THE WORSHIP OF GOD THE FIRST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST; JOINING SUNDAY; JOHN RUTTER’S “FEEL THE SPIRIT”

22 May 2016 at Eleven o’clock in the morning

THE COMMUNITY GATHERS BEFORE GOD

The Music in Preparation for Worship is intended to draw the people from the outside world into the presence of God. You are invited to remain silent during this time.

Ple ase sile nc e y o ur c e ll p h o ne .

THE SILENT MEDITATION Singing “psalms and hymns and spiritual songs” is a political act that challenges all human categories and divisions. The gospel word is that singing and music can be a means of grace that unifies us and brings us into the life of God as we learn to submit to one another in Christ. Singing is more than making a joyful noise. God has given us singing and worshiping to break down categories of gender and age and race and class. In singing and worshiping, we enter the life of God through the Spirit. If God’s Triune life is indeed one of mutual submission and love between persons, then as we become one body in Christ we share in God’s eternal “singing.” Randy Cooper, Being Subject as We Sing (adapted)

THE RINGING OF THE ANGELUS BELL The ringing of the Angelus Bell, a three-fold ringing of three, signifies the presence of the triune God: Creator, Christ and Holy Spirit. In ancient practice it was rung as a noonday prayer calling the whole community to prayers for peace.

THE PRELUDE “Swing Low” from A Spiritual Pair Dan Locklair (b. 1949) THE CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: The Lord be with you. People: And also with you.

At this time, everyone is invited to sign the friendship register found at the end of each pew. We especially welcome our guests today and ask that you include your contact information. Everyone is invited to a New Member Reception in Heaton Hall Foyer immediately following worship. We offer childcare during worship for children ages birth - age four. Please see an usher who can assist your family.

*THE OPENING SENTENCES Leader: Sing to the Lord a new song, for God has done marvelous things. People: The right hand and holy arm of God has won the victory, and the Lord has been vindicated in the sight of the nations. Leader: O God, you have offered steadfast love to your people, and faithfulness to the house of Israel. People: All the ends of the earth have seen your victory. Let all the people praise the Lord! ______+ Ushers will seat anyone waiting. * Please stand if you are able. Leader: Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. Break forth into joyous song and sing praises. People: Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre and with melody. Make a joyful noise before the king with trumpets and horns. Leader: Let the sea roar and all that fills it; the world and who live in it. Let the floods clap their hands; let the hills sing together for joy. People: Rejoice at the presence of the Lord who is coming to judge the world with justice and the people with equity. (Psalm 98)

*THE PROCESSION AND OPENING OF THE BIBLE Number 65 “When the morning stars together” We isse Flag g e n

*THE PRAYER OF INVOCATION + During the interlude, 3 and 4 year olds will leave with their teachers. They may be picked up in Room 107 after worship. TK-5th graders will go to the gym.

THE WORD OF GOD IS PROCLAIMED AND HEARD THE EPISTLE LESSON Ephesians 5:15-20 Leader: For the Word of God in scripture, See page 5. for the Word of God among us, for the Word of God within us. People: Thanks be to God. Feel the Spirit A CYCLE OF ~ ARRANGED BY JOHN RUTTER (B. 1945)

“Joshua fit the battle of Jericho” Joshua fit the battle of Jericho, ‘Go blow those ram horns’ Joshua cried, And the walls come tumblin’ down. ‘Cos the battle is in my hand.’ You may talk about your king of Gideon, Joshua fought that battle, so the Bible say; You may talk about your man of Saul, And the walls come tumblin’ down: Great day! But there is none like good old Joshua Then the lam’ ram sheep horns ‘gin to blow, At the battle of Jericho. Trumpets begin to soun’. Well, up to the walls of Jericho Joshua commanded the children to shout, He marched with spear in hand: And the walls come tumblin’ down. Hallelujah!

“” Steal away to Jesus; steal away home, I ain’t got long to stay here. I ain’t got long to stay here. Green trees are bending, My Lord he calls me, he calls me by the thunder; Poor sinner stands a-trembling; The trumpet sounds within-a my soul; Hallelujah, Lord.

