St. John's Epistle for May 27, 2010

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

The Desserts with the Pastor continue this Tuesday from 7-8 pm at the
home of Mary and Bob Hughes and conclude on Wednesday from 2-3 pm at
the home of Hilda and Ed Garza. Attendance has been great (90 people
to date) and the enthusiasm and ideas generated bode well for our
future together.

The Pastor's Bible Class begins on the first Sunday in June at 9 am in
the church library. If we were meeting this Sunday, we would be
talking about how Dr. Craig Venter has used natural bacterium cells
from which all the DNA had been removed to create "the first creature
since the beginning of creatures that has no ancestor." What form of
life the cells develop into depends on how the scientists have
constructed the DNA.
 
While some critics maintain that Venter's group is playing God, others
reason that the scientists aren't quite creating in the sense that God
does. Still other religious groups see the research as simply the
progression of knowledge and of making good use of the intelligence
God has given us.

Does this development of life in a lab represent a boundary we should
not cross? Why or why not? Are there reasons for the church to resist
the continuation of such experiments? If so, what are they?

In Genesis 1:1 we read: "In the beginning when God created the heavens
and the earth ..." The Hebrew verb that is translated in this verse as
"created" is bara', which, in the Old Testament, is used only in
connection with God. In the Hebrew of the Old Testament, God can both
create and make, but humans can only make. In what ways is God's
creation of life different from what Venter's group has "created" in
the lab? What are the similarities?

During the month of April 2010 Braes Interfaith Ministries served 984
clients (409 children and 575 adults), 21 of whom were homeless. Pray
for our BIM volunteers of which we have many.

Stacy Vanderworth is graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in
Computer Science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). She will
be attending UT Austin in the Fall to pursue her Master's degree in
Computer Science.

BJ Ragan graduated Johnston Middle School and will attend High School
for the Performing Arts.

Christianna Johnson graduated Johnston Middle and will attend Carnegie
Vanguard High School.

Colete Johnson graduated Lovett Elementary and will attend Pershing
Middle School.

Kaelan McGuire graduated Kolter Elementary and will attend Johnson
Middle School.  

Jackson Burnham graduated Kolter Elementary and will attend Pin Oak
Middle School.

Congratulations to our graduates!! We are reporting our graduates as
you tell us about them so let the church office know if you have a
child, grandchild, or great-grandchild you would like mentioned here.

I hope you have a happy Memorial Day Weekend. The church office will
be closed this Monday in celebration of Memorial Day.

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 Epistle for May 27, 2010

April BIM Statistics& Status Report

During the month of April 2010 Braes Interfaith Ministries served 984 clients (409 children and 575 adults), 21 of whom were homeless.

April BIM Statistics& Status Report

Pastor’s Bible Class— June 6

The Pastor’s Bible Class begins on the first Sunday in June at 9 am in the church library. This is where current events encounters the Bible in a meaningful and interesting guided conversation.

The class is intended for adults who do not currently belong to a Sunday school class or whose class is not meeting this summer. Read “Jon’s Jots”(article following) for more information.

Pastor’s Bible Class— June 6

Jon's Jots - June Beacon

The Pastor’s Bible Class begins at 9 am in the church library on June 6. Each Thursday class members will receive an email with the topic for the week, which will come from a story in the news that week. The news story will be considered in light of some Bible passages that will also be listed in the email. If you don’t have email you can still participate — other arrangements will be made.

I will moderate the discussion which will be free flowing and interesting. Here are the ground-rules for the class, taken from Robert M. Price’s book The Reason Driven Life.

First Commandment
Thou shalt get to thy point as quickly and succinctly as possible.

Second Commandment
Thou shalt try to stay on topic at least for awhile.

Third Commandment
Thou shalt avoid politics like the plague!

Fourth Commandment
Thou shalt give heed unto the person talking. Neither shalt thou merely wait till they’re done so that thou mayest launch into thine own planned soliloquy.

Fifth Commandment
Thou shalt esteem individual persons above their opinions and beliefs. In this manner thou mayest abstain from personal enmity and avoid waxing wrathful.

Sixth Commandment
Thou shalt not fracture the group discussion into two or more. But thou shalt all have
one conversation going on until the informal aftermath of the main event.

Seventh Commandment
Thou shalt not grandstand.

Eighth Commandment
Thou shalt not aim to convert the group to thine own faith or opinion.

Ninth Commandment
Thou shalt make sure all present know that they are not expected to speak,
though their participation is most welcome.

Tenth Commandment
Thou shalt not interrupt thy brother or thy sister!

