Free 4th of July Concert

At 4:00 pm on July 4 the Chapelwood United Methodist Church Chancel Choir will present “Of Faith and Freedom” by Joseph Martin under the direction of Tom and Andrea Jaber here at St. John’s.

Free 4th of July Concert

This week at St. John’s, June 27 - July 4

Sunday, June 27
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
11:45 am Brunch served by Admin/Personnel Ministry Committee

Monday, June 28
6:30 pm “Walking Together”
7:00 pm Bells

Tuesday, June 29
9:30 am Presbyterian Women’s Activity Day
12:00 pm Staff Meeting
5:00 pm Hour of Prayer, Rm. 207
6:30 pm “Stay Young, Stay Strong”
7:00 pm Scout Troop 688

Wednesday, June 30
7:30 pm Session Meeting

Thursday, July 1
6:30 pm “Stay Young, Stay Strong”
7:30 pm NO Chancel Choir until further notice.
Practice at 10:00 am Sunday mornings.

Saturday, July 3
8:00 am Women’s Bible Small Group
4:00 – 8:00 pm Private party, McPhail Hall

Sunday, July 4
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
11:45 am Brunch served by Caring Committee
4:00 pm Chapelwood Methodist Musical Program, Sanctuary
Reception will follow.

This week at St. John’s, June 27 - July 4

Children’s Book Donations Needed

Recently, Jennifer Durand’s and Ernesto Rodriguez’ niece lost her valiant fight against colon cancer. To carry on Luz Angela’s memory and love of teaching, a reading corner for future teachers and their young students will be developed at the University of Houston-Downtown campus in Alief.

To help build the “Luz’ Reading Corner”, Jennifer is collecting new and ‘very gently used’ children's books, especially books about geography, social studies and science, although Jennifer is accepting any and all children's books.

A collection container for the books is located next to Vivian’s office. If interested, please write Luz Angela’s name and your name (the name of the donor) on the inside cover of the book.

With the new school year quickly approaching, the deadline for donating books is July 18th.

Children’s Book Donations Needed

VBS pics

27 children performed in the closing program. Thanks to all for a
great week!!

VBS pics

St. John's Epistle for June 24, 2010

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

Vacation Bible School has been great this week! There is good
attendance and a great spirit this year. It seems as if each night we
have gained momentum. Thanks to all the leaders from the chefs to the
teachers to the music and craft leaders and everyone else. Mary
Sterner did a good job creating a camp atmosphere in Fellowship Hall
in keeping with the theme of "Camp E.D.G.E. - Experience and Discover
God Everywhere." Tonight, Thursday, you are invited to the final
evening with dinner at 5:45 pm in Fellowship Hall and a closing
program presented by the children. All ages from 3 years old to adults
have enjoyed VBS.

Last night I led the VBS Adult Class in considering whether the 00's
have been the worst decade in history. As the decade of the '00s came
to an end with the close of 2009, commentators and news media declared
it an era memorable for tough problems -- in fact, difficult for
Americans in the way no decade before it has been. AOL's Sphere news
asks, "Was this the worst decade ever?"
 
Among the evidence cited for such claims are 9/11, the decade's two
stock market crashes, the recent financial wipeout and job losses,
America's wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, scandals, corruption,
increased political polarization, Hurricane Katrina, mass shootings,
school massacres, greater threats to homeland security from increased
terrorist activity, the anthrax letters and more.
 
And the majority of Americans agree. A recent NBC/Wall Street Journal
poll found that nearly six in 10 of those surveyed said the decade was
either "awful" or "not so good." Most of the rest rated it as "fair."
At the same time, three-quarters of those surveyed said that economic
prosperity declined and two-thirds agreed that America had lost moral
ground.
 
Of course, it is difficult for most people living in the midst of
time, to objectively compare their own age to previous ones, but when
examined statistically, there were more mass shootings and school
attacks in this country and more large-scale terrorist bombings
worldwide than in any previous decade.
 
