Thursday, December 30, 2010

St. John's Epistle for December 30, 2010

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


Lee fell and broke her hip and is now in Seven Acres for occupational therapy. Her grandson, Jonathan, is staying there with her each day to ensure she gets the treatment she needs. He says visitors are welcome from 1-4 pm. Lee's birthday is today and she will be 90 years old. Call the church office to get her room number if you'd like to visit her at Seven Acres.


Max had surgery Monday at St. Luke's and now is at home. The surgery went well and hopefully will provide some pain relief in his back.


Lelia remains in ICU at St. Luke's where she has been for some time. She anticipated a procedure that has been postponed until after the new year.


Speaking of which, Happy New Year to each of you! I hope this year will find you healthy and prospering physically, emotionally, spiritually and financially, and especially in your relationships with family and friends.


Thanks to Bob for posting a recording of Alina's impressive offertory from last Sunday. You may hear it online at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qx5zDhyYYI. We appreciate Alina sharing her musical gifts with our congregation.


All are invited to attend Sean's Court of Honor in Fellowship Hall, Thursday, December 30, at 7 pm.


The Christmas Eve Services were well attended and very fine this year. Our children and youth did a great job with the 6 pm service. The readings were uplifting and there was plenty of joyful laughter during the play having mostly to do with the two pink flamingo's. The brass band added a touch of class to the proceedings. Kudos to Mary and Dave and Aaron and all the participants. Immediately after the service there was a deluge of rain and the temperature dropped by double digits by the 11 pm service. That service was sacred with solos by Mark and piano by Alina and a guest Harpist. The readings were thoughtful and appropriate. We then had a good Sunday service on the day after Christmas. It was good to see Sue and her friend among the other guests at that service.


I get sentimental this time of year as I remember the year gone by and anticipate the start of the new year. Too often we mark the time of the days of our lives. We try to play it safe and fit in and go unnoticed. What if this year, 2011, we decided to be bold and decisive? I wonder what St. John's would look like if we agreed on a common vision for the church and took action and followed through on a strategy to realize our goals and dreams? These are questions for the new Session and each of us.


Mark Twain put my New Year's feelings succinctly when he wrote:


"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."


The good news for us is that we don't travel alone. Christmas reminds us that one of Christ's names is "Emmanuel," meaning "God is with us." God truly is with us as a comforter, guide and coach. Our best personal strategy will include some silent time with God so that the fruits of the Spirit such as love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, and self-control may take root in our hearts and bear fruit in our lives.


I appreciate the opportunity to walk this path with you into the new year. It is a privilege and honor to serve as your pastor. I don't take it for granted and I don't take it lightly. Even so, I find that laughter lightens the load. While I do take my work seriously I try not to take myself too seriously. That is not a bad place to start if you are in the market for a new year's resolution in these final days of 2010.


Peace,

Jon B.

--
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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Sunday, December 26, 2010

St. John's Weekly Calendar, December 26 - January 2

Sunday, December 26
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service

Monday, December 27
Church Offices closed
6:30 pm “Walking Together”

Tuesday, December 28
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, December 29

Thursday, December 30
6:30 pm “Stay Young, Stay Strong”
7:00 pm Sean Coughlen’s Court of Honor, McPhail Hall

Friday, December 31
Church Offices Closed
9:00 pm - 12:30 am Watch Night, Scout Room, Ghanaians

Saturday, January 1
New Year’s Day


Sunday, January 2
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Servic
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St. John's Weekly Reminder, December 26

Church Office Holiday Schedule: St. John’s church offices will be closed Friday, December 31, and Monday, January 3, for the Christmas holiday. The staff of St. John’s wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Sean Coughlen, Eagle Scout: Everyone is welcome to attend Sean’s Court of Honor in McPhail Hall, Thursday, December 30, at 7 pm.

Flower Calendar: Please sign your name on the Flower Calendar in the Narthex to
reserve your special Sunday for giving flowers in the Sanctuary in 2011.

St. John’s Breakfast, Saturday, January 8: Start the New Year with a wonderful breakfast at 8 am and stay to hear a speaker at 8:30 from Bayou Bend, “Miss Ima: The Great Texan and Collector.”

