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November NEWSLETTER | 2023 | |
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Beloved at Blair Road,
November is (especially) the season to be grateful and I am so thankful for you!
Your welcome has been wonderful and now I want to extend a welcome to YOU!
This coming Sunday, November 5 is All Saints Day – one of the most wonderful Sundays in the whole year. We will have worship full of the hope of God. I hope you will come.
FOLLOWING THE 11:11 Service, I am inviting you to LUNCH in the Fellowship Room in the Christian Life Center. (around 12:15). There will be a light lunch provided. Sunday is Announcement Sunday for appointments and I will be sharing more about the pastoral appointment for Blair Road. This face-to-face time gives me an opportunity to answer your questions about the coming months. I really hope you will come. (Thank you to the Transition Council for providing the light lunch for us).
ALSO, I will be talking more about the future of Blair Road and why I believe this church has a vibrant future. Disaffiliation leaves churches wounded and there is no question that this church has been through a very hard time. But the future with the UMC is very bright indeed and I want a chance to say more about that! So please, join us for lunch this Sunday!
I know that after the 11:11 service is not convenient for those of you who attend the 8:45 Traditional Service. But, since we interrupted our Sunday School and small groups last week, I do not want to do that for two consecutive weeks. Those groups are too important. So, for this one Sunday, please make the effort to come and hear more about the future of the church.
God bless you, saints of Blair Road! Grace and peace. Blessings and prayers, Mary John
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All Saints Remembrance Service
on November 5, 2023.
You are invited to join us at Blair Road United Methodist Church for our All Saints Remembrance Service on November 5, 2023.
We'll gather for this special occasion during both of our services, at 8:45 AM and 11:11 AM, to honor and treasure the memories of our departed loved ones.
This service is a time to journey within, to reminisce, and to express our heartfelt appreciation for those individuals who have deeply impacted our lives. It's an opportunity for shared reflection, heartfelt gratitude, and a poignant tribute to those who have left an indelible mark on our hearts.
We warmly extend our invitation, welcoming all to join us in this profound moment of togetherness. Let's unite in remembrance, honor, and celebration as we cherish the enduring legacy of those who have held a special place in our lives.
We look forward to the privilege of gathering with you to create a sanctuary of loving remembrance and celebrate the lives that have touched us so deeply.
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"Get Ready to 'Fall Back' for a Refreshing Extra Hour of Sleep!
Don't forget, on Sunday, November 5th, it's time to 'fall back' as Daylight Savings ends. Set your clocks back one hour before bedtime on Saturday night and wake up refreshed for the Lord's day.
Take advantage of that extra hour to get some much-deserved sleep and recharge your energy. A well-rested congregation is a bright-eyed and bushy-tailed one!
Join us on Sunday feeling rejuvenated and ready to embrace the new day. See you bright and early with those extra z's in the bank!"
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens."
Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV):
Remember: Sunday is the time to Turn back your clocks and enjoy that bonus hour of sleep!
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Grief Share
Preparing for the Holidays
Wednesday, Nov. 8
between 6:30-8:00.
Holidays can be hard for us when we have lost someone special to us.
If you are concerned about getting through the holiday season, please join us as we come together for a time of healing and support. Please call or email Lynn Smith if you would like to attend at 704-545-6785 or lynnsmith@blairroadumc.org.
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Discover the Magic of Handcrafted Talent at
Blair Road UMC's Christmas Marketplace!
Searching for unique gifts and treasures while supporting worthy causes in your community? Look no further! Join us for an unforgettable experience at our annual Christmas Marketplace, where every booth is brimming with Handcrafted Talent.
Date: Saturday November 11, 2023
Time: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location: Blair Road United Methodist Church - 9135 Blair Road, Mint Hill 28227
Don't Miss the Silent Auction: Bid on Fun items for a good cause!