Cathy Morelli, solo “I got a robe” I got a robe, you got a robe, Gonna walk all over God’s heaven. All of God’s children got a robe; I got a harp, you got a harp… When I get to heaven gonna put on my robe, When I get to heaven gonna play on my harp, Gonna shout all over God’s heaven, Gonna play all over God’s heaven. Everybody talkin’ ‘bout heaven ain’t going there. Oh, I got a crown, you got a crown… I gotta shoes, you gotta shoes… When I get to heaven gonna put on my crown, When I get to heaven gonna put on my shoes, Gonna shine all over God’s heaven.

Michael Rukstelis, Joan Hope, Karen Riley, Jane Huddle, Jill Freeland, Ted Phillips and Laura Kratt, soloists 2 “Sometimes I feel like a motherless child” Sometimes I feel like a motherless child, True believer… A long ways from home. Sometimes I feel like I’m almost gone…

Erica McGee, solo “Ev’ry time I feel the spirit” Ev’ry time I feel the spirit moving in my heart, Way beyond the blue. Lord, I pray; The river Jordan is chilly and cold, O Lord, I kneel and pray. Chills the body but not the soul. Oh, up on the mountain my Lord spoke; And all around me looks so fine, Out of his mouth came fire and smoke. I ask my Lord if it all was mine. Do Lord, oh do Lord, oh do remember me I’m on the road to heaven now, Way beyond the blue in glory. you must take it too; I got a home in glory land that Take it way beyond the blue in glory, outshines the sun yes my Lord.

Janice Bradner, Dan Compton, Deb Steiner, Mark Andersen and Todd Geer, soloists “Deep river” Deep river, my home is over Jordan; Oh, don’t you want to go to that Gospel feast Deep river, Lord: I want to cross over That promised land where all is peace. into camp ground.

Amy Morris, solo “When the saints go marching in” Glory, glory hallelujah! While the saints go marching up into glory, The saints go marching in. Oh, hear those angel trumpets sound! Oh, when the saints go marching in: And when they crown him King of Kings… Oh, Lord, I want to be in that number, And when the sun no more will shine… When the saints go marching in. When the moon has turned to blood… And when the revelation comes… And on that hallelujah day… When the new world is revealed… Oh, when the saints, oh when they go, Oh, when they gather round the throne… Oh when they march, they’re singin’ a Hallelujah, brothers! Hallelujah, sisters! ‘Glory hallelujah!’ Hear the music going round and around,

The congregation will be invited to join the soloists in the final verse of “The saints go marching in.” Nash Long and Janice Bradner, soloists

THE TIME FOR SILENT REFLECTION

THE CONGREGATION RESPONDS TO GOD’S WORD

THE CHURCH AT PRAYER

THE LORD’S PRAYER Our Father/Mother, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

THE OFFERING The Loose Plate offering for May benefits Women in Transition (WIT) at the YWCA. WIT provides affordable transitional housing and intensive support services for single unaccompanied women who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. 3 THE MUSIC AT THE OFFERING “Give Me Jesus” setting by Richard Billingham (b. 1939) THE INTRODUCTION OF NEW MEMBERS

*THE READING OF THE CHURCH COVENANT See back page.

*THE PRESENTATION OF GIFTS As the deacons move down the center aisle, the congregation is asked to stand at the moment the deacons pass their pew. This presentation to God enacts our self-offering and gratitude to God.

*THE DOXOLOGY Old Hu n d re d th Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below; Praise God above ye heavenly hosts; Creator, Christ and Holy Ghost. Amen.

*THE PRAYER OF DEDICATION

THE COMMUNITY DEPARTS FOR MINISTRY

*THE PROCESSION INTO THE WORLD AND CLOSING OF THE BIBLE See page 11. “Give praise to the Lord” Laud ate Do m in u m

THE BENEDICTION

THE CLOSING VOLUNTARY “Every Time I Feel the Spirit” Richard Elliott (b. 1957)

The congregation is invited to remain seated during the Closing Voluntary. For those who choose to leave at this time, please do so quietly.

