Vol. 79 Issue 43 | Week of October 25-31, 2021 |
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faith to faith
by Dennis Foust
FAITH: A FAMILIAR & COMPLEX WORD
Why did I choose to name this column, ‘faith to faith?’ In part, it is because I cannot be ‘face to face’ with each of you to offer these words. So, I’ll just let my faith speak to your faith.
Faith, although it is a familiar word, is also a complex term.
The word, ‘faith,’ can be connected to believing, trusting, and committing. The word, ‘faith,’ can connect to religious traditions like Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, etc.
The word, ‘faith,’ can also describe how people place confidence in individuals, groups, material possessions, personal prestige, practices, products, professional positions or titles, institutions, organizations, visions, traditions, perspectives, philosophies, etc. And of course, the word ‘faith’ is used to describe how we relate with Transcendent Reality, whether we use the word God, Elohim, Allah, Light, Hashem, the Almighty, Spiritual Mystery, Divine Being, Eternal Truth, etc. Across all cultures, languages, and religions, the one consistent idea about ‘faith’ is this: faith shows up in a person’s life orientation.
Since I am a pastoral minister in a congregational context, I plan to use this column to write about the various ways our faith in Jesus can orient our living. To be committed to Jesus as a disciple is to be his obedient learner. Our faith in Jesus should shape the patterns of our lives more than any other commitment. Our faith in Jesus should guide how we use our time, value each person, do our work, relate with our family and friends, steward our resources, interpret reality, perceive the world, view ethical issues, etc.
Next week, I will introduce two topics: (1) where faith begins; and (2) how faith integrates life.
Here’s a thought to consider this week: Faith begins with awe.
Until then, in your following of Jesus, be actively faithful and faithfully active.
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CROP Walk 2021
On November 7, 2021, St. John's will participate in the Charlotte CROP Walk to fight against global hunger and poverty. The walk will take place at the American Legion Memorial Stadium (1218-1238 Armory Drive) next to CPCC starting at 1:30PM. You can also walk on your own in your neighborhood or on your favorite greenway.
This year, our fundraising goal is $10,000.
Will you join our team or make a contribution today? Thank you in advance!
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Food Truck Fellowship
November 14 after Worship
Join us Sunday, November 14 after worship for another Food Truck Fellowship in the parking lot by the gym and Lasater Hall. Register at the button below!
The two food trucks coming are "Vita Da Pizza" (wood-fired pizza) and "Another Food Truck" (spins on classic comfort foods). Check out their menus by clicking on their names above.
Bring money to pay for your lunch and a chair to sit in while you enjoy your lunch.
Register below!
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Music of Stillness
Carolina Voices' Festival Singers Concert
November 14, 2021 at 4PM | St. John's Baptist Church Sanctuary
Join Carolina Voices’ chamber ensemble, Festival Singers, as they kick off the organization’s 67th season on November 14 at 4pm and mark two years since their last live performance. This concert will be in the Sanctuary at St. John's!
Immerse yourself in the rich sounds of Festival Singers as they bring you extraordinary music by the likes of Stephen Paulus, Elaine Hagenberg, and Keith Hampton.
For your safety and that of the singers, all audience members must produce proof of being fully vaccinated, must be properly masked during the entire time in the building, and must observe appropriate social distancing.
Please consider a donation of $20 per person to help defray the costs of this concert.
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Jubilee Store 2021
Drive-Through Event, November 20 & 21
Charlotte Family Housing’s annual Jubilee Store will continue to empower families who are moving out of homelessness to use their savings to buy Christmas gifts for their children. In response to the pandemic in 2020, the Jubilee Store became a drive-through event since we couldn’t gather and have a giant store in the church.
This year, the Jubilee Store will again be providing families the opportunity to purchase gift cards at a reduced rate so that they can buy gifts for their children this Christmas. Along with these gift cards for children's gifts, families will receive a gift card to go toward a holiday meal, a basket with holiday goodies, and supplies for wrapping gifts. These items will be distributed at a festive drive-through store the weekend before Thanksgiving (November 20 and 21) as a kick-off to the holiday season.
We are partnering with Myers Park Presbyterian, Christ Episcopal Church, and Charlotte Family Housing to make Jubilee Store happen. Your monetary gift can provide holiday cheer and support for these struggling families during this uncertain time.
- $25 will provide gift wrap supplies
- $50 will provide a holiday meal
- $100 will provide gift cards for 2 children
Gifts of any amount can be made online HERE or text "SJGIVE" to 73256 to give using your mobile device. Select Jubilee Store from the dropdown menu.
Also, checks can be mailed to the church, made payable to St. John’s Baptist Church with a memo line Jubilee Store. Also, watch the Family News for possible volunteer opportunities at the drive-through event.
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Worshiping Together In-Person and Online! |
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On Sunday, Dr. Foust will offer a message called, "Great Expectations," based on Matthew 7:7-11. We hope you will join us as we gather in-person and online as we stream the service on Facebook and YouTube starting at 10:30am. The stream and worship guide links will be sent out via email on Sunday morning.
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Prayer Concerns, Celebrations, Thanks & Sympathy |
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Andrew Adair, Shirley Ballard, Katherine Barr, Carol Drye, Betty Fuller, Polly Hull, Jean Hutson, Barbara Ledford, Ashley Marin (granddaughter of the late Doris and Walt Tedder), Tish Philemon, Gene & Carol Poole, Viorica Secere, Don Swofford, Elma Thomas
Sympathy to Marc Cardella and family in the death of Marc's father
Prayers for our world, especially those living in the wake of hurricanes, earthquakes, fires, COVID-19, and global conflicts
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Financial Ministry Plan Report |
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Week of October 19-25: $5267
Income through October 25: $852,171
Annual 2021 Ministry Plan Budget Goal: $1,175,000
Global Missions: $31,568
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You can make contributions, view your giving history and pledge status, as well as update your pledge and giving information anytime by accessing your personal Realm profile online or via the Connect App. |
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Ministers On-Call Schedule
October 25-31: Lee Gray
November 1-7: Dennis Foust
November 8-14: Nate Dove
November 15-22: Allison Benfield
Staff Contact Information
Dennis Foust, Senior Minister - 704-359-7234 (cell); 704-333-5428, ext. 12
Lee Gray, Minister for Congregational Care - 704-451-1309 (cell); 704-333-5428, ext. 15
Nate Dove, Minister for Youth and Young Adults - 704-662-2154 (cell); 704-333-5428, ext. 13
Allison Benfield, Minister for Spiritual Growth - 828-448-8412 (cell); 704-333-5428, ext. 18
Kevin Gray, Minister for Music and Worship - 803-524-0287 (cell); 704-333-5428, ext. 14
Jacquelyn McAbee, Church Administrator - 434-579-1177 (cell); 704-333-5428, ext. 20
Derek Henson, Administrative Assistant - 704-333-5428, ext. 10
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