Sunday, May 29, 2011

Memorial Fund

St. John’s Session approved a Memorial Fund in honor of Lois Stowell to purchase a set of banners for the Sanctuary. If you would like to make a contribution, please deliver your check to the church office with Memorial Fund/Lois Stowell on the memo line.
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Outreach Ministries Monthly Column

We want to share with you a letter we’ve received from Rev. Mark Downs, chair of New Covenant Presbytery’s Outreach Committee.

“It is my pleasure to share that the Outreach Committee of PNC has awarded the grant you requested from our Peacemaking program. Your Mustard Seed Program sounds like a program that will not only help people in their lives but will also inspire new ways to minister to people and motivate the rest of us to think outside the box. Please share how the 10 participants use their funds and the results of it. I’m sure there will be some good stories coming out of it.

Let me share that I’m personally so very impressed with the ministry you all do at St. John’s. You guys just keep reaching out with the hand of Christ touching lives and transforming them.Remember we as a presbytery are all pulling together. Let us know how we can help.”


St. John’s Outreach Ministries Committee is very grateful to have received several grants from presbytery for some of our special programs: Support for Living Waters for the World; a matching grant for Mustard Seed; support for Partners in Educational Advocacy; support for Kathie’s Hartzog’s July trip to the Lulwanda Children’s Home in Uganda.

Each of these grants blesses programs that reach out with Christ’s love to people in our community and in the world. — Phyllis Freeman
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Vacation Bible School— Are you registered?

Vacation Bible School is just around the corner! This year’s “Galactic Blast” will launch on June 26-30 from 6-8 pm. It will include Bible study classes for all ages, music and crafts for elementary aged children and a light supper served at 5:45 pm. Registration forms can be found in the Narthex, in McPhail Hall during summer brunches and in Building 2 on the VBS bulletin board. Neighbors, friends, and relatives are invited. Please complete and deliver the registration form to the church office or Mary Sterner.
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Summer Brunches, June 5 @ 11:45 am

The tradition continues – brunch is being served on summer Sundays! Make sure you stop by McPhail Hall after worship service for some wonderful food and great fellowship during the months of June, July and August.

St. John’s Fellowship Committee will be serving the first brunch on June 5. Everyone is welcome: members, neighbors and even those pesky visiting summer relatives!
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St. John's Calendar, May 29 - June 5

Sunday, May 29 – Healing Service
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
12:00 – 4:00 pm Ghanaian Church, choir fund raising service, McPhail Hall

Monday, May 30 - Church Office Closed
6:30 pm “Walking Together”
7:00 pm Bell Choir

Tuesday, May 31
9:30 am Presbyterian Women’s Activity Day
12:00 pm Staff Meeting
5:00 pm Hour of Prayer, Rm. 207
6:30 pm “Stay Young, Stay Strong”
7:00 pm Scout Troop 688
7:30 pm St. John’s Book Group

Wednesday, June 1

7:30 pm Christian Education, Caring and Evangelism Committees

Thursday, June 2
6:30 pm “Stay Young, Stay Strong”
7:30 pm Chancel Choir

Friday, June 3


Saturday, June 4
8:00 am Women’s Bible Small Group

Sunday, June 5 - Commissioning Service

9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
11:45 am Mustard Seed Meeting, Room 210
11:45 am Brunch by Fellowship Committee
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St. John's Weekly Reminders, May 29

Sign Up Today! New usher teams are forming for June, July, August and September. Sign up for the first, second, third or fourth Sundays. Please speak to Connie Brown if you have questions.

Ghanaian Choir Fundraiser today at noon in McPhail Hall – At noon today you are invited to “Songs of Praise” in McPhail Hall. This fund raising ceremony will benefit the United Ghanaian Presbyterian Church as they raise money for their choir to travel to New York in September for a choral convention. As you may know, the United Ghanaian Church pays us rent to meet in our Scout Room for worship on Sundays and they recently donated an additional $100 to us in appreciation of their occasional use of McPhail Hall. Their goal is to be the premier Ghanaian choir in North America and they seek our support toward that goal.

Scholarship Application Deadline Today– 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. Applications are available in the church office.

Church Office Closed: St. John’s will be closed Monday, May 30.

Summer Brunches Begin June 5: Make sure you stop by McPhail Hall after worship service for delicious food and wonderful fellowship. Everyone is welcome!

