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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 Elementary - Latta Campus that works to close the literacy gap here in Charlotte. Ellie Person, Lucy Sauls, Amelia Fisher, Quin Sauls, Caroline Boulware, and Jason Rhymer share their love for this ministry. You'll hear stories about 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 nonprofit, 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.