Faith & Community
Date | Sunday, October 11NEW Time | 9:00 - 9:50 amLocation | Shalom Hall
Election Season 2026: America at a Crossroads—Does Scripture Provide Historical Parallels and Guidance for Such Times?
Twenty-six years into the 21st century, and we are living through the most perilous times for America’s democracy since the Civil War. Unlike the two world wars, the peril does not come from an external enemy, but from extremist ideology on both sides of the political spectrum here in our own country. The economic and social conditions that have weakened our country have been brewing for decades, as our moral grounding has been shredded by the forces of greed, selfishness and apathy. The struggle to regain our erstwhile sense of decency and fair play and perhaps to apply them in ever wider ways, is ongoing and alive with urgency. The 2026 midterm election season is upon us, and our politics continue to be supercharged with controversy and division. And while the current breadth and depth of our divisions are unprecedented over the past 150 years, the fact is, controversy and conflict are an inherent part of governance in societies around the world (especially democracies) and have been with Americans from the beginning. A study of Scriptures and history reveals that there has never been a shortage of powerful individuals who try to take freedom away from the many and hoard it for the few. Tyrants existed during Biblical times too, and what may we learn from these? Our own Ed Hinson will lead us in an exploration of times in the Old Testament where despots came to power. Might there be any parallels with despots in our time? And also of importance, how can we deal with today’s plague of corruption and injustice? Does the Bible offer us any wisdom for such a time as this? After a period of relative peace and tranquility, Samuel was aging out of a successful career as Israel’s main judge, dispensing justice and upholding the rule of law with wisdom and integrity. His sons who were taking his place did not inspire the same confidence, so the people petitioned for the appointment of a King to rule over them. Samuel prayed to the Lord who warned they would regret putting an autocrat in charge, but God would give them what they thought they wanted. (1 Samuel 8). A few books later, in 1Kings 18 and 19 the prophet Elijah contended with the tyrannical regime of Ahab and Jezebel who imposed the worship of Baal as the state religion. After a dramatic victory over Baal prophets, Jezebel sent Elijah running for his life where he found God in sheer silence. Captivity and exile haunted the people of Israel; and Jesus and the early Christian movement were essentially disenfranchised when it came to exerting earthly political power, despite the bold claim of Handel in the Hallelujah Chorus and the declaration of the Seventh Angel in Revelation. Scripture is filled with guidance for how to live in a flawed world with incompetent, unjust, dishonest and often corrupt political leaders and systems. Join us as we turn to Scripture to find ways we can reclaim the personal and collective characteristics necessary to establish Justice, ensure peaceful cooperation, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and those generations who will follow us.
Unlikely Saints
When | Sundays Time | 11:15 am - 12:15 pm Where | Room 250Leaders | Dale Mullennix and Jane Summey Class Coordinators | Tony Dick and Ruth Burts
Class Description Scripture can be complicated and confusing. To address these challenges, join Rev. Dale Mullennix and Rev. Jane Summey and others as we take an open minded and imaginative approach to seeking how God continues to be known to us through the Bible. Bring your curiosity and questions.
What do you want the church to be? What do you need the church to be? How do you think this church is doing?
This fall, Unlikely Saints will spend several Sundays exploring what the Apostle Paul had to say about the nature of the church in his letters. We will also examine the meaning of essential words of Christianity including faith, love, forgiveness, humility, and atonement.
This adult education opportunity welcomes old-timers, new-comers, and seekers looking to explore stories that comprise Biblical history.
About the Class Leaders Together, spouses Rev. Dale Mullennix and Rev. Jane Summey, will facilitate the adventure. Dale, formerly on staff at MPBC led the congregation in Youth and Outreach Ministry and Congregational Care, after graduating from Southern Theological Seminary in Louisville. He went on to become the founder of Urban Ministry (now Roof Above) of Charlotte. Jane, a graduate of Vanderbilt University Divinity School in Nashville, was formerly Associate Minister at Myers Park Presbyterian Church, of Avondale Presbyterian Church in Charlotte and Oakland Avenue Presbyterian in Rock Hill. Both Jane and Dale have recently retired.
NOTE | Registration is not required for this class, but if you’d like to stay in the loop, you can join our email list. We’d love to have you with us!
Join the Email List for the Unlikely Saints Class
Creative Friends Group
Are you passionate about painting, drawing, needlework, or any form of visual expression? Whether you're a seasoned artist or just beginning your creative journey, the Creative Friends Group offers a welcoming space where imagination thrives, friendships grow, and inspiration flows.
