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Worshiping Sundays In-Person and as an
Online Faith Community
Be sure to 'Like' us on Facebook
to view our online sermons
10:15 a.m.: In-Person Worship Service and
Online Facebook Worship
Church Office: 980-999-3500
Weekly Newsletter: October 29, 2020
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Weekly Newsletter:
June 9, 2022
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Sunday, June 12: THIS SUNDAY
10:00 a.m. Refreshments and Gathering Time, GCTS Rotunda
- Host Team - Chris and Jen Fender
10:15 a.m. Sunday Worship at Imagine Church (in person at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary Chapel, 14542 Choate Circle, Charlotte, or online at Imagine Church Facebook Page)
Trinity Sunday
Message: "When Nick Came to Jesus at Night" by Pastor Bruce
Separate sessions for all ages of Imagine Kids and Imagine Nation Youth
Assisting in Worship - Ginny Chole
Proclaim - Paula Davis; Live Stream - Brad Kokoski; Audio - Ron Domurat
Safety & Security - Pat Nolan
Wednesday, June 15:
7:00 p.m. The Landing Life Group Meets at the Home of Kelly Fox, 46 Warwick Circle, Apt. 111, Lake Wylie
Sunday, June 19:
10:00 a.m. Refreshments and Gathering Time, GCTS Rotunda
10:15 a.m. Sunday Worship at Imagine Church (in person on new church site, 5501 Highway 55 East, Lake Wylie, or online at Imagine Church Facebook Page)
Father's Day
Message: "Faith in Uncertain Times" by Pastor Bruce
Individual gift for each father who is present
Separate sessions for all ages of Imagine Kids and Imagine Nation Youth
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Imagine Church Devotional |
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One of the most remarkable characters of the Old Testament is David who succeeded Saul as King of Israel. David was just a kid, keeping the sheep, living at home with his father, Jesse, in the small town of Bethlehem, south of Jerusalem, when Samuel, the prophet of God, was told to go to the house of Jesse in Bethlehem because there he would find the next king of Israel.
Jesse and his wife had a number of boys, and when Samuel arrived, Jesse had his boys line up in the living room while Samuel looked them over to find out which one was king. They were all good looking boys waiting for their great opportunity. They each looked good to Samuel, but one by one, as they came and stood before him, the voice within Samuel said, "Nope, this is not the one," all the way down the line. Finally, in disappointment and confusion, he turned to Jesse and said, "Is this all the boys you have?" Jesse said, "Well, no, I've got one more, but he's not fit to come in now, he's out keeping the sheep, and you know how they smell; and after all, he's just a young, freckle-faced kid."
"Well, I don't seem to find it here," said Samuel, "send him in." So, in comes David, and the voice of God inside Samuel said, "This is the one." David, the shepherd boy, is crowned king. Do you know how many years it took him to become king after he was named king?" Most of his life. Through peacetime and war, division and unity, hardship and triumph, the assignment of David's life was to become what he was: he was a king. But he had to become the king.
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This is also the way the Christian life works. The confession of our faith is also an assignment. The celebration of what God has done is also a description of what we are to do. As David was told, "You are a king! Now become King," so does our faith experience teach us, "By God's gracious act in Christ, you have become a Christian. Now, here's the way to be a Christian."
Perhaps St. Paul said it best in a way that's rather strange, but I think beautiful: "The Christian life is laying hold of Him who has already laid hold of me" ( Philippians 3:12).
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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Bruce reports that he is excited about returning to share a message in worship this Sunday, June 12, after a week's vacation, and he's also excited because he gets to tell about one of the most remarkable characters in the entire New Testament. It's the story of Nicodemus, from John, chapter 3, in a message entitled, "When Nick Came to Jesus at Night." It is Trinity Sunday, the last Sunday of the liturgical year. You will discover energy in the refreshment and fellowship time (come at 10:00 a.m.), inspiration in the thrilling music, and challenge in the engaging message. We hope to see you on Sunday in the beautiful Gordon-Conwell Chapel, or we invite you to join us online on the Imagine Church Facebook page.
