Vol. 79 Issue 51 | Week of December 20-26, 2021 |
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Listening Beyond Fear
Fear is all around us and within us. Fear is our response to feeling out of control. Our human condition is very good at jumping into our fear gear. Before we get the full story, see the whole picture, or know the complete situation, we are prone to fear.
In Luke’s telling of Jesus’ birth announcement to the shepherds, the angel’s first words were, “Do not be afraid.” Before the angel said, “I am bringing you good news of great joy,” the angel anticipated the fear of the shepherds. Of course, if an angel shows up in the night while you’re tending sheep and chewing on mutton jerky, you might be startled too.
Fear can distort our capacity to explore the fullness of reality. Fear can twist a momentary tension into brittle suspicions and thoughtless words of mistrust until it becomes an act of injury or atrocity. Fear is part of reality and should never be diminished or devalued. Yet, fear should never be viewed as the fulness of any situation. Peacemakers teach that one of the first steps toward peace is helping the conflicted parties move past the paralysis caused by fear.
Beloved, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, let us listen for the message beyond, “Do not be afraid.” There is also “good news of great joy” in every situation when we keep listening. If we are merely controlled by our fears, we may never get to Bethlehem.
Shalom,
Dennis
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Christmas Eve Worship on Friday, December 24
As of today, you can only register yourself and your guests for the 6PM service. Pre-registration is REQUIRED to attend.
Register through Realm or with the button below. You may also contact the church office to make your reservation.
When you register from today forward, you will be registering for the 6PM service for each person in your family and any guests. Please only register those in your household or guests who do not regularly attend St. John’s. Your registration is not complete until you receive a confirmation email.
Remember, face coverings are required at all times on campus at St. John's.
We will only live stream the 4PM service on YouTube and Facebook. Those links will be sent out via email early Friday afternoon.
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Thank you for your commitments to the
2022 Financial Ministry Plan!
If you have not pledged yet, you can do so by turning in your pledge card to Jacquelyn in the office or by pledging online through Realm or by clicking below.
So far, we have received 134 commitments for a total of $800,271.
If you have questions, please contact Jacquelyn in the church office.
Thank you!
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We are sad to announce some changes with our administrative staff. This month, Derek Henson will be moving to a full-time position with the Charlotte Legal Advocacy Center as their Operations Manager, and Mallory Brown and her family will be relocating to Shelby, NC to be closer to family in the new year.
Do not fear! These two are sticking around to help with some important tasks and special projects from home for the time being! They are now employed part-time and will continue working on projects and tasks from home. Mallory will continue to manage social media, create the Family News, and work on other media and communications-related projects.
Derek will continue to work in our Realm database system and on several house and grounds projects.
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Worship in Christmastide
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December 26: The First Sunday in Christmastide-We will worship in person and online at 10:30am in the Sanctuary. Dr. Foust will offer a message called, "Where a Parent's Treasure Is Found."
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January 2: The Second Sunday in Christmastide-We will worship in person and online at 10:30am in the Sanctuary. Rev. Lee Gray will offer the message this Sunday.
On both Sundays, the worship guide and links will be sent out via email. The services will stream on Facebook, YouTube, and our website.
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An Epiphany Sermon Series
ISN’T THAT JUST LIKE A WOMAN?
Some Women Who Helped Jesus Reveal the Mission of God
Too often, stories of women in the life and ministry of Jesus are minimized. From Sunday, January 9 – February 6, Dr. Foust will offer five messages retelling stories of women who helped Jesus reveal God’s light to humanity. The season of Epiphany always begins twelve days after Christmas on January 6. The story of Jesus begins with an announcement to a young woman and emerges as a victory through the first witness of the resurrection, a woman.
- January 9:
- The Day Jesus Was Re-Baptized by a Canaanite Woman (Matthew 15:21-28)
- January 16:
- The Day Jesus Couldn’t Control His Mother (John 2:1-12)
- January 23:
- The Day Jesus Almost Got Killed Over a Phoenician Woman (Luke 4:14-30)
- January 30:
- The Day Jesus Transformed a Community through a Trusted Woman (John 4:1-42)
- February 6:
- The Day Jesus Silenced a Mob on Behalf of a Victimized Woman (John 8:2-11)
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Prayer Concerns, Thanks, Sympathy |
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Shirley Ballard, Katherine Barr, John Bragg, Betty Fuller, Caroline Godsey, Polly Hull, Barbara Ledford, Tish Philemon, Brad Sifford, Carole Ann Simpson, Don Swofford, Elma Thomas, Dee Turner
After 58 years of marriage and lengthy illnesses in recent years, Carol and Gene Poole passed on ahead of us on December 20, 2021. They were receiving hospice care at home. Carol passed a few minutes before 2:00 and Gene passed about 2:45. Their children, Craig and Leah, have cared for their parents with steadfast attentiveness. Several church members have ministered to them in a variety of ways. The Poole's have donated their bodies to medical science through Wake Forest Baptist Health Medical Center in Winston Salem. Arrangements will be announced in the coming days. Please remember Craig and Leah and the Poole family in your prayers.
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Financial Ministry Plan Report |
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Weeks of December 7-20: $42,404
Income through December 20: $1,027,125
Annual 2021 Ministry Plan Budget Goal: $1,175,000
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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. |
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Giving in 2021
All allowable tax donations must be received (and checks dated) by December 31, 2021. If mailed, please ensure the envelope is postmarked 2021. If you are unsure of the remaining balance on your commitment for 2021, please contact Jacquelyn McAbee, Church Administrator, at jmcabee@sjcharlotte.org or 704-333-5428 ext. 20. Any monies received after December 2021 will count towards your 2022 pledge.
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The church offices will be closed December 27-28 and December 31 for the holidays. There will be no Family News the week of December 27-January 2. |
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Ministers On-Call Schedule
December 20-26: Dennis Foust
December 27-January 2: Lee Gray
Staff Contact Information
Dennis Foust, Senior Minister - 704-359-7234 (cell); 704-333-5428, ext. 12
Lee Gray, Minister for Congregational Care - 704-451-1309 (cell); 704-333-5428, ext. 15
Allison Benfield, Minister for Spiritual Growth - 828-448-8412 (cell); 704-333-5428, ext. 18
Kevin Gray, Minister for Music and Worship - 803-524-0287 (cell); 704-333-5428, ext. 14
Jacquelyn McAbee, Church Administrator - 434-579-1177 (cell); 704-333-5428, ext. 20
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