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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:
July 22, 2021
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Saturday, July 24:
11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Middle School Imagine Nation Youth Cookout
1:00 to 4:00 p.m. High School Imagine Nation Youth and Imagine Life College Ministry Cookout
Home of Steve and Ginny Chole, 822 Bay Tree Lane, Lake Wylie
Sunday, July 25: THIS SUNDAY!
10:15 a.m. Sunday Worship at Imagine Church (in person at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary Chapel, 14542 Choate Circle, Charlotte, and online on Imagine Church Facebook Page)
Message: "The Eyes Have It" by Rev. Debra Tadlock
Separate sessions for ALL ages of Imagine Kids and Imagine Nation Youth
- Babies can be taken directly to the nursery immediately upon arrival to GCTS.
- All other kids and youth will be dismissed for their sessions after praise and worship.
Proclaim - Lee Potter; Safety & Security - Scott Tadlock
Tuesday, July 27:
7:00 p.m. Ladies Life Group, Room 127, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
Bible Study on 1st John
Sunday, August 1:
10:15 a.m. Sunday Worship at Imagine Church (in person at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary Chapel, 14542 Choate Circle, Charlotte, and online on Imagine Church Facebook Page)
Message: "Summer Baggage, Part 5" by Pastor Bruce
Sacrament of Holy Communion
Presentation of Bibles to Imagine Kids
Prayer for College Students as They Prepare to Depart
Separate sessions for ALL ages of Imagine Kids and Imagine Nation Youth
- Babies can be taken directly to the nursery immediately upon arrival to GCTS.
- All other kids and youth will be dismissed for their sessions after praise and worship.
Proclaim - Tim Imrick; Safety & Security - Chris Jones
6:00 p.m. Leadership Team Dinner Meeting
Home of Scott and Debra Tadlock, 117 Shimmerlake Lane, Belmont
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Imagine Church Devotional |
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Did you know the Band-Aid is one hundred years old in 2021? Business Insider states that one of Band-Aid's major uses is not to cover wounds or scrapes, blisters or burns, cuts or punctures. One of its major uses is to heal emotions, not the wounds. Children get Band-Aids after vaccinations, or as treats, because it makes the shot hurt less emotionally. One doctor of pediatrics at a major medical center said that she was constantly amazed, after giving an injection that, when she put the Band-Aid on, the crying stopped.
You know, we can do that too, and far better than any Band-Aid. Because through our hugs, our prayers, and our help in times of need, it's not really us doing the mending -- it's God. And where God heals us, we will never break there again.
In the New Testament, the letter of James urges Christ-followers to be "doers of the Word, and not hearers only" (James 1:22). James knew that once hearers become doers, they begin to demonstrate the experience of heaven here on earth. Those receiving our hugs, prayers, or acts of kindness will begin to hear the strains of heavenly melodies through our actions which represent God to them.
There is a new label being attached to people these days; they're called "had-to" people. When asked why they tried something unusual, something difficult or challenging, they can only respond, "Had-to." The whole thrust of the letter of James is to enable the church to produce "Had-To Christians."
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"Why are you volunteering to clean up this vacant lot?" "Had-to." "Why are you taking time off from work to read to children at that elementary school?" "Had-to." "Your neighbor with Alzheimer's doesn't even know you're there. Why do you bother to spend so much time with him?" "Had-to." "Don't you realize how much it costs to provide food for the birds all winter?" "Had-to." "I can't believe you would be so kind to those people after they tried to undercut you like that at work." "Had-to." "Why do you smile or say something nice to everyone you meet?" "Had-to." "You never seem to waste an opportunity to tell someone about Christ, do you?" "Had-to."
Do you want to do something that brings a little bit of heaven to earth? You know how to do that. Be the Band-Aid. Be a "Had-To" Christian.
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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One of the most endearing stories of someone's call to ministry is that of Imagine Church's Debra Tadlock. Serving as a paralegal for more than twenty years, her heart for God led her to enroll in seminary even as she managed the responsibilities of a wife, mother, and grandmother who was working full-time. She went on to become a Cum Laude graduate of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, yet she felt God was calling her to even more. She distinguished herself through a year-long process of discernment and preparation, and in December, 2018, Debra was ordained into Christian ministry by the International Council of Community Churches in a memorable service at Imagine Church. Debra has touched the lives of many through her writings, Bible studies, counseling and worship leadership, and this Sunday, July 25, she will bring the message during our morning worship at Imagine Church, entitled, "The Eyes Have it." Dr. Deana Nail of GCTS will assist in worship this Sunday, too. You will be blessed by our 10:15 a.m. worship in-person in the lovely GCTS Chapel or online on the Imagine Church Facebook Page. We invite you to be with us!
