Re: St. John's Epistle for May 31, 2012

Claire,

Would love to have you and Tom attend. Heard today we will meet at 7 pm at KOLTER elementary school. We shall see.

Peace,
Jon B.

On May 31, 2012 1:50 PM, "Jon Burnham" <burjon@gmail.com> wrote:

Dear Trinitarian people,

Your heart will be moved and your mind challenged as we explore Isaiah 6:1-8 during worship on Trinity Sunday. Come celebrate the Lord's Supper and the presentation of the Caring Person of the Year. After worship enjoy our first brunch which will be presented by the Caring Committee in honor of the person receiving the Caring Person award. You are welcome to come. This will be a nice, sit down luncheon, with home cooked food, a great way to kick off our summer brunches. Each Sunday from this Sunday until on in August we will have a brunch and you are invited to stay after worship for the food and fellowship.

Our Choir Director, Mark Swindler, invites you to join the choir on Sunday mornings at 9:50 for practice.  During June and July, the choir will not practice on Wednesday evenings but only on Sunday mornings. They will be singing familiar anthems during those two months. If you want a short term stint in the choir, or to just try it out for awhile, here is your chance.

Everyone is invited to hear Walter Brueggemann! Walter Brueggemann, popular speaker, Old testament scholar and author, reflects on "All That Jazz: Surprised by the Bible" in his keynote address at the presbytery meeting on Sat., June 9. Presbytery meetings are open to anyone who wishes to attend; you do not need to be an elected commissioner. Dr. Brueggemann will preach during worship at 9:30 a.m. and give the keynote address at 11:00 a.m. at St. Andrew's Presbyterian, Houston. I've heard him speak several times and he is worth your time.

Work is in progress toward a lease agreement with Presbyterian Children's Homes and Services in anticipation of our session meeting next Wednesday and I hope the session will have a document to consider at that meeting. Beyond that, the Meyerland Home Association is reportedly meeting on the second Wednesday in June at 6 pm but no seems to know where. I will keep trying to find out and let you know when I do. This is an information gathering at which Ed Knight, President of Presbyterian Children's Home, will speak about the concept and answer questions. The public and our congregation is invited. I will tell you more when I know more.

Your looking forward to worshiping with you the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit on Trinity Sunday pastor,

JON BURNHAM

-- 

Rev. Dr. Jonathan L. Burnham (Jon's Blog, Facebook, Twitter) 

Pastor of St. John's Presbyterian Church (Church's Website, Blog, Facebook) 

5020 West Bellfort Ave, Houston, TX 77035 (Map & Directions to church)

Phone church office 713-723-6262; Email church office

Sunday Schedule: Church School for all ages: 9:00 am; Worship 10:30 am; Youth Fellowship 5 pm

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

--
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

Re: St. John's Epistle for May 31, 2012

St. John's Epistle for May 31, 2012

Dear Trinitarian people,

Your heart will be moved and your mind challenged as we explore Isaiah 6:1-8 during worship on Trinity Sunday. Come celebrate the Lord's Supper and the presentation of the Caring Person of the Year. After worship enjoy our first brunch which will be presented by the Caring Committee in honor of the person receiving the Caring Person award. You are welcome to come. This will be a nice, sit down luncheon, with home cooked food, a great way to kick off our summer brunches. Each Sunday from this Sunday until on in August we will have a brunch and you are invited to stay after worship for the food and fellowship.

Our Choir Director, Mark Swindler, invites you to join the choir on Sunday mornings at 9:50 for practice.  During June and July, the choir will not practice on Wednesday evenings but only on Sunday mornings. They will be singing familiar anthems during those two months. If you want a short term stint in the choir, or to just try it out for awhile, here is your chance.

Everyone is invited to hear Walter Brueggemann! Walter Brueggemann, popular speaker, Old testament scholar and author, reflects on "All That Jazz: Surprised by the Bible" in his keynote address at the presbytery meeting on Sat., June 9. Presbytery meetings are open to anyone who wishes to attend; you do not need to be an elected commissioner. Dr. Brueggemann will preach during worship at 9:30 a.m. and give the keynote address at 11:00 a.m. at St. Andrew's Presbyterian, Houston. I've heard him speak several times and he is worth your time.

Work is in progress toward a lease agreement with Presbyterian Children's Homes and Services in anticipation of our session meeting next Wednesday and I hope the session will have a document to consider at that meeting. Beyond that, the Meyerland Home Association is reportedly meeting on the second Wednesday in June at 6 pm but no seems to know where. I will keep trying to find out and let you know when I do. This is an information gathering at which Ed Knight, President of Presbyterian Children's Home, will speak about the concept and answer questions. The public and our congregation is invited. I will tell you more when I know more.

