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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:
January 21, 2021
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Sunday, January 24: THIS SUNDAY!
9:45 a.m. Online message to Imagine Kids by Gregory Roberts (Imagine Church Facebook Page)
10:15 a.m. Indoor worship inside Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary Chapel,
14542 Choate Circle, Charlotte (and online worship on Imagine Church Facebook Page)
Third Sunday after Epiphany
Message: "What Difference Does God Make?" Part 4, by Pastor Bruce
A/V - Jim; Safety & Security - Nick J. & Scott T.
12:15 p.m. Personnel Team (individual sessions with church staff at GCTS)
Monday, January 25:
6:00 p.m. Personnel Team (individual sessions with church staff at home of Jimmy and Becky Ferguson, 9106 Blue Dasher Drive, Lake Wylie)
Sunday, January 31:
9:45 a.m. Online message to Imagine Kids by Gregory Roberts (Imagine Church Facebook Page)
10:15 a.m. Indoor worship inside Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary Chapel,
14542 Choate Circle, Charlotte (and online worship on Imagine Church Facebook Page)
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
Message: "Plot Twist: The Story of Joseph" Part 1, by Pastor Bruce
A/V - Tim; Safety & Security - Craig G. & Russ P.
11:30 a.m. Leadership Team Meeting, Room 241, GCTS (and by Zoom for those who wish to attend online)
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Imagine Church Devotional |
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"Where Are the Heroes Today?" |
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Eighty years ago, in the summer of 1940, Western civilization was threatened with defeat. Liberty, the principle on which it rests, was menaced by a man who despised freedom. Adolf Hitler, the dictator of Nazi Germany, had conquered Western Europe. He challenged Britain, the last outpost of resistance, to submit. He believed Britain would, and with good reason. Its Army was beaten; its Navy and Air Force were under attack by the all-conquering German Luftwaffe. He believed there was no one who would oppose his demands.
But he was wrong. One man would -- and did. Winston Churchill, recently appointed Prime Minister, defied Hitler. He rejected surrender. He insisted that Britain could fight on. In a series of magnificent speeches appealing to his people's courage and historic greatness, he carried Britain with him. The country rallied to his call, held steady under a concentrated air bombardment, manned the beaches Hitler planned to invade, and took strength in the struggle of "the Few," Britain's fighter pilots, in their eventually victorious battle against Hitler's air power.
By the end of 1940, by the narrowest of margins, Britain had survived. Hitler's war plan was flawed, never to recover, and the Western world lived to fight another day. Western civilization had found a new hero in crisis whose example would lead to eventual triumph.
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God is always looking for heroes, for people willing to accept the challenge of following Christ. This is never easy, but our church -- and our nation -- can use a few more heroes. Now, more than ever, we need ordinary people to do the extraordinary work of love and compassion in a world being torn apart by hatred and self-interest.
God's heroes, if they're going to be found anywhere at all, are going to be found right here. We live in a day where there are always going to be people calling us to scale back, don't reach out, don't risk anything, and for heaven's sake, make sure it's going to be easy to pay for. We need some new heroes, folks. It's up to us -- it's up to you -- to be that kind of hero. Where are the heroes today? Could it be you?
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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During these early weeks of 2021, we've been asking the timely question, "What difference does God make?" as we have looked at the primary ways that God directs us and guides our lives. There is one more way, and it could be the most practical of all -- and the implications it has on our lives are huge. We hope you will join us at 10:15 a.m. this Sunday, January 24, as we conclude the series, "What Difference Does God Make?". You can join us in person on the beautiful Charlotte campus of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary or online via the Imagine Church Facebook page. We hope you are with us on Sunday!
