This Week at Myers Park United Methodist Church | January 5-January 11

THIS WEEK JA N UA RY 5 | 2020

THE WISE MEN by Molly Giffin, age 10

www.myersparkumc.org 1501 Queens Road Charlotte, NC 28207

704.376.8584 info@mpumc.org

8:30 a.m. Sanctuary Worship 8:45 a.m. Church In The Round 9:45 a.m. Sanctuary Worship 11:00 a.m. Sanctuary Worship

WE LCO M E To O u r C h u rc h !

We are the body of Christ, growing in faith and serving others.

Our Deepest Sympathy Marie Triplett Teague, grandmother of Kevin Proffit, who died on December 31.

Louis "Lou" Adams Bledsoe, Jr., father of Mary Martha Felkner, and grandfather of Jack, David, and Catherine Felkner, who died on December 25.

In Celebration Crew Sullivan Fulghum, son of Hillary and Hogan Fulghum, brother of Lily, Charley, and Briggs Fulghum, who was born on December 30.

TODAY Cookies on the Playground, today, 10:45 a.m., playground: Children’s Ministries invites everyone to come enjoy fellowship and a sweet treat before or after worship.

Forward, today, 4:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m., rooms 239-240: 4th and 5th graders are invited to start the new year with Forward, a ministry designed to help them grow spiritually as they journey toward middle school. Forward meets the first Sunday of each month through April. Details: Email Amy Harriman at aharriman@mpumc.org.

Beauty at the Table Small Groups, registration begins today: God made us to be in community, to break bread and share our stories together. Register now for shortterm groups that will begin meeting mid-January to connect with one another and grow closer to our God. Learn more at www.myersparkumc.org/small-groups.

Youth Group and Confirmation, tonight, 5:45 p.m.-7:45 p.m., Jubilee Hall: Classes resume this evening. Dinner is Hubee D’s food truck for $8.

The Beauty of Home, Sunday, January 19: Please bring to worship a small picture, item, or knick-knack that reminds you of the beauty of home – wherever that may be for you. During the service you will hold this, and reflect on what beckons you home, what makes you feel at home, what atmosphere of home makes you feel at peace, what kind of “home” you might share with others.

UPCOM ING Baptism Class, January 26, 9:45 a.m., Francis Chapel: This class will deepen your understanding of this Holy Sacrament. It’s an essential first step for those preparing for Baptism for themselves or their children (including those expecting or planning for a child). For child care, email lrsmit@mpumc.org.

WHAT IS BEAUTIFUL ABOUT CHARLOTTE, Tuesday, January 7, 7:00 p.m.: Join Dr. Howell for a conversation with former Mayor Harvey Gantt, Emmy Award-winning anchor and investigative journalist Molly Grantham, and historian Tom Hanchett on "What's Beautiful about Charlotte?"

Walk the Labyrinth, January 6-12, Francis Chapel: Begin the New Year by spending time on the labyrinth with God. Hours are posted online at www.myersparkumc.org/ contemplative and are subject to change as needed during this week. Call 704-3768584 to verify.

Yoga and Prayer, Monday mornings, 9:15 a.m., labyrinth, Francis Chapel. All ages and abilities welcome to join as we join movement and faith. Contact Taylor Barefoot at tbarefoot@mpumc.org. $5 suggested donation. Mats are available to use.

New Book Study, Thursdays, beginning January 9, 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m., room 105: Liza Zopp leads a book study on “Reckless Love” and we will learn how to love God more deeply by loving our neighbors better. For more information or to sign up, email Liza at zoppnc@aol.com.

Just Mercy Screening, January 9, 7:00 p.m., Regal Phillips Place: We, along with Covenant Presbyterian, invite you to a special screening of the much anticipated film, Just Mercy. The film will powerfully demonstrate how discrimination, racism, and injustice have prevailed in our legal system. Tickets can be purchased at covenantpresby. shelbynextchms.com/external/form/95150da5-3cd4-4e98-b711-665c714ddfee.

