Trunk-or-Treat, Sunday, October 28

Trunk-or-Treat
(Halloween Tailgating)

Sunday, October 28, 6 pm
St. John’s Parking Lot

Trunk-or-treat, also known as Halloween tailgating, is a simple and fun way to enjoy a safe Halloween.

In the safety of St. John’s Church parking lot, children go to each car to Trunk-or-Treat instead of going house to house to Trick-or-Treat.

All children and their parents are invited.

Trunk-or-Treat, Sunday, October 28

Blood Drive, September 30

Come to the Sunday morning September 30 Blood Drive,
Building 2, Room 210.

Remember to eat your leafy green vegetables and meat.

Give the gift that costs nothing to give and help save lives!
The need is always with us!

Blood Drive, September 30

World Communion Sunday - October 1

October 1- World Communion Sunday/Peacemaking Offering

Romans 12:18: If it is possible, so far as it depends

on you, live peaceably with all.

Help St. John’s celebrate World Communion Sunday

Come to Worship dressed in clothes
representative of other countries

World Communion Sunday - October 1

St. John’s Breakfast— Saturday, September 8

Come one! Come all! Please keep in mind that our St. John’s Breakfast will be the SECOND Saturday, September 8, due to Labor Day. Breakfast is at 8 am. At 8:30 Dr. Seema Nanda, Doctor of Optometry, will be our speaker. She is affiliated with the Texas Eye Institute, and will help us understand problems of the eye and answer any questions you may have. Please call Linda Dobbin, 281-778-5348 if you need a ride.

St. John’s Breakfast— Saturday, September 8

Kroger > BIM > Mission Project

Our mission on this project is to get as many Kroger shoppers signed up with BIM's bar code number as we can.

To do that I'm approaching many committees and the members of the committees with this request.

1.  Print the linked sheet which has two half page copies of the instructions to sign up with Kroger for the Neighbor to Neighbor Program, benefiting BIM.

2.  Copy the sheet some number of times.  Cut each sheet in half.  Give the half sheets to persons who may shop at any Kroger in the area of TX and LA, a pretty large area.  Mail some out to friends, etc.  Forward the attachment so your friends can print their own copy and register at a Kroger store.

3.  When we get 100s of Kroger Shoppers then we can meet our goal of tripling last year's prize of $112 from this mission project.

Thanks,

Dan Herron
St. Johns Presbyterian
Faith in Action Committee

Kroger > BIM > Mission Project

Feed A Hungry Child!

Join the "Wonder Team" at 6 pm on September 12 and 26 in McPhail Hall and help make 300+ sandwiches. The sandwiches become part of nutritious free meals delivered to pre-school children living in poverty Monday through Friday year-around by Kid’s Meals.

Feed A Hungry Child!

Fall Sunday School Classes

Adults may choose between Bible Study (Room 203), Lectionary Study (Room 205), The Wired Word (Pastor’s office), or Book Study (Room 209). Bible Study class will explore Walter Brueggemann’s Embracing the Prophets. High Schoolers are invited to Room 207 and Middle Schoolers to Room 210. The 1^st grade through 5^th grade students are invited to join the Elementary class in Building 1, Room 209. Sunday School is for EVERYONE! For questions, please contact Mary Sterner: mary2d@yahoo.com, 713-723-6262.

Fall Sunday School Classes

Presbyterian Youth Fellowship Fall Kick-Off

Youth 6^th through 12^th grades are invited to join St. John’s Presbyterian Youth Fellowship (PYF). The first meeting will be held in McPhail Hall on Sunday, September 9, 5 – 6:30 pm. Friends, relatives and neighbors are welcome! Please contact Mary Sterner with any questions, mary2d@yahoo.com.

Presbyterian Youth Fellowship Fall Kick-Off

Presbyterian Women "Thank you"

We would like to thank all of those wonderful people who baked "goodies" for our Because we Care bake sales sponsored by St. John’s Presbyterian Women over the past ten years.

Also, many, many thanks to St. John’s congregation for all their support. Without your generous
donations (approximately $20,000) we would not have been able to:

► replace the old kitchen stove,

► purchase the large projection screen for McPhail Hall,

► purchase the new window shades for McPhail Hall (which were installed August 7, 2012).

We hope that you will enjoy them for many years to come.