St. John’s T-Shirts: The Evangelism Ministry Committee will be selling St. John’s new church T-shirts in McPhail Hall during the June 5 brunch. Come, see and shop.

Guatemala Mission Trip: St. John’s members will be traveling to San Jose el Idolo, Guatemala on June 6 - 11. Please add our travelers to your prayers.

Uganda Lulwanda Children’s Home: The school has requested individual white glue bottles, glue sticks and children’s scissors (eg: Fiskars). Please deliver to the church office before June 19. Kathie Hartzog will deliver the supplies in July.

Brass Concert, Thursday, June 23: Everyone is invited to come to a free concert in the Sanctuary at 7:30 pm featuring students and professionals sponsored by Allen Barnhill.

"Delicious Peace" organic and fair trade coffee: Coffee is now available inside the entrance to Building 2. Help support the coalition of Christian, Jewish and Muslim coffee growers in Uganda. There is Decaf; Light beans and Drip; Dark Roast and Drip. Place payment in the can provided on the top shelf.
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Thursday, May 26, 2011

St. John's Epistle for May 26, 2011

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


Thanks to Linda Herron for covering for me and filling the pulpit last Sunday. Linda is such a capable preacher and a faithful Presbyterian pastor. We are truly blessed to have Linda and Dan back in our congregation. 


On the last Sunday I was here, two Sundays back, Mary Hughes and Jeanne Leach were honored by the Presbyterian Women's group. Congratulations to each of them for receiving this well deserved honor.


At noon this Sunday you are invited to "Songs of Praise" in McPhail Hall. This fund raising ceremony will benefit the United Ghanaian Presbyterian Church as they raise money for their choir to travel to New York in September for a choral convention. As you may know, the United Ghanaian Church pays us rent to meet in our Scout Room for worship on Sundays and they recently donated and additional $100 to us in appreciation of their occasional use of McPhail Hall. Their goal is to be the premier Ghanaian choir in North America.


Ernie D and Dick Davis have moved to Dallas and Ernie D has a new email address if you want to contact her that way.


Thanks to Dan Herron, George MacNeill and Brad Urquhart who painted Room 203 last Friday. It looks great now.


This Sunday we will have a 5th Sunday Anointing Service for Healing during worship. After the sermon, any who seek healing for themselves or for someone else - whether physical, mental, emotional or otherwise - are invited to come forward for prayer and anointing by a few elders and me.


Suzette Harrel's father, John Mullen, died last week. His funeral service was on Wednesday in Montauk, New York. Our prayers are with the Harrel family as they mourn his death.


Bob Davis has been at Methodist Hospital in the Medical Center and returned home yesterday.


Frances Stanley has been a patient this week at Southwest Memorial Hospital and is now at University Place.


Congratulations to our college graduates:

Jamie Crawford will graduate from UT Austin, chemical engineering.

Chris Wiltz will graduate from UT San Antonio.

William Ator will graduate with an MBA from American Intercontinental University


Congratulations to our high school graduates:

Brittney Modlin plans to attend HCC and continue studies to become a NeoNatal Nurse.

Travis Vanderworth will graduate from Bellaire High School and will attend UT San Antonio in the fall to study Chemistry. He is currently working at Outback.

Presbytery's Nominating Committee is gearing up to fill positions on next year's presbytery committees. If you are interested please let me know. Also, if anyone would like to be an alternate commissioner to General Assembly please speak to Mary Herlitz.


Ben Carretin will be cycling in the American Diabetes Association's Tour de Cure fundraising event. Click here for more information or to donate.


This summer Kathie Hartzog has another mission trip to the Lulwanda Children's Homes in Uganda. There is a box on the table by Vivian's office where you may donate individual glue bottles, glue sticks, and children's scissors by June 19. Lulwanda Children's Homes serves AIDS orphans in Ugandan and parts of East Africa.


Have a great Memorial 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, May 23, 2011

New Church T-shirts Available Soon!

St. John’s Evangelism Ministry Committee
is selling new church T-shirts

All sizes are available

Shirts will be on sale Sunday June 5 during brunch, McPhail Hall

Come and See!

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Summer Brunches - June 5 @ 11:45 am

The tradition continues – brunch is being served on summer Sundays! Make sure you stop by McPhail Hall after worship service for some wonderful food and great fellowship during the months of June, July and August.

