happening this week
New - Oh, the Places You'll Go! Join Dr. Howell as he takes you to sacred, unforgettable and life-changing places where God happens. Click here to read current and past biweekly emails, and click here to subscribe. Click here to watch a new video released every Monday.
Wednesday Night Supper, February 1, 5:30 p.m.-6:45 p.m., Jubilee Hall: Chef Hannah will serve spinach salad, chicken pot pie, and toasted broccoli. For children: Spaghettios. $15 for adults; $8 for adults 65 and up and children 3-12. Children under 3 eat free. $50 family max. Click here or call 704-376-5520 ext. 6 to RSVP by noon on Monday.
Children’s Ministries’ Summer Program Registration: Vacation Bible School (June 20-23) and Summer Fun Days (July 17-21 and July 24-28) registration opens in February. Click here for all the important dates you need to know so you’ll be ready when the day arrives. Email Amy Jo Alspaugh at amyjo@mpumc.org with any questions.
Midday Music, February 1, 12 p.m., Sanctuary: Join us for Iterations of Love, a vocal concert presented by Evan Wesley Currie, Amanda Williams, Whitney Vance, and Kevin Proffit.
more events & opportunities
Forward, February 5, 4-5 p.m.: All fourth and fifth graders are invited to attend. Click here to sign up. Email Amy Jo Alspaugh at amyjo@mpumc.org with any questions.
Parenting Your Anxious Tween/Teen, Sundays, February 5-26, 10-10:40 a.m., Francis Chapel: Based on Brock Morgan’s book The Anxious Teen: Ministry with Stressed and Fearful Students, this class will explore the stress, anxiety, and fear our children are experiencing and ways to cope. Facilitated by Jason Rhymer and Amy Jo Alspaugh. Reading the book is recommended but not required. Click here to order the book. Click here to sign up to attend. Visit our website for details.
Equity & Empowerment Team Kickoff, February 6, 6 p.m., room 104: The Equity & Empowerment team will work to educate and equip our members for the work of inclusion and equity in our community and beyond. While we may kick off during Black History Month, we acknowledge the work is for all seasons and are excited to begin.
New - Young Adult Volunteer Opportunity with The Relatives, February 7 and 21, 5:30-7 p.m.: On the first and third Tuesday of each month, young adults are invited to volunteer with The Relatives, a local nonprofit that helps children and youth find shelter and support. We'll bring dinner, share a meal together, play games, and build relationships with the children and staff at The Relatives Youth Crisis Center on East Boulevard. We'd love for you to join us! Email Megan Salvia at megancsalvia@gmail.com with interest or for more information.
New - Register for the Fifth Grade Retreat by February 9: All fifth graders are invited to a two-day, one-night retreat at Chestnut Ridge Camp & Retreat Center in Efland, NC, April 29-30 for a time of celebration, worship, fellowship, and service. Click here to register. Email Betsy Scott at bscott@mpumc.org with any questions.
New - Middle School Mayhem, February 10, 6-10 p.m.: Middle schoolers, join us for a night out at the Charlotte Checkers game. We will meet at the church and ride together. Cost is $35 per person. Spots are limited so click here to sign up soon. We need some parent chaperones, too.
Tap Into Your Creativity This Year: Join our 10-week study group reading Imagine: A Vision for Christians in the Arts by Steve Turner. Email Dianne Collard at dbcollard@me.com by February 10 to sign up and indicate your preference for meeting in person or virtually. The group will begin meeting the first week of March. Location and time TBD.
The Enneagram and You: Ancient Wisdom and Timeless Traits, March 10, 6:30-8 p.m. and March 11, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.: Presented by the Labyrinth Ministry and facilitated by certified Enneagram educators Schawn and Eric Kellogg, this workshop focuses on the Enneagram®, a time-tested model that deepens our spirituality and is an effective pathway for intentional inner work. No previous Enneagram experience necessary; all are welcome! Cost is $40 and includes lunch on Saturday. Click here to register by February 26. Email Rev. Taylor Pryde Barefoot at tbarefoot@mpumc.org with questions or for financial assistance.
New - Sole Friends, February 11, 9 a.m., McAlpine Greenway: Join us to step out in nature and explore the beauty of God’s creation together. All fitness levels are welcome! Click here for more information and to register. Email Parish Nurse Lauren Smith at lsmith@mpumc.org with any questions.
New - Serving the City, February 11, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.: Join us to work alongside Charlotte Green in one of their community gardens. Please bring gloves and a shovel. Afterward we will have lunch together at a local restaurant. Please bring cash. Click here to sign up.
