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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:
September 9, 2021
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As you know, the city of Charlotte issued a mask mandate requiring face coverings be worn in any indoor public space regardless of vaccination status; this mandate applies to all individuals who are at least four years of age. While there are exceptions for exemption from the requirements of this rule, Imagine Church is still strongly recommending the wearing of masks at our indoor worship for the time being because of the Delta Variant spread of COVID-19. Imagine Church remains committed to our biblical mandate to "love our neighbors as ourselves," and we believe wearing masks during this time protects the safety and well-being of each other, particularly the most vulnerable among us. We will have masks available on tables in the rotunda at Gordon-Conwell, and we encourage those who do not bring their own to wear one. |
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Sunday, September 12: 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)
10:30 a.m. Imagine Life College Ministry
Message: Fake News That's Not in the Bible, Part 5 by Pastor Bruce
Separate sessions for ALL ages of Imagine Kids and Imagine Nation Youth
Proclaim - Jim Gilkeson; Safety & Security - Nick Jones
11:30 a.m. Imagine Nation Youth Winter Xtreme Meeting, Room 122-A
Tuesday, September 14:
7:00 p.m. Main Class, Community Bible Study (in person groups at Community Church at Lake Wylie, and Dedicated Online Groups)
7:00 p.m. Personnel Team, Home of Amy Davis, 2104 Brandt Road, York
Wednesday, September 15:
10:00 a.m. Wednesday Morning Women's Group, Community Bible Study, CCLW
Study of Revelation
7:00 p.m. Ladies Life Group, Home of Debra Tadlock, 117 Shimmerlake Lane, Belmont
Bible Study on Daniel and Revelation
Sunday, September 19:
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: Fake News That's Not in the Bible, Page 6 by Pastor Bruce
Separate sessions for ALL ages of Imagine Kids and Imagine Nation Youth
Proclaim - Lee Potter; Safety & Security - Andy Brown
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Imagine Church Devotional |
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The NFL season begins tonight with a Thursday night matchup between the reigning Super Bowl champs, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the Dallas Cowboys. Lots of us will be watching the game. The start of the NFL season brings renewed cause for hope among long-suffering Cowboys fans, as well as those who root for any of the thirty-two teams which comprise professional football today.
If you are like me, you grew up watching ABC's Wide World of Sports. Almost everyone knows the phrase the show made famous: "The thrill of victory, and the agony of defeat." We not only know that from watching the Wide World of Sports; we recognize it because we've experienced it in our lives. We have all known the agony of defeat.
Over the last couple of decades, many of us have experienced it with our football team, the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers have been to the Super Bowl twice; how many of you remember the 2003 team? We had Jake Delhomme at quarterback, Steve Smith was our star wide receiver, Stephen Davis was the running back, John Kasay was the kicker, and Jordan Gross was a young rising star at tackle. They were huge underdogs in the Super Bowl to the New England Patriots. In the second half, the Panthers played lights-out and tied the game with a couple minutes remaining. But Tom Brady (how many times have we seen this?) led his team down the field to score a field goal with only a few seconds remaining which won the game by the score of 32 - 29.
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Thousands of Carolina Panthers' fans experienced, at the same time, the agony of defeat. Loss is part of the game of football, but it's also a metaphor of life. To be clear, in life you're going to experience defeat sometimes. But how do you live through, and move past, the agony of defeat?
There are four things I have learned from football over the years on how to move through the agony of defeat to the thrill of victory: 1) Don't quit, but get back up; 2) Don't linger at disappointment, but move on to gratitude; 3) Don't blame others, but learn from the defeat; and 4) Don't look back, but look to the future with hope.
Just remember that the cross, the agonizing defeat of Jesus, became the instrument God used to save the world. No matter how much pain you're experiencing today, evil and sickness and death will never have the final word. We get back up, we give thanks, we choose to get better, and we choose to go forward with hope.
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, either online or in person, is a lifeline to many people, and for the church, worship is the hub around which everything else centers. At Imagine Church, each and every Sunday is vital to the overall mission and work of ministry. We believe God is the audience, and we are all participants in this weekly endeavor. We invite you to join us at 10:15 a.m. this Sunday, September 12, as we join in this fulfilling and meaningful experience! Bruce will continue our fun and inspiring series, Fake News That's Not in the Bible, Jennifer and our praise band will bring thrilling and heart-stirring music, Gregory and Tim will have outstanding individual groups for kids and youth, and your participation will add to the overall sense of vibrancy. We hope you will be with us this Sunday, either online on our Imagine Church Facebook page or in person!