Your looking forward to worshiping with you the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit on Trinity Sunday pastor,

JON BURNHAM

-- 

Rev. Dr. Jonathan L. Burnham (Jon's Blog, Facebook, Twitter) 

Pastor of St. John's Presbyterian Church (Church's Website, Blog, Facebook) 

5020 West Bellfort Ave, Houston, TX 77035 (Map & Directions to church)

Phone church office 713-723-6262; Email church office

Sunday Schedule: Church School for all ages: 9:00 am; Worship 10:30 am; Youth Fellowship 5 pm

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

St. John's Epistle for May 31, 2012

St. John's Weekly Reminders - May 27

Deadline for Myrtis McPhail scholarship applications is today May 27, 2012.

St. John's Potluck Breakfast, Saturday, June 2: Bring a dish of your favorite breakfast food at 8 am. At 8:30 Dr. Guy Sheppard of the Texas A&M Vet School will speak, along with Jennifer Dobbin, a 4^th-year student at A&M. I urge all students who are interested in veterinary medicine to attend this breakfast. Please call, if you wish, Louise Cherry, 713-723-3187, or Linda Dobbin, 281-778-5348.

Caring Honoree 2012: From the great wealth of the St. John’s caring congregation one person has been selected to receive the 2012 Caring Person of the Year Award. This person will be named in church on June 3, and we will celebrate him or her during the first summer brunch after the morning service. So mark your calendars and be there on June 3 for worship, brunch, fellowship, celebration and cake!

An interesting way to spend an evening: The book group meeting is Wednesday,

June 6, 7:30 pm. The book is A Crime So Monstrous by E. Benjamin Skinner, published by Free Press. We meet to share coffee and thoughts about lots of topics. Come join us.

Usher Opportunities: The Worship Committee is looking for ushers for the upcoming summer months (June, July, August and September). Please contact the church office (office.sjpc@gmail.com) or talk to Lynne Parsons Austin.

At its meeting on April 4 your Session:
- Passed Worship Committee motions: 1) approval for prayer time before worship each Sunday beginning on Pentecost Sunday; 2) approval to purchase 300 Hymnals at the $15 rate for early orders and free shipping. Also requested approval to have an old-fashioned “Hymn Sing” during one of the brunches this summer where members can sign up for sponsorship of the hymnals. We will put a name plate in each sponsored hymnal.

-Passed Faith in Action Committee motions: 1) affirmation of the use of social media as a communication/evangelism tool; 2) approval of the proposed PCHAS concept of a Single Family Residential Program to be constructed and operated on St. John’s property; 3) calling a congregational meeting to approve the proposed concept and to authorize the Session to approve a formal lease agreement with PCHAS, subject to further approvals by three committees of New Covenant Presbytery.

St. John's Weekly Reminders - May 27

St. John's Weekly Schedule: May 27 - June 3

Sunday, May 27 – Pentecost Sunday

  9:00 am  Church School

10:30 am  Worship Service
12:30 pm  Sunday Circle

Monday, May 28

Church office closed in observance of Memorial Day

  6:30 pm  No Walking Together

  7:00 pm  No Bell Choir

Tuesday, May 29

  9:30 am  Presbyterian Women’s Activity Day
12:00 pm  Staff Meeting

  2:00 pm  Memorial Service for Hank McNally, St. John’s, reception following
  5:00 pm  Hour of Prayer, Rm. 207

  6:30 pm  “Stay Young, Stay Strong”

  7:00 pm  Scout Troop 688

Wednesday, May 30

  6:00-8:00 pm  Girl Scout Troop 21151

  7:00 pm  Property Committee

  7:30 pm  Caring Committee

Thursday, May 31  - Last day HISD

  6:00 pm  Wedding Rehearsal

  6:30 pm  “Stay Young, Stay Strong”

Friday, June 1

11:00 am  Court of Honor, Scout Troop 744, McPhail Hall

Saturday, June 2

  8:00 am  St. John’s Breakfast, McPhail Hall

  8:00 am  Women’s Bible Small Group

  9:00 am  Girl Scout Troop 21174

12:00 pm – 6:30 pm  Wedding with Reception in McPhail Hall

Sunday, June 3

  9:00 am  Church School

10:00 am  Chancel Choir Rehearsal
10:30 am  Worship Service

11:45 am  Brunch served by Caring Committee

St. John's Weekly Schedule: May 27 - June 3

St. John's Epistle for May 24, 2012

Dear friends of God,

Hank McNally died today and his memorial service will be held in the sanctuary this Tuesday, May 29, at 2 pm, with a reception following in Fellowship Hall. Hank and his family were active leaders in St. John's during Rev. Maynard Smith's pastorate. Joyce and Hank were instrumental in starting The Company Onstage which is now housed at Westbury Square and started in our Scout Room. They will both be interned in our columbarium. Our prayers are with Hank's children Matt and Maureen and their families as they prepare for his memorial service.

