Being the Physical Presence of Jesus Christ - Stewardship 2017

Serving students representing

4 campuses 7 worship services 1 body 2,236

Over hours in the past year people are intentionally growing in their faith through

29 Life Groups 13 Sunday Morning Classes

7 Bible Studies 39 baptisms and 116 new members in 2017

435

Over students participating in Upward Sports

26+ schools Over 626 specific events this year

295 active families in Youth Ministry

Being the physical presence of Jesus Christ.

255

Serving roughly children each week

460

Over children at Vacation Bible Camp

330 children enrolled in preschool across two campuses

30

Over Pastoral Care programs this past year

$32,300

Over given for disaster relief through UMCOR

115,000 sandwiches made and donated to Urban Ministry Center this past year

Over 700 people participated in the Great Week of Service

Weddington United Methodist Church | 13901 Providence Road | Weddington, NC 28104 704.846.1032 | info@weddingtonchurch.org | www.weddingtonchurch.org

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Our Mission is 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.

Sunday Worship Services Weddington Campus: 8:15 AM Traditional 9:30 AM Praise and Worship 10:10 AM Acoustic Praise and Worship (FLC) 11:00 AM Traditional Bonds Grove Campus: 11:00 AM Traditional

Second Sunday Bluegrass Monroe Campus: 10:00 AM Bilingual Worship Waltonwood Senior Living Center: 4:00 PM Traditional

www.weddingtonchurch.org 2

I want to make a difference. I want to have an impact on our world. I want to do something that will make this world a better place. I want to be involved in something that changes people’s lives. I want to do something for the kingdom of God. Something that will offer Jesus Christ to a hurting world.

You do! Every time we are faithful in our tithes and offerings, we make a difference. Lives are changed. Hundreds of children gather in classrooms and learn about Jesus Christ. Through your faithfulness, you provide the room, the Bible, and the material. A teenager who is struggling with temptation sits with a youth minister that you provide for them with each offering you make. Someone who has been diagnosed is terrified by the news and you provide a pastor to pray with them and remind them of the presence of God in their lives. A young man has been looking for answers. He finds a Life group meeting in a facility your offerings make possible and shares his struggles. He is led to faith in Jesus Christ and experiences the joy of God’s grace. His life is changed. Thanks be to God. You do! Children who had been living on the streets terrified at every sound in the night and searching the landfill for food during the day now have a home in Kenya where food is on their table and where they lie down in a bed knowing that someone is there to protect and love them. In Bulgaria, the poorest country in the European Union, you provide a church and a pastor to care for people in a community struggling to survive. In Romania, you provide one of only three United Methodist Pastors in the country to share the good news of Jesus Christ and establish a church. In Costa Rica, you provide a building team and materials to build facilities and relationships on behalf of Jesus Christ. Thanks be to God. You do! A woman has been beaten by her husband, her children are in tears, and they flee for safety. They arrive at Turning Point, a ministry supported by the offerings you make to your church, and they are protected, loved, and receive help to start a new life. A single mother is doing everything she can do but it is not enough. She goes in tears to Crisis Assistance.

She is embraced and coached by loving people who help her create a plan for survival. She leaves with food provided by your offerings and the knowledge that her kids will not be hungry. Thanks be to God. You do! The stories go on and on. You do make a difference! By God’s grace and your faithful response in your tithes and offerings, lives are changed.

There are many more people out there who need to encounter Christ through our ministry. God is at work. But God needs us to be faithful to our call with the blessings we have received and in an act of worship and gratitude, offer our tithes and offerings so the church, the body of Christ, can continue to make that difference. My fear? Who is the person whose life will not be changed if we don’t? What difference will that make?

I invite you to prayerfully consider making a difference in the name of and on behalf of Jesus Christ. God calls us to offer our tithe in worship and thanksgiving so that lives can be changed by His grace. God has blessed us in so many ways. In faithful response, let’s make a difference. Thanks be to God. Rev. Dr. Terry Moore Senior Pastor 3

BY WORSHIPPING GOD WITH PASSION

Dr. Reginald Houze Director of Music and Arts

Wayne and Nancy Davis Music & Arts Ministry

The Music and Arts Ministry at Weddington UMC is alive and vibrant. With choral and instrumental ensembles, multiple venues, a variety of high quality instruments, and informal contemporary groups, there are unlimited opportunities for our own parishioners and the greater community to enjoy the arts in meaningful ways.

At the center of it all is a rich and profound desire to use the arts as a vehicle for the congregation to offer the highest standards of worship to God. My philosophy is that this is best achieved through an array of eclectic programming.

It is with great pleasure that I sit down and write and express our gratitude for the wonderful music program at Weddington United Methodist Church. The music brings warmth and joy to our worship experience.

My vision is to expand the Music and Arts Ministry by using as many of the church’s resources – human, physical, financial, and otherwise, to invest in opportunities for artistic expression. The arts can be the front door of the church. I seek to provide as many ways for us to connect with the community, other arts agencies, universities, and high caliber artists of all types to let them know that there is a place here at Weddington for them. As our ministry grows and expands, each life will be all the more enriched.

