Church Calendar | Realm Log-In | Deacon Schedule | Usher Schedule | Greeter Schedule | Men's Shelter Sign Up | Room in the Inn Sign Up | Basketball Schedule

Being Baptists in the Twenty-First Century

by Dennis W. Foust, Senior Minister

Does it still make sense for St. John’s to be a Baptist church?

In 1922, when the charter members of St. John’s began envisioning the future of this church, their first actions were prayerful commitments to The Living God. They followed up those prayers with commitments to one another on behalf of this city and world. At that time, there were only three other Baptist congregations in Charlotte in a city with a population of 46,000. The first Baptist church was built in Charlotte in 1833. Today, Charlotte is known as ‘The City of Churches.’ The Queen City now offers more than 1,500 places of worship including at least 1,250 churches. Baptists offer 453 sites, Methodists offer 186 locations, and Presbyterians offer 146 sanctuaries.

(Why Charlotte is known as ‘The City of Churches,’ by Chris Pearce, chrispearce52.wordpress.com, Jan 22, 2016)

Throughout our history, St. John’s Baptist Church has affirmed and celebrated our unity with the global Body of Christ. We have embraced our Christian tradition in all its ecumenical diversity and form. While we value our historic Baptist roots, we never place denominational loyalties above our primary call and mission to be the visible presence of the risen Christ in the world. In addition to our ecumenical practices, we are also committed to interfaith collaboration. We implement our ministries of peacebuilding and unity directly and through partnerships with Alliance of Baptists, Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists, Baptist Peace Fellowship, Baptist World Alliance, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, Mecklenburg Metropolitan Interfaith Network, and North Carolina Council of Churches. Being Baptist in this twenty-first century continues our affirmation and celebration of Baptist principles of freedom. But why? Does it still make sense for St. John’s to be a Baptist church?

Of course, it will not surprise you to know that my answer is an emphatic ‘YES!’ Each and every tradition of Christian faith has a distinct value. There are many pathways of relating with The Living God. And one of these valuable historic and contemporary pathways is expressed through principles of faith that are Baptist practices. And in this twenty-first century, most local churches in these United States that carry the word ‘Baptist,’ in their name do not practice Baptist principles. And this is why it still makes sense for St. John’s must continue to be a Baptist church.

During January and February, I will offer sermons on the following Baptist principles:

• Soul Freedom: January 8, ‘Freedom is Not Self-Indulgence,’ John 8:31-32; Galatians 5:1, 13-15; January 15, ‘Response-Ability,’ Genesis 1:26-27; Joshua 24:14-15
• Soul Competency: January 22, ‘Free to Follow the Spirit of God - Individually,’ John 16:12-13
• Church Autonomy: January 29, ‘‘Free to Follow the Spirit of God – Together,’ Genesis 12:1-3; Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-16; 1 Peter 2:9-10; Revelation 1:4-6
• Religious Freedom: February 5, ‘At the Corner of State Street and Church Avenue,’ Matthew 22:15-22

Then, on February 19, I will offer a sermon proclaiming ‘A Church Vision – Baptist Style.’ I will envision how St. John’s can continue to practice Baptist principles in the future as we consider the message of James 2:14-18 alongside Micah 6:8 and Matthew 25.

It is my prayer that this season of Epiphany, beginning with baptism, will allow us to explore how we practice our discipleship as followers of the way of Jesus Christ through freedom. Let us be free and faithful Baptists in this twenty-first century.

To the future!

Shalom!

Baptism on Sunday

This Sunday morning, January 8, we will celebrate the baptism of the following:

Caitlin Wallace, David Wallace, Lauren Wallace, Caroline Wallace, and Melanie Goodson

Baptism is an external expression symbolizing an internal experience. It is significant and a cause for celebration. Join us Sunday morning for worship at 10:30am in the Sanctuary and help us welcome these new followers of Christ.

New Year, New Study Guide Available

Immigrant & Refugee Ministry Group

The Immigrant & Refugee Ministry Group encourage you to utilize the study guide, A Journey to Understanding Our Immigrant Neighbors, that was written and compiled in 2022. This guide is designed for a 4–5-week study for any class or study group within or outside of the church. This group is glad to assist you with an introductory session or in any other way that would be helpful to you and your group.

You can view the study guide digitally by clicking the button below.

If you would like hard copies or would like to contact the Immigrant and Refugee Ministry Group, please contact Amanda in the office at ext. 11 or amorrison@sjcharlotte.org.

Children & Youth Basketball in Full Swing

Children & Youth Basketball season is in full swing here at St. John’s. We will host games in our gym every Saturday in January and February from 10:00am until about 4:00pm or so depending on the Saturday.

Usually, our children’s teams play home games here at St. St. John’s (since our gym is about 15 feet short of a regulation court) but this year, every St. John’s team will get at least one home game.

