St. John's Epistle for December 29, 2011 ✣ Three Steps You Must Take Today ✣ Happy New Year

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

Last weekend was full of beautiful services on Christmas Eve Service at 5 pm and 11 pm and our Christmas Day Worship Service at 10:30 am. The 5 pm service was a family service that featured a Christmas skit by the youth. The 11 pm service was a candlelight service with readings and carols and a harp and violin and piano. After the sermon in the Sunday morning service we sang some of your favorite Christmas carols.

Now we turn toward the new year with a 10:30 am worship service on New Year's Day. In the sermon this Sunday from Matthew 2:1-12, I will suggest there are three steps you must take today: 1. Decipher Where You Are; 2. Envision Where You Want to Be; 3. Take Action to Get There. This is important to you because as we approach the first day of 2012, you have the opportunity to turn your life in a more positive direction. God has a claim on your life's journey. You have a purpose in life. The wise men's purpose was to find and worship the Christ. Your life's purpose is to find and connect with the Christ within you.

We offer the gift of our intercessory prayers for those in our congregation who are ill and especially for those in the hospital including Johnny, Lelia, and Marjie. Before this blessed season of sharing has passed, I hope you'll consider making one more gift to this congregation. Give yourself one more gift also -- a tax deduction for the charitable gift you make on behalf of the mission of St. John's Presbyterian Church! May the Lord bless you and your family as we come to the conclusion of this year and begin a new year this Sunday. Happy New Year!

Peace,
Pastor Jon

- - -

Links of interest

• Circles 1, 2 & 3— Tuesday, January 3 @ 9:30 am
• Deliver Meals on Wheels in 2012
• St. John's Breakfast— January 7

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St. John's Presbyterian Church
5020 West Bellfort / Houston, TX 77035
T. 713.723.6262 / F. 713.723-4015 / Email: office.sjpc@gmail.com
Worship Service: Sunday, 10:30 am / Sunday School: 9:00 am

St. John's Epistle for December 29, 2011 ✣ Three Steps You Must Take Today ✣ Happy New Year

St. John's Weekly Reminders, December 25

“Wonder Team” Sandwich Makers, Wednesday, December 28: Volunteers are needed to help make 300+ sandwiches for local children. Please meet in McPhail Hall at 6 pm.

Attention 2011 Committee Chairs: The year-end annual Committee reports are due in the church office by Tuesday, January 3. These reports will be distributed at the January 8 Congregational Meeting.

Circles 1, 2 & 3: All ladies are invited to the Presbyterian Women Bible study on Tuesday, January 3, at 9:30 am. The lesson will focus on Lesson 5: Greatly Honored Are Those Who Show Mercy! from Matthew 5:7 and Luke 10:25-37.

St. John’s Breakfast, Saturday, January 7: All are invited to St. John’s January breakfast at 8 am in McPhail Hall. If you need transportation please contact Linda Dobbin or the church office.

Congregational Meeting, Sunday, January 8: We will hold our annual meeting immediately following Worship.
Stewardship Update: Pledge cards are available in the pew racks and will remain there each Sunday until the end of the year. Pledges help the Session plan the church's budget. Please consider making a pledge to the church in 2012 if you have not yet done so. As of now we have received 82 pledges for $353,250. In comparison, this time last year we had received 83 pledges totaling $337,076. Those who have pledged have been generous in their giving! Some people give but do not pledge and we value their gifts as well. The Apostle Paul offers guidelines for giving to Christ's church in 2 Corinthians 9:7: "Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."

Flower Calendar: Please sign your name on the Flower Calendar in the Narthex to reserve your special Sunday for giving flowers in the Sanctuary in 2012.

St. John's Weekly Reminders, December 25

Weekly Calendar, December 25 - January 1

Sunday, December 25 – Christmas Day
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service

Monday, December 26 Church Offices Closed
6:00 pm Pack 8 Scout Meeting
6:30 pm Walking Together

Tuesday, December 28 Church Offices Closed
5:00 pm Hour of Prayer, Rm. 207
6:30 pm Stay Young, Stay Strong
7:00 pm Scout Troop 688

Wednesday, December 28
6:00 pm “Wonder Team” Sandwich Makers
6:00 pm Girl Scout Troop
7:30 pm No Chancel Choir

Thursday, December 29
6:30 pm Stay Young, Stay Strong

Friday, December 30

Saturday, December 31 New Year’s Eve
8:00 am Women’s Bible Small Group
9:00 pm – 1:00 am Ghanaians Vigil Service, Scout Room

Sunday, January 1 – New Year’s Day
9:00 an Church School
10:30 am Worship Service

Weekly Calendar, December 25 - January 1

Hospitality Corner

Gather us in from all the lands,
From the east and the west,
From the south and the north.
Let all who are hungry and thirsty,
whose souls are faint with them,
Cry out to the Most Merciful to give them succor,
to nourish them with healing love;
— Psalm 107, Psalms for Praying by Nan Merrill

Greet everyone you meet on our campus with a welcome smile and handshake.

