Monroe, NC 28110 704.238.0155 uccam@carolina.rr.com

SATURDAY, APRIL 6, 2019 9:00 AM WINGATE UNIVERSITY Easter Flower Crosses

5K FunRun

10K Walk

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING THERE!

you

The Lucy Price Circle will continue the tradition of placing flower crosses in front REGISTRATION FEES Register for the of the entrances for the5K..........................................................$25 Sanctuary and Family ToLife Center on Easter Sunday. We 5K or 10k Race 10K........................................................$30 Register Onlineflowers at: invite everyone attending the Easter services to bring from home and FunRun/Walk......$10 racesonline.com Students Receive a $5 Discount place them on the crosses to honor our risen Lord.

Minimum Individual Donation

WWW.UNIONCRISIS.ORG

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Sunday Worship Times 8:15 a.m. Traditional (Sanctuary) 9:30 a.m. Praise and Worship (Sanctuary) 10:10 a.m. Acoustic Praise and Worship (FLC) 11:00 a.m. Traditional (Sanctuary) 11:00 a.m. Traditional (Bonds Grove Campus) 6:00 p.m. Bilingual Worship (Monroe Campus) 4:00 p.m. Waltonwood Retirement Community Rev. Dr. Terry L. Moore, Senior Pastor terry.moore@weddingtonchurch.org

JoAnn Horstman, Executive Director of Operations joann.horstman@weddingtonchurch.org

Rev. Ed Briggs, Minister of Pastoral Care ed.briggs@weddingtonchurch.org

Elizabeth Mitchell, Director of Communications elizabeth.mitchell@weddingtonchurch.org

Rev. Rocio Ávila-Ramírez, Missions Pastor rocio.avila@weddingtonchurch.org

Ruth Cooley, Executive Assistant ruth.cooley@weddingtonchurch.org

Rev. Amy Hutchison, Evangelism Pastor amy.hutchison@weddingtonchurch.org

Sandra McKee, Admin. Assistant sandra.mckee@weddingtonchurch.org

Rev. Leroy Henry Affiliated United Methodist Clergy

Linda Caskey, Financial Assistant linda.caskey@weddingtonchurch.org

Dr. Reginald Houze, Director of Music & Arts reginald.houze@weddingtonchurch.org

Tonya Tapp, Admin. Assistant tonya.tapp@weddingtonchurch.org

Justin Lineberry, Director of Praise & Worship justin.lineberry@weddingtonchurch.org

Leah Primm, Admin. Assistant leah.primm@weddingtonchurch.org

Carolyn Nelson, Children’s Minister carolyn.nelson@weddingtonchurch.org

Adell Keen, WCA Principal akeen@weddingtonchristianacademy.org

Angie Vollenweider, HISkids Director angie.vollenweider@weddingtonchurch.org

Emily Campbell, WCP Director wcp@weddingtonchurch.org

Katie Bradshaw, Children’s Ministry AssociateMonroe Campus katie.monroechildcare@gmail.com

Jamie Edmondson, WCP Assistant Director bgcps@weddingtonchurch.org

Charlie Brown, Youth Minister charlie.brown@weddingtonchurch.org

Jan Williams, Mother’s Morning Out Director jan.williams@weddingtonchurch.org

Rev. Meredith Hinton, Youth Minister meredith.hinton@weddingtonchurch.org

Mike Carver, Facilities Manager mcar1973@earthlink.net

Patsy Sorrell, Director of Adult Discipleship patsy.sorrell@weddingtonchurch.org

Kim Veith, Food Service Director kim.veith@weddingtonchurch.org

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Follow us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram for all the latest from WUMC (@WeddingtonUMC).

Church Office Hours: Monday - Thursday: 8:30 - 5:00 p.m.

Friday: 8:30 - 12:00 p.m.

704-846-1032 Campuses Weddington Campus 13901 Providence Road Weddington, NC 28104 Sanctuary Building and Family Life Center (FLC) Bonds Grove Campus 8215 Bonds Grove Church Rd Waxhaw, NC 28173 Weddington Christian Counseling Center 9914 New Town Road Marvin, NC 28173 Tony Gibson, Counselor, MA, LMFT tgibson.wcc@weddingtonchurch.org Monroe Campus 520 Engleside St Monroe, NC 28110