Church Staff Page 2

Enneagram Course

Stewardship Report

MLK Program

Faith Journey Book Study

3

Staff Listing

Prayer Concerns amp Celebrations

Sympathy

Sunday Service Schedules

Financial Ministry Plan Report

Ministers on Call

Basketball Games

Recycle Sunday School Materials

Calendar

4

Inside this issue

Vol 75 No 1 - January 3 2017

A Servant Community Actively Faithful Faithfully Active

St Johnrsquos Baptist Church middot 300 Hawthorne Lane middot Charlotte North Carolina

wwwStJohnsBaptistChurchorg

St Johnrsquos at Worship

Sunday January 8

Proclaimer

Rev Dennis W Foust PhD

Sermon

Gates Notwithstanding

Scripture

Matthew 1613-23

CUBA Program RESCHEDULED Due to the forecasted winter weather

the program for this Sunday has been rescheduled

When Sunday January 29th after worship

Where Broach Hall

What Lunch ($10adult amp $5child) for Pasta Bar Lunch with meat and

vegetarian options

Program Hear stories from our Cuba Mission Team about our trip and the

possibilities for a relationship with the church at Zulueta

NO RESERVATIONS NECESSARY JOIN US THIS SUNDAY

St Johnrsquos Winter

Weather Closing Policy

Weekdays

When the Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools cancel school because of bad weather all

church activities including meetings and Weekday School will be canceled and the

church office will be closed

Sundays

In the case of extreme weather conditions affecting Sundays we will announce

alterationsclosings no later than 700 am Sunday through the following media

Automated greeting on church phone (7043335428)

Church Facebook page

Church web site (wwwstjohnsbaptistchurchorg)

E-mail to St Johnrsquos Family News list

Local TV stations including WBTV WCNC WSOC and Channel 14 News

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2017

As we enter 2017 and transition beyond 2016 here a

few facts for you to know

1 The Snow Forecast Has Changed Our Sunday

Plans

We have already cancelled our Cuba Report and

lunch for this Sunday due to the prediction of 4 to

6 inches of snow on Saturday We have re-

scheduled this lunch and Cuba Report for

Sunday January 29th following worship Please

watch your local TV stations on Sunday

morning for a statement regarding

cancellation of Sunday services Details are

listed on the cover of this Family News

2 If We Gather this Sunday my Sermon Will Focus

on the Present and Future of St Johnrsquos

How are we doing as a church What progress

have we made toward our goals in St Johnrsquos

Vision 2020 What emphases need our focused

attention in 2017 If we are ldquosnowed-inrdquo on

Sunday I will preach this sermon on Sunday

January 22nd

3 Our Financial Commitments to our 2017 Annual

Financial Ministry Plan Surpass Last Year

Thus far we have received $867085 in financial

commitments toward our 2017 Annual Financial

Ministry Plan This is compared to $846888 for

2016 an increase of almost $20000 Please

accept my affirmation for your increased

commitments to our churchrsquos support of Godrsquos

mission

4 We Have Several Persons Who Are Considering

Becoming New Members of St Johnrsquos

As of today I am aware of eight persons who are

planning to become members of St Johnrsquos soon If

you are considering this commitment and would

like to have a conversation please call Jacquelyn

in the church office or email me so we can set up

a time

5 Your Faithfulness in Financial Support of St

Johnrsquos During 2016 Allowed the Church to Serve

Others

Final expenses are being tallied and 2016 gifts

are still being received in the mail Yet we can

see that we finished 2016 with more income than

expenses We also surpassed our mission offering

goals this year Thank you for your vision and

commitment

Shalom

Dennis

From Martha

Ever wondered about the theology behind the term ldquoSon

of Manrdquo especially when Jesus uses it to refer to

himself Searching for the right Sunday School Join

us in Holy Grounds in January and February as we

explore this question (and other really important stuff)

