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CAROLINA REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT AGENCY NEEDS YOUR HELP!
If you would have expensive storage space that you would be willing to offer – as a ministry outreach of your church - a refugee resettlement agency in the Charlotte area - CRRA – Carolina Refugee Resettlement Agency - greatly needs such help!
Due to some security concerns at the Dept. of Homeland Security, the arrival of new refugees to CRRA is down from 10 - 12 cases per month to 1 or 2 cases monthly. This means that our Federal funding for arrivals (several hundred dollars per person) is also drastically reduced! As you well know, overhead does not go down accordingly.
Of course we must keep furniture donations stored and ready for future arrivals. The storage company has just notified our office that the rental price will go up to $100 per unit on April 1. We have three units.
They are asking if there might be a PCUSA church in or near the SE side of Charlotte that might share some space with
Carolina Refugee Resettlement Agency? Such generosity would enable us to stretch our budget and still serve new clients. If you are a church that would be willing to share some space – please contact…
Dottie Shattuck
Volunteer/In-Kind Donations Coordinator
Citizenship Education Coordinator
Carolina Refugee Resettlement Agency
5007 Monroe Road, #101
Charlotte, NC 28205
704.535.8803
dottie.shattuck@carolinarefugee.org
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SYNOD PREBYTERIAN MEN MISSION TRIP TO KENYA
June 4 through 16, 2012
This will be our second mission trip to Kenya. We will help construct a school building and chapel, and plant hundreds of trees again in support of the mission outreach of the Presbyterian Church of East Africa for the Glory of God. Safari to Masai Mara National Game Reserve included.
The Synod Men's Council Kenya Mission Trip leaves on June 3rd and we are seeking assistance in the collection of items we are to bring for the church and school we will be building for our Christian brothers and sisters. We will accept monetary contributions if you are unable to purchase any of these items for collection. Make donation checks payable to “SMC” and your support to this initiative are appreciated.
Church items needed:
Communion Set for 150 including plastic cups
Offering Plates - 4
Two Clocks - battery operated
Paper, pens, pencil, sharpeners
Christian posters
Inflatable Globes
Soccer Balls w/pump
All requested items or donations needed to be collected by April 30, 2012. If you have questions, please contact me via email or phone: wendell.hill@bankofamerica.com; 704-560-4501 cell.
Wendell J. Hill, Synod Men’s Council 2012 Kenya Leader
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WELCOMING THE STRANGER ~
A refugee is someone who has fled their country of nationality because of fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political beliefs or membership in a particular social group. The Refugee Resettlement Office at Catholic Social Services resettles between 300 – 350 refugees in Charlotte each year. How Can You Help? The basic needs of refugees are housing, employment, medical care, English language instruction, and assistance learning to navigate a new culture and community. Individuals can volunteer by:
•Becoming a refugee mentor to help a refugee adapt to life in Charlotte.
•Tutoring a refugee child in our Youth Program.
•Assisting with the collection of donated furniture and household items or with apartment sponsorship.
•Rallying your local neighborhood, faith or school communities to participate in donation drives to collect household, personal care and food items.
• Joining our Helping Hands Team which works on one-time projects in support of our resettlement efforts.
For more information or to volunteer, visit our website at or call the Volunteer Coordinator at 704.370.3283.
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MECKLENBURG & CABARRUS COUNTIES - TORNADO RESPONSE:
The Presbytery of Charlotte will be collecting gift cards for the families affected heavily by the tornados that hit our area (Cabarrus and Mecklenburg Counties in NC) last weekend - gift cards in any amounts to stores such as Lowe's; Home Depot; Wal Mart; Target and also CVS; Walgreens; Food Lion; Harris Teeter; Bi Lo; etc. are welcomed. We toured the area that was hit the hardest and it is really scary seeing the damage and destruction that folks are living with - I'm sure it is going to take the families awhile to deal with their loss and repair their homes and lives.... BUT with your help - you are showing them others care - and this speaks volumes at times such as these.... Gift cards will be distributed thru disaster response agencies in our area working directly with families. Thank you for caring!!!!
Churches and individuals can send their donations to the Presbytery of Charlotte, Attention: Debbie Wilkinson; 5700 Executive Center Drive, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28212 and please note address and contact name so we can thank you on behalf of or possibly the families could have your information to thank you themselves.
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SOUTH MECKLENBURG PC COLLECTING CANNED GOODS FOR LOAVES & FISHES~
SMPC is collecting peanut butter, canned fruit, 100% fruit juice, pork and beans, canned meat and soup. All donations will be given to Loaves & Fishes to support their clients in need. Loaves & Fishes is a non-profit organization that provides a week’s worth of groceries to people within the community facing economic hardships. The organization strives to ensure that individuals and families in need meet their basic hunger requirements by having access to nutritious food.