When: 1st Tuesdays of the month Time: 10:00–11:30 a.m. Where: Room 32 | Room in The Inn (RITI) Dining Room downstairs Group Leader: Suzette Buchan
Our group gathers to:
Share artwork and creative experiences
Connect with fellow artists and makers for encouragement and fellowship
Explore new techniques, mediums, and creative ideas
Collaborate on projects that support ministries throughout the church
In addition to enjoying creative fellowship, members lend their talents to special projects, including assisting Children's Ministry Sunday School teachers with art projects and hands-on creative activities. These opportunities allow participants to use their gifts to enrich the faith formation of our youngest church members while supporting the broader ministry of the church.
Whether you enjoy painting, sketching, quilting, crafting, or simply appreciate the creative process, you'll find a warm and encouraging community waiting for you.
Come add your unique talents to our casual and fun social gathering. Let's create, grow, serve, and get inspired—together.
Join the Creative Friends Group Email List
#CreativeFriends #ArtisticExpression #CreativeCommunity #ArtInspiration #CreativeTogether #ArtGroup #CommunityLife #MPBCCommunityGroup
Unlikely Saints
When | Sundays Time | 11:15 am - 12:15 pm Where | Room 250Leaders | Dale Mullennix and Jane Summey Class Coordinators | Tony Dick and Ruth Burts
Class Description Scripture can be complicated and confusing. To address these challenges, join Rev. Dale Mullennix and Rev. Jane Summey and others as we take an open minded and imaginative approach to seeking how God continues to be known to us through the Bible. Bring your curiosity and questions.
What do you want the church to be? What do you need the church to be? How do you think this church is doing?
This fall, Unlikely Saints will spend several Sundays exploring what the Apostle Paul had to say about the nature of the church in his letters. We will also examine the meaning of essential words of Christianity including faith, love, forgiveness, humility, and atonement.
This adult education opportunity welcomes old-timers, new-comers, and seekers looking to explore stories that comprise Biblical history.
About the Class Leaders Together, spouses Rev. Dale Mullennix and Rev. Jane Summey, will facilitate the adventure. Dale, formerly on staff at MPBC led the congregation in Youth and Outreach Ministry and Congregational Care, after graduating from Southern Theological Seminary in Louisville. He went on to become the founder of Urban Ministry (now Roof Above) of Charlotte. Jane, a graduate of Vanderbilt University Divinity School in Nashville, was formerly Associate Minister at Myers Park Presbyterian Church, of Avondale Presbyterian Church in Charlotte and Oakland Avenue Presbyterian in Rock Hill. Both Jane and Dale have recently retired.
NOTE | Registration is not required for this class, but if you’d like to stay in the loop, you can join our email list. We’d love to have you with us!
Join the Email List for the Unlikely Saints Class
Creative Friends Group
Are you passionate about painting, drawing, needlework, or any form of visual expression? Whether you're a seasoned artist or just beginning your creative journey, the Creative Friends Group offers a welcoming space where imagination thrives, friendships grow, and inspiration flows.
When: 1st Tuesdays of the month Time: 10:00–11:30 a.m. Where: Room 32 | Room in The Inn (RITI) Dining Room downstairs Group Leader: Suzette Buchan
Our group gathers to:
Share artwork and creative experiences
Connect with fellow artists and makers for encouragement and fellowship
Explore new techniques, mediums, and creative ideas
Collaborate on projects that support ministries throughout the church
In addition to enjoying creative fellowship, members lend their talents to special projects, including assisting Children's Ministry Sunday School teachers with art projects and hands-on creative activities. These opportunities allow participants to use their gifts to enrich the faith formation of our youngest church members while supporting the broader ministry of the church.
Whether you enjoy painting, sketching, quilting, crafting, or simply appreciate the creative process, you'll find a warm and encouraging community waiting for you.
Come add your unique talents to our casual and fun social gathering. Let's create, grow, serve, and get inspired—together.
Join the Creative Friends Group Email List
#CreativeFriends #ArtisticExpression #CreativeCommunity #ArtInspiration #CreativeTogether #ArtGroup #CommunityLife #MPBCCommunityGroup
Creative Friends Group
Are you passionate about painting, drawing, needlework, or any form of visual expression? Whether you're a seasoned artist or just beginning your creative journey, the Creative Friends Group offers a welcoming space where imagination thrives, friendships grow, and inspiration flows.
When: 1st Tuesdays of the month Time: 10:00–11:30 a.m. Where: Room 32 | Room in The Inn (RITI) Dining Room downstairs Group Leader: Suzette Buchan
Our group gathers to:
Share artwork and creative experiences
Connect with fellow artists and makers for encouragement and fellowship
Explore new techniques, mediums, and creative ideas
Collaborate on projects that support ministries throughout the church
In addition to enjoying creative fellowship, members lend their talents to special projects, including assisting Children's Ministry Sunday School teachers with art projects and hands-on creative activities. These opportunities allow participants to use their gifts to enrich the faith formation of our youngest church members while supporting the broader ministry of the church.
