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In this week's Family News (Scroll to Learn More):
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From Dr. Laura Heikes: The Joy of Giving
- Fall Festival Thank You
- Stewardship 2027: Renewed by Those Who Came Before
- Assistive Listening in the Sanctuary
- Friendsgiving Celebration
- Coat Drive for Nourish Up
- NAMI Walks
- Faith in Action: 2026 Steps Against Hunger Sunday School Challenge
- St. John's Children & Youth Basketball
- Upcoming Youth Events
- Save the Date: Thursdays on the Town at the Urban District Market, November 12th
- On The Way
- Introducing the Care Ring: A New Way to Care for One Another
- Churchwide Save the Dates
- Birthdays
- Prayer List, Sympathy, Thanks, and Celebrations
- Financial Update
- Minister On Call Schedule
- Staff Contact Info
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The Joy of Giving
by Dr. Laura Heikes, Senior Minister
What a joyful weekend at St. John’s!
On Sunday morning, we gathered for worship and Commitment Sunday. The handbells rang, Aidan played his clarinet (wow!), the choir sang, and we celebrated all that God is doing among us. Norman, Tallon, Kera, and Ashley blessed us with their testimonies.
When I asked Norman to speak, he shared that it would be his 96th birthday and that he couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate than to be with his church family. Norman reminded us that small acts of love, like cards, calls, and a ride to church, can be sources of great joy and expressions of great love. These small acts of love and faithfulness are something I see over and over in our church.
As we brought our pledge cards forward, I watched with delight. It wasn’t somber or solemn, and it wasn’t a showy parade. It was a family, smiling, greeting one another, making room for each other, and even chatting and laughing. Some placed a card in the basket. Others touched it as a sign of their commitment or placed a card in the basket to show they had pledged online. There was a spirit of joy in the room that was hard to miss.
That afternoon, we experienced the same spirit beyond our sanctuary. Our Fall Festival welcomed hundreds of people from St. John’s, the Weekday School, and our wider community. Children enjoyed cotton candy, a petting zoo, and trunk-or-treating at decorated cars. Church members helped welcome our neighbors and shared free hot dogs with all the fixings. There was laughter, welcome, and generosity everywhere.
It struck me that the whole weekend was an expression of what it means to say, “I Love My Church.” We love the music, the worship, the children learning about faith, and the opportunities to serve our neighbors. And we love the chance to make those things happen, together.
Generosity requires us to make choices about how we use what we have. Giving faithfully can mean sacrifice. But generosity can also be a source of deep joy. And it’s the joy I saw this weekend.
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There is joy in hearing the music we make together. Joy in watching a child delight in a petting zoo. Joy in welcoming someone who is visiting St. John’s for the first time. Joy in knowing that our gifts make these moments possible, and that they reach far beyond us.
As we look toward 2027, I hope we’ll carry Sunday’s joy with us. Our pledges make the ministry ahead of us possible. Every gift of time, talent, care, and financial resources helps us live out our love for this church and our neighbors.
I love this church. I love what happens when we come together. And I can’t wait to see what God will do in and through us in the years to come.
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Fall Festival Thank You
On Sunday, October 25, our church spilled out onto the sacred grounds of our Main Entrance parking lot, rolled up our sleeves, set up tables, grilled hotdogs, hosted a craft and bake sale, festively and creatively decorated more than 17 trunks, made room for a petting zoo and a face painting station, and welcomed hundreds of guests from the Queen City to our annual Fall Festival and Trunk-or-Treat! Thank you to everyone who shared their resources, their support, their time, and their trunks. More than resources, support, time, and trunks were shared. The love of Christ was shared lavishly with children of all ages. This is what the body of Christ is and does. Thank you, St. Johnsians!
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Stewardship 2027: Renewed by Those Who Came Before
From the Stewardship Resource Team
Thank you, St. John's! Last Sunday the aisles filled for the commitment walk. Families walked side by side, youth came down from the balcony, and some of you came forward simply to touch the table and say "I'm in." As of Tuesday, we've received 100 pledges totaling $792,404. That's a strong start.
Before the walk, four of our own told us why they love this church: Norman Fortson, Tallon Cardella, Kera Hemstreet and Ashley Maready. Their words were honest and personal, and they reminded us that a church is its people. Thank you to all four for saying out loud what so many of us feel. (And happy 96th birthday, Norman!)
This Sunday is All Saints Sunday, when we read the names of those who have gone before us. For 104 years, St. John's has been kept going by people who loved this church enough to give to it. They often gave generously, and often without knowing who would benefit. Every classroom, every hymnal in the pew rack and every mission partnership we have today rests on their faithfulness.
Our pledges are how we take our place in that line.