Shade Committee,
Betty Nelson, Ann Nelson,
Esther Bender and
Connie Brown, Moderator.

Presbyterian Women "Thank you"

New Bible School Class

Bible Study Class
Room 203, 9 am

Starting Sunday, September 2

Teacher: Walter Bruggemann

Embracing the Prophets

Old Testament Scholar Walter Brueggemann presents this compelling faith exploration and develops the contemporary significance and relevance of the Old Testament prophets as uncredentialed purveyors of covenant and moral coherence in a world of power, money and violence. Each session begins with a 10-15 minute video presentation by Mr. Brueggemann

New Bible School Class

Sunday Highlights: August 26

Questions? Concerns! If you have questions/concerns about the Presbyterian Children’s Homes & Services, Single Parent Family Program, you can communicate your questions/concerns by placing them in the box in the Narthex. These will be addressed at brunch.

Last Summer Brunch Today: Everyone is invited to McPhail Hall for brunch after worship today. Chancel Choir is doing the cooking with Kristi Edmonsond the head chef. Please remember to feed the kitty.

New Presbyterian Hymnals: If you would like to purchase a new hymnal ($15) in honor of or in memory of a loved, please sign up on the poster in the Narthex or during brunch.

Circle Meeting, September 4: All ladies of St. John’s are invited to the first fall Bible Study Circle meeting, at 9:30 am, in Room 205. Linda Herron will lead the Bible study, Dispatches to God’s Household, The General Epistles.

Inquirer's Class on Sunday, September 9, 4-7 pm: Pastor Jon will teach an Inquirer’s Class for all who are in interested in learning more about the church and are considering joining the church. The Inquirer’s Class will meet from 4-7 pm on Sunday, September 9, in the pastor's office. Speak to Pastor Jon if you are interested in this class for prospective new members

St. John's Breakfast: - Our first St. John's Breakfast will be the SECOND Saturday, September 8, not the first, due to Labor Day. Breakfast is at 8 am. At 8:30 Dr. Seema Nanda, Doctor of Optometry, will be our speaker. She is affiliated with the Texas Eye Institute, and will help us understand the possible problems of the eyes, and answer any questions you may have. Come one - come all - call if you need a ride, or have any questions. Linda Dobbin, 281-778-5348.

Attention St. Johners (and former St. Johners): Please reserve Saturday, October 13 to come and help us celebrate the founding of our beloved church, over 56 years ago. Please bring a pot luck dish - dinner will be from 5:00 to 6:15. Then our wonderful program will begin. Invitations have been sent to former pastors and staff. Come and see which faces you recognize. There will be opportunities for you to stand and speak to our group, so give me a call if you would like a place in the program. Also, we would like a head count so we know how many tables to set up for the dinner. Please call either Linda Dobbin at 281-778-5348, or the church office at 713-723-6262. 

Sunday Highlights: August 26

St. John's Weekly Schedule: August 26 - September 2

This Week at St. John’s

Sunday, August 26 –  Blessing of the Backpacks and Rally Day

  9:00 am  Church School

10:30 am  Worship Service
11:45 am  Brunch by Chancel Choir 

Monday, August 27- First day of School, HISD

  9:00 am  Staff Meeting
10:00 am  Bob’s Crew (Property grounds projects)

  6:00 pm  Cub Scout Pack 8

  6:30 pm  Walking Together 
  7:00 pm  Bell Choir

  7:00-9:00 pm  Court of Honor 

Tuesday, August 28

  9:30 am  Presbyterian Women’s Board Meeting/Activity Day    
  5:00 pm  Hour of Prayer, Rm. 207

  6:30 pm  “Stay Young, Stay Strong”

  7:00 pm  Scout Troop 688

  7:00 pm  Faith in Action Committee

Wednesday, August 29

  7:30 pm  Caring Committee

Thursday, August 30

  6:30 pm  “Stay Young, Stay Strong”

  6:30 – 8:00 pm  Girl Scout Troop 21151

Friday, August 31

Saturday, September 1 

  8:00 am  Women’s Bible Small Group

  9:00 am  Girl Scout Troop

  5:30 – 9:00 pm  Ghanaians Choir Practice

Sunday, September 2

  9:00 am  Church School10:30 am  Worship Service

St. John's Weekly Schedule: August 26 - September 2

St. John’s Presbyterian Women

All women of St. John’s are welcome to join the Presbytery Women in Bible Study, fun and fellowship. Our circles and Bible study will be held on the first Tuesday of each month.

