Friday, May 30, 2008
Vacation Bible School
St. John's Vacation Bible Staff is hard at work! At this time they are asking everyone to start saving their 2-liter bottles, with lids. Please place empty and clean bottles in the box located in Building II outside the church office. Next week, they will publish a complete supply list.
First Brunch - June 1
The tradition continues! Summer Brunches Begin Sunday June 1. Everyone is invited to McPhail Hall each Sunday for wonderful food and great fellowship. The Congregational Fellowship Ministry is serving the first brunch. Don't miss this great time.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Astros Volunteers Needed - May 24
Everyone over the age of 16 is invited to participate in a mission trip 2008 fund-raising event sponsored by the Astros. Volunteers will be handing out Bobble Heads. All volunteers will receive a standing room only ticket and a bobble head, which is delivered later. Meet at St. John's parking lot at 2:15 pm, and transportation will be arranged for workers choosing not to stay for the game. A sign-up sheet is in the office.
Pastor June Schedule
Pastor Jon will be away June 2-9, 2008, for a week of continuing education in the Presbyterian CREDO program sponsored by the Board of Pensions at Wooden Glen Retreat Center in Indiana. He will then take three weeks of vacation from June 10-29, 2008 and be back in the office on Monday, June 30. Vivian and Pam will be in the church office during that time. Rev. Mike Karim (Interfaith Minister, Rice University) will preach each of the Sundays Jon is away and moderate the June Session meeting. Rev. Scott Harbison, St. Luke's Pastor, will provide pastoral care during Jon's absence.
St. John's Scholarship
The intent of the Myrtis McPhail Scholarship Fund is to provide a scholarship grant to any active St. John’s member who wishes to further an academic endeavor. The intent is for the scholarship grant to be used for undergraduate study and/or a technical or trade school and shall be given to the recipient to be used at his/her discretion.To be eligible the applicants must submit a formal written request in which they outline their plans and goals. Please get an application from Vivian Ivy and submit your application before June 15, 2008.
St. John's Breakfast - Saturday, June 7
Come join us for a POTLUCK breakfast at 8 am on the first Saturday in June. Our speaker, John Freeman, will present his program, Getting to Know the Presbyterian Center in Louisville and the Presbyterian Health Education and Welfare Association, at 8:30 am.
St. John's Welcomes Twilight Camp - June 2-6 & 9-13
Twilight Camp is an official Boy Scouts of America camp run by the Golden Arrow District. The camp will run between 5- 9 pm during the first two weeks of June. They will be using the field (between St. John's and Westbury Methodist Church), the parking lot, McPhail Hall and our lawn.
If questioned by camp security (Twilight operates as a "closed" camp for the security of the children), just state that you are here for church functions and will not be entering the camp boundaries. The Congregation must use the Sanctuary parking lot (located off Balmforth) or park on the street.
As hosts, we welcome the scouts with open hearts and generous manners.
If questioned by camp security (Twilight operates as a "closed" camp for the security of the children), just state that you are here for church functions and will not be entering the camp boundaries. The Congregation must use the Sanctuary parking lot (located off Balmforth) or park on the street.
As hosts, we welcome the scouts with open hearts and generous manners.
The Tradition Continues - Summer Brunches Begin
The summer brunches are one of St. John's favorite traditions. Sometimes simple, sometimes grand but every meal is a hit! Join your friends for great food and fellowship every Sunday from June 1 through August 24. The brunches are brought to you by the various St. John's committees and are paid for by your donations.
So remember to come to McPhail Hall each Sunday for wonderful food and great fellowship. Congregational Fellowship Ministry is serving the first brunch on June 1.
So remember to come to McPhail Hall each Sunday for wonderful food and great fellowship. Congregational Fellowship Ministry is serving the first brunch on June 1.
Preview: The New McPhail Bathroom
Everyone is invited to preview the new bathrooms which will be installed in McPhail Hall. Bring your imagination and take a walk through the future bathrooms. Close your eyes and envision the room with the existing walls gone and the new walls standing where the blue tape is on the floor.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
DCF Job Description
DIRECTOR OF CHRISTIAN FORMATION
St. John’s Presbyterian Church
5020 West Belfort
Houston, TX 77096
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The Director of Christian Formation, a full time position, will have primary responsibility for Christian Formation and additional responsibility for *Congregational Life Ministry (formerly “Caring” and “Fellowship”). The DCF will work with church members to provide planning and development of resources for, as well as guidance in, Christian formation and fellowship of the entire congregation of SJP Church. This position will include work and worship on Sunday mornings and evenings, maintaining office hours on four weekdays, and attending evening ministry team and Session meetings a few nights per month.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Previous leadership experience and/or employment in a church in areas related to Christian Formation and a professed commitment to Jesus Christ is required. A college degree in Christian ministries or a related field, or equivalent experience, is highly desirable.
