St. John's View this page "The Epistle for November 25, 2009

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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

St. John's View this page "The Epistle for November 25, 2009

Poinsettias

Each year during the Advent season the congregation has an opportunity to remember a loved one, honor an individual or recognize an occasion by purchasing a poinsettia to be placed in the Sanctuary. If you would like to participate, the cost is $10.00 per poinsettia. You may purchase a poinsettia by delivering or mailing the order form with your check to St. John’s office or sign up using the order form in the Narthex, placing your check in the offering plate. Please write poinsettia on the memo line of all checks. All poinsettias can be taken home after the Christmas Eve service.

The poinsettias are from Brookwood Community. Each poinsettia is in a 6 inch pot, averaging 16 inches in height with 5-7 blooms. Your purchase helps provide scholarships and enhanced educational opportunities for the men and women of Brookwood.

Poinsettias

Advent Festival— Sunday, December 6

Advent is a time to look forward to Christmas, and it is an opportunity to reflect on the reason for the season. Advent is a time to prepare our hearts for Christ, just as we prepare our homes for Christmas. In fact the word "advent" means coming or arrival.

This year Advent begins on Sunday, November 29. St. John’s will celebrate by Hanging of the Greens during Worship. On the second Sunday of Advent, December 6, everyone is invited to St. John’s Advent Festival in Fellowship Hall, 6-8 pm. All ages are invited.

Advent Festival— Sunday, December 6

St. John's Breakfast - Saturday, December 5

Come celebrate the beginning of December and the Christmas season with music and joy. Dave Barry from the Johnny Dyson Band will play the piano and Jon Burnham and Linda Dobbin will read two holiday messages.

St. John’s Breakfast will meet on December 5 in McPhail Hall with breakfast being served at 8 am. If you need a ride, contact Linda Dobbin or Thalia Bunnell.

St. John's Breakfast - Saturday, December 5

Presbytery Christmas Open House— December 3

The Presbytery of New Covenant, 1110 Lovett Boulevard, Houston, will hold annual Christmas Open House on Thursday, December 3, 11 am to 2 pm.

All are invited but please RSVP to Patricia Brantley, pbrantley@pbyofnewcovenant.org, or call 713-526-2885, ext. 200.

Presbytery Christmas Open House— December 3

St. John’s Circles— Tuesday, December 1

All St. John’s ladies are invited to join a women’s Bible study 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 30 bulletin, or call the church office, 713-723-6262, for locations and directions.

St. John’s Circles— Tuesday, December 1

This Week At St. John's - November 22 - 29

Sunday, November 22
Living Gift Market – Harvest Sunday
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
12 pm – 2:30 pm Living Gift Market, McPhail Hall
4:00 pm BIM Thanksgiving Service, Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church, 4930 W. Bellfort

Monday, November 23
5:00 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, November 24
9:30 am Presbyterian Women Activity Day
10:00 am Circle Bible Leaders Meeting
12:00 pm Staff Meeting
6:30 pm “Stay Strong, Stay Young”
7:30 pm Scout Troop 688

Wednesday, November 25

Thursday & Friday, November 26 & 27
Offices closed

Saturday, November 28

November 29 – First Sunday of Advent
Advent Devotional Booklets distributed
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service – Hanging of the Greens
5:00 pm Centering Prayer

This Week At St. John's - November 22 - 29

Sunday Weekly Reminders, November 22

Poinsettias: Help beautify the Sanctuary for Christmas by ordering poinsettias from the Brookwood Community Center. They can be purchased for $10; please sign up on the board in the Narthex or place a check marked “poinsettia” in the offering plate.

Thanks to all who made a generous commitment to St. John’s with their pledge. We now have 81 pledges thus far for $303,752 with hope for response from an additional 14. Last year’s pledges were $380,000.

The Congregation is invited to celebrate Harvest Sunday by sharing non-perishable food or monetary contributions. (Your gift of $1.00 buys $27.00 worth of food at the Houston Food Bank.) Food items may be deposited in the Narthex. Monetary contributions should be noted as “Harvest Sunday.” All donations will be given to Braes Interfaith Ministries.

Thanksgiving Holiday Hours, Church Campus: St. John’s will be closed Thursday, November 26, and Friday, November 27. The office wishes everyone a happy and safe holiday.

Christmas Eve Worship Schedule: St. John’s will be celebrating the season with two services, a family service at 6 pm and a candlelight service at 11 pm. Please mark your calendars to attend.