Our coaches include some familiar faces to many of you - Todd Stillerman, Mattie Stillerman, Marc Cardella, Meredith Sorrell, Becky Benton, and Jason Benton. There are also a few coaches from the Elizabeth Community who have players on our teams. Kheresa Harmon noticed a few of these folks from neighborhood who visited our church for the Christmas Eve service. Each week in January and February the upcoming schedule for our St. John’s teams will be posted in the Family News here.

January 7:

• 6 and under Co-Ed 1aa - BYE
• 8 and under Boys 14a - 1:15pm @ St. John’s
• 8 and under Girls 26ga - 3:00pm @ Hickory Grove Main
• 10 and under Girls 43gb - 12:00pm @ St. John’s
• 12 and under Boys 48c - 10:00am @ St. John’s
• 15 and under Girls 74gd - 12:30pm @ Trinity Episcopal
• 18 and under Girls 97ge - 11:30am @ Mt. Harmony Baptist

Come by and see us one Saturday. I’m always glad to answer any questions you may have about our basketball ministry.

Thank you, Lee Gray

A Special Children's Sunday School Training

Sunday, January 8 after Worship

As we begin the new year, what kind of commitments can you make to St. John's beyond Sunday morning worship?

Kheresa has several opportunities for YOU to join the ranks of the children's Sunday school teachers with a new curriculum and training opportunity this Sunday afternoon following worship.

She writes, "As someone who has served as a Sunday school teacher for elementary school students in the past, I understand that being in the classroom with one set of little disciples means that you are absent from your own formation class. That’s significant and it is appreciated and noticed!

This spring I will introduce a new Formation Hour curriculum, Shine (Shine: Living in God’s Light, for Preschool-Kindergarten and Elementary classes, is co-published by Brethren Press, publishing ministry of the Church of the Brethren, and MennoMedia, publishing ministry of Mennonite Church USA and Mennonite Church Canada).

Training will be held on Sunday, January 8 in the church lounge immediately following worship (11:45ish). Teachers are needed!"

We are excited for a new year in children's ministry at St. John's and would LOVE for you to join in on the fun and learning that happens with our youngest of friends.

Let Kheresa know you can help on Sundays by calling/texting at 910.890.3392 or emailing her at kharmon@sjcharlotte.org.

Upcoming Worship Services and Opportunities for Everyone

• We will celebrate a baptism on January 8 during worship.
• Family Dedications: January 22 with the Bailey Family, January 29 with the Whipple Family, and February 26 with the Crawford Family
• Valentine's Party for Children and Their Families on February 5: Children, birth - 5th grade, and their families are invited to join us on Sunday, February 5 in Broach Hall immediately following worship for the sweetest Valentine’s Day Party in the history of SJBC! Rumor has it that the playdoh will be chocolate, that games will be played, relays will be raced, cookies (all allergen-free options available) will be decorated, and a piñata will be explode! Oh, no worries about lunch. We shall eat, too! REGISTER HERE OR ON REALM.
• Thursdays on the Town: Thursday, February 9 for parents with children from 6-8PM, childcare provided, we will be eating at Chuys (7314 Waverly Walk Avenue); REGISTER HERE OR ON REALM
• Don't forget to sign up for Room in the Inn and Men's Shelter with the links at the top of the Family News!

Thank you to all who contributed an ornament to the Centennial Christmas tree this year! You can still donate your ornament to the office anytime. The tree will remain up until next week. All contributions will be recorded in a permanent and ongoing book.

Prayers, Thanks, and Celebrations

• Tarsha Williams, Martha Brown, Barbara McElwey, Betty Herr, Margaret Falls, Marvin Carter
• A Memorial Service for Alethia Ross will be held on January 21 at The Cypress

Minister On-Call Schedule

• Jan. 3-8 Dennis
• Jan. 9-15: Haley
• Jan. 16-22: Kevin

Staff Contact Information

• Haley Blackwell, Minister for Youth & Young Adults - 620-515-3558 (cell)
• Rev. Dennis Foust, PhD, Senior Minister - 704-359-7234 (cell); 704-333-5428, ext. 12
• Rev. Lee Gray, Minister for Congregational Care - 704-451-1309 (cell)
• Kevin Gray, Minister for Music and Worship - 803-524-0287 (cell)
• Rev. Kheresa Harmon, Minister for Children & their Families - 910-890-3392 (cell)

• Mallory Brown, Media Coordinator - 704-477-3349 (cell)
• Chloe Hall, Children's Choir Director
• Noel Lance, Organist
• Dr. Matthew Manwarren, Associate Organist
• Amanda Morrison, Ministry Coordinator - 704-333-5428, ext. 11
• Lydia Olmstead, Weekday School Director - 704-333-5428, ext. 39
• Jill Rackley, Church Administrator - 704-333-5428, ext. 20