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Sunday, March 19
Lent 4
Worship
Preacher | Rev. Dr. Ben Boswell
Sermon | "Upside Down Mercy"
Scripture | Matthew 15:21-28
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Schedule
9:45a | Childcare (Birth-Kindergarten)
10:00a | Worship
10:15a | Children's Worship
11:15a | Spiritual Growth Classes & Groups for Adults
11:15a | Children's Nature & Nurture
11:15a | Youth Choir Rehearsal
4:00p | Youth Block
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Faith & Community Class presents Churchwide Event
"Do I Stay Christian?” Book Study & Discussion
SUN, March 19 | 11:15a | Shalom Hall
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We live in a time of great change in the Christian faith in all corners of the world. Something new is striving to be born, just as has happened every 500 years starting with Christ’s Crucifixion. Brian McLaren’s latest book is an attempt to identify one possible direction our faith may take in these early days of the third millennium. | Learn more | |
Conversation with Rev. Tara Gibbs
TUE, March 21 | 7p
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The Prophetic Imagination series by Churches That Thrive by Racial Justice is continuing the conversation with Rev. Tara Gibbs focusing on how congregations can improve upon or implement plans/communities of care. | Learn more
Register here
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Faith & Community Class presents Churchwide Event
"Blazing Speed, Blinding Technology"
SUN, March 26 | 11:15a | Shalom Hall
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Join us as we welcome Knoxville Jungian Analyst Doug Tyler for a special presentation to discuss how we can better manage our relationship to technology. Bring your practical and symbolic questions and comments as we discuss ways to more effectively mitigate the harmful impacts of technology, and put ourselves back in the driver’s seat of our lives. | Read more | |
Bias is Part of Being Human
The Bias Inside Us | Discovery Place Science
Panel Discussion Led by Rev. Dr. Ben Boswell | THU, March 30 | 6:30p
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The exhibition and community engagement project seeks to educate individual on their implicit bias to help them understand and counter that bias. Through compelling images, interactives, and powerful testimonials and visuals the exhibit unpacks and demystifies the concept of bias. | View the flyer | Learn more and register | |
Confronting Whiteness is honored to be one of Discovery Place's community partners on this incredible Smithsonian exhibit about implicit bias. Rev. Dr. Ben Boswell is leading a panel discussion about the exhibit on March 30 at 6:30p. | |
Intergenerational Meal + Art + Music
Holy Wednesday | April 5 | 5-6:30p | Heaton Hall
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We have a special intergenerational event scheduled for Holy Wednesday. We are excited to have Wanjiku J. Mwangi joining us to lead us through a unique reading, sound, and visual art multi-sensory, spiritual experience. All ages are invited. We hope you will add this to your calendar. Stay tuned for more information and registration. | |
WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH AT MPBC | |
March is Women's History Month at MPBC
Our Theme is "Sharing Our Stories"
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For the Season of Lent and Women's History Month the sermon focus will be on women through the Gospel of Matthew. We hope you will join us for worship, a Women's Book Study, Women's Retreat, and a special Women's edition of our "Tell Me Our Stories" interview series on April 2. | |
23 Podcasts That Celebrate Women's History All Year Long | Learn how women before us helped pave the way. One of the most important things you can do on International Women's Day or throughout Women's History Month is educate yourself. And if you don't know where to start, there are plenty of podcasts that'll teach you the women's history you didn't learn in school. | | | |
March is Women's History Month The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum join in commemorating and encouraging the study, observance and celebration of the vital role of women in American history. | | | |
WORSHIP
SUN, Mar 12, 2023
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SERMON
"Upside Down Compassion"
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Music Highlight
"Psalm 1"
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Women's Retreat | A Time of Renewal | |
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I came to meet church people and expand my community. That happened and more.
It’s rare that I do something that is just for me. I am reminded that I need it more often.
Stories connect us across all the lines of our humanness. We need to share more of them.
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These are just a few of the comments that were shared over the weekend at our Women’s Retreat. We shared and meditated; we danced and we talked. We connected to ourselves, one another and God. It was a time of renewal for all of us. And we have all said we want to continue the sharing, continue the connecting in this unique way. | |
HOW TO BE INVOLVED IN 2023 | |
The Season of Lent at MPBC | |
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Lenten Sermon Series
Overturning the Patriarchy
We hope you will also join us for our Lenten Devotional Series Book Study and Women's Retreat. Learn what is coming up in Lent on our website.
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March 2023
From book studies, guest speakers, and Lenten studies, we are excited to offer enriching, engaging, and timely classes for your spiritual growth needs!
Childcare is available for newborns - kindergarten from 9:45a - Noon.
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Children's Worship
SUNs | 10:15-11:15a | Room 209
Lead | Candace Williamson
Children will engage in lessons, games, crafts, and activities that support their natural desire to be creative, kind, and helpful.
