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In this week's Family News (Scroll to Learn More):
- CROSSWALK: A Journey from Ash Wednesday through Bright Sunday
- THE WAY OF THE CROSS LEADS HOME: CROSSWALK 40-DAYS OF PRAYER
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Register: Syrup Sunday THIS Sunday!
- Ash Wednesday Worship on March 5
- Happy Birthday!
- Snack Collection for Hospice
- 100th Anniversary Books Have Arrived!
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Thursdays on the Town: Register here
- On the Way: March 21
- NAMI Charlotte Mental Wellness Seminar
- Prayer List, Sympathy, Thanks, and Celebrations
- Financial Update
- Minister On Call Schedule
- Staff Contact Info
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CROSSWALK: WORSHIP AND PRAYER
A JOURNEY FROM ASH WEDNESDAY THROUGH BRIGHT SUNDAY
On Ash Wednesday, March 5th, Dr. Foust will begin leading us through the season of Lent toward our celebrations on Easter Sunday on April 20th and Bright Sunday on April 27th. Throughout this meaningful season of reflection and renewal, we will focus our worship on Jesus’ last words from the cross. Our theme for this spring is CROSSWALK. For the past two months, we have introduced an emphasis of prayer to accentuate this theme. During Lent, CROSSWALK will include 40-days of prayer.
In coming weeks, we will be hearing more from our Converge Task Force. As we delineate our vision and goals for the next few years, we will be Walking forward into new possibilities and new opportunities as we begin our second century. This year is a sort of CROSSWALK for St. John’s. We are Crossing into a new chapter of our congregation’s life and ministry. Together, we are Walking as followers of Jesus, disciples (learners) of his way of active obedience to God. We are Crossing over into a new experience of faithfulness and ministry.
Let us begin by listening again to hear Jesus’ words from the Cross. Let us take up our Cross and Walk as his disciples into the future. Let us step into this season of spiritual preparation willing to will God’s will.
- Ash Wednesday, March 5th, at 6:30pm, God’s Forgiveness of Sin; Homily: ‘Sins of Ignorance Can Be Hard to Forgive’; Luke 23:32-34 - “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.”
- Sunday, March 9th, at 10:30am, God’s Inclusive Love; Sermon: ‘Promises for a Desperate People’; Luke 23:39-43 – “Today, you will be with me in paradise.”
- Sunday, March 16th, at 10:30am, Faithfulness of God; Sermon: ‘Honest to God’; Matthew 27:45-46 – “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
- Sunday, March 23rd, at 10:30am, The Church as a New Shape of Family (Heritage & Hope Sunday); Sermon: ‘No One is Left Behind’; John 19:21-27 – “Woman, behold your son. Son, behold your mother.”
- Sunday, March 30th, at 10:30am, Hopeful Prayers of Commitment; Sermon: ‘Jesus Teaches Us How to Die’; Luke 23:44-49 – “Into your hands I comment my spirit.”
- Sunday, April 6th, at 10:30am, Jesus as the Water of Life; Sermon: ‘Dehydrated Faith’; John 19:28-29 – “I am thirsty.”
- Sunday, April 13th, at 10:30am, Keeping the Faith, Finishing the Course Faithfully; Sermon: ‘He Did Not Whisper’; John 19:29-30 – “It is finished.”
- Maundy Thursday, April 17th, at 7:00pm, Looking Beyond What Looks Like the End; Homily: ‘Love One Another AS I Have Loved You’; John 13:1-38 – We Remember Jesus’ Betrayal & Death in Communion
- Sunday, April 20th, at 10:30am, God’s Resurrection of Jesus Christ; Sermon: ‘The Amazing Race’ - Luke 24:1-12
- Sunday, April 27th, at 10:30am, Bright Sunday; Sermon: ‘Jesus Brightens Your Walk’ – Luke 24:13-35
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THE WAY OF THE CROSS LEADS HOME
CROSSWALK 40-DAYS OF PRAYER
HAVE YOU SIGNED UP TO PARTICIPATE IN OUR SEASON OF PRAYER DURING LENT?
You can sign-up below for 1 or more of 120 time slots to pray for our church, our diaconate, our church council, our Converge task force, and our staff. We will offer opportunities each morning, afternoon, and evening from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday.
When I was a teenager, our youth group choir chose a hymn to be our theme song. We enjoyed singing pieces that were new – written in the 1960s and 1970s. But we also enjoyed singing harmony on some hymn arrangements from the 19th century. The woman who directed us liked to tell hymn stories about the writers or situations that inspired the writing of the words.
One story we learned was about a young woman who started writing lyrics for hymns when she was a teenager. Jesse Brown Pounds was born in Ohio in the year 1861. She was an abolitionist. Because of poor health, she was taught at home and began writing verses for the Cleveland newspapers when she was fifteen years of age. The hymn we enjoyed singing was The Way of the Cross Leads Home. We discussed the theology of the verses which included phrases such as ‘Gates of Light’ and ‘blood sprinkled way.’ But we fully embraced the chorus.
The way of the cross leads home, The way of the cross leads home; It is sweet to know, as we onward go, The way of the cross leads home.