We have often spoken to friends about how we love the music program at Weddington, and have felt that our choir was just better than others we have enjoyed over the years of attending various churches. Our feelings and opinions were strongly endorsed by those attending the Metropolitan Music Concert this past year.

Every choir was well received, but when the Weddington Choir finished their special song there was a rumble of “WOWWW” from the rows behind us and from those sharing our pew.

Nancy and I were surprised at the spontaneous response from so many people within easy earshot. We even heard comments about the Dynamic Choir Director and the quality of voices. We love the music at Weddington and feel extremely blessed to have Dr. Houze as part of our congregation.

David Brightbill Music & Arts Ministry I live in Pennsylvania and tune into YouTube for background music while I work. I have recently been blessed to have discovered Weddington UMC. Wow, what a blessing for the Lord!

The musicians, choir, and your leadership are an inspiration to me each day. Praise the Lord for you and your church!

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Music & Arts Ministry Justin Lineberry Director of Praise & Worship It is good to praise the Lord and make music to Your name, O Most High, to proclaim your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night.

Psalm 92: 1-2 Music is such a powerful way to worship the Lord. It allows us to pour out what we feel inwardly, to empty ourselves, so that the Lord can fill us with his Holy Spirit. Here at Weddington we are blessed to have so many talented, dedicated, and loving people that are passionate about leading the church to worship the Lord. It is our goal that every time we gather to worship not only our praises be heard across the Heavens, but through our worship the Lord Jesus be the only one visible. Come and join us as we lift our voices to our King!

Rick Anderson 10:10 Praise & Worship Team Serving in the Music Ministry at Weddington has been, and continues to be one of the greatest blessings of my life. It never ceases to amaze me how the Lord turns “service” into blessings. I am honored to serve our Lord and share in the fellowship of the amazing group of people in our music ministry ... what a gift.

Joanna McCall 9:30 Praise & Worship Team As a preacher’s kid, I grew up in church. For as long as I can remember, our family has used music as a means of worship. As a child, I would often sing “special music” with my five sisters and two brothers for the congregation at my Dad’s church. Traditional hymns were an everyday feature of my childhood. They were important to us all.

It was during a visit here to Weddington in early 2007 that I first experienced what contemporary praise and worship felt like. I knew from that moment that I was meant to be here. God called my husband Dan and I to move from our little hometown in upstate New York to North Carolina, and we felt Him strongly calling us to become part of His congregation here at Weddington UMC. Our lives have changed in so many incredible ways since we followed that call.

I remember those first few Sundays at the 9:30 service like they were yesterday. The Holy Spirit filled me like never before. I had been in church since birth but my life and my worship came fully alive here. For the first time I felt free to worship with hands raised high, with a bounce to the beat, and with a heart of complete abandon. I still feel the breath of the Holy Spirit as I enter the Sanctuary on Sunday.

I auditioned and interviewed to become of part of the then titled “Sounds of Joy” Praise Team after about two weeks of attending Weddington UMC. The musicians and vocalists that I met that day have impacted my faith journey every day since. The dedication and selfless commitment made by so many should never go unnoticed. They do it because they love the Lord Jesus and His people. They share their gifts and talents in order to honor and glorify our Heavenly Father.

Now, after 10 years, I still have the privilege of being part of the Music Ministry here at Weddington. The Praise Team has become such a huge part of our lives and this congregation has truly become our family. Our boys are being raised on Christian music and they love it. If you ever happen to pass us in the car, you will see us all singing along with Christian radio (and maybe dancing in our seats!).

Music has been a major part of my worship life, it is one of the ways I imagine heaven. When the song begins, I close my eyes and feel like I get a tiny glimpse into the throne room of God. There we will someday join together for eternal worship. Oh, what a day that will be! All honor, glory and praise to He who sits upon the throne. In Jesus’ Name and in His service.

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BY INTENTIONALLY GROWING IN FAITH Rev. Mark Curtis Teaching Pastor “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and all your mind. And you shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

-from Matthew 22:36-40 Our God is a God of relationship. The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The God of Moses. Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Jesus and the Disciples. Throughout the witness of the Bible, God is revealed in and through relationships. So much so that when Jesus is asked about which commandment is the greatest, he points us back to our relationship with God and one another.

We have a variety of Life Groups, Bible Studies, and Classes that meet throughout the week. Our goal for Adult Discipleship is to help people connect with God and one another. We worship together, we pray together, we study together, we seek to intentionally grow in faith, together.

With such a large church, it can be overwhelming to navigate our multiple campuses and all that we have to offer. Our hope is that we may serve God and help you find your place here at Weddington UMC!

Heather Mindel Disciple Bible Study Participating in Disciple I Bible Study was a blessing for me.