We are all called to gather here to share the happiness and joy that God offers each of us. Never forget that fellowship is a blessing!
— St. John’s Evangelism Ministry Committee

Hospitality Corner

Deliver Meals on Wheels in 2012

In January St. John’s Outreach Ministry Committee will be scheduling the 2012 rooster for delivering meals to elderly people who need food. St. John’s delivers on the first Saturday and the second Sunday of each month. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Phyllis Freeman at 713-776-3548.

Deliver Meals on Wheels in 2012

St. John’s Breakfast— January 7

All are invited to St. John’s Breakfast, Saturday, January 7, at 8 am.
If you need transportation or information about the breakfast, contact Linda
Dobbin.

St. John’s Breakfast— January 7

Circles 1, 2 & 3— Tuesday, January 3 @ 9:30 am

All St. John’s ladies are invited to join a circle meeting. This year’s Bible study is Confessing the Beatitudes, exploring the teachings of Jesus in Matthew and Luke.
Study is Lesson 5: Greatly Honored Are Those Who Show Mercy! from Matthew 5:7 and Luke 10:25-37.

Circles 1, 2 & 3— Tuesday, January 3 @ 9:30 am

St. John's Epistle for December 22, 2011 ✣ Fear not! ✣ Merry Christmas

Dear church members and friends of St. John's,
              
Do not be afraid to invite your friends and family to our Christmas Eve Service at 5 pm and 11 pm and our Christmas Day Worship Service at 10:30 am this weekend. The 5 pm service is youth led and features a Christmas skit by the youth. The 11 pm service is a candlelight service with readings and carols. After the sermon in the Sunday morning service we will sing some of your favorite Christmas carols.

Overcoming fear is a challenge for each of us. We live in fear with good reason. We live contingent lives. Death is ever near. There is no guarantee that any of us will survive today or any day. Life is contingent. Three fears are common among many of us: We fear we will make a mistake. We fear rejection. We fear we will not achieve God's purpose for our lives. We live in fearful times. Read the news. You'll find plenty of fearful news. The economy is weak. We hear of wars and rumors of wars.

Overcoming fear is a central theme of the gospel stories of Jesus birth, as evidenced in this portion of our reading for Christmas Day.

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger." (Luke 2:8-12)

Mary lived in dangerous times. She was afraid when the angel of the Lord appeared to her to announce she was carrying the Christ child within her. The angel's message to Mary was "Be not afraid." The shepherds were afraid when the angel appeared to them to announce the birth of Jesus. The angels told the shepherds: "Be not afraid." This phrase or some version of it appears 40 times in the New Testament. It is a major theme. The sermon this Sunday will consider the "Be not afraid" theme from Luke 2:1-20, is titled Christmas Day amidst the Whimper and the Roar.

May this Christmas day be a day of treasuring what God has done in our world and in your life. Ponder the mystery of how Christ gets born in your heart. May you see your own reflection in the eyes of the baby in the manger. If you feel Christ leading you to give an extra end-of-the-year gift to St. John's, we will be very happy to receive it from you. Merry Christmas!

Peace on earth and good will to all people,
Jon B.       The Rev. Dr. Jonathan L. Burnham / St. John's Presbyterian Church / 5020 West Bellfort Ave, Houston, TX 77035 / Phone 713-723-6262 | sjpresby.blogspot.com

Links of interest:

• Register to attend the local January Officer Training Event sponsored by the presbytery.
• Presbytery's Newsletter; Connections: Jan/Feb edition - Can you find the 4 members of St. John's either pictured or mentioned in this edition?
• Seamen Remembered During Holiday Season via ABC Channel 13
  

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St. John's Presbyterian Church
5020 West Bellfort / Houston, TX 77035
T. 713.723.6262 / F. 713.723-4015 / Email: office.sjpc@gmail.com
Worship Service: Sunday, 10:30 am / Sunday School: 9:00 am

St. John's Epistle for December 22, 2011 ✣ Fear not! ✣ Merry Christmas

Christmas Weekend Schedule

• Christmas Eve Service at 5 pm. The 5 pm service is youth led and features a Christmas skit by the youth. Come and bring a friend!
  