Rev. Linda Herron will lead our Bible Study, Dispatches to God’s Household, The General Epistles, by Nancy Benson-Nichol. Study books are available from Esther Bender ($9.00).

The first meeting will be September 4, Room 205
Schedule:

9:30 am: Circle Meeting
10:00 am: Social Time
10:30 am: Bible Study

St. John’s Presbyterian Women

Fall Sunday School Classes, Start September 2

Bible Study Class
Room 203, 9 am

Starting Sunday, September 2

Teacher: Walter Bruggemann

Embracing the Prophets

Old Testament Scholar Walter Brueggemann presents this compelling faith exploration and develops the contemporary significance and relevance of the Old Testament prophets as uncredentialed purveyors of covenant and moral coherence in a world of power, money and violence.

Each session begins with a 10-15 minute video presentation by Mr. Brueggemann



Fall Sunday School Classes

Adults may choose between Bible Study (See information above), Lectionary Study (Room 205), The Wired Word (Pastor’s office), or Book Study (Room 209). 

 High Schoolers are invited to Room 207 and Middle Schoolers to Room 210.

The 1^st grade through 5^th grade students are invited to join the Elementary class in Building 1, Room 209.

Sunday School is for EVERYONE!

For questions, please contact Mary Sterner: mary2d@yahoo.com, 713-723-6262.

Fall Sunday School Classes, Start September 2

Presbyterian Youth Fellowship Fall Kick-Off

Youth 6^th through 12^th grades are invited to join St. John’s Presbyterian Youth Fellowship (PYF).

The first meeting will be held in McPhail Hall on Sunday, September 9, 5 – 6:30 pm.

Friends, relatives and neighbors are welcome! Please contact Mary Sterner with any questions, mary2d@yahoo.com.

Presbyterian Youth Fellowship Fall Kick-Off

August 26 Highlights

Next Sunday

August 26 Highlights

Rally Day

Are you looking for a place for study and fellowship on Sunday mornings at 9 am?
St. John’s Christian Education has a place for you! St. John’s begins the fall schedule with Rally Day on Sunday, August 26. Please gather in McPhail Hall at 9 am for a continental breakfast and information about the line up of fall educational opportunities for Christian growth. Learning about Christ is a lifelong pursuit. Everyone is invited whether or not you are planning to attend Sunday school fall classes. There are many activities, including a special art project for everyone to participate in. Join us!

Blessing of the Backpack

All students (primary, secondary and college) are invited to bring their backpacks to church for a “Blessing of the backpack” during Worship at 10:30 am.

Summer Brunch

The last brunch of the 2012 summer season will be held in McPhail Hall with St. John’s Chancel Choir working in the kitchen.

August 26 Highlights

St. John's Weekly Calendar: August 19 - 26

This Week at St. John’s

Sunday, August 19 – Beacon deadline 

  9:00 am  Church School

10:30 am  Worship Service
11:45 am  Brunch by Finance and Stewardship Committee

12:30 pm  Presbyterian Youth Fellowship Ice Cream Adventure

Monday, August 20

  9:00 am  Staff Meeting
10:00 am  Bob’s Crew (Property grounds projects)

  6:30 pm  Walking Together 
  7:00 pm  Bell Choir

Tuesday, August 21

  9:30 am  Presbyterian Women’s Activity Day   
  9:30 am  Beacon Assemblers

  5:00 pm  Hour of Prayer, Rm. 207

  6:30 pm  “Stay Young, Stay Strong”

  7:00 pm  Scout Troop 688

Wednesday, August 22

  6:00 pm  “Wonder Team” Sandwich Makers, McPhail Hall

Thursday, August 23

  9:00 am – 2:00 pm:  Community Bible Study Teacher’s Training

  6:30 pm  “Stay Young, Stay Strong”

Friday, August 24

Saturday, August 25 

  8:00 am  Women’s Bible Small Group

  5:30 – 9:00 pm  Ghanaians Choir Practice, Scout Room
 

Sunday, August 26  Blessing of the Backpacks and Rally Day

  9:00 am  Church School

10:30 am  Worship Service
11:45 am  Brunch by Chancel Choir (Head Chef: Kristi Edmonsond)

St. John's Weekly Calendar: August 19 - 26

Sunday August 19 Insert Reminders

Questions? Concerns! If you have questions/concerns about the Presbyterian Children’s Homes & Services, Single Parent Family Program, you can communicate your questions/concerns by placing them in the box in the Narthex. These will be addressed at brunch.