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One of the great values of our Personnel Team is to assist, support, and undergird the work of our church's dedicated program staff. This Sunday after worship and again on Monday evening, the Imagine Church Personnel Team, led by Amy Davis, will meet individually with each member of the staff to express gratitude and affirmation and to see how the church can help them in their various ministries and support them personally. Thank you, Personnel Team, for this valuable work! The Sunday sessions will be held at GCTS in Room 122, and Monday's evening sessions will take place at the home of Jimmy and Becky Ferguson, 9106 Blue Dasher Drive, in Summerhouse. |
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Worship Series and Corresponding Bible Study |
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Beginning Sunday, January 31, and continuing through February 14, Bruce and Gregory will team up to bring both a series of messages and a Bible study on the story of Joseph from the Old Testament. On Sunday mornings, Bruce's messages will be called, "Plot Twist: The Story of Joseph", and then Gregory will lead a Zoom Bible study on either Sunday or Wednesday evening, depending on the group's preference. To sign up for the Bible study, please contact Gregory by text at 704-502-3107 or by email at [email protected].
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Leadership Team on Sunday, January 31 |
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We plan to have an in-person Leadership Team meeting on Sunday, January 31, at 11:45 a.m. just following in-person worship at GCTS in room 122-A. There will be a way for team members to join us by Zoom if they do not wish to attend in person. Watch for more information prior to the date of our meeting! |
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Dear Pastor Bruce and the wonderful Imagine Church,
Words cannot express how truly grateful we are to you for your incredible donation to our center. There are so many things to help us succeed -- this was truly wonderful. We look forward to sharing our mission with your congregation and families. Together we can make a difference in our community.
Blessings,
Wendy Schafeld, Director
Rideability Therapeutic Riding Center, Clover, SC
Dear Imagine Church of the Carolinas,
God's Kitchen sincerely acknowledges and appreciates your recent contribution. By your generosity, we are able to help others in and around the Clover community by providing a hot meal three days a week. Please continue to pray for us as we continue to help those who are in need.
Yours in Christ,
The Staff at God's Kitchen
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Offering: Worship Through Giving |
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There are a variety of opportunities to worship with Imagine Church, and whether you choose to worship with us in person at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary or online on our Facebook page, worshiping through giving is always a good opportunity to demonstrate how God is at work in the life of our church family. Your generous giving helps to keep Imagine Church's ministry alive and vital, and we THANK YOU for making our ministry possible here in this community and around the world!
If you are led to make an offering and will be worshiping with us in person this Sunday, we invite you to place your offering in one of the collection baskets at the GCTS chapel. However, if you will be worshiping with us online, we encourage you to make a safe and secure online offering from our church website (https://imaginechurchnow.org/giving/) or to mail your cash or check directly to our church office at:
Imagine Church
13000 S. Tryon Street, Suite F-114
Charlotte, NC 28278
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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 family to be the hands and feet of Jesus and to help others through various means of service right here in our community. If you are aware of an opportunity that you would like to see highlighted in the newsletter, please email Kari DiDonato at her Imagine Church email: [email protected]
JANUARY'S OUTREACH OPPORTUNITY:
~ Habitat for Humanity of York County ~
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Founded in 1988, Habitat for Humanity of York County is part of a global nonprofit housing organization working in local communities across all 50 states in the U.S. and in approximately 70 countries with a vision of a world where everyone has a decent and affordable place to live. Through faith, innovation, and passion, and thanks to the support of countless community partners, volunteers, donors, and advocates, Habitat for Humanity of York County has made a significant impact in York County since its founding in 1988.
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Back in the 1990s, the first Charlotte Region ReStore opened with the mission of selling “good stuff at good prices for a good cause.” More than 20 years and 6 additional stores later, the Charlotte Region ReStores are still selling new and gently-used furniture, appliances, home décor, home improvement, and building materials at a fraction of the retail price while being a fundraising arm for Habitat for Humanity! |
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In York County, when you donate new or gently-used items to a Habitat ReStore, you’re making affordable homeownership a reality, and you’re also keeping perfectly usable items from needlessly going to waste in a landfill. Donations to the ReStore are tax-deductible. To learn more, visit Habitat for Humanity of York County ReStore or call 803.324.1960. Or visit one of these two York County ReStore locations:
Lake Wylie
4084 Charlotte Highway
Lake Wylie, SC 29710
803.324.1960
Rock Hill
825 N Anderson Road
Rock Hill, SC 29730
803.324.1960
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Thank you in advance, Imagine Church family, for generously supporting this month's outreach opportunity. You can learn more about Habitat for Humanity of York County by checking out their website or by following them on Facebook:
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Weekly Inspiration and Encouragement |
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Inspirational Song:
By: Andrew Ripp
"Our God, You will tear down the walls
Our God, You are invincible
The strongholds crumble like castles of sand
As we shout loud our Jericho song" - Andrew Ripp
Submitted by: Jennifer Tankersley,
Minister of Worship and the Arts
Bible Verse of Encouragement:
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9)
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Zach Preston has had a roller-coaster January thus far with a CT scan on January 4 that showed shrinkage and no new spots on his liver; it did show progression in an area in his lower abdomen. He had another chemo infusion on January 5, and his CEA cancer markers are coming down, which is a good thing. Mainly the fatigue this is all causing has been tough. Rhonda asks for our prayers for them both, for continued strength and courage. We love this dear couple that Bruce married at Litchfield by the Sea in 2006.