January BIM Month: January is St. John’s month to provide for the Braes Interfaith Ministries food pantry. Help by picking up an empty grocery bag on January 9 and returning a filled bag to the church any Sunday in January or place a check in the offering plate, writing BIM on the memo line. BIM can buy $27 worth of canned food from the Houston Food Bank for every dollar donated.

Mark your Calendars for January Upcoming Events:
Tuesday, January 4: Circles
Saturday, January 8: St. John’s Breakfast
Wednesday, January 12: “Wonder Team” Sandwich Makers
Sunday, January 16: Installation of Elders
Tuesday, January 18: Presbyterian Women’s Meeting and Luncheon
Saturday, January 22: All Committee Day
Wednesday, January 26: “Wonder Team” Sandwich Makers
Sunday, January 30: Congregational Meeting
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Thursday, December 23, 2010

St. John's The Epistle for December 23, 2010

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

I have a Christmas Carol on my lips today.

God rest ye merry, gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay
Remember, Christ, our Saviour
Was born on Christmas day
To save us all from Satan's power
When we were gone astray
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy.


Christmas Eve services will be held in this sanctuary at 6 pm and 11 pm this Friday on December 24. The 6 pm service will feature our children and youth and will include live brass and a skit by the youth. The 11 pm service will be a more reflective service featuring readings and carols and solos in this candlelight service. Come to one or both and bring family and friends. All are welcome. Studies show people are more likely to attend a Christmas Eve service than a Sunday morning service so invite your friends and neighbors to join us for these special services.


Thank you to all who have pledged for 2011! We have received 85 pledges for $343,460.


Congratulations to Rev. Steven Leach upon his ordination last Sunday at First Presbyterian Church in in San Antonio. His mother, Jeanne, offered words of thanks to the congregation as part of the commission for ordination. Steven's brothers and grandparents, Don and Thalia, and many other family members and friends joined in the celebration and received their first communion from Pastor Steven. We wish Rev. Leach well as he departs for Cape Town, South Africa next month to begin a ministry on the staff of a large congregation there.


Everyone is welcome to attend Sean's Court of Honor in McPhail Hall, Thursday, December 30, at 7 pm. We are proud of Sean for this achieving this significant milestone and also look forward to welcoming him onto the Session as the 2011 Youth Elder.


Now to the Lord sing praises,
All you within this place,
And with true love and brotherhood
Each other now embrace;
This holy tide of Christmas
All other doth deface.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy.


May tidings of comfort and joy support you and your family as we celebrate the birth of Christ our Savior. I am happy to have my parents here in Houston to celebrate Christmas with us. I wish you and your family all joy and God's blessings during this holy day weekend.


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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Monday, December 20, 2010

Join us for Prayer

Was one of your New Year’s resolutions to get closer to God?
St. John’s has three prayerful opportunties available every week:

The Hour of Prayer meets every Tuesday
night at 5 pm in Room 207.

The Women’s Bible Small Group meets on Saturday
mornings at 8 am in Room 205.

Centering Prayer meets in Pastor Jon’s office
Sunday afternoons from 5-6 pm.

Prayer—the original wireless connection!

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January is a Time to Focus on BIM

Each of the twelve member churches of Braes Interfaith Ministries (BIM) has a month in which it is designated to provide food for distribution from the food pantry.

January is St. John’s month to provide food for BIM.

You can help support this ministry by taking home an empty grocery bag on January 9 and return a filled bag to the church any Sunday in January. Cash donations are also appreciated. BIM can buy $27 worth of canned food from the Houston Food Bank for every dollar donated.

When was the last time you visited Braes Resale and Consignment Shop? (10319 S. Post Oak Rd @ West Bellfort)? Before shopping, remember to visit www.braesinterfaithministries.com to learn about the weekly sales and special promotions.
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Presbyterian Youth Fellowship January Calendar

January 9: 5-6:30 pm: Resolutions and Predictions—We will take a
look at New Year’s Resolutions, make a few Resolutions, and make
Crazy Predictions for the upcoming year!

January 22-23: Lock-in, details TBA.

January 30: 5-6:30 pm: Simpson’s Bible Study—We will watch and
review the Simpson’s episode “Missionary Impossible.”

