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In this week's Family News (Scroll to Learn More):
- Why I Enjoy Being a Pastor: Third in a Series
- Getting a New Church Year Started
- Deacon Nominees and Ordination this Sunday
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Women of the Church Luncheon: Register Now!
- Nourish Up Food Drive this Month
- Children's Sunday School Leader Update
- Women of the Church Retreat: Register NOW Below
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RISE Against Hunger in September: Register Now!
- Family Fall Cookout: Sign Up Below
- Welcoming St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church Youth Choir
- Craft & Bake Sale Coming Soon
- Hope Chapel 30+ Anniversary
- Children's Sabbath on October 6
- Community Fabric Weaving
- CROP Walk in October
- Rally for Home Pickleball Tournament
- Shred-A-Thon
- Fall Festival and Trunk Or Treat
- Prayer List, Sympathy, Thanks, and Celebrations
- On Call Rotation
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Financial Update & Global Missions Update (Almost to our goal!)
- Minister On Call Schedule
- Staff Contact Info
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Worship will be in Broach Hall this Sunday, September 8. Please help spread the word about this. |
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WHY I ENJOY BEING A PASTOR: Third in a Series
by Dennis W. Foust, Senior Minister
Do you know what it feels like to listen to a person explain why they have committed their life to Jesus Christ? Have you ever immersed a person beneath the waters of baptism after they have entrusted to you stories of why God’s forgiveness transformed their life? Have you ever listened to a man tell you his story and learn how the Way of Jesus saved him from shame, despair and suicide? Have you ever helped a person find spiritual healing after they have been spiritually abused? These are blessings that help me enjoy being a pastor.
Have you ever guided a young couple through pre-marital counseling, watched them grow in their relationship, and then carried their young children around in the sanctuary to introduce them to their church family? Have you ever counseled a person who is beginning a new company and been invited to their party to celebrate the company’s success? Have you ever helped a married couple rebuild their relationship? Have you ever helped a parent and teenager rebuild trust? These are blessings that help me enjoy being a pastor.
- Have you ever been called by a person in crisis because you are the only person they trust?
- Have you ever been called by a person who has a joyful secret to share and only tells you?
- Have you ever been present when a person has a spiritual aha moment?
These are blessings that help me enjoy being a pastor.
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Getting a New Church Year Started
by Dennis W. Foust, Senior Minister
September always introduces us to a new church year. Here is a preview of our Sundays in September, with highlights of early October as we get this church year underway. Let others know – and remind folks who have not been gathering with us lately – that we offer Sunday morning fellowship and learning groups for all ages from 9:15 to 10:15 with worship beginning at 10:30.
During September, we will bring non-perishable food and goods to support Nourish Up.
All deacon panels, resource teams, and task forces gear up for the year ahead. We will also promote CROP Walk and prepare for our potluck lunch on October 6.
Sunday, September 8: Our Leadership Team will present the list of 2024-2025 leaders for church approval. We will also ordain new deacons in worship, always a meaningful service. I will offer a brief homily entitled ‘A Recipe for Church Vitality’ based on Acts 2:38-42.
Sunday, September 15: Our day begins early as we celebrate 30 years of Hope Chapel at 8:00 AM. Hope Chapel is located at 125 E. Wadsworth Place, Charlotte, NC 28206 and ministers to people living through a season of homelessness. At 10:30, we welcome Dr. Todd Still to the St. John’s Pulpit. He is Dean of George Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. His message title is, ‘A Church that Keeps First Things First’ is based on 1 Corinthians 15:1-11. After worship, Women of the Church will gather in Broach Hall for their Annual Luncheon.
Sunday, September 22: After a summer focused on ‘The Kind of Church Our World Needs,’ I will ask a pivotal question with my sermon: ‘Does God Need a Church?’ Scripture is 1 Peter 1:22-2:10. After worship, we will celebrate Haley Blackwell’s ministry among us with a reception, as we commission her, Austin, and Finn to Wichita Falls, Texas. The Personnel Resource Team asks that you contribute to a Love Gift Offering for the Blackwell family.
