Wednesday, October 28, 2009

St. John's View this page "Epistle for October 28, 2009"

Click on http://groups.google.com/group/st-johns-presbyterian-church/web/epistle-for-october-28-2009
- 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
-~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
Share/Save/Bookmark

Living Gift Market: Sunday, November 22

Join us from noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday, November 22, when St. John's Mission Ministry Team hosts its annual Living Gift Market in McPhail Hall. A St. John's tradition since 1989, the Market serves as a forum to help vulnerable populations and promote sustainability around the world. From wooden games and sweaters to Christmas cards and coffee, holiday shoppers will certainly find the perfect gift for that special someone.

 

Make sure you mark this day on your calendar!

 

If you are interested in wandering the Web to learn more about organizations that will be attending the Living Gift Market, here are some good places to start:

 

Coalition of Appalachian Ministries: http://www.appalachianministry.org

Delicious Peace Coffee: http://www.mirembekawomera.com

Grace International Children's Foundation:http://www.ugandaorphans.org

Heifer Projecthttp://www.heifer.org

Living Waters for the World: http://www.livingwatersfortheworld.org

M.D. Anderson: http://www.mdanderson.org

Pennies for Peace: http://www.penniesforpeace.org

Presbyterian Children's Homes and Services: http://www.pchtx.org

Ten Thousand Villages: http://www.tenthousandvillages.org

 

Other booths in attendance will include Matthew's Market, the Church Apartment Ministry, and Mission Ministry Team.


Share/Save/Bookmark

Jon's Jots for October 2009

One early morning I was standing outside by the bell tower when the water sprinkler system came on. It made a loud noise that caught my attention and it took me a minute to figure out it was the sprinkler system. There was a lot of noise but not much water coming out. As I watched the noise increased and so did the water. The noise got louder and louder and sounded something like a jet engine starting up. I've never heard a sprinkler system make so much noise! The water that was coming out was nothing in comparison to the noise being emitted. In fact, some of the water seemed to be spraying onto the sidewalk instead of on the water where it should have been spraying. I thought to myself, "Oh great, now the sprinkler system is broken. I'll have to call Bob to come look at it." Since it was so early in the morning I decided to wait before I phoned him and in the meantime I went on my way.

About half an hour later I returned to the quad to see how the sprinkler system was doing. It was still extremely loud and water was still coming out of just a few sprinklers. Then a miracle unfolded before my eyes! As I watched and listened, another sprinkler clear across the quad made a hissing sound and started spewing water. Then another sprinkler on the other side of the quad did the same thing. Within a few minutes, several sprinklers were hissing and spewing water all over the quad. Now all the grass was being watered and the first sprinklers were still spewing water but they were no longer making as much noise. I realized then that the sprinkler system was not broken at all. This is just how it worked. At first a few sprinklers came on and made a loud noise and continued to do so until the water pressure finally equaled out and the other sprinklers started spraying. When functioning as intended, when fully on and working, many sprinklers were spraying lots of water and all the grass was being nourished.

This true story is a parable of what has been going on at the church lately. After ten years without stable pastoral leadership, St. John's leadership is beginning to be turned on again. This is not to say the leadership has not been working for the past ten years. Indeed, the leadership has been working very well for the past ten years. But now the leadership is facing a new challenge of how to incorporate a pastor into the leadership of the church. This presents a challenge because it is a different way of doing things. As we turn on this new system of leadership at St. John's, a few leaders have been making a lot of noise and spraying a lot of water while other leaders have been silent, perhaps waiting for the water pressure to get to them so they may begin spewing and spraying too. This is a natural process when a new pastor enters into a close knit working group such as we have at St. John's. Because adjusting to a new system of leadership is noisy and difficult, it may seem like the system is broken.

Just to make sure that something was not broken the session called in a few experts to examine the leadership system and give us their opinion. That is what we did at the FastTrac event on September 26. After examining the system, the experts suggested we make a few adjustments but that overall our system is not broken, it is just going through the process of adjusting to new pastoral leadership. Things will stabilize and quieten down and become more effective in time even as the church sprinkler system did in the parable above. As our leadership gets accustomed to working with a pastor more people will be heard and included and everyone will get watered by the Spirit. Then we may all continue to grow in the fruits of the Spirit: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, and self control. I appreciate the opportunity to serve as your pastor. I acknowledge that change is difficult and adjusting to a long term pastoral relationship is something this church has not done in many years. The leadership and I are learning how to work together and the congregation will benefit from this relationship.


Share/Save/Bookmark

FastTrac Report


SUMMARY NOTES

IN-PROCESS REVIEW OF MINISTRY

ST. JOHN’S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, HOUSTON, TX

SEPTEMBER 26, 2009


Members of Session, Pastor Jon Burnham, and members of the Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC) participated in a Transition Workshop on Saturday, May 2, 2009. This workshop was adapted from the FastTrac Workshop which is offered three to six months into a new ministry. Pastor Burnham has served St. John’s as pastor for two years – hence the adaptation to an in-process review of the ministry of the church.