All youth grades 6-12 are invited to join PYF on Sunday evenings from 5-6:30 pm. Dinner is served at 6 pm. For questions please contact Mary Sterner, mary2d@yahoo.com.
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Christmas/Epiphany Goats

Enough money was donated to the St. John’s Haiti Relief fund at the Holiday Gift Market to buy a male and female goat (a mating pair) for the Blanket Evangelical School at Blanket, Haiti. This is the school we supported after the earthquake and where a Living Waters for World water system installation is planned for early January with Léonie Tchoconté and Supris Cheazard participating. The goats will be purchased by Léonie and Surpris during their trip to Haiti in January – if it takes place on schedule.

There has been considerable civil unrest in Haiti. The unrest has led to a partial lockdown of the country with road blocks, and suspension of air travel following protests and rioting. We have lost email contact with our partners in Haiti, perhaps because people are afraid to venture out.

The good news is that, last we heard, our water systems have all been working and providing purified water.

Again – thanks to those at St. John’s who contributed to the LWW funds and the Haiti Relief Fund at the HGM for making possible Goats for Haiti and the beginning of our next water system installation.
— John Freeman and Léonie Tchoconté
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Church Apartment Ministry — Anchor Houses

Again the little old ladies have been busy. We shut down one apartment. We now have 6apartments. Interfaith Ministry was very helpful in picking up some of the furniture we weren’t interested in keeping.

Thanks to Women’s Association for providing cookies for our booth at the Holiday Gift Market, and thanks to the many people who made donations. We raised $1,004.66 for our only fundraiser for the ministry. Hopefully we will be able to provide wireless internet in our new apartments.

We have Presbyterian ministers in one of our apartments; Bruce Robinson and his wife, Deb, are from Haiti. Bruce has been there 27 years and Deb, 10 years. They are Community Developers. We are hoping to get them together with the Freemans and Léonie.

The holidays hit us hard this year. We were competing with all the other churches and Hospitality Houses for tenants. Usually the tenants that can be sent home leave and our list becomes very short. We always feel like we do have divine intervention in finding just the right tenant.

Some of our tenants are having a tough fight on their hands and need all our prayers.
— Sally Sha
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St. John's Calendar, December 19 - 26

Sunday, December 19 – Christmas Joy Offering
Fourth Sunday of Advent – Presbyterian Women’s Bake Sale

9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
5:00 pm Centering Prayer
5:00 pm Presbyterian Youth Fellowship

Monday, December 20

6:30 pm “Walking Together”
7:00 pm Bells

Tuesday, December 21
9:30 am Presbyterian Women’s Activity Day
10:00 am Bible Study leaders with Mary Sterner
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, December 22

Thursday, December 23
6:30 pm “Stay Young, Stay Strong”

Friday, December 24
Church Offices Closed
6:00 pm Family Christmas Eve Service
8:00-9:30 pm Scout Room, Ghanaians
11:00 pm Candlelight Christmas Eve Service

Saturday, December 25
Christmas Day
8:00 – 9:30 pm Carol’s Night, Scout Room, Ghanaians

Sunday, December 26
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
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St. John's Weekly Reminders

Bake Sale Today: Don’t miss this chance to buy special holiday desserts! The Presbyterian Women will be selling baked goods in McPhail Hall after Sunday School and after worship service. Better not be late!

PYF Today, 5-6 pm: Christmas Party/Christmas Eve Party. We will practice the Christmas Eve Family Service and have a PYF Christmas party! Bring a gift ($5 or less) to exchange. For questions about PYF, please call Mary Sterner, 713-723-6262, or email, mary2d@yahoo.com.

Steven Leach’s Ordination: Steven’s St. John’s family sends him prayers and good wishes at his upcoming ordination service. The service will be held today, December 19, 4 pm, at First Presbyterian Church (404 N. Alamo) in San Antonio.
Church Office Holiday Schedule: St. John’s church offices will be closed Friday, December 24, and Monday, December 27, for the Christmas holiday. The staff of St. John’s wishes you a merry Christmas!

