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In this week's Family News (Scroll to Learn More):
- Spectacular September Sundays
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Global Mission Offering: Donate Today!
- Nourish Up Food Drive this Month
- Potluck Lunch on October 6
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RISE Against Hunger in September: Register Now!
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Men's Shelter Service this Month: Need Volunteers!
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Women of the Church Retreat: Register NOW Below
- Welcoming St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church Youth Choir
- Children's Sabbath on October 6
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Thursdays on the Town: Register Here
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CROP Walk on October 6: Register Here
- Common Table Special Opportunity
- Craft and Bake Sale
- Fall Festival & Trunk or Treat
- Rally for Home Pickleball Tournament for Charlotte Family Housing
- SouthPark After 5 with Kindermusik with Missy
- Shred-A-Thon
- Refugee Support Services Special Dinner
- 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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We will worship in Lasater Hall this Sunday, September 15 due to ongoing air condition maintenance. Worship will NOT be livestreamed. | |
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Spectacular September Sundays
by Dennis W. Foust, Senior Minister
September 15: WORSHIP IN LASATER HALL
We will worship in Lasater Hall this Sunday due to ongoing air conditioning maintenance. Worship will NOT be livestreamed.
Our pulpit guest this Sunday is Dr. Todd Still, Dean of George Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. He is also the William M. Hinson Professor of Christian Scriptures. Todd was named as the seminary’s fifth dean in February 2015, joined Truett’s faculty to teach courses in New Testament and Greek in the fall of 2003. Before coming to Baylor, Dr. Still taught at Gardner-Webb University’s School of Divinity in Boiling Springs, NC, where he taught New Testament Interpretation, and at Dallas Baptist University in Dallas, TX, where he served from 1995-2000. He holds the Bachelor of Arts in Greek and sociology from Baylor University (1988), the Master of Divinity with Biblical Languages from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (1991), and the Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Glasgow, Scotland (1996). He has also studied at Cambridge University in Cambridge, England (1993) and the University of St. Andrews in St. Andrews, Scotland (1994). Additionally, he has served as an Honorary University Fellow at the University of Exeter, England (2008) and as the William Barclay Distinguished Visiting Fellow in Biblical Studies at the University of Glasgow, Scotland (2019).
A Pauline scholar, Dr. Still is the author of numerous books, articles, reviews, and Bible study materials. Currently, Dr. Still serves as Chair of the Theological Education Commission of the Baptist World Alliance, the Secretary of the Society of New Testament Studies, and a consultant to the Executive Director Search Committee for Texas Baptists.
In addition to his administrative and academic work and service, Dr. Still is deeply committed to and actively involved in local churches. He frequently preaches and teaches in congregational and conference settings and has served in a variety of ministerial capacities, including frequently as an interim pastor. A native of Wichita Falls, TX, Dr. Still is married to Carolyn, a founder, administrator, and teacher at Live Oak Classical School. They live in Waco, TX and have two adult sons—Samuel and Andrew. Apart from work, Dr. Still enjoys gardening, golfing, watching Baylor Bear athletics, playing with his family’s dogs, and traveling.
September 22:
Following worship, we will gather in Lasater Hall for a farewell reception in honor of Rev. Haley Blackwell. The Personnel Resource Team has established a Love Offering Fund to receive your gifts to the Blackwells as Haley, Austin, and Finn move to Wichita Falls, Texas.
Please contribute to the love offering for the Blackwells on Realm or here and choose "Love Offering" in the drop down menu.
September 29:
Our guest choir will be the Youth for Christ from St. Matthew Baptist Church. We will welcome other guest musicians as well. Following worship, we will be joined by several other churches as we package 20,000 to Rise Against Hunger.
Please remember to bring your items for our September Food Drive as we begin this new church year. And please remember to pray for your church, grow in your discipleship, and love someone today who is needing the touch of Christ you can express.
Shalom,
Dennis
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Help Us Close Out Our Global Mission Offering!
Thank you all so much for generously contributing to the 2024 Global Mission Offering for South Sudan and the Nyarweng School. So far, we have raised $22,860 towards our $25,000 goal, making us SO CLOSE to our goal.
You can contribute online via Realm by choosing "Global Mission Offering" in the drop down or click here.
