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 lea...
Jan 13, 2022•14 min
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.
Dec 02, 2021•17 min
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!
Nov 18, 2021•42 min
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!
Nov 11, 2021•26 min
Amy Jo and Jason sit down with Allen Walworth to learn practical tips for talking about giving for God and out of love as a family. He has a wealth of knowledge (pun intended) to share, as well as practical tips and considerations. We're excited about our plans for the new building and are eager to help the church reach its campaign goal so we can make these dreams a reality. Pray with us and learn more about the joy that can be found in giving to others.
Oct 28, 2021•28 min
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.
Oct 14, 2021•25 min
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.
Oct 07, 2021•17 min
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."
Sep 23, 2021•24 min
Graduated Senior Margaret Barr joins us to share about her faith journey on staff with Mountain TOP after high school.
Sep 16, 2021•27 min
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.
Sep 09, 2021•29 min
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!
Aug 26, 2021•20 min
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!
Aug 13, 2021•40 min
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.
Aug 05, 2021•29 min
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.
Jul 23, 2021•24 min
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 occupational 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 suggests 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...
Jul 08, 2021•37 min
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...
Jun 24, 2021•27 min
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.
Jun 10, 2021•21 min
Several youth parents join our podcast to chat about their time in the Myers Park Youth Group and their children's experience in it today! Laughter, memories, and more. Enjoy!
May 27, 2021•25 min
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.
May 20, 2021•18 min
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.
May 13, 2021•14 min
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!
May 06, 2021•33 min
The youth staff share their favorite moments of youth ministry on this episode of Beyond Baptism. Missed flights, insightful moments from students, and lots of laughter! This episode is full of heart and we are honored to share it with you.
Apr 29, 2021•28 min
Today’s episode is all about Vacation Bible School. Amy Jo Alspaugh is joined by VBS Planning Team Director Jennifer Ross and VBS volunteer Melissa Jesse to share what they love about Vacation Bible School. We’ll answer questions, share memories and get you excited for this summer and our “Discovery on Adventure Island” Staycation Bible School experience. We have so many exciting things planned!
Apr 22, 2021•24 min
This week on Beyond Baptism, we are joined by Confirmation student, Alice Stewart and mentor, Ali Foster. In this episode, we hear from them about how God has continued to show up in our Confirmation ministry this year despite the obstacles we faced. Also, get the latest on how our first in-person day-retreat went!!
Apr 15, 2021•21 min
Today’s episode celebrates the Music Ministry at our church. Amy Jo Alspaugh is joined by Brian Childers, Director of Children’s and Youth Music and Handbells. Brian believes in serving the Lord with joy and gladness and teaches children to do the same as they grow to become active participants in worship. We include a lightning round of questions to help listeners get to know Brian better as well as more serious questions about music and the important role it plays in the lives of children. Joi...
Apr 08, 2021•29 min
In this episode of Beyond Baptism the youth team interviews Molly and Dean to unpack their insights from the Deep Dive Lenten Bible Study. You won’t want to miss this conversation from the next generation of leaders!
Apr 01, 2021•16 min
This episode is about cultivating compassion: modeling a life of service and empathy for our children. Amy Jo Alspaugh is joined by Rev. Nathan Arledge, Pastor of Missions and Community Engagement, who shares the importance of modeling service for our children, or “living out the example.” Nathan believes in making it natural and walking with children, and he shares ideas based on his own experience as a parent of young children. Join us as we learn more about how to cultivate compassion in our ...
Mar 25, 2021•25 min
In this episode of Beyond Baptism, join the Youth Team for an honest conversation that youth and adults, alike struggle with – body image. Special guest Rev. Taylor Pryde-Barefoot shares her story and journey with food, faith and friends. Listen and be reminded that you are beautifully and wonderfully made, created in the image of God.
Mar 18, 2021•24 min
In this episode, join us as we celebrate grandparents and explore the idea of “catching the faith” with guests Dr. James Howell, who shares memories of his own grandparents, and Sarah and Thom Sumner and Sandy and Gerry Hieronymus, who share their hopes and dreams for their grandchildren.
Mar 11, 2021•39 min
This episode of Beyond Baptism is a parent's guide to our church's 'Wonderfully Made' series. Wonderfully Made is where we talk to our middle school youth about sex, their bodies and relationships. We encourage you to learn more about these conversations so that you can have continued dialogue with the middle schooler in your life!
Mar 04, 2021•22 min
