Thursday, April 28, 2011

St. John's Epistle for April 28, 2011

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

We had a big day on Easter Sunday! There were 65 or so at the sunrise service and 200 or so at the 10:30 am service. The music was great at both services with David Rainwater playing guitar at the early service and a brass ensemble playing and the choir singing at the later morning service. The Easter season began with a bang!

As I reflect on Holy Week I recall the wonderful Palm Sunday worship service in which the children's choir led us in a great celebration. The worship service was followed by a picnic lunch with an Easter Egg Hunt. Many children were there. Then we turned more somber and reflective in the Maundy Thursday service, a service of the Lord's Supper and tenebrae. On Good Friday it was good to be with our neighbors at Salem Lutheran Church for their elegant Tre Hour Service. We concluded Holy Week with a joyful and music filled Easter Sunday. This was truly a holy week to remember for all the good feelings and experiences. We will continue the Easter season for the next several Sundays.

We have some prayer concerns this week. In particular, let's remember Rosemary as she makes the transition to a nursing home near her children in North Houston. Lee is in Southwest Memorial Hospital this week and may return to Hearthstone next week. Also remember Ernie D and Dick as they make preparations to move to a nursing home near their children in Dallas.

This Sunday come ready to purchase some of the baked goods from the Presbyterian Women's Bake Sale.  

I'm not sure everyone received the Epistle I sent out last week so I will include a few paragraphs from it just in case. If you already saw this, please disregard it, but I'll throw in a few paragraphs from last week just in case.

As I mentioned, we had a tremendous Palm Sunday celebration. The children sang under the direction of Shirley and Kyra and they were great. The weather was perfect for those who wanted to picnic outdoors. There was a nice Easter Egg hunt and then a soccer game for the older children. Here are some Palm Sunday photos taken by Jana. For the best view click on "Slideshow" just above the first photo on the upper left. As you may see, it was a great day in the life of our church. Alice said there were 30 young children there on Palm Sunday.

It appears as if our ordination standards are about to change in our denomination. Here is a link to some Frequently Asked Questions about this. Speak to one of the elders or me if you want to know more about this.

The April issue of the Beacon is available online. You may view The Beacon online here. Or, if you prefer it another way, here is the same Beacon as a PDF file.

St. John's has been blessed with two healthy babies this week! Amelia Elizabeth Jacobsen was born at 11:20 on Tuesday, April 19. Mom and baby are doing great. She weighed in at 6 lbs 11 oz. Congratulations to parents Carli and Aaron, siblings Jonah and Ava, and Grandmother Louise.

In addition, Karis Morton was born on Wednesday, April 20. Karis is the daughter of Karla and Jason Morton and sibling Sean and the granddaughter of Virginia and Ken Krueger. We give thanks to God for these Holy Week births!

And yes, we even had an Easter baby born to one of our families! Congratulations to Chris and Jon Yingst upon the birth of their granddaughter on Easter Sunday. Besma Deanne Alhaddad Yingst is the daughter of Shemsi Alhaddad and Andy Yingst. She was 8lb 10oz and 21 inches and all are doing well.

We give thanks to God for these and other signs of new life within our congregation.

Have a great weekend!

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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Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Happy Easter


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Sunday, April 24, 2011

St. John's Calendar, April 24 - May 1

Sunday, April 24 Easter Sunday
7:00 am Sunrise Service
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service

Monday, April 25
Church offices closed
6:30 pm “Walking Together”
7:00 pm Bell Choir

Tuesday, April 26
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
7:30 pm Book Group

Wednesday, April 27
11:30 am – 2:30 pm Suzette and Ann, Rm. 205, private luncheon
6:00 pm “Wonder Team” sandwich makers, McPhail Hall
7:00 pm Property Committee

Thursday, April 28
6:30 pm “Stay Young, Stay Strong”
8:30 pm Chancel Choir

Friday, April 29
Saturday, April 30
8:00 am Women’s Bible Small Group

Sunday, May l – Bake Sale
9:00 are Church School
9:00 am – 12:00 pm Presbyterian Women’s Bake Sale
10:30 am Worship Service
11:45 am Evangelism Committee
12:00 – 3:00 pm Ghanaian Church Women’s celebration, McPhail Hall
5:00 pm Centering Prayer
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St. John's Weekly Reminders

Easter Lilies: Remember to take your Easter lily home after the service today.

