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Worshiping Sundays In-Person and as an
Online Faith Community
Be sure to 'Like' us on Facebook
to view our online sermons
10:15 a.m.: In-Person Worship Service and
Online Facebook Worship
Church Office: 980-999-3500
Weekly Newsletter: October 29, 2020
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Weekly Newsletter:
August 12, 2021
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Saturday, August 14:
9:30 a.m. Guys and Cars Life Group
Meet for breakfast at Dunkin Donuts, Lake Wylie, then attend Classic Car Show at Fred Caldwell Chevrolet, 974 Bethel Street, Clover, SC
Sunday, August 15: THIS SUNDAY!
10:15 a.m. Sunday Worship at Imagine Church (in person at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary Chapel, 14542 Choate Circle, Charlotte, and online on Imagine Church Facebook Page)
Message: "Fake News That's Not in the Bible, Part 1" by Pastor Bruce
Back to School Blessing for Imagine Kids and Imagine Nation Youth
Separate sessions for ALL ages of Imagine Kids and Imagine Nation Youth
Proclaim - Lee Potter; Safety & Security - Craig Galeota
10:30 a.m. Imagine Life College Ministry
11:45 a.m. Church Staff Meeting, Room 127, GCTS
Tuesday, August 17:
7:00 p.m. Ladies Life Group, Home of Debra Tadlock, 117 Shimmerlake Lane, Belmont
Bible Study on 1st, 2nd, 3rd John
Sunday, August 22:
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Imagine Church's OneBlood Blood Drive at Gordon-Conwell
10:15 a.m. Sunday Worship at Imagine Church (in person at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary Chapel, 14542 Choate Circle, Charlotte, and online on Imagine Church Facebook Page)
Message: "Fake News That's Not in the Bible, Part 2" by Pastor Bruce
Interview in Worship with Dr. Pam Davis
Separate sessions for ALL ages of Imagine Kids and Imagine Nation Youth
Proclaim - Paula Davis; Safety & Security - Nick Jones
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Imagine Church Devotional |
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While preparing for our new series, "Fake News That's Not in the Bible," I ran across a book entitled "Traditions, Folktales, and Hocum." The author pointed out that some things many people believe to be scriptural in origin are really not. Take, for instance, that old saying that "everything happens for a reason."
That statement is often quoted as being in the Bible, but of course it isn't -- at least not in that form. It's derived from a passage in the book of Romans in which the apostle Paul declared, "We know that all things work together for good to those who love God and who are called according to his purpose." Most of the time we remember the first part of that verse (all things work together for good) and skip the rest. We fail to remember that to ignore the latter half of Paul's statement makes the first part of it impossible.
I think it was Charles Wallis who told about a little girl who was telling her mother about the day's activities. "We played wedding," she said. "I was the bride, Elsie was the bridesmaid, and Elsie's sister was the flower girl." Her mother said, "Well, who was the groom?" Her daughter replied, "Oh, I wanted a small wedding, so we didn't have a groom!" There is a point to that story. A wedding without a marriage partner hardly constitutes a workable plan. Some things are conditional upon other things. To expect the promise of St. Paul without acceptance of the condition is wishful thinking.
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Paul never meant to suggest that everything happens for a reason. To believe that implies that sin, wasted opportunities, and evil are ultimately good. Many years ago Clarence McCartney preached a sermon entitled "Come Before Winter." The theme of the sermon was that wasted opportunities bring heartache -- and no power on heaven or earth can bring them back. Wild seeds produce a wild harvest, and the resulting suffering can destroy us. Judas betrayed Jesus, and when he realized what he had done, he took his own life. King Saul ignored God's command, and the brilliant career of Saul came to a tragic end. Only a foolish person believes that everything turns out for the best no matter how he/she lives.
What Paul really said was that all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to his purpose. The latter part of this verse is the condition upon which the first hinges. This is to say that things turn out for the best for those who come at life God's way. This is the tremendous promise of the Bible. Live life God's way, and God will use everything that happens to you for good. It won't work any other way.