Following worship, you are invited to a New Member Reception in Heaton Hall Foyer.

4 Leading worship today with The Reverend W. Benjamin Boswell, Senior Minister, are The Reverend Chrissy Tatum Williamson, Minister of Faith Formation, The Reverend Barry Zane Metzger, Church Administrator, and Mariah Currin, Director of New Member Ministry.

The Chancel Choir leads worship through music with Frances L. Morrison, Interim Minister of Music, and Dr. Matthew Manwarren, Organist.

Instrumentalists are: Amy Orsinger-Whitehead, Flute Terry Maskin, Oboe and English Horn Allan Rosenfeld, B flat Clarinet and Bass Clarinet Lori Tiberio, Bassoon Chris Fensom, Trumpet Richard Goldfaden, French Horn Rick Dior, Percussion Matthew Manwarren, Piano

The acolytes are members of the Myers Park Baptist Church Youth Ministry.

Flowers on the altar are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Saxon Boswell on the anniversary of his birth by his mother, Gay Boswell.

The sound technician is Eric Roberts. The webcast technician is Seph Rackley.

The Deacon of the Week for May 22-28 is Nancy Culp, [email protected], 704.222.6902.

We give God thanks for the work and ministry of The Reverend Carrie Veal, Minister of Children, who joined our staff on May 23, 2014.

______

THE READING FOR SUNDAY, MAY 22, 2016

Ephesians 5:15-20 (NRSV-adapted)

Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil. So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, giving thanks to God at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

5 John Rutter’s Fe e l th e Sp irit Program Notes by Deborah Moore Clark Chair, Ministry of Worship and Music

Bluesy, jazzy, rhythmic are words that describe John Rutter’s cycle of well-known spirituals in Feel the Spirit. The Myers Park Baptist Church Chancel Choir joyfully presents Feel the Spirit in celebration of Pentecost. Instrumentation includes an orchestral ensemble of woodwinds, brass and percussion in concert with Dr. Matthew Manwarren on the Sanctuary grand piano. Soli will be shared by soloists and small ensembles from the Chancel Choir.

Spirituals that comprise Feel the Spirit are widely known. But just when you might be tempted to hum along to the familiar tunes weaving the tapestry of Feel the Spirit, Rutter delights and surprises with refreshing rhythms and unexpected twists and turns. Rockin’ rhythms, swing time, and a hint of ragtime punctuate the lively, yet tasteful score. Soli and ensemble alternate, handing off well-recognized phrases as though in musical conversation. At times, the choir sings back-up to soulful solo lines, but alternately, sings in counterpoint, forming duets with lead singers.

Tonality shifts frequently throughout the 30-minute work, ending triumphantly in A-flat Major with the American gospel hymn, When the saints go marching in, popularized by jazz bands, the only song in the cycle not a spiritual. Overall, the work is bright and upbeat, showcasing the hope and Christian values that persevered over the angst and pain of bondage that birthed the spirituals genre during America’s troubled era of .

Jo sh ua fit th e b attle o f Je ric h o , believed to have been composed by slaves in antebellum America during the first half of the 19th century, draws its lyrics from the biblical story of the Battle of Jericho (Joshua 6:15-21). Like other spirituals, the words may also allude to the eventual escape from the walls of slavery. The lively melody and rhythm would have provided energy and inspiration to a repressed people.

Ste al aw ay , an African-American spiritual, contains “hidden codes” or messages that speak to faith in God and urge slaves to run away. Also characterized as a gospel song, the spiritual may be found in hymnals of many Protestant denominations. It was composed by Wallace Willis, a Choctaw freedman, sometime before 1862.

I g o t a ro b e is primarily a song of protest.

So m e tim e s I fe e l like a m o th e rle ss c h ild is a traditional African-American spiritual, dating to the US slave era, a time when African-American children were commonly sold away from parents. The song expresses pain and despair as it “conveys the hopelessness of a child torn from his parents.” Metaphorically, the “motherless child” might be a slave yearning for his or her African homeland and family, or perhaps feeling very far from the eternal home, heaven.

