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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:
April 8, 2021
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Sunday, April 11: THIS SUNDAY!
9:45 a.m. Online message to Imagine Kids by Gregory Roberts (Imagine Church Facebook Page)
10:15 a.m. Worship indoors at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary Chapel, 14542 Choate Circle, Charlotte (and online worship on Imagine Church Facebook Page)
Second Sunday of Easter
Message: "Dispelling All Doubt"
Separate sessions for Imagine Nation Youth and Imagine Kids
Safety & Security - Andy Brown and Nick Jones
Tuesday, April 13:
7:00 p.m. Ladies Life Group, Room 127, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
Rock painting activity for the Prayer Garden that will be constructed at the Palmetto Women's Center as part of Serve Day (Saturday, April 17)
Saturday, April 17:
8:00 to 11:30 a.m. Imagine Church Serve Day
Meet at First Properties of the Carolinas, 1 Executive Court, Lake Wylie; breakfast will be provided
Service projects at Clover Area Assistance Center and Palmetto Women's Center
Sunday, April 18:
9:45 a.m. Online message for Imagine Kids by Gregory Roberts (Imagine Church Facebook Page)
10:15 a.m. Worship Indoors at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary Chapel, 14542 Choate Circle, Charlotte (and online worship on Imagine Church Facebook Page)
Third Sunday of Easter
Message: "The Struggle Is Real (The Story of Thomas)"
Separate sessions for Imagine Nation Youth and Imagine Kids
Safety & Security - Russ Partin and Steve Phillips
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Imagine Church Devotional |
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"The Worst Things Are Never the Last Things" |
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In his book, The Case for Christ, Lee Strobel tells of his conversation with Dr. Gary Habermans, professor of theology and philosophy and author of numerous books and articles. The question Strobel posed concerned the importance of the Resurrection for Christians. He assumed he would get a stock answer about its centrality to the faith. Instead, he got much more. Habermans went into a reflective mood in which he referred to the death of his wife of stomach cancer a few years before. This is how Strobel described it:
"I sat on our porch," Habermans began, looking off to the side at nothing in particular . . . "My wife was upstairs dying. Except for a few weeks, she was home through it all. It was an awful time. This was the worst thing that could possibly happen."
He turned and looked straight at Lee Strobel. "But do you know what was amazing? My students would call me and say, 'At a time like this, aren't you glad about the Resurrection?' As sober as the circumstances were, I had to smile for two reasons," Habermans said. "First, my students were trying to cheer me up with my own teaching. And second, it worked."
"As I would sit there, I'd picture Job, who went through all that terrible stuff and asked questions of God, but then God turned the tables and asked him a few questions. I knew if God were to come to me, I'd ask only one question: 'Lord, why is Debbie up there in bed?' And I think God would respond by asking gently, 'Gary, did I raise my Son from the dead?'"
"I'd say, 'Come on, Lord, I've written seven books on the topic! Of course he was raised from the dead! But I want to know about Debbie!'"
"I think He'd keep coming back to the same question -- 'Did I raise my Son from the dead?' -- until I got His point: The Resurrection says that if Jesus was raised 2,000 years ago, there's an answer to Debbie's death, too. And you know what? If the Resurrection would get me through that, it can get me through anything. If there's a Resurrection, there's a heaven. If Jesus was raised, Debbie was raised. And I will be someday, too. Then I'll see them both" (Lee Strobel, The Case for Christ, p. 241-242).
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Dr. Habermans was right. The worst things are never the last things. The Resurrection proves that the world is about life, not death. Winston Churchill, I've read, planned his own funeral which took place in Saint Paul's Cathedral. He included many of the great hymns of the church, and used the eloquent Anglican liturgy. At his direction, a bugler, positioned high in the dome of Saint Paul's, intoned, after the benediction, the sound of "Taps," the universal signal that the day is over. But then came the most dramatic turn: As soon as "Taps" was finished, another bugler, placed on the other side of the great dome, played the notes of "Reveille" -- "It's time to get up, it's time to get up, it's time to get up in the morning." That was Churchill's testimony that at the end of life, the last note will not be "Taps," it will be "Reveille." Always remember: the worst things are never the last things.
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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We experienced a glorious Easter at Imagine Church, but Easter is not a single day! We have begun an extended celebration of Christ's Resurrection, and we hope you will join us over the next several Sundays as we continue to celebrate the Risen Christ. For one thing, the thrilling music of the Imagine praise band will continue each week, and this coming Sunday, April 11, at 10:15 a.m., Bruce will share an Easter message titled "Dispelling All Doubt." Easter is too significant to relegate to just one day, and the Resurrection is something we should celebrate each time we come together. We hope you will be with us this coming Sunday -- as one of the growing number of folks who worship in person, or as part of our online faith community from our Imagine Church Facebook page. As Christians, every day for us is Easter!
