Great Chili, Great Company - Don't miss it!

Chili Cook-off Sunday, March 4
McPhail Hall, 11:45 am

Bring your favorite homemade chili
(or a salad or cornbread)

Come enjoy the fellowship as St. John's Celebrates the rodeo!

A trophy will be given for "Best" chili
Ribbons will be given for "Most Unusual" and "Hottest"

Sunday School Class: The Gifts of Imperfection

Starting Sunday, February 26 during the Sunday School hour, a small group will be meeting in the church library to discuss Dr. Brene Brown's book The Gifts of Imperfection. Dr. Brown is a professor at the University of Houston's Graduate School of Social Work and is a nationally recognized speaker.

From Amazon's website:In The Gifts of Imperfection, Brené Brown, a leading expert on shame, authenticity, and belonging, shares ten guideposts on the power of Wholehearted living—a way of engaging with the world from a place of worthiness.Each day we face a barrage of images and messages from society and the media telling us who, what, and how we should be. We are led to believe that if we could only look perfect and lead perfect lives, we'd no longer feel inadequate.

So most of us perform, please, and perfect, all the while thinking, "What if I can't keep all of these balls in the air? Why isn't everyone else working harder and living up to my expectations? What will people think if I fail or give up? When can I stop proving myself?"

In her ten guideposts, Brown engages our minds, hearts, and spirits as she explores how we can cultivate the courage, compassion, and connection to wake up in the morning and think, "No matter what gets done and how much is left undone, I am enough," and to go to bed at night thinking, "Yes, I am sometimes afraid, but I am also brave. And, yes, I am imperfect and vulnerable, but that doesn't change the truth that I am worthy of love and belonging."

Come join us Sunday mornings at 9 am (starting February 26) to discuss the book and how it intersects with our lives of faith. Questions? Contact Suzette Harrel 713-501-4703 orsuzharrel@gmail.com.

St. John's Weekly Reminders, February 26

Conclaves Weekend: Many of our youth and 2 adult volunteers are spending this weekend at Camp Cho-Yeh in Livingston. Please remember them in your prayers.

Presbyterian Women’s Sunday Circle, February 26: All women are invited to come and enjoy fellowship and study, focusing on Lesson 6.

Lenten Class Today: Everyone is invited to join Pastor Jon in an 8-week Lenten Course called Unbinding the Gospel. The course will begin today, 4:30 – 6 pm. The study will include 6 weeks of prayer with a prayer partner and 40 days of praying through a prayer journal which will help you move closer to God and grow as a Christian.

St. John’s Breakfast, March 3: Everyone is invited to St. John’s Saturday morning breakfast. Dan Herron will be presenting a program on soup kitchens.

Juice and Cookies at Small Steps Nurturing Center, March 6: Come and visit the 2902 Jensen campus at 2 pm and learn about the Small Steps family. Please contact or RSVP to Verna Noack, 713-236-0330, or email vnoack@ssnc.org.

Special Request from BIM: Braes Interfaith Ministries is in desperate need of toiletries. Please bring toothpaste, toothbrushes, bar soap, toilet paper, deodorant, razors, lotion and shampoo to the church office.

Delicious Peace Coffee Available: St. John’s has received a new supply of organic and free trade coffee from the Peace Kawomera Fair Trade Coffee Cooperative, Uganda. See the bookcase outside the church office to make your selection.

56th Anniversary Celebration planned for October: Please put on your thinking caps, delve into your memories, and help me put together a panorama of memorabilia, photographs, poetry, music, any and all remembrances of our wonderful church. Please contact me with any ideas or items. Lin

St. John's Weekly Calendar, February 26-March 4

Sunday, February 26 – lst Sunday in Lent
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
11:45 am Children’s Choir Rehearsal, Room 209
12:30 pm Sunday Circle
4:00 – 4:30 pm Centering Prayer
4:30 – 6:00 pm Lenten Study