Any questions regarding donations should be directed to Jennifer Basquin at 704-543-3988 or jbasquin@carolina.rr.com. _____________________________________________________________________________
KAIROS EVENT 2012
Our Kairos event is going to be earlier this year than in the past. Rather than August, we have set a date of June 21-24, 2012. WHAT IS KAIROS? Kairos Prison Ministry is a Christian, volunteer, lay-led, ecumenical continuing ministry to the incarcerated and their loved ones. Kairos is active in men’s and women’s maximum and medium security prisons, in youthful offender institutions (Kairos Torch), and in ministries for the wives and female loved ones of the incarcerated (Kairos Outside). Over 20,000 volunteers present the ministry to more than 14,000 inmates annually, in over 350 institutions in over 30 states and in many foreign countries. READ MORE ABOUT KAIROS and how you can help.
You can apply to be part of the support/cooking team for that weekend. That team can include both men and women. Download Support Team Application. Please contact Suzie Martin if you have any questions: 704-463-5549.
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21st CENTURY FAITH FORMATION ~
Join us for an exciting, interactive 3-day experience presented by John Roberto!
May 21-23, 2012 at the Marriott Courtyard, 333 W. WT Harris Blvd., Charlotte, NC
Sponsored by Vibrant Faith Ministries in partnership with LifelongFaith Associates
For pastors, church staff, and leaders in faith formation across the life span.
Imagine the potential for churches that develop 21st century models of faith formation to respond to the spiritual and religious needs of all ages and generations. Imagine churches that provide faith formation for everyone, anytime, anywhere, 24x7x365. Immerse yourself in the world of 21st century faith formation and bring home the tools you need to transform your congregation. For more information go to: www.vibrantfaith.org/faith-formation-training.html
Register online
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2012 WOMEN'S CONNECTION CONFERENCE ~
“Caught in the Currents: Where is God When Waters Rise?”
May 29th - June 1st at Montreat Conference Center
When we are neck-deep in the troubles of our world, where do we find the “still waters” God has promised us? Come! Join us as we wade into the calm of a place away, where we will explore God’s still, small voice in the currents of our lives. Through worship, discussion, and reflection, we will learn from and connect with other women in new and meaningful ways. Conference speakers include: Cynthia Rigby (Keynote Speaker) and Nancy Benson-Nicol (author of the 2012–2013 Horizons Bible study, Dispatches to God’s Household: The General Epistles).
CLICK HERE to find out more information and to register.
BEN SALEM PC CHOIR ANNIVERSARY ~
You are cordially invited to join us in celebrating our Choir Anniversary on Sunday, May 20, 2012 at 6:00 PM. Come out and join us on this great celebration. We are expecting a blessed time in the name of the Lord and we look forward to you celebrating with us. If you have any question or concerns, please contact Elder Fredd Sanders at 704-712-2329.
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ST. PAUL PC 134th HOMECOMING CELEBRATION ~
The St. Paul Church Family would like to invite you to help us celebrate our 134th Annual Homecoming Celebration.
Homecoming will be held on Sunday, May 20th 2012, at 11:00am. Following the homecoming service we will have a cookout and outdoor festivities. There will be fun activities for adults and kids of all ages. We will recognize Bikers on this Sunday as well as offer prizes to Biker groups with the “Most Participation” and also the “Best Bike”.
Our theme says that we are to Move Forward! Make a Difference in the Community. So on this Sunday we are moving out from behind the walls and inviting all to participate in a day of worship, food, fellowship, fun, games, prizes and dancing. See the flyer for more information.
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THE FELLOWSHIP PLACE (tFp) COMMUNITY CELEBRATION~
Saturday, May 19th at 2:00 pm at Westerly Hills Academy, 4420 Denver Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28208
Since August 2011, the Fellowship place has been going, doing and telling in the Camp Green Area at the Airport Parkway Inn & Suites (formerly Rodeway Inn). This is your personal invitation to join us for a special event for the community. We are excited about this celebration, as we continue to build relationships and partnerships with the Camp Green community. We will have food, fun, fellowship and free prizes as we connect with the community and its residents. If you require additional information, please contact our Mission Team Leader, Karla Tillman at 704/493-4250. We look forward to seeing you on May 19th.