Please take a moment to watch the video below about the community to which these funds will go in South Sudan. Every dollar makes a difference!
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TWO SHOPPING BASKETS?
While buying groceries for your family this week, just think of the smiles you make happen - a basket for other families who wish they could afford the same items.
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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OCTOBER BEGINS WITH A POTLUCK LUNCH
Sunday, October 6 after worship and before the CROP Walk
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 the 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/side dish.
- 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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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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Serve at the Men's Shelter on September 20
We need more volunteers for our September 20 service date at the men's shelter.
To volunteer click the link below and scroll down to September. It is that easy! Check your calendar now.
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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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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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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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Thursdays on the Town
October 10
Parents of children, ages birth - 5th grade, please join us on Thursday, October 10 at 6:00 p.m. at Catalina Kitchen and Bar (1942 East 7th St.). Find their menu here.
Free childcare will be provided.
Please register and reserve childcare by October 6.
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Charlotte CROP Hunger Walk
Sunday, October 6, 2024 at Memorial Stadium
“When I first began walking it was to support St. John's participation. It became one of my passions! I didn't think anyone should ever be hungry. I walked for thirty-five years to support the CROP Walk.” ~Ethel Harris
Ethel is coming out of "retirement" to walk with St. John's again this year!
Come join her!
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 or enter the URL https://events.crophungerwalk.org/cropwalks/accept?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 are unable to walk with us on Walk Day.
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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You're invited: Common Table Members' Edition, Sept. 30
Members of St. John's, along with members of our other partner congregations, are invited to this special Members' Edition of Common Table, our new joint ministry reaching those in need of community. This is your opportunity to get introduced (or reintroduced) to this ministry's unique concept.
Join us for a free meal and get a taste of what our growing Common Table community has experienced each month since our initial launch in April. This special event will be held on Monday, Sept. 30, 6:30-8:30pm, at Free Range Brewing, 2320 N. Davidson St. The event is free. Reserve your tickets online. Learn more about Common Table at https://commontableclt.com.
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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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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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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.
We are hoping to have 10 St. John's volunteers take up this task! We have 4 so far! You could be one of the remaining 6.
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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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
Spectator's General Admission: $30 per person
- Access to Rally's other amenities (such as ping-pong and shuffleboard)
- Dinner and drinks
Every registration and donation directly contributes to stable homes and brighter futures for families experiencing homelessness.
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SouthPark After 5 Featuring Kindermusik with Missy
September 26 from 5pm-9pm
SouthPark After 5 happens from 5-9pm every Thursday from September 5-October 10. on September 26, Kindermusik with Missy will be there for you to take your kiddos and enjoy some music together. Also, you can enjoy the sounds of the Coconut Grove Band and Michelle Renee performing yacht rock hits.
The event is located at Symphony Park, at 4400 Sharon Rd., on the corner of Barclay Downs Drive and Carnegie Boulevard, adjacent to SouthPark Mall. Parking is free and there are paved walkways throughout the park. Come prepared with your favorite picnic blanket or chairs to sit in the lawn.
The event is free to attend and family and dog friendly. Dogs must be leashed and friendly. Outside beverages and coolers will not be permitted. Outside food will be permitted.
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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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SAVE THIS DATE!
On Wednesday, November 13, from 5:30-7:00pm, we will have a fellowship meal in Broach Hall, with an informative program about the work of Refugee Support Services.
The program will focus on the RSS Fruitful Friends program, which pairs volunteers with program participants, such as refugees, asylees, etc., to build friendships, share cultures, and provide support.
More information will follow with details on registering for this event and on the program presenters.
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Prayers, Thanks, and Celebrations
Current Prayer Concerns: Charles Gordon, Carolyn Hall, Arnold Philemon
Continuing Prayer: Shirley Ballard, Tom Bryson, Kathleen Bumgardner, Mary Rickenbaker, Shelly Zeigler
Sympathy: We will celebrate the life of Jack Crymes on September 16 at 11:00am in the Chapel.
The service for Lanny Loftis will occur at a later date.
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Financial Update
2024 Full Year Budget: $1,211,000
Income Received Through Sept. 8: $737,784 (61%)
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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