THIS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2024 | |
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We hope you'll join us for worship this Sunday at 10:10 a.m. in the sanctuary or via livestream. It's Christ the King Sunday! Also, there will be Advent wreath materials located in the parlor - we welcome you to stop by and pick up materials to make a family Advent wreath this year!
First Reading: Revelation 1:4b-8
Second Reading: John 18:33-38
Sermon: Truth and Consequences
Preacher: Dr. Matt Brown
Listening devices are available during worship. Please stop by the Connection Center or contact Kay Dano for more information.
We encourage you to wear your name tag to worship. If you do not have a name tag or have misplaced yours, please contact Nancy Metzler, director of hospitality and connection.
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BRYANT FARMS RD EXTENSION PROJECT UPDATE | |
The City of Charlotte reports that the traffic circle should be complete before Thanksgiving. There will be so much to be thankful for! | |
The church office will be closed Wednesday, November 27 and Thursday, November 28 for the Thanksgiving holiday. | |
HELP FOR WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA | |
We have raised over $26,500 for our friends at Black Mountain Presbyterian Church, a congregation that is heavily engaged in Hurricane Helene disaster relief efforts. Thank you to ALL who have donated and shared the link with family and friends! By making a monetary donation to SMPC through this link (or button below), all funds go directly to BMPC. In addition to contributing monetarily to BMPC's relief efforts, see our website for more ways you can make a tangible difference in helping our neighbors in need. | |
2025 OPERATING FUND CAMPAIGN: LIVE INTO HOPE | | |
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On October 27, we celebrated Commitment Sunday for our 2025 Operating Fund Campaign, Live into Hope. Thank you to the 251 families who have made a financial commitment supporting our programs and ministries for 2025. Our goal is for 300 families to support this campaign. If you’ve never made a pledge before, please prayerfully consider responding this year—a pledge in any amount makes a difference! Pledges are not legally binding, and you can stop or edit your pledge at any time. You can support the campaign by pledging online or by contacting Mary Katheryne Zagora. | |
SEEN AROUND CHURCH & SPECIAL EVENTS | | |
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Seen Around Church
All Church Serves, Troop 119's newest Eagle Scout, updated construction pics and more! Read all about what's been happening around SMPC this week!
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Join the Lunch Bunch for Yummy Food and Fellowship
Tuesday, December 10, 11:30 a.m., Burton's Grill, Blakeney Shopping Center - SMPC Lunch Bunch is an informal group that meets four times a year for lunch and fellowship. All are welcome! Please RSVP by Sunday, December 8 to Ruth Ann Engle
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SMPC College Students Invited to Holiday Dinner
Sunday, December 22, 6:00-8:00 p.m., The Wheeler's House, 7019 Turning Point Ln, Charlotte, NC 28277 - SMPC college students are invited to join us for an evening of Christmas fun, food and fellowship! We’ll have a lasagna dinner and decorate Christmas cookies. Please wear your favorite ugly Christmas sweater! Hosted by Debi and Reyn Wheeler and Leanne Royster | Register by Monday, December 16 | Contact: Lindsey Odom
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Missions/Outreach Committee Invites You to Tour the Nourish Up Facility
Thursday, January 16, 10:00 a.m., Nourish Up, 901 Carrier Drive, Charlotte, NC 28216 (meet at SMPC at 9:00 a.m. to carpool) - Be part of the vision that our community accepts no excuses for our neighbors going hungry! We will tour and learn about Nourish Up (formerly Loaves & Fishes and Friendship Trays) whose mission is to nourish our neighbors with food and compassion. In April 2024 Nourish Up moved into their Hunger Hub, a 90,000 square foot space. SMPC holds several food drives each year to support Nourish Up as well as sort and distribute food at the food pantry. | Register | Contact: Donna Brown
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SMPC Preschool Registration Opens Soon - Schedule a Tour Now
Preschool registration will soon be upon us. The school requires that new families complete a contact form and meet for a tour prior to registering. If you are interested in enrolling a 2-year-old through TK child in the fall of 2025, now is the best time to tour! By touring now, a family can simply fill out a registration form when registration opens in January.
Visit the SMPC Preschool website for more information or to complete a contact form. Contact: Tammy Winchip
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ADVENT & CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP AT SMPC | | |
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Sign Up to Receive Daily Advent Devotionals
Sign up to receive Advent Devotionals, written by SMPC members and staff, and illustrated by the children and youth of SMPC. Delivered to your email inbox every morning during Advent! Devotionals will begin Sunday, December 1.
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Angel Tree Tags Available Online Now and In Person on Sunday, December 1
We hope you will join us in this SMPC tradition of helping families in need during the holidays. Angel Tree tags are available on the tree in the narthex and Chapel building or online. Donations are due to the church by Monday, December 16. | Contact: Kristin Colson
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Join SMPC's Annual Tradition of Ringing the Red Kettle Bells for Salvation Army!