We are located on the Chapel Hall at the 5th Street end

of the building

Youth News from Lee

Sunday January 8

The first 6th Grade Discipleship Class is at 900 am in

the First Floor Lounge Sunday School Resumes at 915

Youth evening activities resume from 500 ndash 730 pm

PARENT YOUTH MISSION AUCTION MEETING ndash

Parents please plan to attend a kick-off meeting for the

Youth Mission Auction during 500-730 youth on

Sunday January 8 in the McLeod Brown Sunday

School classroom This raises $$$ for 4 youth mission

trips (a middle and high school trip for each of the

summers of 2017 amp 2018)

2017 Trip Dates (Mark Your Calendar)

February 10-12 ndash Youth Ski Trip to Snowshoe

March 31 ndash April 2 ndash 6th Grade Discipleship Retreat

to Blowing Rock

June 16-24 ndash High School Mission Trip to New

York City (commitment email will be sent in early

January)

July 17ndash22 ndash Unidiversity Youth Summer Camp in

Knoxville TN (commitment email will be sent in Jan)

August 5-8 ndash Local Middle School Mission Trip

(commitment email will be sent in early January)

From Allison Sunday Preview

Nursery2s This class will be cared for in their room for

Formation Hour and Worship Hour

PreKK The PreKK class will remain in their

classroom for Formation Hour and Worship Hour as

they learn about the magi make some art and play

together Kindergarteners will join 1st and 2nd Graders

for Godly Play in Room 221 during the Worship Hour

Grades 1-5 These classes will have Missions 101 from

915-945 Jane Winn will be helping us learn about our

Backpack Ministry Music will be from 945-1015 1st-

2nd Graders will have Godly Play during the worship

hour and 3rd-5th Graders will join their families for

worship

MESSAGES FROM YOUR ST JOHNrsquoS STAFF PAGE 2

WWWSTJOHNSBAPTISTCHURCHORG PAGE 3

1

2

4

5

6

7

8

9 3

Enneagram Course

The Enneagram is about

people - how we are the

same how we are

different what makes us

tick how we get in our

own way The

Enneagram can help us

develop more authentic

relationship with

ourselves and othershellip

and discover a deeper

relationship with God

The Enneagram offers an accurate description of the

inner geography of our minds

it describes nine fundamental personality styles

each has its own internal logic

each has strengths talents and advantages

each has limits pitfalls and blind spots

it helps explain why we behave the way we do

we begin to recognize our own patterns of

behavior and

unmask our illusions so that there can be

room for real life

it offers specific directions for personal growth

it is a powerful transformative tool for moving

deeper into onersquos lifehellipand beyond

St Johnrsquos will host Rev Dr Paul Hanneman a

certified Enneagram teacher who has taught it for over 20

years for a series of classes here in our building during

the later winterearly spring of 2017 Feb 28 March 7

14 21 28April 4 18 25May 29 16 Cost for the course

is $100 and includes all materials The class will be held

in Broach Hall beginning at 630 each session Email

Martha at mkearsesjcharlotteorg to sign up Payment

will be due at first session

Budget Pledge Report

Amount Received

$867085

Commitments Received 193

If you have not turned in your

Pledge Card to the church office

please do so as soon as possible

If you brought a dish or platter to the church over the

holidays and have not retrieved it please pick it up in the

area where plates are usually served out of the kitchen

Thanks ~ Cathy Hartsell Facilities Task Force

This program will fuse music spoken word and visual

arts with reading of Dr Kingrsquos iconic speeches Three-

time Emmy Award winner Bluz of Slam Charlotte will

perform along with the jazz musicians of the incredible

Ocie Davis Quintet and the combined choirs of Opera

Carolina Firebird Alliance the Carolina Chorale and

Friendship Missionary Baptist Church Make plans to

attend this free community celebration of Dr Kingrsquos

legacy and Charlottersquos African-American community

Our own Kevin Gray is on the creative board for this

project which include Friendship Missionary Baptist

Church David Tangrsquos Firebird Arts Alliancersquos Power of

Song Project Quent Talleyrsquos OnQ Productions and

Opera Carolina For information or advance tickets