Summer Brunch Today: Everyone is invited to McPhail Hall for brunch after worship. today. Stewardship/Finance Committee are the cooks. Please remember to feed the kitty.

Presbyterian Youth Fellowship (PYF) Ice Cream Adventure Today: Join us for a treat and get out of the summer heat! Youth grades 6 – 12 are invited to go to Piccomolo to enjoy gelato! Bring a friend and money for your gelato. Contact Mary at 713-723-6262 or mary2d@yahoo.com.

St. John's Breakfast: - Our first St. John's Breakfast will be the SECOND Saturday, September 8, in September, not the first, due to Labor Day. Breakfast is at 8 am. At 8:30 Dr. Seema Nanda, Doctor of Optometry, will be our speaker. She is affiliated with the Texas Eye Institute, and will help us understand the possible problems of the eyes, and answer any questions you may have. Also, she is Hindu, and I've asked her to just touch on her religion and tell us about the temple where she worships. Come one - come all - call if you need a ride, or have any questions. Linda Dobbin, 281-778-5348.

Attention St. Johners (and former St. Johners): Please reserve Saturday, October 13 to come and help us celebrate the founding of our beloved church, over 56 years ago. Please bring a pot luck dish - dinner will be from 5:00 to 6:15. Then our wonderful program will begin. Invitations have been sent to former pastors and staff. Come and see which faces you recognize. There will be opportunities for you to stand and speak to our group, so give me a call if you would like a place in the program. Also, we would like a head count so we know how many tables to set up for the dinner. Please call either Linda Dobbin at 281-778-5348, or the church office at 713-723-6262. 

Sunday August 19 Insert Reminders

Mustard Seed Project 3#

Sutton Elementary School (HISD) "1000+More" Books Project

Sutton is a PK through 5^th grade school where 95% of the students live at or below the federal poverty level.

Ways to help contribute to this project:

• Cash or checks to purchase books
• Donate new and/or gently used books from the HISD "Name that Book" list
• Volunteer to read to children or classes
• Volunteer to help sort, distribute and deliver books
• Volunteer to help build family book shelves

For more information, please contact Mary Plail Risley at 713.779.1961 (W) or 713.412.9452 (c).

Please note: You can place donated books in the box outside the church office. We will make sure Mary get the donations.

Mustard Seed Project 3#

Mustard Seed Projects 1 & 2

Hello, Michael and I pray that all is well with you and your families. Guess some of you were wondering why we were so silent this summer, with no "projects". Well, the silence was too deafening for our ears and we know there is so much that God wants us to do, so here we come.

Every year the Church does run a program called the Mustard Seed and this year the main focus is children. Each individual is given $100 as seeds to sow.

Through Prayers we have two very deserving programs:

— Michael’s seed to sow is a non-profit organization called SIRE where he volunteers every Saturday. SIRE, based in Richmond, gives kids with disabilities an opportunity to ride horses for therapeutic purposes.
This program is running primarily because of volunteers folks. Michael is going to focus on drinking water,
preferably 16 or 8 oz cases. So again if you want to help SIRE, please let Michael know at 281-797-3244, or mkbisase@hotmail.com

— Felicity is going to work with Lifecycles based here in Houston. They help refugees to settle in the great city of Houston. There is a dire need for back to school items and backpacks for all ages, new and gently used. Laurie (from Lifecycles) said that they never ever can have enough,
especially now that school is about to start.

We welcome the donation of your choice, which could be the needed items or money, and receipts will be available. Thank you so much for caring and we are looking forward working together on this project.

— Blessings, Michael and Felicity Bisase

Note from the church office: You can bring your items to the church office and place them the box next to the telephone. We will make sure they reach Michael and Felicity.

Mustard Seed Projects 1 & 2

St. John's Epistle for August 16, 2012

Dear beloved people of God,

On Tuesday a few dozen church members attended a board meeting of the Meyerland Community Improvement Association. There were a couple of hundred people there. People spoke in favor of and against our proposed single parent family ministry. Mark let out handbell practice early so we had some reinforcements arrive during the meeting. Many of the same concerns for and against it were expressed.