Our United Methodist Men (UMM) have always been at the heart of giving back, and your support makes all the difference. Here are some of the missions we have proudly supported and continue to back:
ASP - Appalachia Service Project
Feed The Homeless - Uptown Men’s Shelter
One7 Mission
Book Bags of Love
Boy Scouts
Cub Scouts
Girl Scouts
Home Repair Team
Youth Confirmands Retreat
Rocky River High School
BRUMC Youth Group
At Blair Road UMC, we're committed to making a positive impact in our community, and we're always on the lookout for ways to support any worthy cause. Your involvement in the Christmas Marketplace directly contributes to these essential missions.
Your participation in this heartwarming event helps us make a difference in countless lives, right here in our community. It's more than just shopping; it's about spreading love, joy, and hope.
Remember, the annual Christmas Marketplace is our single largest fundraiser, and your presence is the key to its success. Come, shop, and share in the holiday spirit with us!
Save the date, invite your friends and family, and let's make this year's Christmas Marketplace the best one yet. See you there! #BlairRoadUMC #ChristmasMarketplace#CommunitySupport
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Young at Heart Events
Senior Safety
November 16 at 12:00
The community Outreach department of the Mint Hill Police Department will do a presentation about fraudulent activities we need to be aware of. Especially through the internet, phone, and mail. We have all been scammed or have come close to it! Come and find out ways to keep yourself and your assets safe. Please invite friends and family. Lunch will be served following the presentation at a cost of $7.
| A Sweet Thank You for Making Our Event a Treat! |  |  |  | |
We wanted to extend a big thank you and a sweet round of applause to each and every one of you who generously contributed your time, creativity, and candy for our recent Trunk or Treat event! Your involvement made it an incredible success and a delightful experience for everyone who attended.
The creativity and effort you put into decorating your trunks turned our event into a whimsical wonderland of treats and smiles. The children (and children at heart!) thoroughly enjoyed visiting each uniquely decorated trunk and relishing the goodies you provided.
Your kindness and participation truly made a difference in the festive spirit of our gathering, creating an atmosphere filled with joy and happiness.
Your contributions, whether in the form of candy donations or imaginative trunk decorations, brought an extra dash of magic to our celebration, making it a memorable and heartwarming occasion for our community.
We are immensely grateful for your generosity and your enthusiasm in making our Trunk or Treat event a wonderful and safe experience for all. Thank you for your part in making this event a spook-tacular success!
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Join Us for
"Oh, Holy Light"
Christmas Cantata
on December 10th!
It's the most wonderful time of the year, and at Blair Road United Methodist Church, our hearts are brimming with joy as we prepare for the annual Christmas Cantata. We cordially invite you to join us for a spectacular and heartwarming experience that celebrates the true essence of Christmas.
Entitled "Oh, Holy Light," this Christmas Cantata promises to be an awe-inspiring and traditional musical celebration. Our talented musicians and choir members have been diligently preparing to present an enchanting display of seasonal melodies that will undoubtedly warm your hearts and fill you with the spirit of Christmas.
Mark your calendars for December 10th and be a part of this memorable event. We are thrilled to announce that our usual services will be combined into one special service, from 10:00 to 11:00 AM, dedicated entirely to this soul-stirring Cantata.
This is a cherished tradition at Blair Road UMC that has touched the hearts of many over the years. The "Oh, Holy Light" Christmas Cantata is a Spirit-led performance that brings the community together in joyous celebration, reminding us of the miraculous and timeless story of Christmas.
We invite you, your family, and friends to come together in fellowship and revel in the harmonious melodies and moving lyrics that capture the essence of the season. Let the music fill your soul with the warmth and wonder of Christmas.
Please join us as we rejoice and honor the birth of our Savior through the divine gift of music. We eagerly anticipate sharing this beautiful Cantata with you and your loved ones.
May the joy and love of the season be with you, and we hope to see you there!
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Join us on Facebook Live every day in November as Rev. Mary John shares her wisdom, reflections, and thoughts on the day's reading. It's a fantastic opportunity to deepen our understanding of the Scriptures and engage in fruitful discussions that will help us apply the teachings to our daily lives.
To participate, simply follow Mary John on Facebook and join the live sessions each day as we explore the richness of the Scriptures together. You can also follow along with the provided Bible Reading Plan.
Let's come together as a community, nourishing our spirits and minds with the wisdom of the Bible. It's a fantastic way to start each day with a sense of purpose and spiritual growth.
