THIS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2026 | | |
We hope you'll join us for worship at 10:10 a.m. in the sanctuary or via livestream. This Sunday is All Saints' Sunday and Communion Sunday. If you collected food for Nourish Up, please bring your filled bags to church. All are welcome!
Reminder: Daylight Saving Time ends this weekend! Set your clocks back an hour!
First Reading: "A Hope that Holds Us"
Second Reading: Ezekiel 37:1–14
Sermon: John 11:17–27, 32–44
Pastor: Rev. Lindsey Odom
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.
| | 2027 STEWARDSHIP - COMMITMENT SUNDAY! | | |
“Thus says the Lord, ‘I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth; do you not perceive it?'”
Throughout October, members shared a brief personal story about how listening to God's call to give has impacted their faith journey. In Sunday's Moment for Mission, SMPC member David Kinsey shares how his parents’ example of giving their time, talent and treasure to the church shaped his own family’s commitment to tithing and stepping forward in faith. Listen to or read his message below!
Thank you to all who have already made a pledge on Commitment Sunday! Your pledges will support meaningful worship, deep relationships, compassionate outreach and new opportunities to serve our neighbors in Christ's name. God's work here is just a beginning - what a privilege to walk together into the future!
If you missed Commitment Sunday, you can mail your pledge card to the church office or pledge online.
Thank you for your generosity!
| | | | The build-up to Halloween is upon us, and there has been no shortage of "frightening" good fun and friendships at church this week! It's been busy and wonderful! We hope everyone has a safe and fun night! | | | | |
'Bible 101' Begins This Sunday!
Two Sundays, November 1 and November 8, 9:00-10:00 a.m., McQueen Room or Zoom - We’ll take an introductory look at how the Bible is put together, the different kinds of writing found in it, and some simple tools that can help you read and understand Scripture with more confidence. There is absolutely no expectation that you already know your way around the Bible—in fact, this class is especially for people who don’t! | Register | Contact: Rebecca Guzman
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'Writing Your Story' Returns This Monday!
Mondays, Beginning November 2, 12:00-2:00 p.m., McQueen Room or Zoom - Led by SMPC member Melinda Ferguson, participants meet for six weeks and receive guidance in writing the stories they would like to pass down to their children and grandchildren. Open to everyone, including new and returning group members. | Register | Contact: Melinda Ferguson
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Service and Advent Art Opportunities for Children, Youth and Families on Tuesday, November 3!
Tuesday, November 3, In Front of Sanctuary and Chapel 204 - Do you have the day off from school on Tuesday? Join us to help load the Nourish Up truck with donated food from 10:00-10:30 a.m. The more the merrier! | Contact Lindsey Odom
We'll also be hosting an Advent Devotionals Artist Workshop for ages 5-12 in Chapel 204 from 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. We have the supplies; you bring the Christmas art energy! | Contact: Terry Gaines
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SMPC Members Lead 'Surviving the Holidays' with DivorceCare
Sunday, November 15, 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Chapel 206 - Facilitated by SMPC members Janet Goetz and Andrew Metzler, this seminar offers community, support and hope. Childcare is available if needed. | Register | Contact: Janet Goetz or Andrew Metzler
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SMPC Preschool News: Tours Available & Substitute Teachers Needed
SMPC Preschool registration for the 2027-2028 school year begins in January, but you can schedule your tour now! A tour is required before registration. SMPC Preschool is a warm, play-based preschool program for ages 2-TK that makes learning FUN.
Additionally, the preschool is looking to expand its substitute teacher list! This is a fun and flexible way to be involved at the preschool. The hours are 8:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. You can specify the days of the week you can sub.
To schedule a tour or be added to the sub list, please contact Dr. Tammy Winchip, SMPC Preschool Director.
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Spots Available to Donate Blood at Upcoming Blood Drive!
