St. John's Family News

October 22, 2026 | Vol. 85, Issue 43

www.stjohnsbaptistchurch.org | @sjbccharlotte

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

From Dr. Laura Heikes: Every Piece Matters
Pledge Sunday is This Sunday!
Assistive Listening in the Sanctuary
Fall Festival and Trunk-or-Treat
Craft and Bake Sale
Coat Drive for Nourish Up
NAMI Walks
CROP Walk
St. John's Children & Youth Basketball
Upcoming Youth Events
Save the Date: Thursdays on the Town at the Urban District Market, November 12th
On The Way Upcoming Dates
Introducing the Care Ring: A New Way to Care for One Another
Memorial Garden Gate Code Note
Churchwide Save the Dates
Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (CBF) Life
Birthdays
Prayer List, Sympathy, Thanks, and Celebrations
Financial Update
Minister On Call Schedule
Staff Contact Info

Every Piece Matters

by Dr. Laura Heikes, Senior Minister

This past Sunday, everyone in worship received a Lego piece. Just one piece for each of us. Some were small, while others were large and chunky. Some of you chose the long, thin pieces. If you weren’t with us in person, I have extras in my office and would love to share one with you.

It reminds me of the Lego exhibit at Discovery Place this past summer. My son and I discovered a “Lego paint by numbers” station and spent happy hours working shoulder to shoulder with others to bring the art to life. Even after working for an hour, we couldn’t do more than finish an eye, the lips, or the nose. We had to rely on those who came before and those who would come after us to finish the picture. It was a beautiful lesson in doing what we can and trusting the community to keep the work going.

That Lego art reminds me of what we see in Exodus 36. Each person found something on the list of supplies they could offer, from gold to goat hair. There were so many offerings that Moses finally had to ask the people to stop bringing gifts. There was more than enough. Everyone brought something, and together, their gifts created abundance.

This Sunday is Commitment Sunday. During worship, each family will bring its pledge card forward and place it in the offering plate. It will be a tangible expression of something we do throughout the year: bringing what we have so that, together, we can participate in what God is doing through St. John’s.

As you look at your Lego piece this week, take a few moments to ponder what you will bring. What gifts, resources, and hopes do you want to offer God in the coming year? What might God build when your gifts are joined with those of your church family?

No single piece makes something remarkable. But together? Oh, the beauty and power!

I’m grateful to be part of a community that gives so generously of its time, talents, and resources. I look forward to seeing what God will build among us in 2027.

Pledge Sunday Is This Sunday

From the Stewardship Resource Team

This Sunday, October 25, is Pledge Sunday, and we hope every one of you will join the commitment walk.

For three weeks we’ve been finishing a sentence together: I love my church because… Because of our children, who led us in worship on Children’s Sabbath. Because of a new chapter, which we celebrated when we installed Laura Heikes as our Senior Minister. Because of our neighbors, whom we serve through Rise Against Hunger, Our Bridge for Kids, Roof Above and more. On Sunday, we bring those reasons forward together.

Everyone is invited to walk, whether or not you’re giving that morning. Here’s how:

Bring your pledge card. Your 2027 card came in the mail with Phillips Bragg’s letter. Fill it out and carry it down.
Forgot it? Blank cards will be in the pews.
Already pledged online, by mail or through the office? Pick up an “I gave online” card and bring it forward. Your commitment counts, and we want to see you at the table.
Not ready yet? Maybe you need to talk with your family, or you need another week or two. Come forward anyway and touch the table. Being there says you’re in.
Youth in the balcony, come down and join your families. And if you’re coming on your own, come proudly.

The walk isn’t about what’s in the envelope. It’s how we tell one another, in front of God and everybody, that we want this church to keep going.

Can’t be with us? You can put your card in the offering plate, mail it, pledge online, call the Finance Office (704-333-5428, ext. 2020) or drop it by the church office. We hope to have every pledge in by Thanksgiving, before the congregation votes on the 2027 budget on November 22.

Then stay after worship for the Fall Festival, Trunk-or-Treat and the Craft & Bake Sale!

Assistive Listening in the Sanctuary

In-person assistance available every Sunday morning

As part of our new sanctuary sound system installation this fall, those who need access to assistive listening technologies can now use a new mobile app on their smartphone. This new technology exists alongside our traditional assistive listening devices (located to the left of the chancel). If you prefer those traditional devices, you can continue to use them.

The new app is called ListenWIFI (see its blue logo with headphones above). It can be downloaded from the Apple Store or Google Play Store for use on either Apple or Android smartphones.

