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In this week's Family News (Scroll to Learn More):
- Baptist Champions of Religious Liberty 250 Years Ago and Today
- Special Guest Amanda Tyler on May 19
- Worship in May and Early June
- Summer Sunday School for Children & Families
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Shelter Service in May: Need Banana Puddings and Servers, sign up here
- VIC Card for Weekday School
- Congrats, Graduates!
- On the Way for May
- PRIDE Save the Date
- Community and State Offering
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Thursday on the Town for June: Register here
- Nursery Volunteers Needed
- Women's Retreat
- Senior Adult Picnic in June
- Thank you, Jane Winn!
- Summer Worship Series
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Wet and Wild Parent's Night Out in August: Register here
- Prayer List, Sympathy, and Celebrations
- Financial Update
- Minister On Call Schedule
- Staff Contact Info
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Baptist Champions of Religious Liberty 250 Years Ago and Today
by Dennis W. Foust, Senior Minister
Born in Grafton, Massachusetts, in 1754, John Leland was reading the Bible by the age of 5. When he was 18 years of age, while watching a baptism, he decided to seek a relationship with God through following Jesus Christ. Two years later, in 1774, he committed his life to Christian discipleship and was baptized. He became an outspoken abolitionist.
In 1776, Leland moved to Virginia and was ordained by a Baptist church. He became an influential preacher In Virginia and the Carolinas who introduced many people to Christ. Although he faced opposition, Leland had a significant impact and became widely valued for his trustworthiness. In part, due to his integrity, the Baptist witness spread through Virginia and the Carolinas. Leland baptized more than 1,500 new believers.
In 1788, John Leland was about to be elected to be one of Virginia’s representatives to the convention to ratify the United States Constitution. However, Leland withdrew his name in favor of James Madison because he had made an agreement with Madison and Thomas Jefferson that they would support Leland’s constitutional amendment on behalf of religious liberty. Leland wrote a petition to President Washington stating the concerns of Baptists in Virginia and the Carolinas regarding protections for religious freedom. The result was to propose words which became the first amendment to the constitution: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of people to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.” This principle of religious freedom is foundational to these United States. If we do not have religious freedom, we become an extremely different country. And this principle, carried to the new continent by Baptists, was introduced to the Bill of Rights by a Baptist champion of religious liberty.
On Sunday, May 19th, we will host Amanda Tyler. She is one of the primary leaders protecting religious liberty today. As executive director of Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty in Washington, DC, she stands in the gap promoting religious freedom for all citizens. Amanda will offer the message on Sunday morning and participate in a conversation with Landis Wade on Sunday evening at 5:00. Her message on Pentecost Sunday is ‘Holy Pluralism’ and her topic on Sunday evening is ‘Christian Nationalism as a Threat to Faith and Democracy.’ Invite your friends, colleagues, and neighbors to gather in the sanctuary at 5:00 pm as Landis Wade interviews Amanda Tyler in this presentation.
Amanda will draw on her experiences, conversations with pastors and people of various religions, research, scripture, her Baptist convictions, and her work as a constitutional law expert to help you understand why Christian nationalism is not only an oxymoron, it is a dangerous ideology. She will help you learn how to distinguish Christian nationalism from the teachings of Jesus and to demonstrate how Christian nationalism serves as a cover for white supremacy. You and people you know need this presentation to be better informed.
By participating in this presentation, you will better understand why patriotism is not the same as nationalism. Religious freedom only exists if it is a reality for everyone. She will offer strategies for holding hard conversations with loved ones and provide practical ways to protect faith freedom for all.
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CHRISTIAN NATIONALISM AND THE THREAT TO FAITH AND DEMOCRACY
McLeod Brown Presentation on Sunday, May 19 at 5:00 PM
St. John’s Baptist Church, 300 Hawthorne Lane, Charlotte, NC 28207
Religious Freedom is a foundational principle of our nation. Yet, it is a fragile freedom. At various times, this principle has been attacked – sometimes by people who do not understand how their sincere dedication to their religious tradition can trample the freedom of another.
On the evening of May 19, at 5:00pm, local writer, podcast host, and retired attorney, Landis Wade, will interview Amanda Tyler in our sanctuary. This presentation is our 2024 McLeod Brown Presentation. Childcare will be provided for ages 4 and under.