please call Opera Carolina at 704-332-7177 or Rita

Franklin of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church at

704-391-6624

The Faith Journey Book Study will begin the new

session on Monday January 9 2017 at 1145am in

Room 209 This group of ladies meets Monday mornings

beginning at 1145 am and ending at 100 pm From

1145 until noon we have a time of sharing and prayer

and we start at noon with the study and end promptly

at 1 pm We hope this schedule will be helpful for those

women who are working in

order to come during their

lunch break We will be

studying the book LISTENING

FOR GOD Vol 1 edited by

Paula J Carlson and Peter S

Hawkins We will be sharing

our thoughts and questions

concerning the material as

well as enjoying spending time

together We would love to

have you journey with us as we

explore our faith Please

contact Gail Sifford at

sgsiffordaolcom if you have

questions

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2017

As we enter 2017 and transition beyond 2016 here a

few facts for you to know

1 The Snow Forecast Has Changed Our Sunday

Plans

We have already cancelled our Cuba Report and

lunch for this Sunday due to the prediction of 4 to

6 inches of snow on Saturday We have re-

scheduled this lunch and Cuba Report for

Sunday January 29th following worship Please

watch your local TV stations on Sunday

morning for a statement regarding

cancellation of Sunday services Details are

listed on the cover of this Family News

2 If We Gather this Sunday my Sermon Will Focus

on the Present and Future of St Johnrsquos

How are we doing as a church What progress

have we made toward our goals in St Johnrsquos

Vision 2020 What emphases need our focused

attention in 2017 If we are ldquosnowed-inrdquo on

Sunday I will preach this sermon on Sunday

January 22nd

3 Our Financial Commitments to our 2017 Annual

Financial Ministry Plan Surpass Last Year

Thus far we have received $867085 in financial

commitments toward our 2017 Annual Financial

Ministry Plan This is compared to $846888 for

2016 an increase of almost $20000 Please

accept my affirmation for your increased

commitments to our churchrsquos support of Godrsquos

mission

4 We Have Several Persons Who Are Considering

Becoming New Members of St Johnrsquos

As of today I am aware of eight persons who are

planning to become members of St Johnrsquos soon If

you are considering this commitment and would

like to have a conversation please call Jacquelyn

in the church office or email me so we can set up

a time

5 Your Faithfulness in Financial Support of St

Johnrsquos During 2016 Allowed the Church to Serve

Others

Final expenses are being tallied and 2016 gifts

are still being received in the mail Yet we can

see that we finished 2016 with more income than

expenses We also surpassed our mission offering

goals this year Thank you for your vision and

commitment

Shalom

Dennis

From Martha

Ever wondered about the theology behind the term ldquoSon

of Manrdquo especially when Jesus uses it to refer to

himself Searching for the right Sunday School Join

us in Holy Grounds in January and February as we

explore this question (and other really important stuff)

We are located on the Chapel Hall at the 5th Street end

of the building

Youth News from Lee

Sunday January 8

The first 6th Grade Discipleship Class is at 900 am in

the First Floor Lounge Sunday School Resumes at 915

Youth evening activities resume from 500 ndash 730 pm

PARENT YOUTH MISSION AUCTION MEETING ndash

Parents please plan to attend a kick-off meeting for the

Youth Mission Auction during 500-730 youth on

Sunday January 8 in the McLeod Brown Sunday

School classroom This raises $$$ for 4 youth mission

trips (a middle and high school trip for each of the

summers of 2017 amp 2018)

2017 Trip Dates (Mark Your Calendar)

February 10-12 ndash Youth Ski Trip to Snowshoe

March 31 ndash April 2 ndash 6th Grade Discipleship Retreat

to Blowing Rock

June 16-24 ndash High School Mission Trip to New

York City (commitment email will be sent in early

January)

July 17ndash22 ndash Unidiversity Youth Summer Camp in

Knoxville TN (commitment email will be sent in Jan)

August 5-8 ndash Local Middle School Mission Trip

(commitment email will be sent in early January)

