September NEWSLETTER | 2026

“He knew her story.

He offered her living water.

And He sent her to tell hers.”

John 4:14, 29

The Ministry Between the Ministries 

When we think about ministry, it’s easy to think about the things that appear on our church calendar. Worship services. Bible studies. Children’s ministries. Mission projects. Breakfast Church. Beer & Hymns. These are all important parts of our life together, creating opportunities for us to worship, grow, serve, and connect with one another.

But lately, I’ve been thinking about the ministry that happens between the ministries. The conversation in the parking lot after worship. Noticing someone sitting alone and choosing to sit beside them. Remembering that someone has been going through a difficult time and checking in. Learning someone’s name and listening to someone’s story without being in a hurry to offer an answer.

None of those things will ever appear on the church calendar. Most will never be announced from the pulpit or stage, or mentioned in the newsletter. But they are ministry. Our ministries aren’t simply events we organize or programs we provide. They create spaces where relationships can grow, where people can discover they belong, and where the love of Christ becomes something we experience through one another.

A meal is important, but so is the person who notices an empty seat at the table. Worship is important, but so is the conversation with someone who needed encouragement that morning. Sometimes the ministry we planned creates an opportunity for another kind of ministry we never could have planned.

As we move into the fall, our church calendar (and our personal calendars) will become increasingly full. There will be plenty of opportunities to worship, learn, serve, eat, laugh, and spend time together. But I also hope we’ll pay attention to what happens in between. Who haven’t we met yet? Who could use a little encouragement? Who might need someone to listen? Who could we invite to join us?

Following Jesus isn’t limited to the things we officially call ministry. It happens through the ordinary ways we choose to be present with one another. So, this fall, as we show up for the ministries on the calendar—let’s also pay attention to the ministry between the ministries. Sometimes a simple interaction, a small kindness, or a short conversation can become the place where someone experiences the love of Christ.

Grace and peace… Pastor Rick

So continue encouraging each other and building each other up, just like you are doing already. (1 Thessalonians 5.11 CEB)

Come Sing With Us! Yes, YOU!

Have you ever thought, “Hmmmm…that sounds like fun?” Maybe that’s God’s gentle nudge!

The Traditional Service Choir needs a few more voices to help lead worship at 8:45 AM on Sundays. Rehearsals are Wednesdays from 7:00–8:15 PM, with a brief rehearsal on Sunday mornings before church.

A few choir members will be away for a couple Sundays, so even if you can only fill in, we’d love to have you!

Singing is a beautiful way to praise the Lord and serve Blair Road UMC. As Psalm 95:1 says, “O come, let us sing to the Lord!”

If you’ve been thinking, “Hmmmm…maybe I should try it,” just show up—or contact Kathy Madden.

There’s a need, and you could be the voice that helps meet it!

Beer & Hymns This Sunday!

Ready to kick off September with a little singing, laughter, and good company?

Join us Sunday, September 6 at 5:30 PM at The Brew Room in Locust for Beer & Hymns! Whether you’re a great singer or just enthusiastic, you’re welcome.

Bring a friend, grab a drink, and come sing your heart out with us! Who knows, it may inspire you to officially join the choir! (See what I did there?)

Beer & Hymns happens the first Sunday of every month. Come join the fun—we’ll save you a seat!

A new season of Sisters in Christ is starting up again! Join us Tuesday, September 15 at 11:30 AM in the Wesley Room of the Family Life Center for fellowship, encouragement, and growing together in faith. New members are always welcome!

We’ll also talk about putting together a basket for this year’s Christmas Marketplace. If you’d like to participate, we would love to have you. We’ll solidify the theme at our September meeting and plan to put the basket together at the October meeting. We’d love to see you there!

Quick List of Upcoming Events

at Blair Road UMC

Children's Church

Every Sunday  September 6, 13, 20, 27

11:11 AM–12:11 PM

Beer & Hymns

Sunday, September 6

5:30 PM

Morning Play Date

Wednesdays, Sept 9, 16, 23, 30

9:30 - 11:30 AM

Highway Cleanup

Saturday, September 12

7:30 AM

Rain date: Saturday, September 19 at 7:30 AM

Trunk or Treat

Wednesday, October 28

5:30–7:00 PM

Wizard of Oz Sing-Along Family Movie Night

Saturday, October 31

7:00–8:30 PM

Blair Road Christmas Marketplace

Saturday, November 7

9:00 AM–3:00 PM

See all upcoming events: www.blairroadumc.org/events

Book Bags of Love:

School is back in Session!

Help us share God’s love by providing weekend meals for families at Mint Hill and

Lebanon Road Elementary Schools!

