St. John's Epistle for March 31, 2011

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

This is a big weekend with the Final Four basketball tournament in Houston. We look forward to showing hospitality to many guests who will be in the city.

This is also a big weekend at St. John's as we welcome Houston Mayor Annise Parker. The mayor will talk about the the state of the city and answer questions from the audience this Saturday, April 2. Breakfast is served at 8:00 am and the mayor begins at 8:30 am. You may bring guests to this free event. Invite your friends and neighbors.

Allen Barnhill and his trombone students from the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University presented a free concert in our sanctuary last Tuesday evening. It was a well attended event with beautiful music. Our own Alina accompanied the trombonists. Thanks to Allen and Mark for making this happen.

During the Lenten season you are invited to partake in a contemplative Christian experience called "Stations of the Cross" that is provided by our Christian Education Committee in the sanctuary at certain times and days. Stations 1-10 are available in the sanctuary on Sunday, April 3, 4:30-6:30 pm ; Tuesday, April 5, 8-9:30 am; and Wednesday, April 6, 6-7:30 pm. Enter the sanctuary's narthex in silence and follow the directions posted for and at each different station or you may speak to Mary Sterner if you want the Stations of the Cross journal to use at home.

Three weeks from now on April 21 we mark Holy Week with a Maundy Thursday Service including a celebration of the Lord's Supper and a Tenebrae (dimming of the lights) Service. This is a tremendous opportunity to get in touch with the power of Holy Week. Then on Good Friday we will join with Salem Lutheran in their Tre Hour (Three Hour) Service at which several area pastors will participate including me as I will present a meditation on the last words of Christ on the cross, "Father, into your hands ..."

Let's remember the hungry during Lent. In February BIM (Braes Interfaith Ministries) food pantry served 650 clients (253 children and 407 adults). The food pantry was established 27 years ago. It is located at 4300 West Bellfort, and volunteers distribute food on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

April 1 (April Fools Day) is your last chance to sign up for April 9 PW Spring Gathering at St. John's. For $15 you will be treated to continental breakfast and lunch and may choose two of the following workshops: Ordinary Me…Extraordinary God…, A History of Gospel Music, Reading the Bible with Presbyterian Eyes, The Beatitudes, Living with Conflict in the Church, Something SMORE for Single Moms, Voices in the Book of Psalms, and What the Bible Says about the Holy Spirit. There will be a business meeting and worship service including communion. Registration forms are in the church office. Contact Elaine DeSouza if you have any questions.

The children's choir is practicing for 30 minutes in the Exercise Room (Room 209 in Building II) after each worship each Sunday during Lent. They will sing during the Palm Sunday Service. Shirley and Linda are leading the group and Kyra is helping direct the singing. This is for elementary aged children in Grades 1-5.

Let's remember in prayer this week Virginia after her surgery, Lee, Dick, Lelia, and Rosemary. Let's also remember Ruth and Sherman who are in good health and as they make their home at University Place. I will also keep you in prayer and ask you to do the same for me and for our congregation.

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 March 31, 2011

Trombone Concert Tonight at St. John's

Allen Barnhill and his trombone students from the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University will present a free concert Tuesday, March 29, at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary of St. John's Presbyterian Church. Everyone is invited to attend. Come and bring a friend.

Trombone Concert Tonight at St. John's

St. John’s Breakfast - Saturday April 2, 8 am

Houston Mayor Annise Parker will talk about the the state of the city and answer questions from the audience at the April 2 Breakfast meeting. Come and bring a friend

St. John’s Breakfast - Saturday April 2, 8 am

Click-to-Give

The war against hunger is truly mankind’s war of liberation. — John F. Kennedy

With just a simple click of a mouse you can feed the hungry. Add these sites to your favorites and visit them each day.

Free Rice (www.freerice.com): Answer vocabulary questions (different levels are available) and with every correct answer 10 grains of rice is donated to the United Nations World Food Program. This site was launched in October 2007. After your quiz take the time to explore this site learning about hunger and sign up for their e-mail newsletter.

Did you add Hunger Site (www.hungersite.com) to your favorites? Remember each click contributes 1½ cups of food which is distributed by Mercy Corps and Feeding America.
— St. John’s Outreach Ministries Committee

Click-to-Give

PYF Schedule April 2011

For questions about Presbyterian Youth Fellowship, please call, 713-723-6262, or email Mary Sterner, mary2d@yahoo.com

April 3: 5-6:30 pm: Journey through the Stations of the Cross-Stations 6-10; Join us as we continue the journey of Jesus’ final days followed by dinner and fellowship.

April 10: 5-6:30 pm: Journey through the Stations of the Cross-Stations 11-13; Join us as we continue the journey of Jesus’ final days followed by dinner and fellowship.
April 17: 11:45 am: Palm Sunday; join us for a potluck picnic, a Easter egg hunt and organized games!

April 24: No PYF! Easter Sunday!

