St. John's The Epistle for April 29, 2010

Dear church members and friends of St. John's,

Last Sunday the Session received and the congregation welcomed Jim
Austin, by transfer of letter from All Saints Episcopal Church in
Stafford, his wife Lynn Parsons by transfer of letter from First
Presbyterian Church and Lynn's son, Michael Rodgers to St. John's
Presbyterian Church. Michael joined as a confirmed member since he
completed the class with the rest of the confirmation class but was
unable to join when they did. That makes 10 new members who have
joined in the past month, 7 of whom are under 16 years old. As I look
around during worship and the various church activities and events, I
see more and more children and youth in our midst. Welcome to each of
these new members!

Our Christian sympathy is with the family of James McPhail whose
funeral service was held at 2:00 pm this Wednesday, April 28, in the
sanctuary of St. John's.

The Breakfast Club meets this Saturday as breakfast is served at 8 am
followed by a presentation by David Lobpories, of the Texas Parks and
Wildlife.

You are invited to dinner and a program in Fellowship Hall at 5:30 pm.
Dr. Winifred Hamilton from Rice University will consider the question:
"Is the Environment Harming Your Child?" This is the third of three
events in our speaker series on the topic of "Whatever Happened to
Childhood." Come and bring a friend.

Next month, in May, I hope you will come enjoy dessert with me and
other St. Johner's in multiple small group meetings of about 10
members in homes. The primary purpose of these gatherings is receive
feedback from the congregation to the question "What can we do to help
St. John's grow?" We will brainstorm about St. John's future, our
strengths and weaknesses, our dreams and realistic goals and
priorities. Expect to receive an invitation to a specific group
meeting. You will be contacted by your host. If you have not received
an invitation or you are unable to make the assigned meeting, let the
church office know and you will be reassigned to another group. This
will be a fun and rewarding experience and will help the church
leaders define our future focus for St. John's.

Six weeks from now the Pastor's Bible Class begins. If we were meeting
this Sunday (which we aren't doing yet), the topic would be the
passage of a stringent immigration law in Arizona which has thrust the
issue of illegal immigration into the national consciousness again. We
would consider that topic in light of our status as followers of
Jesus. On April 23, Gov. Jan Brew of Arizona signed into law the
toughest bill in the nation against illegal immigration, unleashing a
flurry of protest and opposition from people who see its provisions as
an open invitation for harassment, discrimination and racial profiling
against Hispanics. The law makes it a state crime for illegal
immigrants to be in Arizona and gives police the right to demand proof
of legal status from anyone they might suspect of being in the country
illegally. What ought to be the church's main concern about illegal
immigrants? Why? No one person will be allowed to dominate the
discussion. A variety of voices and opinions will be solicited from
the participants. Moving beyond our own opinions, we would look at
these questions in light of relevant scripture texts such as Leviticus
19:1-3, 9-18, 32-37; Deuteronomy 24:14-21; Ruth 2:1-23; Psalm 4:1-8;
and Luke 16:19-31. That gives you an idea of how stimulating this
class will be. The class will begin on June 6, 2010. Let me know if
you would like to be on the email list for this class.

Continue to keep our organist, Alina Klimaszewska, in prayer as she
recovers from surgery. Also, remember in prayer her father who has
cancer. We have a celebration this week as Steven Leach has completed
his work for the M.Div. Degree at Princeton Theological Seminary. Keep
Steven in prayer as he discerns where and how God may be calling him
to serve now.

Peace of Christ be with you,
Pastor Jon

--
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 The Epistle for April 29, 2010

Welcome New Members

Last Sunday the Session received and the congregation welcomed Jim Austin, by transfer of letter from All Saints Episcopal Church in Stafford, his wife Lynn Parsons by transfer of letter from First Presbyterian Church and Lynn’s son, Michael Rogers to St. John’s Presbyterian Church. Michael will join as a confirmed member since he completed the class with the rest of the confirmation class but was unable to join when they did. Welcome!!

Welcome New Members

Blood Drive Update

We had a good turnout for the blood drive on Easter Sunday. 23 donors tried and 19 succeeded. It was a success and so we will have another drive on June 20. Please try to give!! — Betty Nelson

Blood Drive Update

Between Me and God

He died for us so that we may be together with him. 1 Thessalonians 5:10

Are you enjoying your time with God?

To know Christ is to know the power of the resurrection.
Believe it.
Share it.
Rejoice in it!

— brought to you by St. John’s Evangelism Ministry Team

“Wonder Team” Volunteers Needed

Hunger is defined as the uneasy or painful sensation caused by lack of food. Texas ranks in the top ten states with highest food insecurity rates! Help make a difference and give of your time to make sandwiches for needy pre-school children in Houston.

Join St. John’s Sandwich Makers, “The Wonder Team,” meeting in McPhail Hall every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month at 6 pm to make approximately 500 sandwiches. Please join us on April 28 and May 12 & 26. No experience is needed!

“Wonder Team” Volunteers Needed

The Pink Phurree Dragon Boat — Saturday, May 1

Have you ever seen a pink dragon?

Well, you are not alone! But wait, you can see one on Saturday, May 1, at Allen’s Landing by the Spaghetti Warehouse (901 Commerce St., 77002). The Pink Phurree (pronounced fury), Texas’ only year-round breast cancer survivor dragon boat team, will have their new dragon boat, The Pink Dragon, on display.

A dragon boat is an oversized canoe which holds 20 paddlers, one steersperson, and a drummer. Bring your lawn chairs, coolers, pink pom-poms and your cheering voice to cheer Virginia Krueger and her teammates on to victory. Other entertainment as well as food, drink, and restrooms are also available. Times are 8:30 am – 4:30 pm.