Facilitators for this event, sponsored by the Committee on Ministry (COM) of the Presbytery of New Covenant, were The Reverend Diane K. Prevary and Elder Jim Bushong, a member of First Presbyterian Church, Huntsville, TX. The primary purpose of this workshop was to assist the pastor and session to identify expectations of the PNC and pastor as he began this ministry, and of the session as the ministry has progressed, informed by the observations of the PNC, who represented the congregation in the search for a pastor. After introductions, D. Prevary read and led a time of reflection on The Word (from Numbers, Chapter 11), followed by an explanation of the process by J. Bushong.


The larger group then divided into two smaller groups. Jim Bushong stayed with the session and Diane Prevary met with the PNC and Pastor. The published agenda for the day included the following questions, for which the responses of the PNC and Pastor are recorded below. The input from the session will follow this information.


How did you describe the ministry of St. John’s during your search. What did you tell Jon were the leadership skills needed to support the ministry of your church?

1. Documented in the Church Information Form (CIF) and a part of

conversation between Jon and the PNC was the description of St. John’s as an “outreach” church. A significant portion of the church’s ministry occurs outside the quadrangle on which the buildings sit. In seeking a pastor to support this ministry, the PNC was struck by Jon’s commitment to social justice and mission, as articulated in his Personal Information Form (PIF).


The need for pastoral care was discussed by the PNC with Jon early on. Given the many pastoral changes over the preceding seven years, it was particularly important that the new pastor get to know the congregation and to be the presence of the church in their lives during emergencies and/or personal crisis. Less clear was whether general visitation would be a priority in the church’s ministry. Is there a segment of the congregation who would like the pastor to visit just to visit? This is yet to be explored.


The particular leadership skills the PNC sought to support the ministry of St. John’s, were:

preaching that inspires and challenges; strong over-all worship leadership;

administrative skills requisite to function as head-of-staff;

ability to develop leadership among members of the church;

energy and creativity to strengthen St. John’s ministry;

to be a discerning agent of change;

gifts to nurture spiritual development.


Specifically mentioned as results of putting these skills into action were the preaching and worship services; the way Jon stepped up when changes were necessary early-on in his ministry (session restructuring); and opportunities for spiritual development through centering prayer, support groups and the weekly prayer group.


How was the process for dividing and assigning the responsibilities for St. John’s ministries described in discussion between the PNC and Jon? How is that working in practice? What could improve your church’s leadership?

Session was downsized immediately prior to Jon’s arrival, but no realignment was in place for how responsibilities would be carried out by a smaller session. Within 2 months of arrival, Jon was asked/directed by the session to design a process for restructuring session’s tasks/assignments. The result was the establishment of Ministry Teams, for which it would not be necessary for an elder to be “in charge.” Overall, this has not been viewed as an effective model and in January 2010 session will be increased to 15, committees will become the norm, and elders will be assigned to each committee.


Leader training is essentially through participation on ministry teams/committees. There is no formal plan for leader development, although an extensive officer training event was conducted for incoming elders last year and was well received by those participating.


The initiative to change the size of session was a recommendation coming out of the Acts 16:5 strategy. Some of the recommendations of the Acts 16:5 Task Force were adopted by session, some were not. The major points adopted became the goals for ministry that were communicated through the CIF. They are:


Develop more effective servant leaders: The more members capable of leading ministries, the greater will be the congregation’s ability to reach and serve the greater community.

Create worship experiences that nurture personal spiritual growth: The worship service is the primary activity that connects the congregation to God and helps the congregation grow as disciples. It is also the activity which is the key to recruiting nd retaining new members.

Strengthen relationships so that people feel connected to God and to each other: Welcoming ministries for prospective members and small group/caring opportunities for the congregation help connect each to one another.


Encourage all ministries at St. John’s to be “missional” and reach out into the greater community: The mission of the church must be to meet the needs of people outside the church community if we are to draw the unchurched to Jesus Christ and to St. John’s.

It is not known how widely the above goals are known in the congregation, however, or even by the current session. There was no support system put in place to see the Acts 16:5 recommendations through to completion.


Overall, there is a need for a process that allows new ideas to be floated and evaluated for implementation. The church needs to cast a vision for the future.


Generally there appears to be suspicion of new ideas, or at the very least a lack of trust of those who would implement new ideas.


What are the three most pressing challenges for your church’s ministry?

Change: how much can we handle/stand; who leads it; are we willing to entertain any?

Leadership: who is in charge? Session/minister/combination of both/“First Families”?? How can we more equally share decision-making and trust decisions that are made?


Scabs which continue to be picked: Lynn Hargrove’s resignation; presence of Ghanaian Church (see note under “Further Recommendations”); session restructure.

Trust: how do we build?


The questions that guided the session discussion were in close parallel to those directed to the PNC and the pastor. They were:


What are the three most successful ministries your church brings to your community? How is each carried out?