The class is intended for the adults in our church who do not currently belong to a Sunday school class or whose class is not meeting this summer. If you fit that profile, I hope to see you there. I can’t tell you what the topic will be because I won’t know until the Thursday before we meet.

The “Desserts with the Pastor” have been going well. We are getting to know one another better and enjoying food and fellowship. We are also sharing some very good ideas about how to help our church grow. Thank you to the hosts and participants. I have enjoyed the desserts we have already had and look forward to the forthcoming desserts. Let’s get together and grow together as Christ would have us to do. -Jon Burnham

Jon's Jots - June Beacon

Human Trafficking: Why We Should Care— Sunday, June 6 @ 5:30 pm

Using the curriculum The Thoughtful Christian-Faithful Living in a Complex World, we will begin to explore this serious issue for four sessions beginning on Sunday, June 6 at 5:30 pm.

It sounds like the plot of a crime drama or the scourge of a developing country, but experts say that human trafficking is a serious problem in the U.S., and American’s children are frequent pawns.

Human trafficking is modern-day slavery. It includes all aspects of forcing an individual to perform labor or other services. Traffickers use debt bondage, threats and physical violence to recruit or harbor individuals who are then forced to unlawfully and/or unwillingly perform labor. This labor can include sexual services, domestic labor, agricultural or field labor, mail order brides or factory work.

Come learn more and help shine a light on a growing problem that has been in the shadows in our country as well in countries around the world. We will also learn about efforts being made to combat this crime and things that each of us can do. Discussion leaders will be John & Phyllis Freeman.

Warning: Please know that this discussion will cover sensitive materials.

What does the Presbyterian Church say to us?

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. As Christians we have a biblical mandate both to establish justice and to care for the powerless.

Micah 6:8: He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but do justice, and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God?

Amos 2:6, 7: Speaks of God’s judgment on those who sell the righteous for silver and the needy for a pair of sandals.

Deuteronomy 10:17-18: For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who is not partial and takes no bribe, who executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and who loves the strangers, providing them food and clothing.

Human Trafficking: Why We Should Care— Sunday, June 6 @ 5:30 pm

Scholarship Application— Deadline June 6

The deadline for the Myrtis McPhail Scholarship Fund is approaching fast. All students must submit their application to the church office before Sunday, June 6. The intent for the scholarship is to be used for undergraduate study and/or a technical or trade school and shall be given to the recipient to be used at his/her discretion. — Curtis Brisch

Scholarship Application— Deadline June 6

Church Apartment Ministry Update

WE’RE MOVING! We have decided as our leases end, we will be moving our apartments to 7777 Greenbriar at S. Braeswood. Nob Hill has had a couple of changes in management since Mr. Farb died, and we feel the aging apartments are not being kept as well.

The first apartment will move June 30. We will be packing up the apartment the week before the movers move the furniture. If anyone would like to help with the packing up please contact me (713-729-3391) or Marie Kutz (713-723-5651). We are getting 5 two-bedroom apartments at The Greenbriar, located 5 minutes from the medical center. Each apartment has two bathrooms, washers and dryers and a shuttle to take the tenants to the hospital.

There is an office area in the front that has wireless internet, plus internet service around the pool area. We are asking and hoping for wood floors which will be much easier to clean. Even though we have to go up on our daily rates, we feel it will be about the same for the tenants with all the amenities provided.

Since we are getting two-bedroom apartments, we need two queen-sized headboards. We do not want the mattresses. We want to put new mattresses in the apartments to start afresh.

We have JonJustin Midkiff in one of our apartments. He was here last year waiting for his lung transplant, which never transpired because he caught the flu. He now has his new lungs and doing quite well. His parents are ecstatic and so are we.

We are still looking for people to help us in maintaining our apartments. Joyce Pavelka from Lutheran Helping Hands is coming to help us. They closed their apartments and she misses the ministry. The Lutherans gave us a donation when they dispersed their funds and we have always worked closely with them as they, too, were at Nob Hill.

Please remember all our tenants in your prayers. There are so many needs with these people coming from out of town.
— Sally Shaw

Church Apartment Ministry Update

Clerks Comments

Your Session met on April 28, 2010 with 15 of 16 members present.

The Clerk’s report showed that Jennifer Burnham, Jacob Ehrenstrom, Zarek Edwards-Lopez, Brittney Modlin, Wayne Patterson, Gabrielle Williams and Michael Rogers had completed their Confirmation Class and were received into the church by Affirmation of Faith. Pat Ragan, Jim Austin and Lynn Parsons Austin were also received by transfer of membership.