From Allison Sunday Preview

Nursery2s This class will be cared for in their room for

Formation Hour and Worship Hour

PreKK The PreKK class will remain in their

classroom for Formation Hour and Worship Hour as

they learn about the magi make some art and play

together Kindergarteners will join 1st and 2nd Graders

for Godly Play in Room 221 during the Worship Hour

Grades 1-5 These classes will have Missions 101 from

915-945 Jane Winn will be helping us learn about our

Backpack Ministry Music will be from 945-1015 1st-

2nd Graders will have Godly Play during the worship

hour and 3rd-5th Graders will join their families for

worship

MESSAGES FROM YOUR ST JOHNrsquoS STAFF PAGE 2

WWWSTJOHNSBAPTISTCHURCHORG PAGE 3

1

2

4

5

6

7

8

9 3

Enneagram Course

The Enneagram is about

people - how we are the

same how we are

different what makes us

tick how we get in our

own way The

Enneagram can help us

develop more authentic

relationship with

ourselves and othershellip

and discover a deeper

relationship with God

The Enneagram offers an accurate description of the

inner geography of our minds

it describes nine fundamental personality styles

each has its own internal logic

each has strengths talents and advantages

each has limits pitfalls and blind spots

it helps explain why we behave the way we do

we begin to recognize our own patterns of

behavior and

unmask our illusions so that there can be

room for real life

it offers specific directions for personal growth

it is a powerful transformative tool for moving

deeper into onersquos lifehellipand beyond

St Johnrsquos will host Rev Dr Paul Hanneman a

certified Enneagram teacher who has taught it for over 20

years for a series of classes here in our building during

the later winterearly spring of 2017 Feb 28 March 7

14 21 28April 4 18 25May 29 16 Cost for the course

is $100 and includes all materials The class will be held

in Broach Hall beginning at 630 each session Email

Martha at mkearsesjcharlotteorg to sign up Payment

will be due at first session

Budget Pledge Report

Amount Received

$867085

Commitments Received 193

If you have not turned in your

Pledge Card to the church office

please do so as soon as possible

If you brought a dish or platter to the church over the

holidays and have not retrieved it please pick it up in the

area where plates are usually served out of the kitchen

Thanks ~ Cathy Hartsell Facilities Task Force

This program will fuse music spoken word and visual

arts with reading of Dr Kingrsquos iconic speeches Three-

time Emmy Award winner Bluz of Slam Charlotte will

perform along with the jazz musicians of the incredible

Ocie Davis Quintet and the combined choirs of Opera

Carolina Firebird Alliance the Carolina Chorale and

Friendship Missionary Baptist Church Make plans to

attend this free community celebration of Dr Kingrsquos

legacy and Charlottersquos African-American community

Our own Kevin Gray is on the creative board for this

project which include Friendship Missionary Baptist

Church David Tangrsquos Firebird Arts Alliancersquos Power of

Song Project Quent Talleyrsquos OnQ Productions and

Opera Carolina For information or advance tickets

please call Opera Carolina at 704-332-7177 or Rita

Franklin of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church at

704-391-6624

The Faith Journey Book Study will begin the new

session on Monday January 9 2017 at 1145am in

Room 209 This group of ladies meets Monday mornings

beginning at 1145 am and ending at 100 pm From

1145 until noon we have a time of sharing and prayer

and we start at noon with the study and end promptly

at 1 pm We hope this schedule will be helpful for those

women who are working in

order to come during their

lunch break We will be

studying the book LISTENING

FOR GOD Vol 1 edited by

Paula J Carlson and Peter S

Hawkins We will be sharing

our thoughts and questions

concerning the material as

well as enjoying spending time

together We would love to

have you journey with us as we

explore our faith Please

contact Gail Sifford at

sgsiffordaolcom if you have

questions

WWWSTJOHNSBAPTISTCHURCHORG PAGE 3

1

2

4

5

6

7

8

9 3

Enneagram Course

The Enneagram is about

people - how we are the

same how we are

different what makes us

tick how we get in our

own way The