Our various outreach projects (beyond the specific ministry team); e.g., blood drive, VBS, Living Gift, local and global outreach, Anchor House, community Bible study, providing home for Ghanaian NCD, facilities ministry, Presbyterian Women, Caring Committee’s ministry, Music ministry, Welcoming and inclusive ministry


Ministry responsibilities are carried out along traditional lines. Most of the activities listed above have been a part of the St John’s ministry for a number of years. They are run by members of the congregation who have been dedicated to them for some time. Leadership for most activities is developed from among the other members who work in each area. Oversight by session committees is not considered necessary unless issues arise or new challenges are identified.


How are the responsibilities for St. John’s ministries divided and assigned? How does that work in practice? What could improve your leadership?

The tradition based leadership style noted above makes additional leader designation only necessary when new projects are undertaken. Given the circumstances of the pastoral leadership of this church for the past 10 years the congregation has developed a strong, almost self-sufficient lay leadership tradition. This was noted with pardonable pride by session members who attribute their survival as a viable congregation with their ability to unite under stress and work toward the common goal of carrying out their ministry to the community and each other. At the same time it was noted that this “unity under stress” causes potential conflict issues to be brushed aside in the busy-ness of accomplishing ongoing ministry activities.


From session comments it was evident that they receive and give much to their ministry to community and each other and that the work of the church continues to be successful.


The session focused immediately on issues in pastoral leadership when asked to respond to the third question in this category. There are mixed opinions about the effectiveness of pastoral leadership and about worship at St John’s. Everyone sees Jon’s effectiveness as being diminished by his attempts to accommodate competing demands for his time and talents. There was general acknowledgement that he has changed his preaching style in response to feedback he has received. There is a sense that he is reluctant to be open and genuine with the congregation and most attribute that to the criticism he has received in attempting to establish changes to past operational norms. When asked about session’s involvement in giving feedback to the pastor it was noted that the personnel committee had conducted an annual review survey of the session and had passed the data along to Jon at a formal meeting. There is a perception among many of the session members that Jon does not respond to feedback appropriately. There is an equally strong sense that they have not really been able to get to know Jon as a person, but rather someone that he is trying to become in response to criticisms and recommendations.


What are the three most pressing challenges for your church’s ministry?

Without exception the session sees issues related to the congregation’s acceptance of Jon as pastor as the most significant challenge to its continued successful ministry.


OBSERVATIONS FROM FACILITATORS


Introduction

This event was planned in direct response to a recommendation by a member of the Committee on Ministry who made a Triennial Visit to the St. John’s session on behalf of COM. There appeared to be an inordinate amount of conflict between some members of session and the pastor that the COM member believed both parties needed some time to reflect on their roles and responsibilities, as well as their shared relationship. Pastor Jon Burnham contacted Diane Prevary and asked if she and Jim Bushong could be available to lead a FastTrac event. Given the focus of FastTrac is to encourage a healthy start to a new ministry, Prevary and Bushong agreed to adapt that workshop to be a in-process review of St. John’s ministry.


History

St. John’s has had a very difficult history over the past 10 years. In that time there have been seven pastors, including installed, interim and the current installed pastor. They have lived in an almost constant state of transition – of flux.


Observations

Jon entered the life of this church under extreme circumstances. He was in essence attempting to join in the leadership of an in-tact work group; i.e., a group that had worked, suffered, lived and succeeded with intermittent pastoral leadership to a point that they have developed a strong, successful lay-leadership core and tradition. Either the PNC, being a part of that core, saw no particular need to emphasize that aspect of the congregation in their communication with Jon or he did not perceive that as any different from any other church. Any pastor entering this situation would have had a difficult transition. Owing to the history of the church the issues of acceptance and inclusion that are experienced at most churches were and are much more intense at St John’s.


The very attributes and strengths that the congregation possesses are working most strongly against Jon being included as a full partner in its ministry. Communications between and among the lay leadership are clear and active. They frequently do not include Jon. As a point of illustration, one of the issues raised in the session time was an incident that occurred around the death of a church member. It seems the family left a message for Jon when the death occurred (Friday). Jon did not get the message until the next day and contacted the family immediately. He was told that the family had made plans for the next day (Sunday) and so he arranged to call on them on Monday. Session members reported that Jon was unavailable to call on Friday as it was his day off and that his conduct in contacting the family and the subsequent delay in visiting was inexcusable. When asked how the family members of the deceased felt about this, session members reported they were fine with the situation. It was clear, however, that several session members and, by report, other congregation members are still extremely upset by this and judge Jon negatively by that incident. When asked if any session member had brought this to Jon’s attention it was apparent that they had not. When asked about this incident later, Jon was surprised and indicated that he was unaware that this was an issue with anyone. In this case their strong sense of caring for each other is operating to foster a perception of lack of caring and insensitivity where none exists.


The dedication to the strong traditional ministries to the community by this congregation is evident and provides a reason for existence. How the church is moving into the future is less clear. The CIF notes and the PNC and Jon substantiate that the Acts 16:5 initiatives, noted above, are advertised as the foundation of the vision for the church. Some session members acknowledge that a previous session had approved them and their inclusion in the CIF. When new (first year) session members were queried about them they were unaware they existed. This gap between the published vision and reality may account for the lack of success in session reorganization. The new structure was designed to support efforts that were anticipated but never pursued.


