Wednesday, August 26, 2009

St. John's View this page "Epistle for August 26, 2009"

Rally Day is this Sunday, August 30, at 9 am in Fellowship Hall. Come
and bring a friend!!!

To view "The Epistle" click on
http://groups.google.com/group/st-johns-presbyterian-church/web/epistle-for-august-26-2009
- or copy & paste it into your browser's address bar if that doesn't
work.
--~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~
St. John's Presbyterian Church
5020 West Bellfort / Houston, TX 77035
T. 713.723.6262 / F. 713.723-4015 / Email: office.sjpc@gmail.com
Worship Service: Sunday, 10:30 am / Sunday School: 9:00 am
-~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
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Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Human Trafficking in Houston

"Did you know that Houston is the hub for human trafficking in America?

Come join others from St. John's who are concerned and discuss how we might address this horrific problem as the body of Christ. Meeting at St. John's Tuesday, September 15, 7 pm. Contact Phyllis Freeman for more information."
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St. John’s Book Group, Tuesday, August 25

St. John’s Book Group will continue discussing the book, A History of God by Karen Armstrong, at its August meeting. Everyone is invited to join the book group discussion at 7:30 pm. The only requirement is a love of books and reading! Led by Greg Weiher.
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2009 PW Christmas Boxes — International Seafarers’ Center

"Every seafarer prays to come to Houston during the Christmas Season!" said a seaman from the Philippines. "Shoe boxes are filled to the brim with just the things a seafarer needs and wants, things we really must have and things we’d never buy on our salaries."

To make this dream come true, now is the time to start shopping for those basic items: heavy work socks, bath-size bar soap, disposable razors, shaving cream, tooth brushes and tooth paste, shampoos, deodorant, dental floss, lip balm…(I will be happy to do the shopping for you!)

Items for male seafarers can be put in the container provided in the Recycle Room in Fellowship Hall and will be delivered to the Port of Houston during the holidays.
— Joann Navratil

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Mustard Seed Project Update

Over the summer 10 St. John’s members have been busy helping children in the community through the Mustard Seed Project. As you may know, through the Project, each participant was given $100 to help an at-risk child, or children, in the Houston community. Here is what participants have been doing all summer:

Michael and Felicity Bisase: After volunteering at Shearn Elementary and seeing a need to help impoverished students, the Bisases put their Mustard Seed money towards buying school supplies. At the school 73% of the students are Hispanic and 23% are black. Sixty-four percent of them are limited in their English proficiency, and 95% of them are economically disadvantaged. Of the total schoolpopulation (466) 87% qualify for the free lunch program. Donations will help offset start-of-school costs. The Bisases also are collecting socks for students at Small Steps Nurturing Center. Small Steps is a non-profit organization that provides social, emotional, physical, intellectual, and spiritual growth of economically at-risk children in Houston’s inner city.

Jennifer Durand: Jennifer is working with an adoption advocate at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church to provide "My Stuff" bags to children who are picked up from abusive homes and placed in foster homes by Child Protective Services. The bags contain stuffed animals, blankets, hygiene products, beauty items (for girls), and a moving checklist. Donations will be used to help ease stress caused by the abrupt changes in environment.
Jennifer also has collected clothing, hygiene products, baby items, and furniture for the Covenant House, a shelter for run-away youth.

Kay Greer: When it came to the Mustard Seed Project, Kay really took the bull by the horns. She recently donated more than 400 children’s books to Small Steps Nurturing Center. The school’s teachers will deliver them to students on their first home visit just before the fall semester begins. According to Kay, 12 people, including six people from St. John’s, donated money or books. Also, she purchased clothing for a boy who will be entering pre-kindergarten. Finally, as if Kay hasn’t stretched the dollar enough, she is in the process of collecting school supplies for Braes Interfaith Ministries.

Ann Hardy: Through her volunteer efforts at Small Steps Nurturing Center, Ann met and got to know "Roberto," a troubled youth who has had problems in school. As a result, Ann used the grant money to provide aptitude testing for Roberto.

Kathie Hartzog: Kathie elected to help students at Shearn Elementary School by supplying them with school uniforms. The donations will ease the economic impact of children and parents in the community by providing students the proper attire that is required of them by the Houston Independent School District.