This Sunday is Pentecost Sunday! Come and wear red as we remember and celebrate the birth of Christ's church. The sermon text is Acts 2:1-21. Here is an audio recording of last Sunday's sermon. The children's choir sounded great and we celebrated them and their leaders as they concluded the year. We are grateful to all the parents, children, and the adult leaders: Rebecca Amador, Shirley Boyd, and Kyra Noons. We will receive the Pentecost Offering this Sunday. Forty percent of that offering will stay in our congregation to be used to finance our Mustard Seed Projects. Be thinking of how you could multiply $100 by ten fold in an outreach ministry to children in our community. Or be thinking of how much you will give to the Pentecost Offering to support such creative ministries by our members of our congregation.

Many graduations are taking place this time of year. This morning I attended the Small Steps graduation. Small Steps is a ministry supported by our church and some of the key leaders are members of our church including Kathie Hartzog and Evan Harrel. Today Evan stepped down as Director of Small Steps after eight very productive years in that position. We are proud of Evan for his work at Small Steps. We are also proud of Kathie who will remain on the staff there as well as members such as Ann and Suzette and others who volunteer at Small Steps. May the Lord continue to use our congregation as we provide creative ministries that improve the lives of children in this city and around the world.

Your looking forward to children's laughter on Pentecost Sunday pastor,

JON BURNHAM

-- 

Rev. Dr. Jonathan L. Burnham (Jon's Blog, Facebook, Twitter) 

Pastor of St. John's Presbyterian Church (Church's Website, Blog, Facebook) 

5020 West Bellfort Ave, Houston, TX 77035 (Map & Directions to church)

Phone church office 713-723-6262; Email church office

Sunday Schedule: Church School for all ages: 9:00 am; Worship 10:30 am; Youth Fellowship 5 pm

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

St. John's Epistle for May 24, 2012

Braes Interfaith Ministries

Braes Interfaith Ministries April 2012 Report:

Total People Served: 1010
(Adults: 597, Children 413)

29 were homeless

Braes Interfaith Ministries

Delicious Peace Coffee Available

St. John’s has organic and free trade coffee from the Peace Kawomera Fair Trade Coffee Cooperative, Uganda. The coffee can be found in the book case outside the church office.  Please place your payment in the can provided. Learn more about this unique Cooperative at http://www.mirembekawomera.com/.

Delicious Peace Coffee Available

Healing Prayer before Worship

Starting on Pentecost Sunday, May 27,  anyone who wants to come pray with Pastor Jon Burnham before the worship service may join him on the front pews between 10:15 - 10:25 am. Please sit down in the front. If you seek prayer for healing at that time, let Jon know.

 

Jim Austin will play the piano during that time to set the tone for the prayer time. The piano music and prayer time will end before the regular worship service begins. This prayer time will begin on Pentecost Sunday and will continue each Sunday thereafter for a while as we evaluate this new way of providing a time for prayer before worship. 

Healing Prayer before Worship

Register for Vacation Bible School

Vacation Bible School

St. John's Presbyterian Church
5020 W. Bellfort

Sunday, June 24 

to Thursday, June 28

Light meal served at 5:30 pm
Programs 6-8 pm

Programs for children and adults

Registration forms can be found on our web site (http://www.stjohnspresby.org/).
For more information call St. John's Church office, 713-723-6262.

Register for Vacation Bible School

Caring Honoree 2012

From the great wealth of the St. John’s caring congregation, which shows its love in so many ways, one person has been selected to receive the 2012 Caring Person of the Year Award. This person will be named in church on June 3, and we will celebrate him or her during the first summer brunch after the morning service. So mark your calendars and be there on June 3 for worship, brunch, fellowship, celebration and cake!

