St. John's Flashlight: 2009

Monday, December 28, 2009

Weekend Meals Volunteers

In January St. John’s Outreach Mission Team will be scheduling the delivery rooster for delivering meals to elderly people who need them. St. John’s delivers on the first Saturday and the second Sunday each month. If you would like to volunteer for this special ministry, please contact Phyllis Freeman.

Flower Calendar

Would you like to dedicate flowers to a loved one? Would you like to reserve your special Sunday for giving flowers? It’s easy to do— sign your name on the Flower Calendar in the Narthex during the month of January.

St. John’s Breakfast — Saturday, January 9

Do your feet ache, and/or hurt?
Do you have calluses, bunions, corns, etc.?

A podiatrist, Dr. Rodney Croft, D.P.M., will be with us to explain all this good stuff, how to better take care of what holds us up and makes us walk. Come for breakfast at 8 am (We’ll figure that out soon!), and our program will begin at 8:30 am — be sure to bring your feet! If you need a ride, contact Linda Dobbin or Thalia Bunnell.

St. John’s Circles - Tuesday, January 5

All St. John’s ladies are invited to join a women’s Bible study circle of their choice. Circle meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month with two morning circles meeting at 9:30 am and one evening circle at 7:30 pm. The
locations will be listed in the Sunday morning January 3 bulletin, or call the church office, 713-723-6262, for locations and directions.

Braes Interfaith Ministries

January is the time for St. John’s to focus on BIM’s food pantry.

Each of the twelve member congregations of Braes Interfaith Ministries has a month designated to provide food for distribution from the pantry. January is St. John’s month. Monetary donations are greatly welcomed. A $1 donation will purchase $27 worth of groceries at the Houston Food Bank. Please write BIM on the memo line of your check.

St. John's Calendar, Dec 27 - Jan 3

Sunday, December 27
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service

Monday, December 28
5:00 pm Hour of Prayer, Rm. 207
6:30 pm “Walking Together”
7:00 - 8:30 pm Venture Scout Crew 688

Tuesday, December 29
12:00 pm No Staff Meeting
6:30 pm Stay Young Stay Strong
7:30 pm Scout Troop 688

Wednesday, December 30

Thursday, December 31
Offices closed
9:30 pm – 1 am Ghanaian Church, McPhail Hall

Friday, January 1 –
New Year’s Day - Offices closed

Saturday, January 2

Sunday, January 3
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
5:00 pm Centering Prayer

St. John's Weekly Reminders

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 – socks! Children’s socks infant to kindergarten size are needed, or let Joan Navratil shop for you.

Flower Calender: Please sign your name on the Flower Calendar in the Narthex to reserve your special Sunday for giving flowers in the Sanctuary for 2010.

St. John’s Office Holiday Schedule: St. John’s offices will be closed on Thursday and Friday, December 31 and January 1, for New Year’s.

St. John’s Breakfast, Saturday, January 9: A podiatrist, Dr. Rodney Croft, D.P.M., will be the featured speaker with breakfast served at 8:30 am. Please mark your calendar because January’s breakfast is meeting on the second Saturday of January. If you need a ride, contact Linda Dobbin or Thalia Bunnell.

Betty Smith Memorial Service, Saturday, January 9, 2 pm: Betty’s church family is invited to join her family and friends for a memorial service and reception.

Attention 2009 Ministry Moderators: The Annual Ministry Team Reports are due in the church office by Sunday, January 17. These reports will be distributed at the January 24 Congregational meeting.

Annual Meeting of the Congregation, Sunday, January 24: St. John’s will meet for the annual Congregational/Corporation meeting on Sunday, January 24, following the worship service in the Sanctuary.

KEEP THE PENNIES COMING (Pennies for Peace) At the Living Gift Market there were 30,160 pennies collected ($316.00) for schools in Pakistan. The penny jar is outside the church office, Building II.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

St. John's The Epistle for December 23, 2009

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

Our Christmas Eve services are at 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. on December 24.
Who will you bring with you?

The 6 p.m. Service features our children and youth through music,
drama and dance as they express the meaning of this holy night in
their own unique fashion. The 11 p.m. Service will feature violin,
organ, piano, and solos by Mark Swindler as well as a few Christmas
carols and will conclude in candlelight. Both services will be
meaningful expressions of who we are as Christians and Presbyterians.

Unchurched folks are more likely to attend worship on Christmas Eve
than at any other time of year so consider which of your unchurched
friends you may invite to these services. They will appreciate your
invitation.

We will again receive the Christmas Joy Offering during worship this
Sunday. This offering supports the assistance programs of the Board of
Pensions, that provide support to retired and active church workers
and their spouses and families.

Michael Leach will serve as liturgist and Steven Leach will fill the
pulpit. Michael is a Sophomore at Trinity University and Steven is a
Senior at Princeton Theological Seminary. I appreciate their
leadership this Sunday as I will be away that day. I look forward to
seeing you on Christmas Eve or in the new year.

In the meantime, remember in prayer Julia McKisic, Frances Stanley,
Evelyn Weinburger and Lois Krewinghaus who broke her ankle. Also,
remember Bonnie Poole in Manor Place and Sherman Wilson in Brighton
Gardens with a fractured vertebrae in his neck, and the many families
who face this Christmas having lost a job and perhaps even their
homes.

Here is the Christmas story once again, as expressed in Luke's gospel:

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping
watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood
before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they
were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see—
I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is
born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the
Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in
bands of cloth and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the
angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,
"Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those
whom he favors!" When the angels had left them and gone into heaven,
the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go now to Bethlehem and see
this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us."
So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying
in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told
them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the
shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered
them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God
for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
-Luke 2:8-10

I leave you with this beautiful image from the evening lectionary
reading for today, Psalm 17:8, which says: "Guard me as the apple of
the eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings." May that be the
experience of you and you family during this holy season.

Peace of Christ be with you,
Pastor Jon
- - -
To read this message online, click on
http://groups.google.com/group/st-johns-presbyterian-church/web/epistle-for-december-23-2009
- or copy & paste it into your browser's address bar if that doesn't
work.

--
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

Monday, December 21, 2009

Flower Calendar

Would you like to dedicate flowers to a loved one?
Would you like to reserve your special Sunday for giving flowers?

It's easy to do - sign your name on the Flower Calendar in the Narthex in January.

Annual Meeting of the Congregation

St. John's will meet for the annual Congregational/Corporation meeting on Sunday, January 24, following the worship service in the Sanctuary.

St. John's Calendar, December 20 - 27

Sunday, December 20 - Fourth Sunday of Advent
Christmas Joy Offering
8:00 am – 12:30 pm Blood Drive
9:00 am – 12:30 pm Presbyterian Women’s Bake Sale
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
5:00 pm Centering Prayer

Monday, December 21
5:00 pm Hour of Prayer, Rm. 207
6:30 pm “Walking Together”
7:00 - 8:30 pm Venture Scout Crew 688
7:00 pm Bell Choir

Tuesday, December 22
9:30 am Presbyterian Women’s Activity Day
10:00 am Circle Bible Leaders Meeting
12:00 pm Staff Meeting
7:30 pm Scout Troop 688

Wednesday, December 23

Thursday, December 24
Offices closed
6:00 pm Christmas Family Program
7:30 – 9:00 pm Ghanaian Church, McPhail Hall
11:00 pm Candlelight Service

Friday, December 25 – Christmas Day
Offices closed
9:30 am – 1 pm Ghanaian Church – McPhail Hall

Saturday, December 26

Sunday, December 27
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service

St. John's Weekly Reminders, December 20

Presbyterian Women’s Holiday Bake Sale, Today, December 20: Shop early and get your homemade holiday goodies.

Blood Drive, Today, Sunday December 20: Make a difference this holiday season and donate blood. One donation can save four lives! No appointment is necessary; just walk into Building I.

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 – socks! Children’s socks infant to kindergarten size are needed, or let Joan Navratil shop for you.