Whether you enjoy painting, sketching, quilting, crafting, or simply appreciate the creative process, you'll find a warm and encouraging community waiting for you.
Come add your unique talents to our casual and fun social gathering. Let's create, grow, serve, and get inspired—together.
Join the Creative Friends Group Email List
#CreativeFriends #ArtisticExpression #CreativeCommunity #ArtInspiration #CreativeTogether #ArtGroup #CommunityLife #MPBCCommunityGroup
Unlikely Saints
When | Sundays Time | 11:15 am - 12:15 pm Where | Room 250Leaders | Dale Mullennix and Jane Summey Class Coordinators | Tony Dick and Ruth Burts
Class Description Scripture can be complicated and confusing. To address these challenges, join Rev. Dale Mullennix and Rev. Jane Summey and others as we take an open minded and imaginative approach to seeking how God continues to be known to us through the Bible. Bring your curiosity and questions.
What do you want the church to be? What do you need the church to be? How do you think this church is doing?
This fall, Unlikely Saints will spend several Sundays exploring what the Apostle Paul had to say about the nature of the church in his letters. We will also examine the meaning of essential words of Christianity including faith, love, forgiveness, humility, and atonement.
This adult education opportunity welcomes old-timers, new-comers, and seekers looking to explore stories that comprise Biblical history.
About the Class Leaders Together, spouses Rev. Dale Mullennix and Rev. Jane Summey, will facilitate the adventure. Dale, formerly on staff at MPBC led the congregation in Youth and Outreach Ministry and Congregational Care, after graduating from Southern Theological Seminary in Louisville. He went on to become the founder of Urban Ministry (now Roof Above) of Charlotte. Jane, a graduate of Vanderbilt University Divinity School in Nashville, was formerly Associate Minister at Myers Park Presbyterian Church, of Avondale Presbyterian Church in Charlotte and Oakland Avenue Presbyterian in Rock Hill. Both Jane and Dale have recently retired.
NOTE | Registration is not required for this class, but if you’d like to stay in the loop, you can join our email list. We’d love to have you with us!
Join the Email List for the Unlikely Saints Class
Unlikely Saints
When | Sundays Time | 11:15 am - 12:15 pm Where | Room 250Leaders | Dale Mullennix and Jane Summey Class Coordinators | Tony Dick and Ruth Burts
Class Description Scripture can be complicated and confusing. To address these challenges, join Rev. Dale Mullennix and Rev. Jane Summey and others as we take an open minded and imaginative approach to seeking how God continues to be known to us through the Bible. Bring your curiosity and questions.
What do you want the church to be? What do you need the church to be? How do you think this church is doing?
This fall, Unlikely Saints will spend several Sundays exploring what the Apostle Paul had to say about the nature of the church in his letters. We will also examine the meaning of essential words of Christianity including faith, love, forgiveness, humility, and atonement.
This adult education opportunity welcomes old-timers, new-comers, and seekers looking to explore stories that comprise Biblical history.
About the Class Leaders Together, spouses Rev. Dale Mullennix and Rev. Jane Summey, will facilitate the adventure. Dale, formerly on staff at MPBC led the congregation in Youth and Outreach Ministry and Congregational Care, after graduating from Southern Theological Seminary in Louisville. He went on to become the founder of Urban Ministry (now Roof Above) of Charlotte. Jane, a graduate of Vanderbilt University Divinity School in Nashville, was formerly Associate Minister at Myers Park Presbyterian Church, of Avondale Presbyterian Church in Charlotte and Oakland Avenue Presbyterian in Rock Hill. Both Jane and Dale have recently retired.
NOTE | Registration is not required for this class, but if you’d like to stay in the loop, you can join our email list. We’d love to have you with us!
Join the Email List for the Unlikely Saints Class
Creative Friends Group
Are you passionate about painting, drawing, needlework, or any form of visual expression? Whether you're a seasoned artist or just beginning your creative journey, the Creative Friends Group offers a welcoming space where imagination thrives, friendships grow, and inspiration flows.
When: 1st Tuesdays of the month Time: 10:00–11:30 a.m. Where: Room 32 | Room in The Inn (RITI) Dining Room downstairs Group Leader: Suzette Buchan
Our group gathers to:
Share artwork and creative experiences
Connect with fellow artists and makers for encouragement and fellowship
Explore new techniques, mediums, and creative ideas
Collaborate on projects that support ministries throughout the church
In addition to enjoying creative fellowship, members lend their talents to special projects, including assisting Children's Ministry Sunday School teachers with art projects and hands-on creative activities. These opportunities allow participants to use their gifts to enrich the faith formation of our youngest church members while supporting the broader ministry of the church.
