A Ch u rc h d e d ic ate d to th e g lo ry o f Go d in th e s e rv ic e o f h u m an ity th ro u g h w o rs h ip , c o n g re g atio n al c are , faith fo rm atio n an d th e s te w ard s h ip o f life . THE WORSHIP OF GOD THE LAST SUNDAY OF EPIPHANY 7 February 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 as e s ile n c e y o u r c e ll p h o n e . THE SILENT MEDITATION The dream? It does not belong to me. It does not belong to you. It is God’s re-arrangement of all that has entered into our lives and if we are possessed of it, we shall always be moved by that dream so that there shall be no place where we stop and there shall be no place where we tarry to fashion in permanent form something which must forever change because of God who demands that all things change until they become a part of the unchanging God. Dr. George Heaton, First Senior Minister, MPBC Final Sermon, He Whom a Dream Hath Possessed, July 28, 1957 We can’t be new creations if everything stays the same. – Bob Goff 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 OPENING VOLUNTARY “Marches Herioques” La Majeste La Grace La Vaillance

Georg Philipp Telemann (1681-1767) Chris Fensom, trumpet

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. We offer childcare during worship for children ages birth - age four. Please see an usher who can assist your family. Following worship, everyone is invited to a reception in Heaton Hall to welcome our new Senior Minister, Benjamin Boswell, and his wife, Katie Hughes. _____________________________

+ Ushers will seat anyone waiting. * Please stand if you are able.

*THE OPENING SENTENCES Leader: From the storm and fire, God calls: Gather up my faithful ones. People: God of all glory, gather us in. Leader: Let the light shine out of darkness. People: The glory of God is seen through the face of Jesus Christ. *THE PROCESSION AND OPENING OF THE BIBLE “Christ has called us to new visions”

Number 337 In B ab ilo n e

*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. THE KYRIE ELEISON (Lord have mercy. Christ have mercy. Lord have mercy.)

THE CALL TO CONFESSION THE SILENT CONFESSION THE PRAYER OF CONFESSION Holy God, We confess to you our brokenness and the ways we have fallen short of your dreams for our lives. You call us to be agents of hope in the face of the unknown; we choose the security of what we know. You call us to work for justice; we choose comfort. You call us to infuse the world with love, bringing to life your new creation; we choose our own ways. Forgive us, O God, when our fears paralyze us. Forgive us and embolden us to be the people you are calling us to be. Amen. *THE CANTICLE (Glory to God in the highest.)

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*THE PASSING OF THE PEACE Ancient words of greeting and forgiveness may be used when Passing the Peace to those around you, saying either: “The peace of God be with you” or “The peace of Christ be with you.” The response may be: “And also with you.” THE WORD OF GOD IS PROCLAIMED AND HEARD THE GOSPEL LESSON Leader: For the Word of God in scripture, for the Word of God among us, for the Word of God within us. People: Thanks be to God. +

2 Corinthians 5:14-20 See page 6.

As the interlude begins, children in grades TK-5 are invited to go through the door beside the Lectern to join adult teachers. Parents may pick up their children in the Cornwell Gym.

*THE SERMON HYMN “God, you spin the whirling planets”

Number 319 Au s tria

THE SERMON “A Community of God’s New Creation”

The Reverend W. Benjamin Boswell

THE TIME FOR SILENT REFLECTION THE CONGREGATION RESPONDS TO GOD’S WORD THE CHURCH AT PRAYER THE LORD’S PRAYER Our Father, 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 February benefits The Urban Ministry Center which is an interfaith organization dedicated to bringing the community together to end homelessness, one life at a time. THE ANTHEM “Blow Out the Trumpet” Blow out the trumpet of God in Zion. Let all the people of God shout for joy! Lift up your eyes and your voice to heaven, singing and praising the name of God who rides upon the wind. Forever and ever, God’s truth endureth. Ever and ever God’s love for me shall live. Sing alleluia to the Lord. Blow out the trumpet of God, alleluia, amen!