Amanda Tyler is executive director of BJC (Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty), in Washington, DC. Since 1936, this organization has defended the free exercise of religion and protected religious freedom for all people.
Amanda is also the lead organizer of the Christians Against Christian Nationalism campaign and co-host of the podcast, Respecting Religion. She is author of How to End Christian Nationalism, which will be published by Broadleaf Books on October 22, 2024. The book is available for pre-order now.
Read more about Amanda Tyler here.
This annual presentation honors two core leaders of St. John’s: Johnnie McLeod, M.D. and Judge Stan Brown. The focus of this year’s presentation highlights a principle promoted by Johnnie and Stan, “Christian Nationalism and the Threat to Faith and Democracy.’
Tyler will also be with us in worship in the morning on May 19 as our guest proclaimer.
For more information, see www.stjohnsbaptistchurch.org or call 704.333.5428, ext. 0. Childcare will be available for ages 4 and under!
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Worship During May and Early June
As we move toward the summer, our expressions of worship in the beautiful St. John’s sanctuary will include celebration and inspiration.
- May 12 - We will observe Ascension Sunday with Christians around the world. Our worship will include familiar hymns of O For a Thousand Tongues, Amazing Grace and How Great Thou Art. You may prepare by reading Acts 1:6-11. Dr. Foust will offer a sermon entitled, ‘Looking for Jesus.’
- May 19 - We will welcome Amanda Tyler to the St. John’s Pulpit as we observe Pentecost Sunday. Her message will be entitled, ‘Holy Pluralism.’ Our Worship and Arts Resource Team is planning to introduce a creative symbol to help you reflect on the meaning of Acts 2:1-17. We will welcome our sisters and brothers of Together in Christ International Ministries as we continue our tradition of worshipping in unity on Pentecost Sunday and proclaiming the message of the Holy Spirit creating unity out of pluralistic languages and cultures. (Remember to invite your friends, neighbors, and colleagues to our McLeod Brown Presentation on Sunday, May 19th, at 5:00pm, in the sanctuary as Amanda Tyler is interviewed by Landis Wade on the subject, ‘Christian Nationalism and the Threat to Faith and Democracy.’)
- May 26 - We join Christians around the globe to observe Trinity Sunday. Rev. Kheresa Harmon will offer a sermon entitled, ‘or, for the Love of Pretzels’ based upon John 3:1-17.
- June 2 - We will observe our long-standing annual tradition of celebrating with our High School graduates as they serve as worship leaders. Dr. Foust will present a word to the graduates as they transition into young adulthood.
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Summer Sunday School for Children & Families
This summer we will offer some new and special opportunities for children and families!
For Children:
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Preschool and elementary aged children will meet together in Room 221 for a combined Sunday school beginning June 16 and concluding on August 18. We will be learning about the Beatitudes and using Kids Can, an interactive, fun curriculum offered by MennoMedia.
For Parents:
- Haven't found a Sunday School class for you, parents? Is your class taking a summer sabbatical?
- Holy Grounds may be the place for you!
- Kheresa will begin offering this new faith formation experience for you weekly, beginning June 16 at 9:15am in the Church Parlor. Come for coffee or tea (it's free), fellowship, and prayer in a safe, sacred space. More details coming soon.
For Babies and Toddlers:
- Nursery will continue as scheduled babies and toddlers, but we must have volunteers. Volunteers are needed for the 3rd Sunday of June, July, and August. Please contact Kheresa immediately to serve.
One more note:
- A NEW Sunday school class for 3-year-olds will start fall 2024.
- Teachers are needed to help Alexandra, Julien, Joy, Hailey, Walter, Amelia, Grace, Annie, and Liam learn about Jesus. Let Kheresa know that you want to serve!
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Men's Shelter
Next Service Date: Friday, May 17
Just a friendly reminder that St. John's is committed to serving dinner at the Men's Shelter every 3rd Friday of the month.
We still need banana puddings and dinner servers for this month on May 17! Click below to sign up.
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Support the St. John's Weekday School by linking us to your Harris Teeter VIC Card! Connect it with number 5879. |
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Leadership Fair on Sunday, May 19
by Dennis W. Foust
Now that CONVERGE materials are being compiled into directional objectives for our next action plan, it is time to turn to leadership involvement.
