All Committee Day this Saturday

Here is our Schedule for All-Committee Day this Saturday, January 22.

8:30 am - Continental Breakfast in Fellowship Hall, All committee members are invited

9:00 am - Opening activities and presentation around the theme of "Missional Renaissance"

9:30 am - Committee meetings in Building II

11:30 am - Final gathering and reporting in Fellowship Hall

Noon - Lunch for Session members only

1-3 pm - Session Meeting in Session Room

Our theme for Saturday will be "Missional Renaissance" and it is based on making these three shifts.

Shift #1: Internal focus to an external focus
The shift is from the church at the center to the Kingdom of God at the center.  Ask yourself if this particular ministry will "bless the world."  Will this ministry, as it is lived out, reveal God's heart for the world?  Is it bigger than the church in your place?  In this shift, the church is no longer seeing the ministry as a way to attract new members, but rather as a way to point back to the church's mission in the world.  The mission is beyond the individual church.

Shift #2:  Program development to People development
This mission is beyond well-conceived programs.  The church is not looking for another well received program.  The mission should attract people in the church and also beyond the church.  "We should feed the hungry people; but when their stomachs are full, we should also teach them or mentor them or find them work, whatever we can do to elevate their capacity to provide for themselves."  The ministry should move the church from a participation mindset to a mindset that encourages spiritual maturation.  As we examine the ideas submitted we hope to find ministries that move to the development of individuals and their lives.  Growth through service!  

Shift #3:  Church-Based to Kingdom-Based Leadership
The shift here would be from the old model of the church which is institutional, maintenance-oriented, positional, pastoral, church-focused and highly controlled to Kingdom-oriented leadership where words such as organic, disruptive, personal, prophetic, kingdom-focused, empowering can be used.  Those who participate in this ministry will, in all likelihood, have a
focus on the kingdom and how to draw individuals into a ministry.  This shift no longer looks at the leadership of the church as directors, but rather producers.  Training is to move the individuals out!

I wonder St. John's and your involvement may be different if we made these three shifts? That is what we will consider as we begin a new year in ministry at All Committee Day this Saturday, January 22 at 8:30 am in Fellowship Hall.

All Committee Day this Saturday

St. John's Epistle for January 20, 2011

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

A video of our Presbyterian Youth Fellowship produced play during the Christmas Eve Early Service is now on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSC2hVICG4A -thanks to Bob. This video is unlisted so you need this link to see it. Click and remember what you saw or see what you missed. PYF will have a lock-in this Saturday night in Fellowship Hall from 9 pm to 9 am.

Last Sunday was our first day with the new carpet in the sanctuary. The new carpet looks great. Thanks to all who were involved in this project.

Happy Birthday to Charlotte and Vera both of whom turn 90 this week. Charlotte's birthday was Tuesday and Vera's was Wednesday. Congratulation to both of them!

Here is our Schedule for All-Committee Day this Saturday, January 22.

8:30 am - Continental Breakfast in Fellowship Hall, All committee members are invited

9:00 am - Opening activities and presentation around the theme of "Missional Renaissance"

9:30 am - Committee meetings in Building II

11:30 am - Final gathering and reporting in Fellowship Hall

Noon - Lunch for Session members only

1-3 pm - Session Meeting in Session Room

Our theme for Saturday will be "Missional Renaissance" and it is based on making these three shifts.

Shift #1: Internal focus to an external focus
The shift is from the church at the center to the Kingdom of God at the center.  Ask yourself if this particular ministry will "bless the world."  Will this ministry, as it is lived out, reveal God's heart for the world?  Is it bigger than the church in your place?  In this shift, the church is no longer seeing the ministry as a way to attract new members, but rather as a way to point back to the church's mission in the world.  The mission is beyond the individual church.

Shift #2:  Program development to People development
This mission is beyond well-conceived programs.  The church is not looking for another well received program.  The mission should attract people in the church and also beyond the church.  "We should feed the hungry people; but when their stomachs are full, we should also teach them or mentor them or find them work, whatever we can do to elevate their capacity to provide for themselves."  The ministry should move the church from a participation mindset to a mindset that encourages spiritual maturation.  As we examine the ideas submitted we hope to find ministries that move to the development of individuals and their lives.  Growth through service!  

Shift #3:  Church-Based to Kingdom-Based Leadership
The shift here would be from the old model of the church which is institutional, maintenance-oriented, positional, pastoral, church-focused and highly controlled to Kingdom-oriented leadership where words such as organic, disruptive, personal, prophetic, kingdom-focused, empowering can be used.  Those who participate in this ministry will, in all likelihood, have a
focus on the kingdom and how to draw individuals into a ministry.  This shift no longer looks at the leadership of the church as directors, but rather producers.  Training is to move the individuals out!

I wonder St. John's and your involvement may be different if we made these three shifts? That is what we will consider as we begin a new year in ministry at All Committee Day this Saturday, January 22 at 8:30 am in Fellowship Hall.

Looking ahead, on Sunday, January 30 we will have or annual Congregational Meeting after worship.

Peace of Christ be with you,

Pastor Jon

--
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 January 20, 2011

Paper Bins Recycle Report

St. John’s five recycle bins collected 8.18 tons (16,36.65 pounds) in October, 6.83 tons (13,664.28 pounds) in November and 10.85 tons (21,696.72 pounds) in December as part of St. John’s Stewardship of the Earth.

In 2010 St. John’s recycled 121.07 tons!

Paper Bins Recycle Report

Blood Drive, February 27

Help Saves Lives!

Jesus needs us to help the sick, and giving blood is one way that a non-medical person can render a vital medical service. Anyone 17 years or older, who weighs at least 110 pounds, and is in good general health may donate.

Come to St. John's Scout Room, Building one, 8 am – 12 noon on Sunday, February 27, and learn if you are one of the lucky individuals who can donate blood. Please consider answering Jesus’ call to tend the sick.

The blood drive will be returning to St. John’s in 2011 on May 1, July 10, September 11 and December 18.

Blood Drive, February 27

St. John's Weekly Reminder, January 16

No Presbyterian Youth Fellowship Meeting, January 16, 5 pm: PYF Lock-in Saturday, January 22 - Sunday, January 23, 8:30 pm – 9 am. For questions about PYF, please call or email Mary Sterner (713)723-6262 mary2d@yahoo.com.

Hear ye! Hear ye!! The February 5th St. John's Breakfast is coming soon! Save the date on your calendar! As usual, breakfast is at 8:00 am, followed by our speaker at 8:30. Mr. George Gaston, new CEO of Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital, will fill us in on the new hospitals at the Southwest location. Bring a friend or two.

Souper Bowl of Caring, February 6: St. John’s youth will again participate in the annual Souper Bowl of Caring followed by a soup luncheon in McPhail Hall. Plan to come for homemade soups and fellowship.

Blood Drive Returning to St. John’s: St. John’s will host five Sunday blood drives in 2011: February 27, May 1, July 10, September 11 and December 18. Come and bring your friends and neighbors as you share the gift of life!