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Leadership Team Dinner Meeting |
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The Leadership Team will enjoy getting back to a dinner meeting for the first time since February, 2020, when they gather at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday evening, August 1, at the home of Scott and Debra Tadlock, in the McLean Farms neighborhood near Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens. The team will review our building project status, cost, and scheduling. All team members are asked to attend! |
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On Sunday, August 15, we will recognize all of our Kindergarten, elementary school, middle school, and high school students as they prepare for the start of a new school year. This will be a meaningful part of our morning worship, and Bruce, Tim, and Gregory will all be involved in this time of recognition and blessing.
On Sunday, September 26, the Magnie family from the island of St. John in the US Virgin Islands will be our special guests to present a special musical program as part of our morning worship at Imagine Church. Lauren and Bo are recording artists and musicians with concerts in both the Caribbean and the USA spanning over a decade, but now daughter Elena (age 11, keyboardist, vocalist, songwriter) and son Otis (age 7, drums and percussion) have joined them! Elena just completed her first-ever "Kids Can Make a Difference" concert for the Green Team Environmental Conservation Academy in the Virgin Islands. They also happen to be Pastor Bruce's daughter, son-in-law, granddaughter, and grandson! We look forward to having them as our special guests in worship on September 26.
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Summer Fun for Imagine Nation Youth and Imagine Life |
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The Choles are excited to host the Summer Blast Cookout and Pool Party for our Imagine Nation Youth and Imagine Life college students this Saturday, July 24, at their beautiful Lake Wylie home at 822 Bay Tree Lane.
Middle school aged youth will enjoy a cookout from 11am-2pm and should RSVP by clicking here:
High school and college-aged youth will enjoy a cookout from 1-4pm and should RSVP by clicking here:
What a fantastic summer event for the youth and college-aged students of Imagine Church!
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Let's Send Off Our College Students with Love |
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Please help our college students feel the love as they get ready to depart to their respective campuses for the start of the 2021-22 school year! We will be collecting the following supplies to create send-off care packages for our 14 college students:
Cookies, Snacks, Water, Sports Drinks, Gift Cards, Etc.
We will collect items through this Sunday, July 25. Thank you in advance for generously helping to spread joy, love, and blessings!
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Our Imagine Kids and their families made a splash at last Friday's Imagine Kids Pool Party at the Berewick Manor House & Pool where the Imagine Kids Ministry provided pizza and drinks for everyone -- big thanks to everyone who showed up! And, this past Sunday, July 18, Kendall Davis and Andrea Gunn helped Gregory demonstrate that NO powers can separate us from Christ's love! If you missed this entertaining message, be sure to check it out here (at the 26:24 minute mark).
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We invite Imagine Kids of ALL ages (nursery through 5th grade) to join us at Gordon-Conwell this Sunday, July 25, for Gregory's message, "Can Anything Else in All Creation Separate Us from Christ's Love?". Babies can be dropped off in the nursery immediately upon arrival to GCTS, and Imagine Kids will depart from the chapel after praise and worship. We hope you will bring a friend with you!
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Memory Verse:
Parents, here is the memory verse for you to practice with your child(ren):
"Nothing at all can ever separate us from God's love. That's because of what Christ Jesus our Lord has done." (Romans 8:39b NIRV)
Parents, if the entire verse is too long for your preschooler, have them learn just this part:
"Nothing at all can ever separate us from God's love."
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You are invited to join us this Sunday, July 25, as Tim continues his study of James with discussion about "What's In Your Heart" from James 4:1-12.
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Mark Your Calendar for These Imagine Youth Events: |
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July 24th: Imagine Nation Youth and Imagine Life Summer Blast Cookout
Attention Imagine Nation Youth and Imagine Life college students, this is your last chance to sign up to attend this weekend's Summer Blast Cookout on Saturday, July 24. Please use these links to RSVP:
(Details can be found in the 'Summer Fun for Imagine Nation Youth and Imagine Life' article above.)
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Aug. 1st: Prayer for College Students as They Prepare to Depart
Aug. 15th: Back to School Service
Aug. 27th: Tailgate Party at Clover vs York Football Game
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Dec. 28th-30th: Winter Xtreme in Gatlinburg
Hot off the press! This year's Winter Xtreme will be December 28-30 in Gatlinburg! Please use this link to register your youth:
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Weekly Devotion:
Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress – 1 Timothy 4:15 (NLT)
God has given you a purpose. You are vital to God’s plan on the earth. However, often it’s easy to let the opinions of others stop you from believing your value to God. For example, the harsh words of a student in your math class can sink in and make you doubt your importance.