At their meeting on November 19, 2009, your session:

· Heard a report from Marie Kutz about presbytery meeting at St. Paul Church in Houston.

· Sustained the examination of these oncoming elders: Max Kattner, Kathleen Captain, Phyllis Freeman, Mary Hughes, Lois Stowell and Jo Ann Golden.

· Invited Steven Leach to preach during worship on December 27.

· Set December 6 as the Sunday to offer “Time and Talent” surveys.

· Set December 13 as “Draft Day” when the session will consider whom to ask to serve on each committee.

· Approved a new committee structure and committee assignment for next year’s session.

Sunday Weekly Reminders, November 22

St. John's View this page "The Epistle for November 19, 2009"

Click on http://groups.google.com/group/st-johns-presbyterian-church/web/the-epistle-for-november-19-2009
- 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

St. John's View this page "The Epistle for November 19, 2009"

2009 Seafarers’ Christmas Boxes

St. John’s Christmas boxes will be loaded and delivered in early December to the Port of Houston. Thanks to all who donated money and items to make this outreach possible. Special thanks goes to Betty Nelson who, once again, has sewn 30 cloth stationary folders for pens, pencils, paper and envelopes!

Boxes will be stuffed with essentials: a pair of work socks, shaving cream, disposable razors, deodorant, soap, shampoo, toothbrush & paste, and a big 2010 calendar. Extras will include a snack baggie with dental floss, band-aids & q-tips, a pocket comb, emery board and nail clippers; another with pencil sharpener, glue stick, highlighter, eraser, scissors and carbonaire clip. The sailors will also get a pack of Kleenex, deck of cards, small game, flashlight, key chair, mending kit, a selection of hard candy, and a scarf with the Texas flag and state map.

Keep this article so you know what to buy for next year! Watch for sales and shop the dollar stores. Bring donations anytime to the Recycle Center in the Fellowship Hall. Extras that won’t keep are given to Braes Interfaith Ministries (BIM), which always needs personal items.

— Joann Navratil

2009 Seafarers’ Christmas Boxes

Anchor House Church Apartment Ministry

The anchor houses are wearing well. We have some long-term tenants, and they all seem to be doing well with their treatments. We pray all our tenants continue to do well.

One of the apartments got a new sofa bed and recliner. Waiting for AT&T to come and install the internet and U Verse, I sat on the old sofa for about 8 hours and deemed it necessary to purchase a new sofa bed PDQ.

It is our goal next year to be able to help with the rent for our deserving new tenants. While answering phones at South Main we have talked to several prospective tenants who can’t afford our apartments even though our rents are cheaper than a motel. We do realize that it is very difficult to maintain their home and their home-away-from-home here in Houston. The ministry is not subsidized by our church budget. We maintain the apartments solely on donations. I hope many of you will visit our booth at The Living Gift Market on Sunday, November 22.

— Sally Shaw

Anchor House Church Apartment Ministry

Presbyterian Children's Homes and Services Christmas Party

Greetings St. John’s,

I am excited to announce that it’s time for Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services Child and Family Program Annual Christmas Party! The Christmas Party will be held in McPhail Hall, December 17, 2009, 6-8 p.m.

With your support and encouragement, over the last year the Child and Family Program has served over 100 families. It is my prayer that working together we will continue to help families that are in need in the Houston area.

This Christmas there are 25 families that are in need of Christmas assistance. I ask that you all prayerfully consider participating in this year’s December 17 Christmas Party by:

- Praying that the needs of all of my families will be met.

- Stopping by our table at the Living Gift Market to adopt a child or sibling group for Christmas.

- Providing arts and crafts for the children to do while at the Christmas Party.

- Volunteering during the Christmas Party to serve food, play games, and fellowship with the families.

If you have any questions or would like to volunteer,

please call me at 713-721-2908.
— Blessed to Serve,
Casondra Brown, Director
Child and Family Program

Presbyterian Children's Homes and Services Christmas Party

Braes Interfaith Ministries Service — Sunday, November 22

Everyone is invited to the Braes Interfaith Ministries (BIM) Thanksgiving Service at Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church, 4930 West Bellfort at 4 pm.

Pastor Jeff Berger of Westbury will be the preacher at the service. Clergy and choirs from area congregations lead this interfaith praise and thanksgiving service.
A community reception follows the service.

Braes Interfaith Ministries Service — Sunday, November 22

Human Trafficking

The Houston Coalition Against Human Trafficking (CAHT) helps care for 100 young women and their children, who have been rescued after being trafficked into the U.S. with false promises of jobs. They are kept hidden in residences around Houston to protect them.