Saturdays, November 30 (all slots filled), December 7, December 14, December 21, Two-hour shifts are between 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., SouthPark Mall - On four Saturdays this Advent season, SMPC volunteers will serve as official bell ringers to bring joy to our neighbors in need. Ringers serve in groups of 6 or less in 2-hour shifts. This Salvation Army ministry has brought hope in the form of meals and gifts for more than 100 years! | Contact: Terry Gaines
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Women's Advent Tea is One You Don't Want to Miss
Saturday, December 7, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Mecklenburg Hall - This cherished annual gathering brings together women of all ages for music, meditation, food and fellowship time. This year we will enjoy chicken salad croissants and fruit catered by Chicken Salad Chick along with sweet treats and our spiced tea. Please bring a special teacup or mug, as is the long-standing tradition, and share its story with friends. All dishes will be nut-free; a gluten-free option will be available. Option for children 11 and under will include half a turkey sandwich, chips and a cookie. Adults: $15; Children 11 and under: $8.00 | Please register by Saturday, November 30. Contact: Nancy Metzler
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Shop the Alternative Gift Market Online Now or In Person Sunday, December 8
Sunday, December 8, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., Narthex - Agencies will be at the church to share more information on how your donation can help those in need. Shop in person on Sunday, December 8 or online anytime between now and December 25. | Contact: Donna Brown
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Adult Bible Study: The Symbols of Advent
Sundays, Beginning December 8, 9:00 -10:00 a.m., McQueen Room or Zoom - Join this three-week study to explore the Advent symbols, such as the dove, wreath, and candle. Each of these symbols has theological meaning and each can guide us as we prepare for the arrival of Christ, our Savior. We will examine each symbol and its faith story as we discuss the meaning of Advent as a time of expectation and hope. Through these symbols we will explore Biblical themes such as the light of Jesus Christ, the eternal love of God, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. | Register on Realm | Contact: Melissa White
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You are Invited! Join Us for Festival of Carols (and Invite a Friend!)
Sunday, December 15, 6:00 -7:30 p.m., Sanctuary and Livestream - Join us for a special worship service led by ensembles of all ages within the SMPC Music Ministry. Our worship and music will be enhanced with scripture and poetry written by Director of Spiritual Formation Rebecca Guzman. Childcare will be provided. Bring a friend!
| Contact: Zach Bowyer
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Longest Night Service Offers Hope
Tuesday, December 17, 5:30 Chapel - A special worship service that offers hope and consolation for those experiencing any type of loss. Please note the service is in the Chapel! | Contact: Whitney Bayer
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3:00 p.m. - Family Worship - Lively, family-friendly worship for all ages. Messages are geared toward a younger audience but are relevant for teens and adults and will include a children’s nativity! Childcare is provided for ages 4 and under.
5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. - Candlelight Communion - Traditional worship services with handheld candles and communion. We will be joined by the Youth Choir and Youth Ringers at 5:00 p.m. and the Chancel Choir at 8:00 p.m. Childcare for ages 4 and younger is provided at both services.
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Making Space Mom's Group, Today, November 21, 7:30 p.m., Chapel 206 - This group meets on the first and third Thursdays of every month. Moms of all ages are invited to join us for study, fellowship and service. | Contact: Allison Reeves | |
Adult Bible Study: Just Jesus - Sunday, November 24, 9:00-10:00 a.m., McQueen Room or Zoom - Through Jesus' stories, we learn the importance of proclaiming God's justice. This is the last class of a four-week study, led by Melissa White and Rebecca Guzman. It explores Jesus' justice-focused ministry and our call to follow his example. All are welcome even if you missed the first three weeks. | Contact: Melissa White | |
Handiworkers Group, Tuesday, November 26, 10:00 a.m., Palmer Building Room 104 - All levels of knitters, needlepointers, quilters, cross-stitchers and crocheters are invited. We meet weekly to work on projects. | Contact: Judy Jameson | |
Conversations with Dr. Matt Brown, Wednesday, December 4, McQueen Room or Zoom - Please note this group will not meet on Wednesday, November 27! We will discuss the scripture for the coming week’s sermon. All are welcome! | Contact Matt Brown for the Zoom ID# | |
Conversations Around Race Equity (CARE) Group, Monday, December 9, 12:00-1:00 p.m. via Zoom - We are using the book Anti-Racism As Daily Practice by Jennifer Harvey to spark our conversation as we seek to broaden our understanding and learn how to work toward a more just world. All are welcome. | Register | Contact: Whitney Bayer | |