The Pink Phurree Dragon Boat — Saturday, May 1

St. John’s Breakfast Club — Saturday, May 1

Yummy food is served at 8 a.m. and at 8:30 David Lobpories, of the Texas Parks and Wildlife, will be our speaker. He will highlight ducks, but will also answer any questions we have about the parks system and what goes on in Texas parks. Come to McPhail Hall with your appetite and your questions for David. He will have a slide show, too!!

St. John’s Breakfast Club — Saturday, May 1

St. John’s Presbyterian Church Speaker Series:
Whatever Happened to Childhood?

May 2, 5:30 – 7:30 pm

Is the “environment” harming your child?

Speaker: Dr. Winfred Hamilton, Director of Environmental Health &
Associate Director of Research/Policy Chronic Disease Prevention,
Baylor College of Medicine

St. John's Weekly Reminders, April 25

We Welcome into membership Pat Ragan, who joined St. John’s Presbyterian Church on April 18, 2010 by Transfer of Letter from St. Stephen Presbyterian Church in Houston.

April Recycling News: If St. John’s can recycle 11 tons of paper this month, we will double our monthly earnings for April! Please bring your newspapers/inserts, catalogs, office paper, school paper, and folders to one of our five bins. Help St. John’s celebrate Earth Day, April 22, by increasing your amount of recycling.

Pennies for Peace: Bring your pennies (or any change) on Sunday, May 2. The pennies will be collected in the Narthex after church. The pennies help build schools in Afghanistan and Pakistan, schools where girls are welcome.

Braes Interfaith Ministries Web Site: BIM has launched its new web site at www.interfaithministries.com. Please take the time to look, paying special attention to the “Special Sales” under the Braes Resale and Consigment Store tab at the top of the page.

Special Education Advocacy Informational Session: Learn more about St. John’s Special Education Advocacy program. An informational session will be held on Monday, April 26, at Small Steps Nurturing Center (2902 Jenson Drive), 10 – 11:30 am. Contact Suzette Harrel for more information, suzharrel@comcast.net.

Presbytery Brown Bag Series, Wednesday, May 12: Everyone is invited to the Presbytery (1110 Lovett Blvd, 77006) at noon to hear Dennis Mark, director of Redeeming Ministries. Redeeming Ministries is the Houston arm of the Not For Sale campaign against human trafficking.

On Going Spanish/English Conversation Opportunity: Every Thursday, 1 – 2 pm, come to Small Steps Nuturing Center (2902 Jensen Drive) to learn some Spanish while helping others learn English. Contact Suzette Harrel for information.

Vacation Bible School: Mark your calendars for our 2010 VBS Sunday, June 20 through Thursday, June 24, starting at 6 pm. There will be programs for all ages.

St. John's Weekly Reminders, April 25

This Week at St. John's - April 25

Sunday, April 25
9:00 am Church School
10:05 am Session Meeting, Jon’s office
10:30 am Worship Service
11:30 am PYF (Please gather in McPhail Hall for lunch.)
12:00 – 1:30 pm PYF off campus event, visiting Mad Potter
5:00 pm Centering Prayer
5:30 pm Speaker Series: Whatever Happened to Childhood?
Topic: Is Your Child More Than a Statistic?
7:00 pm The Harmonic Singers Chorus

Monday, April 26
5:00 pm Hour of Prayer, Rm. 207
6:30 pm “Walking Together”
7:00 pm Bell Choir
7:00 - 8:30 pm Venture Scout Crew 688

Tuesday, April 27
9:30 am Presbyterian Women’s Activity Day
10:00 am Circle Bible Leader’s Meeting
12:00 pm Staff Meeting
6:30 pm “Stay Young Stay Strong”
7:00 pm Scout Troop 688

Wednesday, April 28
6:00 pm Wonder Team Sandwich Making
7:30 pm Session Meeting

Thursday, April 29
9:00 am – 12:30 pm Community Bible Study
6:30 pm “Stay Young, Stay Strong”
7:30 pm Chancel Choir

Saturday, May 1
8:00 am Women’s Bible Small Group
8:00 am St. John’s Breakfast

Sunday, May 2 Pennies for Peace Collected
9:00 am– 12:00 pm Presbyterian Women’s bake sale
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
5:00 pm PYF off campus event, bowling
5:00 pm Centering Prayer
5:30 pm Speaker Series: Whatever Happened to Childhood?
Topic: Is the “Environment” Hurting Your Child?

This Week at St. John's - April 25

St. John's Update: Funeral Service for James McPhail

Our Christian sympathy is with the family of James McPhail upon his
death. You are cordially invited to his funeral service at 2:00 pm
this Wednesday, April 28, in the sanctuary of St. John's Presbyterian
Church.

--
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

Subscription settings: http://groups.google.com/group/st-johns-presbyterian-church/subscribe?hl=en

St. John's Update: Funeral Service for James McPhail

St. John's Epistle for April 22, 2010

Dear church members and friends of St. John's,

We welcome into membership Pat Ragan who joined St. John's
Presbyterian Church on April 18, 2010 by Transfer of Letter from St.
Stephen Presbyterian Church in Houston. We will also welcome some new
members this Sunday so be sure to welcome them after the worship
service.

You are invited to dinner and a program in Fellowship Hall at 5:30 pm.
Dr. Steve Klineburg, Professor, Rice University and Director of the
Annual Houston Survey will consider the question: "Is Your Child More
Than a Statistic." This is the second of three events in our speaker
series on the topic of "Whatever Happened to Childhood." Come and
bring a friend. I have heard Dr. Klineburg speak and seen his
powerpoint presentations on a couple of occasions and he is always
enlightening, interesting, relevant, and funny. We are fortunate to
have him come to St. John's for this program.