Grace International Children’s Foundation is having its annual dinner reporting about all the progress at the Lulwanda Children’s Home in Uganda. It’s being held on Saturday, January 22 at Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church. We have a group attending from St. John’s and welcome anyone else who would like to go with us. The cost is $10 and if you would like to go, the deadline for signing up is today, January 16. Contact Phyllis Freeman at 713-776-3548.

Red Cross Disaster Team – St. John’s has been an official Red Cross Disaster Center for the past ten years. If we are to continue being available when a need arises, we need new volunteers. For information or to signup, please contact Phyllis Freeman, 713-776-3548.

January BIM Month: January is St. John’s month to provide for the B.I.M. food pantry. Help by picking up an empty grocery bag today under the walkway and returning a filled bag to the church any Sunday in January, or place a check in the offering plate with BIM on the memo line. BIM can buy $27 worth of canned food from the Houston Food Bank for

St. John's Weekly Reminder, January 16

Congregational Meeting

Annual Congregational/Corporation Meeting
Sunday, January 30
Sanctuary, 12 pm

Congregational Meeting

St. John's Calendar, January 16 - January 23

Sunday, January 16 – Installation and Ordination of Elders
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
5:00 pm No Presbyterian Youth Fellowship Meeting
5:00 pm Centering Prayer

Monday, January 17
6:30 pm “Walking Together”
7:00 pm Bell Choir

Tuesday, January 18
9:30 am Presbyterian Women’s program and luncheon
12:00 pm Staff Meeting
5:00 pm Hour of Prayer, Rm. 207
6:30 pm “Stay Young, Stay Strong”
7:00 pm Scout Troop 688

Wednesday, January 19

Thursday, January 20
8:00 am – 12:00 pm Community Bible Study
6:30 pm “Stay Young, Stay Strong”
7:30 pm Chancel Choir
7:30 pm Caring Committee

Friday, January 21
4:30 pm Deadline for committee reports for Annual Congregational Meeting

Saturday, January 22
8:00 am Women’s Bible Small Group
8:30 am All Committee Day
12:00 pm Session Meeting
8:30 pm Presbyterian Youth Fellowship Lock-in starts

Sunday, January 23
Beacon Deadline
9:00 am Presbyterian Youth Fellowship Lock-in concludes
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
5:00 pm Centering Prayer
5:00 pm No Presbyterian Youth Fellowship Meeting

St. John's Calendar, January 16 - January 23

St. John's Epistle for January 13, 2011

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

We had a productive budget meeting last night hosted by the Stewardship and Finance Committee. Moderators of the various committees were present. We ended the year in better financial shape than we expected but we still face a potential shortfall due to the loss of some generous members who have died in the past couple of years. The Session will determine the final 2011 budget during their meeting on January 22 and will present it to the congregation during our annual congregational meeting on Sunday, January 30 following worship.

Last Sunday's service in Fellowship Hall was very good. It's nice to see everyone sitting closer together in the sunlight afforded through the large windows in McPhail Hall. This Sunday we will be back in the sanctuary for our first Sunday with the newly installed carpet.

During worship this Sunday, January 16 we will celebrate the Ordination and Installation of Elders. Jennifer Durand and David Wintersgill will be ordained and installed to a three year term of service. Libby Adams, Kathie Hartzog and Tad Mulder will also be installed to a three year term of service. Evan Harrel will be installed to fulfill the remaining two years of service of Lois Stowell's unexpired term on the Session. Youth Elder, Sean Coughlen, is out of town this Sunday and will be ordained and installed later to a one year term of service. The oncoming elders will have several constitutional questions to answer as part of the installation service and the congregation will have these two questions to answer this Sunday.

(1) Do we, the members of the church, accept Libby Adams, Jennifer Durand, Evan Harrel, Kathie Hartzog, Tad Mulder and David Wintersgill as elders of St. John's Presbyterian Church, chosen by God through the voice of this congregation to lead us in the way of Jesus Christ?

(2) Do we agree to encourage them, to respect their decisions, and to follow as they guide us, serving Jesus Christ, who alone is Head of the Church?

Prayerfully consider how you will answer these questions to the congregation and the implications of your answers. As we will see demonstrated in our scripture readings this Sunday, working together in ministry can be a very productive venture when we encourage one another, respect one another's decisions, and follow those who are elected to guide us, serving Jesus Christ, who alone is Head of the Church. This was true for the partnership between Paul and Sosthenes which produced the letter we know as 1 Corinthians. It was also true for Simon who brought his brother, Simon, also known as Peter, to meet Jesus. I wonder who you will bring to meet Jesus at St. John's this Sunday?

All Committee Day is coming up next Saturday, January 22, 8:30 am. Mark your calendar and plan to join us as we kick off the new year.

Our young people will kick off their new year with a Youth Lock-In on Saturday evening, January 22, from 9 pm - 9 am in Fellowship Hall.

Georgiana is at home after surgery at Methodist Hospital in the Med Center. Lelia is still at St. Luke's and Lee is at Seven Acres. Remember them all in prayer. Remember Léonie in prayer as she is in Haiti on a mission project this week sponsored by the Herdon United Methodist Church in Virginia.

Peace of Christ be with you,

Pastor Jon

--
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 January 13, 2011

St. John's Epistle for January 6, 2011

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

This Sunday our worship service will be in Fellowship Hall. Carpet is being installed in sanctuary. The carpet installers are working on it now and it looks good with the stained glass windows.

During worship this Sunday in Fellowship Hall we will commission Léonie for her mission trip to Haiti next week. This next water project is sponsored by the Herdon United Methodist Church in Virginia. Léonie has been to Camp Hopewell for training and to Haiti with two of their members who asked her to join them on this team. We will keep Léonie and her mission team in prayer next week and commission her during worship this Sunday.

After worship this Sunday, January 9, the Session will gather in the Session Room for "Draft Day" to go through the church rolls and see whom will be recruited to serve on which committee. If you are interesting in serving on a particular committee please speak to me or the moderator of that committee. Here are the moderators of each committee for 2011. Keep these leaders and their ministry teams in prayer as they begin their work on All Committee Day on the morning of Saturday, January 22.

Administration/Personnel: Franklin Caspa; Evan Harrel

Caring: Mary Hughes

Christian Education: Bill Ehrenstrom; Libby Adams

Evangelism: Kathleen Captain, Jennifer Durand

Fellowship: Aaron Jacobsen

Finance/Stewardship: Lindsey Sen-Roy; Tad Mulder

Outreach: Phyllis Freeman; Kathie Hartzog

Property: Max Kattner; David Wintersgill

Worship: Jeanne Leach; Sean Coughlen

During worship on Sunday, January 16 we will celebrate the Installation and Ordination of Elders. On Sunday, January 30 we will have or annual Congregational Meeting after worship.

Don has been in the hospital this week and hopes to go home tomorrow. Georgiana is likely to stay through the weekend at Methodist Hospital in the Med Center. Lelia is still at St. Luke's and Lee is at Seven Acres. Max is home after surgery last week and says his back feels much better now. Thanks be to God for that! Remember them all in prayer.

