For over a year, our communications staff have been working with a web developer to build an entirely new website for our church with a more contemporary and professional look that boldly communicates our inclusivity as a community and is easier to navigate for our members. We are excited to share this new website with you! | Read more | Start exploring | |
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Faith in the 21st Century presents:
A Weekend with John Pavlovitz
OCT 8-9, 2022 at Myers Park Baptist Church
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We are excited to welcome John Pavlovitz this fall for our annual Faith in the 21st Century (F21) weekend! Pavlovitz, a native of Winston-Salem, is a much sought-after speaker, writer, & activist who has been committed to equality, diversity, & justice—both inside & outside faith communities. Weekend schedule & registration are available now. | Read more | |
No registrations necessary except for the SAT evening event. | | |
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Preacher | Rev. John Pavlovitz
Sermon | Turbulence Is Coming
Scripture | Mark 4:35-41
Schedule
9:45a | Childcare (Birth-Kindergarten)
10a | Worship
10:15a | Children's Worship
11:15a | Sermon Talk Back with John Pavlovitz
11:15a | Spiritual Growth Classes for Children
4p | Youth Block
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"'Yesu Azali Awa' Jesus Is Here With Us"
Arranged by Mark Burrows
Chancel Choir led by Fran Morrison
Accompanied by Jim Brock, percussion
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Introducing Rev. Dr. JJ Flag, our Associate Minister of Pastoral Care & Outreach | | |
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We are excited to introduce Rev. Dr. JJ Flag, who we have called as our Associate Minister of Pastoral Care & Justice. We offer gratitude to our Senior Staff & the lay Search Team of Karen Taylor, Dave Dougherty, Carla Hines, Nancy Hudson, Daniel Miles, & Ellen Caldwell for helping us find a wonderful new minister for our church. After the interviews, Karen Taylor noted, “It was clear in meeting JJ, he has a love for doing pastoral care. His care & compassion were so apparent during our interview process. In addition, it’s clear his passion for Justice has been an important part of his ministry.” | Learn more | |
New Director Named at the Cornwell Center | | |
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Tripp Caldwell has been serving as the Acting Director while the Center began a formal process to determine a long-range strategic plan. While serving as Acting Director, we feel Tripp has shown the initiative, creativity, skills, and passion that we are seeking in a Director. Therefore, we are excited to announce that he has been named our next Director of the Cornwell Center. Congratulations to Tripp! Read more | |
We Celebrate Laura Geer's Sabbatical | | |
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We celebrate with our Director of Communications, Laura Geer, on her upcoming sabbatical this October. Fresh off her work spearheading the launch of our beautiful new website, Laura has served our church sacrificially in recent years & is overdue for some much-needed time away. We wish Laura all the best on this sacred time of rest & relaxation. In addition, we offer our gratitude to the Hunter Family. Read more | |
Introducing Dr. Caleb Hopkins, Artist-in-Residence 2022 | |
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Each year, the Clara & Guy Carswell Endowment Fund affords MPBC the ability to invite Artists-in-Residence to our church. We are excited to announce that we have invited Dr. Caleb Anthony Hopkins, Baritone & Conductor, to be our Artist-in-Residence this fall. His first visit will be Oct 7-10. He will be a vocalist in worship & a guest choir conductor for rehearsals & performances. He will also offer vocal coaching & work with Fran Morrison in planning music for worship. Read more
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Sharing the Love For Our Retiring Staff | | |
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The days & months are passing quickly & we wanted to take this time to remind everyone that Rev. Joe Aldrich will be retiring on SUN, Nov 27 & we will celebrate his ministry with us at a reception in Heaton Hall following worship that day.
Tom & Amy Jones will be retiring on Dec 31 & we will celebrate their years of service at the end of worship on SUN, Dec 18. As is our tradition, we welcome you to send cards, notes, & a love offering donation to show them your love & gratitude for their many years of service to our church & to us all. (Note: love offerings are not tax deductible.)
