St. John's Epistle for September 27, 2012

Dear salty, unfiltered Christ followers,

We made the front page of the Houston Chronicle today!  Columnist Lisa Falkenberg wrote about our forthcoming Single Parent Family Ministry in a column titled "Bible message turned on its head." It starts on the bottom of the front page and concludes on page 12 under the heading "Some embarrassed by thy neighbor." Meyerland resident Lisa Gossett is quoted, "If we're a neighborhood that's perceived as being fearmongering, unwelcoming, hypocritical, that's not how I view our neighborhood. And that's not how I want our neighborhood presented." Our Presbytery Executive, Mike Cole, referred to Falkenberg's column in a Facebook post today saying, "I am so proud of St. John, PCHAS, and Homeaid for pursuing this ministry in the face of bigoted and biased opposition."

This Sunday at St. John's features a Blood Drive and a Healing Service. Our sermon text this Sunday, James 5:13-20, talks about healing ministries and so will I in a sermon called "Healing Happens Here." Speaking of physical healing, keep these dear folks in prayer: Gloria, Shelby, Shirley, Elaine, Dora, and Opha. As we know there are many other kinds of healing such as healing of memories, relationships, finances, mental stress, depression, and many others. Those are some of the kinds of healing God provides through this congregation. Healing refers to wholeness in all aspects of life.

Focus 2012, sponsored by the presbytery and hosted by Pines Presbyterian, is Saturday October 6. Registration begins at 8:30 am followed by keynote, workshops, and worship. All are welcome! Cost is free to attend and lunch tickets are $10. If interested, contact Mary Stener for workshop and registration information via her email or call her at 713-723-6262. The theme this year is Between Tradition and Improvisation, HOPE RISES.

Our presbytery's Youth Connection Council (Featuring leadership by St. John's members Brendan Ehrenstrom, Jacob Ehrenstrom, Christianna Johnson, Mark DeSouza, and Mary Sterner) is hosting a youth rally on Sunday, October 7, at Woodlands Community Presbyterian Church. The rally will include fun and games, music, and a keynote presentation "Eight Words: You are God's Child, So Act Like It!" The rally starts at 3pm, and ends at 5 pm. Contact Mary Sterner for more information.

Your looking to Jesus for healing and inspiration, 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 September 27, 2012

August Braes Interfaith Minstries Report

In August 2012 Braes Interfaith Ministries (BIM) food pantry served 1166 clients (486 children and 680 adults), and 22 of the clients served were homeless.

August Braes Interfaith Minstries Report

Mustard Seed Thank You

To Our St John family,

On Behalf of Sire and Lifecycles Michael and I would like to thank you for your support. Your generosity was beyond our expectations! Thank you St John’s for bringing the Mustard seed story to life, as we experienced it. It was unbelievable how many folks we reached because of your kindness.

May God continue to bless you all,
—Michael and Felicity Bisase

Mustard Seed Thank You

Ushers Needed

Experience Needed:

 You already have it!
Definition: Be Welcoming

Part of speech: Active verb
Synonyms: acknowledge, address, approach, attend, compliment, exchange greetings, extend one’s hand

Volunteer to usher for October, November, December 2012 and January 2013 by contacting the church office (713-723-6262, office.sjpc@gmail.com) or talk to Lynne Parsons Austin.

Ushers Needed

Have You Seen Your Dentist?

Bet you got a bag with a new toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss. Well, that’s just what Presbyterian Women need for the 30 boxes we fill each year for the sailors who visit the Port of Houston. You could also throw in some lip balm for the blistery sea air and a small pack of tissues for drippy noses.

We’re busy knitting hats and scarves for the cold winter days on the ocean. What to help? Contact Joann Navratil or the church office, 713-723-6262.

 Donations can be put in the recycle center or the box under the phone outside the church office.

P.S. Monetary donations are happily accepted and we will shop for you!

Have You Seen Your Dentist?

Blood Drive, next Sunday, September 30

Extraordinary People Needed

Why be ordinary when you can be
EXTRAORDINARY and help save a life?

