Sunday, July 31, 2011

St. John's Weekly Reminder's, July 31

Pastor Jon is away today. Pastor Jon will return to the church office on August 15. The next Epistle will be published on August 18, 2011. During this absence Reverend Linda Herron will provide pastoral care and preach. We welcome Reverend Linda back to the pulpit today and appreciate her leadership.

Brunch: Make sure you stop by McPhail Hall after worship service for delicious food and wonderful fellowship. Please remember to feed the “kitty.”

"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.

Seamen’s Boxes: St. John’s Presbyterian Women are collecting 2012 calendars for the Seamen’s Boxes. Please deliver to the church office, Building 2.

2011 MUSTARD SEED PROJECTS:
Braes Interfaith Ministries (BIM): Blake Modlin and Shannon DeSouza are collecting coupons to enhance buying power with their seed money and donations for BIM.
Interfaith Ministries: Phyllis and John Freeman are buying and collecting pet food, pet food coupons and money donations for the Animeals program.
Pet Patrol: Jennifer Durand is collecting money and pet supplies (dry and canned food, flea prevention, dog shampoo, cat litter, pet treats, collars and leashes). The mission is to assist elderly and those affected by chronic or life-threatening illnesses in the Houston area by helping clients care for the pets. By promoting contact and companionship between humans and animals, individuals experience reduced depression, loneliness, and anxiety.
Sally’s House: Michael Rodgers and Lynne Parsons Austin are collecting gently used clothing for women returning to work. Sally’s House is a transitional shelter for single women who have already completed an alcohol/drug detoxification program.
Shearn Elementary School: Betty Robinson and Lynne Parsons Austin are collecting new athletic shoes (or money) for Pre-K through 5th grade.
Drop boxes are located outside the church office, Building 2.
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St. John's Weekly Calendar, July 31 - August 7

Sunday, July 31 – Healing Service
9:00 am Church School
9:55 am Chancel Choir rehearsal
10:30 am Worship Service
11:45 am Brunch by Christian Education

Monday, August 1
6:30 pm “Walking Together”
7:00 pm Bell Choir

Tuesday, August 2
9:30 am No 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, August 3
6:00 pm Scout Troop 21151
7:30 pm Budget and Finance Committee

Thursday, August 4
6:30 pm “Stay Young, Stay Strong”

Friday, August 5

Saturday, August 6
8:00 am Women’s Bible Small Group
7:00-11:00 pm Ghanaians, McPhail Hall

Sunday, August 7
9:00 am Church School
9:55 am Chancel Choir rehearsal
10:30 am Worship Service
11:45 am Evangelism Committee
11:45 am Nominating Committee
11:45 am Brunch by St. John’s Breakfast
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Monday, July 11, 2011

Living Waters For the World Team Update

Recent changes to the Cuban constitution have lead to the relaxation of restrictions against religious activity in Cuba. Mike Cole, General Presbyter of New Covenant Presbytery, has made recent visits to Cuba and reports an active Presbyterian Church structure developing there. Dr. Reinerio Arce-Valentin, the President of the Presbyterian seminary in Matanzas Province, was a speaker at the last Presbytery meeting. In order to support this Presbyterian movement in Cuba, the St. John’s/ChristChurch Living Waters team has joined forces with a new LWW team from Clear Lake Presbyterian Church and is planning a trip to Cuba in early November to install two water treatment systems and provide health and sanitation education at two Presbyterian Churches in Matanzas, Cuba. Brad Urquhart and John Freeman will join 14 others from ChristChurch and Clear Lake PC for the trip. Funds collected at last year’s Holiday Gift Market will pay for one of the water systems.

Thank you, St. John’s people, for making this possible.

This represents a shift of our water projects from Haiti to Cuba; however, the overall poverty rate of the two countries is comparable. The average per capita income in Cuba is about $2 per day. Clean water systems and health education are needed in Cuba and according to Pastor Arce-Valentin, the people there long for our loving spiritual support. - John Freeman
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"Wonder Team" Sandwich Makers

Those who are generous are blessed, for they share their bread with the poor. — Proverbs 22:9

Come and help make a difference in the life of a child! Feeding a child allows that child to thrive and grow! 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: July 13 and 27, and August 10. No experience is necessary and you’ll be home within 45 minutes.
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Items Needed for Seamen's Boxes

As you 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 and lip balm.

