THIS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2026 | | |
We hope you'll join us for worship at 10:10 a.m. in the sanctuary or via livestream. We'll celebrate our impact with the American Red Cross with special cookies after worship. All are welcome!
First Reading: Romans 8:31-39
Second Reading: Isaiah 49:15-16
Sermon: “Has God Forgotten You?”
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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“Thus says the Lord, ‘I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth; do you not perceive it?'” - Isaiah 43:19
Thank you to all who have already made a pledge to the 2027 Stewardship campaign! God's work here is just a beginning - what a privilege to walk together into the future!
If you missed Commitment Sunday, you can mail your pledge card to the church office or pledge online.
Thank you for your generosity!
| | | | It's been a beautiful fall week at church! Read all about it here! | | | |
Donate Blood at the American Red Cross Blood Drive This Saturday!
Saturday, November 7, 8:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m., The Commons - It's SMPC's 118th blood drive! Please bring your American Red Cross donor card or photo ID. | Sign up | Contact: Bill Ramsey
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Adult Advent Study Begins Sunday, November 15 - Two Class Times Offered!
Sundays beginning November 15, 9:00-10:00 a.m., McQueen Room/Zoom OR 11:15 a.m-12:15 p.m., Parlor - Using Susan Robb’s God’s Surprises for the Christmas Season we'll consider how the surprises of the biblical story might help us recognize God’s presence in our own lives, especially when life doesn’t unfold the way we expected. We are offering the same study at two times so that more people can participate. Register for 9:00 a.m. | Register for 11:15 a.m. | Contact: Rebecca Guzman
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A Christmas Win/Win for Parents and Kids
Saturday, December 5, 4:00-7:00 p.m., Mecklenburg Hall - It’s a Christmas night out for parents — and a Christmas party for the kids!
Children will enjoy dinner, games and playtime, Christmas crafts, the Christmas story, and maybe even a short Christmas movie. We’ll fill the evening with plenty of fun and Christmas cheer while parents enjoy a few hours out during the busy holiday season. | Register | Contact: Rebecca Guzman
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All Church Serves: Thanksgiving Meal Kits
Sunday, November 15, 5:00-6:00 p.m., Mecklenburg Hall - We will make Thanksgiving meal kits for families in need at Smithfield and Sterling Elementary! | Register and find a list of items needed | Contact: Lindsey Odom
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Annual Bell Ringing Tradition at Salvation Army Red Kettles is Back!
Saturdays, November 28, December 5, 12, 19, 10:00 am-4:00 pm (two-hour shifts), Belk, SouthPark Mall - A beloved SMPC tradition of service! Sign up to bring holiday cheer and help families in need! | Sign up | Contact: Terry Gaines
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Smithfield Elementary Heart Math Tutors Needed
The Heart Math program at Smithfield Elementary is looking for additional tutors for students newly added to the program! Tutors can choose the day (Monday-Thursday), and tutoring hours are 7:55-9:10 a.m. Contact: Shelby Ullman
| | MISSION STORIES: Dorvens Chancy | | | | |
This month, we’re sharing the first of three short videos introducing Dorvens Chancy, a graduate of OFCB who now attends Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) in Charlotte where he is studying to become a physical therapist assistant. With travel to Haiti presenting significant challenges, we hope these personal glimpses bring us closer to our mission partners in Bayonnais. Stay tuned for the next two episodes to learn more about the school setting and educational approaches at OFCB. Enjoy this three-minute video here and the transcript here.
Thank you to Donna Podgorny and Judy Jones for their hard work on these mission videos. You can watch the full collection of videos here. If you would like more information on how you can impact our work in Haiti, contact Lindsey Odom.
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Donor to Match Konpayon Gifts
Through November 22, new or increased monthly gifts to Konpayon (our mission partner in Haiti) will be matched by a generous donor for 12 months, up to $16,000. This matching opportunity supports Konpayon’s ongoing education, healthcare, and agricultural programs in Bayonnais, Haiti. Student sponsorships are not included in the match.
Learn more here.