Jenny Glover reported on the Called Presbytery Meeting that approved the merger of Central & St. Philip Presbyterian Churches. The two congregations became one congregation when the churches officially united on May 20, 2010.

Jon Burnham reported he had officiated at the wedding of Toni Johnson and Mark Dagilis and the funeral of James McPhail.

There was a lively discussion about Desserts with the Pastor and brunches for the summer. Presbyterians do like to eat.

Bill Ehrenstrom was elected to serve as the second Commissioner to the May 8 Presbytery Meeting.
—Mary Herlitz, Clerk to Session

Clerks Comments

Stewardship

No, it’s not time for Stewardship Sunday. That is several months away. However, it is always time to think about Stewardship.

It is not just Stewardship of money, but also of our time and talents. We all get caught up in projects we don’t really have the time for nor the talents we need to do the best that can be done.

Time management is very important. Manage your time well. Decide what you can do in the time you have available — don’t try to do too many things at the same time.
Talent stewardship is also important. Decide what talents you have and put them to the best possible use.

Our time, talents and money come from and belong to God. Put them to the best use you can in His honor and in His work.

I just have to say it (you knew I would) — before you leave for summer travels please bring your pledges up to date also. Put this on your checklist of things to do.
— Curtis Brisch, Financial Secretary

Stewardship

“Whatever Happened to Childhood” CLIFF NOTES

Okay — so you played hooky and missed the “Whatever Happened to Childhood” Sunday night dinners. Not to worry. There will not be a quiz — but in case you want to catch up anyway, here is a short synopsis of what we heard:

Sunday, April 18 – Ann Wilson: Consuming Kids: The Commercialization of Childhood. Ann showed a DVD about how big corporations are trying to reach our kids with commercials. A few facts: there are more than 52 million kids under the age of 12; they have a purchasing influence of over $700 billion/year. Corporations target kids for cradle-to-grave brand loyalty. It’s all about what the product can do for you: Stuff can make you happy; you are what you have; what you buy is who you are; it’s all about “me”; life is about buying. What parents can do: Restrict the time w/commercialism; teach them about money, saving and how to be smart consumers; talk about advertising – how it works; get them out in nature; kids need time to be kids. “Our kids are getting older younger.”

Sunday, April 25 – Dr. Stephen Klineberg: The Houston Survey and Kids. Harris County is now a minority – majority county with Anglos making up only 36% of the population. The younger the age group the larger the percentage of minorities with Latinos making up 45% of the 18 to 29 age group but only 11% of the 60 to 93 age group. As a result, the HISD elementary schools are dominated by Latino children. Main conclusion: Houston, which bases its current success on a knowledge-based work force, can only continue to be a prosperous city if it finds a way to address the educational needs of these changing demographics.

Sunday, May 2 – Dr. Winifred Hamilton: Kids and the Environment. The main environmental issues she discussed include: lead from paint (children from Galveston have 4 – 5 times the national average blood lead levels.); toxic materials used in toys; air pollution including high ozone levels; second-hand smoke (correlated with bronchitis, pneumonia, wheezing and coughing, ear infections, asthma attacks, and sudden infant death syndrome); pesticides, rodenticides, and fertilizers; mercury (from eating contaminated fish – even while pregnant); and possibly extended exposure to cell phone radiation. What parents can do: I:nsure that your child has a safe, healthy environment.
-John Freeman

“Whatever Happened to Childhood” CLIFF NOTES

St. John’s Christian Education Committee has numerous fun and exciting events for all ages planned for this year’s Vacation Bible School.

Sunday, June 20 — Thursday, June 24 @ 6 pm

Light supper will be served at 5:45 pm in McPhail Hall.

Come learn together, come play together.

Experience+DiscoverGodEverywhere

St. John’s Breakfast and Work Day

Everyone is invited to the June 5th Saturday breakfast meeting in McPhail Hall beginning at 8 am. Eddie Russell of Cornelius Nursery will talk about how to take care of your outdoor plants during our hot Houston summers. He will also talk about moving your outdoor plants indoors and the care they need to survive the move.

Following St. John’s Breakfast on June 5 everyone is invited to a short work day. We will be finished by noon, when it gets hot. This will be a general clean- up removing trash from our campus. No heavy work is planned.

St. John’s Breakfast and Work Day

St. John's Weekly Reminders, May 23

Maynard D. Smith Award: Today is the last chance to nominate a fellow St. Johner for this special award. The form is in your bulletin.