SKILLS REQUIRED: Knowledge of Christian education work with all ages; strong interpersonal, administrative, communication, and technological skills.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB (weighted “primary/ *ancillary”)
Develops programming for year-round Christian formation for all ages, including PYF and intergenerational events. This involves planning, implementing, and evaluating church school classes, *fellowship activities and other special events.
Provides guidance in selecting and using church school curriculum and related educational resources.
Works alongside the Christian Formation Ministry Team to identify, select, train, and support church school and youth fellowship leaders and to ensure compliance with Child Protection Policy, including updating and safeguarding confidential volunteer forms.
Works with the youth in a balanced program of study, worship, service and fellowship and facilitates their participation in the life of the church. Provides supervision for activities each Sunday evening for youth in grades 6-12: encouraging the adult PYF leaders, working with parents of youth in supportive ways; resources the Easter Sunrise Service and other worship services which are led by the youth during the regular worship hour. Supports youth participation in Presbytery events, and beyond, through publicity, registration, and arranging for transportation and adult chaperones. Organizes mission trips.
Resources the Children’s Time during worship and Children’s Church each Sunday.
Works with church staff to publicize CF and *fellowship activities, including providing information about upcoming youth events to be published in the newsletter/bulletin/blog/website and elsewhere, as appropriate.
Provides input into budgeting process for Christian Formation Ministry and *Congregational Life Ministry programs.
WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:
Director is employed by the Session. Annual review and personal support will be the responsibility of the Support Ministry Team. Annual performance review will include goals for the next program year and adequacy of compensation as outlined in the Personnel Policy on Performance Review.
Works with the church staff and members of congregation as needed to fulfill his/ her responsibilities and to ensure the overall success of St. John’s stated mission, “Making disciples and meeting human needs,” while serving as staff resource person for the Christian Formation Ministry Team and *Congregational Life Ministry Team.
Reviews performance of Childcare Supervisor and Childcare Givers and reports to Support Team.
Attends Session, Staff, and designated Ministry Team meetings
STAFF ACCOUNTABILITY: Director is accountable to the Pastor as head of staff and to Session. She/he oversees and reviews Child Care Supervisor and Child Care Givers.
SEND YOUR RESUME or PIF to stjohns@stjohnspresby.org or mail to St. John's Presbyterian Church, 5020 West Bellfort, Houston, TX 77035, c/o Ann Hardy.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Joy Dance
Léonie Tchoconté leads the children of St. John's in a "Joy Dance" on Pentecost Sunday, May 11, 2008.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
"Origin of the Joy Dance" by Léonie Tchoconté
On Pentecost Sunday (May 11, 2008), Léonie Tchoconté led the children in a "Joy Dance." Here she explains where she got the idea for the "Joy Dance" and what it means to her.
Confirmation 2008
Here is a video tribute to our 2008 Confirmation Class. We are proud of you guys! The Lord be with you as you continue on the journey.
Vacation Bible School - July 13- 17
Have you marked your calendar yet? St. John’s Vacation Bible School will be held July 13-17, 6-8 pm. A light meal will served each night.
Children will study the parables, the Great Pearl, the Sower, the Leaven and the Mustard Seed. The adults will also study the parables, but via a different and unique viewpoint — through the eyes of Dr. Seuss. The parables will be examined through five Dr. Seuss books. Dr. Seuss (Theodor Seuss Geisel) books are known for their blend of whimsy, zany humor, catchy verse, and outlandish illustrations. Dr. Seuss was a man who could stretch out a set of simple words to delight and entertain, but at the same time, his words hold a deeper meaning on important issues. The Bible study will explore the spirituality of the stories and in doing so will reveal Dr. Seuss to be a first class Christian thinker.
The five featured books are: The Cat in the Hat, Green Eggs and Ham, Bartholomew and the Oobleck, I Had Trouble in Getting to Solla Sollew and Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are?
As an added bonus, there will be an abundance of interesting crafts for all ages. Make your plans to come.
Children will study the parables, the Great Pearl, the Sower, the Leaven and the Mustard Seed. The adults will also study the parables, but via a different and unique viewpoint — through the eyes of Dr. Seuss. The parables will be examined through five Dr. Seuss books. Dr. Seuss (Theodor Seuss Geisel) books are known for their blend of whimsy, zany humor, catchy verse, and outlandish illustrations. Dr. Seuss was a man who could stretch out a set of simple words to delight and entertain, but at the same time, his words hold a deeper meaning on important issues. The Bible study will explore the spirituality of the stories and in doing so will reveal Dr. Seuss to be a first class Christian thinker.