Caring Honoree 2012

June Breakfast

St. John's Potluck Breakfast, Saturday, June 2

 Bring a small dish of your favorite breakfast food at 8 am. At 8:30 Dr. Guy Sheppard of the Texas A&M Vet School will be our speaker, along with Jennifer Dobbin, a 4^th-year student at A&M. They will speak about the beginning of the Vet School and the day-to-day happenings. Come hear Dr. Sheppard and Jennifer talk about the best vet school in the country!!

I urge any middle schoolers, high schoolers, or college age students who are even a little bit interested in veterinary medicine to attend this breakfast.

Please call if you wish to attend the breakfast – either Louise Cherrry at 713-723-3187, or Linda Dobbin at 281-778-5348, so that we can set up for the right size group. There will be no breakfasts in either July or August. We'll start back in September.

June Breakfast

St. John's Weekly Reminders: May 20

Sunday Circle, May 27: Come with the Sunday Circle at 12:30 pm to take the joyful risk of putting honor and lives on the line for His sake and the sake of the Gospel. Scriptures – Matthew 5:11-12; 23:29-36; Luke 22-23.

St. John's Potluck Breakfast, Saturday, June 2:   Bring a small dish of your favorite breakfast food at 8 am. At 8:30 Dr. Guy Sheppard of the Texas A&M Vet School will be our speaker, along with Jennifer Dobbin, a 4^th-year student at A&M. They will speak about the beginning of the Vet School and the day-to-day happenings. Come hear Dr. Sheppard and Jennifer talk about the best vet school in the country!! I urge any middle schoolers, high schoolers, or college age students who are even a little bit interested in veterinary medicine to attend this breakfast.

Please call if you wish to attend the breakfast – either Louise Cherrry at 713-723-3187, or Linda Dobbin at 281-778-5348, so that we can set up for the right size group. There will be no breakfasts in either July or August. We'll start back in September.

Caring Honoree 2012: From the great wealth of the St. John’s caring congregation, which shows its love in so many ways, one person has been selected to receive the 2012 Caring Person of the Year Award. This person will be named in church on June 3, and we will celebrate him or her during the first summer brunch after the morning service. So mark your calendars and be there on June 3 for worship, brunch, fellowship, celebration and cake!

Myrtis McPhail Scholarship Application: The Scholarship Fund provides a scholarship grant to any active St. John’s member who wishes to further an academic endeavor. The grant is to be used for undergraduate study and/or a technical or trade school and shall be given to the recipient for his/her discretion. To be eligible the applicant must submit a formal written request which outlines his/her plans and goals. Applications are available in the church office. Deadline: May 27, 2012

Usher Opportunities: The Worship Committee is looking for ushers for the upcoming summer months (June, July, August and September). Please contact the church office (office.sjpc@gmail.com) or talk to Lynne Parsons Austin.

VBS Kitchen Assistants Needed: Two helpers are needed each night of Vacation Bible School (June 24 – 28) to assist in preparing food, setting up the buffet, serving and cleaning up. Assistants are needed from about 4:30 until about 7 pm each evening. Please contact Mary Gaber, 713-204-1613 or mooeygoose@hotmail.com.

St. John's Weekly Reminders: May 20

St. John's Weekly Calendar: May 20-27

Sunday, May 20

  9:00 am  Church School

10:30 am  Worship Service
11:45 am  Fellowship Committee

  4:00 pm  Centering Prayer

  5:00 pm  Presbyterian Youth Fellowship

Monday, May 21

10:00 am  Bob’s Crew (Property grounds projects)
  6:00  pm  Pack 8, Boy Scouts
  6:30 pm  Walking Together

  7:00 pm  Bell Choir

Tuesday, May 22

  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 23

  6:00-8:00 pm  Girl Scout Troop 21151
  6:00  pm  “Wonder Team” Sandwich Makers
  7:30 pm  Caring Committee
  7:30 pm  Chancel Choir

Thursday, May 24

  6:00  pm  Pack 8, Boy Scout Graduation Ceremony, McPhail Hall
  6:30 pm  “Stay Young, Stay Strong”
  7:30 pm  Christian Education Committee

  7:30 pm  Faith in Action Committee

Saturday, May 26

  8:00 am  Women’s Bible Small Group

Sunday, May 27 Pentecost Sunday – Wear Red!

  9:00 am  Church School
10:30 am  Worship Service
12:00 pm  Scholarship Deadline
12:30 pm  Sunday Circle

St. John's Weekly Calendar: May 20-27

St. John's Epistle for May 17, 2012

Dear protected and loved people of God,

Last Sunday we had a good congregational meeting during which the congregation approved the concept of leasing some of our property to Presbyterian Children's Home and Services (PCHAS) to build four single story duplexes for a Single Parent Family ministry. Many good questions were asked and answered. The vote to approve the concept was not unanimous but it was overwhelmingly in favor. The vast majority of the congregation support this. Now attorneys from PCHAS and Presbytery of New Covenant will work with us to develop a lease agreement that, after approval by the Session, will then be sent to three different presbytery committees for their approval. 