Lynne Parson: To ease the impact of moving away from an abusive environment and into a homeless shelter, Lynne is making care bags for children. The bags will contain personal hygiene products, a stuffed animal, paper and crayons (or colored pencils, sharpies, etc.) and a book mark with a Bible verse on it.

Mary Sterner: Having a friend at Morton Ranch Elementary School, Mary decided to provide students with $5 gift cards from a book re-sale shop so each child could pick out and purchase his own book. (The gift cards were part of a take-home reading bag for students.) Morton Ranch is a Title 1 school in Katy, TX, where many of its students speak English as a Second Language and have few books at home.

Mark and Shannon DeSouza: With the DeSouza family heavily involved at BIM, it seemed fitting that Mark and Shannon donated a table, chairs, and games to the center for children whose parents are seeking assistance at the food pantry. BIM supplies food and clothing assistance, as well as employment counseling, to people in need. With this donation, children will have activities to do when accompanying their parents to BIM.
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Special Education Advocacy Training

St. John’s Special Education Advocacy Ministry has two special training events scheduled:

Wednesday, August 268:30 am - 12:30 pm
Small Steps Nurturing Center Fifth Ward Campus
2902 Jensen Dr., 713-501-4703, www.ssnc.org.
Agenda: tour of campus and neighborhood of our families; special concerns of serving families in poverty; overview of the special ed process, using a case study, the language of special ed.

Wednesday, September 9 8:30 am - 12:30 pm
St. John’s Presbyterian Church
713-723-6262, www.stjohnspresby.org
Agenda: the ARD, perspectives of special ed teachers,
special issues, discipline, RTI.

Please contact Suzette Harrel (713-723-6266, suzharrel@comcast.net) if you are interested in becoming a Special Advocacy Ministry volunteer and/or would like to attend the training sessions.

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Fall Educational Opportunties

Jesus answered, "It is written: Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God." Matthew 4:4

St. John’s begins the fall schedule with Rally Day, for all ages, on Sunday, August 30. Please gather in McPhail Hall at 9 am for a continental breakfast. Come learn about our exciting new fall schedule.

Godly Play — Building One
Preschoolers through 2nd graders are invited to this Montessori approach that allows the stories of faith to be explored between the children and the storyteller.

Workshop Rotation Sunday School Class — Building One
The 3rd through 5th graders will learn major Bible stories and concepts through multimedia workshops, which might include: Art, Drama, Music, Games, A-V, Puppets, Storytelling, Computers, etc.

Middle School — Room 210
Join us for an exciting look at the Old and New Testaments!

High School — Room 207
Join Mary Gaber and David Rainwater as they lead the discussion each Sunday morning.

The Bible Study for Everyone Class — Room 203
The class will begin the fall season with the continuation of the book of John.

Lectionary Study Class — Room 205
Join Elaine DeSouza as the class takes a deeper look at the weekly lectionary.

More Parables from the Back Side — Room 209
Join George Dobbin as the class continues the "Back Side" series by J. Ellsworth Kalas.
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Blood Drive - August 30


B L O O D
D R I V E

Next Sunday, August 30

8 am-12:30 pm

Building One
(Follow the signs)

Share the Gift of Life!

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Name Tag Sunday - August 30

How friendly is St. John’s? It’s as friendly as we make it. Old-fashioned friendliness come from the hearts of people who love God and enjoy helping others feel at home in their church. And one place that starts is with a sincere expression of welcome.

St. John’s Evangelism Ministry Team will host a Name Tag Sunday on Rally day to help all visitors and members feel this special friendliness, St. John’s style. Below are five steps to offering a heartfelt welcome to all:

1. Speak to the other person first using their name. Don’t wait for him or her to take the initiative. Make a note of their name so you can greet them by name next time you see them. Remember, saying a person’s name makes him feel welcome and appreciated.

2. If there is someone you don’t know, introduce yourself to him or her.

3. Be pleasant in words and expressions. A great church cannot be built with frowns.

4. Guide newcomers to the worship service and then to any fellowship event after worship and introduce them to other members.

