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UMAR POINSETTIAS AND ART; KINDERMOURN
•
Arts and holiday news from UMAR, which supports
adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities:
Holiday poinsettias are for sale – $10 each, $85 for a
case of 10, in red, white and glitter (a mix of red and
white). To order before November 2, reach Cindy
Jahnke at 704-659-7636 or CindyJ@UMARinfo.com.
Poinsettias can be picked up from noon to 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 5, at North Davidson United Methodist Church, 1025 E. 36th St. Poinsettias are in six-inch
round pots. The popular UMAR art sale is from 10:00
a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Friday, November 20, in the Parish
Life Building featuring canvas artwork, pottery, plants,
quilts, jewelry, scarves and more. All sales support
UMAR Details: www.umarinfo.com.
•
•
A powerful Myers Park United Methodist presence
in the KinderMourn story in the November issue of
Charlotte magazine. The profile of the nonprofit that
comforts bereaved parents features church member
Jill Shipp, whose family found solace through KinderMourn. She now works there as Adult Program Director. The piece was written by Director of Communications Ken Garfield.
The last issue of the Cornerstone underestimated the number of people who helped pack Stop Hunger Now meals:
Some 400 church members, family and friends came
together to help assemble nutritious meals for those
who need it.
An Essay On Stewardship
‘THE GIVING OF OURSELVES’
By Ken Garfield
It doesn’t take much to change the world,
does it? Just our prayers, time, courage and
money. Our hearts and souls really, and
not just during times of crisis or an annual
campaign, but always.
During Myers Park United Methodist’s
week of community service, church
member Laura Weller had the good fortune
to volunteer at Loaves & Fishes. She got to
see the mountain of groceries that people
donate to the cause of feeding the hungry.
The food pantry served 78,602 people in
2014, about half of whom were children.
Imagine that, hungry kids living in a city like
Charlotte. That one visit wasn’t enough for
Laura, so she helped organize a new ministry
at this church: On the second Wednesday
of each month, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.,
volunteers are stocking shelves and taking
Thy
Kingdom
come
inventory. If you want to immerse yourself
in a warehouse full of canned veggies and
compassion, reach her at 704-918-8242 or
lauraoweller@yahoo.com.
This initiative comes at the start of the
church stewardship campaign, this year
entitled Thy Kingdom Come. Church members
are being asked to make a commitment to
support the 2016 church operating budget,
plus the Jubilee Plus! fund for outreach and
Continued Inside...
A Conversation on Faith
I think the moral of the story I’m about
to share is that almost no one dies alone.
Even if life has beaten
us into submission,
there are people who
care about us, who
remember us in better
times, who wish they
could have had another
moment or two with
us.
WAY TO GO, BAXTER; THANKSGIVING SERVICE
•
•
Props to Boy Scout
Baxter Dulin for earning
his Eagle Scout through
Troop 3 at Myers Park
United Methodist Church.
His project involved
building a walkway for the
Salvation Army. He is the
son of David and Janet
Dulin and the grandson
of Lucie Dulin. He’s a
Baxter Dulin and family.
senior at Myers Park High
School. Troop 3 has produced 239 Eagle Scouts in its 77 years.
Look for the next Intersection magazine in a month or so,
with a different theme: The Winter issue will be an annual report of sorts for the church, celebrating through
stories, photos and lots of numbers the good done in
2015. It’s mailed to homes, posted at www.mpumc.org
and distributed around the church campus.
•
•
Mecklenburg Ministries’ 40th citywide interfaith
Thanksgiving service will be at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday,
November 24, at St. Paul Baptist Church, 1401 Allen
St. A reception follows at 8:15 p.m., as organizers this
year are intent on the popular service ending on time.
A number of Myers Park United Methodist members
typically participate in the service, musically and otherwise. There is no Myers Park community Thanksgiving
service this year.
An arts note from Myers Park Presbyterian: Our church
friends next door, with Charlotte Concerts, hosts a free
concert by pianist Tony DeBlois at 7:00 p.m. Thursday,
October 29, in the Sanctuary. He is blind, autistic and
has Savant Syndrome.
The New York Times on October 18
devoted six pages to The Lonely Death of
George Bell. The focus of the story, as
writer N.R. Kleinfield put it, are those who
“die alone in unwatched struggles.” In
riveting detail, we follow New York City
death investigators on their journey, from
discovering George’s body in his disheveled
Queens apartment to unraveling the mystery
of his life: What did he do in his 72 years
on this earth? What killed him? Who
survives him? What did he leave behind? “In
discovering a death,” we read, “you find a
life story and perhaps meaning…”
Are you one to pause from time to time
to think about life, and relationships, and
whether your time on earth has mattered?
