Sep
22
In Person
Finding God at the Movies: Christians in War
10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. EDT

Finding God at the Movies: Christians in War

Whether we watch them on the big screen or on small handheld devices, film plays a major role in the formation of our ideas and values. American adults spend nearly 5 hours a day streaming shows and movies online (not including social media exposure). By contrast, they spend less than 4 minutes each day in religious activities (and for millions, that number is zero). Not surprisingly, people's religious views depend heavily on media exposure. Many may know biblical characters and events more from TV and films, such as "The Ten Commandments" or "The Passion of the Christ" than from the preaching they hear or the Bible stories they read. And more recently, "The Chosen" has had a major impact on the way many people think about Jesus and the disciples. Other Christian films have spoken to issues of the day, including abortion, marriage and divorce, and human trafficking. In this 4-week, in-person class, we will focus on films exploring the challenge of living faithfully during a time of war. We will consider how war affects families ("Shenandoah"), personal convictions ("Sergeant York" and "Hacksaw Ridge"), and worship ("Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Agent of Grace"). As we watch clips from these films, we will encounter questions that run to the heart of Christianity. How do we protect our children from the consequences of war? Does the state have the right to conscript those whose moral principles forbid the use of violence? How should one resist an evil regime that supports genocide (e.g., the Holocaust)? The conflicts depicted in these movies range from the American Civil War to the World Wars of the 20th century.

Sep
24
In Person
Live Streamed
The Writings (Big Picture Bible Study) (In Person)
9:30 - 11 a.m. EDT

The Writings (Big Picture Bible Study) (In Person)

In The Writings, we’re going to backtrack a bit in our chronological study of the Bible to tackle some poetic books and wisdom writings; specifically, we'll read the books of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and the Song of Songs. We'll dive into the historical and cultural contexts of these books to learn how to properly interpret wisdom literature and how to apply wisdom to our own lives. This class is offered at two separate times: Mondays at 7 p.m. beginning August 24 (no class 9/7) (online) Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. beginning August 27 (in person and livestreamed) *Participants can also opt to receive the class recordings rather than attend the live classes. NOTE: The Big Picture Bible Study is an in-depth, chronological study of the whole Bible. In its entirety, it comprises 10 separate studies spread out over a two-year time frame. "The Writings" is the sixth study in the series, but new students will get caught up in the first week.

Sep
24
Online
Baby Steps: Beginning the Parenting Journey Well
8 - 9 p.m. EDT

Baby Steps: Beginning the Parenting Journey Well

Baby Steps: Beginning the Parenting Journey Well (for parents of newborns to 18-month-olds): Congratulations on entering the wonderful adventure of parenthood! So, what exactly did you get yourself into? More importantly, what kind of parent does God want you to be? In this class, we focus on you as the parent – celebrating your call to be a mother or father and helping you to understand the spiritual impact that you will have on your child. And as your church, we’ll walk you through all the ways in which we aim to support you as you seek to raise your child in a Christ-centered home. Together, we will help you dream big for your child and learn how to make those dreams a reality. *This class is designed for parents of newborns to 18-month-olds. It's also a required class for any parent who plans to participate in the Baby Dedication ceremony.NOTE: Class recordings will not be available for this class.

Sep
26
In Person
Fatherhood Initiative
8:30 - 10 a.m. EDT

Fatherhood Initiative

Fatherhood can feel daunting at any and every stage. When we combine this with the fact that many men weren't fathered well themselves, and conflicting messages from culture about what it means to 'be a man' in our modern era - it can feel impossible to do it all well. Fatherhood Initiative is a program designed by Meck Pastor Chad Macy to lead fathers through formative conversations and habits that guide them towards an understanding of the critical role they play in their family and community. In collaborative groups with other fathers, participants will build relationships through bi-monthly meetings (one in person), grow in their faith through the development of formative habits, and step into an active role in their family and community. This program runs August-November and is for fathers at any and all stages of parenting. Program Dates: August 29 September 26 October 24 November 21

Sep
28
Online
The Writings (Big Picture Bible Study) (Online)
7 - 8:30 p.m. EDT

The Writings (Big Picture Bible Study) (Online)

In The Writings, we’re going to backtrack a bit in our chronological study of the Bible to tackle some poetic books and wisdom writings; specifically, we'll read the books of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and the Song of Songs. We'll dive into the historical and cultural contexts of these books to learn how to properly interpret wisdom literature and how to apply wisdom to our own lives. This class is offered at two separate times: Mondays at 7 p.m. beginning August 24 (online) (no class 9/7) Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. beginning August 27 (in person and livestreamed) *Participants can also opt to receive the class recordings rather than attend the live classes. NOTE: The Big Picture Bible Study is an in-depth, chronological study of the whole Bible. In its entirety, it comprises 10 separate studies spread out over a two-year time frame. "The Writings" is the sixth study in the series, but new students will get caught up in the first week.