The beginning of a new year is a good time to renew our commitment to Christ's church. This Sunday would be a great one to "come back to church" if you haven't been in a while. We will be worshiping in Fellowship Hall and that always gives worship a fresh feeling. We also have considerable church school classes at 9 am. Join us this Sunday and pick up a friend and bring them with you as well.

Peace of Christ be with you,

Pastor Jon

--
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 January 6, 2011

2011 Church Office Holiday Schedule

• New Year's Day, Monday, January 3
• Good Friday, Monday, April 25
• Memorial Day, Monday, May 30
• Independence  Day, Monday, July 4
• Labor Day, Monday, September 5
• Thanksgiving (2 days), Thursday and Friday, November 24 and 25
• Christmas (2 days), Christmas is on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, December 26 and 27

2011 Church Office Holiday Schedule

Interfaith Ministries of Houston

2011 at a Glance

Women's Events

February 24

Spiritual Gathering for Women

Jade Buddha Temple

April 28

Spiritual Gathering for Women

Zoroastrian Center of Houston

May 15

Day of Service

An-Nisa Hope Center

Faith Tours and More...

February 26-27

Sacred Songs, Sacred Sites, "OnSite/InSight"

In partnership with Houston Arts Alliance

March 12

Faith and Cultural Bus Tour--Chinatown and Beyond...

In partnership with Asian Pacific American Heritage Association

May 1, May 8

Religions of the Silk Road

In partnership with IFest

Youth Events

March 3

Annual Youth Dinner Dialogue

"ifaith"

June 21-23

Annual Interfaith Youth Camp

Dialogue Events

November 3

Greater Houston Annual Amazing Faiths Project Dinner Dialogues

Interfaith Ministries of Houston

New Beginnings

January is the time for the annual transition as one class of elders rotates off the Session and another class rotates on. Therefore we acknowledge with thanksgiving these elders who are rotating off the Session: George Dobbin, Jenny Glover, JoAnn Golden, David Nelson, Kathy Roth, and Brad Urquhart. In addition to those who are rotating off the Session we lost elder, Lois Stowell, who entered into life eternal on December 2. All of these elders have served with integrity we will miss their strong leadership. As they depart, with great anticipation we welcome the following elders who will rotate onto the Session in January: Libby Adams, Sean Coughlen(Youth Elder), Jennifer Durand, Kathie Hartzog, Tad Mulder, and David Wintersgill. In addition, Evan Harrel will serve the remainder of Lois Stowell’s term on the Session through the end of 2012.

Each of these leaders have been called by God and elected by the congregation to serve on the Session beginning in January. They will be installed during the worship service on Sunday, January 16, at 10:30 am in the sanctuary. We look forward to the energy and creativity they will bring to their work as leaders of St. John’s. Please keep them and the entire Session in your prayers as we begin our work together in the new year.

New Beginnings

St. John’s Circles—Tuesday, January 4

All St. John’s ladies are invited to join a circle. Circle meetings are held on the first Tuesday. Morning circles meet at 9:30 am and evening circle at 7:30 pm. The
locations will be in the January 2 Sunday bulletin. The study is Lesson 5: Scripture: Revelation 7-8:5.

St. John’s Circles—Tuesday, January 4

St. John’s Breakfast— Saturday, January 8

Come start the New Year with a wonderful breakfast at 8 am and stay to hear a speaker at 8:30 am from Bayou Bend, “Miss Ima: The Great Texan and Collector.” It will be a good opportunity for those of us who have lived here a long time, as well as newcomers to the Houston area, to learn more about this wonderful place. There will be a slide show in addition to the speaker’s special thoughts and words to us. Please make note of the date: the second Saturday, not the first Saturday of January.

Upcoming programs:
February 5: George Gaston, new C.E.O. of Memorial Hermann Hospital Southwest, will get us updated on new hospital facilities at Southwest.
March 5: Teresa and Doug Darr, our marvelous resident architects, will take us through a typical week of their work.
April 2: Houston Mayor Annise Parker will talk about the the state of the city and answer questions from the audience after her talk. Come and bring a friend.

St. John’s Breakfast— Saturday, January 8

Presbyterian Youth Fellowship January Calendar

January 9: 5-6:30 pm: Resolutions and Predictions—We will take a
look at New Year’s Resolutions, make a few Resolutions, and make
Crazy Predictions for the upcoming year!

January 22-23: Lock-in, details TBA.

January 30: 5-6:30 pm: Simpson’s Bible Study—We will watch and
review the Simpson’s episode “Missionary Impossible.”

All youth grades 6-12 are invited to join PYF on Sunday evenings from 5-6:30 pm. Dinner is served at 6 pm. For questions please contact Mary Sterner, mary2d@yahoo.com.

Presbyterian Youth Fellowship January Calendar

Help Feed Hungry Children— Wednesday, January 12 & 26

St. John’s Sandwich Makers “The Wonder Team” meets in McPhail Hall at 6 pm to make sandwiches for local children. In January “The Wonder Team” will meet on the first Wednesday of the month, January 12, and on the third Wednesday of the month, January 26. Please join us, no previous experience is necessary and you will be home within the hour.

Help Feed Hungry Children— Wednesday, January 12 & 26

January BIM Month

January is St. John’s month to provide for the Braes Interfaith Ministries food pantry. Help by picking up an empty grocery bag next Sunday and returning a filled bag to the church any Sunday in January, or place a check in the offering plate with BIM on the memo line.

BIM can buy $27 worth of canned food from the Houston Food Bank for every dollar donated.

St. John's Weekly Reminder, January 2, 2011

Flower Calendar: Please sign your name on the Flower Calendar in the Narthex to reserve your special Sunday for giving flowers in the Sanctuary in 2011.

Circles, Tuesday, January 4: Circle 1, 9:30 am Louise Cherry, Chair, will meet at the church, Jana Burnham hostess, Circle 2, 9:30 pm, Linda Dyson, will meet at the church, shared hostesses; Night Circle, 7:30 pm, Kathleen Captain, Chair, will meet at the church, Lindsey Sen-Roy hostess.

St. John’s Breakfast, Saturday, January 8: Start the New Year with a wonderful breakfast at 8 am and stay to hear a speaker at 8:30 from Bayou Bend on “Miss Ima: The Great Texan and Collector.”

St. John’s Book Group, January 11, 7:30 pm: Everyone is welcome to join the discussion about the Lord’s Prayer from Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes, (Part 3, pages 91-134).

