Sep 5-11, 2022
THIS SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11
Welcome Sunday

Rev. Dr. Ben Boswell preaching
"Possessed by a Dream of Belonging"

10a Worship
10:15a Children's Worship
11:10a Lunch & Ministry Fair
Learn more
Join Us for Welcome SUN Lunch - RSVP by Sept 7
We kick off a new church year this Sunday! As we return from vacations & summer activities, we will come back for a fall that is full of socials, small groups, & more. You'll find some of them listed below in this newsletter.
On SUN, Sept 11, join us for worship at 10a & then gather under the big tent for lunch on the lawn! The meal will be catered, & registration is required. During lunch, we will have a mini-ministry fair, a time for you to discover all that we are doing as a church & how you can get involved.

Join us Virtually!
Can't make it on the 11th, but don’t want to miss out? Join us for worship AND lunch, all online! Register for the virtual events using the button below. Make sure to read the article in the Rebuilding Community section in this newsletter to learn about our new Virtual Community! | Learn more about Welcome Sunday
CHURCHWIDE SURVEY
What’s In a Name? Help Us Choose Ours!
This is a churchwide survey & our hope is that everyone will participate! As we continue to discuss the possibilities of removing the word “Baptist” & discern a new name for our church, we would love to have your input. Please join us by participating in this fun & informal survey that will offer our leaders some sense of where the congregation is related to name. Any change in the church name will require a vote of the Deacons & the entire Congregation.
STAFF NEWS
Reimagining Our Staff
The HR Deacons have been working on reimagining our staff and & are excited to announce some changes. Our Minister of Youth & College, Rev. Tara Gibbs, who is currently completing a Doctorate degree in Christian Education at Columbia Theological Seminary, & has a strong background in faith formation for all ages (learn more), will move into the position of Associate Minister for Spiritual Growth starting October 1. . . . Additionally, we will begin searching for an Associate Minister of Pastoral Care & Outreach to cover the remaining responsibilities left by Mia’s departure & Joe’s upcoming retirement. | Read more
Welcome Back Fran!
Fran Morrison has graciously agreed to come out of retirement & step back into the role of Interim Minister of Music & Worship as we begin our search for a permanent replacement. In this transitional time, we hope you will join us in offering gratitude to Fran for helping us. | Learn more about Fran
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
SUN, Sept 4 Worship

If you weren't able to join us, you can watch it now. Just click on the image above. It is also available on our website, Facebook, & YouTube.
"Our Debts & Daily Wages"

Rev. Dr. Ben Boswell's sermon is available on our website, Facebook, Twitter, & on YouTube. You can also listen on iTunes.
Sermon Talk Back

Discussion about Rev. Dr. Ben Boswell's sermon. Available by clicking on the image above, on our website & our YouTube channel.

Courageous Church: Confronting Whiteness in Worship & Community
Session 1 lecture with Mia & Ben
Conversation centers around Dealing With: Identity, Liturgy, & Worship; Physical Space & Understanding Embodiment; Atmosphere & Aesthetics; The Spoken Word; Music.
Session 2 lecture with Mia & Ben
Discussion about Whiteness Theory as it relates to the Body, the Space, the Music, The Word.
HIGHLIGHTS
Stan Greenspon Center Event
Sacred Threads: The Complex History of Interfaith Dialogue 
SUN, Sept 11 | 1-7p | MPBC & Queens University
Join people from all faiths to explore the history of dialogue between Jews, Muslims, & Christians during the past 60 years.