Monday, February 27
6:30 pm Walking Together
7:00 pm Bell Choir

Tuesday, February 28
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, February 29
5:00 am Duet Catering, McPhail Hall
6:00-8:00 pm Girl Scout Troop 21151
7:00 pm Property Committee
7:30 pm Caring Committee
7:30 pm Chancel Choir

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

Saturday, March 3
8:00 am St. John’s Breakfast, McPhail Hall
8:00 am Women’s Bible Small Group
9:00 am Scout Troop 21174

Sunday, March 4 – 2nd Sunday in Lent
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
11:45 am Children’s Choir Rehearsal, Room 209
11:45 am Chili Cook-off
4:00 – 4:30 pm Centering Prayer
4:30 – 6:00 pm Lenten Study, Room 205
5:00 pm Presbyterian Youth Fellowship, McPhail Hall

St. John's Epistle for February 23, 2012

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

Last night's Ash Wednesday Service was a powerful service that marked
the beginning of the Lenten season. Based on 1 Samuel 7:4-6, in the
sermon I talked about how repentance is for all of us. It is plural.
What does our church need to repent from? What do we need to turn away
from as a church? To turn toward as a church? I sense we are
repenting, we are changing and transforming. I have heard about more
than one experience recently when a need arose and right then, on the
spur of the moment, right here on our campus, people prayed together
for God to intervene.  I wasn't involved. Other priests were involved.
Each of you is a priest of God. You don't have to have a minister to
intervene to God for yourself or someone else. This is the meaning of
the Reformed understanding of the priesthood of believers. We are to
challenge one another because we care about one another. We are to
hold one another up in prayer. Lent is not just about Jesus and me.
Lent is about Jesus and us. It is about our relationship with one
another and with God. Lent reminds us that repentance is in the
plural.

Repentance is for all of us. It is plural. What does our church need
to repent from? What do we need to turn away from as a church? To turn
toward as a church? I sense we are repenting, we are changing and
transforming. I have heard about more than one experience recently
when a need arose and right then, on the spur of the moment, people
prayed together for God to intervene. That happened right here on this
campus. I wasn't involved. Other priests were involved. Each of you is
a priest of God. You don't have to have a minister to intervene to God
on your behalf.

We are to challenge one another because we care. We are to hold one
another up in prayer. Lent is not just about me and Jesus or Jesus and
me. Lent is about us. It is about our relationship with one another
and with God. Lent reminds us that repentance is is in the plural.
Repentance is a "y'all" or a "you'se guys" and not just a singular
"you." May this Lenten season be a time of self-examination for us as
a congregation. May we be transformed as a church. May we, like Israel
at Mizpah, put away the Baals and the Astartes, and serve the Lord
only. (See 1 Samuel 7:4-6,) The Baals and the Astartes are the things
that cause us think team is spelled with an "i". There is no "i" in
"team." Repentance is a plural, y'all. So let's repent of our sins.
Let's turn ourselves back to God's way. Let reorient our common life
together.

I closed the Ash Wednesday sermon with a story about Jimmy Durante
which was cited by Tim Hansel in his book "Holy Sweat." You may recall
that Jimmy Durante one of the great entertainers of a generation ago.
He was asked to be a part of a show for World War II veterans. He told
them his schedule was very busy and he could afford only a few
minutes, but if they wouldn't mind his doing one short monologue and
immediately leaving for his next appointment, he would come. Of
course, the show's director agreed happily. But when Jimmy got on
stage, something interesting happened. He went through the short
monologue and then stayed. The applause grew louder and louder and he
kept staying. Pretty soon, he had been on fifteen, twenty, then thirty
minutes. Finally he took a last bow and left the stage. Backstage
someone stopped him and said, "I thought you had to go after a few
minutes. What happened?"

Jimmy answered, "I did have to go, but I can show you the reason I
stayed. You can see for yourself if you'll look down on the front
row." In the front row were two men, each of whom had lost an arm in
the war. One had lost his right arm and the other had lost his left.
Together, they were able to clap, and that's exactly what they were
doing, loudly and cheerfully. Friends, each of us is broken in our way
but together we are strong. It's time for this church to clap
together. I'm starting to see that here and there in this church and I
like the way it looks. So does God.