Sean Coughlen, Eagle Scout: Everyone is welcome to attend Sean’s Court of Honor in McPhail Hall, Thursday, December 30, at 7 pm.
Flower Calendar: Please sign your name on the Flower Calendar in the Narthex to
reserve your special Sunday for giving flowers in the Sanctuary in 2011.

Session Highlights from the December 15, 2010 meeting*Thanked the elders who are rotating off the Session: George Dobbin, Jenny Glover, Jo Ann Golden, Dave Nelson, Kathy Roth and Brad Urquhart; and remembered with gratitude the service of Lois Stowell.
*Sustained the examination of these elders-elect who will be coming onto the Session in January: Libby Adams, Sean Coughlen, Kathie Hartzog, Tad Mulder, David Wintersgill. Oncoming elders Jennifer Durand and Evan Harrel will be examined later.
*Scheduled a “Draft Day” on January 9 after worship at which elders will go through the church rolls and determine who will be recruited on each committee for next year.
*Heard an update on plans for new carpet to be installed in the sanctuary in early January, 2011.
*Prayed for those in our congregation who are ill or in rehab and for those recovering from or facing surgery.
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Thursday, December 16, 2010

St. John's Epistle for December 16, 2010

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

We welcome these new members into the church: Syntia Aibyah and her sons Shawn (age 2) and Shane (age 2 months) and her fiancee Stephane Onana. Synthia (pronounced Cynthia) is a Respiratory Therapist and she is currently going to school to become a Physician's Assistant. Stephane is a Respiratory Therapist as well and he currently works at TIRR. He is also  pursuing a Master's degree in Health care Administration. Synthia was reared in a Presbyterian Church in Cameroon and Stephane was reared as a Roman Catholic in Cameroon. Both of them join by Reaffirmation of Faith and we are happy to welcome them into our congregation.

Steven Leach will be ordained at First Church in San Antonio this Sunday afternoon and will move to Cape Town, South Africa, in January to begin his ministry at St. Philips Presbyterian Church in Cape Town. Our thoughts and prayers are with Steve and his family this weekend for this great celebration.

The Christmas Joy Offering will be received this Sunday, December 19. Speaking of giving, to date we have received $340,676 from 84 pledge units and we are grateful to all who pledged. Pledge cards are available in the church office and you may speak to Curtis or me if you have questions about the pledge process.

We are pleased to welcome our confirmands last Sunday. Drake Ragan and Olivia Mulder were recognized on December 12 during worship and at a reception afterwards in McPhail Hall.
 Congratulations to Drake and Olivia and their families.

Parents and youth mark your calendars for the following events in 2011. The St. John's PYF will go to the Conclaves retreat on March 4-6, 2011. Also, the week of June 6-11, 2011 has been reserved for a mission trip through PRESGOV. Cost for the trip will be approximately $1100-1200 (~$525 for airfare and $95/day for expenses) – this includes all costs except spending money. Participants will be required to pay $300 up front to reserve a slot. After a question about minimum age for participants is answered, the call for participants will go out.


Bob says, "Here is another one - Advent bells, as recorded apparently by the choir microphone December 4. The drone is probably the air conditioner, maybe next time we can plan ahead and do better. It is online at  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQrk2h2iSAo and unlisted so you can only see/hear it with this link."

Christmas Eve services will be held in this sanctuary at 6 pm and 11 pm this Friday on December 24. The 6 pm service will feature our children and youth and the 11 pm service will be a more reflective service. Do come and bring family and friends. All are welcome. Studies show people are more likely to attend a Christmas Eve service than a Sunday morning service. So do invite your friends and neighbors to join us for these special services.

At their meeting on December 15, your Session:

*Thanked the elders who are rotating off the Session: George Dobbin, Jenny Glover, Jo Ann Golden, Dave Nelson, Kathy Roth, and Brad Urquhart; and remembered with gratitude the service of Lois Stowell.

*Sustained the examination of these elders-elect who will be coming onto the Session in January: Libby Adams, Sean Coughlen, Kathie Hartzog, Tad Mulder, David Wintersgill. Oncoming elders Jennifer Durand and Evan Harrel will be examined later.

*Scheduled a "Draft Day" on January 9 after worship at which elders will go through the church rolls and determine whom will be recruited on each committee for next year.