Follow these instructions:

First, make sure you do this somewhere on campus; this only works when connected to a SJBC WiFi connection.
Search for "ListenWIFI" in your respective app store and then download the app. (Please note: You may need your Apple or Google account username and password to authorize the app download; the sanctuary tech team usually cannot easily assist you with username and password recovery.)
Open the ListenWIFI app. It will ask for you to give it several permissions, including some location-based permissions. Give consent for all the prompts that appear on your screen.
You will see a channel named "SJB Sanctuary." Click on that. (You may need to click on a button that says "Venue Search" to make this audio channel appear.)
The audio from our sound system will begin playing on your device.

This app provides an audio stream on your phone, and you can use any listening device you would usually use with your phone including wired headphones/earbuds, wireless earbuds like AirPods, or your Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids. Please do not play the audio during worship without being connected to some kind of headphones/earbuds/hearing aids.

Assistance every Sunday: The tech team usually arrives at the church sometime between 8:30-9am every Sunday. If you would like assistance with the ListenWIFI app or have other questions about sanctuary sound, please come to the sanctuary and talk to Matt Comer or Ryan Crowder.

Please communicate with us: If you ever experience any difficulty with ListenWIFI, the traditional assistive listening devices, or have other needs, please communicate with us. We are here to help you and we want to ensure that you are able to fully participate in worship. Prior to worship beginning, you can also let an usher know that you are experiencing problems and they can then come get us from the balcony. Most fixes are simple (e.g., a loose headphones connection on the traditional listening devices). For any other questions or general sound system feedback, please email Matt at matthewmhcomer@gmail.com or call him at 336-391-9528.

Fall Festival and Trunk-or-Treat

We need volunteers for our Fall Festival and Trunk or Treat community event on Sunday, October 25, 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. at SJBC.

How can you volunteer?

Provide your vehicle that you can decorate.
Candy, stickers, pencils, etc. as treats for your trunk.
You in costume, too!

Only register 1 person per vehicle; otherwise, it will look like we have more cars than we actually do.

Please sign up by October 22nd.

Craft and Bake Sale

The Fall Festival is almost here! For all the wonderful treats and craft makers who are participating, we are grateful and would like you to bring your items Sunday morning to the Main entrance of Lasater Hall. We will be staging from the Lounge area for the festival. We hope you will be able to join us from 3-5 pm on the 25th for all of the fun and treats! Thank you for supporting us and the Music fund.

-St John’s Needle Ministry.

Coat Drive for Nourish Up

We have the opportunity again this year to help with the coat drive for Galilee Ministries in partnership with Nourish Up. They are accepting coats for all sizes, ages, and genders. You can start bringing donations now until December 19th. Please bring any donations to the giving nook. Also accepted are quilted vests, gloves, hats, and scarves. Children's and toddler items are especially appreciated. Last year, St. John's donated about 50 coats along with other items.

Charlotte NAMI Walks

St. John’s is a proud sponsor of Charlotte NAMI Walks on Saturday, November 7th at the Mint Museum Randolph. NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness. This year our goal is to raise $1,000; we have raised $100 so far. You can join the team to walk with us or give to support the St. John’s team and this amazing cause by clicking HERE.

CROP Walk

The Charlotte CROP Hunger Walk is back – and we’re hungry for a win!

This year’s 48th annual Charlotte CROP Hunger Walk is on Sunday, November 15, 2026 at Providence Baptist Church (4921 Randolph Rd.).

The Charlotte CROP Hunger Walk is more than a walk — it’s a movement of compassion and hope. Rooted in the belief that no one should go hungry, we walk to fight poverty, the leading cause of hunger, and to stand with those working toward a better future.

Through community-driven fundraising, we educate, inspire, and empower people across Charlotte to take meaningful action — supporting both local families in need and global communities striving for self-sufficiency. Every step we take brings hope. Every dollar we raise plants seeds of dignity and opportunity. Join us — and help turn compassion into action.

For nearly 50 years, St. John’s has walked the walk — literally — to fight hunger and poverty locally and globally. This community-powered event raises funds for Church World Service and local heroes like Crisis Assistance Ministry, Nourish Up, and Second Harvest Food Bank. 25% of what we raise stays right here in Charlotte.

Last year, the Charlotte Walk was the largest walk in the country. Because of you, SJBC raised just over $10,000. In 2026, we're coming for more. We are just one month away from the walk, so we need to work fast to keep our title. Look for the Sunday School Challenge coming soon!

Details:

• Friendsgiving Lunch at Broach Hall: After worship, 11:30 AM

• Walk check-in: 1:00–2:00 PM

• Walk starts: 2:00 PM

• Options: Surrounding neighborhood walk or a shorter campus track

• Extras: Plenty of parking and activities for the kiddos

Can’t walk? No worries — you can still donate, sponsor a walker, or join as a “Spirit Walker” and fundraise from wherever you are!

Join Team SJBC and help end hunger — one step at a time. Click the link below to register. Let’s do this, St. John’s!

Click here to register!