Church Offices Closed: St. John’s offices will be closed Monday, April 25.

Bake Sale, Sunday, May 1, 9 am: Come early to McPhail Hall for the best selections! Homemade items will be for sale as long as they last! Money raised will go to Because We Care for window coverings for McPhail Hall.

St. John’s Breakfast, Saturday, May 7: Everyone is invited to McPhail Hall at 8 am for breakfast and a mystery program – it will be interesting and scintillating.

Blood Drive, Sunday May 8: Don’t miss this opportunity to truly make a difference in a person’s life. Blood is something everyone can spare…yet there is not enough to go around. Discover if you can be a donor by visiting Building I, 8 am – 12:30 pm.

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.

Scholarship Application – Curtis Brisch: The intent of the Myrtis McPhail Scholarship Fund is to provide a scholarship grant to any active St. John’s member who wishes to further an academic endeavor. The intent is for the scholarship grant to be used for undergraduate study and/or a technical or trade school and shall be given to the recipient to be used at his/her discretion. To be eligible the applicant must submit a written request in which plans and goals are outlined. Please get an application from the church office to be submitted before May 29, 2011.

Message from the Financial Secretary: When planning your summer vacations, please remember to bring your pledges up-to-date before you leave. It is not too early to start doing this.




Vacation Bible School
June 26 – 30
6 – 8 pm

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Monday, April 18, 2011

Easter Wishes


Happy Easter from St. John's Presbyterian Church

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Join us as we Celebrate Easter Sunday

All are welcome to join us celebrate Easter, April 24

Sunrise Service 7:00 am
Sunday School 9:00 am
Worship Service 10:30 am

A continental breakfast will be served in McPhail Hall
following the youth-led sunrise service.
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Join us: Maundy Thursday Service
April 21 @ 7:30 pm

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St. John's Weekly Reminders, April 17

Palm Sunday Celebration: All are invited to McPhail Hall following worship for a church pot-luck picnic and Easter egg hunt. Please come and join the fellowship!

Presbyterian Women’s Program, Tuesday, April 19: Everyone is invited to McPhail Hall at 9:30 am. April’s featured speaker, Mindi Stanley, will present a slide show on geriatric mental health.

Maundy Thursday, April 21: This special Eastertime service including communion will be held in the Sanctuary at 7:30 pm.

Easter Lilies: Purchase an Easter lily, $10 each, to beautify the Sanctuary on Easter Sunday, and then enjoy it at home after the service. The lilies are from the Brookwood Community. Sign up on the poster in the Narthex or place your check in the offering plate Sunday morning with “lilies” written on the memo line.

Coming in May:
May 1, Presbyterian Women’s Bake Sale; May 7, St. John’s Breakfast; May 8, Blood Drive; and May 17, Presbyterian Women’s Program and Luncheon. Mark your calendars!

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.

Many Thanks to St. John’s Ike Recovery Team who spent the day in Galveston,
Saturday, April 9: Mark DeSouza, John and Phyllis Freeman, Tom Gwillim, Dan and Linda Herron, Brittney Modlin and Phil Westmoreland.

Session Highlights – April 13, 2011
- Joyfully received two new members. Alvina Hamilton joins by transfer of letter from University Presbyterian Church in Houston. Phil Westmoreland, who was baptized and reared at St. John’s, returns now as an active member by reaffirmation of faith.
- Approved a grant proposal that will request money from the presbytery for the establishment of a community garden on our church property.
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St. John's Calendar, April 17 - 24