Recommendations


Although it seems strange to note after two years, it is clear that Jon and the session must be given the opportunity to get to know each other in relationship to their shared leadership of the ministry of this congregation. The congregation will be electing a new session members to be installed in January. This will provide a benchmark that will allow such a re-introduction to occur. In the meantime, both Jon and the current session members can recognize the disconnects in their relationship and work together to communicate more effectively and completely.

The facilitation team recommends further:

a. that the new session( 2010) schedules a facilitated transition to leadership and planning event focused on achieving a shared vision of the future ministry of the church.

b. that a time be set aside at each session meeting for sharing “concerns of the church.”

The objective of such a time is to allow session members to share what they are hearing and make decisions about when and by whom a response is appropriate.

c. that the session develops and implements a process for leadership development.


FURTHER RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY

Our experience with the leadership at St. John’s compels us to make the following recommendations to COM

a. require the leadership of churches entering new pastoral relationships to participate in FastTrac and make this requirement a part of the Pastoral Call information as the call is being negotiated.

b. ensure that Triennial Visits are always conducted by a team of at least two persons representing COM.

c. strongly urge New Church Development Ministries to develop and publish guidelines for the relationship of nesting congregations with established churches. A significant amount of the current conflict at St. John’s is related to expectations surrounding the presence of the Ghanaian congregation. No one on session seems quite sure what they are permitted to expect and/or require of the nesting congregation, and have found NCD unhelpful in this arena. An added dimension to this situation is the cultural difference(s) between the two congregations and a feeling that there is no where to turn for help in sorting through these differences in order to build a good relationship.


Diane Prevary

Jim Bushong

September 26, 2009



Share/Save/Bookmark

Thursday, October 22, 2009

St. John's View this page "Epistle for October 22, 2009"

Click on http://groups.google.com/group/st-johns-presbyterian-church/web/epistle-for-october-22-2009
- 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
-~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
Share/Save/Bookmark

Monday, October 19, 2009

Living Gift Market (LGM)


If you are interested in finding unique holiday gifts AND alleviating global poverty at the same time, then join us at the Living Gift Market on Sunday, November 22, after worship service in McPhail Hall.

Through the sale of handcrafted goods (mostly from developing countries), the Living Gift Market serves as a forum to help vulnerable populations and promote sustainability around the world. From wooden games and sweaters to Christmas cards and coffee, you will certainly find the perfect gift for that special someone.

Homemade soups and drinks will be served. Also, please make sure you invite all your friends and family to this event — the more, the merrier.

Booths will include:

10,000 Villages
Pennies for Peace
Heifer Project
Delicious Peace Coffee
Matthew’s Market
Coalition of Appalachian Ministries
MD Anderson Children’s Art Project
Living Waters for the World
Solar Under the Sun

Share/Save/Bookmark

Daylight Savings Ends— Sunday, November 1

During Daylight Saving Time clocks are turned forward an hour, effectively moving an hour of daylight from the morning to the evening. In the US clocks change at 2 am local time. DST begins on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November.
Share/Save/Bookmark

Stewardship Dedication Sunday — Sunday, November 8

Stewardship Sunday is a day when we as Christian stewards express our gratitude for our many blessings and pledge to serve God, our neighbors and ourselves. Stewardship is giving back to God out of the abundance God has given us. Stewardship becomes a lifestyle. On November 8 St. John’s members will make a financial pledge to carry out the church’s work in the upcoming year.

In mid-October a pledge card was distributed to the congregation. Please prayerfully consider your pledge for 2010 and bring the pledge card to worship on November 8. If you forget, pledge cards will be available at the worship service. If you will be out of town on November 8, your pledge card can be turned into the church office any time during October.

The 2010-2011 stewardship campaign will conclude with worship and a catered barbecue lunch. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $8.00.
Share/Save/Bookmark

St. John’s Book Group — Tuesday, October 27

St. John’s Book Group will continuing discussing the book A History of God by British historian Karen Armstrong. Armstrong, a British journalist and former nun, using storytelling and astounding research, guides you along one of the most elusive and fascinating quests of all time — the search for God. Everyone is invited to join the lively discussion at 7:30 pm. Led by Greg Weiher.
Share/Save/Bookmark

St. John's Weekly Reminder, October 18

FastTrac Report Available: Copies of the FastTrac Report are available in the narthex for church members who would like to read it.

Presbyterian Women’s Program & Luncheon, Tuesday, October 20: Everyone is invited to the program featuring Ralph Weed, manager at the Braes Interfaith Ministries Resale and Consignment Store, 10319 S. Post Oak at W. Bellfort.

Wonder Team” Sandwiches, Wednesday, October 28: Sandwich makers needed to help feed hungry Houston children. Please meet in McPhail Hall at 6 pm.

Stewardship Dedication Sunday, November 8: Mark your calendar for this very special day. Please bring your pledge card to the worship service, and then stay for the catered barbecue dinner from Mikeskas. Tickets will be sold at the door.