Some observers, while agreeing that it has been a a difficult decade,
prefer to say only that it is the worst since the end of World War II.
During the discussion, I referred to the book "History Begins at
Sumer: Thirty-Nine Firsts in Recorded History" by Samuel Noah Kramer.
This is a collection of 39 essays on daily life taken almost
exclusively from information recorded on 4,000 year old cuneiform
tablets. There's an essay on a tablet where a father tries to convince
his son to study hard and become a scribe and another about how a
farmer should tend to his fields. There is a lot of concern expressed
about taxes and banter about beer. What is striking in this book is
how human life has not changed that much in the past 4,000 years. We
still have similar concerns as the ancient Sumerians.

A high school friend of mine recently lost her 3 year old grandson who
drowned in a river. How is it that parents and grandparents may go
from enjoying a frolicking swim in the river with their 3 year old on
a Saturday morning to attending the child's funeral service on a
Monday afternoon? How are we to live in a world of such uncertainties?
Psalm 77 was written for such times and we will explore its meaning in
the sermon this Sunday, called "A Path Through Mighty Waters."

Shelia Johnson and Frances Stanley are home after stays in the
hospital. My brother, Tim, is recovering from surgery yesterday and is
doing well. Thanks for prayers. Keep them coming.

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 June 24, 2010

St. John's Calendar, June 20 - 27

Sunday, June 20 Blood Drive
8:00 am-12:30 pm Blood Drive, Bldg. 2, Room 209
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
11:45 am Brunch served by Outreach Ministry Committee
4:30 pm Trafficking Class
5:45 pm Light supper served in McPhail Hall
6:00 pm Vacation Bible School

Monday, June 21
5:45 pm Light supper served in McPhail Hall
6:00 pm Vacation Bible School
7:00 pm Bells

Tuesday, June 22
9:30 am Presbyterian Women’s Activity Day
12:00 pm Staff Meeting
5:00 pm Hour of Prayer, Rm. 207
5:45 pm Light supper served in McPhail Hall
6:00 pm Vacation Bible School
6:30 pm “Stay Young, Stay Strong”
7:00 pm Scout Troop 688

Wednesday, June 23
5:00 pm “Wonder Team” Sandwich Makers
5:45 pm Light supper served in McPhail Hall
6:00 pm Vacation Bible School

Thursday, June 24
5:45 pm Light supper served in McPhail Hall
6:00 pm Vacation Bible School
7:30 pm NO Chancel Choir until further notice.
Practice at 10:00 am Sunday mornings.

Saturday, June 26
8:00 am-2:00 pm Presbyterian Children’s H&S, Rm. 205, C.Brown
8:00 am Women’s Bible Small Group

Sunday, June 27
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
11:45 am Brunch served by Admin/Personnel Ministry Committee

St. John's Calendar, June 20 - 27

St. John's Weekly Reminders, June 20

Summer Brunch Today: Everyone is invited to to McPhail Hall following worship. The Outreach Committee is in the kitchen. Everyone is welcome.

Human Trafficking Class: Everyone is invited to attend this ongoing class today at 4:30 pm. The class will explore ways globalization has effected trafficking and some responses created to protect women and children.

Church Offices Closed: The Church Office will be closed Monday, July 5. The church staff wishes everyone a safe and fun-filled Fourth of July.

Wonder Team Sandwich Makers, Wednesday June 23: Everyone is invited to McPhail Hall to help make sandwiches for Houston preschool children. Please remember to come one hour earlier at 5 pm.

Braes Interfaith Ministries is in dire need of toiletries – toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, deodorant, etc. Please bring to the church office.

Church Flower Calendar: Is the date Sunday, September 26, special for you? If so, you can celebrate this occasion by purchasing flowers for the Sanctuary. Call the church office to reserve the date, 713-723-6262.

Seamen’s Boxes: As you travel this summer, please remember to collect items for the Christmas Seamen’s boxes. Needed items include toothbrushes, toothpaste, large bars of soap, disposable razors, deodorant, shaving cream and lip balm.