Eminent scholars will discuss Vatican II/Nostra Aetate & the influence of the Catholic Church in combatting antisemitism & Islamophobia, & attendees will discuss strategies for enhancing interfaith conversation in small groups.
Nationally-known musicians, Beth Schafer & Rev. Ricky Manalo will open & close the program creatively with uplifting music & will debut their original composition based on Nostra Aetate. As seating is limited, the program is also available virtually. Please consider attending this outstanding program. | Get all the details | Register here
Deacon Nominations/Elections Key Dates | Class of 2025
WED, Sep 7 | The nomination form will be sent to the Congregation, including active Deacons. Every church member can nominate up to six people. There is a 1½ week period to respond. The Deacon nominees are contacted to ensure they are willing to serve. Then, the Leadership Deacons select six Deacons which, when combined with the 3 Life Deacons (Life Deacons vote on those who are willing to serve & 3 are chosen to serve as Active Deacons), constitute the full slate. | See the schedule | Deacon Election Process
Beyond Belonging - “Who All Gonna Be There?”
by Rev. Tara Gibbs
If you’ve ever planned a social event or party, you know that it is essential to provide guests with basic information such as time, location, attire, etc. Basically, be sure to answer the what, when, & where. However, in the Black American community, there is an additional piece of information, typically more important than any other.
This vital piece of information is more important than black tie versus business casual, & even more important than figuring out if there is valet or accessible parking. One question will reveal the pertinent information, & ultimately determine if a guest will attend or not. The question is asked in AAVE (African-American Vernacular English) & is simply this: Who all gonna be there? | Read more
New Dates, New Price! Pilgrimage to Montgomery
Nov 11-13, 2022
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.
Dr. Ben Boswell, Meta Commerse, Dr. Peter Wherry, Rev. Thomas Farrow, & Rev. Tara Gibbs will be our guides on this journey, & Alexis Tardy & Rev. Elijah R. Zehyoue will be the keynote speakers in Montgomery. To read more about the program for Saturday & Sunday click here. | Continue reading
Charlotte Yard Art Day Temporary Display to Appear on Front Lawn at MPBC MON, Sept 5
Inspired by the 2021 “In America: Remember” exhibit on the National Mall, which demonstrated the tragic scope of the Covid pandemic at that time (660,000 deaths), the League of Women Voters Charlotte Mecklenburg have created a visual reminder for the public to honor the now more than 1,000,000 deaths by committing to VOTE in the Nov 2022 midterms.
The 24-hour exhibit will consist of 300 white landscaping flags spelling out in large letters the word “VOTE.”A small white pail with free VOTE411.org nonpartisan voter guide bookmarks will be available for people to take away. The League of Women Voters is a new tenant renting space on our campus.
WE'RE HIRING
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.
Associate Minister of Pastoral Care & Justice
We're in the process of hiring a full-time Associate Minister of Pastoral Care & Justice who will be responsible for assisting the Senior Minister in the pastoral care & justice ministries of the church as the staff liaison to our Ministry of Congregational Care (MCC) & our Ministry of Justice & Outreach (MOJO)
Internships 2022
If you, or someone you know, are looking for a fun job opportunity, we have the following positions available:
  • Children & Youth Internship
  • Youth Music Internship

[RE]BUILDING COMMUNITY
Our Virtual Community: You Can Participate from Wherever You Are
By Rev. Carrie Veal
Each week, we average 200 viewers online. Some of these folks are members & some are not. Some are local & some are not. But they are all part of our church community, & we want to make sure they are able to be included in all that we do & are.

Beginning September 11, we will be launching our newly envisioned virtual community. | Learn more
Gen X/Y(Millennials) Social
Thu, Sept 8 | 5:30 - 7:30p | Camp North End
Were you born between 1966-1995? We would love to have you join us at Camp North End in the Mount Area, to grab some food & hang out & get to know each other better. No agenda! Come when you can; leave when you need. | Register here
Come Explore Your Gifts: Engaging at MPBC
TUE, Sept 13 | 5:30-7:30p | Home of Cindy Clemens & Marcy McClanahan
Join us for a fun, informal social with good food, drinks, & exploratory conversation about what it looks like to be a leader at MPBC. We are lucky to be surrounded by talented, gifted people at our church who possess valuable skills & interests that could help build our ministries & fulfill our mission allowing us to expand our reach throughout our community & beyond. Come listen, share, & explore where you can put your skills to use, plug in, & engage. No strings attached. | RSVP here
Walkie Talkies Urban Hike
SAT, Sept 10 | 8:30a
All are invited to join us for a fun walk to visit some of our fellow MPBC members' homes. Meet us in the Roswell parking lot. Want to join our mailing list so that you will receive information about all of planned hikes? Join here. Questions? Contact Cindy Clemens at cindyclemens100@gmail.com.
Crafters Group
SAT, Sept 10 | 1-4p | Room 254
This is a loosely organized group who enjoy crafting & are all working on individual projects. Gatherings are a talk/chat format about what each other is working on & catching up. All are welcome. To learn more & sign up please contact Becky Rizzo beckyrizzo@gmail.com or Elizabeth Connor Stewart eccstewart@gmail.com. | Read more
Game Time for Grownups
WED, Sept 14 | 1-3p | Room 250
It's all fun & games! Join us for a relaxed afternoon of building community with snacks & a variety of board & card games. Come when you can & leave when you must.