Contact us by Email: thefellowshipplace@hotmail.com or call (980) 833-4tFp (4837)
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WOODLAND PC SPRING GOSPEL FESTIVAL
Saturday, May 19th at 12:00 Noon
Join us for a fun-filled day of praise and adoration to the great God of creation. If your choir, praise team, steppers, or dance ministry would like to participate, please contact: Gerallean Alford at 704-239-7679, Marianne Hayes at 704-819-1663 or Wilma Hairston at 704-231-7321. We would live to have you there!
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BELLEFONTE PC MEN'S CHOIR CONCERT ~
The Men's Choir of the Bellefonte Presbyterian Church, USA will be in concert on Sunday, May 20, 2012 at 3:00 PM. All are invited to come and be blessed by these "Men of God" and they Minister in Song. Bellefonte is located at 8866 Rocky River Road in Harrisburg, NC. Rev. Dr. Gregory Davis is the Pastor of Bellefonte and Elder Rayford Patton is Moderator of the Men's Choir.
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SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER @ CHARLOTTE COVENANT PC ~
Don Wagner, North American director of Sabeel, a highly regarded peace-making organization in Israel/Palestine, will speak on "Undermining Justice in the Holy Land: Two Types of Christian Zionism in the Church" at Covenant Presbyterian Churchon Sunday, May 20th at 7 p.m. He is a leading thinker and scholar on Christian Zionism and other ideologies associated with the Holy Lands.
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NEW HAMPTON PC 142nd CHURCH ANNIVERSARY ~
Join us as we celebrate another year’s journey of placing all things “IN GOD’S HANDS” on Sunday, May 27, 2012
at 3:00PM. The Reverend Dr. Arthur W. Canada will be the speaker of the hour. Dinner served prior to Worship Service. See the flyer for details
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MEN FOR CHANGE BREAKFAST ~
Will you join me on Wednesday, May 30th from 7AM to 9AM for our 15th annual Men For Change breakfast and silent auction at the Bank of America Stadium? I would be honored if you would join me at my table. This important fundraiser for United Family Services’ Victims Services will not only educate you on domestic violence and sexual assault issues taking place in our community every day, it will inspire you to get the word out and set an active example for your sons, your fathers, your brothers, your coworkers, by telling them and more importantly showing them that abuse in any form – physical, verbal, psychological – is unacceptable. I hope you will join me for what I know will prove to be a very powerful morning. If you cannot join us, please consider helping with a tax-deductable contribution.
Michael E. (Mike) Sexton
Mecklenburg County Community Support Services
Women's Commission
Michael.Sexton@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
http://css.charmeck.org
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HENDERSON GROVE PC WOMEN'S DAY WEEKEND ~
Please put this date on your calendar - Saturday, May 19th, and join the women of Henderson Grove (HGPC) on our Women’s Day Weekend. If you are able, our weekend continues the next day, Sunday, May 20th at 11:00 a.m. with Worship, where our guest speaker is Ms. Belinda Rice of Presbytery of Charlotte. You don’t want to miss her message!
To better plan for this event, would you be so kind and drop us an email or call at the contact information below with a yes or no. We hope it will be a YES. See the flyer for details. Contact: Vikki Stafford or Shawdai Crowe at 704.563.9009 or Email: vikkielaine@bellsouth.net
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PLEASANT HILL PC GOLF TOURNAMENT ~
Pleasant Hill Presbyterian Church, 15000 York Road, Charlotte will have their annual Golf Tournament on Sunday, June 3rd at 1:00 pm. Shotgun start at 2 pm at Waterford Golf Course in Rock Hill, SC. There will be prizes, contests and each player will receive a free round of golf at Waterford Golf Club. See the flyer for details. For more information please contact the church office at 704-588-0686 or www.pleasanthillpresby.com.
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CHARLOTTE RUN/WALK FOR PEACE 5K ~
Saturday, May 26, 2012 at McAlpine Creek Greenway. For nearly 20 years, their goal has been to raise awareness and funds to support local victims/survivors of domestic violence. Competitive and non-competitive participants will enjoy the scenic beauty that only McAlpine Creek Greenway and Charlotte in the spring can offer. The starting times for the women’s and men's events will be staggered, and all will join for the awards ceremony. All participants are encouraged to cheer one another on throughout the events.
NOTE: The men’s competitive 5K begins at 8:00am and the women’s competitive 5K begins at 8:30am. If you prefer to run with your partner/spouse, etc. feel free to do so. Men participating in the women's event will not be eligible for an award and vice versa.
