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Myers Park Weekly Update

 April 6, 2025

THIS WEEK

Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Why He Matters Now and Always, April 9, 11 a.m., Assembly Hall: Dr. Howell will share with us the life and message of the great German pastor who wrote thoughtfully and wisely on prayer, faith, community and courage (in books such as The Cost of Discipleship and Life Together), and was executed by the Nazis for it.

Wednesday Night Supper, April 9, 5:30-7 p.m., Jubilee Hall: Join us for great food and fellowship! Enjoy pork loin, baked potatoes, and brussels sprouts, bread, dessert, and a drink. Adults: $12, Children: $6. Click here to register by Monday, April 7 at 1 p.m. Limited walk-in spots will be available.

OPPORTUNITIES TO LEARN & SERVE

Freedom School Volunteer Opportunities, April 7, 6 p.m., room 107-108: Join us for an evening with Freedom School Partners to learn how you can volunteer during its six-week summer learning program for K-8th grade students. There are many ways to plug in so come find out how you can get involved! Click here to let us know you’ll attend.

Missions April Collection: We are collecting cleaning supplies and other essentials to help our friends at McCreesh Place keep their spaces tidy. Please drop off donations in the labeled bins in the Parish Life Building lobby. Click here for the shopping list or shop from this Amazon wishlist.

New – Companion Orientation, April 9, 7 p.m., room H-217: If you currently serve or are interested in serving at Trinity’s Table at South Tryon Community UMC and McCreesh Place, join us for our training to learn how you can become a better companion in your ministry.

New – Trinity’s Table, Thursdays at 11 a.m.: In partnership with South Tryon Community UMC, our Equity and Empowerment team invites you to serve and sit with our neighbors at Trinity’s Table, a feeding and fellowship ministry at South Tryon Community UMC at 2516 S. Tryon Street.

PALM SUNDAY AND HOLY WEEK 

Palm Sunday Services, April 13: Join us for worship services in the sanctuary at 8:30, 9:45, and 11 a.m. and at 8:45 a.m. in Jubilee Hall.

Children Invited to Palm Sunday Processional: All 4-year-olds through 5th graders are invited to participate in the processional during one of the four worship services on Palm Sunday. Click here to learn more. Email Amy Jo Alspaugh at amyjo@mpumc.org with any questions.

Holy Week Stations of the Cross, April 14-17, Francis Chapel: Come to the labyrinth, open during church hours, to experience the stations of the cross. Email Rev. Taylor Pryde Barefoot at tbarefoot@mpumc.org if you have any questions.

Maundy Thursday Service, April 17, 7:30 p.m., Sanctuary: A communion service remembering the Last Supper.

Good Friday Service, April 18, 7:30 p.m., Sanctuary: A Tenebrae service with a reading of the Passion of Christ.

Easter Sunday Services: Join us for the Sunrise Service at 7 a.m.; for worship services at 8:30, 9:45, and 11 a.m. in the sanctuary; or for 8:45 a.m. in Jubilee Hall. 

Find all resources and opportunities for Lent and Holy Week at myersparkumc.org/lent.

COMING SOON

New – A Brush with God – Iconography Workshop, April 24-26: Connect with God through sacred art as Fr. Peter Pearson leads us in learning about and painting an icon. No artistic ability or experience is required. The workshop is $325 and includes all materials and lunch on Saturday. Spots are limited. Click here to learn more and to register. Email Julie Williams at jwilliams@mpumc.org with any questions.

New – Children’s Sunday School Teachers Information Session, April 27, 10-10:30 a.m., Francis Chapel: Ever thought about teaching children’s Sunday School? If so, please join us for our informational session! A panel of current and former teachers will share their experiences and answer questions. Whether you’re curious or ready to get involved, this is a wonderful opportunity to explore how you can make a meaningful impact in our church community. 

New – Sundae Fun Day, April 27, 4-5 p.m., room 240: Second graders, join us to play games, enjoy ice cream sundaes, and learn more about the upcoming milestone of receiving your third grade Bible. We encourage you to invite a second-grade friend to come along! Click here to learn more and sign up. We need a few adults to help at this event. Email Leslie Lowery at llowery@mpumc.org if you are available.