• Christmas Eve 11 pm Service. The 11 pm service is a candlelight service with readings and carols. All are welcome.
  
• Christmas Day Worship Service at 10:30 am this Sunday. After the sermon we will sing some of your favorite Christmas carols. Bring your family.
  

Christmas Weekend Schedule

BIM Present

Give A Christmas Present for BIM

Every time you shop at Kroger you can help support Braes Interfaith Ministries (BIM) by linking the BIM barcode number
(#90528) to your Kroger card.

1. Take this barcode number (#90528) with you to Kroger before December 31, 2011.

2. One time only, at the service desk, show your Kroger Plus card and the barcode number above to have them “linked” together.

BIM Present

2011 Poinsettias

Poinsettias given in memory:
Lynne & Jim Austin in memory of their parents;
Ernie D Davis in memory of Dick;
Phyllis & John Freeman in memory of their parents Ruth &
Ronald Palmer and Evelyn and John Freeman;
Jan Herbert in memory of Geraldine Morgenroth, John Cox, Freda Albert
and Susan Chiado;
Lisa Jury in memory of William & Ginny Darr;
Lisa Jury in memory of Joyce Leybeck;
Pat Elder Ragan in memory of Dave & Dorothy Elder;
Kathy Roth in memory of her mother, Evelyn Weinburger

Poinsettias given in honor:
Gloria & Parnell Avery in honor of loved ones;
Donna Brock & Carol Wnuk in honor of the Anchor House Volunteers;
Linda & Johnny Dyson in honor of the glory of God;
Mindi Stanley & Bill Ehrenstrom in honor of Sou Sou Asmar;
Mindi Stanley & Bill Ehrenstrom in honor of Phil & Pat Costa;
Bob & Mary Hughes in honor of Toren, Naomi & Mina;
Ann Hardy in honor of those who work at Anchor House;
Frank & Norma Johnson in honor of Tom & Claire MacAdam’s
6th wedding anniversary;
Lisa Jury in honor of Doug & Teresa Darr;
Ken & Virginia Krueger in honor of Sean, Amelia & Karis

Poinsettias given on the occasion:
Tom & Claire MacAdam on the occasion of their 6th wedding anniversary

2011 Poinsettias

December 18 Weekly Reminders

Called Congregational Meeting Today: Please remain after Worship for the Nominating Committee’s report for the candidates for the Elder Class of 2014. The new by-laws will also be presented.

St. John’s Holiday Schedule: Our church offices will be closed Monday, December 26, and Tuesday, December 27, for the Christmas holiday.

Children’s Socks Needed: Our sock trees are in need of socks, newborns through kindergarten sizes only. The socks will be delivered to House of Tiny Treasures and Small Steps Nurturing Center by the Presbyterian Women.


Stewardship Update: Pledge cards are available in the pew racks and will remain there each Sunday until the end of the year. Pledges help the Session plan the church's budget. Please consider making a pledge to the church in 2012 if you have not yet done so. As of now we have received 82 pledges for $353,250. In comparison, this time last year we had received 83 pledges totaling $337,076. Those who have pledged have been generous in their giving! Some people give but do not pledge and we value their gifts as well. The Apostle Paul offers guidelines for giving to Christ's church in 2 Corinthians 9:7: "Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."

Flower Calendar: Please sign your name on the Flower Calendar in the Narthex to reserve your special Sunday for giving flowers in the Sanctuary in 2012.

December 18 Weekly Reminders

Weekly Calendar, Dec. 18 - Dec. 25

Sunday, December 18 – 4th Sunday of Advent -Christmas Joy Offering 9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
11:45 am Called Congregational Meeting
12:00 – 3:00 pm Ghanaians, McPhail Hall
12:30 pm Sunday Circle
5:00 pm Centering Prayer
5:00 pm Presbyterian Youth Fellowship, McPhail Hall

Monday, December 19
6:00 pm Pack 8 Scout Meeting
6:30 pm Walking Together

Tuesday, December 20
9:30 am Presbyterian Women’s Activity Day
12:00 pm Staff Meeting
5:00 pm Hour of Prayer, Rm. 207
6:30 pm “Stay Young, Stay Strong”
7:00 pm Scout Troop 688

Wednesday, December 21
8:00 am – 6 pm bakers (Duet Catering,) kitchen
6:00 pm Girl Scout Troop
7:30 pm Chancel Choir

Thursday, December 22
8:00 am – 6 pm bakers (Duet Catering), kitchen
6:30 pm “Stay Young, Stay Strong”

Friday, December 23
8:00 am – 6 pm bakers (Duet Catering), kitchen

Saturday, December 24 Christmas Eve
5:00 pm Youth-led Service
7:30 pm – 9:30 pm Ghanaians, Scout Room, Christmas Eve Service
11:00 pm Candlelight Service

Sunday, December 25 – Christmas Day
9:00 an Church School
10:30 am Worship Service

Weekly Calendar, Dec. 18 - Dec. 25

November Report

In November Braes Interfaith Ministries (BIM) food pantry served 1311 clients (589 children and 722 adults), 25 of whom were homeless.

