What Started As A UNCC Ministry Is Now One of The Fastest Growing Churches in Charlotte

Steve
-
0
What Started As A UNCC Ministry Is Now One of The Fastest Growing Churches in Charlotte
via Michael Paulino-Alban

What started as a small bible study on the campus of UNC Charlotte has now evolved into one of the fastest growing churches in Charlotte.

In the winter of 2010, 23-year-old Tyson Coughlin met with about 20 students at UNCC to worship together and talk about Jesus. The next week a few more students showed up, and within a couple of months, C4 was born.

Within a year’s time, C4 grew into the largest ministry on campus, entirely led and run by a team of students and adults in their mid- to late 20s. As students whose lives were changed through C4 began to graduate, however, demand grew for a more expansive ministry that would include all ages and walks of life.

Less than 2 years after the birth of C4, Coughlin and few former UNCC students took a massive step of faith and launched Vizion Church in the heart of Uptown Charlotte – in the heart of a bible-belt city once nicknamed “The City of Churches”.

The step paid off – big time.

via Meghan Paulino-Alban

During a time when many churches saw declining numbers and even shutting doors, Vizion Church emerged as one of the fastest growing churches in our city. Coughlin attributed the growth to focusing more on building community than on counting numbers.

“No matter how many people we reach, I always want the church to have a family feel – where people aren’t anonymous – they belong and they are more than a number,” he said, adding that, “I believe as church leaders we shouldn’t make growth our only priority; if we do – we fall victim to pleasing people, and trying to appeal to society rather than to God and His word.”

They now hold 2 services every Sunday morning and were just recognized last week as one of the fastest growing churches in the state;

After renting Uptown Charlotte’s Metro School every Sunday for the past 7 years, Vizion Church is now planning to establish a permanent home with even more space to grow.

Last year, they purchased an old church building at 1134 West Boulevard. Coughlin said they will be renovating the building from top to bottom, doing their best to preserve and highlight as many of the historical aspects of the building as possible.

Renovations are expected to be completed by the end of 2020.

The Church currently meets at 405 S Davidson St. You can find out more info on their website here.

Best Places to Live in Charlotte If You’re a College Student

Rose Blue
-
0
Best Places to Live in Charlotte If You’re a College Student

Are you a student and looking for the best place to live in Charlotte? If yes, then we have useful information to explore. According to research, 109 folks move to Queen City each day. They need proper info about all neighborhoods so that they can make the correct decision to choose the right place of residence. Moving to Charlotte NC can be a fun experience for students because the city has so many exciting things to offer. The first and foremost thing for a newcomer is to select an ideal place to live. Here we are going to let you know about the best neighborhoods that can help students make the most of this educational city.

University City

This Charlotte neighborhood is located next to the University of North Carolina campus. Situated in the northeast of Charlotte, the University City is surrounded by Concord in the northeast and Harrisburg in the east. Students can have easy access to Charlotte Motor Speedway on the outskirts. The place is best known for being the home to University Research Park. This is one of the largest research parks built in the state of North Carolina. The total population of the University City is 160,000 including Concord and Harrisburg. It is an ideal place for students studying at the University of North Carolina campus.

Uptown

Where to live in Charlotte for the ultimate fun? Uptown is the most happening place in the Queen City. It is home to companies like Duke Energy, Bank of America, and the East Coast Headquarter of Wells Fargo. This particular neighborhood offers a diversified range of hotels, restaurants, theaters, retail stores, residential places, and museums. Students coming from other areas will not have to look for amenities. Furthermore, it is a wonderful place for students who want to work in order to support their studies. Around 115,000 people are working in different companies located in Uptown. It is believed to be the historic core and the heart of the city. Uptown is segregated into four different wards.

Dilworth

Situated in Mecklenburg County, Dilworth is one of the perfect neighborhoods of Charlotte. It is a calm place for students who want to focus on their studies without so many interruptions and distracting noise. Streets of the neighborhood are adorned with mature oak trees, beautiful parks, sidewalks, and charming bungalows. You can find a lot of offices, coffee shops, restaurants, and retail stores on East Boulevard. The Carolina Medical Center, Charlotte’s biggest hospital, is situated in Dilworth. 