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Piko Ewoodzie Received Prestigious Sociology Award | | |
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Piko Ewoodzie, Jr., is the Malcolm O. Partin Assistant Professor of Africana Studies & Sociology at Davidson College. He just received the C. Wright Mills Award which is one of the most prestigious book awards in sociology. It is awarded annually to the author of the most exceptional book that "best exemplifies outstanding social science research & a great understanding of the individual & society in the tradition of the sociologist, C. Wright Mills." Please join us in sharing your congratulations to Piko! | |
Rev. Dr. Ben Boswell Interviewed | | |
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Tune in to the Debra Kennedy Show to hear Rev. Dr. Ben Boswell, talk about his journey to writing Confronting Whiteness. Discussion also included conversation about how each of us can make an impact against racial injustice. | |
OCTOBER IS CLERGY APPRECIATION MONTH | |
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You may have heard about the Great Resignation in the news. Learn more here if you want to see what it’s all about. Churches are also experiencing this as ministers have discovered how much longer the “things seminary did not teach me” list grew & has continued to grow since March 2020. The clergy at MPBC can all name at least one minister colleague who has walked away from ministry for one reason or another.
October is Clergy Appreciation Month. You are invited & encouraged to give a little extra appreciation to your ministers this month. The two articles listed below give you a glimpse into what being a minister in 2022 is like. Our ministers can relate to them more than they would like to admit.
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Opinion | A Pastor Ripped Apart by Our Divided Country | transcript For Dan White Jr., a trauma diagnosis pushed him toward a new calling: helping other exhausted faith leaders find peace. [MUSIC] lulu garcia-navarro We're all feeling exhausted. Between the stress of the pandemic, growing political divides and declining trust in institutions, burnout is at an all-time high, especially among those who have traditionally been society's bridge-builders. | | | |
The Pastors Being Driven Out by Trumpism | transcript Why some evangelical pastors in the U.S. are quitting in large numbers. This transcript was created using speech recognition software. While it has been reviewed by human transcribers, it may contain errors. Please review the episode audio before quoting from this transcript and email [email protected] with any questions. | | | |
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A Response to the Rise of Christian Nationalism
A Conversation About How Religion is Being Mis-used to Subvert Democracy
WED, Oct 5 | 7-8p | Heaton Hall
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Join Katherine Stewart & Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove for a conversation about what Christian nationalism is, why it has been in the news, how it impacts public life, why it is dangerous to both Democrats & Republicans, & what role churches can play in challenging its influence. | Learn more | | |
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Book Launch Panel | The 7 Deadly Sins of White Christian Nationalism: A Call To Action
TUE, Oct 11, 2022 | 8-9p | Online
| All are invited to join this online event featuring author Carter Heyward, Former Professor, Episcopal Divinity School, Ben Boswell, & Sheila Gardin Mooney, Member of Transylvania NAACP Chapter & Community Leader. | Register through the Candler Foundry here | |
Sometimes It's Best to Start with the Basics | | |
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There are no subjects, activities or topics that can be mastered. All of us are constantly learning, our minds being expanded. Even a movie you have seen a dozen times might reveal something new to you on the 13th viewing.
Identity is the same. Take responsibility for educating yourself.
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We are partnering with identiversity, a Charlotte based non-profit, who makes this learning accessible for all of us. And what better place to start then with the acronym LGBTQ+. This is a self-guided learning; you are encouraged to dive in this week, even if you think you have mastered it! | |
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Gaining an Understanding Through Personal Experience
Nov 11-13, 2022
"We cannot understand most of life’s important things from a distance, we must get close. . . . we must do all of this together, guided by the spirit of God."