One good way to overcome the doubts is to begin to throw yourself into God. When you become focused on what God says about you, it becomes more important than the opinions of others. So when possible, throw yourself into things that God has for you. Focus on making yourself better and getting to know God more.
Today’s Truth: When you become focused on what God says about you, it becomes more important than the opinion of others.
You’ll be surprised at how much you grow when you do this. It might not feel like you’re making big strides, but over time, you’ll see good results. So today, choose to spend time focusing on God. Focus on what He says about you and what He’s called you to do. As you do that and develop your gifts, you’ll be amazed at the progress you make!
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Did you like what you read above? Follow these steps to get set-up to receive Tim's weekly devotional messages and other important information for Imagine Youth via Remind:
Get push notifications on your smartphone by going to the following link(s): rmd.at/imagineyg
Sign-up to receive text notifications by texting @imagineyg to the number 81010.
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We look forward to seeing you Sunday morning, Imagine Youth -- and bring a friend, 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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JULY'S MISSION FOCUS:
~ Global Ministries: Nick & Nika,
Missionaries in South Asia ~
As we have mentioned in previous newsletters, part of the money you give to Imagine Church goes to support both local and global missions including a missionary couple, Nick and Nika.
Nick and Nika live and work in a country in South Asia where they further God's kingdom through Bible translation in South Asia. Because of the sensitive nature of how they are serving in this country, we respect Nick and Nika's requests to not post or broadcast information about what they are doing as they could get thrown in jail and/or kicked out of that country if the information were to get into the wrong hands.
Additionally, the country in which Nick and Nika live and serve experienced a huge COVID surge in May which completely overwhelmed the heath care system and resulted in many deaths. Nick and Nika have used money donated to provide COVID-related relief in Jesus' name by giving funds to a pastor at a local area church that was able to distribute food and cooking gas to residents of their immediate and surrounding communities. The pastor says, "Without all of your prayers and love and support, it would not be possible to reach out and help needy people. They all would like to say big thanks to all who have been praying and supporting us."
Please continue to pray for Nick and Nika (and their 5 month old daughter) as they continue serving others and being the hands and feet of Jesus.
"Use your God given talents to serve others."
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Very Thankful, Incredibly Grateful, Unbelievably Blessed |
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It is a true blessing to receive the contributions that members of the Imagine Church family faithfully provide, thus keeping this ministry alive and vital. The church Leadership Team, church staff, and your pastor are all deeply grateful for your continued prayerful support and for the incredible record of faithfulness and sacrifice you continue to write. If you are led to make a tithe, offering, or gift, we offer you these safe and convenient giving options:
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
WORSHIP: Cash or check donations can be placed in one of the collection baskets at our Sunday in-person worships at GCTS.
ONLINE: Use this link to access our Church Center online giving platform:
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.
RECURRING: Make a recurring donation using Church Center:
THANK YOU for making our ministry possible here in this community and around the world!
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The Ladies Life Group continues to meet on Tuesday nights at 7:00 p.m. at the Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Room 127. They will continue with their study of 1 John this Tuesday, July 27, and you are invited to join them. Additionally, the group has plans to study these additional books of the Bible: 2 John, 3 John, Jude, and Revelation.
Want to join in the fellowship? Stay tuned for details about upcoming events and outings from the Ladies Life Group.
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We know you've saved this date:
Classic Car Show at Fred Caldwell Chevrolet in Clover, SC
August 14, 2021.
Here's another Guys & Cars Life Group event to add to your calendar:
York Car Show on August 28, 2021
More details will come as we get closer to the events, so please stay tuned or reach out to Jim Gilkeson if you have questions.
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Members of the Adult Life Group enjoyed relaxing and listening to music at the Whitewater Center this past Saturday, July 17. Please stay tuned for details about other upcoming events and outings from the Adult Life Group, and reach out to Paula Davis (704-906-0101) with questions or with ideas for future activities.
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Weekly Inspiration and Encouragement |
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Inspirational Song:
By: Jeremy Camp
“Well, I will walk by faith
Well, even when I cannot see
Well, because this broken road
Prepares Your will for me”
Submitted by: Jennifer Tankersley,
Minister of Worship and the Arts
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Bible Verse of Encouragement:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.'"
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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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Jul 24......Harriet Hardee
Jul 25......Gracesyn Schoeller
Jul 30......Jennifer Tankersley
Aug 5......Lauren Flott
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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 grace is the love, honesty, and compassion that God gives and shows us in Jesus. It's how Jesus saves us, heals us, sets us free, and increases our capacity for love. That's Imagine Church!
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Real people. Real life. Real church.
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