| | SMPC Thursday Mahjong, Today, November 5, 1:15 p.m.-3:15 p.m., Narthex - All levels of mahjong players are invited to join this group that meets weekly on Thursdays. | Contact: Mary Katheryne Zagora | | Making Space Moms Group, Today, November 5, 7:30 p.m., Room 302 - A welcoming group for moms to connect through a combination of Bible study, service, and fellowship. Tonight we are "Praying in Color." We'll explore a creative, hands-on way to pray using color, doodles, and simple designs. No artistic ability required! New members are always welcome! No RSVP is needed, but participants may sign up through Realm. | Contact: Allison Reeves | | Friday Morning Men's Group, Friday, November 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: 'Bible 101' - Sunday, November 8, 9:00-10:00 a.m., McQueen Room or Zoom - We’ll take an introductory look at how the Bible is put together, the different kinds of writing found in it, and some simple tools that can help you read and understand Scripture with more confidence. There is absolutely no expectation that you already know your way around the Bible—in fact, this class is especially for people who don’t! | Register | Contact: Rebecca Guzman | | Believing and Belonging, Sunday, November 8, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., McQueen Room - For those interested in learning more about SMPC and the Presbyterian Church. Led by Dr. Sandy Hull and Rev. Melissa White. A light lunch will be served and childcare provided upon request. | Register | Contact: Melissa White | | Writing Your Story, Monday, November 9, 12:00-2:00 p.m., McQueen Room or Zoom - Led by SMPC member Melinda Ferguson, participants meet for six weeks and receive guidance in writing the stories they would like to pass down to their children and grandchildren. Open to everyone and appropriate for new and returning group members. | Register | Contact: Melinda Ferguson | | Handiworkers Group, Tuesday, November 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 | | SMPC Tuesday Mahjong, Tuesday, November 10, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Narthex - All levels of mahjong players are invited to join this group that meets weekly on Tuesdays. | Contact: Mary Katheryne Zagora | | A Caregiver's Journey, Tuesday, November 10, 1:00-2:30 p.m., McQueen Room - A support group focused on finding meaning and purpose while caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's or dementia. Contact: Kathy Garner | | Men's Evening Study Group, Tuesday, November 10, 7:30 p.m., Chapel 206 - The group meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month. They are beginning the book How God Makes Men. New faces are always welcome! | Contact: Jon Myers | | Pastor's Weekday Bible Study, Wednesday, November 11, 9:30 a.m., McQueen Room or Zoom - This Bible study meets weekly with Transitional Pastor Sandy Hull. They are studying the Sermon on the Mount. Newcomers are always welcome. | Contact: Adrienne Jaquith for Zoom information. | | Shelter Ministry, Thursday, November 12, 9:30 a.m., Mecklenburg Hall - Fill empty medicine bottles with body wash for Roof Above. Body wash and Rx vials are always needed. Contact: Carol Morgan | | Men's Breakfast Group, Thursday, November 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 | | Hops and Vine Around Town, Saturday, November 14, 4:00-6:00 p.m., Harris Teeter Wine Bar, Rea Farms - Fellowship and fun! All are welcome! | Contact: Frank Graham | | DivorceCare's 'Surviving the Holidays,' Sunday, November 15, 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Chapel 206 - Facilitated by SMPC members Janet Goetz and Andrew Metzler, this seminar offers community, support and hope. Childcare is available if needed. | Register | Contact: Janet Goetz or Andrew Metzler | | American Red Cross Blood Drive, Saturday, November 7, 8:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m., The Commons - Please bring your American Red Cross donor card or photo ID. | Sign up | Volunteer at the Drive | Contact: Bill Ramsey | | 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, November 28 at 9:30 a.m. in front of Mecklenburg Hall. | Sign up | Contact: Julie Durham | | Bread Delivery to Center of Hope - Fridays, between 8:00-10:00 a.m., 534 Spratt St. - Volunteers pick up bread from SMPC on Thursday and deliver to Center of Hope Friday morning. | Sign up | Contact: Lisa Gilleland | | Center of Hope Desserts - On the second Sunday of every month, we provide sweet treats for the women and children who temporarily call Center of Hope home. Our next dessert collection is this Sunday, November 8. | Sign up | Contact: Terry Gaines | | Support Haiti Through Konpayon - Konpayon supports the people of Bayonnais, Haiti, through student sponsorships and investments in healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture and education. Learn more on their website. | Sponsor a student | Donate | Contact: Judy Jones | | Nourish Up’s St. Giles Food Pantry, Wednesdays, 12:30-2:00 p.m. or Fridays, 1:00-4:00 p.m., 2027 Emerywood Drive, Charlotte, NC 28210 – Lift and deliver boxes of food from Nourish Up’s St. Giles Food Pantry to cars or help with client services. The minimum age to volunteer is 14, and closed-toe shoes are required. | Contact: Jane Royther | | 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, November 8, 5:00-6:30 p.m., Palmer Building, Kindergarten-5th Grade - Pancakes this Sunday!! During BAM, children sing, creatively engage with Bible stories, explore instruments, and build friendships in age-based groups. They will occasionally share their music, instruments, or creations during Sunday worship. Please register so we have an accurate headcount for dinner! | Register | Contact: Rebecca Guzman | | 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 | | November BYG (Big Youth Group) + PJs and Pancakes, Sunday, November 8, 5:00-6:30 p.m., Mecklenburg Hall, Middle and High Schoolers - BYG with a sweet twist! | Register | Contact: Lindsey Odom | | All Church Serves: Thanksgiving Meal Kits for Smithfield and Sterling Elementary, Sunday, November 15, 5:00-6:00 p.m., Mecklenburg Hall - We will make Thanksgiving meal kits for families in need at Smithfield and Sterling Elementary! | Register and find a list of items needed | Contact: Lindsey Odom | | | | |
Come Make a Joyful Noise! Join SMPC's Music Ministry
SMPC offers dynamic music programming for all ages focused on praising God through joyful song, musical instruments and engaging fellowship. We are always striving for musical excellence, but we have a ton of fun along the way!
Adults
Wednesdays - Chancel Ringers - 6:00-7:00 p.m.; Chancel Choir - 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Youth
Sundays - Bells - 3:30 p.m.; Choir - 4:00 p.m.
Contact: Zach Bowyer
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SMPC Preschool Tours Available & Substitute Teachers Needed
SMPC Preschool registration for the 2027-2028 school year begins in January, but you can schedule your tour now! A tour is required before registration. SMPC Preschool is a warm, play-based preschool program for ages 2-TK that makes learning FUN.
Additionally, the preschool is looking to expand its substitute teacher list! This is a fun and flexible way to be involved at the preschool. The hours are 8:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. You can specify the days of the week you can sub.
To schedule a tour or be added to the sub list, please contact Dr. Tammy Winchip, SMPC Preschool Director.
| | Gifts to the Operating Fund support the day to day ministries, programs, and operations of the church. 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 | | | | |
