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In this week's Family News (Scroll to Learn More):
- An Actively Faithful Response to Violence
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Cinco De Mayo Party on May 5: Register Here
- Special Guest Amanda Tyler on Pentecost Sunday
- Leadership Fair on May 19
- Wet and Wild Parents Night Out
- On the Way for May
- Community and State Mission Offering
- Thursdays on the Town for June
- Summer Sunday School for Children & Families
- Senior Adult Picnic Save the Date
- Summer Worship Series
- Prayer List, Sympathy, and Celebrations
- Financial Update
- Minister On Call Schedule
- Staff Contact Info
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AN ACTIVELY FAITHFUL RESPONSE TO VIOLENCE
by Dennis W. Foust
Last Monday, Charlotte was stopped. Many people who seldom take time to allow compassion to outpace competition reset their clocks. Most hearts beat as one for several hours. Each second lingered in stillness. This was not merely another horrific news report. This was around the corner from where we live and work and learn.
As law enforcement officers served a warrant on a felon in Northeast Charlotte early Monday afternoon, eight officers were shot and four were murdered. Many lives were changed in those moments as the lives of four public servants were taken by violence: William Elliott (aged 44), Joshua Eyer (aged 38), Samuel Poloche (aged 42), and Thomas M. Weeks Jr. (aged 41). Evil crushed the lives of their families and friends.
Violence has become so prevalent in our daily experience that the boundaries of decency seem to be shifting. We often question whether our hopes for humanity are sustainable. We are seduced to substitute fear for faith and terror for trust. We are recruited by news stories to trade peaceful visions of the future for protective devices and security systems. Our car doors lock automatically as our wheels begin to turn. This violent world suggests that we chant in despair, “there is no hope; there is no peace.” We find ourselves asking, ‘what can we do?’
First, as we study Judeo-Christian history, we find numerous occasions when God’s people have been victims of violence and many times when God’s people have caused suffering. As followers of Jesus Christ, we should remember that he introduces us to discipleship by teaching us how to respond to misunderstanding, betrayal, abandonment, abuse, rejection, prejudice, and suffering. Jesus shows us the pathway of virtue (moral excellence and ethical goodness) in the face of violence. He was beaten, spat upon, crowned with thorns, nailed to a cross, and pierced with a spear as he was murdered on a cross. The history of the Jesus movement describes a tangled web of moments when people identifying themselves as followers of Jesus have been victimizers and victims. So, the first thing we can do is accept the reality that violence is part of the Christian story.
Second, we must learn how to translate violence from a disconnected intellectual acknowledgement into a call from God for us to embody active faith. We must continually learn to do justice with God, love kindness with God, and walk humbly with God. We must humbly ask, ‘what can we do?’ as we wrestle with challenging questions to address the details of violence. We can collaborate with others who confront causes of violence. We can provide safe space for people and groups to explore conversations of varying perspectives and opposing viewpoints. We can create coalitions bringing together secular initiatives and sacred organizations to be an incubator for new partnerships. We can take Jesus seriously when he commands us to love God, love one another, love our neighbors, and love our enemies. We can pray and meditate asking God to guide us in the way of Jesus who was a servant in a violent world. We can advocate for public policies and laws that create a more peaceful world even if it means we must occasionally be a burr under the saddle of complacency.
We can practice active faith in the spirit of Martin Luther King, Jr. who taught, “Violence is a descending spiral, begetting the very thing it seeks to destroy. Instead of diminishing evil, it multiplies it…Returning violence for violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” Amen and Amen. May it be so.
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It’s Nacho Ordinary Party!
Let’s celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Independence Park immediately following worship on this Sunday, May 5! Sabor Latin Street Grill will cater the taco bar. You bring your favorite festive dessert and an appetite for food and fun!
In the case of inclement weather, we will gather in Broach Hall.
The cost is only $10 per person. Sign up TODAY.
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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.
We welcome Amanda Tyler to serve as the 2024 McLeod Brown Presenter. She 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.