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"How good and pleasant it is when
God’s people live together in unity!"
Psalm 133:1
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To all who attended the Fifth Sunday Fellowship, your vibrant energy and joyful engagement uplifted the entire congregation. Your presence and active involvement added an extra touch of warmth to our time together.
We are delighted to share some beautiful pictures capturing the joyous moments and heartwarming interactions from the Fifth Sunday Fellowship. Please take a moment to relive these memories in the attached photo gallery.
Your commitment, participation, and the positive atmosphere you create make our church family truly special. Your presence and contributions enrich our community in countless ways, and we are deeply grateful for each and every one of you. A special Thank You to the Good News Sunday school class for providing yummy refreshments!
Thank you for your dedication and involvement. Let's continue to build upon these wonderful moments of togetherness and fellowship as we move forward.
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The Contemporary Service at 11:11 has adopted the following Song as their inspiration to Grow the Blair Road United Methodist Congregation! | |
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Here in this worn and weary land
Where many a dream has died
Like a tree planted by the water
We never will run dry
So living water flowing through
God, we thirst for more of You
Fill our hearts and flood our souls with one desire
Just to know You and to make You known
We lift Your name on high
Shine like the sun, make darkness run and hide
We know we were made for so much more than ordinary lives
It's time for us to more than just survive
We were made to thrive
Into Your Word, we're digging deep
To know our Father's heart
Into the world, we're reaching out
To show them who You are
So living water flowing through
God, we thirst for more of You
Fill our hearts and flood our souls with one desire
Just to know You and to make You known
We lift Your name on high
Shine like the sun, make darkness run and hide
We know we were made for so much more than ordinary lives
It's time for us to more than just survive
We were made to thrive
Joy unspeakable, faith unsinkable
Love unstoppable, anything is possible
Joy unspeakable, faith unsinkable
Love unstoppable, anything is possible
Joy unspeakable, faith unsinkable
Love unstoppable, anything is possible
Joy unspeakable, faith unsinkable
Love unstoppable, anything is possible
Just to know You and to make You known
We lift Your name on high
Shine like the sun, make darkness run and hide
We know we were made for so much more than ordinary lives
It's time for us to more than just survive
We were made to thrive, hey
We were made to thrive
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Click the video below if you would like to
listen to the song on YouTube
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We are headed to Appalachia Service Project in July 2024 and want you to join us!
What is Appalachia Service Project?
Appalachia Service Project(ASP) was founded in 1969 by United Methodist Rev Glenn “Tex” Evans to make homes warmer, safer, and drier for families in need in Central Appalachia.
- ASP believes all people should be able to live in affordable, safe, and sanitary housing.
- ASP believes that each person is a child of God imbued with dignity and worth.
- ASP accepts people right where they are and just the way they are.
- ASP believes in ministering in the spirit of love, acceptance, and hopefulness.
Interested in joining the team? Join us for an information meeting to learn more!
When: 4:00 pm, November 12
Where: Philadelphia Presbyterian Church Chapel
Who: Youth (must have completed 8th grade by June 2024) and adults from Blair Road UMC and Philadelphia Presbyterian Church interested in a life-changing experience repairing homes and building relationships with homeowners in Central Appalachia.
Contact Marie Humphrey at 704-575-3182 or mariehumphrey71@gmail.com with questions.
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Charlotte Strings Candlelight Holiday Special
Dec. 21 at 7:00
One of the most beautiful concerts you will ever attend!
The cost of the concert is $40.
Please RSVP Lynn Smith by Nov. 15.
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Join Us for something a little different.
An Intimate Christmas Eve's Eve Service on December 23!
Get ready for a heartwarming and intimate Christmas Eve's Eve experience as we gather together for a special service on December 23.
This year, we're cultivating a more laid-back and cozy atmosphere, designed to embrace the spirit of the season in an intimate setting.
We're excited to announce that our very own Pat Cray will be gracing us with his exceptional piano skills, setting the perfect tone for a night of celebration and reflection. To add an extra touch of magic, a couple of talented violinists will join in, creating beautiful harmonies that will surely elevate our Christmas experience.