Blood Drive
Sunday, September 30
8 am - 12 Noon

Building 2, Room 210

Blood Drive, next Sunday, September 30

September 23-29 Church Calendar

Sunday, September 23 – Youth Worship Leaders

  9:00 am  Church School
10:30 am  Worship Service

12:00 pm  Sunday Circle, Session Room – all women are welcomed to join us.
  5:00 pm – 6:30 pm  Presbyterian Youth Fellowship

  5:00—7:00 pm  Presbytery Mission Festival, St. Philip Presbyterian, 4807 San Felipe

Monday, September 24 
  9:00 am  Staff Meeting

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

  6:00 pm  Cub Scout Pack 8

  6:00 – 9:00 pm  Trafton, McPhail Hall

  6:30 pm  Walking Together, Room 210

  7:00 pm  Bell Choir

Tuesday, September 25 

  9:30 am  Presbyterian Women’s Association; Speaker Linda Herron; lunch following,

                 McPhail Hall
  5:00 pm  Hour of Prayer, Rm. 207

  6:30 pm  “Stay Young, Stay Strong”

  7:00 pm  Scout Troop 688, Scout Room

Wednesday, September 26

12:00 pm  Centering Prayer, Pastor Jon’s office

  6:00 pm  Girl Scout Troup 21151, Scout Room

  6:00 pm  Sandwich Makers

  7:00 pm  Property Committee

  7:30 pm  Caring Committee

  7:30 pm  Chancel Choir

Thursday, September 27

  8:30 am – 12:30 pm  Community Bible Study, Buildings 1 and 2

  6:30 pm  “Stay Young, Stay Strong”

Friday, September 28

Saturday, September 29

  9:00 am  Women’s Bible Small Group will meet at Elaine’s house, 5027 Cheena
  5:30 – 9:00 pm  Ghanaians Choir Practice, Scout Room

Sunday, September 30  Healing Service & Blood Drive

  8:00 am – 12:30 pm  Blood Drive, Room 209

  9:00 am  Church School
10:30 am  Worship Service  5:00 pm – 6:30 pm  Presbyterian Youth Fellowship

September 23-29 Church Calendar

Sunday, September 23 Reminders

Needed: medium-sized shoe boxes for the college ministry. Leave them outside Vivian’s office, Building 2. Thanks!

Sunday Circle, today, 12:00 pm: All ladies of St. John’s are invited to the Sunday Circle’s first Bible Study meeting led by Linda Herron. This year’s study is Dispatches to God’s Household, The General Epistles.

Presbyterian Youth Fellowship (PYF), 5 pm today: “Paul needed peeps and so do you.” We are stronger together than we are apart, so why not learn to rely on others and be reliable in return? For more information, contact Mary at mary2d@yahoo.com or 713-723-6262.

New Time! New Day! Centering Prayer, Wednesday, 12 Noon: Everyone is invited to learn, experience and participate in this wonderful type of prayer. Gather in Pastor Jon’s office.

Usher Opportunities: The Worship Committee is looking for ushers for the upcoming months (October, November, December 2012 and January 2013). Please contact the church office (office.sjpc@gmail.com) or talk to Lynne Parsons Austin.

Blood Drive, Sunday, September 30
 Come to Room 209, 8 am – 12 noon
      Come share the gift of life!

 

Start thinking about iron in your diet by eating more raisins, spinach, turnip greens, broccoli, bok choy, beans, lentils and red meat!

St. John’s Breakfast, Saturday, October 6: Everyone is invited to breakfast at 8 am in McPhail Hall. At 8:30 our guest speakers, Claire and Tom MacAdam, will present a program about physical therapy. 

World Communion Sunday/Peacemaking Sunday, October 7: Don’t miss this special day when we celebrate our solidarity with Christians around the world. Come to Worship dressed in clothes representative of other countries.

Trunk-or-Treat, Sunday October 28, 6 pm: Trunks and treats are needed for our parking lot Halloween Tailgating. Please contact Mary Sterner, mary2d@yahoo.com to volunteer.

Sunday, September 23 Reminders

St. John's Epistle for September 20, 2012

Dear children of God,

We welcome these new members who joined St. John's Presbyterian Church on September 16:

*Omar Ayah    Omar is Franklin Caspa's fiancee and like him, she is from Cameroon. They met in college. Omar is a physician in Germany and anticipates moving to the United States and doing a residency here in Internal Medicine. Her faith background is in the Catholic Church and she joins by Reaffirmation of Faith. Omar will be sponsored by Léonie Tchoconté.