St. John’s will be making fleece tie blankets for these women, giving them a personal possession that will brighten their days with color and their nights with warmth and comfort. The blankets will be made with prayers that these young women will find a future of security, good health and happiness.

No-sew fleece blankets are easy to make and fun to do. We promise this activity requires no sewing. If you can tie a knot, you can do it. Fleece and snacks will be supplied, but please bring scissors. Work dates will be announced in the Sunday morning bulletin.

Human Trafficking

St. John’s Book Group — Tuesday, November 17

St. John’s Book Group will continuing discussing the book A History of God by British historian Karen Armstrong. Everyone is invited to join the lively discussion at 7:30 pm. It is led by Greg Weiher.

St. John’s Book Group — Tuesday, November 17

Presbyterian Women’s Program & Luncheon — Tuesday, November 17

The next Presbyterian Women meeting will be Tuesday, November 17. Please gather at St. John’s at 9:15 am, leaving the church at 9:30 am,for a tour of the 1st floor of The Ronald McDonald House (1907 Holcombe Blvd. Houston’s Ronald McDonald House offers a home away from home for families with children who are being treated at Texas Medical Center member institutions for cancer and other serious illnesses.

The tour will return to St. John’s around 11 am for a short business meeting, followed by lunch. If your schedule does not permit you to join the tour, please make plans to come to the monthly meeting and the lunch. Drivers are needed for this special event. If you can drive, please contact Thalia Bunnell.

Presbyterian Women’s Program & Luncheon — Tuesday, November 17

Advent Festival - Sunday, December 6

Advent is a time to look forward to Christmas, and it is an opportunity to reflect on the reason for the season. Advent is a time to prepare our hearts for Christ, just as we prepare our homes for Christmas. In fact the word “advent” means coming or arrival.

This year Advent begins on Sunday, November 29. St. John’s will celebrate by Hanging of the Greens during Worship. On the second Sunday of Advent, December 6, everyone is invited to St. John’s Advent Festival in Fellowship Hall, 6-8 pm. All ages are invited.

Advent Festival - Sunday, December 6

Harvest Sunday — Sunday, November 22

The congregation is invited to celebrate Harvest Sunday by sharing non-perishable food or monetary contributions. Your gift of $1.00 buys $27.00 worth of food at the Houston Food Bank.

Please bring your contributions on November 15th and November 22nd. Items may be deposited in the Narthex. Monetary contributions should be noted as “Harvest Sunday.” All donations will be given to Braes Interfaith Ministries.

Harvest Sunday — Sunday, November 22

Living Gift Market
Next Sunday, November 22
Noon to 2 pm

If you could have any gift you wished, what would it be?
An end to hunger?
Preservation of the environment?
Education for a child?
Peace on earth?

These gifts are available to you—one small step at a time—at the Living Gift Market.
The Market is a chance for St. John’s members and their friends and family to reach out to people in need, both near and far. You can change the lives of people you will never meet, but dream under the same stars you do.

Each Market gift gives over and over again. You honor a friend or loved one with unique gifts. And, you empower an impoverished family by giving them resources to support themselves, such as an animal from The Heifer Project or medical supplies from Coalition of Appalachian Ministries.

There comes a time when your mother has enough sweaters, your child has so many toys that they get lost in the shuffle, and your clients have more than enough holiday food than they can eat.

So, join us at the Living Gift Market, where you can make a big difference in the world.

To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.
- 1 Corinthians 12:7

St. John's Sunday Weekly Reminders

Thanks to all who made a generous commitment to St. John’s with their pledge. We have 70 pledges thus far for $286,000 with hope for response from an additional 25-30. Last year’s pledges were $380,000.

The Congregation is invited to celebrate Harvest Sunday by sharing non-perishable food or monetary contributions. (Your gift of $1.00 buys $27.00 worth of food at the Houston Food Bank.) Please bring your contributions on November 15 and November 22. Items may be deposited in the Narthex. Monetary contributions should be noted as “Harvest Sunday.” All donations will be given to Braes Interfaith Ministries.

Advent Writers Deadline, next Sunday: The Christian Formation Ministry needs writers and artists for the 2009 Advent Booklet. The focus will be on holiday traditions, traditions from the past or traditions of the present. Contact Mary Sterner (mary2d@yahool.com) for more information.

