St. John's Family News

February 26, 2026 | Vol. 85, Issue 9

www.stjohnsbaptistchurch.org | @sjbccharlotte

In this week's Family News (Scroll to Learn More):

From Dr. Don Gordon: Home
Worship Led By First Baptist Church Raleigh Youth Choir: March 1
Update from the Pastor Search Team
Elizabeth Communities of Faith Lenten Services
Thursdays on The Town at Urban District Market: March 12
Women of The Church Retreat: March 14
On The Way: March 17
Basketball Playoff Schedule for February 28
Basketball End of Year Celebration: March 8
2026 Save the Dates:
Youth Sunday: March 22
Meet and Mingle: March 22
Easter Eggstravaganza: March 29 at 11:30 AM
Maundy Thursday Service: April 2 at 7:00 PM
C3 Nature Walk: April 18 at 9:30 AM
Youth Mission Auction: April 19 at 11:30 AM
Happy Birthday Kayleigh Mac Whipple!
Update from Personnel Resource Team
Musical Petting Zoo Photos
Youth Event Photos
Wreath Making Workshop Photos
Shepherd's Charlotte's Tax Program
Prayer List, Sympathy, Thanks, and Celebrations
Financial Update
Minister On Call Schedule
After Hours on Call
Staff Contact Info

Home

by Dr. Don Gordon, Interim Minister

Ash Wednesday and My Sin

by Dr. Don Gordon, Interim Minister

The preacher stepped into the pulpit at the center front of the sanctuary, his shock of white wavy hair revealing a stark contrast to his early years when it was darker and browner. As he settled into position, he dramatically grabbed the pulpit wall with his left hand as if grasping the saddle of a wild horse before taming it. With equal intensity, he gripped the opposite pulpit wall with his right hand. He put his head down in concentrated meditation, finally looking up and out at his congregation and speaking one word.

“Home.”

Bowing his head again, he began to weep—not a blubbering, noticeable weep, but a pouring out of emotion like a river forcing its way through a natural dam. It was unrehearsed, yet inevitable. After the logjam was broken, he looked out again at the people and spoke.

“Home.”

And the tears began to swell with greater intensity. A hushed spirit pervaded the sanctuary, as if he spoke words vicariously for all. He wasn't just speaking to them. He was speaking for them. It wasn’t just his home. It was their home as well. He followed, saying through a voice thick with emotion.

“It has been 35 years since I first stepped into this pulpit… half a lifetime ago.”

When pastors return to former churches, especially after long absences, there is a flood of emotion for them as well as their congregants. Life experiences have been shared. People have revealed their happiest moments as well as confessed their darkest secrets. The preacher has baptized their sons and married their daughters. He or she has buried their spouses and walked beside those understandably angry with God. He or she has immersed themselves in biblical texts, extracting truth and clothing it in a way that could be heard in the modern world. Each Sunday they dared bring their offering to God and God’s people as sustenance for the journey. They have navigated disputes in committee meetings and have seen their own visions of the future clash with those who see it differently. Remaining aloof and distant from hundreds of parishioners is impossible if the preacher is also to be a pastor. There is no choice but to throw your lot in with the people, exposing your own humanity and vulnerability as you lead people themselves wounded in ways known and unknown.

Dr. Richard Kremer was back in the pulpit of St. John’s Baptist Church this past Sunday after a 17-year absence. This was home for him and his family beginning in 1991 and concluding 18 years later. He preached about love being the foundation of the church, creating an alternative community in the oppressive, rapacious, brutish world in which we live. The story of a mother pleading with the governor of Georgia not to outlaw football just because her son died in a University of Georgia vs. University of Virginia football game became an example of the uncommon action of a person acting on behalf of the common good. This is what the early church did—sharing resources, coming to each other’s aid, worshiping and breaking bread together. The outside world noticed that the church of Jesus Christ cared for their own as well as others outside. And the church prospered.

Richard Kremer came from his home to this home to tell us “to love one another.”

And we did. We loved him and he loved us. Today, we are all better for it.

Home.

It is good to be home—the place where you are loved, no matter how long you’ve been gone.

FBC Raleigh Youth Choir @ St. John’s

Join us in welcoming the FBC Raleigh Youth Choir as they lead us in

worship on Sunday, March 1. The choir is directed by former St. John’s staff members Maureen and Warren Howell.