Lenten peace of Christ to you all,
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

--
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 Weekly Reminders: February 19

Wonder Team Sandwich Makers, Wednesday: Help fight children’s hunger! Come to McPhail Hall at 6 pm and help make 300+ sandwiches and we promise, you’ll be home within the hour.

Presbyterian Women’s Sunday Circle, February 26: All women are invited to come and enjoy fellowship and study, focusing on Matthew 5:8, Psalm 24; and Psalm 51:1-12, at 12:30 pm.

Lenten Class: Everyone is invited to join Pastor Jon in an 8-week Lenten Course called Unbinding the Gospel. The course will begin the first Sunday of Lent, February 26, 4:30 – 6 pm. The study will include 6 weeks of prayer with a prayer partner and 40 days of praying through a prayer journal which will help you move closer to God and grow as a Christian.

Sunday School Class Begins, February 26: Everyone is invited to the new class during the Sunday School hour, meeting in the church library at 9 am to discuss The Gifts of Imperfection by Dr. Brené Brown. Dr. Brown’s book asks us to lead a Wholehearted Life, which means engaging in our lives from a place of worthiness. A life is not built on trying to be perfect, rather, embracing being imperfect and discovering what a relief being imperfect is! It means we can ask for help. We can take risks. We can experience new adventures. We can learn new things.

Go-Texan Chili Cook-off: Now is the time to start looking through your chili recipes to decide which one you will make and bring to our traditional chili cook-off. Are you thinking of making your chili spicy, with beans, no beans, beef or turkey? Do you have a secret ingredient? Cornbread and salads are also wanted. Wear yourfavorite western wear and if possible bring your cooked chili in a crock pot to McPhail Hall on Sunday, March 4. Trophies and ribbons will be awarded. Drinks and desserts will be provided.

Delicious Peace Coffee Available: St. John’s has received a new supply of organic and free trade coffee from the Peace Kawomera Fair Trade Coffee Cooperative, Uganda. See the bookcase outside the church office to make your selection.

St. John's Calendar: February 19 - 26

Sunday, February 19
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
11:45 am No Children’s Choir Rehearsal
5:00 pm Centering Prayer
5:00 pm Presbyterian Youth Fellowship, McPhail Hall

Monday, February 20
10:00 am Mr. Bob’s Crew
6:00 pm Pack 8 Scout Troop
6:30 pm Walking Together
7:00 pm Bell Choir

Tuesday, February 21
9:30 am Presbyterian Women’s Fun Day
11:30 am Brown Bag, Special Education Meeting
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, February 22
6:00-8:00 pm Girl Scout Troop 21151
6:00 pm “Wonder Team” Sandwich Makers, McPhail Hall
7:00 pm Ash Wednesday Service, Sanctuary
7:30 pm Chancel Choir

Thursday, February 23
8:30 am – 12:30 pm Community Bible Study, Buildings 1 and 2
6:30 pm “Stay Young, Stay Strong”

Friday, Saturday & Sunday, February 24 – 26
Youth Conclaves, Camp Cho-Yeh

Saturday, February 25
8:00 am Women’s Bible Small Group

Sunday, February 26 – lst Sunday in Lent
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
11:45 am Children’s Choir Rehearsal, Room 209
12:30 pm Sunday Circle
4:00 – 4:30 pm Centering Prayer
4:30 – 6:00 pm Lenten Study, Room 205

St. John’s On-going Mission— January BIM Report

In January 2012 BIM (Braes Interfaith Ministries) food pantry served 1078 clients (445 children and 633 adults), 21 of whom were homeless.

BIM would like to St. John’s for its support of the mission to help underprivileged neighbors in the Southwest area of Houston. BIM’s on-going services include food, clothing and, when available, financial assistance with utilities. Together we are making a difference.