*Heard an update on plans for new carpet to be installed in the sanctuary in early January, 2011.

*Prayed for those in our congregation who are ill or in in rehab and for those recovering from or facing surgery.

Here is a link to the December Issue of the Beacon. http://www.christophergraphics.com/stjohns/beacon.pdf


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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Wednesday, December 15, 2010

November 2010 BIM Status Report

During the month of November BIM (Braes Interfaith Ministries) served 1228 clients (527 children and 701 adults), 14 of whom were homeless.
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January is a Time to Focus on BIM


Each of the twelve member churches of Braes Interfaith Ministries (BIM) has a month in which it is designated to provide food for distribution from the food pantry.

January is St. John’s month to provide food for BIM. You can help support this ministry by taking home an empty grocery bag on January 9 and return a filled bag to the church any Sunday in January. Cash donations are also appreciated. BIM can buy $27 worth of canned food from the Houston Food Bank for every dollar donated.
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Church Offices Closed

St. John’s Church offices will be closed Friday, December 24, and Monday, December 27, for the Christmas holiday. The offices will also be closed Friday, December 31, and Monday, January 3, for New Year’s. The staff of St. John’s wishes you the merriest Christmas and a New Year filled with hope, love and joy!
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Home Made Goodies!


Holiday Bake Sale*
Sunday,
December 19

McPhail Hall


Fill up your freezer with homemade goodies for the holidays before or after church.
*Sponsored by St. John’s Presbyterian Women

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Christmas Joy Offering - Sunday, Dec. 19

In this season when we celebrate the child born in Bethlehem, we also realize that the birth of Jesus ushered in a new realm of God’s love at work in the world. This love causes us to recognize the image of God imbedded in all humankind. Presbyterians can respond to that love at Christmas by giving generously to the Christmas Joy Offering. As we celebrate Jesus’ love in our lives this Christmas, our gifts bear joyful witness to the power of that boundless love that changes lives.

What Is the Christmas Joy Offering?
For more than 70 years, Presbyterians have given generously at Christmas to support the unmet needs of families who have devoted their lives to the mission of the PC(USA). Today this offering is shared equally by the Assistance Program of the Board of Pensions, which provides critical assistance to Presbyterian church workers and their families, and Presbyterian-affiliated racial ethnic schools and colleges, which enable students to develop their gifts and find their calling.
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New Beginnings

January is the time for the annual transition as one class of elders rotates off the Session and another class rotates on. Therefore we acknowledge with thanksgiving these elders who are rotating off the Session: George Dobbin, Jenny Glover (Youth Elder), JoAnn Golden, David Nelson, Kathy Roth, and Brad Urquhart. In addition to those who are rotating off the Session we lost elder, Lois Stowell, who entered into life eternal on December 2. All of these elders have served with integrity and distinction and we will miss their strong leadership.

As they depart, with great anticipation we welcome the following elders who will rotate onto the Session in January: Libby Adams, Sean Coughlen (Youth Elder), Jennifer Durand, Kathie Hartzog, Tad Mulder, and David Wintersgill. In addition, Evan Harrel will serve the remainder of Lois Stowell’s term on the Session through the end of 2012. Each of these leaders have been called by God and elected by the congregation to serve on the Session beginning in January. They will be installed during the worship service on Sunday, January 16, at 10:30 am in the sanctuary. We look forward to the energy and creativity they will bring to their work as leaders of St. John’s. Please keep them and the entire Session in your prayers as we begin our work together in the new year.
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Sunday, December 12, 2010

St. John's Calendar, December 12 - 19

Sunday, December 12 – Beacon deadline
Third Sunday of Advent
Confirmands join the church; reception follows

9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
11:45 pm Congregational Meeting
11:45 am Caring Committee Meeting
12:00 pm Finance/Stewardship Committee Meeting
5:00 pm Centering Prayer
5:00 pm Presbyterian Youth Fellowship

Monday, December 13
6:30 pm “Walking Together”
7:00 pm Bells
7:00 pm Evangelism Committee Meeting
7:00-9:00 pm Sherbrooke Square Town Homes Meeting, Room 205

Tuesday, December 14
9:30 am Presbyterian Women’s Program and Luncheon
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
7:30 pm St. John’s Book Group