In the name of the One who can do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine,
Bruce Jones, Pastor and Co-Creator,
Imagine Church of the Carolinas
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Kendall Davis, Jim Gilkeson, Russ Partin, and Bruce spent some time this week with architect David Dial giving a final review to all the specifications of the building design as we near the time when we will submit the plans to York County and the SCDOT for permitting. Color, finishes, and interior decisions will come later while we await approval of permits. Once all this is complete and permits are received, we will set the date for groundbreaking for Imagine Church's beautiful new church facility on Highway 55 East in Lake Wylie. |
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As our elementary, middle school, and high school students prepare to make their way back to the classroom in the coming days, during our 10:15 a.m. worship this Sunday, August 15, Imagine Church will include a time of recognition and blessing for our first-time and returning students in every grade as well as teachers and school administration personnel. Bruce will also introduce a new series called "Fake News That's Not in the Bible." There will also be the inspiring and thrilling music from the Imagine Praise Band; we just need you to be there, too! Join us in person or online for worship this Sunday! |
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Hi Jennifer,
I couldn't make it to church this morning so I watched the service online. I just have to tell you, and I've been thinking this for a long time, you and your praise team are very, very good. I especially like your new group of musicians. They are exceptional. And your new vocalist is wonderful. You are a good worship leader, and it's easy to see how well your group follows your directives during each song.
I've spent twenty years as a co-worship leader, and I've observed many praise teams through my attendance at hundreds of Emmaus worship services at a variety of churches around Charlotte. By far your group surpasses these praise teams. Your vocals and instrumentalists are wonderful. And the music isn't so loud that it hurts my ears.
Thank you for all you do for Imagine. You are a treasure!
Hugs, Linda Wujciak
I always look forward to your ministry and your sermons, Pastor Bruce. I may not be able to be in church in person a lot, but I enjoy your words and look forward to Sunday online. Thanks from the bottom of my heart. I feel like I've come home.
Sincerely, Scott Waterman
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Blood Drive on Sunday, August 22 - Please Sign Up to Donate! |
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Because there is a desperate shortage of blood right now in the United States, Imagine Church is partnering with OneBlood to conduct a Blood Drive at Gordon-Conwell for our August missions focus. This drive will be conducted during the Imagine Church worship service on:
Sunday, August 22nd
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Our goal is to have at least 15 people donate blood through this event -- but we hope we surpass that goal. The blood collected will stay in the local Charlotte area. For more details, please read the "Be the Hands and Feet of Jesus" article further down in this newsletter.
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We invite Imagine Kids of ALL ages (nursery through 5th grade) to join us at Gordon-Conwell this Sunday, August 15, when they will hear the conclusion of Gregory's summer series titled "Who Can Separate Us From Christ's Love." Babies can be dropped off in the nursery immediately upon arrival to GCTS, and Imagine Kids will depart from the chapel after praise and worship. We hope you will bring a friend with you! |
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Memory Verse:
Parents, here is the memory verse for you to practice with your child(ren):
"Nothing at all can ever separate us from God's love. That's because of what Christ Jesus our Lord has done." (Romans 8:39b NIRV)
Parents, if the entire verse is too long for your preschooler, have them learn just this part:
"Nothing at all can ever separate us from God's love."
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Join Imagine Nation Youth this Sunday, August 15, as Tim discusses "Friendships." |
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Imagine Life:
All high school seniors and college students who happen to be in town THIS Sunday, August 15, are invited to attend and participate in Imagine Life, our Imagine Youth ministry that is focused on engaging college students and high school seniors.
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Mark Your Calendar for These Imagine Youth Events: |
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Aug. 15: Back to School Prayer for all children and youth during 10:15 a.m. worship service
Aug. 27: Tailgate Party before Clover vs York Football Game - join us from 6:00 - 7:15 p.m. for food, fellowship, and football (game starts at 7:30)
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Dec. 28-30: Winter Xtreme in Gatlinburg
It's filling up quickly! This year's Winter Xtreme will be December 28-30 in Gatlinburg! So, use this link to register your youth before all spots are filled: Winter Xtreme 2021
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Weekly Devotion:
School can be stressful. Friendships, making sports teams, keeping up with a job and all the homework can sometimes feel overwhelming.