PYF Schedule April 2011

February 2010 BIM Status Report

In February BIM (Braes Interfaith Ministries) food pantry served 650 clients (253 children and 407 adults). The food pantry was established 27 years ago. It is located at 4300 West Bellfort, and volunteers distribute food on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

February 2010 BIM Status Report

Presbyterian Women’s Spring Gathering

April 1 (April Fools Day) is your last chance to sign up for April 9 PW Spring Gathering at St. John’s. For $15 you will be treated to continental breakfast and lunch and may choose two of the following workshops: Ordinary Me…Extraordinary God…, A History of Gospel Music, Reading the Bible with Presbyterian Eyes, The Beatitudes, Living with Conflict in the Church, Something SMORE for Single Moms, Voices in the Book of Psalms, and What the Bible Says about the Holy Spirit. There will be a business meeting and worship service including communion. Registration forms are in the church office. C.ontact Elaine DeSouza if you have any questions.

Presbyterian Women’s Spring Gathering

St. John's Stations of the Cross

Stations 1-5

March 27, 4:30-6:30 pm

March 29, 8-9:30 am

March 30, 6-7:30 pm

Stations 1-10

April 3, 4:30-6:30 pm

April 5, 8-9:30 am

April 6, 6-7:30 pm

Stations 1-13

April 10, 4:30-6:30 pm

April 12, 8-9:30 am

April 13, 6-7:30 pm

April 17, 1-5 pm

St. John's Stations of the Cross

Easter Lilies

Purchase an Easter lily to beautify the sanctuary on Easter Sunday, then enjoy it at home after the service. Only a limited quantity of Easter lilies are available, so don’t delay! This year the Worship Committee is ordering lilies from the Brookwood Community. To purchase your lily sign up on the poster in the Narthex beginning on April 3, placing your check in the envelope on the bottom of the poster. Make it out to St. John’s with “lilies” written on the memo line. The lilies cost $10 each. You may also place your check in the offering plate Sunday mornings. You can pick up your plant after the service on Easter.

The Easter lily, also known by its Latin name Lilium longiflorum, has become the traditional Easter flower. According to Biblical scholars, the Easter lily was found growing in the Garden of Gethsemane, where Judas is said to have betrayed Jesus. Legend tells that white lilies miraculously sprang up from the ground where drops of Jesus’ sweat and tears fell during his last hours.

Easter Lilies

Tre-Ore Service - April 22

Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church (4930 West Bellfort) invites St. John’s congregation to a Tre Ore (Three-Hour) Service. The service, conducted during the traditional hours before Christ’s death, is in seven parts with guest preachers focusing on Jesus’ words from the cross. Pastor Jon will be one of the speakers.

The schedule:
NOON ) Introduction and "Father, forgive them..."
Pastor Kerry Nelson, Faith Lutheran Church

12:35 - "Today you will be with me..."
Pastor Karin Liebster, Christ the King Evangelical Lutheran Church

12:55 - "Woman, here is your son..."
Pastor Matthew Vandagriff, Willow Meadows Baptist Church

1:20 - "My God, My God..."
Pastor Romonica Malone-Wardley, Westbury United Methodist Church

1:50 - "I thirst."
Pastor Ray LeBlanc, Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod/ELCA

2:15 - "It is finished."
Mr. Steve Sandifer, Southwest Central Church of Christ

2:35 ) "Father into your hands..."
Pastor Jon Burnham, St. John’s Presbyterian Church

Tre-Ore Service - April 22

Trombone Concert

Allen Barnhill and his trombone students from the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University will present a free concert this Tuesday, March 29, at 7 pm in the sanctuary of St. John's Presbyterian Church. Come and bring a friend!

Trombone Concert

PYF, March 27, 5 – 6:30 pm: Journey through the Stations of the Cross. Dinner and discussion will follow. For questions about PYF, please call 713-723-6262 or email Mary Sterner, mary2d@yahoo.com

Concert: Allen Barnhill and his trombone students from the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University will present a free concert this Tuesday, March 29, at 7 pm in the sanctuary of St. John's Presbyterian Church. The Meyerland and Westbury communities and our congregation are invited to attend. Come and bring a friend!

St. John’s Breakfast, Saturday, April 2: 8:00 am breakfast will be served, and at 8:30 Houston Mayor Annise Parker will be our speaker. So that we have a good head count for the breakfast, please call Louise Cherry at 713-723-3187 or Linda Dobbin at 218-778-5348. Please add this event to your calendar!

March Holly Hall Church Drive for Operating Funds: Holly Hall, a Christian retirement community, depends on the generosity of others to help cover the cost of care for those residents who can no longer afford it. Please make your checks payable to Holly Hall Church Drive.

Session News March 23, 2011
- The Session was happy to receive Dan Herron back into the fellowship of St. John’s by letter of transfer from First Presbyterian Church of Palestine,
Texas.
- Session approved the report from the Outreach Committee that St. John’s remain a partner with the American Red Cross as a possible Red Cross Shelter for minor local disasters.
- Anyone interested in helping with one of the last Ike Recovery Work Weekends should talk to Phyllis Freeman.
- Session approved a request from the Worship Committee for a dedicated memorial gift fund for the purchase of a set of banners for the sanctuary in memory of Lois Stowell.