BEAUTY AT THE TABLE SMALL GROUPS: God made us to be in community, to break bread and share our stories together. Register now for shortterm groups that will begin meeting midJanuary to connect with one another and grow closer to our God. Learn more at www.myersparkumc.org/small-groups.

Beating Guns: Hope for People Who Are Weary of Violence, January 11, 12:30 p.m., Jubilee Hall:. Join us as we welcome Shane Claiborne from Red Letter Christians and Mike Martin, Executive Director of Raw Tools, as we discuss the impact of gun violence on families and communities across our nation. Special guest speakers will be Rev. Sharon Risher and Councilman Malcolm Graham, who both experienced personal loss due to gun violence.

Elementary Worship with Rebekah Hutto, Sunday, January 12, 10:00 a.m., Jubilee Hall: We’re excited to welcome children’s author Rebekah Hutto to a special elementary worship. She will read her book Paul and his Friends and will sign copies of the book, which will be available for purchase. Our Cherub Choir will also sing. Parents are invited to attend. Details: Email Amy Harriman at aharriman@mpumc.org.

UPCOM ING CONTINUE D New Opportunity for Yoga and Prayer: Sundays beginning January 12, 6:15 p.m.-7:15 p.m., Francis Chapel: All ages and abilities welcome. We ask for a $5 donation, and we have mats available for your use. Details: contact Taylor Pryde Barefoot at tbarefoot@mpumc.org.

Myers Park Readers, January 12, 7:00-8:00 p.m., room 149: All ages are welcome as we continue our reading and review of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Two Towers. If you have questions or would like to join, please contact Grace Pressley at gpressley03@gmail.com.

Centering Prayer, Mondays, 5:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m., room 024 or Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m., Francis Chapel: A beautiful chance to come as you are to learn and practice a form of wordless prayer alongside others. Questions: Rev. Uiyeon Kim at ukim@myersparkumc.org.

How Has God Wired You to Serve? January 16, 6:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m. or January 27, 9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m., room 106: Register for a Wired 4 Ministry class to learn how to make a difference through your unique, God-given design. Registration and pre-class exercises are required. Contact Carol Tate at ctate@mpumc.org to sign up.

JUBILEE PLUS! GIVING FUND: 100% of funds given to this second-mile giving fund go out the door to support ministry partners such as CareRing, Faith Ministry, and UMAR. Give generously to Jubilee Plus! year-round online or write a check to the church with Jubilee Plus! in the memo line.

Parenting Through the Phases, Sunday, January 26, 10:00 a.m., Jubilee Hall: Join us for a monthly series of coffee and conversation that will focus on different developmental phases in a child’s life. This month’s session: Preschool (ages 3 and 4). A panel of experts, including Susan Wade, Diane Sadow, Dr. Andy Shulstad, and Katherine and Cliff Coley, will be on hand to answer questions and offer tips. Details: Email Amy Harriman at aharriman@mpumc.org.

Discover Myers Park, January 26, 11:00 a.m., Francis Chapel: Come learn about our church and the beliefs and practices of our denomination. There is no obligation to join and child care is available for children ages 8 weeks old to those not yet in kindergarten.

Contact Jeanne Poole at jpoole@mpumc.org for more details.

An Evening with Kathy Izard, Tuesday, January 28, 6:30 p.m., Francis Chapel: Kathy Izard, award-winning speaker and author of The Hundred Story Home, who helped transform Charlotte homelessness, housing, and mental health, will share her story and read her children’s book, A Good Night for Mr. Coleman. Children will make sandwiches for the Urban Ministry Center. Details: Email Amy Harriman at aharriman@mpumc.org.

Young Adult Activities: Events and groups are updated regularly and posted to the website at myersparkumc.org/young-adults. Check it often or contact Rev. Jessica Dayson at jdayson@mpumc.org to be added to the email distribution.