Myers Park

Myers Park is a historic neighborhood filled with scenic places and tall trees. It is considered as one of the most prosperous and reputable areas of Charlotte city. Neighboring areas include Sedgefield, South Park, Eastover, Dilworth, and Foxcroft. It is the most tranquil place for students to focus on their research work and educational material. Those who want to write a research paper in a distraction-free environment can find Myers Park an ideal place to live. Even if you are running short of time, you can ask professionals to “write my research paper cheap“ at an affordable price. Many students living in Charlotte get expert educational assistance from a reliable online platform while preserving their confidentiality.

Commonwealth

Another ideal neighborhood which is full of captivating cottages and bungalows. Commonwealth is considered to be one of the best places to live in charlotte. It received a great livability score due to high graduation rates and other standards of living. Students can easily find a suitable apartment or home at an affordable price. The area is filled with people of all ages. You can find all the facilities nearby with extreme convenience.

Foxcroft

This is one of the most picturesque neighborhoods of Charlotte. It is an ideal place for students looking to live in a scenic environment. Foxcroft has a good number of schools and educational institutions. Many students prefer living here to make the most of their study era. The neighborhood offers all modern facilities to its residents including, parks, medical centers, shopping areas, restaurants, and coffee shops. Students can easily get an affordable apartment to live and continue their studies in a peaceful environment.

Conclusion

Charlotte, also known as the Queen City, has endearing qualities to attract students from all over the world. Undoubtedly, it is one of the best educational destinations in the United States. You will get plenty of private and public education options here. That’s the reason why hundreds and thousands of students make their way to live and study in Charlotte. You can easily find suitable apartments to reside and pursue your educational career. 

Bio – Sandra is a writer and a resident of Charlotte. Her goal is to provide helpful guides to students coming to stay and study in her hometown. She has complete knowledge of Charlotte neighborhoods and educational institutions in the city.

Plan Your Winter Europe Trip With Omio

Stella Sutkiewicz
-
0
Plan Your Winter Europe Trip With Omio

By now, Charlotte residents know that things can get pretty darn chilly in winter. January is no fun at all and when the freeze arrives, it’s understandable that the only thing anyone feels like doing is cozying up under a blanket and not coming out until April. Of course, that’s one option, but another is to plan a winter getaway to Europe at this time of year. Why? There are fun snow activities, far less tourists, better prices, and a real, palpable Christmas spirit in the air from November to early December. There’s even a bit of sun if you’re lucky!

All throughout Europe, you can find big, bustling metropolises, quaint little towns, and a vast and regular train network across the continent. Of course, there are plenty of European flights options listed by Omio to check out, too. This means that you can get an affordable winter vacation with the same great sights as summer, but with shorter lines. Sounds pretty great, right?

Rovaniemi – Finland

Ever wanted to know what Santa Claus is up to when he’s not delivering presents? He’s hanging out in Rovaniemi. To experience the most authentic Christmas, full of pure, white snow, reindeer transportation, and beautifully lit fir trees, a trip to the north of Finland is a must.

Be warned, this winter wonderland does get very cold, with temperatures of around 15 °F being fairly common, even during the daytime. You’ll probably forget about the cold when visiting Santa at his Arctic Circle grotto, however, or when taking advantage of the ice fishing, snowmobile trips, husky rides, and the chance to see the Northern Lights.

German and Austrian Christmas markets

There are Christmas markets in Europe, and then there are Christmas markets in Germany and Austria. These guys know how to make an awe-inspiring and romantic pop-up market. These can be found in major cities and small villages across both countries, and you’ll definitely find numerous markets to visit in the bigger spots like Berlin, Munich, and Vienna.

Although it’ll be cold, the best time to go is at night, when you can see all the lights twinkle and get the chance to warm up with a glühwein (mulled wine) and bratwurst, and top it off with delicious gingerbread. There are many stalls that sell fun Christmassy items, and sometimes games and live entertainment to keep everyone in a great mood. Go in December (before the 25th) to get the most out of these fantastic Christmas markets.

