Worshiping Sundays as an Online Faith Community
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10:15 a.m.: Drive-In Worship Service and
Facebook Premiere Worship
Church Office: 980-999-3500
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Weekly Newsletter: October 22, 2020
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Days like this past Sunday validate the worship approach Imagine Church has taken as the weeks of the Coronavirus pandemic stretch on. Though it's hard to get a final count on the number of participants, it is safe to say that our drive-in, sit-outdoors worship on the new church site has been extremely well received with scores of folks sitting outdoors in their camping chairs while those remaining in their vehicles park three rows deep. In addition, another 130 worshiped with us online, and 106 more watched at least part of the video from drive-in worship posted on Imagine Church's YouTube channel. These three different platforms allow many people in a variety of locations to worship with Imagine Church.
At some point, the weather will likely require that we move back indoors or rely primarily on the online component. But for now, drive-in/sit-outdoors worship provides a measure of safety while allowing us to be together and see each other's faces; in addition, online worship will always be there for those who choose not to venture out yet in person. We remain convinced that it honors God for us to be safe and to demonstrate our mutual care by protecting the health and well-being of our church family and guests as we look forward to the better future which lies ahead.
Upcoming Events:
Sunday, October 25: THIS SUNDAY!
10:15 a.m. Drive-In and/or Sit Outdoors Worship on New Church Site, 5471 Highway 55, East, Lake Wylie (and Online Worship on Imagine Church Facebook Page)
Message: "Love Where You Live, Part 4" by Pastor Bruce
Separate Sessions for Imagine Kids (Elementary) and Imagine Nation Youth on Site
Monday, October 26 - Saturday, October 31:
Fall-O-Ween Online Contests and Activities
For Imagine Kids and Families
Wednesday, October 28:
9:30 a.m. The Circle Maker Bible Study
Facilitated on New Church Site, 5471 Highway 55, East, Lake Wylie by Amy Davis and Jennifer Tankersley
The Greater Community Life Group
Meeting biweekly in Summerhouse through the holidays
Sunday, November 1:
10:15 a.m. Drive-In and/or Sit Outdoors Worship on New Church Site, 5471 Highway 55, East, Lake Wylie (and Online Worship on Imagine Church Facebook Page)
Message: "Fearanoia: What Keeps You Awake at Night?" by Pastor Bruce
Separate Sessions for Imagine Kids (Elementary) and Imagine Nation Youth on Site
11:00 a.m. Fall-O-Ween Festival
Photos, Light Refreshments, and Fellowship Following In-Person Worship on New Church Site
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Imagine Church Devotional
"Unity in Our Diversity"
 Another pastor asked me once about the secret for the growth Imagine Church has experienced in an era in which many churches are declining or have plateaued. "There's no secret," I replied. "Imagine Church has grown because the relationships we've developed are so warm, rich, and full of meaning to so many people." The idea of an inclusive fellowship describes the essence of our church family.
We don't waste a minute focusing on the divisions some look for in churches. I went to seminary at Duke with a student who was Baptist. I asked him once, "David, do you believe Baptists are the only ones who are going to heaven?" He answered, "No, I don't. Because if Baptists were the only ones who are going to heaven, within a month we'd have it divided into a southern heaven, a northern heaven, an independent heaven, and a primitive heaven."
We have a rich variety of denominational backgrounds represented in our one church. But instead of creating conflict, this has brought such a lovely dimension to our church's life. Think how drab it would be if everything were a single color. And a church of people without distinguishable differences would be pretty boring!
Some may look at Imagine Church and wonder how in the world this could ever work. But what I've noticed over these years of ministry is that most of what divides churches is not theological differences, but small matters which, when snowballed out of proportion, have become disruptive. We have collectively decided that that's not going to happen here. We have endeavored to put into practice the words of Christian reformer Richard Baxter: "In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity."
 We have discovered how wonderful it is to have Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians, Episcopalians, Lutherans, Congregationalists, and Catholics all in one church family -- and while we're at it, we could add Democrats, Republicans, and Independents, too. One of the greatest preachers of the last century, Dr. Leslie Weatherhead, said it far better than I ever could when he said, "All the lovers of Christ can believe in Him without believing the same things about Him." You see, it's the intolerance you see in some churches that's the sin, not the differences in belief and worship. As God makes the fields more lovely by many colored flowers, the Christian fellowship at Imagine Church is made more beautiful by its variety.