November Report

BIM January Food Drive

Each of the 12 member churches of Braes Interfaith Ministries has a month in which it is designated to provide food. January is St. John’s month to provide food for BIM. Look for grocery sacks with a list of suggestions. Cash donations are also appreciated. BIM can buy $27 worth of canned food from the Houston Food Bank for every dollar donated. Please write BIM on the memo line of your check.

Braes Interfaith Ministries Recap

In 1984 Shirley Kouri of Willow Meadows Baptist Church realized that the churches along West Bellfort were often duplicating each other’s asistance as they answered pleas for food. Representatives of these churches – St. George/St. Patrick’s, Willow
Meadows Baptist, Salem Lutheran, St. John’s Presbyterian and Westbury Methodist – met with representatives from Houston Metropolitan Ministries. The meeting concluded with each church going to their congregations for approval to participate in a joint food pantry to be housed at Willow Meadows.

A name was selected: SWAP – Southwest Area Pantry. Opening day was October 1, 1984 and in the first month of operation 186 people were fed. In November 1985 the pantry was incorporated and renamed Braes Interfaith Ministries. In the following months 7 more congregations joined the coalition.

A School Supply Program was initiated in the 80s and in 1989 a Community Garden was started. In October 2008 the Braes Resale & Consignment store opened at 10319 South Post Oak.

In the first year of operation 2,779 individuals were served. This year 12,454 individuals have been served

BIM January Food Drive

St. John’s Holiday Schedule

St. John’s Church office will be closed Monday, December 26, and Tuesday, December 27, for the Christmas holiday. The office will also be closed Monday, January 2 for New Year’s Day. St. John’s staff wishes everyone a healthy and happy Christmas and a New Year filled with hope, love and joy!

St. John’s Holiday Schedule

Flower Calendar

Would you like to dedicate flowers to a loved one? Would you like to reserve your special Sunday for giving flowers? It’s easy to do — sign your name on the Flower Calendar in the Narthex during the month of January.

Flower Calendar

St. John's Epistle for December 15, 2011 ✜ God's Christmas Wish for You

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

You are among the most generous people I have ever known. Remember the church with an end of the year gift if you are able. Rest assured whatever you give to this congregation will be multiplied many times over in vital ministry. If you spent as much time as I do in the church office building, you too would be astounded at all the ministry and outreach that goes on here. The loving energy that passes through this building and out into the world is palpable. And this is but one hub for the ministries that each of you carries out in the fullness of your life at home - listening to a child, caring for a parent, praying for a friend; and at work - dealing with difficult situations, meeting deadlines, being a peaceful presence for your colleagues.

Your life is a gift to God that is expressed in many ways, one of which is in and through a faith community called St. John's. Let me take this opportunity to THANK YOU for your generosity to me, the church staff, this community, this city and the world. You are inspiring people. You are gifted for ministry. You are committed and you are generous. Do not hesitate to express your generosity with an additional gift to St. John's at this time of year. You may think of it as your Christmas gift to Jesus. No doubt you will give a Christmas gift to every other important person in your life. Consider also giving a special gift to St. John's above and beyond your pledge.

Speaking of pledges, if you have not pledged for 2012, cards are in the pew racks and the church office will be happy to mail you one. Call the church office at 713-723-6262 and we will mail you a pledge card. If you've never pledged, perhaps you may want to start small. For those who are new to this spiritual discipline, your attitude of commitment to Christ and the desire to be a part of this successful enterprise matters more than the amount of money pledged.

Christ's birth may not be acknowledged in the secular world but it will most certainly be acknowledged in our hearts, in our lives, and in the worship and ongoing ministry of St. John's Presbyterian Church. If God has blessed you in such a way that you are able to do so, write an additional check to St. John's today in honor of the baby who was born in a manger long ago and who is reborn in our hearts during this holy season. Think of this additional check as a way of acknowledging the true reason for the season, the birth of Christ our Lord.

You are a walking miracle and you don't even know it. You are blessing people right here in this church and all over the world by being who you are and doing what you do. The difference between a life filled with wonder and a so-called "boring" life comes down to one word: Perception. Let us see what we find as we look and listen for God's word to us this Sunday from Luke 1:26-38. The sermon title is God's Christmas Wish for You: How to Experience Miracles Like Mother Mary.