As our church unites in prayer through March and April, we will express our unity of commitment to God, our mutual dedication in discipleship, and our shared vision for St. John’s ministry in today’s world. Yes, the way of the cross leads home. And the way of prayer keeps us walking in the way of the cross.
Please join me in this season of prayer.
Shalom,
Dennis
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Register now for Syrup Sunday
March 2 immediately following worship
You are invited to join us for Syrup Sunday (formerly known as Fat Friday) THIS Sunday, March 2 at 11:30 AM in Broach Hall! Food will be provided by Brookscakes.
We ask that you please consider donating either ahead of time on Realm or at the door by cash or check! Checks should be made to St. John’s Baptist Church. The suggested amount is $10 per person. All money collected will be donated to Refugee Support Services!
Please register by TOMORROW, February 28!
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March 5: Ash Wednesday Worship at 6:30pm
On the evening of Ash Wednesday, March 5th, we will gather at 6:30 in the Sanctuary to worship as we enter the Lenten season. On each Sunday, during Lent, we will offer prayers of confession to God and reflect on the meanings of Jesus’ words spoken from the cross.
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Happy Birthday!
Kayleigh Mac Whipple will celebrate a birthday on March 3. She is the daughter of Elizabeth and John.
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Snack Collection for Hospice
The Levine-Dickson Hospice Houses at both Aldersgate and Southminster desperately need snacks. These are made available for the families of those served in the houses. A snack and a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate gives the family members a break during their challenging day of watching over their loved ones.
Donations of single-serving wrapped items would be greatly appreciated. Examples of items are as follows:
- single bags of chips - any kind
- cheese crackers
- peanut butter crackers
- fruit snacks (ex. Welch's )
- breakfast bars
- PopTarts
- Granola bars
- Individual packs of cookies
- small candy bars
- Any other snack type item deemed appropriate
If you have questions, please contact Nancy Wilson at 704-536-4046
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The 100th Anniversary books have arrived!
Pre-ordered books may be picked up in the Heritage Room (next to the Church Parlor) THIS Sunday, March 2nd from 10:00-10:30 and immediately after church.
If you need to arrange pickup at another time, please contact Fredda Kimball. A limited number of extra books are available for sale ($20).
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Thursdays on the Town at Puerta on March 20
Families, please join us for dinner on Thursday, March 20, beginning at 6:00 p.m., at Puerta. Childcare is provided.
Please register and request childcare by March 16. Families may register on Realm or contact Kheresa.
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On The Way for March 21
St. John’s Retired Adults & Friends head to Shelby, NC!
On Friday March 21 we will go to Shelby for an early lunch at Red Bridges Barbecue, followed by a visit to the Earl Scruggs Center in the old Cleveland County Courthouse.
We will meet at the church at 9:50 am and leave at 10:00 am. We will return that day by 3:00 pm. The cost will be $20 (for a spot on the bus and admission into the Earl Scruggs Center) plus purchasing your own lunch at Bridges. We can look to set up a carpool driver if/when we get beyond 15 people.
Please email Lee Gray LGray@sjcharlotte.org if you plan to participate.
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Finding Peace in a Stressful World: A NAMI Charlotte Mental Wellness Seminar at St. John’s Baptist Church with Free Lunch
Sunday, March 16, 2025 12:00 pm in Broach Hall
In today’s world, stress is an ever-present challenge. Whether it’s balancing work and family, coping with life’s uncertainties, or supporting loved ones through difficult times, many of us feel overwhelmed. That’s why St. John’s Baptist Church is excited to welcome NAMI Charlotte (National Alliance on Mental Illness) for a special seminar on mental wellness—because taking care of our minds is just as important as taking care of our bodies.
Join us as we explore:
- Practical ways to care for your mental health
- How to recognize when stress becomes too much
- What to do if you or someone you love needs help
- Local resources available through NAMI Charlotte
This seminar is designed for everyone—whether you are facing personal struggles, supporting a friend or family member, or simply want to learn more about mental wellness in today’s fast-paced world.
Together, we will learn how to build resilience, foster self-care, and support one another in faith and community. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain knowledge, find encouragement, and connect with valuable mental health resources. Register for free below.
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Prayers, Thanks, and Celebrations
Current Prayer Concerns: Joseph Freeman, Anne Sutton
Continuing Prayer: Nancy Burgess, Mary Rickenbaker, Jeck Warren
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Financial Update
2024 Full Year Budget: $1,211,000
Through December
Budgeted Income: $1,211,000 (100%)
Actual Income Received: $1,167,311 (96%)
Income Over (Under) Budget: ($43,689)
Actual Expenses Paid: $1,192,524 (98%)
Income/Expense Surplus (Deficit): ($25,213)
2025 Pledge Commitments
2025 Pledge Goal: 150 Commitments, $900,000
2025 Pledges Received: 137 Commitments, $890,000
2024 Pledge Total: 140 Commitments, $884,000
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Staff On-Call Rotation
Feb. 24-Mar. 2: Russell
Mar. 3-9: Dennis
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Staff Contact Information
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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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