Weekly Announcements
September 23 - September 29, 2020
Please give to St. John's as we continue to do the work of Christ in these challenging times.
To see the directory or connect with a group, CLICK HERE to visit REALM.
WORSHIP & FORMATION
ONLINE SUNDAY WORSHIP
SEPTEMBER 27, 2020
On Sunday morning, please CLICK HERE to find a Sunday Worship Service video, children's sermon, resources for prayer, formation, and much more.

You may also join us on Facebook at 10:00 a.m. so we can worship together as a community. CLICK HERE to connect on Sunday morning.

Please give to St. John's as we continue to do the work of Christ in these challenging times.
OUTDOOR WORSHIP
In addition to our continued online worship offerings, we are now able to gather for Outdoor Worship in limited numbers. Please register to attend. Instructions and details are posted on the registration page.

Worship Days and Times:
Sundays 8:00 am & 9:00 am
Wednesdays 9:00 am
ONLINE WEEKDAY WORSHIP AND OFFERINGS
Please check our Online Church page for links to any of the offerings below:
LECTIO-DIVINA and CENTERING PRAYER groups meet weekly via Zoom. If you would like to join in, please email Brad directly.
ZOOM DAILY OFFICE
A Monday - Friday virtual gathering to frame our days around a regular life of prayer. Each day will offer three of the Daily Offices from our Book of Common Prayer: Morning Prayer at 7:30 a.m.; Evening Prayer at 5:00 p.m; and Compline at 9:00 p.m. Zoom Daily Office is a new Spirituality Group in REALM. To join, contact Brad directly.
SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR CHILDREN
Hello families! During the month of September, Sunday School will focus on the story of Noah and the Ark. The Monthly Sunday School Plan: September and Sunday School Instructions for Families are now available on our Online Church webpage, and consider signing your children up for the in-person sessions when you are coming to church. Please email Mr. Matt if you have any questions! Please see in-person and virtual options below.
In-Person Option:
We are offering a limited in-person children’s Sunday School held Sundays at 9:00am. 
  • This outdoor gathering will run concurrently with the Sunday morning worship service, and require the same social distancing measures as the worship gatherings (masks, limited contact, 6 feet spacing, etc.). 
  • The children will hear the Sunday School story and do the activity for that week. 
  • This offering is limited to 10 elementary school children (Kindergarten through Fifth Grade) so we can make certain that the health standards are being met. 
Virtual Option:
We offer our Rotational Sunday School in a virtual format. Here is how it will work: 
  • Each month we will publish the Sunday School lesson plan for families. It will provide the monthly theme, Bible references, schedule of activities, and supply list for the activities. 
  • Each week we will publish two videos. The first video will explore the story of the month, and the lesson for that week. The second video will offer a different activity you can do at home to reinforce the lesson, which will vary each week (i.e.; craft, music, game, etc.).
  • Families watch the two videos and do the activity together. It should be a relatively easy way for families to explore our faith together.
  • Please click on the Online Church page on Sunday to view the two new Sunday School videos.
  • Supplies Needed for Virtual Sunday School Activity on September 27: Wooden skewers; Plates and Napkins, Fruit, cut into bite-sized pieces, in a variety of rainbow colors: 
  • Red – Watermelon, strawberries, OR cherries 
  • Orange – Oranges, Peaches, OR Cantaloupe 
  • Yellow – Pineapple, Lemon, Starfruit, OR banana 
  • Green – Grapes, Kiwi, OR Honeydew 
  • Blue – Blueberries 
  • Purple – Purple/red grapes OR Blackberries  
EYC OFFERINGS