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Lenten Devotional Group
SUNs | 11:15a | Room 250
Topic | Full to the Brim | Materials will be provided
Leads | Rev. Dr. JJ Flag and Rev. Tara Gibbs
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Faith & Community Class
SUN, Mar 19 | 11:15a | Shalom Hall
Topic | Do I Stay Christian? Book Study & Discussion
Guest Speaker | Rev. Dr. Ben Boswell Learn more
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Nature & Nurture
SUNs | 11:15a - Noon | Room 209
Children ages 5-10 will join trained volunteers and staff as we build friendships and strengthen community through nature walks, games, arts and crafts and play.
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Want to be sure you are not missing out on anything related to Spiritual Growth? We'll email you periodically about any new opportunities. | |
Final Weeks of RITI - Have You Signed Up Yet? | |
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We have volunteer slots to fill in March for providing meals, transporting laundry, and being an overnight host for our homeless neighbors SAT nights through SUN mornings in our church. We offer them hot meals, provide them with a bed and show them love and warmth through our time spent with them. Please sign up on this website or email nhudson957@gmail.com with any questions. | |
Community Roundtable
Guest | Refugee Resettlement Charlotte
MON, March 13 | 10a | Southminster, Room A
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NOTE our meeting this month will be in Room A at Southminster Retirement Community – 8919 Park Road. Park in the front parking lots and be directed to the meeting room at the welcome desk. All are welcome.
In April, we will hear from Gracious Hands, a non-profit providing housing and counseling to homeless families.
For information contact Gretchen Allen at gretnet@gmail.com.
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Men's Breakfast
TUE, March 21 | 7:30a | Heaton Hall
This one is going to be interesting and fun! JJ Jansen, the long snapper for the Carolina Panthers (and longest tenured Panthers player at 14 years and 222 games), will be our Special Guest Speaker. Join us and bring a friend! RSVP here
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Seeking Easter Egg Hunt Volunteers
We are doing things a little differently this year. The hunt will begin at 3p in the circle behind the Cornwell Center. Join us for an afternoon of games and fun for the whole family! Separate egg hunt stations will be available. It takes a lot of hands to make this event a success. If you can help, please contact Candace Williamson.
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DID YOU KNOW . . .
You Can Access All Church Contacts, Events, Registrations, . . . Right In the Palm of Your Hand?
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Here's how to get the app:
- Make sure you have a Username & Password for the MPBC Portal (myMPBC). Don't have one? Contact Caroline Manning in the church office.
- Visit churchlife.mobi and enter your Username & Password (mentioned above).
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3. You can add the webpage to your favorites in your web browser.
4. OR . . . if you want it to appear as an App on your mobile devices, click on the upload icon (box with an upward arrow) and choose "Add to Home Screen."
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Easter Lily Delivery Volunteers Needed
SAT, April 8 or SUN April 9
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If you would you be willing to deliver a lily on Saturday, April 8 or Easter Sunday afternoon to a member who, since last Easter, has experienced the loss of a parent, spouse or child, please volunteer here.
We make every effort to match you with someone close to your home. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact Carol Cedar at ccedar@myersparkbaptist.org or 704.334.7232 x100.
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Lunchtime Meditation
WEDs | 11:30a - 12p (EST) | Zoom | Password: breathe (case sensitive)
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A new year brings new opportunities. Meditation offers all of us the chance to be present with ourselves. We invite you to join us in the new year for this opportunity of engagement with yourself.
“Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor.”
― Thich Nhat Hanh
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MPBC was able to approve the 2023 budget at the Congregational Meeting on February 21. This approval gave MPBC the go ahead to close its books for January 2023. MPBC posted a deficit totaling $103,721 for January 2023. While MPBC budgeted for a deficit in January, we do expect this to shrink in the coming months as endowment funds are disbursed for the year. MPBC is reliant upon funding from its Endowments. Because MPBC delayed approving its budget until late February 2023, it was not able to utilize Endowment funds. Said differently, MPBC was forced to fund items rather than utilize Endowment dollars.
Revenues:
- Congregational giving remains strong with 151% of pledges budgeted for in January 2023 collected
- Facility rentals look very strong for January at $7,456, which is up from $1,776 a year prior
- $66,735 in total revenues collected in January 2023, is down from $97,609 a year prior
Expenditures:
- Expenses are 7.5% higher than budgeted ($170,456 vs. $158,636)
- Had Endowment dollars been available for use in January 2023, an expenditure offset would have occurred
Stay tuned for our Ministry Impact Report, which details all the life-changing ways your financial support made a difference last year. To make a gift at any time, click here.
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Did You Know That You Can Give It Twice?
Do you own an IRA or other qualified retirement plan? You can use your retirement assets to provide both an inheritance to your heirs, as well as support Myers Park Baptist Church.
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Called a Testamentary Charitable Remainder Trust, your heirs can avoid the income tax that would otherwise be due from larger IRA deductions by paying a fixed annual percentage to a beneficiary, with the balance of the gift going to the Church at a later time. For more information on this tax smart way to both leave a legacy and support your family, talk with your tax attorney or financial planner. | |
Get your MOJO on With the Seasons of the Church Year! | |
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Our high-speed Ministry of Justice and Outreach has created a strategic plan for their ministry which focuses their efforts on three specific areas: Economics, Environment, and Education—all of which are enveloped by systemic racism and white supremacy. Each focus area has an affinity group and are looking for more members. | Learn more | |
Be on the lookout for opportunities to hear what these affinity groups are doing and how to get engaged in their work in the worship services on Sunday mornings and here in the Weekly.