This study was the first time I read the Bible and studied scripture, and it ended up being more than just an exercise in intellectual growth. I gained strength in my faith, values, and relationship with God. Being immersed in reading God’s inspired words, thinking about it, discussing it, and listening to my fellow classmates, I started to look at my life and the world through a different lens and my role or purpose in it.

Participating in a Bible study plays an important role in helping me to live a more deliberate and purposeful life focused on God’s word.

“ If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you.

But ask in faith, never doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.”

James 1:5-6 6

Adult Discipleship

Arthur Benjamin Life Groups

Al and Sandy Grathwol Adult Sunday Morning Class

I was in a very low place and knew I needed to turn to God. After prayer, I joined a Men’s Life Group. I had never felt so welcomed and surrounded by a group of guys. No judgement, just open minds and hearts, together studying God’s word. These men have become my brothers.

Joining a new church is both exciting and a little tentative because you literally don’t know anyone in the church family. That’s why we are so pleased that we joined the Agape class even before we recently became members.

We knew that attending worship was important, but to really connect to the people we needed to join a small group. The Agape Class was and is very friendly and welcoming to us as “newbies,” adding a warm and personal dimension that we otherwise never experience!

It’s very comforting to know I’m not alone, and I have these brothers in Christ to lean on when I’m low, and to celebrate my highs with. These men have been a blessing to my life and the answer to my prayers. God is good!

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Children’s Ministries Carolyn Nelson and Jamie Nader Children’s Ministers Carolyn and I LOVE the little children of the world - especially the awesome children here at Weddington United Methodist Church! Our Children’s Ministry, The Ark, strives to lead kids to KNOW God’s Word, GROW in faith and SHOW God’s love. We do this through Sunday morning classes, J.A.M (Jesus And Me, our Wednesday night program), Vacation Bible Camp, and GLOW (our 4th and 5th grade program), in addition to new Children’s Ministry programs at our Monroe campus. We also offer seasonal events to children and their families, such as the Easter Eggstravaganza, Sunday Funday, and Fall Fun Fest. Whether we are sharing Bible stories, singing, dancing, playing games, or doing crafts, we have A LOT of fun as we point kids to Jesus and His great love for us. It is in God’s strength and your generous support of Children’s Ministry that all of these things are possible. We love our church family here at Weddington, and we are so grateful for the opportunity to serve the families of our church and community. Thank you for sharing your children with us and for investing in the future generation.

Michael and Megann Marsalis Children’s Sunday Morning Class Teachers We felt called to lead Sunday Classes as it was a perfect opportunity for us to be the hands and feet of Jesus through the Children’s Ministry. We are both blessed to work full time and have two small children so it can be hard to find extra time to give back in His honor and a Sunday morning class was a perfect fit for this time in our lives. We enjoy coming up with a fun craft that accompanies the lesson and gets the children to learn and think about what Jesus means to them and how He lives in their hearts. All the lessons are geared towards the children and their ages so they are able to learn at a level that is relevant to them and in a fun way!

Our two children started going to the nursery and are growing up through Sunday School and we feel that it is so important for them to learn and hear the Word in a way that they can understand and retain. It is also fun to get to know other children and their parents and see them on a regular basis! It has touched our lives to see our children and other children flourish in this loving and safe environment where all children are welcome to play, learn, and have fun!

Elizabeth Johnson Parent Children’s Ministry at Weddington UMC has been such a tremendous blessing to my family’s life over the past eight years. Our son, Miller, loves participating in Sunday Classes, JAM, Vacation Bible Camp, and special holiday events. This ministry blends love, support, teaching, and prayer together to model Christ’s love to children not only in our congregation but also in our community. We are so thankful for Carolyn and Jamie and for everyone involved in Children’s Ministry and for the formation of faith in young hearts!

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Angela Berger Children’s Ministry Volunteer I have the honor of serving in the Children’s Ministry here at Weddington. It is an honor for many reasons, the most important being that God loves children and stresses the importance of mentoring children in God’s word and ways as conveyed through numerous verses in the Bible such as Luke 18:15-17, Deuteronomy 6:6-9, and Proverbs 22:6.

My husband and I have twins and have served in their classes since they were four years old. We believe it is important to show our children that we have an interest in what they are doing at church, and luckily, our children have no issues with mom and dad in the room; they actually love it. And not only do we get to be a part of our children maturing in the Lord, but are part of their church friends’ maturing as well, and it is amazing to watch them grow from year to year. Carolyn Nelson, the Children’s Pastor, ensures that we have yearly training to prepare and refresh ourselves in our roles, and the curriculum resources to work from are amazing. My husband and I are blessed each and every time we are given the honor to serve in the Children’s Ministry.

Youth Ministry

Charlie Brown and Rev. Meredith Hinton Youth Ministers Charlie and I are grateful for the opportunity to be in ministry with the youth of our church and community. We believe God calls people of all ages to share Christ’s love in our world. We are grateful for the many ways the youth of our church share the love of God each week within and outside the walls of our church.

