THIS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2025 | | |
We hope you'll join us for worship on Sunday at 10:10 a.m. in the sanctuary or via livestream as we kick off the 2026 Operating Fund Campaign, Called to Community. It is also World Communion Sunday! All are welcome!
First Reading: Lamentations 3:19-26
Second Reading: Luke 17:5-10
Sermon: Faith Feeds the Journey
Pastor: Rev. Lindsey Odom
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.
| | UPDATES ON PASTORAL TRANSITION | | |
New This Week
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Parish Associate Melissa White is now full-time at SMPC! Melissa has been serving at SMPC part-time since September 1, as she transitioned from her previous role at Union Presbyterian Seminary. As Parish Associate, Melissa coordinates congregational care, provides leadership for the Deacons, and manages hospitality and connection. This position remains an interim position as we continue our pastoral transition process.
Important Links:
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POTENTIAL EMAIL SCAM
We’ve been made aware of an email scam that appears to come from Matt Brown. If you receive an email that looks suspicious, please do not open it or click on any links. If you’re unsure about an email, call the church office (704-544-0404), and we’ll help you verify it.
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
A Congregational Meeting will be held on Sunday, October 12, at the close of the 10:10 a.m. worship service for the purpose of electing officers and to act upon Dr. Matthew S. Brown’s request to conclude his call at South Mecklenburg Presbyterian Church for the purpose of his retirement from ministry. Matt’s retirement is effective December 1, 2025, and his last Sunday worship is November 23.
CAMPUS SAFETY UPDATES
We are making two important safety updates on campus. While there is no active threat, the safety and security of our staff and members is always our top priority!
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All exterior doors will be locked on the church campus during the week. Please ring the doorbell at the church office to enter or look for a "greeter" if you're meeting a small group outside of office hours.
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All exterior doors will be lock on Sunday mornings, including the side narthex doors. We have a wonderful Welcome Team who will greet members and visitors not only at the front steps, but also at the side narthex doors. Additionally, a sheriff’s deputy will continue to be on site on Sunday mornings. We are so grateful for our partnership with CMPD and the attention to safety and diligence our officer brings to our faith community every week.
If you have any questions to our security practices, please contact Adrienne Jaquith, Office and Database Manager.
| | SEEN AROUND CHURCH & SPECIAL EVENTS | | | | |
Seen Around Church
Blessing of the Animals, special Sunday visitors, Haiti sponsorship drive, SMPC Youth golf outing and more! Read about all the light and good news coming from SMPC!
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Hops and Vine Around Town Meets this Saturday
Saturday, October 4, 4:00-6:00 p.m., Kit's Trackside Crafts, 330 Main St., Pineville - Join this group for fellowship and fun! | Contact: Frank Graham
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Last Day to RSVP to Lunch Bunch is this Sunday!
Tuesday, October 7, 11:30 a.m. Trio Restaurant, 10709 McMullen Creek Pkwy - Join this informal group for lunch and fellowship—the first gathering of the year! Invite a friend. | RSVP by THIS Sunday, October 5, via Realm or by emailing Ruth Ann Engel
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Scout Troops 119 and 219 BBQ Still Available
Pick Up Sunday, October 12, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. - The Scouts have a limited amount of BBQ still for sale - the veggie chili sold out! If you would like to place an order for BBQ, click here. | Contact: Roy Bivens
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Newcomers: Learn About SMPC and the Presbyterian Church at 'Believing and Belonging'
Sunday, October 12, 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, join us for Believing and Belonging! 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. Lunch will be served and childcare will be available. | Register | Contact: Melissa White
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Consider Sponsoring a Haitian Student through Ewo
What a blessing it was to have Pastor Actionnel Fleurisma, OFCB Ministries, and Ewo with us for worship on Sunday! If you missed it, we encourage you to watch the worship service online or listen to our sermon via our podcast!
This week, we had 15 new sponsorships!! That brings SMPC’s total student sponsorship to 91 students - Ewo's highest sponsoring church! There are still students in need of sponsorships!