If you haven't returned your 2027 pledge card yet, there's still time. Every pledge, whatever its size, helps us plan for the year ahead. You can put it in the offering plate, mail it, pledge online, call the Finance Office (704-333-5428, ext. 2020) or drop it by the church office. We hope to have every pledge in by Thanksgiving, before the congregation votes on November 22 to approve the draft 2027 budget.
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Assistive Listening in the Sanctuary
In-person assistance available every Sunday morning
As part of our new sanctuary sound system installation this fall, those who need access to assistive listening technologies can now use a new mobile app on their smartphone. This new technology exists alongside our traditional assistive listening devices (located to the left of the chancel). If you prefer those traditional devices, you can continue to use them.
The new app is called ListenWIFI (see its blue logo with headphones above). It can be downloaded from the Apple Store or Google Play Store for use on either Apple or Android smartphones.
Follow these instructions:
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First, make sure you do this somewhere on campus; this only works when connected to a SJBC WiFi connection. Please refer to the printed worship bulletin for the SJBC-Member WiFi password.
- Search for "ListenWIFI" in your respective app store and then download the app. (Please note: You may need your Apple or Google account username and password to authorize the app download; the sanctuary tech team usually cannot easily assist you with username and password recovery.)
- Open the ListenWIFI app. It will ask for you to give it several permissions, including some location-based permissions. Give consent for all the prompts that appear on your screen.
- You will see a channel named "SJB Sanctuary." Click on that. (You may need to click on a button that says "Venue Search" to make this audio channel appear.)
- The audio from our sound system will begin playing on your device.
This app provides an audio stream on your phone, and you can use any listening device you would usually use with your phone including wired headphones/earbuds, wireless earbuds like AirPods, or your Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids. Please do not play the audio during worship without being connected to some kind of headphones/earbuds/hearing aids.
Assistance every Sunday: The tech team usually arrives at the church sometime between 8:30-9am every Sunday. If you would like assistance with the ListenWIFI app or have other questions about sanctuary sound, please come to the sanctuary and talk to Matt Comer or Ryan Crowder.
Please communicate with us: If you ever experience any difficulty with ListenWIFI, the traditional assistive listening devices, or have other needs, please communicate with us. We are here to help you and we want to ensure that you are able to fully participate in worship. Prior to worship beginning, you can also let an usher know that you are experiencing problems and they can then come get us from the balcony. Most fixes are simple (e.g., a loose headphones connection on the traditional listening devices). For any other questions or general sound system feedback, please email Matt at matthewmhcomer@gmail.com or call him at 336-391-9528.
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Friendsgiving Celebration
Join us on Sunday, November 15 for a special Friendsgiving celebration as we gather to share a potluck meal. We will gather in Broach Hall from11:45 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. Bring a dish that represents your family’s story and an appetite hungry for good food and fellowship! Sign up here by November 13.
All are welcome!
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Coat Drive for Nourish Up
We have the opportunity again this year to help with the coat drive for Galilee Ministries in partnership with Nourish Up. They are accepting coats for all sizes, ages, and genders. You can start bringing donations now until December 19th. Please bring any donations to the giving nook. Also accepted are quilted vests, gloves, hats, and scarves. Children's and toddler items are especially appreciated. Last year, St. John's donated about 50 coats along with other items.
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Charlotte NAMI Walks
St. John’s is a proud sponsor of Charlotte NAMI Walks on Saturday, November 7th at the Mint Museum Randolph. NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness. This year our goal is to raise $1,000; we have raised $100 so far. You can join the team to walk with us or give to support the St. John’s team and this amazing cause by clicking HERE.
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Faith in Action: 2026 Steps Against Hunger Sunday School Challenge
It’s time to come together, share God’s love, and make a difference! Our Sunday School classes are gearing up for this year’s CROP Hunger Walk Fundraising Challenge, and we’re turning a little friendly competition into a whole lot of good!
Each Sunday School class will have its own donation jar. The mission? Fill those jars with generous gifts between now and the CROP Walk on November 15! Every dollar raised can help bring clean, safe water to people living in poverty around the world. Access to clean water is a basic need we can help meet through faith, compassion, and generosity.
Each class has its own CROP-branded fundraising thermometer poster to track progress. Watch those totals rise as we put our faith into action, one donation at a time! Every contribution brings us one step closer to helping families access the clean water they need to live healthier lives.
And what’s a challenge without a little friendly competition? The two Sunday School classes that raise the most money will win prizes, with our fundraising champions announced during the CROP Walk recap!
As followers of Christ, we are called to love our neighbors and care for those in need. Let’s show that love in a tangible way by helping provide clean water to communities facing poverty. Every gift matters, every dollar has a purpose, and every act of generosity can be a blessing.
Let’s fill those jars, grow our faith, and help make clean water possible for all! Together, we can turn our faith into action and our generosity into hope.
SIGN UP TO WALK NOW BY CLICKING HERE. SIGN UP FOR T-SHIRTS AT THE CROP WALK TABLE IN THE SUNDAY SCHOOL HALLWAY.
