Upcoming events.
General Conference 2024 Live Stream
You can watch a livestream of the United Methodist General Conference on April 23 – May 3 HERE!!
Second Annual LOC Students - Soup Cook-Off
Support our students by signing up Here!!
LOCUMC will be having our Second Annual Soup Cook-Off to raise money for the Youth Mission Trip this summer. Please sign up to register your SOUP for the competition. If you do not want to enter a soup, we will also need sandwiches, salads, chips, desserts and drinks.
We are asking that soup cook off participants help to serve your soup in the provided tasting cups so that everyone can try the different soups. Please bring your owning serving utensils. All food can be brought to Nancy's Room on Sunday morning before Sunday School or Church.
You can vote for our favorite soups through Venmo, cash, or check! The soup that raises the most will win a prize! And all funds raised will go towards the Student Mission Trip to Carolina Cross Connection. Come and hear from our students and prepare for a soup cookoff showdown!
General Conference Update | MAY 5th
Join us for a Post-General Conference Update on Sunday, May 5th during the Soup Cook Off in Nancy's Room, after our 10:30am worship service. After worship, join us in supporting our Student Ministry by eating and voting for the best soups, and then stay for an update given by Pastor Marianne regarding the important happenings at the United Methodist Church General Conference. We will process and pray together.
Ice Cream Bar Thanking Sterling Elementary School Teachers
Sign up to Donate or Serve Here!
On Monday, May 6th, we will partner with Pineville Neighbors Place to thank those who serve at Sterling Elementary School. Sterling ES does not have a PTA, so we will provide an Ice Cream Bar for one of their Staff Appreciation Week events. We will serve Ice Cream and all the fixins to teachers and staff from 2-3pm. We need your help with donations and at least 4 volunteers to set up and serve from 1:30-3:00pm at the school.
VBS
At this year's VBS, we are going to learn all about how Jesus is worth celebrating!
Children ages four through rising fifth graders are invited to register. Attendees must be potty trained.
VBS will take place from July 15th through the 19th from 9:00am to 12:00pm. This is a free event to the community, however advance registration is required.
Youth (rising sixth graders and up) and adult volunteers should also register here.
Contact Grace Zelen with any questions at kidscity@locumc.org
Click HERE to register
General Conference Update | April 21st
Join us for a General Conference Update on Sunday, April 21st at 11:45am in our Sanctuary. Stay after worship and learn more about how we can pray for the global law-making body of the United Methodist Church and the petitions that are being submitted for the delegates to consider.
Read a letter to the WNCC from Bishop Carter regarding the upcoming General Conference
Prayer Vigil for General Conference
Please join us in praying for the upcoming General Conference, which will meet in Charlotte April 23rd - May 3rd. Light of Christ members will pray from 5 am until 12 am in 30 minute increments on April 21. Pray that delegates will create space for all people, "do no harm, do good, and stay in love with God" (the United Methodist General Rules). May the decisions of General Conference set priorities for our denomination which will make a way for the most vital United Methodist witness possible.
Read a letter to the WNCC from Bishop Carter regarding the upcoming General Conference
20th Annual Run! Ballantyne
Are you a casual/weekend walker and never participated in a 5k race? Is your idea of "fun" getting in a 5 mile run before breakfast? The Light of Christ God Squad welcomes ALL levels of walkers/runners and all ages (including children) to join us at the 2024 Run! Ballantyne road race.
This years Run is April 20th at 7:30am.
Contact Pam Hodgin for more information.
BBQ Lunch Thanking CMPD
We will serve an "In the Army Que" BBQ lunch to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police, South Division, on Providence Road West, to thank them for the ways they serve our community.
Volunteers are needed to set up 10:30am-11am, serve from 11am - 12:30pm, and clean up 12:30-1pm.
Men of Light Breakfast
Light of Christ's Men's Ministry is hosting a breakfast on Saturday April 6th from 8:30am until 10am in Nancy's Room! This will be our first gathering of 2024 and allow us to welcome new friends, and catch up with old friends!
Easter Egg Hunt & Picnic Lunch!
Join us for an Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday, March 24! This event will take place after our 10:30am Worship Service, at about 11:45. In addition to the hunt, we will also have crafts, yard games, and pictures with the Easter Bunny!
Don't forget your basket!
We will also have a grab ‘n go picnic lunch available for all attendees. All donations given for lunch will benefit our IGNITE Students Summer Mission trip.
