Upcoming events.
Discover Light of Christ UMC
Discover Light of Christ is a 4-week class for newcomers to our church led by Pastor Marianne, designed to give participants a deep understanding of what it means to be part of the Light of Christ United Methodist Church community. Through engaging discussions and interactive activities, attendees will explore the church's history, core beliefs, mission, and values, while learning about the various ministries and opportunities available for personal and spiritual growth within the congregation. By the end of the class, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and sense of belonging necessary to actively and meaningfully engage in the life of the Light of Christ UMC.
Angel Tree
Stop by the tree in the lobby and grab an angel to bless someone this Christmas! Each angel represents a child or family we’re supporting — including Guardian Ad Litem kids, children in Honduras, our Ewo sponsorship children, and more.
Please return your gifts wrapped with the angel tag attached by Wednesday, December 10th. Thank you for helping share love and joy this season!
Decorate for Advent
Help us deck the halls for Advent on Sunday, November 23rd from 12–2 PM as we transform our church for the Advent and Christmas season. We’ll share lunch, Christmas music, and good company as we hang wreaths, set up trees, and prepare our space for the season.
Lunch will be provided, so please register here to let us know you’re coming—we want to make sure there’s plenty of food for everyone!
All ages are welcome—many hands make light (and joyful!) work. Come be part of the beauty and anticipation of this sacred season!
Advent Community Table
Please register here by Sunday, November 30th so we can ensure we have enough food for everyone!
Join us on Wednesday, December 3, from 6–8 PM for a special Advent-centered Community Table! We’ll share a warm meal together as we prepare our hearts for the season of waiting and hope. After dinner, you’re invited to take part in a variety of Advent-themed activities—create meaningful crafts, spend time in reflection at our prayer stations, and explore ways to center yourself in the story of Christ’s coming. All ages are welcome, and everything is provided—just bring your appetite and your sense of wonder as we begin this sacred season together.
Adult Ministry Christmas Party
LOC’s Adult Ministry will host their annual Christmas Party on Thursday, December 4 at 6:30 PM at the Garnto home! Bring a dish to share, and if you’d like to take part in the gift exchange, bring a wrapped gift valued at $20 or less. Come enjoy Christmas music, good company, and plenty of laughter as we celebrate the season together.
December Room In The Inn
Light of Christ will be hosting 8 of our unhoused neighbors on the 1st and 3rd Friday evenings of December, January, February and March as part of Roof Above’s Room in the Inn program. Our neighbors are warmly welcomed with kindness, homecooked meals, soft beds, bagged lunches, warm showers and clean laundry. It takes “all hands on deck” to make sure this ministry is supported, and we invite you to serve! Children and middle/high school students are more than welcome to volunteer, as well. Find out more about the specific volunteer opportunities below!
Questions? contact John or JoAnn McMillan.
Primetime - December Gathering
Join us on Saturday, December 13 at 10 AM in Nancy’s Room for our annual PrimeTime Christmas Brunch! Come enjoy good food, warm company, and plenty of holiday cheer. If you’d like to join the white elephant gift exchange, bring a wrapped gift valued at $15 or less.
Candlelight Christmas Eve Service
Join us for a special Candlelight Christmas Eve service at 4 PM on Tuesday, December 24th. Together, we'll celebrate the hope, peace, joy, and love of the season as we reflect on God’s presence with us. We will also have the opportunity to come together as a church family and make a lasting impact on our community through Cross Connection.
Our special offering will go toward Parkview Community Center, a vital space that serves those in need in the Parkview neighborhood. Let’s make this Christmas a season of generosity and community transformation. Thank you for prayerfully considering your gift to this meaningful ministry.
January Room In The Inn
Light of Christ will be hosting 8 of our unhoused neighbors on the 1st and 3rd Friday evenings of December, January, February and March as part of Roof Above’s Room in the Inn program. Our neighbors are warmly welcomed with kindness, homecooked meals, soft beds, bagged lunches, warm showers and clean laundry. It takes “all hands on deck” to make sure this ministry is supported, and we invite you to serve! Children and middle/high school students are more than welcome to volunteer, as well. Find out more about the specific volunteer opportunities below!
Questions? contact John or JoAnn McMillan.
Un-Decorate Advent
Join us after service on Sunday, January 4th to help take down all of the Christmas decorations from the Sanctuary, Nancy's Room, and the lobbies. All are welcome to come and UN-Deck the Halls!
Lunch will be provided, so please register to let us know you’re coming—we want to make sure there’s plenty of food for everyone!