Enneagram can help us

develop more authentic

relationship with

ourselves and othershellip

and discover a deeper

relationship with God

The Enneagram offers an accurate description of the

inner geography of our minds

it describes nine fundamental personality styles

each has its own internal logic

each has strengths talents and advantages

each has limits pitfalls and blind spots

it helps explain why we behave the way we do

we begin to recognize our own patterns of

behavior and

unmask our illusions so that there can be

room for real life

it offers specific directions for personal growth

it is a powerful transformative tool for moving

deeper into onersquos lifehellipand beyond

St Johnrsquos will host Rev Dr Paul Hanneman a

certified Enneagram teacher who has taught it for over 20

years for a series of classes here in our building during

the later winterearly spring of 2017 Feb 28 March 7

14 21 28April 4 18 25May 29 16 Cost for the course

is $100 and includes all materials The class will be held

in Broach Hall beginning at 630 each session Email

Martha at mkearsesjcharlotteorg to sign up Payment

will be due at first session

Budget Pledge Report

Amount Received

$867085

Commitments Received 193

If you have not turned in your

Pledge Card to the church office

please do so as soon as possible

If you brought a dish or platter to the church over the

holidays and have not retrieved it please pick it up in the

area where plates are usually served out of the kitchen

Thanks ~ Cathy Hartsell Facilities Task Force

This program will fuse music spoken word and visual

arts with reading of Dr Kingrsquos iconic speeches Three-

time Emmy Award winner Bluz of Slam Charlotte will

perform along with the jazz musicians of the incredible

Ocie Davis Quintet and the combined choirs of Opera

Carolina Firebird Alliance the Carolina Chorale and

Friendship Missionary Baptist Church Make plans to

attend this free community celebration of Dr Kingrsquos

legacy and Charlottersquos African-American community

Our own Kevin Gray is on the creative board for this

project which include Friendship Missionary Baptist

Church David Tangrsquos Firebird Arts Alliancersquos Power of

Song Project Quent Talleyrsquos OnQ Productions and

Opera Carolina For information or advance tickets

please call Opera Carolina at 704-332-7177 or Rita

Franklin of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church at

704-391-6624

The Faith Journey Book Study will begin the new

session on Monday January 9 2017 at 1145am in

Room 209 This group of ladies meets Monday mornings

beginning at 1145 am and ending at 100 pm From

1145 until noon we have a time of sharing and prayer

and we start at noon with the study and end promptly

at 1 pm We hope this schedule will be helpful for those

women who are working in

order to come during their

lunch break We will be

studying the book LISTENING

FOR GOD Vol 1 edited by

Paula J Carlson and Peter S

Hawkins We will be sharing

our thoughts and questions

concerning the material as

well as enjoying spending time

together We would love to

have you journey with us as we

explore our faith Please

contact Gail Sifford at

sgsiffordaolcom if you have

questions

Prayer Concerns amp Celebrations

James Carnes Melissa Nash Constatin Secere amp

Jody Thomas - home

Sympathy to

- Randy Brantley in the death of his mother

Geraldine Brantley on Saturday December 24

- Martha Brown and family in the death of her step-

mother Joyce Poole on January 3 in Roanoke VA

- Family of Al Estridge in his death on Wednesday

January 4 Graveside service will be held on Friday

January 6 at 11 am at Sharon Memorial Park

Sunday January 8

Deacons Maggie Bond Randy Brantley Pauline

Carter Ryan Crowder Cathy Hartsell Charlie

Harper Tom Hearn Scott Hicks Carol amp Tom

Injaychock

Tellers Jay Baucom Marc Cardella

Ushers Arnold Philemon Marvin Carter Bobbie

Hahn Bobbie amp Don Hinson Carol amp Gene Poole

Main Ent Greeter Carol amp Tom Injaychock

Financial Ministry Plan Report

January 1 $2614

Week of Dec 24-31 $29598

Year-end financial numbers will be reported later

Ministers on Call

Jan 3-8 Kevin Gray 803-524-0287

Jan 9-15 Martha Kearse 704-941-8446

Calendar January 8 - 14

Sunday January 8 815 Church Council (Conference Room)

900 6th Grade Discipleship (Lounge)