Sunday, April 17 Passion/Palm Sunday
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
11:45 am Church Potluck Picnic with Easter Egg Hunt
12:00 pm Beacon deadline
1:00 – 5:00 pm Stations of the Cross, Stations 1-13
Monday, April 18
6:30 pm “Walking Together”
7:00 pm Bell Choir
7:30 pm Outreach Committee
7:30 – 9:30 pm Ghanaians, Scout Room
Tuesday, April 19
9:30 am Presbyterian Women’s Program and Luncheon
12:00 pm Staff Meeting
1:00 pm Beacon Assemblers, Room 203
5:00 pm Hour of Prayer, Rm. 207
6:30 pm “Stay Young, Stay Strong”
7:00 pm Scout Troop 688
7:30 – 9:30 pm Ghanaians, McPhail Hall
Wednesday, April 20
7:30 pm Administration and Personnel Committee
7:30 – 9:30 pm Ghanaians, Scout Room
Thursday, April 21
8:00 am – 12:00 pm Community Bible Study
6:30 pm “Stay Young, Stay Strong”
7:30 pm Maundy Thursday Service
8:30 pm Chancel Choir
7:30 – 9:30 pm Ghanaians, Scout Room
Friday, April 22 Good Friday
9:00 am – 12:00 pm Ghanaians, Scout Room
12:00 – 3:00 pm Tre-Ore Service, Salem Lutheran Church
Saturday, April 23
8:00 am Women’s Bible Small Group
Sunday, April 24 Easter
7:00 am Sunrise Service, followed by a continental breakfast
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
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Friday, April 15, 2011

St. John's Church Picnic this Sunday after Worship!

Hey folks, 

I am sending you this email update to tell you about a special opportunity at St. John's that is happening this Sunday, April 17. The purpose here is not to remind you that this is Palm Sunday which is the beginning of Holy Week in the Christian calendar. Nor am I trying to inform you that the worship service will be memorable with the children waving palm branches in the processional and singing songs during the service. What I really want you to know about is about what happens AFTER worship this Sunday. 

The big news is that we are having a pot-luck picnic outside on the grounds after worship. So bring some food to share and wear some comfortable clothes. Then watch the children search for Easter eggs. Invite your neighbors or family members who have children to come and enjoy the Easter Egg Hunt at 12:30 pm. Beyond that, we will have a soccer field lined out in the church yard so come ready to play. For your convenience I'll post this Sunday's schedule below. The weather should be sunny and beautiful so bring your family and friends. Make this event a part of your great weekend plans.

Peace,
Pastor Jon

Passion/Palm Sunday April 17
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

--
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, April 14, 2011

St. John's Epistle for April 14, 2011

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


Holy Week begins this Sunday with Palm Sunday. The children's choir will sing twice during the Palm Sunday worship service and lead us in the palm waving processional.


Holy Week continues next Thursday, April 21, as we celebrate Holy Week with a Maundy Thursday Service including a celebration of the Lord's Supper and a Tenebrae (dimming of the lights) Service. Then on Good Friday at 2:35 pm you may join me at Salem Lutheran in Good Friday service as I present a mediation on "Father, into your hands ..." about Jesus last words from the cross. Holy Week concludes with two services on Easter Sunday as the youth lead a Sunrise Service at 7:00 am followed by a Continental Breakfast, Sunday School at 9:00 am and a Worship Service at 10:30 am.


For the next two Sundays we will receive One Great Hour of Sharing offering which we will receive on Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday. The Presbyterian Hunger Program receives 36 percent while the Self-Development of People and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance each receive 32 percent.


Last Saturday our Presbyterian Women hosted the PW Spring Gathering with about 150 women from all over our presbytery. In addition, the Freemans led a work group to Texas City to work on Hurricane Ike restoration. Both of these projects were very successful.


At our Session meeting last night we joyfully received two new members. Alvina Hamilton joined by transfer of letter from University Presbyterian Church in Houston. She is a widow and has one grown son. Alvina has years of experience serving as an elder in the Presbyterian Church. Her primary ministry is serving as Director of the Annunciation Orthodox School in downtown Houston.


Phil Westmoreland, baptized and reared here at St. John's, returns now as an active member by reaffirmation of faith. We are happy to welcome Phil back into the life of our congregation as his family has provided leadership in our faith community for many years. Phil does general and versatile handyman repairs inside and outside. His church references are the Bunnells, Freemans and Nelsons. Phil may be reached at 713-715-9499 or 713-723-4105. Call him if you need help around the house.