St. John’s Fellowship Committee will be serving the first brunch on June 5. Everyone is welcome: members, neighbors and even those pesky visiting summer relatives!
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Mustard Seed Coming Soon

On Sunday June 5 after church ten teams or individuals from St. Johns will receive $100 apiece as seed money for a project of their choosing that will benefit a needy person or persons in our community. Use your imagination and creativity to see how you can “grow” your $100 like the mustard seed grows into a beautiful tree.

The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown, it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that birds of the air come and make nests in its branches. Matthew 13:31-32

An example of a project from 2010 from Lydia Schneider and Kay Greer: We decided to use the money to buy uniforms for the children at Shearn Elementary. When items were on sale, we bought eight shirts & four pairs of pants for boys and eight shirts and four skirts for girls in various sizes. We visited five resale shops and bought over 25 gently used uniform items. A visitor to St. John’s bought some brand new uniforms, and members of St. John’s gave cash donations and offered uniforms their children had outgrown. We delivered over 60 uniform items to Shearn the week before school started with notes handwritten by Lydia: “May you be blessed as you study and learn this school year — from friends who care about you.”
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Outreach Ministries Monthly Column

We want to share with you a letter we’ve received from Rev. Mark Downs, chair of New Covenant Presbytery’s Outreach Committee.

“It is my pleasure to share that the Outreach Committee of PNC has awarded the grant you requested from our Peacemaking program. Your Mustard Seed Program sounds like a program that will not only help people in their lives but will also inspire new ways to minister to people and motivate the rest of us to think outside the box. Please share how the 10 participants use their funds and the results of it. I’m sure there will be some good stories coming out of it.

Let me share that I’m personally so very impressed with the ministry you all do at St. John’s. You guys just keep reaching out with the hand of Christ touching lives and transforming them. Remember we as a presbytery are all pulling together. Let us know how we can help.”

St. John’s Outreach Ministries Committee is very grateful to have received several grants from presbytery for some of our special programs: Support for Living Waters for the World; a matching grant for Mustard Seed; support for Partners in Educational Advocacy; support for Kathie’s Hartzog’s July trip to the Lulwanda Children’s Home in Uganda.

Each of these grants blesses programs that reach out with Christ’s love to people in our community and in the world. — Phyllis Freeman
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Support Fair Trade, Eat Well and Help Change the World

You can start this morning with a cup of coffee from MIREMBE KAWOMERA (“Delicious Peace” in Ugandan language).

A cup of Fair Trade coffee helps build communities in developing countries by making it possible to build schools, improve health care facilities and provide clean water, etc. We can all support this coalition of Christian, Muslim and Jewish coffee growers in Uganda whose coffee is certified Fair Trade and Organic. By working together they are promoting peace and the lives of all in their community. (Discover more at www.mirembekawomera.com.)

You can now buy DELICIOUS PEACE coffee from the display in Building two.

— For yourself, friends and family, Bon appetit!
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Lulwanda Children's Homes Needed Supplies

Requested items needed for the Lulwanda Children’s Home:

individual white glue bottles
glue sticks
children’s scissors
(eg: Fiskars)

Please deliver to church office before June 19


Kathie Hartzog will hand deliver the items to Uganda, leaving July 1

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Brass Concert— June 22

Everyone is welcome to come to a free concert on Wednesday June 22 at 7:30 pm, featuring Alan Barnhill and his trombone students from the Shepherd School of
Music at Rice University.
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Seamen's Boxes

As your travel this summer, please save your hotel and travel goodies
for the Christmas Seamen’s Boxes.

Needed items include
toothbrushes,
toothpaste,
large bars of bath soap
deodorant
shaving cream
lip balm

Deliver items to the Recycle Center in McPhail Hall.

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Centering Prayer Update

The Centering Prayer Group has had a meaningful year of spiritual support and growth, and we will rekindle our fellowship on Sunday September 11 at 5 pm in Pastor Jon’s office.

Centering Prayer is a method of silent prayer that prepares us to receive the gift of contemplative prayer, prayer in which we experience God’s presence within us, closer than breathing, closer than thinking, closer than consciousness itself. This method of prayer is both a relationship with God and a discipline to foster that relationship. Centering Prayer is not meant to replace other kinds of prayer. Rather, it adds depth of meaning to all prayer and facilitates the movement from more active prayer modes — verbal, mental or affective prayer — into a receptive prayer of resting in God. Centering Prayer emphasizes prayer as a personal relationship with God and as a movement beyond conversation with Christ to communion with Him.
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Sandwich Makers Needed - Hungry Children Cannot Thrive

A hungry child is a disadvantaged child. They fall behind in virtually every way. The child can’t grow, develop and learn like other children. They have trouble focusing and getting along and complain often of headaches, stomachaches and other ailments. In Houston one out of every four children goes to bed hungry.

