St. John's Memorial Service for Gloria Avery at 11 am in the sanctuary this Saturday, November 3

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

One of our dear members, Gloria Avery, has succumbed to lung cancer. A memorial service for Gloria will be held this Saturday, 11 am, in the sanctuary of St. John's Presbyterian Church. Visitation will be at 10:30 am in the sanctuary before the service. A repast (only for invited family and friends) will be held in Fellowship Hall after the service. 

As we approach this memorable occasion, here are 3 scripture verses the family would like us to bear in mind:

"Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 

Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." 

~Matthew 11:28-30

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all consolation, 

who consoles us in all our affliction, 

so that we may be able to console those who are in any affliction 

with the consolation with which we ourselves are consoled by God. 

For just as the sufferings of Christ are abundant for us, 

so also our consolation is abundant through Christ." 

~2 Corinthians 1:3-5

"Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; 

I will strengthen you, I will help you, 

I will uphold you with my victorious right hand."

~Isaiah 41:10

May the peace of Christ be with us all,

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 Memorial Service for Gloria Avery at 11 am in the sanctuary this Saturday, November 3

Trunk-or-Treat Today, October 28 at 6 pm

 

 

Trunk-or-treat — also known as Halloween tailgating — is a simple way to keep Halloween safe. 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. Please join us – all children and their parents are invited

Trunk-or-Treat Today, October 28 at 6 pm

Count Your Blessings, Give Out of Your Abundance

Stewardship Dedication Sunday
November 4

Then join us for fellowship and food at the barbecue lunch after the service.
Chefs: Caring Committee

Count Your Blessings, Give Out of Your Abundance

Making a Joyful Noise to the Lord

Children's Choir Practice
Sunday Mornings
11:45 - 12:15 pm
Room 209

　especially for singers in K-grade 5, but older musicians are also welcome.

Making a Joyful Noise to the Lord

St. John’s PW Bible Circles

Circles 1 and 2 will meet Tuesday, November 6 at 9:30 am in Building 1. Lesson 3 (1 Peter 2:11-10; 3 John 1-8) will be discussed.

God makes a house a home by forming the children of God into a dwelling fit for the Holy Spirit, with Christ as chief cornerstone. When God’s children extend genuine hospitality to others, they set God’s household apart from all other earthly structures.

The Sunday Circle meets November 18 after church in the Session Room, Building 1, at 12 noon. Lesson 2 (1 Peter 1:1-25; 1 John 4:7-21) will be studied. Contact Kathleen Captain, Sunday Chair, if you have any questions.

Circles led by Rev. Linda Herron. Walk-ins are always welcome.

St. John’s PW Bible Circles

Presbyterian Children’s Homes Giving Tree

Yes, it’s that time of year again… when we get to give back to those less fortunate than ourselves!

I will be hosting a table at the Living Gift Market (December 2) to help ensure the families I work with can enjoy Christmas. I am asking you to consider adopting a family member to purchase gifts for this Christmas.

If you are interested, please stop by my table, choose a Christmas ornament with the family member’s name and I will give you their wish list and instructions for purchasing gifts.

Please deliver the gifts to my office (or the church office) no later than Friday, December 14

so I can deliver them before Christmas.

— Michelle O’Neill, Building 2

May the LORD be loyal to you in return and reward you with his unfailing love! 2 Samuel 2:6

Presbyterian Children’s Homes Giving Tree

Run for a Reason

I am running in the Aramco Half Marathon in January 2013, in support of Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services. Please sponsor me by donating to PCHAS.

You can donate on my RUN FOR A REASON web page. Go to the PCHAS web site (pchas.org) and click on the Houston Marathon/RUN FOR A REASON button on the lower left side. This will take you to the PCHAS/Run for a Reason web page, where you will see a list of fundraisers scrolling on the right side. Click on my name and this will take you to my web site where you can donate to support PCHAS.