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It's not too early to be thinking about graduation! We believe we have a significant number of both high school and college graduates to honor this year at Imagine Church. If you have a graduate in your family, please let us know by email at [email protected], or contact Bruce, Tim, or Kari on the church staff.
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We are grateful to Michael Hurst who has picked up the mowing duties on the new church site this spring. What a difference it makes to see the beautiful 16-acre site when entire sections of it have been freshly mown! We still hope to have a few outdoor services there this spring before construction commences. We are grateful to Michael for the labor of love, time, and energy he is providing on behalf of the entire church family!
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Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Hallelujah!
In case you missed it, here is Elijah's and Gregory's Easter message proclaiming the good news that The Tomb was EMPTY! You can catch this Sunday's message, Angels In the Tomb, and all of Gregory's pre-recorded weekly messages on Sundays at 9:45 a.m.
When you worship in person at Gordon-Conwell, elementary aged Imagine Kids (grades K-5) are dismissed from the chapel early in worship for their session with Gregory, so we invite you to spread the love and share the fun by bringing a friend with you to Imagine Kids, too! This Sunday, April 11, Natalie Ward and Kim Dulin will be facilitating the Imagine Kids session, and we are grateful for their help!
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Thank You for Spending Easter Sunday with Imagine Church! |
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We are grateful for those IMAGINE KIDS who stuck around after Easter Sunday worship to participate in our Easter Egg Hunt and also in the Resurrection Garden craft! We hope that you and your families enjoyed yourselves and that you found the activities to be rewarding and meaningful. |
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Memory Verse:
Parents, here is the memory verse for you to practice with your child(ren):
"When they entered the tomb, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus." (Luke 24:3 NIRV)
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ATTENTION PARENTS OF GRADUATING SENIORS: We want to recognize our soon-to-be graduates -- so, if you are the parent of a graduating high school or college senior, please let us know by email at [email protected], or contact Bruce, Tim, or Kari on the church staff.
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Imagine Youth 2021 Summer Youth Retreat
July 1-3, 2021
Camp Longridge in Ridgeway, SC
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Cost $150
$50 non-refundable deposit was due April 4
$50 payment due May 2
Final $50 payment due June 6
Let Tim know ASAP if you are still wanting to register and pay online at:
(or pay by check made payable to 'Imagine Church')
Join us for all sorts of activities: waterslide, blob zip line, basketball, volleyball, gaga ball, paintball, and so much more!
Questions? Call Tim Gunn at 803-322-1113.
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"You are the light of the world -- like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden."
(Matthew 5:14 NLT)
It’s easy to want to hide your faith. Maybe you’re concerned that others will judge you or make fun of you for being a Christian. Today’s Bible verse challenges us to not keep God a secret. It takes guts to step out and share your faith with others. The good news is that often you’ll find that people really appreciate it, especially if they’re going through a difficult time in their lives. So challenge yourself to not be afraid to share your faith with others.
Your life can have a huge impact on others if you don’t allow yourself to be held back by fear. Step out and see God move through you!
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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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Imagine Church's first SERVE DAY is set for Saturday, April 17 -- and we are grateful for those adults and youth from our Imagine Church family who have signed up to serve!
SERVE DAY will be an opportunity for you to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty by serving our community in two different capacities:
Clover Area Assistance Center (CAAC):
Headed up by Fred Wetherell, ten (10) people will do outdoor work like cutting back bushes, planting flowers, picking up trash, etc.
Palmetto Women's Center:
Headed up by Debra Tadlock, ten (10) people will assist with constructing a prayer garden (bench, painted rocks, bird houses, etc.) using supplies and materials that will have been previously purchased and prepared.
Those who have signed up to serve should plan to meet at the First Properties of the Carolinas office (1 Executive Ct, Lake Wylie) at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 17, where breakfast will be provided.
If you have questions regarding Serve Day, please feel free to reach out to Kari DiDonato, Church Administrator, at her church email address: [email protected]
Serve Day is just one example of how Imagine Church's newly established Missions Team led by Julie Van Slambrook and Fred Wetherell is laying the groundwork to be the hands and feet of Jesus right here in our local community. If you are unable to participate in this particular Serve Day initiative, we encourage you to think of ways you can still serve others without expecting anything back in return -- exactly as we are called to do. We thank you for your willingness to do something deeply meaningful for others in our local community!