St. John's Weekly Reminders, June 20

BIM Volunteer Appreciation Dinner

Mark your calendar for the annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner on
Thursday, July 29 at the Willow Meadows Baptist Church. Serving will
start at 6 pm. Please RSVP by calling Charlotte at 713-255-7034 or
email bimcharlotte at hotmail.com. The menu will consist of Sicilian
Chicken Breast, St. Joseph's Day Green Beans, Baked Potatoe Casserole,
Winter Salad, Tea and Coffee, and Desert,

BIM Volunteer Appreciation Dinner

Braes Interfaith Ministry update

For the month of May, 433 children and 563 adults were served food
thanks to the generous supper of participating churches.

Braes Interfaith Ministry update

St. John's Epistle for June 17, 2010

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

Vacation Bible School begins this Sunday at 6 pm in Fellowship
Hall, which will be converted into a camp site theme for Camp
E.D.G.E.: Experience and Discover God Everywhere. There are classes
for all ages 3 years old through adults. The adult classes will share
similar themes as the children's classes but on an adult level. Here
are the adult classes that you will not want to miss.

Sunday - Leadership in the Lurch: Kathleen Captain will lead a
discussion on how we share our faith.

Monday - Wise Worship: George Dobbin will challenge the
participants to consider the differences between the birth narratives
in Matthew and Luke.

Tuesday - Hospitality for the Helpless: Phyllis Freeman will
share about the tough issue of Human Trafficking.

Wednesday - The Suffering Servant - Jon Burnham will lead a
discussion that will argue that WE have been the suffering servants as
we have lived through the 00's - possibly the worst decade ever.

These adult classes begin at 6:30 pm in the Session Room after a
light dinner served at 6 pm in Fellowship Hall. Come one and all and
bring a friend to the Camp EDGE Vacation Bible School next week from
Sunday through Thursday evening beginning with a light dinner in
Fellowship Hall.

This Sunday we will honor Steven Leach who recently graduated
from Princeton Theological Seminary. Steven is the third member of St.
John's to have graduated from a Presbyterian seminary. He follows
David McPhail who graduated from Princeton Seminary in the 1970s and
Linda Herron who graduated from Austin Seminary several years ago and
now serves as pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Palestine, Texas.

We are sponsoring a Blood Drive this Sunday in Room 209 in
Building 2 which is the Office Building. As Paul said about money so
we say about the Blood Drive: "Give as you have made up your mind, not
reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."

Last Saturday a dozen of our youth enjoyed an afternoon at
Phyllis and John Freeman's house at Lake Conroe including tubing
behind John's ski boat and jumping off a giant trampoline into Lake
Conroe at the beach and grilled hamburgers for dinner. These adults
enjoyed the day: Mary Sterner, Dave Nelson, Aaron Jacobsen, and Jon
Burnham. And these are the youth who attended: Jackson Burnham,
Jennifer Burnham, Collette Johnson, Christiana Johnson, Brittany
Modlin, Wayne Patterson, Avery Krieger, Brendan Ehrenstrom, Jacob
Ehrenstrom, and Ava Jacobsen. The Freeman's daugther and three
grandchildren also enjoyed the day with our group. Thank you,
Freemans, for your hospitality.

Last Sunday Diane and James Ragan received the Maynard D. Smith
Award for Community Service. They both have spent many volunteer hours
in service to their children's schools and to Girl Scouts and Boy
Scouts including leading the God and Me series for the past five
years. Congratulations to James and Diane and keep up the good work!

We had a lively discussion in the Pastor's Class last Sunday at 9
am in the library and I expect another good one this Sunday . We will
talk this Sunday about a topic that has been on our hearts and minds
and in the headlines for some time now. I invite you to join us this
Sunday at 9 am in the library as we discuss the oil spill in the Gulf
of Mexico.

