THIS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2024

We hope you'll join us for worship this Sunday at 10:10 a.m. in the sanctuary or via livestream. It's Commitment Sunday! Following worship, please join us for cake in the narthex to celebrate.

Additionally, we will have a brief dedication of the columbarium after worship. The dedication service celebrates the culmination of a project spearheaded by Columbarium Committee Chair Charlie Metzler, committee members Andy Burke, Marianne Empie, Dick Engle, Rick Lyles, Gary Rawls, Brett Thompson, Claudia Wallace and SMPC staff members Pastor Matt Brown, Nancy Metzler, Cheryl Perry, Steve Stevenson and Mary Katheryne Zagora. The installation of SMPC's columbarium is a timeless and welcome addition to the church’s campus and provides a peaceful place for quiet meditation and remembrance. Please join us in the courtyard!

Please Note: Filled bags for the Nourish Up Food Drive are due this Sunday. Please place bags in the narthex or drop them by the church office. More details here.

All are welcome!



First Reading: Jeremiah 31:7-9

Second Reading: Hebrews 7:23-28

Sermon: “…he always lives to make intercession for them"

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.

The City of Charlotte has extended their projected completion date of the Bryant Farms/Blakeney Heath traffic circle to Friday, November 8.

HELP FOR WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA

We continue to pray for Western North Carolina and all of those affected by Hurricane Helene! In addition to contributing monetarily to Black Mountain Presbyterian Church's relief efforts, we have also listed ways you can make a tangible difference in helping our neighbors in need. We will continue to keep you updated on opportunities and ways SMPC is helping as a church community.

DONATE TO NC DISASTER RELIEF FUND

As of Wednesday, October 23, we have raised over $25,100 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. 

DONATE BLOOD THROUGH THE AMERICAN RED CROSS

The American Red Cross reports that the need for blood is imperative. SMPC is hosting a blood drive in the Commons on Saturday, November 2, 8:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Volunteers are also needed to work the SMPC Blood Drive. You can also go to redcrossblood.org to find a blood drive near you. Donating blood in our community helps others nationwide! | Contact: Bill Ramsey

VOLUNTEER AT CAMP GRIER

Camp Grier, a Presbyterian summer camp loved by many SMPC children (and adults!) in Old Fort, NC was severely impacted by the hurricane. They are not only asking for monetary donations, but they also have signups for volunteer shifts.

FIND MORE VOLUNTEER & DONATION NEEDS

There is now one central website tracking the donation and volunteer needs across all counties in Western North Carolina and Northwestern North Carolina affected by Hurricane Helene. You'll find the most urgent needs for supplies and boots on the ground via supportingwnc.com. (Source: Watauga County in the Know)

2025 OPERATING FUND CAMPAIGN: LIVE INTO HOPE

This Sunday is Commitment Sunday for our 2025 Operating Fund Campaign, Live into Hope! We hope you’ll join us in person during our 10:10 a.m. worship service or via livestream to see and hear how your pledge makes a difference (and don't forget to stay after worship for cake)! If you did not receive your stewardship packet at church, you should have received it by mail. Make a pledge by returning a pledge card or via the link below. | Contact: Mary Katheryne Zagora

Sign Up to Donate Blood or Volunteer at the American Red Cross Blood Drive

Saturday, November 2, 8:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m., The Commons - Please bring your American Red Cross Donor Card or photo I.D. | Sign up | Volunteer at the Drive | Contact: Bill Ramsey

New! Adult Bible Study: Just Jesus

Sundays beginning November 3, 9:00-10:00 a.m., McQueen Room or Zoom- Studies show that while Christians value the Bible, many are unfamiliar with its stories. In his sermon at Union Presbyterian Seminary, Dr. Brian K. Blount stresses the need to engage deeply with scripture to appreciate Jesus' life and ministry. Through Jesus' stories, we learn the importance of proclaiming God's justice. This four-week study, led by Melissa White and Rebecca Guzman, will explore Jesus' justice-focused ministry and our call to follow his example. | Contact: Melissa White

SMPC Members Facilitate DivorceCare Seminar, 'Surviving the Holidays'