Some people have wondered about the Meyerland Home Association (MHA) in relation to this project. This project came before MHA at their last meeting but that not many people were at that meeting. Therefore, in order to do their job as board members of MHA who are responsible for keeping their constituents informed about what is going on around the neighborhood, they plan to send a letter to all homeowners in MHA specifically about this project and they will call an informational community meeting about it on June 13 at which Dr. Ed Knight from Presbyterian Children's Home will be present to answer questions and I plan to be there as well along with anyone else from the session or congregation who may wish to attend. This is good news for St. John's in that it will help us communicate our vision for the project and how we are planning to put it beside West Bellfort Avenue on the property we own between us and the Methodist Church. Dr. Knight also said the MHA board member acknowledged that our church property does not fall within the boundary of MHA. Let us keep this exciting project in prayer as we move forward.

In other news, on Pentecost Sunday, May 27,  anyone who wants to come pray with me before the worship service may join me on the front pews between 10:15 - 10:25 am. You may come sit down front with me as people are entering the sanctuary for worship. If you seek prayer for healing at that time, let me know. Jim Austin will play the piano during that time to set the tone for the prayer time. The piano music and prayer time will end before the regular worship service begins. This prayer time will begin on Pentecost Sunday and will continue each Sunday thereafter for a while as we evaluate this new way of providing a time for prayer before worship. 

A couple of weeks ago on Senior Sunday we recognized our graduating high school seniors: 

• Sean Coughlen
• Patrick Harrel
• Mitch Sawyer
• Zach Sponberg

We also have several College Graduates of whom we are proud:

• Kim Ashworth, UT Law School
• Kyle Coughlen, A&M, Aerospace Eng. Degree
• Michael Leach, Trinity University, music
• Lauren Sponberg, U of H, hotel and restaurant management
• Erin Steckel – U of H, English Literature
• Stacy Vanderworth – UT Computer Science

We are also very proud of Jacqueline Lindsey who has received her Doctorate of Education from Texas Southern University.

For those who like to read ahead, the sermon text this Sunday is John 17:6-19 and the title is Intimate Conversations. The children's choir will sing this Sunday and the children's choir participants and leaders will be recognized during the service. 

Your listening for your God stories pastor,

JON BURNHAM

--
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 May 17, 2012

Celebrating Senior Sunday at St. John's

Senior Sunday was a great day at St. John's on May 6. This is the day each year when we celebrate our graduating high school seniors. We also have several other college graduates this year.

Here is a video of the sermon.

Here is the mindmap I used for the sermon for this sermon. Click the "+" button a few times to make it bigger so you can read it or use the other buttons to adjust the view.

This was the Sunday when we recognize our graduating high school seniors. Here Mary and I are pictured with the 4 young men who are graduating high school at the reception in their honor after the service. I was a bit dismayed to find myself looking up to these guys. I remember them when they were just starting Junior High. They were my first confirmation class at St. John's. Now they are graduating high school. Wow. Time flies.

It was a bittersweet day as we congratulated our graduating seniors and sent them forth into the world to prepare for greater service in the world. Keep them in prayer and hold them in your heart.

Your sending and sent friend in faith,
JON BURNHAM

Celebrating Senior Sunday at St. John's

Saturday, June 2 Potluck Breakfast

Please bring a small dish of your favorite breakfast food. Breakfast is served at 8:00 a.m.

At 8:30, Dr. Guy Sheppard of the Texas A&M Vet School will be our speaker, along with Jennifer Dobbin, who is a fourth-year student at A&M. They will be informing us of the beginning of the Vet School, and the day-to-day happenings. I urge any middle schoolers, high schoolers, or college age students who are interested in veterinary medicine to attend this breakfast.

Please call if you wish to attend the breakfast – either Louise Cherrry at 713-723-3187, or Linda Dobbin at 281-778-5348, so that we can set up for the right size group.

Come hear Dr. Sheppard and Jennifer talk about the best vet school in the country!!

There will be no breakfasts in either July or August. We'll start back in September

Saturday, June 2 Potluck Breakfast

Cement Grinders Needed

Bob’s Crew (Property grounds projects) 

This Monday's (May 14) project is to rent a cement grinder to smooth out the dangerous joints in the various walkways. We could certainly use a few extra people to run the machine if only for half  an hour or hour of your time, weather and rental contract permitting. We will gather in McPhail Hall at 9 am for coffee, fellowship and a snack before working.