Ev’ry tim e I fe e l th e sp irit, an African-American spiritual, pre-dates the Civil War.

De e p rive r is an anonymous spiritual of African-American origin. By 1917, when H. T. Burleigh finished the last of his several arrangements, Deep River had become a very popular recital piece. It has been called “perhaps the best known and best loved spiritual.”

Wh e n the saints g o m arc h ing in is an American gospel hymn (not a spiritual), whose folk origins are unclear. Despite its gospel , the song is frequently played by jazz bands, and in 1938, was famously recorded by Louis Armstrong. Early versions were slow and stately, but over time, the song became more rhythmic, its tempos more upbeat. Rutter’s arrangement opens and closes with phrases borrowed from The Battle Hymn of the 6 Republic, the well-known American patriotic song that “links the judgment of the wicked at the end of time . . . with the .”

Inspired by the vocal artistry of mezzo-soprano Melanie Marshall, Rutter arranged the cycle of spirituals, crafting them to Marshall’s personal style and voice. Rutter partnered choir and orchestra with the soli, “supplying an extra dimension of color and emotional depth.” Feel the Spirit made its concert première on June 17, 2001 in Carnegie Hall with Marshall as soloist and Rutter conducting (© Collegium Records).

Composer John Milford Rutter was born in London in 1945. Educated at Clare College, Cambridge, Rutter later served as its director of music from 1975-79, leading the choir to international acclaim. Rutter founded the Cambridge Singers in 1981, a choir with whom he has made many recordings of sacred choral repertoire, including his own works. Rutter resides in England and frequently conducts choirs and orchestras worldwide.

Rutter’s compositions are primarily choral: carols, anthems and extended works. His music is eclectic, showing influences of early 20th Century French and English choral traditions, light music and American classic songwriting. Rutter has confessed that while he composes and conducts religious music, he is “not a particularly religious man, yet still deeply spiritual and inspired by the spirituality of sacred verses and prayers.” The late Sir David Willcocks considered his protégé Rutter “the most gifted composer of his generation.”

______Sources: Collegium Records; www.johnrutter.com; www.spiritualsproject.org/sweetchariot/Freedom/protest.php; Wikipedia: John Rutter/Gloria, August 4, 2014; various Wikipedia sites for spiritual histories.

7 THE CHURCH IN WITNESS AND MISSION

TODAY May 22: THE FIRST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST; JOINING SUNDAY; JOHN RUTTER’S “FEEL THE SPIRIT” 8:30 Charlotte Community of Mindfulness Meditation Group, Room 27 9:00 Orientation Class Breakfast and Pictures, Cornwell Center Lounge 9:30 Chancel Choir Warm-Up, Sanctuary 9:45 Children’s Faith Formation, Preschool and Elementary Wings 9:45 Youth Faith Formation, Youth Hall 9:45 Adult Faith Formation, Education Building and Cornwell Center 11:00 Worship in the Sanctuary 12:00 New Member Reception, Heaton Hall Foyer

TODAY IS JOINING SUNDAY. Please plan to stay for the New Member Reception immediately following worship and offer a personal welcome to the newest among us.

COMMUNITY LIFE HOLIDAY CLOSING - The Church Office and The Cornwell Center will be closed on Monday, May 30, in observance of the Memorial Day holiday.

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING - Save the date for our Quarterly Congregational Meeting on Sunday, June 5 immediately following worship. We begin our summer worship schedule that day, so remember that worship begins at 10:00am.

SUMMERTIME PANCAKES AND FELLOWSHIP FUN! When you and your family are in town this summer, come and join us for a time of fun, food and fellowship before worship on Sunday mornings (beginning June 5). Pancakes will be flipped from 8:30-9:30 for all to enjoy. And, if you would like to bring your favorite breakfast food to share, please do. Pancakes will always be available, so it is not necessary to bring anything, but variety is the spice of life and sharing can be heartwarming! Volunteers are needed to help flip, set up and/or clean up. To sign up, please email Carol Pearsall at [email protected], and be sure to include the date(s) you would like to help.