Building One Status— Property Committee

Sometime between Jan. 5 and 6 there was a failure in the fill valve of the toilet located in Room 105 of Building One. By the time it was noticed and turned off by our housekeeper Lupe Alvarad, water had overflowed the tank and entered the carpets in south-side Rooms 105, 109, 101, and the hallway. St. John’s "First Response" team of Bob Hughes, David Wintersgill, and Brad Urquhart repaired the toilet and worked to vaccuum out the water from the carpets. Heavier equipment was needed, so Stanley Steemer was called in try to keep the water damage from spreading. Once our insurance company was notified, they had an adjuster sent out to estimate cost of remediation and repair, and to set up a claim.

The Property Committee selected Blackmon Mooring, an insurance company-approved remediation and construction company to do the work. The glue-down carpet could not be salvaged, so it was removed, along with damaged sheetrock and baseboards. This also involved a significant amount of moving furniture and other items. You may have noticed the many fans and dehumidifiers placed in the rooms to dry out the building and salvage the sheetrock walls. The drying process was slow but necessary before more repairs could be made. The Property Committee evaluated several bids before awarding the construction (repair) contract to Blackmon Mooring. Construction involved painting the walls, installing new carpet and bathroom tile, and moving the furniture place into place.

Libby Adams and Fran Urquhart, Kathie Hartzog and Sally Shaw headed up an ad hoc committee to select carpet and wall colors. Blackmon Mooring has started the repairs and is pushing hard to complete them as soon as possible. Since Blackmon Mooring will be already onsite, the Property Committee was able to negotiate a very favorable contract with the company to include repainting and recarpeting the north-side rooms.

St. John’s Breakfast— March 3

Everyone is invited to Saturday morning breakfast March 3 at 8 am. At 8:30 am Dan Herron will be our speaker.

During the five years Dan lived in Palestine, Texas, he discovered a multi-church mission with a BIG effect: the STOCKPOT. The Stockpot is a Soup Kitchen, a mission run by the First Presbyterian Church, Palestine. Come explore and learn how a soup kitchen with BIM support could be started here. Make a difference and help fight hunger in our southwest neighborhood.

St. John's Epistle for February 16, 2012

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

Mary Sterner, our Director of Christian Education, just gave birth to a beautiful blond haired baby girl, 3 pounds, 14 ounces, 17 inches long, named Mallory. May the Lord bless Mary and her husband, Sean, as they welcome Mallory into their home, and we look forward to welcoming her into our church family!

You are invited to our Ash Wednesday Service this Wednesday, February 22, at 7 pm in the sanctuary. If weather permits, we will conclude the service in the courtyard. Next Sunday is the First Sunday in Lent. May the Lord be with us all as we anticipate the beginning of this holy season. 

The Lenten Study is now full as we have 10 participants which is the limit suggested by the author in order for the weekly exercises to be most effective. Participants may pick up their book from me this Sunday. If you have wanted to take this course but haven't spoken to me yet, let me know and I'll put your name on a list for next time. If the study turns out to be any good, we may do it again soon and you can do it then.

Rev. Linda Herron will be preaching this Sunday while I assist with my usual parts of the liturgy. Linda's sermon is from Mark 9: 2-9 and is titled Whirlwinds and Dazzling Light. Let us gather to hear God's Word proclaimed as we celebrate Transfiguration of the Lord Sunday. 

Here is a link to the latest Beacon. 

Peace,

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

--
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

Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday Service

February 22

7 pm

First Sunday in Lent, February 26

The Gifts of Imperfection - New Sunday School Class

Starting Sunday, February 26 during the Sunday School hour, a small group will be meeting in the church library to discuss Dr. Brene Brown's book The Gifts of Imperfection.
Dr. Brown is a professor at the University of Houston's Graduate School of Social Work and is a nationally recognized speaker.

From Amazon's website:
In The Gifts of Imperfection, Brené Brown, a leading expert on shame, authenticity, and belonging, shares ten guideposts on the power of Wholehearted living—a way of engaging with the world from a place of worthiness.