Mark Your Calendars for January Upcoming Events:
Tuesday, January 4: Circles
Saturday, January 8: St. John’s Breakfast
Wednesday, January 12: “Wonder Team” Sandwich Makers
Sunday, January 16: Installation and Ordination of Elders
Tuesday, January 18: Presbyterian Women’s Meeting and Luncheon
Saturday, January 22: All Committee Day followed by Session Meeting
Saturday, January 22-Sunday January 23: Presbyterian Youth Lock-in
Wednesday, January 26: “Wonder Team” Sandwich Makers
Sunday, January 30: Congregational Meeting

St. John's Weekly Reminder, January 2, 2011

St. John's Calendar, January 2-9

Sunday, January 2
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service

Monday, January 3
Church Offices closed

Tuesday, January 4
9:30 am Circles 1 & 2
12:00 pm Staff Meeting
5:00 pm Hour of Prayer, Rm. 207
6:30 pm “Stay Young, Stay Strong”
7:00 pm Scout Troop 688
7:30 pm Evening Circle

Wednesday, January 5

Thursday, January 6
8:00 – 12:00 pm Community Bible Study
6:30 pm “Stay Young, Stay Strong”
7:30 pm Chancel Choir

Friday, January 7

Saturday, January 8
8:00 am Women’s Bible Small Group
8:00 am St. John’s Breakfast
9:30 am CT Meeting, Session Room

Sunday, January 9
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
11:45 am “Draft Day,” Session Room
5:00 pm Presbyterian Youth Fellowship
5:00 pm Centering Prayer

St. John's Calendar, January 2-9

St. John's Epistle for December 30, 2010

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

Lee fell and broke her hip and is now in Seven Acres for occupational therapy. Her grandson, Jonathan, is staying there with her each day to ensure she gets the treatment she needs. He says visitors are welcome from 1-4 pm. Lee's birthday is today and she will be 90 years old. Call the church office to get her room number if you'd like to visit her at Seven Acres.

Max had surgery Monday at St. Luke's and now is at home. The surgery went well and hopefully will provide some pain relief in his back.

Lelia remains in ICU at St. Luke's where she has been for some time. She anticipated a procedure that has been postponed until after the new year.

Speaking of which, Happy New Year to each of you! I hope this year will find you healthy and prospering physically, emotionally, spiritually and financially, and especially in your relationships with family and friends.

Thanks to Bob for posting a recording of Alina's impressive offertory from last Sunday. You may hear it online at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qx5zDhyYYI. We appreciate Alina sharing her musical gifts with our congregation.

All are invited to attend Sean's Court of Honor in Fellowship Hall, Thursday, December 30, at 7 pm.

The Christmas Eve Services were well attended and very fine this year. Our children and youth did a great job with the 6 pm service. The readings were uplifting and there was plenty of joyful laughter during the play having mostly to do with the two pink flamingo's. The brass band added a touch of class to the proceedings. Kudos to Mary and Dave and Aaron and all the participants. Immediately after the service there was a deluge of rain and the temperature dropped by double digits by the 11 pm service. That service was sacred with solos by Mark and piano by Alina and a guest Harpist. The readings were thoughtful and appropriate. We then had a good Sunday service on the day after Christmas. It was good to see Sue and her friend among the other guests at that service.

I get sentimental this time of year as I remember the year gone by and anticipate the start of the new year. Too often we mark the time of the days of our lives. We try to play it safe and fit in and go unnoticed. What if this year, 2011, we decided to be bold and decisive? I wonder what St. John's would look like if we agreed on a common vision for the church and took action and followed through on a strategy to realize our goals and dreams? These are questions for the new Session and each of us.

Mark Twain put my New Year's feelings succinctly when he wrote:

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."

The good news for us is that we don't travel alone. Christmas reminds us that one of Christ's names is "Emmanuel," meaning "God is with us." God truly is with us as a comforter, guide and coach. Our best personal strategy will include some silent time with God so that the fruits of the Spirit such as love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, and self-control may take root in our hearts and bear fruit in our lives.

I appreciate the opportunity to walk this path with you into the new year. It is a privilege and honor to serve as your pastor. I don't take it for granted and I don't take it lightly. Even so, I find that laughter lightens the load. While I do take my work seriously I try not to take myself too seriously. That is not a bad place to start if you are in the market for a new year's resolution in these final days of 2010.

Peace,

Jon B.

--
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 December 30, 2010

St. John's Weekly Calendar, December 26 - January 2

Sunday, December 26
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service

Monday, December 27
Church Offices closed
6:30 pm “Walking Together”

Tuesday, December 28
9:30 am Presbyterian Women’s Activity Day
12:00 pm Staff Meeting
5:00 pm Hour of Prayer, Rm. 207
6:30 pm “Stay Young, Stay Strong”
7:00 pm Scout Troop 688

Wednesday, December 29

Thursday, December 30
6:30 pm “Stay Young, Stay Strong”
7:00 pm Sean Coughlen’s Court of Honor, McPhail Hall

Friday, December 31
Church Offices Closed
9:00 pm - 12:30 am Watch Night, Scout Room, Ghanaians

Saturday, January 1
New Year’s Day

Sunday, January 2
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Servic

St. John's Weekly Calendar, December 26 - January 2

St. John's Weekly Reminder, December 26

Church Office Holiday Schedule: St. John’s church offices will be closed Friday, December 31, and Monday, January 3, for the Christmas holiday. The staff of St. John’s wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Sean Coughlen, Eagle Scout: Everyone is welcome to attend Sean’s Court of Honor in McPhail Hall, Thursday, December 30, at 7 pm.

Flower Calendar: Please sign your name on the Flower Calendar in the Narthex to
reserve your special Sunday for giving flowers in the Sanctuary in 2011.

St. John’s Breakfast, Saturday, January 8: Start the New Year with a wonderful breakfast at 8 am and stay to hear a speaker at 8:30 from Bayou Bend, “Miss Ima: The Great Texan and Collector.”

January BIM Month: January is St. John’s month to provide for the Braes Interfaith Ministries food pantry. Help by picking up an empty grocery bag on January 9 and returning a filled bag to the church any Sunday in January or place a check in the offering plate, writing BIM on the memo line. BIM can buy $27 worth of canned food from the Houston Food Bank for every dollar donated.

Mark your Calendars for January Upcoming Events:
Tuesday, January 4: Circles
Saturday, January 8: St. John’s Breakfast
Wednesday, January 12: “Wonder Team” Sandwich Makers
Sunday, January 16: Installation of Elders
Tuesday, January 18: Presbyterian Women’s Meeting and Luncheon
Saturday, January 22: All Committee Day
Wednesday, January 26: “Wonder Team” Sandwich Makers
Sunday, January 30: Congregational Meeting

St. John's Weekly Reminder, December 26

St. John's The Epistle for December 23, 2010

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

I have a Christmas Carol on my lips today.

God rest ye merry, gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay
Remember, Christ, our Saviour
Was born on Christmas day
To save us all from Satan's power
When we were gone astray
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy.

Christmas Eve services will be held in this sanctuary at 6 pm and 11 pm this Friday on December 24. The 6 pm service will feature our children and youth and will include live brass and a skit by the youth. The 11 pm service will be a more reflective service featuring readings and carols and solos in this candlelight service. Come to one or both and bring family and friends. All are welcome. Studies show people are more likely to attend a Christmas Eve service than a Sunday morning service so invite your friends and neighbors to join us for these special services.

Thank you to all who have pledged for 2011! We have received 85 pledges for $343,460.

Congratulations to Rev. Steven Leach upon his ordination last Sunday at First Presbyterian Church in in San Antonio. His mother, Jeanne, offered words of thanks to the congregation as part of the commission for ordination. Steven's brothers and grandparents, Don and Thalia, and many other family members and friends joined in the celebration and received their first communion from Pastor Steven. We wish Rev. Leach well as he departs for Cape Town, South Africa next month to begin a ministry on the staff of a large congregation there.

