St. John's Family News

Week of July 8-14, 2024 | Vol. 83, Issue 27

www.stjohnsbaptistchurch.org | @sjbccharlotte

Kheresa, Chloe, Tallon, and Addison had a GREAT week together last week at PassportKids Camp on the campus of Montreat Conference Center in Black Mountain. The theme for the week was "Come to the Water" where they learned about the dynamic presence of God, like rain falling on leaves or ocean waves crashing on the shore. They also focused on water scarcity around the world in places like Togo and how we as God's people can work to help bring clean water to others.

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

Does Theology Matter?
Summer Worship Series Continues
Global Missions Offering
Men's Shelter Service on July 19
Buddies on the Bench
PRIDE Festival and Parade Volunteering
Buddies on the Bench
On the Way for July
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
Financial Update
Minister On Call Schedule
Staff Contact Info

Does Theology Matter?

by Dennis W. Foust, Senior Minister

My first college class in theological study introduced me to several theologians and traditions of thought that stretched my mind. Our assignments included reading passages written by theologians from the first twenty centuries of Church history. Our professor guided us to read the content of each theologian within the historical context of their lifetime. It was interesting to see how each century offered theological insights and practices which were more progressive than previous centuries as culture shifted.

This memory surfaced again recently during a conversation about today’s progressive theology. A friend who has never studied theology and who admitted that he doesn’t like to read made this remark, “I’m not sure theology matters anymore. I just try to do the best I can.”

First of all, let me say that I like and appreciate my friend. He is a fine person. He truly cares about other people. He tries to understand how issues in society interface. In his own way, he thinks deeply. But he is like so many people who are cultural Christians these days, He respects the Christian tradition. He is a leader in his church which is in the Presbyterian tradition. He is an open-hearted and open-minded person. However, my friend suggested he had no interest in theology.

So, following our conversation, I wrote him a note suggesting that he consider how he is living out progressive theology. Then I offered him the following foundational statements that describe how progressive theology is practiced every day by people like him who claim to be Christian but think they do not connect with theology. Maybe you can also resonate with these statements. I hope so. I know theology matters. It guides the way we live. Even if the following statements do not represent your practice of theology, my pastoral prayer is that you will consider how you live out your foundational commitments.

You practice progressive Christian theology if you:

Try to follow the way of life taught and exemplified by Jesus.
Are convinced that learning how to follow Jesus brings integrity to your life and
saves the world from pursuit of destructive and evil actions.
Embrace how the Spirit of God works through a variety of faith traditions.
Invest yourself in a community of faith that is inclusive of all people.
Honor diversity of humanity expressed in race, age, sexual orientation, gender
identity/expression, class, or ability.
Strive for peace and justice among all people.
Express compassion (make room in your heart) toward other people.
Accept the findings of modern science.
Make efforts to protect the environment and care for the Earth’s sustainability.
Commit to life-long learning exploring questions that arise in life’s ambiguities.

Beloved, this summer we are focusing on the kind of Church needed by today’s world. One of the ways we can be God’s people today is to live with integrity between our foundational commitments and our lifestyles. Our discipleship requires no less.

A Summer of Worship Continues with St. John’s

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.

July 14 – A Church Where Failure Is Accepted, by Dr. Dennis Foust

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

2024 Global Missions Offering

Nyarweng Primary School

We hope you will contribute to our annual Global Missions Offering!

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. More details will be shared throughout the summer. Be sure to peruse the books in the narthex which tell the story of the school’s origin and SJ’s part in that in bringing the dream to life.

How do I give?

Give online through Realm by clicking button below (see image below for what giving form looks like, 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.

Contribute Here

It's time to serve at the Men's Shelter on July 19!

Check your calendar for July 19!

Do you have time to serve at the Men's Shelter or maybe make a pudding for that night? You are needed.

You can click on the link below and volunteer. Thank you in advance.

Want to tell Charlotte that "God Loves Everyone"?

Charlotte Pride is Saturday and Sunday August 17 and 18!

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

“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.

Our B.O.B. this week, July 14, is Hannah Harmon!

Got tech questions? Join us for July On the Way!

Interactive Tech Class with the Shepherd Center

For the month of July, we will have an introductory tech class led by our residential partners from the Shepherd Center on Tuesday, July 16 from 10:30-11:30 am in the church lounge.

During this interactive Tech Q&A Session, you'll have the opportunity to get real-time solutions to your tech-related queries. Whether you're struggling with your smartphone, confused by your computer, or perplexed by your tablet, our knowledgeable instructor will be on hand to provide clear, easy-to-understand answers. All are welcome!

We will then go to Hawthorne’s for lunch at 11:30 am.

Please email Lee at LGray@sjcharlotte.org as soon as possible to help ensure we have the right amount of people to provide hands on help for our tech class.

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.

Children and Family Ministries for August

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

August 25: Breakfast for Rising Kindergarten Students and Their Families, 9:15 a.m. in Broach Hall

August 25: Blessing of the Backpacks and Presentation of Bible to Rising First Graders during Worship

August 25: Children and Families Participate in the Community Tapestry Project (details forthcoming) during Worship

August 25: IMPORTANT PARENTS’ MEETING with Kheresa in Broach Hall following worship. PLEASE ATTEND!

Upcoming Events: Cookout on September 7 for children, youth, and families; Worship Led by Children on October 6; SJBC Fall Festival and Trunk-or-Treat on October 27

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!

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.

Prayers, Thanks, and Celebrations

Current Prayer Concerns: Jack Crymes, Charles Gordon, Carolyn Hall, Arnold Philemon

Continuing Prayer Concerns: Shirley Ballard, Tom Bryson, Mary Rickenbaker

Please unite in prayer for Peggy Hutson, Debbie Benton and all other family members of our sister in Christ, Jean Hutson. Peggy & Debbie are daughters of Jean who was a matriarch of four generations in our church family. Jean passed on ahead of us this morning three weeks prior to celebrating the completion of her 99th year. Her service will be held on Thursday, July 25 at 11:00 in the Sanctuary with a reception to follow in Broach Hall.

Patricia "Pat" C. Culp a former member of St. John's passed on ahead of us on Saturday, July 6. Please remember her family and friends in your prayers. Her service will be held on Wednesday, July 17 at 1:00 pm at McEwen Funeral Service-Pineville Chapel (10500 Park Rd, Charlotte, NC 28210).

Financial Update

2024 Full Year Budget: $1,211,000

Income Received Through July 8: $568,486

June Income/Expenses to be Reported on July 18

Staff Contact Information

Rev. Haley Blackwell, Minister for Youth & Young Adults - 704-333,5428, ext. 2013; 620-515-3558 (cell)
Rev. Dennis Foust, PhD, Senior Minister - 704-359-7234 (cell); 704-333-5428, ext. 2012
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)
Russell Nelson, Minister for Worship & Music - (980) 228-6244 (cell)

Mallory Brown, Media Coordinator - 704-477-3349 (cell)
Chloe Hall, Children's Choir Director
Noel Lance, Organist
Amanda Morrison, Church Administrator - 704-333-5428, ext. 0
Lydia Olmsted, Weekday School Director - 704-333-5428, ext. 2039

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