Interfaith Dinner Dialog, Thursday, Nov. 12, 6:30-9:30 pm: Sponsored by Interfaith Ministries of Greater Houston, the Dinner Dialogs provide an opportunity to meet with people from various faith traditions. During the evening people gather in groups of 8-10 in private homes to share a meal and engage in a moderated discussion about the role of faith or spirituality in their lives. Please register at www.amazingfaithshouston.org.

Ministry to the Port of Houston: The Presbyterian Women need the following items for the Seamen’s boxes they will be assembling in November: heavy work socks, tooth brushes, toothpaste, large bars of soap, disposable razors, deodorant, shaving crèam, lip balm, small Kleenex packs and hard candy (no chocolate). Place items in the box next to the church office. If you would prefer not to shop yourself, please contact Joann Navratil who will be happy to do your shopping

At their meeting on October 15, your Session:
**Discussed the reality of declining church membership and attendance in our congregation and others ways to address it.
**Scheduled new elder examination for the November 19 session meeting. Ordination and installation of new elders will be during worship on January 10. All Committee Day will be on Saturday, January 16.
**Heard an appeal from the Stewardship Committee about the need for additional giving to the church.
**Decided to schedule a follow up FastTrac meeting and to make the FastTrac report available for members in the narthex and on the church website.
Share/Save/Bookmark

St. John's Weekly Calendar Oct 18 - 24

Sunday, October 18
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
5:00 pm Centering Prayer
5:00 pm Presbyterian Youth Fellowship

Monday, October 19
6:30 pm “Walking Together”
7:00 - 8:30 pm Venture Scout Crew 688
7:00 pm Bell Choir

Tuesday, October 20
9:30 am Presbyterian Women’s Program & Luncheon
12:00 pm Staff Meeting
6:30 pm “Stay Strong, Stay Young” followed by “Walking Together”
7:30 pm Scout Troop 688

Wednesday, October 21
7:00 - 9:00 pm Elder Training, Rm. 205

Thursday, October 22
9:00 am – 12:30 pm Community Bible Study
5:00 pm Hour of Prayer, Room 20 6:30 pm Stay Strong, Stay Young
7:30 pm Chancel Choir

Friday, October 23
9 am – 6 pm McPhail Hall, preparation by Mary Hughes for Bob’s party

Saturday, October 24
8:00 am Women’s Small Bible Group
7:00 pm Bob Hughes Birthday Party

Sunday, October 25
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
5:00 pm Centering Prayer
5:00 pm Presbyterian Youth Fellowship Meeting
Share/Save/Bookmark

Thursday, October 15, 2009

St. John's View this page "Epistle for October 14, 2009"

Click on http://groups.google.com/group/st-johns-presbyterian-church/web/epistle-for-october-14-2009
- 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
-~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
Share/Save/Bookmark

Monday, October 12, 2009

Beacon Deadline— Sunday, November 8

Please deliver all newsletter articles for the 2009 November/December issue to Room 208, email to office.sjpc@gmail.com, or deliver to the church office. The last chance to be part of this issue will be Sunday, November 8 at 12 noon.
Please note: The Beacon newsletter deadline has been moved forward one week.
Share/Save/Bookmark

St. John's Breakfast - November 7

On the first Saturday of each month St. Johners and friends gather for a breakfast (8 am) and a program (8:30 am). Come and get a wonderful start to your weekend! If you need a ride, contact Linda Dobbin or Thalia Bunnell.

Come on the first Saturday in November to meet Father Hugh Cullen, of St. Thomas More Catholic Church. Learn his story as he reflects on his youth during World War II in England and entered the priesthood ministry. (Father Hugh is a friend of Mike Alexander). — Linda Dobbin
Share/Save/Bookmark

Clayton Thomas Memorial Service — November 14, 2 pm

You are invited to a memorial service for Clayton Thomas in the sanctuary of St. John’s Presbyterian Church on Saturday, November 14, at 2 pm. Relatives from Ohio and California will gather with his friends and church family to celebrate his life. A reception will follow in McPhail Hall. Clayton was a dedicated member of St. John’s since 1970 and will be missed by his many friends in this congregation.
Share/Save/Bookmark

November PYF Schedule

All 6th through 12th graders are invited to attend St. John's Presbyterian Church's PYF (Presbyterian Youth Fellowship) meetings Sunday night at 5 pm.

Nov. 1: 1-4 pm
Crop Walk: Meet at the church at 1 pm; we will return by 4 pm.

Nov. 8: 5-6:30 pm
"Giving Thanks"

Nov. 15: 5-6:30 pm
"Turkey Bowl"

Nov. 22: Living Gift Market
No PYF

Nov. 29: No PYF
Share/Save/Bookmark

What is Human Trafficking?

Human trafficking is modern day slavery.

Human trafficking is the 2nd largest criminal industry in the world and yields an estimated $9 billion in profits each year. It is a low-risk endeavor for traffickers and often carries penalties far less severe than that of drug trafficking. For that reason there is now an international and domestic market for the trade of human beings. The most common victims of this crime are women and young children. The United States is especially challenged with a large internal or domestic component of human trafficking for the purpose of both sexual and labor exploitation.
Houston is a major hub for both international and domestic human trafficking. Texas is especially vulnerable to this crime as the I-10 corridor has been named by the Dept. of Justice as the main route for human trafficking in the U.S.