Next month, in May, I hope you will come enjoy dessert with me and
other St. Johners in multiple small group meetings of about 10 members
in homes. The primary purpose of these gatherings is receive feedback
from the congregation to the question "What can we do to help St.
John's grow?" We will also discuss St. John's future, our strengths
and weaknesses, our dreams and realistic goals and priorities. Expect
to receive an invitation to a specific group meeting. You will be
contacted by your host. If you have not received an invitation or you
are unable to make the assigned meeting, let the church office know
and you will be reassigned to another group. This will be a fun and
rewarding experience and will help the church leaders define our
future focus for St. John's.

Then, in June, the Pastor's Bible Class begins! I'm really looking
forward to facilitating the discussion in this new Adult Sunday School
Class. Our curriculum will come from The Wired Word and will be
emailed to each participant on Thursdays in preparation for the class
each Sunday at 9 am in the church library. Each week we will take an
issue from the headlines and consider it in light of some relevant
Bible passages.

For example, the topic this week (if we were doing it, which we are
not yet) would be the volcano eruption in Iceland. Last week's ash
cloud from an Icelandic volcano eruption paralyzed air travel in much
of Europe and has affected people around the globe. For many, the
event has been a big interruption. But it does give us an opportunity
to think about the meaning of life's interruptions and to consider how
to respond to them as people of God. 

So interruptions and God's will would be the topics of our class this
week and we would ask questions such as this: How are interruptions
related to God's will? Ought we to consider that any interruption
could be God intervening in our plans? Why or why not? The recent
economic downturn in America interrupted the lives of many people and
derailed their plans for future financial security. How should we
think about interruptions that result in significant losses and
disappointments for us? What do we mean when we call a natural event
"an act of God"? We would look at these questions in light of relevant
scripture texts such as Jonah 1:1-17; Psalm 143:7-10; Mark 5:21-43;
Luke 5:17-26; and James 4:13-17. That gives you an idea of how this
class will work and how much fun it will be. The class will begin on
June 6, 2010.

In the meantime, keep our organist, Alina Klimaszewska, in prayer as
she recovers from surgery. Also, remember in prayer her father who has
cancer.

Peace of Christ be with you,
Pastor Jon

--
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

Subscription settings: http://groups.google.com/group/st-johns-presbyterian-church/subscribe?hl=en

St. John's Epistle for April 22, 2010

Braes Earth Day Festival

RECYCLING

TO STRENGTHEN OUR COMMUNITY AND SAVE THE ENVIRONMENT

1^st Annual Braes Earth Day Festival

GENTLY USED FURNITURE & CLOTHING

GENTLY USED FORMAL DRESSES

OLD COMPUTER EQUIPMENT

 

Saturday, May 1,  9:00 am - 2:00 pm

Braes Resale Shop

10319 S Post Oak Rd (at Bellfort)

(713) 728-0024 
 

Braes Earth Day Festival

Whatever Happened to Childhood?

St. John's Presbyterian, Houston, is hosting a speaker series, "Whatever Happened to Childhood?" on Sundays, 5:30-7:30 p.m. to discuss problems facing children in our community and ways to bring about a more healthy childhood for them.

Apr. 25 - Is your child more than a statistic?

Dr. Steve Klineburg, Professor, Rice University and Director of the Annual Houston Survey

May 2 - Is the environment harming your child?

Dr. Winfred Hamilton, Director of Environmental Health Section and Associate Director of Research/Policy Chronic Disease Prevention, Baylor College of Medicine

Whatever Happened to Childhood?

Presbyterian Women's Program — Tuesday, April 20, 9:30 am

Please join us as we welcome Maria Trujillo. Maria is the director of the Houston Rescue and Restore Coalition. HRRC is a dedicated coalition of Houston-area non-profits, faith-based organizations, government agencies/entities and others whose mission is to confront modern-day slavery by educating the public, training professionals and empowering the community to take action.

Human trafficking is a modern-day form of slavery. Victims of human trafficking are subjected to force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of sexual exploitation and/or forced labor. Victims are young children, teenagers, men and women, US citizens and foreign immigrants. Houston is a hub for human trafficking, and tackling this huge problem requires a collaborative effort and the awareness of the public to look beyond the surface and uncover the many unseen victims.

All are invited to attend this informative talk and the luncheon which follows.

Presbyterian Women's Program — Tuesday, April 20, 9:30 am

St. John’s Presbyterian Church Speaker Series:
Whatever Happened to Childhood?

Sunday Evening 5:30 – 7:30 pm

April 25

Is your child more than a statistic?

Speaker: Dr. Steve Klineburg, Professor, Rice
University and Director
of the Annual Houston Survey

Coming this June: Pastor’s Bible Study

You are invited to join Pastor Jon as we confront the news with scripture and hope in a new adult Bible Study class each Sunday morning at 9 am. The class will meet in the library beginning on June 6, 2010. We will effectively apply the Bible to stories ripped from the headlines. The format will be open discussion with respectful participation by all who desire to have a voice and listen to others.

Coming this June: Pastor’s Bible Study

DESSERT WITH THE PASTOR— May 11 to June 15

Come enjoy dessert with Pastor Jon and other St. Johners in multiple small group meetings of about 10 members in homes.

The primary purpose of these gatherings is receive feedback from the congregation on the topic of CHURCH GROWTH from open discussion of individual member’s ideas. We will also discuss St. John’s future,
our strengths and weaknesses, our dreams and realistic goals and priorities.

The secondary purpose is for fellowship with other
members you may not know as well and to have a chance to interact with Pastor Jon.
Expect to receive an invitation to a specific group meeting. All members will be included. You will be “assigned” randomly so there will be opportunity to get to know different members. You will be contacted by your host. If you have not received an invitation or you are unable to make the assigned meeting, let the church office know and you will be reassigned to another group.

This will be a fun and rewarding experience and will help the church leaders define our future focus for St. John’s. It will also enable you to enjoy Pastor Jon and fellow members.

