Rooted in Abundance: Generosity, Collaboration, and Community | | As we begin 2026 rooted in abundance, we celebrate the many ways our community continues to flourish through shared time, talents, treasure, and the generous collaborations that strengthen our connections. This issue reflects that abundance through new leadership, heartfelt gratitude for those who have served, shared meals that bring neighbors together, opportunities to learn and volunteer, and creative partnerships that enrich our wider community. This spirit echoes the 2,300‑mile pilgrimage of Buddhist monks journeying from Fort Worth to Washington, D.C., captured in a photo by The Reverend Deacon Emily Parker. May this season inspire us to keep walking together in generosity, purpose, and hope. | | |
🕊️ Galilee Ministries Board of Directors
Galilee Ministries of East Charlotte is grateful for the leadership of our new Board Chair, Jenny Beaumont, and the steady guidance of our continuing Treasurer, Denise Badgett. Their commitment, alongside the service of our full board, helps ensure that Galilee remains a place of welcome, stability, and community strength.
| | | Jenny Beaumont (Chair) | Tom Little | | Denise Badgett (Treasurer) | Pat McCoy | | Bishop Jennifer Brooke-Davidson | The Reverend Robin Sands | | Sue Bruce | Joy Shillingsburg | | Yolondra Cochran | Donnie Simmons | | |
🙏 Honoring Our Outgoing Board Members
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Joanne Stevenson Jenkins and Dee Pritchard for their years of faithful service on the Galilee Ministries Board of Directors.
Joanne Stevenson Jenkins, Outgoing Chair
| | Serving on the board since 2018 and as Chair for nearly three years, Joanne has guided Galilee with steady, behind‑the‑scenes leadership rooted in care, diligence, and a deep love for community. | |  | |
“I have always loved theatre life. Not the stage performances as much as the work that goes on Back Stage to prepare the way for a beautiful show:
- Making sure the show did not go over budget;
- Building and painting and preparing the set;
- Being sure that everything was in its place;
- Moving quickly when something needed patching up;
- Planning for opening night – every night;
- Checking, checking, and checking again that never-ending list of what needs to be done next;
- Staying behind the scenes and letting the star do their (her) work;
- And then planning for the next performance.
This is the gift I received and treasure the most from my time serving on the GMEC board, doing the behind the scene work in order to serve our community – giving them the best performance we possibly could.
Thank you. So very grateful.”
~ Joanne Stevenson Jenkins
| | Dee Pritchard, Outgoing Board Member | | | | | |
Dee completed one full term (three years), offering leadership in campus beautification and communications, and bringing a spirit of generosity and connection to every part of her service.
“In 2020, I moved to Charlotte from Tucson, Arizona. I quickly learned about Galilee and its mission and wanted to be a part of that. Galilee is a nearly indescribable experience of community and spirituality. I love the opportunity to contribute to Galilee's growth in any way possible. Galilee will always be a source of strength for me. I feel honored to have served Galilee and the East Charlotte community. Even though I'm no longer on the board, I will continue to serve in any way I am called to.”
~ Dee Pritchard
| | Food is Love Community Lunch | | |
Thank you to the Christ Church Wednesday Education for Ministry (EFM) group for hosting the January lunch!
| |
Pictured left to right: Paulette Wilkes, Kimberly Mize, Kathleen Dean, Laura Copps, Mary Gregory, and
Virginia Anderson
| |
Next lunch dates:
- Tuesday, February 17 Host: St. Peter's Episcopal Church
- Tuesday, March 17 Host: St. Michael and All Angels
🤝✨ All are invited and bring a friend!
Donations are appreciated but not expected! 💛🙏
| | |
The Food is Love Community Lunch program invites congregations, community groups, and organizations to share hospitality with our neighbors through a warm, home‑cooked meal.
To learn more at click here
👉 https://bit.ly/GMECFoodisLove.
To sign up, email The Reverend Deacon Emily Parker at EDGalileeEast@gmail.com.
| Sharing lunch, stories, and community across cultures and generations at the January lunch. | |
Mental Health First Aid
February 20
| | |
Galilee will host an in-person Mental Health First Aid training on Friday, February 20, led by Demetria Nickens, MS. This full‑day session will equip participants to recognize and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among adults, an essential skill for anyone serving in community, faith, or caregiving roles.
📢 You must register to attend!
Learn more here 👉 https://bit.ly/GMECflierMHFA
Sign up here 👉 https://innerbeautyservices.as.me/MHFA or scan the QR code.
🗓️ RSVP by: February 11
📅 Date: Friday, February 20
⏰ Time: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
💵 Cost: $30 per person
🥗 Lunch: Provided
📍 Location: The Galilee Center — 3601 Central Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28205 (Flag Hall)
| |
🌿 Volunteer at Galilee 💛
Many hands make light work!
We have a variety of volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups who want to support Galilee’s mission of hospitality and community. Please click on the Complete Volunteer Interest Form below to find out more! We would love to have additional coverage at Galilee's front desk! Please see day and time options below.
| | | | | |
Tuesday
10 am - 12 pm
12 pm - 2 pm
2 pm - 4 pm
| |
Wednesday
10 am - 12 pm
12 pm - 2 pm
| |
Thursday
10 am - 12 pm
12 pm - 2 pm
2 pm - 4 pm
| | | |
Come Visit Galilee!
If you have not been to The Galilee Center or it’s been a while,
please consider joining a tour of the campus on any of the following dates.
| | | Tuesday, Feb. 3 at 2:00 pm | Thursday, Feb. 19 at 11:00 am | Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 2:00 pm | | | |
If you need other date options, contact Emily Parker at EDGalileeEast@gmail.com.
3601 Central Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28205
| | |
Food is Love Lunch
Save the Date
-
Tuesday, February 17 Host: St. Peter's Episcopal Church
-
Tuesday, March 17 Host: St. Michael and All Angels
Join us for lunch in the Flag Hall!
3601 Central Ave., Charlotte, NC 28205
Time: 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Donations are appreciated but not expected! 💛🙏
| | | | |
Email The Reverend Deacon Emily Parker at EDGalileeEast@gmail.com
if you would like to help set up before or clean up after the luncheon.
| | | |
Mental Health First Aid
Save the Date
Friday, February 20
Learn more here
👉 https://bit.ly/GMECflierMHFA
⏰ Time: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
💵 Cost: $30 per person
🥗 Lunch: Provided
📍 Location: The Galilee Center
3601 Central Avenue,
Charlotte, NC 28205 (Flag Hall)
| | | The Gay Men’s Chorus of Charlotte | | |
We are honored to partner with the Gay Men’s Chorus of Charlotte and the Women’s Chorus of Charlotte, whose performances uplift and inspire through music, storytelling, and community. Their 2026 season features four vibrant events:
Click any image below to learn more and purchase tickets:
| |
Stay Connected!
Be the first to know about our events, updates, and initiatives by following us
on Facebook, Instagram and signing up for our eNews.
| |
We welcome your ideas on how we can continue building strong partnerships and deepening our impact in East Charlotte and beyond.
With gratitude,
The Reverend Deacon Emily Parker
Executive Director
EDGalileeEast@gmail.com
| | |
Our Mission is to build a stronger East Charlotte community by welcoming,
connecting, and empowering collaborations in a space of belonging.
| | We envision an East Charlotte community where all people are rooted in connection, celebrate justice, radiate joy, are filled with abundance, and walk in the way of love. | | |
Galilee Ministries is a special mission
of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina. All are welcome!
| | | | |