Saturday, November 7, 8:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m., The Commons - It's SMPC's 118th blood drive! Please bring your American Red Cross donor card or photo ID. We will celebrate this incredible milestone with special cookies after worship on Sunday, November 8! | Sign up | Contact: Bill Ramsey
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Donate Desserts to the Center of Hope
Sunday, November 8, Before 10:10 a.m. Worship - On the second Sunday of every month, we provide sweet treats for the women and children who temporarily call Center of Hope home. | Sign up | Contact: Terry Gaines
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All Church Serves: Thanksgiving Meal Kits
Sunday, November 15, 5:00-6:00 p.m., Mecklenburg Hall - We will make Thanksgiving meal kits for families in need at Smithfield and Sterling Elementary! | Register and find a list of items needed | Contact: Lindsey Odom
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Smithfield Elementary Heart Math Tutors Needed
The Heart Math program at Smithfield Elementary is looking for additional tutors for students newly added to the program! Tutors can choose the day (Monday-Thursday), and tutoring hours are 7:55-9:10 a.m. Contact: Shelby Ullman
| | SMPC Thursday Mahjong, Today, October 29, 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 | | Handiworkers Group, Tuesday, November 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. | | Adult Study: 'Bible 101', Sunday, November 1, 9:00-10:00 a.m., McQueen Room or Zoom - This study meets for two weeks and is designed for people who want the basics of the Bible. | Register | Contact: Rebecca Guzman | | Third Thirty - Brain Health, Sunday, November 1, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Mecklenburg Hall, Ages 60-90 - In this session the group will learn how age affects brain health and discuss tips on promoting a healthy brain. A light lunch will be provided. Please register by October 29 so that leaders can order the appropriate number of lunches. | Register | Contact: Melissa White | | Writing Your Story, Mondays, Beginning November 2, 12:00-2:00 p.m., McQueen Room or Zoom - Led by SMPC member Melinda Ferguson, participants meet for six weeks and receive guidance in writing the stories they would like to pass down to their children and grandchildren. Open to everyone and appropriate for new and returning group members. | Register | Contact: Melinda Ferguson | | SMPC Tuesday Mahjong, Tuesday, November 3, 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 | | Pastor's Weekday Bible Study, Wednesday, November 4, 9:30 a.m., McQueen Room or Zoom - This Bible study meets weekly with Transitional Pastor Sandy Hull. They are studying the Sermon on the Mount. Newcomers are always welcome. | Contact: Adrienne Jaquith for Zoom information. | | Making Space Moms Group, Thursday, November 5, 7:30 p.m., Room 302 - Making Space is a welcoming group for moms to connect through a combination of Bible study, service, and fellowship. This week we are "Praying in Color." We'll explore a creative, hands-on way to pray using color, doodles, and simple designs. No artistic ability required! New members are always welcome! No RSVP is needed, but participants may sign up through Realm. | Contact: Allison Reeves | | Friday Morning Men's Group, Friday, November 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 | | Believing and Belonging, Sunday, November 8, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., McQueen Room - For those interested in learning more about SMPC and the Presbyterian Church. Led by Dr. Sandy Hull and Rev. Melissa White. A light lunch will be served and childcare provided upon request. | Register | Contact: Melissa White | | Men's Evening Study Group, Tuesday, November 10, 7:30 p.m., Chapel 206 - The group meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month. New faces are always welcome! | Contact: Jon Myers | | Men's Breakfast Group, Thursday, November 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, November 7, 8:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m., The Commons - It's SMPC's 118th blood drive! Please bring your American Red Cross donor card or photo ID. | Sign up | Volunteer at the Drive | Contact: Bill Ramsey | | 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, November 28 at 9:30 a.m. in front of Mecklenburg Hall. | Sign up | Contact: Julie Durham | | Bread Delivery to Center of Hope - Fridays, between 8:00-10:00 a.m., 534 Spratt St. - Volunteers pick up bread from SMPC on Thursday and deliver to Center of Hope Friday morning. | Sign up | Contact: Lisa Gilleland | | 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, November 8. | Sign up | Contact: Terry Gaines | | 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), Sunday, November 8, 5:00-6:30 p.m., 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 dinner! | 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 Youth Grade-Level Lunches, Sunday, November 1, 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Locations Vary, Middle and High Schoolers - New this year! Each grade (6th–12th) will be assigned an adult advisor or parent who will host their group. That adult will choose a local restaurant or lunch location for their grade level, providing a fun opportunity for youth to spend time together in a smaller setting, build friendships, and grow in community. You should have received notification of your meeting spot; if not, please contact: Lindsey Odom | | November BYG (Big Youth Group) + PJs and Pancakes, Sunday, November 8, 5:00-6:30 p.m., Mecklenburg Hall, Middle and High Schoolers - BYG with a sweet twist! | 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 joyful song, musical instruments and engaging fellowship. We are always striving for musical excellence, but we have a ton of fun along the way!
Adults
Wednesdays - Chancel Ringers - 6:00-7:00 p.m.; Chancel Choir - 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Youth
Sundays - Bells - 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 | | | | |
