Get Connected at SMPC!
Sunday, March 14
Don't you usually have more fun when you do things with friends?
One of the ways we express the Spirit of Stewardship at SMPC is to foster a sense of community. And what better way to feel a part of a community than to get involved! Whatever your passion, interest or hobby, there is an opportunity for you at SMPC. Get Connected and build relationships with your SMPC family members by doing something you enjoy - from social dining, to serving the community and world through outreach, to spiritual growth through one of our small group book studies.
On Sunday, March 14, 9 am until 1 pm, you are invited to visit Mecklenburg Hall to check out the wide range of opportunities where you can Get Connected at SMPC. Also, check out the tasty treats at the youth bake sale!!


Men's Group April 4th
First Saturday of every month at 8:00am
There are no strings or requirements - just join us for breakfast and fellowship!
We meet at 8:00 am and usually stay for about an hour. Plan to meet us at Park Place Restaurant (located in the former Courtneys restaurant building) on Park Road. We hope to see you there!
Contact: Carl hewett at Carlhewett@gmail.com

Lemonade on the Lawn
Sunday mornings 10:30-11:00am Meet and greet today and every Sunday over a cool cup of lemonade and a cookie or two between the worship services outside. Please put your afternoon plans on hold for a few moments to linger a little while and catch up with long-time SMPC family members and connect with new friends you have not yet met. It is a treat to share the gift of hospitality with one another on Sunday mornings and we invite you to join us today for cookies and lemonade from 10:30 - 11 a.m. Enjoy!!


Trinity Group
Are you a pre-boomer and looking for a fellowship group? Then, the Trinity Group is for you. We get together for fun and fellowship every six weeks or so. We have dining outs, family events, and outdoor gatherings. Interested?
Contact Lori Loftus at 704.708.9024, loftusnc@carolina.rr.com or Karen Rice at 704.708.9328, Karenrice2430@yahoo.com

Baby Boomers
Questions? Contact: Nancy Metzler at Nancy@smpchome.org or 704.544.0404, ext. 103
If you'd like to be added to the Boomer email distribution list, please email Nancy Metzler at nancy@smpchome.org . We will keep you updated on upcoming activities!

Ladies Night Out
Contact: Jill Sisk JillCaudle@aol.com

JOY Group Presents
Anyone over 55 invited!
Contacts:
Mary Anne Thacker at maryannet30@carolina.rr.com
Pat Young at ryoung14@carolina.rr.com
Lynne Frech at lynne@smpchome.org

Small Groups

New Singles Group Opportunity
Calling all singles! Mark your calendars: The SMPC Singles Group will meet the third Sunday of each month following the 11:00 service for lunch. Please join us for food and fellowship on Sunday, February 21, 2010 at 12:30 at Newk's, 9815 Rea Rd Suite A in the Blakeney Shopping Center. Please RSVP to Amy Dellinger at amy.j.dellinger@gmail.com or at 919-744-8501 by February 19. Please indicate if you need childcare (available at the church). We hope to see you there!

New Small Group Opportunity
SMPC Supper Club
As our congregation grows, the Small Group Committee continues to look for additional ways
for us to all stay connected with each other on a more personal level. In response to that, a new
SMPC Supper Club group is being formed.
The Supper Club will meet the first Friday of each month. Depending on response, we may have more than one Supper Club group, each consisting of 10 - 12 individuals. With this, we will have two options:
Dining at individuals' homes: The host home will rotate each month with the host preparing
the main course and other attendees bringing appetizers, sides and desserts. Monthly Dining Out: For those individuals who would like to participate in a Supper Club but aren't interested in cooking the meal. Selection of restaurant will rotate each month so each person/couple has the opportunity to select a location. If you are interested in joining this small group and/or helping to be a coordinator, please sign up at the Activities Table or contact:
Karen Rice at karenrice2430@yahoo.com

SMPC's Out on the Town

Please join us Saturday, March 6, at 10 am to enjoy the Southeast's largest and most established home and garden show!
With 24 magnificently land-scaped gardens, rooms decorated by the Interior Design Society, vendors with the latest and greatest in home improvements, outdoor living, green living, and decorative arts and crafts, there is something for everyone.
Sign-up sheet at the Activities Table. Questions? Contact: Judy Jones at Judy21jones@gmail.com or
Judy Nichols at Judy5cents@aol.com
Questions? Contact:
Judy Jones Judy21jones@gmail.com or 704.321.3443

Ladies Lunch Bunch

The next meeting of the SMPC Lunch Bunch is planned for Monday, April 12th at 11:30 when we will gather at Rudy's for lunch. For more information, please email Kathy Paquette at hpaquettewh@aol.com or 803.802.0754

Ladies' Circle Group
As our church family grows, we have an awesome opportunity to deepen our friendships and nurture our faith through small group ministry. A new ladies'
circle small group has begun meeting at 7 pm at the church on the first and third Wednesdays of the month, using the book "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World" to generate discussion. If you have questions or would like to attend contact Nancy Metzler at 704.544.0404, ext. 103, nancy@smpchome.org
We look forward to seeing you soon!