Please visit the Youth and Teens webpage for the EYC Kick Off Video, 6th Grade Orientation Video, Forms and Calendar, and EYC Communication Sign Ups
ST. FRANCIS' DAY BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS
A St. Francis' Day Blessing of the Animals will take place on Sunday, October 4 at 3:00 PM on the Front Lawn. All creatures, great and small, are invited! Come with your pets to participate in this special blessing.
STAY CONNECTED WITH ST. JOHN'S
Do you have an announcement to post in the Weekly Announcements Eblast? Please submit your announcement to Rebekah by Monday at 5:00pm.
PRAY
Prayer List is available in your Weekly Announcements email. Please email Kerry in the church office with prayer requests. 
ZOOM MONDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY Please join the new fall study of Second Corinthians: Living Letters in Christ via ZOOM on Mondays at 8:00AM using the links below, sign up in REALM, or contact Bo Proctor with questions. To order the book: CLICK HERE. Zoom link is available in your Weekly Announcements email.
ST. JOHN'S WOMEN'S FELLOWSHIP Please join us every other Thursday at 8:00 pm to enjoy an hour of virtual fellowship. Please join the group in REALM to see the latest meeting details.
Zoom link is available in your Weekly Announcements email.
LIFT WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY
LIFT (Learning In Faith Together) meets every Wednesday, 11:00am -12:30pm via Zoom. The ladies of LIFT report with delight that they continued to meet via ZOOM during the summer relying on the Bible Project's Church at Home as a basis for study and reflection. Beginning this week, the group plans to begin consideration anew of Paul's letter to the Ephesians. Typically during pandemic times, the group begins with a check in to see how all are faring and to share prayer concerns. If you would like to 'try this on' this week, or at a later date, contact Toni Robinson, to be added to the Zoom invitation list.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
STEWARDSHIP 2021
Your pledge is our future, St. John's relies on our members and friends to respond to God's generosity by being generous themselves. Annual pledges and gifts are the primary funding mechanisms for St. John’s services and programs; your pledge allows us to plan for the upcoming year and responsibly carry out God’s work.
To complete your pledge form today, please click the secure Online Pledge Form button below. For more information, including our Stewardship video, brochure, and a letter from our Stewardship Chairmen, please click the Stewardship 2021 button below.
REJUVENATE VOLUNTEER PROJECTS
There are many ways to care for your church home with the new Rejuvenate Volunteer Opportunities available to you at St. John's. Volunteer opportunities are available for a variety of tasks inside and outside our church home, such as: cleaning acolyte vestments, indoor and outdoor painting and staining, sprucing up the columbarium area, clearing and organizing various items around the church, spreading mulch, ceiling repair work, and more. For a complete list of volunteer tasks and to sign up, please click the button below. Once you've signed up, please email Jeff Cummins, so he can coordinate with you.
HAGAR'S BASKET UPDATES On February 19, we welcomed 176 families in the Hagar’s pantry. Though we were fully stocked in anticipation of those families returning in March, the pandemic prevented us from opening. During the months of May, June, July and August, an average of 14 families came by the SJE parking lot on the third Wednesday morning in hopes that the Hagar’s ministry might be open. With thanks to the Sellers and the Harringtons, a drive thru pantry was organized to offer our families a prepackaged selection of hygiene items.
Last Wednesday, September 16, we served 65 families in the drive thru pantry! Our families were so grateful and expressed their gratitude to the STJE family. Heartfelt thanks to each of you for your generosity which allowed us to continue to serve our families during this time of need. Though we cannot collect donated hygiene items at this time, we do welcome your monetary contributions so we may shop to restock our shelves. Checks written to the church with Hagar’s Basket on the memo line, or online contributions to this ministry are most gratefully appreciated. As God provides for us, we joyfully provide for others!
ST. JOHN'S CHOIRS ARE RECRUITING
Yes, even in Covidtide, the worship of the church goes on. We can’t meet inside the church building at this point, and when we do we may not be allowed to sing for a while, but your voice is needed for our virtual worship services each Sunday.

Our choirs are now rehearsing via Zoom and preparing voice tracks at home that Jamey Graves magically makes into a choir that you can hear in our virtual Sunday worship services. If you find it intimidating to sing in front of people, this is your year! Sing at home where no one is looking at you.

St. John’s Choir for teens and adults is meeting for rehearsals on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. All are welcome! The Treble Youth RSCM Choir for singers in grades 3-12 meets on Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. All are welcome, and RSCM training goes on as well.

