THIS SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2026 | | |
We hope you'll join us for worship at 10:10 a.m. in the sanctuary or via livestream. It is Communion Sunday. All are welcome! (Winter weather updates are below!)
First Reading: Matthew 18:21-35
Second Reading: Ephesians 4:25-32
Sermon: "The Freedom of Forgiveness"
Pastor: Dr. Sandy Hull
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.
Listening devices are available during worship. Please stop by the Connection Center for more information.
| | A memorial service for Bruce Empie, who entered the Church Triumphant on December 18, 2025, will be held in the sanctuary on Saturday, January 31, at 10:00 a.m. The service will also be livestreamed here. We continue to hold Bruce's wife, Marianne, and his entire family in our prayers. | | |
Winter might not be done with us yet! If needed, a pre-recorded service will be broadcast at our normal worship time on Sunday at 10:10 a.m. Should in-person worship be impacted by winter weather, we will notify you via email and on our social media channels (Facebook and Instagram).
Please note: Third Thirty, originally scheduled for this Sunday, is cancelled. Participants were notified via Realm.
| | SEEN AROUND CHURCH & FEATURED EVENTS | | | | |
Seen Around Church
A little ice and sub-zero temps can't stop SMPC from serving and learning! See what's been happening around church during this polar vortex!
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Learn More About the Hospitality Committee this Sunday!
Sunday, February 1, Before and After 10:10 a.m. Worship, Narthex - Hospitality Committee members will be in the narthex to share more about how the SMPC Hospitality Committee serves and offer ways (big and small!) to get involved! This is a FUN way to serve the church! Contact: Leanne Royster
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Calling All New and Experienced Daytime Mahjong and/or Bridge Players!
New Small Group Alert! Are you a beginner or skilled mahjong or bridge player? We are looking to possibly start a weekday morning or afternoon game time at the church. Beginners are welcome! Contact: Carol Morgan
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International Dining Group to Meet in February
Thursdays, February 19, 6:00 p.m., That's Amore, 2018 Bridgemill Drive, Indian Land, SC - Everyone is invited to join this group as they sample cuisines around town each month. | RSVP on Realm | Contact: Carol Roan
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SMPC Preschool Registration Update
Registration opened Tuesday, January 20, for church members. New preschool families must schedule a tour before registering. Tours are going on now through classes fill. Please contact Tammy Winchip to schedule.
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Donate a Dessert for Center of Hope Next Sunday, Feburary 8
Sunday, February 8, Before 10:10 a.m. Worship - On the second Sunday of every month we provide sweet treats for the women and children that temporarily call Center of Hope home. | Sign up | Contact: Terry Gaines
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Serve Our Neighbors in Need with Room in the Inn
Sunday, February 15, Sardis Presbyterian Church - We partner with two other churches to help with dinner, overnight stays, breakfast, and cleanup. We encourage youth to sign up for this volunteer opportunity! Room in the Inn is an initiative led by Roof Above. Additional volunteer date is Sunday, March 1. | Sign Up | Contact: Amy Matthews
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All-Church Serves and Learns - Time Out Youth
Sunday, February 22, 9:00-10:00 a.m., Mecklenburg Hall, All Ages - Join us for a special intergenerational service and learning opportunity as we partner with Time Out Youth, an organization dedicated to creating affirming, supportive spaces for LGBTQ+ youth in our community. We will welcome their team to SMPC for a morning of hands-on mission, education and connection. Beginning this Sunday, February 1, we are collecting full-size bottles of shampoos, deodorants, body wash and other hygiene essentials like combs and socks for TOY’s Life Essentials Closet. There are bins located in the narthex! We’ll be assembling hygiene kits during our hour of service and learning! | Register | Contact: Lindsey Odom
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Join the Charlotte Presbytery Day of Mission!
Saturday, March 21, 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., CN Jenkins Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1421 Statesville Ave, Charlotte, NC 28206 - Our goal is to have at least 100 SMPC members and friends serve during this Presbytery-wide service day! You can choose from a variety of service options, and lunch is provided. All ages are welcome, and we encourage small groups and families to serve together. We will have a carpool from SMPC at 7:45 a.m. | Please register on Realm so we have an accurate SMPC headcount. The Realm link also contains a link to register with the Presbytery, which will allow you give service preferences and dietary restrictions. | Contact: Lindsey Odom
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Sunday Greeters Needed!