Our hope is for each student to develop a foundation for lifelong discipleship.

Here at Weddington we are encouraged by the ongoing love and support given to the Youth Ministry. Thank you for your stewardship and for investing in the lives of students through mission trips, Sunday night gatherings, and retreats. We are excited to witness the ongoing transformation of our young people in and through Christ.

Simon Jenkins Youth Ministry

Noelle Graybill Youth Ministry My church means so much to me.

It is a place I know I can be myself all the time. Sunday’s and Wednesday’s are my favorite nights of the week because I get to see people I love and I get to deepen my faith. At Youth Group I have made so many friendships that I know will last me forever. I love that our church has so many ways to learn more about Jesus like mission trips and Life Groups. I, myself, have been in Life Groups called SEEDs and ROOTs where I have learned how to spread my faith to my peers. It has really helped me get out of my shell and talk to others about Jesus. My church has helped me find the best friends and the best opportunities to learn about Jesus Christ.

The Youth Group at Weddington UMC has been such a big part of my life that it is difficult to remember a time without it. I’ve been coming to Youth events even before I was “supposed to;” I have 3 older siblings and they let me tag along sometimes, and not once have I ever regretted coming. I think my favorite part about Youth is the opportunity to be in fellowship with other people my age, to be able to engage in deep conversation with peers is something you just can’t find anywhere else. This might sound cliche, but I can honestly say that I don’t know what my life would be like without support from Charlie, Meredith, Britney, and all my friends that I met at church; but I can tell you what it wouldn’t be like: I probably wouldn’t have friends that I could count on, I wouldn’t have a place to go for comfort, I wouldn’t have a relationship with God (and if I did, it certainly wouldn’t be very strong), and I simply wouldn’t be a very good person in general.

If there was anything I would change about my experience with Youth Group it would be the mission trips - there just aren’t enough of them. The Jesushigh I get, and I think we all get, from going on mission trips makes me wish that they would last forever. My first mission trip, and possibly favorite mission trip, was in 2013 when we went to Topsail Beach. In 6th grade I was expecting the trip to be a lot of challenging and tiresome manual labor, with worship and food in the morning and evening, and maybe an hour of free time every day. And that’s exactly what it was. But what I wasn’t expecting to see, or prepared to encounter on this trip, was God. Now while I was technically Christian at this point and I had gone through Confirmation and went to Sunday School every week, I had never really felt the presence of God in my life. This trip totally changed my perspective on what it meant to be Christian. And that was just my first mission trip with our Youth Group. I have been on four mission trips and numerous retreats since then and each one was better than the last. The Weddington Youth Group has been such a good influence on me and my time spent there will forever be cherished in my heart.

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Weddington Christian Preschool Jenny Puckett Teacher, Weddington Christian Preschool This is my 3rd year with the preschool, and there aren’t enough words to describe how much the preschool means to me. My story is somewhat of a challenging one to talk about at times, but I’d love to share it and how WCP has impacted my life.

I’m a Charlotte Native, which is so rare now with all the transplants coming in and making Charlotte and surrounding cities their homes. I attended Appalachian State University where I received a degree in Elementary Education. After college, I got pulled into a couple different directions career wise. I’ve ALWAYS loved children, and that’s always been my passion but a career in sales is where I spent a majority of my time.

In 2001, I married my high school sweetheart and we were having the time of our lives. In 2006 our world was rocked after he was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. We were lucky enough in 2008 through IVF to have our sweet daughter, Sloane. Sadly, in June of 2009 (two days after Father’s Day) he passed away. At this point the love of my life was gone, and I was responsible for raising a 6 month old on my own.

Fast forward to May of 2015 when my life took an incredible turn. I had ALWAYS wanted to get back into the classroom, but didn’t know where to start. I prepared my resume and dropped it by the church office in hopes of receiving a call to interview. I was able to schedule an interview with the most incredible Director at WCP! The interview I felt went well, and after talking with her, knew that WCP is where I wanted to be. I prayed about the possible opportunity, and she prayed about the possibility of hiring me. I will NEVER forget when I received the call from the Director about becoming a member of the WCP team. “Happy tears” were streaming down my face, and I knew my life would forever be changed from this point going forward.

Finally, I’m doing what I LOVE to do! I’m able to teach children about God’s Love for them, and how important each and everyone of these precious children are to us. Each child that walks through the doors at WCP is a little sponge clinging onto every word that we say in regards to Jesus and his love for his children. What a true GIFT to be able to fill each one of their precious souls with God’s Love on a daily basis.

WCP not only is an incredible place for these precious children who walk through the doors, but it’s an incredible place to work. I don’t think I can put into words what this preschool has done for me. I call so many of the teachers at the preschool special gifts from God. They’ve helped me to give a greater love, deeper understanding, and all around stronger connection with God. It truly is a GIFT to be able to work at such an amazing preschool. I’m always so PROUD to tell people that I teach at WCP! I LOVE WCP with all of my heart and soul, and I’m a BETTER person today because I’m able to work, socialize, pray, and teach at such a Godly, and amazing place. You know you LOVE what you do when you come to work everyday because you WANT to, not because you HAVE to.