5. Encourage people to participate in those church activities that interest them.
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Presbyterian Youth Fellowship - August 30

All 6th through 12th graders are invited to the PYF fall kick-off meeting at 5 pm. Mark your calendar and don’t miss the good works, Bible exploration, worship and great fellowship.
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Rally Day - August 30

St. John’s fall schedule begins with Rally Day on Sunday, August 30. Please gather in McPhail Hall at 9 am for a continental breakfast and information about the line-up of fall educational opportunities. Rally day is for all ages, youth and adults because Christian education helps us to understand what living as Christians is all about.
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St. John's Sunday Weekly Reminders, August 23

Every Sunday please allow the new “Reserved” parking spaces to be for those needing assistance…Be A Caring Friend!

Prayers Needed: Please tie a knot and say a prayer for Charlene B. Simmons, who is having health issues. The prayer quilt will be on the table in the Narthex and will be moved to McPhail Hall during brunch.

St. John’s Book Group, Tuesday, August 25:
All interested readers are invited to join the discussion of The History of God by Karen Armstrong. Books are available in the office.

Blood Drive, Next Sunday, August 30: Come to Building 1, 8 am–12 pm and help save lives! Please add green leafy vegetables and protein to your meals.

Rally Day, Sunday, August 30: Next Sunday please meet in McPhail Hall for a continental breakfast at 9 am as St. Johners celebrate the beginning of our fall educational schedule. All ages are invited.

Name Tag Sunday, August 30: The Evangelism Ministry will have name tags in McPhail Hall during Rally Day and on the walkway before worship. Please stop by for your name tag and use its power to introduce yourself to someone you don’t know. Reach out your hand in friendship and welcome all you meet.

Presbyterian Youth Fellowship, Sunday August 30: All rising 6th through 12th graders are invited to the kick-off meeting at 5 pm.

Circles, Tuesday, September 1: The Presbyterian Women’s circles will meet at 9:30 am (Circles 1 & 2) and 7:30 (Night Circle).

At their meeting August 20, your Session
“Heard an update from the Ghanaian Task Force and worked on a memorandum of understanding by and between United Ghanaian Presbyterian Church and St. John’s Presbyterian Church…Approved a lovely cross made by Connie and Herb Brown that will represent our church in the presbytery office along with representative crosses from other churches in the presbytery…Moved fourteen persons from the active to the inactive roll of the church.”
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This Week at St. John’s August 23 - 30

Sunday, August 23 – Blessing of the Backpacks
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
11:45 am Brunch by Mission Ministry Team

Monday, August 24

5:00-6:00 pm Hour of Prayer, Rm. 207
6:30 pm “Walking Together”
7:00 - 8:30 pm Venture Scout Crew 688
7:00 pm Bell Choir

Tuesday, August 25
9:30 am Presbyterian Women’s Board Meeting & Activity Day
12:00 pm Staff Meeting
6:30 pm “Stay Strong, Stay Young” followed by “Walking Together”
7:30 pm Scout Troop 688
7:30 pm Book Group

Wednesday, August 26
6:00 pm “Wonder Team” Sandwich Makers
6:30 pm “Walking Together”

Thursday, August 27
6:30 pm “Stay Strong, Stay Young” followed by “Walking Together”

Friday, August 28
Saturday, August 29

8:00 am Women’s Small Bible Group

Sunday, August 30 – Rally Day, Blood Drive, Nametag Sunday
8:00 am Blood Drive, Scout Room
9:00 am Church School (Meet in McPhail Hall for Rally Day)
10:30 am Worship Service
5:00 pm Presbyterian Youth Fellowship (PYF) Meeting
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Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Week of Prayer for our Children: Day Three

Day Three - August 18, 2009
Prayer Concerning the Increasing Infant Mortality Rate in our City


Did you know that parts of Houston have Third World Infant Mortality Rates? As a nation, the infant mortality rate declined by 10% between 1995 and 2004: however, since 2000, the trend has reversed for Harris County. The U.S. ranks 29th in the world on infant mortality – tied with Poland and Slovakia, and behind Cuba.