Sunday, September 29: This will be a big day. We will welcome a guest youth and children’s choir, worship around the theme of investing our gifts and energies in God’s mission and then host lunch for several other churches before we all collaborate to pack 20,000 meal kits through a global initiative called ‘Rise Against Hunger.’ My sermon, ‘And Bring Your Stir Stick,’ will teach you how you can be shaped by principles taught in Hebrews 10:23-25.
OCTOBER BEGINS WITH A POTLUCK LUNCH
Some of you remember frequent potluck lunches and dinners in churches of yesteryear.
On Sunday, October 6, we will gather in Broach Hall for a potluck lunch between worship and CROP Walk. The program for lunch will include a report from Church Council on the CONVERGE information gathered last spring.
Here is how the potluck works.
- The church budget will pay for the meat.
- If your last name begins with A – L, you bring a vegetable.
- If your last name begins with M – Z, you bring a dessert.
See you there! Let us get this new church year started.
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Introducing All 2024 Deacon Nominees
This week, we introduce all 2024 deacon nominees for the coming year (listed in order pictured above): Aiden Salmeron, Kelli McCombs, Debbie Pittman, Suzanne Taylor, Nancy Fuller, Jeff Almond, Ethel Harris, Ryan Crowder, Nancy Wilson, Doug Hammond, Selina Swofford, James Laney, Mary Jo Breckenridge, Elizabeth Whipple, Todd Stillerman, Kevin Benton, Delbridge Narron, Ashley Maready, and Treva Bridges. You can find their bios by clicking below.
We will install and ordain these new deacons during worship this Sunday, September 8.
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Register for the Women of the Church Annual Luncheon by THIS SUNDAY!
Luncheon on September 15, Register by September 8
The Women of the Church are looking forward to the Annual Luncheon and Business Meeting to be held in Broach Hall on Sunday, September 15 at 11:45 AM. We are excited to gather again for fellowship and food as we begin exploring this year’s theme of God’s Tapestry: Woven Together in Power and Purpose.
We are delighted to welcome our own Lynn Erdman as our guest speaker as she shares about the work she does at Dove’s Nest.
Reservations are REQUIRED by September 8 and the cost is $15.00 per person. You may register through Realm (click on events OR below) or by submitting the paper form and a check made payable to St. John’s Baptist Church. Paper forms may be found on the stands alongside the worship bulletins in the Sanctuary. For your convenience, you may place the form and your payment in the after-hours drop box outside the Church Office. Nancy Wilson will be available to receive reservations from 10:00 – 10:20 AM outside the Church Office on Sundays, September 1st and September 8th.
In the spirit of Women of the Church, donations to Dove’s Nest will be collected at the door. Such items include:
- non-alcohol mouthwash, toothpaste, dental floss, Ibuprofen, feminine products (pads, tampons), lotion, shampoo & conditioner, Ace bandages, slide-on knee supports (S-XL), protein bars
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September Food Drive for Nourish Up
On Tuesday we delivered a carload of your very generous donations so far to Nourish Up. The staff were most appreciative of your gifts. In addition to previously listed items, please remember peanut butter and oatmeal for another time.
THANK YOU!
During the rest of the month of September, we will continue collecting food items (see list below) for the approved folks.
Especially needed:
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Beans, canned or dried. Not green beans
- Canned corn, peas
- Cereal
- Canned peaches
- Flour, sugar, salt, pepper
- Preserves, any kind
- Peanut butter
- Oatmeal
Food can be left in the Giving Nook at the Main Entrance.
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An Update for our Children's Sunday School Classes for This Year | Below, you will find a list of the teachers and volunteers for our children's Sunday school classes for the 2024-25 school year. |
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REGISTER NOW: 2024 Women's Retreat
God's Tapestry: Woven Together in Power and Purpose
Women of the Church, you are invited to attend our 2024 Retreat on November 1-3 and the Blowing Rock Conference Center. Sabrina Gilchrist will be our facilitator for the weekend. What a joy it will be to spend the weekend with her as she leads us in focusing on Mary and Elizabeth as models of women affirming each other's gifts, and using their example to build our SJBC sisterhood in nurturing each other for spiritual growth and service in Christ's name!