One member of the opposition group had hired a private investigator to look into the Children's Home ministry in another location. Some of that material may come to your attention at some point. The Children's Home is looking into the allegations and has already found some discrepancies between the allegations and the facts. So just remember whenever you hear a titillating story such as this be patient and wait to hear the other side of the story as well before jumping to conclusions.

We have a good group of young people who will represent our congregation on the Presbyterian Youth Council this year: Jennifer, Brendan, Christiana, and Jacob will be our youth representatives and Mark DeSouza and Mary Sterner will be our adult representatives. The youth council plans activities and retreats for the youth of New Covenant Presbytery. We appreciate the leadership of our youth in the presbytery.

Join me in prayer for Shirley and her family in the death of her mother-in-law in Kansas. We also remember in prayer Allen Barnhill and his family in the death of his father in North Carolina. In addition, keep Dora Belton in prayer as she recuperates at La Hacienda.

This Sunday we will again have brunch after worship. Come and enjoy some food, fellowship and discussion around the tables in McPhail Hall. These are exciting days in the 56 year history of St. John's Presbyterian Church. I feel blessed to serve Christ alongside you. 

Your seeking first the kingdom of God 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 August 16, 2012

August 12 - 19, 2012 Weekly Schedule

This Week at St. John’s

Sunday, August 12 

  9:00 am  Church School

10:30 am  Worship Service
11:45 am  Brunch by Personnel and Administration Committee

Monday, August 13

  9:00 am  Staff Meeting

10:00 am  Bob’s Crew (Property grounds projects)

  6:00 pm  Cub Scout Pack 8

  6:30 pm  Walking Together 
  7:00 pm  Bell Choir

Tuesday, August 14

  9:30 am  Presbyterian Women’s Activity Day

  5:00 pm  Hour of Prayer, Rm. 207

  6:30 pm  “Stay Young, Stay Strong”

  7:00 pm  Scout Troop 688

Wednesday, August 15

Thursday, August 16

  6:30 pm  “Stay Young, Stay Strong”

Friday, August 17

  9:15 am – 12 pm  Presbyterian Women Bible Study Overview,

                               St. Philip Presbyterian Church, 4807 San Felipe, 77056

Saturday, August 18 

  8:00 am  Women’s Bible Small Group
 

Sunday, August 19  Beacon Deadline

  9:00 am  Church School

10:30 am  Worship Service
11:45 am  Brunch by Finance and Stewardship

August 12 - 19, 2012 Weekly Schedule

August 12 - Sunday Morning Insert Reminders

Questions? Concerns! If you have questions/concerns about the Presbyterian Children’s Homes & Services, Single Parent Family Program, you can communicate your questions/concerns by placing them in the box in the Narthex. These will be addressed at brunch.

Summer Brunch Today: Everyone is invited to McPhail Hall for brunch after worship. today. Administration and Personnel Committee is in the kitchen. Please remember to feed the kitty.

Presbyterian Women Bible Study, Friday, August 17: All St. John’s ladies are invited to the 2012-2013 Horizons Bible study overview, taught by Mary Marcotte, at St. Philip Presbyterian Church (4807 San Felipe). This year’s study is Dispatches to God’s Household: The General Epistles.

Beacon Newsletter Deadline: Please deliver all Beacon articles for the upcoming August/September 2012 issue by email (office.sjpc@gmail.com) or hand deliver to Room 209. The last chance to be part of this issue is Sunday, August 19 at 12 noon.

Uganda Mission Trip Updates: St. Johners Libby Adams and Kathie Hartzog left August 2 for a 13-day trip to Lulwanda Children’s Home in Uganda. You can join the mission trip by reading their daily blog posts at www.booksarethebeginning.tumblr.com. Please remember due to the time difference between the U.S. and Uganda (8 hours) the posts may come at various times of the day, so check back regularly for updates. Please remember to add the mission trip to your prayers.

Kroger Neighbor to Neighbor Program: Have you linked your Kroger Plus card with Braes Interfaith Ministries yet? It’s easy and fast – bring the barcode (#90528) to a Kroger register or service desk. They can link it to your Plus Card – so every time you shop, BIM will benefit. If you linked your card last year, you must link again.