Tamra Roberts' mom Tina is battling stage four cancer, and Tamra and her sister, Liz, are spending some days with her this week at Tina's home in Wisconsin. Please pray for them and for Tamra's husband, Gregory, our Minister to Children and Families, as well.
Our prayers are also with Joe and Keri Millo at the recent loss they have experienced in their family.
Bernd Herold and daughter Lena have arrived in Germany to be with Bernd's mother, Oma Hildegard, for her upcoming 86th birthday. Oma is frail after experiencing a stroke last year but is still very sharp. Our prayers are with her and with Bernd and Lena as they spend these days with their mother and grandmother.
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If you are choosing to worship indoors at Gordon-Conwell, elementary aged Imagine Kids (grades K-5) will be dismissed from the chapel early in worship on Sundays for their session with our Minister to Children and Families, Gregory Roberts.
Additionally, as a way of reaching our online faith community, you can also catch Gregory's weekly message LIVE on Sundays at 9:45 a.m. on the Imagine Church Facebook page. If you missed it, here is last week's message about 'The Lost Sheep'. This week's message will also be from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 15, and will focus on the theme of "something lost".
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Memory Verse:
Parents, here is the memory verse for you to practice with your child(ren):
"'Why were you looking for me?' he (Jesus) asked. 'Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?'"
(Luke 2:49)
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This Sunday, January 24, when Tim meets separately with Imagine Nation Youth during the 10:15 a.m. in-person worship service, he will continue with week 3 of a 4-week series, "My Feelings". Youth will be dismissed from the chapel after praise and worship. |
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Tim supplements his Sunday messages with devotions that he sends out via the Remind app. It is Tim's hope that this series and the accompanying devotions will get your sons and daughters connected to what God can do in the lives of all the young people at Imagine Church. If you and/or your youth are not already signed up for Remind, please follow these steps to get set-up to receive push notifications or texts from Tim:
Get push notifications on your smartphone by going to the following link(s):
Sign-up to receive text notifications by texting @imagineyg to the number 81010.
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You'll find peace in peaceless situations: |
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Grab a Bible or Bible app and read Proverbs 4:23. Everything you do comes from your heart. So if you want to see goodness in your life, fill it with goodness. If you want love, fill it with love. The Bible tells us that the only place any of these are found is in Jesus, and we have access to Him because He rose from the dead three days after He died for us on the cross. What are you filling your heart with right now that needs to change?
We look forward to seeing you on Sunday, and we encourage you to bring a friend, too!
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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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Jan 22......Mark Lanier
Jan 22......Cory Jackson
Jan 24......Randy Turner
Jan 24......Chere Dunn
Jan 25......Owen Vanourny
Jan 25......Maitland Vanourny
Jan 27......Melissa Misplay
Jan 28......Emily Bowling
Jan 29......Kimberly Nichols
Jan 30......Caleb Carpenter
Jan 30......Liz Moreno
Jan 31......Amy Fronczkiewicz
Feb 2.......Brian Ingle
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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 God reaches out to us in different ways. God is the creator of the universe and giver of all that is good. God is the Savior -- known boldly and intimately in Jesus and his life, death and resurrection -- who shows us how to live and love. God is the Spirit who enables us to make a difference in our world and in the lives of others. That's Imagine Church.
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Progressive Jesus followers
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