In the name of the One who can do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine,
Bruce Jones, Pastor and Co-Creator,
Imagine Church of the Carolinas
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Worship This Week
Throughout October, we've been considering a simple yet engaging theme called, "Love Where You Live." We may not be able to make a difference in the whole world, but as Christ-followers, we are certainly called to make a difference on our street. We'll conclude our series at 10:15 a.m. this Sunday, October 25, with three ways you can make practical application of this idea that are personal and real.
We hope you will be with us! You can join us on the new church site for drive-in and/or sit-outdoors worship, or online on the Imagine Church Facebook page. To sit outdoors on the church site, we ask you to bring your own folding or camping chair and socially distance from other households as we did this past Sunday. We invite you to join us this Sunday morning at 10:15!
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New Series Begins November 1
 When you're wide awake at night, worrying about the pandemic, the economy, relationships, money, the future, what presents to buy, feeling overwhelmed is an understatement. In a year like 2020, it's easy to lose sight of hope. But what if hope wasn't that far away? What if you could find peace in the midst of all the anxiety? It's a brand new series starting Sunday, November 1, at Imagine Church, and it's called, "Fearanoia: What Keeps You Awake at Night?" And don't worry, you get an extra hour of sleep that Saturday night as Daylight Saving Time ends! Join us for our November series at Imagine Church, 10:15 a.m. for drive-in/sit-outdoors or online worship.
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11:11 Prayer
 We ask the entire Imagine Church family to pause each day, Monday through Saturday, at 11:11 a.m. and spend a few minutes with God in prayer. You can pray for what is on your heart: for our nation, for the upcoming election, for unity, for racial conciliation, for our church, for our building project, for the health and safety of our church family, for those suffering because of the pandemic -- however you are led. We believe there is great spiritual value in all of us praying at the same time. Set your phone alarm for 11:11 a.m. each day to pause and pray.
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Happening Next Month: Thanksgiving Dinner Deliveries
This will be Imagine Church's 5th year partnering with the Clover School District to purchase and deliver turkey dinners for families in need of a Thanksgiving meal! Last year, we delivered just over 50 meals that consisted of a frozen, pre-cooked turkey and a variety of delicious, pre-made side dishes. Each meal costs approximately $50, so, in order to carry on this meaningful tradition, we need to start collecting enough monetary donations to fund this initiative. If you are led to contribute, please bring your cash or check donation to one of our upcoming drive-in services or mail it to our church address:
Imagine Church
13000 S. Tryone Street, Suite F-114
Charlotte, NC 28278
Or, we will gladly accept your online offerings using this weblink:
Please mark all donations for "Thanksgiving Dinners".
Boxed meals will be delivered on Wednesday, November 25. More details about making deliveries will be provided at a future date, so please stay tuned, and thank you in advance for your generous support of this initiative.
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Join Us for Our Fall-O-Ween Festival!
Halloween is just around the corner, and Fall is already here in all its glory with beautiful colors and crisp temperatures...so let's celebrate them together with our Imagine Church Fall-O-Ween Festival! The festival will kick-off with a variety of fun and family-friendly online contests and activities on our Imagine Church Facebook page each day NEXT WEEK ( October 26-31). We'll be awarding prizes for some contests and also for online participation by posting pics of your family joining in on the fun, so be sure to check our Facebook page DAILY to see how you can get involved!
Here's a sneak peek at the week's activities:
Monday, 10/26: Guess the Candy Corns Contest
Be the person who guesses closest without going over, and win a prize!
Tuesday, 10/27: Pumpkin Decorating Contest
Post pics of your best carved or decorated pumpkins. If you've already decorated yours, snap pics to be posted on Tuesday. Prizes awarded for:
- Funniest
- Most Original
- Best Carved
- Best Decorated
Wednesday, 10/28: Yard & House Decorations
Post pics of your best Halloween or Fall decorations. These can be displayed in a yard, on a porch, on a front or interior door, etc. Participate by posting pics, and be entered into a drawing for a prize!
