Worshiping Sundays as an Online Faith Community
Be sure to 'Like' us on Facebook to view
our Live and Premiere sermons.
10:00 a.m.: Imagine Kids Message
10:15 a.m.: Facebook Premiere Worship
11:00 a.m.: Imagine Nation Youth Message
Church Office: 980-999-3500
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Weekly Newsletter: July 2, 2020
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As faithful disciples of Jesus Christ in the midst of our response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we remain committed to our biblical mandate to "love our neighbors as ourselves" and our call to "do no harm." In doing so, Imagine Church seeks ways to engage faithfully in worship and ministry while ensuring the health and safety of our church family and community.
Imagine Church has hosted online, drive-in, and outdoor worship services while following CDC, state, and local guidelines, including hand-washing, wearing masks, and observing physical distancing rules. We continue to wait and pray for the day when coronavirus cases in North and South Carolina begin to subside. In the meantime, watch the newsletter and other weekly announcements to learn the platform for the next Sunday or two.
Our mission has not changed (Matthew 28:16-20). We are called to reach and lead people into a life-transforming relationship with Jesus Christ. This is still happening as we continue to find new ways to worship, connect, grow, serve, and give in the age of COVID-19.
Upcomin
g Events:
Sunday, July 5:
THIS SUNDAY!
10:00 a.m.: Online Message for Imagine Kids on Facebook Live
Message by Gregory Roberts, Minister to Children and Families
10:15 a.m.: Online Worship on Facebook Premiere, Imagine Church Facebook Page
Message: "The Most Important Question You Will Ever Ask", Part 1, by Pastor Bruce
Communion at Home
11:00 a.m.: Online Message for Imagine Nation Youth on Facebook Live
Message by Tim Gunn, Minister of Imagine Nation Youth
Sunday, July 12:
10:00 a.m.: Online Message for Imagine Kids on Facebook Live
Message by Gregory Roberts, Minister to Children and Families
10:15 a.m.: Online Worship on Facebook Premiere, Imagine Church Facebook Page
Message: "The Most Important Question You Will Ever Ask", Part 2, by Pastor Bruce
11:00 a.m.: Online Message for Imagine Nation Youth on Facebook Live
Message by Tim Gunn, Minister of Imagine Nation Youth
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Imagine Church Devotional
"
People of the Cross"
 In some of my reading last week I ran across something I hadn't thought of before. The central symbol of the Christian faith -- the cross -- points in every direction: north, south, east, and west. I find myself reflecting on that idea as I think about the future of the Imagine Church movement.
We are a church family comprised of people representing nearly every Christian denomination. We come from a multitude of states around the country, and a considerable number of us have traveled extensively around the world. We are a people of many traditions. Occasionally, people will ask if we can become more like their church back home. But we can't do that. That's not us. We're not just Methodist, or Presbyterian, or Lutheran, or Catholic, or any one denomination. We are all represented by the banner under which we worship: the cross that points in every direction.
 You see, that's what the cross is for, Christians. It is the symbol that signifies what Christ did for us. It reminds us who we are and what we do and how we live. Who we are and whose we are -- that's what the cross represents. "Beneath the cross of Jesus, I fain would take my stand," sings the old hymn. That's what we do, you see, when we gather under the cross of Christ. We take a stand. We accept a challenge. We have to learn to speak to each other in new ways that represent our faith and our Lord. It's about taking up a whole new way of living, thinking, and being.
What we are undertaking at Imagine Church today will impact the life of this community and the world for generations to come. This is serious business we are about because, you see, the cross was raised on a hill far away where Jesus poured out his life for us. And now Jesus says to us, "Take up your cross and follow me."