Amsterdam – Holland

Amsterdam, with all its beautiful canals, cozy coffee shops, and old, cobbled streets, looks like something directly out of a fairy tale (especially if the snow is beginning to fall). It’ll never feel dark and depressing in Amsterdam, as the city’s Light Festival runs from November to January, meaning basically everywhere you go is lit up with warm, stunning lights. The city also has its fair share of winter markets, and you can even go ice-skating on the canals if they are frozen!

Zermatt – Switzerland

If you came to Europe in winter for thrills and spills, then you’re sure to find them in Zermatt. This is where to go for winter sports, as Zermatt has arguably some of the best ski slopes in the world. If that wasn’t enough, you have the view of the epic mountain peak, Matterhorn, which is part of the Alps. You’ll also have world-class restaurants, warm cabins, and great walking trails if you’re not in the mood to ski or snowboard down a mountain.

How To Care for Hand Tools

Pam Jack
-
0
How To Care for Hand Tools

Professionals neglect to maintain their hand tools, too, but these tools are expensive, and they are your babies. If you take care of them now, they will stay by your side in the long run.

Clean your hand tools after every project for better performance and lifespan. If you want to clean your hand tools professionally, buy a gun cleaning kit. You will find the tools necessary to clean pretty much any hand tool you have.

You might have a lot of tools on your hands. Some of the most common tools are ratchets, wrenches, screwdrivers, and so on. Also, you might have power tools such as tile saws, drills, and chainsaws.

For proper maintenance, you need to store your tools correctly. Next, comes cleaning them properly. After that comes sharpening. Then you need to lubricate the tools in the right places. Finally, don’t forget about regular inspection, and always follow the manual.

You can check online to get a better idea on how to sharpen a chainsaw blade. Here’s another in-depth guide on how to sharpen a chainsaw.

Storing Hand Tools

Storing tools the right way is very important. Each tool that you buy comes in its own case. Don’t discard the cases. Rather, use them to store your tools. They might look bulky but having them will preserve the quality of your tools. Socket organizers, for example, helps not only to organize your socket set but also to avoid misplacing the other parts

Some tools come in boxes. If that is the case, don’t just dump all your tools into one toolbox. 

You should store all your tools in a dry place. Do not expose your tools to rain. When the weather takes a bad turn, it’s time to gather your tools and move them inside your comfy home corner. Furthermore, don’t leave your tools laying on the ground; it’s risky and no good will come from it.

Don’t just store your tools, either. Rather, organize your tools. This will increase work efficiency, and your tools will be in better shape from the extra attention.

Some of your hand tools might be quite large. For example, a chainsaw needs a decent amount of space to store. You can do two things with a chainsaw.

First, you can hang it from a hook, but hanging it can be risky. So, the best way to store it would be in a big chest. 

Cleaning Your Tools

You can clean your hand tools with soap and water. After you have cleaned them, use a dry rag to get all your tools dry.

If you want to do a better job then what you can do with soapy water, use chrome polish. Just apply a thin layer of chrome polish on your tools. Next, take a dry rag and wipe off all the filth. It will come off easily. 

After cleaning the metal part of your tool, clean the handles. The best idea is to get a piece of cloth and soak it in linseed oil. Now, coat all the wooden handles and let them rest. This will keep your handles in good shape and gives it a nice shine.

When it comes to power tools, cleaning is not enough. You will have to use oil certain parts, too. And if you don’t, then you will have malfunctions. So take your time and oil the parts that need it. However, remember to follow the manual while oiling.

Cleaning is probably the most important part of maintaining your hand tools. Clean your tools every time you end a project. And other than that, clean your tools every month.

Sharpening

You can sharpen your tools using sandpaper, water stones, or diamonds. The easiest and cheapest way is to go with sandpaper.

The problem is that it has no structure to it so it bounces off. You need a flat surface to use it on. Put a piece of wood or glass under the sandpaper, then sharpen your tools on the sandpaper.