Alternately, you can go directly to my website: http://www.chevronhoustonmarathon.com/Donate/PersonalPage.cfm?MID=9113&CRID=35 .

— Please help me help PCHAS!
Thanks much, John Freeman

Need help navigating the web site? Come to Room 208
Monday through Wednesday and Sunday for help.

Run for a Reason

Braes Interfaith Ministries Resale Store

Why have a garage sale?

Donate your items to the Braes Resale & Consignment Shop.10319 South Post Oak Road, at West Bellfort

 

Got just few items? Not enough for a garage sale? Do you have things you want to get rid of such as furniture, silverware, dishes, bric-a-brac, holiday decorations, clothes etc.? Call Braes Resale Shop (10:00 a.m. to 4:00 pm) and they will come to your home, pick it up and leave you with a tax receipt.

Braes Resale and Consignment Shop
benefiting Braes Interfaith Ministries, 713-728-0024.

10319 South Post Oak Road, at West Bellfort, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Braes Interfaith Ministries Resale Store

October 28 Church Bulletin Reminders

St. John’s Breakfast, Saturday, November 3: Everyone is invited; please come and bring a friend for our monthly program. Breakfast is served at 8 am. You can call Louise Cherry at 713-723-3187, or Linda Dobbin at 281-778-5348 to let us know you are coming. Also, you can call Linda or George if you need a ride.

Daylight Saving Time Ends Sunday, November 4: Fall back; remember to set your clock back one hour before you retire on Saturday, November 3.

Presbyterian Women Bible Study: Circles 1 & 2 will meet Tuesday, November 6 at 9:30 am. Lesson 3 (1 Peter 2;11-10; 3 John 1-8) will be discussed.

Bake Sale, November 11: Goodies are needed from the congregation for an all-church bake sale, sponsored by Presbyterian Women. Everyone is invited to bake and to buy. All proceeds will benefit Braes Interfaith Ministries.

Community Thanksgiving Service, November 18: All are invited to this 4 pm service at Willow Meadows Baptist Church, 4300 W. Bellfort, with music provided by the BIM choir. A special offering will benefit Braes Interfaith Ministries.

Harvest Sunday, November 18: The congregation is invited to celebrate Harvest Sunday by sharing non-perishable food, toiletries or monetary contributions. Your gift of $1.00 will buy $27.00 of food at the Houston Food Bank. Please bring your contributions on November 18. All donations will be given to Braes Interfaith Ministries.

Signatures Needed: The Caring Committee ask that you stop in the Narthex for a moment and sign the cards on the table.

October 28 Church Bulletin Reminders

This Week at St. John's: October 28 - November 4

This Week at St. John’s

Sunday, October 28  Trunk-or-Treat

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

11:45 am – 12:15 pm  Children’s Choir, Room 209

  4:30 pm  Cub Scout Pack 8 Den Meeting

  6:00 pm  Trunk or Treat, St. John’s parking lot

Monday, October 29

  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, October 30

  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, Scout Room

Wednesday, October 31

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

  6:00 pm  Girl Scout Troup 21151, Scout Room

  7:30 pm  Chancel Choir

Thursday, November 1

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

  6:30 pm  “Stay Young, Stay Strong”

Friday, November 2

Saturday, November 3

  8:00 am  St. John’s Breakfast

  8:00 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, November 4  Stewardship Dedication Sunday and Crop Walk

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

11:45 am  Stewardship Barbecue lunch, McPhail Hall

11:45-12:15 pm  Children’s Choir, Room 209

  4:30 pm  Cub Scout Pack 8 Den Meeting

This Week at St. John's: October 28 - November 4

St. John's Epistle for October 25, 2012

Dear people who are the salt of the earth,

Our congregation is richly blessed and it shows in our abundant giving. What a blessing it is to see the recent update from our October 14 Sunday bulletin insert:

Pledges budgeted to date: $278,787
Pledges received to date: $264,503
Percentage: 95%
Peace Offering: $920
Hymnals: $360

As you can see, this is a generous congregation! Very few congregations achieve 95% of payment of pledges to date in October. Let's celebrate the fact that St. John's is composed of generous Christians. As we celebrate our 56th anniversary, we look forward to Stewardship Dedication Sunday on November 4. In the meantime, let's live out the theme of thanksgiving from that grand old hymn:

Count your blessings 

name them one by one 

Count your many blessings 

see what God has done

This Sunday from 6-8 pm in the church parking lot we will have the fun event called "Trunk or Treat." 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. Please join us and invite your neighbors. All children and youth and their parents are invited.