Cement Grinders Needed

St. John's Weekly Calendar: May 13 - 20

Sunday, May 13 – Mother’s Day

  9:00 am  Church School

  9:45 am  Children’s Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary
10:30 am  Worship Service

11:45 am  Called Congregational meeting

  4:00 pm  Centering Prayer

  5:00 pm  No Presbyterian Youth Fellowship

Monday, May 14

10:00 am  Bob’s Crew (Property grounds projects) – This week’s project is to rent a cement grinder to smooth out the dangerous joints in the various walkways. We could certainly use a few extra people to run the machine if only for half  an hour or hour of your time, weather and rental contract permitting.
  6:30 pm  Walking Together

  7:00 pm  Bell Choir

Tuesday, May 15

  9:30 am  Presbyterian Women’s Association
12:00 pm  Staff Meeting
  5:00 pm  Hour of Prayer, Rm. 207

  6:30 pm  “Stay Young, Stay Strong”

  7:30 pm  Stewardship and Finance Committee

Wednesday, May 16

  6:00-8:00 pm  Girl Scout Troop 21151
  7:30 pm  Chancel Choir

Thursday, May 17

  6:00  pm  Trafton Academy, McPhail Hall
  6:30 pm  “Stay Young, Stay Strong”
  7:30 pm  Christian Education Committee

Saturday, May 19

  8:00 am  Women’s Bible Small Group
  9:30 am  Girl Scout Troop 21174 Sunday, May 20

  9:00 am  Church School
10:30 am  Worship Service
11:45 am  Fellowship Committee
  4:00 pm  Centering Prayer
  5:00 pm  Presbyterian Youth Fellowship, McPhail 

St. John's Weekly Calendar: May 13 - 20

St. John's Weekly Reminders: May 13

St. John’s Breakfast, Saturday, June 2: Everyone is invited to breakfast at 8 am. Following breakfast our special speaker, Dr. Guy Sheppard, Texas A & M College of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, will speak. He will discuss the vet school and offer helpful hints for our four-legged friends.

First Summer Brunch, June 3: Come to this special brunch hosted by St. John’s Caring Committee, who will be honoring the Caring Person of the Year.

Myrtis McPhail Scholarship Application: The Scholarship Fund provides a scholarship grant to any active St. John’s member who wishes to further an academic endeavor. The grant is to be used for undergraduate study and/or a technical or trade school and shall be given to the recipient for his/her discretion. To be eligible the applicant must submit a formal written request which outlines his/her plans and goals. Applications are available in the church office. Deadline: May 27, 2012

Bob’s Crew: Everyone is invited to join the property committee sponsored “Bob’s Crew” every Monday at 10 am. The focus is on maintaining, repairing and improving
St. John’s campus. Coffee and snacks are provided.

Usher Opportunities: The Worship Committee is looking for ushers for the upcoming summer months (June, July, August and September). Please contact the church office (office.sjpc@gmail.com) or talk to Lynne Parsons Austin.

VBS Kitchen Assistants Needed: Two helpers are needed each night of Vacation Bible School (June 24 – 28) to assist in preparing food, setting up the buffet, serving and cleaning up. Assistants are needed from about 4:30 until about 7 pm each evening. Please contact Mary Gaber, 713-204-1613 or mooeygoose@hotmail.com.

Delicious Peace Coffee Available: St. John’s has organic and free trade coffee from the Peace Kawomera Fair Trade Coffee Cooperative, Uganda. See the book case outside the church office to make your selection and place your payment in the can provided.

St. John's Weekly Reminders: May 13

St. John's Epistle for May 10, 2012

Dear people who have been chosen by Jesus to be his friends and to befriend others,

Here is the congregational meeting agenda for this Sunday, May 13, 2012. The service starts at 10:30 am and the meeting will be at the end of the service. Dr. Ed Knight, President of the Presbyterian Children's Home and Services, will be available to answer your questions during the congregational meeting. He will also bring the architect's sketch of where on our church property the buildings will be placed.

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions about the Presbyterian Children's Home proposal for a Single Parent Family Ministry on the campus of St. John's Presbyterian Church.

• What is the purpose of this project? The purpose of this project is to provide support, care, and training for highly motivated single parent mothers and their children to help them get back on their feet and become more capable of being successful in society.

