Thursday, August 26, 2010

St. John's Epistle for August 26, 2010

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

This week I will highlight some of the good things going on at St.
John's. In the midst of our celebrations we also bring to God our
concerns for Julia McKisic who is on the Hospice Floor at Southwest
Memorial Hospital. Also, remember Lois who is a patient at St.
Joseph's where she is recovering from surgery and preparing for chemo
and radiation treatments. George will begin chemotherapy next week as
well.

Our Christian sympathy is with the family of Frances Sloan who died
this week. Frances was a faithful wife, mother, and school teacher.
They traveled with her husband's job with Shell Oil and finally
settled in Houston. Frances had a mind of her own. Her house was
spotless. She was a good Presbyterian and was well loved by this
congregation. She was not afraid of death. Her memorial service will
consist of a private family service in Colorado.

Last Sunday we had another great musical service with Allen and Josh
Barnhill and their colleagues playing brass on anthems and hymns. We
appreciate them. The choir concluded our summer brunch series with a
wonderfully prepared and delivered lunch.

This Sunday promises to be an exciting one as we celebrate Rally Day
and a Blessing of the Backpacks. Gather at 9 am for a pancake
breakfast and fellowship in Fellowship Hall. The worship service at
10:30 am will also be in Fellowship Hall.

The backpack blessing is a prayer for blessings on all students and
teachers as they begin a new school years. All students and teachers
of all ages are invited to bring their backpacks or briefcases to
worship in McPhail Hall as we celebrate the beginning of the school
and fall Sunday school programs. Take advantage of this opportunity to
invite friends this Sunday.

Lydia Schneider and Kay Greer are buying uniforms for students at
Shearn Elementary. The uniform requirements for Shearn students are
red polo shirts and khaki pants for both girls and boys. If your child/
grandchild/ niece/nephew, etc., has outgrown khaki pants/skirts or red
polo shirts and would like to pass them on to a Shearn elementary
student, please contact Lydia or Kay.

Our presbytery offers an excellent training opportunity called FOCUS.
This year it will be hosted by the First Presbyterian Church, 4647
Preston Avenue, in Pasadena. FOCUS gives you a choice of 25 workshops,
a bookstore and a delicious lunch (included in the $30 registration).
Course descriptions can be found by going to the Presbytery website at
www.pbyobnewcovenant.org and clicking FOCUS on the homepage. A copy of
the FOCUS handout is also available in the office. St. John's
Christian Education committee will pay all registration fees for
anyone who brings their application to the church office by September
1. If you are going to send in your registration form directly, you
may register online or mail your application before September 15.

St. John's office and campus will be closed on Monday, September 6, in
observance of Labor Day.

The carpet in Building II is being laid today and hopefully will be
finished by this Sunday. This enhancement to our facilities is a
proper expression of our faith in God and our hope for the future.

May the Lord continue to guide us as we glorify God by making
disciples and meeting human needs.

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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