*Diane McOmie     Diane is new to Houston having moved here several months ago from San Antonio. Diane was attracted by St. John's by the spirit of the church and members after having found us via our church website. She has two sons, Sam and Adrian, who are in college in California. She serves as a professional fundraiser for the Shepherd School at Rice University. She previously has attended Madison Square Presbyterian Church in San Antonio and joins by Reaffirmation of Faith. She is a member of the Faith in Action Committee and the Wired Word Sunday School class. Phyllis and John Freeman will serve as Diane's sponsor.

*Glen & Mary Plail Risley    Glen & Mary Plail Risley have been married since December, 2001. They join by transfer of letter from ChristChurch Presbyterian in Bellaire. Mary is a retired teacher. She and Glen were attracted to St. John's because of our involvement with PCHAS in the Single Parent Family Ministry. They are already active in the Sandwich Makers mission project and the Wired Word class and look forward to volunteering with the Single Parent Family Ministry as it develops. Linda and George Dobbin are their sponsors.

The sermon text this Sunday is Mark 9:30-37 and the title is The Importance of Asking the Right Questions. 

Your partner in Christ's ministry, 

 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 September 20, 2012

Recycle Your Old Computers

Dozens of people with disabilities, seniors and students are
waiting to receive your old computer equipment!

Protect the environment and help bridge the digital divide.

Bring those systems to:

Salem Lutheran Church
4930 W. Bellfort

Sunday September 30 12:00-3:00



Techs&Trainers, a non-profit organization that refurbishes and recycles computers for those in need, will co-ordinate the event. Techs&Trainers workers will format the hard drives and refurbish as many
computers as possible. Even obsolete computers are useful for parts.

Acceptable items include computers, toner, and ink jet cartridges. Although non-working computers are welcomed, printers must be working to be donated. Receipts for 501©3 tax deductions will be provided.

Techs & Trainers, Inc.

"Providing technology and skills to people with disabilities"

5933 Bellaire #111 Houston, TX 77081

713-839-7177 techs1234@yahoo.com    www.techsandtrainers.o

Recycle Your Old Computers

Sunday Bible Study

All ladies are invited to the September Sunday Circle:

Sunday, September 23
12 Noon

Lesson One: An Overview of the General Epistles

Session Room, Building 2
Led by Rev. Linda Herron

Sunday Bible Study

MD Anderson Cancer Center Adopt-A-Family for Christmas

It’s that time again at MD Anderson Cancer Center where we choose a needy family or families to help with the holidays. St. John’s has always been so supportive of this project, and it is very appreciated.

If you wish to donate to the "Adopt-A-Family" program, you can make out your check to MD Anderson Cancer Center and give it to the church office or directly to me. Of course, I will also take cash.

—Thank you for your continued support
Mary K. Hughes

MD Anderson Cancer Center Adopt-A-Family for Christmas

New Songs of Praise

The Presbyterian Church USA is updating our hymnals. They will be available in 2013. Many folks have already embraced the opportunity to purchase a hymnal "in honor of" or "in memory of" someone special. The cost is $15 per book.

Just sign up in the Narthax and place a check in the offering plate. Please indicate on the memo portion of the check that it is for a hymnal.

This gesture is a wonderful gift to the Church and will be cherished for many years to come! Join us as we furnish our sanctuary with songs of praises to our Lord.

St. John's Worship Committee

New Songs of Praise

St. John’s Sunday Circle

The Sunday Circle will meet September 23 after church in the Session Room at 12 noon. This will be our first meeting to fellowship and study "Dispatches to God’s Household, The General Epistles," by Nancy Benson-Nichol. The Rev. Linda Herron will lead us in ths study.

All women are welcomed to join us for this study. The books are $9.00 each. Please see Kathleen Captain, Chair, if you have any questions.

St. John’s Sunday Circle

World Communion Sunday, October 7

World Communion Sunday & Peacemaking Offering

Acknowledging and celebrating our solidarity
with Christians around the world.

Come to Worship dressed in clothes representative of other countries

World Communion Sunday, October 7

Thank you from the Bisases

To Our St John family,
 
On Behalf of Sire and Lifecycles both Michael and I would like to thank you for all the support you gave us. 
Your generosity was beyond their expectations.  Thank You St John's for bringing the Mustard seed story to 
life, as we experienced it. It was unbelievable how many folks we reached because of your kindness.
May God continue to Bless you all.