Flower Calender: Please sign your name on the Flower Calendar in the Narthex to reserve your special Sunday for giving flowers in the Sanctuary for 2010.

KEEP THE PENNIES COMING (Pennies for Peace) At the Living Gift Market, there were 30,160 pennies collected ($316.00) for schools in Pakistan. The penny jar is in Building II.

Session Highlights – At their meeting on December 17, your Session:
* Applauded Mary Sterner for achieving the rank of Asso. Educator Certification.
* Sustained the examination of oncoming elders Bill Ehrenstrom and Jenny Glover.
* Approved a Memorandum of Understanding for use of our church facilities with the United Ghanaian New Church Development.
* Approved the pastor to be away from December 26 through January 2.
* Appointed Dave Nelson as our laison to the United Ghanaian New Church Development.
* Thanked the elders who are rotating off the Session after three years of service: Barbara Brisch, Katie Coughlen, Suzette Harrel, and Marie Kutz.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

St. John's View this page "Epistle for December 17, 2009"

Click on http://groups.google.com/group/st-johns-presbyterian-church/web/epistle-for-december-17-2009
- or read it in the email below.

Dear church members and friend of the church,

When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby in her womb leaped. She
was filled with the Holy Spirit, and sang out exuberantly,

"Blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb.
And why has this happened to me,
that the mother of my Lord comes to me?
For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting,
the child in my womb leaped for joy. (Luke 1:42-44)

And like the babe in Elizabeth's womb, our heart skips a beat from
sheer joy. We get this feeling about this time every year. Christmas
is coming once again.

Even as we rejoice, know not everyone is able to celebrate Christmas
in good health or good cheer. Our hearts and our prayers are with
Julia McKisic, Bonnie Poole, Frances Stanley, Ava Parker, and Evelyn
Weinburger.

A Presbyterian tradition for almost seventy years, the Christmas Joy
Offering is one of four special offerings designated by the General
Assembly (GA.)

A gift to the Christmas Joy Offering helps the church explore its
partnership with families and individuals throughout their lives. Half
the offering supports racial ethnic schools and colleges where
students can discover their call and develop the skills to respond to
it. The other half supports the assistance programs of the Board of
Pensions, that provide support to retired and active church workers
and their spouses and families.

Now is a good time to get in shape. St. John's "Walking Together"
class meets every Monday night at 6:30 p.m. in Room 209 for
approximately 45 minutes. All you need to bring are comfortable
walking shoes.

A "Stay Strong Stay Young" class, for improving bone density and
strength, meets every Tuesday and Thursday night 6:30 p.m. in Room
209. All weights are supplied. All are welcome.

This Sunday the Presbyterian Women Bake Sale will help you fill your
freezer for the holidays. The goodies will be in McPhail Hall both
before and after worship on December 20.

This Sunday, December 20, we are hosting a Blood Drive from 8 a.m. –
12:30 p.m. in the Scout Room of Building One. Walk-ins are welcome.

Come to worship God this Sunday as we continue our journey through
Advent. Our Christmas Eve services are at 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. on
December 24. Who will you bring with you?

Peace of Christ be with you,
Pastor Jon > Home phone: 281-501-3964 | Cell phone: 281-838-5391

St. John's Presbyterian Church
5020 West Bellfort, Houston, TX 77035
Phone 713-723-6262

--
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

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Wellness Ministry

New Year’s Eve has always been a time for looking back to the past, and more importantly to the coming year. It’s time to reflect on the changes we want (or need to) make. One of the most common resolutions is to add in fitness,
get healthy and lose those extra pounds.

You can make your resolution come true by joining St. John’s fitness ministry. Novice to experienced exercisers are invited to join in the fellowship and fitness classes:

St. John’s “Walking Together” class meets every Monday night at 6:30 pm in Room 209 for approximately 45 minutes. All you need to bring are comfortable walking shoes.

“Stay Strong Stay Young” class, for
improving bone density and strength, meets every Tuesday and Thursday night 6:30 pm in Room 209. All weights are supplied.

Christmas Joy Offering— Sunday, December 20

The Holy Spirit can bring unexpected gifts — that’s the heart of the Christmas Joy Offering — it allows a person the chance to help others with unexpected needs. A Presbyterian tradition for almost seventy years, the Christmas Joy Offering is one of four special offerings designated by the General Assembly (GA.)

A gift to the Christmas Joy Offering helps the church explore its partnership with families and individuals throughout their lives. Half the offering supports racial ethnic schools and colleges where students can discover their call and develop the skills to respond to it. The other half supports the assistance programs of the Board of Pensions, that provide support to retired and active church workers and their spouses and families.

St. John's Office Holiday Schedule

St. John's office will be closed on Thursday and Friday, December 24 and December 25, for the Christmas holiday. The office will also be closed Thursday and Friday, December 31 and January 1, 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!

Holiday Bake Sale

Presbyterian Women Bake Sale

Sunday, December 20

Fill up your freezer for the holdiays
before or after church

McPhail Hall

December Blood Drive

Blood Drive

Sunday, December 20

8 am - 12:30 pm

Building One

(Scout Room)

Walk-ins Welcome

St. John's Sunday Weekly Reminders, December 13

Time and Talent Surveys: The Support Team Ministry asks that everyone please complete and sign the Time and Talent Sheet in your bulletin today.

Poinsettias: Help beautify the Sanctuary for Christmas by ordering poinsettias from the Brookwood Community Center. They can be purchased for $10; please sign up on the board in the Narthex or place a check marked “poinsettia” in the offering plate. Today is the last opportunity to purchase poinsettias.

Presbyterian Women Program and Luncheon, Tuesday, December 15: Come and enjoy Christmas music by Lovie Smith followed by lunch, in McPhail Hall. Everyone is welcome.

PCHAS Christmas Party, Thursday, December 17: St. John’s will host the annual Christmas party for the Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services Child and Family Program in McPhail Hall, 6-8 pm. Volunteers are needed to help serve food, play games, and provide fellowship with the families. Contact Casondra Brown, 713-721-2908, for more information.

Presbyterian Women’s Holiday Bake Sale, Sunday, December 20: Shop early and get your homemade holiday goodies.

Blood Drive, Sunday December 20: Make a difference this holiday season and donate blood. One donation can save four lives! No appointment is necessary; just walk into Building I.

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 – socks! Children’s socks infant to kindergarten size are needed, or let Joan Navratil shop for you.

Attention Team Moderators: Your end-of-the-year ministry report is due by January 17.

St. John's Calendar, December 13 - 20

Sunday, December 13 - Third Sunday of Advent
Beacon deadline - Time and Talent Surveys
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
12:00 pm Beacon Newsletter Deadline
5:00 pm Presbyterian Youth Fellowship
5:00 pm Centering Prayer

Monday, December 14
5:00 pm Hour of Prayer, Rm. 207
6:30 pm “Walking Together”
7:00 - 8:30 pm Venture Scout Crew 688
7:00 pm Bell Choir

Tuesday, December 15
9:30 am Presbyterian Women Program and Luncheon
6:30 pm “Stay Strong, Stay Young”
7:00 pm Outreach Team Meeting at the Freemans’
7:30 pm Scout Troop 688

Wednesday, December 16

Thursday, December 17
9:00 – 12:30 pm Community Bible School
6:30 pm “Stay Strong Stay Young “
4:00 – 8:30 pm Presbyterian Children’s Christmas Party, McPhail Hall
6:00 – 7:30 pm Brownie Troop 21151
7:30 pm Session Meeting
7:30 pm Chancel Choir

Friday, December 18
Saturday, December 19
7:00 am Women’s Small Bible Group
9:00 am Daisy Troop 21174

Sunday, December 20 – Fourth Sunday of Advent
Blood Drive, Building One
Bake Sale , McPhail Hall
9:00 am Church School
9:00 am Bake Sale
10:30 am Worship Service (Christmas Joy Offering)
5:00 pm Centering Prayer
5 :00 pm Presbyterian Youth Fellowship

Thursday, December 10, 2009

St. John's View this page "Epistle for December 10, 2009"

Click on http://groups.google.com/group/st-johns-presbyterian-church/web/epistle-for-december-10-2009
- or copy & paste it into your browser's address bar if that doesn't
work.