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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Online Worship This Week
A number of people are saying they are cutting back on social media time and even watching the news because there are so many competing messages out there these days. How do we know what to do? What determines our course of action in such a world as this? Maybe there is an important question we should always ask, regardless of the circumstances we're facing. During our online worship this Sunday, July 5, Bruce will introduce a new series titled "The Most Important Question You Will Ever Ask". You can watch it by going to the Imagine Church Facebook page Sunday at 10:15 a.m. In addition, Gregory Roberts will have a message for our Imagine Kids at 10:00, and Tim Gunn will speak to the Imagine Nation Youth at 11:00. Our online worship at 10:15 will also provide the opportunity to share communion at home (see below).
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Communion at Home
You are invited to share in "communion at home" when Pastor Bruce leads us in this time of online worship on Facebook this Sunday, July 5, beginning at 10:15 a.m.
Remembering that the bread and the cup used for communion are symbols that we take in remembrance of what Jesus did for us, here are some tips to help you be better prepared for communion on Sunday:
- Please DO NOT feel the need to make a trip to the grocery store.
- Simply search your panty for something that will symbolize the body of Christ. Bread, crackers, or even flaked cereal are good options for this.
- Then, look in your refrigerator to find something that will symbolize the blood that Christ shed for you. You do not need to use grape juice or wine. In fact, any beverage will suffice for this portion of communion.
- Try to prepare your elements ahead of time so they are ready when Pastor Bruce begins communion. He will provide step by step instructions for what to do with the elements you've prepared.
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What They're Saying
Bob and I would like to offer a praise to the good friends at Imagine Church who are so faithful in remembering us with thoughts and prayers during Bob's struggle with cancer and the other unrelated health issues that he has been going through. Hearing from wonderful friends as yourselves has been an encouragement to both of us, and we are very thankful for each of you.
Love and hugs to all,
Bob and Linda Wujciak
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Work Resumes on Building Design Phase
We thought it important to let you know that, in recent days, Imagine Church has resumed the design phase for our new facility by supplying information and beginning to form concepts for different space needs of our various ministries. We look forward to the day when we can have something to present to the members of our church family!
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Offerings: Options for Giving
Imagine Church thanks you for the generous spirit of giving you display week after week, even when we are physically distant. If you are led to do so, you may mail your offering to our church office at the below mailing address, or your may choose to make an online credit or debit card or ACH check payment using this link:
Imagine Church
13000 S. Tryon Street, Suite F-114
Charlotte, NC 28278
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Be the Hands and Feet of Jesus
 There are so many opportunities that exist for our church family to be the hands and feet of Jesus and help others through various means of service right here in our community. If you are aware of an opportunity that you would like to see highlighted in this section of the newsletter, please email any pertinent information to Kari DiDonato at her Imagine Church email account: [email protected]
JULY'S OUTREACH OPPORTUNITY:
Children's Attention Home, Rock Hill
"Fresh Coat Painting Project"
July 3rd, 8th, 9th, and 10th
The Children's Attention Home is reaching out to the community for help with their "Fresh Coat Painting Project" that will help bring their children into a warm and welcoming atmosphere. If you've got the time, skills, and interest, they could really use ALL HANDS ON DECK to help prep and paint two cottages (12 bedrooms, 4 offices, 2 kitchens, 8 closets, 8 restrooms, and 2 laundry rooms)!
Paint, tape, and a few extra brushes and rollers will be provided. Volunteers are asked to provide: latex gloves, step ladders, 6 foot ladders, paint rollers, brushes, paint trays, and their own face masks. A commercial paint sprayer would also be helpful. If you have one, please contact their Operations Manager and Project Leader, Richard Huitt, at (803) 417-0424 or [email protected].
Please visit this
sign-up for more information.
Thank you in advance, Imagine Church family, for supporting this outreach and the Children's Attention Home. Additional information can be found on their
website and
Facebook page.
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Weekly Inspiration and Encouragement
Inspirational Song and
Bible Verse of Encouragement:
By: Chris Tomlin
"The LORD is my light and my salvation-- whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life-- of whom shall I be afraid?"