DESSERT WITH THE PASTOR— May 11 to June 15

Caring Dinner Award

The Caring Committee is pleased to announce the

Honoree of the Year

is Léonie Tchoconté,

who has given outstanding and exemplary
caring service to St. John’s.

Congratulations, Leonie!

Caring Dinner Award

Braes Interfaith Ministries Report

During the month of March 2010 Braes Interfaith Ministries served 1086 clients (462 children and 624 adults), 13 of whom were homeless.

Braes Interfaith Ministries Report

By participating in Pennies for Peace you make a positive impact on a global scale, one penny at a time. While a penny is virtually worthless, in impoverished countries a penny buys a pencil and opens the door to literacy.

On the first Sunday of every month pennies will be collected in the Narthex.
During the rest of the month please place your pennies in the large water jug by the coffee table outside the church office.

VBS Dates Announced

Vacation Bible School
Camp E.D.G.E.
June 20 - 24

St. John’s Vacation Bible School for all ages will be held during the evening, Sunday through Thursday, during the fourth week of June. Become part of this fantastic week by calling Mary Sterner to volunteer

VBS Dates Announced

Ushers Needed

Join an usher team! Teams are forming now for June, July, August and September. Sign up for 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th Sunday teams. You work with the same team on the same Sunday of each month, four times only! It’s a great way to provide hospitality and service to the congregation. See Jeanne Leach or William Ator.

Ushers Needed

Haiti & Living Waters Update

Haiti Update

As of April 15 St. John’s has sent $1400 to the Evangelical Blanket School and $1900 to the JeLA School/Orphanage from “Haiti Relief” funds generously provided by members of the congregation. We have also sent, in cooperation with the members of ChristChurch Presbyterian and Restoration Global, two medical clinic containers with supplies and clothing. The key to the second container was given to the Director of the Diquini Adventist Hospital in Port Au Prince last week. Unfortunately, shipment of this container has not yet been fully paid and Christian Alliance for Humanitarian Aid, our shipping agent, is hoping to be repaid. We are hoping to fill a third container, but shipment of the second needs to be repaid first.

The need is ongoing and the schools and orphanages continue to need support because their numbers have swelled due to refugees from the earthquake. Checks made out to St. John’s and marked for Haiti Relief will go to these needs.

LWW Update

A new well, paid for by the Bellaire SW Houston Rotary Club, has been drilled at JeLA School/Orphanage. Arrangements for the well were carried out by St. John’s/ChristChurch Living Waters for the World team members. A check for $5000, paid by the Houston Area Rotary Club, has been sent to JeLA for construction supplies for the cinder block building to house the water treatment system. The construction labor will be provided by youth of the JeLA organization. (JeLA stands for Youth in Action.) The SJ/CC LWW team is now in the process of raising money for parts for the water treatment and solar power systems with expected installation in early summer. We are told the school at Blanket also needs a water treatment system. The expenses will be lower because the school has a working well and a building suitable for housing the water treatment system. Checks made out to St. John’s and marked for Living Waters for the World will go to these needs.

Meanwhile, Léonie Tchoconté has continued her personal loving efforts for the Haitians by joining another LWW team that recently installed a water system at the Ecole Normale Nouvelle in Port Au Prince, Haiti. She has returned with many pictures and stories she is eager to share on Sunday, May 23, after church - along with Kathie Hartzog and her latest report from the Lulwanda Children’s Home in Uganda.
—John Freeman for the LWW SJ/CC Team

Haiti & Living Waters Update

Clerk’s Comments

The question has been asked, “What is the difference between a Clerk of Session and a Clerk to Session?” A Clerk of Session is an elected elder who has voice and vote. A Clerk to Session is an elder who has voice but no vote.

The March Session Meeting had 14 of 16 elected elders present. The Manual of Operations is being updated, so there was a lively discussion about changes and an updated version will be approved at the next meeting.

The session approved two motions from the Outreach Committee, one for the participation in Interfaith Ministries of Greater Houston’s Congregation to Congregation Project and the other the request from St. John’s Special Education Ministry to apply for a Lynn Johnson Social Justice Fund Grant.

Session also approved the summer vacation for the pastor (July 5 through August 1, 2010).

The need for someone to keep our website updated was also mentioned. Brad Urquhart is the person leading the search.

The good news was announced that Sean Coughlin will be refurbishing the Nancy Flowers Cross as his Eagle Project.

Jenny Glover was elected Commissioner to the called Presbytery meeting on April 6.

Kathleen Captain was congratulated on getting St. John’s name in the Belief section of the Houston Chronicle newspaper.

In a called meeting of the Session on Palm/Passion Sunday, the Session examined and welcomed the members of the Confirmation class into full membership in St. John’s Presbyterian Church.

—Mary Herlitz, Clerk to Session

Clerk’s Comments

Braes Interfaith Ministries New Web Site

Braes Interfaith Ministries (BIM) announces the launch of their web site, www.braesinterfaithministries.com. The web site has tabs for the Braes
Interfaith Ministries Food Pantry, School Supplies and the Braes Resale and Consignment Store.

Check the “Special Sales” tab under the Resale and Consignment Store and learn about the weekly sales and special promotions. Remember every dollar earned at the Resale store buys $27 worth of food at the Houston food bank.

Braes Interfaith Ministries New Web Site

“Wonder Team”

Hunger is defined as the uneasy or painful sensation caused by lack of food. Texas ranks in the top ten states with highest food insecurity rates! Help make a difference and give of your time to make sandwiches for needy pre-school children in Houston.

Join St. John’s Sandwich Makers, “The Wonder Team,” meeting in McPhail Hall every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month at 6 pm to make approximately 500 sandwiches. Please join us on April 28 and May 12 & 26. No experience is needed!

“Wonder Team”

Successful Blood Drive!

Thank you for the wonderful response for our April 4 blood drive!
WE MADE OUR QUOTA!