The five featured books are: The Cat in the Hat, Green Eggs and Ham, Bartholomew and the Oobleck, I Had Trouble in Getting to Solla Sollew and Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are?
As an added bonus, there will be an abundance of interesting crafts for all ages. Make your plans to come.
St. John's Breakfast - June 7
Come join us for a POTLUCK breakfast at 8 am on the first Saturday in June. Our speaker, John Freeman, will present his program, Getting to Know the Presbyterian Center in Louisville and the Presbyterian Health Education and Welfare Association, at 8:30 am.
Summer Brunches Return - June 1
The summer Brunches are one of St. John's favorite traditions. Sometimes simple, sometimes grand but every meal is a hit! Join your friends for great food and fellowship every Sunday from June 1 through August 24. The brunches are brought to you by the various St. John's committees and are paid for by your donations. Groceries have gone up this year, but we estimate $3 - $4 per person will be just fine. Remember, visitors are our guests, their meal is on the house!
July 27 will be a POTLUCK, and the release of the St. John's cookbook! Everyone should bring a dish to pass, and those who submitted recipes are encouraged to bring something that will be featured in the book.
July 27 will be a POTLUCK, and the release of the St. John's cookbook! Everyone should bring a dish to pass, and those who submitted recipes are encouraged to bring something that will be featured in the book.
Wonder Team Sandwiches - May 14 and 28
Come to McPhail Hall at 6 pm, May 28, June 11 and 25, to help make 300 sandwiches, which are combined with fruit, juice and chips and then distributed, to preschool children for lunch. Volunteer to help feed local Houston children!
Mayan Hand Craft Sale
Under the Walkway, Before & After Worship
— Sunday, May 18
You can — buy a part and be a part — of the pure
water system for Yacheku, Mexico!
On May 18 St. John’s will host a Mayan handcraft sale sponsored by ChristChurch. Fifty percent of the proceeds will fund the water purification installation for the Mayan village of Yacheku.
Scholarship Application - Deadline June 15
The intent of the Myrtis McPhail Scholarship Fund is to provide a scholarship grant to any active St. John’s member who wishes to further an academic endeavor. The intent is for the scholarship grant to be used for undergraduate study and/or a technical or trade school and shall be given to the recipient to be used at his/her discretion.
To be eligible the applicants must submit a formal written request in which they outline their plans and goals. Please get an application from Vivian Ivy and submit your application before June 15, 2008.
To be eligible the applicants must submit a formal written request in which they outline their plans and goals. Please get an application from Vivian Ivy and submit your application before June 15, 2008.
Twilight Camp - June 2-6 & 9-13
Camp is an official Boy Scouts of America camp run by the Golden Arrow District. James Ragan is the District representative and will be on-site during Twilight Camp.
When you drive by during the week, you will see canopies set up between St. John’s and Westbury Methodist Church. In the evenings, you will see “herds” of Cub Scouts in same color T-shirts moving between these canopies. Because this is an official BSA camp operating under specific rules, please cooperate with the camp adults if you come to church for a function. The camp has the protection of the children first and foremost and operates as a “closed” camp. All camp participants will be wearing the same shirt – you will stick out in your “regular” clothes, and if security procedures are working right, one or more adults may ask you what you purpose is. Please don’t be put off, just state that you will not come into camp areas.
During camp hours – Monday thought Friday 5-9 pm – the Twilight Camp will be using the big parking lot, McPhail Hall and the lawn area. Please respect these boundaries, for the safety of the children. Camp access is not in Building I, II, or the Sanctuary. Camp will not operate during the day, only evenings. (With one exception Saturday, June 14, the older Cub Scouts will be on the lawn in the morning.)
Church members and other groups are asked to share the facilities and park on Balmforth lot next to the Sanctuary.
On Sunday morning, look for new faces that may have become interested in finding out more about us by being our guest during the week.
Summary:
► Please share our facilities with happy hearts.
► Please park in the Balmforth parking lot during the evenings,
Monday through Friday, during the weeks of June 2-6 & 9-13.
► When challenged — state you are here for church functions
and promise not to enter camp boundaries.
► Know this camp would not be happening without St. John’s
graciously agreeing to host.
Hosting Twilight Camp is a gracious extension of our Mission, and I sincerely appreciate the church in making the Scouts welcome.
— Thank you, James and Diane Ragan
When you drive by during the week, you will see canopies set up between St. John’s and Westbury Methodist Church. In the evenings, you will see “herds” of Cub Scouts in same color T-shirts moving between these canopies. Because this is an official BSA camp operating under specific rules, please cooperate with the camp adults if you come to church for a function. The camp has the protection of the children first and foremost and operates as a “closed” camp. All camp participants will be wearing the same shirt – you will stick out in your “regular” clothes, and if security procedures are working right, one or more adults may ask you what you purpose is. Please don’t be put off, just state that you will not come into camp areas.