Peace,
Jon B.

P.S. Links of Interest:

• December 2011 / January 2012 Beacon
• Living Waters for the World Cuba Mission Trip
• Stewardship Update
• Welcome St. John's Newest Members
• New Beginnings - January Session Transition
• Kroger Neighbor to Neighbor Benefiting Braes Interfaith Ministries
• St. John's Calendar: December 11 - 18
• Weekly Reminders: December 11, 2011
• Children's Socks Needed for Christmas Trees
• Presbytery of New Covenant - 2011 Auditors Financial Report

--
The Rev. Dr. Jonathan L. Burnham
St. John's Presbyterian Church
5020 West Bellfort Ave, Houston, TX 77035
Phone 713-723-6262 | sjpresby.blogspot.com

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St. John's Presbyterian Church
5020 West Bellfort / Houston, TX 77035
T. 713.723.6262 / F. 713.723-4015 / Email: office.sjpc@gmail.com
Worship Service: Sunday, 10:30 am / Sunday School: 9:00 am

St. John's Epistle for December 15, 2011 ✜ God's Christmas Wish for You

Children's Socks Needed for Christmas Trees

Bring children’s socks, only newborn to kindergarten size in any color or style. Please start on the first Sunday of Advent, November 27, to help decorate our two Christmas trees. One tree will stand in the Narthex and one by the church office. St. John’s Presbyterian Women will deliver the socks to the House of Tiny Treasures and Small Steps Nurturing Center.

Children's Socks Needed for Christmas Trees

Weekly Reminders: December 11, 2011

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

Presbyterian Women’s Program and Luncheon, Tuesday, December 13: Everyone is invited to come and enjoy a Christmas musical concert featuring Rob Landes. Please gather in the Sanctuary at 10:30 am. A luncheon will follow.

St. John’s Book Group, Tuesday, December 13: Readers are invited to join the discussion (Jesus through the Middle Eastern Eyes by Kenneth Bailey) at 7:30 pm. The discussion will focus on Chapters 3 & 4.

“Wonder Team” Sandwich Makers December Holiday: Volunteers are needed to make 300+ sandwiches for needy Houston children on Wednesday, December 14 and 28. Please come to McPhail Hall and make a difference in a child’s life.

A Very Special Thank You: Our December 4 Blood Drive was a success! We had 19 donors (with 2 deferrals) and donated 12 units of whole blood, 1 unit of double red cell and 4 units of red cell plasma. Thank you!

“Are your packages safe?”: The Property Committee is asking everyone to lock their car doors and to make sure all packages are securely hidden and not visible through the windows. Be safe this holiday season.

Called Congregational Meeting Next Sunday: Please remain after Worship for the Nominating Committee’s report for the candidates for the Elder Class of 2014. The new by-laws will also be presented.

Stewardship Update: Pledge cards are available in the pew racks and will remain there each Sunday until the end of the year. Pledges help the Session plan the church's budget. Please consider making a pledge to the church in 2012 if you have not yet done so. As of now we have received 82 pledges for $353,250. In comparison, this time last year we had received 83 pledges totaling $337,076. Those who have pledged have been generous in their giving! Some people give but do not pledge and we value their gifts as well. The Apostle Paul offers guidelines for giving to Christ's church in 2 Corinthians 9:7: "Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."

Weekly Reminders: December 11, 2011

St. John's Calendar: December 11 - 18

Sunday, December 11 – 3rd Sunday of Advent
9:00 am – 12:00 pm Presbyterian Women’s Bake Sale, McPhail Hall
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service followed
11:45 am – 12:15 pm Children’s choir rehearsal
12:00 pm Beacon deadline
5:00 pm Centering Prayer
5:00 pm Presbyterian Youth Fellowship, McPhail Hall
6:00 – 9:00 pm Officer training, Session Room

Monday, December 12
6:30 pm Walking Together
6:00 – 9:00 pm Officer training, Session Room
7:00 pm Bell Choir
7:30 pm Outreach Committee

Tuesday, December 13
9:30 am Presbyterian Women’s Association Meeting, McPhail Hall followed by
10:30 am Musical Program in the Sanctuary by Rob Landes.
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, December 14
6:00 pm Girl Scout Troop
6:00 pm Wonder Team Sandwich Makers, McPhail Hall
7:30 pm Session Meeting
7:30 pm Chancel Choir

Thursday, December 15
6:30 pm “Stay Young, Stay Strong”