Prayer Targets for Day Three:

1. Pray that our city would understand God’s heart for each precious infant, Psalm 139:13-18.

2. Pray that God would raise up more leaders to champion the cause of infants, Psalms 82:3.

Prayer:

God and giver of life, we praise and worship You today. We thank You that Your Word says we are fearfully and wonderfully made. You have not only given us life and breath, You created us with a special plan and purpose in mind. Thank You for providing mercy and grace every day - for the gift of eternal life and abundant life through Jesus Christ.

As we are blessed with many resources and equipped with the largest Medical Center in the world, we are deeply troubled by the steep rise in infant mortality among mothers in our city. We turn to You, Lord, for wisdom and discernment as we search for ways to reverse this trend. Come Holy Spirit! Show us what is needed to protect and bless the lives of all children at every stage of development.

We thank You for the people and programs You have provided in our communities and pray that You would encourage, bless and multiply their efforts.

Lord, grant grace and insight to uncover the social issues and injustices that must be addressed to create significant change in infant mortality in our city. As Creator and Sustainer of life, we ask You to address the environmental issues that affect life in the womb. Where human hands leave off and fall short of needed remedies, we ask that Your mighty Hand would intervene.

Forgive us for our slowness to see and understand this urgent need impacting families in our city. Help us to multiply awareness in our city so that new doors will open where mothers can find reliable prenatal care for their children. Continue to create in our lives - Mission Houston
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Tuesday, August 18, 2009

St. John's View this page "Epistle for August 18, 2009"

Click on http://groups.google.com/group/st-johns-presbyterian-church/web/epistle-for-august-18-2009
- or copy & paste it into your browser's address bar if that doesn't
work.
--~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~
St. John's Presbyterian Church
5020 West Bellfort / Houston, TX 77035
T. 713.723.6262 / F. 713.723-4015 / Email: office.sjpc@gmail.com
Worship Service: Sunday, 10:30 am / Sunday School: 9:00 am
-~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
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St. John’s Book Group, Tuesday, August 25

St. John’s Book Group will continue discussing the book, A History of God by Karen Armstrong, at its August meeting. Everyone is invited to join the book group discussion at 7:30 pm. The only requirement is a love of books and reading! Led by Greg Weiher.
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Blessing of the Backpacks

All people who are involved in education (students, teachers, administrators, etc.) are invited to bring their pack back (or briefcase) to church on Sunday August 23, for the “Blessing of the Backpack.”
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August 30 Highlights

St. John's August 30 schedule:

1. Blood Drive, Building One, 8 am - 12:30 pm
Remember to eat your leafy green vegetables and meat before the upcoming blood drive - Give the gift that costs nothing to give and help saves lives!

2. Rally Day
St. John’s fall schedule begins with Rally Day on Sunday, August 30. Please gather in McPhail Hall at 9 am for a continental breakfast and information about the line-up of fall educational opportunities. Rally day is for all ages, youth and adults because Christian education helps us to understand what
living as Christians is all about

3. Presbyterian Youth Fellowship Meeting
All 6th through 12th graders are invited to the PYF fall kick-off meeting at 5 pm. Mark your calendar and don’t miss the good works, Bible exploration, worship and great fellowship.

4. Name Tag Sunday
How friendly is St. John’s? It’s as friendly as we make it. Old-fashioned friendliness come from the hearts of people who love God and enjoy helping others feel at home in their church. And one place that starts is with a sincere expression of welcome. Please wear your name tag with pride and an outreached hand to all you meet.

Please join us for this very special and busy day.
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Peace Kawomera Coffee Cooperative

Mirembe Kawomera means “delicious peace” in the Ugandan language Luganda. The coffee is grown by 750+ small scale farmers through the Peace Kawomera Co-op, which includes Jews, Christians and Muslins working together to improve their lives.

The certified organic and fair trade coffee can be purchased at St. John’s and will make wonderful gifts for family and friends. Your purchase supports the Co-op but can also improve the health of your family and friends.

The newest research shows that coffee may reduce the risk of developing gallstones, discourage the development of colon cancer, improve cognitive function, reduce the risk of liver damage in people at high risk for liver disease, and reduce the risk of Parkinson’s disease. Coffee has also been shown to improve endurance performance in long-duration physical activities.
— Source: Harvard Health Publications,Harvard Medical School, 2006.

