THIS SUNDAY, MARCH 9, 2025

We hope you'll join us for worship on Sunday at 10:10 a.m. in the sanctuary or via livestream. All are welcome!



First Reading: Psalm 4:3-8

Second Reading: Luke 4:1-13

Sermon: A Test of Trust

Pastor: Dr. Matt Brown

Listening devices are available during worship. Please stop by the Connection Center 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 Adrienne Jaquith, office and database manager.

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The Season of Lent began yesterday on Ash Wednesday. During Lent, we make special time to reflect on scripture, pray, and practice faith. This year, we are inviting families to use Listening Stones as a way of connecting with one another during this time. There is a printed booklet to go along with the stones that explains exactly how to use them. Pick them up at the Connections Center!

From SMPC Personnel Committee Chair Janet Morgan:

As you all should already be aware from Whitney’s letter to the congregation, it’s with both joy and sadness that I share that SMPC Associate Pastor Dr. Whitney Bayer has informed us that she has received and accepted the call to serve as the next pastor of Rumson Presbyterian Church in Rumson, New Jersey. While we will deeply miss her presence, leadership, and care at SMPC, we celebrate this new opportunity for Whitney and trust that God is leading her into this next chapter of ministry. Whitney's last Sunday with us will be March 30. We will celebrate her with a reception - more to come on that!

Please read more from Whitney here and Janet here.

Dr. Whitney Bayer

Donate Blood at the American Red Cross Blood Drive THIS Saturday, March 8

Saturday, March 8, 8:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. - The need for blood is greater now than ever. Parents! Remember that Parents' Morning Out is also on March 8, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.! Maybe you can drop the kids off and donate blood! Please bring your American Red Cross Donor Card or photo I.D. | Sign up | Volunteer at the Drive | Contact: Bill Ramsey

Bring a Dessert for Center of Hope THIS Sunday, March 9

Sunday, March 9, Before 10:10 a.m. Worship, Narthex - On the second Sunday of every month we provide sweet treats for the women and children that temporarily call Center of Hope home. Desserts can be store-bought or homemade! | Contact: Terry Gaines

"From Wilderness to Glory" - Lenten Adult Study Begins THIS Sunday March 9 or Thursday, March 13

Sundays beginning March 9, 9:00-10:00 a.m., McQueen Room or Zoom OR Thursdays beginning March 13, 10:00-11:00 a.m., Chapel 204 or Zoom - Join us Sundays OR Thursdays (or go between the two!) for a seven-week Lenten study of From Wilderness to Glory by N.T. Wright. This study explores Jesus’ journey in the Gospel of Mark, guiding us from the wilderness to the cross and resurrection. Through Scripture, reflection, and discussion, we’ll deepen our faith and understanding.

Even if you can’t join the study, we encourage you to purchase the book as a daily devotional for Lent - contact Rebecca Guzman for more information. All are welcome!

Serve or Donate Items for Center of Hope Breakfast on March 15

Saturday, March 15, Meet at SMPC at 5:15 a.m. - On the third Saturday of each month, SMPC preps, cooks and serves breakfast for guests at the Center of Hope. Volunteers are back at SMPC by about 9:00 a.m. Food donations are due Thursday, March 13. Monetary donations are always welcome. | Watch the 3-minute video | Sign Up | Contact: Bob Williamson

Serve on Saturday, March 15 with the SMPC Montreat Mission Project

Saturday, March 15, 7:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Montreat Conference Center, 401 Assembly Dr., Montreat, NC - Montreat Conference Center is a place that many of us hold very near to our hearts, and it's a place that was devastated by Hurricane Helene in September. They still need our help! We will be working on landscaping - spreading mulch, cleaning up debris, etc. Space is limited to 20 volunteers (ages 14 and up). Lunch will be provided by the church. | See a tentative schedule and register on Realm | Contact: Lindsey Odom

SMPC Comes Together with Turkish Islamic Community in Ramadan Ifta Dinner

Thursday, March 20, Time TBA, Mecklenburg Hall - During the celebration of Ramadan, the Muslim community breaks their daily fast with a meal, referred to as an Iftar. Join us for an opportunity to come together for an interfaith Iftar family dinner with our Muslim neighbors from Mosiac of Charlotte, a local Turkish Islamic community. The Mosiac of Charlotte is providing traditional food for our dinner. We will all celebrate diversity and pray for unity. While the exact time will be announced soon, plan for around 7:00 p.m. | Contact: Melissa White

'Believing and Belonging' Gives New Members and Visitors a Chance to Learn More about the Presybterian Church

Sunday, March 30, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., McQueen Room - For all who are considering membership and/or would like to know more about being Presbyterian and SMPC. Led by Rebecca Guzman and Melissa White, we will explore the history and beliefs of the Presbyterian church and how God uses our gifts to create community. | Contact: Melissa White