Keep Gloria and her family in prayer. She is in the hospital with lung cancer.

Last Sunday we celebrated the baptism of Mallory Sterner. It was a sacred experience. This Sunday the sermon title is "How to Improve Your Vision" and the sermon text is Mark 10:46-52. I hope to see you this Sunday as we celebrate Reformation Sunday.

Your pastor who prays for you,

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 October 25, 2012

Trunk-or-Treat this Sunday, October 28 at 6 pm

 

 

Trunk-or-treat — also known as Halloween tailgating — is a simple way to keep Halloween safe. 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. Please join us – all children and their parents are invited

Trunk-or-Treat this Sunday, October 28 at 6 pm

Count Your Blessings- Give Out of Your Abundance.

This church is richly blessed and it shows in our abundant giving. What a blessing it is to see the latest update from our October 14 Sunday bulletin insert:

Pledges budgeted to date: $278,787
Pledges received to date: $264,503
Percentage: 95%
Peace Offering: $920
Hymnals: $360

As you can see, this is a generous congregation! Very few congregations achieve 95% of payment of pledges to date in October. Let's celebrate the fact that St. John's is composed of generous Christians.

We are generous because we know three things:

1. Stewardship is worship; Leviticus 22:17-22, 29; 1 Corinthians 10:31; 2 Corinthians 9:12

2. God owns everything; 1 Chronicles 29:14-18; Psalm 24:1, 2; Colossians 1:15-20

3. God comes first; Proverbs 3:9, 10; Malachi 3:8-10; Romans 12:3-8

Most of all, we owe God the acknowledgement that God deserves for our many blessings. We will have an opportunity to show God how grateful we are as we move toward Stewardship Dedication Sunday on November 4. As we anticipate a large response from this generous congregation, let each of us join together in spirit as we remember the words of that great hymn:

Count your blessings
name them one by one
Count your many blessings
see what God has done

Count Your Blessings- Give Out of Your Abundance.

Congregational Bake Sale, November 11

All Congregational Bake Sale

November 11
8 am - 12 pm

McPhail Hall
(or as long as the goodies last!)

Cooks and Bakers: Please bring your donated items to McPhail Hall as soon as yur arrive at St. John's

Congregational Bake Sale, November 11

Community Thanksgiving Service - Sunday November 18

You are invited to a Community Thanksgiving Service sponsored by the Southwest Ministerial Association on Sunday, November 18, at 4 pm at Willow Meadows Baptist Church, 4300 West Bellfort.

The Rev. Gena Davis, Rector of Grace Episcopal Church, will deliver the sermon. Other area pastors will participate in the service. A community choir composed of members of the various congregations will lead the music. A special offering will be taken for Braes Interfaith Ministries, which was founded by the Southwest Ministerial Association. A reception will follow the service.

Community Thanksgiving Service - Sunday November 18

Harvest Sunday - November 18

On Harvest Sunday you have an opportunity to share your blessings with those in our community. All contributions from Harvest Sunday go to Braes Interfaith Ministries (BIM).

You can share your harvest with a contribution of food and toiletries, putting your bags in the Narthex on
Sunday, November 18, or money. (Make check out to St. John’s with BIM on the memo line.) Donations of money can be used by BIM to purchase food from the Houston Food Bank. ($1 dollar buys $27 worth of food.)

