Vol. 79 Issue 37 | Week of September 13-19, 2021 |
|
Are you familiar with Vitamin T? |
|
An Excerpt from Dennis's Message, "Vitamin-T: A World in Need of a Hug," on Sunday, September 12, 2021
Physicians Atul Gawande and Abraham Verghese have recently suggested the importance of Vitamin T – the essential need for human touch.
This past week, as I visited with Don Swofford and Betty Fuller in the hospital, it was important to them and to me that we touched one another. Don gave me a fist bump. Betty held my hand.
Of course, human touch must be expressed responsibly, respectfully, and with accountability. People who have been victimized, abused, or traumatized may be less receptive to touch.
Yet, Vitamin T reduces stress and contributes to neuro-plasticity; a rewiring of the brain.
Touch increases happiness, resets biorhythms, and boosts immune systems. Touch can make a child feel safe. One mother recently discovered that when her young child is acting out or pitching a tantrum, the parent asks, “Do you need a hug?” The hug lasts for 30 seconds to a minute and brings rest. One evening, the child approached the mother with these words, “Mom, I need a hug.”
Don’t we all?
St. John's, you are hugging the world as the people of God.
By your financial gifts to our Global Mission Offering, you are:
- Providing new lives for hundreds of children in Nyarweng, South Sudan.
- Protecting some of the poorest people in the world against COVID-19.
- Preparing for Afghan refugees who will build new lives in Charlotte.
In recent days, you have:
- made sandwiches for the hungry and homeless.
- provided Baby Bundles for newborns entering the world without financial resources.
- collaborated with NCCBF to provide help to flood victims in Haywood County.
- participated with the Alliance of Baptists to provide help for people in New Orleans.
- replaced a roof on the school in Nyarweng, South Sudan after tornado damage.
- sheltered persons and families who are living through seasons of homelessness.
- care-fronted racism and bias against LGBTQ+ persons, immigrants, and refugees.
- by wearing face coverings, cared for the lambs and the vulnerable in this flock.
- packed backpacks so children can have healthy diets over the weekend.
- given school uniforms to children living in poverty.
Yes, there are emotions and desires on our hearts today. There are truths and perspectives in our minds. There are values and visions embedded in our spirits. And to be completely honest, there is a great deal of unsettledness floating within us. This past week, I have spoken with more than fifty members of our church. I have also spoken with several leaders in our community. And I have spoken with ministers in other churches in our city, our state, and in other states.
In every conversation, one truth prevails:
We all need Vitamin T.
We all need to be touched by people who care. We are following Jesus in this world that needs a hug. We are being told to stay apart. But, we are choosing to put a twist to this phrase. We are choosing to stay a part of our church’s ministry by serving together.
|
|
Worship on Sunday, September 19, 2021 |
|
We will worship together in person and online this Sunday, September 19.
Thank you for showing love to one another by wearing your face coverings while you are on campus at all times.
On Sunday, Dr. Foust will offer a message called, "Beyond Six-Feet Apart," based on Matthew 28:18-20 and 2 Corinthians 5:16-20. We hope you will join us as we gather in person or online as we stream the service on Facebook and YouTube starting at 10:30am. The stream and worship guide links will be sent out via email on Sunday morning.
|
|
BBQ Lunch after Worship on Sunday, September 26 |
|
Register through Realm today!
Join together on Sunday, September 26 after worship (around 11:30) in the parking lot by the Main Entrance for a lunch of BBQ with all the fixins (YUM!), prepared by M.C. Sorrell and friends. Jackie Southwell from Edible Art will provide delicious cakes (DOUBLE YUM!) for dessert. Each plate is $10/person.
You can pre-pay online through Realm or pay at the door the day of the event. Please log-in to your Realm account or complete registration from the Connect App on your smart device.
If you are having trouble registering or do not know how to register, please contact Mallory Brown at mbrown@sjcharlotte.org for assistance.
Your registration is not complete until you receive a confirmation email.
We can’t wait to see you there! Bring a lawn chair to sit in while you eat.
|
|
Have you picked up a key fob? |
|
Come by the office during the week to pick up your own, personal key fob!
Key fobs are used to access three exterior entrances and various interior doors.
If you would like a key fob of your own, please visit Jacquelyn, Mallory, or Derek in the church office Monday-Thursday between 8:30-4:30 or on Friday between 8:30-12 to pick one up.
You can enter the building during office hours by pressing the call button at any entrance.
|
|
2021 Global Missions Offering |
|
- Nyarweng Primary School, South Sudan (Goal - $20,000)
- National Cooperative Baptist Fellowship – COVID-19 Vaccines to Developing Nations (Goal - $2,500)
- Refugee Resettlement Housing Support (Goal - $2,500)
Our goal for this year’s Global Missions Offering is $25,000. We have received $2,120 so far.
Will you give to our 2021 Global Missions Offering?
You can write a check with “Global Missions” in the memo line or click below to give!
|
|
Welcoming Our Afghan Neighbors |
|
Do you have connections to potential housing for Afghan refugees?
Click below to learn more and find out ways you can assist in our efforts to welcome our Afghan neighbors.
|
|
Prayer Concerns, Celebrations, Thanks & Sympathy |
|
Andrew Adair, Carol Drye, Betty Fuller, Polly Hull, Jean Hutson, John Owens, Tish Philemon,
Gene & Carol Poole, Viorica Secere, Don Swofford, Elma Thomas
Prayers for our world, especially those living in the wake of hurricanes, earthquakes, fires, COVID-19, and global conflicts
|
|
Financial Ministry Plan Report
Week of September 8-13 : $5,537
Income through September 13: $748,114
Annual 2021 Ministry Plan Budget Goal: $1,175,000
Global Missions: $2,120
|
|
You can make contributions, view your giving history and pledge status, as well as update your pledge and giving information anytime by accessing your personal Realm profile online or via the Connect App. |
|
Ministers On-Call Schedule
September 13-19: Lee Gray (Dennis on-call September 16)
September 20-26: Kevin Gray
September 27-October 3: Dennis Foust
Staff Contact Information
Lee Gray - 704-451-1309 (cell); 704-333-5428, ext. 15
Nate Dove - 704-662-2154 (cell); 704-333-5428, ext. 13
Kevin Gray - 803-524-0287 (cell); 704-333-5428, ext. 14
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