Nationally 450,000 children run away each year. It has been reported that within 48 hours of being on the street one out of every three children (150,000) is lured into prostitution or pornography. In the U.S. the average age of entry is 12. Seventy-five percent of these children are controlled by a person who solicits them for prostitution, receives money and then maintains control of their daily lives. In Houston approximately 600 children and adolescents are victims of this horrendous crime every night!

The Presbyterian Church (USA) Human Trafficking Roundtable is at work to lift up the issue of modern-day slavery, provide resources and advocate for further action to eradicate human trafficking. Modern day slavery is a violation of human rights and a global phenomenon that manifests itself in the U.S. as well as around the world. Our whole society, from corporations to law enforcement, from the U.S. Dept. of Justice to the church, must be involved if we are to put an end to human trafficking. As Christians we have a biblical mandate both to establish justice and to care for the powerless. For example, Micah 6:8 tells us that we are to do justice and love kindness; Amos 2:6 speaks of God’s judgment on those who "sell the righteous for silver, and the needy for a pair of shoes" and the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:29) reminds us of our responsibility to those who need our help.

In Houston the Houston Coalition Against Human Trafficking (CAHT) helps care for 100 young women who have been rescued after being trafficked into the U.S. with false promises of jobs. The U.S. Government has a T-visa for people who have been severely trafficked that allows them to bring their families here. They are kept hidden in residences around Houston to protect them. CAHT has a Christmas party every year for them and we have been asked to donate children’s toys and other household items. Watch for the November Beacon for more information. — Phyllis Freeman

Share/Save/Bookmark

St. John’s Circles— Tuesday, November 3

All St. John’s ladies are invited to join a circle of their choice. Circle meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month with two morning circles meeting at 9:30 am and one evening circle at 7:30 pm. The locations will be listed in the Sunday morning November 1 bulletin, or call the church office, 713-723-6262, for locations and directions.
Share/Save/Bookmark

All Saints Day— Sunday, November 1

We will celebrate All Saints Day on Sunday, November 1, by remembering those in our congregation who have died in the past year. During the celebration of the Lord’s Supper, those persons will be named and a bell rung in their memory. Mark your calendar and plan to attend this meaningful service.
Share/Save/Bookmark

Holly Hall Book Review — Tuesday, October 27

The Holly Hall Book Review Series continues with its second review on Tuesday, October 27, at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 3471 Westheimer at 10:30 am. Reviewer Nancy Ashley will review Martha Washington: An American Life by Patricia Brady. This biography shows the life of a women who is winsome, strong, determined, insightful, caring and surprisingly candid.
Season tickets ($25) can be purchased by calling 713-799-9031, or a ticket can be purchased at the door for $10. Proceeds are used to cover the cost of care for those residents who over time may need assistance to remain at Holly Hall Retirement Center.
Share/Save/Bookmark

St. John’s Book Group — Tuesday, October 27

St. John’s Book Group will continuing discussing the book A History of God by British historian Karen Armstrong. Armstrong, a British journalist and former nun, using storytelling and astounding research, guides you along one of the most elusive and fascinating quests of all time — the search for God. Everyone is invited to join the lively discussion at 7:30 pm. Led by Greg Weiher.
Share/Save/Bookmark

Presbyterian Women’s Program & Luncheon

Ralph Weed, supervisor of the Braes Interfaith Ministries Resale and Consignment Store, will be the featured speaker, sharing his love of resale and antiques. The newly opened resale store is located at 10319 S. Post Oak @ W. Bellfort.

All members and friends are invited to the Presbyterian Women's Program and luncheon program in McPhail Hall on Tuesday, October 20.
Share/Save/Bookmark

The Johnny Dyson Band Recap

The September 20 Johnny Dyson Band concert in McPhail Hall drew a large crowd, and the band’s fees were paid by donations received from the audience. In addition the concert raised $301.25 for Braes Interfaith Ministries food pantry. Congratulations to all involved and special thanks to Johnny and his band. A great time was had by all. We hope to do it again soon, perhaps in February.
Share/Save/Bookmark

Stewardship Dedication Sunday — Sunday, November 8


Stewardship Sunday is a day when we as Christian stewards express our gratitude for our many blessings and pledge to serve God, our neighbors and ourselves. Stewardship is giving back to God out of the abundance God has given us. Stewardship becomes a lifestyle. On November 8 St. John’s members will make a financial pledge to carry out the church’s work in the upcoming year.


In mid-October a pledge card was distributed to the congregation. Please prayerfully consider your pledge for 2010 and bring the pledge card to worship on November 8. If you forget, pledge cards will be available at the worship service. If you will be out of town on November 8, your pledge card can be turned into the church office any time during October.
The 2010-2011 stewardship campaign will conclude with worship and a catered barbecue lunch. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $8.00.

Share/Save/Bookmark

St. John's Sunday Weekly Reminders, October 11

Beacon Newsletter Assemblers: The October November 2009 newsletter will be assembled Tuesday, October 13 at 12:30 pm in Room 203. No experience is necessary – on-site training is provided.