Please visit this link to see the children in need of sponsorship. You can make a difference in the life of a child by investing in their education and in their future! | Contact: Judy Jones
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CROP Hunger Walk: Walk, Give, Change the World
Sunday, October 19, 2:00 p.m., Providence Baptist Church - Join the SMPC team in this year's CROP Hunger Walk! Walk, donate or both! Benefiting Crisis Assistance, Nourish Up and Second Harvest Food Banks. | Join the SMPC Team | Contact: Lindsey Odom
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Making Space Mom's Group, Thursday, October 2, 7:30 p.m., Chapel 206 -
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, October 3, 7:30-8:30 a.m., Chapel 206 - This group meets on the first and third Fridays of every month. They are reading Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell. | Contact: Curt Ireland | | The Third Thirty - "End of Life Decisions and Advanced Directives," Sunday, October 5, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., The Commons - Join us for the sixth session of The Third Thirty: A Candid Spiritual Exploration of Realities and Challenges we face in the years 60-90! Enjoy a light lunch, conversation and knowledge! All are welcome - you don't have to attend every session. | Register | Contact: Melissa White | | Words of Love: A Healing Journey with the Ten Commandments, Sunday, October 5, 9:00-10:00 a.m., McQueen Room or Zoom - A ten-week study led by Melissa White and Rebecca Guzman. Reclaim the Ten Commandments as a path to healing and deeper love. All are welcome. | Register | Contact: Melissa White | | "Writing Your Legacy," Monday, October 6, 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m., McQueen Room or Zoom - Participants receive guidance in writing about family memories, history, and more. Led by SMPC member Melinda Ferguson. All are welcome. | Register | Contact: Melissa White | | Handiworkers' Group, Tuesday, October 7, 10:00 a.m., Palmer Building, Room 104 - All levels of knitters, needlepointers, quilters, cross-stitchers and crocheters are invited. This group meets weekly to work on projects. Contact: Judy Jameson | | Lunch Bunch Fall Gathering, Tuesday, October 7, 11:30 a.m. Trio Restaurant, 10709 McMullen Creek Pkwy - Join this informal group for lunch and fellowship—the first gathering of the year! Invite a friend. | RSVP by THIS Sunday, October 5, via Realm or by emailing Ruth Ann Engel | | Conversations with Dr. Matt Brown, Wednesday, October 8, 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, October 9, 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, October 9, 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 | | Believing and Belonging, Sunday, October 12, 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, join us for Believing and Belonging! 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. Lunch will be served and childcare will be available. | Register | Contact: Melissa White | | A Caregiver's Journey, Tuesday, October 14, 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: Kathy Garner | | Men's Evening Study Group, Tuesday, October 14, 7:30 p.m., Chapel 206 - This group meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month. All are welcome. | Contact: Jon Myers | | DR. MATT BROWN'S RETIREMENT CELBRATION | | American Red Cross Blood Drive, Saturday, November 1, 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 | | 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 each month. Our next collection is this Saturday, September 27 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, October 12. | Sign up | Contact: Terry Gaines | | CROP Hunger Walk, Sunday, October 19, 1:00 p.m., Providence Baptist Church - Walk with us or donate to our team to end world hunger! Please note, the CROP Hunger Walk will start and end at Providence Baptist Church! | Walk with us or donate | 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. They have received a gift from a generous donor, which will match any individual donation up to a total of $83,333 between now and December 31, 2025. Donations can be made by check, mailed to Friends Empowering Haiti, P.O. Box 34563, Charlotte, NC 28234 or online. | 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 – 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 | | SMPC Ushers - We are looking for new members to join our Usher Team! Usher responsibilities include arriving 30 minutes prior to worship, handing out bulletins before worship, collecting the offering, guiding church members up to communion and cleaning up after worship. Ushers typically work one time a month or every other month. This is a great way for all generations to serve. | Contact: Nancy Parrish | | Parents Morning Out, Saturday, October 4, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., Meet in the Narthex, Ages 3-2nd Grade - We will play games, create crafts, watch a Bible story movie, and enjoy a delicious snack. Cost per child is $10, which will cover the materials needed for the activities. If you have an older sibling who would like to participate, just sign up! | Register | Contact: Rebecca Guzman | | BAM! (Bible and Music) Kickoff, Sunday, October 5, 5:00-6:30 p.m., Meet in the Narthex, Kindergarten-5th Grade - During BAM!, children sing, creatively engage with Bible stories, and explore various instruments in peer age groups. Please make sure to register on Realm so we order enough pizza! | 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: Rebecca Guzman | | Youth Volunteers in Children's Worship - To ensure everyone has a chance to serve, please sign up in advance. Limit: 4 youth volunteers per week (unless there’s a special project). | Sign Up | Contact: Rebecca Guzman | | BYG (Big Youth Group), Sunday, October 5, 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 a canned good to donate for our churchwide food drive for Nourish | Register | Contact: Lindsey Odom | | Operation Sandwich, Sunday, October 12, 5:00-6:30 p.m., Mecklenburg Hall, Middle and High Schoolers - We will make sandwiches for Roof Above, a men's homeless shelter. | Register | Contact: Lindsey Odom | | | | |
Be a Trinity Bell Toller!
Sundays before 10:10 a.m. Worship - NEW from our Music Ministry! Each Sunday, a Trinity Bell Toller will ring the bell three times before the prelude—a simple yet powerful reminder of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, calling us to center ourselves as worship begins. No experience necessary. More information and sign up below. Contact: Zach Bowyer
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Come Make a Joyful Noise! Join SMPC's Music Ministry
SMPC offers dynamic music programming for all ages that focuses on praising God through joyous song, musical 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
| | 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 | | | | |