Everyone is welcome to attend Sean's Court of Honor in McPhail Hall, Thursday, December 30, at 7 pm. We are proud of Sean for this achieving this significant milestone and also look forward to welcoming him onto the Session as the 2011 Youth Elder.

Now to the Lord sing praises,
All you within this place,
And with true love and brotherhood
Each other now embrace;
This holy tide of Christmas
All other doth deface.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy.

May tidings of comfort and joy support you and your family as we celebrate the birth of Christ our Savior. I am happy to have my parents here in Houston to celebrate Christmas with us. I wish you and your family all joy and God's blessings during this holy day weekend.

Peace of Christ be with you,

Pastor Jon

--
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 The Epistle for December 23, 2010

Join us for Prayer

Was one of your New Year’s resolutions to get closer to God?
St. John’s has three prayerful opportunties available every week:

The Hour of Prayer meets every Tuesday
night at 5 pm in Room 207.

The Women’s Bible Small Group meets on Saturday
mornings at 8 am in Room 205.

Centering Prayer meets in Pastor Jon’s office
Sunday afternoons from 5-6 pm.

Prayer—the original wireless connection!

Join us for Prayer

January is a Time to Focus on BIM

Each of the twelve member churches of Braes Interfaith Ministries (BIM) has a month in which it is designated to provide food for distribution from the food pantry.

January is St. John’s month to provide food for BIM.

You can help support this ministry by taking home an empty grocery bag on January 9 and return a filled bag to the church any Sunday in January. Cash donations are also appreciated. BIM can buy $27 worth of canned food from the Houston Food Bank for every dollar donated.

When was the last time you visited Braes Resale and Consignment Shop? (10319 S. Post Oak Rd @ West Bellfort)? Before shopping, remember to visit www.braesinterfaithministries.com to learn about the weekly sales and special promotions.

January is a Time to Focus on BIM

Presbyterian Youth Fellowship January Calendar

January 9: 5-6:30 pm: Resolutions and Predictions—We will take a
look at New Year’s Resolutions, make a few Resolutions, and make
Crazy Predictions for the upcoming year!

January 22-23: Lock-in, details TBA.

January 30: 5-6:30 pm: Simpson’s Bible Study—We will watch and
review the Simpson’s episode “Missionary Impossible.”

All youth grades 6-12 are invited to join PYF on Sunday evenings from 5-6:30 pm. Dinner is served at 6 pm. For questions please contact Mary Sterner, mary2d@yahoo.com.

Presbyterian Youth Fellowship January Calendar

Christmas/Epiphany Goats

Enough money was donated to the St. John’s Haiti Relief fund at the Holiday Gift Market to buy a male and female goat (a mating pair) for the Blanket Evangelical School at Blanket, Haiti. This is the school we supported after the earthquake and where a Living Waters for World water system installation is planned for early January with Léonie Tchoconté and Supris Cheazard participating. The goats will be purchased by Léonie and Surpris during their trip to Haiti in January – if it takes place on schedule.

There has been considerable civil unrest in Haiti. The unrest has led to a partial lockdown of the country with road blocks, and suspension of air travel following protests and rioting. We have lost email contact with our partners in Haiti, perhaps because people are afraid to venture out.

The good news is that, last we heard, our water systems have all been working and providing purified water.

Again – thanks to those at St. John’s who contributed to the LWW funds and the Haiti Relief Fund at the HGM for making possible Goats for Haiti and the beginning of our next water system installation.
— John Freeman and Léonie Tchoconté

Christmas/Epiphany Goats

Church Apartment Ministry — Anchor Houses

Again the little old ladies have been busy. We shut down one apartment. We now have 6apartments. Interfaith Ministry was very helpful in picking up some of the furniture we weren’t interested in keeping.

Thanks to Women’s Association for providing cookies for our booth at the Holiday Gift Market, and thanks to the many people who made donations. We raised $1,004.66 for our only fundraiser for the ministry. Hopefully we will be able to provide wireless internet in our new apartments.

We have Presbyterian ministers in one of our apartments; Bruce Robinson and his wife, Deb, are from Haiti. Bruce has been there 27 years and Deb, 10 years. They are Community Developers. We are hoping to get them together with the Freemans and Léonie.

The holidays hit us hard this year. We were competing with all the other churches and Hospitality Houses for tenants. Usually the tenants that can be sent home leave and our list becomes very short. We always feel like we do have divine intervention in finding just the right tenant.

Some of our tenants are having a tough fight on their hands and need all our prayers.
— Sally Sha

Church Apartment Ministry — Anchor Houses

St. John's Calendar, December 19 - 26

Sunday, December 19 – Christmas Joy Offering
Fourth Sunday of Advent – Presbyterian Women’s Bake Sale
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
5:00 pm Centering Prayer
5:00 pm Presbyterian Youth Fellowship

Monday, December 20
6:30 pm “Walking Together”
7:00 pm Bells

Tuesday, December 21
9:30 am Presbyterian Women’s Activity Day
10:00 am Bible Study leaders with Mary Sterner
12:00 pm Staff Meeting
5:00 pm Hour of Prayer, Rm. 207
6:30 pm “Stay Young, Stay Strong”
7:00 pm Scout Troop 688

Wednesday, December 22

Thursday, December 23
6:30 pm “Stay Young, Stay Strong”

Friday, December 24
Church Offices Closed
6:00 pm Family Christmas Eve Service
8:00-9:30 pm Scout Room, Ghanaians
11:00 pm Candlelight Christmas Eve Service

Saturday, December 25
Christmas Day
8:00 – 9:30 pm Carol’s Night, Scout Room, Ghanaians

Sunday, December 26
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service

St. John's Calendar, December 19 - 26

St. John's Weekly Reminders

Bake Sale Today: Don’t miss this chance to buy special holiday desserts! The Presbyterian Women will be selling baked goods in McPhail Hall after Sunday School and after worship service. Better not be late!

PYF Today, 5-6 pm: Christmas Party/Christmas Eve Party. We will practice the Christmas Eve Family Service and have a PYF Christmas party! Bring a gift ($5 or less) to exchange. For questions about PYF, please call Mary Sterner, 713-723-6262, or email, mary2d@yahoo.com.

Steven Leach’s Ordination: Steven’s St. John’s family sends him prayers and good wishes at his upcoming ordination service. The service will be held today, December 19, 4 pm, at First Presbyterian Church (404 N. Alamo) in San Antonio.
Church Office Holiday Schedule: St. John’s church offices will be closed Friday, December 24, and Monday, December 27, for the Christmas holiday. The staff of St. John’s wishes you a merry Christmas!

Sean Coughlen, Eagle Scout: Everyone is welcome to attend Sean’s Court of Honor in McPhail Hall, Thursday, December 30, at 7 pm.
Flower Calendar: Please sign your name on the Flower Calendar in the Narthex to
reserve your special Sunday for giving flowers in the Sanctuary in 2011.