Wednesday, December 15
12:00 pm Christmas Staff and Family Party
7:30 pm Session Meeting

Thursday, December 16
6:30 pm Stay Young, Stay Strong
7:30 pm Chancel Choir

Friday, December 17
Saturday, December 18

8:00 am Women’s Bible Small Group
8:00 – 9:30 pm Carol’s Night, Scout Room, Ghanaians

Sunday, December 19
Fourth Sunday of Advent

9:00 am Presbyterian Women’s Bake Sale
Christmas Joy offering
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
5:00 pm Presbyterian Youth Fellowship
5:00 pm Centering Prayer
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St. John's Weekly Reminder, December 12

The Session has called a congregational meeting today at the end of the worship service to hear and act on a report from the Nominating Committee.

PYF Sunday, December 12, 5-6 pm: Christmas quizzes. What is your Christmas I.Q.? We will find out! For questions about PYF, please call Mary Sterner, 713-723-6262, or email, mary2d@yahoo.com.

Beacon Newsletter Assemblers: The December 2010 and January 2011 will be assembled on Tuesday, November 14 at 12:30 pm in Room 203. All volunteers are welcome.

Presbyterian Women’s Program and Luncheon, Tuesday, December 14: Everyone is welcome to come and celebrate the season with a music program featuring Shirley Boyd. Lunch will be served after the program.

Attention Session Members: The December session meeting will be on the 3rd Wednesday, December 15.

St. John’s Book Group: St. John’s Book group begins a new book, Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes by Kenneth Baily. Everyone is welcome to join the discussion and learn about this book on Tuesday, December 14, at 7:30 pm.

Bake Sale, Sunday December 19: Don’t miss this chance to buy special holiday desserts! The Presbyterian Women will be selling baked goods in McPhail Hall before Sunday School and after worship service. Better not be late!

St. John’s Sock Trees: Two Christmas trees (one in the Narthex and one outside the church office) are in need of their holiday decorations – children’s socks!

Steven Leach’s Ordination: Steven’s St. John’s family sends him prayers and good wishes at his upcoming ordination service. The service will be held Sunday, December 19, 4 pm, at First Presbyterian Church (404 N. Alamo) in San Antonio.

Sean Coughlen will be recognized as an Eagle Scout at a Court of Honor to be held in McPhail Hall, Thursday, December 30 at 7 PM. Anyone interested in attending is welcome.
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Thursday, December 9, 2010

St. John's The Epistle for December 9, 2010

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


This Saturday you are invited to a Memorial Service for Lois Stowell this Saturday at 10 am in the sanctuary. We will miss Lois on the Session and in particular I appreciate the way she stepped up into the role of Clerk to Session last Fall for a few months. She will also be missed on the Worship Committee and in the Chancel Choir and Handbell Choir.

This Sunday, December 12, we will welcome two confirmands, Drake Ragan and Olivia Mulder, to approve Olivia's baptism, and to receive a new member, Cynthia Abiyah. They will then be recognized during worship this Sunday. There will also be a congregational meeting to hear and act on a report from the Nominating Committee.

Our prayers go out to other members of the Session, George and Mary in particular, as they continue to recover from recent surgery.

We continue to work toward enhancing our communication within the congregation and with the world at large. For those who may be interested, here are the names of various publications of the church.


"The Beacon" is our very fine church newsletter that is published once a month. Pam is the editor of The Beacon.


"The Flashlight" is the name of our church blog on which the church staff posts the latest updates about events and information related to St. John's. The Flashlight is a join venture of the church staff.  


"The Epistle" is the weekly email I send to the congregation. I am the editor of The Epistle.


Contact the church office if you want to use these resources to get out the Word.

Steven Leach, former member of St. John's, will be ordained Sun., Dec. 19, 4:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian in San Antonio. Steven was active on PYCC when he was in high school and under care of Mission Presbytery while attending Princeton Seminary. His family invites all of his St. John's friends to join them for the service and the celebration afterwards. Contact Jeanne Leach for information or call 713-527-9655.

Our latest tally on the Holiday Gift Market puts the total amount raised at $12,248.47. Thanks to the Phyllis Freeman and the Outreach Committee for their leadership of this terrific event and to each of you who contributed with your time, talent and money.