Thanksgiving Holiday Hours, Church Campus: St. John’s will be closed Thursday, November 26, and Friday, November 27. The office wishes everyone a happy and safe holiday.

Blood Drive has been re-scheduled for Sunday, December 20: Share the gift of life by donating blood in Building I, 8 am – 12:30 pm. One donation can save four lives!

Bible Study for Everyone Class: The class will shift gears for Advent and will explore the scriptural texts of Handel’s Messiah through the Kerygma series while listening to the musical composition. Everyone is welcome to join this 4-week study beginning November 29.

Start Saving Your Pennies: Make a positive impact on a global scale, one penny at a time. Pennies for Peace gives lasting hope to children in Afghanistan and Pakistan by building schools. Bring your pennies to the Living Gift Market, November 22.

Christmas Eve Worship Schedule: St. John’s will be celebrating the season with two services, a family service at 6 pm and a candlelight service at 11 pm. Please mark your calendars to attend.

St. John's Sunday Weekly Reminders

This Week at St. John’s - November 15

Sunday, November 15
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
12:00 pm Advent Booklet Articles Deadline
5:00 pm Centering Prayer
5:00 pm Presbyterian Youth Fellowship Meeting

Monday, November 16
5:00 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, November 17
9:15 am Presbyterian Women leave for McDonald House
11:00 am Presbyterian Women’s meeting and luncheon
12:00 pm Staff Meeting
6:30 pm “Stay Strong, Stay Young”
7:30 pm Scout Troop 688
7:30 pm Outreach Team Meeting
7:30 pm St. John’s Book Group

Wednesday, November 18

Thursday, November 19
9:00 am – 12:30 pm Community Bible Study
6:00 pm - Brownie Troop 21151
6:30 pm “Stay Strong Stay Young”
7:30 pm Chancel Choir
7:30 pm Session Meeting

Saturday, November 21
7:00 am Women’s Small Bible Group
9:00 am Daisy “Girl Scout” Troop 21174
1:00 pm McPhail Hall, set-up for Living Gift Market

Sunday, November 22
Living Gift Market & Harvest Sunday
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
4:00 pm BIM Thanksgiving Service with reception following, Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church, 4930 W Bellfort Ave.

This Week at St. John’s - November 15

St. John's View this page "The Epistle for November 11, 2009"

Click on http://groups.google.com/group/st-johns-presbyterian-church/web/the-epistle-for-november-11-2009
- 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
-~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---

St. John's View this page "The Epistle for November 11, 2009"

Clayton Thomas Memorial Service, Saturday, November 14

The memorial service will begin at 2 pm with a reception to follow in McPhail Hall. All are invited to join with Clayton's relatives from Ohio and California to celebrate his life.

Clayton Thomas Memorial Service, Saturday, November 14

St. John’s November Holiday Schedule

St. John’s office will be closed on Thursday and Friday, November 26 and 27. St. John’s staff wishes everyone a safe, and wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.

St. John’s November Holiday Schedule

Community Thanksgiving Service— Sunday, November 22

Everyone is invited to the Southwest Houston Minister's Association Community Thanksgiving Service at Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church, 4930 West Bellfort at 4 pm. A reception will follow.

Community Thanksgiving Service— Sunday, November 22

St. John's Book Group - November 17

St. John’s Book Group will continuing discussing the book A History of God by British historian Karen Armstrong. Everyone is invited to join the lively discussion in Building II, at 7:30 pm. It is led by Greg Weiher.

St. John's Book Group - November 17

Presbyterian Women Program - November 17

The next Presbyterian Women meeting will be Tuesday, November 17. Please gather at St. John’s at 9:15 am, leaving the church at 9:30 am, for a tour of the 1st floor of The Ronald McDonald House (1907 Holcombe Blvd). Houston’s Ronald McDonald House offers a home away from home for families with children who are being treated at Texas Medical Center member institutions for cancer and other serious illnesses.

The tour will return to St. John’s around 11 am for a short business meeting, followed by lunch. If your schedule does not permit you to join the tour, please make plans to come to the monthly meeting and the lunch.

Drivers are needed for this special event. If you can drive, please contact Thalia Bunnell.

Presbyterian Women Program - November 17

Living Gift Market - November 22

St. John’s Living Gift Market serves as a forum to help vulnerable populations and promote sustainability around the world. At this event you will learn about local and international relief efforts as well as find unique handcrafted items — just in time for the holiday season! Delicious homemade soup will be served in McPhail Hall, 12 noon to 2 pm.