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On Tuesday, May 31, we learned from Ashley Hill with York County Planning and Development that Imagine Church's final review of plans has been approved, but with two small matters that are holding up issuance of the building permit: a certification document from Blue Granite Water, and a slight needed adjustment in the lumens of the exterior parking lot lighting. We have completed and notarized every form sent us by Blue Granite Water, and our civil engineer is asking them to supply official documentation of the certification Blue Granite has already awarded. Also, there is a range of allowable brightness of parking lot lighting, and because ours is slightly over the limit, that is being adjusted on the plans. So, we're close! |
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One of the most meaningful and unique components of Imagine Church is the number of men and dads who are so actively engaged in the life of the church and who serve as examples of great Christian fathers. It has become tradition that on Father's Day we recognize them and seek to express our gratitude. During our Father's Day worship on Sunday, June 19, we will present an individual gift to each of the dads present that morning as a way of saying thanks for the significant role you fulfill in your family, in the church, and in society today. Dads, we hope you will be with us on this special occasion! |
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There is a new series coming to Imagine Church in response to a request from someone in our church family who has expressed some honest questions about the whole matter of prayer: how we can better understand it, the power it gives, and the way it lets us know more of God's heart. Make sure to be with us for "Prayer: The Ultimate Conversation" on Sundays, July 3 - 24, at Imagine Church.
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Register Now for Vacation Bible School: August 1-4, 2022 |
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MAKE WAVES with Imagine Church this summer at VBS!
Monday, August 1 thru Thursday, August 4, 2022
5:30 - 8:00 p.m. daily
at Field Day Park in Lake Wylie
Open to rising Kindergarten thru 5th Graders.
Registration is FREE!
We'll need many volunteers, too -- adults and youth -- so please consider serving in that capacity. Please register your child participant and also your youth or adult volunteers using this link:
Remember, what you do today can change the world around you!
Please direct any questions to:
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We invite Imagine Kids (ages nursery through 5th grade) to join us at Gordon-Conwell on Sunday mornings when Gregory Roberts, our Minister of Children and Families, will engage the kids and share a thought-provoking message with them.
Although Gregory will not be delivering a message to kids prior to their dismissal from the chapel this Sunday, June 12, they will be learning about "What Is the Church?" from the "God's Rescue Plan" message series when they congregate with other Imagine Kids leaders.
And, in case you missed it, check out this past Sunday's entertaining message
(please forward to the 22:33 minute mark):
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MEMORY VERSE:
Parents, here is the memory verse for you to practice with your child(ren):
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you. Then you will tell people about me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria. And you will even tell other people about me from one end of the earth to the other."
Preschoolers can memorize just the first sentence:
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you."
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We invite Imagine Nation Youth (ages 6th grade through college) to join us at Gordon-Conwell on Sunday mornings when Tim Gunn, our Minister of Imagine Nation Youth, will engage the youth in meaningful activities and share a relevant message with them. Youth are welcome and encouraged to bring a friend -- so invite a friend this Sunday!
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SUMMER YOUTH CAMP
AT LAKE JUNALUSKA:
June 30 - July 3, 2022:
We'll have a mandatory meeting for all youth and parents on Sunday, June 26th -- please plan to attend. Tim recently sent out the schedule for camp, rooms, and things you will need to pack. Reach out to Tim with any questions.
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WEEKLY DEVOTION:
Let’s be honest. None of us really like when life is difficult, do we? I know if I had my way, I’d avoid all tough times entirely. However, God never promised us a life free from trouble.
I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33 (NLT)
Today’s Bible verse shows us that we will have trials in life. But the good news is that we can find peace in Jesus. As we grow and develop in our relationship with Jesus, we realize that no matter what, Jesus is there for us. We don’t have to worry about the future, we can be at peace knowing that Jesus is doing the heavy lifting in our lives.
So today, if you’ve been burdened with all the trials and troubles of life, be encouraged. Jesus is there with you, keeping you safe, providing for your needs, and helping you each step of the way. Don’t give up or be discouraged, storms will come, but you’ve got Jesus to help you stand strong.
Today’s Truth: With Jesus, I can stand strong in life’s storms.