Suggested Toiletries:

Toilet paper
Bar soap, deodorant and shampoo
Toothpaste and toothbrushes

Suggested Food Items:
Beans, pasta, rice (2 lb. packages)
Macaroni and cheese
Pork and beans
Canned and/or dry soup
Canned vegetables & fruit
Canned meat (tuna, chicken, Vienna sausage, Spam)
Cereal & dry milk

Harvest Sunday - November 18

Special Care Lecture - November 1

St. John’s Episcopal Hospital System Chaplaincy Director, the Rev. Dr. Gary Jones, will be the speaker for the 3^rd annual "Asa Hunt Lecture in Spiritual Care" presented by Presbyterian Outreach to Patients (POP) at First Presbyterian Church Houston on November 1, beginning with a light supper at 5:30 pm. There is no charge for this event. Please register by emailing stevespidell@popministry.org.

Special Care Lecture - November 1

Presbyterian Youth Fellowship (PYF) November Calendar

November 4:

Crop Walk; PYF will participate in the Houston area Crop Walk after service. Details TBA. PYF will be raising money after church on October 21, 28 and November 4.

November 11:

Holiday Gift Market prep; PYF will begin preparations for their Holiday Gift Market booth. Money raised at the PYF booth will benefit Summer PYF trips. Meet 5:00 - 6:30pm.

November 18:

Christmas Eve planning; PYF will begin planning the annual Christmas Eve Family Service and planning the skit for the Christmas message. Meet 5:00 - 6:30pm.

November 25:

No meeting; Happy Thanksgiving!

All youth, grades 6-12, are welcome at Presbyterian Youth Fellowship. Join us on Sunday evenings from 5-6:30 pm (unless otherwise stated in the PYF calendar) for fellowship, food, and fun! For more information, contact Mary at mary2d@yahoo.com or 713-723-6262

Presbyterian Youth Fellowship (PYF) November Calendar

Run for a Reason

I am running in the Aramco Half Marathon in January 2013, in support of Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services. Please sponsor me by donating to PCHAS. You can donate on my RUN FOR A REASON web page.

Go to the PCHAS web site (pchas.org) and click on the Houston Marathon/RUN FOR A REASON button on the lower left side. This will take you to the PCHAS/Run for a Reason web page, where you will see a list of fundraisers scrolling on the right side. Click on my name and this will take you to my web site where you can donate to support PCHAS. Alternately, you can go directly to my website: http://www.chevronhoustonmarathon.com/Donate/PersonalPage.cfm?MID=9113&CRID=35,

— Please help me help PCHAS!
Thanks much, John Freeman

Need help navigating the web site? Come to Room 208
Monday through Wednesday and Sunday for help.

Run for a Reason

Living Gift Market, Sunday December 2

Price of Admission: A Toiletry item (for BIM)

Come to the Living Gift Market, an alternative gift-giving opportunity in McPhail Hall on December 2.The gift you buy for a friend or family member provides help to families in need. All of the money collected supports the charitable organizations present:

10,000 Villages
Braes Interfaith Ministries
Coalition of Appalachian Ministries
Delicious Peace Coffee
Grace International Children’s Foundation (GIF)
Heifer International
Living Waters for the World
Matthew’s Market/Presbyterian Border Ministry
Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services (PCHAS)
Small Steps Nurturing Center
St. John’s Apartment Ministry
St. John's Presbyterian Youth Fellowship

Presbyterian Children’s Homes Giving Tree

Yes, it’s that time of year again… when we get to give back to those less fortunate than ourselves! I will be hosting a table at the Living Gift Market to help ensure the families I work with can enjoy Christmas. I am asking you to consider adopting a family member to purchase gifts for this Christmas. I am currently collecting the families’ wish-lists and will have them ready to hand out Sunday, December 2. If you are interested, please stop by my table, choose a Christmas ornament with the family member’s name and I will give you their wish list and instructions for purchasing gifts.

Please deliver the gifts to my office (or the church office) no later than Friday, December 14 

so I can deliver them before Christmas.

