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In this week's Family News (Scroll to Learn More):
- Findings
- Reminder! Called Church Conference This Sunday
- Love Offering for The Fousts
- No Family News Next Week
- Steve Harmon Saw White Smoke in Rome!
- Happy Birthday Aaron
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Architecture Camp – Registration Closes Tuesday, July 1
- No Children’s Sunday School on July 6
- A Joyful Musical Celebration with The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra
- On the Way
- Softball Announcement
- Charlotte Pride Interfaith Celebration
- Fall Churchwide 2025 Save the Dates
- Fall Children & Their Families 2025 Save the Dates
- Prayer List, Sympathy, Thanks, and Celebrations
- Financial Update
- Minister On Call Schedule
- Staff Contact Info
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Findings
by Dennis W. Foust, Senior Minister
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While packing boxes in preparation for retirement, little pieces of paper show up. These are jots often noted on the run. Sometimes, an idea would occur between my ears that had to do with what I was writing or reading. At other times, an insight or image would surface for air like a dolphin along the coast. Occasionally these words were written on a receipt at a red light between hospital visits. Now, they are living in books, files, and tablets as if they are disconnected from the flow of everyday pastoral ministry. Some writing in retirement may resurrect them. I have decided to call these little gifts, ‘Findings.’
One Finding was written on a half sheet of paper in 2013. It recorded a passing thought for banners to hang between the columns of the sanctuary porch facing Hawthorne – “We respect the Bible – but we worship God.” “We pursue spiritual growth – because we follow Jesus” “We love everyone – because God does.”
Another Finding records what I was emphasizing in my ministry during 2015: “Build a Compassionate Culture; Encourage Spiritual Curiosity; Help People of St. John’s Connect with Pathways of God’s Mission.”
On a gas receipt dated September 15, 2018, I wrote, “Teach and emphasize Missional Church.” In the same folder was a list of ways to emphasize Missional Church in sermons, meetings, conversations, writing, and teaching opportunities. Findings.
Inside a book by Henri Nouwen, I wrote this note in the margin: “Place quote on bulletin board – Read often.” The book is entitled, ‘In the Name of Jesus: Reflections on Christian Leadership.’ Here is the quote (which I am now praying will be part of the discernment for St. John’s next senior minister): “The central question is, Are the leaders of the future truly men and women of God, people with an ardent desire to dwell in God’s presence, to listen to God’s voice, to look at God’s beauty, to touch God’s incarnate word and taste fully God’s infinite goodness?” Findings.
In another book on church leadership, these Findings were written on small orange sticky-pad pages: “Clear Identity, Hope-full Vision, Peace & Reconciliation, Forgiveness, Tell God’s Truth & Trust God’s People, Unity in Diversity, God’s Justice for Each/Every/All.” “Success depends on getting ideas to spread through telling stories that connect people with God’s work, so they are better able to identify their tribal ministry group.”
Tucked inside a book about pastor search processes was a timely Finding. It is a cartoon drawing of a Pastor Search Team sitting around a conference table interpreting the results of a congregational survey reporting what church members want in their next pastor. Each person has a shocked look on their face as the chairperson says, “So, basically we’re looking for an innovative pastor with a fresh vision who will inspire our church to remain exactly the same.” As we pray for our Pastor Search Team, let us set our sights higher.
Beloved may all your Findings remind you of God’s grace, gifts, and guidance. Shalom!
| | Called Church Conference This Sunday | | |
On Sunday, June 29, at the conclusion of worship, we will hold a church conference. The congregation will be asked to approve the suspension of Deacon elections for 2025-2026 and the holding over of the 2022 class of Deacons for an additional year.
If you have questions, please contact Todd Stillerman at stillerman@gmail.com, who will share any questions or concerns with Church Council.
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Love Offering for The Fousts | While planning continues for the 8/24 special service and lunch to celebrate Dennis' final service as our Senior Minister, we are also providing another way to give the Fousts a loving sendoff from St. John's. A special Love Offering fund has been set up as a tangible indication of our best wishes for Dennis and Paula from the St. John's family. If you would like to make a donation, just follow the special link below to give online, selecting the "Love Offering" option (the last one in the list of options). While this is the easiest and preferred method to donate, you can also put a check or cash in a separate envelope marked "Foust Love Offering" and drop it in the collection plate. Love offering donations are direct personal gifts and are not considered tax deductible donations to the church. To give online, click here. |
| Reminder! No Family News Next Week | | Please note: there will be no Family News next week. The church office will be closed July 3 and 4. Wishing you a safe, happy, and fireworks-filled Fourth of July weekend! | | |
Dr. Steve Harmon Saw White Smoke in Rome!