Update from The Pastor Search Team (PST)

PST planned to share an update during worship in early March, but with several meaningful and full services ahead, we look forward to bringing our next report to the congregation on March 22. Thank you for your continued prayers and support—we remain diligently at work and excited about what God has in store for St. John’s!

-Becky, Bret, Don, Dylan, Ellen, Jason, Kimberly, Leslie, Meredith, and Randy

Elizabeth Communities of Faith Lenten Services

This year during the season of Lent, Caldwell Presbyterian will be our host for the ECOF Wednesday 12:00 pm services and 12:30 soup and bread lunches to follow. Donations received for lunch each Wednesday will be given to Nourish Up.

The schedule for which church is leading each 12:00pm NOON service at Caldwell Presbyterian is listed below:

March 4 - Hawthorne Lane United Methodist
March 11 - St. John’s Baptist
March 18 - Novant Chaplains
March 25 - Atrium Mercy Chaplains

Thursdays on The Town at Urban District Market

When: Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 6:00 pm
Where: Urban District Market (2315 North Davidson Street)
Families, join us on Thursday, March 12, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., at the Urban District Market for good food and fellowship! There is something for everyone, so bring the kids!
Register here!

Women of The Church Retreat: March 14

The Spiritual Growth Committee invites all women of the church and community to join us for a one-day, in-town retreat led by Stephanie Massey, daughter of Gearlene and Steve Hoffman. We will focus on returning to altars of compassion as a spiritual practice, rooted in inner stillness and shared community, reminding us that healing and growth happen through connection, mutual care, and remembering our deep belonging to one another.

Date: Saturday, March 14, 2026
Time: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Location: Broach Hall
Registration Fee: $20 covers all materials and lunch/snacks/beverages.
Registration Deadline: March 9, 2026. Register here!

On The Way: March 17

St. John’s retired adults and friends will eat at Portofino - 5126 Park Rd, Unit 1C, Charlotte NC 28209 - at 11:30 am on Tuesday, March 17th. Wear green for this St. Patrick’s Day lunch and let Lee Gray know if you plan to attend by emailing him at LGray@sjcharlotte.org so we can confirm our number to the restaurant on the Sunday before we go out to eat

Basketball Playoff Schedule for February 28

6 & Under Co-Ed - Season Complete
8 & Under Boys 1 (Lassiter) - 2:15 pm @ St. John's
8 & Under Boys 2 (Morgan) - 3:15 pm @ St. John's
8 & Under Girls - 11:30 am @ St. Stephen UM
10 & Under Boys - 1st Round BYE
10 & Under Girls - 1:00 pm @ St. John's
12 & Under Boys - 1^st Round BYE
12 & Under Girls - 2:45 pm @ Sardis Presbyterian

Basketball End of Year Celebration for St. John's Basketball Players and Families: March 8

If you have played with us before, you may recall that we have an annual end of year celebration for all of our basketball teams. This year our end of year celebration will be on Sunday, March 8. Each team and parents will square off against another team and parents in a fun, lighthearted basketball game, interrupted by player recognitions for each team (and trophies for all teams 10 years old and under). We hope you have had a good experience this year and wish all teams the best of luck in the playoffs. I will pass the playoff brackets on to your coaches just as soon as I receive them early next week.

Here is the schedule for the end of year celebration on Sunday, March 8.

Player/Parent Basketball Games

4:00-5:00 pm - 6 & Under CoEd and parents vs 8 & Under Girls and parents - plus trophies and player recognition for each team. Pizza to follow in the church lounge from 5:00-5:30.

5:00-5:30 pm - 8 & Under Boys Team 1 and parents vs 8 & Under Boys Team 2 and parents - plus trophies and player recognition for each team. Pizza to follow in the church lounge from 5:30-6:00.

5:30-6:00 pm - 10 & Under Girls and parents vs 10 & Under Boys and parents - plus trophies and player recognition for each team. Pizza to follow in the church lounge from 6:00-6:30.

6:00-6:30 pm - 12 & Under Girls and parents vs 12 & Under Boys and parents - plus player recognition. It will be helpful if these teams can stack chairs after game. Pizza to follow in church lounge from 6:30-7:00.

Sincerely,

Lee Gray

2026 Save The Dates

Youth Sunday: March 22
Meet and Mingle: March 22
Easter Eggstravaganza: March 29 at 11:30 AM
Maundy Thursday Service: April 2 at 7:00 PM
C3 Nature Walk: April 18 at 9:00 AM
Youth Mission Auction: April 19 at 11:30 AM

Happy Birthday, Kayleigh Mac Whipple!