May/June Beacon Newsletter: The church’s newsletter will be assembled on Tuesday, May 25, at 12 pm in Room 203. No experience is necessary.

Starting June 6, Pastor Jon’s Adult Bible Study: Together we will confront the news with scripture and meet at 9 am in the library. We will effectively apply the Bible to stories ripped from the headlines. The format will be open discussion.

Human Trafficking: MYTH: Human trafficking is the same as smuggling. FACT: Human trafficking is not smuggling. In smuggling, people consent to be transported across a border, typically for a fee. In human trafficking, people are recruited (usually by fraud), transported, held and forced to labor against their will. We will examine the scope and complexity of human trafficking using the curiculum The Thoughtful Christian – Faithful Living in a Complex World. The first of 4 sessions will be on Sunday, June 6, 5:30 – 6:30 pm.

Scholarship Application Deadline June 6: The Myrtis McPhail Scholarship fund provides a scholarship grant to an active St. John’s member who wishes to further an academic endeavor. Applications can be picked up in the church office.

Summer Brunches: St. John’s summer tradition begins on June 6 with Fellowship Committee serving brunch in McPhail Hall following worship. Everyone is invited to enjoy this wonderful time of fellowship.The Evangelism Ministry Committee will make the fellowship even easier by providing name tags for this special day. Come and say hello to everyone.

Volunteers Needed: If you are interested in helping provide a meal or help with cooking a meal for VBS, please contact Mary Gaber at mooeygoose@hotmail.co

St. John's Weekly Reminders, May 23

This Week at St. John’s, May 23 - 30

Sunday, May 23
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
11:45 am Haitian and Ugandan program, McPhall Hall, light refreshments
5:00 pm Centering Prayer
5:00 pm Presbyterian Youth Fellowship (PYF)
6:00 pm Dessert with the Pastor

Monday, May 24 – Saturday, May 29
7:30 – 9:30 pm Ghanaian Revival Meeting, McPhail Hall

Monday, May 24
6:30 pm “Walking Together”
7:00 pm Bell Choir
7:00 - 8:30 pm Venture Scout Crew 688

Tuesday, May 25
9:30 am Presbyterian Women’s Board Meeting & Activity Day
12:00 pm Staff Meeting
12:30 pm Beacon Assemblers
5:00 pm Hour of Prayer, Rm. 207
6:30 pm “Stay Young Stay Strong”
7:00 pm Scout Troop 688
7:00 pm Dessert with the Pastor

Wednesday, May 26
2:00 pm Dessert with the Pastor
6:00 pm “Wonder Team” Sandwich Makers, McPhail Hall
7:30 pm Session Meeting

Thursday, May 27
6:30 pm Stay Young, Stay Strong
7:30 pm Chancel Choir

Saturday, May 29
8:00 am Women’s Bible Small Group

Sunday, May 30
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
4:00 pm – 12:00 am private party, McPhail Hall

Monday May 31: The Church office will be closed in observance
of Memorial Day. St. John’s staff wishes everyone a safe and sunburn-
free holiday.

This Week at St. John’s, May 23 - 30

St. John's Epistle for May 20, 2010

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

After worship this Sunday, May 23 Kathie Hartzog and Léonie
Tchoconté will tell us about their recent mission trips. Kathie went
to the Lulwanda Children's Home in Uganda and Lèonie helped install a
clean water system at Institution Racine/Ecole Normale children's
school in Haiti. Refreshments will be served.

Congratulations and best wishes to Shirley Boyd who is retiring this
week from Kolter Elementary School.

Pray for Jennifer Durand's boyfriend's niece, a 24 year old young lady
named Luz Angela Flores, who has late stage cancer and is not expected
to live through the weekend.

Also, keep Bonnie Poole in prayer as she is not doing well and is
receiving treatment at Manor Care. Her daughter, Toni, is also having
health issues so pray for her healing as well.

The Desserts with the Pastor continue with the PYF this Sunday at 6 pm
in Fellowship Hall and again on Tuesday, May 25, from 7-8 pm at the
home of Mary Herlitz and on Wednesday afternoon, May 26, from 2-3 pm
at the home of Doris Jean and Shelby Strickland. We are having a good
time of fellowship and getting to know one another. We are also
generating some good energy and ideas for church growth. One good way
you can help the church to grow is to invite a friend, colleague, or
family member to a church event or to worship with us. Your personal
invitation will make the difference and is a key to our growth.

