Some years are defined by a single milestone. Others are remembered for the many ways a congregation reaches beyond itself. In 2004, Myers Park Baptist Church found itself doing both. From launching new ministries and nurturing spiritual growth, to welcoming internationally known scholars, serving communities near and far, and creating new spaces for reflection and fellowship, the church continued to broaden its understanding of what it meant to be the body of Christ in the world. It was a year marked by movement, imagination, and a deep commitment to living faith beyond the walls of the sanctuary.

A Church Looking Outward While Growing Deeper 
On Founders' Day, January 18, 2004, Myers Park Baptist Church dedicated a new church sign, offering a visible reminder of the congregation's presence and witness in the community. Yet throughout the year, the church's most significant statements were not written in brick and mortar. They were expressed through ministry, education, missions, music, and relationships.

Spiritual formation remained at the heart of congregational life. Dr. H. Stephen Shoemaker celebrated the publication of Finding Jesus in His Prayers, a book dedicated to Myers Park Baptist Church and published by Abingdon Press. Through its exploration of the Lord's Prayer, Gethsemane, the prayers from the cross, and the risen Christ's blessing, the book invited readers to rediscover the transformative power of prayer. Congregation members also had opportunities to participate in a book signing and a seven-week study led by Dr. Shoemaker himself. Church member Sheila Ennis encouraged the congregation to take part in both events, helping introduce the book to the wider church family.

The congregation also welcomed some of the most respected voices in Christian thought. The annual Jesus in the 21st Century Seminar featured Princeton University religion scholar Dr. Elaine Pagels, author of The Gnostic Gospels and Beyond Belief. Earlier in the year, Myers Park Baptist Church partnered with Wake Forest University Divinity School to host the Carlyle Marney Symposium. Featured speakers included Dr. James Forbes, renowned pastor of Riverside Church in New York; author and lecturer James Fowler; and pioneering Baptist minister Nancy Hastings Sehested. Together, these events reflected the congregation's enduring commitment to thoughtful faith, open inquiry, and meaningful dialogue.

The church also welcomed Bill Dols, editor of The Bible Workbench, who led a day-long study session introducing participants to the Workbench method of biblical study. Through speakers, seminars, and educational opportunities, Myers Park Baptist Church continued nurturing a culture of lifelong learning.

Leadership for a New Season 
As one chapter of leadership concluded, another began.

Outgoing Board Chair, Tom Holmes, reflected on a year of growth and vitality, noting that church membership had increased by forty-six people. He celebrated the contributions of the Adult, Youth, and Children's Choirs and expressed gratitude for the ministry of Dr. Shoemaker.

The congregation elected Dr. George Linney as Chair of the Board of Deacons and selected Mollie Brugh as Chair-Elect. Their leadership represented the strong tradition of servant leadership that continued to guide the church into the future.

Caring for One Another 
While Myers Park Baptist Church remained engaged with the wider world, it also strengthened its commitment to caring for one another.

Under the leadership of Gary Hudson, Pastoral Associate, and with the support of Don Bynum and a network of sixty volunteers, the church launched its Congregational Care Ministry. Described by Dr. Shoemaker as a "light touch ministry," the effort was designed to ensure that every church member experienced connection, encouragement, and support throughout the year.

Beginning June 1, volunteers were scheduled to make calls, send messages and cards, remember birthdays and church membership anniversaries, welcome new members, and offer support during significant life events. Gary Hudson would also help identify members who were hospitalized, grieving, living in retirement care settings, or homebound and in need of prayer and encouragement. The program reflected the belief that caring for one another is a shared spiritual responsibility.

The church also continued its participation in Room in the Inn, partnering with the Urban Ministry Center to provide hospitality and shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness during the winter months.

Fellowship remained a cherished part of church life as well. Congregation members gathered for annual lunches, patio breakfasts, family celebrations, and the Thanks-for-Giving Feast. Faithful volunteers such as Cheri Lindblom helped make these celebrations possible, strengthening the bonds of community that defined church life.

The congregation also celebrated the family dedication of Benjamin Trammell Wachholz and Catherine Sims Wachholz, presented by their parents, Mike and Sims Wachholz.

Reaching Beyond Charlotte 
Mission work occupied a central place in the life of the congregation throughout 2004.

Approximately forty members participated in a service and mission trip to Ecuador, supporting efforts in medical care, education, and construction.

The Youth Choir and Motet Choir traveled to New York City, where sixty-two singers performed with the New York City Chamber Orchestra at the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine, offered a noon concert at St. Paul's Chapel near Ground Zero, and worshiped at Riverside Church. The trip also featured Bruce Schoonmaker of Furman University as baritone soloist in Vaughan Williams' Five Mystical Songs.

Middle school students returned to Hurley, Virginia, where they participated in home repairs and relationship-guilding with residents of an economically distressed community. Adult leaders included George Linney III, Amanda Ormsby, Jeff Watson, and Tim Dean.