- Thanks, Betty Nelson

Our Next Blood Drive will be Sunday, June 20

Successful Blood Drive!

Presbyterian Women's Program — Tuesday, April 20, 9:30 am

Please join us as we welcome Maria Trujillo. Maria is the director of the Houston Rescue and Restore Coalition. HRRC is a dedicated coalition of Houston-area non-profits, faith-based organizations, government agencies/entities and others whose mission is to confront modern-day slavery by educating the public, training professionals and empowering the community to take action.

Human trafficking is a modern-day form of slavery. Victims of human trafficking are subjected to force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of sexual exploitation and/or forced labor. Victims are young children, teenagers, men and women, US citizens and foreign immigrants. Houston is a hub for human trafficking, and tackling this huge
problem requires a collaborative effort and the awareness of the public to look beyond the surface and uncover the many unseen victims.

All are invited to attend this informative talk and the luncheon which follows.

Presbyterian Women's Program — Tuesday, April 20, 9:30 am

St. John's Weekly Reminders

April Recycling News: If St. John’s can recycle 11 tons of paper this month, we will double our monthly earnings for April! Please bring your newspapers/inserts, catalogs, office paper, school paper, and folders to one of our five bins. Help St. John’s celebrate Earth Day, April 22, by increasing your amount of recycling.

Presbyterian Women’s Program, April 20, 9:30 am: Please come to hear Marie Trujillo, director of Houston Rescue and Restore Coalition, an organization dedicated to confronting modern-day slavery by educating the public, training professionals and empowering the community to take action. Did you know that Houston is a hub for human trafficking? Did you know that victims include young children, teenagers, men and women, US citizens and immigrants? Come and learn more, and everyone is invited to stay for lunch.

St. John’s Book Group, Wednesday, April 12: You can find good friends, good discussion and good fellowship at this meeting. Everyone is invited to join the group at 7:30 pm. It is led by Greg Weiher.

Special Education Advocacy Informational Session: Learn more about St. John’s Special Education Advocacy program. An informational session will be held on Monday, April 26, at Small Steps Nurturing Center (2902 Jenson Drive), 10 – 11:30 am. Contact Suzette Harrel for more information, suzharrel@comcast.net.

On Going Spanish/English Conversation Opportunity: Every Thursday, 1 – 2 pm, come to Small Steps Nuturing Center (2902 Jensen Drive) to learn some Spanish while helping others learn English. Contact Suzette Harrel for information.

Vacation Bible School: Mark your calendars for our 2010 VBS, Sunday, June 20 through Thursday, June 24, starting at 6 pm. There will be programs for all ages.

St. John's Weekly Reminders

This Week at St. John’s, April 18 - 25

Sunday, April 18
9:00 am Church School
10:05 am Session Meeting, Pastor’s office
10:30 am Worship Service
11:45 am Young Adults Organizational Meeting, Rm. 205
5:00 pm Centering Prayer
5:00 pm PYF
5:30 pm Speaker Series: Whatever Happened to Childhood?
Topic: Is Your Child Being Commercialized?

Monday, April 19
5:00 pm Hour of Prayer, Rm. 207
6:30 pm “Walking Together”
7:00 pm Bell Choir
7:00 - 8:30 pm Venture Scout Crew 688

Tuesday, April 20
9:30 am Presbyterian Women’s Program and Luncheon
12:00 pm Staff Meeting
6:30 pm “Stay Young Stay Strong”
7:00 pm Scout Troop 688

Wednesday, April 21
7:30 pm St. John’s Book Group

Thursday, April 22
9:00 am – 12:30 pm Community Bible Study
10:00 am – 12:30 pm Community Bible Study Program in McPhail Hall
6:00 – 7:30 pm Brownie Troop 21151
6:30 pm “Stay Young, Stay Strong”
7:30 pm Chancel Choir

Friday, April 23
Saturday, April 24
8:00 am Women’s Bible Small Group
8:00 am – 12:00 pm Raindate for overflow parking for Westbury White
Elephant Community Garage Sale

Sunday, April 25
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
5:00 pm PYF
5:00 pm Centering Prayer
5:30 pm Speaker Series
6:00 pm Chinese Choir, Sanctuary, Andrea Jaber, Director

This Week at St. John’s, April 18 - 25

Whatever Happened to Childhood?

Starting this Sunday at 5:30 pm
McPhail Hall, St. John's Presbyterian Church

Light dinner & refreshments will be served

People of any or no faith are welcome

Whatever Happened to Childhood?

April 18: Is Your Child Being Commercialized?

April 25: Is your Child More Than a Statistic?

May 2 : Is the Environment Harming Your Child?

Whatever Happened to Childhood?

St. John's Epistle for April 15, 2010

Dear church members and friends of St. John's,

Last Sunday the church staff was honored during worship and in a
reception after worship. Thank you, on behalf of the church staff, for
your support and encouragement. The gift cards the Session gave us are
much appreciated. I feel grateful to serve as head of staff of such a
fine church staff who work so well together in support of the mission
of St. John's.

Maria Trujillo, director of Houston Rescue and Restore Coalition, an
organization dedicated to confronting modern-day slavery, will speak
at the Presbyterian Women's Program, Tuesday, April 20, 9:30 am. Plan
to stay for the luncheon. Human trafficking is a modern-day form of
slavery. Victims of human trafficking are subjected to force, fraud,
or coercion for the purpose of sexual exploitation and/or forced
labor. Victims are young children, teenagers, men and women, US
citizens and foreign immigrants. Houston is a hub for human
trafficking, and tackling this huge
problem requires a collaborative effort and the awareness of the
public to look beyond the surface and uncover the many unseen victims.