— Michelle O’Neill, PCHAS

May the LORD be loyal to you in return and reward you with his unfailing love! 2 Samuel 2:6

Living Gift Market, Sunday December 2

Recycling News Update

— Paper Bins

St. John’s paper bins have recycled a total of 81.66 tons of paper this year. The totals for the last three months are: July (11.15 tons or 22,297.15 pounds), August (10.23 tons or 20,461.58 pounds) and September (7.73 tons or 15,462.83 pounds).

— Ink Cartridges/Phones

In August St. John’s recycled 172 items at Funding Factory (previously the Green School Project).

In addition to recycling ink cartridges and phones, the company also now recycles: Digital cameras,
MP3 players & GPS Systems. Bring your items to Room 208

Recycling News Update

Socks Needed

Bring children’s socks, infants to kindergarten size.

any color or style.

Please start on the first Sunday of Advent, December 2, to help decorate our two Christmas trees. One tree will stand in the Narthex and one by the church office. St. John’s Presbyterian Women will deliver the socks to the House of Tiny Treasures and Small Steps.

Socks Needed

October 21 Sunday Insert Reminders

Presbyterian Youth Fellowship (PYF) October 21, 5 – 6:30 pm, Living Gift Market preparation; PYF will begin preparations for their Living Gift Market booth. Money raised at the PYF booth will benefit summer PYF trips. For more information contact Mary at 713-723-6262 or email mary2d@yahoo.com.

Attention Young Singers: Please join us today for our first rehearsal of this choir year. As we did last year, we will be meeting most Sunday mornings, immediately following Sunday Worship, approximately 11:45-12:15, in Room 209. Come and bring a friend. This is especially for singers in K-Grade 5, but older musicians are also welcome. Choir leaders: Kyra Noons, Shirley Boyd, Rebecca Amador Hughes.

Sunday Circle, October 21, 12 Noon: All women are invited to the Session Room for Lesson 2 (Fatherhood: 1 Peter 1:1-25; 1 John 4:7-21) of this year’s Bible Study, Dispatches to God’s Household, The General Epistles. Rev. Linda Herron will lead the study.

Trunk-or-Treat, Sunday October 28, 6 pm: All ages are invited to attend our parking lot Trunk-or-Treat. One of the trunks will be for adults! (If you are interested in helping please contact Mary Sterner, mary2d@yahoo.com. Trunks and treats are still needed.)

BIM Alert: Braes Interfaith Ministries is desperately in need of toiletries: toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, shampoo and soap, etc. Please deliver to the church office or the recycle room, McPhail Hall.

MD Anderson Cancer Center Adopt-A-Family for Christmas: 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. Note “Adopt-A-Family” on the memo line of your check.

New Songs of Praise: If you would like to purchase a hymnal “in honor of” or “in memory of” someone special, sign up in the Narthex. The cost is $15 a book.

Looking Ahead (add to your calendar): November 4 Stewardship Sunday, Crop Walk and Daylight Saving Time ends; November 11 All Saints Day; November 18 Harvest Sunday and Braes Interfaith Ministries Community Service hosted by the Southwest Ministerial Alliance and December 2 First Sunday of Advent, Hanging of the Greens and blood drive.

October 21 Sunday Insert Reminders

October 21 - 28 Calendar of Events

Sunday, October 21 - Beacon Deadline

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

11:45 am – 12:15 pm  Children’s Choir, Room 209

12:00 pm  Sunday Circle

  4:30 pm  Cub Scout Pack 8 Den Meeting

  5:00 – 6:30 pm  Presbyterian Youth Fellowship PYF

Monday, October 22

  9:00 am  Staff Meeting

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

  6:00 pm  Cub Scouts Pack 8
  6:30 pm  Walking Together, Room 210

  7:00 pm  Bell Choir

Tuesday, October 23

  9:30 am  Presbyterian Women’s Activity Day and Board Meeting
  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, Scout Room