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Weddington Christian Academy

Weddington Christian Academy Weddington Christian Academy is a highly academic school JrK-8th grade with clubs, sports, activities, typical students, and Exceptional students. However; because this school serves as a ministry of WUMC, WCA is much more.

Students at WCA are able to fully experience the mission of being the physical presence of Jesus Christ by serving in love.

Given the opportunity, students from youngest to oldest will overwhelmingly look to the mission opportunities that they are given as the experience that indelibly changes, encourages, and motivates them.

Below are some excerpts from Fourth and Fifth grade students’ writing of their faith journey at WCA: “I was the hands of Christ when I made sandwiches for the homeless” “Our Fourth grade class made cards for Policemen and Policewomen, we learned in Chapel the importance of encouraging others” “I cannot believe in one short year we go to help with Room In the Inn, Operation Sandwich, Operation Christmas Child….God tells us to help those in need.”

“The mission work we do at WCA is for people who are less fortunate than we are, I like it when we can shine the light of Christ in someone else’s life” “At WCA we help people who aren’t as fortunate by making blankets and sandwiches. Being able to do these things has allowed me to grow my roots deeper into Christ, and I will be forever grateful.”

“We do mission work like Samaritan’s Purse Christmas Boxes, and providing supplies for Turning Point which helps women turn their lives around.”

“At WCA we take on many mission projects to help people all over the world.

This unites us with Christ and friends”

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BY PROCLAIMING THE GOSPEL WITH GRACE Evangelism

Rev. Amy Hutchison Evangelism Ministry When I made the decision to follow Christ, I did not make that decision alone. I was surrounded by loving people who walked through their stories with me, telling me about why they decided to follow Christ and how they keep chasing after his heart. I believe in sharing the stories of how Jesus has worked and is working in our lives because of those who first shared their stories with me. Evangelism is less about something we do to people and more about how we walk with people. We invest in evangelism at Weddington because it resources all of us to walk with people. We walk with people through coaching and hosting the youth at Upward, neighborhood gatherings to invite your neighbor for fellowship, equipping you to be a Silent Witness, and each and every way we resource to make an easy invitation into the doors of Weddington. Each of these are ways that we as a community can be good stewards of our own stories and walk with our neighbors so they, too, may make the decision to walk with Christ.

Bradd Blocker Evangelism Team I have greatly enjoyed being a part of the Evangelism Team this past year as it has allowed me to get more involved with the church, meet others, and share the Gospel at the same time. The Evangelism Team is a great opportunity for someone to get involved with our church and share the love of Christ through a handshake, a conversation, greeting members of the community at a local event, helping at Christmas and Easter events, or just by loving our neighbors. There are so many ways we can share God’s love with others. You never know if someone is looking for a church to attend and I am blessed to have this opportunity to invite others to learn more about our church.

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BY HUMBLY SERVING IN LOVE Pastoral Care

Lauren Litaker Stephen Ministry and GriefShare No one chooses to experience deep grief, but I am certainly glad that I chose Weddington UMC as my church family as I walk through my own grief journey.

The resources available through Stephen Ministry and the GriefShare Support Group are incredible ways to lift you up, help you discover joy in mourning, and find the peace of Christ. Having a Stephen Minister walk alongside me as a Christian friend and influence has been monumental in my faith and grief. It’s someone who is there, without judgement, on the good days and bad to pray with you and provide spiritual guidance.

Participating in GriefShare helped me to learn that grief is not a task to simply finish and move on, but rather it’s a new element of self. This group allows you to come as you are and meets you right where you are, while providing great resources to help you through a difficult time. Both the GriefShare and Stephen Ministry programs are wonderful gifts that the church provides for people of all ages and stages of life.

Bobby Clark Stephen Ministry I was hesitant to meet with a volunteer from Stephen Ministry in June last year because I wasn’t always open to sharing my feelings with someone I didn’t know. I was diagnosed with ALS four and a half years ago. As it has turned out, Barry Partee and Stephen Ministry has truly blessed my life.

Over the last year, we meet at least once a week and have since become “brothers.”

Barry has even met several members of my family. In fact, our family will sometimes schedule visits when they know Barry is visiting with me. I look forward to seeing him and sitting on the front porch in the rocking chairs. Before he leaves or when we talk on the phone, we always tell each other “I love you.”

Susan Furr GriefShare I began attending Griefshare about one year after my husband died. The first night I came I instantly knew I was where I needed to be. I felt safe. Griefshare was a place I could say whatever I felt with no judgement and other people there actually had the same thoughts as I did.

I realized I was not alone in many of my thoughts and actions. It has taught me to try to rely on God instead of myself because God is always faithful. Attending Griefshare was and continues to be a blessing to me.