Please contact Alan Reed to talk about the choirs and to learn more details. We hope you’ll join us soon!
ZOOM LABYRINTH RETREAT
“Embracing Mystery: Building Spiritual Resilience”
Monday, October 5th and Tuesday, October 6th, 8:30 am-4:30 pm. The Labyrinth Ministry of Myers Park United Methodist Church (of which STJE member, Toni Robinson is a founding member) invites Charlotte community members to attend a 2-day virtual ZOOM retreat facilitated by Veriditas- trained labyrinth facilitator, Doug Warner (Warner Healing Guidance, Largo, FL). Participants will explore ways to embrace the mysteries around us and in us, especially in these challenging and uncertain times, all the while building spiritual resiliency as we continue to journey together. We will explore God’s presence in our lives as well as being present for each other.
The cost is $40 per person with all proceeds benefiting two outreach endeavors supported by MPUMC: UMAR, a local disability supports and services organization and the South Tryon Prayer Garden.
You will receive Zoom information via email and a packet of retreat materials via USPS following your registration. Materials will be mailed on or before September 21; those who register after that time may not receive their packet prior to the virtual retreat. For assistance with registration, please contact Christine Mull, Myers Park UMC. 
TROOP 116 POPCORN FUNDRAISER
BSA Troop 116 is the church sponsored BSA troop. Each year Troop 116 has two fundraisers, Popcorn sales in the fall and BBQ in the spring, to earn money to help our scouts. These fundraisers raise money to run the troop, allow for youth activities and camps, and financially offset dues for financially disadvantaged scouts.

Of each popcorn pack purchased, 73% goes back to our local scouts. Please look at the popcorn fundraiser like a donation to scouts, and you get popcorn as your thank you gift. Every bag that is purchased is a huge help to our troop.

With this year’s Covid-19 pandemic, to increase safety to all in our community, we have organized a website to go to for ordering popcorn from our Troop. Your popcorn order will be shipped directly from Trail's End, our popcorn supplier, to your home.

The main part of the fundraiser begins today through the end of November. However, this link will last throughout the year. If you wish to participate in the Popcorn Fundraiser, CLICK HERE.

All the youth and adult leaders from Troop 116 thank you. If you have any questions, please contact Matt MacCaughelty or Pete Farnham.
GALILEE COMMUNITY MEALS
The Galilee Ministry Center has continued to support the Charlotte community with meals during COVID, and now Community Meals with Kitchen volunteer opportunities return! Kitchen volunteers are required to follow Galilee Kitchen health standards, including: wearing a mask at all times on property, no symptoms related to COVID, have not been exposed to COVID for the past 14 days. Please see details and open spots to volunteer at the link below. Any questions, please contact the Galilee Center at: (704) 900-5210.
MERRY OAKS OUTREACH
Greetings! The Outreach committee and the EYC are creating Welcome bags for the teachers of Merry Oaks Elementary school. If you wish to donate, options include: mini candy donation bin at the preschool entrance, $15 Starbucks or $15 Chik-Fil-A gift cards donations or monetary donations can be mailed to the church to Louise Medlin. Thank you! Please contact Melissa Conway or Margaret Errington.
ST. JOHN'S ENDOWMENT
In this strange and difficult time in our world, St. John's continues to provide stability, comfort and security for our church, parishioners and our community. These activities are enabled greatly by the St. John's Endowment today and in the future. Gifts to the Endowment can be made by naming St. John's Endowment as a beneficiary in your will or in a number of other estate planning vehicles. Too, naming St. John's Endowment as an IRA beneficiary can provide tremendous tax advantages for your heirs. To learn more about becoming part of St. John's Endowment, contact Reid Joyner or Janie McIntyre and visit the STJE Endowment webpage.
OUTREACH OPPORTUNITY
The St. John’s Outreach Committee is focusing on the 16,000+ CMS families lacking home internet service for students to access Remote Learning this school year. The non-profit CMS Foundation has started a campaign: "Connect for Tech", raising funds to provide home internet service to students. If you wish to donate, options include:
· Text: “GIVETECH” to 44-321.
· Mail: check made payable to CMS Foundation, 4421 Stuart Andrew Boulevard, Suite 100, Charlotte, NC 28217.
For more details, please visit the CMS Foundation WEBSITE, call 980-343-0399, or email info@cms-foundation.org
EPISCOPAL RELIEF & DEVELOPMENT
"While the pandemic claims our attention both in the US and abroad, we find ourselves nearing the height of the Atlantic hurricane season. Already, we’ve seen the Gulf Coast devastated by Hurricanes Laura and Sally, and we’ve also witnessed the tragic wildfires as they rage in California.