  7:30 pm  Caring Committee Meeting

Wednesday, October 24

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

  6:00 pm  Girl Scout Troup 21151, Scout Room

  6:00 pm  Sandwich makers, McPhail Hall

  7:00 pm  Property Committee Meeting

  7:30 pm  Chancel Choir

Thursday, October 25

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

  6:30 pm  “Stay Young, Stay Strong”

  7:00 pm  Faith in Action Committee Meeting

Friday, October 26

Saturday, October 27

  8:00 am  Westbury United Methodist Church, McPhail Hall and parking lot

  8:00 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, October 28

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

11:45-12:15 pm  Children’s Choir, Room 209

  4:30 pm  Cub Scout Pack 8 Den Meeting
  6:00 pm  Trunk-or-Treat, St. John’s parking lot

October 21 - 28 Calendar of Events

Trunk-or-Treat, Sunday, October 28, 6 pm

Trunk-or-treat — also known as Halloween tailgating — is a simple way to keep Halloween safe. 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. Please join us – all children and their parents are invited.

Trunk-or-Treat, Sunday, October 28, 6 pm

Community Thanksgiving Service

You are invited to a Community Thanksgiving Service sponsored by the Southwest Ministerial Association on Sunday, November 18, at 4 pm at Willow Meadows Baptist Church, 4300 West Bellfort. The Rev. Gena Davis, Rector of Grace Episcopal Church, will deliver the sermon. Other area pastors will participate in the service.

A community choir composed of members of the various congregations will lead the music.

A special offering will be taken for Braes Interfaith Ministries which was founded by the Southwest Ministerial Association. A reception will follow the service.

Community Thanksgiving Service

Weekly Reminders: Sunday, October 14 - 21

This Week at St. John’s

Sunday, October 14

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

  4:30 pm  Cub Scout Pack 8 Den Meeting

  5:00 – 6:30 pm  Presbyterian Youth Fellowship PYF)

Monday, October 15

  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, October 16

  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, Scout Room

  7:30 pm  Book Review Group: Have a Little Faith by Mitch Albom. All welcome!

Wednesday, October 17

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

  6:00 pm  Girl Scout Troup 21151, Scout Room

  7:30 pm  Chancel Choir

Thursday, October 18

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

  9:00 am  Southwest Ministerial Alliance Breakfast, Session room

  6:30 pm  “Stay Young, Stay Strong”
 

             Saturday, October 20

  8:00 am  Women’s Bible Small Group will meet at Elaine’s house, 5027 Cheena

  9:00 am  Presbytery Meeting at Pines Presbyterian Church, 12571 Kimberley, 777024

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

Sunday, October 21 –Beacon deadline

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

11:45-12:15 pm  “Young Singers” ATTENTION Choristers K-5, older welcome!

                            Rehearsals begin today.

12:00 pm  Sunday Circle

12:00 pm  Beacon deadline

  4:30 pm  Cub Scout Pack 8 Den Meeting
  5:00 – 6:30 pm  Presbyterian Youth Fellowship (PYF)

Weekly Reminders: Sunday, October 14 - 21

Sunday Inserts Reminders - October 14

Presbyterian Youth Fellowship (PYF) October 14, 5 – 6:30 pm, Balloon-O-Lanterns; PYF will decorate balloons with Jack-O-Lanterns, and learn about how a pumpkin expresses God’s love for us. For more information contact Mary at 713-723-6262 or email mary2d@yahoo.com.

“Young Singers” Attention Choristers K-5, older welcome! Rehearsals begin Sunday,

October 21, 11:45 am - 12:15 pm, Room 209 (Kyra Noons, Shirley Boyd, Rebecca Amador).

Beacon Newsletter Deadline: Please deliver all Beacon articles for the upcoming 2012 October/November issue by mail (office.sjpc@gmail.com) or hand deliver to Room 209. The last chance to be part of this issue is Sunday, October 21, 12 Noon.

