In the sermon last Sunday I talked about being a church that takes
people seriously and how that is what people really want from a
church. Think of any vital, critical institution in our country, and
the representatives of that institution. Are we primarily looking for
friendliness in our bank teller? In our senator? In our therapist? In
our oncologist? It's a bonus if they are nice, but what we really want
from the emergency room or Congress or our bank is an institution that
is competent and which takes us seriously.
Perhaps the culture no longer takes the church seriously because we
don't take ourselves seriously. Could it be that the more we strive to
be as friendly as a bar, the more we'll be viewed as seriously as
people view a bar?
Visitors don't come to church to be entertained or to have people fawn
over them. More than anything, people want leaders in the church to
take them seriously. They want to meet with other people who also
struggle with life's deepest questions. They want to be with people
who also know they are loved by a God who died for them. They want to
join a company whom the Father in Heaven steadily draws closer to
himself. They want to join a company of the committed who want to do
more than be entertained at church or meet people in bars, who want to
give themselves to a hurting world, even if it hurts. Now that doesn't
mean we can't still have fun together.
For instance, this Sunday is our annual Go Texan Day. This tradition
at St. John's involves dressing in a favorite western outfit and
bringing your chili (if possible in a crock pot) to the Chili Cook-
off. Whether you bring chili or not, please bring your appetite and
enjoy a time of fellowship and chili tasting. Desserts and
refreshments will be served.
Mary Sterner will lead a Lenten study called "A Closer Look at
Spiritual Disciplines" each Sunday during March at 4 pm in the session
room. Come learn about spiritual disciplines for different
personalities and explore the disciplines of simplicity and gratitude.
Mark your calendar for a church picnic on Saturday, March 20, from 11
am to 3 pm, Potluck at Noon at Buffalo Run Park (Pavilion #1), 1122
Buffalo Run Blvd., in Missouri City. Bring food to share. Grills will
be available. We will play games after lunch. All ages are invited and
by all means invite your friends, neighbors, family and colleagues. We
hope you'll join us for food, friends and fun!
Here are some Session highlights from our Clerk to Session, Mary
Herlitz, about last night's meeting:
Session will continue meeting on the 4th Wednesday.
Dave Nelson and Lois Stowell reported on the Feb. 6 Presbytery Meeting
where Mary Sterner was recognized for becoming a Certified Associate
Christian Educator.
George Dobbin was elected Treasurer.
Brad Urquhart, Max Kattner and Aron Jacobson were elected to the
Nominating Committee for 2010.
Jon Burnham reported that Ruth & Sherman Wilson have moved to
University Place and his health is improving.
Johnny Dyson and his band played for us last Sunday evening in an
event that was enjoyed by all who participated. We appreciate Johnny
and his band for sharing their talent with us.
Peace of Christ be with you,
Pastor Jon
- - -
For EXTRA CREDIT view photos of The Johnny Dyson Band's performance
and read this message online by clicking on
http://groups.google.com/group/st-johns-presbyterian-church/web/epistle-for-february-25-2010
- 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