The Pastor's Bible Class begins on the first Sunday in June at 9 am in
the church library. This is where current events encounters the Bible
in a meaningful and interesting guided conversation. This is a class
for adults to come and listen, share opinions and concerns, and
appreciate how relevant the Bible is to the world of 2010.

Congratulations to our college graduates!

-Steven Leach graduates with a Masters of Divinity from Princeton
Seminary.
-Alvine Sangang graduates from Stephen F. Austin with a BA in
Economics.
-Nadine Sangang graduates from Stephen F. Austin with a Bachelors of
Business Administration in Finance and Management.
If you are aware of any other college graduates, please contact the
church office.

Please deliver all Beacon articles for the upcoming May/June issue by
email, office.sjpc@gmail.com, or deliver it to Pam in Room 208. The
last chance to be part of this issue is this Sunday, May 23, at 12
noon.

St. John's Summer Brunches begins on June 6 with Fellowship Committee
serving brunch in McPhail Hall following worship. Everyone is invited
to enjoy this time of fellowship. The Evangelism Ministry Committee
will make the fellowship even easier by providing name tags for this
special day.

The first of four sessions about Human Trafficking will be on Sunday,
June 6, 5:00 – 6:00 pm. Phyllis and John Freeman will be discussion
leaders. Millions of people – men, women and children - around the
world are victims of human trafficking. This modern day incarnation of
slavery deprives them of their freedom, income and right to live as
beloved children of God. The curriculum, The Thoughtful Christian-
Faithful Living in a Complex World, offers a glimpse at the scope and
complexity of human trafficking.

The Myrtis McPhail Scholarship fund provides a scholarship grant to an
active St. John's member who wishes to further an academic endeavor.
The grant can be used for undergraduate study and/or a technical or
trade school. Applications can be picked up in the church office.

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 Epistle for May 20, 2010

St. John's Weekly Reminder, May 16

Congratulations to our 2010 College Graduates:
-Steven Leach graduates with a Masters of Divinity from Princeton Seminary.
-Alvine Sangang graduates from Stephen F. Austin with a BA in Economics.
-Nadine Sangang graduates from Stephen F. Austin with a Bachelors of Business Administration in Finance and Management.
(If you are aware of any other college graduates, please contact the church office.)

May 23 Special Program, St. John’s and the Children of Uganda and Haiti: Please join Kathie Hartzog and Léonie Tchoconté after the worship service as they share the highlights of their recent mission trips to Uganda and Haiti.

May Beacon Newsletter: Please deliver all Beacon articles for the upcoming May/June issue by email, office.sjpc@gmail.com, or deliver to the church office or Room 208. The last chance to be part of this issue is May 23 at 12 noon.

Starting June 6, Pastor Jon’s Adult Bible Study: Together we will confront the news with scripture and meet at 9 am in the library. 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.

Human Trafficking: Millions of people – men, women and children - around the world are victims of human trafficking. This modern day incarnation of slavery deprives them of their freedom, income and right to live as beloved children of God. The curriculum, The Thoughtful Christian-Faithful Living in a Complex World, offers a glimpse at the scope and complexity of human trafficking. The first of four sessions will be on Sunday, June 6, 5:00 – 6:00 pm. Phyllis and John Freeman will be discussion leaders.

Scholarship Application Deadline June 6: The Myrtis McPhail Scholarship fund provides a scholarship grant to an active St. John’s member who wishes to further an academic endeavor. The grant can be used for undergraduate study and/or a technical or trade school. Applications can be picked up in the church office.

Summer Brunches: St. John’s summer tradition begins on June 6 with Fellowship Committee serving brunch in McPhail Hall following worship. Everyone is invited to enjoy this wonderful time of fellowship.The Evangelism Ministry Committee will make the fellowship even easier by providing name tags for this special day. Come and say hello to everyone.

St. John's Weekly Reminder, May 16

This Week at St. John's, May 16 -23

Sunday, May 16
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
11:45 am Worship and Fellowship Committee meetings
2:00 – 10:00 pm Fellowship Hall, private party
5:00 pm Centering Prayer
5:00 pm Presbyterian Youth Fellowship (PYF)

Monday, May 17
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, May 18
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
7:00 pm Dessert with the Pastor

Wednesday, May 19
2:00 pm Dessert with the Pastor
7:30 pm Christian Education and Finance Committee meetings

Thursday, May 20
6:00-7:30 pm Brownie Troop 21151
6:30 pm Stay Young, Stay Strong
7:00-10:00 pm Boy Scouts, McPhail Hall, Bill Ehrenstrom
7:30 pm Caring Committee meeting
7:30 pm Chancel Choir