On Sunday, May 19, from 9:00 to 10:15 am, the entire church is invited into Broach Hall to learn about various opportunities to serve and lead.
We must have members who will serve on resource teams, task forces, choir, Sunday School Ministry leadership, etc. Orange juice, water, and coffee will be provided.
In Broach Hall, you will find descriptions of Resource Teams. In addition, you will learn how much time is involved to serve on a particular group. You will be able to learn from people who are currently serving so your questions can be answered. You will also find leaders to respond to your questions about needs and opportunities. Your Church Council is coordinating this event.
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Congratulations to St. John’s college students who graduate(d) this year!
- Claude Bragg – Wake Forest University
- Xan Brien – Appalachian State University
- Jacob Callaway – Georgia Tech
- Phillip Fries – N.C. State
- Emma Goodrich – UNC–Chapel Hill
- Owen Hahn – UNC-Asheville
- Jackson Kinney – Appalachia State
- Mia McGuire – University of South Carolina
- Miller Ray – UNC-Chapel Hill
- Elizabeth Rodden – UNC-Chapel Hill
- Brickson Sam Jr. – East Carolina
- August Scala – UNC-Asheville
- Sam Vavra - UNC-Chapel Hill
- Lily Wilkerson – University of Georgia
If you know of any of graduates we failed to include please let us know.
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On the Way for May
On Thursday, May 16 ON THE WAY will go to the Flat Rock Playhouse to see “Jersey Boys,” the story of Frankie Valli and the 4 Seasons for the 2:00 pm show. Please meet at the church at 9:00 am so that we can leave by 9:15 am.
This will allow us eat lunch and have a little time in downtown Hendersonville before the play. We will return to Charlotte around 5:30 pm that evening. Please bring your lunch money and a check for $70 made out to St. John’s to cover the cost of your ticket and bus rental.
All of our tickets and seats to ride in are now accounted for. If you can provide your own ride, Lee Gray LGray@sjcharlotte.org will be glad to check on ticket availability and get you one with or near our group, and of course, you can hang out with the group in Hendersonville beforehand.
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Mark your calendars for the Charlotte Pride Festival & Parade on August 17 and 18. St. John’s plans to participate again this year. | | |
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2024 Community and State Mission Offering
Together for Hope and Church World Service
Each year, from March through early June, the Mission Resource Team asks the people of St. John’s to present financial gifts in a Community & State Mission Offering. This year, we will present our gifts to two mission partners. The first $5,000 will be given to support the work of Together for Hope. All gifts beyond the first $5,000 will be given to Church World Service.
You can give online through Realm or by cash/check in your offering envelope and designating to Community and State Mission Offering.
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Thursdays on the Town
June 13 at 6pm at 1900 Mexican Grill
Parents of children, ages birth - 5th grade, please join us on Thursday, June 13 at 6:00 p.m. at 1900 Mexican Grill (Elizabeth Avenue). Free childcare will be provided.
Please register and reserve childcare by June 9.
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Nursery Volunteers Needed!
Nursery volunteers are needed for the 3rd Sunday of May, June, July, and August. Please contact Kheresa immediately to serve.
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Mark your calendars!
God's Tapestry: Woven Together in Power and Purpose
Please save the dates November 1-3 for our annual Women of the Church retreat. We are very glad to tell you that we will be returning to our beautiful mountain spot, the Blowing Rock Conference Center, for a weekend of food, fellowship, laughter, study, and growing together spiritually.
Sabrina Gilchrist will be our facilitator for the weekend. Using the theme “God’s Tapestry: Woven Together in Power and Purpose," she will lead us in a study of Mary and Elizabeth, and guide us in learning how we, as a community of women, can affirm each other’s gifts.
Mark your calendar and be ready for more details as the time draws nearer.
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Senior Adult Picnic Save the Date
Sunday, June 23 in Broach Hall
Senior Adults (75+), save the date of Sunday, June 23rd for the annual Seniors' Picnic held in Broach Hall immediately after the worship service. Details coming soon! Sponsored by Women of the Church.
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Thank you, Jane!