--
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

Monday, December 7, 2009

Blood Drive - December 20

It is said the difference between sympathy and compassion is that the one who sympathizes sees and feels but does nothing. The one who has compassion sees, feels and then does something about the need.

Jesus asks us to help the sick, and giving blood is one way that even a non-medical person can render a vital medical service. Donated blood saves lives!

Blood Drive
Building II
Sunday, December 20

8 am - 12 Noon

BAKE SALE!

Delicious homemade goodies will be for sale in McPhail Hall from 8 am until after worship (or as long as they last!) on Sunday morning, December 20. Don’t miss this chance to take home some very special items for your holiday meals.

St. John's Weekly Reminders, December 6

Time and Talent Surveys: The Support Team Ministry asks that everyone please complete and sign the Time and Talent Sheet in your bulletin. They will be collected today.

Poinsettias: Help beautify the Sanctuary for Christmas by ordering poinsettias from the Brookwood Community Center. They can be purchased for $10; please sign up on the board in the Narthex or place a check marked “poinsettia” in the offering plate.

Beacon Newsletter Deadline: Please deliver all Beacon articles for the upcoming December 2009/January 2010 issue to Room 208 or the church office. The last chance to be part of this issue is Sunday, December 13 at 12 noon, if space is still available. Articles are placed as received.

Presbyterian Women’s Holiday Bake Sale, Sunday, December 20: Shop early and get your homemade holiday goodies.

PCHAS Christmas Party, Thursday, December 17: St. John’s will host the annual Christmas party for the Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services Child and Family Program in McPhail Hall, 6-8 pm. Volunteers are needed to help serve food, play games, and provide fellowship with the families. Contact Casondra Brown, 713-721-2908, for more information.

Blood Drive, Sunday December 20: Make a difference this holiday season and donate blood. One donation can save four lives! No appointment is necessary; just walk into Building I.

Christmas Eve Worship Schedule, December 24: St. John’s will be celebrating the season with two services, a family service at 6 pm and a candlelight service at 11 pm. Celebrate the season with your St. John’s family.

St. John's Calendar, December 6 - 13

Sunday, December 6 - Second Sunday of Advent
Advent Festival - Time and Talent Surveys
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
5:00 pm Centering Prayer
6:00 – 8:00 pm Advent Festival, McPhail Hall

Monday, December 7
5:00 pm Hour of Prayer, Rm. 207
6:30 pm “Walking Together”
7:00 - 8:30 pm Venture Scout Crew 688
7:00 pm Bell Choir
7:00 pm Evangelism Team Meeting

Tuesday, December 8
9:30 am Presbyterian Women Activity Day
12:00 pm Staff Meeting
1:00 pm Prepare Seafarer’s boxes, Scout Room
6:30 pm “Stay Strong, Stay Young”
7:30 pm Scout Troop 688

Wednesday, December 9
6:00 pm “Wonder Team” Sandwich Makers, McPhail Hall
7:30 pm Christian Team Formation Team Meeting

Thursday, December 10
9:00 – 12:30 pm Community Bible School
6:30 pm “Stay Strong Stay Young “
7:30 pm Chancel Choir 7:30 pm Support and Worship Team Meetings

Friday, December 11

Saturday, December 12
7:00 am Women’s Small Bible Group
11:00 am Caring Team Meeting, Marie Kutz’s home

Sunday, December 13 – Third Sunday of Advent
Beacon Deadline - Time and Talent Surveys
Draft day for committee members
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
5:00 pm Centering Prayer
5 00 pm Presbyterian Youth Fellowship

Friday, December 4, 2009

St. John's Arrangements for Betty Smith

Our Christian sympathy is with the family of Betty Smith who died at
home surrounded by her family on this snowy morning in Houston.
Visitation for the public and her church family will be on Wednesday,
December 9, from 5-7 pm at Miller Funeral Home at 7723 Beechnut
Street. In addition, the family invites you to a Memorial Service for
Betty Smith on Saturday, January 9, 2010 at 2 pm in the sanctuary of
St. John's Presbyterian Church with a reception to follow in
Fellowship Hall.

Click on http://groups.google.com/group/st-johns-presbyterian-church/web/arrangements-for-betty-smith
- or copy & paste it into your browser's address bar if that doesn't
work.

--
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

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Session Committee Assignments 2010

Administration-Personnel Committee

Brad Urquhart & Franklin Caspa

Finance-Stewardship Committee

Jo Ann Golden & Lindsey Sen-Roy

Caring Committee

Mary Hughes

Christian Education Committee

Bill Ehrenstrom & Aaron Jacobsen

Evangelism Committee

Kathleen Captain

Fellowship Committee

David Nelson

Outreach Committee

Phyllis Freeman, Kathi Roth & Jenny Glover

Property Committee

George Dobbin & Matt Kattner

Worship Committee

Jeane Leach & Lois Stowell

St. John's View this page "Epistle for December 2, 2009"

Click on http://groups.google.com/group/st-johns-presbyterian-church/web/epistle-for-december-2-2009
- or copy & paste it into your browser's address bar if that doesn't
work.

--
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

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Presbyterian Women’s Bake Sale – December 20

Delicious homemade goodies will be for sale in McPhail Hall from 8 am until after worship (or as long as they last!). Don’t miss this chance to take home some very special items for your holiday meals.

Advent Festival - this Sunday, December 6

Advent is a time to look forward to Christmas, and it is an opportunity to reflect on the reason for the season. Advent is a time to prepare our hearts for Christ, just as we prepare our homes for Christmas. In fact the word "advent" means coming or arrival.

This year Advent begins on Sunday, November 29. On the second Sunday of Advent, December 6, everyone is invited to St. John’s Advent Festival in Fellowship Hall, 6-8 pm. All ages are invited.

This Week at St. John's, November 29 - December 6

Sunday, November 29 - First Sunday of Advent
Advent Devotional Booklets distributed
9:00 am Church School10:30 am Worship Service – Hanging of the Greens
5:00 pm Centering Prayer
5:00 pm No Presbyterian Youth Fellowship Meeting

Monday, November 30
5:00 pm Hour of Prayer, Rm. 207
6:30 pm “Walking Together”
7:00 - 8:30 pm Venture Scout Crew 688
7:00 pm Bell Choir

Tuesday, December 1
9:30 am Circles 1 and 2
11:30 am – l:30 pm Brown Bag Luncheon: Special Education Advocacy Ministry, Rm. 209
12:00 pm Staff Meeting
6:30 pm “Stay Strong, Stay Young”
7:30 pm Scout Troop 688
7:30 pm Evening Circle

Wednesday, December 2
6:00 – 9:00 pm Coppertree Homeowners Assn., McPhail Hall

Thursday, December 3
6:00 pm Brownie Troop 21151
6:30 pm “Stay Strong Stay Young “
7:30 pm Chancel Choir

Friday, December 4

Saturday, December 5
7:00 am Women’s Small Bible Group
8:00 am St. John’s Breakfast
9:00 – 10:30 am Daisy (Girl Scout ) Troop 21174

Sunday, December 6 – Second Sunday of Advent
Advent Festival
9:00 am Church School 10:30 am Worship Service
5:00 pm Centering Prayer
5 00 pm Presbyterian Youth Fellowship
6:00 – 8:00 pm Advent Festival

Sunday Weekly Reminders, November 29

Circles, Tuesday, December 1: Circle 1, 9:30 am, Louise Cherry, chair, and Circle 2, 9:30 am, Linda Dyson, chair, will meet at Betty Smith’s, 3742 Durness Way. Night Circle 7:30 pm, Kathleen Captain, chair, will meet at church, Lindsey Sen-Roy hostess.

