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In this week's Family News (Scroll to Learn More):
- A Summer Call to Prayer
- Summer Worship Series Continues: A Church that Lifts Up People
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Global Missions Offering: Contribute Here
- Reflections from the NYC Mission Trip from Our Youth
- On the Way August and September
- "The Why and How of Our Windows" Discussion on July 28
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PRIDE Festival and Parade Volunteering: Sign Up Here
- Buddies on the Bench
- Mercy Bags Available Now
- In-Town Mission Immersion Trip August 10-13
- Children and Family Ministries in August
- Women of the Church Luncheon in September
- RISE Against Hunger in September
- Prayer List, Sympathy, Thanks, and Celebrations
- On Call Rotation
- Financial Update
- Minister On Call Schedule
- Staff Contact Info
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A Summer Call to Prayer
by Dennis W. Foust, Senior Minister
During a trip to Morocco, I chose to observe the Muslim call to prayer as a spiritual practice. Five times each day, the Muslim tradition of the adhan sounded over loud speakers through the streets of Marrakech, Fez, Casablanca, and Rabat. The haunting call to prayer allowed me to pause and express my requests to The Living God revealed through Jesus Christ.
Prior to my trip, I had copied a prayer that was framed and hanging in my father’s office. I do not know the origin of the prayer. However, following my father’s death, I claimed it and hung the framed prayer in my home office. I offer these phrases to you as a summer ‘call to prayer.’ If you are willing to do so, consider joining me between now and Labor Day reciting phrases from this prayer at least once each day.
Living God,
Grant me honest knowledge of myself, knowledge of my capacities and limitations.
Grant me wisdom that I may profit from my errors.
Grant me humility, that I may admit mistakes and accept them for the sake of others.
Grant me patience that I may avoid rashness.
Grant me insight into the worth of others that I may judge their true value.
Grant me tolerance, that I may realize most mistakes are the penalty of doing.
Grant me responsibility, that I may learn to shoulder the burden of supporting those who initiate action under my supervision.
Grant me ambition, but not greed, that I may deserve my earnings and affirm others for doing the same.
Grant me peace of mind, compassion for other individuals, and a desire to help others.
Grant me the ability to live as an example for others to pattern their lives in selfless service.
Grant me these things, dear Lord., that I may better serve Thee.
Amen.
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A Church that Lifts Up People
Rev. Lee Gray in the Pulpit this Sunday
This summer, our worship continues to explore practical applications of Jesus' example of love, with our ministry staff offering messages on how we can emulate this model today.
See this summer's preaching schedule below.
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July 21 – A Church that Lifts Up People, by Rev. Lee Gray
July 28 – A Church that Weaves New Clothes, by Dr. Dennis Foust
August 4 – A Church that Embraces Differences, by Dr. Steve Harmon
August 11 – A Church that Really Notices People, by Rev. Lee Gray
August 18 – A Church that Moves the World Forward, by Dr. Dennis Foust
August 25 – A Church that Shapes a People for God, by Dr. Dennis Foust
September 1 – A Church of Beautiful Grace in Action, by Rev. Haley Blackwell
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2024 Global Missions Offering
Nyarweng Primary School
We hope you will contribute to our annual Global Missions Offering! Our goal is $25,000.
So far, we have raised $6,565!
All contributions received will again go to support the Nyarweng Primary School in South Sudan. This is the 11th year of the school’s existence, something that should make us proud. An entire village owes its increasing literacy and hope to the faithful support of this congregation.
How do I give?
- Give online through Realm by clicking button below (be sure to choose "Global Missions" in the drop down menu)
- Write a check to St. John's Baptist Church with "Global Missions" in the memo line
- Scan the QR code to give.
Your generosity can help transform lives and communities in South Sudan.
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Reflections on the Youth Mission Trip to NYC
Over the next few weeks, we will be sharing reflections from the students who went on the mission trip to New York City last month.
