Higher Grounds Café Soft Opening: Our new café located in the Center of Hope is now open daily from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., serving hot and cold espresso drinks, drip coffee, and hot teas as well as delicious pastries, empanadas, desserts, and gelato. We welcome you and your grace, patience, and honest feedback as we prepare for our grand opening later in May.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and our Health Ministry team encourages you to care for your mental health. All dimensions of our health and wellness work together and share an equal importance in our overall wellbeing. It is vital to provide gentle and loving care to every dimension of your wellness every day. Check out the Congregational Care page of our website for online resources for mental health information and support.
It’s May so there’s sure to be a gift-giving occasion on your calendar! Shop at Goodness Gracious, where 100% of sales support outreach. Our store’s selection includes seasonal gifts, home décor, original art, books, greeting cards, jewelry, and more! As a wise shopper once said, "Buying a gift in Goodness Gracious is like giving twice."
New - Sunday Morning Shuttle on Summer Break: After May 26, our Sunday shuttle service will take a summer break. As a reminder, Sunday morning parking is available next to the church, in our Hopedale lot, and at the Myers Park library. Street parking is allowed on Sundays, but be on the lookout for signs indicating sections that are tow-away zones even on Sunday mornings.
New - Baptism Class, June 2, 9:45 a.m., Francis Chapel: This class will deepen your understanding of this Holy Sacrament and is an essential first step for those preparing for baptism. If you have questions about or want to schedule a baptism, email Peg Broughton at peg@mpumc.org.
New - Discover Myers Park, June 2, 11 a.m., room 108: Join Rev. Jessica Dayson to learn about our church and the beliefs and practices of our denomination. There is no obligation to join, but the opportunity will be available for you. Email Jeanne Poole at jpoole@mpumc.org for details.
New - Save the Date to Celebrate Rev. Bill Roth, June 23, 12-1:30 p.m., Assembly Hall: Join us as we celebrate our longtime and much-beloved pastor, Rev. Bill Roth, who is retiring June 30 after more than 24 years of service as our Pastor of Congregational Care. More details coming soon.
New - Serve Monthly at the Men’s Shelter, second Tuesdays, 5:30-7 p.m.: We are seeking four volunteers to serve meals at the Men’s Shelter. Duties include food and table prep and an opportunity to serve a meal to the men staying at the shelter. Come connect with fellow church members and hear the stories of our neighbors who are seeking the services of the Men’s Shelter to secure stable housing and employment. Click here to sign up.
New - Music Ministry Summer Camps for Children and Youth: Visit our website to learn more about and to register for our summer music opportunities: Performing Arts Camp, Handbell Boot Camps, and Chillin’ with Chimes. Email Sue Bayne at sbayne@mpumc.org with any questions.
New - Sign Up for Summer Fun Days: There are still some spots available for current preschoolers born between 9/1/2017 and 8/31/2022 in this half-day camp that runs July 15-19 and July 22-26. Click here for details. Click here to register.
New - Travel with Zoe Empowers in 2025: Zoe Empowers invites us to celebrate, encourage, and support their groups and their mission of empowerment and hope. Witness firsthand how fellow group members provide an extended family within their communities and how group projects and businesses are helping them to thrive in the midst of adversity. There will be a trip to India in February 2025 and a trip to Kenya in July 2025. Click here to learn more and sign up.
New - Save the Date: 2025 Women’s Retreat, February 7-9, Montreat Conference Center: We hope you will make plans now to attend our 18th Annual Women's Retreat! Details and registration will open in the fall.
Maybe I’m Amazed Podcast: Dr. Howell speaks with Dr. Rebecca Bruff, author of Trouble the Water, the award-winning book about the life of Robert Smalls, exploring how historical fiction offers a unique perspective on his motivations and relationships. Dr. Bruff is a graduate of Texas A&M University and Southern Methodist University, where she earned her Masters and Doctorate degrees in Theology. Click here to listen and subscribe.
Your ongoing generosity to our church Operating Fund and our Mission & Outreach Fund makes it possible for our church family to connect through worship, fellowship and prayer and support our most vulnerable neighbors near and far.
Helen Biegel Hackney, mother of Willa Ann Hackney and Mary Helen Hackney, who died on May 11.
Perry Merrill White III, father of Bryan White (Erin) and grandfather of Coco, Georgia, and Gwynnie White, who died on May 8.
Wellesley Barnes "Wells" Henson, son of Kate and Jackson Henson, brother of Brooks Henson, grandson of Barbara and Tom Henson, nephew of Lindsey and Andy Henson, Breck Henson, and Kaley and Blair Henson, and cousin of Jack, Tee, Weezie, and Beau Henson, who was born on May 8.
Have you welcomed a new baby to your family recently? Be sure to let us know so we can share the news and provide a gift from the church. Email your baby news to Jeanne Poole, Membership Secretary, at jpoole@mpumc.org.
We are the body of Christ, growing in faith and serving others