Each day we face a barrage of images and messages from society and the media telling us who, what, and how we should be. We are led to believe that if we could only look perfect and lead perfect lives, we'd no longer feel inadequate. So most of us perform, please, and perfect, all the while thinking, "What if I can't keep all of these balls in the air? Why isn't everyone else working harder and living up to my expectations? What will people think if I fail or give up? When can I stop proving myself?"

In her ten guideposts, Brown engages our minds, hearts, and spirits as she explores how we can cultivate the courage, compassion, and connection to wake up in the morning and think, "No matter what gets done and how much is left undone, I am enough," and to go to bed at night thinking, "Yes, I am sometimes afraid, but I am also brave. And, yes, I am imperfect and vulnerable, but that doesn't change the truth that I am worthy of love and belonging."

Come join us Sunday mornings at 9 am (starting February 26) to discuss the book and how it intersects with our lives of faith. Questions? Contact Suzette Harrel 713-501-4703 orsuzharrel@gmail.com.

St. John's Weekly Reminders: February 12

Boy Scout Sunday Today: Two Boy Scout troops and one Cub Scout troop have their members serving in church today. St John’s sponsors two troops of Boy Scouts and one pack of Cub Scouts. Our celebration of the Boy Scouts of America with these leaders and scouts means a lot to their troops and also to our church. Meet the scout leaders. Meet the scouts. Thank them for their service.

Presbyterian Women’s Sunday Circle, February 26: All women are invited to come and enjoy fellowship and study, focusing on Matthew 5:8, Psalm 24; and Psalm 51:1-12, at 12:30pm.

Lenten Class: Everyone is invited to join Pastor Jon in an 8-week Lenten Course called Unbinding the Gospel. The course will begin the first Sunday of Lent, February 26 at 4:30 – 6 pm. The study will include 6 weeks of prayer with a prayer partner and 40 days of praying through a prayer journal which will help you move closer to God and grow as a Christian.

Sunday School Class Begins, February 26: Everyone is invited to the new class during the Sunday School hour, meeting in the church library at 9 am to discuss The Gifts of Imperfection by Dr. Brené Brown. Dr. Brown’s book asks us to lead a Wholehearted Life, which means engaging in our lives from a place of worthiness. A life is not built on trying to be perfect rather, embracing being imperfect and discovering what a relief being imperfect is! It means we can ask for help. We can take risks. We can experience new adventures. We can learn new things.

Western Chili Cook-off: Now is the time to start looking through your chili recipes to decide which one you will make and bring to our traditional chili cook-off. Are you thinking of making your chili spicy, with beans, no beans, beef or turkey? Do you have a secret ingredient? Wear your favorite western wear and if possible bring your cooked chili in a crock pot to McPhail Hall on Sunday, March 4. Drinks and desserts will be provided.

Delicious Peace Coffee Available: St. John’s has received a new supply of organic and free trade coffee from the Peace Kawomera Fair Trade Coffee Cooperative, Uganda. See the bookcase outside the church office to make your selection.

St. John's Weekly Calendar February 12 -19

Sunday, February 12 – Scout Sunday
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
11:45 am No Children’s Choir rehearsal today
11:45 am Fellowship Meeting
12:00 pm Beacon deadline
4:00 pm Centering Prayer
5:00 pm Presbyterian Youth Fellowship, McPhail Hall

Monday, February 13
6:30 pm Walking Together
7:00 pm Bell Choir

Tuesday, February 14
9:30 am Presbyterian Women’s Activity Day 9:30 am Beacon assemblers meet
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, February 15
6:00-8:00 pm Girl Scout Troop 21151
7:30 pm Chancel Choir

Thursday, February 16
8:30 am – 12:30 pm Community Bible Study, Buildings 1 and 2
6:30 pm “Stay Young, Stay Strong”

Friday, February 17

Saturday, February 18
7:00 am – 4:30 pm World Thinking Day, Scout Troop 21174
8:00 am Women’s Bible Small Group

Sunday, February 19
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
11:45 am No Children’s Choir rehearsal
4:00 pm Centering Prayer
5:00 pm Presbyterian Youth Fellowship, McPhail Hall

Juice and Cookies at Small Steps Nurturing Center!