Sadly, the gush of oil from the ruptured pipe under the waters of
the Gulf of Mexico is a life-taking flow, and new estimates this week
put the output at an even higher volume than had been previously
stated. There are, of course, lessons to be learned from this
catastrophe, but because we are people of the Bible, we want to also
use this tragic event as a kind of reverse metaphor to highlight a
primary biblical theme -- that of the life-giving flow of the river of
God -- and to consider what that means for our lives. So that will be
the topic for the Pastor's Class in the library at 9 am this Sunday.
In the meantime, remember in prayer Max Kattner and his colleagues who
are working to stop the leak in the Gulf.

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 June 17, 2010

St. John's Weekly Reminder, June 13

Human Trafficking Class: Everyone is invited to attend this ongoing class, today, at 5:30 pm in the library.

Summer Brunch Today: Everyone is invited to to McPhail Hall following worship. The Worship Committee is in the kitchen. Everyone is welcome.

Mustard Seed Project: Starting in June, 10 people are needed. Past participants and fresh faces are welcome to participate in the 2010 Mustard Seed Project! More details will come soon as well as a short meeting to get started. Please notify Shannon DeSouza at shannon.laine.desouza@gmail.com or 713-907-0152.

Are YOU Registered? Our Vacation Bible School begins in one week starting on Sunday, June 20 at 6 pm, with a light meal served in McPhail Hall at 5:45 pm. Don’t miss this fun and exciting event for all ages.

At 4 o’clock on the 4th: At 4:00 pm on July 4 the Chapelwood United Methodist Church Chancel Choir will present “Of Faith and Freedom” by Joseph Martin under the direction of Tom and Andrea Jaber here at St. John’s. Friends and family are
invited.

Braes Interfaith Ministries is in dire need of toiletries – toothpaste, toothbrushes,soap, deodorant, etc. Please bring to the church office.

Church Flower Calendar: Is the date Sunday, September 26, special for you? If so, you can celebrate this occasion by purchasing flowers for the Sanctuary. Call the church office to reserve the date, 713-723-6262.

Church Apartment News: St. John’s Church Apartment Ministry will begin moving to their new location, 7777 Greenbriar, beginning at the end of June. The first apartment will be packed up during the last week of June before the movers arrive on June 30. If you would like to help with the packing, please contact Sally Shaw (713-729-3391) or Marie Kutz (713-723-5651).

Seamen’s Boxes: As you travel this summer please remember to collect items for the Christmas Seamen’s boxes. Needed items include toothbrushes, toothpaste, large bars of soap, disposable razors, deodorant, shaving cream and lip balm.

St. John's Weekly Reminder, June 13

This week at St. John’s - June 13 -20

Sunday, June 13
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
11:45 am Brunch served by Worship Committee
11:45 am Fellowship Committee Meeting
5:30 pm Trafficking Class, library

Monday, June 14
6:30 pm Walking Together
7:00 pm Bells
7:00 pm Evangelism Ministry Committee Meeting

Tuesday, June 15
9:30 am Presbyterian Women’s Activity Day
12:00 pm Staff Meeting
5:00 pm Hour of Prayer, Rm. 207
6:30 pm “Stay Young, Stay Strong”
7:00 pm Scout Troop 688

Wednesday, June 16
7:30 pm Finance and Stewardship Committee Meeting

Thursday, June 17
6:30 pm Stay Young, Stay Strong
7:30 pm NO Chancel Choir ‘til further notice,
practice at 10:00 am Sunday mornings.
7:30 pm Caring Committee

Friday, June 18

Saturday, June 19
8:00 am Women’s Bible Small Group

Sunday, June 20 Vacation Bible School & Blood Drive
8:00 am – 12:30 pm Blood Drive, McPhail Hall
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
11:45 am Brunch served by Outreach Ministry Committee
6:00 pm Vacation Bible School

This week at St. John’s - June 13 -20

St. John's Epistle for June 10, 2010

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

You are invited to the Pastor's Bible Class in the Church Library this
Sunday at 9 a.m. Our first class last week went well. I invite you to
come join us in the church library at 9 am this Sunday if you are
able. Each week will be a "stand alone" lesson so you are welcome to
drop in and out as you are able and interested.