February Room In The Inn
Light of Christ will be hosting 8 of our unhoused neighbors on the 1st and 3rd Friday evenings of December, January, February and March as part of Roof Above’s Room in the Inn program. Our neighbors are warmly welcomed with kindness, homecooked meals, soft beds, bagged lunches, warm showers and clean laundry. It takes “all hands on deck” to make sure this ministry is supported, and we invite you to serve! Children and middle/high school students are more than welcome to volunteer, as well. Find out more about the specific volunteer opportunities below!
Questions? contact John or JoAnn McMillan.
March Room In The Inn
Light of Christ will be hosting 8 of our unhoused neighbors on the 1st and 3rd Friday evenings of December, January, February and March as part of Roof Above’s Room in the Inn program. Our neighbors are warmly welcomed with kindness, homecooked meals, soft beds, bagged lunches, warm showers and clean laundry. It takes “all hands on deck” to make sure this ministry is supported, and we invite you to serve! Children and middle/high school students are more than welcome to volunteer, as well. Find out more about the specific volunteer opportunities below!
Questions? contact John or JoAnn McMillan.
Prayer Retreat
All Adults are invited to attend "Wrestling with Doubt: Encountering the mystery, the struggle and the God who meets us there" — A Prayer Retreat at Starrette Farm in Statesville. Join us for prayer, devotions, worship, and community on this special one-day retreat. Carpool is available, and snacks and lunch are included. The cost is $30, and scholarships are available.
Adopt-A-Highway Clean-Up
Join us for our new Adopt-a-Highway clean-up initiative! As part of our commitment to care for creation and serve our community, we host roadside clean-up events after each LOC Family Potluck. Together, we’ll help keep our environment clean, build relationships, and live out our faith in visible, meaningful ways.
LOC Family Potluck
Join us for our LOC Family Potluck on Sunday, November 16, right after worship in Nancy’s Room!
Bring a favorite dish, dessert, or drink to share—seasonal and Thanksgiving recipes are always welcome. It’s a wonderful time to connect, share good food, and give thanks for our church family!
Register on Church Center to bring food or to help with setup or cleanup.
2025 Charge Conference
Join us on Monday, November 10th at 6:30pm in Nancy's Room for our annual Charge Conference Meeting. We will hear about our 2026 Budget, Lay Leadership, receive reports, and pray for our shared ministry going forward. Church Council members will have vote, and all are encouraged to attend.
Budget Transparency Session
Join us on Sunday, November 9th for a Budget Transparency Session right after worship in our Sanctuary. We will share details about our 2026 Ministry & Mission Budget and we hope you will stay to learn about pastor/staff compensation increases and ministry plans for the future, as reflected in our budget.
All Saints Day
Join us as we remember and honor those who have gone before us. During worship next Sunday, we’ll share a video tribute for loved ones and church members who have passed since last All Saints Day.
If you have a loved one who has passed in the last year, please email their full name, and relation to you to Lauren by Wednesday, October 29th.
We will also light candles in memory of all those who have passed in years past, as we give thanks for the great cloud of witnesses surrounding us.
Knowing Ourselves, Loving Others
Join us for Knowing Ourselves, Loving Others, a 5-week journey through the Enneagram using The Road Back to You by Ian Morgan Cron. Each week, we'll explore the foundational wisdom of the Enneagram, focusing on the Head, Heart, and Gut triads and how our core motivations shape our relationships. This group is perfect for anyone seeking spiritual growth, emotional insight, and tools to love others more fully—whether you're brand new to the Enneagram or looking to revisit it through a faith-centered lens.
Books are encouraged but not required—come ready to reflect, share, and grow in community.
Primetime - October Gathering
Join us for a movie on Sunday afternoon, October 19. Movie & times, TBD.
Trunk or Treat
Join us for Trunk or Treat on Saturday, October 18, from 5-7 pm! Enjoy food, games, candy, and a 'favorite trunk' contest. Hosting a trunk? You can arrive as early as 4 pm to set up.
This is a free community event. While registration is not required, we encourage it—especially if you're bringing a trunk. Please let us know when registering.
We also need volunteers to help with traffic control, food prep, and more. If you're interested in volunteering, please indicate this when registering.
Rain plan: We'll set up tables in place of trunks in the sanctuary.
Blessing of The Animals
Mark your calendars — on Saturday, October 5th at 2:00 PM, we’re hosting a Blessing of the Animals in the Light of Christ parking lot!
Bring your pets—whether they’re furry, feathered, or scaly—for a special time of prayer and blessing as we celebrate the joy they bring to our lives.
We’ll even have a little treat for each pet who comes. We hope to see you and your animal friends there!
Hurricane Helene Relief Mission Trip - October
Register here by Sunday, September 21st so we can plan accordingly.