"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served,
but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
(Mark 10:45 NIV)
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We Give Because God Gave First |
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It’s through your generous giving that we’re able to carry on our mission -- spiritually, locally, and globally. For your convenience, we offer electronic giving options that allow you to contribute when and how you prefer, and you don’t have to remember cash or your checkbook. We encourage you to try one of these secure, fast, and easy to use eGiving options:
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ONLINE on our NEW Church Center giving platform:
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Via APP from your smart phone using the NEW mobile Church Center app -- simply search for Imagine Church in Lake Wylie to create your account:
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Via TEXT from your cell phone -- simply text the amount of your offering (ex: $123) to 84321, and you will be prompted for any other needed information.
However, if you prefer to give by cash or check, those offerings can be placed in one of the collection baskets at the GCTS chapel on Sunday mornings, or they can be mailed directly to our church office at:
Imagine Church
13000 S. Tryon Street, Suite F-114
Charlotte, NC 28278
Thank you for all you do to support our mission throughout the year!
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The Ladies Life Group, led by Debra Tadlock, is continuing to meet on Tuesday nights at 7:00 p.m. at Gordon-Conwell in Room 127. Since the group has concluded their 5-week Bible study on the book of James, they will be utilizing time at their upcoming meeting on April 13 to prepare painted rocks for the prayer garden that will be constructed at the Palmetto Women's Center as part of the Serve Day activities on Saturday, April 17. You are invited to join them -- and bring a friend, too!
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Home-Based Life Groups
The Greater Community Life Group is continuing to meet every two weeks on Wednesday evenings. For more information about the group's activities and studies, please contact Michelle Transou at 704-299-6235.
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Weekly Inspiration and Encouragement |
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Inspirational Song:
By: Crowder
“You say Your love goes on forever, that Your mercy never stops
So why would I assume You’d be somebody that You’re not
Like sun in the morning, I know You’re gonna be there every day“
Submitted by: Jennifer Tankersley,
Minister of Worship and the Arts
Bible Verse of Encouragement:
“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16 ESV)
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We rejoice with Tim and Andrea Gunn and Brooklyn that Annastin Gunn has been discharged from the Levine Children's Center at Atrium's CMC Hospital in Charlotte after being a patient there for several days. Annastin was able to have a little "sea therapy" with her family at Folly Beach this week following a tough stretch in the hospital. We continue to hold her in our prayers in the days ahead.
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Kari DiDonato's uncle, John Kowal, of Medina, Ohio, received a heart transplant in a long surgery at University Hospital in Cleveland which began Monday night and continued into the early morning hours of Tuesday. John is the younger brother of Kari's mom, Jan Kowal Graff, and we hold him and this family in our prayers as John begins the recovery phase.
Gregory and Tamra Roberts will be in Wisconsin this weekend to be present for the funeral service of Tamra's mother, Tina Fahrow. Gregory and Tamra will be in our prayers in the days ahead, and we express thanks to Natalie Ward and Kim Dulin who will be leading Imagine Kids this Sunday in Gregory's absence.
Please hold Meredith Martone in your prayers as she recovers from injuries suffered as a passenger in an automobile accident, and Jerry Brownlee, father of Lydia Smith, who is recovering from recent heart-related issues.
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Our prayers are with the Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary family at the death of Dr. Robert Cooley on the morning of Maundy Thursday, April 1. Dr. Cooley, for whom the chapel at the Charlotte campus is named, was the second President of GCTS and held that position from 1981 to 1997. He remained President Emeritus until the time of his death. He was universally loved and admired as a professor, theologian, archeologist, seminary president, and friend. A service to remember and celebrate his distinguished and influential life was held in the GCTS Charlotte chapel on Wednesday, April 7.
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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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Apr 8.......Annastin Gunn
Apr 9.......Wes Whalen
Apr 12.....Addy Thalinger
Apr 14.....Bobby Kokoski
Apr 17.....Danielle Bower
Apr 19.....Lisa Gilkeson
Apr 22.....Maizy Fronczkiewicz
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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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Imagine a faith community where everyone feels right at home -- those with diverse spiritual traditions and those with no religious experiences alike. Imagine Church is ecumenical in character and Wesleyan in theology, with preaching that is drawn from God's Word and is relevant, useful, and alive to the everyday person living in the Carolinas. We are a faith community that emphasizes God's love for all people, the intersection of spirituality and justice, and the calling to make a difference in the world. Welcome to Imagine Church.
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Why can't church be more like that?
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