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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 29, 2021
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Sunday, August 1: 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: "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
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
Tuesday, August 3:
7:00 p.m. Ladies Life Group, Room 127, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
Bible Study on 1st John
Sunday, August 8:
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 6" by Pastor Bruce
Separate sessions for ALL ages of Imagine Kids and Imagine Nation Youth
Proclaim - Jim Gilkeson; Safety & Security - Steve Phillips
6:00 p.m. Annual Prayer Walk at Clover High School
Clover High School, 1625 Highway 55, East, Clover
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Imagine Church Devotional |
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Years ago, there was a great theologian and author named G. K. Chesterton. Everyone who knew him said he walked close to God. H. G. Wells once said to him, "If after all my theology turns out wrong and your theology right, I feel I shall always be able to pass into heaven as a friend of G. K. Chesterton's." Chesterton replied by saying, "Sorry, H. G. It's not 'what a friend we have in G. K. Chesterton,' but 'what a friend we have in Jesus' that enables us to pass into heaven."
The forgiveness that Christ provides brings us into our heavenly home as full members of the divine family where we are protected and cherished, nurtured and taught at the knee of our Savior. Thanks to Jesus, we may also now address the ultimate reigning power of the cosmos as "Abba." Father.
Anyone who is a parent knows that parenting is a 24/7/365 undertaking. It doesn't matter if your child is six months, six years, 16 years, 36 years, or 60 years old -- if you are a parent, you are forever on-call, forever available. Consider, then, how much more extensive is the parental care that we may receive from God who is in no way limited by the junctures of time and space.
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There is never again any experience in life or death that we must face alone. No matter how great our fear or how intense our pain, no matter how prolonged our wait or how profound our doubts, the promise of the gospel is that God is there for us; God is there alongside us 24/7/365.
I once heard of a wrecker service in Georgia that was available 23 and 1/2 hours a day. The trouble was, no one knew when the 1/2 hour was. Isn't it good to know that there's never a time when God is not available to us, when God is not there for us? There is a song in The Cotton Patch Gospels that says, "There Ain't No Busy Signals on the Hotline to God." How true! We are blessed to have a 24/7/365 God.
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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It has been a blessing to return to the sacrament of holy communion on the first Sunday of each month, and that will be our privilege when Imagine Church gathers for worship at 10:15 a.m. this Sunday, August 1, for our in-person worshipers (along with "communion at home" for our online family). If you are uncomfortable receiving the elements because of Covid concerns, you may simply use your arms to cross yourself as you come forward to receive a blessing instead. Bruce will be back from vacation to bring the next installment of our series, "Summer Baggage," and Tim Gunn, Chris Jones, and Bruce will share in a time of blessing for our college students as they prepare for a new academic year. Be with us this Sunday -- in person or online! |
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If you're planning to worship online this Sunday, August 1, we encourage you to take "communion at home" as you join with those of your Imagine Church family who will be worshiping in person. You don't have to make a special trip to the store, just use what you find at home. Bread, cookies, or crackers will do, as will any kind of juice or other beverage. We are never one family as much as when we gather at the Lord's table, in person or even if you join us online. |
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Leadership Team Dinner Meeting |
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Our Leadership Team will meet for dinner this Sunday evening, August 1, at 6:00 p.m. at the home of Scott and Debra Tadlock, 117 Summerlake Lane in Belmont. The team will receive a comprehensive report on the upcoming church building project and timeline. We ask all team members to be present! |
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Dear Friends of Imagine Church,
Today marks the one year anniversary of my ordination and my leave from you. How I miss worshiping together and seeing your smiling faces and embracing you with hugs near and far.
I continue to hold you in my prayers and in my heart as I wait on the Lord for my next steps.
I have one month left of my residency, and I am looking and waiting to see what comes next. In the meantime, if I have a break between here and there, I hope to cross the doorway into worship with you.
To those who graduated and are moving on, may God bless you with wisdom and new opportunities to grow in faith and fellowship. To those parents left behind, may He give you peace that passes all understanding and rest from worry and loneliness.
To all of you, I miss you and pray for you so often that it seems we are only just a COVID distancing away.
Thank you for being you and accepting me as one of your own.
In Christ,
Heidi Chausse
(via an email received Monday, July 26, 2021)
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You Won't Want to Miss... |
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Sunday, August 1: During morning worship, Chris Jones, Tim, and Bruce will recognize and bless all of our college students as they prepare to depart for their respective campuses for the start of the 2021-22 academic year. Additionally, each college student will receive a care package.
Sunday, August 8: You are invited to participate in the Annual Prayer Walk at Clover High School (1625 Highway 55, East, Clover, SC) from 6:00-7:00 p.m. This event is sponsored by the CHS FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) and will begin at the CHS flagpole. Come together with our community in prayer before the start of the 2021-22 school year. Wear comfortable shoes, and don't forget to bring a friend!
Sunday, August 15: During morning worship, we will recognize and bless 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.
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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 Imagine Church's morning worship. Lauren and Bo are recording artists and musicians with concerts in both the Caribbean and the US spanning over a decade. Daughter Elena (age 11, keyboardist, vocalist, songwriter) and son Otis (age 7, drums and percussion) will be joining them as our special musical guests! They also happen to be Pastor Bruce's daughter, son-in-law, granddaughter, and grandson, so we look forward to giving them a warm welcome.