FAITH FORMATION READY… SET… CONNECT WITH SUMMER SMALL GROUPS! Registration now available. You can browse available groups online and register for those that look fun and life-giving to you. Choices range from a book group to one-time social outings. There really is something for everyone. Printed brochures are available today on the Welcome Table in Heaton Hall Foyer and in the Church Office. You can register online or by calling Anne Clarke at 704.334.7232 x15.

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY FAMILY NIGHT WITH THE CHARLOTTE KNIGHTS - Friday, June 17. Let’s head to the ballpark and cheer on the home team. Tickets are $15 which includes a $2 concession card. Get your tickets through myMPBC. Contact Carrie Veal at [email protected] or 704.334.7232 x18 for more information.

WATER U DOING? MINI-VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL - Wednesday, August 3 – Friday, August 5. This year we will encounter stories that show how God acted on behalf of people with a variety of challenges, troubles, and needs. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to engage with the children of our Church and community. Whether it’s being a greeter or a storyteller, we will train you and give you all the tools you need to be successful. For more information, contact Carrie Veal at [email protected] or 704.334.7232 x18. Volunteer sign-up is available at www.mpbconline.org. Registration for children will begin June 1.

SUMMER CHILDCARE AND ACTIVITIES - As we prepare for our summer worship schedule, we want to let you know what's in store for the children. Childcare for infants - five year olds (rising

8 TK/Kindergartners) will be available from 9:30-11:45am. Our elementary (completed Kindergarten - fifth graders) will participate in worship with their families some Sundays and have gym time other Sundays. During TalkBack (11:00-11:45am) they will have gym time most weeks, with the occasional Sunday that we will not have a planned activity. For more information, please contact Carrie Veal at [email protected] or 704.334.7232 x18.

FINANCIAL RESOURCES THE ANNUAL OPERATING CAMPAIGN SLG (aka Stewardship) is gearing up for the 2017 Campaign season. If you are interested in learning about MPBC's annual operating budget, participating in ways to meet the needs of MPBC ministries, or if you want to help us meet our 2017 financial goal, please contact co-Chairs Becky Rizzo at [email protected] or Bob Bishop at [email protected] to serve on our Servant Leadership Group.

OUTREACH BOOK AND BACKPACKS FOR FREEDOM SCHOOL - MPBC will be collecting new and gently-used books for our Pinewood Freedom School. Clean your bookshelves and round up your new and gently-used children’s books - and those of your neighbors, coworkers and friends - and drop them in the bin in Heaton Hall Foyer. Books should be suitable for scholars K-8th grade. Did you know you can purchase library books at the public library for just ten cents? Inspire the next generation of readers and support our libraries at the same time. Questions? Contact Cheri Lindblom, [email protected].

PACK THE BACKPACKS - JUNE 5. Not only are we collecting books, we need 50 new or gently-used backpacks to fill for our 50 Freedom School scholars. MPBC will pack summer supplies, healthy snacks and food items to give our scholars a boost this summer. Join us to “Pack the Packs” Sunday, June 5. We’ll have all the items - we just need your hands to assemble. Bins are available for backpacks in Heaton Hall Foyer and the Elementary Department. Questions? Contact Cheri Lindblom, [email protected].

CEREAL FOR THE CITY 2016 - MPBC’s Annual Cereal Drive. From now until June 30, please bring cereal and oatmeal to help stock the shelves of local food pantries. Boxes can be dropped off in the foyers of Heaton Hall and The Cornwell Center. If you are interested in helping Jenny Lou Wright load and/or deliver the cereal and oatmeal (great opportunity for youth service hours), please contact her at [email protected] or 704.334.4080. Help fight hunger in our own city.

FREEDOM SCHOOL VOLUNTEER TRAINING - Sunday, June 12, from 9:15-9:45am. Grab a pancake and meet in the Conference Room for a brief Freedom School orientation and training session. We'll have an overview of what to expect and how to prepare for specific volunteer duties. If you have questions, please contact Cheri Lindblom at [email protected].