Then you should read about George Bell.
Apparently there are a lot of us who reflect
on this sort of thing. When I went onto
The New York Times website, the piece
had already inspired 1,600 comments from
readers.
After they disposed of his remains and
auctioned off his 2005 Toyota, the story of
George Bell would seem to have found its
natural end. He never married. No one was
there to hold his hand when poor health
killed him. And yet…
The story really ends with a guy named
Frank Bertone. He and George were
drinking buddies at Bantry Bay Publick
House in Long Island City. The two fished
a little, talked about this and that. Frank
sensed that his pal had been knocked
around by life, not that George offered up
any of the details. They were just two guys
sharing what was left of their lives. When
he finally heard at the bar that George was
gone, Frank could not answer why he had
died alone. But that’s just it. George didn’t
die alone, no matter what he might have
thought in his last moment. The lonely and
the hurting out there, listen to Frank’s words,
take comfort in them: “You know, I miss
him. I would have liked to see George one
more time. He was my friend. One more
time.”
Director of Communications Ken Garfield writes
about church life.
Vol. 46, No. 21
October 28, 2015
published every other week
SNA PSHOTS
The S.C. flood and the
congregation’s swift
response illustrates the
need for disaster relief
training, because the next
one will surely come soon.
Want to be certified as a
Disaster Relief volunteer
through The United
Methodist Church?
Training sessions are
6:00 to 10:00 p.m. Friday,
October 30, and 9:00 a.m.
to 5:00 p.m. Saturday,
October 31, at Davidson
United Methodist, 233 S.
Main St. To learn more,
reach church member
Jim Hatfield at jhatfield@
carolina.rr.com.
Sanctuary services
8:30, 9:45, 11:00 a.m.
Church In The Round
8:45 a.m., Jubilee Hall.
Holy Communion
9:30 a.m., Chapel.
Sunday School
9:45 a.m.
MEET REV. BRIAN CHILDERS
In Memory
The sympathy of the ministers and members is extended to:
The Families Of...
Lavern “Vern” D. Masters, father of Randy Masters and
grandfather of Sterling and Randall Masters, who died on
September 30, 2015. Melvin “Mel” Lloyd Allen, husband of
Joyce Allen and father of Cindy Allen and Pamela Diliberto,
who died on October 9, 2015. Kathryn R. Rambo, grandmother
of Kristen Surratt, who died on October 13, 2015. John
William Gresham, father of Catherine Newman and grandfather
of Harrison and John Newman, who died on October 20,
2015
Babies
Addison Lee Barrett, daughter of Lindsey and Seth Barrett, born
on September 4, 2015. Alexander Jackson Raiford, son of Ana
and David Raiford, born on October 10, 2015. Charles Richard
Olzinski, son of Caroline and Chris Olzinski and brother of
Grayson Olzinski, born on October 13, 2015.
Weddings
Jennifer Raye Bobbitt and Chad Bruce Boykin, married October 17,
2015, at the church. Brooks Turner Pope and Christopher Lee Miller,
married October 24, 2015, at the church.
CAN WE EAT OUR WAY TO
RECONCILIATION?
The gathering with historian Tom Hanchett to explore the
history of race in Charlotte produced some valuable context,
and a unique suggestion.
Hanchett’s program in Jubilee Hall was part of a fresh
conversation at the church, driven by laity, focused on what
this congregation can do to heal the racial, class and cultural
divide in Charlotte. Hanchett shared how Charlotte became,
in terms of black and white, a largely segregated city, and
how urban renewal drove many African Americans from their
homes. But he also shared happily how the city is exploding in
diversity: Hispanics, Asians and others are putting down roots.
Charlotte teems now with out-of-way restaurants and groceries
that reflect a melting-pot persona.
Hanchett, who lives in east Charlotte, says he frequents littleknown jewels, enjoying Liberian food at Nubian Queens, for
example, and Guatemalan sweets at Panaderia El Quetzel. Dr.
Howell said he and his wife, Lisa, recently dined at a place
on Central Avenue, and encouraged the congregation to do
likewise.