The good news is that God doesn’t want life to be so stressful and overwhelming that it keeps you up at night. God’s best is that you’re able to live your life at peace.
In peace I will lie down and sleep,
for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.
Just because that’s God’s best for your life doesn’t mean that it’s going to happen automatically, however. It takes some effort on your part. You have to work on getting your emotions and thoughts lined up to God’s word.
Today’s Truth: God’s Best for your life is that you live in peace.
That becomes easier as you read and study the Bible. As you read God’s word, it becomes more exciting to you, and it becomes what you think about, rather than all the stressful things going on around you. As you spend time in God’s word, it’s easier to be at peace.
You don’t have to live your life in a place of fear and torment. God’s best for your life is that you live in peace.
Take a Moment to Pray: Jesus, I ask for your peace this school year. Sometimes school can be overwhelming, but I ask for your help and wisdom this year. Help me to live in your peace. In Your name, Amen.
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Did you like what you read above? Follow these steps to get set-up to receive Tim's weekly devotional messages and other important information for Imagine Youth via Remind:
Get push notifications on your smartphone by going to the following link(s): rmd.at/imagineyg
Sign-up to receive text notifications by texting @imagineyg to the number 81010.
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We look forward to seeing you Sunday morning, Imagine Youth -- and bring a friend, too!
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Be the Hands and Feet of Jesus |
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There are so many opportunities that exist for our church to be the hands and feet of Jesus by helping others through various means of service right here in our community and around the world. If you have a heart for missions, you are invited to join the Missions Team or simply support its initiatives. For more information about the Missions Team, please email Kari DiDonato at her Imagine Church email: [email protected]
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AUGUST'S MISSION FOCUS:
~ OneBlood Blood Drive on Sunday, August 22 ~
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Because there is a desperate shortage of blood right now in the United States, Imagine Church is partnering with OneBlood to conduct a Blood Drive at Gordon-Conwell for our August missions focus. This drive will be conducted during the Imagine Church worship service on:
Sunday, August 22nd
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Our goal is to have at least 15 people donate blood through this event -- but we hope we surpass that goal. The blood collected will stay in the local Charlotte area.
Prior to giving blood, OneBlood will conduct a mini wellness checkup on the donor. There are no finger pricks involved, and the following information will be shared via an online portal with the donor: blood pressure, temperature, iron count, pulse, and cholesterol screening.
Donors will give blood on the bus that will be parked on the Gordon-Conwell property, and restrooms inside Gordon-Conwell will be available to blood donors. Additionally, we are working to equip the bus with a monitor so that donors can watch the church service while donating blood.
It will take approximately 35-40 minutes for a person to donate blood. One (1) person's donation will help three (3) people in need of blood.
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GUIDELINES:
- You must be 16 years of age or older to give blood.
- 16 year-olds need parent's permission.
- Anyone 17 years old or older does not need parent permission.
- There is no upper age limit for who can donate blood.
- ALL blood donors will be REQUIRED TO WEAR A MASK regardless of vaccination status.
- A person can donate every 8 weeks up to 6 times a year.
Blood donors will receive a OneBlood beach towel and a $20 eGift card!
Donors do not have to be part of the Imagine Church family, so please share this information and this sign-up link with others:
"There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends."
~ John 15:13, NLT
If we are called to lay down our lives for others, we can most certainly give some of our own blood to help save them.
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Worship Through Giving - God Loves a Cheerful Giver |
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Imagine Church thanks you for your faithfulness to give. Your cheerful giving is evidence of how God is at work in the life of this church family, and your continued giving keeps Imagine Church's ministry alive and vital. If you are led to make a tithe, offering, or gift, we offer these safe and convenient giving options:
MAIL: Cash or check donations can be mailed directly to our church office at:
Imagine Church
13000 S. Tryon Street, Suite F-114
Charlotte, NC 28278
WORSHIP: Cash or check donations can be placed in one of the collection baskets at our Sunday in-person worships at GCTS.
ONLINE: Use this link to access our Church Center online giving platform:
MOBILE: Make a donation from your smart phone using the mobile Church Center app. Search for Imagine Church in Lake Wylie to create your account:
Or, text the amount of your offering (ex: $123) to 84321.