VOLUNTEER FOR FREEDOM SCHOOL at Pinewood Elementary, which will run June 15-July 29. There are a variety of ways to serve: lunch buddy reader, field trip chaperone, or activity leader, to name a few. Come to Heaton Hall Foyer after worship and sign up to be part of Freedom School 2016, or sign up on the Church website, www.mpbconline.org. Questions? Contact Cheri Lindblom at [email protected] for more information.

MEN'S SHELTER VOLUNTEERS - The MPBC Cooking Crew purchases, prepares, cooks and serves approximately 400 men at both shelter locations (North Tyron St. and Statesville Ave.) the last Tuesday of each month. This is one of MPBC's longest and well-supported outreach opportunities. If you would like to join our team, please contact Bob Bishop at [email protected].

5-IN-1 UNIFIED MISSIONS OFFERING - We will continue to accept donations through July 1. Our goal this year is $25,000. Donation envelopes are available in the pews, Heaton Hall Foyer and the Church Office. Offer bountifully and share abundantly knowing that you are helping change lives.

9 WORSHIP AND MUSIC THIRD ANNUAL ARTS FESTIVAL - All of the MPBC community, from ages 2 to 102, are invited to submit 1 or 2 pieces of your art. All forms of media are welcome. Bring them to Heaton Hall Foyer either May 22 or 29 from 9:30-10:00am or 12:00-12:30pm. Two dimensional pieces to be hung, including frame and/or matting, are not to exceed 42" x 42" and must have a method for hanging. Questions? Contact Dana Mitchell at [email protected] or 704.364.9165. Our Arts Festival will be on display June 5-26.

HYMN SING - Sunday afternoon, May 29, 3:30-5:00, in Room 250. Come join those of us who enjoy “making a joyful noise.” No price for admission other than enthusiasm for singing those old hymns that make you tap your feet and smile. Most of us have more enthusiasm than style and we welcome you to participate. So, dust off your vocal chords, lift up your voices and give us a try!

MEDIA AND SOUND SLG – Week after week, service after service, our dedicated Media and Sound SLG volunteers help us hear better, listen to our feedback, and make adjustments and improvements. This dedicated group needs additional volunteers. Training will be provided. If you can assist, please contact Van Wilson at [email protected], 704.442.2790 or 704.906.0222 (cell), or Deborah Moore Clark at [email protected] or 704.544.8015.

SUMMER WORSHIP SCHEDULE BEGINS SUNDAY, JUNE 5 - Come for a Pancake Breakfast from 8:30- 9:30am in Heaton Hall Foyer. Worship will begin at 10:00am. Then join us in Heaton Hall following worship for a Quarterly Congregational Meeting. Our annual summertime Sermon TalkBack will commence following worship on Sunday, June 12. Please plan to join us each week for this opportunity to share in discussion about the sermon of the day.

COME SING WITH US! If you have been thinking about joining the choir, summer is the perfect time to give it a try. Beginning Sunday, June 5, we transition to a more flexible schedule. We rehearse for one hour on one Thursday evening each month and work on the upcoming anthems for that month. On Sunday mornings, we gather at 9:00am to refresh and fine-tune the anthem for the day. We would love for you to join us. Contact Fran Morrison at [email protected] or 704.334.7232 x17.

CORNWELL CENTER SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION - Camps are available mornings and afternoons for kids ages 3-12 years old. The dates are June 20-August 26. Register by June 1 to receive an “Early Bird Discount.” For more information and to register, visit www.cornwellcenter.org. Questions? Contact Kayla Blake at [email protected] or 704.927.0774.

THROUGH-THE-WEEK SCHOOL REGISTRATION FOR CAMP KALEIDOSCOPE - There is still space available for rising three-year-olds through rising TK/kindergarten children at TTWS’s Camp Kaleidoscope, which will take place June 6-10 and June 13-17 from 9:00am-12:30pm. Register at www.throughtheweekpreschool.com.