Michael and Felicity Bisase

Thank you from the Bisases

Extraordinary People Needed

Why be ordinary when you can be
EXTRAORDINARY and help save a life?

Blood Drive
Sunday, September 30
8 am - 12 Noon

Building 2, Room 210

Extraordinary People Needed

Mustard Seed Thank You

To Our St John family,

On Behalf of Sire and Lifecycles both Michael and I would like to thank you for all the support you gave us. Your generosity was beyond their expectations.  Thank You St John's for bringing the Mustard seed story to life, as we experienced it. It was unbelievable how many folks we reached because of your kindness.

May God continue to bless you all,
Michael and Felicity Bisase.

Mustard Seed Thank You

Trunks Needed for Trunk-or-Treat

Trunk-or-Treat
October 28 @ 6 pm
Trunks and Treats Needed

Contact the church office or Mary Sterner

Trunks Needed for Trunk-or-Treat

September 16 Sunday Reminders

New Presbyterian Hymnals: If you would like to purchase a new hymnal ($15) in honor of or in memory of a loved one, please sign up on the poster in the Narthex. Please place a check in the offering plate, writing “hymnal” on the memo portion of the check.

Church Beacon Newsletter Assemblers: Come to Room 203 Tuesday, September 18 at 9:30 to help assemble the September/October newsletter. No experience is necessary.

Sunday Circle, Sunday September 23, 12:30 pm: All ladies of St. John’s are invited to the Sunday Circle’s first Bible Study meeting led by Linda Herron. This year’s study is Dispatches to God’s Household, The General Epistles.

Usher Opportunities: The Worship Committee is looking for ushers for the upcoming months (October, November, December 2012 and January 2013). Please contact the church office (office.sjpc@gmail.com) or talk to Lynne Parsons Austin.

Blood Drive, Sunday, September 30 
Come to Room 209, 8 am – 12 noon
      Come share the gift of life!

Start thinking about iron in your diet by eating more raisins,
spinach, turnip greens, broccoli, bok choy, beans, lentils and red meat!

St. John’s Breakfast, Saturday, October 6: Everyone in invited to breakfast at 8 am in McPhail Hall. At 8:30 our guest speakers, Claire and Tom MacAdam will present a program about physical therapy. 

September 16 Sunday Reminders

September 16-23 Weekly Calendar

Sunday, September 16 -  Beacon Newsletter Deadline

  9:00 am  Church School
10:00  am  Called Session Meeting

10:30 am  Worship Service
  4:00 pm  Centering Prayer

  5:00 pm – 6:30 pm 

Monday, September 17 
  9:00 am  Staff Meeting

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

  6:30 pm  Walking Together, Room 210

  7:00 pm  Bell Choir

Tuesday, September 18 

  9:30 am  Presbyterian Women’s Activity Day
  9:30 am  Beacon Assemblers
10:30 am  Holly Hall Book Review
  5:00 pm  Hour of Prayer, Rm. 207

  6:30 pm  “Stay Young, Stay Strong”

  7:00 pm  Scout Troop 688, Scout Room

Wednesday, September 19

  6:00 pm  Girl Scout Troup 21151, Scout Room

  7:30 pm  Chancel Choir

Thursday, September 20

  8:30 am – 12:30 pm  Community Bible Study, Buildings 1 and 2

  6:30 pm  “Stay Young, Stay Strong”

  7:30 pm  Christian Education committee

Friday, September 21

Saturday, September 22

  8:00 am  Women’s Bible Small Group
  5:30 – 9:00 pm  Ghanaians Choir Practice, Scout Room

Sunday, September 23 Youth Worship Leaders

  9:00 am  Church School
10:30 am  Worship Service
12:30 pm  Sunday Worship  4:00 pm  Centering Prayer, Pastor’s Office

  5:00 pm  Presbyterian Youth Fellowship

September 16-23 Weekly Calendar

St. John's Epistle for September 13, 2012

Dear fearless people of God,

We have some great Mustard Seed Projects this year. Here are some of them and how you can help.