Come for “juice and cookies” and a LOT more!

In a one hour visit to the Jensen campus, you will learn about Small Steps outstanding program, tour the campus and the neighborhood where our students live, and hear about many ways to volunteer and become part of the Small Steps family.

Please contact or RSVP to Verna Noack – 713-236-0330 or e mail vnoack@ssnc.org.

Tuesday, March 6 at 2:00 pm Jensen Campus, 2902 Jensen Drive
or
Thursday, April 12 at 10:00 amJensen Campus, 2902 Jensen Drive

St. John's Epistle for February 8, 2012

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

Last Saturday's Session Retreat was a big success. It was good to spend some time in the Presbytery Center downtown where we met for the retreat. We spent a lot of time in prayer and God met us there in a real and powerful way. We reaffirmed our intention to hold onto these 5 disciplines: Bible Study, Prayer, Worship, Mission, and Stewardship. We will flesh that vision out over the coming weeks and months. The session solicits your prayers as we seek God's guidance for this congregation.

This Sunday we will celebrate Boy Scout Sunday. We will also commission William Ator to a new opportunity as he returns to Sudan. The sermon this Sunday from Mark 1:40-45 will explore God's word to us as we recall How Jesus Healed a Big-Mouthed Leper. 

Becky Crawford's family invites you to a memorial service for her husband, Bill, at 4:30 pm this Saturday, February 11, in the sanctuary with a reception to follow in Fellowship Hall. 

You are invited to join me in an 8-week Lenten Course called Unbinding the Gospel. The course will begin the first Sunday of Lent, February 26 at 4:30 – 6 pm. The study will include 6 weeks of prayer with a prayer partner and 40 days of praying through a prayer journal which will help you move closer to God and grow as a Christian. 

Here is a video of last Sunday's sermon: "Touch and Go with Jesus."

Peace,
Pastor Jon

-- 

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

--
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

Sermon: "Touch and Go with Jesus"

Sermon title: "Touch and Go with Jesus"

Sermon text: Mark 1:29-39

Pastor Jon preached this sermon on Super Bowl Sunday as the whole country gathered around their TVs seeking healing through a communal activity. We have community  here. How do we get the word out? According to the gospel story, it began for Jesus with prayer away from the maddening crowds. So it may begin with us. May God richly bless you now and may you become aware of how you are a blessing to many others. (By the way, I forgot to mention in the sermon the part about "Eli's coming.")

Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday Service
February 22
7 pm

First Sunday in Lent, February 26

St. John's Weekly Reminders: February 5

Blood Drive Today, Sunday February 5: Make a commitment to help others by donating blood, 8 am – 12 noon, Room 209. This is St. John’s 62nd blood drive!

“Souper” Bowl Sunday Lunch Today: Make sure your pre-game plans include St. John’s traditional soup lunch, served in in McPhail Hall following Worship. Come enjoy the soups, the fellowship and participate in one of the nation’s largest celebration of giving and sharing God’s love with those in need. The event is sponsored by St. John’s youth and their vision is that each person attending will contribute $1.00. All proceeds donated will go to Braes Interfaith Ministries (BIM).

Free Photos: In McPhail Hall today will be a table of photographs from our 2011 Holiday Gift Market. Please claim your photos and add them to your home albums.

Presbyterian Women Bible Study, February 7 @ 9:30 am: All St. John’s ladies are invited to this special study, focusing on Matthew 5:8, Psalm 24; and Psalm 51:1-12, from Confessing the Beatitudes.