915 Sunday SchoolMission 101 (Classrooms)

1030 Worship (Sanctuary)

1030 Godly Play (Room 221)

500 Sunday Night Live (LoungeGym3rd Floor)

500 Parent Youth Auction Mission meeting (Room 114)

Monday January 9 1030 Staff meeting (Conference Room)

1100 BPFNAMinisters Gathering (Lounge)

1145 Faith Journey Book Study (Room 209)

800 AA (Room 114)

Tuesday January 10 700 Tuesday Morning Menrsquos Group (Lounge)

1000 HeadStart Parents meeting (Room 114)

1100 Co-ed Bible Study (Room 209)

100 Sandwich Ministry (Lounge)

445 Young Voices of the Carolinas (Choir Room)

515 Menrsquos Basketball (Gym)

600 Zumba (Lasater Hall)

600 Natrsquol Alliance on Mental Illness Support Groups (Rooms 114 amp 116)

730 Natrsquol Alliance on Mental Illness Forum (Lounge)

Wednesday January 11

630 Benton Basketball (Gym)

930 Yoga (Room 114)

600 AA (Room 114)

600 Hawthorne Condo Owners (Lounge)

600 Personnel Resource Team (Conference Room)

715 Choir Rehearsal (Choir Room)

Thursday January 12 1000 Needlework Ministry (Room 209)

230 Kingrsquos College (Broach Hall)

445 Queen City Unlimited (Gym)

600 Zumba (Lasater Hall)

Friday January 13 500 Room in the Inn (LoungeGym)

800 AA (Room 114)

Saturday January 14 700 Benton Basketball (Gym)

1000 Basketball games (Gym)

Complete calendar online

wwwStJohnsBaptistChurchorg

St Johnrsquos Baptist Church 300 Hawthorne Lane - Charlotte NC 28204

7043335428-wwwStJohnsBaptistChurchorg Family News - a publication of St Johnrsquos Baptist Church

Ministers Every participant in Godrsquos Servant Church

Equipping Ministers Senior Minister Dennis Foust

ext 12 - dfoustsjcharlotteorg

Associate Minister Martha Kearse

ext 13 - mkearsesjcharlotteorg

Minister for Youth amp Young Adults Lee Gray

ext 15 - lgraysjcharlotteorg

Minister for Children amp Their Families Allison Benfield

ext 18 - abenfieldsjcharlotteorg

Minister for Worship and Music Kevin Gray

ext 14 - kgraysjcharlotteorg

Church Staff Administrative Assistant Jacquelyn McAbee

ext 11 - jmcabeesjcharlotteorg

Graded Choirs Director Sandy Holland

shollandsjcharlotteorg

Church Accountant Elaine Johnson

ejohnsonsjcharlotteorg

Organist Noel Lance

nlancesjcharlotteorg

Weekday School Director Lydia Olmsted

ext 39 - weekdayschoolsjcharlotteorg

Church Administrator Sandra Rogers

ext 20 - srogerssjcharlotteorg

Custodian Chris Mullis

Office hours Mon-Thurs 830 am-430 pm Fri 830 am-1200 noon

Children and Youth Basketball Saturday January 7

6 amp Under CoEd - 300 pm St Johns

8 amp Under Boys (BentonCardella) -

200 pm St Johns

8 amp Under Boys (Redding) - 100 pm St Johns

10 amp Under Boys - 1200 pm St Johns

10 amp Under Girls - 1000 am St Johns

12 amp Under Boys - 1200 pm Mulberry Baptist

12 amp Under Girls - 1030 am Sharon Presbyterian

14 amp Under Boys - 1000 am Mulberry Baptist

15 amp Under Girls - 145 pm Covenant Presbyterian

16 amp Under Boys - 930 am Friendship Missionary Baptist

Note to Sunday School Classes Please remember to take your used Sunday

School literature and devotional materials to

the Collection Room (corner room near

Lasater Hall) These materials will be picked

up by Tom and Martha Bryson to be re-used

by one or more congregations who cannot afford to

purchase new literature each quarter