Vol. 79 Issue 30 | Week of June 26-August 1, 2021 |
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Worship on Sunday, August 1 - The God Who Teaches & Nourishes
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We will worship this Sunday, August 1st, at 10:30am in the Sanctuary. Dennis will offer a message entitled "Why Can't Prayer Be Easier?" based on Matthew 5:43-48. We hope you will join us in person or online, as we continue to live-stream the service starting at 10:30am on Facebook and YouTube. The live-stream and worship guide links will be sent out via email on Sunday morning for those of you joining us online.
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Are you passionate about social justice?
Join the NEW Social Justice Focus Group TONIGHT at 6PM in the Lounge!
The Mission Resource Team is launching a new group focused on social justice (which would include systemic racism, economic mobility, and equity/equality issues). This group hopes to develop educational programs and volunteer/service opportunities for the St. John's community through study and discussion.
If you are interested in this project (or if you are at least willing to participate in an introductory discussion), please contact Todd Stillerman (704-763-6611 or stillerman@gmail.com).
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Ministering In a Pandemic World
Dr. Dennis W. Foust, PhD
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Well, we are NOT-YET in a post-pandemic world. Even this week, the Delta variant is causing the Center for Disease Control and numerous other groups to encourage all persons to wear face coverings indoors, However, we are moving toward a post-pandemic world and using this summer to begin regathering. In the Family News during August, I will be coordinating our staff as we bring you numerous reports on various aspects of St. John’s life and ministries. Our purpose is to update you on a few ways we are maneuvering through this transitional summer.
First, we are very glad to be gathering again on Sundays. Please help us spread the word. You no longer need to register prior to Sunday. Some of you are continuing to worship with us through Livestream on our YouTube channel or on our Facebook page. We will gather each and every Sunday EXCEPT Labor Day Weekend, Sunday, September 5th. We know you are enjoying reclaiming time with loved ones, opportunities to travel, and weeks at the beach and/or mountains. We have already been told that many of our folks will be away on Labor Day weekend. Therefore, we are encouraging our staff to be with family on Labor Day weekend before we move more fully into our regular schedule beginning on Sunday, September 12th, with the ordination of new deacons.
Second, currently, we are only requiring face coverings in our sanctuary and in spaces where our children gather. Because our children cannot yet be vaccinated, we are making sure these children and their families know we are caring for them. Our COVID-19 Task Force will meet again in late August to review projections also considering the new variants.
Third, we will continue our emphasis, ALL TOGETHER THROUGH PRAYER, until the end of August. As we continue to regather, these common prayer emphases increase our unity. Sunday worship themes will continue to focus on various prayer themes in Jesus’ life and teachings and daily prayer accents will guide us to pray along common points of interest.
Fourth, thank you for checking-in each Sunday. This past Sunday, we had almost 100% of attendees checking-in on the iPad kiosks located at various places on Sundays. By checking-in, you help us accomplish better congregational care and outreach. Thank you.
Fifth, beginning this Sunday, August 1st, Sunday Morning Groups that meet on the first floor of the Sanctuary Building will be able to return to their classrooms if desired. Once again, this year, we have hosted the QC Family Tree Freedom School during June and July. Since many of these children cannot yet receive the vaccine, we have protected this space. This week, these carpets were cleaned to prepare this space for regularly scheduled use.
Sixth, our Leadership Task Force is enlisting all servant leader roles for the church year beginning on September 1st. If you receive a call, please consider serving during our church’s 100th year. This report will be presented to the membership in August.
Seventh, your financial faithfulness continues to support St. John’s health and vitality. As of June 30, income receipts totaled $569,544. Therefore, we need to receive $605,456 for the last six months of the year to reach our $1,175,000 budget commitment. (This is the same amount we gave in the first six months plus $35,912 – easily within our capacity to achieve.) Our expenses are always more in the last six months of the year. Let’s succeed in surpassing this goal, which is well within reach, as we move into our 100th year and that post-pandemic world.
Dennis
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Unidiversity Fun!
Our youth and ministers (Rev. Allison Benfield and Rev. Nate Dove) had a GREAT week at Unidiversity Youth Camp! Thank you all for your prayers for their safety throughout the week. It was a wonderful experience for all. Enjoy the photos below from camp.
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School Supplies for ourBridge for Kids
In the month of August, St. John’s will be collecting school supplies for children being served by ourBridge for Kids, which is a new mission partner with St. John’s.
ourBridge provides summer enrichment programs and, throughout the school year, offers daily after-school services for children, grades K-7, from immigrant and refugee families now living in Charlotte. The services include help with homework, tutoring, English literacy and cultural orientation, while at the same time fostering an appreciation of the 40 different cultures represented by the families being served.