• What is the nature of this project: Four brand new single story duplexes will be built on St. John's property between our parking lot and the Westbury United Methodist parking lot. Three of the single story duplexes will be for mothers and their children for a total of six families served at any one time. One of the duplexes will provide housing for a full-time, highly qualified employee hired and trained by Presbyterian Children's Home and Services. This employee will live on site and oversee the project 24 hours a day 7 days a week. The other half of the employee's housing unit will serve as an office building for this project. The buildings will be coordinated and partially financed by HomeAide Houston.

• How much will it cost St. John's? The project is designed so that it will not cost St. John's any money now or in the future. Presbyterian Children's Home and Services currently raises about three million dollars per year for their operating budget. They see this new project based in Houston as a great opportunity for them to raise more money through foundations that are based in Houston as well as the many Presbyterian congregations in Houston. Presbyterian Children's Homes and Services has a full-time fundraiser who is experienced and well qualified and they already have a plan for raising the money for building and sustaining this project.

• Will the project use any of St. John's parking lot? No. The project will not use any of the church's parking lot. Presbyterian Children's Home and Services will build their own parking lot for this project in addition to the houses they build.

• Will St. John's make any money off the project? St. John's will not make any money off the project except for one dollar per year in a lease arrangement whereby St. John's maintains ownership of the land and leases the land to Presbyterian Children's Home and Services.

• What will St. John's get out of this project? St. John's will get some great publicity that will raise awareness of our congregation within the city of Houston and the surrounding presbytery. Our congregation will also get access to many hands on mission opportunities right here on our campus. While we will not be responsible for providing any help, we will have the opportunity to provide as much support as members of the congregation want to give. Such hands on mission projects are particularly attractive to young adults which is a segment of our community whom we want to reach.

This is an exciting opportunity that God has laid before our congregation! I hope this Sunday at the congregational meeting we will walk through that door into the future God has prepared for us as we continue to fulfill our mission which is to glorify God by making disciples and meeting human needs. It is especially fitting that this ministry to single mothers comes to our congregation on Mother's Day.



Your looking forward to connecting with God's people on this Mother's Day pastor,
JON BURNHAM

-- 

Rev. Dr. Jonathan L. Burnham (Jon's Blog, Facebook, Twitter) 

Pastor of St. John's Presbyterian Church (Church's Website, Blog, Facebook) 

5020 West Bellfort Ave, Houston, TX 77035 (Map & Directions to church)

Phone church office 713-723-6262; Email church office

Sunday Schedule: Church School for all ages: 9:00 am; Worship 10:30 am; Youth Fellowship 5 pm

St. John's Epistle for May 10, 2012

Summer Financial Peace class for Young Adults

Willow Meadows Baptist Church will be offering its second Dave Ramsey Financial Peace class over the summer.  It will be for college students and young adults up to the age of 30 and led by our staff who just completed the first course.  A preview class and sign-up will be offered Wednesday, May 16, at 6:30 p.m. in the Conference Room upstairs.  The summer session will be condensed into 10 weeks and meet from Wednesday, May 30, through August 8, from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.  This is will be a great class for students about to enter college and young adults out in the working world who want to better understand their financial affairs.  Dave Ramsey is offering discounted materials for these classes.  Depending on the number we have enroll in the class it could be as low as $69 per participant – married or engaged couples can participate with one enrollment fee.  Please spread the word, this is a great opportunity.  If you have any questions,you may contact Ginger Hill at vghill@sbcglobal.net.

Summer Financial Peace class for Young Adults

Westbury's UMC Jazz Brunch

On Sunday, May 20, from noon to 2:00 pm, in Humphrey Hall, you are invited to attend Westbury UMC's "Change the World Jazz Brunch and Silent Auction." Enjoy food and live jazz and gospel featuring talented musicians from within our own congregation.

Tickets go on sale May 6 & 13 (includes meal, live music and a bid number for the silent auction):

• $5 for youth and adults
• $3 for ages 5–12
• Free for ages 4 and under

Silent auction items will include:
Movie/entertainment tickets; babysitting services; yard work; musical instrument lessons; quilt/crochet; baked goods; artwork; art lessons; tutoring services; pool party; themed dinners; cooking classes; spa gift basket; and expert advice/professional services.

