Our hearts and minds are reeling from the devastating earthquake that
hit Haiti. It hit close to home as our janitor, Alphonse, lost his
father whose neck was broken during the earthquake. He has other
family members who were seriously injured. In addition, John Freeman
and Léonie Tchoconté were in Haiti last summer to install a community
water filter and solar system so we have a strong connection with
Haiti. In response to the earthquake this week, we are working with
ChristChurch Bellaire to finish filling a shipping container for Haiti
with clothes, diapers, and hygiene supplies as soon as possible.
Please bring these items to the recycling center in the hallway near
the restrooms in Fellowship Hall. In addition, please keep Alphonse
and his family in prayer.
The text this Sunday is from 1 Corinthians 12: 4-11 and the sermon
title is Rainbow Fish. In this letter to the Corinthian church, Paul
defends himself as the leader of the Christian community in Corinth.
During his defense of himself, Paul notes that some of the Corinthian
congregation is puffed up with pride due to their over abundance of
spiritual gifts. Think of spiritual gifts like the colored scales on a
Rainbow Fish. God gives us spiritual gifts not so that we can stand
out like exotic Rainbow Fish. Rather, God gives us spiritual gifts for
the common good of the group. Only when we share the spiritual gifts
God has given us will we find the joy that comes from fulfilling our
purpose in life.
We will share our spiritual gifts this Saturday during "All Committee
Day" at St. John's.
Here is the schedule:
8:30 am – Refreshments in Fellowship Hall
9:00 am – Opening assembly in Fellowship Hall
9:30 am – Committee meetings in Building II
11:30 am – Closing assembly in Fellowship Hall
Committee members will then depart and the session will remain for
lunch and a meeting. Come help us get the year off in the right
direction at All Committee Day this Saturday!
Last Saturday we had a moving memorial service for Betty Smith. Pastor
Emeritus, Rev. John Shute , led the reflections and was supported by
the comments of family members. There was an abundance of beautiful
music during the service from Kimberly Tobola, our choir, and Mark
Swindler. The Revels sang during the reception in Fellowship Hall. It
was a great tribute to a great woman of God. Thanks to everyone who
helped with the arrangements.
Please deliver all Beacon articles for the upcoming January/February
2010 issue to Room 208 or the church office. The last chance to be
part of this issue is Sunday, January 17, at 12 Noon, if space is
still available. Articles are placed as received.
All reports must be turned in to the church office by next Sunday.
Copies of last year's reports are available in the office. These
reports will be distributed at the January 24 Congregational Meeting.
All members of St. John's and their friends are invited to the
Presbyterian Women's Program & Luncheon, Tuesday, January 19, with
special speaker, Marie Kutz. She will be talking about her trip to
China.
St. John's will meet for the annual Congregational/Corporation meeting
on Sunday, January 24, following the worship service in the Sanctuary.
Peace of Christ be with you,
Pastor Jon
- - -
To view this Epistle online, click on
http://groups.google.com/group/st-johns-presbyterian-church/web/epistle-for-january-14-2010
- or copy & paste it into your browser's address bar if that doesn't
work.