St. John's Calendar, March 27 - April 3

Sunday, March 27 - 3rd Sunday in Lent
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
11:30 am – 12:00 pm Children’s Choir
11:45 am Dedication of new floors, Building 2 and Sanctuary followed by a reception, McPhail Hall
4:30 – 6:30 pm Stations of the Cross, Stations 1-5
5:00 pm PYF, Presbyterian Youth Fellowship
5:00 pm Centering Prayer
Monday, March 28
6:30 pm “Walking Together”
7:00 pm Bell Choir
Tuesday, March 29
8:00-9:30 am Stations of the Cross, Stations 1-5
9:30 am Presbyterian Women’s Activity Day
10:30 am Holly Hall Book Review, St. Luke’s Methodist Church
12:00 pm Staff Meeting
5:00 pm Hour of Prayer, Rm. 207
6:30 pm “Stay Young, Stay Strong”
7:00 pm Concert in Sanctuary, Allen Barnhill and students
7:00 pm Scout Troop 688
Wednesday, March 30
6:00-7:30 pm Stations of the Cross, Station 1-5
7:30 pm Finance and Stewardship Committee
Thursday, March 31
8:00 am – 12:00 pm Community Bible Study
6:30 pm “Stay Young, Stay Strong”
7:00-9:00 pm Trafton Academy, McPhail Hall
7:30 pm Chancel Choir
Friday, April 1 Deadline for Ike Recovery Work Weekend
Saturday, April 2
8:00 am St. John’s Breakfast, Mayor Annise Parker, Speaker
8:00 am Women’s Bible Small Group
Sunday, April 3 - 4th Sunday in Lent
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
11:30 am – 12:00 pm Children’s Choir
4:30 pm – 6:30 pm Stations of the Cross, Stations 1-10
5:00 pm PYF, Presbyterian Youth Fellowship
5:00 pm Centering Prayer

St. John's Calendar, March 27 - April 3

St. John's Epistle for March 24, 2011

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

St. John's will donate $500 for Japan to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance through the discretionary fund of our Outreach Committee. We do this because mission means sending. Since it is impractical for us to go there we send money to support those who can and will go there. We know God is present in Japan because there is so much suffering there for the people to work through. God is not the cause of the earthquake but is a solace in the suffering. The missional church goes wherever God is already working and joins God in working there.

God is comforting those who are suffering in Japan and invites us to join God in relieving their suffering. That is a theological explanation - reflecting our understanding of who God is and how God works - of why we are sending money to Japan. This explains why we do things like send money to victims of an earthquake in Japan. Other people send money as well. The difference in us is the reason we are sending the money. We send it because God is at work there and we want to support God in the work. In Missional Renaissance, Reggie McNeal writes, "Our 'thereness' is what the world needs. It needs the church to be there, addressing every brokenness caused by sin, reflecting the heart of God to the world as partners in his redemptive mission." (p 25) Point your web browser here for ways you can help, give, and stay informed about the disaster in Japan: gamc.pcusa.org/ministries/pda/faq-japan-earthquake-and-tsunami/.

God is already at work in Japan but that is not the only place where God is at work. God is also at work among the human slaves in Houston. God calls us to get outside of our comfort zone and discover ways we can help God be there for the suffering in our city and in our world. McNeal says we are to be partnering with God in daily life with the intent of blessing people and sharing the life of God with them. (p. 26) He says, "This means that missional Jesus followers are engaged in all aspects of human experience - political, social, economic, cultural, physical, psychological, and spiritual - to work for those things that enhance life and to oppose those things that steal life." (p 35) That is a broad spectrum of possibilities to which God may be calling us as individuals and as a church. Let us be in discernment about where is God is calling us now.

Such discernment of where God is leading us in mission was the theme of our Session meeting last night. Here are some highlights from last night's Session meeting:

• The Session was happy to receive Dan Herron back into the fellowship of St. John's by letter of transfer from First Presbyterian Church of Palestine, Texas.

• Session approved the report from the Outreach Committee that St. John's remain a partner with the American Red Cross as a possible Red Cross Shelter for minor local disasters .

• Anyone interested in helping with one of the last Ike Recovery Work Week-ends should talk to Phyllis Freeman.

• Session approved a request from the Worship Committee for a dedicated memorial gift fund, for the purchase of a set of banners for the sanctuary, in memory of Lois Stowell.

Some of you have asked about how to access my sermons online. The text version is online at jonbsermons.blogspot.com and the audio version is stjohnspresby.org/growing/sermons thanks to Dave Nelson who puts the audio sermons on the web.

I'd also like to thank Dave for making The Beacon available online each month. You can read the latest version of the Beacon at christophergraphics.com/stjohns/beacon.pdf. This file may take a few minutes to download before you double click it to open and read it.

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 March 24, 2011

March Session Highlights

Here are some highlights from the March 23, 2011 Session meeting:

• The Session was happy to receive Dan Herron back into the fellowship of St. John's by letter of transfer from First Presbyterian Church of Palestine, Texas.
• Session approved the report from the Outreach Committee that St. John's remain a partner with the American Red Cross as a possible Red Cross Shelter for minor local disasters .
• Anyone interested in helping with one of the last Ike Recovery Work Week-ends should talk to Phyllis Freeman.
• Session approved a request from the Worship Committee for a dedicated memorial gift fund, for the  purchase  of a set of banners for the sanctuary, in memory of Lois Stowell.