Friday, May 21
6:00 pm Brownie Troop 21151 overnight

Saturday, May 22
8:00 am Women’s Bible Small Group
9:00 am Brownie Troop overnight will conclude

Sunday, May 23 – Beacon deadline
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
11:45 am Haitian and Ugandan program, McPhall Hall, light refreshments
12:00 pm Beacon deadline
5:00 pm Centering Prayer
5:00 pm Presbyterian Youth Fellowship (PYF)

This Week at St. John's, May 16 -23

St. John's Epistle for May 13, 2010

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

"Desserts with the Pastor" started this week. The first two desserts
were fun and the participants shared some great ideas about church
growth for St. John's. Your input will be given to the Session and we
may expect action on some of the ideas. We keep the length of the
desserts to one hour. Do come.

This Sunday we will celebrate our college graduates. Let the church
office know if you have a college graduate in your family you'd like
us to mention.

Sunday School and VBS teachers are invited to a "Teacher Appreciation
Gathering" on Saturday, May 22 at 6:30 pm at Libby Adams house, 5506
Cheena Drive. RSVP to Mary Sterner at the church office.

After worship on Sunday, May 23 Kathie Hartzog and Léonie Tchoconté
will tell us about their recent mission trips. Kathie went to the
Lulwanda Children's Home in Uganda and Lèonie helped install a clean
water system at Institution Racine/Ecole Normale children's school in
Haiti. Refreshments will be served.

The Pastor's Bible Class begins on the first Sunday in June at 9 am in
the church library. If we were meeting this Sunday, we would talk
about how last Sunday, Oakland A's pitcher Dallas Braden pitched a
perfect game against the visiting Tampa Bay Rays. The A's won the game
4-0. It was the 19th such game in Major League Baseball history, a
period of over 120 years and covering tens of thousands of games.

In baseball, if you get a hit four out of 10 trips to the plate,
you're considered a phenomenal success; if you do it over a career,
you're guaranteed a spot in the Baseball Hall of Fame -- even though
you failed at the plate 60 percent of the time. Is there a lesson here
for us? Would you agree that perfection is a process? How so? 

In the Pastor's Bible Class we will use Robert M. Price's ground-
rules for small group discussion from his book The Reason Driven Life.

First Commandment: Thou shalt get to thy point as quickly and
succinctly as possible.

Second Commandment: Thou shalt try to stay on topic at least for
awhile.

Third Commandment: Thou shalt avoid politics like the plague!

Fourth Commandment: Thou shalt give heed unto the person talking.
Neither shalt thou merely wait til they're done so that thou mayest
launch into thine own planned soliloquy.

Fifth Commandment: Thou shalt esteem individual persons above their
opinions and beliefs. In this manner thou mayest abstain from personal
enmity and avoid waxing wrathful.

Sixth Commandment: Thou shalt not fracture the group discussion into
two or more. But thou shalt all have one conversation going on until
the informal aftermath of the main event.

Seventh Commandment: Thou shalt not grandstand.

Eighth Commandment: Thou shalt not aim to convert the group to thine
own faith or opinion.

Ninth Commandment: Thou shalt make sure all present know that they are
not expected to speak, though their participation is most welcome.

Tenth Commandment; Thou shalt not interrupt thy brother or thy sister!

Let me know if this sounds like something you would be interested in.

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 Epistle for May 13, 2010

“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

Scholarship Application— Deadline June 6

The intent of the Myrtis McPhail Scholarship Fund is to provide a scholarship grant to an active St. John’s member who wishes to further an academic endeavor. The intent is for the scholarship grant to be used for undergraduate study and/or a technical or trade school and shall be given to the recipient to be used at his/her discretion.

To be eligible the applicants must submit a formal written request in which they outline their plans and goals. Please pick up the application form from the church office and submit your application before Sunday, June 6.
— Curtis Brisch

Scholarship Application— Deadline June 6

Vacation Bible School: June 20-24

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.