September Packing Dates

• Thursday, September 3 at 10:00 AM

• Sunday, September 6 at 12:15 PM

Pantry – side hallway of the Christian Education Building

This month we especially need fruit cups, granola bars, and oatmeal packets, along with other kid-friendly, easy-to-prepare foods.

Bring food to donate or come lend a hand packing! Every donation and every hour of service makes a difference.

“Whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” – Proverbs 11:25

Celebrating the Life of Ron Kulka

Please see the above invitation for the Celebration of Life honoring Ron Kulka on Saturday, September 5, from 2:00–4:00 PM at the Kulka home.

Ron and Cheryl recently became part of the Blair Road United Methodist Church family, and Ron shared how being at church helped him feel close to God. Even though he was very sick, Ron was able to worship with us the Sunday before his passing. His quiet devotion and love for his faith were evident, and we are grateful for the time we had with him.

As Cheryl walks through this season, we hope she will feel the love and care of her church family surrounding her. We may not have known Ron and Cheryl for a long time, but we are grateful to welcome them as part of our church family. We want Cheryl to know that she is not alone. We will walk alongside her, offer our prayers, and hold her close in Christian love.

Lea is helping the family get an approximate count of those from Blair Road who plan to attend. If you are able to come, please call or text Lea at 973-432-8233 by Thursday to let her know. Your presence will be a meaningful way to honor Ron and offer comfort and support to Cheryl.

Roadside Litter Cleanup – September 12

This is a Blair Road tradition we’ve been doing for years—and it’s one of those simple ministries that is surprisingly rewarding!

Join us Saturday, September 12 at 7:30 AM as we head out together to help keep our community beautiful. If you’ve never joined us before, this is the perfect time to come see what it’s all about. Grab a friend, enjoy some good fellowship, and make a difference right here in our community. You may be surprised how good it feels to look back at the road and see the difference we made together!

If the weather doesn’t cooperate, our rain date will be Saturday, September 19 at 7:30 AM.

Come be part of a Blair Road tradition—and discover why so many of us keep coming back!

“...created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” – Ephesians 2:10

Let’s continue saying “yes” to the opportunities God puts before us and care for the community He has entrusted to us.

Christmas Is Coming to Blair Road!

It may feel a little early to say it, but Christmas is coming—and we’re already getting ready for the Blair Road UMC Christmas Marketplace on Saturday, November 7!

This is going to be a fun day of holiday shopping, local vendors, delicious treats, fellowship, and plenty of Christmas spirit. And we want our whole community to know about it!

So start talking about it now! Tell your family, invite your friends and neighbors, mention it to your coworkers, and share the event on social media. The more people we welcome through our doors, the more we can support our wonderful vendors and share the warmth and hospitality of Blair Road.

You can also be part of the fun by donating baked goods for the Bake Sale or a new item or themed basket for the Silent Auction, with proceeds benefiting our Missions Ministry.

November 7 will be here before we know it. Let’s start spreading the word and make this year’s Christmas Marketplace one to remember!

A Little Reminder from

Your Church Family

If you’re reading this newsletter, we have a simple request: please talk about it! (Not everyone opens their email.)

We are so blessed at Blair Road. There is always something happening—opportunities to worship, serve, fellowship, learn, laugh, encourage one another, and share God’s love with our community. Sometimes we may not realize just how many opportunities God gives us to be His hands and feet.

So, when you’re sitting with your small group, talk about what’s coming up. When you’re sitting beside someone at church, tell them about an event you think they might enjoy. Invite a neighbor. Mention it to a friend or coworker. You never know when a simple invitation might be exactly what someone needs.

The people God has placed around us are precious to Him. Scripture reminds us that God “marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands” so that people “would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him.” – Acts 17:26–27

What a beautiful thought—that God has placed people in our lives and placed us exactly where we are for a purpose. The neighbor next door, the person sitting beside you on Sunday, the coworker you see every day, or the friend you’ve been meaning to invite may be someone who needs to experience the love of Christ.

And sometimes, we are the way God chooses to reach them.

So please, don’t just read the newsletter—share it. Talk about what’s happening. Invite someone to come with you. Let people know they are welcome. We have been given so much, and what a blessing it is that we get to share that blessing with others.

If you have questions about any of our upcoming events, you can find all the details at: www.blairroadumc.org/events

Thank you for being part of the Blair Road family and for helping us create a church where people can experience the love, grace, and welcome of Jesus. We are truly blessed—and we are blessed to be a blessing.

“And do everything in love.” —

1 Corinthians 16:14

9135 Blair Road, Mint Hill 28227

www.blairroadumc.org