Seen Around Church: Week of March 8, 2026

An Evening of Community, Conversation, and Connection

We were so blessed to share faith, conversation, connection and delicious food with Mosaic of Charlotte last Wednesday, March 4! Nearly 100 attendees spent the evening listening to one another and having real conversations that were rooted in community, positivity, and sharing all that we have in common. Thank you to Mosaic of Charlotte for providing the amazing meal and for sharing your love, warmth and hospitality with us!

: Screenshot

: Screenshot

Haiti Supporters Gather, Receive Exciting News

Ewo and Friends Empowering Haiti co-hosted a fundraising event last Thursday, March 5, at SouthPark Church. We had many SMPC members attend, including former pastor, Dr. Matt Brown, and his wife, Donna! During the event, the organizations announced that they would be merging and now called Konpayon, the Haitian Creole word for “companion.” As longtime supporters of both organizations, we are excited about the merger and look forward to continuing to build relationships with our Haitian brothers and sisters.

To find out more about what this means to you as a donor, see our announcement about the merger here.

Created for Community: All-Church Retreat in Montreat, NC

What a wonderful weekend together at our All-Church Retreat in Montreat! Centered around the theme “Created for Community,” members of all ages gathered for a time of worship, fellowship, learning, laughter, and rest.

Throughout the weekend, we were reminded that we are not meant to do life alone. Through group conversations, shared meals, worship, and plenty of time outdoors, we experienced the joy of being together. Whether hiking, rocking on the porch, playing games, or acting out Bible stories, every moment reflected the gift of community that God has given us.

We were blessed to have retreat leader, Rev. Dr. Laura Cunningham, a Presbyterian pastor and Spiritual Care Volunteer in Alexandria, VA host a collaborative, engaging and FUN session that focused on Bible stories about building strong and faithful communities. She also led us in worship on Sunday!

Thank you to Rebecca Guzman, SMPC Director of Spiritual Formation, and our incredible Retreat Committee members for making it all happen. And thank you to all who participated!! Retreat weekends like this help strengthen the relationships that make our church family so special. We are truly blessed with an incredible church community!

Enjoy this fun slideshow of photos from the weekend!

SMPC Hosts American Red Cross Blood Drive

Saturday, March 7, marked the 72nd American Red Cross Blood Drive hosted at SMPC! We collected a total of 34 units—consisting of 28 whole blood and 3 Power Red donations—thanks to our dedicated volunteers and donors. We also celebrated two major milestones: Gary Rawls reached 12 gallons and Harold Blackmon reached 20 gallons. Every donation is vital given the current critical shortage. Power Red donations, blood types O, A- and B-, are especially needed.

Our next blood drive is scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 8:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sign up to donate here. If you can’t donate, please consider being the welcoming face of SMPC and volunteer to sign in donors and assist the Red Cross staff.

“Please tell your family members, neighbors, coworkers and friends, one day each of us may need blood or blood supplies,” said ministry leader Bill Ramsey. “Volunteer donors are the only source, spread the word, help save lives, patients need you!”