Now that the Rev. Brian Childers has arrived as Director of Music for Children
and Youth, the Cornerstone is happy to introduce him to the congregation. To learn
more about Brian and the music ministry to children and youth, reach him at 704295-4806 or brian@mpumc.org.
BACKGROUND: Grew up in Concord, where he was part of the band
and choral programs at Concord High. Undergraduate degree in Piano
Performance from Appalachian State, and Master of Divinity degree
with a concentration in Church Music from Gardner-Webb. Comes to
Myers Park United Methodist from First Baptist in Mt. Holly, where he
was Minister of Music.
FAMILY: Wife Keely, a substance abuse counselor; two children –
Hannah, 21, senior biology major at UNC Chapel Hill and drum major
for the Marching Tar Heels, and Spencer, 17, senior at Stuart W. Cramer
High in Belmont, where he’s drum major for the marching band.
INSTRUMENTS PLAYED: Piano, trumpet, handbells.
FAVORITE HYMN: God of Grace and God of Glory.
FAVORITE NON-CHURCH-Y SELECTION: Piano Concerto No. 2
by Rachmaninoff.
FAVORITE MOVIE: The Shawshank Redemption.
GUILTY PLEASURE: Breakfast (bacon, eggs and grits, yum) for any meal.
‘THE GIVING OF OURSELVES’
Continued From Front...
International cuisine on Central Avenue.
What, then, in the name of reconciliation, if a churchwide
supper club invited all to explore and embrace places far
removed from the steaks and chops so prevalent in SouthPark
and Myers Park?
Those wanting to join the conversation on race and reconciliation can
reach church staffer Peg Broughton at peg@mpumc.org to add their name
and voice to the list.
•
scholarships. Estimate of Giving cards will arrive in homes in
early November. People will also be able to make a pledge, and
give, at www.mpumc.org. While this Loaves & Fishes effort is
mostly about manpower, it speaks to the importance of Thy
Kingdom Come, as do the hundreds of other ministries that spill
forth from Queens and Providence. It takes money to print
the newsletter that tells this story, and to power the storyteller’s
computer.
But that’s thinking narrowly, which Laura Weller does not do.
Asked about Loaves & Fishes, and stewardship, she talked
about “the giving of ourselves” as an obligation we are called
to meet. It’s what we promise to give as people of faith: “Our
time, our talents, our gifts and our service. I take that very
seriously.”
She’s counting on her brothers and sisters in faith to do the
same.
Ken Garfield
WHERE DOES THE CHURCH
STAND FINANCIALLY?
Finance Committee Chairman Dr. John Clarkson and
Executive Director Saribeth Dozier share the church’s financial
news through the third quarter of 21015.
Through September 30, revenues stand at $3,324,344. That’s
up $190,000 from giving at this same time in 2014. Expenses
are $3,797,840, about $200,000 under budget through three
quarters. The year-to-date shortfall is $473,000, better than it
was this time last year and roughly equivalent to third-quarter
results in 2013. The hope is that giving will increase during the
Brian and his daughter Hannah.
fourth quarter, which started in October, and that givers won’t
wait until December to step up.
The 2016 church budget will be reviewed by the Budget and
Finance committees and presented to the Administrative
Board for its approval on Thursday, October 29. Church
members are always encouraged to attend Administrative
Board meetings. Questions on any aspect of the financial life
of the church can go to Executive Director Saribeth Dozier at
704-295-4844 or saribeth@mpumc.org.
Shoppers at Loaves & Fishes.
Each issue of the Cornerstone offers a bonus page of
programs, classes and other activities offering the faithful
a chance to learn, serve and grow. To share news for The
Life Of The Church, reach Director of Communications
Ken Garfield at 704-295-4819 or ken@mpumc.org.
October 28, 2015
• WANTED: LAY LEADERS The church seeks members
to serve on committees focusing on finance, administration,
personnel and facilities. To suggest a candidate, reach Dr.
Howell at 704-295-4812 or james@mpumc.org.
• MISSION: COSTA RICA Mark that spring break calendar
for the next mission trips to San Isidro, Costa Rica, to work
construction and build relationships – March 19-26, and March
26 to April 2, 2016.
• ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD All church members are
always encouraged to attend Administrative Board dinner
meetings, the next one at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, October
29, in Room 108 of the Parish Life Building. The board
conducts church business. The Step, Jump, Leap committee
working to energize the strategic plan in affordable housing
and other areas welcomes input. Reach Dave Lank at 704909-8152 or lankdb@aol.com.
