MPUMC Podcast

The Youth team reflects on the year, specifically looking back on their February 3 podcast “Hopes for 2022.” Join them as they discuss thankfulness, faithfulness, and supportiveness as their themes for this past year.

Church member Wendy Wallace-Wright shares suggestions from her book Advent with Kids for your family's Advent journey including prayers, scripture, and hands-on activities. http://liturgykid.com/

Special guest Rev. Shannon LeMaster-Smith brings her wealth of knowledge and experience in Youth Ministry to offer us ways to connect to the resources provided by the conference and to share the gifts that small church ministries can inspire in large churches.   https://www.wnccumc.org/youth-young-adults

Church members Brian and Jenna Peede discuss the joys and challenges of their experience as foster parents. Listen to them share more about their faith and how it carries them through loving and protecting the children entrusted to their care. https://www.cfknc.org/ https://www.fostervillagecharlotte.org/  

O'Neale Atkinson, Deputy Executive Director of Time Out Youth, joins us to talk about the complexities of identity, to answer questions about how to ask questions, and to share his perspective of best practices in holding space for youth.

Amy Jo talks with Jennifer Roofner, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS), to learn more about eating disorders in children and their impact on the whole family. She shares her professional wisdom and caring approach, as well as resources for parents. http://www.iaedp.com/; http://www.intuitiveeating.org/; https://www.edreferral.com/; https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/

Join the Children and Youth ministries as they talk about what's coming this fall.

Lydia, Sully, Jeremy, and Mary Helen share their reflections from the Middle School Atlanta Mission Trip. Join us as we discuss how to find God in the unknown, share some laughs, and grow together in our faith.

Alaina and Caitlin join us and share about their experiences leading Day Camp at Mountain T.O.P. Hear about their worship takeaways and the ways they plan to live as offerings of praise at home!

Rev. Melanie Dobson joins Amy Jo to talk about sabbath and learning to walk at Jesus' pace. She believes in the importance of slowing down and in the holiness of time. She offers intentional practices for rest and renewal so that we can learn to live and enjoy an unhurried life. Resources: Sabbath by Abraham Heschel Sabbath by Wayne Muller Starrette Farms Retreat Center Belmont Abbey Shalem Institute of Spiritual Formation Mepkin Abbey Retreat Center

Amy Jo is joined by author Nicole Schwarz who helps us learn how to parent with calm and connection. She wants us to overflow with forgiveness for ourselves and our children so that we can parent with confidence.

What began with jam sessions on couches in the old youth building blossomed into one of our favorite elements of youth group each week. Megan Spence, Emma Nicholson, Katie Vande Weghe, and Jake Brumfield join Jason Rhymer to share stories, memories and wishes for the new leaders of Praise Band.

William Dodds, Ava Giordano, and Shelby Eliasek share their experiences from our long-awaited Awanita Retreat. After an 18-month hiatus, we are back to weekend retreats and could not be more excited!

Amy Jo wraps up her Making Time For... series with a conversation with church members Logan Foose and Amy Schaaf. Friends provide encouragement, support, cheerleading, and connection. Listen as they talk about the importance of making time for friends in the busyness of life.

The pandemic has exposed our blindspots when it comes to mental health, and it has opened doors for conversations to begin surrounding this heavy topic. This episode focuses on tools for youth both facing mental health battles and walking alongside those hurting alike. We've partnered with the Youth Team of Myers Park Presbyterian in an effort to create an ongoing community dialogue centered around healing and hope.

Author Kari Kampakis is back with Amy Jo to share wisdom from her new book, More Than a Mom: How Prioritizing Your Wellness Helps You (and Your Family) Thrive. Kari offers a fresh approach to the "put your own oxygen mask on first" advice, with a holistic look at wellness.

Caring for someone with a mental health challenge can be heavy and should not be done alone. We want to offer encouragement and support to those who walk alongside youth day by day. We've partnered with Rev. Bill Roth, Pastor of Congregational Care, for some best practices and encouragement for families.