If you're looking for a fun, easy way to serve on Sundays, consider joining the Welcome Team as a Sunday Greeter! Greeters arrive to church at 9:50 a.m. on Sundays and are there to offer hospitality and answer questions. | Sign Up | Contact: Kathy Galati
| | YOU ARE INVITED! ALL-CHURCH RETREAT: "CREATED FOR COMMUNITY" | | | | Friday, March 6-Sunday, March 8, William Black Lodge, Montreat, NC - All ages are invited to join us for a weekend at Montreat to deepen our faith through rest, renewal and community. More information, including agenda, registration details and pricing on our website or on Realm. Note: Please register by Thursday, February 5. We hope you can come! | Contact: Rebecca Guzman | | Handiworkers' Group, Tuesday, February 3, 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 | | Pastor’s Wednesday Morning Bible Study, Wednesday, February 4, 9:30 a.m., McQueen Room or Zoom - Transitional Pastor Dr. Sandy Hull leads this study that meets weekly. They are discussing the book of Ephesians. All are welcome! If you would like to join by Zoom, please contact Adrienne Jaquith | | Making Space Mom's Group AND Rain or Shine, Thursday, February 5, 7:30-9:00 p.m., Chapel 206 - These two small groups are combining until the end of May for a study called Parables by Josh Scott. Moms of all ages are invited to join in - new faces are always welcome at the table! Contact: Rebecca Guzman | | Friday Morning Men's Group, Friday, February 6, 7:30-8:30 a.m., Chapel 206 - This group meets on the first and third Fridays of every month for study and fellowship. All are welcome. | Contact: Curt Ireland | | A Caregiver's Journey, Tuesday, February 10, 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, February 10, 7:30 p.m. Chapel 206 - The group meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month. | Contact: Jon Myers | | A Caregiver's Journey, Tuesday, February 10, 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 | | Shelter Ministry, Thursday, February 12, 9:30 a.m., Mecklenburg Hall - Notice new time! This group meets on the second Thursday of every month to fill empty prescription bottles with body wash for our neighbors at Roof Above. Body wash donations are always welcome (please, no shampoo or conditioner). Contact: Carol Morgan | | Men's Breakfast Group, Thursday, February 12, 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 | | American Red Cross Blood Drive, Saturday, March 7, 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 | | Augustine Literacy Project (ALP) Charlotte - SMPC is committed to equitable education! ALP is an approved tutoring partner of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) and serves CMS Title I schools, equipping volunteer tutors to provide free, research-based literacy instruction so every child has the opportunity to become a confident reader. ALP Tutors meet their students in-person or remotely - two days a week for 45 minutes. Sterling Elementary needs ALP tutors on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. or 10:15 a.m.-11:15 a.m. Remote tutoring is available Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. or 2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. | Contact: SMPC member Kathy Graham | | 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 Saturday, February 28 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, February 8. | Sign up | Contact: Terry Gaines | | Heart Math Tutoring - Join SMPC in supporting students as a volunteer math tutor with Heart Math Tutoring. Heart is a Charlotte-based nonprofit with over 1,000 community members currently helping students build math skills and confidence each week. While only one additional volunteer is needed at our partner school Smithfield Elementary, where tutoring takes place 8:40-9:40 a.m. (M-Th), over 100 tutors are still needed at other schools and tutoring times throughout the city. See all schools/times and sign up here. | Contact: Heart’s Outreach Manager Rachel Allman | | 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 | | Room in the Inn – Sunday, February 15, Sunday, March 1, Sardis Presbyterian Church - We partner with two other churches to help with dinner, overnight stays, breakfast, and cleanup. Room in the Inn is an initiative led by Roof Above. | Sign Up | Contact: Amy Matthews | 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 | | BAM! Bible and Music, Sunday, February 1, 5:00-6:30 p.m., Meet in Narthex, Children in Kindergarten-5th Grade - During BAM!, children sing, creatively engage with Bible stories, and explore various instruments in peer age groups. Pizza is served. | Register | Contact: Rebecca Guzman | | |
SAVE THE DATE! Vacation Bible School and Mission Possible
Monday, July 20-Thursday, July 23, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Vacation Bible School: Ages 3 (Potty-Trained)-Rising 4th Graders
Mission Possible: Rising 5th & 6th Graders
Registration details coming soon! | 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 help, but we need additional adults to sign up each week. | 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, February 1, 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 12 stuffed Easter eggs for our easter Egg Hunt on Sunday, March 15. We'll serve pizza! | Register | Contact: Lindsey Odom | | High School 'Lock In and Be Lifted,' Friday, February 6, 6:00 p.m.-Saturday, February 7, 10:00 a.m., Onsite Church Spaces, High Schoolers Only - An overnight lock-in designed to help them step away from daily stress, worries, anxieties, busy schedules and lean into connection, rest, and renewal right here at our church. Together we’ll grow and learn in and around the sanctuary, share meaningful conversations, build community through games and activities, and create space to encounter God in a way that is joyful, grounding, and holy. | Cost: $50 | What to expect | Register | Contact: Lindsey Odom | | Lenten Youth Lunch, Sunday, February 15, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Mecklenburg Hall, Middle and High Schoolers - Join us for a Lenten lunch and learning stations. | Register | Contact: Lindsey Odom | | Pizza and Paint Party, Sunday, February 22, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Mecklenburg Hall, Middle and High Schoolers - We will have snacks and Dominos pizza and paint a ceramic heart ornament and have a devotion on love since it is during the month of February. | 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 rings 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 focused 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
| | | | Registration opens January 20 for church members. New preschool families must schedule a tour before registering. Tours will take place January 5-16. Contact SMPC Preschool Director Tammy Winchip or visit the preschool’s website for more information. | |
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 | | | | |