The coffee will be sold on the walkway the first Sunday of the month or can be purchased in Room 209.
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Seafarers' Christmas Boxes

2009 PW Christmas Boxes
— International Seafarers’ Center


“Every seafarer prays to come to Houston during the Christmas Season!” said a seaman from the Philippines. “Shoe boxes are filled to the brim with just the things a seafarer needs and wants, things we really must have and things we’d never buy on our salaries.”

To make this dream come true, now is the time to start shopping for those basic items: heavy work socks, bath-size bar soap, disposable razors, shaving cream, tooth brushes and tooth paste, shampoos, deodorant, dental floss, lip balm.

Items for male seafarers can be put in the container provided in the Recycle Room in Fellowship Hall and will be delivered to the Port of Houston during the holidays.
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Week of Prayer for our Children: Day Two

Day Two - August 17, 2009
Prayer for Children and Families in Poverty


"In the poor, we find Jesus in distressing disguise." Mother Teresa

Did you know that 24% of Harris County children live in poverty and a total of 47% live in low income families? Texas is ranked 46th in percentage of children living in poverty, with only Alabama, Louisiana, New Mexico and Mississippi doing worse. Related to poverty, Texas has the highest percentage of uninsured children in the nation at 24.6%.

Prayer Targets for Day Two:

1. Pray for God to give us His heart for the poor, Isaiah 58:6-8.

2. Pray that we learn to minister to the poor as unto Christ, Matthew 25:37-40.

Prayer:

Almighty God, source of life and every good gift, we worship You as Savior, Lord and Provider today. In You the scriptures declare there is no want. Thank You that You love all people with an everlasting love, and that You are for us! Your heart breaks when people are in pain. Thank You for the many times You have met us during our times of physical, emotional, spiritual and material need. Thank You, awesome God! We thank You for programs and ministries that are effective in providing for the needs of the poor. Thank You for those who serve faithfully to empower parents so they can become financially stable and provide for their families.

Lord, we recognize that Your heart is moved by the cries of the poor. We add our voices to theirs and ask You to come to their rescue. Motivate Your Church across this city to turn their hearts and attention to the plight of the poor. Forgive us for our sins of apathy and indifference – when Your heart is filled with compassion. Help us to prioritize our lives so that we can better reflect Your heart.

Come, Lord, especially during this season of financial challenge. At every level of life and commerce, renew us with an urgent sense of faithful stewardship of money, time and talents. Help us make the needed changes in our lives, our work and our financial stewardship so that we can honor You. Come, Lord, today and deal with systems of injustice we have either created or allowed to perpetuate through passivity. Renew Your Church to the spirit and practice of loving our neighbors as You love us.

We praise and worship You as the One who guides and provides.
In Jesus’ Name. Amen. - Mission Houston
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Monday, August 17, 2009

Back Pack Blessing

All people who are involved in education (students, teachers, administrators, etc.) are invited to bring their backpacks to church on Sunday, August 23 for a "Blessing of the Backpack." A wonderful way to begin the new school year!
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St. John's Weekly Calendar, August 16 - August 23

Week of Prayer for Our Children

Sunday, August 16 – Beacon deadline
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
11:45 am Brunch by Evangelism Ministry Team
12:00 pm Beacon deadline

Monday, August 17
5:00-6:00 pm Hour of Prayer, Rm. 207
6:30 pm “Walking Together”
7:00 - 8:30 pm Venture Scout Crew 688
7:00 pm Bell Choir

Tuesday, August 18
9:30 am Presbyterian Women’s Activity Day
10:00 am Presbyterian Women’s Program Committee Meeting
12:00 pm Staff Meeting
2:15–8:45 pm: Life Touch Pictorial Pictures
6:30 pm “Stay Strong, Stay Young” followed by “Walking Together”
7:30 pm Scout Troop 688

Wednesday, August 19
2:15–8:45 pm Life Touch Pictorial Pictures
6:30 pm “Walking Together”

Thursday, August 20
8:00–3:00 pm Community Bible Study Teachers Training, Building I
6:30–8:30 pm Venture Crew #740, Scout Room
6:30 pm “Stay Strong, Stay Young” followed by “Walking Together”
7:30 pm Session Meeting

Friday, August 21
Saturday, August 22
8:00 am Women’s Small Bible Group
6:00 pm Presbyterian Night at Minute Maid Park

Sunday, August 23 Blessing of the Backpacks
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
11:45 am Brunch by Mission Ministry Team
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Sunday Weekly Reminders, August 16

Every Sunday please allow the “New Reserved Parking Spaces” to be for those needing assistance…Be A Caring Friend!