Tyler is often featured on national news outlets and has been named a rising star in religion, by Religion News Service. She is a member of the U.S. Supreme Court Bar with experience working in Congress, in a private legal practice, and serving as a law clerk for a federal judge. She has testified before Congress on the threats of Christian nationalism to religious liberty. She also discussed before Congress the ways Christian nationalism proves cover for white supremacy. In 2018, she appeared before a U.S. Senate Committee to testify about threats to religious liberty around the world.
She graduated from the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University with a bachelor’s degree in foreign service, magna cum laude. She received her J.D. from The University of Texas School of Law. In 2019, the school named her their “Outstanding Young Alumna.” Following law school, she worked in private practice and served as a law clerk for a U.S. district court judge in Dallas, Texas. She later joined the staff of U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett in Austin and Washington, D.C. serving as Rep. Doggett’s counsel for the Ways and Means Committee. She has published columns in Report from the Capital and other publications, drafted statements on religious liberty issues, presented educational programs, and coordinated a broad coalition in support of religious land use.
McLeod Brown Presentation: On the evening of May 19th, 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. 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.’ For more information, see www.stjohnsbaptistchurch.org or call 704.333.5428, ext. 0.
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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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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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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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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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The first $5,000 to Together for Hope. This is the Rural Poverty initiative in the Northeastern part of our state by The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina. This development coalition provides relief and provides sustainable solutions to address the causes of systemic rural poverty. The work focuses on the ‘food desert’ in Edgecombe County around Conetoe, NC. This work is coordinated by Anna and LaCount Anderson. He is the Executive Director of the Eastern North Carolina Poverty Network. On May 5, we will welcome the Anderson to let us know how our gifts will improve lives in and around rural and poverty stricken Edgecombe County.
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Gifts beyond $5000 to Church World Service. Each year, tens of thousands of unaccompanied children seek refuge in the United States. Most are fleeing threats and violence in El Salvador, Guatemala, or Honduras. These children are released from the Office of Refugee Resettlement custody into the care of a sponsor. About 85% join a relative or friend already living in the US. However, this is often a tough transition as they adjust to new communities, cultural differences, languages, and family dynamics. Each child has mental health, safety, education, and legal needs that must be met. This is where the counselors and social workers of Church World Service Charlotte enter their lives. They meet with these children and Guide them through years of adjustment. Later this spring, we will hear stories from Church World Service and how our gifts will change lives.
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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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Summer Sunday School for Children and Families
Preschool and Children will meet 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.
Haven’t found a Sunday school class for you, parents? Is your Sunday school class taking a summer sabbatical? Holy Grounds may be for you! Kheresa will begin offering this new faith formation experience for you weekly, beginning on Sunday, June 16 at 9:15 a.m. in the Church Parlor. Come for coffee or tea (it’s free!), fellowship, and prayer in a safe, sacred space. More details are coming soon!
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.
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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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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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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Prayers, Thanks, and Celebrations
Current Prayer Concerns: Please continue to be in prayer for the families of the law enforcement officers who lost their lives here in Charlotte on Monday, April 29th. Pray also for those who were injured, and everyone affected by the violent actions of that day. And pray that our church will continue to contribute to the redemption and healing needed in our city.
Continuing Prayer Concerns: Shirley Ballard, Kelly Belcher, Tom Bryson, Mary Rickenbaker, Jack Crymes, Jean Hutson, Betty Mullins, Arnold Philemon, Jane Winn
Hannah Mary Millette was born in Chicago on April 25 to Sarah and Allen Millette. Ken and Melissa Millette are the proud grandparents.
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Staff On-Call Rotation
- April 29-May 5: Lee
- May 6-12: Russell
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Financial Update
2024 Full Year Budget $1,211,000
Income received through April 28: $334,117
Through March 2024:
Budgeted income: $302,750 (25%)
Actual income received: $245,093 (20%)
Income over (under) budget: $(57,657)
Actual expenses paid: $283,610 (23%)
Income/Expense Surplus (deficit): $(38,517)
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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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