The support of our community in the wake of COVID-19, Hurricanes Laura and Sally, and the California wildfires was instrumental in making sure we could aid our church partners when they needed us. It helped us provide essentials like gas, diapers, food, protective gear, and other urgently needed items to underserved groups disproportionately affected by such catastrophes.
Donations help so the ERD can continue to provide relief in communities across the country." If you wish to donate, please click here: PLEASE DONATE
ROOM IN THE INN UPDATE
As you may have heard, Urban Ministry Center and the Men’s Shelter of Charlotte have joined forces as a single organization and are now Roof Above. They are committed to their mission of ending homelessness and providing shelter to everyone in our community. They have been working hard on “covid safe” options for operating RITI this fall. We recently received the following update:
“This winter, Room in the Inn and shelter overflow will be consolidated into 2-3 large sites. We are still finalizing locations. Given the realities of COVID-19, we will prioritize non-congregate locations that allow for more individualized spaces and greater safety for our neighbors experiencing homelessness who are already a vulnerable population. We are committed to having as many beds, if not more, for those we will serve. While in previous years RITI has been predominantly volunteer-
run, this season will be primarily managed by paid staff, to accommodate the larger numbers at each site and the safety protocols that will need to be in place. However, WE STILL NEED YOU! We will likely need in-person assistance with check-in, off-site meal preparation, and toiletry donation items for these single-site locations. There will also be opportunities to donate financially to the running of these facilities.”
Janice Stafford and I have been honored to co-chair this ministry on behalf of St. Johns since 2016. We were frequently told by our neighbors that St. John’s was one of the nicest places that they stayed. It could not have happened without the many volunteers who gave of their time, talent, and treasure to make it happen. Thank you all!
After much thought and prayer, we are stepping down from this ministry. The door is open for any of our parishioners to take the mantle. At this juncture, it appears that whatever role we as a parish decide to have in this ministry, it will not be as a hosting site. If you feel called to take on the coordinator role for St. John’s participation in the Room in the Inn program, please let us know. We will be happy to help smooth the transition. You may contact us: Janice Stafford or Carol Lomax Fortenberry.
Peace!
LOAVES AND FISHES UPDATE
"[Recently,] Louise McCrorie from Receptionist transferred into the brand new role of Social Services Coordinator.
A retired social worker from the Department of Social Services (DSS) with a Masters in Social Work as well as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Louise knows how to navigate the often confusing system of support services. Due to COVID-19, many of our clients are now in a situation of needing help for the very first time and have no idea where to start. For them, Louise is a lifeline – not just to food but for connecting them with other resources. Louise is able to go beyond making a food referral and dig deeper. As Louise says, “That’s the glory of this position. Having the time to ask the one, two or three questions to get the rest of the story and link them to other resources.” Read more on the Loaves and Fishes website by clicking below.
Loaves & Fishes Latest Weekly Updates can be found here: LOAVES & FISHES.
THE PARISH SHOP UPDATES
The Parish Shop is still hard at work looking for ways to serve you! We have been able to partner with a couple of our vendors to offer their products through these links:

  • Jane Marie, LLC is a regional, small family-owned business offering fun and classic jewelry and accessories. Bonus: they are offering a 10% discount with a special code available to you! DISCOUNT CODE: 157248 CLICK HERE FOR JANE MARIE
  • Bridgewater Candle Company, a Greenville/Spartanburg area company, is a favorite with several parishioners. Every candle purchased feeds a food insecure orphan for a whole day. They also have hand sanitizer! CLICK HERE FOR BRIDGEWATER CANDLES
  • Lastly, The Parish Shop has opened up the ability to purchase digital gift cards through "Square"! Follow our link to purchase a gift card for you or some one you love to use at The Parish Shop! CLICK HERE FOR PARISH SHOP GIFT CARDS

Please follow the Parish Shop Facebook page HERE.
LET US PRAY
The Intercessory Prayer Team would love to pray for you! All requests are confidential.
POSTPONEMENTS
All in person events at St. John's are postponed until further notice.