RECURRING: Make a recurring donation using Church Center:
THANK YOU for making our ministry possible here in this community and around the world!
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This coming week on Tuesday, August 17, the Ladies Life Group will meet at 7:00 p.m. at the beautiful home of Debra Tadlock (117 Shimmerlake Lane in Belmont) to wrap-up their study of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd John. The following week on Tuesday, August 24, the group will begin their study on the books of Revelation and Daniel, and you are invited to join them for Tuesday night study and fellowship.
Want to join in the fellowship? Stay tuned for details about upcoming events and outings from the Ladies Life Group.
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Guys & Cars Life Group - This Saturday |
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Members of the Guys & Cars Life Group are invited to meet at Dunkin Donuts in Lake Wylie this Saturday, August 14, at 9:30 a.m. for a quick breakfast (the dining room is open once again) and then a drive over to Fred Caldwell Chevrolet, 974 Bethel Street, Clover, for the Classic Car Show which begins at 10:00. Our own Jim Olson of the Guys & Cars group will be displaying his 2021 Corvette -- there may be others, too! You are invited to join us Saturday morning!
And don't forget about the:
York Car Show
August 28, 2021
More details will come as we get closer to the event, so please stay tuned or reach out to Jim Gilkeson if you have questions.
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Please stay tuned for details about upcoming events and outings from the Adult Life Group, and reach out to Paula Davis (704-906-0101) with questions or with ideas for future activities.
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Weekly Inspiration and Encouragement |
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Inspirational Song:
By: I AM THEY
"Your name is greater
Your love is stronger
Your ways are higher
There's nothing that You can't do
'Cause there's no impossible with You"
Submitted by: Jennifer Tankersley,
Minister of Worship and the Arts
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Bible Verse of Encouragement:
"Those who heard this asked, 'Who then can be saved?' Jesus replied, 'What is impossible with man is possible with God.'" (Luke 18:26-27 NIV)
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Pastor Bruce led a graveside memorial service on Wednesday in York, South Carolina, for Leslie Kellemen, grandfather of Tracy Latham who is a special friend of Imagine Church. We ask you to hold Tracy and her family in your prayers in the days ahead.
Our prayers are with Jess Erickson and Chris Scarborough as they prepare for their wedding in Asheville, North Carolina, on Saturday, August 21. What a wonderful, God-led couple, and we congratulate them!
Please hold Phil Griffin in your prayers as he was taken to the ER at Atrium Health Pineville with kidney stones on the morning of Tuesday, August 10. We pray for his comfort and that the stones will be rolled away!
We ask you to pray daily for Jerry Brownlee (father of Lydia Smith) as he deals day-to-day with a number of health issues. Lydia is spending as much time as possible with her dad at his home in Winston-Salem.
We also pray for Diane Davis (mother of Kendall Davis) as she recovers from injuries sustained in a fall, and Meredith Martone as she recovers from injuries in a motor vehicle accident.
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We send heartfelt and happy birthday greetings to these Imagine Church family members who have birthdays throughout the next two weeks: |
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Aug 13....Heather Gilkeson
Aug 13....Cooper Meehan
Aug 14....Elijah Price
Aug 17....Kelly Fox
Aug 17....Glenn Welshans
Aug 18....Otis Magnie
Aug 19....Greg Preston
Aug 20....Lilli DiDonato
Aug 20....Jennifer Martin
Aug 20....Carrie Tucker
Aug 21....Bonnie Klaisle
Aug 23....Harper Clark
Aug 23....Kimberly Dulin
Aug 23....Phil Griffin
Aug 24....Scott Ward
Aug 25....Charlene Grimes
Aug 25....Bruce Jones
Aug 26....Matthew Hubbard
Aug 26....Paula Price
Aug 26....Strat Lake
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If you are wanting your name added to our birthday list, simply send us a quick email at [email protected]. We want to celebrate with you!
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Imagine Church is a new spiritual community with a desire to connect people to God and to one another. We all have questions and struggles as well as victories and joys. Imagine Church is fashioned for real people who are experiencing messy, complicated, beautiful life together and who are learning to invite God into every single day. No one is too messed up for God or for God's church.
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Real people. Real life. Real church.
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