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We Look Forward to the Day |
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If you're new to Imagine Church, you might not realize that a special part of our Sunday gathering has been omitted since March, 2020, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and that's the refreshment time before and after worship. A greeting time in worship, the passing of offering baskets, frequent communion, and robust congregational singing are all elements that have been paused in an effort to protect the safety and health of all our participants. We know it won't last forever; in fact, a key feature of our new facility will be the cafe which will be prominently featured in the commons area of Imagine Church's new home. These are all things we look forward to as life eventually resumes on a safer and more normal path. |
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Lake Wylie Classic Charity Event |
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A few of Imagine Church's own -- Ron Domurat, Tim Imrick, David Nichols, Russ Partin, and Steve Phillips -- are organizing an amazing Charity Event:
Lake Wylie Classic
Charity Auction & Taste of Lake Wylie
~ Saturday, September 11, 2021 ~
4:00pm @ Red Fez Shrine Club
$25 for Dinner (Cash Bar)
This is an annual event that has historically raised over $100,000 each year to support the local Shriners Children's Hospital in Greenville, SC, and you are invited to support the cause -- and have a little fun, too! Call 803-619-9911 with questions.
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It's Not Too Late to Join Community Bible Study (CBS) |
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Community Bible Study (CBS) began its 2021-22 Session this past Tuesday evening, September 7. CBS will continue to meet weekly on Tuesday nights from 7:00-8:30 p.m. at the Community Church at Lake Wylie (located at 104 Hamilton's Ferry Rd., Lake Wylie, SC) with some groups meeting Wednesday mornings.
There are groups for everyone: Couples Groups, Women's Groups, Men's Groups, Teen Groups, and Dedicated Online (Zoom) Groups. CBS provides a beautiful way to truly understand God's Word, and Pastor Bruce encourages everyone to join Community Bible Study for this 2021-22 Session.
Even though the 2021-22 Session has already begun, it's not too late to register -- you can do so by clicking here: CBS Registration
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The Personnel Team (Amy Davis, Chair) will meet at Amy's home on Tuesday evening, September 14, at 7:00 p.m. We remind all team members to please be present!
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Magnie Family to Lead Worship on September 26 |
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Our pastor's daughter and her husband, Lauren and Bo Magnie, are musicians who live in the US Virgin Islands (on the island of St. John) and are popular and acclaimed musicians there. Even their children, Elena and Otis, get in on the act! We are pleased to have them as our special guests to lead worship on Sunday, September 26, along with a brief message from Bruce. You will be blessed and inspired by their music, and we invite you to circle that date and be with us for a very special Sunday worship experience.
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(Note: Pastor Bruce mentioned the ancient city of Sodom in a sermon on Sunday, September 5, which prompted the following message from Lee Potter of our church family.)
There's a sleepy little town in Vermont, next to the one I lived in for 35 years. Why is this important? If you look at a map of Vermont you can get a general idea of how old the map is by the name of that town. Vermont towns have some unique names. This one was originally called Sodom. Local legend says that the town preacher hated the name. One Sunday morning, he stood before his congregation and slammed his fist on the pulpit. At the top of his voice he yelled . . . "I am ADAMANT that we change the name of this town." Who could blame him? And so, in 1905, the state legislature allowed the town to change its name. It's now called Adamant, Vermont.
Enjoy your day, Lee Potter
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This past Sunday, September 5, Gregory Roberts, again with the help of Jim Hare, continued his message series about Jesus being the good shepherd. Check out Jesus is the Gate! (Part 2) (at the 25:00 minute mark) if you missed it on Sunday.
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We invite Imagine Kids of ALL ages (nursery through 5th grade) to join us at Gordon-Conwell this Sunday, September 12, when Gregory will continue this message series with his message titled Jesus is the Gate, Part 3. 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):
"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep." (John 10:11 NIrV)
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Calling all middle schoolers, high schoolers, and college students who happen to be in town this Sunday, September 12...
After praise and worship, join Tim Gunn for Imagine Nation Youth or Chris Jones for Imagine Life, our Imagine Youth ministry that focuses on engaging our college students and high school seniors -- and be sure to bring a friend!
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If you've registered for Winter Xtreme in Gatlinburg (December 28-30), please plan to meet immediately after service on this Sunday, September 12, to review the Winter Extreme schedule, concerts, housing arrangements, and answer questions.
If you haven't registered yet, you have until this Sunday, September 12, to do so: Winter Xtreme 2021
Also, stay tuned for more youth events coming this Fall including Scarowinds and much more!
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Weekly Devotion:
Dear friends, I had been eagerly planning to write to you about the salvation we all share. But now I find that I must write about something else, urging you to defend the faith that God has entrusted once for all time to his holy people. – Jude 1:3 (NLT)
In our world, there are increasingly more and more people that don’t follow the Christian faith. As Christians, our response should be to stand up and give answers for our belief in Jesus. Often there are just small things that keep our friends and family from believing in Jesus. We can give them the answers they need and remove the things that might keep them from following Jesus.
For example, some people feel the Bible is not relevant or is outdated. Others may feel like God is distant and not loving, so to respond to them, you should know what you believe and why you believe it. Then you can confidently stand up for what it is you believe and for the hope you have in Jesus.