Sunday, November 10, 11:45 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., McQueen Room - When a marriage ends, the holiday season can be especially difficult. DivorceCare’s Surviving the Holidays seminar will help participants face the challenges that come with life changes. Facilitated by SMPC members Janet and Jeff Goetz, this seminar will offer community, support and hope. Lunch will be provided, and childcare is available if needed. | Contact: Janet Goetz

Shelter Ministry Needs Body Wash

The Shelter Ministry, which fills empty prescription and medicine bottles with body wash for Roof Above, a men's homeless shelter, is in GREAT need of body wash donations. Please bring donations by the church office, M-Th, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., or to their next workday, Thursday, November 14, 9:00 a.m., Mecklenburg Hall. The group is also always in need of empty Rx bottles (labels removed, please!). | Contact: Carol Morgan

Men’s Breakfast Group, Today, October 24, 9:30 a.m., Big View Diner, 6637 Lancaster Hwy - This group meets on the second and fourth Thursdays each month to enjoy breakfast and conversation. | Contact: Bob Tyler

Making Space Mom's Group, Today, October 24, 7:30 p.m., Chapel 206 - Moms of all ages are invited to join us for study, fellowship and service. | Contact: Allison Reeves

Handiworkers Group, Tuesday, October 29, 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, October 30, 9:30 a.m., McQueen Room or Zoom - We will discuss the scripture for the coming week’s sermon. All are welcome! | Contact Matt Brown for the Zoom ID#

Friday Morning Men's Group, Friday, November 1, 7:30-8:30 a.m., Chapel 206 - This group meets on the first and third Fridays of every month. They are reading the book He Leadeth Me: An Extraordinary Testament of Faith by Daniel L. Flaherty. All are welcome. | Contact: Curt Ireland

Conversations Around Race Equity (CARE) Groups, Monday, November 4, 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, November 2, 8:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m., The Commons - 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, November 9 at 9:30 a.m. in front of the Palmer Building. | Sign up 

Center of Hope Breakfast - On the third Saturday of each month, SMPC preps, cooks and serves breakfast for guests at the Center of Hope. Our next volunteer opportunity is Saturday, November 16. Food donations are due Thursday, November 14. Monetary donations are always welcome. | Watch the 3-minute video | Sign Up | Contact: Bob Williamson

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, November 10. | Sign up | Contact: Terry Gaines

CROP Hunger Walk - There is still time to donate to the SMPC to help end hunger! | Donate until Thursday, October 31 | Contact: Lindsey Odom

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, November 3, 5:00 p.m.-6:30 p.m.,Children in Kindergarten-5th Grade - During BAM!, children sing, creatively engage with Bible stories, and explore various instruments in peer age groups. They 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

SMPC Youth Halloween and Bonfire Night, Sunday, October 27, 5:00-6:30 p.m., Mecklenburg Hall, Middle and High Schoolers - Join us for our Halloween party where we will have a costume contest, fun Halloween-themed games, and a bonfire with S’mores. Dress up and bring a friend! | Register | Contact: Lindsey Odom

BYG (Big Youth Group), Sunday, November 3, 5:00-6:30 p.m., Mecklenburg Hall, Middle and High Schoolers - BYG provides an opportunity for youth to grow in faith and love through Bible study, small group time, good food, fun games, and amazing company. Please bring some canned goods for Thanksgiving Meal Kits for Smithfield Elementary that we will put together during the All Church Serves on Sunday, November 17. | List of Meal Kit Needs | Register for BYG | Contact: Lindsey Odom

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

There are several spaces open for 3s and 4s at the SMPC Preschool! Go to the SMPC Preschool website for more information on how to register. | Contact: Tammy Winchip

Worshiping together in person is a joy - and requires many helping hands! A number of volunteer opportunities are available on Sunday mornings and we need you. | Contact: Nancy Metzler

Acolyte (1st-5th graders)

Usher Team

Welcome Team (all ages)

Coffee Grounds Host

Lemonade Host (all ages)

Muffin Ministry

If you haven't set up your Realm account, please click here to get started. Additionally, please download the mobile app, Realm Connect. | Realm Connect in the App Store | Realm Connect on Google Play | Contact Adrienne Jaquith

LIVE STREAMING WORSHIP

SUNDAYS, 10:10 A.M.

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