St. John’s Breakfast, December 5, 8:00 am –Program will be Christmas carols, accompanied by Dave Barry, from Johnny Dyson’s band. We will also have a short homily from Jon about “Following the Bethlehem Star.”

Poinsettias: Help beautify the Sanctuary for Christmas by ordering poinsettias from the Brookwood Community Center. They can be purchased for $10; please sign up on the board in the Narthex or place a check marked “poinsettia” in the offering plate.

Beacon Newsletter Deadline: Please deliver all Beacon articles for the upcoming December 2009/January 2010 issue to Room 208 or the church office. The last chance to be part of this issue is Sunday, December 13 at 12 noon, if space is still available. Articles are placed as received.

Presbyterian Women’s Holiday Bake Sale, Sunday, December 20: Shop early and get your homemade holiday goodies.

Christmas Eve Worship Schedule, December 24: St. John’s will be celebrating the season with two services, a family service at 6 pm and a candlelight service at 11 pm. Celebrate the season with your St. John’s family.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

St. John's View this page "The Epistle for November 25, 2009

Click on
http://groups.google.com/group/st-johns-presbyterian-church/web/the-epistle-for-november-25-2009-epistle-for-november-25-2009
- or copy & paste it into your browser's address bar if that doesn't
work.

--
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

Monday, November 23, 2009

Poinsettias

Each year during the Advent season the congregation has an opportunity to remember a loved one, honor an individual or recognize an occasion by purchasing a poinsettia to be placed in the Sanctuary. If you would like to participate, the cost is $10.00 per poinsettia. You may purchase a poinsettia by delivering or mailing the order form with your check to St. John’s office or sign up using the order form in the Narthex, placing your check in the offering plate. Please write poinsettia on the memo line of all checks. All poinsettias can be taken home after the Christmas Eve service.

The poinsettias are from Brookwood Community. Each poinsettia is in a 6 inch pot, averaging 16 inches in height with 5-7 blooms. Your purchase helps provide scholarships and enhanced educational opportunities for the men and women of Brookwood.

Advent Festival— Sunday, December 6

Advent is a time to look forward to Christmas, and it is an opportunity to reflect on the reason for the season. Advent is a time to prepare our hearts for Christ, just as we prepare our homes for Christmas. In fact the word "advent" means coming or arrival.

This year Advent begins on Sunday, November 29. St. John’s will celebrate by Hanging of the Greens during Worship. On the second Sunday of Advent, December 6, everyone is invited to St. John’s Advent Festival in Fellowship Hall, 6-8 pm. All ages are invited.

St. John's Breakfast - Saturday, December 5

Come celebrate the beginning of December and the Christmas season with music and joy. Dave Barry from the Johnny Dyson Band will play the piano and Jon Burnham and Linda Dobbin will read two holiday messages.

St. John’s Breakfast will meet on December 5 in McPhail Hall with breakfast being served at 8 am. If you need a ride, contact Linda Dobbin or Thalia Bunnell.

Presbytery Christmas Open House— December 3

The Presbytery of New Covenant, 1110 Lovett Boulevard, Houston, will hold annual Christmas Open House on Thursday, December 3, 11 am to 2 pm.

All are invited but please RSVP to Patricia Brantley, pbrantley@pbyofnewcovenant.org, or call 713-526-2885, ext. 200.

St. John’s Circles— Tuesday, December 1

All St. John’s ladies are invited to join a women’s Bible study circle of their choice. Circle meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month with two morning circles meeting at 9:30 am and one evening circle at 7:30 pm. The locations will be listed in the Sunday morning November 30 bulletin, or call the church office, 713-723-6262, for locations and directions.

This Week At St. John's - November 22 - 29

Sunday, November 22
Living Gift Market – Harvest Sunday
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
12 pm – 2:30 pm Living Gift Market, McPhail Hall
4:00 pm BIM Thanksgiving Service, Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church, 4930 W. Bellfort

Monday, November 23
5:00 pm Hour of Prayer, Rm. 207
6:30 pm “Walking Together”
7:00 - 8:30 pm Venture Scout Crew 688
7:00 pm Bell Choir

Tuesday, November 24
9:30 am Presbyterian Women Activity Day
10:00 am Circle Bible Leaders Meeting
12:00 pm Staff Meeting
6:30 pm “Stay Strong, Stay Young”
7:30 pm Scout Troop 688

Wednesday, November 25

Thursday & Friday, November 26 & 27
Offices closed

Saturday, November 28

November 29 – First Sunday of Advent
Advent Devotional Booklets distributed
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service – Hanging of the Greens
5:00 pm Centering Prayer

Sunday Weekly Reminders, November 22

Poinsettias: Help beautify the Sanctuary for Christmas by ordering poinsettias from the Brookwood Community Center. They can be purchased for $10; please sign up on the board in the Narthex or place a check marked “poinsettia” in the offering plate.

Thanks to all who made a generous commitment to St. John’s with their pledge. We now have 81 pledges thus far for $303,752 with hope for response from an additional 14. Last year’s pledges were $380,000.

The Congregation is invited to celebrate Harvest Sunday by sharing non-perishable food or monetary contributions. (Your gift of $1.00 buys $27.00 worth of food at the Houston Food Bank.) Food items may be deposited in the Narthex. Monetary contributions should be noted as “Harvest Sunday.” All donations will be given to Braes Interfaith Ministries.

Thanksgiving Holiday Hours, Church Campus: St. John’s will be closed Thursday, November 26, and Friday, November 27. The office wishes everyone a happy and safe holiday.

Christmas Eve Worship Schedule: St. John’s will be celebrating the season with two services, a family service at 6 pm and a candlelight service at 11 pm. Please mark your calendars to attend.

At their meeting on November 19, 2009, your session:

· Heard a report from Marie Kutz about presbytery meeting at St. Paul Church in Houston.

· Sustained the examination of these oncoming elders: Max Kattner, Kathleen Captain, Phyllis Freeman, Mary Hughes, Lois Stowell and Jo Ann Golden.

· Invited Steven Leach to preach during worship on December 27.

· Set December 6 as the Sunday to offer “Time and Talent” surveys.

· Set December 13 as “Draft Day” when the session will consider whom to ask to serve on each committee.

· Approved a new committee structure and committee assignment for next year’s session.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

St. John's View this page "The Epistle for November 19, 2009"

Click on http://groups.google.com/group/st-johns-presbyterian-church/web/the-epistle-for-november-19-2009
- or copy & paste it into your browser's address bar if that doesn't
work.

--
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

Sunday, November 15, 2009

2009 Seafarers’ Christmas Boxes

St. John’s Christmas boxes will be loaded and delivered in early December to the Port of Houston. Thanks to all who donated money and items to make this outreach possible. Special thanks goes to Betty Nelson who, once again, has sewn 30 cloth stationary folders for pens, pencils, paper and envelopes!

Boxes will be stuffed with essentials: a pair of work socks, shaving cream, disposable razors, deodorant, soap, shampoo, toothbrush & paste, and a big 2010 calendar. Extras will include a snack baggie with dental floss, band-aids & q-tips, a pocket comb, emery board and nail clippers; another with pencil sharpener, glue stick, highlighter, eraser, scissors and carbonaire clip. The sailors will also get a pack of Kleenex, deck of cards, small game, flashlight, key chair, mending kit, a selection of hard candy, and a scarf with the Texas flag and state map.

Keep this article so you know what to buy for next year! Watch for sales and shop the dollar stores. Bring donations anytime to the Recycle Center in the Fellowship Hall. Extras that won’t keep are given to Braes Interfaith Ministries (BIM), which always needs personal items.

— Joann Navratil

Anchor House Church Apartment Ministry

The anchor houses are wearing well. We have some long-term tenants, and they all seem to be doing well with their treatments. We pray all our tenants continue to do well.

One of the apartments got a new sofa bed and recliner. Waiting for AT&T to come and install the internet and U Verse, I sat on the old sofa for about 8 hours and deemed it necessary to purchase a new sofa bed PDQ.