(Psalm 27:1 Of David)
Submitted by: Jennifer Tankersley,
Minister of Worship and the Arts
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Prayers and Praises
We are thrilled for Gregory and Tamra Roberts, Caleb, Elijah, Lilly, and Rosabella as they move into their new home in the Berewick neighborhood in Steele Creek, which puts them much closer to the Imagine Church family than their former home in Matthews. Becky Ferguson helped them with the purchase of their home. We congratulate them and are excited about this new chapter in their lives!
Bob Wujciak had the final procedure to remove the remaining bladder stone and is feeling much better. Hopefully now all he will have to focus on are the chemo treatments. Please continue to hold Bob and Linda in your prayers.
Zach Preston's CEA cancer markers have gone down from June 9 to June 29 from 13.2 to 5.5 which is a very good thing! His bilirubin level is 1.1 which is near normal. He is having new stents placed in his bile ducts today, and we are much encouraged by his progress and overall health. Please continue to pray for Zach.
Mary Shrewsbury, Ray Transou's sister, is having a heart catheterization today as her cardiologist has detected blockages. Please keep Mary in your prayers.
Please continue to pray for:
Tammie Callahan (sister-in-law of Tyra Jones)
Vaughn Dunn
Jerry Brownlee (father of Lydia Smith)
Have a prayer request or praise item to share? Please email
[email protected]
so the church can join you in prayers and praise!
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Please stay tuned for information about future Women's Life Group activities.
Guys & Cars Life Group
Please stay tuned for information about future Guys & Cars Life Group activities.
Adult Life Group
Please stay tuned for information about future Adult Life Group activities.
Home-Based Life Groups
While the Greater Community Life Group is not currently meeting, please stay tuned for information about when this life group will reconvene.
The Landing Life Group has suspended meeting for the summer. Please stay tuned for information about when this life group will reconvene following the summer months.
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We ask all home-based Life Groups to let us know their meeting schedule by dropping us a note at
[email protected]
. Thanks!
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Imagine Kids
Tune in to
Facebook Live at 10:00 a.m. this Sunday when Gregory will share his message from a new 4-part series called "Jonah, the Huge Fish, and God" with Imagine Kids and their families.
Upcoming Events:
Please stay tuned for information about future Imagine Kids events.
July Memory Verse
Parents, here is this month's memory verse for you to practice with your child(ren)!
Preschool and Elementary:
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Love him with all your strength.
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Parents, if the entire verse is too long for your preschooler, have them learn the first part:
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart"
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Imagine Nation Youth
Tune it to Facebook Live this Sunday at 11:00 a.m. for another message from Tim geared toward our Imagine Nation Youth and their families.
Upcoming Events:
July 10-13, 2020: Summer Youth Retreat at Lake Junaluska - CANCELED
Although our summer youth event at Lake Junaluska has been canceled, please stay tuned for more information about an Imagine Nation Youth event we'd like to conduct later in July at the River Hills beach area: volleyball, cookout, boating/tubing, and lots of fun!
Contact Tim Gunn with questions or to request additional information.
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Happy Birthday!
(Note: Birthdays listed are for the next two weeks.)
Lori Halstead
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Jul 2
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Nick Jones
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Jul 3
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Lilah Price
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Jul 5
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Steve Phillips
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Jul 6
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Shayla Linck
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Jul 7
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Nancy Church
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Jul 9
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Cindy Griffin
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Jul 9
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Carolyn Partin
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Jul 9
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Juliet Lockey
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Jul 10
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Leora Jackson
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Jul 10
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Kyle Horgan
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Jul 11
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Tyra Jones
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Jul 12
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Lisa Neuffer
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Jul 12
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Jessica Phillips
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Jul 14
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Addison Galeota
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Jul 14
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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 w
ant to celebrate with you!
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We are all on a faith journey where we learn, ask questions, and deepen our faith. We believe that spiritual practices like praying, reading the Bible, worshiping, participating in small groups, and tithing are vital to our faith. That's Imagine Church!
IMAGINE CHURCH
Simple Church: Prayer. Love. Service.
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Copyright © 2018 Imagine Church of the Carolinas. All Rights Reserved.
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