Thursday, 10/29: Fall Scavenger Hunt
A fun activity to do with the kids! Snap pics of your kids participating in the hunt, and be entered into a drawing for a prize!
Friday, 10/30: Popcorn Gobbler Treats
Kits for this edible craft will be available at this Sunday's drive-in worship, or you can make arrangements to pick-up a kit from Pastor Bruce's house sometime during the week. Snap pics of your kids completing this craft to be posted on Friday, and be entered into a drawing for a prize!
Saturday, 10/31: Halloween Costume Contest
Post pics of your kids or your family wearing your best Halloween costumes. pictures can be from Halloween night or anytime earlier in the week or month if you've had an occasion to wear them previously. Prizes awarded for:
- Best DIY Costume
- Best Duo
- Best Group (3 or more)
- Most Original
Then, on Sunday, November 1, we will announce winners for the week's contests, and we will culminate with our Fall-O-Ween Festival, an opportunity for photos, light refreshments, and fellowship following our in-person drive-in worship at our beautiful Lake Wylie property (5471 Highway 55, East). We hope you'll be there with us on November 1, and we encourage you to invite a friend, too!
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Beautify the Barn on Saturday, October 24
 In preparation for our Fall-O-Ween Festival, we will be conducting a "beautify the barn" event on Saturday, October 24, at 10:00 a.m. We want to collect trash, rearrange/reorganize, and make it look nice before Sunday's fellowship. As you know, many hands make light work! So, if you can lend a hand, please show up at the barn on Saturday morning in your "barn clothes". Or, feel free to call Jennifer Tankersley at 865-300-8480 if you have any questions.
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Are You in the Loop?
If you haven't already signed up to receive Remind notifications, we highly encourage you to do so because it is THE FASTEST WAY to receive important updates and notifications from Pastor Bruce or Church Administrator Kari DiDonato. Here's how to do it:
Choose a way to receive messages.
If you have a smartphone, get push notifications by opening your web browser and going to the following link: rmd.at/imaginechu
Follow the instructions to sign up for Remind, and if you don't already have the Remind app, you'll be prompted to download the mobile app.
If you don't have a smartphone, you can receive text notifications. Simply text the message @imaginechu to the number 81010. If you're having trouble with 81010, try texting @imaginechu to (424) 295-0868.
Don't have a mobile phone? Go to rmd.at/imaginechu on a desktop computer to sign up for email notifications.
If you have any issues working through this process, please reach out to our Church Administrator, Kari DiDonato, by means of her church email address ([email protected]) to ask for help.
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Pray Circles Around Your Biggest Dreams and Your Greatest Fears
 The Circle Maker Bible Study meets Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. on the church's Lake Wylie property. The group, led by Jennifer Tankersley and Amy Davis, will really learn and understand the power of prayer. Participants should bring their own camping chairs, but in the event of unfavorable weather, the barn will provide the option of coverage. If you wish to join the group or if you simply want more information, please text Amy Davis at 704-516-2437.
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What They're Saying
Thank you, Imagine Church, for supporting our efforts to introduce kids to Jesus Christ. We are grateful to you for partnering with our Young Life staff and volunteers as we try to stay connected, helping when we see a need, and pointing to the hope we have in Jesus Christ.
~Young Life of Western York County
Pastor Bruce, my family and I enjoyed our visit to Imagine Church, and we plan to come back. My niece really enjoyed the youth meeting.
~Scott and Janet Waterman
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Your Generous Giving Keeps Our Ministry Alive and Vital
Thank you for demonstrating how God is at work in the life of this church family by helping to keep Imagine Church's ministry alive and vital through your generous giving. If you are led to make an offering, collection baskets will be located on stands at this Sunday's "Drive-In and/or Sit Outdoors Worship" at the church's property in Lake Wylie. Additionally, offerings can be made online via credit, debit card, or ACH check payment using the link below or by mailing cash or check to our church office at:
Imagine Church
13000 S. Tryon Street, Suite F-114
Charlotte, NC 28278
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Be the Hands and Feet of Jesus
 There are so many opportunities that exist for our church family to be the hands and feet of Jesus and to help others through various means of service right here in our community. If you are aware of an opportunity that you would like to see highlighted in the newsletter, please email Kari DiDonato at her Imagine Church email: [email protected]
OCTOBER'S OUTREACH OPPORTUNITY:
Palmetto Women's Center
 Located at 828 Lucas Street in Rock Hill, the Palmetto Women's Center is an extension of the local church that shares the love of Jesus Christ and His redemptive power. Among other things, the Palmetto Women's Center supports women and their families during and after stress pregnancies by enabling them to choose life and have hope in Christ for the future.