Sunday, August 26

Rally Day

Backpack Blessing
Chancel Choir Brunch

August 12 - Sunday Morning Insert Reminders

Can you Attend the MCIA Board meeting on Monday, August 13 at 7:30 at St. Thomas Episcopal Church to show support for St. John's PC?

Dear Friends and colleagues:

 

The Meyerland Community Improvement Association Board, conducted a secret email vote to oppose the St. John's/Presbyterian Children's Homes and Services/ Homeaid single parent family project, under an "emergency " clause in their by-laws, without further input from the public, the residents or St. John's.  Four members of the MCIA Board did meet with session representatives on Tuesday night, August 7 to explain their vote opposing the project.  It was a relatively friendly meeting in which the MCIA board members raised questions and St. John's members, PCHAS and Homeaid responded with factual information.  The St. John's representatives made it clear that they intend to move forward with the project and will finalize the lease within the next month and begin to draw up site specific plans for public distribution.

 

Even though the MCIA Board has registered their opposition, I believe it will be important for there to be a good turnout of folks who favor the project.   The MCIA Board has heard primarily from the "Stop PCHAS" people and needs to know that there are reasonable, responsible people in the community and especially in Meyerland who support this project which offers a way for single mothers to rise above their present circumstances and establish an independent and hopeful life for their children and themselves.

 

If you can attend the MCIA Board meeting on Monday, August 13 at 7:30 at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 5100 Jackwood, that would be great.  You might want to check the MCIA website (http://www.meyerland.net/en/us/) on Monday to verify that the meeting location has not been changed.     If you are a resident of Meyerland and feel the urge to speak, I encourage you to do so.  Unfortunately, I will be at a series of meetings in Dallas for the presbytery's Committee on Ministry on the 13^th or else I would be there, too.  If you cannot attend, perhaps you could send a note of encouragement to the session at St. John's so that they will know that there are fellow Presbyterians who stand with them in this worthy project.

 

In Christ,

 

Mike Cole

General Presbyter

--
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

Can you Attend the MCIA Board meeting on Monday, August 13 at 7:30 at St. Thomas Episcopal Church to show support for St. John's PC?

St. John's Epistle for August 9, 2012

Dear faithful people of God,

Last Sunday after worship we had a good question and answer period about our new single parent family ministry. Bill and I gave an update on where we are and answered questions from the congregation. Rev. George Bement, a Lutheran pastor who lives in Meyerland, shared his support for this new ministry and encouraged us in the struggle.

On Tuesday night some elders and I and representatives of New Covenant Presbytery, Presbyterian Children's Homes and Services, and HomeAid had a two hour dialogue with the Board of Directors of the Meyerland Community Improvement Association officers. We shared our concerns and answered their questions and updated them on the progress of the single parent family ministry we plan to build on our church property. We all agreed to continue the communication as we move forward with the project.

On Wednesday night we had a good Session meeting that included an update of where we are in the project's development. The Session will consider the lease agreement prepared by our attorney who is also the attorney for presbytery in this matter. As you know from Mike Cole's letter to our congregation that was mailed to the congregation this week, the presbytery is fully in support of our single family parent ministry. We will lease the land to the Children's Home for $1 per year and they will then be responsible for building, staffing and maintaining this program including all costs associated with it. The duplexes will be a beautiful addition to our church campus and the Meyerland community. This week our partner, HomeAid, announced Ryland Homes, a top ten builder in Houston, will be the builder.

As we celebrate 56 years of service to Christ in Meyerland and beyond, this is an exciting time in the life of our congregation. We have a lot of support for this new ministry in the church and in the community and will communicate to the congregation more of those messages of support.

Our prayers are with the family of Susan Vanderworth upon the death of her father. Yesterday, Susan wrote: "The funeral for my dad, K.O. Lenert, was today at St. Andrew's Lutheran in the Spring Branch area.  We still have the burial tomorrow at Houston National Cemetery. That will happen tomorrow morning." Here is a memory video about him.

Remember in prayer Kathie and Libby as they minister in Uganda at the Lulwanda Children's Home and Orphanage this week.

Your humbled by God's grace 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 August 9, 2012

Centering Prayer Resumes September 9

Centering Prayer is a method of silent prayer that  prepares us to receive the gift of contemplative prayer, prayer in which we experience God's presence with us, closer than breathing, closer than thinking, closer than consciousness itself.