Sunday Circle, October 21, 12 Noon: All women are invited to the Session Room for Lesson 2 (Fatherhood: 1 Peter 1:1-25; 1 John 4:7-21) of this year’s Bible Study, Dispatches to God’s Household, The General Epistles.

Trunk-or-Treat, Sunday October 28, 6 pm: All ages are invited to attend our parking lot Trunk-or-Treat. One of the trunks will be for adults! (If you are interested in helping please contact Mary Sterner, mary2d@yahoo.com. Trunks and treats are still needed.)

BIM Alert: Braes Interfaith Ministries is desperately in need of toiletries: toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, shampoo and soap, etc. Please deliver to the church office or the recycle room, McPhail Hall.

MD Anderson Cancer Center Adopt-A-Family for Christmas: 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. Note “Adopt-A-Family” on the memo line of your check.

New Songs of Praise: If you would like to purchase a hymnal “in honor of” or “in memory of” someone special, sign up in the Narthex. The cost is $15 a book.

Looking Ahead (add to your calendar): November 4 Stewardship Sunday, Crop Walk and Daylight Saving Time ends; November 11 All Saints Day; November 18 Harvest Sunday and Braes Interfaith Ministries Community Service hosted by the Southwest Ministerial Alliance and December 2 First Sunday of Advent, Hanging of the Greens and Blood drive.

Sunday Inserts Reminders - October 14

St. John's Epistle for October 11, 2012

Dear historically-active people of God,

This Saturday we will celebrate the 56th anniversary of our church (which was founded in 1956) this Saturday, October 13, at 5:15 pm in McPhail Hall with a pot-luck dinner and program to follow. Come if you can. In thinking about our anniversary and our church's history of mission in the community, the Lord led me to this prayer for courage in Christ's mission. This is my prayer for you and me and this congregation.

O God, show us clearly the heart of the kingdom of God.

We do not protest

even if our life is destined to lead to the cross,

or if the way leads to our losing our lives.

We will march in the face of distress and contrary winds.

Teach us how to dispense with unnecessary things.

Let us go forward without fear of death

in order to fulfill our mission simply, surely, and steadily.

Reveal to us our station clearly,

and strengthen us to teach and guide, by our example, all persons,

even those who are ruled by evil.

We pray that you may find us worthy to work through us.

~Toyohiko Kagawa (1888-1960) 

May we continue to serve Christ with boldness and may we experience in our lives and in our congregation the power of letting go as described in the sermon passage for this Sunday, Mark 10:17-31.

Your blessed to be part of this church's history 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 October 11, 2012

New Hymnals

Did you know that the Presbyterian Church USA is updating our hymnals and that they will be available later in 2013?

A sign up sheet is posted in the Northex. Already 103 hymnals have been purchased "in honor of" or "in memory of" someone special. It is never too late to join in this effort. The cost is $15 per book. Just sign up 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 blessing to our Church and will be cherished for many years to come! Join us as we furnish our sanctuary with songs of praise to our Loving God.

New Hymnals

Run for a Reason

Dear Friends:

I am running in the Aramco Half Marathon in January 2013, in support of Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services. Please sponsor me by donating to PCHAS. You can donate on my RUN FOR A REASON web page.

Go to the PCHAS web site (pchas.org) and click on the Houston Marathon/RUN FOR A REASON button on the lower left side. This will take you to the PCHAS/Run for a Reason web page where you will see a list of fundraisers scrolling on the right side. Click on my name and this will take you to my web site where you can donate to support PCHAS.

Alternately, you can go directly to my website: http://www.chevronhoustonmarathon.com/Donate/PersonalPage.cfm?MID=9113&CRID=35.

— Please help me help PCHAS!
Thanks Much, John Freeman

Note from the church office: We will gladly help you navigate the web donation process. Just drop in and see us.