Deliver items to the Recycle Center in McPhail Hall.

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Click-to-Give

“Every week a tsunami rips through poor towns and villages all over the world ... That tsunami is hunger.” — Colin Farrell

The Hunger Site (www.hungersite.com) provides simple, effective, feel-good ways to address an urgent, specific humanitarian need: the eradication of world hunger. Since its launch in June 1999 the site has established itself as a leader in online activism, helping to feed the world’s hungry and food-insecure. On average, over 220,000 individuals from around the world visit the site each day to click the yellow “Click Here to Give - it’s FREE” button. Since its inception, visitors at The Hunger Site and shoppers at The Hunger Site store have given more than 671 million cups of food.

The staple food funded by clicks at The Hunger Site is paid for by site sponsors and distributed to those in need by Mercy Corps, Feeding America (formerly America’s Second Harvest), and Millennium Promise. 100% of sponsor advertising fees goes to the charitable partners. Funds are split between these organizations and go to the aid of hungry people in over 74 countries, including those in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Latin America and North America.

Did you add Feed the Children (www.clicktogive.com) from last month to your favorites? Remember, each click helps children in 50 states and 34 foreign countries. — St. John’s Outreach Ministries Committee
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Mustard Seed Project Update

This summer several members of our congregation have jumped at the opportunity to plant seeds of hope and compassion in people living in our community by articipating in a Mustard Seed Project. The variety of projects is especially exciting this year. Would you consider helping them grow their mustard seed by contributing or donating any of the items listed under each project? It’s easy; it’s moving; it’s loving.

Read below to find out how you can participate and help Jesus’ seeds of hope and compassion grow.

Pet Patrol
Jennifer Durand is collecting money and pet supplies for Pet Patrol, a non-profit organization dedicated to taking care of pets owned by the elderly and those affected by severe illness. Volunteers of this organization help feed, groom, and walk pets for those who are unable. By enabling individuals to keep their pets, the emotional well-being of the pet owner is preserved. (Studies show that furry, four-legged companions help reduce depression in home-bound people.)

Items requested are: Dry and canned food (for cats and dogs), flea prevention, dog shampoo,cat litter, pet treats, collars, and leashes. A drop box to collect these items is located next to Vivian’s office.

Braes Interfaith Ministries
Shannon DeSouza and Blake Modlin are collecting coupons for food goods to benefit Braes Interfaith Ministries (BIM). Look through papers, magazines, ads and collect those coupons that will stretch the dollar for purchase of non-perishable foods for the food pantry at BIM. A drop box to collect these coupons can be found in McPhail Hall.

Sally’s House
Michael Rodgers and Lynne Parsons Austin are collecting gently used clothing for women at Sally’s House. Sally’s House is a transitional shelter for single women who have already completed an alcohol/drug detoxification program. This shelter provides a safe and compassionate environment for the next phase of their recovery where they must work or attend school to learn a skill. They are especially in need of appropriate clothing for work. Look through your closets and donate gently used women’s outfits, dresses, pants and blouses. All sizes are acceptable. A drop box to collect these items is located near Vivian’s office.

Interfaith Ministries Animeals
Phyllis and John Freeman are buying and collecting pet food for Interfaith Ministries Animeals program. As you may know, Interfaith Ministries sponsors the Meals on Wheels program for some of our home-bound elder population in Houston. Many of these folks also have pets in need of food.By providing meals to both owner and pet, everyone benefits. Contributions of pet food, money and pet food coupons will aid in this effort. This gesture of contributing food for pets will bring much comfort to those who are struggling to provide for their pets and for themselves. A drop box to collect these items is located near Vivian’s office.

Shearn Elementary School
Betty Robinson and Lynne Parsons Austin are collecting new athletic shoes for students at Shearn Elementary (Pre-K through 5th graders). Buy a pair of kid’s athletic shoes and donate them (or money) to this group of children who might not otherwise be able to afford a new pair of shoes. This small gesture will allow them to start the school year with excitement and self-confidence as they take the next step into their future. A drop box to collect these items is located near Vivian’s office.

