For over a year, our communications staff have been working with a web developer to build an entirely new website for our church with a more contemporary and professional look that boldly communicates our inclusivity as a community and is easier to navigate for our members. We are excited to share this new website with you! | Read more | Start exploring | |
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Preparing for John Pavlovitz' Time with Us
In preparation for F21 Weekend 2022, we invite you to buy the book, read it at your leisure, & sign up for one of the book discussion gatherings below.
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Midday Book Club
WED, Sept 28 | 12:30-2:30p | Parlor
Led by Lorin Bent, Co-Chair of the Ministry of Spiritual Growth | Register here
Virtual Book Club
WED, Sept 28 | 6:30-8:00p | Zoom
Led by Rev. Carrie Veal, Executive Minister
Participants will receive zoom link after registering | Register here
Youngish Adult Book Club
THU, Sept 29, 2022 | 5:30-7:30p | Common Market South End
Led by Lorin Bent, Co-Chair of the Ministry of Spiritual Growth
This gathering is geared toward our youngish adult collective, but any & all are welcomed to attend. Refreshments will be provided. | Register here
Southminster Book Club
WEDs, Sept 14 - Oct 5 | 10:15a | Meditation Room - Health Wing 3rd Floor
Led by Arliss Whiteside, Ministry of Spiritual Growth Member. This 4-week series is for Southminster residents. You may sign up on Cubi or contact C.A. Lawler at #6857.
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Preacher | Rev. Dr. Ben Boswell
Sermon | The Story of Separation
Scripture | Luke 16:19-31
Observing | World Communion
Music | Jazz
Schedule
9:45a | Childcare (Birth-Kindergarten)
10a | Worship
10:15a | Children's Worship
11:15a | Spiritual Growth Classes for Adults, Youth, & Children
4p | Youth Block
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SUN, Sept 25 Worship
If you weren't able to join us, you can watch it now. Just click on the image above. Watch on YouTube, our website or Facebook.
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"What WOULD Jesus Do?"
Rev. Dr. Cater Heyward's sermon is available on our website, Facebook, Twitter, & YouTube.
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Click on the image to watch the Forum | |
Forum with Rev. Dr. Carter Heyward
Dr. Heyward talks about her book "The 7 Deadly Sins of White Christian Nationalism: A Call to Action" & answers questions.
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“The Spirit of the Lord”
by Philip W. M. Stopford
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We Learned Interesting Facts About Each Other at the Churchwide Meet & Greet! | |
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Where is your hometown?
Where would we be most likely to find you on a Saturday?
What is your favorite thing about MPBC?
These were the questions shared by folks who came to the post-worship meet and greet. It was a wonderful time of connecting & building community. When it was over, a newcomer emailed Rev. Carrie saying “I was hesitant to stay for the social, but I am so glad I did. It was an easy way to meet new people, & everyone was so welcoming!” Already, we are making plans for another post-worship social before the end of the year!
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We Celebrate Laura Geer's Sabbatical | | |
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We celebrate with our Director of Communications, Laura Geer, on her upcoming sabbatical this October. Fresh off her work spearheading the launch of our beautiful new website, Laura has served our church sacrificially in recent years & is overdue for some much-needed time away. We wish Laura all the best on this sacred time of rest & relaxation. In addition, we offer our gratitude to the Hunter Family. Read more | |
Introducing Dr. Caleb Hopkins, Artist-in-Residence 2022 | |
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Each year, the Clara & Guy Carswell Endowment Fund affords MPBC the ability to invite Artists-in-Residence to our church. We are excited to announce that we have invited Dr. Caleb Anthony Hopkins, Baritone & Conductor, to be our Artist-in-Residence this fall. His first visit will be Oct 7-10. He will be a vocalist in worship & a guest choir conductor for rehearsals & performances. He will also offer vocal coaching & work with Fran Morrison in planning music for worship. Read more
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Welcome Candace Williamson, Interim Children & Youth Music Coordinator | |
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We are excited that the success Charlotte Judge built in the Children & Youth Music programs will continue with Candace Williamson. Candace & her family (Chris, Evie, & Piper) joined MPBC in the fall of 2019, & soon after Candace was engaged in our Children’s Wednesday night programming & adult choir.
