JOIN US ON WEDNESDAY
New – Dr. Howell on Dietrich Bonhoeffer, September 16, 11 a.m. and 7 p.m., Assembly Hall: Join us as Dr. Howell talks about what he learned visiting Bonhoeffer’s places in Germany, and why Bonhoeffer matters right now. He will also sign copies of his new book, Reading the Bible with Bonhoeffer: A Study in Discipleship and Courage.
Wednesday Night Supper, 5:30-7 p.m., Jubilee Hall: Join us for great food and fellowship! Enjoy chicken fajitas, black beans, and Mexican rice. Child-friendly option: cheese quesadilla. Adults: $12, Children: $6. Dessert and drink included. Click here to register by Tuesday, September 15 at 1 p.m. Limited walk-in spots will be available.
Find all menus and registration links on the Wednesday Night Supper page.
Children’s Choir Rehearsals Begin Wednesday: Led by Brian Childers and Sue Bayne, our children’s choirs are a wonderful opportunity for children to sing, play bells and chimes, and grow in their faith through music. Choirs participate in worship and in special events throughout the year. Click here to learn more and to register.
Making Sense of the Bible Through Contemplation, Wednesdays beginning September 16, 6:30 p.m., room 103: Discover ancient contemplative practices to deepen your Scripture reading and draw closer to God. This six-week class explores Jesus’ teachings, the Psalms, and the liturgical year to help you integrate contemplation into your daily life and build authentic Christian community. To learn more and participate, email Rev. Dr. Andy Noel at andynoel@me.com.
Disciple Bible 1: Old Testament Study, Wednesdays beginning September 16, 6:30 p.m., room 105: Join us for 12 weeks as we explore the major stories, themes, people, and theological movements of the Old Testament while discovering how these ancient texts continue to speak to our lives today. Email David Dulin at ddulin@unitedwaygreaterclt.org to participate.
OPPORTUNITIES TO LEARN, GROW & CONNECT WITH OTHERS
Small Group Study: Suffering and Grace, Tuesdays beginning September 15, 12:30 p.m., room 105: What do we do with suffering? Where is God in pain, loss, disappointment, and uncertainty? In this seven-week class, we will explore how suffering can shape our understanding of God and ourselves, while discovering practices that help us live with greater compassion, resilience, and hope. Email Dr. Uiyeon Kim at ukim@mpumc.org to participate.
Anna Circle, third Thursdays beginning September 17, 7-8 p.m., Center of Hope, room 217: Professional women 40+ are invited to this monthly Bible study for encouragement, connection, and meaningful discussion. Each month is a single lesson, making it easy to attend whenever you’re able. No long-term commitment required. Email Claire Fournier at claire@clairefournier.com with any questions.
Young Adults Meet, Tuesdays, 7 p.m.: If you’re between 18 and 35, join us for a time of fellowship, growth, and connection. We meet every Tuesday and always welcome newcomers! Email Rev. Hannah Howell at hhowell@mpumc.org for more information and to be added to the group chat.
New – Young Professional Women’s Bible Study, Wednesdays, 7-8 p.m.: This Bible study geared toward professional women in their 20s and 30s is actively looking for new members. No worries if you can’t make it every week – we know life happens! Email Hayley Curry at hayleyccurry@gmail.com to learn more or be added to the email list.
MISSIONS & OUTREACH
Missions Fall Kickoff, September 20, 12:15-2 p.m., Assembly Hall: Join us for lunch and a panel discussion with leaders from some of our local partners. Together we’ll kick off a year of education and engagement, within our walls and beyond. Whether this is your first time getting involved or you’ve been with us from the beginning, we’d love to have you. Click here to RSVP.
Travel with Missions: We have many upcoming opportunities to visit our international mission partners. Click here to let us know what trip(s) you may be interested in. We’ll send you more information and let you know when details are finalized and registrations open. Email missions@mpumc.org if you’d like to schedule a coffee or a call to learn more.
New – Tutoring Opportunities for 2026-27 School Year: We are looking for math and literacy tutors for our wonderful partners Heart Math Tutoring and Druid Hills Academy. Volunteer hours are flexible and even allow you to participate in both programs. If you are interested in sessions with the same child(ren) each week, click here to learn more about how you can get involved!