The Chancel Choir Joseph M. Martin (b. 1959)

(Scriptures from Joel and Job)

Chris Fensom, trumpet THE RICE BOWL The Rice Bowl Offering for today benefits the SOUPer Bowl of Caring which is a national youth-led movement to raise awareness and funds to battle hunger. All money collected goes directly to St. Peter’s Soup Kitchen at the Urban Ministry Center. 3

*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 Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise God, all creatures, here below. Alleluia. Alleluia! Praise God above, ye heavenly hosts. Creator, Christ and Holy Ghost. Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

Las s t u n s Erfre u e n

*THE PRAYER OF DEDICATION THE COMMUNITY DEPARTS FOR MINISTRY *THE PROCESSION INTO THE WORLD AND CLOSING OF THE BIBLE “All are welcome”

See page 8. T w o O aks

THE BENEDICTION THE CLOSING VOLUNTARY “Festive Trumpet Tune”

David German (b. 1954)

Following worship, you are invited to a Reception in Heaton Hall to welcome our new Senior Minister, Benjamin Boswell, and his wife, Katie Hughes. ______________________________

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Leading worship today with The Reverend Mr. W. Benjamin Boswell, Senior Minister, are The Reverend Ms. Robin P. Coira, Executive Minister, The Reverend Ms. Chrissy Tatum Williamson, Minister of Faith Formation, and Charlie Elberson, member of the congregation. The Chancel Choir leads worship through music with Frances L. Morrison, Interim Minister of Music, and Dr. Matthew Manwarren, Organist. The sound technician is Eric Roberts. The webcast technician is John Bambach. The acolytes are members of the Myers Park Baptist Church Youth Group. Flowers on the altar are given to the glory of God by Jenny Lou and Rob Wright and in loving memory of his parents, Dr. Thomas H. and Mrs. Elizabeth Odell Wright and her parents, Mr. Henry Clay and Mrs. DeLoris Munsey St. Clair. The Deacon of the Week for February 7-13, 2016 is Vikki Hunley, [email protected], 704.907.1581. We give God thanks for the work and ministry of Rainey H. Underwood, Events Manager, who joined our staff on February 13, 1984. _____________________________

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THE READING FOR SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2016 2 Corinthians 5:14-20 (NRSV-adapted) For the love of Christ urges us on, because we are convinced that one has died for all; therefore all have died. And he died for all, so that those who live might live no longer for themselves, but for him who died and was raised for them. From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way. So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! All this is from God, who reconciled us to God’s self through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to God’s self, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making God’s appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