Session Highlights from the December 15, 2010 meeting*Thanked the elders who are rotating off the Session: George Dobbin, Jenny Glover, Jo Ann Golden, Dave Nelson, Kathy Roth and Brad Urquhart; and remembered with gratitude the service of Lois Stowell.
*Sustained the examination of these elders-elect who will be coming onto the Session in January: Libby Adams, Sean Coughlen, Kathie Hartzog, Tad Mulder, David Wintersgill. Oncoming elders Jennifer Durand and Evan Harrel will be examined later.
*Scheduled a “Draft Day” on January 9 after worship at which elders will go through the church rolls and determine who will be recruited on each committee for next year.
*Heard an update on plans for new carpet to be installed in the sanctuary in early January, 2011.
*Prayed for those in our congregation who are ill or in rehab and for those recovering from or facing surgery.

St. John's Weekly Reminders

St. John's Epistle for December 16, 2010

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

We welcome these new members into the church: Syntia Aibyah and her sons Shawn (age 2) and Shane (age 2 months) and her fiancee Stephane Onana. Synthia (pronounced Cynthia) is a Respiratory Therapist and she is currently going to school to become a Physician's Assistant. Stephane is a Respiratory Therapist as well and he currently works at TIRR. He is also  pursuing a Master's degree in Health care Administration. Synthia was reared in a Presbyterian Church in Cameroon and Stephane was reared as a Roman Catholic in Cameroon. Both of them join by Reaffirmation of Faith and we are happy to welcome them into our congregation.

Steven Leach will be ordained at First Church in San Antonio this Sunday afternoon and will move to Cape Town, South Africa, in January to begin his ministry at St. Philips Presbyterian Church in Cape Town. Our thoughts and prayers are with Steve and his family this weekend for this great celebration.

The Christmas Joy Offering will be received this Sunday, December 19. Speaking of giving, to date we have received $340,676 from 84 pledge units and we are grateful to all who pledged. Pledge cards are available in the church office and you may speak to Curtis or me if you have questions about the pledge process.

We are pleased to welcome our confirmands last Sunday. Drake Ragan and Olivia Mulder were recognized on December 12 during worship and at a reception afterwards in McPhail Hall.
 Congratulations to Drake and Olivia and their families.

Parents and youth mark your calendars for the following events in 2011. The St. John's PYF will go to the Conclaves retreat on March 4-6, 2011. Also, the week of June 6-11, 2011 has been reserved for a mission trip through PRESGOV. Cost for the trip will be approximately $1100-1200 (~$525 for airfare and $95/day for expenses) – this includes all costs except spending money. Participants will be required to pay $300 up front to reserve a slot. After a question about minimum age for participants is answered, the call for participants will go out.


Bob says, "Here is another one - Advent bells, as recorded apparently by the choir microphone December 4. The drone is probably the air conditioner, maybe next time we can plan ahead and do better. It is online at  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQrk2h2iSAo and unlisted so you can only see/hear it with this link."

Christmas Eve services will be held in this sanctuary at 6 pm and 11 pm this Friday on December 24. The 6 pm service will feature our children and youth and the 11 pm service will be a more reflective service. Do come and bring family and friends. All are welcome. Studies show people are more likely to attend a Christmas Eve service than a Sunday morning service. So do invite your friends and neighbors to join us for these special services.

At their meeting on December 15, your Session:

*Thanked the elders who are rotating off the Session: George Dobbin, Jenny Glover, Jo Ann Golden, Dave Nelson, Kathy Roth, and Brad Urquhart; and remembered with gratitude the service of Lois Stowell.

*Sustained the examination of these elders-elect who will be coming onto the Session in January: Libby Adams, Sean Coughlen, Kathie Hartzog, Tad Mulder, David Wintersgill. Oncoming elders Jennifer Durand and Evan Harrel will be examined later.

*Scheduled a "Draft Day" on January 9 after worship at which elders will go through the church rolls and determine whom will be recruited on each committee for next year.

*Heard an update on plans for new carpet to be installed in the sanctuary in early January, 2011.

*Prayed for those in our congregation who are ill or in in rehab and for those recovering from or facing surgery.

Here is a link to the December Issue of the Beacon. http://www.christophergraphics.com/stjohns/beacon.pdf

Peace of Christ be with you,

Pastor Jon

--
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 December 16, 2010

November 2010 BIM Status Report

During the month of November BIM (Braes Interfaith Ministries) served 1228 clients (527 children and 701 adults), 14 of whom were homeless.

November 2010 BIM Status Report

January is a Time to Focus on BIM

Each of the twelve member churches of Braes Interfaith Ministries (BIM) has a month in which it is designated to provide food for distribution from the food pantry.

January is St. John’s month to provide food for BIM. You can help support this ministry by taking home an empty grocery bag on January 9 and return a filled bag to the church any Sunday in January. Cash donations are also appreciated. BIM can buy $27 worth of canned food from the Houston Food Bank for every dollar donated.

January is a Time to Focus on BIM

Church Offices Closed

St. John’s Church offices will be closed Friday, December 24, and Monday, December 27, for the Christmas holiday. The offices will also be closed Friday, December 31, and Monday, January 3, for New Year’s. The staff of St. John’s wishes you the merriest Christmas and a New Year filled with hope, love and joy!

Church Offices Closed

Home Made Goodies!

Holiday Bake Sale*
Sunday,
December 19

McPhail Hall


Fill up your freezer with homemade goodies for the holidays before or after church.
*Sponsored by St. John’s Presbyterian Women

Home Made Goodies!

Christmas Joy Offering - Sunday, Dec. 19

In this season when we celebrate the child born in Bethlehem, we also realize that the birth of Jesus ushered in a new realm of God’s love at work in the world. This love causes us to recognize the image of God imbedded in all humankind. Presbyterians can respond to that love at Christmas by giving generously to the Christmas Joy Offering. As we celebrate Jesus’ love in our lives this Christmas, our gifts bear joyful witness to the power of that boundless love that changes lives.

What Is the Christmas Joy Offering?
For more than 70 years, Presbyterians have given generously at Christmas to support the unmet needs of families who have devoted their lives to the mission of the PC(USA). Today this offering is shared equally by the Assistance Program of the Board of Pensions, which provides critical assistance to Presbyterian church workers and their families, and Presbyterian-affiliated racial ethnic schools and colleges, which enable students to develop their gifts and find their calling.

Christmas Joy Offering - Sunday, Dec. 19

New Beginnings

January is the time for the annual transition as one class of elders rotates off the Session and another class rotates on. Therefore we acknowledge with thanksgiving these elders who are rotating off the Session: George Dobbin, Jenny Glover (Youth Elder), JoAnn Golden, David Nelson, Kathy Roth, and Brad Urquhart. In addition to those who are rotating off the Session we lost elder, Lois Stowell, who entered into life eternal on December 2. All of these elders have served with integrity and distinction and we will miss their strong leadership.

