Lindsey Odom Ordained as Minister of Word and Sacrament
August 29, 2023
New Opportunities for Racial Equity Engagement Begin this Fall
September 6, 2023SMPC Packs 65 Backpacks for Smithfield Elementary School Students
SMPC joined as a church family at our All Church Serves to sort and pack 65 backpacks and make dozens of handwritten cards for our friends at Smithfield Elementary School! Thank you to all who donated and organized supplies, packed backpacks and made cards. A big thank you also goes to our Missions/Outreach Committee for continuing to identify the needs in our community and connecting us with ways to serve. And, thank you to our wonderful Hospitality Committee for keeping us sugared up and caffeinated for work! 😊 We loved seeing families come together for this important mission project! Keep reading to see photos of the delivery!
SMPC Ushers in School Year
What a joyous, busy and BLESSED Sunday worship it was!
Our Vacation Bible School children sang one of their favorite (and catchiest!) tunes from the summer, we blessed backpacks (including the backpacks for Smithfield Elementary School students), our Chancel Choir was back in the loft, and we commissioned the Confirmation Class of 2023-2024 (those photos below). Luckily, we had plenty of lemonade and cookies after worship to hydrate and re-fuel ❤️🍋🍪
We are so looking forward to the year ahead – our church calendar is full this fall! Whether you’re looking for rest and reflection, fellowship, spiritual growth or service opportunities, we know you’ll find your place and your people at SMPC. We can’t wait to see you!
Confirmation Class of 2023-2024 is Commissioned
Congratulations to the Confirmation Class of 2023-2024 as they were commissioned on Sunday, August 27, and took the first step in this important part of their faith journeys. Confirmands, mentors and sponsors enjoyed lunch and fellowship after worship and commissioning. Thank you to the mentors and parents for supporting them this year and thank you to our church members and friends for continuing to keep them in your prayers!
SMPC Squeezes Every Last Drop Out of Summer
Our Lemonade and Cookies volunteers welcomed all to SMPC on Sunday serving five gallons of lemonade! (The container was drained!)
SMPC Member’s Post on NextDoor Yields Huge Donation for Roof Above
Kay Dano recently sent a request for supplies for our neighbors at Roof Above via the NextDoor app, and one of her “neighbors” (a total stranger!) came through in a big way by donating a carload of brand-new bath towels! Here, Kay is ready for towel delivery to Roof Above.
Lindsey Odom Ordained as Minister of Word and Sacrament
SMPC members and friends gathered in the sanctuary Sunday evening, August 27, to witness the ordination of our very own Lindsey Odom as Minister of Word and Sacrament. Lindsey’s new title at SMPC is Associate Pastor of Youth Ministry and Missions/Outreach.
The service included pastors, elders, deacons, church leaders, youth, children, members, seminary administrators, professors, seminary classmates and friends of Lindsey, as well as friends who have touched Lindsey’s faith journey in some way. From a poignant moment where “children” (kids and teens!) sat on the floor and listened to one of Lindsey’s favorite children’s books (read by Director of Spiritual Formation Rebecca Guzman), to an impactful sermon given by Dr. Rebecca Davis to a laying on of hands by dozens, the church was filled with joy and love. Witnessing Lindsey put on the pastor robe and stole and hear her first benediction as a member of the clergy were so memorable!
Following the service, attendees enjoyed a reception hosted by the Hospitality Committee.
“Thank you to everyone who has supported and prayed for me throughout my faith journey and thank you to those who were able to join us in-person or online for the worship service,” said Lindsey. “I pray I will live out God’s call in such a way that helps SMPC congregants lead lives of meaning and faithfulness, especially as we navigate Christ’s call to create peace and justice for all God’s people.”
We are so grateful for the many blessings Lindsey brings to our congregation and look forward to supporting her as God’s call for her to become an ordained minister begins to take shape.
If you were not able to join us for the ordination and installment, you can watch it via Boxcast. Please note: There was a summer storm the night of the ordination that made for spotty Internet coverage. Unfortunately, the Boxcast also cuts out right before the end of the ceremony. We’re sure you will still enjoy the broadcast!
Volunteers Deliver Packed Backpacks to Smithfield Elementary
On Wednesday, August 30, church members Greg Hobby and Shelby Ullman and Associate Pastor of Youth and Missions/Outreach Lindsey Odom delivered 65 new backpacks filled with school supplies to students at Smithfield Elementary School as part of our All Church Serves missions/outreach project.
Smithfield teachers and administrators said it was the largest donation of school supplies the school had ever received!
Scout Troop 119 Member Revamps Outdoor Signs with New Frames
Thanks to Scout Troop 119 member Will Ziemniak, the SMPC and SMPC Preschool banners are sitting prettier out on the lawn! Will’s Eagle Scout project included building and painting two new banner frames – one that displays the SMPC Preschool banner and one that will display the SMPC banner when the City of Charlotte begins construction on the Bryant Farms Road traffic circle in the coming months. Thank you to Will and Troop 119 and 219 members for their hard work and excellent craftsmanship! The frames will be used for years to come!