The weekend will offer us deepened fellowship, good food and treats, worship, meaningful study, and fun activities. In addition to the whole group sessions with Sabrina, we will have opportunities to participate in optional sessions such as prayerful painting, weaving, writing, mindful walking, or Scavenger Shopping. Plus, a game night!
We hope you can join us! The cost for the whole weekend - including room, food, all sessions, and activities - will be $185 and must be prepaid. Register below or on Realm. If you prefer, paper registration forms will be available at the WOC luncheon on September 15 or in the church office. Look for Nancy Wilson in the hall outside the nursery area on Sundays to register, as well.
Deadline to register is September 22.
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Rise Against Hunger
Register Today for September 29 Event at St. John's
Let’s work together to end global hunger. Please join us and congregants from several other local congregations for our Rise Against Hunger Packing Event on Sunday, September 29, immediately after worship with a fellowship lunch. Together we will package 20,000 meals on site for hungry people around the world.
Registration for our event is now open. You may register to serve in up to 3 ways:
- Event set-up with Rise Against Hunger staff from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- Meal packaging from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- Event cleanup with Rise Against Hunger staff from 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
We encourage you to learn more about the Rise Against Hunger packaging event by viewing an informational video:
https://youtube.com/shorts/jEgkcUCOAiw?feature=shared
If you have questions about our Rise Against Hunger event, please contact Anna Cushman or Kheresa Harmon.
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Family Fall Cookout on Saturday, September 7
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.
Questions? Please email or text Kheresa at kharmon@sjcharlotte.org or 910.890.3392.
Register to bring items and sign up below.
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Welcoming St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church Youth Choir on September 29!
On Sunday, September 29, we will host the Youth Choir from St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church, directed by DJ Boyd, Minister of Worship and Arts. The St. Luke Youth Choir, known as Youth 4 Christ, is comprised of youth ages 5-16 and is an intricate part of the worship experience. They sing bi-monthly at St. Luke and at special services. They are energetic and always eager to learn various styles of Gospel music.
Join us in welcoming them on September 29!
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Annual Craft & Bake Sale Is Back!
Sunday, October 20
The Needle and Craft Ministry will be having a Craft and Bake Sale on Sunday October 20th in Lasater Hall from 11:30 to 1:00pm. All proceeds will go to support the playground renovations.
If you are interested in participating with craft items and/or baked goods please contact Ruth Jackson or Tricia Miller. Any and all donations will be greatly appreciated. We will only accept cash or checks on the day of the sale. Thank you for your support, our children will benefit from these renovations.
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Celebrating the 30+ Anniversary of Hope Chapel
The United Baptist Association (currently consisting of the following churches - Greater Mt. Sinai Baptist, Park Rd Baptist, Sardis Baptist, & St. John’s Baptist) invites you to attend a special worship service at Hope Chapel on Sunday, September 15. Worship begins at 8:00 am followed by breakfast at 8:30 am. The address of Hope Chapel is 125 E. Wadsworth Place, Charlotte NC 28206. (This is just behind the Auto Bell on North Tryon Street.)
No RSVP is needed, just show up for worship and breakfast and there is ample time to return to St. John’s for Sunday School.
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Children's Sabbath
Children Leading Worship on World Communion Sunday
October 6, 2024
Please join us for worship on Sunday, October 6, World Communion Sunday, as our children lead us in all aspects of worship - from singing and reading Scripture to leading in prayer and taking communion. This is a special Sunday and we hope you will plan to join us at 10:30am, our regular worship time.
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Weaving Our Community Fabric
Continue to bring fabric as soon as possible! Please bring 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.
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.
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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Charlotte CROP Hunger Walk
Sunday, October 6, 2024 at Memorial Stadium
“Every 3-5 seconds, a person in this world dies of hunger or a hunger-related illness. I may not know their names, but I know this. The 1-2 people who died while you were reading this startling statistic were called son, daughter, mom, dad, lover, friend, or papa by those who knew them. I walk for the dead. I walk for those who mourn them. I walk, because they did not need to die. They should not have died. That’s why I walk.”