Beacon Newsletter Assemblers: The newsletter will be assembled Tues., Aug. 18, at 12:30 pm in Room 203. No experience is necessary; on site training is provided.

Pictorial Directory: Life Touch will be taking pictures Tuesday, August 18, and Wednesday, August 19, 2:15 – 8:40 pm. You may talk to Marie Kutz or Elaine DeSouza with questions. If you have photos of events at St. John’s for the directory, deliver them to the church office.

Presbyterian Night at Minute Maid Park: On Saturday, August 22, St. John’s youth would like to invite all to join them. (Astros play the Arizona Diamondbacks.) Tickets are available at a reduced price at www.astros.com/presbyterian. Two dollars from each ticket sold will benefit the Presbytery of New Covenant. Contact Mary Sterner for car pooling information.

Backpack Blessing, Sunday August 23: Students and teachers are invited to bring their backpack/briefcase to worship in celebration of the beginning of school.

Blood Drive, Sunday, August 30:
Come to Building 1, 8 am–12 pm and help save lives! Please remember to add leafy vegetables and protein to your meals next week.

Name Tag Sunday, August 30: The Evangelism Ministry will have name tags in McPhail Hall during Rally Day and under the walkway before worship. Please stop by for your name tag and use its power to introduce yourself to someone you don’t know. Reach out your hand in friendship and welcome all you meet.

Rally Day, Sunday, August 30: Mark this date on your calendar and make plans to meet in McPhail Fellowship Hall as we celebrate the fall Sunday school program.

Get Ready! Get Set! Worship! Starting this Sunday, all youth, up to 5th grade, are invited to join Mary Sterner during church (after the Children’s Sermon) for Get Ready! Get Set Worship! A 6-week introduction to worship, baptism & communion.

Circles, Tuesday, September 1: The Presbyterian Women’s circles will meet at 9:30 am (Circles 1 & 2) and 7:30 (Night Circle).

Mark your calendar, Sunday, September 20, 6 pm: Everyone is invited to a special performance by THE JOHNNY DYSON BAND presenting a unique musical program featuring 40 years of Your Kind of Music for listening and dancing.
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Wednesday, August 12, 2009

St. John's View this page "Epistle for August 12, 2009"

Click on http://groups.google.com/group/st-johns-presbyterian-church/web/epistle-for-august-12-2009
- or copy & paste it into your browser's address bar if that doesn't
work.
--~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~
St. John's Presbyterian Church
5020 West Bellfort / Houston, TX 77035
T. 713.723.6262 / F. 713.723-4015 / Email: office.sjpc@gmail.com
Worship Service: Sunday, 10:30 am / Sunday School: 9:00 am
-~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
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Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Welcome New Confirmands

BJ Ragan was confirmed and Isabelle Mulder was baptized and confirmed during worship last Sunday.
Posted by Picasa

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Monday, August 10, 2009

A Week of Prayer for our Children, August 16 – 22

St. John’s is proud to announce they will participate in the Week of Prayer for Our Children, with 80 congregations in the Houston area. The intercessory prayer project is sponsored by Mission Houston. It is there hope to raise up an army of praying people seeking God’s heart for the children of our city. A copy of the Prayer Guide can be picked up at St. John's church office.

Example of Day One – August 16:

Praying for the Children and Families of Many Nations in Houston

Did you know that in 2007 an estimated 75% of children in Houston between birth and 17 are non-Anglo? Houston is the second most diverse city in the U.S. with over 300 people groups and 140 nations represented. More than 200 languages are spoken in Houston. Let’s pray for the growing diverse population of children across our city.