This "Intimate Christmas Eve" promises to be a unique and meaningful celebration. The atmosphere will be relaxed and warm, allowing everyone to truly immerse themselves in the beauty of the Christmas story and the joy of the season.
As plans unfold, there's a chance that the musical ensemble may expand, given the availability of additional musicians on the night. We're looking forward to the possibility of an even more enchanting musical experience for all who attend.
So mark your calendars and spread the word! Invite your friends, family, and neighbors to join us for this special and intimate Christmas Eve service with your most beloved piano player and the added charm of violin melodies.
We can't wait to celebrate the spirit of Christmas with you in this intimate and special gathering. See you on December 23 for an evening filled with the joy and warmth of the season!
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Are You Going through a Difficult Time?
A Stephen Minister can help. Stephen Ministers are members of our congregation who listen, care, encourage and provide emotional and spiritual support to people going through a crisis or a difficult time.
To learn how you can receive a Stephen Minister’s confidential care, contact Lynn Smith, or Chris Weiant by calling the church office at 704-545- 6785.
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Fuel Up Menu & Holiday Schedule
Dinner at 5:45 & Studies at 6:30
Nov. 8,
Tacos, rice, beans and salad The Chosen, Season 3, Eps. 7
Nov. 15,
Chicken Soup and Salad The Chosen, Season 3, Eps. 8
Nov. 22
NO FUEL UP
Nov. 29,
Spaghetti and Salad Bar
Dec. 6,
Chili, cornbread and salad
Dec. 13,
Baked Potato and Salad
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Advent and Christmas Service and Giving Opportunities!
Servants Heart
We continue to support the wonderful ministry at Servant’s Heart, a local assistance organization. We need unwrapped toys for children up to 12 years old (the older kids items are especially needed) and $25 gift cards from Target or Walmart. We need all donations no later than Dec. 11th but would prefer Dec. 5th. Bring items to the Family Life building and put gift cards in offering marked Servant’s Heart or give to Lynn Smith.
Blair Road UMC has a great opportunity to share Christmas Blessings with homeless students at Rocky River High School.You can partner with the Mission and Outreach Team as we give each student a stocking filled with toiletries, snacks, supplies, a gift card and, of course, lots of love!
This year, the mission team will supply the contents for each stocking. We are requesting gift cards ($25) for Target, Walmart, Chick-Fil-A, Applebee’s, etc. or folks can make a donation to the Rocky River High School account. We will need 48 gift cards for the stockings, which can be turned in to Lynn Smith by Dec. 11th. We are looking forward to sharing this blessing with the youth at Rocky River High School! Thanks, in advance, for your support and willingness to share the love of God this season!!
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Each year our Sanctuary and Family Life Center look beautiful decorated with poinsettias. It is our tradition to give poinsettias in honor or remembrance of a family member or friend. Each 9-inch plant is $10.00 and can be taken home after the Christmas Service on Sunday, December 25th. Complete this form and bring it to church and place in the offering plate. Attach a check made payable to BRUMC. In the memo section please write: Poinsettias.
You can also mail the completed form to: BRUMC 9135 Blair Road, Mint Hill, NC 28227 before the Nov. 26, 2023 deadline.
Name: _________________________________________
Number of Poinsettias Purchased: _____ x $10.00 each = _____________
Check Number: ___________
In Memory of: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
In Honor of: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Deadline for ordering is November 26, 2023
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Focus on the 3 General Rules in Worship:
"In our worship services, we're centering on the 3 General Rules guiding our faith:
First, Do No Harm;
Second, Do Good;
Third, Stay in Love with God.
These principles are at the core of our Christian journey,
shaping our actions and relationship with God."
UMCOR Humanitarian Relief Giving:
"Let's come together to support UMCOR's humanitarian relief efforts in war zones globally. Your generosity can make a significant impact on those affected by conflict."
"To stay updated with our church events and news, please ensure you're on our email list. If you're not receiving our emails, kindly share your email info with us to keep in the loop."
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9135 Blair Road, Mint Hill 28227
www.blairroadumc.org
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