Vacation Bible School: June 20-24

Help Fight Hunger with a Click

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Locations and Times:

Tuesday, May 11, 7-8 pm: Virginia and Ken Krueger

Wednesday, May 12, 2-3 pm : Sally Shaw

Tuesday, May 18, 7-8 pm: Max and Sandy Kattner

Wednesday, May 19, 2-3 pm: Libby Adams

Tuesday, May 25, 7-9 pm: Mary Herlitz

Wednesday, May 26, 2-3 pm: Doris Jean and Shelby Strickland

Tuesday, June 1, 7-8 pm: Bob and Mary Hughes

Wednesday, June 2, 2-3 pm: Ed and Hilda Garza

St. John's Calendar, May 9 - 16

Sunday, May 9 – Mother’s Day
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
5:00 pm Centering Prayer

Monday, May 10
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, May 11
9:30 am Presbyterian Women’s Activity Day
12:00 pm Staff Meeting
6:00 – 10:00 pm Trafton Academy, McPhail Hall
6:30 pm “Stay Young Stay Strong”
7:00 pm Scout Troop 688
7:00 pm Dessert with the Pastor

Wednesday, May 12
2:00 pm Dessert with the Pastor
6:00 pm Wonder Team Sandwich Makers
7:00 pm A/P and Property Committee Meetings
7:30 pm Christian Education Meeting

Thursday, May 13
6:30 pm Stay Young, Stay Strong
7:30 pm Chancel Choir

Saturday, May 15
8:00 am Women’s Bible Small Group
9:00 am Daisy Girl Scout Troop 21174

Sunday, May 16
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
11:45 am Fellowship and Worship Committee Meetings
2:00 pm Private Party, McPhail Hall
5:00 pm Centering Prayer
5:00 pm Presbyterian Youth Fellowship (PYF)

St. John's Calendar, May 9 - 16

St. John's Weekly Reminders, May 9

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.

May 23 Special Program, St. John’s and the Children of Uganda and Haiti: Please join Kathie Hartzog and Léonie Tchoconté after the Worship service as they share the highlights of their recent mission trips to Uganda and Haiti. Come share their adventures and their love for the children. Light refreshments will be served.

Starting June 6, Pastor Jon’s Adult Bible Study: Together we will confront the news with scripture and meet at 9 am in the library. 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.

Human Trafficking: The curriculum The Thoughtful Christian – Faithful Living in a Complex World has a four session study that offers a glimpse at the scope and complexity of human trafficking. The first session will meet on Sunday, June 6,
5 – 6 pm. Phyllis and John Freeman will be discussion leaders.

Scholarship Application Deadline June 6: The Myrtis McPhail Scholarship fund provides a scholarship grant to an active St. John’s member who wishes to further an academic endeavor. The grant can be used for undergraduate study and/or a technical or trade school. Applications can be picked up in the church office.

Summer Brunches: St. John’s summer tradition begins on June 6 with Fellowship Committee serving brunch in McPhail Hall following worship. Everyone is invited to enjoy this wonderful time of fellowship.The Evangelism Ministry Committee will make the fellowship even easier by providing name tags for this special day. Come and say hello to everyone you see.

Blood Drive, Sunday, June 20: Please help make our summer blood drive a success while helping to save lives!

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

St. John's Weekly Reminders, May 9

St. John's Epistle for May 6, 2010

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

"Desserts with the Pastor" are starting next week!! I look forward to
meeting with all who attend. This is an opportunity to wonder together
what we may do to increase church growth - however you may define that
term. The desserts will last one hour and they will be a great
opportunity for us to get to know one another and other church members
better. We will also generate some ideas that the session may be able
to use in leading the church forward.

The Pastor's Bible Class begins on the first Sunday in June at 9 am in
the church library. This is where current events encounters the Bible
in a meaningful and interesting guided conversation. If we were
meeting this Sunday, we would be talking about the oil spill in the
Gulf and relate to some Bible passages that wonder whether we humans
are as in control of things as we like to think we are. Speaking of
the oil spill, keep Max Kattner and his colleagues in prayer as they
are working with the submersibles that are trying to stop the leaking.

Everyone is invited to the Brown Bag program at the Presbytery (1110
Lovett) at 12 noon to hear Dennis Mark, director of Redeeming
Ministries, speak. Call the church office if you would like to
carpool. So far, Phyllis and I plan to attend. Redeeming Ministries is
the Houston arm of the Not For Sale campaign. The Not For Sale
campaign has become one of the major organizations fighting human
trafficking around the world. Dennis will be discussing Houston's role
as a major hub for both international and domestic human trafficking
because the I-10 corridor is the main route used for human
trafficking, modern day slavery, in the U.S.

After worship on Sunday, May 23 Kathie Hartzog and Léonie Tchoconté
will tell us about their recent mission trips. Kathie went to the
Lulwanda Children's Home in Uganda and Lèonie helped install a clean
water system at Institution Racine/Ecole Normale children's school in
Haiti. Refreshments will be served.

Here are some highlights from our last Session meeting on April 29,
2010:

- The Session rejoiced and prayed for the ten new members received
during the last month.