You are invited to come and bring a friend to the "Whatever Happened
to Childhood" presentation this Sunday evening at 5:30 pm in
Fellowship Hall as we consider the question "Is your child being
commercialized?" with the speaker, Mrs. Ann Wilson who is a retired
Christian Educator. Marketing practices have changed over the last ten
to fifteen years. In the 1970s and 1980s, when many of today's new
parents were growing up, laws and industry practices provided some
level of protection and privacy for children from the focus of
marketing campaigns. Now, however, the gloves are off, and marketing
firms shamelessly push everything from junk food to beer, cigarettes,
cosmetics, and cars to `tweens, children between the ages of 6 and 12.
Come and learn what we can do to reclaim childhood for our children
and grandchildren.

Learn more about St. John's Special Education Advocacy program. An
informational session will be held on Monday, April 26, at Small Steps
Nurturing Center (2902 Jenson Drive), 10 – 11:30 am. Contact Suzette
Harrel for more information, suzharrel@comcast.net.

Please deliver all Beacon articles for the upcoming April/May issue by
email, office.sjpc@gmail.com, or deliver to Room 208 or the church
office. The last chance to be part of this issue is April 18, Noon.

During the month of March, Braes Interfaith Ministries served 1086
clients (462 children and 624 adults), 13 of whom were homeless. St.
John's is a major contributor of volunteers and money to BIM.

Join an usher team! Teams are forming now for June, July, August and
September. Sign up for 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th Sunday teams. You work
with the same team on the same Sunday of each month, four times only!
It's a great way to provide hospitality and service to the
congregation. See Jeanne Leach or William Ator.

I enjoyed being at Camp Cho-Yeh for the annual clergy retreat this
week and look forward to seeing you in worship this Sunday!!

Peace of Christ be with you,

Pastor Jon

--
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

Subscription settings: http://groups.google.com/group/st-johns-presbyterian-church/subscribe?hl=en

St. John's Epistle for April 15, 2010

March 2010 BIM Statistics & Status Report

During the month of March Braes Interfaith Ministries served 1086 clients (462 children and 624 adults), 13 of whom were homeless.

March 2010 BIM Statistics & Status Report

Presbyterian Women’s Program

Presbyterian Women's Program
— Tuesday, April 20, 9:30 am

Please join us as we welcome Maria Trujillo. Maria is the director of the Houston Rescue and Restore Coalition. HRRC is a dedicated coalition of Houston-area non-profits, faith-based organizations, government agencies/entities and others whose mission is to confront modern-day slavery by educating the public, training professionals and empowering the community to take action.

Human trafficking is a modern-day form of slavery. Victims of human trafficking are subjected to force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of sexual exploitation and/or forced labor. Victims are young children, teenagers, men and women, US citizens and foreign immigrants. Houston is a hub for human trafficking, and tackling this huge
problem requires a collaborative effort and the awareness of the public to look beyond the surface and uncover the many unseen victims.

All are invited to attend this informative talk and the luncheon which follows.

Presbyterian Women’s Program

Solar Training — May 13 - 16

Solar Under the Sun (SUTS), a Synod of the Sun mission, is working in partnership with the Synod of Living Waters to augment the Living Water for the World (LLW) program to rebuild all destroyed clean water systems. It is estimated that up to 50% of the water treatment systems installed by LLW were destroyed by the earthquake in Haiti. As part of this effort, and due to lack of any reliable energy infrastructure for the foreseeable future, all clean water systems will be converted to solar power.
Toward accomplishing these goals, SUTS will host its first Solar School at Ferncliff Camp and Conference Center outside of Little Rock, Arkansas, May 13-16. For more information please talk to John Freeman or visit the web site, http//www.solarunderthesun.org.

Solar Training — May 13 - 16

Ushers Needed

Join an usher team! Teams are forming now for June, July, August and September. Sign up for 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th Sunday teams. You work with the same team on the same Sunday of each month, four times only! It’s a great way to provide hospitality and service to the congregation. See Jeanne Leach or William Ator.

Ushers Needed

This Week at St. John’s - April 11-18

Sunday, April 11 - Staff Appreciation
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
11:45 am Fellowship Committee Meeting
11:45 am Staff Appreciation Reception, McPhail Hall
1:00 – 4:00 pm Girl Scouts, Building 2
5:00 pm Centering Prayer
5:00 pm PYF

Monday, April 12
5:00 pm Hour of Prayer, Rm. 207
6:30 pm “Walking Together”
7:00 pm Bell Choir
7:00 - 8:30 pm Venture Scout Crew 688
7:00 pm Evangelism Ministry Committee Meeting

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

Wednesday, April 14
6:00 pm Wonder Team Sandwich Making
7:00 pm Admin/Personnel and Property Committee Meetings
7:30 pm Christian Education and Finance/Stewardship Committee Meetings

Thursday, April 15
9:00 am – 12:30 pm Community Bible Study
6:30 pm “Stay Young, Stay Strong”
7:30 pm Chancel Choir

Friday, April 16
6:00 – 10:00 pm Trafton Academy, McPhail Hall

Saturday, April 17
8:00 am Women’s Bible Small Group
8:00 am – 12:00 pm Overflow parking for Westbury White Elephant Sale
9:00 am Daisy Girl Scout, Troop 21174

Sunday, April 18 Beacon Deadline
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
11:45 am Young Adults Organizational Meeting, Room 205
5:00 pm PYF
5:00 pm Centering Prayer
5:30 pm Sunday Evening Speaker Series: Is Your Child Being Commercialized?

This Week at St. John’s - April 11-18

St. John's Weekly Reminders, April 11

Staff Appreciation Reception: All are invited to McPhail Hall today after the service as St. John’s celebrates its staff. Come and enjoy the food and fellowship.

April Recycling News: If St. John’s can recycle 11 tons of paper this month, we will double our monthly earnings for April! Please bring your newspaper/inserts, catalogs, office paper, school paper, and folders to one of our five bins. Please do not bring cardboard!