Read more
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We Welcome Seth Pilz, Children & Youth Ministries Intern | | |
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In the fall of 2019, Seth Pilz was on a journey of deconstructing & reconstructing his faith. He found MPBC to be a place where he could learn & experience faith in a new, robust & authentic way. He jumped right in, participating in worship, small groups, socials, & more.
Read more
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Christian Nationalism
A Conversation About How Religion is Being Mis-used to Subvert Democracy
WED, Oct 5 | 7-8p | Heaton Hall
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Join Katherine Stewart & Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove for a conversation about what Christian nationalism is, why it has been in the news, how it impacts public life, why it is dangerous to both Democrats & Republicans, & what role churches can play in challenging its influence. | Learn more | | |
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Book Launch Panel | The 7 Deadly Sins of White Christian Nationalism: A Call To Action
TUE, Oct 11, 2022 | 8-9p | Online
| All are invited to join this online event featuring author Carter Heyward, Former Professor, Episcopal Divinity School, Ben Boswell, & Sheila Gardin Mooney, Member of Transylvania NAACP Chapter & Community Leader. | Register here | |
Sometimes It's Best to Start with the Basics | | |
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There are no subjects, activities or topics that can be mastered. All of us are constantly learning, our minds being expanded. Even a movie you have seen a dozen times might reveal something new to you on the 13th viewing.
Identity is the same. Take responsibility for educating yourself.
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We are partnering with identiversity, a Charlotte based non-profit, who makes this learning accessible for all of us. And what better place to start then with the acronym LGBTQ+. This is a self-guided learning; you are encouraged to dive in this week, even if you think you have mastered it! | |
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Gaining an Understanding Through Personal Experience
Nov 11-13, 2022
"We cannot understand most of life’s important things from a distance, we must get close. . . . we must do all of this together, guided by the spirit of God."
Bryan Stevenson
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We’re excited to be able to pivot & make this experience more affordable & convenient for those hoping to attend! Join MPBC, Mayfield Memorial Baptist Church, Reeder Memorial Baptist Church, & the Alliance of Baptists for an interracial pilgrimage to the National Memorial for Peace & Justice & the Legacy Museum in Montgomery, Alabama on Nov 11-13. | | |
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Director of Music & Worship | |
We're in the process of hiring a full-time Director of Music & Worship who will be responsible for developing worship services & overseeing a comprehensive program of music, music education, & music appreciation for all ages that aligns with the theology & mission of MPBC.
Click here for details & job description
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Virtual Community: Who Are You & What Do You Want to Feel?
By Rev. Carrie Veal
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Recently, I was chatting with a friend who said, “at the root of online communities is the question ‘what do you want to feel?’" I was so struck by this question & keep asking myself what I want to feel. As we grow our online, virtual community we want to know who you are & what you want to feel. | Learn more | | |
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Hangout with the Pastors
MON, Oct 3 | 5-6p | Common Market
SouthEnd
All are invited to join us for this casual gathering with great conversation, food, & drinks. No registration needed. Just join us there.
Learn more
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Want to be sure you are not missing out on anything related to Spiritual Growth? We'll email you periodically about any new opportunities. | |
Spiritual Growth Sunday Classes
Oct 2, 16, 23, 30 & Nov 6, 13, 20 | 11:15a - 12p
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Join us this fall for Sunday Spiritual Growth opportunities! | | |
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Exploring Spiritual Togetherness | |
Led by | Jenny Martella & Jen Troyer
Location | Parlor
Focus | 7-week book study on Waking up Grateful
Learn more
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Led by | Bruce Elliott
Location | Shalom Hall
Focus | Guest speakers address a wide range of topics
Speakers Oct 2 | Mahan Siler, Nancy Sehested, and Nancy Ackerman Cole
Learn more
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Led by | Rev Tara Gibbs
Instructor | Valarie Kovolski
Location | Education Bldg Downstairs, Room 32
Focus | Spiritually focused opportunity for families
Learn more
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Fall Bible Study | Digging Into the Book of James
Virtual | THUs, Sept 29, Oct 6, 13 | 12-1p
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Rev. Carrie Veal will lead us as we dive into the book of James. Each week we will engage with one chapter. No prep work needed, no homework, no deep (or any) biblical knowledge necessary. Just join us!