The sandpaper runs out fast and eventually becomes more expensive than the other options. The water stone is a bit more expensive than sandpaper, but it lasts longer. You have to wet the stone and then sharpen your tools on it.

The best system of sharpening, in the long run, is diamonds. If you are getting into diamonds, don’t get the cheap ones. If you do, then it will rust and corrode. The diamond comes off, and it soon becomes useless.

Get an expensive diamond plate. It will last in the long run and will always stay flat. They work fantastically. 

Lubrication

Lubrication is important when it comes to hand tools. It makes the tools easy to use and lasts longer.

Tools with rubbing parts wear out quickly. You need to maintain them with good machine oil. Make sure that you get all the moving parts.

Power tools have many stops that need lubrication. Always follow the manual while lubricating, and don’t forget to do it regularly. 

Inspecting Hand Tools

Inspect your hand tools regularly even if you are not working with them for a long time. You should check for splintering and cracks on handles and early rusting on your tools.

Splintering and Cracks on the Handle

If you have splintering and cracks on your wooden handles, sand them down. Next, apply some linseed oil on the smooth surface. However, if the cracks are too big, it’s time to replace them. An accident over a broken handle is not worth it.

Rust

Your metal tools are prone to rust and need proper maintenance. Make sure that you oil your tools regularly. Other than that, use silica gel packs. They are moisture absorbers and prevent rusting.

Stick To The Manual

Every tool comes with a manual. Make sure that you follow each manual when it comes to storage, cleaning, and maintenance. This is very important for both regular hand tools and power tools. If you don’t have your own tools and equipment, you can check here for tool rental.

Consult the manual regularly, and don’t be shy to underline and use color labels to mark important information.

Conclusion

For proper care of hand tools, store your tools right and clean them regularly. Also, sharpen your tools when they get dull. 

Furthermore, you need to lubricate your tools and inspect them on a routine basis. Finally, you must follow the manual at all times.

Take care of your tools, and they will have a long life span. Also, there will be a lower possibility of malfunction and accidents.

5 Tips on How to Apply for the Best Colleges in North Carolina

Roberto Boreham
-
0
5 Tips on How to Apply for the Best Colleges in North Carolina

Choosing the right college is about analysis and some magic. Of course, you want to pick an institution that provides you with opportunities you are looking for, so you need to do a research first. However, there is a slight touch of mystery here as well – sometimes, you have no idea why this or that college makes you excited. You just visit someplace only to fall in love with it. Similarly, days of research can convince you that this or that college is a rational choice, but you don’t like it without any reasons that can be articulated. The feeling you get from the campus, and the college as a whole makes a huge sense.

Colleges in North Carolina offer more than education and atmosphere. Incredible beaches and breathtaking mountains make NC an ideal place to study. There are 17 state institutions there as well as endless independent colleges. How to choose the one that will give you that amazing feeling of being where you belong? And how to become its student? Let’s discuss this.

Tip #1: Get ready for competition and prepare your application documents early

The colleges of North Carolina offer fantastic opportunities for both US and international students. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Duke University have a pretty low acceptance rate – about 20%. 

In general, students in North Carolina apply Early Action by the 15th of October and Regular Decision by the 15th of January. The application process here is pretty standard, and you can get all the key information from the web resources provided by particular colleges you are heading to. Here are the documents you will need no matter which college you choose:

  • Your SAT and/or ACT scores
  • The short application letter or response paper
  • Recommendations from your educators  
  • High school transcriptions
  • Secondary school statement 
  • Application fee
  • IELTS or TOEFL scores if you are an international student

If you are from North Carolina, then you have more chances to get a place. North Carolina colleges give preference for local students (41% in-state students compared to 13% of our-of-state ones).

Tip #2: Find someone who has been through this before

 It’s crucial to surround yourself with people who have already been through the application process before. Find students of the colleges you consider as options and ask for some advice. Interview them about things that interest you the most – from campus housing to clubs. If you have problems with the application process, find a counselor or mentor to ask for guidance. It’s easy to get cheap service by Australian writers to receive professional assistance with your application letter writing. Near-peer helpers who have successfully gained admission can prepare you for the issues you haven’t been aware of. At the same time, skilled academicians will help you set yourself apart from the crowd.  