Happy Birthday to Kayleigh Mac Whipple, daughter of Elizabeth and John. She will celebrate her birthday on March 3rd.

An Update from The Personnel Resource Team

The Personnel Resource Team wanted to share some great news regarding our Youth and Young Adults. Lindsay Wilson, who has done a phenomenal job leading our youth, has graciously agreed to stay on until the end of the calendar year. Once a new Senior Minister is hired, per the SJBC Handbook, they, along with the Chair of the Diaconate will call for the assembly of a search team and the search team will execute the duties of finding a permanent part-time minister for youth and young adults. The goal is to have someone hired by the end of the year. The Personnel Committee will continue to help and provide assistance as needed. We ask that you continue to pray and support Lindsay, our youth and our four seniors to make this the best year it can be.

Musical Petting Zoo Photos!

We’re grateful to deacon Aidan Salmeron and Children’s Choir Director Chloe Salmeron for helping to form our children as worshipers by introducing them to the instruments that make the music that is such an important aspect of our worship.

Youth Event Photos!

This past Sunday, the youth took a trip to Our Bridge For Kids. We were able to learn more about the organization and who they serve, as well as take a tour of their Charlotte is Home facility. We were able to put together some goody bags for an event that included candies from around the world. While we were there, we also looked for ideas of service projects that we could help with in the future.

Wreath Making Workshop Photos!

From laughter to lunch to lots of creativity, this Women of the Church event was one to remember! Every wreath turned out beautifully, and the fellowship was just as special as the finished creations.

Shepherd's Charlotte's Tax Filing Assistance Program in Partnership with AARP Tax Aide

For the past 25 years, our Residential Partner, the Shepherd’s Center of Charlotte has partnered with AARP Tax Aide to provide tax filing assistance free of charge. They serve countless older adults, particularly those with lower to moderate income, from February to April, with their free tax preparation. Our IRS-certified AARP volunteer preparers are only certified to do NC or SC Taxes, and no rental properties.

When:

Mondays & Tuesdays, February 9 – April 14

Where:

Myers Park Presbyterian Outreach Center (1073 Providence Road)

Appointments can be scheduled online here. You can also call the Shepherd’s Center office at (704) 365-1995, or stop by the second floor across from the Parlor & Heritage Room— they truly enjoy visitors!

Prayer List, Sympathy, Thanks, and Celebrations

Current Prayer Concerns:

Dale Johnson, Gayla Tyson

Continuing Prayer:

Anna Lynn Kearse, Syble Carson (Sister of Selina Swafford and Leonard Balentine), Vivian Ann Wilson (Jane Lineberger’s sister-in-law)

Sympathy:

We express our sympathy to the family and friends of Anne Sutton who passed on ahead of us peacefully on February 12th. The memorial service to honor the life of Anne will be held on Saturday, March 28th, at 1:30 pm at Lady’s Funeral Home (268 N. Cannon Blvd, Kannapolis NC 28083). Following the memorial service, burial of ashes will take place at Carolina Memorial Park (601 Mt. Olivet Rd, Concord NC 28025).

Financial Update

2026 Full Year Budget – $1,230,000

Budget Income thru February - $205,000

Actual Income Received thru February 23 - $153,140

Income over(under) budget - ($51,860)

Income over(under) prior year - ($6,560)

Minister On Call Schedule

Feb. 23 - Mar. 1: Don
Mar. 2 - 8: Kheresa

After Hours On Call

Todd Stillerman - (704) 763-6611

Staff Contact Information

Dr. Don Gordon, Interim Minister - 704-333-5428, ext. 2012; 919-972-1933 (cell)
Rev. Lee Gray, Minister for Congregational Care - 704-333-5428, ext. 2015; 704-451-1309 (cell)
Rev. Kheresa Harmon, Minister for Children & their Families - 704-333-5428, ext. 2018; 910-890-3392 (cell)
Noel Lance, Minister for Worship & Music
Amanda Morrison, Church Administrator - 704-333-5428, ext. 0
Kristina Hartzell, Interim Weekday School Director - 704-333-5428, ext. 2039
Chloe Salmeron, Children's Choir Director
Liza Wade, Media Coordinator

St. John's Baptist Church | 704-333-5428 | 300 Hawthorne Lane, Charlotte, NC 28204 | stjohnsbaptistchurch.org