Questions? Contact Carrie Veal | Learn more
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Just Breathe Bi-Weekly Meditations
MONs & WEDs | 11:30a - Noon | Zoom | Password: breathe (case sensitive)
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Join us for a time for reflection & contemplation – twice-weekly or as often as you’re able. Inhale, Exhale. Our lives rest in the balance of these simple actions. Come catch your breath with us. All are invited to join us online.| Learn more | |
Faith in the 21st Century presents: A Weekend with John Pavlovitz
OCT 8-9, 2022 at Myers Park Baptist Church
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We are excited to welcome John Pavlovitz this fall for our annual Faith in the 21st Century (F21) weekend! Pavlovitz, a native of Winston-Salem, is a much sought-after speaker, writer, & activist who has been committed to equality, diversity, & justice—both inside & outside faith communities. Weekend schedule & registration are available now. | Read more | |
No registrations necessary except for the FRI evening event. | |
The Health & Wellness Team will continue to give necessary COVID-19 updates, & they are going to begin including other topics for us. Some of the ideas are Food Justice, Schools & Traffic, Nutrition, Body Image, Grief, & more! If you have a topic you would like them to explore, please email Rev. Carrie Veal. | |
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Masks are encouraged but not required for anyone.
We encourage you to make the best decision for yourself and your family.
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When should I get the omicron booster? Will I need Covid shots forever?
The new shots are here, but many people remain confused about when to get them. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention is recommending that all teenagers & adults get an updated coronavirus booster shot designed to target both the original virus & the omicron variant circulating now.
The broad protection from these updated shots could prevent more than 100,000 hospitalizations in the coming months, according to one estimate. But many people still have questions about who should get the new booster, the best timing for the shot & if it would be better to delay the booster until Covid surges again. Click here for some answers.
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MINISTRY OF JUSTICE & OUTREACH | |
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Missionary Roundtable is Back & Serving the Community
MON, Oct 10 | 10a | Parlor
Guest Speaker | Ebonnee Bailey, Executive Director of The Bulb
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Ebonnee will tell us about how their food markets serve food deserts; their volunteer chefs teach about how to use produce; their counselors help to identify community resources; along with their other services they provide to these underserved areas. Questions? Contact Gretchen Allen at gretnet@gmail.com. | Learn more | |
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Union County First Annual Pride Festival Update
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As we were preparing to participate in Charlotte Pride, we were invited to be part of Union County’s FIRST EVER Pride Festival. We were asked because they did not have a faith community to be with them to show the community that there was a church who would welcome, affirm, & embrace the LGBTQ+ Community. A group of our members volunteered to attend the Festival, represent MPBC, & remind the world that God’s love is unlimited & unconditional. This photo represents only a small number of our members who participated in this event. | |
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Being Truly Welcomed is Worth Driving For
by Marcy McClanahan
Cindy and I were working in the MPBC booth when a young father made a bee line for us. He looked a little worried as he asked us to tell him about Myers Park Baptist. As we started explaining who we were & why we were at Pride, his demeanor changed from defensive to relieved. He explained to us that his 13-year-old daughter did not feel welcome at the churches in his area & he was desperately looking for an inclusive church. | Read the rest of the story
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Here's What's Coming This Fall for Children | |
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We want to make sure you have all the details for the fall & don't miss out on any of it! Here is a snapshot:
Sundays
Children’s Worship experience for first – fifth graders. Children will come to the Sanctuary for worship at 10a & sit with their families. They will leave with leaders before the sermon & return at the final hymn for pick up. During this time, they will engage their minds, hearts, & bodies in an experience that is designed just for them.
Children's Spiritual Growth classes for ages 3 – 5th grade will begin October 2 following worship.
Wednesdays
We have a re-imagined Wednesday night programming! We will begin with dinner at 5:00 then children will go with leaders to a time of music & creative arts. Registration is open now!
Children's Ministry latest Newsletter
Want to join the Children's Ministry mailing list? Click here
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Youth Newsletter
Check out our latest Youth News.
Make sure you are on our mailing list to never miss a youth event (6th - 12th graders)! For more information, contact Rev. Tara Gibbs at tgibbs@myersparkbaptist.org.
What's happening this Fall?
Youth Spiritual Growth 11a | Beginning Oct 2, youth are invited to participate in Spiritual Growth offerings: Intergenerational Yoga (once a month) | Exploring Spiritual Togetherness | TV Talks with Rev. Tara
Youth Block 4-6p | All youth in grades 6-12 are invited to join us in the Youth Hall for snacks & a variety of activities.