The Palmetto Women's Center is a 501C3 organization. They do not accept government money nor do they receive funds from The United Way. That means they rely on their community of churches, businesses, and individual donations for their center to function and provide services at no charge.
Throu ghout October, we have supported the Palmetto Women's Center by collecting a variety of baby items, maternity clothes, and household items from their wish list. We offer heartfelt thanks to Kim and Kevin Dulin and others from our church family who have generously supported this initiative with their donations. Needed wish list items include :
- Dollar Tree Laundry Baskets (white) for Layettes
- Tissue Paper
- $5.00 Gas Cards
- Clorox Wipes
- Hand Soap
- Kleenex
- Paper Towels
- Trash Bags
- Bottled Water
You can bring any of these items to this Sunday's worship service on our new church property in Lake Wylie. If you are unable to attend in-person worship and still wish to donate items, please reach out to Church Administrator Kari DiDonato at [email protected] to make other collection arrangements.
Thank you, Imagine Church family, for generously supporting this month's outreach opportunity. You can learn more about the Palmetto Women's Center by checking out their website or by following them on Facebook:
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Weekly Inspiration and Encouragement
 Inspirational Song:
By: Matthew West
"If not us, then who
If not me and you
Right now, it's time for us to do something, yeah
If not now, then when
Will we see an end
To all this pain
Oh, it's not enough to do nothing
It's time for us to do something" - Matthew West
Submitted by: Jennifer Tankersley,
Minister of Worship and the Arts
Bible Verse of Encouragement:
" He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8, NKJV)
Be the hands and feet of Jesus! What will you do?
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Prayers and Praises
Those in the Imagine Church family who have had Covid-19 and have recovered or are recovering.
Bonita Nugent, recovering from surgery on October 15
Hunter Chole Smith, grandson of Steve and Ginny Chole, hospitalized and receiving antibiotics for sepsis
Lee and Ruth Boyd, friends of Michael and Cameron Hurst, house fire on October 20 in Lincolnton, NC
Jo Johnson, as her illness continues to progress
Zach Preston
Bob Wujciak
Dianne Cloer, miraculous recovery from surgery two weeks ago
Gary Holloway, friend of Debra Tadlock, scheduled for heart surgery on November 3
Vaughn Dunn
Martha Edwards, on the anniversary of Randy's birthday on October 21
Jerry Brownlee, father of Lydia Smith
Have a prayer request or praise item to share? Please email [email protected] so the church can join you in prayers and praise!
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The Greater Community Life Group resumed its bible study beginning on September 30 and met again October 14. We, too, are in the midst of 'The Circle Maker' bible study, and Michelle Transou is facilitating discussions. We will continue to meet biweekly in the Summerhouse neighborhood through the holidays with our next meeting set for October 28. For more information, please contact Michelle Transou at 704-299-6235.
The Landing Life Group has resumed meeting either by Zoom or at the home of Bruce and Tyra Jones at 1520 Calvin Hal Lane, Lake Wylie. We will continue to meet on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month at 6:30 p.m. Our next meeting will be by Zoom on November 5. For more information, please contact Bruce Jones at 980-999-3500.
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We ask all home-based Life Groups to let us know their meeting schedule by dropping us a note at [email protected]. Thanks!
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Imagine Kids
This month, Gregory is highlighting stories about real people who had God-given super powers. When we follow God, He can make us all super heroes...heroes of faith! Last Sunday's message focused on Esther's story of courage (see 21:40 mark), and this Sunday's message will highlight another hero of faith. Who will it be? You'll have to show up or tune in to find out!