March Session Highlights

JAPAN - Presbyterian Disaster Assistance info

March 11, 2011

PDA stands ready to respond to needs from the 8.9 magnitude earthquake that struck Japan and the ensuing tsunamis across the Pacific rim.

 

The earthquake struck in the middle of the afternoon just off of Honshu, Japan's most populous island. It is the strongest earthquake to hit Japan and has been identified as the fifth strongest earthquake in the world since records have been kept.

 

Donna Derr, director of Church World Service's development and humanitarian programs,

said: "Japan is obviously a country of substantive resources and a construction industry that is renowned and the country has been on the cutting edge of building earthquake-resistant housing.   As such, this

bodes well for them being able to manage a pretty effective recovery over time themselves."

 

ACT Alliance reports that the Pacific Islands are highly vulnerable and most of them will be touched by the tidal waves. ACT general secretary John Nduna said today "We are deeply concerned about the most vulnerable countries and their people, and we are monitoring the situation closely so that ACT Alliance can direct its resources to where they are most needed, as quickly as possible".

 

Japan

PC(USA) has mission partners in Japan.  World Mission is contacting mission co-workers and partner organizations and churches and will offer updated information as available.  Read about the status of coworkers and updates from partners on the <span>World Mission Japan page at</span> http://gamc.pcusa.org/ministries/global/japan/

 

Mission partner Yodogawa Christian Hospital in Osaka sent this message:

 

"Thank you so very much for your kind words and prayers. Thankfully, our hospital patients and staff and their families are all safe, but our heart aches as the earthquake disasters are spreading in other parts of Japan. We are praying for God's protection and comfort over those people in the earthquake affected areas. He is our refuge and fortress."

 

United States

PDA staff and National Response Team members are contacting potentially affected presbyteries to offer assistance and prepare for potential impacts. 

 

For Health and welfare checks on American citizens traveling abroad, call the State Department at 888-407-4747.

 

For those concerned about loved ones living on the West Coast, Alaska and Hawaii, the Red Cross maintains a searchable database at www.safeandwell.org. Relatives can log on to leave their names that they are safe and well; other relatives can search by name to check on their loved ones.

 

The Hawaii Red Cross maintains a Twitter feed at Hawaiiredcross@twittermcom.

 

How you can help

You can stand in the "GAP" for disaster survivors and help the church in this response.

  

GIVE. The generous sharing of your financial blessings through the One Great Hour of Sharing offering and special designated giving provides the resources needed to assist with immediate emergency needs, clean up provisions, long-term and unmet needs, and spiritual/emotional counseling.

 

Individuals may give through your local Presbyterian congregation, by calling PresbyTel at 800-872-3283, on the secure PC(USA) Web site, or by sending a check to:

 

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

P.O. Box 643700

Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700

 

Please include the special designated giving account DR000117 – Japan Earthquake and Tsunami.

 

Congregations should send donations through their normal mission giving channels.

 

ACT. Stay informed and share information about the need with others. Sign up to receive PDA Rapid Information Network (PDA-RIN) email notices to alert you of additional needs.

 

PRAY. Please pray for those seeking emergency shelter and safety, those seeking information about the security of their loved ones, and those who are working to rescue survivors and offer assistance.

 

Stay informed at www.pcusa.org/pda

JAPAN - Presbyterian Disaster Assistance info

Dedication of St. John’s New Floors— March 27

Plan to stay after services on Sunday, March 27 when together we will visit the Sanctuary and Building 2 for the dedication of the new carpeting and flooring. A reception will follow in McPhail Hall.

Dedication of St. John’s New Floors— March 27

BIM School Supply Drive

The 2011 School Supply Program at Braes Interfaith Ministries (BIM) is underway. The supplies have been ordered and received and packaging will soon begin. By placing and receiving early delivery our net invoice amount is $8,300.00. The school supplies provided are in accordance with the HISD requirements and are greatly appreciated by the clients and their children.

As always we rely on your support to help us meet our goal. Any assistance in any amount is most welcome and we thank you for your help.

BIM School Supply Drive

Children's Choir

Children's Choir will begin with a first rehearsal Sunday, March 27, 11:30-12:00. We will have only three rehearsals to prepare for our debut, singing during worship on Palm Sunday, April 17. Please join us. All children in grades 1-5 are eligible and welcome.

