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In this week's Family News (Scroll to Learn More):
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From Dr. Don Gordon: How the Gospel of Mark Stole Christmas
- A Note from the Transition Team
- Stewardship Message
- Christmas Cantata - December 14
- Christmas Cards to St. John’s Neighbors & Friends
- Advent Devotionals
- Parents' Night Out
- Common Table Invitation
- Men's Shelter Puddings
- SJBC Youth & Dove's Nest Christmas Party
- Room in the Inn
- Brotherhood of the Biscuit
- WDS Job Posting
- Christmas 2025 Save the Dates
- No Children's Sunday School on December 28; Nursery Provided
- Basketball Schedule
- Weekday School Nourish Up Article
- Nativity Play Article
- Senior Christmas Gathering Photos
- Coat Drive Thank You Note
- Prayer List, Sympathy, Thanks, and Celebrations
- Financial Update
- Minister On Call Schedule
- After Hours on Call
- Staff Contact Info
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How the Gospel of Mark Stole Christmas
by Dr. Don Gordon, Interim Minister
| | | | If you’ve ever watched How the Grinch Stole Christmas, you know the curious twist at the end: even after the decorations are gone, the stockings are missing, and the roast beast is nowhere to be found, Christmas still comes. No ribbons, no tags—yet it comes just the same. | | |
What Dr. Seuss illustrates in story, the Gospel of Mark illustrates through silence.
Mark gives us no manger, no Bethlehem star, no shepherds in the night sky (Luke). Not a single angel appearing to Joseph (Matthew). Not a word about the Word made flesh (John). In fact, if Mark is like a Christmas movie, it begins after all the Christmas trimmings have already been hauled away. He starts with Jesus fully grown, stepping into the Jordan River to be baptized. It’s almost as though Mark says, “You can remove all the wrapping paper, all the familiar nativity pageantry—and what is left still matters. What is left still comes.”
Jesus comes to us in Mark’s Gospel at the Jordan River to get baptized.
Mark tells no Christmas story because he is less interested in how Jesus arrives and far more focused on what Jesus does, what He teaches, and how His life culminates in the cross and resurrection.
If the other Gospels are portraits, Mark paints Jesus in motion—already proclaiming, healing, confronting, and calling disciples. For Mark, that is the beginning worth telling.
I love what Matthew, Luke and John have given us for our Christmas story—divine mystery, enchanting simplicity, and profound theology. But I love Mark too. Mark is without sentiment. He gives a Jesus on the move, being baptized, going into the desert to be tempted by the devil, and emerging to heal the sick and preach good news to the poor.
In our country today there is an identification with Jesus that is cultural, but not personal. There is a large population of people who identify as Christian, celebrate the rituals of the season, and even want to fight to cultural battles to uphold phrases like “Merry Christmas” against the more pluralistic “Happy Holidays.” In our modern world, there is a movement to hold onto to the sentiment of Jesus, but not the actions of Jesus. Mark portrays Jesus primarily as a healer on the move, caring for people’s wounded, weak and suffering bodies.
The Grinch narrative closes when the Whos discover that “Christmas doesn’t come from a store; Christmas means a little bit more.” Mark might say, “Christ doesn’t come from a stable; Christ means infinitely more.”
Let’s include Mark in our Christmas story this year, by not only celebrating Jesus’ birth, but also his life. His was a ministry of action, engagement and advocacy for the poor and suffering. Mark summarizes Jesus ministry by saying, “And wherever he went—into villages or cities or farms—they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged him that they might touch even the fringe of his cloak; and all who touched it were healed” (Mk 6:56).
A Christmas inspired by Mark might include a visit to a nursing home to hold the hand of someone who can no longer come to church. It might make room for a phone call or email sent advocating for healthcare policies that support for the poor. It might just mean volunteering to coach kids or serve in the nursery or take a friend to the doctor’s office for an appointment. The healing ministry of Jesus is where Mark’s Gospel begins and it continues as we follow in Jesus’ footsteps.
May we enter this season not just to admire the manger, but to join the movement.
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Update from the Transition Team
Welcome Our Guest Preachers
Get ready for an inspiring season ahead at St. John’s Baptist! We are thrilled to announce an exciting lineup of guest preachers during our pastoral interim season who will share their wisdom and passion with our congregation, adding to the excellent sermons we are hearing from Dr. Don Gordon, Rev. Lee Gray and Rev. Kheresa Harmon.