- Jenny Glover reported on the Called Presbytery Meeting that approved
the merger of Central Presbyterian Church and St. Philip Presbyterian
Church. The united church will be called St. Philip Presbyterian
Church.

- All the Session members will be attending Desserts with the Pastor
and summer brunches are being planned.

- Brad Urquhart and Bill Ehrenstrom, with Phyllis Freeman as an
alternate will represent St. John's at the May 8 Presbytery Meeting.

- The Ghanaian Church will have a Revival in McPhail Hall each evening
during the week of May 24. They will also have a special service and
meal on June 6 after our worship service and brunch.

Last Sunday was a great service with beautiful music and a celebration
of the Lord's Supper. This Sunday we will celebrate Mother's Day.

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 Epistle for May 6, 2010

VBS 2010

St. John's

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

Vacation Bible School for all ages.

Become part of this fantastic
week by calling Mary Sterner to volunteer.

VBS 2010

“Not For Sale” - Wednesday, May 12

Everyone is invited to the Brown Bag program at the Presbytery (1110 Lovett) at 12 noon to hear Dennis Mark, director of Redeeming Ministries, speak.

Redeeming Ministries is the Houston arm of the Not For Sale campaign. The Not For Sale campaign has become one of the major organizations fighting human trafficking around the world. Dennis will be discussing Houston’s role as a major hub for both international and domestic human trafficking because the I-10 corridor is the main route used for human trafficking,modern day slavery, in the U.S.

“Not For Sale” - Wednesday, May 12

St. John’s & the Children of Uganda and Haiti

After worship on Sunday, May 23 Kathie Hartzog and Léonie Tchoconté will tell us about their recent mission trips. Kathie went to the Lulwanda Children’s Home in Uganda and Lèonie helped install a clean water system at Institution Racine/Ecole Normale children’s school in Haiti. Refreshments will be served.

St. John’s & the Children of Uganda and Haiti

May 11 - June 15

Your Invitations
are in the Mail

(Call the church office if you don't receive
one by the end of the first week of May)

This Week At St. John's - May 2 -9

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

Monday, May 3
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, May 4
9:30 am Presbyterian Women’s Circles 1 and 2
11:30 am Special Education Advocacy Ministry, Brown Bag Lunch
12:00 pm Staff Meeting
6:30 pm “Stay Young Stay Strong”
7:00 pm Scout Troop 688
7:30 pm Evening Circle

Wednesday, May 5
7:30 pm St. John’s Book Group

Thursday, May 6
6:00 Brownie Troop, 21151
6:30 pm Stay Young, Stay Strong
7:30 pm Chancel Choir

Saturday, May 8
8:00 am Women’s Bible Small Group
8:00 am St. John’s Breakfast
9:00 am Presbytery Meeting, Northwoods Presbyterian Church
9:30 am PYF Work Meeting

Sunday, May 9 Mother’s Day
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
5:00 pm Centering Prayer

This Week At St. John's - May 2 -9

St. John's Weekly Reminders - May 2

We welcome into membership Jim Austin, Lynne Parsons Austin, and Michael Rodgers, who joined St. John’s on April 25, 2010. Jim transferred from All Saints Episcopal, Houston, and Lynne from First Presbyterian Church, Houston, and Michael completed Jon’s confirmation class.

Circles, Tuesday May 4: Circle 1, 9:30 am, Louise Cherry, Chair, will meet at the church, Charlotte Stafford and Vera Newell hostesses and Circle 2, 9:30 am, Linda Dyson, chair, will meet at church, shared hostesses. Night Circle, 7:30 pm, Kathleen Captain, chair, will meet at Vivian Ivy’s, 5830 Cartagena.

Starting June 6: Pastor Jon’s Adult Bible Study will confront the news with scripture and meet at 9 am in the Library. 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.

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.

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.

Session News:
- The Session rejoiced and prayed for the ten new members received during the last month.
- Jenny Glover reported on the Called Presbytery Meeting that approved the merger of Central Presbyterian Church and St. Philip Presbyterian Church. The united church will be called St. Philip Presbyterian Church.
- All the Session members will be attending Desserts with the Pastor and summer
brunches are being planned.
- Brad Urquhart and Bill Ehrenstrom, with Phyllis Freeman as an alternate will represent St. John’s at the May 8 Presbytery Meeting.
- The Ghanaian Church will have a Revival in McPhail Hall each evening during the week of May 24. They will also have a special service and meal on June 6 after our worship service and brunch.

St. John's Weekly Reminders - May 2