Living Gift Market - November 22

Harvest Sunday, November 22

The congregation is invited to celebrate Harvest Sunday by sharing non-perishable food or monetary contributions. Your gift of $1.00 buys $27.00 worth of food at the Houston Food Bank. Please bring your contributions on November 15th and November 22nd. Items may be deposited in the Narthex. Monetary contributions should be noted as "Harvest Sunday." All donations will be given to Braes Interfaith Ministries.

Harvest Sunday, November 22

The Living Gift Market

The Living Gift Market
Sunday, November 22 - Noon- 2 pm

Did you know that:

The “Anchor House” received its name because St. John's wanted the apartment to be the patient's home-away-from-home while seeking treatment at the Medical Center. (Church Apartment Ministry).

Appalachia has a population of 21 million people, is the largest subculture in the U.S., and spans 13 states. (Coalition of Appalachian Ministries).

The birthplace of coffee is Ethiopia. (Delicious Peace Coffee).

It only costs $30 to sponsor an orphaned child in Uganda. (Grace International Children’s Foundation).

The Heifer Project has 869 active projects in 53 countries and 27 U.S. states.

The purpose of installing a clean water system, which costs more than $3,000 in hardware, is to disinfect bacteria and remove chlorine-resistant organisms. (Living Waters for the World/Solar Under the Sun).

M.D. Anderson Cancer Center has been eliminating pediatric cancer for more than 60 years.

You can purchase a share of, or an entire procedure for, a medical recipient at the Matthew’s Market booth.

Greg Mortenson built his first school in Pakistan with 62,400 donated pennies. (Pennies for Peace).

About 40% of the children who enter foster homes live stay there until they graduate from high school.. (Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services).

Sudan has a population of more than 40 million people, the dominant language is Arabic, and a north-south war has dominated its history. (Sudanese Community Center).

Ten Thousand Villages works with more than 130 artisan groups in more than 38 countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America to provide fair trade items to consumers in North America.

The Living Gift Market

St. John's Weekly Calendar - November 8 - 15

Sunday, November 8 Stewardship Sunday
9:00 am Church School 10:30 am Worship Service
11:45 am Stewardship Barbecue Dinner 5:00 pm Centering Prayer
5:00 pm Presbyterian Youth Fellowship Meeting

Monday, November 9
5:00 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, November 10
9:30 am Presbyterian Women’s Activity Day 9:30 am Beacon Assemblers
12:00 pm Staff Meeting
6:30 pm “Stay Strong, Stay Young” 7:30 pm Scout Troop 688

Wednesday, November 11
6:00 pm Wonder Team Sandwiches
7:00 pm Fleece Blankets Work Meeting
7:30 pm Christian Formation Team Meeting

Thursday, November 12
9:00 am – 12:30 pm Community Bible Study
6:00 pm Brownie Troop 21151
6:30 pm “Stay Strong Stay Young” 6:30 pm Fellowship Ministry Meeting
7:30 pm Chancel Choir 7:30 pm Caring, Support and Worship Ministry Meetings

Saturday, November 14
7:00 am Women’s Small Bible Group
9:00 am Presbytery Meeting, St. Paul Presbyterian Church
2:00 pm Clayton Thomas Memorial Service and Reception

Sunday, November 15
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service 12:00 pm Advent Devotional Articles Deadline
5:00 pm Centering Prayer
5:00 pm Presbyterian Youth Fellowship Meeting

St. John's Weekly Calendar - November 8 - 15

St. John's Weekly Reminder, November 8

Wonder Team Sandwich Makers, Wednesday, November 11, 6 pm: Join the fight against children’s hunger by making 300+ sandwiches in McPhail Hall.

Wednesday, November 11, 7 pm: Help tie fleece blankets for the Coalition Against Human Trafficking (CAHT) Christmas presents. The blankets will be given to young women who have been rescued from Houston human traffickers.

Harvest Sunday: The Congregation is invited to celebrate Harvest Sunday by sharing non-perishable food or monetary contributions. (Your gift of $1.00 buys $20.00 worth of food at the Houston Food Bank.) Please bring your contributions on November 15 and November 22. Items may be deposited in the Narthex. Monetary contributions should be noted as “Harvest Sunday.” All donations will be given to Braes Interfaith Ministries.

Clayton Thomas Memorial Service, Saturday, November 14: The memorial service will begin at 2 pm with a reception to follow in McPhail Hall. All are invited to join with Clayton’s relatives from Ohio and California to celebrate his life.