On Sunday, June 29 from 9:30-10:15 in Lasater Hall, our own Steve
Harmon will share his personal experience at the Vatican when Pope
Leo XIV was installed last month. His presentation, “Baptist Reflections
on a Catholic Conclave,” is open to all Sunday school classes who would
like to join in Lasater Hall that morning.
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Aaron Carney will celebrate his birthday on July 2! He is the son of Amber and Ryan. |
| Architecture Camp for 1st - 8th Graders | | |
Rising 1st-8th grade students are invited to learn about the art and craft of architecture! Led by artist and architect, John Komisin, campers will learn what an architect does, how to design a house and draw a floor plan, and will create a 3-D model of their home.
Our day camp will meet on Thursday, July 10. The cost is $50 per camper. Snacks will be provided. Campers are to bring a lunch from home and a refillable water bottle.
Registration closes Tuesday, July 1!
Register Here!
| | No Children's Sunday School on July 6! | | Children’s Sunday School will not meet on Sunday, July 6. We hope your family enjoys the holiday weekend! The Nursery will remain open and available as usual. | | A Joyful Musical Celebration - July 13 | | We are thrilled to announce a truly special worship experience! On Sunday, July 13, we will be joined by members of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, who will lead us in a powerful offering of worship through music | | |
The woodwind quartet—featuring
🎼 Sam Sparrow (clarinet)
🎼 Hollis Ulakey (oboe)
🎼 Amy Orsinger (flute)
🎼 Joshua Hood (bassoon)
—will grace our service with soul-stirring melodies as we gather, perform two exquisite solo pieces, and uplift our hymns with their artistry.
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This is more than just a musical performance—it’s a sacred expression of praise and reverence. We warmly invite you to be present and allow your spirit to be lifted by this beautiful and moving musical worship offering to God.
Come, listen, worship, and be inspired.
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On the Way
Red Rocks Cafe Monday, July 14
St. John’s retired adults and friends are invited to gather for lunch at Red Rocks Café (4223 Providence Rd) at 11:00 am on Monday, July 14.
Please let Lee Gray LGray@sjcharlotte.org know if you plan to attend so our reservations can be adjusted for the right number of people.
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Upcoming Softball Games
All taking place at Providence Baptist on Randolph Road
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- No games the week of July 4
- Monday 7/7 @ 6:00 pm
- Wednesday 7/9 @ 7:00 pm
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| Charlotte Pride Interfaith Celebration on August 10, 2025, at 4:00 pm. | | |
We would like to invite you and members of your faith group to the annual Charlotte Pride Interfaith celebration on August 10, 2025, at 4:00 pm.
The Unitarian Universalist Community of Charlotte, at 234 North Sharon Amity Road in Charlotte, will host this years’ service. It will last about an hour and will be followed by an after-service social and refreshments
| | Fall 2025 Churchwide Save The Dates: | |
- Charlotte Pride August 16-17
- Luncheon for Foust Family Sunday, August 24
- Rise Against Hunger Sunday, September 28
- Children's Sabbath and World Communion Sunday, October 5
- Fall Festival Sunday, October 26
- NAMI Walks Saturday, November 8
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Fall 2025 Children & Their Families Save The Dates: |
- Annual Back to School Breakfast for Children and Their Families on August 24
- Fall Kickoff Cookout for Children and Their Families on September 6
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Prayer List, Sympathy, Thanks, and Celebrations | |
Current Prayer Concerns: Warren Lineberger, Richard Sealey, Anne Sutton
Continuing Prayer: Guuk Awar, Mary Rickenbaker, Joseph Freeman
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2025 Full Year Budget – $1,241,000
Income Received Thru June 25 – $603,016
May Financials
Budgeted Income – $517,083
Actual Income Received – $518,760
• Income Over/(Under) Budget – $1,677
• Actual Expenses Paid – $519,948
Income/Expense Surplus (Deficit) – ($1,188)
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Minister On Call Schedule
- June 23 - 29: Dennis
- June 30 - July 6: Lee
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Staff Contact Information
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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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Noel Lance, Interim Minister for Worship & Music and Organist
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