For this week's lesson, we are using the story of the miscall that
deprived Detroit Tigers pitcher Armando Galarraga of a perfect game.
Though, according to the current rules of baseball, the call could not
be reversed, the umpire apologized to Galarraga, and the pitcher
behaved graciously.
 
The story invites us to celebrate the times when people display grace
instead of resentment, deception or animosity. The graciousness of
both the umpire and the pitcher spoke more loudly than the perfect
game ever could have.
 
So, we are going to consider the matters of grace and forgiveness, two
important attitudes in our day-to-day interactions with others. What's
more, both are evident in God's attitude toward us.

St. John's Summer Brunches continue this Sunday in McPhail Hall
following worship. Come and bring a friend.

The second of four sessions about Human Trafficking will be this
Sunday from 5:30 – 6:30 pm in the church library. Phyllis and John
Freeman will lead us in a look at the scope and complexity of human
trafficking.

This Sunday we will award the 2010 Maynard D. Smith Award. This award
is given in honor of a former pastor of this church, Rev. Maynard D.
Smith, who served as pastor of St. John's Presbyterian Church from
1972 to 1986. The award is named after Maynard D. Smith in honor of
his community service in establishing The Metropolitan Organization in
Houston which supported underprivileged churches and underlying issues
in their community. This award recognizes outstanding service to the
community during the past year. Come to worship this Sunday and find
out who won the award this year.

There is a Blood Drive in the Scout Room 8 am – 12 noon on Sunday,
June 20.

St. John's Christian Education Committee has numerous fun and exciting
events for all ages planned for this year's Vacation Bible School from
Sunday, June 20 — Thursday, June 24. A light supper will be served at
5:45 pm in McPhail Hall. Come learn together, come play together.
Bring a friend!!

Remember our organist, Alina, in prayer. Her father recently died in
Poland. She has been there with her family. We look forward to her
return even as we lift her and her family in prayer.

At 4 pm on July 4 the Chapelwood United Methodist Church Chancel Choir
will present "Of Faith and Freedom" by Joseph Martin under the
direction of Tom and Andrea Jaber in the sanctuary here at St. John's.
Come hear an excellent live performance for free as we celebrate the
Fourth of July.

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 June 10, 2010

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 served at 5:45 pm in McPhail Hall.

Come learn together, come play together.

Blood Drive, June 20

Jesus needs us to help the sick, and giving blood is one way that a non-medical person can render a vital medical service. Anyone 17 years or older, who weighs at least 110 pounds, and is in good general health may donate.

Come to the Scout Room 8 am – 12 noon on Sunday, June 20, and learn if you are one of the lucky individuals who can donate blood. Please consider answering Jesus’ call to tend the sick and help keep the blood drives coming to St. John’s.

Blood Drive, June 20

4th Concert

At 4 o’clock on the 4th
At 4:00 pm on July 4 the Chapelwood United Methodist Church Chancel Choir will present “Of Faith and Freedom” by Joseph Martin under the direction of Tom and Andrea Jaber here at St. John’s.

4th Concert

St. John's Weekly Reminders, June 6

Summer Brunch Start Today: Everyone is invited to to McPhail Hall following worship. The Fellowship Committee is in the kitchen. Everyone is welcome.

Human Trafficking Class Meets Tonight: The Presbyterian Church has joined the U. S. and the U. N. in affirming that modern-day slavery is a violation of human rights. Congregations have been urged by PC(USA) General Assemblies to become informed about human trafficking, to advocate for the elimination of human trafficking, and to witness to the fullness of life that God desires for all people. Using the curriculum The Thoughtful Christian-Faithful Living in a Complex World, there will be four sessions examining the scope and complexity of human trafficking. The first session will be tonight, 5:30 – 6:30 pm.