Bryan Stevenson
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We’re excited to be able to pivot & make this experience more affordable & convenient for those hoping to attend! Join MPBC, Mayfield Memorial Baptist Church, Reeder Memorial Baptist Church, & the Alliance of Baptists for an interracial pilgrimage to the National Memorial for Peace & Justice & the Legacy Museum in Montgomery, Alabama on Nov 11-13. | |
Dr. Ben Boswell, Meta Commerse, Dr. Peter Wherry, Rev. Thomas Farrow, & Rev. Tara Gibbs will be our guides on this journey, & Alexis Tardy & Rev. Elijah R. Zehyoue will be the keynote speakers in Montgomery. | Continue reading | |
You Can Sponsor a Transformation | |
We are quickly approaching our pilgrimage to the Legacy Museum & National Memorial for Peace & Justice in Montgomery AL, & we have great news to share. Even if you cannot travel with us, there is still a way to participate! You can sponsor one of the pilgrims on their journey! There are many people who want to join the pilgrimage, but cannot do so for financial reasons, & you can make their dreams come true by providing funds to supplement their travel expenses. That is what it means to be the Church to each other! Any amount you give will make an impact. Simply send a donation to the church office with “Pilgrimage Sponsor” in the memo line. In gratitude for your gift, we will bring everyone who provides a sponsorship a wonderful souvenir from the museum gift shop. Please prayerfully consider sponsoring one of our pilgrims as they make this life changing journey | |
WHAT THE STAFF IS READING | | |
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You asked, so we're sharing. | During our summer Talk Back sessions, the proclaimers, hosts, & even participants occasionally referred to books as part of our discussions. While we can't recall all of them, we do want to start somewhere. | |
The staff loves to read &/or listen to audio books. Our interests are varied & we hope it will give you a glimpse into learning more about who we are. Over the next several weeks, we will be sharing books that we have read & want to recommend. Check back next week. | | |
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Director of Music & Worship | |
We're in the process of hiring a full-time Director of Music & Worship who will be responsible for developing worship services & overseeing a comprehensive program of music, music education, & music appreciation for all ages that aligns with the theology & mission of MPBC.
Click here for details & job description
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Hangout with the Pastors
MON, Oct 3 | 5-6p | Common Market
SouthEnd
All are invited to join us for this casual gathering with great conversation, food, & drinks. No registration needed. Just join us there.
Learn more
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Game Time for Grown Ups
2nd WEDs, Oct 12, Nov 9, Dec 14
2-4p | Room 250
Join us for a relaxed afternoon of building community with snacks & a variety of board & card games. Come when you can & leave when you must. Stay for Wednesday Night dinner & enjoy a good meal, good company, & good conversation. | Learn more
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Halloween Festival 2022
SAT, Oct 29 | 3:30-5p | On-Campus
You're invited to join us for this popular annual community-wide event. Dress up in a costume, grab a treat bag, invite a friend, & join us! We will be partnering with Queens Athletes again. They will lead games, skills, & more. Get more details
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Virtual Community Social
SUN, Oct 23 | 5-6p | Zoom
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Do you join us from somewhere outside of Charlotte? North Carolina? The United States? What makes you hop on with us? Rev. Carrie Veal wants to connect with you! Join her on SUN, Oct 23 from 5-6 pm for a virtual social! We will share a snack, where we live, what we want & need from this virtual community, & more. To attend, please click here. A Zoom link will be emailed to you a few days before the gathering. | | |
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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. | |
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Spiritual Growth Sunday Classes
Oct 16, 23, 30 & Nov 6, 13, 20 | 11:15a - 12p
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Join us this fall for Sunday Spiritual Growth opportunities! | | |
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Exploring Spiritual Togetherness | |
Led by | Jenny Martella & Jen Troyer
Location | Parlor
Focus | 7-week book study on Waking up Grateful
Learn more
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Led by | Bruce Elliott
Location | Shalom Hall
Focus | Guest speakers address a wide range of topics
Speakers Oct 16 | TBA
Learn more
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Date | Oct 16, Nov 20, Dec 18
Led by | Rev Tara Gibbs
Instructor | Valarie Kovolski
Location | Education Bldg Downstairs, Room 32
Focus | Spiritually focused opportunity for families
Learn more
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Fall Bible Study | Digging Into the Book of James
Virtual | THUs, Oct 6, 13 | 12-1p
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Rev. Carrie Veal leads us as we dive into the book of James. Each week we engage with one chapter. No prep work needed, no homework, no deep (or any) biblical knowledge necessary. Just join us!