Children's Choir Team: Kyra Noons, Linda Dobbin, Shirley Boyd

Children's Choir

St. John's Calendar, March 20 - 27

Sunday, March 20 - 2nd Sunday of Lent
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
11:45 am Evangelism Ministry Committee
12:00 pm Beacon Newsletter Deadline
5:00 pm Centering Prayer

Monday, March 21
6:30 pm “Walking Together”
7:00 pm Bell Choir
7:30 pm Outreach Ministries Committee

Tuesday, March 22
9:30 am Presbyterian Women’s Board
9:30 am Presbyterian Women’s Activity Day
10:30 am Bible Study Leaders with Mary Sterner
12:00 pm Beacon Newsletter Assemblers
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, March 23
6:00 am Wonder Team Sandwich Makers, McPhail Hall
7:30 pm Session Meeting

Thursday, March 24
8:00 am – 12:00 pm Community Bible Study
6:30 pm “Stay Young, Stay Strong”
7:30 pm Chancel Choir

Friday, March 25

Saturday, March 26
8:00 am Women’s Bible Small Group
12:00 am – 7:00 pm Court of Honor, Troop 740, McPhail Hall, David Coughlen

Sunday, March 27 - 3rd Sunday in Lent
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
11:45 am Dedication of New Floors, Building 2 & Reception
12:00 pm Reception, McPhail Hall
4:30 pm – 6:30 pm Stations of the Cross, Stations 1-5
5:00 pm Presbyterian Youth Fellowship
5:00 pm Centering Prayer

St. John's Calendar, March 20 - 27

St. John's Calendar Weekly Reminders - March 20

Saturday, March 26, Work Day at Gordon Elementary (6300 Avenue B, Bellaire): 8 am to 12 pm – all outside activities: cleaning up beds, mulching, planting, raking leaves and debris and planting monkey grass around large trees. Please bring work gloves and gardening tools. Please label everything with your name. Contact John Freeman for info and to sign up, 713-776-3548.

Sunday, March 27, 11:45am: Everyone is invited to join in the dedication of St. John’s new floors in the Sanctuary and Building One. A reception will follow in McPhail Hall.

St. John’s Breakfast, Saturday, April 2: 8:00 am breakfast will be served, and at 8:30 Houston Mayor Annise Parker will be our speaker. So that we have a good head count for the breakfast, please call Louise Cherry at 713-723-3187 or Linda Dobbin at 218-778-5348. Please add this event to your calendar!

New Covenant Presbyterian Women’s Spring Gathering, April 9: The deadline is approaching for this special event which will be held at St. John’s. All women are invited to attend. Registration forms can be picked up in the church office. The Registration fee ($15) includes continental breakfast, lunch, workshops and a worship service with communion.

Easter Egg Supplies Needed: Please deliver individually wrapped candies (non-chocolate and non-melting), stickers, novelties and miscellaneous small items to the church office by April 10.

March Holly Hall Church Drive for Operating Funds: Holly Hall, a Christian retirement community, does not receive any funds from federal, state or United Way assistance. Holly Hall depends on the generosity of others to help cover the cost of care for those residents who can no longer afford it. March is the month St. John’s reaches out a helping hand. Please make your checks payable to Holly Hall Church Drive.

SAVE THIS DATE: Church pot-luck picnic and Easter egg hunt will be held on Palm/Passion Sunday April 17.

St. John's Calendar Weekly Reminders - March 20

St. John's Epistle for March 17, 2011

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

Last Sunday Lydia Schneider fell ill during worship and had to be taken to the emergency room at St. Luke's. It seems she had a mini stroke but is doing well and is on her way home today.

There are many forthcoming events at the church that I want to highlight in this Epistle. They will give you a flavor of what is going on around the church during the Lenten season. I imagine you have a lot going on around your own home, family and ministry at work and in the world as well. Spring can be a very busy time. Let's take some time to "smell the roses" and explore what a renewed life in nature portends for our own souls.

The Property Committee invites you to participate in St. John's Clean-Up Day this Saturday, March 19, from 8 am until noon. Wear work clothes.

The deadline for submissions to the March Issue of The Beacon is this Sunday, March 20, at noon.

Plan to stay after services on Sunday, March 27 when together we will visit the Sanctuary and Building 2 for the dedication of the new carpet and flooring. A reception will follow in McPhail Hall. Come and join in the celebration!

Houston Mayor Annise Parker will join us in McPhail Hall on Saturday, April 2 at 8:30 am. She will talk about the the state of the city and answer questions from the audience after her talk. Come and bring a friend.

Congratulations to Gerry and Bob Jump upon the birth of their grandson, Benjamin Echo, on February 23 in Houston.

Allen Barnhill and his trombone students from the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University will present a free concert on Tuesday, March 29, at 7 pm in the sanctuary of St. John's Presbyterian Church. The Meyerland and Westbury community and our congregation is invited to attend. Come and bring a friend!

Please join us on April 17 as St. John's celebrates Passion/Palm Sunday. Here is the schedule for the day: Sunday School 9:00 am; Worship Service 10:30 am; Church Pot-luck Picnic 11:45 am; Easter Egg Hunt 12:30 pm; Games and Fellowship 1:00 pm. Please deliver to the church office by April 10 individually wrapped candies (non-chocolate & non-melting), stickers, novelties and miscellaneous small items.

Holly Hall, a Christian retirement community, does not receive any funds from federal, state or United Way assistance. The Hall depends on the generosity of others to help cover the cost of care for those residents who can no longer afford it. March is the month St. John's reaches out a helping hand to Holly Hall. Please make your checks payable to Holly Hall Church Drive.

Be on the look out for St. John's Stations of the Cross which will be available in the sanctuary starting
March 27 from 4:30-6:30 pm. The Stations of the Cross will offer the opportunity for personal reflection upon the Passion of Christ during the Lenten season. Contact Mary Sterner for more information.