As we welcome in the New Year in 2026 we look forward to hearing from these special guests in worship during the coming months:
- Lia Benton – January 4
- Richard Kremer – February 22
- Martha Kearse – March 15
Each visit promises fresh perspectives, meaningful messages, and the chance to connect in powerful ways.
Mark your calendars and spread the word! These services will be moments you won’t want to miss, as we gather in anticipation, celebration, and community. Join us as we learn, grow, and are uplifted together by these remarkable leaders.
Your Transition Team is coordinating with Dr. Don Gordon to find times to welcome special St. John’s friends to our pulpit. We have additional guests we can invite in the future as scheduling permits.
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Stewardship 2026: Let’s Finish Strong—
Rooted in Faith, Growing in Purpose
As we enter December, we celebrate the generosity and commitment that have already shaped our stewardship campaign. Our theme, Rooted in Faith, Growing in Purpose, has inspired us to care for our church, serve our neighbors, and invest in the future of St. John’s.
We’re Almost There!
Many have already turned in their pledges—thank you! Your gifts make a real difference in our ministries, outreach, and the daily life of our church family. If you haven’t yet submitted your pledge, there’s still time to help us reach our goal and plan confidently for the year ahead.
Why Your Pledge Matters Now
- Every pledge, large or small, helps us sustain our mission and prepare for new opportunities.
- Your commitment allows us to finalize our budget and move forward with faith and purpose.
- Together, we ensure St. John’s remains a welcoming, vibrant place for all.
How to Turn In Your Pledge
- Drop your completed pledge card in the offering plate this Sunday.
- Log your pledge in the Realm app.
- You can also bring your pledge to Amanda Morrison in the church office.
Let’s finish this stewardship season strong—united in gratitude, hope, and generosity. Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we are rooted in faith and growing in purpose!
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Joy Sunday – December 14 at 10:30 AM
Join us for a truly uplifting morning of worship as our Chancel Choir, together with members of the Charlotte Symphony, presents Lloyd Larson’s beautiful Christmas cantata, “Joy Has Dawned.”
This musical celebration will fill the sanctuary with the hope, wonder, and radiant joy of the season. Come and bring a friend as we share in this inspiring service and prepare our hearts for Christmas.
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Christmas Cards to St. John's Neighbors & Friends
The St. John’s Neighbor Christmas Card Box is down in the gym foyer. A list of names and instructions is attached here. Please turn in all cards before worship on December 21.
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2025 St. John's Advent Devotional
Advent Devotionals are being made available for our church family starting November 23. These messages will guide us through, as we prepare for the birth of the Christ child, Emanuel. You can find the devotionals in baskets at the entrances to the Sanctuary as well as the newsstands around the church.
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PJs & Pancakes: Parents' Night Out
Children, babies - 12 years of age, are invited to join us on Friday, December 19, 6-8:00 p.m., for PJs & Pancakes. Wear your favorite Christmas pajamas and get ready to play, bounce, and eat pancakes! The cost is only $15 per child. Register by December 15.
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You're Invited: Common Table Christmas Reception
Thursday, Dec. 18, 6:30-8:30pm, Legion Brewing SouthPark
St. John's members are invited to celebrate our unique community ministry, Common Table, at a Christmas reception filled with music, interactive Christmas-themed activities, and updates on where we've been and where we're going. This unique ecumenical ministry is bringing our message of Good News out into the community, reaching those battling loneliness, folks who are curious about church, and those seeking a safe, affirming community to explore their faith. Join us on Thursday, Dec. 18, 6:30-8:30pm, at Legion Brewing SouthPark. Free parking is provided. Tickets are just $25. Learn more here and get tickets today.
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Men's Shelter Puddings
Do you have time in your busy schedule to make a banana pudding for our meal at the shelter Friday, December 19? Lynn Bishop will be in charge of serving that night. Click here to sign up and thank you in advance.
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SJBC Youth & Dove's Nest Christmas Party
If you wish to donate items to our event, please click here.
We will use these items to create ornaments with the residents as well as leave them with a small gift bag from us! .
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Room in the Inn 2025
Join us for the Room In The Inn 2025 season where we'll be hosting our unhoused neighbors for 8 nights between December - March. We are in need of volunteers for a variety of positions such as bag lunch prep, van drivers, and overnight hosts. Please click here to sign up and access more details. We hope to see you there!
Below is a list of items needed for this ministry. Please consider giving. Donated items should be placed inside the designated bins inside of the Giving Nook at the Main Entrance.
