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In this week's Family News (Scroll to Learn More):
- A Truth-Teller Passes on Ahead of Us
- Holy Grounds Begins this Sunday along with Children's Combined Summer Class
- Happy Birthday!
- Summer Worship Series: The Kind of Church Our World Needs
- Senior Adult Summer Picnic
- World Refugee Day Festival on June 22
- Common Table
- On the Way for July
- Rise Against Hunger Save the Date
- Nursery Volunteers Needed August 18
- Women's Retreat 2024
- Prayer List, Sympathy, Thanks, and Celebrations
- Financial Update
- Minister On Call Schedule
- Staff Contact Info
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A Truth-Teller Passes on Ahead of Us
by Dennis W. Foust, Senior Minister
Last week, one of the most influential theologians of the twentieth century passed on ahead of us. His name was Jurgen Moltmann. He was a truth-teller. He warned against efforts to merge Christian faith with nationalism. I was introduced to his writing in 1977 by one of my theology professors in college. Part of what drew me to Moltmann was his story.
He wrote, “In my youth, I lived in extreme nationalism, patriotism, and the Nazi dictatorship. When Hitler came into power in Germany in 1933, I was seven years old. My larger family was divided into anti-Hitler socialists and pro-Hitler Nazis. When I was ten years of age, my parents had to send me to a Hitler youth organization. I disliked it because of its militarism.” In 1937, Moltmann’s father was given a choice; he could join the Nazi party or face dismissal as a teacher. He was forced to join the Nazi party, but only as an external act, not with ‘wholehearted devotion.’ He did so to save his family from poverty.
As a teenager, Jurgen was conscripted into the Nazi army. He was forced to serve in the Hitler Youth and the German Army as a ‘patriot.’ However, he followed the example of his father and was never a devotee of Naziism, nationalism and the horrors caused by Hitler’s regime. He chose to be a truth-teller.
During World War II, in 1943, Moltmann worked in an anti-aircraft battery during the bombing of his hometown of Hamburg by the Royal Air Force. That air attack killed 40,000 people, including a friend standing next to Jurgen. Ordered to the German forest at the front lines, he refused to fight for Naziism and surrendered under cover of darkness to the first British soldier he met. From 1945 to 1948, he was confined as a prisoner of war and moved from camp to camp in Belgium, Scotland, and England. While in Scotland, he worked with other German Prisoners of War to rebuild areas damaged by bombing. He was impressed by the hospitality of the Scottish people toward the prisoners. He sensed them to be truth-tellers.
After the war, Moltmann studied theology and received his doctorate in 1952. After serving as a pastor for five years, he became a professor in 1958, a role from which he retired in 1994, although he continued to teach and write in his latter years. From 1983 to 1993, he was the Robert W. Woodruff Distinguished Visiting Professor of Systematic Theology at Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia.
Professor Jurgen Moltmann told the truth based upon his experience of nationalism being elevated above commitment to Christ. He confronted anyone attempting to mix Christ with nationalism. His simple message was this: “The Church of Christ is present in all the people on earth and cannot become 'a national religion. The Church of Christ ecumenically embraces the whole inhabited earth. She is not a tribal religion, nor a Western religion, nor a white religion, but the Church of all humanity.” Moltmann was concerned about this new wave of nationalism taking root in today’s world. He warned how nationalism is a setback for humanity. He taught “humanity precedes nationality.” Moltmann was a truth-teller in the line of other prophets like Micah.
Last week, new banners of proclamation were hung on the portico of our sanctuary. St. John’s is a truth-telling congregation. Therefore, we are offering a message to all passersby that our world needs to find its way by following God’s way; the Living God of Micah and Moltmann who requires us to “Do Justice with God,” “Love Kindness with God,” and “Walk Humbly with God.”
When Professor Jurgen Moltmann passed on ahead of us last week, on June 3rd at the age of 98, we lost a strong prophetic voice. His life reminds us of the need to tell the truth by speaking out against Christian nationalism.
Amen – Let it be so!
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Holy Grounds Begins this Sunday Along with Combined Children's Sunday School
Are you seeking a nurturing and spiritually enriching environment for both you and your children this summer? Is your current Sunday School class taking a summer sabbatical?
We extend a warm invitation to you to join us for the Holy Grounds class on June 16, led by the wonderful Kheresa Harmon in the church parlor starting at 9:15am. Coffe and tee will be provided.
Additionally, we are excited to announce the launch of our combined children's Sunday school class (preschool-elementary) on the same day in Room 221. They will be combined for the entire summer and will be learning about the beatitudes and using Kids Can, an interactive, fun curriculum offered by MennoMedia. Preschoolers and childre willl worship with their families at 10:30am each Sunday.
Nursery for babies and toddlers will meet as scheduled.
Join us as we embark on this journey of spiritual discovery and growth together. See you there!
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Happy Birthday!
On June 16, we celebrate the birthdays of three of our children:
- Alexandra Cushman, daughter of Anna and Blinn
- Julien Cushman, son of Anna and Blinn
- Joy Follis, daughter of Kimberly and Steven
Please wish them a happy birthday when you see them.
