THIS SUNDAY, MARCH 8, 2026 | | |
We hope you'll join us for the third Sunday of Lent at 10:10 a.m. in the sanctuary or via livestream. Don't forget - Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday, so our clocks spring ahead!
Reading 1: Luke 6:12-16
Reading 2: 1Kings 19:11-13
Sermon: "Beyond Words”
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.
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This weekend, 57 SMPC members plus staff will be in Montreat, NC for our All-Church Retreat, Created for Community. We offer this prayer as they head into this weekend!
Loving God, we ask your blessing on our SMPC friends who gather on retreat this weekend. Grant them safety as the travel and strength and health to make the most of the time away. May old relationships deepen and new relationships blossom. May every heart be open to your message, and every life be rooted ever more firmly in you. Bring a joyful and playful spirit to all the participants, celebrating who you are and your great gift to us of one another. We pray in Jesus’ name; AMEN.
| | UPDATES ON PASTORAL TRANSITION: MISSION STUDY TASK FORCE | | |
The next step in the transition process at SMPC will be the development of our Mission Study. This is the beating heart of what we are called to accomplish during this in-between time in SMPC’s history, as we take time to gather information and then pray over and discuss these four questions:
- Who are we?
- Who is our neighbor?
- What is God calling us to do?
- Who is God calling us to be?
This is an extensive process and will unfold over many months.
The Session has appointed a Mission Study Task Force to lead us in this work.
The Mission Study Task force will develop methods to help us answer these questions, inviting broad and deep input from the congregation and then seeking to discern God’s guidance as we look toward the future.
The task force will include Mary Elledge, Whitney Gann, Greg Hobby, David Huss, Walton Price, Brett Thompson, and Shelby Ullman, along with Session members Camdyn Sheeler and Gayle Ireland. Please pray for these friends as they take up this important responsibility – and be on the lookout for announcements about how you can be involved!
If you have any questions about the Pastoral Transition process, please contact Transitional Pastor Sandy Hull.
| | CELEBRATING SMPC - THIS MEANS YOU! | | An important part of this transition time is celebrating our church, and in particular its impact on our lives and the lives of so many others. This is happening now through joyful and life-giving conversations. Please plan to gather in the parlor for about 30 minutes after worship on Sunday, March 8 or Sunday, March 15, to take part in one of these conversations. It will be a blessing to you and very helpful to the health of SMPC and an effective transition. | | SEEN AROUND CHURCH & FEATURED EVENTS | | | | |
Seen Around Church
Serve Sunday, Wacky Wednesday the preschool
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As we journey through Lent and reflect on spiritual disciplines together, we wanted to share a series of videos that Rev. Lindsey Odom and SMPC youth have recorded that help us keep service, rest, discernment and silence in the forefront of our minds. We've noted the correseponding sermon. Stay tuned for more throughout the season.
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Newcomers: Learn About SMPC and the Presbyterian Church at 'Believing and Belonging'
Sunday, March 15, 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 Rev. 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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DivorceCare Seminar at SMPC Offer Support, Healing
Mondays beginning March 16-June 1, 6:30-8:00 p.m., SMPC - DivorceCare is a weekly seminar and support group that will help you heal from hurt. It’s a warm, caring environment led by SMPC members Janet and Jeff Goetz. This group will meet for 12 sessions. Childcare available upon request. | Register | Contact: Janet Goetz
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Stateline Community Orchestra to Visit SMPC for Concert Honoring Women's History Month
Friday, March 20, 7:30 p.m., Sanctuary - The Stateline Community Orchestra is back at SMPC for a community concert titled Wonderous Women that honors Women’s History Month. Bonus: Our very own Belinda Hull, wife of Transitional Pastor Sandy Hull, plays the cello in the orchestra! The concert is free, but a $10 donation is suggested.
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This Saturday! Donate Blood or Volunteer at the Next American Red Cross Blood Drive
Saturday, March 7, 8:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m., The Commons - The need for blood and blood supplies is great. Please register, roll up your sleeve and donate. | Contact: Bill Ramsey
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All-Church Serves: Easter Meal Kits for Smithfield and Sterling Elementary Schools
Sunday, March 15, 5:00-6:30 p.m., Mecklenburg Hall, All Ages - Join us as we make Easter meal kits and handmade Easter cards for students and their families at Smithfield and Sterling Elementary. Easter Egg Hunts for youth and children will follow. Register and find donation list on Realm | 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 - 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 to give service preferences and dietary restrictions. | Contact: Lindsey Odom
| | Making Space Mom’s Group & Rain or Shine, Tonight, March 5, 7:30 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, March 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 | | Adult Study: 'Meeting Jesus at the Table: A Lenten Study' - Sunday, March 8, 9:00-10:00 a.m., McQueen Room or Zoom - A seven-week study with Meeting Jesus at the Table, which provides Biblical insights along with thought-provoking queries regarding our own time, such as whom we should invite to Sunday dinner and who is left out and left behind in our culture today. | Register on Realm. | Contact: Melissa White | | Handiworkers' Group, Tuesday, March 10, 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 | | A Caregiver's Journey, Tuesday, March 10, 1:00p.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 SOCIAL, Tuesday, March 10, 7:30 p.m. OMB Ballantyne - The group meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month. Notice different meeting location for a social! | Contact: Jon Myers | | Pastor’s Wednesday Morning Bible Study, Wednesday, March 11, 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 | | Intro to Mahjong, Wednesday, March 11, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Narthex - Led by church member Carol Morgan and open to all those who want to learn or are just starting to learn mahjong. | Contact: Carol Morgan | | Shelter Ministry, Thursday, March 12, 9:30 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 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 | | 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 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 that temporarily call Center of Hope home. Our next dessert collection is this Sunday, March 8. | Sign up | Contact: Terry Gaines | | 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 - 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, March 8, 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 | | The Knight School Summer Chess Camp, Monday, July 27-Friday, July 31, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., Ages 5-12 years old, Mecklenburg Hall - The Knight School, an independently owned chess school, is once again hosting a summer camp at SMPC! This is a fun way to keep the brain sharp over the summer and perhaps learn something new! The Knight School is offering SMPC an early bird special for 10% off if you register by March 16. Register here. Contact: Nadia Jackson, The Knight School | | 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 | | Sports Connection Bowling, Laser Tag and Arcade, Sunday, March 8, 5:15 p.m.-6:45 p.m., Sports Connection, Middle and High Schoolers - We can't wait for an afternoon of fun together! | Register | Contact: Lindsey Odom | | All-Church Serves: Easter Meal Kits for Smithfield and Sterling Elementary, Sunday, March 15, 5:00-6:30 p.m., Mecklenburg Hall, All Ages - Join us as we make Easter meal kits and handmade Easter cards for students and their families at Smithfield and Sterling Elementary. Easter Egg Hunts for youth and children will follow. Register and find donation list on Realm | 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
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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 and will continue until classes fill. Please contact Tammy Winchip to schedule.
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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 | | | | |