• ADULTS PLUS! A program for the season for sure: The
Adults Plus! ministry to ages 55 and over welcomes historian
Dr. Bill Partin of Winston-Salem for a fun-loving program
on Presidential Humor. The program at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday,
November 18, in Room 103 of the Parish Life Building is
followed by a Thanksgiving luncheon at noon in Jubilee Hall.
To make reservations for the $5 meal by noon November 17,
call 704-376-5520 (option two) or e-mail cmull@mpumc.org.
• BE A HELPING HAND Children’s Ministries welcomes
adults of all ages to help nurture spiritual development
in children from birth to fifth grade in six areas: Faith
Formation, Sunday School, Missions/Service, Fellowship,
Hospitality and Vacation Bible School. To learn more, reach
Children’s Ministries’ Sarah Sumner at sarah@mpumc.org.
• WOMEN’S RETREAT Registration is open for the 10th
Women’s Retreat February 5-7 at Caraway Conference Center
near Asheboro. Dr. Melanie Dobson will be the speaker. The
theme is Beautifully Made In God’s Image. Cost is $185. Learn
more and sign up at www.mpumc.org/women.
• THANKSGIVING TABLE TITHE Blue food bags can
be filled with groceries to support families at Sedgefield
Elementary and Loaves & Fishes food pantry. Those
interested in receiving, sorting and delivering donations
can reach Jen Rothacker at jrothacker2@gmail.com or Lisa
Howell at lisaruns@carolina.rr.com.
• DONATE CLASSROOM SUPPLIES Classroom
supplies are needed for partner school Sedgefield Middle
through Monday, November 2: Packages of color pencils,
regular No. 2 pencils and wide-rule, loose leaf notebook
paper. Goods go in the bin in the Parish Life lobby. Also
needed are $10 Target and Walmart gift cards. Drop them
off at the missions office beside the Goodness Gracious!
gift shop in the Parish Life Building.
• LOAVES & FISHES A new ministry – stocking shelves
and taking inventory of donations at the Loaves & Fishes
food pantry at 648 B Griffith Road – welcomes volunteers
the second Wednesday of each month. Reach lay leader
Laura Weller at 704-918-8242 or lauraoweller@yahoo.com.
• MEDICARE D COUNSELING Those needing to review
their Medicare D policy can do so in the Church Library (Room
111 in the Parish Life Building) on October 29; November
2, 4, 10, 11, 12, 18 and 24; and December 1, 2 and 3. For
an appointment, reach Carmen Rivera at 704-295-4818 or
crivera@mpumc.org. Bring a list of medication and dosages.
• HOSPICE HOLIDAY MEALS Hospice seeks donations of
meals for in-home patients and their families at Thanksgiving
and Christmas. Meals should feed up to eight people and
include a meat, starch, vegetable, rolls, dessert and beverage.
Prepared meals are needed the day before the holiday, and
unprepared meals up to two weeks before. Details: Cathie
DeCramer at DeCramer@HPCCR.org.
• DONATE FROM YOUR SMARTPHONE
Myers Park United Methodist Church
now offers a mobile version of our
online giving page at www.mpumc.org,
making it easy for you to give anytime
from your smartphone. Scan the image
you see here each week in the Sunday
bulletin using your phone’s Quick
Response (QR) code reader.
Duds ’n Suds was the unusual venue for a recent Sunday night youth group meeting.
‘We Are All Your Children, God’
A NIGHT AT DUDS ‘N SUDS
Youth Ministries’ Jason Rhymer, who works with high school youth,
shares this story from a special Sunday evening. Have an idea for a
future project for church youth? Reach Jason at jason@mpumc.org.
Just bring a roll of quarters and a Bible.
What if that was all your Youth Guy said about Sunday
night youth group? Would you show up? Sixteen high
schoolers took the challenge, and Project
LOA launched with a trip to the Duds ‘n’
Suds on Monroe Road. LOA stands for
Love One Another, based on John 15:17.
The goal on this night was simple: Make
friends out of strangers by paying for their
laundry. The Bibles stayed on the bus.
We went with no agenda except to share
Jason Rhymer
God’s love, and to be present with those
who were at the Laundromat that evening.
The first family we met had an eight-year-old daughter
who had undergone three open heart surgeries. They also
had an infant daughter who was in a car seat held together
by duct tape. After we paid for her laundry, the mom asked
us if we could help with Christmas.
