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In this week's Family News (Scroll to Learn More):
- Are Olympic Events Mentioned in the Bible?
- A Church that Embraces Differences
- SJBC Children on Mission at the Diaper Bank of NC
- Weaving Our Community Fabric
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PRIDE Festival and Parade Volunteering: Sign Up Here
- Heart Math Tutoring
- On the Way August and September
- Children and Family Ministries in August & September
- Men's Clothing Drive for Hope Chapel
- RISE Against Hunger in September
- Prayer List, Sympathy, Thanks, and Celebrations
- On Call Rotation
- Financial Update & Global Missions Update
- Minister On Call Schedule
- Staff Contact Info
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Are Olympic Events Mentioned in the Bible?
by Dennis W. Foust, Senior Minister
It has always been an inspiring experience for me to watch the Olympics. Like some of you, Paula and I celebrated when the United States Hockey team beat the Soviet Union on February 22, 1980. We had gathered with several other young adult couples to watch the game. It was two months before our oldest son, Nathan, was born. In 1996, the summer Olympics were in Atlanta. As the torch passed through Charlotte, Bill Claytor was one of the torch bearers. The Atlanta cycling event happened along Peachtree Road in front of the church I served. Whether you get caught up in this summer’s Paris Olympic games, you can appreciate that athletes from 206 nations and territories come together for peaceful competition.
Although the Olympics can be traced back in Greek culture to776 BCE, the Bible does not directly mention the Olympic games. However, Paul uses sports images quite often in his writings. No doubt, those who read these metaphors were able to compare their experiences of active faith to the Athenian Olympic games as well as competitions in stadiums of large cities such as Corinth and Ephesus.
In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Paul writes, ““Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore, I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” Paul is challenging the followers of Jesus to be as serious and dedicated to their commitment and discipleship as athletes are in their training and participation in the games.
In Philippians 3:12-16, Paul uses the image of a runner focused the finish line. Here is the way Eugene Petersen interprets the Greek text into our modern English culture:
“I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back. So, let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you’ll see it yet! Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it.”
As you watch and enjoy these summer Olympic games, consider how you are running the race of faith. Keep your eye on Christ who inspires you to pursue the life God offers you.
Shalom!
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A Church that Embraces Differences
Rev. Dr. Steve Harmon in the Pulpit this Sunday
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.
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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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SJBC Children Volunteer at the Diaper Bank of North Carolina
Did you know that 1 in 2 families in the United States can’t afford diapers? Diapers are expensive! It can cost an average family $80-$150 per month, per child for diapers. And babies need many diapers! Did you know that the average infant needs at least 12 diapers per day? Toddlers need at least 8 per day. Did you know that WIC and food stamps do not cover diapers?
The Diaper Bank of North Carolina exists to ensure that low-income families have access to diapers and other essential supplies for children and families.
On Thursday, July 20, Addison, London, Alex, and Kayleigh Mac, along with Elizabeth, Charlie, and Kheresa, rolled up their sleeves and for 2 hours bundled sets of diapers at the Charlotte location of the North Carolina Diaper Bank. These diapers will be given to families in our area who must choose between putting food on the table or buying diapers for their children. Kids can show mercy, and these SJBC children showed up and did.
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What Is the Fabric that Makes Up Our St. John’s Community?
We invite you to participate in a literal weaving of our community fabric.
This will be in the form of a tapestry made on a vertical loom. Weaving is a timeless art that symbolizes unity and strength in its intertwining threads.
What we need from each of you is a simple strip of cloth, 12-18” long X 3” wide (approximately). It may be cut or torn, any color, any pattern, and any type of fabric. You may choose to sign it or write something meaningful on it. Please bring your fabric to the sanctuary in the next several weeks. There will be a table in the front corner with a tapestry collection basket on it. You may also select a fabric strip from the table if you wish. The actual weaving will take place as we transition into fall.
Please join us in this journey of collaboration. Together, let’s weave a tapestry that embodies the beauty of this community.
Please address questions to Cindy Osborne through Realm or email her at loupaints@gmail.com.
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Join us for Charlotte Pride 2024!
Charlotte Pride is Saturday and Sunday August 17 and 18 and we need your help!
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
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Become a Heart Math Tutor this School Year!
Elementary students in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools eagerly await volunteer tutors for the 2024/25 school year! Many CMS elementary school students are performing below grade level in math and individualized support is needed now more than ever.
Volunteering with Heart Math Tutoring is a fun, effective way to make a difference by working one-on-one with students each week. Volunteers say that it’s the highlight of their week! With the support of a Program Coordinator, volunteers use an easy-to-follow, proven curriculum featuring interactive activities and games. Volunteers commit to tutoring for 30 minutes or one hour per week, either in-person or virtually.
Sign up today and choose the school and time that works for you at www.heartmathtutoring.org/become-a-volunteer/
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On the Way
Outings for St. John’s Retired Adults & Friends
AUGUST – We will have a lunch outing at The Famous Toastery (2400 Park Rd) on Wednesday, August 21. You can leave with folks from the church at 11:15 am or meet us there at 11:30 am.
SEPTEMBER – We will be going to see “Jesus Christ Superstar” at the Flat Rock Playhouse on Thursday September 19. More details will be forthcoming, but plan to leave the church at 9:00 am and return between 6:00 & 6:30 pm. The cost will be $70 (check payable to St. John’s) you’re your lunch (TBD – In Flat Rock or Hendersonville). We have put down a deposit for 18 tickets and have transportation that can accommodate 19 people. It is important to RSVP ahead of time, so that there is time for any adjustments that might be needed.
Please Email Lee Gray LGray@sjcharlotte.org to make reservations for either or both outings.
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Children and Family Ministries for August & September
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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
- Let's "fall into Fall 2024" with a cookout at the home of Liz and Jordan Benton (1401 Kingscross Drive, Charlotte, NC 28211-3973) at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 7! Hamburgers and/or hotdogs, and buns will be provided. Let’s bring the condiments, sides, desserts, beverages, and paper products! Please review the available slots below and click HERE to sign up to bring items by September 2nd. Questions? Please email or text Kheresa at kharmon@sjcharlotte.org or 910.890.3392. SIGN UP HERE TO ATTEND THE COOKOUT
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Hope Chapel Clothing Donations
You're invited to make a difference in our community by donating new or gently used men's clothing for Hope Chapel.
From now through August 10, please bring your donations to the Giving Nook at St. John's. These contributions will be sorted by our dedicated youth during their In Town Mission Immersion Trip when they spend time at Hope Chapel, providing much-needed support to those in need.
Your generosity will help us extend a helping hand to our neighbors and make a positive impact. Contact Haley with questions.
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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.
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Prayers, Thanks, and Celebrations
Current Prayer Concerns: Jack Crymes, Charles Gordon, Carolyn Hall, Arnold Philemon
Continuing Prayer Concerns: Shirley Ballard, Tom Bryson, Mary Rickenbaker
We express our sympathy to Shelly Zeigler and her family. Shelly's brother Dalton Zeigler passed on ahead of us last week.
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On Call Rotation
- July 29-Aug.4: Lee
- Aug. 5-11: Kheresa
- Aug. 12-18: Russell
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Financial Update
2024 Full Year Budget: $1,211,000
Income Received Through July 29: $626,202
Through June:
Budgeted income: $605,500 (50%)
Actual income received: $554,167 (46%)
Income over (under) budget: (51,333)
Actual expenses paid: $580,471 (48%)
Income/expense surplus (deficit): (26,304)
Global Missions Offering Goal: $25,000
Received through July 29: $20,405
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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)
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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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