**  Michael Bisase's project is a non-profit organization called SIRE where he volunteers every Saturday. SIRE gives kids with disabilities an opportunity to ride horses for therapeutic purposes. Michael is focusing on drinking water preferably 16oz or 8oz cases. If you would like to help SIRE, please contact Michael at 281-797-3244, or mkbisase@hotmail.com. 

**  Felicity Bisase is going to work with Lifecycles based right here in Houston. They help refugees to settle in their new homes. There is a dire need for back-to-school items and backpacks for all ages, new and gently used. The staff at Lifecycles said that they can never have enough, especially now that school is about to start. If you would like to help with this project for Lifecycles, please contact Felicity at 281-797-3244, or musoilo@hotmail.com.

**  Mary Plail Risley's project is supporting the Sutton Elementary School (HISD) "1000+More" Books Project. Sutton is a PK through 5th grade elementary school with 95% of the students living at or below the federal poverty level. Many of the students are recent immigrants. Ways to help contribute to this project include:

→ Donate gently used children's books 

→ Cash or checks to purchase books, 

→ Purchase books from the HISD "Name that Book" list (the list is available in the office)

→ Volunteer to read to individual children 

→ Volunteer to read stories in the classroom 

→ Volunteer to help sort, distribute and deliver books, 

→ Volunteer to help build family book shelves. 

For more information, please contact Mary Plail RisleyMary.plail@gmail.com, 713-779-1961 or 713-412-9452 

Items for each of these Mustard Seed projects may be delivered to the church office or placed in the labeled boxes provided in the entry hall of Building 2. 

There is another item of interest you may want to know about. The Presbyterian Historical Society of the Southwest will host a luncheon gathering on Wed., Sept. 26, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at St. Philip PC, Houston. All who are interested in Presbyterians and their history in the southwest are invited to come. No charge. Dr. Jim Currie, executive secretary of the Society, will present a paper on the history of Brazos Presbytery. Please RSVP to Dr. Currie at 281-991-8700.

This Sunday we will welcome some new members during the worship service. I hope to see you there. In the meantime, may God bless and keep you.

Your grateful to God and to you for your witness 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 September 13, 2012

Supporting PCHAS

We Love PCHAS

(Presbyterian Children's Homes and Services)

Supporting PCHAS

Mustard Seed Projects

**  Michael Bisase’s

project is a non-profit organization called SIRE where he volunteers every Saturday. SIRE gives kids with disabilities an opportunity to ride horses for therapeutic purposes. Michael is focusing on drinking water preferably 16oz or 8oz cases. If you would like to help SIRE, please contact Michael at 281-797-3244, mkbisase@hotmail.com

 

**  Felicity Bisase is going to work with Lifecycles based right here in Houston. They help refugees to settle in their new homes. There is a dire need for back-to-school items and backpacks for all ages, new and gently used. The staff at Lifecycles said that they can never have enough, especially now that school is about to start. If you would like to help with this project for Lifecycles, please contact Felicity at 281-797-3244, musoilo@hotmail.com

**  Mary Plail Risley’s project is supporting the Sutton Elementary School (HISD) “1000+More” Books Project. Sutton is a PK through 5th grade elementary school with 95% of the students living at or below the federal poverty level. Many of the students are recent immigrants.

Ways to help contribute to this project include:

→ Donate gently used children’s books
→ Cash or checks to purchase books,
→ Purchase books from the HISD “Name that Book” list (the list is available in the office),
→ Volunteer to read to individual children
→ Volunteer to read stories in the classroom,
→ Volunteer to help sort, distribute and deliver books, → Volunteer to help build family book shelves.

For more information, please contact Mary Plail Risley Mary.plail@gmail.com, 713-779-1961 or 713-412-9452

(Items for the Mustard Seed projects can be delivered to the church office or placed in the labeled boxes provided in the entry hall of Building 2.)

Mustard Seed Projects

October 13 Anniversary Celebration

Attention St. Johners
(and former St. Johners):

Saturday, October 13
Celebrating the founding of our
beloved church.

Please bring a potluck dish - dinner will be from 5:00 to 6:15.

Program following.

  

There will be opportunities for you to stand and speak to our group, so 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 Linda Dobbin at 281-778-5348, or the church office at 713-723-6262. 