Today’s Truth: Stand up and give a defense for your hope in Jesus.
You might be the only chance some people have to hear the gospel. So you should study and make sure you know what you believe and why you believe it. God has called you to be bold and stand up and defend your faith. Today, choose to begin to study and know both the Bible and why it’s important to your day-to-day life.
Take a Moment to Pray: God, I ask for your help in sharing my faith. Give me opportunities today to stand up and boldly share my hope in Jesus. Amen.
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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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SEPTEMBER'S MISSION FOCUS:
~ Partnering with Kinard Elementary ~
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"In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly." ~ Romans 12:6-8 (NLT)
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For the month of September, the Missions Team will focus on educating you about opportunities that exist to make an impact on the children at Kinard Elementary School in Clover, SC, a Title I school where 40% or more of the students qualify for free/reduced lunch and are eligible for school-wide programs that benefit all students in the school. Parent participation and involvement are encouraged in all Title I schools, but because many parents work during the school day, there is a huge opportunity for our church family to make an impact by volunteering in classrooms, eating lunch with students, and mentoring students, among other things.
If you missed seeing this video during this past Sunday's worship service, please take a moment to view and listen to Mr. George Smith, Principal of Kinard Elementary:
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This past Sunday, Sherri Ciurlik of the Imagine Church Missions Team spoke about opportunities that exist to partner with Kinard Elementary to serve both Kinard's 495 students and also Kinard's teachers and staff. If you missed Sherri's passionate and heartfelt message, please take a moment to listen to it now:
If you feel called to serve in some capacity -- pen pal, mentor, lunch buddy, teacher/staff supporter -- with this partnering initiative with Kinard Elementary in Clover, SC, please take a moment to email Kari DiDonato, Imagine Church Administrator, at [email protected], and express your interest by answering these questions:
- Your Name
- Your Email
- Your Preferred Phone/Text Number
- Skills & Interests
- Preferred Student Age with which to Engage
- Weekday Availability
We look forward to brainstorming ideas on how we can engage in meaningful ways with the students at Kinard while also providing emotional support and encouragement for Kinard's teachers and staff. Thank you for praying on this opportunity to create a symbiotic relationship between Imagine Church and Kinard Elementary -- one in which we touch the lives of children and teachers while they, in turn, touch our lives, too.
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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:
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 will continue to meet on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. at Debra Tadlock's beautiful home (117 Shimmerlake Ln, Belmont, NC) where they will keep delving into their Bible study series of Daniel and Revelation.
Please stay tuned for details about upcoming events and outings from the Ladies Life Group.
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Please stay tuned for details about upcoming events and outings from the Guys & Cars Life Group, and reach out to Jim Gilkeson with any questions.
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Last Thursday, September 2, members of the Adult Life Group attended and enjoyed fellowship, food, and music at 'Jazz at the Garden' at DSBG. The Adult Life Group's next outing will be a Charlotte History & Haunts Ghost Tour! Rain or shine, this outing will be a 90-minute walking tour guided by the eerie glow of candlelight -- a little spooky fun that's entertaining and educational, too! This event is appropriate for all ages and requires $15 reservations per person. Stay tuned for more details and an exact date in October.
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Weekly Inspiration and Encouragement |
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Inspirational Song:
By: TobyMac
When the sun won’t shine and you don’t know why
Look into the eyes of the broken hearted
Watch them come alive as soon as you speak hope you speak love
You speak, speak life
--TobyMac
Submitted by: Jennifer Tankersley,
Minister of Worship and the Arts
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Bible Verse of Encouragement:
"Speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
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Please remember in your prayers each day Angie Dennis, recovering from illness and hospitalization; Jerry Brownlee (Lydia Smith's dad); the family of Rylee McCallum, a U.S. Marine Corporal who was killed in the bombing of the Kabul airport in Afghanistan (Jeff and Linda Delp are his uncle and aunt); those in Louisiana, New York, and New England states who are dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Ida; those in our church family and our friends who have been battling the Delta Variant of Covid-19, for their complete healing and return to full health; and Adrienne Lanier's sister and brother-in-law, Greg and Cindy Holman, recovering from illness.
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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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Sep 10.....Aurelia Stanford
Sep 11.....Bonita Nugent
Sep 12.....Trever Flott
Sep 14.....Brittany McInnis
Sep 16.....Ken Moreno
Sep 20.... Chase Jones
Sep 21.....Ben Horgan
Sep 22.....Brooklyn Gunn
Sep 23.....Roland Neuffer
Sep 23.....David Kowalczyk
Sep 23.....Katie James
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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 invite you to join us on this venture of faith and faithfulness as Imagine Church employs the idea of creative abandonment: forsaking what does not work for what does. Join us on the ground floor of what God is up to in the world today. Our community and your life will never be the same!
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Why can't church be more like that?
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