Seen Around Church: Week of March 17, 2024

If Campus Smells a Bit Sweeter, Here’s Why

You may have noticed the two new trees planted in the beds in front of Mecklenburg Hall. They were planted last Friday, March 15, as part of another on-campus Eagle Scout project, led by Troop 119 Life Scout Jackson Blauer. The trees are Serendipity Magnolias, a hybrid variety that is considered a tree-shrub; it can be grown as a 10-foot tall by 10-foot wide shrub, or trained into an upright tree that should be about 10-12 feet tall. We received ours already trained into an upright form. They are evergreen, have smaller leaves than the regular magnolias, and are supposed to be covered in white blossoms that smell like banana cream pie. The trees came from Trees Charlotte as part of their neighborhood giveaways.

Photo Credit: SMPC Facilities Administrator Steve Stevenson

SMPC Youth Members Shine in Ardrey Kell High School Spring Musical

Congratulations to Brett P., Lexi B., Ben B., Clark H., Graeme M., and Elizabeth G. for their outstanding performances in Ardrey Kell’s production of “Anastasia” last weekend. Our SMPC church family showed up big for these talented youth: the Chancel Choir came as a group Friday night and several other staff and church members enjoyed Saturday night’s show. We are so incredibly proud of these youth and look forward to supporting them in more productions in the future!

Photo credit: Director of Music and Organist Zach Bowyer

Middle and High Schoolers Ring in the Fun Together

This cute moment was caught Sunday night when Exultate (high school) and Gaudete (middle school) ringers came together to practice as Gayle Ireland and Helen Castle masterfully conducted and instructed.

Photo credit: Director of Music and Organist Zach Bowyer

Bacon, Bananas, Apples, Eggs, Pancakes, Oh My!

On Thursday, March 14, Center of Hope Breakfast volunteers rounded up the groceries that had been donated for Saturday’s breakfast. Thank you to all who donated food and money this month!

We serve breakfast to Center of Hope residents every month and are always looking for servers and accepting food donations or monetary donations. Please sign up here.

Photo Credit: Terry Gaines

A Look Behind the Scenes on Communion Sunday

These photos, snapped a couple of weeks ago by SMPC Facilities Administrator Steve Stevenson, captures the prep work that goes into a communion Sunday. We are always so thankful for the love and energy our Worship Committee pours (literally!) into the heart of our faith community.

Photo Credit: SMPC Facilities Administrator Steve Stevenson

We Are the Lucky Ones!

Worship on Sunday, March 17 (St. Patrick’s Day!) was full of GREEN! Among many donned in green were SMPC member Charlie Boldt, who shared his love of marshmallow Peeps (yum) with children, and SMPC member Curt IRELAND. 🙂

Photo credits: Terry Gaines and SMPC Director of Hospitality and Connection Nancy Metzler

Even Our Littlest Serve the Church with Joy

These two precious Carolines did a fabulous job as acolytes on Sunday morning! If your child is interested in becoming an acolyte, please see more information here.

Photo Credits: Terry Gaines and Director of Spiritual Formation Rebecca Guzman

SMPC Members of All Ages Come Together for Fun and Service

Thank you to all who came out Sunday night, March 17, for the Intergenerational Trivia & Mission Project Night! It was so much fun to spend an evening of fun and service together. Thanks to the time spent on Sunday and generous donations, we reached our goal of making 35 Easter meal kits for the students and families of Smithfield Elementary. SMPC member Shelby Ulman dropped the meal kits off at Smithfield earlier in this week, and Smithfield wanted to express their thanks to all of you. Thank you, thank you!