PLANNED GIVING WORKSHOP
New – Creating a Thoughtful and Unique Legacy, September 27, immediately following the 11:00 service, room 117: A planned gift requires thought and intention beyond writing a check or clicking “donate here.” Planned gifts are an opportunity to leave a legacy. Join us as A.J. Thomas from the United Methodist Foundation of Western North Carolina tells us about gift planning and its importance to the future of our church. Click here to learn more and let us know you will attend.
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS PROGRAMS
Hidden Struggles: A Charlotte Observer Conversation on Teen Mental Health & Suicide, September 21, 6:30 p.m., Assembly Hall: Teenagers don’t always show us when they’re struggling. Join The Charlotte Observer for this free community conversation about teen mental health and suicide — what adults should recognize, what to say and how to help. Admission is free, but registration is required. Click here to learn more. Click here to sign up.
New – Lunch & Learn: Bridges of Hope, October 1, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Assembly Hall: Join us for lunch and to learn about mental health and ways that our faith community can offer support for all ages. Presented by Congregational Care and NAMI FaithNet. Lunch is $12. Click here to sign up. Email Julie Williams at jwilliams@mpumc.org with any questions.
FROM OUR CONGREGATIONAL CARE & HEALTH MINISTRY TEAMS
Make Your Appointment to Give Blood: The annual Red Cross Blood Drive in memory of Robert Lutz and Mitchell Bays Turner is September 27 from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Come to the Parish Life Building lobby on September 13 and September 20 to schedule your donation appointment. For details or help scheduling your appointment, contact Julie Williams at jwilliams@mpumc.org or 704-295-4815.
Save the Date for the Flu Shot Clinic, October 7, 1-6 p.m., rooms 106-108: Join our Health Ministry Team for our annual flu vaccine clinic. No appointments needed, and many insurances will be accepted. More information to come. Email Parish Nurse Lauren Smith at lsmith@mpumc.org with any questions.
Register for the Fall Bible Retreat: Join Rev. Nancy Dixon Walton October 14-16 at Lake Junaluska for a time of reflection, fellowship, and spiritual renewal as we explore Joyce Rupp’s The Years of Ripening. Together we will consider how God continues to nurture growth, wisdom, and purpose in every season of life. Cost is $590 for single occupancy and $295 for double. Click here to register. Email Julie Williams at jwilliams@mpumc.org with any questions.
DR. HOWELL’S PROGRAMS
New – The Mystery of Sacred Music with Dr. Hugh Floyd and Dr. James Howell, September 23, 11 a.m., Assembly Hall: Join us as our Director of Music Dr. Hugh Floyd and Dr. James Howell discuss the mystery of sacred music.
In case you missed Dr. Howell’s conversation with Zoe Empowers CEO Gaston Warner, watch it now on our YouTube channel.
Maybe I’m Amazed Podcast: In this new episode, Dr. Howell talks with Dr. Victoria J. Barnett, one of the world’s leading experts on Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the history of German Protestant churches during the Nazi era. Dr. Barnett shares her insights into the complex reality of Bonhoeffer’s life, his theology, and the German Confessing Church. Click here to listen and subscribe.
IT’S THAT TIME AGAIN
New – Youth Christmas Tree Pre-Sale: Help us get a head start on this year’s Christmas tree sale by pre-ordering your North Carolina-grown Christmas tree, wreath, or garland now! To ensure we don’t have a surplus of leftover trees, we will only accept pre-orders this year. We will not sell walk-up trees. Orders will be available for pickup December 3-5. Proceeds support Youth summer mission trips. Please help us spread the word by sharing with friends. Click here to order.
GIVING
Your ongoing generosity to our church Operating Fund and our Mission & Outreach Fund makes it possible for our church family to connect through worship, fellowship and prayer and support our most vulnerable neighbors near and far.
CONGREGATION NEWS
Ross Desmond, brother of Mike Desmond (Jody) and uncle of Sarah Desmond, who died on September 4.
Thomas Marion Alspaugh, father of Amy Jo Alspaugh, who died on September 10.