IN CASE YOU MISSED IT | SUN, Dec 6 |
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In this fresh wilderness, each of us has a role to play in preparing our our lives and our world for the coming of peace.
Rev. Dr. W. Benjamin Boswell
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MPBC Featured in Charlotte Agenda Article
Our church and Rev. Dr. Ben Boswell are featured in the article "Myers Park cheered on a Black Lives Matter protest in June, then voted for Trump in November" | Read more
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PAUSE FOR HEALTH AND WELLNESS |
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Marina Luckhoo, Faith Community Nurse |
Marina Luckhoo recently joined MPBC and is a Faith Community Nurse in her final year of seminary. She and her husband have two daughters, Eva (15) and Ella (21 on phone.) |
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3 W’s as Spiritual Practice
The Bible says that perfect love drives out fear. (1John 4:18) If we allow God’s love to direct our actions, then each step we take to prevent spread of Covid-19, is reframed as an act of love for God and neighbor. Engaging in the 3W’s as spiritual practice is one way to affirm love over fear.
WEEK 2 | WASHING HANDS
Repeatedly washing hands can be tiresome and onerous, as well as lifesaving. Reimagining this as a spiritual practice may help to alleviate some of the fatigue born of repetition and make actions more effective. In recognition of the scarcity of fresh, clean water, you may start the process by turning off the tap after wetting your hands thoroughly. You may gently touch your forehead at the start of handwashing to remember your baptism, or as a reminder that, "You are God’s beloved child." After applying soap, the process of scrubbing should last at least 20 seconds. In your mind, you can sing or hum, think of water imagery songs ("Wade in the Water," "Come ow fount of every blessing," "Bridge Over Troubled Water"), even post verses or poetry to memorize over a frequently used sink. You may reflect on the fountain of life, our dependence on this element and how this proactive step keeps us safe. Rinsing and drying can be a time of thanksgiving for the strength and use of hands and the precious gift of water.
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“For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, 'Do not fear, I will help you.'" (Isaiah 41:13) |
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A Message from
Rich Holmes
Here is an important message for you from Rich Holmes, Chair of the Ministry of Stewardship. Give online
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SUN | Dec 13 | Advent III | Joy
Rev. Dr. W. Benjamin Boswell preaching
Our Jazz Ensemble will be with us
SUN | Dec 20 | Advent IV | Love
Lessons and Carols with our Kinder Choir, Carol Choir, Chapel Choir, Youth Choir, and Chancel Ensemble
THU | Dec 24 | Christmas Eve
5:30p | Vigil | Sanctuary Front Lawn
We will gather on the front lawn in candlelight to sing Christmas carols, experience the story of Christmas through scripture, and then take individually wrapped Communion elements home to partake while watching our virtual worship service online.
7pm | Virtual Worship
Our service will feature Grammy award winning fiddle player Mark O'Connor and his wife Maggie, Chancel Ensemble, and organ music by John Richardson.
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Advent at Home
Week 3 | Joy
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Join Rev. Mia McClain, Rev. Carrie Veal, and Allen Davis as they explore the idea of Joy. |
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Introducing Our Artists/Theologians-In- Residence |
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In support of of the goals of the Strategic Plan and in fulfillment of the Barriers to Worship Task Force recommendations, we are excited to announce our 2021 Artists/Theologians-In-Residence* Dawn Anthony, Helms Jarrell, and Greg Jarrell who will use music, history, visual art, writing, storytelling, and liturgy for worship in the coming year. They will collectively use their musical and artistic talents in new and creative ways to lead workshops and plan opportunities for our members that challenge and impact our worship and faith formation. Our theme for the year will be "Reawakening through the Arts.” Areas of opportunity for artistic and theological impact include leading worship; holding writing, singing, and theatre workshops; hosting bible studies; and art exhibitions. The first opportunity on the calendar is “Manifest Emmanuel: An Embodied Creative Prayer Workshop" (see Epiphany Workshop below).
*This initiative for artists- and theologians-in-residence is paid for by generous gift to the MPBC endowment.
Dawn Anthony is a North Carolina-based, singer, music educator, author and playwright. She works with artistic collaborations to build bridges across cultures, languages, and generations. Dawn has been a teaching artist in the Charlotte community for more than twenty years - reaching students from pre-K to twelfth grade through music and literacy programming. She has authored her first children’s book entitled, The Gift Way Up in the Closet as a tool to inspire children. Read more ...
Rev. Helms Jarrell is a member of the QC Family Tree community in Charlotte, a neighborhood-based community development organization that practices cultural organizing to cultivate community for the common good. Helms says, “My work intentionally integrates art, faith, and culture into organizing strategies to build people power and social change. Using the language of culture - art, story, ritual, - I aim to cultivate folks’ sense of belonging, connection, and interdependence through visual art, engaging community, and facilitating workshops around community and justice issues. Read more . . .