Kids Meals Houston is a stopgap for these children in need of food. Kids Meals Houston serves meals to over 1,400 children Monday - Friday in the Houston area, year round. During the summer and holiday months, Kids’ Meals feeds all of the siblings in the house as well.

In 2010 Kids’ Meals delivered OVER 343,340 lunches with a staff of eight and with the help of over 9,000 volunteers!

Come and help make a difference! St. John’s sandwich makers, “The Wonder Team,” meet in McPhail Hall every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month at 6 pm to make 300+ sandwiches for Kids Meals. Please join us on Wednesdays: May 25, June 8, June 22 and July 13. No experience is necessary.
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Presbyterian Women – Summer Tuesdays @ 9:30 am

Spend your Tuesday mornings in June, July and August working with the St. John’s Presbyterian Women as they roll and fold bandages with donated sheets from Angelica Textile.
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April 2010 BIM Status Report


In April BIM (Braes Interfaith Ministries) food pantry served 777 clients (330 children and 447 adults), 12 of whom were homeless. The food pantry is located at 4300 West Bellfort, and is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 10 am - 2 pm.
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Memorial Fund

St. John’s Session approved a Memorial Fund in honor of Lois Stowell to purchase a set of banners for the Sanctuary. If you would like to make a contribution, please deliver your check to the church office with Memorial Fund/Lois Stowell on the memo line.
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Vacation Bible School — Are you registered?

Vacation Bible School is just around the corner!

This year’s “Galactic Blast” will launch on June 26-30 from 6-8 pm. It will include Bible study classes for all ages, music and crafts for elementary aged children and a light supper served at 5:45 pm. Registration forms can be found in the Narthex, in McPhail Hall during summer brunches and in Building 2 on the VBS bulletin board. Neighbors, friends, and relatives are invited. Please complete and deliver the registration form to the church office or Mary Sterner.
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Sunday, May 22, 2011

Sandwich Makers Needed - May 25

Sandwich Makers Needed
Second and fourth Wednesdays at 6 pm
McPhail Hall

Sandwiches are made for Kids’ Meals, a community-based
organization serving free healthy lunches to 1,200 pre-school children,
Monday through Friday year-round.

Help feed Houston's Children!

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Vacation Bible School: June 26-30

We’re counting down to visit space — St. John’s style! This year’s “Galactic Blast” Vacation Bible School will launch on June 26 – 30, 6 – 8 pm. There will be classes for all ages. Neighbors, friends and relatives are invited. A light supper will be served at 5:45 pm.
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St. John's Calendar May 22 - 29

Sunday, May 22 – Beacon deadline
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
5:00 pm Presbyterian Youth Fellowship

Monday, May 23
6:30 pm “Walking Together”
7:00 pm Bell Choir
7:30 pm Outreach Committee

Tuesday, May 24
9:30 am Presbyterian Women’s Activity Day
12:00 pm Staff Meeting
12:00 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

Wednesday, May 25
6:00 pm “Wonder Team” Sandwich Makers
7:00 pm Property Committee

Thursday, May 26
6:30 pm “Stay Young, Stay Strong”
7:30 pm Chancel Choir

Friday, May 27

Saturday, May 28
8:00 am Women’s Bible Small Group

Sunday, May 29 - 5th Sunday Healing Service
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
12:00 – 4:00 pm Ghanaian Church, choir fund raising service, McPhail Hall
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St. John's Weekly Reminder, May 22

Sign Up Today! New usher teams are forming for June, July, August and September. Sign up for the first, second, third or fourth Sundays. Please speak to Connie Brown if you have questions.

Presbyterian Youth Fellowship, 5:00 – 6:30 pm: End of the year gathering – Minute to Win Challenges! Join us for some food, fun and fellowship! For questions about PYF please call or email Mary Sterner (713) 723-6262 mary2d@yahoo.com.

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 returned before May 29, 2011.

"Delicious Peace" organic and fair trade coffee: Coffee is now available inside the entrance to Building 2. Help support the coalition of Christian, Jewish and Muslim coffee growers in Uganda. There is Decaf; Light beans and Drip; Dark Roast and Drip. Place payment in the can provided on the top shelf.

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.