Questions? Contact Carrie Veal | Learn more
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Just Breathe Bi-Weekly Meditations
MONs & WEDs | 11:30a - Noon | Zoom | Password: breathe (case sensitive)
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Join us for a time for reflection & contemplation – twice-weekly or as often as you’re able. Inhale, Exhale. Our lives rest in the balance of these simple actions. Come catch your breath with us. All are invited to join us online.
Learn more
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The Health & Wellness Team will continue to give necessary COVID-19 updates, & they are going to begin including other topics for us. Some of the ideas are Food Justice, Schools & Traffic, Nutrition, Body Image, Grief, & more! If you have a topic you would like them to explore, please email Rev. Carrie Veal. | |
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Masks are encouraged but not required for anyone.
We encourage you to make the best decision for yourself and your family.
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When should I get the omicron booster? Will I need Covid shots forever?
The new shots are here, but many people remain confused about when to get them. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention is recommending that all teenagers & adults get an updated coronavirus booster shot designed to target both the original virus & the omicron variant circulating now.
The broad protection from these updated shots could prevent more than 100,000 hospitalizations in the coming months, according to one estimate. But many people still have questions about who should get the new booster, the best timing for the shot & if it would be better to delay the booster until Covid surges again. Click here for some answers.
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MINISTRY OF JUSTICE & OUTREACH | |
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Missionary Roundtable is Back & Serving the Community
2nd MONs, Oct 10, Nov 14 | 10a | Parlor
Guest Speaker | Ebonnee Bailey, Executive Director of The Bulb
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Ebonnee will tell us about how their food markets serve food deserts; their volunteer chefs teach about how to use produce; their counselors help to identify community resources; along with their other services they provide to these underserved areas. Questions? Contact Gretchen Allen at [email protected]. | Learn more | |
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Being Truly Welcomed is Worth Driving For
by Marcy McClanahan
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Cindy and I were working in the MPBC booth when a young father made a bee line for us. He looked a little worried as he asked us to tell him about Myers Park Baptist. As we started explaining who we were & why we were at Pride, his demeanor changed from defensive to relieved. He explained to us that his 13-year-old daughter did not feel welcome at the churches in his area & he was desperately looking for an inclusive church. | Read the rest of the story | |
Here's What's Coming This Fall for Children | |
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We want to make sure you have all the details for the fall & don't miss out on any of it! Here is a snapshot:
Sundays
Children’s Worship experience for first – fifth graders. Children will come to the Sanctuary for worship at 10a & sit with their families. They will leave with leaders before the sermon & return at the final hymn for pick up. During this time, they will engage their minds, hearts, & bodies in an experience that is designed just for them.
Children's Spiritual Growth classes will focus on the theme "Living as God's People."
Ages 3-Kindergarten | Room 107
Grades 1-5 | Room 211
Wednesdays
We have a re-imagined Wednesday night programming! We will begin with dinner at 5:00 then children will go with leaders to a time of music & creative arts. Registration is open now!
Children's Ministry latest Newsletter
Want to join the Children's Ministry mailing list? Click here
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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 [email protected].
What's happening this Fall?
Youth Spiritual Growth 11a | Beginning Oct 2, youth are invited to participate in Spiritual Growth offerings: Intergenerational Yoga (once a month) | Exploring Spiritual Togetherness | TV Talks with Rev. Tara
Youth Block 4-6p | All youth in grades 6-12 are invited to join us in the Youth Hall for snacks & a variety of activities.
Discipleship will begin Oct 16, 5-6p in the Youth Hall, & will meet every 3rd Sunday. The full description of the unique curriculum “Getting to the Root” can be found here. Sign up your youth here or contact Rev. Tara with any questions.