Friday, December 16
8:00 am – 5:00 pm bakers, kitchen

Saturday, December 17
8:00 am Women’s Bible Small Group
9:30 am Scout Troop 21174, Scout Room

Sunday, December 18 – 4th Sunday of Advent, Christmas Joy Offering 9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
11:45 am called Congregational meeting
12:00 – 3:00 pm Ghanaians, Scout Room
12:30 pm Sunday Circle
5:00 pm Centering Prayer
5:00 pm Presbyterian Youth Fellowship, McPhail Hall

St. John's Calendar: December 11 - 18

St. John’s Hosts Called Presbytery Meeting, Dec. 10

173 ministers and elders attended to approve or disapprove the “Reconciliation and Dismissal Procedure,” a New Covenant document. Special thanks go to Jeanne Leach and her band of “muffin makers,” Esther and Pam (who helped with the breakfast), Shirley Boyd (who played the piano) and Ann Hardy (who helped with registration). Our Commissioners, David Wintersgill and Mary Sterner, were present to vote for the document, which passed after some discussion about changing several sentences.

The document will be available to read on the web site. Of special interest, I met a lady from Nacogdoches, whose parents were Charter members of St. John’s.
— Mary Herlitz

St. John’s Hosts Called Presbytery Meeting, Dec. 10

Kroger Neighbor to Neighbor Benefitting Braes Interfaith Ministries

Every time you shop at Kroger you can help support BIM
by linking the BIM barcode number (#90528) to your card.

1. Take this barcode number with you to
Kroger before December 31, 2011.

2. One time only, at the service desk, show
your Kroger Plus card and the barcode
number above and have them “linked”
together.

When you’ve linked your card, give this page to someone else, even a stranger!
As you go through the cash register with your Plus Card, cash benefits will accrue and next May, Kroger will send a check to BIM.

We’re following John 21:15 where we are reminded to “Feed my lambs.”

Kroger Neighbor to Neighbor Benefitting Braes Interfaith Ministries

New Beginnings - January Session Transition

January is the time for the annual transition as one class of elders rotates off the Session and another class rotates on. Therefore, we acknowledge with sincere appreciation the elders who are rotating off the Session:

Franklin Caspa, Admin/Personnel Committee
Sean Coughlen, Youth Elder,
Phyllis Freeman, Outreach Committee
Jeanne Leach, Worship Committee
Lindsey Sen-Roy, Finance/Stewardship Committee
Mary Sterner, Fellowship Committee

All of these elders have served with integrity and distinction and are truly deserving of our gratitude. We will miss their strong leadership.

We welcome the following Elders onto the Session:
Jim Austin
Ann Hardy
Tom MacAdam
Isabelle Mulder, Youth Elder
Fran Urquhart

They have been called by God and elected by the congregation to serve on the Session. They will be installed during the worship service on January 8
and attend their first session meeting on January 14.

We look forward to the energy and creativity they will bring to their work as leaders of St. John's. We will hold them in prayer and support them and the entire Session as they begin their work together in the new year.

New Beginnings - January Session Transition

Welcome St. John’s Newest Members

St. John proudly welcomes the 2011 Confirmation class:

Colette Johnson is 13 years old. She is in the 7th grade at Walipp Girls Academy. She likes all things Japanese! Here is a quote from her paper What is a Christian? “Christians are people who should want to spread the good word about God and should not judge people based on anything. Christians are always supposed to serve others no matter where.”

Kaelan McGuire is 13 years old. He is in the 7th grade at Johnston Middle School, where he plays both the cello and guitar. Kaelan enjoys spending time with his friends, the outside, soccer, electronics, Sunday School and PYF. Here is a quote from his paper What is a Christian? “A Christian is someone who believes in Jesus Christ, someone who goes to church, and is someone like me.”

Jackson Burnham is 13 years old. He is in the 7th grade at Pin Oak Middle School. Jackson enjoys theater and sports. Here is a quote from his paper What is a Christian? “God created man in His image. This does not mean that God is a real person. It means that He created us to be like him.”

Welcome St. John’s Newest Members

Stewardship Update

Pledge cards are available in the pew racks and will remain there each Sunday until the end of the year. Pledges help the Session plan the church’s budget. Please consider making a pledge to the church in 2012 if you have not done so. As of now we have received 82 pledges for $353,250. In comparison, this time last year we had received 83 pledges totaling $337,076. Those who have pledged have been generous in their giving! Some people give but do not pledge and we value their gifts as well. The Apostle Paul offers guidelines for giving to Christ’s church in 2 Corinthians 9:7: “Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

Stewardship Update

Living Waters for the World Cuba Mission Trip

One of every six persons on the planet does not have access to safe drinking water. In Cuba 90% of the people do not have free access to pure water.