Sep
29
In Person
Finding God at the Movies: Christians in War
10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. EDT

Finding God at the Movies: Christians in War

Whether we watch them on the big screen or on small handheld devices, film plays a major role in the formation of our ideas and values. American adults spend nearly 5 hours a day streaming shows and movies online (not including social media exposure). By contrast, they spend less than 4 minutes each day in religious activities (and for millions, that number is zero). Not surprisingly, people's religious views depend heavily on media exposure. Many may know biblical characters and events more from TV and films, such as "The Ten Commandments" or "The Passion of the Christ" than from the preaching they hear or the Bible stories they read. And more recently, "The Chosen" has had a major impact on the way many people think about Jesus and the disciples. Other Christian films have spoken to issues of the day, including abortion, marriage and divorce, and human trafficking. In this 4-week, in-person class, we will focus on films exploring the challenge of living faithfully during a time of war. We will consider how war affects families ("Shenandoah"), personal convictions ("Sergeant York" and "Hacksaw Ridge"), and worship ("Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Agent of Grace"). As we watch clips from these films, we will encounter questions that run to the heart of Christianity. How do we protect our children from the consequences of war? Does the state have the right to conscript those whose moral principles forbid the use of violence? How should one resist an evil regime that supports genocide (e.g., the Holocaust)? The conflicts depicted in these movies range from the American Civil War to the World Wars of the 20th century.

Oct
01
In Person
Live Streamed
The Writings (Big Picture Bible Study) (In Person)
9:30 - 11 a.m. EDT

The Writings (Big Picture Bible Study) (In Person)

In The Writings, we’re going to backtrack a bit in our chronological study of the Bible to tackle some poetic books and wisdom writings; specifically, we'll read the books of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and the Song of Songs. We'll dive into the historical and cultural contexts of these books to learn how to properly interpret wisdom literature and how to apply wisdom to our own lives. This class is offered at two separate times: Mondays at 7 p.m. beginning August 24 (no class 9/7) (online) Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. beginning August 27 (in person and livestreamed) *Participants can also opt to receive the class recordings rather than attend the live classes. NOTE: The Big Picture Bible Study is an in-depth, chronological study of the whole Bible. In its entirety, it comprises 10 separate studies spread out over a two-year time frame. "The Writings" is the sixth study in the series, but new students will get caught up in the first week.

Oct
04
In Person
Sanctuary: The Need for Companionship
9:30 - 10:45 a.m. EDT

Sanctuary: The Need for Companionship

The topic of mental health has increasingly become an important part of the cultural conversation in recent decades – and rightly so! But does the Bible have anything to say to those struggling with their mental health? Does it give any guidance to those trying to support a loved one who’s struggling? What about just general guidance for paying attention to our own mental health? How should the Church be creating space for open and compassionate conversations surrounding mental health? In this series of classes, we’ll explore all of those questions and more.  October 4: The Need for Companionship October 25: Caregiving November 15: Self-Care Note: While students are encouraged to attend all 3 sessions, you can instead opt to attend only some of them. These sessions will not be recorded.

Oct
05
Online
The Writings (Big Picture Bible Study) (Online)
7 - 8:30 p.m. EDT

The Writings (Big Picture Bible Study) (Online)

In The Writings, we’re going to backtrack a bit in our chronological study of the Bible to tackle some poetic books and wisdom writings; specifically, we'll read the books of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and the Song of Songs. We'll dive into the historical and cultural contexts of these books to learn how to properly interpret wisdom literature and how to apply wisdom to our own lives. This class is offered at two separate times: Mondays at 7 p.m. beginning August 24 (online) (no class 9/7) Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. beginning August 27 (in person and livestreamed) *Participants can also opt to receive the class recordings rather than attend the live classes. NOTE: The Big Picture Bible Study is an in-depth, chronological study of the whole Bible. In its entirety, it comprises 10 separate studies spread out over a two-year time frame. "The Writings" is the sixth study in the series, but new students will get caught up in the first week.