How do we make time for God in our busy lives? Rev. Nancy Watson joins Amy Jo Alspaugh to share ideas and easy-to-implement suggestions to help you feel closer to God without adding to your already busy schedule. Resources: The Three Questions [Based on a story by Leo Tolstoy] - Jon J. Muth The Quiltmaker's Gift - Jeff Brumbeau In God's Name - Rabbi Sandy Eisenberg Sasso Tear Soup - Pat Schweibert, et al [a story about grief] Wisdom Tales from Around the World (World Storytelling) - Heather Forest But God Remembered: Stories of Women from Creation to the Promised Land - Sandy Eisenberg Sasso, Bethanne Andersen (Illustrator)

As the gloom of the pandemic continues to hang over us, the Youth team has seen a rise in teens using drugs and alcohol to cope. Al-Anon is an organization that helps families navigate addictions. In this episode, Jason Rhymer interviews one of their partners, Brian Hadley, who shares resources for this potentially difficult conversation with your teen. Beyond Baptism: Wisdom, Hope, and Encouragement for Parents, created by Children's Ministries and Youth Ministries, is intended for parents and adults invested in the young people of our church.    Resources: https://al-anon.org/ https://theinsightprogram.com/drug-alcohol-treatment-programs/charlotte-nc/ https://dilworthcenter.org/

Carol Tate, our former Spiritual Gift and Wired 4 Ministry coordinator, talks with Amy Jo Alspaugh about how to identify, affirm, and appreciate your child's spiritual gifts as the God-given gifts they are. Set them on a lifelong journey of serving others! Download the spiritual gifts handout here: http://myersparkumc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Spiritual-Gifts-Handouts.pdf

CHAMP is an after-school program at Dilworth Latta working to close the literacy gap here in Charlotte. Ellie Person, Lucy Sauls, Amelia Fisher, Quinn Sauls, Caroline Boulware, and Jason Rhymer share their love for this ministry. You'll hear stories from the scholars they mentor and some powerful leadership perspectives too. This ministry is completely youth-led and they will blow you away with their insights!

Amy Jo sits down with Meg McElwain to talk about how she lives in the light after a time of great darkness. She shares more about her non-profit, Mitchell's Fund, and her newest project, Mitchell's House. Meg knows personally of loss and resilience and believes that through suffering the Lord has revealed his plan and purpose for her life. Follow Mitchell's Fund @mitchellsfund; Follow Meg on Instagram @megmcelwain; LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/megmcelwain/

The youth team is joined by Reverend Dr. Uiyeon Kim to discuss Lent 101, the phrase "more for more," and how this is possibly Jason's favorite season in the Christian Calendar. As we start this season of Lent we hope it provides a lens into the how and why of this special time in our church.

Amy Jo is joined by Rev. Nathan Arledge and Liz Clasen-Kelly from Roof Above to help answer the question, “How do I talk to my children about homelessness?” They will offer language to use with children, book resources, and suggestions of how you can help our homeless neighbors in Charlotte as a family. Resources: Roof Above; A Good Night for Mr. Coleman; Great Joy; Last Stop on Market Street; The Can Man; Crenshaw 

Your child has a smartphone - what now?  The Youth Team is joined by Derrick Willard, a leading expert in Digital Citizenship to talk about all things technology. We pray this episode provides hope and encouragement for this sometimes difficult-to-navigate topic. For helpful resources, visit https://myersparkumc.org/podcast/#beyond

Join Amy Jo Alspaugh and her brother, Rev. Edwin Terrence Alspaugh, a licensed clinical professional counselor, as they discuss ways to encourage resilience in children. Learn how to support your children as they develop the tools they need to go through life's challenges.

It is no secret this season has felt heavy, and to be honest there seems to be less hope everyday. Sarah reminds us Hope is a spiritual discipline and practices it with Jason and Mary Helen from the youth team! Join us as we hope for 2022 together.

Being a parent today is arguably harder than ever. The pressures and expectations are at an all-time high. We are burned out, disconnected and exhausted. During this podcast you will learn how to recognize what's causing the pressure, where the expectations are coming from, and how to get your authentic self back in the driver's seat. Once at the wheel, you'll be able to start living a life that is full of connection, ease and joy.

In a generation where more and more young adults leave the church after they graduate, Will Thames sets the example for what a faith journey looks like in the "next" stage of life. Join us as Will shares his gift of music, adoration for his grandfather and love of God's church in this week's episode.

Amy Jo and Jason talk about their in-person parenting series based on the book Playing for Keeps: Six Things Every Kid Needs. Spoiler alert! Every child needs time, love, words, stories, communities, and fun whether they are in preschool, elementary school, middle school, or high school. We hope this podcast will you get you excited for the series and support you on your parenting journey. Beginning January 30, join Amy Jo and Jason on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 10:40 a.m. in Francis Chapel to learn and grow together. Registration is appreciated but not required, and there is no cost for this series. Click here to sign up.

Join Amy Jo and Jason as they sit down with our very own Rev. Taylor Pryde Barefoot to talk about the Advent season. They invite you to take a break from the craziness so you can encounter God as a family, both at home and at church, through our many offerings in December.