As they depart, with great anticipation we welcome the following elders who will rotate onto the Session in January: Libby Adams, Sean Coughlen (Youth Elder), Jennifer Durand, Kathie Hartzog, Tad Mulder, and David Wintersgill. In addition, Evan Harrel will serve the remainder of Lois Stowell’s term on the Session through the end of 2012. Each of these leaders have been called by God and elected by the congregation to serve on the Session beginning in January. They will be installed during the worship service on Sunday, January 16, at 10:30 am in the sanctuary. We look forward to the energy and creativity they will bring to their work as leaders of St. John’s. Please keep them and the entire Session in your prayers as we begin our work together in the new year.

New Beginnings

St. John's Calendar, December 12 - 19

Sunday, December 12 – Beacon deadline
Third Sunday of Advent
Confirmands join the church; reception follows
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
11:45 pm Congregational Meeting
11:45 am Caring Committee Meeting
12:00 pm Finance/Stewardship Committee Meeting
5:00 pm Centering Prayer
5:00 pm Presbyterian Youth Fellowship

Monday, December 13
6:30 pm “Walking Together”
7:00 pm Bells
7:00 pm Evangelism Committee Meeting
7:00-9:00 pm Sherbrooke Square Town Homes Meeting, Room 205

Tuesday, December 14
9:30 am Presbyterian Women’s Program and Luncheon
12:00 pm Staff Meeting
5:00 pm Hour of Prayer, Rm. 207
6:30 pm “Stay Young, Stay Strong”
7:00 pm Scout Troop 688
7:30 pm St. John’s Book Group

Wednesday, December 15
12:00 pm Christmas Staff and Family Party
7:30 pm Session Meeting

Thursday, December 16
6:30 pm Stay Young, Stay Strong
7:30 pm Chancel Choir

Friday, December 17
Saturday, December 18
8:00 am Women’s Bible Small Group
8:00 – 9:30 pm Carol’s Night, Scout Room, Ghanaians

Sunday, December 19
Fourth Sunday of Advent
9:00 am Presbyterian Women’s Bake Sale
Christmas Joy offering
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
5:00 pm Presbyterian Youth Fellowship
5:00 pm Centering Prayer

St. John's Calendar, December 12 - 19

St. John's Weekly Reminder, December 12

The Session has called a congregational meeting today at the end of the worship service to hear and act on a report from the Nominating Committee.

PYF Sunday, December 12, 5-6 pm: Christmas quizzes. What is your Christmas I.Q.? We will find out! For questions about PYF, please call Mary Sterner, 713-723-6262, or email, mary2d@yahoo.com.

Beacon Newsletter Assemblers: The December 2010 and January 2011 will be assembled on Tuesday, November 14 at 12:30 pm in Room 203. All volunteers are welcome.

Presbyterian Women’s Program and Luncheon, Tuesday, December 14: Everyone is welcome to come and celebrate the season with a music program featuring Shirley Boyd. Lunch will be served after the program.

Attention Session Members: The December session meeting will be on the 3rd Wednesday, December 15.

St. John’s Book Group: St. John’s Book group begins a new book, Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes by Kenneth Baily. Everyone is welcome to join the discussion and learn about this book on Tuesday, December 14, at 7:30 pm.

Bake Sale, Sunday December 19: Don’t miss this chance to buy special holiday desserts! The Presbyterian Women will be selling baked goods in McPhail Hall before Sunday School and after worship service. Better not be late!

St. John’s Sock Trees: Two Christmas trees (one in the Narthex and one outside the church office) are in need of their holiday decorations – children’s socks!

Steven Leach’s Ordination: Steven’s St. John’s family sends him prayers and good wishes at his upcoming ordination service. The service will be held Sunday, December 19, 4 pm, at First Presbyterian Church (404 N. Alamo) in San Antonio.

Sean Coughlen will be recognized as an Eagle Scout at a Court of Honor to be held in McPhail Hall, Thursday, December 30 at 7 PM. Anyone interested in attending is welcome.

St. John's Weekly Reminder, December 12

St. John's The Epistle for December 9, 2010

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

This Saturday you are invited to a Memorial Service for Lois Stowell this Saturday at 10 am in the sanctuary. We will miss Lois on the Session and in particular I appreciate the way she stepped up into the role of Clerk to Session last Fall for a few months. She will also be missed on the Worship Committee and in the Chancel Choir and Handbell Choir.

This Sunday, December 12, we will welcome two confirmands, Drake Ragan and Olivia Mulder, to approve Olivia's baptism, and to receive a new member, Cynthia Abiyah. They will then be recognized during worship this Sunday. There will also be a congregational meeting to hear and act on a report from the Nominating Committee.

Our prayers go out to other members of the Session, George and Mary in particular, as they continue to recover from recent surgery.

We continue to work toward enhancing our communication within the congregation and with the world at large. For those who may be interested, here are the names of various publications of the church.

"The Beacon" is our very fine church newsletter that is published once a month. Pam is the editor of The Beacon.

"The Flashlight" is the name of our church blog on which the church staff posts the latest updates about events and information related to St. John's. The Flashlight is a join venture of the church staff.  

"The Epistle" is the weekly email I send to the congregation. I am the editor of The Epistle.

Contact the church office if you want to use these resources to get out the Word.

Steven Leach, former member of St. John's, will be ordained Sun., Dec. 19, 4:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian in San Antonio. Steven was active on PYCC when he was in high school and under care of Mission Presbytery while attending Princeton Seminary. His family invites all of his St. John's friends to join them for the service and the celebration afterwards. Contact Jeanne Leach for information or call 713-527-9655.

Our latest tally on the Holiday Gift Market puts the total amount raised at $12,248.47. Thanks to the Phyllis Freeman and the Outreach Committee for their leadership of this terrific event and to each of you who contributed with your time, talent and money.

Mark your calendar for our Christmas Eve services at 6 pm and 11 pm on December 24. Think about whom you may invite to attend with you. People are more likely to attend a service on Christmas Eve than any other day than Easter so let's take advantage of this opportunity by inviting unchurched family, friends and colleagues to come to St. John's on Christmas Eve.

Advent is a busy time of year and it is certainly a lively season at the church. I trust the Holy Spirit is also active in your life. We will look for tidings of comfort and joy even as we bid a fond farewell to one of our dear ones this Saturday.

Advent is a busy time of year and it is certainly a lively season at the church. For instance, here is a video clip from last Sunday's Advent Family Festival that Bob took from his pin camera. I trust the Holy Spirit is also active in your life. We will look for tidings of comfort and joy even as we bid a fond farewell to one of our dear ones this Saturday.

Peace of Christ be with you,

Pastor Jon

--
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 The Epistle for December 9, 2010

St. John's Weekly Reminders - December 5

Advent Family and PYF Festival, Tonight, 5 pm: Members and friends of all ages are invited to celebrate Advent. Activities will include Advent wreaths, arts and crafts, decorated bags for Meals on Wheels, and a Christmas sing-a-long. Soup will be served for dinner.

Circles, Tuesday, December 7: Circle 1, 9:30 am Louise Cherry, Chair, will meet at the church at 8:45 am to go to Hilda Garza’s; Circle 2, 9:30 am, Linda Dyson, Chair, will meet at the church, shared hostesses; Night Circle, 7:30 pm, Kathleen Captain, Chair, will meet at the church, shared hostesses.