Advent Booklet Sign-Up,Today: The 2009 Advent Booklet will focus on holiday traditions, traditions from the past or traditions of the present. Begin to mull over your favorite tradition and be ready to sign up for your contribution to this year’s Advent celebration. All devotionals are due November 15.

Stewardship Dedication Sunday, November 8: Mark your calendar for this very special day. Please bring your pledge card to the worship service, and then stay for the catered barbecue dinner from Demeris. Tickets will be sold at the door.

Crop Walk Registration: Register on our walkway to sponsor or walk at the 35th Annual Houston Crop Walk on October 11, 18 and 25. The walk will be held November 1 at the Art Park on the Sabine Promenade (Sabine at Memorial, west of downtown) beginning 2 pm. The money raised will be distributed to Interfaith Ministries Meals on Wheels.

Interfaith Dinner Dialog, Thursday, Nov. 12, 6:30-9:30 pm: Sponsored by Interfaith Ministries of Greater Houston, the Dinner Dialogs provide an opportunity to meet with people from various faith traditions. During the evening people gather in groups of 8-10 in private homes to share a meal and engage in a moderated discussion about the role of faith or spirituality in their lives. Please register at www.amazingfaithshouston.org.

Clayton Thomas Service: The Memorial service will be held Saturday, November 14 at 2 pm with a reception to follow in McPhail Hall.

Ministry to the Port of Houston: The Presbyterian Women need the following items for the Seamen’s boxes they will be assembling in November: heavy work socks, tooth brushes, toothpaste, large bars of soap, disposable razors, deodorant, shaving crèam, lip balm, small Kleenex packs and hard candy (no chocolate). Place items in the box next to the church office. If you would prefer not to shop yourself, please contact Joann Navratil who will be happy to do your shopping.
Share/Save/Bookmark

St. John's Weekly Calendar - October 11 - 18

Sunday, October 11 Advent Booklet Sign Up
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
3:30 pm Presbyterian Youth Rally, First Presbyterian, Pasadena (PYF)
5:00 pm Centering Prayer

Monday, October 12
6:30 pm “Walking Together”
7:00 - 8:30 pm Venture Scout Crew 688
7:00 pm Bell Choir

Tuesday, October 13
9:30 am Presbyterian Women’s Activity Day
12:00 pm Staff Meeting
6:30 pm “Stay Strong, Stay Young” followed by “Walking Together”
7:30 pm Scout Troop 688

Wednesday, October 14
6:00 pm “Wonder Team” Sandwich Makers

Thursday, October 15
9:00 am – 12:30 pm Community Bible Study
5:00 pm Hour of Prayer, Room 20
6:00-7:30 pm Brownie Troop 21151
7:30 pm Chancel Choir
7:30 pm Session Meeting

Friday, October 16
Saturday, October 17

8:00 am Women’s Small Bible Group
8:00- 10:30 am Daisy (Girl Scout) Troop 21174

Sunday, October 18
9:00 am Church School 10:30 am Worship Service
5:00 pm Centering Prayer
5:00 pm Presbyterian Youth Fellowship Meeting
Share/Save/Bookmark

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Johnny Dyson Band update

The recent Johnny Dyson Band concert at St. John's raised $301.25 for Braes Interfaith Ministries food pantry. Congratulations to all involved and special thanks to Johnny and his band. A great time was had by all.
Share/Save/Bookmark

Memorial Service - November 14, 2 pm

You are invited to a Memorial Service for Clayton Thomas in the sanctuary of St. John's Presbyterian Church on Saturday, November 14, at 2:00 pm. Relatives from Ohio and California will gather with his friends and church family to celebrate his life. A reception will follow in McPhail Hall. Clayton was a dedicated member of St. John's for many years and he will be missed by his many friends in this congregation.

Share/Save/Bookmark

St. John's View this page "Epistle for October 7, 2009"

Click on http://groups.google.com/group/st-johns-presbyterian-church/web/epistle-for-october-7-2009
- 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
-~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
Share/Save/Bookmark

Living Gift Market - November 22


If you are interested in finding unique and handcrafted gifts for the upcoming holidays, then join us at the Living Gift Market at noon on Sunday, November 22. Through the sale of handcrafted goods from developing countries, the Living Gift Market serves as a forum to help vulnerable populations and promote sustainability around the world. From wooden games and sweaters to Christmas cards and coffee, you will certainly find the perfect gift for that special someone. Homemade soups and drinks will be served to guests.


Booths include:

10,000 Villages
MD Anderson Children's Art Project
Heifer Project
Delicious Peace Coffee
Matthew's Market
Coalition of Appalachian Ministries
Pennies for Peace
Living Waters for the World
Solar Under the Sun

Share/Save/Bookmark

Monday, October 5, 2009

Advent Writers and Artists Needed

The Christian Formation Ministry needs writers and artists for the 2009 Advent booklet. The writers and artists will be ask to focus on holiday traditions, traditions from the past or traditions of the present. The booklet will be distributed on the First Sunday of Advent, November 29.
Share/Save/Bookmark

CROP Walk Registration - Oct. 11, 18 & 25

Take part in the 35th Annual Houston CROP Hunger Walk on Sunday, November 1, at the Art Park on the Sabine Promenade (Sabine at Memorial, west of downtown). Registration begins at 1 pm and the walk at 2 pm.