- Body wash
- Shampoo
- Shaving cream
- Razors
- Lotion
- Boxer shorts underwear (we have enough tightey whities) Size Large, Extra Large, and Medium
- Tee shirts EXTRA Large
- Socks
- Gloves
- Hats
- Cleaning supplies
- Dish soap
- Candy
- Tylenol/Ibuprofen
- Washcloths
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Brotherhood of the Biscuit
Young men of all ages are welcome to join us for the Brotherhood of the Biscuit on Friday, December 19 at 6:30 am in the church lounge. Pablo Fernando will share some of his life’s story with us that morning and biscuits, coffee, and orange juice will be there for all who join us. Please email Lee Gray @ LGray@sjcharlotte.org if you would like to participate.
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2025 Christmas Save The Dates: |
- Candlelight Service - December 24
- Children’s Sunday School Christmas Party - December 21
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No Children's Sunday School on December 28;
Nursery Will Be Provided
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Basketball Schedule for December 13
- 6 & Under Co-Ed - 3:00 pm @ St. John’s
- 8 & Under Girls - 12:00 pm @ St. John’s
- 8 & Under Boys (Lasater) - 2:00 pm @ St. John’s
- 8 & Under Boys (Morgan) - 1:00 pm @ St. John's
- 10 & Under Girls - BYE
- 10 & Under Boys - 1:00 pm @ Mulberry
- 12 & Under Girls - 12:00 pm @ Mulberry
- 12 & Under Boys - 12:45 pm @ Mt. Harmony
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Weekday School Nourish Up Article
Throughout the month of November, our St. John’s Baptist Weekday School collected baby food pouches, cereal, and peanut butter for Nourish Up. On December 3, two of our classes delivered their donations and saw firsthand how God uses ordinary girls and boy to do extraordinary things, like providing nourishing hope to our food insecure neighbors.
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Children's Nativity Play Article
Following our annual Hanging of the Green service, our children shared the story of The Little Star, a small star that was chosen by God to guide shepherds, wise people from the East, and others to the place where Jesus was born. As our children shared in the story of “The Little Light on a Big Journey,” we, too, can “go and shine God’s light in word and deed - the world needs that light indeed!
The members of the cast of “The Little Light on a Big Journey":
- Amelia Benton, Angel
- Greer Benton, Gabriel
- Aaron Carney, Joseph
- Caleb Carney, Praying Shepherd
- Alexandra Cushman, Wise Person
- Julien Cushman, Wise Person
- Joy Follis, The Little Star
- Grace Harmon, Wise Person
- Hannah Harmon, Narrator
- Hailey McCombs, Mary
- Mabry Anne Miller, The Big Star
- Mae Redding, Angel
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Senior Christmas Gathering Photos |
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Coat Drive Thank You Note
Thank you for the Coats! I would like to thank everyone who participated in the coat drive for Galilee Ministries. St John's donated about 50 coats and vests along with hats, gloves, and scarves.
~ Anne Hager
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Prayer List, Sympathy, Thanks, and Celebrations | |
Current Prayer Concerns:
Mary Jo Breckenridge, Norman Fortson, Dale Johnson, Fredda Kimball, Jane Starnes, Anne Sutton
Continuing Prayer:
Anna Lynn Kearse, Mary Rickenbaker
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2025 Full Year Budget – $1,241,000
Budget Income thru October - $1,137,583
Actual Income Received thru November - $1,143,022
2026 Full Year Budget DRAFT - $1,241,000
Pledge Goal - $944,000
113 Pledges received thru November - $870,314
| | Minister On Call Schedule |
- Dec. 8-14: Kheresa
- Dec. 15-21: Lee
- Dec. 22 - 28: Don
| | - Todd Stillerman - (704) 763-6611
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Staff Contact Information
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Dr. Don Gordon, Interim Minister - 704-333-5428, ext. 2012; 919-972-1933 (cell)
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Rev. Lee Gray, Minister for Congregational Care - 704-333-5428, ext. 2015; 704-451-1309 (cell)
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Rev. Kheresa Harmon, Minister for Children & their Families - 704-333-5428, ext. 2018; 910-890-3392 (cell)
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Noel Lance, Minister for Worship & Music
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Amanda Morrison, Church Administrator - 704-333-5428, ext. 0
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Lydia Olmsted, Weekday School Director - 704-333-5428, ext. 2039
- Chloe Salmeron, Children's Choir Director
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Liza Wade, Media Coordinator
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