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The Kind of Church Our World Needs
A Summer of Worship Continues with St. John’s
This summer, our worship will 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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June 16 – A Church that Forgives What Cannot Be Forgotten, by Dr. Dennis Foust
June 23 – A Church of the Vulnerable, by Rev. Kheresa Harmon
June 30 – A Church that Loves in Truth, by Rev. Lee Gray
July 7 – A Church that Models Interdependence, by Dr. Dennis Foust
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
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Senior Adult Picnic
Sunday, June 23 in Broach Hall, Register Today!
Senior Adults (75+), join us on Sunday, June 23rd for the annual Seniors' Picnic held in Broach Hall immediately after the worship service.
To register for the Senior Adult Luncheon on June 23rd please:
- Text "Senior Luncheon" and your name to 704-333-5428
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or call the Church Office at 704-333-5428 ext. 0
Please register by Tuesday, June 18.
Sponsored by Women of the Church.
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We’re Invited to a World Refugee Day Festival!
On Saturday, June 22 St. John’s mission partner, Refugee Support Services, will be hosting a celebration of World Refugee Day. This is an annual international day, organized by the United Nations and designed to celebrate and honor refugees from around the world.
The celebration in Charlotte will be an outdoor festival from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM near the entrance of Aldersgate Retirement Community at the intersection of Shamrock Drive and Willard Farrow Drive. With games for children, music, dancers and other performers, cotton candy, multi-cultural food, and neighbors from around the world dressed in colorful festive attire, it is an event for families to enjoy.
Assisting in the event are ourBridge for Kids and BOOM, along with a host of volunteers, again including volunteers from St. John’s who will be working at the photo station, providing festival attendees with mementos of this joyful occasion.
This is an opportunity for us to be instruments of peace, as we help welcome people from Afghanistan, Ukraine, Cambodia, Vietnam, Central America and other parts of the world and show our appreciation for them and their cultures.
Drop by anytime between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM and stay as long as you like. You don’t have to speak any of the languages. Just smile!!
If you are interested in volunteering or just want additional information, contact: Nina Phillips, ninacarl@gmail.com; Beverly Hester, beverlyrhester@earthlink.net; or Ken Hungate, khungate4866@gmail.com
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June 23: Common Table — a fresh expression for newcomers and seekers
St. John's members are encouraged to invite the family, friends, and neighbors in their lives who may be searching for a new faith experience to our next Common Table dinner on Sunday, June 23, 6-8pm, at Heist Brewery in NoDa.
Common Table is an open community of believers and seekers, invited to gather around a common table, share a meal, and engage in deep and meaningful conversation about things that matter, especially spiritual things. Out of these experiences, an intentional community is born, providing space for healing, exploring our faith journeys, and strengthening our relationships with each other and with God, as we determine how best we can live our lives as followers of Jesus.
These events are intended for people who are new to church, have never/rarely attended church, have lost trust in or been hurt by organized religion, or are seeking a place to explore in a safe and nurturing environment.
Common Table is a partnership between St. John's, St. Stephen United Methodist, and St. Luke Missionary Baptist, and is funded in part by a grant from the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina.
Learn more and send this link to those you think might benefit: commontableclt.com.
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On the Way for July
Introductory 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 (after all the sandwiches are made).
We will then go to Hawthorne’s for lunch at 11:30 am. Please email Lee Gray at LGray@sjcharlotte.org if you plan to be a part of this class and or lunch that day. This tech class will also inform you of the ongoing technology services provided by the Shepherd’s Center.
Here is the class description
“Do you have technology questions? We've got answers! Join Shepherd's Charlotte's interactive Tech Q&A Session where 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. This is an open forum designed to address your specific needs, so come prepared with your questions. All skill levels are welcome!”
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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.
This is an opportunity to be the hands and body of Christ to help feed the world. We are literally going to share the bread of life around the world. We cannot neglect to mention the severity of the problem: every three to five seconds someone dies from hunger or hunger-related diseases.
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Nursery Volunteers Still Needed!
August 18 Only
Nursery volunteers are needed for the 3rd Sunday of August only. Please contact Kheresa immediately to serve
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Mark your calendars!
God's Tapestry: Woven Together in Power and Purpose
Please save the dates November 1-3 for our annual Women of the Church retreat. We are very glad to tell you that we will be returning to our beautiful mountain spot, the Blowing Rock Conference Center, for a weekend of food, fellowship, laughter, study, and growing together spiritually.
Sabrina Gilchrist will be our facilitator for the weekend. Using the theme “God’s Tapestry: Woven Together in Power and Purpose," she will lead us in a study of Mary and Elizabeth, and guide us in learning how we, as a community of women, can affirm each other’s gifts.
Mark your calendar and be ready for more details as the time draws nearer.
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Prayers, Thanks, and Celebrations
Current Prayer Concerns: Jack Crymes, Charles Gordon, Carolyn Hall, Cathy Hartsell, Arnold Philemon
Continuing Prayer Concerns: Shirley Ballard, Tom Bryson, Mary Rickenbaker
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Staff On-Call Rotation
- Jun. 10-16: Dennis
- June 17-23: Kheresa
- June 24-30: Lee
- July 1-7: Russell
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Financial Update
2024 Full Year Budget $1,211,000
Income received through June 9: $463,686
(May income and expense report next week)
2024 Community & State Mission Offering Goal: $5,000
Income received through June 9: $7,175
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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) (ON FAMILY LEAVE)
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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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