This event is free for all families in the community! When registering, please include the ages of your children. If you have any questions, please contact Grace at grace@locumc.org.
Holy Week at LOC
Holy Week is right around the corner, here's what you need to know!
Palm Sunday, March 24th - Join us in preparing for Holy Week with our Palm Sunday Service starting at 10:30am! Followed by a Fundraising Picnic Lunch by our Students and an Easter Egg Hunt!
Good Friday, March 29th - Join us as we reflect on the crucifixion of Jesus during our Good Friday Tenebrae Service which will begin at 6:30pm. Not sure what a Tenebrae Service is? Find out here!
Easter Sunday, March 31st - Join us in celebrating the good news of Jesus’ resurrection! Our Easter Sunday Service will begin at 10:30am! LOC Kids will NOT meet at 9:30am on Easter Sunday.
We hope you will join us as we follow Jesus' steps through this sacred week.
Community Table
Join us on Wednesday, March 6, from 6 PM until 8 PM for our next Community Table. This is an event for the entire family! We'll have dinner and activities for everyone - hope to see you there.
Dessert with the Pastor
The Women of Light are Hosting our annual Dessert with the Pastor on March 5th from 6:30 - 8:30pm in Nancy's Room. Bring a friends and snack or dessert to share. Pastor Marianne will share a devotion and afterward we will enjoy conversation and community.
Childcare is available upon request.
Questions? Email joann.mcmillan24@gmail.com
Building Belonging: Cultivating LGBTQ+ Inclusive Spaces at Summer Camps
Come learn from Carolina Cross Connection Executive Director Brittany Bethel about the importance of safe spaces for all to experience the love of God at summer camp!
Parents' Night Out
Please join us for our second Parents' Night Out event, on Saturday, February 17th! Children will engage in activities about kindness, including a craft, a devotion, and a game. Dinner will be provided. This event is for children aged 6 months through fifth grade. We are also in need of volunteers for this brief but fun event! If you are interested in volunteering, or if you have any questions, please contact Grace at grace@locumc.org
Ash Wednesday Worship Service
You are invited to our Ash Wednesday Worship Service - February 14th at 6:30pm in the Sanctuary. Join us as we set our intentions for the 40 day season of Lent, in preparation for Easter.
Beloved Conversations
We invite you to join us as we embark on a meaningful journey of discernment to become a Reconciling Ministry group. This initiative is part of our commitment to fostering inclusivity and embracing diversity in our church community. Bring a spirit of curiosity as we explore together, and come prepared to learn and grow in faith.
Not familiar with the Reconciling Ministry Network? The UMC Reconciling Ministry Network is a movement within the United Methodist Church advocating for full inclusion of LGBTQIA+ individuals in the life of the church. As we consider joining this network, we seek to affirm and celebrate the sacred worth of all people.
We look forward to your presence and participation. See you there!
2024 Lenten Devotions
Lent is time to prepare for the Lord's Resurrection. Lent starts Ash Wednesday (February 14) and continues for the next 40 days, ending on Easter Sunday (March 31st). Follow us on Instagram to read the daily devotions, written by our congregation, during Lent.
Grounds Cleaning Day
Light of Christ is hosting a "Clean Up Day" on Saturday, Feb 10 from 8 am until noon. This is a drop in event so if you can spare an hour or more stop in to help "spruce" up and repair a few things on the outside of LOC. We would love to have you for shorter durations as well.
Healing Service
This will be a service of prayer and anointing for those in need of healing of mind, body, and spirit. Held in the Sanctuary on Tuesday, January 30th at 6:30pm
General Conference Update
Join us for a General Conference Update on Sunday, January 28th at 11:45am in our Sanctuary. Stay after worship and learn more about how we can pray and serve at General Conference and the petitions that are being submitted for the delegates to consider.
Un-decorating Advent
We need your help with UNDECORATING our Sanctuary and Lobby and classroom spaces after Advent/Christmas! Volunteers, please email locumc@locumc.org and plan to join us at the church on Thursday, January 4th at 10am to assist. Thank you very much!
Christmas Eve Candlelight Services
Christmas Eve is Sunday, December 24!
We will have a normal 10:30am worship service as well as a 6pm evening service. Both will be similar candlelight services.
The nursery will be open for our babies, during both services.
Small groups will NOT be held that morning.
Invite your neighbors and friends!
Charlotte Bronze Handbell Ensemble: BE ALL MERRY!