In November the Houston Presbyterian Living Waters for the World safe water mission team continued its water system missions with the installation of two water treatment systems in Cuba.

On this trip Brad Urquhart and John Freeman from St. John’s were joined by Karen Perseley and Don Beckner from Christchurch, Bellaire, and eleven others from Clear Lake Presbyterian. Our team installed the water systems at Iglesia de La Playa and the Kairos Center in Matanzas, Cuba. Each of these systems provides at least 300 gallons of clean water each day. The team members also provided health and sanitation education for the local communities. Generous contributions from St. John’s members at last year’s Holiday Gift Market paid for the system at Iglesia de La Playa.

We found the Cuban people to be warm, appreciative of our gift of clean water, and very excited about the work of the church. The Kairos Center particularly was a constant beehive of activity lead by dedicated persons and populated by enthusiastic volunteers and parishioners. Nowhere did we see any signs of a repressive regime – no display of force beyond the usual municipal police. Our hosts spoke very openly.

We felt that our mission was led by God and was for the people and not political. It was a moving experience to witness the work of the Seminary and play a small part in building the relationship with the people of Cuba.

We have our next site picked out in Matanzas Province and hope to return next year. If you are interested in participating in future water missions, please contact John Freeman at 713-776-3548 or e-mail freeman@rice.edu.
— John Freeman

Living Waters for the World Cuba Mission Trip

St. John's Epistle for December 8, 2011 ✜ Church Bylaws & Nominating Committee Report ✜ Locate & detonate the bombs within

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

Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.

Yesterday marked the 70th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. World War II was also brought to mind this week in the largest evacuation of a German city since WWII. Koblenz, Germany was evacuated last Sunday after unexploded bombs from World War II were found in a nearby river. The dramatic story of the defusing of these weapons inspires reflection on the "unexploded bombs" that lurk beneath the surface of so many of our relationships with family members and friends.

As the holidays approach, what bombs will we encounter as we gather around tables for meals and conversation? Alcohol abuse, infidelity, drug abuse, mental illness, sexual addiction?

What bombs will we bring with us? Anger, resentment, jealousy, bitterness? And perhaps the most important question of all: How can we defuse these bombs?

During the Christmas season, we are bombarded by cards, gifts, music, ads and parties. All promise happiness. But many people enter the season feeling hurts, losses, disappointments and grief. How can this pain be acknowledged? These are serious questions for Advent.

I hope your Advent season is going well and you are in good health. Know that you are in my prayers. Give me a call at the church office whenever you wish to talk. Let me know if you want a pastoral visit. I want you to feel like you are a vital part of this congregation because you are.

There is a congregational meeting on 11 Dec to approve the new by-laws and to hear and act on a report from the nominating committee. The Current By-Laws are here. The Proposed By-Laws are here. Three ruling elders (Mike Alexander, Bill Ehrenstrom, and Mary Herlitz) worked on updating the Bylaws which the Session then modified a bit and now recommend to the congregation. If you have questions about the Bylaws before the meeting call one of the elders listed above. Otherwise, there will be opportunity for discussion during the congregation meeting this Sunday.

The Nominating Committee nominates these church members for a three-year term on the Session: Jim Austin, Ann Hardy, Tom MadAdam, and Fran Urquhart; and Isabelle Mulder as youth elder. The Nominating Committee nominates the following members to serve on the Nominating Committee: George Dobbin, John Freeman, and Christine Nelson. The Nominating Committee nominates David Rainwater to serve on the Scholarship Committee.

Here are links to the beautiful music from the Community Thanksgiving Service, courtesy of Bob: Prelude - Introit - Anthem - Si Vis Amari - Offertory - Benediction.

Here is an article by John Freeman that describes the recent mission trip to Cuba.

The total for the Holiday Gift Market is more than $11,000. Thank you to all who contributed in various ways.

Pledge cards are available in the pew racks and will remain there each Sunday from now until the end of the year. Pledges help the Session plan the church's budget. Please consider making a pledge to the church in 2012 if you have not yet done so. As of now we have received 82 pledges for $353,250. In comparison, this time last year we had received 83 pledges totaling $337,076. Those who have pledged have been generous in their giving! Some people give but do not pledge and we value their gifts as well. The Apostle Paul offers guidelines for giving to Christ's church in 2 Corinthians 9:7: "Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."

There is a called presbytery meeting this Saturday, December 10, at 10:00 a.m. in our sanctuary.