It is our goal next year to be able to help with the rent for our deserving new tenants. While answering phones at South Main we have talked to several prospective tenants who can’t afford our apartments even though our rents are cheaper than a motel. We do realize that it is very difficult to maintain their home and their home-away-from-home here in Houston. The ministry is not subsidized by our church budget. We maintain the apartments solely on donations. I hope many of you will visit our booth at The Living Gift Market on Sunday, November 22.

— Sally Shaw

Presbyterian Children's Homes and Services Christmas Party

Greetings St. John’s,

I am excited to announce that it’s time for Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services Child and Family Program Annual Christmas Party! The Christmas Party will be held in McPhail Hall, December 17, 2009, 6-8 p.m.

With your support and encouragement, over the last year the Child and Family Program has served over 100 families. It is my prayer that working together we will continue to help families that are in need in the Houston area.

This Christmas there are 25 families that are in need of Christmas assistance. I ask that you all prayerfully consider participating in this year’s December 17 Christmas Party by:

- Praying that the needs of all of my families will be met.

- Stopping by our table at the Living Gift Market to adopt a child or sibling group for Christmas.

- Providing arts and crafts for the children to do while at the Christmas Party.

- Volunteering during the Christmas Party to serve food, play games, and fellowship with the families.

If you have any questions or would like to volunteer,

please call me at 713-721-2908.
— Blessed to Serve,
Casondra Brown, Director
Child and Family Program

Braes Interfaith Ministries Service — Sunday, November 22

Everyone is invited to the Braes Interfaith Ministries (BIM) Thanksgiving Service at Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church, 4930 West Bellfort at 4 pm.

Pastor Jeff Berger of Westbury will be the preacher at the service. Clergy and choirs from area congregations lead this interfaith praise and thanksgiving service.
A community reception follows the service.

Human Trafficking

The Houston Coalition Against Human Trafficking (CAHT) helps care for 100 young women and their children, who have been rescued after being trafficked into the U.S. with false promises of jobs. They are kept hidden in residences around Houston to protect them.

St. John’s will be making fleece tie blankets for these women, giving them a personal possession that will brighten their days with color and their nights with warmth and comfort. The blankets will be made with prayers that these young women will find a future of security, good health and happiness.

No-sew fleece blankets are easy to make and fun to do. We promise this activity requires no sewing. If you can tie a knot, you can do it. Fleece and snacks will be supplied, but please bring scissors. Work dates will be announced in the Sunday morning bulletin.

St. John’s Book Group — Tuesday, November 17

St. John’s Book Group will continuing discussing the book A History of God by British historian Karen Armstrong. Everyone is invited to join the lively discussion at 7:30 pm. It is led by Greg Weiher.

Presbyterian Women’s Program & Luncheon — Tuesday, November 17

The next Presbyterian Women meeting will be Tuesday, November 17. Please gather at St. John’s at 9:15 am, leaving the church at 9:30 am,for a tour of the 1st floor of The Ronald McDonald House (1907 Holcombe Blvd. Houston’s Ronald McDonald House offers a home away from home for families with children who are being treated at Texas Medical Center member institutions for cancer and other serious illnesses.

The tour will return to St. John’s around 11 am for a short business meeting, followed by lunch. If your schedule does not permit you to join the tour, please make plans to come to the monthly meeting and the lunch. Drivers are needed for this special event. If you can drive, please contact Thalia Bunnell.

Advent Festival - Sunday, December 6

Advent is a time to look forward to Christmas, and it is an opportunity to reflect on the reason for the season. Advent is a time to prepare our hearts for Christ, just as we prepare our homes for Christmas. In fact the word “advent” means coming or arrival.

This year Advent begins on Sunday, November 29. St. John’s will celebrate by Hanging of the Greens during Worship. On the second Sunday of Advent, December 6, everyone is invited to St. John’s Advent Festival in Fellowship Hall, 6-8 pm. All ages are invited.

Harvest Sunday — Sunday, November 22

The congregation is invited to celebrate Harvest Sunday by sharing non-perishable food or monetary contributions. Your gift of $1.00 buys $27.00 worth of food at the Houston Food Bank.

Please bring your contributions on November 15th and November 22nd. Items may be deposited in the Narthex. Monetary contributions should be noted as “Harvest Sunday.” All donations will be given to Braes Interfaith Ministries.

Living Gift Market
Next Sunday, November 22
Noon to 2 pm

If you could have any gift you wished, what would it be?
An end to hunger?
Preservation of the environment?
Education for a child?
Peace on earth?

These gifts are available to you—one small step at a time—at the Living Gift Market.
The Market is a chance for St. John’s members and their friends and family to reach out to people in need, both near and far. You can change the lives of people you will never meet, but dream under the same stars you do.

Each Market gift gives over and over again. You honor a friend or loved one with unique gifts. And, you empower an impoverished family by giving them resources to support themselves, such as an animal from The Heifer Project or medical supplies from Coalition of Appalachian Ministries.

There comes a time when your mother has enough sweaters, your child has so many toys that they get lost in the shuffle, and your clients have more than enough holiday food than they can eat.

So, join us at the Living Gift Market, where you can make a big difference in the world.

To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.
- 1 Corinthians 12:7

St. John's Sunday Weekly Reminders

Thanks to all who made a generous commitment to St. John’s with their pledge. We have 70 pledges thus far for $286,000 with hope for response from an additional 25-30. Last year’s pledges were $380,000.

The Congregation is invited to celebrate Harvest Sunday by sharing non-perishable food or monetary contributions. (Your gift of $1.00 buys $27.00 worth of food at the Houston Food Bank.) Please bring your contributions on November 15 and November 22. Items may be deposited in the Narthex. Monetary contributions should be noted as “Harvest Sunday.” All donations will be given to Braes Interfaith Ministries.

Advent Writers Deadline, next Sunday: The Christian Formation Ministry needs writers and artists for the 2009 Advent Booklet. The focus will be on holiday traditions, traditions from the past or traditions of the present. Contact Mary Sterner (mary2d@yahool.com) for more information.

Thanksgiving Holiday Hours, Church Campus: St. John’s will be closed Thursday, November 26, and Friday, November 27. The office wishes everyone a happy and safe holiday.

Blood Drive has been re-scheduled for Sunday, December 20: Share the gift of life by donating blood in Building I, 8 am – 12:30 pm. One donation can save four lives!

Bible Study for Everyone Class: The class will shift gears for Advent and will explore the scriptural texts of Handel’s Messiah through the Kerygma series while listening to the musical composition. Everyone is welcome to join this 4-week study beginning November 29.

Start Saving Your Pennies: Make a positive impact on a global scale, one penny at a time. Pennies for Peace gives lasting hope to children in Afghanistan and Pakistan by building schools. Bring your pennies to the Living Gift Market, November 22.

Christmas Eve Worship Schedule: St. John’s will be celebrating the season with two services, a family service at 6 pm and a candlelight service at 11 pm. Please mark your calendars to attend.

This Week at St. John’s - November 15

Sunday, November 15
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
12:00 pm Advent Booklet Articles Deadline
5:00 pm Centering Prayer
5:00 pm Presbyterian Youth Fellowship Meeting

Monday, November 16
5:00 pm Hour of Prayer, Rm. 207
6:30 pm “Walking Together”
7:00 - 8:30 pm Venture Scout Crew 688
7:00 pm Bell Choir

Tuesday, November 17
9:15 am Presbyterian Women leave for McDonald House
11:00 am Presbyterian Women’s meeting and luncheon
12:00 pm Staff Meeting
6:30 pm “Stay Strong, Stay Young”
7:30 pm Scout Troop 688
7:30 pm Outreach Team Meeting
7:30 pm St. John’s Book Group

Wednesday, November 18

Thursday, November 19
9:00 am – 12:30 pm Community Bible Study
6:00 pm - Brownie Troop 21151
6:30 pm “Stay Strong Stay Young”
7:30 pm Chancel Choir
7:30 pm Session Meeting

Saturday, November 21
7:00 am Women’s Small Bible Group
9:00 am Daisy “Girl Scout” Troop 21174
1:00 pm McPhail Hall, set-up for Living Gift Market

Sunday, November 22
Living Gift Market & Harvest Sunday
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
4:00 pm BIM Thanksgiving Service with reception following, Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church, 4930 W Bellfort Ave.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

St. John's View this page "The Epistle for November 11, 2009"

Click on http://groups.google.com/group/st-johns-presbyterian-church/web/the-epistle-for-november-11-2009
- or copy & paste it into your browser's address bar if that doesn't
work.
--~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~
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
-~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---

Clayton Thomas Memorial Service, Saturday, November 14

The memorial service will begin at 2 pm with a reception to follow in McPhail Hall. All are invited to join with Clayton's relatives from Ohio and California to celebrate his life.