Need some holiday cheer?!
Join the Charlotte Bronze Handbell Ensemble as they present their 2023 Holiday Concert Series, BE ALL MERRY! Music of the Season from the Celtic and British Traditions
Saturday, December 16th - Morning Star Lutheran Church, Matthews, NC - 7pm
Sunday, December 17th - Midway United Methodist Church, Kannapolis, NC - 4pm
Monday, December 18th - Broad Street United Methodist Church, Statesville, NC - 7pm
Click HERE for more info!
ELF: The Musical by RAH! Theater
Join RAH! Theater as they present ELF: The Musical.
Friday, December 8th at 6:30pm
Saturday, December 9th at 6:30pm
General Admission $10
Women of Light Christmas Party
Ladies of Light of Christ, we invite you to bring a friend for the Annual Christmas party. JoAnn McMillan is hosting this fun event at her house, 12821 Diamond Drive, Pineville on Thursday, December 7 from 7pm - 8pm.
Bring an appetizer or a dessert to share and a $10 gift to exchange. Let’s enjoy our kickoff to the holiday season laughter and conversation!
Room In the Inn
Room in the Inn hosts our unhoused neighbors on the first and third Fridays of each month, December through March. We provide transportation, meals, laundry, a warm night’s sleep, and friendship to our neighbors. We couldn’t do this ministry without YOUR help! This is an excellent way for families to volunteer together.
Sign up in the lobby of the Phase 2 building.
November Community Table
Gratitude brought all generations together at our first Community Table event, with over 50 attendees on October 25th. We shared a meal, went on a prayer walk, and created gratitude keepsakes. We had such a great time and cannot wait for the next one!
Join us on November 30th for our next event, centered around the spirit of Advent. We will eat at 6:00 and wrap up at 8:00 pm. We will have dinner, and hands on-activities that will help us understand Advent.
Decorate for Advent
Join us at 9:30 am on November 28th to help us decorate the Sanctuary, Nancy's Room, and the lobbies for Christmas! All are welcome to come and Deck the Halls!
Angel Tree
It’s time for our annual Angel Tree at Light of Christ. This year finds us with 85 Angels that you can buy gifts for. We support Guardian Ad Litem (volunteers who advocate for their assigned foster children), children in Honduras and in the Parkview Community. The Angels will be on the tree starting Sunday, November 26 - Sunday, December 10.
Gifts will need to be returned, wrapped and with Angel tag included, to the church by Wednesday, December 13.
For more information or questions, contact Patti Kreis.
Health by Design Expo
Stop by LOC on Saturday, November 28th between 10am & 2pm, for the Health by Design expo! It will be a one stop to optimize your health & wellness.
This event is free and will include:
One Blood truck on site, 20+ vendors, 5 health & wellness presentations, Youth bake sale, Local health & wellness businesses, Raffles & giveaways.
Building Bridges - Understanding the LGBTQ+ Community through Listening
Join us for our first Building Bridges Event on November 8th at 6:30 pm in the main Sanctuary. Beck and Lindsay are a married couple. Beck is a trans man and Lindsay is a queer woman. Both work in the church and are coming to LOC to share with us their experience in being members of the LGBTQ+ community and the United Methodist Church.
We will share a meal at 6:30, have an open conversation with Beck and Lindsay at 7:00, and have discussion groups at 8:00. We invite you to come with an open heart and mind as we learn together.
Haywood County Mission Trips
A partnership of South Charlotte United Methodist churches, including Light of Christ, will send a mission team to Haywood County this fall. Haywood County residents are still recovering from severe flooding which killed 6 people and displaced hundreds in August 2021. Our mission will be rebuilding. Construction experience is not required of participants; experienced leaders will train and guide the group.
Mission trip dates will be:
Sunday, November 5 - Wednesday, November 8
The team will travel to Haywood County (approximately a 2.5 hours drive from Charlotte) after work/school on the first day, then work the next 3 days on the job site, eat dinner on the last work day and then head home immediately after (or stay until morning if they prefer). A church will host us, providing beds and showers. Kitchen volunteers are also needed as team members.
Fifth Sunday Fellowship - "A Celebration of Ethnic and Cultural Diversity"
Join us for a potluck lunch after worship on October 29th, celebrating the many cultures, ethnicities, and regions of the US represented in our church family through FOOD. Bring a dish to share that is commonly enjoyed by your culture or family.