New – Navigating the Medical Maze – Part Two, April 28, 6:30 p.m., Assembly Hall: In this second session, a panel of healthcare professionals will discuss the acute rehab, subacute rehab, and long-term care settings. Each of the four series is independent of the others, and you’re welcome to join one or join them all. Email Parish Nurse Lauren Smith at lsmith@mpumc.org with any questions.

PARKING UPDATE

Parking at Myers Park UMC: As you arrive for worship and events at our church, we kindly ask that you park only in the permitted areas, which are shown on the parking map on our website. As a reminder, parking is not permitted at Myers Park Center or Harris Teeter (across Providence Road from our church). For your safety, please use crosswalks when crossing any street and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Please look out for others and help fellow church members and guests when needed. For your added safety and convenience on Sunday mornings, we encourage you to use our shuttle service, which runs continually between Myers Park Traditional School and the church. Thank you for your cooperation in helping to make our worship services and other events welcoming and well-organized.

PASTOR’S PROGRAMS

Maybe I’m Amazed Podcast: Throughout his career, Dr. James Howell has developed meaningful relationships with a wide spectrum of people, and he’s taken time to learn each of their stories. Maybe I’m Amazed is a collection of amazing conversations James has with amazing people experiencing everyday miracles. Click here to listen and subscribe.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY

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.

We are the body of Christ,
growing in faith and serving others

Parenting Book Recommendations

Bibles and Devotions

Breakfast with Jesus: 100 Devotions for Kids by Vanessa Myers

Indescribable: 100 Devotions for Kids about God and Science by Louie Giglio and Nicola Anderson (5-9 years)

Jesus Calling: 365 Devotions for Kids by Sarah Young (6-11 years)

Love Does for Kids by Bob Goff (ages 5-9)

The Beginners Bible 365 Devotions for Kids (ages 2-5)

The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones (2+ years)

Mental Health

Raising Worry-Free Girls: Helping Your Daughter Feel Braver, Stronger, and Smarter in an Anxious World by Sissy Goff

Seen: Despair and Anxiety in Kids and Teenagers and the Power of Connection by Will Hutcherson and NCC Chinwe’ Williams

 

Technology

The Tech-Wise Family: Everyday Steps for Putting Technology in Its Proper Place by Andy Crouch

 

Parenting Books

Faithful Families by Traci Smith

Family Discipleship by Matt Chandler and Adam Griffin

Habits of the Household by Justin Early

Parenting in the Pew: Guiding Your Children into the Joy of Worship by Robbie Castleman

The 5 Love Languages of Children: The Secret to Loving Children Effectively by Gary Chapman

To Light Their Way: A Collection of Prayers and Liturgies for Parents by Kayla Craig

 

BOOKS FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES

Masterpiece: an inclusive kids book celebrating a child on the autism spectrum by Alexandra Hoffman and Beatriz Mello

Everyone Belongs by Heather Avis and Sarah Mensinga

Included: A book for all children about inclusion, diversity, disability, equality and empathy by Jayneed Sanders and Camila Carrossine

This is Me (Kids With Special Needs And Disabilities) by Larry S Glover

Brilliant Bea: A Story for Kids With Dyslexia and Learning Differences by Shaina Rudolph, Mary Vukadinovich, et al.

Too Much!: An Overwhelming Day by Jolene Gutierrez and Angel Chang

Different--A Great Thing to Be! By Heather Avis and Sarah Mensinga

Like Me: A Story About Disability and Discovering God's Image in Every Person by Laura Wilfer and Skylar White

 

ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS

Advent with Kids by Wendy Wallace-Wright

All the Colors of Christmas by Matthew Paul Turner

B is for Bethlehem by Isabel Wilner

Donkey’s Christmas Song by Nancy Tafuri

Faithful Families for Advent & Christmas by Traci Smith

God Gave Us Christmas by Lisa Tawn Bergren

Home by Another Way by Barbara Brown Taylor

Room for a Little One by Martin Waddell

Song of the Stars by Sally Lloyd-Jones

The Crippled Lamb by Max Lucado

The Night of His Birth by Katherine Paterson

The Sparkle Box by Jill Hardie

The Tiny Star by Arthur Ginolfi

‘Twas the Season of Advent by Glenys Nellist

Waiting by Kevin Henkes