If you have questions or want to learn more, contact Carol Cedar at ccedar@myersparkbaptist.org.
Wednesday Night Kickoff
Sept 14 | 5-6:30p
Join us as we kickoff our re-imagined community Wednesday nights. On Sept 14, we'll start with dinner from Moe's in Heaton Hall followed by Music Bingo & activities for all ages. Please RSVP for dinner by Sept 12.
Getting to Know You Sunday!
You're Invited to a Churchwide Speed Meet & Greet Social!
SUN, Sept 18 | Following Worship
In thinking about the people who are a part of MPBC, some have been here a long time while others have joined us in the last few years. We have welcomed new members, families have grown, students have gone off to college, graduated, & come back, some settling into jobs & adulthood in Charlotte. So, we would like to bring everyone together. . . | Read more
Monthly Men's Breakfast
3rd TUEs, Sept 20, Oct 18, Nov 15 | 7:30a | Heaton Hall
Featured Speaker for Sept 20 | Rabbi Judy Schindler
Our Men’s Breakfasts are a popular opportunity to build relationships with others who identify as men in our church community. Let's break bread together while enjoying hearing from Rabbi Judy Schindler! We are going to have a really good breakfast from the Flying Biscuit with eggs, sausage, bacon, breakfast potatoes & a fluffy Flying Biscuits with apple butter! Please register by Friday Sept 16 so we will know you are coming. Contact Robert Dulin at robert@robertdulin.com for more information.
SPIRITUAL GROWTH
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
Join us this fall for Sunday Spiritual Growth opportunities!
Exploring Spiritual Togetherness
Led by | Jenny Martella & Jen Troyer
Location | Parlor
Focus | 7-week book study on Waking up Grateful

Faith & Community
Led by | Bruce Elliott
Location | Shalom Hall
Focus | Guest speakers address a wide range of topics


Intergenerational Yoga
Led by | Rev Tara Gibbs
Instructor | TBD
Location | TBD
Focus | Spiritually focused opportunity for families

Fall Bible Study | Digging Into the Book of James
Virtual | THUs, Sept 8, 22, 29, Oct 6, 13 | 12-1p (No meeting September 15) 
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
Sign Up for Fall Confronting Whiteness Groups
Have you been wanting to take the Whiteness course? Or are you a new member looking for a way to go deeper in your anti-racist journey? Sign up for one of our virtual fall groups today! Buy the book Confronting Whiteness Participant's Guide 

Just Breathe Bi-Weekly Meditations
MONs & WEDs | 11:30a - Noon | Zoom | Password: breathe (case sensitive)
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
Pub Theology
TUEs | Sept 20, Oct 18, Nov 15, Dec 6, Holiday Party TBD | 6-7:30p
Hawthorne Pizza & Bar Meridian Place
Pub Theology is for anyone interested in robust & stimulating discussions on theological & contemporary topics. Do you enjoy discussing relevant current world issues? Are you looking to grow or restart your spiritual journey? Do you view yourself as spiritually minded & socially conscious? Then, this group might be for you. | Learn more & RSVP
Rev. Dr. Carter Heyward coming back to MPBC
SUN, Sept 25
9a - Forum
10a - Worship
11am - Brunch & Book Signing

In late 1978, the Women of the Church extended an invitation to the Rev. Carter Heyward, a Charlotte native who became the first woman ordained as an Episcopal priest in the nation.
In the time between accepting the invitation and coming to MPBC, Dr. Heyward, published an article in the June 11, 1979 edition of Christianity and Crisis magazine explaining her decision to come out as a lesbian. The revelation kicked off a storm of protest. . . | Read more
Faith in the 21st Century presents: A Weekend with John Pavlovitz
OCT 8-9, 2022 at Myers Park Baptist Church
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
Read with us! If God is Love, Don’t Be a Jerk by John Pavlovitz 

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.
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 if for Southminster residents. You may sign up on Cubi or contact C.A. Lawler at #6857.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
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.
Masks are encouraged
The People's CDC 

The People’s CDC is a coalition of public health practitioners, scientists, healthcare workers, educators, advocates & people from all walks of life working to reduce the harmful impacts of COVID-19.

They provide guidance & policy recommendations to governments & the public on COVID-19, disseminating evidence-based updates that are grounded in equity, public health principles, & the latest scientific literature.

Working alongside community organizations, we are building collective power & centering equity as we work together to end the pandemic.

The People’s CDC is volunteer-run & independent of partisan political & corporate interests & includes anonymous local health department & other government employees.
Mecklenburg County is in Community Level HIGH transmission rate for COVID-19 (as of Aug 31)

As infection continues to spread, the following safety precautions are recommended:
  • Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines and boosters.
  • Get tested if you have symptoms.
  • If you are at high risk for severe illness, talk to your healthcare provider about whether you need to wear a mask and take other precautions.
  • It is recommended that you wear a mask indoors in public. People may choose to wear a mask at any time. People with COVID-19 symptoms, positive COVID-19 test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a mask around others.

Get the latest updates for Mecklenburg County at mecknc.gov/covid-19
MINISTRY OF JUSTICE & OUTREACH
The Sunshine Fund's Impact
Many years ago, the leaders of our church wisely established the Sunshine Fund to create a way for the members of our community to support one another during times of financial hardship. . . . As a result of the pandemic, the housing crisis & increasing inflation, the Sunshine Fund has had a very busy year so far in 2022 & is nearly depleted. In August, we had to make the painful decision to stop providing support until we can increase the fund. | Read more 
Join the MPBC Rapid Response Team
CHILDREN'S MINISTRY
Here's What's Coming this Fall for Children 
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 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 | Read it here
Want to join the Children's Ministry mailing list? Click here
Welcome Fall With Us at a Social for Families
FRI, Sept 16 | 5:30-7:30p | Park Road Park
Join us Park Road Park for time to play, socialize, & eat as we ease into fall! We're keeping it simple with a pizza picnic. Let us know if you have dietary allergies when registering & the names of each person in your party. The cost is only $12/family. Please RSVP here
YOUTH MINISTRY
Youth Newsletter

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.