Learn from parents who have been there, done that and blazed the trail for the rest of us. Amy Jo is joined by two parenting veterans, Nancy Harrall and Ellen Spence, who are here to answer your questions and provide reassurance. Parenting is hard work, but you can do hard things. This conversation will give you the strength, encouragement and humor you need for your parenting journey. If you need a reminder that "this too shall pass", this is the podcast for you!

This week we are joined by the youth team along with Emma and Jake. We recap our first beach retreat back in two years sharing lots of laughs, memories, and insights from the weekend at Holden Beach. This episode was a joy to record and we hope you enjoy it too!

Amy Jo revisits our conversation on children and anxiety, this time joined by Kim Enicks, a licensed therapist and clinical social worker. Kim works with children and adults and has comforting words and advice to help us all. She believes that mindfulness and self-care are more than buzzwords -- they are necessary in order for parents to be able to take care of their families.

Today we talk to several of the students who attended our Middle School Youth retreat. We get to know God and each other better through fellowship, games, and tacos! Hear children from the retreat talk about their experience, ministry, and some of the biggest lessons they learned.

Building committee member Rick Magee is here with Amy Jo and Jason to unveil the plans for the new building. He's excited to share about this significant space for ministries, mission partners, connectivity and building community. Rick and his team have been hard at work and can't wait to share the exciting plans for what we hope to build. "This is not a building for now -- it is a building for now and the future." 

Graduated Senior Margaret Barr joins us to share about her faith journey on staff with Mountain TOP after high school.

Get to know your Children's Ministries team through a lightning round of questions and lots of laughter, too. We love children and are excited to partner with you. Learn more about each of us and the joy we bring to Children's Ministries.

Join Amy Jo and Jason as they talk about all of the great programs they have planned for the Fall. They'll talk about what they learned from this past year and what they're most excited about for the year ahead. Bottom line -- our church is blessed beyond measure to have these teams and the great love they show for our children, youth and families. They're creative, caring and they value connection. They can't wait to start this year with you all!  

Hear the transformative experiences of our youth that traveled 4,302 miles this summer to serve alongside faith-filled ministries and to see the beautiful glaciers of Anchorage, Alaska!

Amy Jo Alspaugh speaks to Dr. Mary Ann Cross, certified pediatrician and Myers Park UMC member, about caring for children during the pandemic. Dr. Cross talks about the importance of outdoor activities, a diverse and healthy diet, and how to teach your children that you love them without making them feel like the center of the universe.

Fresh off of the Mountain TOP mission trip in Tennessee, host Jason Rhymer talks to two of the youth and one of the advisors that were a part of the experience. The TOP program, in it's 46th year, helps form special bonds with its group members.

If you've ever looked at your child and wondered, “Why is my kid doing that?, you are not alone.  Amy Jo Alspaugh is joined by occupation therapist Cindy Utzinger who has written articles and books around that very topic.  Whether your child is a picky eater, is sensitive to noise or has a hard time sitting still, Cindy has suggestions of activities and routines that you can implement at home.  As Cindy shares, “everyone has sensory quirks”.  You'll learn how to celebrate those quirks and support the vast sensory needs of your children, setting them up for success in school and the world.   

Youth trips are always a great opportunity for children and young adults to make new friends and new relationships. And while they're filled with wonderful activities and unforgettable memories, they can also serve many lessons. This experience all leads to a greater opportunity for spiritual discipline. In today's episode of Beyond Baptism, we talk to some of the campers and staff of a middle school trip to DOOR Atlanta. We hear about the experiences of the campers, the lessons learned, and the power of Mission.

The summer is finally here and this year we're still dealing with the pandemic, but we're going to add new ways to engage that still keep you safe. Tune into today's episode to hear some of the new ways we're adapting to the summer including outdoor prayer stations. Even though things are different, there's still a chance for new and familiar ways to gather.

Need a bit of peace in your life?  Who doesn’t!  Today’s episode is all about making time, even just a few minutes, to be quiet and to listen.  Amy Jo Alspaugh is joined by Sally Burlington, a meditation and mindfulness teacher.  Sally views meditation as a time to listen to the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit has a lot to offer!  She concludes by leading listeners in a guided meditation, which for her is an opportunity to listen to God’s messages. 

In this episode, the Youth team passes the mic to a few of their rock-star youth! Community is the theme of the day. Join us as they tell their favorite stories and share their best memories and their hopes to make more.

In this episode Amy Jo Alspaugh is joined by Rev. Bill Roth, our minister of Congregational Care.  Parents frequently ask, “How do I talk to my children about death and dying?”  We offer suggestions on how to talk to children about death, and explain why these difficult conversations develop empathy in children. We also share resources and remind listeners of the many ways our church is available during times of grief.  Bill is full of wisdom, hope and encouragement!