Happening This Week
Due to a construction-related power outage and our observance of Thanksgiving, our church offices will be closed November 20-24. Our ability to send and receive emails may be affected during this time. The building will reopen on November 26 for worship, and church offices will reopen at 9 a.m. on November 27. If you need assistance during this time, please call 704-376-8584 and follow the prompts to reach the pastor on call.
Advent with Kids: Author Book Signing, November 26: Church member and author Wendy Wallace-Wright will sign copies of her book Advent with Kids in the lobby of the Parish Life Building after the 9:45 and 11 a.m. worship services. Books are available for purchase in Goodness Gracious.
New - “Christmas Gifts to Go” in Goodness Gracious, November 26: Making your list? Checking it twice? Let Goodness Gracious take the stress out of gift-giving this year! Stop by our table in the lobby of the Parish Life Building this morning and shop from our selection of wrapped and ready-to-give seasonal gifts, perfect for hostesses, teachers, neighbors, and anyone else on your list. Gifts range in price from $10 to $30, and all sales support outreach!
more events & opportunities
Advent Labyrinth Opens, November 28, Francis Chapel: During this season of waiting, come to the labyrinth for a uniquely prayerful experience. A special setting and printed materials will be available to guide you in a walk of preparation for Christmas. Please call 704-376-8584 before coming to the church to ensure Francis Chapel is available for your walk. Email Rev. Taylor Pryde Barefoot at tbarefoot@mpumc.org for more details.
New - Children’s Ministries’ Advent and Christmas Devotional Booklet: Peace on Earth, Children’s Ministries' 12th annual devotional booklet featuring children's artwork and devotions from clergy, staff, and ministry friends, is available around the church. One per family, please. A digital edition is also available on our website.
Music Ministry Christmas Concert, December 3, 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., First United Methodist Church: Join us for our annual Christmas Concert, featuring our adult, youth and children's ensembles and a full orchestra. No reservations or tickets are required. Child care will be provided by First UMC and is available by reservation only. Email Lisa Ross-Smit at lrsmit@mpumc.org by November 29 to make your child care reservation. Learn more about the concert on our website.
Youth Christmas Tree Sale: Pre-order your North Carolina-grown Christmas tree, wreath, or garland from our youth and help support their summer mission trips to Austin, Texas, Costa Rica, Mexico, and the Senior Pilgrimage. Trees will be delivered on November 30, and orders will be available for pickup through December 2. We were able to get a full order of trees this year, so please help us spread the word by sharing with friends. Click here to order.
The Merry Market provides an empowering opportunity for parents to select and buy gifts for their children at discounted prices. We will serve more than 300 children this year so we cannot do it without your generous donations. Shop from our wishlist to have gifts delivered to the Missions office by December 3.
New - Drop in to Learn CPR & AED Basics, December 3: According to the American Heart Association, 350,000 people in the United States die every year from cardiac arrest. Immediate CPR can double or triple chances of survival after cardiac arrest. Stop by Francis Chapel anytime between 8 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to learn the basic steps of CPR and how to use an AED (automated external defibrillator). Email Parish Nurse Lauren Smith at lsmith@mpumc.org with any questions.
Make-at-Home Advent Wreath Kits Available for Purchase: Kits are $15 and include candles, candle cups, greenery pins, foam, and a tray. Please note that greenery is not provided. Kits will be available for pickup in the Parish Life Building lobby. Supplies are limited. Click here to order. Email Betsy Scott at bscott@mpumc.org with questions.
New - Advent Study Group, beginning December 4: Join us for our Advent series as we discuss how Christmas transformed our world. There is no book to purchase. We will focus and reflect on specific Gospel lessons. This three-week series will meet in person and online. Click here for details. Email Dr. Uiyeon Kim at ukim@mpumc.org with any questions.
New - Purchase a poinsettia or wreath to decorate the church in honor or memory of a loved one. Poinsettias are $20 each, and wreaths are $30-$50 each. Click here to order online or send a check to the church along with the name of the person you are honoring/remembering. Order by December 6. Dedications will be shared in the December 17 worship bulletin. Email Annie Albini at aalbini@mpumc.org with any questions.
Room in the Inn, begins December 6: If you are looking for a service opportunity that provides engagement and connection, consider being an overnight host or van driver for Room in the Inn. These positions are our hardest to fill, but provide the best opportunity to get to know our neighbors, to hear their stories, and to learn their names. Click here to sign up. Email Britt Yett at byett@mpumc.org with questions.
Join Dr. Howell’s email and video series, How to Become Spiritual, to receive two short emails weekly helping us think about how to cultivate a personal spirituality. Sign up here to receive these emails and invite your friends and family to sign up here, too! He also releases a weekly video covering similar ideas so watch for those on our website or on social media!
Maybe I’m Amazed Podcast: Dr. Howell talks with Jan and Ron Kimble about their daughter Jamie and how domestic violence changed their lives forever. Now, through the Jamie Kimble Foundation for Courage, they are sharing their story to help prevent domestic and intimate partner violence and encourage healthy relationships. Click here to listen and subscribe.
Beyond Enough: Check out information about our 2024 Stewardship Campaign, and prayerfully consider your commitment to our church Operating Fund and Mission & Outreach Fund for the upcoming year. Commitment cards can be returned via mail to 1501 Queens Road, Charlotte NC 28207 or submitted online.
During this week of Thanksgiving, we are especially grateful to you, our church family, for your faithful offering to our church Operating Fund and our Mission & Outreach Fund throughout the year. Your generosity enables us to thrive daily and benefits neighbors in need locally and globally.
We are the body of Christ, growing in faith and serving others