LOOKING AHEAD May 29: THE SECOND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST; VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION SUNDAY; COMMUNION; THE REVEREND W. BENJAMIN BOSWELL PREACHING 8:30 Charlotte Community of Mindfulness Meditation Group, Room 27 9:45 Children’s Faith Formation, Preschool and Elementary Wings 9:45 Youth Faith Formation, Youth Hall 9:45 Adult Faith Formation, Education Building and Cornwell Center 10:00 Chancel Choir Warm-Up, Sanctuary 11:00 Worship in the Sanctuary 12:00 Coffee Fellowship and Guest Welcome, Heaton Hall Foyer 3:30 Hymn Sing, Room 250

10 11 THE MYERS PARK BAPTIST CHURCH COVENANT We, the members of the Myers Park Baptist Church, are a people on a journey of faith. By God’s grace we are experiencing God’s love through Jesus Christ and in the community of the faithful. We are discovering in this experience our freedom to become new creatures and our responsibility to be faithful stewards of our lives and of this world.

We will be open to all new light, strengthened by God and each other in our faith. We will sustain a critical examination of Scripture, belief and ritual as interpreters of God’s active presence in the world. We will accept controversy as a reality of life together and an opportunity for growth toward maturity. We covenant to be a community of God’s new creation and affirm that we are open to all and closed to none.

We covenant to nurture this church as a community of faith and as an instrument for reconciliation in this world: by worship, by Christian education, by the dedication of our personal and material resources and by all the other ways we express the significance of our lives with God and one another.

We covenant together to be priests celebrating God’s presence in community and in the world, believing we are participants in God’s kingdom on earth.

THE 2015-2016 BOARD OF DEACONS TODD RUBENSON, Ch air • JANET MILLER, Ch air-Ele c t • LYNN TRENNING, Se c re tary

CLASS OF 2016 CLASS OF 2017 CLASS OF 2018 ACTIVE LIFE DEACONS Dale Allison Kathy Bahnson Judy Bratton Bonnie Banks Britt Canady Nancy Culp Leslie Clark Gloria Gibson George Currin Scott Haenni Koren Cranford Tom Holmes Gene Doar Richard Harris Lalla Dabbs Barbara Linney Vikki Hunley Tom Jones Dave Dougherty Jane Lucas Barbara Linney Patsy Kinsey Doug Driggers Ted Lucas Lisa Rubenson Debby Love Charlie Elberson Barbara Mishoe Jeanne Steele Regan Miller Gary Morrison Ray Owens Marji Tate Cathryn Rivers Susan Salvin Carol Pearsall Lynn Trenning Chris Skardon Cherrie Shoemaker Richard Pearsall Ed Williams Tobie Steele Cam Wester Bob Thomason Steve Woodard Chris William Tillie Tice Dan White

THE MYERS PARK BAPTIST CHURCH 1900 Queens Road • Charlotte, North Carolina 28207-2582 Office: 704.334.7232 • Website: www.mpbconline.org • CCLI License #1864926 MINISTERS As priests to one another, all members of the congregation are ministers. Some are called out for particular places of service:

THE REVEREND MR. W. BENJAMIN BOSWELL, Senior Minister THE REVEREND MR. JOSEPH D. ALDRICH, Associate Minister SHARON BREMER, Director of Stewardship MARIAH B. CURRIN, Director of New Member Ministry BELINDA GEUSS, Director of Through-The-Week School THE REVEREND MR. CHRIS HUGHES, Minister of Youth CHERI LINDBLOM, Director of Outreach DR. MATTHEW MANWARREN, Organist THE REVEREND MR. BARRY ZANE METZGER, Church Administrator FRANCES L. MORRISON, Interim Minister of Music DEBORAH A. STEINER, Music Associate for Children THE REVEREND MS. CARRIE VEAL, Minister of Children THE REVEREND MS. CHRISSY TATUM WILLIAMSON, Minister of Faith Formation JENNY YOPP, Director of The Cornwell Center

J Printed on recycled paper