Monday, November 9, 2009

St. John’s November Holiday Schedule

St. John’s office will be closed on Thursday and Friday, November 26 and 27. St. John’s staff wishes everyone a safe, and wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.

Community Thanksgiving Service— Sunday, November 22

Everyone is invited to the Southwest Houston Minister's Association Community Thanksgiving Service at Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church, 4930 West Bellfort at 4 pm. A reception will follow.

St. John's Book Group - November 17

St. John’s Book Group will continuing discussing the book A History of God by British historian Karen Armstrong. Everyone is invited to join the lively discussion in Building II, at 7:30 pm. It is led by Greg Weiher.

Presbyterian Women Program - November 17

The next Presbyterian Women meeting will be Tuesday, November 17. Please gather at St. John’s at 9:15 am, leaving the church at 9:30 am, for a tour of the 1st floor of The Ronald McDonald House (1907 Holcombe Blvd). Houston’s Ronald McDonald House offers a home away from home for families with children who are being treated at Texas Medical Center member institutions for cancer and other serious illnesses.

The tour will return to St. John’s around 11 am for a short business meeting, followed by lunch. If your schedule does not permit you to join the tour, please make plans to come to the monthly meeting and the lunch.

Drivers are needed for this special event. If you can drive, please contact Thalia Bunnell.

Living Gift Market - November 22

St. John’s Living Gift Market serves as a forum to help vulnerable populations and promote sustainability around the world. At this event you will learn about local and international relief efforts as well as find unique handcrafted items — just in time for the holiday season! Delicious homemade soup will be served in McPhail Hall, 12 noon to 2 pm.

Harvest Sunday, November 22

The congregation is invited to celebrate Harvest Sunday by sharing non-perishable food or monetary contributions. Your gift of $1.00 buys $27.00 worth of food at the Houston Food Bank. Please bring your contributions on November 15th and November 22nd. Items may be deposited in the Narthex. Monetary contributions should be noted as "Harvest Sunday." All donations will be given to Braes Interfaith Ministries.

The Living Gift Market

The Living Gift Market
Sunday, November 22 - Noon- 2 pm

Did you know that:

The “Anchor House” received its name because St. John's wanted the apartment to be the patient's home-away-from-home while seeking treatment at the Medical Center. (Church Apartment Ministry).

Appalachia has a population of 21 million people, is the largest subculture in the U.S., and spans 13 states. (Coalition of Appalachian Ministries).

The birthplace of coffee is Ethiopia. (Delicious Peace Coffee).

It only costs $30 to sponsor an orphaned child in Uganda. (Grace International Children’s Foundation).

The Heifer Project has 869 active projects in 53 countries and 27 U.S. states.

The purpose of installing a clean water system, which costs more than $3,000 in hardware, is to disinfect bacteria and remove chlorine-resistant organisms. (Living Waters for the World/Solar Under the Sun).

M.D. Anderson Cancer Center has been eliminating pediatric cancer for more than 60 years.

You can purchase a share of, or an entire procedure for, a medical recipient at the Matthew’s Market booth.

Greg Mortenson built his first school in Pakistan with 62,400 donated pennies. (Pennies for Peace).

About 40% of the children who enter foster homes live stay there until they graduate from high school.. (Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services).

Sudan has a population of more than 40 million people, the dominant language is Arabic, and a north-south war has dominated its history. (Sudanese Community Center).

Ten Thousand Villages works with more than 130 artisan groups in more than 38 countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America to provide fair trade items to consumers in North America.

St. John's Weekly Calendar - November 8 - 15

Sunday, November 8 Stewardship Sunday
9:00 am Church School 10:30 am Worship Service
11:45 am Stewardship Barbecue Dinner 5:00 pm Centering Prayer
5:00 pm Presbyterian Youth Fellowship Meeting

Monday, November 9
5:00 pm Hour of Prayer, Rm. 207
6:30 pm “Walking Together”
7:00 - 8:30 pm Venture Scout Crew 688
7:00 pm Bell Choir

Tuesday, November 10
9:30 am Presbyterian Women’s Activity Day 9:30 am Beacon Assemblers
12:00 pm Staff Meeting
6:30 pm “Stay Strong, Stay Young” 7:30 pm Scout Troop 688

Wednesday, November 11
6:00 pm Wonder Team Sandwiches
7:00 pm Fleece Blankets Work Meeting
7:30 pm Christian Formation Team Meeting

Thursday, November 12
9:00 am – 12:30 pm Community Bible Study
6:00 pm Brownie Troop 21151
6:30 pm “Stay Strong Stay Young” 6:30 pm Fellowship Ministry Meeting
7:30 pm Chancel Choir 7:30 pm Caring, Support and Worship Ministry Meetings

Saturday, November 14
7:00 am Women’s Small Bible Group
9:00 am Presbytery Meeting, St. Paul Presbyterian Church
2:00 pm Clayton Thomas Memorial Service and Reception

Sunday, November 15
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service 12:00 pm Advent Devotional Articles Deadline
5:00 pm Centering Prayer
5:00 pm Presbyterian Youth Fellowship Meeting

St. John's Weekly Reminder, November 8

Wonder Team Sandwich Makers, Wednesday, November 11, 6 pm: Join the fight against children’s hunger by making 300+ sandwiches in McPhail Hall.

Wednesday, November 11, 7 pm: Help tie fleece blankets for the Coalition Against Human Trafficking (CAHT) Christmas presents. The blankets will be given to young women who have been rescued from Houston human traffickers.

Harvest Sunday: The Congregation is invited to celebrate Harvest Sunday by sharing non-perishable food or monetary contributions. (Your gift of $1.00 buys $20.00 worth of food at the Houston Food Bank.) Please bring your contributions on November 15 and November 22. Items may be deposited in the Narthex. Monetary contributions should be noted as “Harvest Sunday.” All donations will be given to Braes Interfaith Ministries.

Clayton Thomas Memorial Service, Saturday, November 14: The memorial service will begin at 2 pm with a reception to follow in McPhail Hall. All are invited to join with Clayton’s relatives from Ohio and California to celebrate his life.

Advent Writers Needed: The Christian Formation Ministry needs writers and artists for the 2009 Advent Booklet. The focus will be on holiday traditions, traditions from the past or traditions of the present. Contact Mary Sterner (mary2d@yahool.com) for more information.

Blood Drive The November blood drive has been re-scheduled for Sunday, December 20: Share the gift of life by donating blood in Building I, 8 am – 12:30 pm. One donation can save four lives!

Bible Study for Everyone Class: The class will shift gears for Advent and will explore the scriptural texts of Handel’s Messiah through the Kerygma series while listening to the musical composition. Everyone is welcome to join this 4-week study beginning November 29.

