St. John's Family News

Week of June 17-23, 2024 | Vol. 83, Issue 25

www.stjohnsbaptistchurch.org | @sjbccharlotte

Church Calendar | Give Online | Realm Log-In | Usher Schedule 2 Greeter Schedule 1 Greeter Schedule 2 | Men's Shelter Sign Up | Nursery Schedule | Divine Center Prayer Guide

Our youth have had a great week on mission in New York City this week. Please pray for the rest of their week and safe travels home. (photo courtesy of Lindsay Wilson)

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


  1. 2024 Global Missions Offering
  2. World Refugee Day Festival This Saturday
  3. Happy Birthday!
  4. B.O.B. Buddies on the Bench
  5. Holy Grounds and Combined Children's Sunday School
  6. Summer Worship Series: The Kind of Church Our World Needs
  7. Senior Adult Summer Picnic
  8. Common Table
  9. On the Way for July
  10. Rise Against Hunger Save the Date
  11. Nursery Volunteers Needed August 18
  12. Prayer List, Sympathy, Thanks, and Celebrations
  13. Financial Update
  14. Minister On Call Schedule
  15. Staff Contact Info

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. 


To contribute, please click the link below and choose Global Missions in the drop down or write a check to St. John's Baptist Church with "Global Missions" in the memo line. Your generosity can help transform lives and communities in South Sudan.

Contribute Here

We’re Invited to a World Refugee Day Festival!


On Saturday, June 22, St. John’s mission partner, Refugee Support Services, will host a celebration of World Refugee Day.


This outdoor festival will take place from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM near the entrance of Aldersgate Retirement Community and will feature games, music, dancers, multi-cultural food, and more. Volunteers from St. John’s (please come help!) will assist at the photo station, providing mementos for attendees. This event welcomes people from Afghanistan, Ukraine, Cambodia, Vietnam, Central America, and beyond, celebrating their cultures. Drop by anytime between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM, and just bring a 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

Happy Birthday!


We wish a happy birthday on June 21 to Hailey McCombs, daughter of Kelli and Eric McCombs.


Please wish her a happy birthday when you see her next.

“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.

Holy Grounds & Combined Children's Sunday School this Summer


Don't forget to join us for the Holy Grounds class on Sundays led by Kheresa Harmon in the church parlor starting at 9:15am. Coffee and tea are provided.


Additionally, our combined children's Sunday school class (preschool-elementary) has begun in Room 221. They will be combined for the entire summer and will be learning about the Beatitudes using Kids Can, an interactive, fun curriculum offered by MennoMedia. Preschoolers and children will worship with their families at 10:30am each Sunday.


Nursery for babies and toddlers will meet as scheduled.

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.

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

Senior Adult Picnic This Sunday

Sunday, June 23 in Broach Hall


Senior Adults will enjoy a picnic this Sunday, June 23rd in Broach Hall immediately after the worship service.


This wonderful event is hosted by the Women of the Church. Registration has closed.

Common Table on June 23

6-8pm at Heist Brewery in NoDa


St. John's members are encouraged to invite family, friends, and neighbors searching for a new faith experience to our next Common Table dinner THIS Sunday, June 23, from 6-8 PM at Heist Brewery in NoDa.


Common Table is an open community for believers and seekers to share a meal and engage in meaningful spiritual conversations. This gathering fosters an intentional community, offering space for healing and faith exploration. It is ideal for those new to church, rarely attending, or seeking a safe environment to explore their faith.


Learn more and share with others at commontableclt.com. 

On the Way for July

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 (after all the sandwiches are made).


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 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. 

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.

Nursery Volunteers Still Needed!

August 18 Only


Nursery volunteers are needed for the 3rd Sunday of August only. Please contact Kheresa immediately to serve

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

Staff On-Call Rotation

 

  1. June 17-23: Kheresa
  2. June 24-30: Lee
  3. July 1-7: Russell 

Financial Update


2024 Full Year Budget $1,211,000


Income received through June 17: $488,392


Through May 2024


  • Budgeted Income: $504,583 (42%)
  • Actual Income Received: $433,259 (36%)
  • Income Over (Under) Budget: ($71,324)


  • Actual Expenses Paid: $479,412 (40%)
  • Income/Expense Surplus (Deficit): ($46,153)


2024 Community & State Mission Offering Goal: $5,000


Income received through June 18: $7,680

Staff Contact Information


  • Rev. Haley Blackwell, Minister for Youth & Young Adults - 704-333,5428, ext. 2013; 620-515-3558 (cell) (ON FAMILY LEAVE)
  • 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

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