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

56th Anniversary Celebration planned for October: Please put on your thinking caps, delve into your memories, and help me put together a panorama of memorabilia, photographs, poetry, music, any and all remembrances of our wonderful church. Please contact me with any ideas or items. Linda Dobbin

February 12 is Scout Sunday. The scouts will take an active role assisting the worship service as ushers, greeters, etc. St. John’s has two Boy Scout troops and one Cub Scout pack. Please welcome the Scouts to our service.

Lenten Class: Everyone is invited to join Pastor Jon in an 8-week Lenten Course called Unbinding the Gospel. The course will begin the first Sunday of Lent, February 26 at 4:30 – 6 pm. The study will include 6 weeks of prayer with a prayer partner and 40 days of praying through a prayer journal which will help you move closer to God and grow as a Christian.

Weekly Calendar: February 5 - 12

Sunday, February 5 – Blood Drive and “Souper” Bowl Sunday
8:00 am - 12:00 pm Blood Drive, Room 209
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
11:45 am Children’s Choir, Rehearsal in adult choir room behind the Sanctuary
11:45 am Souper Bowl Luncheon, McPhail Hall

Monday, February 6
10:00 am – 12:00 pm Mr. Bob’s Crew, McPhail Hall
6:00 pm Pack 8 Scout Troop
6:30 pm Walking Together
7:00 pm Bell Choir

Tuesday, February 7
9:30 am Presbyterian Women’s Circles, McPhail Hall & Building 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 Faith In Practice Committee

Wednesday, February 8
5:00 am Duet Desserts and Catering, kitchen
6:00-8:00 pm Girl Scout Troop 21151
6:00 pm “Wonder Team” Sandwich Makers, McPhail Hall
7:00 pm Christian Education, Building 2
7:30 pm Chancel Choir

Thursday, February 9
8:30 am – 12:30 pm Community Bible Study, Buildings 1 and 2
9:30 am Apartment Ministries yearly meeting, Room 205
6:30 pm “Stay Young, Stay Strong”

Saturday, February 11
8:00 am Women’s Bible Small Group

Sunday, February 12 Scout Sunday
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
11:45 am No Children’s Choir rehearsal today
11:45 am Fellowship Committee, Library12:00 pm
Beacon Church Newsletter Deadline
5:00 pm Centering Prayer

St. John's Epistle for February 2, 2012

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

Last Sunday we had a powerful healing service. Many people came forward for prayer. It was a powerful experience as the presence of the Lord manifested in our midst. The sermon text this Sunday, called Touch and Go with Jesus, is based on Mark 1:29-39.

Here are some aactivities and events at the church this Sunday, February 5:

• This Sunday is Souper Bowl Sunday. The Youth will be serving a variety of soups in Fellowship Hall, including "stone soup" created from donated items from the congregation. Bring your favorite fresh or canned ingredient to the kitchen before church to be added to vegetable stock. All money raised goes to Braes Interfaith Ministries, our local food pantry.
• We will celebrate the sacrament of communion during worship this Sunday.
• This Sunday there is a Blood Drive in Room 209 from 8 am - Noon. Come to Room 209 and help make a difference in the world! Drop-ins are welcome.

Looking ahead, I invite you to join me in an 8-week Lenten Course called Unbinding the Gospel. The course will begin the first Sunday of Lent, February 26 at 4:30 – 6 pm. The study will include 6 weeks of prayer with a prayer partner and 40 days of praying through a prayer journal which will help you move closer to God and grow as a Christian.

All are invited to St. John's Breakfast, Saturday, February 4, at 8 am. At 8:30, Officer E. J. Joseph from the Houston Police Department will present a program for us entitled "Home Safety."

Here are some links of interest:

• Here is a video of last Sunday's sermon. 
• Here is a video of the children's choir last Sunday. They were a joy to behold!

Keep your Session in prayer as we have a retreat this Saturday.

Peace,

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

Free Photos

In McPhail Hall, on Sunday February 5, will be a table of photographs from our 2011 Holiday Gift Market. These wonderful photos were taken by Kay Greer. Please find your photos and take them home so you can add them to your home albums.