Come and explore Centering Prayer at 5 pm, Sunday, September 9, in Pastor Jon's office (Building 2).

Centering Prayer Resumes September 9

Presbyterian Women Bible Study Circles, September 4

Presbyterian Women Bible Study Circles, September 4. All women are invited to this year’s first fall Bible study meeting, September 8. This year’s program is Dispatches to God’s Household: The General Epistles. The Circles will continue to meet on the first Tuesday of each month through May 2013. Study books are available in the church office.

Presbyterian Women Bible Study Circles, September 4

St. John's Breakfast, September 8

Please keep in mind that our first St. John’s Breakfast will be the SECOND Saturday in September, not the first, due to Labor Day. Breakfast is at 8:00 am and at 8:30 Dr. Seema Nanda, Doctor of Optometry, will be our speaker. She is affiliated with the Texas Eye Institute, and will help us understand the possible problems of the eye, and answer any questions you may have. Everyone is welcome to attend.

St. John's Breakfast, September 8

Braes Interfaith Ministries Update

In July 2012 BIM (Braes Interfaith Ministries) food pantry served 1450 clients:

632 children

827 adults

24 of the clients served were homeless.

Remember to visit the Braes Resale Shop
10319 South Post Oak

Every dollar earned at the resale shop buys
$27 worth of food at the Houston Food Bank.

Braes Interfaith Ministries Update

Uganda Mission Trip Blog Report: August 3 and August 4

Friday, August 3 (10pm Uganda Time)

Welcome to the first post of Uganda 2012.  As I write this, Mike and Marc are completing our week ahead of the rest of the team.  After a few setbacks, Marc has been able to begin the construction projects.  Mike has completed his meetings with each member of the school staff and the School Management Committee.  His head is exhausted and ready to expel some energy tomorrow cutting boards for book shelves for the library.  All in all it has been a great week, but we are anxious for the arrival of the team.

The team has arrived from the first part of their trip, arriving in Dubai after a 15 hour flight.  Word is they are taking a brief tour of Dubai before getting some rest to continue their trip tomorrow.  Continue to pray for their safe travel.  

August 4 (Saturday 10pm)

The team has arrived in Mbale around 8:30pm looking worn and tired but excited to be here.  I am hearing story after story about their travels and time in Dubai.  They have now had dinner and gone to their rooms for bed.  Tomorrow will be busy in the morning and restful in the afternoon.  We are in charge Men’s and Women’s Sunday School at Mbale Presbyterian Church.  If you have never been to a Ugandan church service, you have not lived.  It is lively and exciting.  They know how to worship.  It is hard on the Baptist because it goes quite long, but with our Baptist preacher giving the sermon, we hope to be out a little early.  It will be a wonderful time.

Glenna was too tired to blog, so i (Mike) am doing the duty tonight.  Thanks for your prayers, don’t stop our week has only just begun.  The children and staff are excited about the team coming, so it will be a wonderful week.  That’s all for now, check back tomorrow for more exciting news.

“God is Good, all the time God is Good”

Mike

Uganda Mission Trip Blog Report: August 3 and August 4

Uganda Mission Trip Updates Available

St. Johners Libby Adams and Kathie Hartzog left August 2 for a 13-day trip to Lulwanda Children’s Home in Uganda. You can join the mission trip by reading their daily blog posts at www.booksarethebeginning.tumblr.com.

Please remember due to the time difference between the U.S. and Uganda (8 hours) the posts may come at various times of the day, so check back regularly for updates.

Please remember to add the mission trip to your prayers.

Uganda Mission Trip Updates Available

August 5 - Sunday Insert Highlights

Questions? Concerns!: If you have question/concerns about the Presbyterian Children’s Home & Services, Single Parent Family Program, you can communicate your questions/concerns by placing them in the box in the Narthex. These will be addressed at brunch.

Summer Brunch Today: Everyone is invited to McPhail Hall for brunch after Worship. Today Property Committee are the working chefs. Please remember to feed the kitty.

Uganda Mission Trip Updates: St. Johners Libby Adams and Kathie Hartzog left August 2 for a 13-day trip to Lulwanda Children’s Home in Uganda. You can join the mission trip by reading their daily blog posts at www.booksarethebeginning.tumblr.com. Please remember due to the time difference between the U.S. and Uganda (8 hours) the posts may come at various times of the day, so check back regularly for updates. Please remember to add the mission trip to your prayers.