American Red Cross Blood Drive, Saturday, January 4, 8:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m., The Commons - NEW DATE ADDED TO HELP FILL THE GREAT NEED FOR BLOOD RIGHT NOW! Please bring your American Red Cross Donor Card or photo I.D. | Sign up | Volunteer at the Drive | Contact: Bill Ramsey | |
Bread Donation and Delivery - Volunteers are needed every Friday morning to deliver bread donated by Panera to the Dilworth Soup Kitchen. | Sign up | |
Bagged Lunches for Roof Above - Roof Above provides 300 bagged lunches each day to help feed those in need. SMPC is committed to providing 100 bag lunches on the second Saturday of each month. Our next collection is Saturday, December 14 at 9:30 a.m. in front of the Palmer Building. | Sign up | Contact: Julie Durham | |
Center of Hope Desserts - On the second Sunday of every month we provide sweet treats for the women and children that temporarily call Center of Hope home. Our next dessert collection is Sunday, December 8. | Sign up | Contact: Terry Gaines | |
Friends Empowering Haiti (formerly Friends of OFCB) is raising money to purchase food for the school in Bayonnais, Haiti. The school provides lunch each day for the 2,500 students who are enrolled in the four campuses, and it is often the only food the students receive that day. | More Info | Donate | Contact: Judy Nichols | |
Nourish Up’s St. Giles Food Pantry, Fridays, 1:00-2:00 p.m. or 2:00-4:00 p.m., 2027 Emerywood Drive, Charlotte, NC 28210 – Lift and deliver boxes of food from Nourish Up’s St. Giles Food Pantry to cars every Friday from 1-2 p.m. They are also looking for help with client services every Friday from 2-4 p.m. The minimum age to volunteer is 14, and closed toed shoes are required. | Contact: Jane Royther | |
BAM! Bible and Music, Sunday, December 8, 5:00 p.m.-6:30 p.m., Children in Kindergarten-5th Grade - During BAM, children will sing, creatively engage with Bible stories, and explore various instruments in peer age groups. They will occasionally sing, play instruments, or display their creations during Sunday worship. We end with a pizza dinner and free play time. BAM is a great way for children to form friendships with other kids at church. | Register | Contact: Rebecca Guzman | |
Adults Needed in Children's Worship, During 10:10 a.m. Worship, Sundays - Help as we welcome visitors and assist our youngest members! Just sign up and plan to meet us at the back of the sanctuary as we exit. You do not need to prepare anything. We love adults of all ages. Younger youth are always welcome to attend and help, but we need an extra adult to sign up and be present. | Sign Up | Contact: Kathy Graham | |
BYG (Big Youth Group) and Christmas Party, Sunday, December 1, 5:00-6:30 p.m., Mecklenburg Hall, Middle and High Schoolers - Join us for our Christmas party where we’ll share an Advent Devotion, spend time in fellowship and decorate gingerbread houses and cookies. Please bring supplies to decorate cookies. | Register for BYG | Contact: Lindsey Odom | |
Christmas Crafting at Legacy Heights, Wednesday, December 4, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Legacy Heights, 11230 Ballantyne Trace Ct., Middle and High Schoolers - Please bring your favorite (nut-free) cookies to share with the rest of the group! | Register | Contact: Lindsey Odom | | |
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We are ordering new choir robes for the children! They will remain a part of our program for future members. If you would like to make a donation toward the purchase of the new robes, please click here, select the “Other” fund, and write “Children’s Choir Robes” in the memo. | | |
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Join the Music Ministry!
SMPC offers dynamic music programming for all ages that focuses on praising God through joyous song, the playing of instruments and engaging fellowship. We are always striving for musical excellence, but we have a ton of fun along the way! | Contact: Zach Bowyer
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Support SMPC Preschool by Linking Harris Teeter VIC Card - Relink for this school year! Simply visit the Harris Teeter Together in Education website and follow the instructions. The preschool's number is 4902. If you've linked your card in the past, please re-link for this school year! Contact: Tammy Winchip
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Flowers for Worship - You may provide your own arrangement, have a florist supply your arrangement, or make a donation to the Sanctuary Building Fund, and the Worship Committee will provide the flowers.| Sign Up | Contact: Karen Malmut, 704-591-9496 | |
Gifts to the Operating Fund support the day to day ministries, programs, and operations of the church. Gifts to the Strength to Strength Fund support our sanctuary mortgage. Gifts to the School Lunches for Haiti Fund support students at the OFCB school in Bayonnais, Haiti. For other gift designations, select the Other Fund, and note the gift's intent in the box provided. | Contact: Mary Katheryne Zagora | |
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LIVE STREAMING WORSHIP
SUNDAYS, 10:10 A.M.
WWW.SMPCHOME.ORG
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