 The children will be dismissed just before Bruce's sermon and will return to their parents at the end of service. Carpet squares spaced 7 feet apart will encourage participation while maintaining proper social distance. Everyone who is working with the children during this time will be wearing a mask, and we also encourage the children to wear masks as well. A portable restroom facility is now conveniently available on site, and hand sanitizer will also be available. It is our utmost desire to keep the children safe while also teaching them about the love of Jesus, and we hope YOU will join us in person on Sunday!
NOTE: In the event that this Sunday's in-person worship is cancelled due to weather, please look for Gregory to give his message on Facebook Live at 10:00 a.m.
Upcoming Events:
Fall-O-Ween Festival! Monday, October 26 - Sunday, November 1 Participate online on our Facebook page all week long leading up to Halloween, and then stick around after in-person worship on Sunday for even more family-friendly events!
Memory Verse: Parents, here is the memory verse for you to practice with your child(ren)!
Preschool and Elementary
"The king said to Daniel, 'I'm sure your God is the greatest God of all. He is the Lord of kings. He explains mysteries.'"
Parents, if the entire verse is too long for your preschooler, have them learn the first part:
"The king said to Daniel, 'I'm sure your God is the greatest God of all.'"
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Imagine Nation Youth
 We were blessed with amazing Fall weather this past Sunday. Additionally, we were blessed with a large group of Imagine Nation Youth who met separately during Sunday's worship service. We invite our Imagine Nation Youth to join us again at the church's beautiful Lake Wylie property this Sunday, October 25...and invite a friend, too!
NOTE: In the event that this Sunday's in-person worship is again cancelled due to weather, please look for Tim to give his message on Facebook Live at 11:00 a.m.
Winter Xtreme:
Mark Winter Xtreme in your calendar for Dec. 27-30!
Cost $200
$100 non-refundable deposit due by Sept. 27;
$50 due Oct. 25;
final $50 due Nov. 29.
Or, you can pay in full.
Please make all checks payable to 'Imagine Church'.
Price includes event, food, activities, transportation, and lodging. Bring extra money for arcade, t-shirts, and shopping.
Itinerary
Sunday, Dec. 27
12:30 p.m. - Meet at CSD YMCA
1:00 p.m. - Depart CSD YMCA
5:00 p.m. - Arrive at Winter X-treme
6:00 p.m. - Dinner
Monday, Dec. 28
9:30 a.m. - Breakfast
11:00 a.m. - Leave for Anakeesta for lunch, zipline, shopping, etc.
5:30 p.m. - Dinner
7:00 p.m. - Service (Riley Clemmons and Crowder)
Tuesday, Dec. 29
9:30 a.m. - Breakfast
10:00 a.m. - Service (Newsong)
12:30 p.m. - Lunch and free time
5:30 p.m. - Dinner
7:00 p.m. - Service (Austin French, Tim Tebow, Lecrae)
Wednesday, Dec. 30
9:00 a.m. - Breakfast
10:00 a.m. - Depart
2:00 p.m. - Arrive at CSD YMCA for pick-up
Please contact Tim Gunn if you have any questions about Winter Xtreme.
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Happy Birthday!
We send heartfelt birthday greetings to these Imagine Church family members who have birthdays throughout the next two weeks:
Summer Whalen
| Oct 22
| Sawyer Clark
| Oct 24
| Emma Transou
| Oct 24
| Saddie Case
| Oct 28
| Tyler Schilling
| Oct 30
| Peyton Meehan
| Oct 31
| Ada Fronczkiewicz
| Nov 2
| Ray Transou
| Nov 5
| Kacey Tyler
| Nov 5
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If you are wanting your name added to our birthday list, simply send us a quick email at [email protected]. We want to celebrate with you!
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We respect others' opinions and viewpoints. Diversity is a gift from God and should be celebrated and embraced. In our diversity, we are united by the love of Christ. Therefore, people of every age and background, theological and political conviction, race and gender are invited to be a real part of the church. We celebrate the gifts of diverse Christians in every part of our life together. That's Imagine Church!
IMAGINE CHURCH
Discovering Scriptural imagination for the renewal of the church
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Copyright © 2018 Imagine Church of the Carolinas. All Rights Reserved.
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