It's almost fall!
Here are some dates to add to your calendar for the next few months:

September
11 - Kickoff Sunday
18 - Weekly gathering return. Our theme will be Hispanic Heritage

October
15 - Fall Retreat "Food Brings Us Together"
ALLIANCE OF BAPTISTS
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.
Ableism is Still a Core Part of Church Spaces
Here's How to Change it
By Amy Kenney in Sojourners

"Churches were more focused on the cost of inclusion than welcoming us into the community. Message received: We are not worth the cost. Today, many nondisabled Christians act as if excluding disabled folks is a thing of the past. They assure me it’s #NotAllChristians. I hope this is true. And yet, in our current church spaces, disabled people are routinely excluded or forgotten." | Read more
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
Unattended Sorrow: a Book Study on Grief
TUEs, Oct 4 - Nov 8 | 7-8p | Zoom
Grief continues to affect us throughout our lifetimes. It doesn't ever go away, but we can learn creative ways to deal with the pain. Join us & bring your life story as we interact with the book & one another, sharing our grief experiences. For questions &/or to register, please contact Rev. Joe Aldrich at jaldrich@myersparkbaptist.org
In need of care?
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 "I need care."
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
Prayer requests
You can submit a request by emailing prayer@myersparkbaptist.org.
Joys and Concerns | (as of FRI | Sept 2, 2022)

CONGRATULATIONS TO:
  • Maria & Elaine Goode on the birth of their daughter & Odhran Elias on the birth of his sister, Aoibhinn Carmen Goode, on August 28, 2022, in Charlotte, NC.
  • Maggie & Will Jennings on the birth of their daughter, Chip Butler & Trisha Butler on the birth of their granddaughter, Hadden Lucilla Jennings, on August 30, 2022, in Charlotte, NC.

We rely on friends & relatives to keep us posted on hospitalizations, births & deaths. If you know of any member not listed, please contact Carol Cedar at ccedar@myersparkbaptist.org
FINANCIAL SNAPSHOT - JULY
  • Congregational Giving through July 2022, we have received $739,904 compared to $778,584 through July 2021. 
  • Total Revenue through July 2022 is $1,159,533 compared to $1,121,393 through July 2021.
  • Total Expenses through July 2022 are $1,259,015 compared to $1,139,972 through July 2021.

We were behind in receiving pledged funds through June, but the good news is we made up a lot of ground in the month of July because of your generosity as a congregation. We still plan on receiving the pledges that have been made which will ensure that we will have a balanced budget report by the end of December. If you are able to fulfill your pledge early or give an additional or increased gift, it will help us with our cash flow this summer. As always, any gift you are able to give is deeply appreciated.
SCHEDULE FOR THIS WEEK
MON
Sep 5
Labor Day Holiday
The Church Office, Cornwell Center, & TTWS will be closed
WED
Sep 7
Just Breathe Meditation
11:30a - 12p | Zoom | Passcode: breathe
THU
Sep 8
Gen X & Y Social
5:30 - 7:30p | Camp North End

Virtual Book Study - James
12-1p
SAT
Sep 10
Walkie Talkies Hiking Group
8:30 - 10a | Meet in Roswell Parking Lot

Crafters Group
1-4p | Room 254
SUN
Sep 11
Faith & Community Spiritual Growth Class
9-9:45a | Shalom Hall

Worship
10a | Sanctuary and on our website, YouTube, Facebook Live

Lunch & Ministry Fair
11a | Cornwell Front Lawn

Sacred Threads | Interfaith Dialogue
2-6p | Heaton Hall & Queens University Campus
FALL 2022
SEPTEMBER
5 | Labor Day Holiday
8 | Gen X & Y/Millennial Social | Off Campus
10 | Walkie Talkies Group | Meet in Roswell Parking Lot
10 | Crafters Group
11 | Welcome Sunday
18 | Churchwide Getting to Know You Speed Meet & Greet Social after Worship
19 | Friends for Life Potluck | Off Campus
20 | Men's Breakfast | Heaton Hall
20 | Pub Theology | Off Campus
25 | Rev. Dr. Carter Heyward Forum, Worship, Lunch & Book Signing
27 | Newcomer Social Gathering | Off Campus
28 & 29 | F21 Book Clubs If God is Love, Don’t Be a Jerk by John Pavlovitz