Oct
06
In Person
Finding God at the Movies: Christians in War
10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. EDT

Finding God at the Movies: Christians in War

Whether we watch them on the big screen or on small handheld devices, film plays a major role in the formation of our ideas and values. American adults spend nearly 5 hours a day streaming shows and movies online (not including social media exposure). By contrast, they spend less than 4 minutes each day in religious activities (and for millions, that number is zero). Not surprisingly, people's religious views depend heavily on media exposure. Many may know biblical characters and events more from TV and films, such as "The Ten Commandments" or "The Passion of the Christ" than from the preaching they hear or the Bible stories they read. And more recently, "The Chosen" has had a major impact on the way many people think about Jesus and the disciples. Other Christian films have spoken to issues of the day, including abortion, marriage and divorce, and human trafficking. In this 4-week, in-person class, we will focus on films exploring the challenge of living faithfully during a time of war. We will consider how war affects families ("Shenandoah"), personal convictions ("Sergeant York" and "Hacksaw Ridge"), and worship ("Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Agent of Grace"). As we watch clips from these films, we will encounter questions that run to the heart of Christianity. How do we protect our children from the consequences of war? Does the state have the right to conscript those whose moral principles forbid the use of violence? How should one resist an evil regime that supports genocide (e.g., the Holocaust)? The conflicts depicted in these movies range from the American Civil War to the World Wars of the 20th century.

Oct
06
Online
Brothers & Sisters: Building Christian Community (Online)
7 - 8:30 p.m. EDT

Brothers & Sisters: Building Christian Community (Online)

The apostle Paul wrote many of the letters found in the New Testament of the Bible; he is respected and lauded as one of the most important leaders of the early Church as he spread the message of Jesus from Asia to Rome. We can see many themes in his teaching, but one theme that spans all of his letters is the idea of the Church as a family. We referred to other disciples of Jesus as “brothers and sisters” more than 130 times in the New Testament, alerting us to the importance of familial love, respect, and care being lived out in the Church. In the 5th installment of “The Well-Ordered Life” Study, we will examine what Christian community truly entails. Specifically, we’ll talk about how we might live as a community beyond Sundays, and with people dissimilar from ourselves. We’ll dive into some of the ways we can care for others as a reflection of the community that exists within the Triune God we aim to serve. Only then can we truly carry out God’s vision of the Church as a family. This class is offered at two separate times: Tuesdays (Online): October 6 - 27 (7 - 8:30 p.m.) Thursdays (In Person): October 8 - 29 (9:30 - 11 a.m.)

Oct
08
In Person
Brothers & Sisters: Building Christian Community (In Person)
9:30 - 11 a.m. EDT

Brothers & Sisters: Building Christian Community (In Person)

The apostle Paul wrote many of the letters found in the New Testament of the Bible; he is respected and lauded as one of the most important leaders of the early Church as he spread the message of Jesus from Asia to Rome. We can see many themes in his teaching, but one theme that spans all of his letters is the idea of the Church as a family. We referred to other disciples of Jesus as “brothers and sisters” more than 130 times in the New Testament, alerting us to the importance of familial love, respect, and care being lived out in the Church. In the 5th installment of “The Well-Ordered Life” Study, we will examine what Christian community truly entails. Specifically, we’ll talk about how we might live as a community beyond Sundays, and with people dissimilar from ourselves. We’ll dive into some of the ways we can care for others as a reflection of the community that exists within the Triune God we aim to serve. Only then can we truly carry out God’s vision of the Church as a family. This class is offered at two separate times: Tuesdays (Online): October 6 - 27 (7 - 8:30 p.m.) Thursdays (In Person): October 8 - 29 (9:30 - 11 a.m.)

Next Class In
July 13, 2026
10:00 a.m. ET - 12:00 p.m. ET
Meck Institute for Kids Summer Classes (Week 1)
Mecklenburg Community Church
Meck Institute for Kids Summer Classes (Week 1)

Meck Institute for Kids Summer Classes allow your kids to continuously engage with God over the summer! These classes allow us to dive deep into lessons and truths with your kids that we aren't able to do on the weekends. With classes fit for specific grades and ages, your kids are sure to have a blast while learning about God and being challenged in the most fun ways.

All classes are $15 per child to cover the cost of class materials. 

This year, there will be two identical weeks of classes for each age group. When registering, you can choose one of the weeks of classes and then select which class corresponds to your child's grade. These classes are designed for the grade your child will be in Fall 2026.

MECK INSTITUTE FOR KIDS CLASS DETAILS