Calling St. John’s Sandwich Makers: St. John’s “Wonder Team” will meet on Wednesday, December 8 at 6 pm in McPhail Hall to make 300 sandwiches for local children. Volunteers are needed.

On December 12 during worship we will have a brief congregational meeting to hear recommendations from the Nominating Committee about vacancies on the session that need to be filled.

Beacon Newsletter: Please deliver all Beacon articles for the upcoming December 2010/January 2011 issue by email, office.sjpc@gmail.com or Room 208. The last chance to be part of this issue is Sunday, December 12, 12 noon.

St. John’s Book Group: St. John’s Book group begins a new book, Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes by Kenneth Baily. Everyone is welcome to join the discussion and learn about this book on Tuesday, December 14, at 7:30 pm.

St. John’s Sock Trees: Two Christmas trees (one in the Narthex and one outside the church office) are in need of their holiday decorations – children’s socks!

Steven Leach’s Ordination: Steven’s St. John’s family sends him prayers and good wishes at his upcoming ordination service. The service will be held Sunday, December 19, 4 pm, at First Presbyterian Church (404 N. Alamo) in San Antonio.

If you need a pledge card for 2011, cards can be found on the table in the Narthex.

St. John's Weekly Reminders - December 5

St. John's Calendar, December 5 - 12

Sunday, December 5, Second Sunday of Advent
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
11:45 am Fellowship Committee Meeting
12:00-4:00 pm Men’s Fellowship Launch, Ghanaians, Scout Room
1:00-5:00 pm Scouts, J. Lopez, Room 209
5:00 pm Advent Family Festival
Monday, December 6
6:30 pm “Walking Together”
7:00 pm Bells
7:30 pm Outreach Committee Meeting
Tuesday, December 7
9:30 am Presbyterian Women’s Circles 1 and 2
12:00 pm Staff Meeting
5:00 pm Hour of Prayer, Rm. 207
6:30 pm “Stay Young, Stay Strong”
7:00 pm Scout Troop 688
7:30-9:00 pm Officer Training, Room 205
7:30 pm Evening Circle
Wednesday, December 8
6:00 pm “Wonder Team” Sandwich Makers
7:30 pm Christian Education Committee Meeting
7:30 pm Admin/Personnel Committee Meeting
Thursday, December 9
8:00 am – 12:00 pm Community Bible Study
6:30 pm Stay Young, Stay Strong
7:30 pm Chancel Choir
Friday, December 10
Saturday, December 11
8:00 am Women’s Bible Small Group
Sunday, December 12, Third Sunday of Advent
Confirmands join the church; reception follows
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
11:30 am Caring Committee Meeting
12:00 pm Finance/Stewardship Committee Meeting
12:00 pm Confirmands Reception, McPhail Hall
12:00 pm Beacon Newsletter Deadline
5:00 pm Presbyterian Youth Fellowship
5:00 pm Centering Prayer

St. John's Calendar, December 5 - 12

St. John's Christian Sympathy

Lois made the transition from this life to the life to come yesterday evening at Houston Hospice. She will be greatly missed by the Chancel Choir, Handbell Choir, the Session, and the entire congregation. Details of a St. John's Memorial Service for Lois will be forthcoming. In the meantime, I trust you will want to join me in showing prayerful support for her sister, Ellen.

"I called to the LORD, who is worthy of praise,
 and I have been saved from my enemies.
The cords of death entangled me;
  the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me.
The cords of the grave coiled around me;
  the snares of death confronted me." (Psalm 18:3-5, NIV)

In addition, our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Max K upon the death of his mother and with Mary St upon the recent death of her grandmother.

"So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption,
  and this mortal shall have put on immortality,
 then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written,
    Death is swallowed up in victory.

    O death, where is thy sting?
    O grave, where is thy victory?" (1 Corinthians 15:54-55, KJV)

--
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 Christian Sympathy

St. John's The Epistle for December 2, 2010

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

Thank you for the 83 pledges we have received for 2011 totaling $337,076. Last year's total number of pledges was 90 and the total pledges received was $380,728. Pledge cards are available on the table in the foyer of the sanctuary (also known as the narthex) and in the church office. The number and amount of pledges we receive will help to determine our church budget for next year so we are truly grateful to all who have pledged.

Come and bring a friend to the Advent Family Festival this Sunday, December 4, at 5 pm in Fellowship Hall. Activities will include Advent wreaths, arts and crafts, decorating bags for Meals on Wheels, and a Christmas sing-a-long. Soup will be served for dinner. This event is for all ages and skill levels.

We received a "Thank You" from Small Steps for the hats we gave their students. We hope they enjoy them during these chilly winter days.

Information about this year's annual Youth Conclaves in Feb. and March, offered by the Presbyterian Youth Connection Council (PYCC) of the Presbytery of New Covenant and hosted at Camp Cho-Yeh, is now available online.

Here are photos of Sabrina's baptism last Sunday taken by Diane. It was great to have a large contingency of Sabrina's family on hand to celebrate this joyous event.

Here are some more photos of the Holiday Gift Market from Jana and Kay. We raised over $10,000 for missions at this fun event.

In our discussion in the Officer Training Class, some questions were raised about the new confession being considered by our denomination. If you'd like to know more about why we write confessions and why this one in particular, here is a link to Union Presbyterian Seminary webinar about the newly written PC(USA) confession called the Belthar Confession. You will have to click on "Register" and follow the directions to "attend" the webinar next Tuesday, Dec 7, at 4:30 pm.

In addition, speaking of additions to our constitution, here is a link to info about the Proposed New Form of Government that would replace our current Book of Order from New Covenant Presbytery's website. There is also info at that site about the Proposed Belthar Confession mentioned above.

Lois has been moved to Houston Hospice and is on the second floor if you would like to visit her there. Remember her and Ellen in prayer.

Parnell is receiving occupational therapy at T.I.R.R. Hospital in the Medical Center. He and Gloria would appreciate your continued prayers.

Mary Hz is receiving outpatient therapy at another T.I.R.R. Hospital. It was great to have her back as Clerk to Session and in worship on Sunday.

Frances is home recovering from broken ribs and Helen is recuperating from surgery at her daughter's house. George is also at home recovering from surgery. We remember them all in prayer.

This Saturday morning at 8 am the Breakfast club invites you to hear a surprise musical group — in costume! In addition, I will lead the group in a devotional and homily about Christmas. Invite your friends to our 8 am breakfast in Fellowship Hall and don't forget your camera.

You are invited to a Christmas Open House at Braes Resale and Consignment Shop (10319 S. Post Oak) on Saturday, December 4th from 10am-5pm. Come enjoy 50% Off All Clothing, Accessories and Orange Tag Items.

Mark your calendar for our Christmas Eve services at 6 pm and 11 pm on December 24. Think about whom you may invite to attend with you. People are more likely to attend a service on Christmas Eve than any other day than Easter so let's take advantage of this opportunity by inviting unchurched family, friends and colleagues to come to St. John's on Christmas Eve.

Peace of Christ be with you during this Advent season,

Pastor Jon

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

St. John's The Epistle for December 2, 2010