In addition to receiving these new members, the Session heard two impressive presentations on new ministry ideas for our congregation. John Freeman presented the idea of our church starting a ministry to special needs children which would also enhance our outreach to youth. This vision was very appealing to the Session and we want to continue praying and working toward starting something in this area of ministry.


Aaron Jacobsen presented the concept of our church providing a community garden in the open land on our church property by West Bellfort between our parking lot and the parking lot of Westbury United Methodist Church. We will present this idea to a presbytery committee as a grant proposal and seek funding for it. We see it as a way to bless our community. Speak to Aaron or another Session member for more details.


Here is one final thought from the Session's discussion of the book Missional Renaissance. Who is our church's competition? Neighboring churches? Think bigger. Lakewood Church? Not big enough. We are not competing against other churches. We are competing with the powers of darkness in this world. Our church's mission is much much larger than we ever imagined. Let's expand our vision.


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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Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Celebrating Easter At St. John's

Passion/Palm Sunday April 17
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

Maundy Thursday, April 21
Maundy Thursday Service -7:30 pm

Good Friday, April 22
Tre Ore Service 12 Noon to 3 pm

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.

Easter Sunday, April 24
Sunrise Service - 7:00 am
Sunday School - 9:00 am
Worship Service - 10:30 am

A continental breakfast will be served in McPhail Hall following the youth-led sunrise service.
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St. John's Calendar Weekly Reminders, April 10

Children’s Choir Rehearsal Today: All children grades 1-5 are invited to the rehearsal in Room 209 at 11:30 am. The choir will perform next Sunday.

PYF, 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, fellowship and discussion. For questions about PYF, please call 713-723-6262 or email Mary Sterner, mary2d@yahoo.com

Easter Egg Hunt 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. The egg hunt will be held on April 17.

Maundy Thursday, April 21: This special Eastertime service including communion will be held in the Sanctuary at 7:30 pm.

Message from the Financial Secretary: When planning your summer vacations, please remember to bring your pledges up-to-date before you leave. It is not too early to start doing this.

Easter Lilies: Purchase an Easter lily, $10 each, to beautify the Sanctuary on Easter Sunday, and then enjoy it at home after the service. The lilies are from the Brookwood Community. Sign up on the poster in the Narthex or place your check in the offering plate Sunday morning with “lilies” written on the memo line.

Beacon Newsletter Deadline: Please deliver all Beacon articles for the upcoming April/May issue by email, office.sjpc@gmail.com, or bring to Room 208. The last chance to be part of this issue is Sunday, April 17.

Sandwich Makers Needed, April 13, 6 pm: Help Houston’s hungry children by making 300 sandwiches, and we promise you’ll be home in less than one hour!

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.
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St. John's Calendar, April 10 -17

Sunday, April 10 – 5th 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 Fellowship Committee
4:30 – 6:30 pm Stations of the Cross, Stations 1-13
5:00 pm PYF, Presbyterian Youth Fellowship
5:00 pm Centering Prayer

Monday, April 11
6:30 pm “Walking Together”
7:00 pm Bell Choir

Tuesday, April 12
8:00-9:30 am Stations of the Cross, Stations 1-13
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, April 13
6:00 pm “Wonder Team” Sandwich Makers, McPhail Hall
6:00-7:30 pm Stations of the Cross, Station 1-13
7:30 pm Session Meeting

Thursday, April 14
7:00 am – 1:00 pm Community Bible Study, McPhail Hall
8:00 am – 12:00 pm Community Bible Study
6:30 pm “Stay Young, Stay Strong”
7:30 pm Chancel Choir

Friday, April 15
5:00 – 10:00 pm Trafton Academy, McPhail Hall, spring dance

Saturday, April 16
8:00 am Women’s Bible Small Group
8:00 am – 12:00 pm Westbury Civic Club, White Elephant Sale, parking lot

Sunday, April 17 Passion/Palm Sunday

9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
11:45 am Church Potluck Picnic with Easter Egg Hunt
12:00 pm Beacon deadline
1:00 – 5:00 pm Stations of the Cross, Stations 1-13
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Thursday, April 7, 2011

St. John's Epistle for April 7, 2011

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


I have been very impressed with the "Stations of the Cross" contemplative experience provided by the Christian Education Committee during this Lenten season. It's hard to explain how it works. You have to experience it. I hope you will. Please speak to Mary Sterner if you want a Lenten journal to use at home.