Mark your calendar for our Christmas Eve services at 6 pm and 11 pm on December 24. Think about whom you may invite to attend with you. People are more likely to attend a service on Christmas Eve than any other day than Easter so let's take advantage of this opportunity by inviting unchurched family, friends and colleagues to come to St. John's on Christmas Eve.


Advent is a busy time of year and it is certainly a lively season at the church. I trust the Holy Spirit is also active in your life. We will look for tidings of comfort and joy even as we bid a fond farewell to one of our dear ones this Saturday.


Advent is a busy time of year and it is certainly a lively season at the church. For instance, here is a video clip from last Sunday's Advent Family Festival that Bob took from his pin camera. I trust the Holy Spirit is also active in your life. We will look for tidings of comfort and joy even as we bid a fond farewell to one of our dear ones this Saturday.


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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Monday, December 6, 2010

St. John's Weekly Reminders - December 5

Advent Family and PYF Festival, Tonight, 5 pm: Members and friends of all ages are invited to celebrate Advent. Activities will include Advent wreaths, arts and crafts, decorated bags for Meals on Wheels, and a Christmas sing-a-long. Soup will be served for dinner.

Circles, Tuesday, December 7: Circle 1, 9:30 am Louise Cherry, Chair, will meet at the church at 8:45 am to go to Hilda Garza’s; 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, shared hostesses.

Calling St. John’s Sandwich Makers: St. John’s “Wonder Team” will meet on Wednesday, December 8 at 6 pm in McPhail Hall to make 300 sandwiches for local children. Volunteers are needed.

On December 12 during worship we will have a brief congregational meeting to hear recommendations from the Nominating Committee about vacancies on the session that need to be filled.

Beacon Newsletter: Please deliver all Beacon articles for the upcoming December 2010/January 2011 issue by email, office.sjpc@gmail.com or Room 208. The last chance to be part of this issue is Sunday, December 12, 12 noon.

St. John’s Book Group: St. John’s Book group begins a new book, Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes by Kenneth Baily. Everyone is welcome to join the discussion and learn about this book on Tuesday, December 14, at 7:30 pm.

St. John’s Sock Trees: Two Christmas trees (one in the Narthex and one outside the church office) are in need of their holiday decorations – children’s socks!

Steven Leach’s Ordination: Steven’s St. John’s family sends him prayers and good wishes at his upcoming ordination service. The service will be held Sunday, December 19, 4 pm, at First Presbyterian Church (404 N. Alamo) in San Antonio.

If you need a pledge card for 2011, cards can be found on the table in the Narthex.
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St. John's Calendar, December 5 - 12

Sunday, December 5, Second Sunday of Advent
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
11:45 am Fellowship Committee Meeting
12:00-4:00 pm Men’s Fellowship Launch, Ghanaians, Scout Room
1:00-5:00 pm Scouts, J. Lopez, Room 209
5:00 pm Advent Family Festival
Monday, December 6
6:30 pm “Walking Together”
7:00 pm Bells
7:30 pm Outreach Committee Meeting
Tuesday, December 7
9:30 am Presbyterian Women’s Circles 1 and 2
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
7:30-9:00 pm Officer Training, Room 205
7:30 pm Evening Circle
Wednesday, December 8
6:00 pm “Wonder Team” Sandwich Makers
7:30 pm Christian Education Committee Meeting
7:30 pm Admin/Personnel Committee Meeting
Thursday, December 9
8:00 am – 12:00 pm Community Bible Study
6:30 pm Stay Young, Stay Strong
7:30 pm Chancel Choir
Friday, December 10
Saturday, December 11

8:00 am Women’s Bible Small Group
Sunday, December 12, Third Sunday of Advent
Confirmands join the church; reception follows

9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
11:30 am Caring Committee Meeting
12:00 pm Finance/Stewardship Committee Meeting
12:00 pm Confirmands Reception, McPhail Hall
12:00 pm Beacon Newsletter Deadline
5:00 pm Presbyterian Youth Fellowship
5:00 pm Centering Prayer
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Friday, December 3, 2010

St. John's Christian Sympathy

Lois made the transition from this life to the life to come yesterday evening at Houston Hospice. She will be greatly missed by the Chancel Choir, Handbell Choir, the Session, and the entire congregation. Details of a St. John's Memorial Service for Lois will be forthcoming. In the meantime, I trust you will want to join me in showing prayerful support for her sister, Ellen.