“Wonder Team” Sandwich Makers, Wednesday, August 8: Please become part of this twice monthly mission outreach (2^nd and 4^th Wednesdays) at 6 pm in McPhail Hall. Working together we help fight children’s hunger by making 300+ sandwiches which are delivered for lunch to preschool children.

Kroger Neighbor to Neighbor Program: Have you linked your Kroger Plus card with Braes Interfaith Ministries yet? It’s easy and fast – bring the barcode (#90528) to a Kroger register or service desk. They can link it to your Plus Card – so every time you shop, BIM will benefit. If you linked your card last year, you must link again.

Mustard Seed: Don’t miss your chance to take part in this wonderful project using “seed” money which will give hope and cultivate benevolence among people and ultimately grow God’s Kingdom. A person will be asked to use $100 to help a person or a group of people in his/her community through a simple act of kindness. If interested please contact Tom and Claire MacAdam at 713-729-2470.

Sunday, August 26

Rally Day

Backpack Blessing
Chancel Choir Brunch

August 5 - Sunday Insert Highlights

Weekly Calendar: August 5 - 12, 2012

Sunday, August 5

  9:00 am  Church School

  9:50 am  Chancel Choir Rehearsal
10:30 am  Worship Service
11:45 am   Brunch by Property Committee

Monday, August 6

  9:00 am  Staff Meeting

10:00 am  Bob’s Crew (Property grounds projects)

  6:30 pm  Walking Together 
  7:00 pm  Bell Choir

Tuesday, August 7

  9:30 am  Presbyterian Women’s Activity Day

  5:00 pm  Hour of Prayer, Rm. 207

  6:30 pm  “Stay Young, Stay Strong”

  7:00 pm  Scout Troop 688

Wednesday, August 8

  6:00 pm  “Wonder Team” Sandwich Makers, McPhail Hall

  7:30 pm  Session Meeting

Thursday, August 9

  6:30 pm  “Stay Young, Stay Strong”

Friday, August 10

Saturday, August 11 

  8:00 am  Women’s Bible Small Group
 

Sunday, August 12

  9:00 am  Church School

  9:50 am  Chancel Choir Rehearsal
10:30 am  Worship Service
11:45 am   Brunch by Admin/Personnel Committee

Weekly Calendar: August 5 - 12, 2012

St. John's Epistle for August 2, 2012

Dear Christ followers who have counted the cost of discipleship,

Last Thursday 55 or so supporters of our upcoming single parent family ministry met in our fellowship hall. Some 35 of these supporters are not members of our church but they support the concept and came to a "Thank You Dessert and Coffee" sponsored by Presbyterian Children's Home and Services and well coordinated by our own Mary Herlitz. They had a good time of fellowship and information sharing. There are many supporters of this new ministry in Meyerland and throughout the city of Houston and you will be hearing more of their stories of support in the coming weeks.

Also, while I was away on vacation, Mike Cole moderated a Session meeting during which the Session reaffirmed their unanimous support for this new ministry. In addition, Ann Hardy led a question and answer meeting after worship one Sunday. Thanks to each of these people as well as Rev. Linda Herron who covered for me during my vacation. 

My time away was refreshing and I return with a renewed commitment to serving Christ with you in this congregation and community. Let us be ever faithful in hearing and responding to God's call upon our lives and upon our congregation. It is my joy and honor to serve Christ with such committed Christians as we have here at St. John's Presbyterian Church. This Sunday we will celebrate first Sunday communion and the First Praise! band will play during the service. I hope to see you there. 

Feel free to call me any time or come by the church office if you have questions about the single parent family ministry. There is a lot of misinformation going around and I want you to know what is really going on because it is all good. The key people to keep in mind in all of this are the children whose lives Christ wants to touch and heal through this ministry. Imagine meeting their eyes as they look around for hope. What will they see in your eyes? Love or fear? Love ultimately triumphs over fear and I have no doubt the love of Christ will prevail once again in this situation. Whenever we are faced with the option of responding to an opportunity with either love or fear let us follow the path of Christ and err on the side of love.

Your happy to be back from vacation pastor,

Jon B.

--
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 August 2, 2012