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Imagine Nation Youth, know that God is with you, and knw that you are loved. We look forward to seeing you Sunday morning -- and please bring a friend with you, too!
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Be the Hands and Feet of Jesus |
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There are so many opportunities that exist for our church to be the hands and feet of Jesus by helping others through various means of service right here in our community and around the world. If you have a heart for missions, you are invited to join the Missions Team or simply support its initiatives. For more information about the Missions Team, please email Kari DiDonato at her Imagine Church email: [email protected]
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JUNE'S MISSION FOCUS:
~Philippine Hope~
"The King will reply, 'What I'm about to tell you is true. Anything you did for one of the least important of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'" ~ Matthew 25:40 (NIRV)’
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Every time you give to Imagine Church,
you are making a difference on the other side of the earth!
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If you travel 8,721 miles west, you will find yourself in the village of Bacani in the Philippines.
You will also find Jesus Christ Lord of the Tribes and Nations Church ( JCLTNC ) where God is alive and moving in the hearts of his people. Ernie and Muriel Palacio are the pastors of JCLTNC. In addition to weekly praise and worship, the church holds discipleship training, VBS, and outreach to other villages. The worship is lively and the praise band is youth led!
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Paul and Cecilia Bosch, whom many of you have met, are our missionaries in the Philippines. They have responded to be “The Hands and Feet of Jesus” wherever there is a need. They move according to Matthew 25:35-36,40. They hear and respond to the cry of widows, special needs children, and the elderly. They also respond to souls that need to know and experience the love of God in Christ Jesus. Paul is gifted in helping young people with resumes. They are impacting schools by reaching out to assist with needs, and they are currently providing food for a weekly church youth group.
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Your Tithes and Offerings Grow Our Ministry |
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Your faithfulness to give has been an amazing thing to observe, and we thank you for demonstrating how God is at work in the life of this church family by helping to grow Imagine Church's ministry through your generous giving. If you are led to make a tithe, offering, or gift, we offer these safe and convenient giving options:
ONLINE: Use this link to access our Church Center online giving platform to make a one time or recurring donation:
ZELLE: Now you can setup Zelle to send donations to Imagine Church via this email address:
MOBILE: Make a donation from your smart phone using the mobile Church Center app. Search for Imagine Church in Lake Wylie to create your account:
Or, text the amount of your offering (ex: $123) to 84321.
MAIL: Cash or check donations can be mailed directly to our church office at:
Imagine Church
13000 S. Tryon Street, Suite F-114
Charlotte, NC 28278
IN WORSHIP: Cash or check donations can be placed in one of the collection baskets at our Sunday in-person worships at GCTS.
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Though we all wish we were completely done with Covid-19, it has not completely disappeared. Please pray for those in our church family who have tested positive for the Coronavirus, that they would have only mild cases, and for their swift and complete recovery.
Rev. Gregory Roberts will be in Fairfax County, Virginia, this weekend performing the wedding of a cousin. Pray for a lovely wedding and for Gregory's safe travels.
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This past Sunday, June 5, Jim and Valerie Hare celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary with the Imagine Church family. Jim spoke about how they met and how their marriage has lasted 40 years, Rev. Alan Hayes offered a prayer of blessing for the couple, and Jim brought an anniversary cake to be shared with the church family. We thank them for celebrating their special day with their church family, and we offer them heartfelt prayers and wishes for many more years of happiness and blessings. |
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If you have a named or unnamed prayer request that you would like to share with Pastor Bruce, please send your request via email to [email protected].
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We send heartfelt and happy birthday greetings to these Imagine Church family members who have birthdays throughout the next two weeks: |
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June 14....DiAnna Kessler
June 14....Cooper Partin
June 16....Myles Birge
June 20....Addison Partin
June 21....Vicki Barwick
June 21....Sherri Ciurlik
June 21....Becky Ferguson
June 21....Colbi Skvarla
June 21....Rose Spencer
June 22....Haylie Kokoski
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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 believe that the goal of church is not to make people more religious but to help people fall more in love with God and therefore become more fully human. We come together as a community to support one another, learn together, and challenge each other. That's Imagine Church!
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Imagine doing church differently
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