Run for a Reason

Sunday October 7 Sunday Reminders

Presbyterian Youth Fellowship (PYF), ReFocus@ Woodlands 3-5 pm; Please meet at the church today at 1:40 pm (to depart at l:45 pm). The group will head to Woodlands Community Presbyterian Church to enjoy the rally presented by Presbyterian Youth Connection Council of New Covenant Presbytery (PYCC). The group should arrive back at St. John’s approximately 6 pm. For more information contact Mary at 713-723-6262 or email mary2d@yahoo.com.

Beacon Newsletter Deadline: Please deliver all Beacon articles for the upcoming 2012 September/October issue by mail (office.sjpc@gmail.com) or hand deliver to Room 209. The last chance to be part of this issue is Sunday, October 14, 12 Noon.

Sunday Circle, October 21, 12 Noon: All women are invited to the Session Room for Lesson 2 (Fatherhood: 1 Peter 1:1-25; 1John 4:7-21) of this year’s Bible Study, Dispatches to God’s Household, The General Epistles.

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

BIM Alert: Braes Interfaith Ministries is desperately in need of toiletries: toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, shampoo and soap, etc. Please deliver to the church office or the recycle room, McPhail Hall.

MD Anderson Cancer Center Adopt-A-Family for Christmas: 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. Note “Adopt-A-Family” on the memo line of your check.

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

Blood Drive Thank You: Thank you for a successful blood drive last Sunday. We had 19 donors (2 deferrals) and 2 red blood plasma donations. A job well done.

Looking Ahead (add to your calendar): November 1 Stewardship Sunday and Crop Walk; November 11 All Saints Day; November 18 Harvest Sunday and Braes Interfaith Ministries Community Service hosted by the Southwest Ministerial Alliance.

Sunday October 7 Sunday Reminders

This Week at St. John's - October 7

Sunday, October 7 - World Communion

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

11:45 am  Fellowship Committee

  1:40 pm – 6:00 pm  Presbyterian Youth Fellowship Rally
  4:30 pm  Cub Scout Pack 8 Den Meeting

Monday, October 8

  9:00 are 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, October 9

  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, Scout Room

Wednesday, October 10

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

  6:00 pm  Girl Scout Troup 21151, Scout Room

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

  7:30 pm Chancel ChoirThursday, October 11

  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, October 12

Saturday, October 13  Anniversary Celebration

  8:00 am  Women’s Bible Small Group will meet at Elaine’s house, 5027 Cheena

             5:00 pm - 56th Anniversary Celebration, McPhail Hall

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

            Sunday, October 14 - Beacon Deadline  9:00 am  Church School
            10:30 am  Worship Service

  4:30 pm  Cub Scout Pack 8 Den Meeting
  5:00 – 6:30 pm  Presbyterian Youth Fellowship (PYF)

This Week at St. John's - October 7

Living Gift Market - December 2

St. John’s Living Gift Market

Purchase gifts that keep on giving

Are you tired of shopping for the same things at the same places for somebody who already has the same stuff? St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 5020 West Bellfort (not far from the southwest corner of the 610 Loop) is offering an alternative shopping opportunity to buy unique items and gifts that will keep on giving at the Living Gift Market on Sunday, December 2, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm.

Some of the non-profit organizations at the market include: Grace International Children’s Foundation, which supports an orphanage in Uganda for AIDS orphans and will provide opportunities to adopt an orphan; Heifer International, where you can purchase whole or shares of cows, goats, pigs, chicks, bees etc., and the animal(s) will be delivered to families in developing countries where they can continue to provide food and resources; Ten Thousand Villages, which helps artists from third world countries receive money for their work; In addition other organizations present will include Braes Interfaith Ministries, Small Steps Nurturing Center, Coalition for Appalachian Ministries, Delicious Peace Coffee, Anchor House and Living Waters of the World.

Everyone is invited to browse, shop and enjoy, homemade soups and chilies. For directions to St. John’s call 713-723-6262 or visit stjohns@stjohnspresby.org.

Living Gift Market - December 2