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TV Talks with Rev. Tara
SUNs | 11:15a | Youth Hall
During our youth spiritual growth class on Sundays, we’ll be watching clips of trending tv shows, popular social media, & more to foster discussion around spirituality & faith in a fun & engaging way. | Learn more
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Fall Retreat Day
Food & Community
SAT, Oct 15 | 9:30a -6:30p
We’ll be volunteering at a food pantry in the morning & then we'll take a cooking class, go to lunch & enjoy karaoke together.
We need your help! To make pantry donations, requested items can be left in the marked bin in Heaton Hall Foyer until THU, Oct 13. Learn more & RSVP
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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 & community of faith of about 4,500 individual members & 140 congregations knit together by love for one another & God, combining progressive inquiry, contemplative prayer & prophetic action to bring about justice & healing in a changing world. | |
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Peace Be With You - Alliance of Baptists
by Laura Mayo
| Peace be with you. And also with you. Many of us intone these lines during worship each Sunday. In these days, I wonder what we mean when we say peace. In the Gospels of Matthew and Luke Jesus asks, "Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth?" | | | | |
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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, & crisis. Information about Health & Safety, Grief, Stephen Ministry, as well as helpful resources are available on our website. Just search "In need of help?"
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Stephen Ministry is Here For You
Stephen Ministers are available for free & provide safe, confidential space & listening ear. If you want to know more about the ministry, please contact Joe Aldrich at [email protected]
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It takes the whole church to make ministry, mission, & programming happen! In August, we took in more revenue than we spent. Overall, we have collected 2% more than our budgeted revenue year to date. Most of this, however, is from other revenue sources besides congregational giving. Those sources include rentals, endowment disbursements, & reserve funds. Year to date, we are slightly behind collecting financial gifts from our congregation, & hope you will click here to make a financial gift.
August expenses are 12% more than last year & 10.7% more YTD. However, we are 1% less than budgeted YTD. We are currently running a deficit year to date, so as always, our end of year Finish Strong stewardship campaign will be important for our church.
The Cornwell Center is in an outstanding financial position right now, with a large YTD surplus & an exceptional summer camp season.
TTWS, who operates on a different fiscal year than the rest of the campus, finished their fiscal year in July with a $34,000 surplus.
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Just Breathe Meditation
11:30a-12p | Zoom | Passcode: breathe
Hangout with the Pastors
5-6p | Common Market South End
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Southminster Book Club
10:15a | Meditation Room - Health Wing 3rd Floor
Just Breathe Meditation
11:30a-12p | Zoom | Passcode: breathe
Wed Night Dinner
5-6p | Heaton Hall | RSVP
Wed Night Children's Music, Movement, & More
5:30-6:30p | Classrooms Elementary Wing upstairs
Event | Christian Nationalism: A Conversation About Religion & Democracy with Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove
7-8p | Heaton Hall
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Fall Bible Study | Digging Into the Book of James
12-1p | Online
Chancel Choir Rehearsal
7-9p | Berry Hall
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Chancel Choir Retreat
7-8:30p | Berry Hall
Chancel Choir Social
8:30-9:30p | Heaton Hall & Foyer
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Chancel Choir Retreat
9-11:30a | Berry Hall
Faith in the 21st Century Event with John Pavlovitz
10:15a | Brunch & Check-in
11a-1p | Program: A Theology of Empathy | Free & no registration needed
4:30-5p | Check-in at Common Market South End
5-7p | Program: Cultivating Hope in Difficult Days | Common Market South End | Free but space is limited | RSVP Here
Crafters Group
1-4p | Room 254 | Learn more
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Preschool Childcare
9:45a-12p | Room 108
Worship
10a | Sanctuary and on our website, YouTube, Facebook Live
Children's Worship
10:15-11a | Sanctuary Downstairs Room 5
Sermon Talk Back
11:15a-12p | Sanctuary
Children's Spiritual Growth
11:15a-12p | Age 3 - K meet in in Room 107 | Grades 1-5 meet in in Room 211
Youth Block Fellowship
4-5p | Youth Hall
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