Wonder Team Sandwich Makers, Wednesday April 14, 6 pm: Be part of the war against hunger by joining St. John’s Wonder Team Sandwich Makers in McPhail Hall. In less than 45 minutes you can make a difference for a child.

April Beacon Newsletter: Please deliver all Beacon articles for the upcoming April/May issue by email, office.sjpc@gmail.com, or deliver to Room 208 or the church office. The last chance to be part of this issue is April 18, Noon.
Presbyterian Women’s Program, Tuesday, April 20, 9:30 am: Please come to hear Maria Trujillo, director of Houston Rescue and Restore Coalition, an organization dedicated to confronting modern-day slavery. Plan to stay for lunch.

Special Education Advocacy Informational Session: Learn more about St. John’s Special Education Advocacy program. An informational session will be held on Monday, April 26, at Small Steps Nurturing Center (2902 Jenson Drive), 10 – 11:30 am. Contact Suzette Harrel for more information, suzharrel@comcast.net.

On Going Spanish/English Conversation Opportunity: Every Thursday, 1 – 2 pm, come to Small Steps Nuturing Center (2902 Jensen Drive) to learn some Spanish while helping others learn English. Contact Suzette Harrel for information.

St. John's Weekly Reminders, April 11

St. John's Epistle for April 8, 2010

Dear church members and friends of St. John's,

We had a memorable Holy Week at St. John's last week and it culminated
in the Easter Sunday worship service. The Maundy Thursday is always
one of my favorites with the somber tone and the dimming of the lights
and stripping of the church. I also enjoyed the Good Friday service at
Salem Lutheran and appreciate the dozen or so St. Johner's who
attended that ecumenical service.

Easter Sunday was a great day. We had 47 at the 7 am service and 172
at the 10:30 am service. The early service was ably led by our youth
and their leaders. A drizzling rain kept us inside in Fellowship Hall
for the service for the second consecutive year. Even so, the rain
could not dim the spirits of the young folks who led the service or
the Holy Spirit who met us there. The 10:30 am service was filled with
good music and a celebration of the Lord's Supper. As usual, there
were many children present. It is great to have so many children and
youth involved in the congregation. It gives those of us older members
a venue for our years of accumulated wisdom and adds a joyful note to
every occasion.

We now begin an Easter Season that is full of hope and new life. We
look forward with great anticipation to our upcoming Sunday Speaker
Series which will be held in Fellowship Hall at 5:30 pm on these days:
April 18: Is your child being commercialized? April 25: Is your child
more than a statistic? May 2 :Is the "environment" sharing your child?
A light dinner and refreshments will be served. Come and bring a
friend or two. These programs are open to the community and we hope to
have some people we've never met show up and thus be introduced to our
church family. Keep this in prayer and in mind as you consider whom
you may invite.

I've been thinking about human slavery this week. Professor Kevin
Bales says the average price to purchase a human being today around
the world is about $90. In the US, human slaves cost between $3,000 to
$5,000 but there are places in India or Nepal where human beings can
be acquired for $5 or $10. Please come hear Maria Trujillo, director
of Houston Rescue and Restore Coalition, an organization dedicated to
confronting modern-day slavery. You'll find her at the Presbyterian
Women's Program, Tuesday, April 20, 9:30 am. Plan to stay for the
luncheon.

Last night my wife and I spent a charming evening at the Caring Dinner
at Braeburn Country Club. Léonie Tchoconté was the honoree this year
and of course she had no clue she would be chosen which made it even
more dear to all. Léonie is an evangelist, missionary, nurse and a Joy
Dancer! Bless her!!

This Sunday our church staff will be recognized during worship and
honored with a small reception in Fellowship Hall after worship. Your
presence would be most welcome for these proceedings.

Next week I will be at Camp Cho-Yeh for the annual clergy retreat so I
will miss the committee meetings next week. However, I will not miss a
Sunday before or after it and I hope you won't either.

This Sunday I will be preaching about the disciple called Doubting
Thomas as described in John 20:19-31. I think doubt is central to a
growing faith. In a sense, doubt serves as the fertilizer of faith. My
experience has been whenever I have doubts about God or Jesus or the
Bible they may lead to a period of disorientation but I always come
out on the other end with a stronger, surer faith. So I have come to
see doubt as a necessary part of faith. I wonder how you experience or
understand doubt? How does Christ respond to our doubts? Our text for
this Sunday suggests Jesus meets us wherever we are in our faith
journey and invites us to come as close to him as we dare.

Peace of Christ be with you,
Pastor Jon

--
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

Subscription settings: http://groups.google.com/group/st-johns-presbyterian-church/subscribe?hl=en

St. John's Epistle for April 8, 2010

Sunday Speaker Series 5:30 pm

WHATEVER HAPPENED TO CHILDHOOD?

April 18: Is your child being commercialized?

April 25: Is your child more than a statistic?

May 2 :Is the “environment” sharing your child?


McPhail Hall, St. John's Presbyterian Church
Light dinner & refreshments will be served.

St. John's Weekly Reminder, April 4

Blood Drive Today, 8 am – 12:30 pm: Please take the time today
to learn if you can donate blood by visiting Building One. Come
and render a vital medical service that will help save lives. Make
a difference!

Pennies for Peace- April 4: Pennies (or any change) will be collected in the Narthex after the service today. The change helps build schools in Afghanistan and Pakistan that welcomes female students.

Circle, Tuesday, April 6: Circle 1, 9:30 am, Louise Cherry, chair,will meet at the church, Rita Rumelt, hostess and Circle 2, 9:30 am, Linda Dyson, chair, will meet at the church, shared hostesses. Night Circle, 7:30 pm, Kathleen Captain, chair, will meet at the church, Shelia Johnson, hostess.

April Recycling News: If St. John’s can recycle 11 tons of paper this month, we will double our monthly earnings! Please bring your newspaper/inserts, catalogs, office paper, school paper, and folders in one of our five bins. Please give no cardboard.