Greg Jarrell is co-founder and Chief Door Answerer at QC Family Tree, a community of rooted discipleship in the west Charlotte neighborhood of Enderly Park. Greg's work with neighbors in Enderly Park focuses on building from their gifts, creating economic opportunity, and combating serial displacement and land loss in a rapidly changing neighborhood. Greg can also be found around Charlotte playing saxophone. He regularly performs in concert and club venues across North and South Carolina in jazz, classical, and commercial settings.
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Bike Riders Community Group
City Tour
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MON | Dec 7 | 5:30-7p
A leisurely 5-mile, paved surface, evening bike tour of the Stewart and Irwin Creek Greenways and the surrounding Wesley Heights neighborhood. | Register here | Read more
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Naptime is My Time Community Group |
Fridays | Noon – 1p
As moms we are always looking to expand our tribe, wanting to share experiences with other moms. Join Katherine Kellogg and Wesley Campbell for a weekly chat. We will begin online, and hope to move to in person this spring. | Register here | Read More
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Tailgating Party
SUN | Dec 13 | Noon | On Campus
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Bring the family, a chair, some food, and a mask and join us for some tailgating and then stay for the Panther’s game. This is a limited capacity event and RSVPs are REQUIRED. Masks are also REQUIRED. Register here
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Women's Bible Study Christmas Gathering
WED | Dec 16 | Noon | Zoom
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All who identify as women are invited to gather with us to celebrate the holidays. Even if you haven't been a part of the group thus far, we would love to have you come and share in conversation with us. Zoom Meeting ID: 940 4408 0453 | Passcode: women
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Habitat Holiday Supply Drive
Are you looking for a way to support families in our community this holiday season? Habitat for Humanity has several easy options for you. You can help by donating toward the purchase of supplies like paint, lumber, and other items for their next building project. Items range from $10 – $250. Click here to view the options and make a donation.
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Charlotte Bilingual Preschool needs our help with the following:
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Temperature Checker | Perform COVID safety protocol when students arrive
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Traffic Director/Runner | Enforce social distancing for students and parents
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Greeter | Give students a warm welcome
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Manifest Emmanuel: An Embodied Creative Prayer Workshop
SAT | Jan 9, 2021 | 9-11:30a | Online
Join Helms Jarrell (one of our 2021 Artists-in-Residence) for creative art practices and reflection to celebrate and honor the season of Epiphany. Free for MPBC members (use code MPBCmember) | Register here
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MONs & WEDs | 11:30a - 12p | Zoom | Passcode - breathe
Take time to catch your breath and center you mind, body, and soul. Everyone is welcome to join us.
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MONs | 5:30p
This group is open to all running levels, and walkers, too. Wear your mask, bring your dog, bring your stroller and bring your water. | Register here
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Parenting in the Possibilities |
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Holiday Shopping at MPBC Marketplace |
We have added a few new items to our Marketplace! With colder weather and the holidays coming, we are now offering sweatshirts and facemasks. They will make great gifts for your family and friends (and don't forget to get yourself some, too)! Order here
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Have an Idea For a Community Group? |
Our need for community is stronger now than ever before. We are working to create Community Groups for the winter based on interests, wants, and needs. You may have an idea for a group that you would like to suggest and maybe even host. From podcasts to poetry, travel to TV, we want to have something for everyone. Contact Rev. Carrie Veal with your ideas. |
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Faith Formation
Ideas to break out of the ongoing, at home rut
Now that we have entered the month of December, and we experience shorter sunlit days, more restrictions due to COVID, and colder weather, we're looking for ways to break out of the monotony. Rev. Carrie Veal will provide fun projects for your family to do together while we all continue to stay home. Here are this week's suggestions to fill some of the time:
Children's Worship
For ages 4 - 2 nd grade | You will receive a recording each Friday in the weekly email from the Children's Ministry. | Read more
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Youth Fellowship Virtual Christmas Party
We will celebrate the season together online. Join the fun online. | Meeting ID: 995 9270 8984 | Passcode: 878193
Youth Community Conversations
Every youth gathering opens with community conversations, allowing the youth to connect and break the ice for the meeting. Allen Davis, Youth Director is sharing these community conversation questions and wants you to feel free to use them at the dinner table, in the car, or whenever. Enjoy!
- What is your favorite holiday memory?
- What is the best gift you’ve ever given someone?
- What is the best gift you’ve given yourself?
- How can you serve others this holiday season?
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Children's Choirs
WEDs | Zoom
We are getting ready for Lessons and Carols! Our children need sounds in their ears, faith in their hearts, and scripture in their minds – they need art and music, and they need God!
