Good Afternoon Church,
In the lead up to the election, election day itself, and now life in the aftermath, I have been holding each of you close in my prayers. As you know, we are a purple church, which means that members of our body are experiencing a myriad of emotions right now: feelings of celebration, disappointment, apathy, and confusion, as well as excitement, fear, anger, anxiety, relief, and giddiness. Wherever your emotions lie this week, please know Pastor Colston, Pastor Candido, and myself are just a phone call away.
Last Sunday we reflected on the thoughts of the Apostle James, who warns that the tongue has the power to heal and the power to curse. One healing word or action can cause a ripple effect. One cursing word or action can cause a ripple effect. If you are celebrating this week, please do not gloat or rub it in. That is unkind. If you are grieving this week, I am here to walk with you in your grief. Please do not despair!
The work of the church continues. Our work in loving the world like Jesus continues. Our work in caring for the poor, the oppressed, the immigrant, the sick, the widow, the orphan, the marginalized, all must continue. Our neighbors still need food and clothing. People are still unhoused and need stable housing. People are still lonely, and would love for you to reach out or stop by for a visit. People wrecked with anxiety and fear still need your calming presence. Those who are grieving the loss of a loved one or grappling with a test result could use your words of comfort. Our public schools need the community’s support. Many of our most vulnerable need advocates. Our world – pre and post-election – still needs YOU. Your love, your care, your kindness, your compassion, your witness.
And in case you doubt all of that: I need you.
This Sunday we will be praying over quilts for wounded veterans and scarves for our WeCare ministry during our Traditional Service. Please read the e-news below, and renew your commitment with me to embody Christ’s love in our broken, hurting world.
Gratefully Your Pastor,
Caitlin
WEEKLY E-NEWS
Celebration of Life for Dorothy Bentley
A Celebration of Life for Dorothy will be held on Saturday November 9th at 3:00pm with receiving of family and friends from 2:30-3:00pm in the Hickory Grove UMC Sanctuary. A service of Committal will follow immediately after the service in the Columbarium followed by refreshments and fellowship in the Parlors. If you would like to send the family a card, you may send them Julie Caldwell (daughter) 8515A Grier Rd., Charlotte, NC 28215
Combined Youth Lunch
Calling ALL Middle School and High School Youth! On Sunday November 10th from 12pm-2pm come for lunch and fellowship in between services in the Parlors. Invite a friend!
The Church Office will be Closed Monday November 11th in observance of Veteran’s Day.
The 2024 Annual Charge Conference will take place on Sunday November 17th at 5pm to approve clergy compensation and lay leadership for 2025.
Purchase Honey Baked Ham Gift Cards!
This Sunday November 3 and Nov 10 our United Women in Faith is selling Honey Baked Ham Gift cards, of varying amounts, in the FLC. A portion of the proceeds will go to support ministry to women, children and youth through our conference UWF.
No Children & Youth Sunday School Thanksgiving Weekend
There will be NO children and youth Sunday School Sunday November 24th due to the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
Help Decorate the Church for Advent!
We will gather on Sunday November 24th at 3pm in the Family Worship Center to start decorating for the Advent/Christmas season! All are welcome!
WECARE: Christmas Packing
Help WeCare pack for Christmas! Every week through the first week in December at the WeCare House, 6315 Market St. Monday 6:30 - 8pm, Tuesday 1-3pm, Wednesday 3-5pm, Saturday 10am-12noon. Please call/text Susan Fox if you can help! 704-502-9852
WeCare: Home Made Thanksgiving Pies!
The Spirit Seeker/Pathfinders class is taking orders for homemade pies in the FLC or on the website under “Member Resources” à ”Activities/Events.” The last day to order online is 11/21. You may pick up pies on Saturday November 23 at 5:00pm or Sunday November 24 in the FLC lobby. Pie types are Pecan, Pumpkin, Apple, Sweet Potato, and Coconut. Please make checks payable to “Pathfinders Class.”
HGUMC Young(ish) Adult Small Group Our topic for the next few weeks is about Conversations Across the Divide. We meet weekly in a virtual format using Google Meet on Mondays at 7pm. Google Meet joining info Video call link: https://meet.google.com/nuq-zhyp-rxe OR dial: (US) +1 641-583-6084 PIN: 561 891 981#. Our next meeting will be Monday November 25th. Reach out to Pastor Caitlin or the church office if you have any questions.
The Chosen Watch Party & Discussion Group
All are invited to participate in a viewing of The Chosen Season 3 from 6:30pm-8pm in the Trinity Room on Tuesday nights! Each week we will watch one episode and follow up with a discussion. Reach out to Tom and Susan Fox or the church office if you have any questions.
Wednesday Night Bible Study
All are invited to join us every Wednesday night for Bible study and reflection on Zoom @ 7:30pm. The Zoom meeting ID# 81541770673 and Passcode: 522533. Reach out to Pastor Colston or the church office if you have any questions.
WeCare Food Needs
Please help us restock the shelves at WeCare: mixed vegetables, carrots, peanut butter, and peas. Upcoming Food Pantry date: Saturday, November 9th.
SNACK Pack
Please consider making a financial donation to the SNACK pack program to help 48 Hickory Grove Elementary School students. If you have any questions, please call Jennifer Stribling at 704-617-2520.
Ways to Help: WNCCUMC Disaster Response
1) Pray!
2) Collect Supplies and bring them to Hickory Grove UMC. A list of supplies will be given and updated regularly via our facebook page and weekly email newsletter. You may also join the WNCCUMC Disaster Response Facebook page to see immediate needs and hear stories of those on the ground.
3) Make a financial donation to UMCOR or directly to WNCCUMC Disaster Response. Please mark your offering “WNCCUMC Disaster Relief.” You may also give online directly to UMCOR or to WNCCUMC Disaster Response.
4): Early Response Team (ERT) Training: Attend an ERT Training. Volunteers must have ERT training to assist in recovery efforts. Over 500 people have signed up so far and future training opportunities will be announced. Please register your interest HERE and someone will be in touch with you for future dates.
5) UMCOR Cleaning Kits/Flood Buckets: These are needed to replace those distributed to impacted areas. Instructions are in the office and available HERE.