Start Saving Your Pennies: Make a positive impact on a global scale, one penny at a time. Pennies for Peace gives lasting hope to children in Afghanistan and Pakistan by building schools. Bring your pennies to the Living Gift Market, November 22.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

St. John's View this page "Epistle for November 5, 2009"

Click on http://groups.google.com/group/st-johns-presbyterian-church/web/epistle-for-november-5-2009-epistle-for-november-5
- or copy & paste it into your browser's address bar if that doesn't
work.
--~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~
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
-~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---

Monday, November 2, 2009

This week at St. John's - November 1

Circles, Tuesday, November 3: Circle 1, 9:30 am, Louise Cherry, chair, will meet at the church, Jana Burnham hostess and Circle 2, 9:30 am, Linda Dyson, chair, will meet at the church, Simone Westmoreland and Lydia Schneider hostesses. Night Circle 7:30 pm, Kathleen Captain, chair, will meet at church, Pansy Meyer hostess.

Beacon Newsletter Deadline: Please deliver all Beacon articles for the upcoming November/December 2009 issue to Room 208 or the church office. The last chance to be part of this issue is Sunday, November 8 at 12 noon, if space is still available. Articles are placed as received.

St. John’s Breakfast, Saturday, November 7: Breakfast is served at 8 am and Father Hugh Cullen from St. Thomas More Catholic Church will speak at 8:30 am. If you need a ride, please talk to Linda Dobbin.

Stewardship Dedication Sunday, November 8: Mark your calendar for this very special day. Please bring your pledge card to the worship service, then stay for the catered barbecue dinner from Mikeskas. Tickets, which are $8.00, will be sold at the door.

Name Tag Sunday, November 8: The Evangelism Ministry Team is sponsoring its third Name Tag Sunday. Please stop under the walkway, make your name tag and then greet everyone you meet, using their name.

Living Gift Market: If you interested in finding unique holiday gifts AND alleviating global poverty at the same time, then join us at the Living Gift Market in McPhail Hall on Sunday, November 22, after the worship service.

Clayton Thomas Memorial Service, Saturday, November 14: The memorial service will begin at 2 pm with a reception to follow in McPhail Hall. All are invited to join with Clayton’s relatives from Ohio and California to celebrate his life.

Bible Study for Everyone class will shift gears for Advent and will explore the scriptural texts of Handel’s Messiah through Kerygma series while listening to the musical composition. Everyone is welcome to join this 4-week study beginning November 29.

This Week at St. John’s - November 1 - 8

Sunday, November 1
9:00 am Church School10:30 am Worship Service
1:00 – 4:00 pm Crop Walk; Presbyterian Youth Fellowship
5:00 pm Centering PrayerMonday, November 2
5:00 pm Hour of Prayer, Rm. 207
6:30 pm “Walking Together”
7:00 - 8:30 pm Venture Scout Crew 688
7:00 pm Bell Choir
7:00 pm Evangelism Team Meeting

Tuesday, November 3
9:30 am Circles 1 and 2
11:30 am – 1:30 pm Brown Bag Luncheon: Special Education Advocacy
Ministry, Rm. 20912:00 pm Staff Meeting
6:30 pm “Stay Strong, Stay Young” 7:30 pm Scout Troop 688
7:30 pm Evening Circle

Wednesday, November 4
7:00 – 9:00 pm Elder Training, Room 205

Thursday, November 5
9:00 am – 12:30 pm Community Bible Study
6:30 pm “Stay Strong Stay Young” followed by “Walking Together”
7:30 pm Chancel Choir

Saturday, November 7
7:00 am Women’s Small Bible Group (New Time)
8:00 am St. John’s Breakfast
8:00 am – 12:00 pm Westbury Civic Club Rummage Sale at Westbury United
Methodist Church may use our parking lot
9:00 – 10:30am Daisy (Girl Scout) Troop 21174

Sunday, November 8 – Name Tag Sunday - Beacon deadline
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
11:45 am Stewardship Barbecue Dinner
5:00 pm Centering Prayer
5:00 pm Presbyterian Youth Fellowship Meeting

Living Gift Market: Sunday November 22

Join us from noon to 2 pm on Sunday, November 22, when St. John’s Mission Ministry Team hosts its annual Living Gift Market in McPhail Hall. A St. John’s tradition since 1989, the Market serves as a forum to help vulnerable populations and promote sustainability around the world. From wooden games and sweaters to Christmas cards and coffee, holiday shoppers will certainly find the perfect gift for that special someone.

Make sure you mark this day on your calendar!

If you are interested in wandering the Web to learn more about organizations that will be attending the Living Gift Market, here are some good places to start:

- Coalition of Appalachian Ministries: http://www.appalachianministry.org
- Delicious Peace Coffee: http://www.mirembekawomera.com
- Grace International Children’s Foundation: http://www.ugandaorphans.org
- Heifer Project: http://www.heifer.org
- Living Waters for the World: http://www.livingwatersfortheworld.org
- M.D. Anderson: http://www.mdanderson.org
- Pennies for Peace: http://www.penniesforpeace.org
- Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services: http://www.pchtx.org
- Ten Thousand Villages: http://www.tenthousandvillages.org

Other booths in attendance will include Matthew’s Market, Solar under the Sun, the Church Apartment Ministry, Mission Ministry Team and Sudanese Community Center.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

St. John's View this page "Epistle for October 28, 2009"

Click on http://groups.google.com/group/st-johns-presbyterian-church/web/epistle-for-october-28-2009
- or copy & paste it into your browser's address bar if that doesn't
work.
--~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~
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
-~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---

Living Gift Market: Sunday, November 22

Join us from noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday, November 22, when St. John's Mission Ministry Team hosts its annual Living Gift Market in McPhail Hall. A St. John's tradition since 1989, the Market serves as a forum to help vulnerable populations and promote sustainability around the world. From wooden games and sweaters to Christmas cards and coffee, holiday shoppers will certainly find the perfect gift for that special someone.

Make sure you mark this day on your calendar!

If you are interested in wandering the Web to learn more about organizations that will be attending the Living Gift Market, here are some good places to start:

Coalition of Appalachian Ministries: http://www.appalachianministry.org

Delicious Peace Coffee: http://www.mirembekawomera.com

Grace International Children's Foundation:http://www.ugandaorphans.org

Heifer Project: http://www.heifer.org

Living Waters for the World: http://www.livingwatersfortheworld.org

M.D. Anderson: http://www.mdanderson.org

Pennies for Peace: http://www.penniesforpeace.org

Presbyterian Children's Homes and Services: http://www.pchtx.org

Ten Thousand Villages: http://www.tenthousandvillages.org

Other booths in attendance will include Matthew's Market, the Church Apartment Ministry, and Mission Ministry Team.

Jon's Jots for October 2009

One early morning I was standing outside by the bell tower when the water sprinkler system came on. It made a loud noise that caught my attention and it took me a minute to figure out it was the sprinkler system. There was a lot of noise but not much water coming out. As I watched the noise increased and so did the water. The noise got louder and louder and sounded something like a jet engine starting up. I've never heard a sprinkler system make so much noise! The water that was coming out was nothing in comparison to the noise being emitted. In fact, some of the water seemed to be spraying onto the sidewalk instead of on the water where it should have been spraying. I thought to myself, "Oh great, now the sprinkler system is broken. I'll have to call Bob to come look at it." Since it was so early in the morning I decided to wait before I phoned him and in the meantime I went on my way.

About half an hour later I returned to the quad to see how the sprinkler system was doing. It was still extremely loud and water was still coming out of just a few sprinklers. Then a miracle unfolded before my eyes! As I watched and listened, another sprinkler clear across the quad made a hissing sound and started spewing water. Then another sprinkler on the other side of the quad did the same thing. Within a few minutes, several sprinklers were hissing and spewing water all over the quad. Now all the grass was being watered and the first sprinklers were still spewing water but they were no longer making as much noise. I realized then that the sprinkler system was not broken at all. This is just how it worked. At first a few sprinklers came on and made a loud noise and continued to do so until the water pressure finally equaled out and the other sprinklers started spraying. When functioning as intended, when fully on and working, many sprinklers were spraying lots of water and all the grass was being nourished.