We are encouraged by these projects and grateful for each participant. We pray that these acts of faith and kindness will glorify Jesus while bringing hope and compassion to those served. Please join us in this effort. — Lynn Parsons Austin, Outreach Ministries
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St. Johns's Weekly Calendar - July 10 - 17

Sunday, July 10 – Blood Drive
8:00 – 12:30 pm Blood Drive, Scout Room
9:00 am Church School
9:55 am Chancel Choir rehearsal
10:30 am Worship Service
11:45 am Pot Luck Brunch
11:45 am Worship Committee
12:00 pm BEACON deadline

Monday, July 11
6:30 pm “Walking Together”

Tuesday, July 12
9:30 am Presbyterian Women’s Activity Day
12:00 pm Staff Meeting
2:00 pm Scout Troop 688
5:00 pm Hour of Prayer, Rm. 207
6:30 pm “Stay Young, Stay Strong”
7:00 pm Scout Troop 688

Wednesday, July 13
6:00 pm “Wonder Team” Sandwich Makers, McPhail Hall
7:30 pm Session Meeting

Thursday, July 14
6:30 pm “Stay Young, Stay Strong”

Friday, July 15

Saturday, July 16

8:00 am Women’s Bible Small Group
6:00 pm Private party, McPhail Hall and Sanctuary

Sunday, July 17
9:00 am Church School
9:55 am Chancel Choir Rehearsal
10:30 am Worship Service
11:45 am Brunch by Property Committee
11:45 am Evangelism Committee
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St. John's Weekly Reminders, July 10

Brunch: Make sure you stop by McPhail Hall after worship service for delicious food and wonderful fellowship. A donation to cover the cost of the food is appreciated.

Beacon Newsletter Assemblers: Please come to Room 203, Tuesday, July 12 at 9:30 am to assemble BEACONS. No experience is needed.

Summer Chancel Choir: Be in your seat at 9:55 am every Sunday morning in the choir room and join us as we sing familiar anthems. No evening rehearsals.

"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.

Mustard Seed Project: Blake and Shannon are collecting coupons to enhance their buying power with their seed money and donations for BIM. Hoping this donation of coupons continues, they would like to continue this year round as they learn of free or near free items. The coupons would allow them to help stockpile BIM as often as possible. You may put your coupons in the container in McPhail Hall.
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Thank you for a Successful Blood Drive

Our Sunday July 10 blood drive was a great success!

Donors: 20 with 1 Deferral
(Whole Blood 17, Double Red Cell 1, Red Cell Plasma 1)

Total Products: 21

Thank you to everyone who participated!

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Sunday, July 3, 2011

St. John's Calendar Weekly Reminders

Brunch: Make sure you stop by McPhail Hall after worship service for delicious food and wonderful fellowship. A donation to cover the cost of the food is appreciated. Everyone is welcome!

Church Offices Closed: St. John’s will be closed Monday, July 4.

Beacon Newsletter Deadline: Please deliver all Beacon articles for the upcoming July/August newsletter by email, office.sjpc@gmail.com, or bring to Room 208. The last chance to be part of this issue is Sunday, July 10.

Summer Chancel Choir: Be in your seat at 9:55 am every Sunday morning in the choir room and join us as we sing familiar anthems. No evening rehearsals.

"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.

Mustard Seed Project: Blake and Shannon are collecting coupons to enhance their buying power with their seed money and donations for BIM. Hoping this donation of coupons continues, they would like to continue this year round as they learn of free or near free items. The coupons would allow them to help stockpile BIM as often as possible.
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St. JOhn's Weekly Calendar, July 3 - 10

Sunday, July 3
9:00 am Church School
9:55 am Chancel Choir rehearsal
10:30 am Worship Service
11:45 am Brunch by Caring Committee

Monday, July 4 Offices Closed

Tuesday, July 5
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, July 6
7:00 pm Property Committee Meeting

Thursday, July 7
6:30 pm “Stay Young, Stay Strong”

Friday, July 8


Saturday, July 9

8:00 am Women’s Bible Small Group

Sunday, July 10 Blood Drive
8:00 am – 12:30 pm Blood Drive, Scout Room
9:00 am Church School
9:55 am Chancel Choir Rehearsal
10:30 am Worship Service
11:45 am Pot Luck Brunch
11:45 am Worship Committee
12:00 pm Beacon Deadline
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