Advent Writers Needed: The Christian Formation Ministry needs writers and artists for the 2009 Advent Booklet. The focus will be on holiday traditions, traditions from the past or traditions of the present. Contact Mary Sterner (mary2d@yahool.com) for more information.

Blood Drive The November blood drive has been re-scheduled for Sunday, December 20: Share the gift of life by donating blood in Building I, 8 am – 12:30 pm. One donation can save four lives!

Bible Study for Everyone Class: The class will shift gears for Advent and will explore the scriptural texts of Handel’s Messiah through the Kerygma series while listening to the musical composition. Everyone is welcome to join this 4-week study beginning November 29.

Start Saving Your Pennies: Make a positive impact on a global scale, one penny at a time. Pennies for Peace gives lasting hope to children in Afghanistan and Pakistan by building schools. Bring your pennies to the Living Gift Market, November 22.

St. John's Weekly Reminder, November 8

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

Click on http://groups.google.com/group/st-johns-presbyterian-church/web/epistle-for-november-5-2009-epistle-for-november-5
- 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
-~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---

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

This week at St. John's - November 1

Circles, Tuesday, November 3: Circle 1, 9:30 am, Louise Cherry, chair, will meet at the church, Jana Burnham hostess and Circle 2, 9:30 am, Linda Dyson, chair, will meet at the church, Simone Westmoreland and Lydia Schneider hostesses. Night Circle 7:30 pm, Kathleen Captain, chair, will meet at church, Pansy Meyer hostess.

Beacon Newsletter Deadline: Please deliver all Beacon articles for the upcoming November/December 2009 issue to Room 208 or the church office. The last chance to be part of this issue is Sunday, November 8 at 12 noon, if space is still available. Articles are placed as received.

St. John’s Breakfast, Saturday, November 7: Breakfast is served at 8 am and Father Hugh Cullen from St. Thomas More Catholic Church will speak at 8:30 am. If you need a ride, please talk to Linda Dobbin.

Stewardship Dedication Sunday, November 8: Mark your calendar for this very special day. Please bring your pledge card to the worship service, then stay for the catered barbecue dinner from Mikeskas. Tickets, which are $8.00, will be sold at the door.

Name Tag Sunday, November 8: The Evangelism Ministry Team is sponsoring its third Name Tag Sunday. Please stop under the walkway, make your name tag and then greet everyone you meet, using their name.

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

Clayton Thomas Memorial Service, Saturday, November 14: The memorial service will begin at 2 pm with a reception to follow in McPhail Hall. All are invited to join with Clayton’s relatives from Ohio and California to celebrate his life.

Bible Study for Everyone class will shift gears for Advent and will explore the scriptural texts of Handel’s Messiah through Kerygma series while listening to the musical composition. Everyone is welcome to join this 4-week study beginning November 29.

This week at St. John's - November 1

This Week at St. John’s - November 1 - 8

Sunday, November 1
9:00 am Church School10:30 am Worship Service
1:00 – 4:00 pm Crop Walk; Presbyterian Youth Fellowship
5:00 pm Centering PrayerMonday, November 2
5:00 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, November 3
9:30 am Circles 1 and 2
11:30 am – 1:30 pm Brown Bag Luncheon: Special Education Advocacy
Ministry, Rm. 20912:00 pm Staff Meeting
6:30 pm “Stay Strong, Stay Young” 7:30 pm Scout Troop 688
7:30 pm Evening Circle

Wednesday, November 4
7:00 – 9:00 pm Elder Training, Room 205

Thursday, November 5
9:00 am – 12:30 pm Community Bible Study
6:30 pm “Stay Strong Stay Young” followed by “Walking Together”
7:30 pm Chancel Choir

Saturday, November 7
7:00 am Women’s Small Bible Group (New Time)
8:00 am St. John’s Breakfast
8:00 am – 12:00 pm Westbury Civic Club Rummage Sale at Westbury United
Methodist Church may use our parking lot
9:00 – 10:30am Daisy (Girl Scout) Troop 21174

Sunday, November 8 – Name Tag Sunday - Beacon deadline
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
11:45 am Stewardship Barbecue Dinner
5:00 pm Centering Prayer
5:00 pm Presbyterian Youth Fellowship Meeting

This Week at St. John’s - November 1 - 8

Living Gift Market: Sunday November 22

Join us from noon to 2 pm 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 Project: http://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, Solar under the Sun, the Church Apartment Ministry, Mission Ministry Team and Sudanese Community Center.

Living Gift Market: Sunday November 22