This week, we hear from Whit Wilson, son of Lindsay and Chip Wilson.
What was your favorite part of the trip?
"My favorite part of the trip was definitely the sightseeing, but that’s probably not the answer you’re looking for. In regards to the mission activities, my favorite part was actually making friends with the other small group that worked alongside us. I’m not huge on meeting new people (even more so when it’s a lot of people at once), but I learned I had a lot in common with these people and I eventually ended up becoming friends with some of them. It helped that they were around my age, that they were a smaller group (as opposed to lots of other groups), and that they were similar to the types of people I generally surround myself with in my day to day life."
What was challenging about it?
"The most challenging thing about the trip was that it was the first time in my life where I have been in a demographic minority. While it’s not a bad thing to be in a minority, being around people who look similar to you almost provides a sense of comfort, and that’s something I’d not like to take for granted. I don’t want to say I felt uneasy seeing most (if not all) of the people around me be of a different demographic, but it was definitely a weird feeling I had to learn to overcome, as other people live in minorities throughout their day-to-day lives."
What did you learn?
"Something I learned throughout the trip was that the Salvation Army is first and foremost a church. Before arriving, the Salvation Army to me was an organization that provided for the less fortunate, but I was not aware that it started as a church, and still continues to operate as a church to this day. The fact that a single church was able to make such an impact on homeless communities worldwide is beyond impressive in my eyes."
How did you see God?
"When we were working at the Broadway Community Center (a non-profit food pantry for the homeless), I felt as though everything around me was happening so quickly. So much needed to be completed, and it was kinda overwhelming for me. However, the person in charge (a woman named Lisa), was constantly moving. She knew how to do everything, and whenever something needed to get done, she was on top of assigning roles for people to fulfill. She was running around the place completing a myriad of tasks, while also making an attempt to get to know each and every single person in the room. Her determination, selflessness, and overall kind character was admirably perceived by myself and others, and I definitely believe I saw God in her."
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On the Way
Outings for St. John’s Retired Adults & Friends
AUGUST – We will have a lunch outing at The Famous Toastery (2400 Park Rd) on Wednesday, August 21. You can leave with folks from the church at 11:15 am or meet us there at 11:30 am.
SEPTEMBER – We will be going to see “Jesus Christ Superstar” at the Flat Rock Playhouse on Thursday September 19. More details will be forthcoming, but plan to leave the church at 9:00 am and return between 6:00 & 6:30 pm. The cost will be $70 (check payable to St. John’s) you’re your lunch (TBD – In Flat Rock or Hendersonville). We have put down a deposit for 18 tickets and have transportation that can accommodate 19 people. It is important to RSVP ahead of time, so that there is time for any adjustments that might be needed.
Please Email Lee Gray LGray@sjcharlotte.org to make reservations for either or both outings.
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From the Heritage Room
Have you ever given thought to the meaning of the symbols in the Sanctuary windows or why and how they were designed?
If you would like to know more about the windows, please come to the Sanctuary on July 28 during the Sunday School hour. Fredda Kimball, one of our church archivists, will lead a discussion on the topic "The Why and How of Our Windows."
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Join us for Charlotte Pride 2024!
Charlotte Pride is Saturday and Sunday August 17 and 18 and we need your help!
Come volunteer at the St. John’s booth at Charlotte Pride on Saturday or Sunday. You can also join us in shouting it on the parade route on Sunday. If you are volunteering at the booth you will have either a minister or church staff member with you at all times. Time slots for volunteering at the booth are as follows:
- Saturday Aug. 17: 11:30 to 1:30; 1:30 to 3:30, 3:30 to 5:30, 5:30 to 7:30; 7:30 to 9:30
- Sunday, Aug. 18: 12:00 to 2:00; 2:00 to 4:00, 4:00 to 6:00
Click below to sign up by Sunday, Aug. 11!