Garland Greenway, a sophomore at Myers Park High
School, and I approached another lady. Her response was
priceless: “Oh Lord, blessings are coming down on me!
God is good!” Garland and I shared a glance. I responded
to our new friend, “Yes He is…all the time.”
Before we left, the owner of Duds ‘n Suds asked us to
pray for everyone. Our group began to form a prayer circle
at the front of the Laundromat. Then it happened – that
moment where the presence of God is real. All of the
people we had helped joined our circle. The small child in
the tattered car seat was placed in the middle of our circle.
Oddly, a couple of dogs ran into the Laundromat and
joined us, as if someone had called them in for prayer, too.
The prayer went something like: “We are all your children,
God. We may not all look the same, but we are all your
children. Thank you for loving us.”
That night, one of our church youth went home and
researched washers and dryers for that first family, the one
with the two children.
Another one of our teen-agers sent me this text: “Thanks
so much for youth group tonight! I had the best time and felt the
presence of God there around us. I really hope that we get to do it
again. I definitely feel very blessed. It was great to get outside of my
comfort zone.” Grayson Carter.
God is good indeed.
MEET REV. BRIAN CHILDERS
In Memory
The sympathy of the ministers and members is extended to:
The Families Of...
Lavern “Vern” D. Masters, father of Randy Masters and
grandfather of Sterling and Randall Masters, who died on
September 30, 2015. Melvin “Mel” Lloyd Allen, husband of
Joyce Allen and father of Cindy Allen and Pamela Diliberto,
who died on October 9, 2015. Kathryn R. Rambo, grandmother
of Kristen Surratt, who died on October 13, 2015. John
William Gresham, father of Catherine Newman and grandfather
of Harrison and John Newman, who died on October 20,
2015
Babies
Addison Lee Barrett, daughter of Lindsey and Seth Barrett, born
on September 4, 2015. Alexander Jackson Raiford, son of Ana
and David Raiford, born on October 10, 2015. Charles Richard
Olzinski, son of Caroline and Chris Olzinski and brother of
Grayson Olzinski, born on October 13, 2015.
Weddings
Jennifer Raye Bobbitt and Chad Bruce Boykin, married October 17,
2015, at the church. Brooks Turner Pope and Christopher Lee Miller,
married October 24, 2015, at the church.
CAN WE EAT OUR WAY TO
RECONCILIATION?
The gathering with historian Tom Hanchett to explore the
history of race in Charlotte produced some valuable context,
and a unique suggestion.
Hanchett’s program in Jubilee Hall was part of a fresh
conversation at the church, driven by laity, focused on what
this congregation can do to heal the racial, class and cultural
divide in Charlotte. Hanchett shared how Charlotte became,
in terms of black and white, a largely segregated city, and
how urban renewal drove many African Americans from their
homes. But he also shared happily how the city is exploding in
diversity: Hispanics, Asians and others are putting down roots.
Charlotte teems now with out-of-way restaurants and groceries
that reflect a melting-pot persona.
Hanchett, who lives in east Charlotte, says he frequents littleknown jewels, enjoying Liberian food at Nubian Queens, for
example, and Guatemalan sweets at Panaderia El Quetzel. Dr.
Howell said he and his wife, Lisa, recently dined at a place
on Central Avenue, and encouraged the congregation to do
likewise.
Now that the Rev. Brian Childers has arrived as Director of Music for Children
and Youth, the Cornerstone is happy to introduce him to the congregation. To learn
more about Brian and the music ministry to children and youth, reach him at 704295-4806 or brian@mpumc.org.
BACKGROUND: Grew up in Concord, where he was part of the band
and choral programs at Concord High. Undergraduate degree in Piano
Performance from Appalachian State, and Master of Divinity degree
with a concentration in Church Music from Gardner-Webb. Comes to
Myers Park United Methodist from First Baptist in Mt. Holly, where he
was Minister of Music.
FAMILY: Wife Keely, a substance abuse counselor; two children –
Hannah, 21, senior biology major at UNC Chapel Hill and drum major
for the Marching Tar Heels, and Spencer, 17, senior at Stuart W. Cramer
High in Belmont, where he’s drum major for the marching band.
INSTRUMENTS PLAYED: Piano, trumpet, handbells.
FAVORITE HYMN: God of Grace and God of Glory.
FAVORITE NON-CHURCH-Y SELECTION: Piano Concerto No. 2
by Rachmaninoff.
FAVORITE MOVIE: The Shawshank Redemption.