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THE CHURCH IN WITNESS AND MISSION TODAY February 7: THE FIFTH SUNDAY OF EPIPHANY; SOUPER BOWL OF CARING OFFERING; 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 Wing 9:45 Adult Faith Formation, Education Building and Cornwell Center 10:15 Chancel Choir Warm-Up, Sanctuary 11:00 Worship in the Sanctuary 12:00 Welcome Reception for Reverend W. Benjamin Boswell, Heaton Hall 12:15 Ministry of Faith Formation Meeting, Room 256 5:00 Youth Choir Rehearsal, Berry Hall 6:00 Youth Dinner and Fellowship, Youth Hall (pick up after half-time show) SOUPER BOWL OF CARING OFFERING today during worship - our Rice Bowl offering will benefit this national youth-led movement to raise awareness and funds to battle hunger. Cheer on the Panthers by helping fight hunger in Charlotte. All money collected goes directly to St. Peter’s Soup Kitchen at the Urban Ministry Center. For the past two years, we have collected approximately $1,000 on SOUPer Bowl Sunday. Give and live generously. DEACON NOMINATIONS - today at noon is the deadline for returning your nomination form. Blank forms are available in both the January and February Newsletters. You may fax your signed form to 704.372.5150 or email your nominations (up to 12 people) to [email protected]. WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY WILL BE FEBRUARY 10, ASH WEDNESDAY • TIME: Dinner begins at 5:45pm; worship begins at 6:45pm and end at 7:30pm. • COST: $6 adult / $3 child 12 and under / $22 immediate family max. • MENU: Lasagna (meat and veggie), salad bar, bread, dessert. • RESERVATIONS: must be received by noon on Monday prior to each Wonderful Wednesday by contacting Rainey Underwood at [email protected] or 704.334.7232 x56 or register/pay online at https://mpbconline.org/event/wonderful-wednesday-february/ • ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE - Begins in Heaton Hall at 6:30pm and moves into the Sanctuary, passing by the Columbarium and the glowing fire pit on the front steps. Ash Wednesday signals the beginning of Lent. The service includes the imposition of ashes and Communion. Come prepare for our Lenten spiritual journey. Childcare will be available for children in kindergarten and younger. COMMUNITY LIFE SENIOR ADULT FELLOWSHIP: LOVE SONGS AND LUNCH – Friday, February 12, in Heaton Hall. All senior adults (60+) are invited to be serenaded by some of MPBC’s favorite musicians: Janice Bradner, Todd Geer, Fran Morrison, and Jeffrey Price. Lunch will be served 11:30am - noon, with music from noon - 1:00pm. Make your reservations by contacting Rainey Underwood, 704.334.7232 x25 or [email protected]. Meals are $7 per person. FAREWELL RETIREMENT PROGRAM AND LIGHT LUNCHEON HONORING ROBIN COIRA - Sunday, February 28 in Heaton Hall immediately following worship. If you wish to contribute to the love offering for Robin, contact Barry Metzger at [email protected] or 704.334.7232 x16.

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CONGREGATIONAL CARE JOB BOARD - Looking for a job? Or in a position to hire someone? Beginning in February, there will be an area on the Congregational Care bulletin board dedicated to job postings. If you have a hiring need, feel free to send the requirements to Joe Aldrich, [email protected], or hang it directly on the board. Both the job search and hiring process can be difficult. We hope this will provide extra opportunities for those who are interested. The Congregational Care bulletin board is in Heaton Hall Foyer closest to the food service line. FAITH FORMATION SERVICE ACCORDING TO YOUTH (S.A.Y.) wants your talents – This year, the annual youth missions’ fundraiser is a youth-led talent show on Sunday, March 6, 5:00-7:00pm. Acts of all kinds are needed – singing, musical instruments, dancing, skits, or even solving Rubik’s cubes. Youth and youth families are welcome as solo acts, duets, or groups. Auditions take place on February 14 and 21. Please sign up today at www.mpbconline.org/events/sayauditions/. “MERCHANTS OF DOUBT” - will air at MPBC on Wednesday, February 17, 7:00-9:00pm, in the Youth Hall. EarthKeepers SLG cordially invites you to a viewing and discussion of the eye-opening documentary about the manipulation and misinformation given by American corporations concerning toxic chemicals and global climate change. Discussion after the film will be facilitated by Britten Cleveland, Chapter Organizer, NC Sierra Club. For more information visit https://mpbconline.org/event/merchants-of-doubt/. OUTREACH FAMILY PROMISE AT ELIZABETH HOUSE (715 Hawthorne Lane), February 21-25. The families living in transition from homelessness to secure housing need you. Serving opportunities include: Overnight Hosts (Sunday-Thursday) and Dinner Providers (Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday). Cindy Clemens continues to serve as our faithful leader. You may contact her at [email protected] for more information. Sign up on the Church website, www.mpbconline.org. PINEWOOD ELEMENTARY PARTNERSHIP: GENIUS HOUR volunteers are needed for the spring sessions at Pinewood Elementary! Genius Hour is a chance for you to share your “genius” and give students an opportunity to explore their interest in a variety of areas and build community. We need helpers in many areas (Art, Cooking, Knitting, Sports, Yearbook, Yoga, enter your Genius here). Genius Hour takes place the first and third Thursday of the month, from 6:00-7:00pm (2/18, 3/3, 3/17, 4/7, 4/21). Families work on a service project from 5:00-6:00pm if you would like to assist with that. Please contact Laura Handler, [email protected], Agnes Banas, [email protected], or http://tinyurl.com/springgeniushour2016. DRIVE PEOPLE OUT OF A FOOD DESERT - EarthKeepers SLG has joined forces with the Lakewood Neighborhood Alliance and Faith Memorial Baptist Church to provide a shuttle bus to local grocery stores two times each month for Lakewood residents without cars. If you can help with this project, please contact Mary Lou Buck at [email protected] or 704.525.2293. ROOM IN THE INN (RITI) continues through the end of March. We open our doors on Saturday evenings and provide shelter for our neighbors who are homeless. We need your help. Please volunteer to be an overnight host, provide a meal, or drive the church van. You may sign up on our website, www.mpbconline.org, or on the bulletin board in Heaton Hall Foyer. Would you like to be more involved in RITI? Consider being a RITI Captain by helping coordinate one (or more) weekends for our RITI ministry. Contact Cheri Lindblom for details, [email protected]. WORSHIP AND MUSIC CHAPEL CHOIR - 8TH ANNUAL “RAISE A SONG” children’s choir festival registration is now open for our singers in grades 3-5 to attend at Camp Caraway on March 11 and 12. Look for the registration link on our church website, www.mpbconline.org, under myMPBC to register your child. 9

