SMPC’s American Red Cross Blood Drive Exceeds Goal!
SMPC hosted an American Red Cross Blood on Saturday, January 3, and wow, did SMPC and the community show up big! The drive collected 39 units of blood, which exceeded our goal of 30 units! It was also the highest total units of our drives in the last two years. The Red Cross reported that whole blood donations totaled 29 units and Power Red totaled 10 units (5 procedures).
Twenty of Saturday’s donors were SMPC members, which represented 53% of the total successful donors. Many thanks to donors who celebrated donation milestones, first-time donors, and our amazing volunteers that morning who kept the drive running smoothly.
Among those who donated was SMPC member Xander Case, 19. Xander first donated blood at SMPC’s last blood drive on November 1, 2025. He heard about Power Red blood donations and decided to be a Power Red donor at his second Red Cross Blood Drive! According to the Red Cross, being a Power Red blood donor means giving a concentrated dose of red cells, the part of your blood used every day for those needing transfusions. It takes longer than whole blood donation, and you may feel a little more tired. When you are a Power Red donor, your blood is typically given to trauma patients, newborns, emergency transfusions during birth, people with sickle cell anemia, and anyone suffering blood loss. Way to go, Xander!
“Our commitment to the Red Cross is to help save lives,” said Bill Ramsey, the ministry’s leader. “This is a promise we make as a community of givers. When we donate blood we save our friends, neighbors and family. This is one way we protect those we love. We keep the blood supply at safe levels for each other.”
SMPC is hosting another blood drive on Saturday, March 7. Sign up to donate blood or volunteer! The need is constant, the gratification is instantaneous.
Photo credits: Terry Gaines and Bill Ramsey
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What’s Your Word?
We celebrated Epiphany Sunday on January 4, and welcomed members and visitors to pick a star word for 2026 out of the basket. It is a common prayer practice in churches worldwide to give people a star word on Epiphany Sunday. Many of us experience prayer mostly as talking to God, but this practice invites a slower rhythm of reflection and review. Consider this word a guide for the year ahead. We invite you to return to your star word often, noticing how God might be at work through its meaning.
If you were unable to come to worship on Sunday or if you worshipped online, you can stop by the church office and pick a star word or email Rebecca Guzman!
Photo credits: Rebecca Guzman, Terry Gaines and Amy Zagora
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SMPC Youth Start New Year Off ‘BYG’
Our middle and high schoolers’ January BYG was all about renewal through promise and commitment. The group created art that turned into commitments and promises to God, to ourselves, to our community, and to the world God loves. They talked about what it means to let our “yes” be honest, intentional, and rooted in Christ.
They enjoyed creativity, fun, fellowship, community, pizza, ice cream and popsicles, and laughter. They also got a surprise visit from Transitional Pastor Sandy Hull!
We continue to be thankful for our incredible youth and all of the adult volunteers and staff leadership who make it all possible!
Photo credit: Rev. Lindsey Odom
Happy Birthday, Zach!
The staff celebrated Director of Music and Organist Zach Bowyer’s 30th birthday (which was on January 1!) with fun decor and YUMMY cookies! Happy Birthday, Zach! May your 30s as bright and joy-filled as you!
SMPC Surpasses 2024 Red Kettle Totals During 2025 Christmas Season
SMPC volunteers spent four Saturdays at Belk, SouthPark ringing bells for the Salvation Army over the holidays, and we have fun news to share! We exceeded last year’s total and raised $1,480.84 this Christmas season! We raised $1,135.51 in 2024. Thank you to all of our bell ringers for sharing your Christmas joy with shoppers! The funds raised through the Red Kettle will continue to help Salvation Army meet the needs of the women and children at the Center of Hope and through other service and program efforts.