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 March 17, 2011

Free Trombone Concert in St. John's Sanctuary

Allen Barnhill and his trombone students from the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University will present a free concert this Tuesday, March 29, at 7 pm in the sanctuary of St. John's Presbyterian Church. The Meyerland and Westbury community and our congregation is invited to attend. Come and bring a friend!

Free Trombone Concert in St. John's Sanctuary

Dedication of St. John’s New Floors — March 27

Plan to stay after services on Sunday, March 27 when together we will visit the Sanctuary and Building 2 for the dedication of the new carpet and flooring. A reception will follow in McPhail Hall. Come and join in the celebration!

Dedication of St. John’s New Floors — March 27

Stations of the Cross

St. John's Stations of the Cross stations will be open:

Stations 1-5
March 27, 4:30-6:30 pm
March 29, 8-9:30 am
March 30, 6-7:30 pm

Stations 1-10
April 3, 4:30-6:30 pm
April 5, 8-9:30 am
April 6, 6-7:30 pm

Stations 1-13
April 10, 4:30-6:30 pm
April 12, 8-9:30 am
April 13, 6-7:30 pm
April 17, 1-5 pm

Stations of the Cross

St. John's Welcomes Mayor Parker

Houston Mayor Annise Parker will join us in McPhail Hall on Saturday, April 2 at 8:30am. She will talk about the the state of the city and answer questions from the audience after her talk. Come and bring a friend.

St. John's Welcomes Mayor Parker

Celebrating Passion/Palm Sunday

Please join us on April 17 as St. John's celebrates Passion/Palm Sunday:

Sunday School 9:00 am

Worship Service 10:30 am

Church Pot-luck Picnic 11:45 am

Easter Egg Hunt 12:30 pm

Games and Fellowship 1:00 pm

Celebrating Passion/Palm Sunday

St. John's Calendar, March 13 - 20

This Week at St. John’s

Sunday, March 13 lst Sunday of Lent – Week of Spring Break
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
11:45 am Worship Committee
11:45 am Fellowship Committee
5:00 pm Centering Prayer

Monday, March 14
6:30 pm “Walking Together”
7:00 pm Bell Choir

Tuesday, March 15
9:30 am Presbyterian Women’s meeting 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

Wednesday, March 16
11:00 am Sanctuary musical practice, Alec and Alina

Thursday, March 17
6:30 pm “Stay Young, Stay Strong”
7:30 pm Chancel Choir

Friday, March 18
11:00 am Sanctuary musical practice, Alec and Alina

Saturday, March 19 St. John’s Work Day
8:00 am Women’s Bible Small Group
8:00 am – 12:00 pm St. John’s clean-up day

Sunday, March 20 2nd Sunday in Lent
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
11:45 am Evangelism Ministry Committee
12:00 pm Beacon Deadline
5:00 pm Presbyterian Youth Fellowship
5:00 pm Centering Prayer

St. John's Calendar, March 13 - 20

St. John's Weekly Reminder, March 13

Beacon Newsletter Deadline: Please deliver all Beacon articles for the upcoming March/April issue by email, office@sjpc@gmail.com, or bring to Room 208. The last chance to be part of this issue is Sunday, March 20.

St. John’s Breakfast, Saturday, April 2: Houston Mayor Annise Parker will join us for breakfast beginning at 8 am. Don’t miss this chance to ask your questions.

March Holly Hall Church Drive for Operating Funds: Holly Hall, a Christian retirement community, does not receive any funds from federal, state or United Way assistance. The Hall depends on the generosity of others to help cover the cost of care for those residents who can no longer afford it. March is the month St. John’s reaches out a helping hand to Holly Hall. Please make your checks payable to Holly Hall Church Drive.

Mission Trip to Guatemala, June 6-11 Deadline: Willing workers (14 years and older) are needed! If you are interested in going, please contact Mary Sterner, 713-723-6262 or mary2d@yahoo.com.

Easter Egg Supplies Needed: Please deliver to the church office by April 10:individually wrapped candies (non-chocolate & non-melting), stickers, novelties and miscellaneous small items.

ST. JOHN’S CLEAN-UP DAY
SATURDAY MARCH 19
8 AM – 12 NOON

St. John's Weekly Reminder, March 13

St. John's Epistle for March 10, 2011

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

Thanks to Kay for these beautiful Chili Cook-Off photos. If you click on the slide show icon at the top left of the page linked there you can see the photos in sequence at a full screen view.

Last night we had a powerful Ash Wednesday Service during which we burned our sins in the courtyard and had the ashes imposed on our foreheads. This service had a purging effect that is very welcome at this time of year. One leaves the service feeling cleansed of sinfulness and forgiven by God. It was great to have the choir sing this year. Thanks to all who attended and those who assisted in various ways.

With that service, Lent 2011 is officially underway. My goodness, how time flies. Speaking of which, Lent is a good time to settle into a new routine of sorts however that works for you. Take on a new spiritual disciple such as fasting or getting a message every week. Perhaps you will find a new way to drive to work or home from the grocery store. We know one change we may expect is that time will spring forward one hour as daylight savings time begins this Sunday, March 13. So move your clocks ahead one hour this Saturday so you won't be late for church.