Jane Winn has been a faithful volunteer in the church finance office for over 20 years.
Thank you Jane for your service and for who you are!
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The Kind of Church Our World Needs
A Summer of Worship with St. John’s Baptist Church of Charlotte
June, July & August of 2024
Weavers skillfully combine different materials to craft durable fabrics and baskets. Similarly, the early Christians wove together Jesus' teachings and lifestyle to form loving communities. Embracing God's love and their love for humanity, they established resilient local churches. In today's world, we as a church, aspire to emulate this model, following Jesus' directive to love one another, exploring its implications in our worship and teachings. Our summer worship will consider various ways we can be this kind of church. Our equipping ministers will offer messages to explore practical applications of Jesus’ example of love.
See this summer's preaching schedule below.
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June 9 – A Church of Heartfelt Devotion, by Dr. Dennis Foust
June 16 – A Church that Forgives What Cannot Be Forgotten, by Dr. Dennis Foust
June 23 – A Church of the Vulnerable, by Rev. Kheresa Harmon
June 30 – A Church that Loves in Truth, by Rev. Lee Gray
July 7 – A Church that Models Interdependence, by Dr. Dennis Foust
July 14 – A Church Where Failure is Accepted, by Dr. Dennis Foust
July 21 – A Church that Lifts Up People, by Rev. Lee Gray
July 28 – A Church that Weaves New Clothes, by Dr. Dennis Foust
August 4 – A Church that Embraces Differences, by Dr. Steve Harmon
August 11 – A Church that Really Notices People, by Rev. Lee Gray
August 18 – A Church that Moves the World Forward, by Dr. Dennis Foust
August 25 – A Church that Shapes a People for God, by Dr. Dennis Foust
September 1 – A Church of Beautiful Grace in Action, by Rev. Haley Blackwell
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Wet 'n' Wild Parents' Night Out
Saturday, August 10
It’s gonna be wet! It’s gonna be wild! It’s gonna be splashingly fun!
Parents, drop your kids off at church at 5:00pm on Saturday, August 10. Our SJBC youth, Haley, and Kheresa will slip, and slide, and splash, and giggle, with children 3 years of age through 5th grade.
Childcare for babies - two years of age will be provided by Mon Aye and Zebb Young, two of our WDS teachers. They will be accompanied by SJBC youth.
The cost of the event is $10 per child, which will help cover the costs associated with dinner, snacks, and supplies.
We’ll dry off and be ready to meet parents at 8:00pm.
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Prayers, Thanks, and Celebrations
Current Prayer Concerns: Arnold Philemon, Jane Winn
Continuing Prayer Concerns: Shirley Ballard, Kelly Belcher, Tom Bryson, Mary Rickenbaker, Jack Crymes, Betty Mullins
Prayers for Garth, Autumn, Lily Marie, Sophie Ann, and Wyatt Sweet in the passing of Garth's mother, Andrea Sweet, on Friday, May 3.
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Staff On-Call Rotation
- May 6-12: Russell
- May 13-19: Dennis
- May 20-26: Kheresa
- May 27-June 2: Lee
- Jun. 3-9: Russell
- Jun. 10-16: Dennis
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Financial Update
2024 Full Year Budget $1,211,000
Income received through May 6: $352,117
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Staff Contact Information
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Rev. Haley Blackwell, Minister for Youth & Young Adults - 704-333,5428, ext. 2013; 620-515-3558 (cell) (ON FAMILY LEAVE)
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Rev. Dennis Foust, PhD, Senior Minister - 704-359-7234 (cell); 704-333-5428, ext. 2012
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Rev. Lee Gray, Minister for Congregational Care - 704-333-5428, ext. 2015; 704-451-1309 (cell)
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Rev. Kheresa Harmon, Minister for Children & their Families - 704-333-5428, ext. 2018; 910-890-3392 (cell)
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Russell Nelson, Minister for Worship & Music - (980) 228-6244 (cell)
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Mallory Brown, Media Coordinator - 704-477-3349 (cell)
- Chloe Hall, Children's Choir Director
- Noel Lance, Organist
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Amanda Morrison, Church Administrator - 704-333-5428, ext. 0
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Lydia Olmsted, Weekday School Director - 704-333-5428, ext. 2039
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