Discipleship will begin Oct 16, 5-6p in the Youth Hall, & will meet every 3rd Sunday. The full description of the unique curriculum “Getting to the Root” can be found here. Sign up your youth here or contact Rev. Tara with any questions.
Youth want to know you!
Each week, we want to invite church members to stop by Youth Block at 4p to connect & share your passions with our youth. Email Rev. Tara if you’re interested.
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TV Talks with Rev. Tara
Beginning SUN, Oct 2| 11a
During our youth spiritual growth class on Sundays, we’ll be watching clips of trending tv shows, popular social media, & more to foster discussion around spirituality & faith in a fun & engaging way. | Learn more
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Fall Retreat Day
Food & Community
SAT, Oct 15 | 9:30a -6:30p
We’ll be volunteering at a food pantry in the morning & then we'll take a cooking class, go to lunch & enjoy karaoke together.
We need your help! To make a pantry donations, requested items can be left in the marked bin in Heaton Hall Foyer until THU, Oct 14. Learn more & RSVP
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The Alliance of Baptists, which began in 1987 as a prophetic voice in Baptist life, is our primary religious affiliation. Today, they have grown to be a justice movement & community of faith of about 4,500 individual members & 140 congregations knit together by love for one another & God, combining progressive inquiry, contemplative prayer & prophetic action to bring about justice & healing in a changing world. | |
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Peace Be With You - Alliance of Baptists
by Laura Mayo
| Peace be with you. And also with you. Many of us intone these lines during worship each Sunday. In these days, I wonder what we mean when we say peace. In the Gospels of Matthew and Luke Jesus asks, "Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth?" | | | | |
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In Need of Help?
We are here for you. The Ministry of Congregational Care provides care, support & encouragement to all members in times of joy, bereavement, illness, & crisis. Information about Health & Safety, Grief, Stephen Ministry, as well as helpful resources are available on our website. Just search "In need of help?"
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Stephen Ministry is Here For You
Stephen Ministers are available for free & provide safe, confidential space & listening ear. If you want to know more about the ministry, please contact Joe Aldrich at jaldrich@myersparkbaptist.org
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It takes the whole church to make ministry, mission, & programming happen! In August, we took in more revenue than we spent. Overall, we have collected 2% more than our budgeted revenue year to date. Most of this, however, is from other revenue sources besides congregational giving. Those sources include rentals, endowment disbursements, & reserve funds. Year to date, we are slightly behind collecting financial gifts from our congregation, & hope you will click here to make a financial gift.
August expenses are 12% more than last year & 10.7% more YTD. However, we are 1% less than budgeted YTD. We are currently running a deficit year to date, so as always, our end of year Finish Strong stewardship campaign will be important for our church.
The Cornwell Center is in an outstanding financial position right now, with a large YTD surplus & an exceptional summer camp season.
TTWS, who operates on a different fiscal year than the rest of the campus, finished their fiscal year in July with a $34,000 surplus.
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Just Breathe Meditation
11:30a - 12p | Zoom | Passcode: breathe
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Southminster Book Club
10:15a | Meditation Room - Health Wing 3rd Floor
Just Breathe Meditation
11:30a - 12p | Zoom | Passcode: breathe
F21 Midday Book Club
12:30 - 2:30p | Parlor
F21 Virtual Book Club
6:30 - 8p | Zoom
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Fall Bible Study | Digging Into the Book of James
12-1p | Online
F21 Young-ish Book Club
5:30 - 7:30 | Off Campus
Chancel Choir Rehearsal
7-9p | Berry Hall
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Preschool Childcare
9:45a - 12p | Room 108
Worship
10a | Sanctuary and on our website, YouTube, Facebook Live
Children's Worship
10:15 - 11a | Sanctuary Downstairs Room 5
Spiritual Growth for Adults
11:15a-12p | Exploring Spiritual Togetherness | Parlor
11:15a - 12p | Faith & Community | Shalom Hall
Children's Spiritual Growth
11:15a - 12p | Gathering Room 210
Youth Spiritual Growth
11a - 12p | TV Talks | Youth Hall
Youth Block Fellowship
4-5p | Youth Hall
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