"I called to the LORD, who is worthy of praise,
 and I have been saved from my enemies.
The cords of death entangled me;
  the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me.
The cords of the grave coiled around me;
  the snares of death confronted me." (Psalm 18:3-5, NIV)

In addition, our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Max K upon the death of his mother and with Mary St upon the recent death of her grandmother.

"So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption,
  and this mortal shall have put on immortality,
 then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written,
    Death is swallowed up in victory.

    O death, where is thy sting?
    O grave, where is thy victory?" (1 Corinthians 15:54-55, KJV)

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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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Thursday, December 2, 2010

St. John's The Epistle for December 2, 2010

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


Thank you for the 83 pledges we have received for 2011 totaling $337,076. Last year's total number of pledges was 90 and the total pledges received was $380,728. Pledge cards are available on the table in the foyer of the sanctuary (also known as the narthex) and in the church office. The number and amount of pledges we receive will help to determine our church budget for next year so we are truly grateful to all who have pledged.


Come and bring a friend to the Advent Family Festival this Sunday, December 4, at 5 pm in Fellowship Hall. Activities will include Advent wreaths, arts and crafts, decorating bags for Meals on Wheels, and a Christmas sing-a-long. Soup will be served for dinner. This event is for all ages and skill levels.


We received a "Thank You" from Small Steps for the hats we gave their students. We hope they enjoy them during these chilly winter days.

Information about this year's annual Youth Conclaves in Feb. and March, offered by the Presbyterian Youth Connection Council (PYCC) of the Presbytery of New Covenant and hosted at Camp Cho-Yeh, is now available online.

Here are photos of Sabrina's baptism last Sunday taken by Diane. It was great to have a large contingency of Sabrina's family on hand to celebrate this joyous event.

Here are some more photos of the Holiday Gift Market from Jana and Kay. We raised over $10,000 for missions at this fun event.

In our discussion in the Officer Training Class, some questions were raised about the new confession being considered by our denomination. If you'd like to know more about why we write confessions and why this one in particular, h
ere is a link to Union Presbyterian Seminary webinar about the newly written PC(USA) confession called the Belthar Confession. You will have to click on "Register" and follow the directions to "attend" the webinar next Tuesday, Dec 7, at 4:30 pm.

In addition, speaking of additions to our constitution,
here is a link to info about the Proposed New Form of Government that would replace our current Book of Order from New Covenant Presbytery's website. There is also info at that site about the Proposed Belthar Confession mentioned above.

Lois has been moved to Houston Hospice and is on the second floor if you would like to visit her there. Remember her and Ellen in prayer.

Parnell is receiving occupational therapy at T.I.R.R. Hospital in the Medical Center. He and Gloria would appreciate your continued prayers.

Mary Hz is receiving outpatient therapy at another T.I.R.R. Hospital. It was great to have her back as Clerk to Session and in worship on Sunday.

Frances is home recovering from broken ribs and Helen is recuperating from surgery at her daughter's house. George is also at home recovering from surgery. We remember them all in prayer.

This Saturday morning at 8 am the Breakfast club invites you to hear a surprise musical group — in costume! In addition, I will lead the group in a devotional and homily about Christmas. Invite your friends to our 8 am breakfast in Fellowship Hall and don't forget your camera.

You are invited to a Christmas Open House at Braes Resale and Consignment Shop (10319 S. Post Oak) on Saturday, December 4th from 10am-5pm. Come enjoy 50% Off All Clothing, Accessories and Orange Tag Items.

Mark your calendar for our Christmas Eve services at 6 pm and 11 pm on December 24. Think about whom you may invite to attend with you. People are more likely to attend a service on Christmas Eve than any other day than Easter so let's take advantage of this opportunity by inviting unchurched family, friends and colleagues to come to St. John's on Christmas Eve.

Peace of Christ be with you during this Advent season,

Pastor Jon

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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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