Prayer Targets for Day One:

1. Pray for God to give us His heart for the nations in our city, John 3:16.

2. Pray that we would see each family and each child as He sees them – as potential new creations in Christ, 2 Corinthians 5:16-17.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, we worship You as King of kings and Lord of lords. You are the God of all people and there is no god like You. We celebrate Your love and guiding hand as many nations have come to our city to live, work, attend school and experience the blessings and benefits within our city. We recognize that fullness in life comes ultimately from You, the author and sustainer of life.

Forgive us, Lord, for consciously or unconsciously allowing walls of prejudice to form in our thoughts and actions. Forgive us, Lord, for erecting walls of division and classism that grieve Your heart and damage relationships. Take the bricks that we have used to build walls and use them to build bridges of love, goodwill and unity. During this special season of prayer for our city’s most vulnerable children, help us to celebrate the remarkable diversity that makes up our city.

We especially pray for children of all nationalities in every community. We ask Your Spirit of truth and justice to inform our thoughts and guide our actions as we seek to be loving witnesses to our neighbors – rich or poor, irregardless of race or ethnicity. Lord God, You have deposited rich gifts in all people – from all nations. Cultivate within our hearts a love that blesses and calls forth the inherent gifts You’ve given to all the children and parents you’ve brought to our city.

We worship You, the God of all nations and the King of Glory. These things we ask in the strong name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
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St. John's Weekly Calendar, August 9 - August 16

This Week at St. John’s

Sunday, August 9 – Confirmation Sunday
9:00 am Church School
10:00 am Called Session Meeting
10:30 am Worship Service
11:45 am Brunch by Christian Formation

Monday, August 10
5:00-6:00 pm Hour of Prayer, Rm. 207
6:30 pm “Walking Together”
7:00 - 8:30 pm Venture Scout Crew 688
7:00 pm Bell Choir

Tuesday, August 11
9:30 am Presbyterian Women’s Activity Day
1:30 pm Staff Meeting
6:30 pm “Stay Strong, Stay Young” followed by “Walking Together”
7:30 pm Scout Troop 688
7:30 pm Session Members, Triennial Visit with Pat Tremble


Wednesday, August 12
6:00 pm “Wonder Team” Sandwich Makers, McPhail Hall
6:30 pm “Walking Together”

align="left">Thursday, August 13
6:30 pm “Stay Strong, Stay Young” followed by “Walking Together”
7:30 pm Caring, Christian Formation and Support Ministry Meetings

Friday, August 14

Saturday, August 15
8:00 am Women’s Small Bible Group

Sunday, August 16 Beacon Deadline
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
11:45 am Brunch by Evangelism Ministry Team
12:00 pm Beacon Deadline

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Sunday Weekly Reminders, August 9

Sunday Parking: Please allow the “New Reserved Parking Spaces” to be used by those needing assistance…Be A Caring Friend!

Beacon Newsletter Deadline: Please deliver all Beacon articles for the upcoming August/September 2009 issue to Room 208 or the church office. The last chance to be a part of this issue is Sunday, August 16 at 12 noon if space is still available. Articles are placed as received.

Backpack Blessing, Sunday August 23: Students of all ages and teachers are invited to bring their backpack or briefcase to worship in celebration of the beginning of the new school year.

Blood Drive, Sunday, August 30: Come to Building One, 8 am – 12 Noon and help save lives – donate blood!

Name Tag Sunday, August 30: The Evangelism Ministry will have name tags in McPhail Hall during Rally Day and under the walkway before worship. Please stop by for your name tag and use its power to introduce yourself to someone you don’t know. Reach out your hand in friendship and say welcome to all you meet.

Rally Day, Sunday, August 30: Mark this date on your calendar and make plans to meet in McPhail Fellowship Hall as we celebrate the fall Sunday school program.

Presbyterian Youth Fellowship, Sunday August 30: All rising 6th graders through 12th graders are invited to the kick-off PYF meeting. Please see David Nelson or Mary Sterner for more information.