Join us for a Hurricane Helene Relief Mission Trip on October 1-4, 2025. We will partner with Boone UMC to do clean-up/rebuilding work in one of 6 surrounding counties. We will travel to Boone on Wednesday, October 1st in the afternoon. (Those who need to work that day can travel in the evening, if preferred.) We will serve on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday and then head home Saturday evening. Those who are physically unable to do relief work are welcome to serve by shopping for groceries and providing meals for the team.
Cost is $50 for a portion of the grocery costs.
Thank you for serving to help Western NC friends recover!
Water Bottle Giveaway on the Greenway
Join us on the Johnston/Rea Greenway Trail on Sunday, September 21 from 1–3 pm for a Water Bottle Giveaway! We’ll be handing out free water bottles with stickers inviting folks to connect with Light of Christ. Stop by, say hi, and grab some water while you enjoy the trail!
Primetime - September Gathering
Join us for lunch on Sunday, September 21 for lunch in Nancy's Room!
Discover Light of Christ UMC
Discover Light of Christ is a 4-week class for newcomers to our church led by Pastor Marianne, designed to give participants a deep understanding of what it means to be part of the Light of Christ United Methodist Church community. Through engaging discussions and interactive activities, attendees will explore the church's history, core beliefs, mission, and values, while learning about the various ministries and opportunities available for personal and spiritual growth within the congregation. By the end of the class, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and sense of belonging necessary to actively and meaningfully engage in the life of the Light of Christ UMC.
Parents' Night Out
Please join us for our next Parents' Night Out event, on Saturday, September 13th! We'll have pizza, popcorn, and other snacks and enjoy a movie together. Wear your comfy clothes and bring a sleeping bag for the ultimate experience. This event is for children aged 3 years through fifth grade.
Sign-in and drop-off will be from 5:30-5:45 pm in the lobby of our phase 2 building. Pick-up is between 7:45-8pm, in the same location.
Registration is required by Wednesday, September 10!
Please contact Tracy at tracy@locumc.org with any questions.
We look forward to spending quality time with your child, as you have your “Night Out!”
*Please note- If you have already filled out the medical and photo release form this year, you do not need to do so again, unless there has been a change you would like us to be aware of.
If you have a student who would like to volunteer, they can also register using this link.
Intersections of Faith & Justice
Exploring How Identity, Theology, and Liberation Meet
6-Week Grow Group | All are welcome
What happens when we read Scripture through the lens of real-life experience — race, gender, sexuality, ability, culture? How does our faith call us to pursue justice that holds space for all of who we are?
In this 6-week Grow Group, we’ll explore how identity, theology, and justice meet — learning from queer and womanist theology, disability justice, and liberation movements that invite us into deeper reflection and faithful action. Whether you're new to these ideas or ready to go deeper, this is a space for honest conversation, deep listening, and transformative hope.
Weekly Topics:
Week 1: What Are Intersections?
An introduction to intersectionality, identity, and how our lived experiences shape the way we understand faith and justice.
Week 2: Justice in the Bible
Exploring biblical foundations for justice through the prophets, Jesus’ teachings, and the early church.
Week 3: Queer Theology 101
What LGBTQ+ experiences can teach us about God, love, and liberation.
Week 4: Womanist Wisdom
Centering Black women’s voices in theology and reflecting on survival, wholeness, and God’s presence in the struggle.
Week 5: Disability & Justice in the Church
Moving beyond healing narratives to embrace access, belonging, and the body of Christ as diverse and interdependent.
Week 6: Colonization, Culture, and Christianity
Facing the legacy of Christian colonization and imagining what it means to decolonize our theology and walk humbly toward liberation.
Who Should Join?
Anyone curious about how faith connects with justice and identity. No prior knowledge required — just an open heart and willingness to learn.
Popsicles on the Playground
You're invited to enjoy popsicles on the playground on September 8th at 3pm! This is a great chance to meet community members, share some laughs, and build meaningful relationships in a fun, relaxed setting. Bring your family or invite a friend for free popsicles, friendly faces, and good conversation!
No registration required!
Adopt-A-Highway Clean-Up
Join us for our new Adopt-a-Highway clean-up initiative! As part of our commitment to care for creation and serve our community, we'll begin hosting roadside clean-up events after each 5th Sunday Fellowship Meal. Together, we’ll help keep our environment clean, build relationships, and live out our faith in visible, meaningful ways.
Fellowship Meal: Celebrating Cultural Diversity
Join us after worship on Sunday, September 7th for a special potluck meal celebrating our diverse cultures and traditions. Bring a dish unique to your family, culture, ethnicity, or region of the country.
Please register on Church Center to let us know you're coming. Then use this SignUpGenius link to let us know what dish you’ll bring!
Food can be dropped off in Nancy’s Room before worship. Please bring serving utensils and label your dish and utensils with your name. We’ll provide name cards so you can note the country or region your dish represents.