High school students prepared for a mission experience with migrant farmworkers in eastern North Carolina. Working with the National Farmworker Ministry, the group south to learn about the challenges facing workers who were often underpaid and overworked while offering practical assistance. Leaders included Amanda Ormsby, Sydney Lockaby, Faith Bushnaq, and Tim Dean.

At home, members celebrated the work of the Regional AIDS Interfaith Network (RAIN), led by MPBC member Debbie Warren. In 2004, RAIN received an international Community Peace-Building Award from Search for Common Ground. Presented at the Austrian embassy in Washington, D.C., the award recognized RAIN's its efforts to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and foster understanding across communities. The annual Common Ground Awards honor outstanding achievements in conflict resolution, negotiation, and peacemaking.

This recognition highlighted the importance of faith communities working across traditional boundaries to address public health concerns, reduce stigma, and build understanding. RAIN’s work reflected the church’s broader commitment to putting faith into action through compassion, education, and community engagement. 

Music, Learning, and New Possibilities 
The arts and education flourished in remarkable ways throughout church life.

Members welcomed the Pilsen Philharmonic Orchestra from the Czech Republic during its first tour of the United States. Conducted by Jirí Malát and Paul E. Oakley, the orchestra joined the Chancel Choir for a performance of Dvořák's Te Deum before presenting a concert featuring works by Dvořák and Chopin.

The music ministry also received a remarkable gift when Marsie Foard and her daughters donated a Petrof Concert Grand Piano in memory of DeWitt Foard, a beloved member of the congregation and its music ministry.

God's Garden 
A major transformation was underway in the K–5 Sunday school program with the introduction of the “rotation model” curriculum, known as “God’s Garden.” Classrooms on the second floor of Heaton Hall were being redesigned into five distinct learning environments intended to accommodate different learning and teaching styles.

The initiative invited the entire congregation to participate, regardless of age or whether members had children in Sunday school. Adult classes were encouraged to volunteer for five-week teaching periods during the 2004–2005 year. The innovative educational model was championed by Sharon Doar, Kathy Sawry, Mollie Brugh, Leah Butler, Jinny Sullivan, and many other volunteers. Their work created engaging learning environments that encouraged children to explore faith through creativity, discovery, and hands-on experiences.

The project reflected a shared commitment to helping children and teachers discover new ways to grow in faith.

Vacation Bible School expanded into an intergenerational event under the leadership of Sharon Doar, bringing families together for meals, worship, and activities centered on creation and stewardship.

The church also celebrated the publication of The Devotionals of Tommy Thomason: A Collection of Sunday School Inspirations, preserving the wisdom and spiritual reflections of Tommy Thomason for future generations. The publication was made possible through the efforts of the Fifth Dimension Sunday School Class and supporters including Allene Threlkeld.

Meanwhile, the Youth Department enjoyed a successful Youth Yard Sale, raising nearly $5,000 in support of youth ministry programs.

The Cornwell Center and Sacred Space 
The Cornwell Center continued to grow as a gathering place for both congregation and community. David Pohorence was appointed Interim Director of the Cornwell Center following the departure of Tami Vogel, helping lead one of the church's most innovative ministries into its second year.

A Community Fun Fest and Health Fair launched the Center's second year of operation, while the Double Oaks at Cornwell Summer Camp welcomed children from the Double Oaks community throughout the summer.

Another significant addition arrived in November with the opening of the Sacred Labyrinth, a project highlighted by Sheila Ennis. Located adjacent to the Cornwell Center, the labyrinth offered a place for prayer, meditation, and reflection while connecting modern worshipers with an ancient spiritual practice found across cultures and centuries.

The church also paused to honor longtime staff member Fran Morrison, whose decades of service in the Music Ministry had shaped generations of singers and worshipers. A special luncheon recognized Fran's faithful leadership, mentorship, and ministry. As members reflected on her contributions, they expressed gratitude not only for Fran's service but also for the support of Gary Morrison, Cory Morrison, and Ryan Morrison, who had shared in the life of the congregation through the years.

Through the Lens of Time 
Looking back, 2004 reveals a congregation confidently expanding its reach while deepening its roots. Through the leadership of people such as Dr. H. Stephen Shoemaker, Dr. George Linney, Mollie Brugh, Gary Hudson, Debbie Warren, David Pohorence, Sharon Doar, Sheila Ennis, Cheri Lindblom, Fran Morrison, and countless others, Myers Park Baptist Church continued to invest in spiritual growth, compassionate service, thoughtful dialogue, and meaningful relationships.

The story of 2004 is ultimately the story of a congregation discovering that growth is not measured simply by numbers, buildings, or programs. It is measured by a community's willingness to keep learning, keep serving, and keep following God into new places. Whether commissioning mission teams, honoring faithful servants, nurturing children, welcoming distinguished scholars, or creating sacred spaces for reflection, Myers Park Baptist Church demonstrated a faith both rooted and expansive. Through every conversation, every act of compassion, every song sung, and every journey taken, the church continued becoming the kind of community it was called to be: grounded in love, open to the world, and always moving forward.