Presbyterian Women, Sunday, September 13: All women are invited to a sneak preview of the 2009-2010 Bible Study (Joshua and His Journey of Faith) at a luncheon with a special program presented by Mary Marcotte.

Mark your calendar, Sunday, September 20, 6 pm: Everyone is invited to a special performance by THE JOHNNY DYSON BAND presenting a unique musical program featuring 40 years of Your Kind of Music for listening and dancing.

Thanksgiving Coffee Project: Certified organic and fair trade coffee, grown by the Peace Kawomera (Delicious Coffee) Cooperative of Uganda, is available for sale during brunch in McPhail Hall. The Cooperative is made up of 750 + small scale farmers and their families from three faiths: Jews, Christians and Muslims. This coffee makes wonderful presents for friends and families!
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Wednesday, August 5, 2009

St. John's View this page "Epistle for August 5, 2009"

Click on http://groups.google.com/group/st-johns-presbyterian-church/web/epistle-for-august-5-2009
- or copy & paste it into your browser's address bar if that doesn't
work.
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St. John's Presbyterian Church
5020 West Bellfort / Houston, TX 77035
T. 713.723.6262 / F. 713.723-4015 / Email: office.sjpc@gmail.com
Worship Service: Sunday, 10:30 am / Sunday School: 9:00 am
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Sunday, August 2, 2009

St. John's Weekly Calendar, August 5 - August 9

This Week at St. John's

Sunday, August 2
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
11:45 am Brunch: by Choir

Monday, August 3
5:00-6:00 pm Hour of Prayer, Rm. 207
6:30 pm “Walking Together”
7:00 - 8:30 pm Venture Scout Crew 688
7:00 pm Bell Choir
7:00 pm Evangelism Team Meeting

Tuesday, August 4
8:00 am – 12:30 pm Presbyterian Children’s Home meeting, Rm. 210
9:30 am Presbyterian Women’s Activity Day
11:30 am Brown Bag Luncheon, Room 209
1:30 pm Staff Meeting
6:30 pm “Stay Strong, Stay Young” followed by “Walking Together”
7:30 pm Scout Troop 688

Wednesday, August 5
6:30 pm “Walking Together”

Thursday, August 6
6:30 pm “Stay Strong, Stay Young” followed by “Walking Together”
7:30 pm Property Team Meeting

Saturday, August 8
8:00 am Women’s Small Bible Group

Sunday, August 9 Confirmation Sunday
9:00 am Church School
10:00 am Called Session Meeting
10:30 am Worship Service
11:45 am Brunch by Christian Formation
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St. John's Sunday Weekly Reminders, August 2

Are you missing kitchen cookingware? Items left in St. John’s kitchen can be found on the table in the back of McPhail Hall.

Beacon Deadline Approaching: The August/September 2009 Beacon deadline is Sunday, August 16, 12 Noon. Deliver all articles to the church office or Room 208.

Backpack Blessing, Sunday August 23: All returning students, of all ages, are invited to bring their backpack or briefcase to Worship.

Blood Drive, Sunday August 30: Help save lives – donate blood!

Rally Day, Sunday, August 30: Mark this date on your calendar and make plans to meet in McPhail Fellowship Hall as we celebrate the fall Sunday school program.

Presbyterian Youth Fellowship, Sunday August 30: All rising 6th graders through 12th graders are invited to the kick-off PYF meeting. Please see David Nelson or Mary Sterner with your questions.

Presbyterian Women, Sunday, September 13: All women are invited to a sneak preview of the 2009-2010 Bible Study (Joshua and His Journey of Faith) at a luncheon with a special program presented by Mary Marcotte.

Have you Found Your Dancing Shoes? You will definitely need them on Sunday, September 20, when The Johnny Dyson Band presents a special program in McPhail Hall, Your Kind of Music, 40 Years of Popular Music for Listening and Dancing.

Thanksgiving Coffee Project: Certified organic and fair trade coffee, grown by the Peace Kawomera (Delicious Coffee) Cooperative of Uganda, is available for sale during brunch in McPhail Hall. The Cooperative is made up of 750 + small scale farmers and their families from three faiths: Jews, Christians and Muslims. This coffee makes wonderful presents for friends and families!
Share/Save/Bookmark