Seen Around Church for Sunday, August 9, 2026

August 11, 2026

Sun City Group Meets for Sweet Treats

The SMPC Sun City group met last Friday at the Sun City Lodge pavilion for fellowship and ice cream. The weather was a bit on the warm side, but the ice cream was cool and refreshing. This group plans to meet again on Friday, September 4, 2:00 p.m. at the SCCL Lodge pavilion for more great conversation and ice cream. Contact: Debbie Stenvall

Photo credit: Debbie Stenvall

SMPC Community Rolls Up Its Sleeves for the American Red Cross Blood Drive

Thank you to everyone who donated blood, volunteered, or helped spread the word about our American Red Cross Blood Drive on Saturday, August 8! Together, we had an incredible morning of service that will make a lifesaving difference for patients in need.

Thanks to the generosity of our members and community, 45 successful donors gave a total of 53 units of blood—the highest number of donors and units collected since SMPC began hosting these drives under the leadership of ministry coordinator Bill Ramsey.

The Red Cross sent additional staff to accommodate the strong turnout, including six walk-in donors and eight Power Red donors, keeping wait times to a minimum throughout the morning. Four people donated blood for the very first time, and while many participants came from the surrounding community, 22 SMPC members also rolled up their sleeves to give.

Thank you to the volunteers who helped make the day such a success: Tony and Helen Castle, Bob Williamson, Donna Podgorny, Bob Blackmon and Phil Eatherton. Their warm hospitality and steady support ensured every donor felt welcomed and appreciated.

The impact of the day is remarkable:

45 successful donors
53 total units of blood collected
4 first-time donors
22 SMPC donors

Thank you, Bill, for your faithful leadership in coordinating this important ministry, and thank you to everyone who gave of their time and blood to help save lives.

Mark your calendars for our next American Red Cross Blood Drive on Saturday, November 7. The need for blood is constant, and every donation has the power to make an immediate difference. We hope you'll join us! Sign up to donate or volunteer at the drive here.

Photo credit: Terry Gaines and Donna Podgorny

Our hearts are so full after Montreat & Massanetta Sunday!

While these photos don't capture everyone who helped make Sunday so special, we are incredibly grateful for our gifted youth and Summer Choir who blessed us with their leadership in worship.

What a gift it was to hear our youth share how meaningful their retreat experiences at Montreat and Massanetta have been, and how those experiences have helped them grow in their faith, deepen their relationships with God, and feel even more connected to their SMPC church family.

We are so proud of these young people and so grateful for the many ways God is at work in and through them. What a joyful reminder that our youth aren’t just the future of the Church; rather, they are the heartbeat of the Church right now! If you missed Sunday worship, you can listen to the sermon and youth reflections here.

Photo credit: Lindsey Odom