Do you know what CROP stands for? CROP stands for Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty. CROP walks are community fund-raising events sponsored by Church World Services (CWS).

Locally money raised will be distributed to Meals on Wheels of Interfaith Ministries. To learn more visit, www.cropwalkonline.org and click Texas.
Share/Save/Bookmark

Advocacy Camp 2009

Faith Communities and Social Transformation,
October 24, 2009
Covenant Lutheran Church in Houston

Advocacy Camp is a citizen leadership development program that teaches people of faith in Texas how to engage in the public policy process. Guest speakers discuss issues such as health, immigration and environment, provide up-to-date information on the topic at hand and explain why these issues are important to the faith community.

Our keynote speaker is renowned author and pastor Brian McLaren. His public speaking covers a broad range of topics including spiritual formation, inter-religious dialogue, ecology, and social justice. Rev. McLaren will be joining Advocacy Camp via satellite to discuss the importance of individuals and communities of faith in social transformation. He will also be available for an interactive question and answer session after his presentation.

Workshop topics will include immigration, health care, environment, and election-year information for faith communities.

Event Agenda
When: October 24th, 2009 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Location: 3785 Barker Cypress RoadHouston, Texas, 77084
Contact: Phone: (512) 472-3903 Email: cara@texasimpact.org
Registration, https://texasimpact.org/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=4
Share/Save/Bookmark

St. John's Sunday Weekly Reminders, October 4

New Date - St. John’s Night Circle, Monday, October 5: St. John’s Night Circle, chair Kathleen Captain, will meet at St. John’s at 7:30 pm, hostess Barbara Brisch. The meeting time was changed in October in order to allow participation in the Tuesday Night National Night Out.

Circles, Tuesday, October 6: Circle l, 9:30 am, Louise Cherry, chair, will meet at church with Helen Roby, hostess and Circle 2, 9:30 am, Linda Dyson, chair, will meet at church with Georgiana Simmons, hostess.

Beacon Newsletter Deadline: Please deliver all Beacon articles for the upcoming October/November 2009 issue to Room 208 or the church office. The last chance to be part of this issue is Sunday, October 11 at 12 noon, if space is still available. Articles are placed as received.

Advent Booklet Sign-Up, Sunday, October 11: The 2009 Advent Booklet will focus on holiday traditions, traditions from the past or traditions of the present. Begin to mull over your favorite tradition and be ready to sign up for your contribution to this year’s Advent celebration.

Presbyterian Women’s Luncheon and Program, Tuesday, October 20: Everyone is invited to the program featuring Ralph Weed, manager, at the Braes Interfaith Ministries Resale and Consignment store, 10319 South Post Oak Rd. at W. Bellfort.

Interfaith Dinner Dialog, Thursday, Nov. 12, 6:30-9:30 pm: Sponsored by Interfaith Ministries of Greater Houston, the Dinner Dialogs provide an opportunity to meet with people from various faith traditions. During the evening people gather in groups of 8-10 in private homes to share a meal and engage in a moderated discussion about the role of faith or spirituality in their lives. The Dinner Dialogs is the cornerstone event of the Greater Houston Area Amazing Faiths Project. Please register at www.amazingfaithshouston.org.
Share/Save/Bookmark

This Week at St. John’s - October 4 - 11

Sunday, October 4 – Peacemaking Offering, Stewardship Kickoff
9:00 am Church School10:30 am Worship Service
11:45 am Challenge Sunday brunch
5:00 pm Centering Prayer
5:00 pm Presbyterian Youth Fellowship (PYF)

Monday, October 5
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
7:30 pm Evening Circle, meeting at the church

Tuesday, October 6
9:30 am Presbyterian Women’s Circles l and 2. See insert.
11:30 am -1:30 pm Brown Bag Luncheon: Special Advocacy Ministry, Rm. 209
12:00 pm Staff Meeting
6:00 pm National Night Out
6:30 pm “Stay Strong, Stay Young” followed by “Walking Together”
7:30 pm Scout Troop 688

Wednesday, October 7
6:30 pm “Walking Together”
7:30 pm Christian Formation Ministry Meeting

Thursday, October 8
9:00 am – 12:30 pm Community Bible Study
5:00 pm Hour of Prayer, Room 207
6:30 pm “Stay Strong, Stay Young” followed by “Walking Together”
6:30 pm Fellowship Team Meeting
7:30 pm Chancel Choir
7:30 pm Caring, Support and Worship Team Meetings

Friday, October 9
Saturday, October 10

8:00 am Women’s Small Bible Group

Sunday, October 11 - Beacon deadline
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
4:30 pm PYF Youth Rally, First Presbyterian, Pasadena, Texas
5:00 pm Centering Prayer
Share/Save/Bookmark