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St. John's Children & Youth Basketball
Basketball Season at St. John’s will be here before you know it. Clinics are on October 20, 27 and Nov 3 at 5:00 pm and are for 6Us and 8Us combined, with siblings welcome to attend and participate. Practices for all teams start in November and games in December.
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Upcoming Youth Events
- 11/1 - 9:15 Sunday School with a speaker from NAMI
- 11/1 - 5-7pm ECOF Youth gathering @ St. Martin's. We will meet at St. John's at 4:50 and walk together.
- 11/7 (Saturday) - NAMI walk
Follow SJBC Youth on Instagram (@SJBCyouth)!
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Save the Date: Thursdays on the Town at the Urban District Market: November 12th
Families, join us on Thursday, November 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! Click here to register.
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On The Way
- Wednesday, November 11th 9:30 am - 4:30 pm On The Way to International Civil Rights Museum in Greensboro
Please email Rev. Lee Gray (lgray@sjcharlotte.org) if you would like to join us for the International Civil Rights Museum.
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Introducing the Care Ring: A New Way to Care for One Another
St. John's is beginning a new chapter in the way we care for one another as a congregation. As we move from the Pastoral Deacons to the new Care Ring, our goal remains the same; to make sure that every member of St. John's knows they are seen, valued, remembered and cared for.
The Care Ring will provide congregational care to all members of St. John's, helping us to stay connected to one another during times of joy, difficulty, transition, illness, loss and other circumstances when support may be needed. One important part of this ministry will be the introduction of Care Cards, which will be placed in the pews. These cards provide an easy way for members to let the church know when someone in our congregation has a need of which we should be aware. Whether someone is hospitalized, experiencing a family concern, celebrating a significant milestone, grieving a loss, or simply in need of a little extra support, The Care Card gives us a way to share that information with those coordinating congregational care.
The Care Ring is built on a simple idea: caring for one another is the responsibility of the whole church family. No one person or group can know every need within a congregation, but together we can help ensure that important needs do not go unnoticed.
We encourage everyone at St. John's to use the Care Cards whenever there is information that would help us care for a fellow member. Please provide only the information you are comfortable sharing and be mindful of each person's privacy. Also, there is an outreach person in each Sunday school class, the choir, the Brotherhood of the Biscuit and the Women of the Church whom you may tell. When appropriate, this outreach person will notify the Care Ring of any needs so that appropriate care and support can be provided.
As we begin this new ministry, we ask for your prayers, participation and willingness to look out for one another. The Care Ring is more than a new structure-it is an opportunity for all of us to strengthen the bonds of fellowship and compassion that make St. John's a caring church family.
Together, we can make sure that no one walks alone.
Your Care Team,
Nancy Wilson, chair
Ethel Harris
Kathy Turner
Lee Gray, Minister for Congregational Care
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Churchwide Save the Dates:
- All Saints Sunday: November 1
- NAMI Walks: November 7
- CROP Walk: November 15
- Friendsgiving: November 15
- WDAV Lessons & Carols: December 1
- Senior Christmas Gathering: December 3
- Hanging of the Green: December 6
- Advent Yoga: December 6
- Christmas Cantata: December 13
- Children’s Nativity Play with Churchwide Lunch: December 13
- Christmas Eve Candles, Carols, and Communion: December 24
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Happy Birthday, Riley!
We celebrate with Riley, daughter of Colleen and Marc Cardella. Riley will celebrate her birthday on October 30th.
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Happy Birthday, Mabry Anne!
We celebrate with Mabry Anne, daughter of Elizabeth Peacock and Steve Miller. Mabry will celebrate her birthday on November 3rd.
| | Prayer List, Sympathy, Thanks, and Celebrations | |
Current Prayer:
Kimberly Hicks, Amanda Morrison
Continuing Prayer:
James Ferguson, Anna Lynn Kearse, Warren Lineberger, Debbie Stillerman, Rachael Foust Tomello, Gayla Tyson
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Financial Update
2026 Full Year Budget – $1,230,000
Budget thru September - $922,500
Actual Income Received - $908, 560
Income over (under) budget - ($13,940)
| | Minister On Call Schedule |
- Oct. 26-Nov. 1: Kheresa
- Nov. 2-8: Laura
- Nov. 9-15: Lee
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Staff Contact Information
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Dr. Laura Heikes, Senior Minister - 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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Noel Lance, Minister for Worship & Music
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Amanda Morrison, Church Administrator - 704-333-5428, ext. 0
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Kristina Hartzell, Weekday School Director - 704-333-5428, ext. 2039
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Megan Beach, Office Assistant/Media Coordinator - 704-333-5428, ext. 2014
- Chloe Salmeron, Children's Choir Director
- Herb Parrott, Custodial/Maintenance Associate
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