Image source: collegechoice.net

Tip#3: Your scores matter

Yes, we all know that your grades are not even half of your application, but in reality, they do matter. Relax, your C for Chemistry won’t be determinative, but this doesn’t mean that your previous success doesn’t matter at all. Choosing a college, you need to know the requirements related to scores and particular subjects. Make sure that you meet them – there is no sense in applying if your grades don’t fit this or that college.

If you want to get a place in a top college of North Carolina, be ready that you will compete for it with the best high-achievers. For example, when it comes to Chapel Hill University and colleges of the same level, about 80% of admitted students were in the top of 10% of their high school class. Your SAT scores should be about 1280-1470, and ACT scores should reach 29-33. 

Tip #4: Your extracurricular activities matter as well

Well, not the kinds of those activities, but actually your stance on them. The admission committee cares about your passion and success more than your particular interests. When writing an application letter, pay attention to this point. This means that you are welcome to tell about your initiatives, like starting a club or organization, taking a leadership position at school, or having awards for your successes. If you do have an experience of that kind, make sure to inform the admission committee about the reasons why these activities were important to you and how you pursued your ideals and values when following them.

Both top and cheapest colleges in NC are looking for candidates who will bring vivid presence to their campuses. That is why they are focused on your past experiences, unique qualities, and involvement. When writing an application letter, talk about extracurricular activities, you would like to continue pursuing. 

Tip #5: Reveal your personality

As we have already mentioned, colleges are interested in you as an individual, not just your grades. That is why, when writing a letter, make sure to show it. NC colleges are looking for learners that have talents and knowledge as well as inspiration to look for solutions to current global issues. When writing a letter, make sure to demonstrate the strong sides of your personality and values. Choose the college that coincides with your world view – this will not only increase your chances to enroll but also reassure that you are following the right direction in life.

Conclusion

North Carolina offers perfect conditions when it comes to education. What is more, the local atmosphere is truly amazing – calming nature, mountains, and sea make this state a desirable place to live. Students from all corners of the US and entire world apply for colleges of NC, so the level of competition here is striking. However, there is nothing impossible! A well-done application letter, a full pack of documents, high scores, and strong aspiration can do wonders. Make sure to prepare your application package beforehand, find someone to consult with, approach the response essay smartly, and your chances to enroll will grow. Choose the best college for yourself, get prepared, and good luck with your application!

Severe Thunderstorms Bringing Possible Hail and Tornadoes To The Charlotte Region Tonight

Charlotte Stories
-
0
Severe Thunderstorms Bringing Possible Hail and Tornadoes To The Charlotte Region Tonight

A line of severe weather is about to blow through the Charlotte region tonight, bringing with it flash flooding and damaging thunderstorms with possible hail and tornadoes.

The storm has already produced dozens of tornadoes across the south, killed 3 people in Louisiana, and flipped over numerous tractor-trailers in Arkansas, according to The Weather Channel.

Charlotte will see the worst of things this evening from about 10pm tonight into early Sunday morning.

The National Weather Service sent out the following warning about tonight’s storm around the Charlotte region;

A line of heavy rain showers with embedded thunderstorms is expected
to cross the area tonight along a cold front. Very gusty winds are
expected to accompany the line of showers and storms, with isolated
damaging winds possible. A brief tornado also cannot be ruled out.
Occasional cloud to ground lightning and very heavy rainfall can
occur with any storm.

New North Carolina Water Tower Going Viral Due To Its Unusual Shape

Steve
-
0
New North Carolina Water Tower Going Viral Due To Its Unusual Shape

One North Carolina water tower is now going viral due to what many people are saying it looks like.

In the heart of North Carolina’s Outer Banks, the town of Kill Devil Hills is currently constructing a massive new $2.8 million, 160 foot tall water tower with in a very peculiar shape.