Next week is spring break so we applaud all our school children and college students. We also remember their parents and teachers. Especially we remember in prayer the public school administrators who will be making tough decisions about which positions to cut as they deal with a dwindling budget for next year. We live in interesting times to say the least.

The ongoing revolutions and civil wars in the Middle East give us some hope for the people there who want to find a way out of living under dictators who have too often been supported by our own government. I know some of African families in the congregation are hoping and praying that the revolutions in Northern Africa will trickle further down in Africa into Ghana, Uganda, and Cameroon. Sudan has already been divided into two and the Ators are hopeful about that new development. Let's keep our African brothers and sisters in prayer and ask God to continue to move and direct the precious people who live there.

Remember Kathie Hartzog's family in prayer. Her step dad passed away Tuesday and the service is Saturday at Lone Pine Baptist Church in Palestine, Texas.

Congratulations to Pam and John William Herlitz upon the birth of their son, Luke at Women's Hospital in Houston this morning! Mary Herlitz is a proud grandparent. A rose bud in the sanctuary in Luke's honor will be forthcoming on March 20.

Congratulations also to Libby and James Adams upon the birth of their granddaughter, Kylie Marie Rocha, who was born Feb. 22, 2011, in Fort Worth. Kylie's rose bud will be on display this Sunday.

Last weekend some of our Presbytery Youth Council members led a successful Conclaves Youth Retreat at Camp ChoYeh in Livingston, Texas. We appreciate the leadership of Mary Sterner, Jon Yingst, Brittney, Brendan and Wayne in this important work. Our other adults and youth who participated in Conclaves this year include Dave, Christianna, Colette, Jacob and Zarek.

This Sunday is the First Sunday of Lent. We will be talking about Jesus' temptation in the wilderness. The sermon text is Matthew 4:1-11 and the title is Lead Us Not into Temptation. Jesus once used that phrase in a prayer. I think the key to this text is not what it says about Jesus or the devil but what it says about you and me and that is what we will be seeking to discover during worship this Sunday.

Peace of Christ be with you,

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

St. John's Epistle for March 10, 2011

Tre Ore Service on Good Friday

Mark your calendar for a Tre Ore (Three Hour) Service at Salem Lutheran from noon to 3:00 pm on Good Friday. Come observe the traditional last three hours of Jesus on the cross. Pastor Jon will be one of the speakers. More details will be forthcoming.

Tre Ore Service on Good Friday

St. John's Ash Wednesday Service - Today at 7:30 PM in the Sanctuary

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

The ashes are ready to make the sign of the cross on your forehead so I hope to see you in the sanctuary tonight at 7:30 pm for our Ash Wednesday Service. The choir will sing an anthem and I will share a sermon called A Prayer to Be Unmasked on Ash Wednesday from Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21. Weather permitting we will move into the courtyard for the symbolic burning of our sins (including a real fire!) and the distribution of ashes. The ashes we will use in this ceremony were made by burning the remains of the palms from Palm Sunday of last year. This well attended service is one of only 3 night services offered at St. John's. Let's come together for worship and a ritual of repentance as we begin the season of Lent.

Peace, Pastor Jon Burnham
- - -

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal;
but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal.
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Jesus
Gospel According to Matthew
6:19-21, NRSV

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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

St. John's Ash Wednesday Service - Today at 7:30 PM in the Sanctuary

Ash Wednesday Service—March 9, 7:30 pm

On March 9 at 7:30 pm you are invited to a powerful Ash Wednesday service that will include imposition of ashes on the forehead. The imposition of ashes will occur in the courtyard if weather permits.

During the service we are invited to write a list of our sins which we will take outdoors into the courtyard. After burning our sins to signify our forgiveness by Christ, participants may come forward for the imposition of ashes. The ashes we use are gathered from the burning of palm branches from last year’s Palm Sunday. The ashes are mixed with water from the baptismal font to make a paste. This paste is used by the pastor and liturgists to make the sign of the cross on each of those present while saying the words: “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”

Ash Wednesday gets its name from the practice of placing ashes on the foreheads of the faithful as a sign of repentance. Ashes were used in ancient times according to the Bible to express mourning. Dusting oneself with ashes was the penitent’s way of expressing sorrow for sins and faults. An ancient example of one’s expressing penitence is found in Job 42:6 when Job says to God: “I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” Examples are found in other books of the Bible including Jonah 3:6, Matthew 11:21 and Luke 10:13.