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This past Sunday, July 25, Gregory helped the Imagine Kids answer the question:
Can anything else in all creation separate us from Christ's love?
If you missed Sunday's message or if you need help answering the question, be sure to check out the video from Sunday's worship by clicking here (at the 27:00 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, August 1, for Gregory's message, "So Is There Anything That Can 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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Our youth had a blast this past Saturday, July 24, at the Chole's house for our Summer Blast Cookout, and we thank Steve and Ginny for opening up their beautiful property and hosting this event for our middle school, high school, and college youth. Be sure to check out all the pictures from the event that are posted on our Facebook page.
You are invited to join us this Sunday, August 1, as Tim continues his study of James with discussion about "Faith and Prayer" from James 5:13-20. Don't forget to bring a friend!
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Mark Your Calendar for These Imagine Youth Events: |
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Aug. 1: Prayer and Care Packages for college students
Aug. 15: Back to School Prayer for all children and youth
Aug. 27: Tailgate Party before Clover vs York Football Game - everyone is welcome for food, fellowship, and football
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Dec. 28-30: Winter Xtreme in Gatlinburg
Hot off the press! This year's Winter Xtreme will be December 28-30 in Gatlinburg! Use this link to register your youth: Winter Xtreme 2021
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Weekly Devotion:
Today’s Bible verse (Hebrews 10:25) gives us a challenge. It challenges us to not stop meeting together and going to church. In life, it can be really easy to want to just sleep in instead of going to church. Maybe you had to work late the night before or are just wanting to enjoy your weekend. Perhaps your friends are doing something fun that you’d rather be doing than going to church. Whatever the case is, it's easy to stop going to church. But this verse challenges us to not do that.
God is challenging us in this Bible verse to not stop meeting together as believers. God knows that, when we meet together, we get inspired and challenged to live lives for Him. So don’t give in to the things that would pull you away from going to church. Decide to make meeting with other believers a priority in your life!
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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: Philippine Hope ~
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Throughout the month of July, we have been highlighting our global missions in our weekly newsletters, on our Imagine Church Facebook page, and during Sunday worship services. These global missions include Give Hope Global, one of our newer global missions which serves the people and, more specifically, the children of SW Haiti, and also Nick and Nika, our missionaries in South Asia who further God's kingdom through Bible translation. Part of the offerings that you so generously give to Imagine Church goes to support these global missions, and that also includes our missionaries, Paul and Cecilia Bosch, who serve the Philippine Hope ministry.
Paul and Cecilia Bosch are Christian missionaries in the Philippines, an island nation of 106 million people, which is among the most religious Asian countries and is the only one that is predominantly Christian. 80% are Roman Catholic, though only 13% are evangelical Christian. Paul and Cecilia Bosch started a church called Jesus Christ Lord of the Tribes and Nations Church in the province of La Union in the early 2000's, and they minister primarily to the families in the numerous villages on the island of Luzon, serving both their physical and spiritual needs. Paul and Cecilia speak both English and Tagalog in their ministry there which is based in the village of Bacani, just outside the city of Rosario, five hours north of Manila.
In addition to supporting this mission financially, Imagine Church has supported Philippine Hope by sending school supplies, children's clothing, used laptops, and other essential items. We are grateful to Paul and Cecilia for their service and the ministry they provide, and we ask that you continue to lift them in prayer 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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Your giving continues to be an amazing thing to observe, and it's evidence of how God is at work in the life of this church family. Your generous giving keeps Imagine Church's ministry alive and vital, and we thank you for the way you support the work and ministry of Christ. 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, August 3, and you are invited to join them. The group also 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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Be sure these two Guys & Cars Life Group events are added to your calendar:
Classic Car Show at Fred Caldwell Chevrolet in Clover, SC
August 14, 2021.
York Car Show
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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Please stay tuned for details about 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: The Afters
“You're my courage when I worry in the dead of night
You're my strength 'cause I'm not strong enough to win this fight
You are greater than the battle raging in my mind
I will trust You, Lord, I will fear no more”
Submitted by: Jennifer Tankersley,
Minister of Worship and the Arts
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Bible Verse of Encouragement:
“'I will place shepherds over them who will tend them, and they will no longer be afraid or terrified, nor will any be missing,' declares the Lord.'"
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The pastor, staff, and Imagine Church family offer Christian sympathy to Chris and Laura Self and their children, Hannah and Nate, at the death of Laura's father, Mr. Randy Seeley, who departed this life on July 21, 2021. The Self family has attended Imagine Church and helps deliver Thanksgiving dinners each year. They are also beloved neighbors and friends to many in our church family. May God sustain them with His comfort and presence in the days ahead.
We continue to pray for Jerry Brownlee (Lydia Smith's dad), Meredith Martone, and Diane Davis (mother of Kendall Davis) as they each continue to heal.
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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 30......Jennifer Tankersley
Aug 5......Lauren Flott
Aug 7......PJ Fronczkiewicz
Aug 7......Bob Hardee
Aug 8......Christina Winson
Aug 10....Pamela Bays
Aug 10....Grace Galeota
Aug 10....Brandon Strickler
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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 give back and strive to make a difference in our community, city, and world. We believe that we are called to reach out to our neighbors both locally and globally and serve them in ways that can make a difference. That's Imagine Church!
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Reclaiming faith for open minds
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