- February 22 - April 9 | Lent & Economic Justice
- April 9 - May 28 | Easter & Environmental Justice
- May 28 - July 30 | Pentecost & Education Justice
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Family Park Play Date
March 17 | 5:30-7:30pm | Park Road Park
Join us for pizza and a park hangout! Connect with friends old and new and enjoy the spring weather. We will be in touch with updates in the event of rain. Register Here
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Children's Music & Creative Arts at MPBC
WEDs | 5:30-6:30p | Room 209
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Kids use their artistic talents to explore our outer world through acts of service in our community. Questions? Contact Candace Williamson
Family Dinners at 5:00p
Families participating in children's activities on WED nights will come together for a family-friendly meal in Heaton Hall. Family Dinners are $20.
RSVP for children's dinner
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Sundays
We want to provide the best for children on Sundays. During the worship hour, our youngest children (newborn – kindergarten) are invited to childcare where they will play, have a snack and participate in activities with paid childcare staff.
At the same time, our first – fifth graders are invited to Children’s Worship for a time of learning, moving, and creating. Led by children’s ministry staff, children will engage with Bible stories in creative ways.
Children's Ministry Newsletter
Want to join see the latest Children's Ministry news? It will now be delivered to your email each Tuesday. Sign up to receive the Children's Ministry newsletter.
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Through-The-Week School 2023-2024 Openings | |
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Please join us at Through-the-Week School for the 2023-2024 school year in their four-year-old and TK classrooms. These classrooms offer small and large group instruction, kindergarten level academics, and a focus on self-regulation and self-help skills. For more information, visit their website or contact Belinda Geuss at bgeuss@myersparkbaptist.org. | |
Youth Block
SUNs | 4-6p | Youth Hall
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If you have a youth in grades 6th-12th, they are invited to our weekly Youth Block every Sunday from 4p-6p. What is Youth Block? It’s a time for youth to build community through games/activities, music, service projects, and special guests! February’s theme is Black History Month: “Sharing Our Story” and includes special guests, creative writing, photography lessons, and more! | |
Youth Newsletter
Check out our latest Youth News.
Make sure you are on our mailing list to never miss a youth event (6th - 12th graders)! For more information, contact Rev. Tara Gibbs at tgibbs@myersparkbaptist.org.
Parent and Caregiver Resources
Check out these local and online resources to help you with your teen/preteen!
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The Alliance of Baptists, which began in 1987 as a prophetic voice in Baptist life, is our primary religious affiliation. Today, they have grown to be a justice movement and community of faith of about 4,500 individual members and 140 congregations knit together by love for one another and God, combining progressive inquiry, contemplative prayer and prophetic action to bring about justice and healing in a changing world. | |
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Join the Alliance of Baptists this April 21-23 in Atlanta for their Annual Gathering! This year’s theme for the gathering is “To Set the Captives Free” and the keynote speaker is Derecka Purnell, author of Becoming Abolitionists: Police, Protests, and the Pursuit of Freedom. | |
Being in community, journeying through life together means making sure we know the joys and concerns of one another to the best of our ability. In the event of a death of a member, the congregation will be notified as soon as possible in email form. All other Congregational Joys and Concerns will be included here in the Weekly. | |
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In Need of Help?
We are here for you. The Ministry of Congregational Care provides care, support & encouragement to all members in times of joy, bereavement, illness, and crisis. Information about Health and Safety, Grief, Stephen Ministry, as well as helpful resources are available on our website. Just search "In need of help?"
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Community Roundtable
10-11:30a | Southminster, Room C
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Just Breathe Meditation
11:30a-Noon | Zoom | Password: breathe (case sensitive)
Children's Dinner & Music, Movement, & More
5-5:30p | Children's Dinner | Heaton Hall | RSVP for Children's Dinner
5:30-6:30p | Music & Creative Arts | Room 209
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Chancel Choir Rehearsal
7-9p | Berry Hall
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Children's Ministry Park Play Date
5:30-7:30p | Off Campus
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Room In The Inn (RITI)
5p | Rooms 29 & 32 | Continues until 7a on Sunday
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Preschool Childcare
9:45a-Noon | Room 108
Worship
10-11a | On our website, YouTube, Facebook Live
Children's Worship
10:15-11a | Room 209
Full to the Brim Devotional Group
11:15a - 12:15p | Room 250
Faith & Community Class | Rev. Dr. Ben Boswell
11:15a-Noon | Shalom Hall
Exploring Spiritual Togetherness Class
11:15a-Noon | Parlor
Youth Choir Rehearsal
11:15a-Noon | Berry Hall
Elementary Spiritual Growth | Nature & Nurture
11:15a-Noon | Room 209
Youth Block
4-6p | Cornwell Center Gym
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