Mustard Seed Project: Starting in June, 10 people are needed. Past participants and fresh faces are welcome to participate in the 2010 Mustard Seed Project! More details will come soon as well as a short meeting to get started. Please notify Shannon DeSouza at shannon.laine.desouza@gmail.com or 713-907-0152.

Are YOU Registered? Our Vacation Bible School begins in two weeks starting on Sunday, June 20 at 6 pm, with a light meal served in McPhail Hall at 5:45 pm. Don’t miss this fun and exciting event for all ages.

At 4 o’clock on the 4th: At 4:00 pm on July 4 the Chapelwood United Methodist Church Chancel Choir will present “Of Faith and Freedom” by Joseph Martin under the direction of Tom and Andrea Jaber here at St. John’s.

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.com.

Church Apartment News: St. John’s Church Apartment Ministry will begin moving to their new location, 7777 Greenbriar, beginning at the end of June. The first apartment will be packed up during the last week of June before the movers arrive on June 30. If you would like to help with the packing, please contact Sally Shaw (713-729-3391) or Marie Kutz (713-723-5651).

Seamen’s Boxes: As you travel this summer please remember to collect items for the Christmas Seamen’s boxes. Needed items include toothbrushes, toothpaste, large bars of soap, disposable razors, deodorant, shaving cream and lip balm.

St. John's Weekly Reminders, June 6

St. John's Calendar, June 6 - 13

Sunday, June 6
Graduation Sunday and Name Tag Sunday
Pennies for Peace Collected
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
11:45 am Brunch served by Fellowship Committee
5:30 pm Trafficking Class

Monday, June 7
6:30 pm Walking Together
7:00 pm Bells
7:00 - 8:30 pm Venture Scout Crew 688
7:30 pm Outreach Committee Meeting

Tuesday, June 8
9:30 am Presbyterian Women’s Activity Day
12:00 pm Staff Meeting
5:00 pm Hour of Prayer, Rm. 207
6:30 pm “Stay Young, Stay Strong”
7:00 pm Scout Troop 688
7:00 pm Admin/Personnel Committee Meeting -CANCELLED

Wednesday, June 9
6:00 pm Wonder Team Sandwich Makers, McPhail Hall
7:00 pm Property Committee Meeting
7:30 pm Christian Education Meeting

Thursday, June 10
6:30 pm Stay Young, Stay Strong
7:30 pm Chancel Choir

Friday, June 11
5:00 -9:00 pm Troop 740, Eagle Court of Honor, McPhail Hall

Saturday, June 12
8:00 am Women’s Bible Small Group
9:00 am Worship Committee and brunch preparation work meeting
11:00 am Presbyterian Youth Fellowship Trip

Sunday, June 13
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
11:45 am Fellowship Committee Meeting
11:45 am Brunch served by Worship Committee

St. John's Calendar, June 6 - 13

St. John's The Epistle for June 3, 2010

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

Thanks to these folks who painted the hallway in Building II (the
church office building) last Monday: Mary Hughes, Mary Herlitz, Esther
Bender, Pansy Meyer, Lois Stowell, and Brad Urquhart. Great job,
folks!! We are now taking bids for the floor in that hallway and also
for the sanctuary floor.

The Desserts with the Pastor concluded this week. They were a huge
success with participation by 112 people. We learned more about one
another and shared our ideas for church growth. Thanks again to all
the hosts and hostesses who showed hospitality by sharing their homes
with us.

The Pastor's Bible Class will begin this Sunday, June 6, at 9 am in
the church library. The class is for adults and all are welcome to
participate. Last Tuesday, less than a month after their 40th wedding
anniversary, former Vice President Al Gore and his wife Tipper
announced to friends and supporters through a joint e-mail message
that they were splitting up. What does it mean to say a couple or a
family is "functional"? What does it mean to say they are
"dysfunctional"? We will look at selected verses from these Scripture
texts, such as 1 Corinthians 16:5-9; Genesis 22:1-19; Genesis
29:21--30:24; Acts 5:1-11; and Matthew 19:3-9. Join me in the library
at 9 a.m. Sunday as we discuss these things.