The experience I’ve had with Stephen Ministry has increased my faith in God. Barry always brings me the current Upper Room which I look forward to reading the daily devotionals in it every morning. God brought Barry into my life for a reason and I can’t imagine life without him.

I encourage anyone facing difficult times, whether it’s your health, loss of a loved one, or something else, to reach out to Stephen Ministry. The benefits are “priceless.”

“I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” John 13:34

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BY HUMBLY SERVING IN LOVE

Rev. Rocio Ávila-Ramírez Missions

Pete Imhof English as a Second Language (ESL)

This year, we as a church have been able to serve with our prayers, presence, and resources. We have strengthened our relationship with our local partners in service. For example, our relationship with Urban Ministries with whom we provided sandwiches throughout the year and shelter during the winter season for our homeless neighbors. Another example is Crisis Assistance of both Union and Mecklenburg Counties, to support families running short on bill payments. This wonderful agency works hard to prevent homelessness through financial support for the immediate need as well as through money management workshops. These are just two of the many agencies we are in partnership with as we serve God by serving others. We are intentional about being present in different areas of need such as prison ministry, hunger, homelessness, shelters, education… In addition, we have our growing Monroe campus from which we have strengthened relationships with the surrounding families through ministries: Homework Help, ESL, children’s programs, music classes, youth ministry, fellowship, Life Group, and bilingual prayer service and Sunday Worship!

Finally, what a difficult year we had with natural disasters. Together, we were able to send thousands of dollars to those devastated from the hurricanes, flooding, fires, and earthquakes through partnership with the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). Thank you so much for your commitment to missions.

This is the 3rd year of ESL classes at the Monroe Campus.

It has grown from 1 class of 4-5 students meeting in the sanctuary to two classes (beginner and intermediate) held in separate classrooms with tables, chairs, and whiteboards. I have been truly blessed to be involved with this ministry and have witnessed the blessings it provides for our students and teachers. All of the students are 1st generation in the United States. ESL gives them an opportunity to improve their English speaking and writing skills, which can help them in so many areas of their daily lives, whether it be going to the doctor, talking to their child’s teacher at school, or other everyday situations. As a teacher, it is so rewarding to see the students’ growth in their English skills and confidence. ESL allows the teachers to share God’s love, whether it’s praying for or with the students or simply introducing them to the various programs going on at the Monroe campus.

Aaron Smith Operation Sandwich On the Second Saturday of each month we meet to make sandwiches for Urban Ministry Center in uptown Charlotte. Urban Ministry Center is an interfaith organization with a passion to help our most vulnerable homeless neighbors. They operate the oldest and largest soup kitchen in Charlotte, serving hot lunch and sandwiches 365 days a year. By providing a meal daily, people living on the streets find a welcoming place and an entry point for services to assist them. The sandwiches that we make at Operation Sandwich will become lunch for 900 people in need, feeding them physically and spiritually.

Operation Sandwich is a wonderful way for families and people of all ages to give of their time and service to help others. With donations of bread, meat, cheese, and even tablecloths and gloves, we gather together in community to build a meal for those in need. Come be the hands of Christ feeding those in need.

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Deedie Baldwin Homework Help Homework Help began in October, 2015. We had 5 children the first day and now, going into our 3rd year, average 30-35 every Tuesday and Thursday. God has provided everything we need - supplies, snacks, books, and educational items. I have simply asked and it has been given by individuals, Sunday school classes, Women's Circles, and church members. He has also provided the most wonderful group of volunteers. There is no doubt in my mind that God has been with us and continues to work with us to make this ministry successful. In addition to homework help, we expose the children to God with "Bible Time" led by Pastor Leroy Henry and singing Christian songs. My work with the Homework Help ministry is so rewarding. As a teacher, I have seen so many children benefit from our program and as a Christian, I have been able to witness to the children how God loves them and how the people of WUMC love them. God truly blessed me with the opportunity to serve Him when He led me to Monroe. I am so glad I listened and answered His call.

Missions

Ron Melvin Kenya Missions In 2006 in the east African country of Kenya, WUMC saw first-hand orphans and abused children living on the street, begging for what little food they could find and sniffing glue. They needed a family to love them, a home to live in, and an opportunity to be educated for a brighter future. WUMC built the Home of the Good Shepherd in Nyahururu, Kenya and today nearly 70 children are safe from abuse, living in a nurturing Christian environment and attending school all because you, Weddington Church, care and give.

But the call to WUMC to answer the Great Commission in Kenya goes much further.

Through our mentoring and financial support to God’s Grace for all Nations (GGFAN), we help establish churches that spread the Word to the tens of thousands of unreached people who need to hear. From 2006 when WUMC helped establish GGFAN, they have started 43 churches, many of which are now financially sustainable and have provided tons of relief supplies to thousands impacted by the ongoing drought in Africa. Since establishing a Pastors Training School in Kenya, GGFAN, with the financial support of your giving to WUMC, has graduated 203 pastors who are theologically trained and prepared to lead churches to spread God’s Word. Through your financial commitment to WUMC to support GGFAN and the Home of the Good Shepherd, their “Vision 2022” to have 150 established churches, the training of 500 new pastors, and the love and nurturing of many orphan children will be achieved.