Ash Wednesday Service—March 9, 7:30 pm

St. John's Calendar, March 6 - 13

Sunday, March 6 Chili Cook-Off
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
11:45 am Chili Cook-off, McPhail Hall
11:45 am Property Committee, Narthex
5:00 pm Centering Prayer
5:00 pm Presbyterian Youth Fellowship (PYF)

Monday, March 7
6:30 pm “Walking Together”
7:00 pm Bell Choir
7:30 pm Christian Education Committee

Tuesday, March 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

Wednesday, March 9
6:00 pm “Wonder Team” Sandwich Makers
7:30 pm Ash Wednesday Service

Thursday, March 10
8:00 am – 12:00 pm Community Bible Study
6:30 pm “Stay Young, Stay Strong”
7:30 pm Chancel Choir

Friday, March 11

Saturday, March 12
8:00 am Women’s Bible Small Group
7:00 – 12:00 pm private party, McPhail Hall

Sunday, March 13 1st Sunday in Lent
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
11:45 am Fellowship Committee
11:45 am Worship Committee
5:00 pm Presbyterian Youth Fellowship
5:00 pm Centering Prayer

St. John's Calendar, March 6 - 13

St. John's Calendar Weekly Reminders

Presbyterian Youth Fellowship, March 6, 5 – 6:30 pm: Join us for PYF’s version of the rodeo: the St. John’s Balloon Rodeo. Games will include balloon barrel racing, balloon lasso and more! For questions about PYF please contact Mary Sterner by phone (713-723-6262) or email (mary2d@yahoo.com).

Chili-Cook Off Today: Everyone is invited to McPhail Hall today for our Go Western Chili Cook-off. Come enjoy the fellowship, western wear and amazing varieties of chili! Drinks and desserts will be provided.

Pennies for Peace Today: Bring your pennies (or nickels, dimes and quarters) to be collected in the Nathex after the service. Gifting your change helps build schools in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Ash Wednesday Service, March 9, 7:30 pm: Lent is a special season and it is almost here! Celebrate the coming season by joining your St. John’s family for this special service.

Time Change, Sunday, March 13: Remember to change your clock Saturday night as you go to bed so the next morning your clocks will be running on Daylight Saving Time.
Are the Doors Locked?: The Property Committee is asking everyone as they leave the campus to ask themselves: Are the doors locked? Please give the doors an extra pull to make sure the lock was set.

March Holly Hall Church Drive for Operating Funds: Holly Hall, a Christian Retirement Community, does not receive any funds from federal, state or United Way assistance. The Hall depends on the generosity of others to help cover the cost of care for those residents who can no longer afford it. March is the month St. John’s reaches out a helping hand to Holly Hall. Please make your checks payable to Holly Hall Church Drive.

St. John's Calendar Weekly Reminders

St. John's Epistle for March 3, 2011

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

This Sunday you are invited to dress in a favorite western outfit. Regardless of what you wear, plan to join us in Fellowship Hall after worship for the Chili Cook-off as we celebrate the opening of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Speaking of which, one of our elders was wondering whether to attend the KISS concert at the Rodeo and I strongly discouraged that - just for the record.

As part of our celebration this Sunday, everyone is invited to bring a pot of chili to McPhail Hall. If possible please bring your chili in a crock-pot. Whether you bring chili or not, please bring your appetite and join us for an enjoyable time of chili tasting and fellowship. Guests and members are all welcome to come enjoy the food and fellowship in Fellowship Hall after worship. Bring a friend!

Curtis will hand out the 2010 Church Contribution Statements in the narthex after worship this Sunday. These are helpful for preparing your taxes. Those not picked up Sunday will be mailed next week. Speaking of money, bring your pennies or nickels, dimes and quarters to be collected in the Narthex after service this Sunday, March 6. Gifting your change helps build schools in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Lent begins this Wednesday, March 9. You are invited to an Ash Wednesday service at 7:30 pm in the sanctuary. During the service we are invited to write a list of our sins which we will take outdoors into the courtyard. After burning our sins to signify our forgiveness by Christ, participants may receive the imposition of ashes. The ashes we use are gathered from the burning of palm branches from last year's Palm Sunday. Come and "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return."

As we anticipate the beginning of Lent this week on Ash Wednesday, we note the parallels between the transfiguration and the execution of Jesus. The sermon text is Matthew 17:1-9 and the title is Jesus: Transfiguration and Execution. We will consider the literary set up Matthew's Gospel uses in comparing and contrasting Jesus' transfiguration with his death and the implications for our own spiritual journey.

Your Session met last night and had a healthy discussion of how to gently shift the church in a slightly more missional direction. We are using Reggie McNeal's book The Missional Church: Changing the Scorecard of the Church to do this. Our church is typical in that our current scorecard which you may read in the bulletin each Sunday consists of keeping score of worship attendance and how much money was received. We do not keep score of how many hours are volunteered by church members each week. We do not keep score of how many lives our church members have blessed in the previous week. There are many things we could be keeping score of in our church beyond money and attendance. You may think of a few ways to change our scorecard as a church. If you do, speak to me or one of the elders about your ideas.

My feeling about the shifts described in that book is that we are further along than most churches but we've still got a ways to go. Your Session, with God's help, will come to consensus on where are going as well as how to get there. I think how we get there will have something to do with making disciples and meeting human needs as mentioned in our mission statement. I imagine we will want to change our church's scorecard to more accurately reflect how we are doing that. But then again, that's just me and my opinion for what it's worth. This is your church and you are the experts. I'll be glad to work with you to figure it out but you have to take ownership the process for it to work. Otherwise, all we are is dust in the wind. As the song says, "It slips away and all your money won't another minute buy." Let's come together and make a difference in people's lives during our brief journey on this earth. That is what Jesus did. He expects no less from his disciples.

Peace of Christ be with you,

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

St. John's Epistle for March 3, 2011