Need a Large Print Hymnal? St. John’s has large-print hymnals which are available from our ushers for the Sunday morning service.

“Are the doors locked?” The Property Committee is asking everyone as they leave the campus to ask themselves this important question. Please give the doors an extra pull to make sure the locks are engaged.

Mustard Seed Project for the summer of 2011 is about to begin. Watch for further information and begin thinking of ways you can grow your "seed" money of $100 to help a needy individual or individuals.


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Sunday, May 15, 2011

Mustard Seed Project Returning this Summer

“The Kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown, it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.” Matthew 13:31-32

Ten people or teams will be provided with $100 as “seed” money to benefit a needy person or persons in the Houston community. Use your imagination and creativity to see how you can grow your $100 like the mustard seed grew into a beautiful tree. Watch for more information coming in May.

Here is an example from the 2010 Mustard Seed project participants Jana and Jennifer Burnam: “We are grateful to the members of SJPC for supporting our Mustard Seed Project in such a tremendous way by donating hundreds of items to help needy children in families served by BIM. Through their kindness and generosity and seed money from SJPS and the Presbytery, smiles will be brought to the faces of God’s little children with donations of 95 stuffed animals, 100 tooth brushes, 122 tubes of toothpaste, 126 bars of soap, 105 combs, and 578 diapers. It was a wonderful experience to see the Holy Spirit’s love at work in our congregation.”

See the kind of thing you can do with your $100?
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It’s the 6th Anniversary of the "Wonder" Team Sandwich Makers

Many, many thanks to all St. Johners who have given of their time making sandwiches twice a month for at risk preschoolers! Many of you have been helping for all of those six years. It really helps to have lots of willing hands,and then the work goes very fast.

The Houston Food Bank says that hunger in Houston has grown tremendously
in the last few years. So the Wonder Team Sandwich Makers are doing their part!


COME JOIN US!

2nd and 4th Wednesdays
6:00 PM in McPhail Hall

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St. John’s Book Group— Tuesday, May 31

St. John’s Book Group continues discussing Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes by Kenneth Bailey. The book begins with Jesus’ birth and continues on a kaleidoscopic study of Jesus. The discussion begins at 7:30 pm and will emphasize chapter 15 (John 4: 1-12) and chapter 16 (Matthew 15: 21-28).
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Vacation Bible School!— It’s Not Just for Kids Anymore

We’re counting down to visit space — St. John’s style! This year’s “Galactic Blast” Vacation Bible School will launch on June 26 – 30, 6 – 8 pm. There will be classes for all ages. Neighbors, friends and relatives are invited. A light
supper will be served at 5:45 pm.
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St. John's Calendar, May 15 - 22

Sunday, May 15
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
11:45 am Worship Committee
5:00 pm Centering Prayer
5:00 pm Presbyterian Youth Fellowship

Monday, May 16
6:30 pm “Walking Together”
7:00 pm Bell Choir
7:30 pm Outreach Committee

Tuesday, May 17
9:30 am Prebyterian Women’s called Board Meeting
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

Wednesday, May 18


Thursday, May 19
6:30 pm “Stay Young, Stay Strong”
7:30 pm Chancel Choir

Friday, May 20


Saturday, May 21
8:00 am Women’s Bible Small Group

Sunday, May 22 Beacon Deadline
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
12:00 pm Beacon Newsletter Deadline
5:00 pm Centering Prayer
5:00 pm Presbyterian Youth Fellowship
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St. John's Weekly Reminders, May 15

Honorary Life Membership: Today St. John's Presbyterian Women will present honorary life membership to an unsuspecting St. Johner who has displayed outstanding leadership and service. Be sure to examine the membership pin which will be given; the butterfly design represents newness in Christ.

Open House and Blessing Today: Everyone is invited to apartment 1046 of the Apartment Ministry Open House from 1:00 – 3:00 pm at the Greenbriar Apartments (7777 Greenbriar). Come and learn about this wonderful ministry which provides a Houston home for people receiving treatment in the medical center. Please feel free to park in the garage on the premises.

Presbyterian Youth Fellowship, 5:00 – 6:30 pm: Join us for a closer look at the Book of Psalms. For questions about PYF, call or email Mary Sterner (713-723-6262 or mary2d@yahoo.com.

Beacon Newsletter Deadline: Please deliver all Beacon articles for the upcoming May/June newsletter by email, office.sjpc@gmail.com, or bring to Room 208. The last chance to be part of this issue is Sunday, May 22.