Tonya Tapp Bulgaria and Romania Missions I never expected when I went to the Bulgarian/Romanian Annual Methodist Conference in 2015 that God had a wonderful plan already set into motion. Following a whisper from God I introduced myself to Pastor Cristian Istrate and his wife Ligia. By the end of the conference I was saying goodbye to what seemed like old friends. Over the course of the rest of the year our church officially became ministry partners with the Light from Light UMC in Sibiu, Romania.

Cristian and Ligia have a heart for young adult ministry. With the support of WUMC they were able to host a retreat for their church members. During my visit to Romania in the fall of 2016, I was blessed to be a part of that retreat. It was a wonderful time of worship, fellowship, and helping to lead devotions and small groups. I am looking forward to what God has planned for our brothers and sisters in Christ as they continue to spread the gospel in Romania.

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“EVERYTHING COMES FROM YOU; ALL WE’RE DOING IS GIVING BACK WHAT WE’VE BEEN GIVEN FROM YOUR GENEROUS HAND.” 1 CHRONICLES 29:14 The stories you read and the pictures you see on these pages reflect a church body that is fulfilling our mission to be the physical presence of Jesus Christ. This is made possible by the financial support we collectively provide as a congregation. Thank you for your dedication to support our ministries and please prayerfully consider your gift for the coming year to allow our ministries to grow.

With gratitude, Henry Keen Finance Chairman

Yearly Update Finance Committee The church has truly been blessed over the last year. Increased giving has allowed us to: • Begin a bilingual worship service on Monroe Campus • Begin a monthly Bluegrass Worship service at Bonds Grove Campus • Add a full time Praise and Worship Leader to staff • Add a part time Children’s Associates to staff • Grow the Life Group Ministry • Add RightNow Media curriculum resource • Continue support of ministries in Kenya, Costa Rica, Bulgaria, and Romania • Increase enrollment in Weddington Christian Preschools • Update Audio, Video, and Lighting systems in Weddington Campus Sanctuary • Update LED lighting in Family Life Center 16

HOW IS GOD CALLING YOU TO GIVE? CONSIDER TAKING A STEP FORWARD The New Testament teaches giving in proportion to the material blessing we have received. Jesus affirmed the Old Testament tradition of tithing – giving 10% of our income or blessings. He praised the sacrificial generosity of the poor widow (Luke 21:1 – 4).

We encourage giving a percentage of your income and moving toward or beyond the tithe as your goal, as you grow in your generosity. You can use the charts to help you determine how much you commit to give.

Monthly Giving Levels Annual Income

2%

3%

4%

$20,000 $40,000 $60,000 $80,000 $100,000 $150,000 $200,000

$33 67 100 133 167 250 333

$50 100 150 200 250 375 500

$67 133 200 267 333 500 667

$250,000

417

625

833

5%

6%

8%

10%

12%

15%

$83 $100 167 200 250 300 333 400 417 500 625 750 833 1,000

$133 267 400 533 667 1,000 1,333

$167 333 500 667 833 1,250 1,667

$200 400 600 800 1,000 1,500 2,000

$350 500 750 1,000 1,250 1,875 2,500

1,667

2,083

2,500

3,125

1,042

1,250

Proposed 2018 Spending Plan

2018 Ministry Goals

Worshiping God with Passion

If everyone grew one step, the church could accomplish all of the following and more:

$81,130

Intentionally Growing in Faith Children $45,125 Youth $55,600 Young Adults $2,500 Adults $28,500 Proclaiming the Gospel with Grace Evangelism Pastoral Care

$17,100 $22,850

Humbly Serving in Love Local Missions Foreign Missions

$91,900 $186,550

Supporting our Mission Communications Facilities/Operations Staff/Clergy

UMC Ministries Debt Retirement Food Service

$17,540 $928,393 $1,682,804 $224,720 $150,000 $69,500

Total $3,604,212

• Stephen Ministry continuing education through workshops and retreats • Additional bereavement support • Re-establishment of Weddington Christian Counseling Center • Addition of web-based outreach resource addressing questions of faith • Additional training for volunteers in Children’s Ministry • Growing Children’s Ministry at Monroe Campus • Support for Little Lambs’ School in Kenya • Construction of columbarium at Weddington graveyard • Replacement of Weddington Sanctuary roof • Ballfield pavilion

Ways to Give Our Biblical understanding of Christian financial stewardship expresses giving as a sign of gratitude and faithfulness to be who God has called us to be. We respond to the goodness of God, and we give thanks for the ways He has blessed us by giving to His church. We encourage you to speak to your financial, tax, or legal advisor.