-Kheresa Harmon
CROP WALK FACT: 144,318 people live at or below the Federal Poverty Level in Mecklenburg County including 46,259 children. Most are considered food insecure which means they have a reduced quality and variety of diet, may eat less, and have eating patterns that are disrupted due to lack of money and resources. Hunger is a complex issue. But together, we can be a part of the solution.
WHO DOES THE CROP WALK HELP? Through partnerships with local and international agencies, CROP Walk funds help people in our community and around the world who struggle with poverty and hunger daily.
HELP US REACH THE SJBC GOAL of $5000 AND THE CHARLOTTE GOAL OF $200,000 TO END HUNGER!
Register online and start fundraising today!
Click here to register to Walk or enter the URL https://events.crophungerwalk.org/cropwalks?challenger=james-m-laney&team=st-johns-baptist-2 in your browser's address window.
Join the SJBC team. If you can’t walk, support someone who is through your donation. Or be a spirit walker and fundraise even if you cannot walk with us on Walk Day.
To Donate to the SJBC Team click here:
2024 CROP Hunger Walk - St. John's Baptist (Charlotte, NC)
On the page scroll down to see a list of SJBC Walkers to support.
If you prefer to donate cash or check in person, see your favorite CROP Walker at church or Debbie Pittman or James Laney.
WALK CHALLENGE: We encourage every walker to raise $150 minimum (suggested, not required.)
MORE INFORMATION: Go here from the 8/28 Newsletter.
CHARLOTTE CROP HUNGER WALK
October 6, 2024
American Legion Memorial Stadium
REGISTRATION: 1:30-2:30
Walk after you’ve Registered
The walk concludes at 4 PM
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Rally for Home Pickleball Tournament for Charlotte Family Housing
Sunday, September 15, 5-8pm
Please register now to join Charlotte Family Housing on Sunday, September 15, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM for a fun evening at Rally Pickleball in Charlotte's LoSo neighborhood. The evening will include a 32-team tournament on indoor pickleball courts, elevated food and drinks, a silent auction, prizes, a merch store & more!
Register a team for competitive play or grab a general admission ticket to cheer on your friends.
Registration Options & What's Included:
Team Registration: $200 per team (2 players per team)
- Entrance into 32-team tournament
- CFH Swag Bag & Exclusive Player's T-shirt
- Dinner and drinks (non-alcoholic & alcoholic)
Spectator's General Admission: $30 per person
- Access to Rally's other amenities (such as ping-pong and shuffleboard)
- Dinner and drinks (non-alcoholic & alcoholic)
Every registration and donation directly contributes to stable homes and brighter futures for families experiencing homelessness.
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Shred-A-Thon 2024 with Shepherd's Center of Charlotte
Saturday, September 28, 9-12pm at St. John's
Join us for a Shred- A - Thon on Saturday, September 28 at St. John's from 9-12pm. This is a fun, intergenerational event with food trucks, activities for kids, community resources, and more.
Bonus: The first 50 attendees will receive a FREE treat or drink from Cakeable or The Caffeine Monkey.
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Fall Festival with Trunk-Or-Treat
October 27, 3-5pm
All are invited to join us for a Fall Festival and Trunk-Or-Treat at St. John's on October 27 from 3pm-5pm. We will need folks to dress up their car trunks and hand out candy for this event. Stay tuned for more details and contact Kheresa with questions.
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Prayers, Thanks, and Celebrations
Current Prayer Concerns: Kathleen Bumgardner, Jack Crymes, Carolyn Hall, Lanny Loftis, Arnold Philemon, Shelly Zeigler
Continuing Prayer Concerns: Shirley Ballard, Tom Bryson, Charles Gordon, Mary Rickenbaker
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Financial Update
2024 Full Year Budget: $1,211,000
Income Received Through Sept. 1: $730,229 (60%)
Through July
Budgeted Income: $706,417 (58%)
Actual Income Received: $631,430 (52%)
Income Over (Under) Budget: ($74,987)
Actual Expenses Paid: $662,309 (55%)
Income/Expense Surplus (Deficit): ($30,879)
Global Missions Offering Goal: $25,000
Received through August 18: $22,860 (91%)
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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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