Seen Around Church: Week of May 4, 2025

SMPC’s Smithfield Tutors Celebrated at the ALP Appreciation Luncheon

Our SMPC tutors were honored on Thursday, May 1, at the Augustine Literacy Project (ALP) Appreciation Luncheon, an event held by ALP to recognize the dedicated volunteers who have contributed to the program’s success. Our amazing SMPC members (not all pictured!) have spent countless hours working with students at Smithfield Elementary, helping them grow academically and personally.

As we approach the final week of tutoring, May 19-22, we want to thank all the SMPC tutors who have selflessly given their time and energy. You’ve made a lasting impact on the lives of so many students, and we are so thankful for your commitment. We also want to thank SMPC member Kathy Graham, who has been such an instrumental leader for SMPC’s work with ALP. Kathy began as an ALP volunteer through SMPC and is now a member of ALP’s staff!

SMPC will be sponsoring a Teacher Appreciation Breakfast on June 11 at Smithfield Elementary to thank the teachers for all of their hard work and dedication.

Thank you to all our tutors for your service, and to everyone who has supported this ministry throughout the year! If you are interested in becoming a tutor at Smithfield Elementary for the 2025-26 school year, please contact Lindsey Odom.

Photo credit: Lindsey Odom

Olé, Amigos! SMPC Supper Circle Celebrates Cinco de Mayo

One SMPC Supper Circle enjoyed a little fiesta hosted by Karen and John Sandeen on Friday, May 2, in celebration of Cinco de Mayo! Pictured below from left to right: Marge Kruse, Tony Castle, Carol Morgan, Karen Sandeen, Bob Williamson, Helen Castle, Ron Morgan and Donna Podgorny. Behind the camera, thus not pictured, is John Sandeen!

Thank you to Carol Morgan for sending us the pic!

A Record-Setting Day at SMPC’s American Red Cross Blood Drive

On Saturday, May 3, SMPC hosted another successful American Red Cross Blood Drive—and this one was especially memorable. With 36 individuals registered to donate, it marked the largest number of potential donors we’ve ever had sign up in advance.

Despite a few deferrals and no-shows, walk-ins helped round out the day, and we were able to collect 27 units of whole blood and 3 Power Red donations, for a total of 33 units. The 27 units of whole blood is the largest single-day collection we’ve recorded since tracking began in November 2023. What a milestone!

A huge thank you goes to Bill Ramsey, our dedicated ministry coordinator, whose leadership and organization made this event possible. We’re also very grateful to our welcoming volunteers—Tony and Helen Castle, Donna Podgorny and Bob Williamson, Terry Gaines, and Phil Eatherton —for giving their time on a Saturday morning to check in donors, assist the Red Cross staff, and create a warm, hospitable atmosphere for everyone who came through our doors.

Mark your calendars—our next Blood Drive is Saturday, August 9 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Commons. Sign up here. We hope to see you there!

Photo credit: Terry Gaines

A Sweet Visit and a Sweet Treat!

SMPC member Geena Woodard’s nephew was visiting with his family on Sunday and enjoyed one of SMPC’s cherished weekly traditions – Lemonade on the Lawn!! What a cutie!

Photo credit: Terry Gaines

Honoring Our Confirmands with a Special Lunch

On Sunday, May 4, we celebrated our 2025 confirmands with a special lunch following worship with family, mentors, and members of Session. We recognized these young people for the time, reflection, and faith they’ve poured into their confirmation journey.

During the lunch, confirmands shared their Statements of Faith and offered thoughtful reflections on what they believe and how they see God at work in their lives. Their words were a beautiful reminder of how faith continues to grow and deepen in our community.

We are so proud of each confirmand and grateful to everyone who has supported them along the way. It was a day full of celebration, encouragement, and hope for the future of our church. We look forward to Confirmation Sunday this Sunday, May 11!

Photo credit: Lindsey Odom

Fifth Graders Get a Big Welcome at BYG!

Last Sunday, our BYG (Big Youth Group) welcomed 5th graders for a super fun night of fellowship, crafts, and games. It was a wonderful way to introduce them to our SMPC Youth and give them a glimpse of all the fun and community that awaits (and check out those painted rocks – gorg!!)!

Just a reminder that all SMPC Youth summer events are open to rising 6th graders through graduated 12th graders. You can find the schedule on the Youth Ministry page or contact Lindsey Odom for the fun SMPC Youth summer magnet!

Photo credit: Lindsey Odom