Whether you enjoy painting, sketching, quilting, crafting, or simply appreciate the creative process, you'll find a warm and encouraging community waiting for you.
Come add your unique talents to our casual and fun social gathering. Let's create, grow, serve, and get inspired—together.
Join the Creative Friends Group Email List
#CreativeFriends #ArtisticExpression #CreativeCommunity #ArtInspiration #CreativeTogether #ArtGroup #CommunityLife #MPBCCommunityGroup
Creative Friends Group
Are you passionate about painting, drawing, needlework, or any form of visual expression? Whether you're a seasoned artist or just beginning your creative journey, the Creative Friends Group offers a welcoming space where imagination thrives, friendships grow, and inspiration flows.
When: 1st Tuesdays of the month Time: 10:00–11:30 a.m. Where: Room 32 | Room in The Inn (RITI) Dining Room downstairs Group Leader: Suzette Buchan
Our group gathers to:
Share artwork and creative experiences
Connect with fellow artists and makers for encouragement and fellowship
Explore new techniques, mediums, and creative ideas
Collaborate on projects that support ministries throughout the church
In addition to enjoying creative fellowship, members lend their talents to special projects, including assisting Children's Ministry Sunday School teachers with art projects and hands-on creative activities. These opportunities allow participants to use their gifts to enrich the faith formation of our youngest church members while supporting the broader ministry of the church.
Whether you enjoy painting, sketching, quilting, crafting, or simply appreciate the creative process, you'll find a warm and encouraging community waiting for you.
Come add your unique talents to our casual and fun social gathering. Let's create, grow, serve, and get inspired—together.
Join the Creative Friends Group Email List
#CreativeFriends #ArtisticExpression #CreativeCommunity #ArtInspiration #CreativeTogether #ArtGroup #CommunityLife #MPBCCommunityGroup
Creative Friends Group
Are you passionate about painting, drawing, needlework, or any form of visual expression? Whether you're a seasoned artist or just beginning your creative journey, the Creative Friends Group offers a welcoming space where imagination thrives, friendships grow, and inspiration flows.
When: 1st Tuesdays of the month Time: 10:00–11:30 a.m. Where: Room 32 | Room in The Inn (RITI) Dining Room downstairs Group Leader: Suzette Buchan
Our group gathers to:
Share artwork and creative experiences
Connect with fellow artists and makers for encouragement and fellowship
Explore new techniques, mediums, and creative ideas
Collaborate on projects that support ministries throughout the church
In addition to enjoying creative fellowship, members lend their talents to special projects, including assisting Children's Ministry Sunday School teachers with art projects and hands-on creative activities. These opportunities allow participants to use their gifts to enrich the faith formation of our youngest church members while supporting the broader ministry of the church.
Whether you enjoy painting, sketching, quilting, crafting, or simply appreciate the creative process, you'll find a warm and encouraging community waiting for you.
Come add your unique talents to our casual and fun social gathering. Let's create, grow, serve, and get inspired—together.
Join the Creative Friends Group Email List
#CreativeFriends #ArtisticExpression #CreativeCommunity #ArtInspiration #CreativeTogether #ArtGroup #CommunityLife #MPBCCommunityGroup
Creative Friends Group
Are you passionate about painting, drawing, needlework, or any form of visual expression? Whether you're a seasoned artist or just beginning your creative journey, the Creative Friends Group offers a welcoming space where imagination thrives, friendships grow, and inspiration flows.
When: 1st Tuesdays of the month Time: 10:00–11:30 a.m. Where: Room 32 | Room in The Inn (RITI) Dining Room downstairs Group Leader: Suzette Buchan
Our group gathers to:
Share artwork and creative experiences
Connect with fellow artists and makers for encouragement and fellowship
Explore new techniques, mediums, and creative ideas
Collaborate on projects that support ministries throughout the church
In addition to enjoying creative fellowship, members lend their talents to special projects, including assisting Children's Ministry Sunday School teachers with art projects and hands-on creative activities. These opportunities allow participants to use their gifts to enrich the faith formation of our youngest church members while supporting the broader ministry of the church.
Whether you enjoy painting, sketching, quilting, crafting, or simply appreciate the creative process, you'll find a warm and encouraging community waiting for you.
Come add your unique talents to our casual and fun social gathering. Let's create, grow, serve, and get inspired—together.
Join the Creative Friends Group Email List
#CreativeFriends #ArtisticExpression #CreativeCommunity #ArtInspiration #CreativeTogether #ArtGroup #CommunityLife #MPBCCommunityGroup