The Kitty Hawk Facebook page first noticed the uncanny resemblance to a bong, snapped a picture when the crane swung into just the right position, and posted it to their social channels.

“Breaking news: Kill Devil Hills builds the world’s biggest bong,” wrote the Kitty Hawk Watersports Facebook page.

The post is now going viral with over 3,700 shares and over 200 comments;


The current shape, however, is not permanent. According to city planners at Kill Devil Hills, the water tower’s storage tank will eventually be hoisted up to the top of the tower and the crane will be removed once the structure is completely sealed and painted.

This SouthPark Eatery Ranked Among The 20 Best New Restaurants in America

Charlotte Stories
-
0
This SouthPark Eatery Ranked Among The 20 Best New Restaurants in America

One of Charlotte’s newest restaurants has been ranked one of the best in America according to online restaurant-reservation service company OpenTable.

The company just released their list of the “20 Best New Restaurants in America” and SouthPark’s Peppervine was ranked among the top.

Peppervine’s website notes that, “Executive Chef Bill Greene and his team offer a menu of progressive locally sourced small plates, as well as extended tasting menus. In addition to a worldly and inspired wine list, Peppervine offers craft cocktails and non-alcoholic pairings.”

The list was compiled by ranking all new restaurants opened in 2019 with a minimum number of reviews according to their overall rating.

OpenTable included the following review on Peppervine on their Top 20 New Restaurants of 2019 article;

“We decided to have a special dinner to celebrate the New Year. The meal was outstanding. The best I have had in Charlotte. The chef did a special menu for the night. It is the prettiest restaurant in Charlotte. Our waiter was also excellent.”

Charlotte’s Peppervine was one of 3 restaurants in the Southeast that made the list, which also included The Select in Atlanta and Hendrix in Columbia.

Have you ever been to Peppervine? What do you think of the new eatery?

LeBron James’ Pizza Chain Opening A New Location in Gastonia

Charlotte Stories
-
0
LeBron James’ Pizza Chain Opening A New Location in Gastonia

One of the fastest growing pizza chains in America, partially owned by LeBron James, is about to open a new restaurant in Gastonia.

Blaze Pizza just announced plans to open their latest location just west of Charlotte at 401 Cox Road in Gastonia. It will join 3 other locations currently located around the Charlotte area, including 1 on Christenbury Parkway in Concord, and 2 in Charlotte off J.M. Keynes Drive and Camden Road.

LeBron James is the official spokesman of Blaze, owns 2 Blaze franchises in Miami and Chicago, and controls 10% of the entire company as an equity partner.

This past Summer, LeBron was the center piece of a huge new viral marketing campaign where promoted the pizza to people on the street dressed up like an ‘undercover pizza employee’ named ‘Ron’.

Have you ever been to Blaze Pizza? What do you think of it?

‘The Wizarding World’ Returning to Discovery Place’s Science on the Rocks

Charlotte Stories
-
0
‘The Wizarding World’ Returning to Discovery Place’s Science on the Rocks

Muggles and wizards alike are invited to experience an adults-only evening at the Museum featuring spells, charms and mystical activities bound to enchant and delight.

Pick up your broomstick and ready your robe — the time has come to showcase your witchcraft and wizardry skills. This month, guests will concoct powerful potions in an Advanced Potion-Making class, craft a personalized wand from Ollivander’s, compete in a costume contest by wearing your house colors or dressing up as a favorite mystical creature and more.

Send a message through owl post to share the news, gather family and friends to enter The Wizarding World.

The event takes place Friday, January 17, from 5-9 p.m. at Discovery Place Science. Tickets are $12 in advance and $14 at the door. Guests must be 21 or older.

For an additional $5, experience Superpower Dogs in the IMAX® Dome Theatre, the largest IMAX screen in the Carolinas. With a three-story tall dome-shaped screen, 12,000 watts of surround-sound and a projection lamp that can be seen from space, IMAX® Dome Theatre delivers the world’s most immersive movie experience.

Keep up with the monthly Science on the Rocks themes and activities here.

1...925926927...1,317Page 926 of 1,317