As you shop for your own kids’ supplies, or if you just want to help a child be ready for school, pick up any of the following school supplies and leave in the receptacle at the Main Entrance at any time through August 22nd.
Backpacks Pencils Crayons Paper Folders Pencil Pouches
Markers Scissors Erasers Notebooks Glue Sticks
Uniforms for Highland Renaissance Academy
We will also be collecting uniforms for students at Highland Academy in Charlotte as we have in the past. We are in need of Boys and Girls clothing, sizes 5-14.
White or Navy Collared Shirts
Navy or Khaki Shorts, Pants, Skirts, & Jumpers
Socks & Underwear
Donations may be dropped of at the Main Entrance not later than August 29th on Sundays or weekdays during church office hours.
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St. John's Turns 100!
St. John's is gearing up for our centennial celebration on March 20, 2022!
What events or activities would you like included as we celebrate this historical event in the life of St John’s?
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As of now, the plans include the publication of an Anniversary Book, authored by Sally Young with contributions by several other St John’s members. If there is some area in which you have been involved and for which you would like to contribute a section to the book, please contact Fredda Kimball.
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Derek Henson is working on a new pictorial church directory using Realm. Please make sure you have updated your account in the membership section of Realm, including uploading a picture. Please contact Derek with any questions.
- The Mission Resource Team has been discussing initiating a “100 Hours of Service” challenge for all St. John’s members. (More info to follow)
- The Women of the Church is planning to celebrate WMU (Women’s Missionary Union) at their fall annual fall luncheon.
- We have the script of a play written by Virginia Burkhead for the 50th Anniversary. There are tentative plans to update this script and present the play.
- Also discussed have been community events for the Elizabeth neighborhood, including tours of our building, coordinated with the Elizabeth Neighborhood Association.
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Photos from the Encouragers' Gathering & Lunch at Matthews Glen |
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Thank you from Freedom School Partners!
Throughout the entire summer, QC Family Tree's Freedom School site has operated on the first floor at St. John's. They have had an incredible summer together, learning, reading, doing science experiments, playing, and singing. They made cards on their last day to thank us for hosting them in the building this summer. We are so thankful to be able to partner with this program and can't wait to have them back next year! We will miss the sounds of their Harambe celebrations each morning, their laughter, and their joy as they have now ended for the summer.
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Charlotte Pride Band Concert
Saturday, August 14 at 6PM in Freedom Park
Join Charlotte Pride Band (CPB) in their return to the concert stage for a “Concert in the Park.” They will be performing from the bandshell in Charlotte's Freedom Park on Saturday, August 14th at 6pm. Bring friends, family, chairs, and a picnic. FREE ADMISSION.
Musical selections include a medley of movie hits by John Williams, a spirited Spanish march entitled “Amparito Roca,” Percy Grainger’s “Lincolnshire Posy,” Richard Strauss’s fanfare “Also Sprach Zaranthrustra” best known as the theme in “2001: A Space Odyssey,” and Appalachian themed selections “Kentucky 1800” and “Blue Ridge Reel.”
The ensemble is led by artistic director Dr. John Ross, director of bands at Appalachian State University. CPB has approximately 50 members drawn from greater Charlotte’s LGBTQIA community and ally supporters.
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Prayer Concerns, Celebrations, Thanks & Sympathy |
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Polly Hull, Gene & Carol Poole, Elma Thomas,
Barbara Ledford, Carol Hager (sister of Betty Harkey),
Tish Philemon, Andrew Adair, Carol Drye
The Memorial Service for Janie Kendrick will be on Saturday, July 31st at 1pm in the Sanctuary with a reception to follow in Lasater Hall.
This service will also be live-streamed on the St. John's YouTube Channel and Facebook page.
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Financial Ministry Plan Report
Week of July 12-18: $6,688
Income through July 18: $623,485
Annual 2021 Ministry Plan Budget Goal: $1,175,000
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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
July 26-August 1: Nate Dove
August 2-8: Allison Benfield
August 9-15: Kevin Gray
August 16-22: Lee Gray
Staff Contact Information
Lee Gray - 704-451-1309 (cell); 704-333-5428, ext. 15
Nate Dove - 704-662-2154 (cell); 704-333-5428, ext. 13
Kevin Gray - 803-524-0287 (cell); 704-333-5428, ext. 14
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