Sign Up Today! New usher teams are forming for June, July, August and September. Sign up for the first, second, third or fourth Sundays. Please speak to Connie Brown if you have questions.

SESSION HIGHLIGHTS from the May 11 Meeting
1. Received information about the upcoming Youth Mission Trip to Guatemala (June 6 to 11).
2. Allen Barnhill was invited to bring his Rice University trombone students to
St. John’s for another concert on June 22.
3. Session approved Pastor Jon’s vacation and study leave dates.
4. This is the year St. John’s may submit the names of Elders who would like to be elected to serve as Alternate Commissioners to the 220th General Assembly. Information on how to submit your own name is in the folder in the Narthex.
5. Session received the sad news that the Jacobsen family will be moving back to Omaha, Nebraska this summer.
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Thursday, May 12, 2011

St. John's Epistle for May 12, 2011

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

The Apartment Ministry is having an Open House Sunday, May 15, from 1-3 pm at The Greenbriar Apartments, 7777 Greenbriar.  The last apartment is being moved this week and we have a chance to see one of them before we put in a tenant.  The parking is limited, but there is a garage on the premises and a short walk to apartment 1046. During this time, I will offer a prayer of blessing for our new apartments.


Last Sunday the children sang again and it was fantastic. We appreciate all the parents and children and the adults who are working with them, led by Shirley and Kyra. We had a large crowd in worship last Sunday which was Mother's Day, with attendance around 165 when our usual attendance is around 122.


On Tuesday we held a Memorial Service for Lee Shoemake in the sanctuary with a reception in Fellowship Hall after the service. Lee was such a sweet person. My reflections about her focused on Romans 12:3-8, a passage about humble Service in the Body of Christ. Lee's gift was serving God through teaching especially in the area of music. Lee served as the lay director of the handbell choir and the chancel choir, always ready to step in and direct when the music staff person needed her help.


She was our congregation's fund raiser for Holly Hall for years. She would get up and encourage people to give. She was a diligent leader.


Lee had the gift of encouragement. Just to look at her shining smile and sparkling eyes uplifted me whenever I saw her. I think she had the same effect on everyone. She lifted spirits by her very presence. She loved to give encouragement to people.


Lee was a generous, giving person. Anything you wanted her to do she would do it and she was so easy and delightful to work with. She was merciful and slow to anger. She was full of forgiveness and saw the best in other people. And she was such a cheerful person. Her very presence was uplifting. No wonder people were drawn to her.


Lee was a dear lady and a great leader in this church and she will be greatly missed in this congregation.

Here are some Session Highlights from the May 11 meeting as recorded by Mary Herlitz, our Clerk to Session:

      *Received information about the upcoming Youth Mission Trip to Guatemala (June 6 to 11)

      *Allen Barnhill was invited to bring his Rice University trombone students to St. John's for another concert on June 22.

      *Session approved Pastor Jon's vacation and study leave dates.

      *This is the year St. John's may submit the names of Elders who would like to be elected to serve as Alternate Commissioners to the 220th  General Assembly. Information on how to submit your own name is in a folder in the Narthex.

      *Session received the sad  news that the Jacobsen family will be moving back home to Omaha, Nebraska this summer.


I will be in the pulpit this Sunday and then away on vacation next week from Monday, May 16 through Sunday, May 22. Rev. Linda Herron will be preaching on May 22 and I appreciate her leadership while I am away. I will not publish an Epistle next week. I hope to see you in worship this Sunday. The sermon text this Sunday is Psalm 23.


Peace,

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, May 9, 2011

St. John's Memorial Service for Lee Shoemake

Dear friends in Christ,


You are invited to a memorial service for Lee Shoemake on Tuesday, May 10, 2011 at 11:30 am in the sanctuary of St. John's Presbyterian Church and to a reception in the Fellowship Hall immediately after the service. Lee was a dear woman of God whom we all loved and admired for her energy, enthusiasm and gentleness. We will keep her family in prayer as they mourn her passing from this life to the life to come. Here is a verse that reminds me of Lee's sweet spirit.



"As God's chosen ones, holy and beloved,
clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness,
humility, meekness, and patience
."
  -Colossians 3:12, NRSV


May the Lord be near to us all as we celebrate her life in a service of witness to the resurrection of Christ our Lord at Lee's Memorial Service.