Please contact the financial office at 704.846.1032, if you have questions about these giving methods: • Online • Bank Draft • Check

WWW.WEDDINGTONCHURCH.ORG/GIVING

• Credit Card • Stock • Annuity

• Charitable Trust • Bequest in Will • Life Insurance 17

CELEBRATING THE MISSIONS AND MINISTRIES Every dollar given to Weddington UMC supports the many ministries and missions of the church.

We are thankful for your support and are committed to be faithful stewards.

WORSHIPPING GOD WITH PASSION Music Ministry • • • • • • • •

Chancel Choir Contemporary Worship Ensembles Children’s Choir (Grades 1-5) Instrumental Ensembles Seasonal Choirs Christmas at Weddington Concert Guest Artists Audio/Visual Team

Worship Ministry • • • • • • • •

Sunday Worship Services Acolytes Altar Care CD Ministry Communion Assistance for the Hearing Impaired Ushers/Greeters Welcome Center

INTENTIONALLY GROWING IN FAITH Adult Ministry • • • • • • •

Sunday Morning Classes for all Ages Disciple Bible Studies Life Groups Wednesdays @ Weddington Bible Studies Fellowship and Events Ministry Resource Center

Young Adult Ministry • Mission Trips • Life Groups • Service Outreach

Weddington Christian Academy

• Private School: JK, Exceptional Child K - 8th Grade • WCA provides an education of highest academic excellence and Christian spiritual development in a faith community that challenges the mind, prepares the heart, and nurtures the soul; encouraging students and families to represent Christ in action and service.

Weddington Christian Preschool • • • •

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Weekday Preschool Ages 2-5 Bible-Based Lessons & Chapel Monthly Child Friendly Mission Opportunities Priority Registration for WUMC Members, WCA, MMO Families

Children Ministry • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Children’s Sunday Morning Classes J.A.M. (Jesus And Me) Wednesday Night Program GLOW Event for 4th & 5th Graders Created By God - Human Sexuality Mother’s Morning Out (MMO) Nursery Care Cub, Boy, Girl Scouts Angel Breakfast Children’s Christmas Celebration Children’s Christmas Eve Service Easter Eggstravaganza Fall Fun Fest Trust & Treat Vacation Bible Camp Third Grade Bible Presentation Passing the Baton for 5th Graders New Baby Plates for Newborns First Aid/CPR Training

Youth Ministry • • • • • • • •

JR & SR High School Sunday Night Programs JR & SR High School Bible Studies Youth Worship Team Confirmation Program Life Groups Retreats Special Events Local & Foreign Summer Mission trips

OF WEDDINGTON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH PROCLAIMING THE GOSPEL WITH GRACE Evangelism • • • •

Welcoming Opportunities during Special Events Invitation Events Evangelistic and Ministry Outreach Opportunities Monthly Meet Weddington

HUMBLY SERVING IN LOVE Women’s Ministry • • • • •

Kid’s Consignment Women’s Bible Studies Annual Ladies Retreat UMW Groups Graduating Senior Scholarship

Men’s Ministry • • • • •

Building Brothers Men’s Connection Breakfast Fund Raising Golf Tournaments Men’s Night Out UMM Easter Family Breakfast

Senior Adult Ministry • • • •

Kings & Queens Day Trips Retreats Monthly Meetings

Pastoral Care • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Alcoholics Anonymous Al Anon Bereavement Luncheon Committee Prayer Shawl Ministry Caring Hearts Ministry to our Shut-ins DivorceCare Support Group Grief Share Support Group Job Hunt Support Consultation Family Life Care Team Meals on Wheels NAMI Parenting Classes Prayer Team Stephen Ministry Food Addiction Support Group Narcotics Anonymous Tender Loving Care (TLC) Team Weddington Christian Counseling

SUPPORTING OUR MISSION • Church Council • Staff/Parish Relations • Finance Committee

• Church Trustees • Worship Ministry • Safe Sanctuary

Sports and Recreation Ministry • • • • •

Adult Pick-up Basketball Upward Basketball & Cheerleading Summer Sports Sports Training Camps Girls and Co-ed Adult Softball

Local Missions • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Building Brothers Charlotte Rescue Mission Crisis Assistance of Mecklenburg County Prison Ministries Gideons International Great Week of Service Habitat for Humanity Homework Help in Monroe Hospice House of Pearls Love INC. Nursing Home Ministry Operation Reach Out Campus Ministries Repair Teams Restoration House Room In The Inn Safer Community Ministries Turning Point UMAR Union County Christmas Bureau Union County Community Shelter Union Crisis Assistance Ministry United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) Urban Ministry Center/Operation Sandwich

Foreign Missions • • • •

Costa Rica Building Team Kenya Missions Bulgaria/Romania Missions Wycliffe Bible Translators/JAARS

• Security Team • Information Technology

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Weddington United Methodist Church | 13901 Providence Road | Weddington, NC 28104 704.846.1032 | info@weddingtonchurch.org | www.weddingtonchurch.org