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Youth Choir
SUNs | 5 - 6p | Online
Make sure to join us as we rehearse in preparation for our Lessons and Carols service. If you need more information, please contact Charlotte Judge. |
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GETTING TO KNOW THE ALLIANCE OF BAPTISTS |
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Myers Park Baptist Church is affiliated with the Alliance of Baptists, a progressive organization that is passionate about ecumenism, partnership in mission, relentless hospitality, and social justice. We want to help you get to know more about them and why we, as a church, value being in community with them. Learn more about who they are here.
A Call to the Work of Anti-Racism
MON | Dec 14 | Noon | Online
James Forbes and Mahan Siler will be joined by Christine Wiley and Nancy Hastings Sehested to discuss how they have felt the Spirit stirring. You are invited to join in on the conversation. | Read more and register
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Do you need some help? Would you like a visit?
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Would you like to join our list of volunteers?
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Meditation with Barbara Linney
11:30a - Noon | Zoom | Password: breathe (case sensitive)
Bike Riders Community Group | City Tour
Running Community Group
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Midweek Meditation
11:30a - Noon | Zoom | Password: breathe (case sensitive)
Children's Choirs
TK/K - 2nd grade | 5 - 5:20p
3rd - 5th grades | 5:30-6p
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Parenting in the Possibilities
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Naptime is My Time Community Group
Noon-1p | Online
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Virtual Worship
Tailgating Party
12-4:30p | On Campus
Masks Required | Bring your own chairs, food, beverages
Youth Fellowship Virtual Christmas Party
Youth Choir
5-6p | online
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NC Parents Have Until MON, Dec 7 at 2p to Apply for a COVID-19 Relief Payment
North Carolina is providing $335 payments to eligible families to help with costs associated with re mote learning and childcare expenses during the pandemic. The deadline to apply has been extended to today, Monday, December 7 at 2p. | Read more
How to Boost Your Immune System as Cold, Flu Season Nears in Charlotte Amid COVID-19
Local industry experts say it’s going to take some commitment. Committing to a healthy lifestyle can be easy — in theory. The execution aspect can present challenges, however. While searching for a quick fix may be tempting, ensuring that you practice healthy nutrition, exercise and incorporate meaningful wellness activities is the key, experts say. | Read more
More Than 30 People in Mecklenburg County Re-infected with COVID-19
The CDC is actively working to learn more about reinfections to inform the public and what actions to take. | Read more
Cornwell Center Safety Requirements Update
As you probably know, the number of confirmed cases of Covid continues to increase across our city. As per the Governor’s recent Executive Order 180, masks are now required indoors, even while exercising. Thank you for understanding we will be asking everyone to wear a mask at all times. Your good health and wellbeing are our top concerns. | Read more
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Magical Interactive Mailbox for Letters to Santa in Uptown Charlotte!
The Letters to Santa Station will operate from Thursday to Sunday, 11a - 4p, from December 3-19. It's located at Bank of America Plaza, at Trade & Tryon Streets. Once the child places their letter into the interactive mailbox, they will hear music and a special message from one of Santa’s elves. Each child’s letter will be read and responded to from the North Pole.| Read more
December in Charlotte Events Guide
Enjoy the cooler temperatures and holiday cheer in December. You’ll find craft markets, holiday celebrations, Santa visits, and more. Plan December 2020 with this list of the top things to do in the Charlotte area. | Read more
ChristmasVille in Rock Hill Extended
Rock Hill, SC, just a quick drive from Charlotte, is holding its annual ChristmasVille celebration in 2020, but with some changes. Instead of four days, it will last from November 27 to December 25. The festival will include a combination of both in-person and virtual events. The best way to see all that’s planned is to download the free ChristmasVille app. | Read more
Dining Igloos in Charlotte
These creative concepts have been popping up at restaurants around the country in response to the collision of winter and COVID-19. Hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic, restaurants have had to get creative with ways to safely serve guests. So where can you find them in Charlotte, are they safe and why are some restaurant owners opting not to use them?
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Inclusivity | Spirituality | Community | Justice |
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Churches Step in Where Politicians Will Not
“Charity is no substitute for justice withheld.” Why do we need acts of charity to rescue Americans from crushing medical bills? NYTimes | Read more
'Abolition Amendment' To Fully Erase Slavery From U.S. Constitution
As the nation grapples with issues of racial injustice and social inequality, lawmakers on Capitol Hill are pushing to remove the so-called slavery loophole from the United States Constitution. | Read more
Roof Above Bought a Charlotte Hotel to Provide Emergency Shelter
Our outreach partner, Roof Above, has purchased an 88-room hotel in southwest Charlotte, with plans to convert the building into affordable housing for people who are chronically homeless. The nonprofit recently finalized the purchase of a former Quality Inn hotel on Clanton Road near Interstate 77. The rooms immediately will be used for winter shelter and next year renovated into studio apartments. | Read more
Plantation Estates Has Changed Its Name
Several MPBC members live in this retirement community. M any residents felt that the name connotes racism and slavery and voted overwhelmingly to change the name to Matthews Glen. | Read more
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