The early disciples interaction with Jesus was experiential. Jesus invited them to "come and see" and they came and saw. They gained insight found only at the level of profound trust. John the Baptist challenges us to explore the secret places within us where the bombs lay buried under the surface. Superseding John the Baptist, Jesus invites us to explore the Christ within us. There we find the God of "peace that passes all understanding."

This Advent may the lyrics of that beautiful anthem become our inner battle cry: "Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me."

Peace of Christ be with you,

Pastor Jon

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The Rev. Dr. Jonathan L. Burnham
St. John's Presbyterian Church
5020 West Bellfort Ave, Houston, TX 77035
Phone 713-723-6262 | sjpresby.blogspot.com

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St. John's Presbyterian Church
5020 West Bellfort / Houston, TX 77035
T. 713.723.6262 / F. 713.723-4015 / Email: office.sjpc@gmail.com
Worship Service: Sunday, 10:30 am / Sunday School: 9:00 am

St. John's Epistle for December 8, 2011 ✜ Church Bylaws & Nominating Committee Report ✜ Locate & detonate the bombs within

December 4 Blood Drive

Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center thank you for your blood drive.

Your blood drive results are as follows:

Drive Date: December 4, 2011
Donors: 19
Whole Blood:12
Double Red Cell: 1
Red Cell Plasma: 4
Total Products: 22
Deferrals: 2

December 4 Blood Drive

Sunday Reminders, December 4

Session Members Invited: Stewardship/Finance Committee invites all session members to the 7:30 pm Tuesday, Dec. 6, meeting. The focus is the 2012 budget.

Circles 1, 2 & 3: All ladies are invited to the Presbyterian Women Bible Study on Tuesday, December 6, at 9:30 am. The lesson will focus on Lesson 4: Greatly Honored are Those Who Are Famished and Parched for Justice!

Called Congregational Meeting, December 11: Please remain after Worship for the Nominating Committee’s report for the candidates for the Elder Class of 2014. The new by-laws will also be presented.

Bake Sale, Sunday, December 11: Mark your calendar for this special event. St. John’s Presbyterian Women will sell homemade cookies, pies, cakes and more.

Beacon Newsletter Deadline: Please deliver all Beacon articles for the upcoming Dec 2011/Jan. 2012 issue by email (office.sjpc@gmail.com), or bring to Room 208. The last chance to be part of this issue is Sunday, December 11, at 12 noon.

Presbyterian Women’s Program and Luncheon, Tuesday, December 13: Everyone is invited to come and enjoy a Christmas musical concert featuring Rob Landes. Please gather in McPhail Hall at 9:30 am. A luncheon will follow.

Sunday Reminders, December 4

December 4 Special Events

Blood Drive:
Please come to Building Two, Room 209, 8 am – 12 noon
All donors will be eligible to win a rolling cart.

Holiday Gift Market:
Visit booths in McPhail Hall following Worship service.

Music Concert:
Everyone attend this special music event at 5 pm
in the Sanctuary, sponsored by Tom Jaber.

December 4 Special Events

St. John's Weekly Calendar: Dec 4 - 11

Sunday, December 4 – 2nd Sunday of Advent
8:00 am – 12:00 pm Blood Drive, Bldg. 2, Room 209
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
12:00 – 3:00 pm Holiday Gift Market, McPhail Hall
5:00 pm Music Concert in Sanctuary sponsored by Tom Jaber

Monday, December 5
6:30 pm Pack 8 Scout Troop
6:30 pm Walking Together
7:00 pm Bell Choir

Tuesday, December 6
9:30 am Presbyterian Women’s Circles 1, 2 and 3
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 Stewardship/Finance Committee invites all session members to attend.

Wednesday, December 7
6:00 – 9:30 pm Coppertree Homeowners Assn. annual meeting
6:00 pm Scout Troop 21151
7:30 pm Christian Education Committee
7:30 pm Chancel Choir

Thursday, December 8
8:30 am – 12:30 pm Community Bible Study, Buildings 1 and 2
6:30 pm “Stay Young, Stay Strong”

Friday, December 9

Saturday, December 10 Called Presbytery Meeting
8:00 am Women’s Bible Small Group
8:00 am Called Presbytery meeting

Sunday, December 11 - 3rd Sunday of Advent – Beacon deadline
8:00 am – 12:00 pm Presbyterian Women’s bake sale, McPhail Hall
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
11:45 am Called congregational meeting to hear report from the Nominating
Committee and the By-laws Committee
12:00 pm Beacon Deadline 5:00 pm Centering Prayer
5:00 pm Presbyterian Youth Fellowship, McPhail Hall

St. John's Weekly Calendar: Dec 4 - 11