Peace,

Pastor 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, May 8, 2011

"Wonder Team" Volunteers Needed

Sandwich Makers Needed
Second and fourth Wednesdays at 6 pm
McPhail Hall



Sandwiches are made for Kids’ Meals, a community-based
organization serving free healthy lunches to 1,200 pre-school children,
Monday through Friday year-round.




Help feed Houston's Children!

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St. John's Calendar, May 8 - 15

Sunday, May 8 - Blood Drive
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
5:00 pm Centering Prayer

Monday, May 9
6:30 pm “Walking Together”
7:00 pm Bell Choir

Tuesday, May 10

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, May 11
6:00 pm “Wonder Team” Sandwich Makers, Building II
7:00 – 9:00 pm Trafton Academy, McPhail Hall
7:30 pm Session Meeting

Thursday, May 12
6:30 pm “Stay Young, Stay Strong”
8:30 pm Chancel Choir

Friday, May 13

Saturday, May 14
8:00 am Women’s Bible Small Group

Sunday, May 15
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
11:45 am Worship Committee
5:00 pm Centering Prayer
5:00 pm Presbyterian Youth Fellowship
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St. John's Weekly Reminders, May 8

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

Beacon Newsletter Deadline: Please deliver all Beacon articles for the upcoming May/June newsletter by email, office.sjpc@gmail.com, or bring to Room 208. The last chance to be part of this issue is Sunday, May 22.

“Wonder Team” Sandwich Makers, Wednesday May 11: On May 11 we will make sandwiches in Room 208, Building II . Everyone is welcome.

Change in Ordination Standards of the Presbyterian Church (USA):
A handout with answers to questions about the coming change in Ordination is located in the Narthex and the church office.

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 returned before May 29, 2011.

Are you registered? St. John’s Vacation Bible School is next month starting on Sunday, June 26 at 6 pm, with a light meal served in McPhail Hall at 5:45 pm. Don’t’ miss this fun and exciting event for all ages.

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.

Happy Mothers Day to all the mothers of our hearts
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Thursday, May 5, 2011

St. John's Epistle for May 5, 2011

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

This Sunday we will have the joy of hearing the children sing during worship. Thanks to Shirley and Kyra for their ongoing work on this important project. We also have a Blood Drive this Sunday. Betty invites everyone to come and make your mom proud by giving blood on Mother's Day. Once again the blood drive will be set up in the Scout Room of Building II this Sunday, May 8, from 8 am - 12:30 pm.

The Mustard Seed Project is returning this summer. Ten people or teams will be provided with $100 as "seed" money to benefit a needy person or persons in the Houston community. Use your imagination and creativity to see how you can grow your $100 like the mustard seed grew into a beautiful tree. Watch for more information coming in May. Here is an example from two of last summer's Mustard Seed project participants, Jana and Jennifer Burnham:

"We are grateful to the members of SJPC for supporting our Mustard Seed Project in such a tremendous way by donating hundreds of items to help needy children in families served by BIM. Through their kindness and generosity and seed money from SJPC and the Presbytery, smiles will be brought to the faces of God's little children with donations of 95 stuffed animals, 100 tooth brushes, 122 tubes of toothpaste, 126 bars of soap, 105 combs, and 578 diapers. It was a wonderful experience to see the Holy Spirit's love at work in our congregation."

That is one example of the kind of mission project you may do with your $100. Consider this creatively and let it simmer in prayer and see what kind of spiritual stew gets stirred within your soul. More details will be forthcoming. Speak to Lynne Parsons for more details.

The Myrtis McPhail Scholarship Fund may provide a scholarship grant to any active St. John's member who wishes to use it for undergraduate study and/or a technical or trade school. To be eligible the applicant must submit a written request. Applications may be received from the church office and must be returned to the church office before May 29, 2011.

In March our BIM (Braes Interfaith Ministries) food pantry served 728 clients (282 children and 446 adults), 10 of whom were homeless. It is located on the side of Willow Meadows Baptist Church near the railroad at 4300 West Bellfort, and several of our church members serve as volunteers and distribute food on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Remember Lee and her family in prayer. She is in now on the hospice floor at Southwest Memorial Hermann Hospital. Also, remember in prayer Dick and Ernie D, Lydia and Jim, Marjie, Max, Ava and Dale, Doug, George and Bob. Finally, we continue to remember in prayer all who have been affected by the recent tornadoes in Alabama and elsewhere.

I hope to see you this Sunday. Come ready to give blood.