If you have any questions please contact either:
Amanda Morrison or Todd Stillerman.
amorrison@sjcharlotte.org
stillerman@gmail.com
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“B.O.B.” (Buddies on the Bench): A Summer Music Ministry
Children, rising 1st graders and up, have you ever wanted to know what makes the organ “sing?” Here is your chance!
This summer you are invited to be a B.O.B., or one of Noel’s Buddies on the Bench. To join Noel at the organ in worship this summer, please ask a parent to contact Kheresa.
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Mercy Bags: Available in Main Entrance
Hannah Harmon and Laine Lawrence were on mission this week and packed 60 Mercy Bags for you to share!
We invite you to please take a few bags, keep them in your car, and the next time you see another child of God standing on a street corner with a sign that reads, “Please help,” help. Roll down your window and offer hope and mercy in a bag.
Mercy Bags are located in the Main Entrance.
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Youth In-Town Mission Immersion Trip
Our youth will participate in the annual In-Town Mission Immersion Trip August 10-13 where we will serve others are various places around town.
We need adults to volunteer as chaperones throughout our time together during both daytime and overnights. Contact Haley to help!
Registration is open in Realm for youth. Price is $100/youth.
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Children and Family Ministries for August
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August 10: Wet and Wild Parent's Night Out: Parents, drop your kids off at church at 5:00pm on Saturday, August 10. Our SJBC youth, Haley, and Kheresa will slip, and slide, and splash, and giggle, with children 3 years of age through 5th grade. Childcare for babies - two years of age will be provided by Mon Aye and Zebb Young, two of our WDS teachers. They will be accompanied by SJBC youth as a part of their In-Town Mission Immersion Trip. The cost of the event is $10 per child, which will help cover the costs associated with dinner, snacks, and supplies. We’ll dry off and be ready to meet parents at 8:00pm. SIGN UP HERE FOR PARENT'S NIGHT OUT
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Save the Date!
Join us on September 15, 11:45am, for the Women of the Church annual luncheon and meeting in Broach Hall. Details to come, but we are excited to share that we will hear more about Dove’s Nest from Lynn Erdman.
Mark your calendar!
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Rise Against Hunger Packing Event This Fall
Help us pack 20,000 meals on September 29
Please plan on joining us for our Rise Against Hunger Packing Event on Sunday, September 29, immediately after worship! We will be packaging 20,000 meals on site for those in need.
Rise Against Hunger is a global movement to end hunger by empowering communities, nourishing lives, and responding to emergencies. It’s an international humanitarian non-profit founded in NC over 25 years ago by Christian clergy.
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Prayers, Thanks, and Celebrations
Current Prayer Concerns: Jack Crymes, Charles Gordon, Carolyn Hall, Arnold Philemon
Continuing Prayer Concerns: Shirley Ballard, Tom Bryson, Mary Rickenbaker
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On Call Rotation
- July 15-21: Haley
- July 22-28: Dennis
- July 29-Aug.4: Lee
- Aug. 5-11: Kheresa
- Aug. 12-18: Russell
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Financial Update
2024 Full Year Budget: $1, 211,000
Income Received Through July 15: $590,731
Through June:
Budgeted income: $605,500 (50%)
Actual income received: $554,167 (46%)
Income over (under) budget: (51,333)
Actual expenses paid: $580,471 (48%)
Income/expense surplus (deficit): (26,304)
Global Missions Offering Goal: $25,000
Received through July 15: $6,565
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Staff Contact Information
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Rev. Haley Blackwell, Minister for Youth & Young Adults - 704-333,5428, ext. 2013; 620-515-3558 (cell)
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Rev. Dennis Foust, PhD, Senior Minister - 704-359-7234 (cell); 704-333-5428, ext. 2012
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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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Russell Nelson, Minister for Worship & Music - (980) 228-6244 (cell)
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Mallory Brown, Media Coordinator - 704-477-3349 (cell)
- Chloe Hall, Children's Choir Director
- Noel Lance, Organist
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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
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