On April 21 we celebrate Holy Week with a Maundy Thursday Service including a celebration of the Lord's Supper and a Tenebrae (dimming of the lights) Service. 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 ..." at 2:30 pm.


Last Saturday we had a big day as we welcomed Houston Mayor Annise Parker to St. John's. This Saturday is another big day as our Presbyterian Women welcome a presbytery-wide Spring Gathering at St. John's.


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.


This Sunday we will explore the bodacious vision of dry bones reconstructed by God's Spirit into living beings as described in Ezekiel 37:1-14. This story symbolizes the cycle of deconstruction followed by reconstruction that occurs as a natural process in communities. This is a spiritual as well as economic reality. The main message, however, is not to our own spiritual development but to the congregation as a a whole. Where are we seeing signs of new life in this congregation? One place I am seeing God's reconstruction of lives here is through new ministries such as Partners in Educational Advocacy led by Suzette and Ann. You may have heard me mention this ministry in the prayers of the people during worship. They are applying for a grant from presbytery and so have written a good description of who they are and what they do. I encourage you to read all about it online at this link.


This Sunday you will be hearing about our One Great Hour of Sharing offering which we will receive on Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday. Since 1949, Presbyterians have joined with millions of other Christians through One Great Hour of Sharing to share God's love with people experiencing need. Our gifts support ministries of disaster response, refugee assistance and resettlement, and community development that help people find safe refuge, start new lives and work together to strengthen their families and communities. The Presbyterian Hunger Program receives 36 percent of undesignated One Great Hour of Sharing gifts, while the Self-Development of People and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance each receive 32 percent.


Once again, the School Supply Committee is reaching out to you as we begin making preparations for the 2011 School Supply Program at Braes Interfaith Ministries. The supplies have been ordered and received and packaging will soon begin. Call the church office to learn how you may contribute.


The Freemans are leading a work group to Texas City to work on Hurricane Ike restoration. They are leaving the church parking lot at 8 am this Saturday and returning at 6:30 pm. Participants, remember to take your lunch.


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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Sunday, April 3, 2011

BIM School Supply Program

Once again, the 2011 School Supply Committee is reaching out to you as we begin making preparations for the School Supply Program at Braes Interfaith Ministries. 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.
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International Seafarer’s Ministry

In 1963, a Belgian sea captain who immigrated to the United States had a dream of a place for seamen to go in the Port of Houston. He had sailed to this port many times and had found that it had not received the name of “Worst port in the world” for seamen without reason. He dreamed of a great seamen center and sold this dream to several others involved in shipping in one way or another. The result was the formation of the Houston International Seamen Center, Inc. This body functioned in a semi-dormant state for some five years.

In 1968 three ministers (Rev. Taft Lyon, Presbyterian; Rev. Sam Duree, United Methodist; and Rev. Rivers Patout, Roman Catholic) who were working together in an ecumenical venture, caught a vision of the need of the seamen. They asked around and found that there had been several fruitless efforts to start a center, but nothing lasting had resulted. They heard about this secular group which included many well known Houston names such as Howard Tellepsen and Jane Blaffer Owen and contacted them. This was the beginning of a unique coalition that was to bring to existence a “one of a kind” service to the seafarers that come to the Port of Houston.
This nucleus of three ministers formed a committee known as the “Committee on Ministry to International Seamen, Port of Houston.” From these three men with a dream, a ministry was formed that included eleven denominations and their participating congregations.

While the center is supported by the business and the maritime community, each ministry must be supported by its own churches and synagogues. The Presbyterians receive some support from the Presbytery, but most of the support comes from the churches. St. John’s helps support this ministry through our Outreach budget.