Limited Spaces are Still Available for Women’s Retreat, register now until January 31: The retreat is February 21-23 at the Caraway Conference Center. Our theme is Wholehearted: Real Life/Real Faith. Double room $250/single room $280. Register and pay online at www.myersparkumc.org/women. Contact Rev. Jessica Dayson at jdayson@mpumc.org for more information.

H.O.T. WEDNESDAY RETURNS, January 8, 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m., Jubilee Hall: Join us for dinner at H.O.T. Wednesday. Our menu will be Taco Night: chicken, seasoned beef, taco shells, lettuce, cheese, sour cream, salsa, Spanish rice, black beans, desserts, and ice cream.

E NGAG E M E NT OPPORTUN ITI E S Middle School Winter Retreat: January 17-20, registration now open: Youth will enjoy engaging preaching, energizing worship, and skiing at Lake Junaluska. For more information, go to www.mpumcyouth.org.

Armenia Information Meeting, January 27, 6:30 p.m.: All interested travelers are invited to join us to learn more about our 2020 Armenia Mission Trip. For more information, contact Chris Lepore at c.note.lepore@gmail.com.

High School Winter Retreat Bible Boot Camp: January 31-February 2, registration now open. High School Winter Retreat moves to Asbury Hills Camp. Cameron Moore is back as our worship leader, and we will have another amazing senior sendoff. Whether you have done many retreats or this is your first, we want you there!

Visit www.mpumcyouth.org to learn more.

January Collection, now-January 31, collection bins in lobby: We are now collecting food items for the school food bags, specifically boxes of mac and cheese and oatmeal.

Details: contact Julie Wentz at jwentz@mpumc.org.

ROOM IN THE INN, Every Thursday and Friday night, now through March 31: We open our doors and hearts to provide warm meals, warm beds, and warm fellowship for homeless neighbors. There are various opportunities for all to participate such as driving the van, preparing and serving a meal, and staying overnight with our guests.

For details, contact Greg Wells at greg@willisengineers.com.

CO N N E C T WITH US !

F o l l ow u s o n s o c ia l m e d ia @ my e r sp a r k u m c

V i s i t o u r we b s i te w w w. mye r s p a rk u m c .o r g to find small groups, ways to serve and engage, how to give, and plug in with other members of our church!

WHAT IS BEAUTIFUL ABOUT CHARLOTTE? Join Dr. Howell this Tuesday in Jubilee Hall as he has a conversation with former Mayor Har vey B. Gantt, Emmy Award-winning news anchor and investigative journalist Molly Grantham, and Charlotte historian Tom Hanchett on what elements make our city beautiful. The event begins at 7:00 p.m. in Jubilee Hall and does not require tickets. Visit us at www.myersparkumc.org/on-beauty for fur ther details.

OUR CLE RGY Dr. James C. Howell Senior Pastor Rev. Nathan Arledge Pastor of Missions & Community Engagement Rev. Taylor Barefoot Pastor for Emerging Ministries Rev. Jessica Dayson Pastor for Young Adults & Lay Involvement Rev. Uiyeon Kim Pastor of Discipleship Rev. Bill Roth Pastor of Congregational Care Rev. Nancy Watson Executive Pastor

TALK WITH A PASTOR A pastor on staff stands ready to respond to your question or concern. Those needing immediate pastoral help should call 704-376-8584 and follow the prompts to the pastor on call.

BEATING GUNS: HOPE FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE WEARY OF VIOLENCE We invite you to join us as we host Shane Claiborne from Red Letter Christians and Mike Martin, Executive Director of Raw Tools, as we discuss the impact of gun violence on families and communities across the country. We'll also welcome special guest speakers, Rev. Sharon Risher and Councilman Malcolm Graham, who both experienced personal loss due to gun violence in the Charleston, South Carolina shooting at Emmanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church. To learn more about this event, visit www.myersparkumc.org/events/beatingguns.