THIS SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2026 | | |
We hope you'll join us for worship at 10:10 a.m. in the sanctuary or via livestream. We will be commissioning our confirmands in the Class of 2027! All are welcome.
First Reading: Luke 19:1-10
Second Reading: Ephesians 2:1-10
Sermon: “From Death to Life”
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.
| | RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ELDER AND DEACONS | | FROM THE MISSION STUDY TASK FORCE | | |
The last chance to join a Mission Study Task Force (MSTF) small group discussion is this Sunday, August 16, 9:15-10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m., in the parlor. These sessions are opportunities to share your thoughts on the Congregational Assessment Tool (CAT) survey results, your hopes for the future of SMPC, and the qualities you hope to see in our next senior pastor. No reservation required - just drop in!
Questions? Contact the MSTF.
Thank you for keeping SMPC in your prayers during this transition!
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Seen Around Church
Montreat and Massanetta Sunday, a successful Blood Drive and more! The church campus is humming as we make it through these dog days of summer!
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Come Cheer for SMPC Men's Softball in Championship Game Tomorrow, August 14
Friday, August 14, 7:00 p.m. Idlewild Road Park, 10512 Idlewild Rd, Matthews, NC 28105 - SMPC Men's Softball is playing for the championship! Come cheer them on!
| | After worship on Sunday, August 9, Director of Music and Organist Zach Bowyer, shared reflections and photos from his three-month sabbatical. If you missed it, you can watch it here! Thank you, Zach, for such a lovely round-up. We are so glad you're back! | | FROM THE MISSIONS/OUTREACH COMMITTEE | | |
🎄 Christmas in July Results! 🎄
A special THANK YOU to our wonderful, generous congregation! Your contributions during our Christmas in July event provided support for FIVE 13th grade students at the ICB school in Bayonnais, Haiti. These students will now have the educational support to learn and graduate as well as have access to a hot meal daily and medical care during their final year at ICB. For information about sponsorship, contact: Judy Jones
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Coming Up! Hops and Vine Around Town
Saturday, August 29, 4:00-6:00 p.m., Vintner Wine Bar, Arboretum - Join us for an afternoon of fun and fellowship! No need to register - just show up! | Contact: Frank Graham
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SMPC to Host Mental Health Workshop for Parents and Teens
Sunday, September 13, 5:00-6:30 p.m., Sanctuary - Parents will gather with Dr. Lisa DeVore for guidance, resources, and encouragement as they support the mental health of children and teens. We welcome all parents to attend - even those with younger children! At the same time, middle and high school youth will participate in separate, age-appropriate sessions led by Robert Limkeman, MA, LMFT and Abigail Bates, LCSW, MSW. | Register | Contact: Lindsey Odom
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Register for the SMPC Golf Tournament
Wednesday, September 16, Shotgun start at 1:30 p.m., Carolina Lakes - Sun City - Join us for the 2026 SMPC Golf Tournament! This event is for players at all levels, men, women & youth. This is a Captain’s Choice Best Ball (team bogie max) tournament with a shotgun start at 1:30 p.m. Range balls will be provided starting at 12:30 p.m. Build your own foursome (register all together if you can) or we can place you on a team. Golfers can register as an individual or as part of a team. Mulligans available (2 for $10), with proceeds going to Missions/Outreach.