New - 5th Graders, Register for Wonderfully Made by February 15: All fifth graders and their parents are invited March 5 from 1 to 5 p.m. to this workshop that addresses many of the questions that tweens have about their physical development and growing awareness of sexuality. Click here to register. Email Amy Jo Alspaugh at amyjo@mpumc.org with any questions.
Marriage Workshop, February 18, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., room 107: Join Rev. Taylor Pryde Barefoot for this workshop designed for those who are getting married or are already married and seeking deeper connection, new communication patterns, and a stronger foundation together. Email Chris Mull at cmull@mpumc.org to register.
New - Upcoming Author Visit: We look forward to welcoming Karen Gonzalez to Myers Park UMC March 20-21 to talk about her book Beyond Welcome. Prepare for her visit now by purchasing a copy in Goodness Gracious.
IgniteUs Middle School Retreat, March 24-26, Camp Hanes, King, NC: Hosted by the Conference Council on Youth Ministries, this retreat includes ziplines, climbing walls, basketball games, scavenger hunts, fishing, soccer matches, volleyball, archery, and more! The cost is $175 and includes dinner on Friday, all meals on Saturday, and breakfast on Sunday. Click here to sign up. We also need six parents to join us. If you’d like to come along or if you have any questions about the retreat, email Mary Helen Lockee at mhlockee@mpumc.org.
Donate your gently used youth sports gear (balls, bats, cleats, etc.) to the Hidden Valley Elementary School Sports Closet so students have access to gear and can try out a sport. Drop off donations at 3101 Clarendon Road 28211 or visit www.charlottesportscloset.org to arrange a porch pickup. Email Turner Curtis at charlottesportscloset@gmail.com with any questions.
Travel with Dr. Howell to Turkey, September 17-29: Visit the historic birthplace of worldwide Christianity. We’ll visit six UNESCO World Heritage sites, take in stunning landscapes and architectural wonders, and delight in Turkish food and culture. Click here to learn more about the trip. If you’re interested in or have questions about the trip, email Peg at peg@mpumc.org or James at james@mpumc.org.
Maybe I’m Amazed - A Podcast with Dr. James Howell: Dr. Howell talks with Regina Židonienė, Director of the VŠĮ Pagalbos Center in Birzai, Lithuania, about the difference they are making in their community. Recently, she was awarded by the mayor "for constant concern for the children and families of the district experiencing social risks, daily assistance to refugees from the war started by Russia in Ukraine. For long-term, systematic, comprehensive assistance to war refugees from Ukraine. For the ability to convince partners to choose the most vulnerable. For the fact that there is enough space in the heart and home for everyone." Click here to listen and subscribe.
Thank you for your ongoing offerings to our church Operating Fund! Your generosity makes it possible for our Music Ministry to engage more than 250 church members in 11 choral and handbell ensembles who bring us beautiful music in worship and in programs such as Midday Music. Make your offering today at www.myersparkumc.org/give or by mail to 1501 Queens Road, Charlotte, NC 28207. Questions about giving opportunities? Contact Jamie Yearwood, Director of Development, at jyearwood@mpumc.org or 704-295-4808.
Update Your Recurring Gift Information for 2023 in Realm: If you are currently signed up for a recurring gift online through Realm, now is the time to update to 2023 funds. Click here to sign in to your account and then follow these easy steps:
Click Giving on the main menu.
Click Scheduled.
Click the ellipsis (···) icon next to the recurring gift you want to edit, and select Edit.
Select Operating Fund or Mission & Outreach Fund to update your recurring gifts.
Click Save.
Contact Linda Edwardsen at lindae@mpumc.org or 704-295-4842 with any questions about your pledge. For more information about Realm or online giving, take a look at our list of Frequently Asked Questions.
David R. Bodie, husband of Susan Bodie, who died on January 24.
Doris Fonville, wife of Charles Fonville, mother of Amy Owen (Dale) and Charles Fonville (Amy), and grandmother of Alex, Lindsey and Gracey Owen and Linde and Sally Fonville, who died on January 24.
George Aubrey Hawes, Jr., father of Aubrey Hawes (Jennie), grandfather of George, Michael and Oliver Hawes, and brother of Laura Welton (Scott), who died on January 17.
Richard “Dickie” Lon Weeks, Jr., brother of Jean Cannon (Dave), uncle of Lisa Moon (Logan), Lindsay Scales (Drew), and David Cannon (Karen), and great-uncle of Cole, Ashley, and Knox Moon, Cannon, Collier and Anna Scales, and David and Blair Cannon, who died on January 15.
Mary Lena Cox Bayne, mother of John Bayne (Sopheap) and Terry Bayne and grandmother of Ashley and Jourdan Bayne, who died on April 18, 2022.
We are the body of Christ, growing in faith and serving others