This Saturday you are invited to the June 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. There will also be a crew painting the restrooms in
Building II. Call Mary Hughes if you'd like to help.

This Sunday we will celebrate our high school graduates: Nathaniel
Herbert and Katanga Muanza.

Here are some other graduates whom we celebrate with their families.

Chris Williams will graduate this month from the University of
Chicago.

Helen Roby's granddaughter, Lauran Kerr-Heraly, received her Doctorate
for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy with a Major in History and a
Minor in Women's Studies from the University of Houston.

Helen Roby's grandson-in-law, Joey Dean, graduated from seminary at
Southwest Theological College in Fort Worth and begins his new job in
Houston in June.

Hayley Hibbert, granddaughter of Doris Jean and Shelby Strickland
graduated from Baylor University with a Bachelor of Business
Administration degree, majoring in International Business and
Journalism. She will attend South Texas College of Law in the fall.

Congratulations to all! If you have a graduate you'd like to
recognize, let us know 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 The Epistle for June 3, 2010

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.

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

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”(page 3) for more information.

Pastor’s Bible Class— June 6

VBS 2010

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.

VBS 2010

St. John’s Breakfast and Work Day— Saturday, June 5

Everyone is invited to the June 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— Saturday, June 5

This Week at St. John’s, May 31-June 6

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

Monday, May 31 Church Offices Closed
7:00 - 8:30 pm Venture Scout Crew 688

Tuesday, June 1
9:30 am Presbyterian Women’s Activity Day
12:00 pm Staff Meeting
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
7:00-10:00 pm Court of Honor, Scout Room, J. Lopez

Wednesday, June 2
2:00 pm Dessert with the Pastor
7:00 pm St. John’s Book Group

Thursday, June 3
6:30 pm Stay Young, Stay Strong
7:30 pm Chancel Choir

Saturday, June 5
8:00 am Women’s Bible Small Group
8:00 am St. John’s Breakfast
9:15 am Work Day, general clean-up

Sunday, June 6 Name Tag Sunday – Graduation Sunday
Scholarship Forms Deadline
9:00 am Church School
Adult Classes: Pastor’s Bible Class (library),
and Life from the Up Side (Room 209)
10:30 am Worship Service
11:45 am Brunch
12:00 pm Ghanaian Service, Sanctuary
5:30 – 6:30 pm Trafficking Class

This Week at St. John’s, May 31-June 6

St. John's Weekly Reminder, May 30

Work Day, June 5: Everyone is invited to participate in a short work day (general clean-up of our campus) following the Saturday breakfast. Come at 8 am for breakfast and a guest speaker from Cornelius Nursery. You will be home by noon.

Human Trafficking: Congregations have been urged by PC(USA) General Assemblies to become informed about human trafficking and to witness to the fullness of life that God desires for all people. Come explore this issue on Sunday, June 6, 5:30 – 6:30 pm. Phyllis & John Freeman will be discussion leaders.

Pennies for Peace: Bring your pennies or any change on June 6 to help build schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan. They will be collected in the Narthex.

Mustard Seed Project: Starting in June, 10 people are needed, past participants and fresh faces are welcome, to participate in the 2010 Mustard Seed Project! More details will come soon as well as a short meeting to get started. Please notify Shannon DeSouza at shannon.laine.desouza@gmail.com or 713-907-0152.

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.com.

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

SESSION HIGHLIGHTS – May 26, 2010
…Approved inviting the Presbyterian Women’s Spring Gathering to St. John’s on
April 9, 2011.
…Approved the Outreach Committee’s request to use $500.00 from their budget for
Mustard Seed Project so that Presbytery will match the amount.
…The Building Two Hall will be getting a coat of paint very soon in preparation for new floor covering. Bids on flooring are being acquired.
…The Outreach Committee is working on our Day of Service Project plans.

St. John's Weekly Reminder, May 30