___________________________________________

This weeks trivia question

Do you Know?

Where was St. John’s first worship service held?

October 13 Anniversary Celebration

Trunk-or-Treat
October 28 @ 6 pm

Trunks and Treats Needed


Contact the church office (713-723-6262) or Mary Sterner (mary2d@yahoo.com) to help.

September 9 Sunday Highlights

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

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

Inquirer's Class Today, 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 (meal included) on Sunday, September 9, in the pastor's office. Speak to Pastor Jon if you are interested in this class for prospective new members.

Presbyterian Youth Fellowship (PYF) Kickoff Today: All students, 6^th to 12^th Grade, are invited to the kick-off fall meeting in McPhail Hall at 5 pm.

Beacon Deadline Deadline: Please deliver all Beacon articles for the upcoming September/October issue by email (office.sjpc@gmail.com) or hand deliver to Room 209. The last chance to be part of this issue is Sunday, September 16.

Blood Drive, Sunday, September 30: Come to Room 210, 8 am – 12 noon, and share the gift of life! Remember your iron!

September 9 Sunday Highlights

Week of September 9 - Church Calendar

This Week at St. John’s

Sunday, September 9

  9:00 am  Church School

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

  4:00 pm  Inquirer’s class, Pastor’s office

  5:00 pm  Presbyterian Youth Fellowship Kick-off meeting

Monday, September 10 
  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, Room 210

  7:00 pm  Bell Choir

  7:30 pm  Worship Committee

Tuesday, September 11 

  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

  7:00 pm  Girl Scout Troop

Wednesday, September 12

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

  7:30 pm  Chancel Choir

Thursday, September 13

  8:30 am – 12:30 pm  Community Bible Study, Buildings 1 and 2

  6:30 pm  “Stay Young, Stay Strong”

Friday, September 14

Saturday, September 15

  8:00 am  Women’s Bible Small Group
  9:00 am  Girl Scout Troop 21174

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

Sunday, September 16 Beacon Deadline

  9:00 am  Church School
10:00  am  Called Session Meeting

10:30 am  Worship Service
12 Noon  Beacon Newsletter Deadline  4:00 pm  Centering Prayer, Pastor’s Office

  5:00 pm  Presbyterian Youth Fellowship

 

Week of September 9 - Church Calendar

St. John's Epistle for September 6, 2012

Dear thriving people of God,

This is a big weekend for college football as Florida visits Texas A&M in their inaugural game in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). ESPN's College GameDay crew will be hanging out in College Station this Saturday in anticipation of this game. I grew up around SEC football with Mississippi State and Ole Miss being the preferred teams (in that order) so I am thrilled to have A&M coming into the SEC this year. I wish the Aggies best of luck this Saturday when they play and even more so when they play Alabama later this year. It's also good to see Missouri coming into the SEC since I spent the first five years of my pastoral ministry in Missouri and both of my children were born there. Now, if we could just get Virginia into the SEC then all my previous states of residence would be in the same conference. All of this to say thank goodness football season has started. For one thing, it foreshadows the coming of cooler weather which indeed we anticipate having here in Houston this weekend.

This is also the season of political conventions in this election season. Once again people on both sides of the aisle are energized about the possibility of their candidate winning the election this fall. In all of these proceeding, we pray for God's wisdom and guidance and for the health and vitality of the political process of our nation. May God's peace, courage and strength be with all the candidates during this election season.

The sermon text this Sunday is Mark 7:24-37 and the title is Dog Food and Clean People. It is interesting to note how the anthropology of Jesus changes before our very eyes when he comes face to face with what people in his culture would have considered a female dog in the form of a Syrophoenician woman. If Jesus can change his mind, then so can we. This is part of the freedom we have in Christ. Such freedom is on the inside of us at the level of the soul. It goes that deep. It also extends into our brain and the ability to use our reason and intellect as well as our emotions. 

I will teach an Inquirer's Class this Sunday from 4-7 pm in my office at the church. This class is for whomever wants to learn more about faith in Christ as expressed and lived out through the congregation of St. John's Presbyterian Church. Attendance of the class does not mean you are expected to join the church but if you wish to become a member here you are certainly welcome to do so if you feel the Spirit leading you in our direction.