All proceeds go towards building community locally through Braes Interfaith Ministries, and fighting malaria globally through Imagine No Malaria.
If you would like to volunteer, or wish to donate items for the auction, please contact Daniel Heathcock at daniel.heathcock@gmail.com or Elsa Garza at 713-283-6076 or elsabgarza@gmail.com.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 

Eloy E. Montez, LMSW

Executive Director

Braes Interfaith Ministries

713-255-7032

 

www.braesinterfaithministries.com

--
Rev. Dr. Jonathan L. Burnham (Jon's Blog, Facebook, Twitter) 

Pastor of St. John's Presbyterian Church (Church's Website, Blog, Facebook) 

5020 West Bellfort Ave, Houston, TX 77035 (Map & Directions to church)

Phone church office 713-723-6262; Email church office

Sunday Schedule: Church School for all ages: 9:00 am; Worship 10:30 am; Youth Fellowship 5 pm

Westbury's UMC Jazz Brunch

Let the Sea Roar

Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; 

          the world and those who live in it. (Psalm 98:7)

Who wouldn't want a family beach vacation this summer? I would. Wouldn't you? It would be nice to smell the musty, salty air and feel the gentle breeze of fresh ocean air. It would be nice to walk along the beach and hear the rush of mighty waves time after time.


TheBlu is  a new social screensaver. It is billed as the world's first social digital ocean to download, explore, and share.  You may download it for free here. TheBlu is the work of thousands, possibly tens of thousands of artists around the world. It is a digital representation of the sea.


The original sea was created by God. You may envision God creating the sea over millions of years through evolution or however you wish. The Bible is not so concerned with the how question as with the why question. According to the Bible, the reason God created the sea and all the life therein was to provide a place, space, and opportunity to express God's creativity and to enjoy fellowship with God's creation. 


According to the Westminster Confession, the chief purpose of humanity is to love God and enjoy God forever. We do that as humans when we create digital representations of the ocean and when we visit the sea and put our toes in the cold salt water. We humans are creative in many clever ways. We are like our Creator in our inclination toward creative expression. 


Yet is it not just the sea that is called to praise God. Everything in the sea and the world and those who live in it are called to acknowledge the glory of God. To love God and enjoy God forever. That is the chief end of humanity. How will you do that today? Perhaps you may take some lessons from the sea. Notice how it changes yet seems to remain to the same. The sea will show you how to go with the flow. It will demonstrate how to work around obstacles. It will make you wet with new life. Let's go for a swim. 


Your looking forward to the beach buddy,
JON BURNHAM

Men at Work, Down by the Sea / video by formomproductions

Let the Sea Roar

Pentecost Offering

The Pentecost Offering this year will be received on Pentecost Sunday, May 27. The Pentecost Offering is traditionally received on the day of Pentecost (May 27, 2012). It provides a direct way to meet the needs of children at risk, youth, and young adults. Congregations are encouraged to keep 40 percent of the Offering to support ministries benefiting these age groups in their communities. Our 40 percent of the offering will be used for this summer's Mustard Seed Projects. The General Assembly's portion (60 percent) provides leadership development opportunities for Presbyterian youth and young adults and supports children-at-risk programs at the national level. Since 1998, Presbyterians of all ages have raised more than $8 million for these ministries that benefit younger members of God's family.

Pentecost Offering

Summer Friendship Brunches Coming!

Come join us for brunch every Sunday, starting June 3!

Come to McPhail Hall after worship service for wonderful food and great fellowship. Everyone is welcome: members, neighbors, visitors and even those visiting summer relatives!

Summer Friendship Brunches Coming!

Serve with a Smile!

The Worship Committee is looking for people seeking a unique service opportunity...service as an usher on Sunday mornings.

Ushering opportunities are available for the coming months of June, July, August and September. You may serve once a month on a Sunday of your choice for all four months, or as time permits. Sign-up sheets are available in the narthex; or contact Lynne Parsons Austin via email at lynnep@sbcglobal.net.

This opportunity doesn’t demand a huge time commitment,the ability to cook, nor extraordinary physical feats. All that is required is a friendly handshake, a warm smile and a loving heart. The work is simple, but the blessings are abundant. Offering people a warm and friendly welcome is an important part of the worship experience. Come and enjoy the fellowship! We can hardly wait for you to join us in this effort.

Serve with a Smile!

Durable Medical Equipment

Durable Medical Equipment - What is this?

It is any equipment that you need to help you be mobile and more independent after surgery, etc. This includes walkers, commode chairs, wheelchairs, shower chairs, canes, and crutches. St. John’s has some
of these devices if anyone needs to use them for the short term. If you are through using any of the above and don’t want them around your house, you can bring them to the church or someone can pick them up, and they will be cleaned and stored for someone else to use. What a great way to recycle!

Durable Medical Equipment