WHY MARITIME MINISTRY?
Maritime ministry is a service to all seafarers based on Christian principles of compassion, hospitality, service and love. It takes on many forms, from providing guidance and counsel to trips to stores for toiletries and clothing, a Bible in one’s own language or reading material. It is a willing ear, and an open heart. It is a telephone card, a computer connection, a van, or just a quiet place. It is a voice for a seafarer who cannot find his own. It is foreign mission in our backyard.
— George Dobbin, St. John’s liason to International Seafarer’s Ministry
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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.
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Celebrating Easter at St. John’s

Passion/Palm Sunday April 17
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

Maundy Thursday, April 21
Maundy Thursday Service -7:30 pm

Good Friday, April 22
Tre Ore Service 12 Noon to 3 pm

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.

Easter Sunday, April 24
Sunrise Service - 7:00 am
Sunday School - 9:00 am
Worship Service - 10:30 am

A continental breakfast will be served in McPhail Hall following the youth-led sunrise service.
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Help Feed Hungry Children

St. John’s Sandwich Makers, “The Wonder Team,” meets in McPhail Hall every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month at 6 pm to make 300+ sandwiches for local children. Please join us, no experience necessary, on April 13 and 27 and May 10. You will be home in one hour, so please use this hour to help feed a Houston child!
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St. John's Calendar, April 3 -10

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 – 6:30 pm Stations of the Cross, Stations 1-10
5:00 pm PYF, Presbyterian Youth Fellowship
5:00 pm Centering Prayer

Monday, April 4
6:30 pm “Walking Together”
7:00 pm Bell Choir

Tuesday, April 5
8:00-9:30 am Stations of the Cross, Stations 1-10
9:30 am Circles 1 & 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 pm Evening Circle

Wednesday, April 6
6:00-7:30 pm Stations of the Cross, Station 1-10
7:30 pm Christian Education Committee
7:30 pm Caring Committee

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

Friday, April 8 and Saturday April 9
9:00 – 4:00 pm Holly Hall Spring Bazaar

Saturday, April 9 - Presbyterian Women’s Spring Gathering
8:00 am – 3:00 pm Presbyterian Women’s Spring Gathering at St. John ‘s
8:00 am – 6:00 pm Work Day, Hurricane Ike Recovery, Texas City
8:00 am Women’s Bible Small Group

Sunday, April 10 - 5th 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: Worship Committee
11:45 am Fellowship Committee
4:30 pm – 6:30 pm Stations of the Cross, Stations 1-13
5:00 pm PYF, Presbyterian Youth Fellowship
5:00 pm Centering Prayer
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St. John's Weekly Reminder, April 3

Circles, Tuesday April 5: Circle 1, 9:30 am, Louise Cherry, chair, will meet at the church; Rita Rumelt will be the hostess; 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; Esther Bender will be the hostess.

PYF, 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, fellowship and discussion. For questions about PYF, please call 713-723-6262 or email Mary Sterner, mary2d@yahoo.com

Holly Hall Spring Bazaar, April 8 & 9: Holly Hall, 2000 Holly Hall Street at Fannin, invites everyone to its annual bazaar. Booths will feature resident crafts, Blue Bird Circle, gently used clothing and furniture. The Tea Room will be open for lunch from 11 am to 2 pm. Come and support this special place.

Presbyterian Women’s Spring Gathering, April 9: St. John’s will be the host church for this event. All women are invited, and registration forms are available in the church office.

Easter Egg Hunt 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. The egg hunt will be held on April 17.

Maundy Thursday, April 21: This special Eastertime service, including communion, will be held in the Sanctuary at 7:30 pm.

Message from the Financial Secretary: When planning your summer vacations, please remember to bring your pledges up-to-date before you leave. It is not too early to start doing this.

Easter Lilies: Purchase an Easter lily, $10 each, to beautify the Sanctuary on Easter Sunday, and then enjoy it at home after the service. The lilies are from the Brookwood Community. Sign up on the poster in the Narthex or place your check in the offering plate Sunday morning with “lilies” written on the memo line.
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