During camp hours – Monday thought Friday 5-9 pm – the Twilight Camp will be using the big parking lot, McPhail Hall and the lawn area. Please respect these boundaries, for the safety of the children. Camp access is not in Building I, II, or the Sanctuary. Camp will not operate during the day, only evenings. (With one exception Saturday, June 14, the older Cub Scouts will be on the lawn in the morning.)
Church members and other groups are asked to share the facilities and park on Balmforth lot next to the Sanctuary.
On Sunday morning, look for new faces that may have become interested in finding out more about us by being our guest during the week.
Summary:
► Please share our facilities with happy hearts.
► Please park in the Balmforth parking lot during the evenings,
Monday through Friday, during the weeks of June 2-6 & 9-13.
► When challenged — state you are here for church functions
and promise not to enter camp boundaries.
► Know this camp would not be happening without St. John’s
graciously agreeing to host.
Hosting Twilight Camp is a gracious extension of our Mission, and I sincerely appreciate the church in making the Scouts welcome.
— Thank you, James and Diane Ragan
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Astros Volunteers Needed - May 24
Everyone over the age of 16 is invited to participate in a mission trip 2008 fund-raising event sponsored by the Astros. Volunteers will be handing out Bobble Heads. All volunteers will receive a standing room only ticket and a bobble head, which is delivered later. Meet at St. John's parking lot at 2:15 pm, and transportation will be arranged for workers choosing not to stay for the game. A sign-up sheet is in the office.
Celebrating our Mothers
St. John's Presbyterian Youth Fellowship (PYF) will be selling corsages under the walkway on Sunday, May 11. Don't miss this opportunity to honor all of the mothers in your life.
Come Join the Tour
St. John's Interfaith Dialog
Special Invitation
Special Invitation
Tour the Sri-Meenakshi Hindu Temple
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Meet at St. John's at 9:15 am for carpooling
Tour is scheduled for 10 am
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Presbyterian Children's Home Update
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Heritage Church Update
The Presbytery office sent this update from Heritage Presbyterian Church along with an invitation to anyone in the presbytery who would like to worship with them. As you may know, a majority of Heritage members plus their former pastors and staff have left our presbytery to form another church. At a recent meeting our presbytery voted to support the minority at Heritage who wish to remain with our presbytery, to grant them continued use of the Heritage facilities, and provide physical, emotional and financial support to this congregation as they seek to reorganize themselves and move forward in mission and ministry. See the letter below for an update.
Peace,
Jon B.
+===================+
May 5, 2008
In the past few weeks, some very wonderful things have been happening at Heritage Presbyterian Church. For example:
- Attendance last Sunday was 110. That's 30-40 additional people who worshipped with us.
- We have already received five new members.
- Sunday School classes are operating for ages K and older.
- Two Adult Sunday School classes are operating.
- We have reinstituted the position of Lay Liturgist during the worship service.
- We continue to be blessed with powerful, practical, Bible-based preaching.
- Our first new "Session meeting" was held last Saturday. In the spirit of transparency, it was open to the congregation and approximately 25 people attended to see how Presbyterians conduct the business of the church.
- We now have a functioning 10+ person choir.
- We have instituted an after-church social time, where members can chat over refreshments.
- A number of other churches in the presbytery have stepped forward to pledge financial support and programming support during our time of transition. In fact, there is talk about Heritage serving as an informal "laboratory" for sharing best programming practices around the presbytery.
- Various church committees have been reinstituted. The Worship Committee and the Christian Education Committees each have 5-10 lay members overseeing those areas. Other committees are in the formation stage.
- The congregation is embarking on a 30-day "Visioning" exercise to help us discern what God wants Heritage to be doing and when.
Obviously, there is much more going on than can quickly be reported here. The bottom line, though, is that great things are happening at Heritage. And YOU are an important part of the Heritage family. We look forward to seeing you next Sunday.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Commissioning Service on May 25
During worship on May 25, the congregation will commission the following people who will be sent out from our congregation for service and discipleship training:
MoRanch (July 6-10):
MoRanch (July 6-10):
Sean Coughlen
Mitch Sawyer
Austin Gorby
Zack Sponberg
Patrick Harrel
Christiana Johnson
Jon Yingst
Alice Rubio
Mission Trip (July 20-26):
Will Harrel
Kyle Coughlen
Michael Leach
Travis Vanderworth
Ben Steckel
Erin Steckel
Jamie Crawford
Erin Crawford
Mina Gaber
Nate Herbert
Mary Gaber
David Rainwater
David Nelson
Christine Nelson
Jon Yingst
Becky Crawford
Aaron Jacobsen
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