Join us for beverages, awards and prizes on the Clubhouse back patio after finishing. | $55 per player (includes range balls & prizes) | Contact: Brett Thompson or Ron Morgan
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All Church Serves - Backpacks and School Supplies for Smithfield and Sterling Elementary
Saturday, August 23, 9:00-10:00 a.m., Mecklenburg Hall - We are collecting backpacks and school supplies for Smithfield and Sterling Elementary! Collection bins are located in the narthex and office. Please plan to join us on Sunday, August 23 for our All Church Serves to sort supplies and stuff backpacks for students in need! Please note: our goal is to provide 50 backpacks to each school (a total of 100 backpacks filled with school supplies), so we appreciate your generosity! Our Blessing of the Backpacks will also be on Sunday, August 23 during worship. Register and find list of supplies needed on Realm. You can also find the schools' Amazon wish list here and have donated supplies sent directly to the church. Contact: Lindsey Odom
| | Shelter Ministry, Today, August 13, 9:30 a.m. - August work day is back on! This group meets on the second Thursday of every month to fill empty medicine bottles with body wash for Roof Above. They are in need of body wash (please, no shampoo or conditioner!), but they do not need prescription vials right now. Storage is full. Contact: Carol Morgan | | SMPC Thursday Mahjong, Today, August 13, 1:15 p.m.-3:15 p.m., Narthex - All levels of mahjong players are invited to join this group that meets weekly on Thursdays. | Contact: Mary Katheryne Zagora | | Songs of Summer, Sunday, August 16, 9:00-10:00 a.m., McQueen Room or Zoom - This is the last class in this series! Led by SMPC members Gayle and Curt Ireland. | Register | Contact: Rebecca Guzman | | SMPC Tuesday Mahjong, Tuesday, August 18, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Narthex - All levels of mahjong players are invited to join this group that meets weekly on Tuesdays. | Contact: Mary Katheryne Zagora | | Friday Morning Men's Group, Friday, August 21, 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 | | Educational Equity Fair, Sunday, August 23, Before and After Worship, Narthex - Representatives from our educational equity mission partners and members of the Missions/Outreach Committee will be in the narthex before and after worship with information on how you can serve students this school year! | Contact: Kathy Graham | | American Red Cross Blood Drive, Saturday, November 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 | | 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, August 22 at 9:30 a.m. in front of Mecklenburg Hall. | 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 who temporarily call Center of Hope home. Our next dessert collection is Sunday, September 13. | Sign up | Contact: Terry Gaines | | Freedom School Partners - Freedom School Partners needs volunteers for its summer programming. Opportunities include serving as a Harambee Reader, being a reading buddy, volunteering at the warehouse, and helping with special events. Find out more and sign up here. | Contact: Lindsey Odom | | Support Haiti Through Konpayon - Created when Friends Empowering Haiti and Ewo united, Konpayon supports the people of Bayonnais, Haiti, through student sponsorships and investments in healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture and education. Learn more on their website. | Sponsor a student | Donate | Contact: Judy Jones | | Nourish Up’s St. Giles Food Pantry, Wednesdays, 12:30-2:00 p.m. or Fridays, 1:00-4:00 p.m., 2027 Emerywood Drive, Charlotte, NC 28210 – Lift and deliver boxes of food from Nourish Up’s St. Giles Food Pantry to cars or help with client services. The minimum age to volunteer is 14, and closed-toe shoes are required. | Contact: Jane Royther | | SMPC Ushers - 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) Kickoff, Sunday, September 13, 5:00-6:30 p.m. NEW LOCATION! Meet at the SMPC Preschool entrance of the Palmer Building, Kindergarten-5th Grade - During BAM, children sing, creatively engage with Bible stories, explore instruments, and build friendships in age-based groups. They will occasionally share their music, instruments, or creations during Sunday worship. Please register so we have an accurate headcount for 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 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 | | SMPC Parent and Youth Mandatory Meeting, Sunday, August 16, 7:30-8:30 p.m., Middle and High Schoolers and Parents - Join us for this virtual meeting where we'll share important information for the upcoming year with SMPC Youth! | Register | Contact: Lindsey Odom | | SMPC Youth Kickoff Pool Party Lunch, Sunday, August 23, 11:30 a.m.-1:15 p.m., Sheelers' Home, Middle and High Schoolers - Let's kick off a new year of youth group with games, swimming and pizza! | Register | Contact: Lindsey Odom | | BYG (Big Youth Group), Sunday, August 30, 5:00-6:30 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 amazing company. For this particular BYG, we will play a game of kickball to start off the new school year and connect! | Register | Contact: Lindsey Odom | | | | |
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!
Important Upcoming Music Ministry Dates:
Wednesday, August 12 - Adult Music Ministry rehearsals start! Chancel Ringers - 6:00-7:00 p.m.; Chancel Choir - 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Sunday, August 23 - Youth Music Ministry rehearsals start! Bells and Chimes - 3:30 p.m.; Choir - 4:00 p.m.
Contact: Zach Bowyer
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Openings in the 3s Classes in SMPC Preschool for Fall 2026
Is your preschooler ready for more social interaction and challenging activities? If so, we have an engaging preschool right here in the familiar setting of SMPC! Established in 1993, our half-day preschool is a gem recommended to parents by neighbors, friends and colleagues. We have a few spaces remaining in our 3s classes this fall. | Contact: SMPC Preschool Director Tammy Winchip
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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 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 | | | | |