Opportunity for Conversation
Would you like to make some new friends while engaging in relaxed conversation and learning more about Korean language and culture? If so, we hope you will consider joining our newest small group opportunity. Several members of the Church of the True Light would like to practice their English-speaking skills in a low-key environment. Don't worry, you don't have to be a grammarian, you just have to like to talk! This group will meet at the church on days and at times to be determined by the group. No teaching or tutoring experience necessary. If you are interested in participating, or have questions, please contact: Nancy Metzler at nancy@smpchome.org or 704.544.0404, ext. 103

Food for Thought Book Club

Thursday, March 4, 6:30 pm we will discuss the book, Amish Grace: How Forgiveness Transcended Tragedy by Donald Kraybill. This story of forgiveness delves into the Amish culture and religion and their unique views. Connect to this website to read or listen to Dr. Brown's sermon entitled "Forgive'" of 9/14/08 to learn more about this story! 

Plan ahead for the Monday, March 29, meeting when we discuss Kate Braestrup's book, Here If You Need Me: A True Story. This moving story of faith and hope tells of Braestrup's position as a minister as she works for the Maine Game warden Service.

Plan ahead for our meeting on Thursday, May 6, when we gather to discuss L.Y. Marlow's book, Color Me Butterfly. This true story covers four generations of abuse, hurt, and pain. It displays the strength of women when they have nowhere else to turn.
If you want more information or are interested in joining our group for discussion and fellowship, please contact: Kathy Paquette at KHPAQUETTEWH@aol.com or 803.802.0754

New International Dining Group!

Are you feeling adventurous?  And, do you like to eat?  If so, consider joining Clint Lackey as we kick off another social dining opportunity at SMPC!  We plan to explore (probably on a monthly basis) the many international restaurants and foods that are available in the Charlotte area.  We will also discover what has influenced the development of the cuisine of a particular country or region.  We've all seen Mexican, Chinese, Greek, and Italian restaurants, but there are also German, Thai, Vietnamese, Caribbean, Indian, French, Spanish, Brazilian, Cuban, Ethiopian, and the list goes on!  If you are interested in joining us on this adventure, contact Clint at mclackey@yahoo.com. Put "international dining" in the subject line and include your email address in the message.  We'll get organized and let you know the details about our first dining adventure!

Women of the Word (February 25-April 1)
Thursday mornings, Session Room, 9:30 am

This weekly Bible study group for women engages literary works from a variety of authors in dialogue with scripture and our theological heritage. From February 25-April 1, we will study Jeremiah through the book, Run With Horses: The Quest For Life at its Best by Eugene Peterson. For a book/information contact: Rev. Lynne Frech at lynne@smpchome.org Women of the Word

Calling all men (& golfers, too!)

Thursdays at 6:30pm  A new men's group is meeting for a 12-week study and discussion of the book, Golf's Sacred Journey by Dr. David Cook. This fictional account is based on a man (a professional golfer) and the discovery of his identity, purpose and transformation, leading to a new road of significance.  We welcome all men to join us for this weekly discussion designed to help influence ourselves and others to a more significant life. (Yes, we will probably have to remain true to the book and play some golf along the way!!)  We are leaning towards a weekday breakfast meeting to be determined by the group. For more information, contact:

Russ Wenner at russ.wenner@genspring.com or 704.887.1306, or

sign up at the Activities Table

Our Concert Series Continues!
The next concert will be held on Friday, March 12, at 7:30 pm in the Sanctuary.
It will feature the Ballantyne Chamber Orchestra with special emphasis on the wind section in the piece entitled Sinfonia Concertante for Winds in Eb Major by Mozart; they will also perform his Overture to Idomeneo as well as the popular
Symphony No. 102 in Bb Major by Haydn.
The last concert in November was very well-received, so sign up in the Narthex for the special $18 group-rate ticket, with payment no later than Sunday, March 7.

SMPC 101
Join us on Sunday, March 7, at 9:30 am in the Commons! This adult class offers an informational and relaxed setting to ask questions about our church and learn more about how to get involved and connected. Topics will include details around our Neighborhood Ministry as well as anything that may come up during our discussion! Whether you are new or just want to know more than you do, SMPC 101 is the place for you! For more information, please contact:
Adrienne Jaquith at red_ae@hotmail.com or 704.779.5550


Committee Members

Nancy Metzler - Staff Liaison
Terry Gaines - Session Liaison/Coffee Grounds
Lynne Barber - Lemonade on the Lawn
Jill Flemming - co-chair Jill Sisk - co-chair
Judy Jones - Small Group liaison
Jen Snider - Dinner Events
Pat Young,  Donna Wenner,  Vaughn Folks and Melissa Harrison

Any Member of the congregation who has an idea for a fellowship opportunity is invited to join our committee!

Should you have any questions concerning an event or events scheduled for any of the above groups, please contact the groups representative. We are looking forward not only to the events sponsored by the above groups, but also the pot luck dinners, the return of the Strawberry Festival, the 4th of July picnic and the Fall Festival. We will also be facilitating the start up of other fellowship opportunities throughout the year, including small group ministries, golf outings, a running group and many more. If you have an interest and would like to find others with the same, we would like to help you get a group started here at SMPC. You will be hearing much more from the Fellowship Committee in the coming months!