GUILTY PLEASURE: Breakfast (bacon, eggs and grits, yum) for any meal.
‘THE GIVING OF OURSELVES’
Continued From Front...
International cuisine on Central Avenue.
What, then, in the name of reconciliation, if a churchwide
supper club invited all to explore and embrace places far
removed from the steaks and chops so prevalent in SouthPark
and Myers Park?
Those wanting to join the conversation on race and reconciliation can
reach church staffer Peg Broughton at peg@mpumc.org to add their name
and voice to the list.
•
scholarships. Estimate of Giving cards will arrive in homes in
early November. People will also be able to make a pledge, and
give, at www.mpumc.org. While this Loaves & Fishes effort is
mostly about manpower, it speaks to the importance of Thy
Kingdom Come, as do the hundreds of other ministries that spill
forth from Queens and Providence. It takes money to print
the newsletter that tells this story, and to power the storyteller’s
computer.
But that’s thinking narrowly, which Laura Weller does not do.
Asked about Loaves & Fishes, and stewardship, she talked
about “the giving of ourselves” as an obligation we are called
to meet. It’s what we promise to give as people of faith: “Our
time, our talents, our gifts and our service. I take that very
seriously.”
She’s counting on her brothers and sisters in faith to do the
same.
Ken Garfield
WHERE DOES THE CHURCH
STAND FINANCIALLY?
Finance Committee Chairman Dr. John Clarkson and
Executive Director Saribeth Dozier share the church’s financial
news through the third quarter of 21015.
Through September 30, revenues stand at $3,324,344. That’s
up $190,000 from giving at this same time in 2014. Expenses
are $3,797,840, about $200,000 under budget through three
quarters. The year-to-date shortfall is $473,000, better than it
was this time last year and roughly equivalent to third-quarter
results in 2013. The hope is that giving will increase during the
Brian and his daughter Hannah.
fourth quarter, which started in October, and that givers won’t
wait until December to step up.
The 2016 church budget will be reviewed by the Budget and
Finance committees and presented to the Administrative
Board for its approval on Thursday, October 29. Church
members are always encouraged to attend Administrative
Board meetings. Questions on any aspect of the financial life
of the church can go to Executive Director Saribeth Dozier at
704-295-4844 or saribeth@mpumc.org.
Shoppers at Loaves & Fishes.
UMAR POINSETTIAS AND ART; KINDERMOURN
•
Arts and holiday news from UMAR, which supports
adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities:
Holiday poinsettias are for sale – $10 each, $85 for a
case of 10, in red, white and glitter (a mix of red and
white). To order before November 2, reach Cindy
Jahnke at 704-659-7636 or CindyJ@UMARinfo.com.
Poinsettias can be picked up from noon to 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 5, at North Davidson United Methodist Church, 1025 E. 36th St. Poinsettias are in six-inch
round pots. The popular UMAR art sale is from 10:00
a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Friday, November 20, in the Parish
Life Building featuring canvas artwork, pottery, plants,
quilts, jewelry, scarves and more. All sales support
UMAR Details: www.umarinfo.com.
•
•
A powerful Myers Park United Methodist presence
in the KinderMourn story in the November issue of
Charlotte magazine. The profile of the nonprofit that
comforts bereaved parents features church member
Jill Shipp, whose family found solace through KinderMourn. She now works there as Adult Program Director. The piece was written by Director of Communications Ken Garfield.
The last issue of the Cornerstone underestimated the number of people who helped pack Stop Hunger Now meals:
Some 400 church members, family and friends came
together to help assemble nutritious meals for those
who need it.
An Essay On Stewardship
‘THE GIVING OF OURSELVES’
By Ken Garfield
It doesn’t take much to change the world,
does it? Just our prayers, time, courage and
money. Our hearts and souls really, and
not just during times of crisis or an annual
campaign, but always.
During Myers Park United Methodist’s
week of community service, church
member Laura Weller had the good fortune
to volunteer at Loaves & Fishes. She got to
see the mountain of groceries that people
donate to the cause of feeding the hungry.
The food pantry served 78,602 people in
2014, about half of whom were children.
Imagine that, hungry kids living in a city like
Charlotte. That one visit wasn’t enough for
Laura, so she helped organize a new ministry
at this church: On the second Wednesday
of each month, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.,
volunteers are stocking shelves and taking
Thy
Kingdom
come
inventory. If you want to immerse yourself
in a warehouse full of canned veggies and
compassion, reach her at 704-918-8242 or
lauraoweller@yahoo.com.