Learn More about Community Culinary School of Charlotte and Enjoy Lunch

Tuesday, April 1, 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m., 9315 D Monroe Rd, Charlotte, NC 28270 - Join us for lunch at the Chef’s Table at Community Culinary School of Charlotte (CCSC)! Our group will enjoy lunch in CCSC’s classroom, with a window through to the kitchen so we can see the Workforce Development in action. As our food is being prepared, CCSC staff will speak to our table about their mission. Lunch includes individual choice entrées from daily Café lunch menu, water, sweet/unsweet tea, lemonade or coffee, and chef’s choice of desserts. | Contact: Donna Brown

Making Space Mom's Group, Today, March 6, 7:30 p.m., McQueen Room - Moms of all ages are invited to join us on the first and third Thursdays of every month for study, service and fellowship. | Contact: Allison Reeves

Friday Morning Men's Group, Friday, March 7, 7:30-8:30 a.m., Chapel 206 - This group meets on the first and third Fridays of every month. They are beginning a new book, Green Lights by Matthew McConaughey. All are welcome. | Contact: Curt Ireland

Handiworkers Group, Tuesday, March 11, 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

Lunch Bunch, Tuesday, March 11, 11:30 a.m., Jekyll and Hyde Taphouse Grill, 216 W. North Main St, Waxhaw - SMPC Lunch Bunch is an informal group that meets four times a year for lunch and fellowship. All are welcome —invite a friend. Please RSVP to Ruth Ann Engle by Sunday, March 9.

A Caregiver's Journey, Tuesday, March 11, 1:00-2:30 p.m. McQueen Room - Finding meaning and purpose as you care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Contact: Dr. Whitney Bayer

Men’s Evening Study Group, Tuesday, March 11, 7:30 p.m. Chapel 206 - The group meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of every month. New faces are always welcome! | Contact: Jon Myers

Conversations with Dr. Matt Brown, Wednesday, March 12, 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#

Shelter Ministry, Thursday, March 13, 9:00 a.m., Mecklenburg Hall -

This group meets on the second Thursday of every month to fill empty medicine bottles with body wash for Roof Above. They are always in need of body wash and Rx vials (please, no shampoo or conditioner!) Contact: Carol Morgan

Men's Breakfast Group, Thursday, March 13, 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

International Dining Group, Thursday, March 20, 6:00 p.m., Great Wall of China, 6666 Carmel Road - This group meets on the third Thursday of every month for dinner! All are welcome. Please RSVP to Alice Tyler by Monday, March 17.

American Red Cross Blood Drive, Saturday, March 8, 8:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m., The Commons - Read a message from blood drive coordinator Bill Ramsey on how your donation helps those in need. 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

Bag Lunches for Roof Above - Roof Above provides 300 bag lunches each day to help feed those in need. SMPC is committed to providing 100 bag lunches on the fourth Saturday of each month. Our next collection is this Saturday, March 22 at 9:30 a.m. in front of the Palmer Building. | Sign up | Contact: Julie Durham

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, March 15. Food donations are due Thursday, March 13. 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 this Sunday, March 9. | 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. | Read more about the impact of sponsoring a student | 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

Tutoring at Smithfield Elementary – Smithfield Elementary School is in need of a few more math tutors! If you are interested in learning more about this awesome service opportunity, please complete this form so that we can connect with you! Tutoring at Smithfield Elementary is a rewarding way to share your time and talents. | Contact: Lindsey Odom

Western North Carolina Relief: We have raised over $33,500 for 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.

Parents' Morning Out, Saturday, March 8, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., Meet in the Sanctuary, Ages 3-2nd Grade - Children are invited to this fun-filled morning where we'll play games, create crafts, watch a Bible story movie and enjoy a snack! | Cost is $10 to cover materials. | Register | Contact: Rebecca Guzman

BAM! Bible and Music, Sunday, March 9, 5:00-6:30 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. BAM! is a great way for children to form friendships with other kids at church. Pizza will be served. | Register | Contact: Rebecca Guzman

Vacation Bible School and Mission Possible Monday, July 21-Thursday, July 24, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., VBS: Ages 3-4th grade; Mission Possible: Rising 5th and 6th Grade - Registration is now open for Vacation Bible School: Road Trip - On the Go with God and Mission Possible, our service-focused week for 5th and 6th graders! | Register for VBS | Register for Mission Possible | 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, Sunday, March 9, 5:00 p.m.-6:30 p.m., Mecklenburg Hall, Middle and High Schoolers - BYG is held on the first Sunday of each month during the school year. BYG provides an opportunity for youth to grow in faith and love through Bible study, small group time, good food, fun games, and good company. Pizza will be served. | Register | Contact: Lindsey Odom

SMPC Preschool Registration is Open - Schedule a Tour Now

Preschool registration is now open. The school requires that new preschool 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 time to tour! Once you tour, families can complete a registration form and reserve a spot for the fall! Contact forms can be found on our website here.

Visit the SMPC Preschool website for more information or to complete a contact form. Contact: Tammy Winchip

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

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: Adrienne Jaquith

Acolyte (1st-5th graders)

Usher Team

Welcome Team (all ages)

Coffee Grounds Host

Lemonade Host (all ages)

Muffin Ministry

Flower Ministry

Set up a Realm account here | Realm Connect in the App Store | Realm Connect on Google Play | Contact Adrienne Jaquith