Your highly anticipatory of God's work in our midst 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 September 6, 2012

Attention St. Johners (and former St. Johners):

Please reserve Saturday, October 13 help us celebrate the founding of our beloved church, over 56 years ago. Please bring a potluck 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. 

Attention St. Johners (and former St. Johners):

St. John's September 8 & 9 Events

Saturday, September 8:

St. John’s Breakfast

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.

Sunday, September 9 Events:

Inquirer’s Class
Pastor Jon will teach an Inquirer’s Class on Sunday, September 9, from 4-7 pm, including a light dinner. This class is for you if you have been visiting and are considering becoming a member of St. John’s Presbyterian Church or if you have joined recently and want to learn more about the church. Those who take the class may join the church on Sunday, September 16. Contact Pastor Jon if you want to take this class.

Presbyterian Youth Fellowship Fall Kick-Off

Youth 6th through 12th 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.

St. John's September 8 & 9 Events

Reaching Out to Houston

Michael Bisase’s project is a non-profit organization called SIRE where he volunteers every Saturday. SIRE gives kids with disabilities an opportunity to ride horses for therapeutic purposes. Michael is focusing on drinking water preferably 16oz or 8oz cases. If you would like to help SIRE, please contact Michael at 281-797-3244, mkbisase@hotmail.com 

Felicity Bisase is going to work with Lifecycles based right here in Houston. They help refugees to settle in their new homes. There is a dire need for back-to-school items and backpacks for all ages, new and gently used. The staff at Lifecycles said that they can never have enough, especially now that school is about to start. If you would like to help with this project for Lifecycles, please contact Felicity at 281-797-3244, musoilo@hotmail.com

Reaching Out to Houston

Support Sutton Elementary School

Mary Plail Risley’s project is supporting the Sutton Elementary School (HISD) “1000+More” Books Project. Sutton is a PK through 5^th grade elementary school with 95% of the students living at or below the federal poverty level. Many of the students are recent immigrants.

Ways to help contribute to this project include:

→ Donate gently used children’s books
→ Cash or checks to purchase books,
→ Purchase books from the HISD “Name that Book” list (available in the office),

→ Volunteer to read to individual children
→ Volunteer to read stories in the classroom,

→ Volunteer to help sort, distribute and deliver books,
→ Volunteer to help build family book shelves.

For more information, please contact Mary Plail Risley Mary.plail@gmail.com, 713-779-1961 or 713-412-9452

(Items for the Mustard Seed projects can be delivered to the church office or placed in the labeled boxes provided in the entry hall of Building 2.)

Support Sutton Elementary School

September 2 Highlights from Bulletin

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.

Circle Meeting, September 4: All ladies of St. John’s are invited to the first fall Bible Study Circle meeting, (Lesson 1: An Overview of the General Epistles) at 9:30 am in Room 205. Linda Herron will lead the Bible study, Dispatches to God’s Household, The General Epistles.

Attention Committee Chairs: Please send to the office (office.sjpc@gmail.com) all committee minutes for the September Session Packet. The packet will be emailed Tuesday morning, September 4.

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 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 help us celebrate the founding of our beloved church, over 56 years ago. Please bring a potluck 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. 

September 2 Highlights from Bulletin

September 2 - 9 Weekly Calendar

This Week at St. John’s

Sunday, September 2

  9:00 am  Church School

10:30 am  Worship Service

Monday, September 3 – Offices Closed

Tuesday, September 4  Committee Minutes Due

  9:30 am  Presbyterian Women’s Circles, McPhail Hall
  5:00 pm  Hour of Prayer, Rm. 207

  6:30 pm  “Stay Young, Stay Strong”

  7:00 pm  Scout Troop 688

Wednesday, September 5

  7:30 pm  Chancel Choir

  7:30 pm  Session Meeting

Thursday, September 6

  8:30 am – 12:30 pm  Community Bible Study, Buildings 1 and 2

  6:30 pm  “Stay Young, Stay Strong”

Friday, September 7

Saturday, September 8

  8:00 am  St. John’s Breakfast 

  8:00 am  Women’s Bible Small Group

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

Sunday, September 9

  9:00 am  Church School

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

  4:00 pm  Inquirer’s Class, Pastor Jon’s office

  5:00 pm  Presbyterian Youth Fellowship

September 2 - 9 Weekly Calendar