Questions? Contact Lisa Wohlford (704-941-4665 / lawohlford@gmail.com) or April Sepanski (704-309-3324 / aprilgwyn@gmail.com).
Bon Appétit!
Ewo Child Sponsorship Drive
Light of Christ will host our annual Ewo Child Sponsorship Drive on two upcoming Sundays, August 24th and 31st, before and after worship.
Pray about sponsoring a child in Haiti for $40 per month, which allows that child to receive a quality education, a hot meal each school day, a school uniform, and excellent teachers who are paid their salaries. Change a child's life for good!
Back To School Bash @ Parkview
This year’s Parkview Cookout is Saturday, August 23rd, and will support Cross Connection’s Back to School Bash at Parkview. Children and their families will gather to celebrate the new school year and receive backpacks and school supplies.
Light of Christ will provide food—catered by our own Tony Sadler and In the Army Que—and volunteers to serve meals and run games for the kids.
Thank you for helping us love our neighbors well!
Sign up for one of two volunteer shifts to help with setup, serving, and cleanup.
We’re also collecting school supplies to support this effort. You can buy directly from their amazon wishlist or from the list below! Donations can be placed in the brown bin in the church lobby by Sunday, August 17th.
List of needed items:
Backpacks | Crayons | Colored pencils | Tissues | Hand sanitizer | Pencils | Pens | Markers | Rulers | Composition books | Spiral notebooks | Folders | Binders | Dividers | Glue sticks
️LOC at CLT Pride Parade
United Methodists of Greater Charlotte Merch
Light of Christ UMC is showing up with love at this year’s Charlotte Pride Parade! Join us as we join other UMCs to celebrate inclusion, justice, and joy. We'll be gathering at First UMC (Uptown) and will hand out ice pops and water bottles.
Want to support the effort? Bring ice pops and water bottles to the church by Sunday, August 10 to help us keep everyone cool and hydrated.
Hurricane Helene Relief Mission Trip - August
Register here by Sunday, August 3rd so we can plan accordingly.
Join us for a Hurricane Helene Relief Mission Trip on August 13 - 16, 2025. We will partner with Boone UMC to do clean-up/rebuilding work in one of 6 surrounding counties. We will travel to Boone on Wednesday, August 13th in the afternoon. (Those who need to work that day can travel in the evening, if preferred.) We will serve on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday and then head home Saturday evening. Those who are physically unable to do relief work are welcome to serve by shopping for groceries and providing meals for the team.
Cost is $50 for a portion of the grocery costs.
Thank you for serving to help Western NC friends recover!
CLT Pride Interfaith Service
Join us for the Charlotte Pride Interfaith Service on Saturday, August 10, from 4 to 5 p.m. This annual gathering brings together LGBTQ+ affirming faith communities for a time of worship, unity, and celebration. All are welcome!
The service will take place at the Unitarian Universalist Community of Charlotte, located at 234 North Sharon Amity Road.
Parkview Serve Day
As our Love Your Neighbor Summer at Parkview comes to a close, we’re inviting you and your family to join us for a day of service on Saturday, August 9th. We’ll be cleaning up the grounds, gardening, and more.
This is a beautiful opportunity to put your faith into action, connect with neighbors, and serve together as a family. All are welcome!
Popsicles on the Playground
You're invited to enjoy popsicles on the playground on August 4th at 3pm! This is a great chance to meet community members, share some laughs, and build meaningful relationships in a fun, relaxed setting. Bring your family or invite a friend for free popsicles, friendly faces, and good conversation!
No registration required!
Primetime Summer Gathering
You’re invited to a Primetime Summer Cookout hosted by John & JoAnn McMillan! This will be a great afternoon of good food and even better company. Feel free to bring a side or dessert to share - but don’t worry if you can’t, there’ll be plenty to go around. We hope to see you there!
Once you register, we’ll send you the McMillans’ address along with all the details.
Top 10 Events of the Bible
Join Pastor Marianne & Lisa Ballard for a study on the Top 10 Events of the Bible!
VBS - Just Like Me
This year's VBS is designed to help kids celebrate their own identities as a beloved creation of God—just as they are. Over the course of the week, campers will be introduced to cast of neighborhood Gardeners who will help them explore Biblical
stories of people who were able to change things for the better. Students will practice sharing what they have, finding their community, and using their voice for others!
Children ages four through rising fifth graders are invited to register. Attendees must be potty trained.
VBS will take place from July 14th through the 18th 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.
Contact Tracy Vassil with any questions.
Popsicles on the Playground
You're invited to enjoy popsicles on the playground on July 7th at 3pm! This is a great chance to meet community members, share some laughs, and build meaningful relationships in a fun, relaxed setting. Bring your family or invite a friend for free popsicles, friendly faces, and good conversation!
No registration required!