THE CORNWELL CENTER MASON JAR SALAD PARTY - Every Sunday at 4:00pm in the Lounge. Join a few of your friends on Sunday afternoons to prepare fresh salads for the week. Bring your ingredients of choice, your preferred dressing, and as many mason jars as the meals you want to prepare for yourself. Then register with Jenny Yopp, [email protected], so she can assign you a topic such as beans, hearty vegetables, proteins/cheese, leafy greens, nuts/seeds, fruit, grains, etc. For example, if there are 10 folks who register, each will bring just 2-3 ingredients to share. The creations will remain just as fresh at the end of the week as on Sunday. LOOKING AHEAD February 14: THE FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT; 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 Wing 9:45 Adult Faith Formation, Education Building and Cornwell Center 10:15 Chancel Choir Warm-Up, Sanctuary 11:00 Worship in the Sanctuary 12:00 Coffee Fellowship and Guest Welcome, Heaton Hall 5:00 Youth Choir Rehearsal, Berry Hall 5:30 Noteworthy Page Turners, Parlor 6:00 Youth Dinner and Talent Show Auditions, Youth Hall

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DRAW NEAR TO GOD

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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. TODD RUBENSON, Ch air CLASS OF 2016 Dale Allison Britt Canady George Currin Gene Doar Vikki Hunley Barbara Linney Lisa Rubenson Jeanne Steele Marji Tate Lynn Trenning Ed Williams

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

CLASS OF 2017 Kathy Bahnson Nancy Culp Scott Haenni Richard Harris Tom Jones Patsy Kinsey Debby Love Regan Miller Cathryn Rivers Chris Skardon Tobie Steele Steve Woodard

CLASS OF 2018 Judy Bratton Leslie Clark Koren Cranford Lalla Dabbs Dave Dougherty Doug Driggers Charlie Elberson Gary Morrison Susan Salvin Cherrie Shoemaker Cam Wester Chris William

ACTIVE LIFE DEACONS Bonnie Banks Gloria Gibson Tom Holmes Barbara Linney Jane Lucas Ted Lucas Barbara Mishoe Ray Owens Carol Pearsall Richard Pearsall Bob Thomason 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 THE REVEREND MS. ROBIN PATERSON COIRA, Executive Minister 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 Printed on recycled paper