In appreciation of your support, you will receive a commemorative t-shirt* and prize pack. Packets will be available on race day, and we'll also host packet pick-ups prior to the event. Information regarding packet pick-ups will be emailed closer to the date. *No t-shirt guaranteed for participants registering after May 17, 2012.
Commemorative trophies will be rewarded to the top 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place male and female runners overall and in each division for the 5K timed events. Register and get additional info at www.charlottepeaceathome.com.
Register early for discounts!
~ $20 by April 30
~ $25 by May 12
~ $30 after May 12
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MECKLENBURG MINISTRIES 25th ANNIVERSARY ~
"From Common Ground to Higher Ground"
Tuesday, June 5th at 7:30 PM at the Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center
Mecklenburg Ministries celebrates its 25th Anniversary with a special evening of performances reflecting the diverse religious faiths in the local community. The evening will explore highlights of Mecklenburg Ministries' history through speakers, local clergy, videos and performances by Carolina Voices' Festival Singers, Cedric Mangum & Co., Dennis Reed & Inspire the Fire, Unity in Diversity Dance, the new Carolina Men's Chorus, the Vocal Hymn Choir from New St. John's Baptist Church, and a mass choir from local congregations. Contemporary and traditional music and dance will leave toes tapping and voices raised in song for this special anniversary celebration.
Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, we are pleased to offer free admission. Attendees will have the opportunity to make contributions to support the future work of Mecklenburg Ministries. Tickets are free, but required.
Reserve and print your free tickets and find directions and parking information
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SYNOD MEN'S CONFERENCE 2012
July 20-22, 2012 - Massanetta Springs
Registration is now open for the annual Presbyterian Men's Conference at Massanetta Springs. This year our theme comes from Revelation 22:2, "And the leaves fo the tree are for the healing of the nations." The conference starts Friday, July 20th with afternoon registration, dinner and then the program begins Friday evening. The conference ends Sunday after lunch. Visit the conference website where you can register online with PayPal or credit card.
Download the conference flyer and registration form.
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SUMMER ENRICHMENT PROGRAM @ HERMON PC ~
Hermon Presbyterian Church is sponsoring a Summer Enrichment Program (SEP) Monday, June 04 through Friday August 03, 2012. The SEP provides each child an opportunity to retain and improve on some of the basic skills learned during the regular school year. The program begins at 8:00 a.m. and concludes at 3:00p.m. with extended care until 6:00 p.m. This program serves children age’s five (5) to twelve (12). Volunteers are needed now to assist in all areas of our Summer Enrichment Program. We need volunteers for our classrooms, special events, cafeteria, extended day, field trips, motivational speakers, and more. Be assured, if you volunteer, you will be used. If you are able and willing to volunteer, please call Shirley Hamilton @803-230-2075 or Pat Ancrum @ 803-831-7972 or Email: tjscloset@yahoo.com for more information. See the volunteer letter and the brochure for details.
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"REACH OUT FIRST MINISTRY" OPPORTUNITY ~
Dates: June 24th- 29th OR July 22nd – 27th
This summer, First Presbyterian Church of Greensboro, is offering ministry opportunities for middle and high school youth so they can learn and experience hands-on ministry work outside their home community, grow in faith through service, and develop/strengthen relationships. Ministry activities are centered on the themes of Social Justice, Hunger, Health, Housing, and Diversity. Cost: $65 per person (includes meals, Grasshoppers Game, Civil Rights Museum)
Contact: Kim Priddy at kpriddy@fpcgreensboro.org and 336-373-0445 with questions. See the flyer for details.
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FELLOWSHIP POINT IS WAITING FOR YOU! ~
Pastors, Educators, Youth leaders - Wanted to remind you that the presbytery of Charlotte owns, for the enjoyment of our congregations, a beautiful picnic and camping area on Lake Norman.
Fellowship Point includes a big shelter with picnic tables & ice machine, 2 nice bathrooms with showers, beach volleyball, swings, horseshoes, hammock, a big field for playing softball, frisbee, soccer, etc, a nice beach for swimming, a small pier and dock for enjoying the sunset and 20 beautifully wooded camp sites with power and water for tents or small campers. Spend the day or spend the night. Great for church picnics & retreats, youth activities, VBS outings. CLICK HERE for more information and to book the facility - the rates are VERY reasonable – you may also access it from the Presbytery website's homepage. I’m pretty sure once you see it you will be thrilled. For the best dates it’s wise to book early.
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CAMP GRIER 2012 SCHEDULE ~
Download the Camp Grier 2012 Summer Camp schedule HERE. The summer schedule is now available on their website at www.campgrier.org. For your convenience, Camp Grier is now accepting online registrations and payments through PayPal.
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