This initiative comes at the start of the
church stewardship campaign, this year
entitled Thy Kingdom Come. Church members
are being asked to make a commitment to
support the 2016 church operating budget,
plus the Jubilee Plus! fund for outreach and
Continued Inside...
A Conversation on Faith
I think the moral of the story I’m about
to share is that almost no one dies alone.
Even if life has beaten
us into submission,
there are people who
care about us, who
remember us in better
times, who wish they
could have had another
moment or two with
us.
WAY TO GO, BAXTER; THANKSGIVING SERVICE
•
•
Props to Boy Scout
Baxter Dulin for earning
his Eagle Scout through
Troop 3 at Myers Park
United Methodist Church.
His project involved
building a walkway for the
Salvation Army. He is the
son of David and Janet
Dulin and the grandson
of Lucie Dulin. He’s a
Baxter Dulin and family.
senior at Myers Park High
School. Troop 3 has produced 239 Eagle Scouts in its 77 years.
Look for the next Intersection magazine in a month or so,
with a different theme: The Winter issue will be an annual report of sorts for the church, celebrating through
stories, photos and lots of numbers the good done in
2015. It’s mailed to homes, posted at www.mpumc.org
and distributed around the church campus.
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Mecklenburg Ministries’ 40th citywide interfaith
Thanksgiving service will be at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday,
November 24, at St. Paul Baptist Church, 1401 Allen
St. A reception follows at 8:15 p.m., as organizers this
year are intent on the popular service ending on time.
A number of Myers Park United Methodist members
typically participate in the service, musically and otherwise. There is no Myers Park community Thanksgiving
service this year.
An arts note from Myers Park Presbyterian: Our church
friends next door, with Charlotte Concerts, hosts a free
concert by pianist Tony DeBlois at 7:00 p.m. Thursday,
October 29, in the Sanctuary. He is blind, autistic and
has Savant Syndrome.
The New York Times on October 18
devoted six pages to The Lonely Death of
George Bell. The focus of the story, as
writer N.R. Kleinfield put it, are those who
“die alone in unwatched struggles.” In
riveting detail, we follow New York City
death investigators on their journey, from
discovering George’s body in his disheveled
Queens apartment to unraveling the mystery
of his life: What did he do in his 72 years
on this earth? What killed him? Who
survives him? What did he leave behind? “In
discovering a death,” we read, “you find a
life story and perhaps meaning…”
Are you one to pause from time to time
to think about life, and relationships, and
whether your time on earth has mattered?
Then you should read about George Bell.
Apparently there are a lot of us who reflect
on this sort of thing. When I went onto
The New York Times website, the piece
had already inspired 1,600 comments from
readers.
After they disposed of his remains and
auctioned off his 2005 Toyota, the story of
George Bell would seem to have found its
natural end. He never married. No one was
there to hold his hand when poor health
killed him. And yet…
The story really ends with a guy named
Frank Bertone. He and George were
drinking buddies at Bantry Bay Publick
House in Long Island City. The two fished
a little, talked about this and that. Frank
sensed that his pal had been knocked
around by life, not that George offered up
any of the details. They were just two guys
sharing what was left of their lives. When
he finally heard at the bar that George was
gone, Frank could not answer why he had
died alone. But that’s just it. George didn’t
die alone, no matter what he might have
thought in his last moment. The lonely and
the hurting out there, listen to Frank’s words,
take comfort in them: “You know, I miss
him. I would have liked to see George one
more time. He was my friend. One more
time.”
Director of Communications Ken Garfield writes
about church life.
Vol. 46, No. 21
October 28, 2015
published every other week
SNA PSHOTS
The S.C. flood and the
congregation’s swift
response illustrates the
need for disaster relief
training, because the next
one will surely come soon.
Want to be certified as a
Disaster Relief volunteer
through The United
Methodist Church?
Training sessions are
6:00 to 10:00 p.m. Friday,
October 30, and 9:00 a.m.
to 5:00 p.m. Saturday,
October 31, at Davidson
United Methodist, 233 S.
Main St. To learn more,
reach church member
Jim Hatfield at jhatfield@
carolina.rr.com.
Sanctuary services
8:30, 9:45, 11:00 a.m.
Church In The Round
8:45 a.m., Jubilee Hall.
Holy Communion
9:30 a.m., Chapel.
Sunday School
9:45 a.m.