Presbyterian Women’s Program, Tuesday, April 20, 9:30 am: Please come hear Maria Trujillo, director of Houston Recue and Restore Coalition, an organization dedicated to confronting modern-day slavery. Plan to stay for the luncheon.

Special Education Advocacy Informational Session: Learn more about St. John’s Special Education Advocacy program. An informational session will be held on Monday, April 26, at Small Steps Nurturing Center (2902 Jenson Drive), 10 – 11:30 am. Contact Suzette Harrel for more information, suzharrel@comcast.net.

St. John's Weekly Reminder, April 4

This Week at St. John’s - April 4 -11

Sunday, April 4 – Easter
7:00 am Sunrise Service
8:00 am – 12:30 pm Blood Drive, Building One
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Servic
5:00 pm No Centering Prayer

Monday, April 5
Church Offices closed
5:00 pm Hour of Prayer, Rm. 207
6:30 pm “Walking Together”
7:00 pm Bell Choir
7:00 - 8:30 pm Venture Scout Crew 688
7:30 pm Outreach Ministry Committee Meeting

Tuesday, April 6
9:30 am Circles 1 and 2
12:00 pm Staff Meeting
6:30 pm “Stay Young Stay Strong”
7:00 pm Scout Troop 688
7:30 pm Evening Circle

Wednesday, April 7
6:30 pm Caring Dinner, Braeburn Country Club

Thursday, April 8
9:00 am – 12:30 pm Community Bible Study
6:00 pm Brownie Troop 21151
6:30 pm “Stay Young, Stay Strong”
7:30 pm Chancel Choir

Friday, April 9

Saturday, April 10
8:00 am Women’s Bible Small Group

Sunday, April 11 - Staff Appreciation Sunday
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
11:45 am Worship and Fellowship Committee Meetings
11:45 am Staff Appreciation Reception, McPhail Hall
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm Girl Scouts, Building Two, Room 209
5:00 pm PYF
5:00 pm Centering Prayer

This Week at St. John’s - April 4 -11

Easter Sunday Services

Sunrise Service, 7 am - A light breakfast will be served in McPhail Hall following the youth-led sunrise service.

Worship and Sacrament of the Lord's Supper at 10:30 am in the sanctuary - All baptized believers are welcome at the Lord's table.

Come and bring a friend as we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday!!

Easter Sunday Services

Good Friday Service

You are cordially invited to join your friends from St. John's at a Good Friday Tre Ore service at Salem Lutheran Church on Friday, April 2. Tre Ore is an ancient and moving liturgy of the Church which we have been observing with Salem Lutheran Church for many years. At 2:15 pm, Pastor Jon will present the Sixth Word: "It is finished" from John 19:30a. That portion of the service will take about 30 minutes and you are welcome to enter at 2:15 pm and leave at 2:45 pm.

Good Friday Service

St. John's The Epistle for Holy Week 2010

Dear church members and friends of St. John's,

Palm/Passion Sunday was a powerful service at the the beginning of
this Holy Week. The service went from the entrance of a couple of
dozen children and youth with palm branches and a joyful song by the
bell choir and a trumpeter to the reception of half a dozen young
confirmands to a somber and reflective anthem and the solemn
reproaches of the cross. It was a moving service and especially
hopeful to see all the children and youth who were present. If you
still think St. John's doesn't have many children or youth then you
haven't been paying attention. That may have been true several years
ago but no more. We are bustling with life and promise as we
anticipate Easter services this Sunday.

Hear is the remainder of our Holy Week schedule: April 1, Maundy
Thursday Service at 7 pm, April 2, Good Friday Tre Ore service at
Salem Lutheran, 2:15 pm, April 4, Easter sunrise service at 7 am and
worship with a celebration of the Lord's Supper at 10:30 am. Come and
bring friends and family!

Make plans to attend the Maundy Thursday service at 7 pm this week.
This is a unique service that includes the Lord's Supper, beautiful
music, and a dramatic dimming of the lights as the liturgist reads
from Psalm 22, "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?" All depart
in silence in anticipation of the dramatic events of Good Friday.

On April 2, join me at 2:15 pm for a Good Friday service at Salem
Lutheran Church across from the Kroger. My five minute homily will be
a reflection on Jesus saying from the cross, "It is finished." I think
Jesus thought what he had done was good. Even through the pain of the
cross. Even as the last drops of blood fell from his body and he took
his last breath, when Jesus said, "It is finished" he was thinking "It
is good." Of course, it was good to know the pain was ending as he
departed his physical body upon his death.

What is also good is the new possibilities Jesus had made available to
humanity through his sacrificial death on the cross. "It is finished"
means the groundwork has been laid for the new humanity. A door
between humanity and God that was shut has now been opened.

One Sunday morning, the pastor noticed little Alex standing in the
foyer of the church staring up at a large plaque. It was covered with
names and small American flags mounted on either side of it. The six-
year old had been staring at the plaque for some time, so the pastor
walked up, stood beside the little boy, and said quietly, 'Good
morning Alex.' 'Good morning Pastor,' he replied, still focused on the
plaque. 'Pastor, what is this?' The pastor said, 'Well son, it's a
memorial to all the young men and women who died in the service.'

Soberly, they just stood together, staring at the large plaque.
Finally, little Alex's voice, barely audible and trembling with fear
asked,

'Which service, the 7:00 or the 10:30?'

No one is likely to sleep through our lively Easter Sunday services!
On Easter Sunday we have two worship services. Our youth will lead a
joyful Easter service at 7 am in Fellowship Hall followed by a light
breakfast. Then we worship with the chancel choir in a celebration of
the Lord's Supper at 10:30 am. Come to either or both and bring a
friend or family member.

Peace of Christ be with you,
Pastor Jon

--
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 The Epistle for Holy Week 2010