Peace,

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, May 1, 2011

Do Something Amazing

Be a Life-Saver

Give Blood

St. John’s Blood Drive
Sunday, May 8


Building II - 8 am - 12:30 pm
It’s something you can spare...
yet there is still not enough to go around.

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Mustard Seed Project Returning this Summer

“The Kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown, it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.” Matthew 13:31-32

Ten people or teams will be provided with $100 as “seed” money to benefit a needy person or persons in the Houston community. Use your imagination and creativity to see how you can grow your $100 like the mustard seed grew into a beautiful tree. Watch for more information coming in May.

Here is an example from the 2010 Mustard Seed project participants Jana and Jennifer Burnam:

“We are grateful to the members of SJPC for supporting our Mustard Seed Project in such a tremendous way by donating hundreds of items to help needy children in families served by BIM. Through their kindness and generosity and seed money from SJPS and the Presbytery, smiles will be brought to the faces of God’s little children with donations of 95 stuffed animals, 100 tooth brushes, 122 tubes of toothpaste, 126 bars of soap, 105 combs, and 578 diapers. It was a wonderful experience to see the Holy Spirit’s love at work in our congregation.”

See the kind of thing you can do with your $100?
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Wonder Team News

It’s the 6th Anniversary of the Wonder
Team Sandwich Makers!


Many, many thanks to all St. Johners who have given of their time making sandwiches twice a month for at risk preschoolers! Many of you have been helping for all of those six years. It really helps to have lots of willing hands, and then the work goes very fast.


The Houston Food Bank says that hunger in Houston has grown tremendously in the last few years. So the Wonder Team Sandwich Makers are doing their part!


COME JOIN US! - 2nd and 4th Wednesdays @ 6:00 PM in McPhail Hall

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Scholarship Application

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 he/she outlines plans and goals. Please get an application from the church office to be submitted before May 29, 2011.
— Curtis Brisch
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Click-to-Give

Imagine no hunger. . . .— John Lennon

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

Hunger Fighters (www.hungerfighters.com): You can help fight hunger in less than 30 seconds a day. Each click donates one cup of food. The food is paid by their sponsors.

Did you add Free Rice (www.freerice.com) to your favorites? Remember each correct answer donates 10 grains of rice to the United Nations World Food Program.

— St. John’s Outreach Ministries Committee
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March 2010 BIM Status Report

In March BIM (Braes Interfaith Ministries) food pantry served 728 clients (282 children and 446 adults), 10 of whom were homeless. It is located at 4300 West Bellfort, and volunteers distribute food on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
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St. John's Calendar, May 1 - 8

Sunday, May 1 - Bake Sale
9:00 am – 12:00 pm Presbyterian Women’s Bake Sale, McPhail Hall
9:00 am Church School
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
5:00 pm PYF - Biblical feasting

Monday, May 2
6:30 pm “Walking Together”
7:00 pm Bell Choir

Tuesday, May 3
9:30 am Presbyterian Women’s Circles l 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 pm Evening Circle

Wednesday, May 4
7:30 pm Caring, Christian Education & Finance and Stewardship

Thursday, May 5
6:30 pm “Stay Young, Stay Strong”
8:30 pm Chancel Choir

Saturday, May 7
8:00 am Women’s Bible Small Group
8:00 am St. John’s Breakfast
7:00 – 10:00 pm Ghananian Church, All Night Prayer Service

Sunday, May 8 – Blood Drive
8:00 am – 12:30 pm Blood Drive, Scout Room
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
5:00 pm Centering Prayer
5:00 pm No Presbyterian Youth Fellowship
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St. John's Calendar Weekly Reminders

PYF, Today, 5-6:30 pm: We will explore Biblical feasting, a combination of hearing the Word and experiencing the hospitality of the Bible.

Circles, Tuesday, May 3: Circle One, 9:30 am, Louise Cherry, chair, will meet at the church; Charlotte Stafford and Vera Newell hostesses; Circle 2, 9:30 am, Linda Dyson, chair, will meet at the church; shared hostesses; Night Circle, 7:30 pm, Kathleen Captain, chair, Vivian Ivy will be the hostess at her home, 5830 Cartagena.

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.

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.

Change in Ordination Standards of the Presbyterian Church (USA): A handout with answers to questions about the coming change in Ordination is located in the Narthex and the church office.

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 returned before May 29, 2011.

Vacation Bible School - June 26 – 30 6 – 8 pm
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