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Wedgewood is a liberal, culturally diverse, service-oriented, interfaith church in Charlotte, NC with members who are Progressive Christians, Buddhists, Muslims, Pagans, Atheists, Agnostics, and many other faith journeys and perspectives. When we say everyone is welcome at Wedgewood, we mean EVERYONE!
Join us as we try to change the world.
Sunday, January 19th at Wedgewood: "Forgiveness Got Me Here" with John C. Barnett
John C. Barnett’s life is a testament to the power of faith, resilience, and social change. Born in Gastonia, N.C., in 1969—one year after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination—Barnett has turned personal hardships into a lifetime of advocacy.
After serving in the Army during Operation Desert Storm, Barnett returned home to find nine of his friends in prison, igniting his passion for justice. In 1994, his brother was tragically murdered by a family member, deepening his commitment to change. Attending the Million Man March in 1995 and reading The Autobiography of Malcolm X inspired Barnett to action, opening his eyes to the power of collective struggle.
In response, Barnett founded T.H.U.G. Ministries (True Healing Under God) to bring hope to incarcerated individuals. The organization has reached over 700 inmates in 13 states, built partnerships with top legal professionals, and played a pivotal role in freeing over 35 wrongfully incarcerated people.
Barnett’s dedication has earned him national recognition. In 2003, he received the "Highest Award for Religion" from the Charlotte Black Political Caucus and the "MLK Courageous Leader Award" from the City of Rock Hill. Most recently, in 2024, he was honored with the "MLK Medallion Award" by the City of Charlotte. He has also led efforts in high-profile cases, including the Emmett Till Project, the Shanquella Robinson case, and the Rankin County, Mississippi “Goon Squad” case, for which he filed a $400 million lawsuit with Attorney Malik Shabazz.
"If you are not outside doing something...you must be inside doing nothing!" ~ Bro. John C. Barnett, February 1997 Join us at Wedgewood for an inspiring service as John C. Barnett shares his inspiring story.
10:30 - 11am: Coffee & Conversation
11am - 12pm: Sunday Service
Recently, our Words of Wisdom came from a 12-year-old Palestinian young person named MC Abdul. He is the oldest of five and his upbringing in Gaza was defined by looking after his siblings while navigating life under Israeli occupation. By his thirteenth birthday, he had lived through four major bombardments on his homeland and lost 81 family members. He and his family got separated in Gaza and just a few weeks ago, they were finally reunited in Cairo. His focus now is firmly set on his music. “This is what I was born to do,” he says. “I know my purpose. I am on a mission.”
Listen to his message in “Shouting at the Wall.”
"My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness."
His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama
🌟 Save the Date! 🌟
Join us for the first Wedgewood Monthly Meetup of 2025!
📍 Divine Barrel Brewing
(3701 N Davidson St Unit 203, Charlotte, NC)
📅 Tuesday, January 14th
🕡 6:30 PM
While we continue to meet virtually on Sundays for our Sunday Services, we’re introducing Monthly Meetups as a way to gather in person, build connections, and share fellowship. This is the perfect opportunity to reconnect or join us for the first time in a relaxed and welcoming space.
Let’s come together to build connections, share fellowship, and enjoy a relaxed evening in a welcoming space. Bring a friend or two—we can't wait to see you there! 💜
Statement on Israel and Palestine
Unanimously Approved by
Wedgewood Congregation
At the 2023 Annual Meeting of the Alliance of Baptists, of which Wedgewood Community Church is a member, a statement on Israel and Palestine was adopted. The statement has since been adopted by Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists, Baptist Peace Fellowship, Creation Justice Ministries, Freedom Center for Social Justice, Greenfaith, and Hearts United for Good. Wedgewood partners with all of these organizations. Many individual churches have also voted to adopt this official statement.
The statement has 4 main points:
“The Alliance has voted to call Israel an apartheid state. In this statement, 1) we affirm our commitment to freedom, justice and equality for the Palestinian people and all people; 2) we oppose all forms of racism, bigotry, discrimination and oppression, 3) we declare ourselves an apartheid-free community; and 4) we pledge to join others in working to end all support to Israel’s apartheid regime, settler colonialism and military occupation.”
You may read the statement in its entirety here by clicking the button below:
If you would like more background on the Palestinian experience, the Alliance of Baptists made a video that you can watch by clicking the second button below:
Land Acknowledgement
As a community that considers social justice to be a cornerstone of who we are, we would like to acknowledge that the land that Wedgewood is on the unceded land of the Xuali, known today as the Cheraw, as well as the Esaw, now known as the Catawba, and the Sugaree people.