St. John's Children & Youth Basketball

Basketball Season at St. John’s will be here before you know it. Clinics are on October 20, 27 and Nov 3 at 5:00 pm and are for 6Us and 8Us combined, with siblings welcome to attend and participate. Practices for all teams start in November and games in December.

Registration is ongoing now. It is important for church members and participants to sign up as soon as possible. There are limited spaces for the formal season. Click here to register. Practice times for each team are provided in the link to register.

Upcoming Youth Events

10/25 - 9:15 Sunday School
10/25 - No SNL - But we will participate in Trunk or Treat from 3-5pm
11/1 - 9:15 Sunday School with a speaker from NAMI
11/1 - 5-7pm ECOF Youth gathering @ St. Martin's. We will meet at St. John's at 4:50 and walk together.
11/7 (Saturday) - NAMI walk

Follow SJBC Youth on Instagram (@SJBCyouth)!

Save the Date: Thursdays on the Town at the Urban District Market: November 12th

Families, join us on Thursday, November 12, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., at the Urban District Market for good food and fellowship! There is something for everyone, so bring the kids! Click here to register.

On The Way: Upcoming Dates

Wednesday, November 11th 9:30 am - 4:30 pm On The Way to International Civil Rights Museum in Greensboro

Please email Rev. Lee Gray (lgray@sjcharlotte.org) if you would like to join us for the International Civil Rights Museum.

Introducing the Care Ring: A New Way to Care for One Another

St. John's is beginning a new chapter in the way we care for one another as a congregation. As we move from the Pastoral Deacons to the new Care Ring, our goal remains the same; to make sure that every member of St. John's knows they are seen, valued, remembered and cared for.

The Care Ring will provide congregational care to all members of St. John's, helping us to stay connected to one another during times of joy, difficulty, transition, illness, loss and other circumstances when support may be needed. One important part of this ministry will be the introduction of Care Cards, which will be placed in the pews. These cards provide an easy way for members to let the church know when someone in our congregation has a need of which we should be aware. Whether someone is hospitalized, experiencing a family concern, celebrating a significant milestone, grieving a loss, or simply in need of a little extra support, The Care Card gives us a way to share that information with those coordinating congregational care.

The Care Ring is built on a simple idea: caring for one another is the responsibility of the whole church family. No one person or group can know every need within a congregation, but together we can help ensure that important needs do not go unnoticed.

We encourage everyone at St. John's to use the Care Cards whenever there is information that would help us care for a fellow member. Please provide only the information you are comfortable sharing and be mindful of each person's privacy. Also, there is an outreach person in each Sunday school class, the choir, the Brotherhood of the Biscuit and the Women of the Church whom you may tell. When appropriate, this outreach person will notify the Care Ring of any needs so that appropriate care and support can be provided.

As we begin this new ministry, we ask for your prayers, participation and willingness to look out for one another. The Care Ring is more than a new structure-it is an opportunity for all of us to strengthen the bonds of fellowship and compassion that make St. John's a caring church family.

Together, we can make sure that no one walks alone.

Your Care Team,

Nancy Wilson, chair

Ethel Harris

Kathy Turner

Lee Gray, Minister for Congregational Care

Memorial Garden Gate Code Note

St. John’s is pleased to announce the installation of a beautiful new fence around the memorial garden. This addition was made to help preserve the privacy, safety, and peaceful atmosphere of this cherished space. Church members and family members of those honored in the memorial garden may contact the church office to request the gate code. If you do not have the code, please do not exit through the Memorial Garden door. You need the code to enter and exit through the gate.

Churchwide Save the Dates:

Fall Festival, Trunk-or-Treat, and Craft & Bake Sale: October 25
All Saints Sunday: November 2
NAMI Walks: November 7
CROP Walk: November 15
Friendsgiving: November 15
WDAV Lessons & Carols: December 1
Senior Christmas Gathering: December 3
Hanging of the Green: December 6
Advent Yoga: December 6
Christmas Cantata: December 13
Children’s Nativity Play with Churchwide Lunch: December 13
Christmas Eve Candles, Carols, and Communion: December 24

Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (CBF) Life

More than a Campus Ministry House: Investing in the Next Generation of Christian Leaders

Today, more than a dozen CBFNC campus ministry personnel minister to and with students on more than 20 college and university campuses across North Carolina.

And increasingly, we are asking an important question: What does campus ministry need to become to reach and form the next generation of students?

The developing Raleigh Campus Ministry Discipleship House, a partnership between CBFNC and Forest Hills Baptist Church, is one experiment in answering that question.

Located at Forest Hills Baptist Church, just blocks from NC State University, the Hood House will eventually provide affordable housing for up to four residents, including CBFNC’s Raleigh Campus Ministry Specialist. The hope is to welcome the first residents during the 2027–2028 school year.