This true story is a parable of what has been going on at the church lately. After ten years without stable pastoral leadership, St. John's leadership is beginning to be turned on again. This is not to say the leadership has not been working for the past ten years. Indeed, the leadership has been working very well for the past ten years. But now the leadership is facing a new challenge of how to incorporate a pastor into the leadership of the church. This presents a challenge because it is a different way of doing things. As we turn on this new system of leadership at St. John's, a few leaders have been making a lot of noise and spraying a lot of water while other leaders have been silent, perhaps waiting for the water pressure to get to them so they may begin spewing and spraying too. This is a natural process when a new pastor enters into a close knit working group such as we have at St. John's. Because adjusting to a new system of leadership is noisy and difficult, it may seem like the system is broken.

Just to make sure that something was not broken the session called in a few experts to examine the leadership system and give us their opinion. That is what we did at the FastTrac event on September 26. After examining the system, the experts suggested we make a few adjustments but that overall our system is not broken, it is just going through the process of adjusting to new pastoral leadership. Things will stabilize and quieten down and become more effective in time even as the church sprinkler system did in the parable above. As our leadership gets accustomed to working with a pastor more people will be heard and included and everyone will get watered by the Spirit. Then we may all continue to grow in the fruits of the Spirit: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, and self control. I appreciate the opportunity to serve as your pastor. I acknowledge that change is difficult and adjusting to a long term pastoral relationship is something this church has not done in many years. The leadership and I are learning how to work together and the congregation will benefit from this relationship.

FastTrac Report

SUMMARY NOTES

IN-PROCESS REVIEW OF MINISTRY

ST. JOHN’S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, HOUSTON, TX

SEPTEMBER 26, 2009

Members of Session, Pastor Jon Burnham, and members of the Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC) participated in a Transition Workshop on Saturday, May 2, 2009. This workshop was adapted from the FastTrac Workshop which is offered three to six months into a new ministry. Pastor Burnham has served St. John’s as pastor for two years – hence the adaptation to an in-process review of the ministry of the church.

Facilitators for this event, sponsored by the Committee on Ministry (COM) of the Presbytery of New Covenant, were The Reverend Diane K. Prevary and Elder Jim Bushong, a member of First Presbyterian Church, Huntsville, TX. The primary purpose of this workshop was to assist the pastor and session to identify expectations of the PNC and pastor as he began this ministry, and of the session as the ministry has progressed, informed by the observations of the PNC, who represented the congregation in the search for a pastor. After introductions, D. Prevary read and led a time of reflection on The Word (from Numbers, Chapter 11), followed by an explanation of the process by J. Bushong.

The larger group then divided into two smaller groups. Jim Bushong stayed with the session and Diane Prevary met with the PNC and Pastor. The published agenda for the day included the following questions, for which the responses of the PNC and Pastor are recorded below. The input from the session will follow this information.

How did you describe the ministry of St. John’s during your search. What did you tell Jon were the leadership skills needed to support the ministry of your church?

1. Documented in the Church Information Form (CIF) and a part of

conversation between Jon and the PNC was the description of St. John’s as an “outreach” church. A significant portion of the church’s ministry occurs outside the quadrangle on which the buildings sit. In seeking a pastor to support this ministry, the PNC was struck by Jon’s commitment to social justice and mission, as articulated in his Personal Information Form (PIF).

The need for pastoral care was discussed by the PNC with Jon early on. Given the many pastoral changes over the preceding seven years, it was particularly important that the new pastor get to know the congregation and to be the presence of the church in their lives during emergencies and/or personal crisis. Less clear was whether general visitation would be a priority in the church’s ministry. Is there a segment of the congregation who would like the pastor to visit just to visit? This is yet to be explored.

The particular leadership skills the PNC sought to support the ministry of St. John’s, were:

preaching that inspires and challenges; strong over-all worship leadership;

administrative skills requisite to function as head-of-staff;

ability to develop leadership among members of the church;

energy and creativity to strengthen St. John’s ministry;

to be a discerning agent of change;

gifts to nurture spiritual development.

Specifically mentioned as results of putting these skills into action were the preaching and worship services; the way Jon stepped up when changes were necessary early-on in his ministry (session restructuring); and opportunities for spiritual development through centering prayer, support groups and the weekly prayer group.

How was the process for dividing and assigning the responsibilities for St. John’s ministries described in discussion between the PNC and Jon? How is that working in practice? What could improve your church’s leadership?

Session was downsized immediately prior to Jon’s arrival, but no realignment was in place for how responsibilities would be carried out by a smaller session. Within 2 months of arrival, Jon was asked/directed by the session to design a process for restructuring session’s tasks/assignments. The result was the establishment of Ministry Teams, for which it would not be necessary for an elder to be “in charge.” Overall, this has not been viewed as an effective model and in January 2010 session will be increased to 15, committees will become the norm, and elders will be assigned to each committee.

Leader training is essentially through participation on ministry teams/committees. There is no formal plan for leader development, although an extensive officer training event was conducted for incoming elders last year and was well received by those participating.

The initiative to change the size of session was a recommendation coming out of the Acts 16:5 strategy. Some of the recommendations of the Acts 16:5 Task Force were adopted by session, some were not. The major points adopted became the goals for ministry that were communicated through the CIF. They are:

Develop more effective servant leaders: The more members capable of leading ministries, the greater will be the congregation’s ability to reach and serve the greater community.

Create worship experiences that nurture personal spiritual growth: The worship service is the primary activity that connects the congregation to God and helps the congregation grow as disciples. It is also the activity which is the key to recruiting nd retaining new members.

Strengthen relationships so that people feel connected to God and to each other: Welcoming ministries for prospective members and small group/caring opportunities for the congregation help connect each to one another.

Encourage all ministries at St. John’s to be “missional” and reach out into the greater community: The mission of the church must be to meet the needs of people outside the church community if we are to draw the unchurched to Jesus Christ and to St. John’s.

It is not known how widely the above goals are known in the congregation, however, or even by the current session. There was no support system put in place to see the Acts 16:5 recommendations through to completion.

Overall, there is a need for a process that allows new ideas to be floated and evaluated for implementation. The church needs to cast a vision for the future.

Generally there appears to be suspicion of new ideas, or at the very least a lack of trust of those who would implement new ideas.

What are the three most pressing challenges for your church’s ministry?

Change: how much can we handle/stand; who leads it; are we willing to entertain any?

Leadership: who is in charge? Session/minister/combination of both/“First Families”?? How can we more equally share decision-making and trust decisions that are made?

Scabs which continue to be picked: Lynn Hargrove’s resignation; presence of Ghanaian Church (see note under “Further Recommendations”); session restructure.

Trust: how do we build?

The questions that guided the session discussion were in close parallel to those directed to the PNC and the pastor. They were:

What are the three most successful ministries your church brings to your community? How is each carried out?

Our various outreach projects (beyond the specific ministry team); e.g., blood drive, VBS, Living Gift, local and global outreach, Anchor House, community Bible study, providing home for Ghanaian NCD, facilities ministry, Presbyterian Women, Caring Committee’s ministry, Music ministry, Welcoming and inclusive ministry

Ministry responsibilities are carried out along traditional lines. Most of the activities listed above have been a part of the St John’s ministry for a number of years. They are run by members of the congregation who have been dedicated to them for some time. Leadership for most activities is developed from among the other members who work in each area. Oversight by session committees is not considered necessary unless issues arise or new challenges are identified.

How are the responsibilities for St. John’s ministries divided and assigned? How does that work in practice? What could improve your leadership?

The tradition based leadership style noted above makes additional leader designation only necessary when new projects are undertaken. Given the circumstances of the pastoral leadership of this church for the past 10 years the congregation has developed a strong, almost self-sufficient lay leadership tradition. This was noted with pardonable pride by session members who attribute their survival as a viable congregation with their ability to unite under stress and work toward the common goal of carrying out their ministry to the community and each other. At the same time it was noted that this “unity under stress” causes potential conflict issues to be brushed aside in the busy-ness of accomplishing ongoing ministry activities.

From session comments it was evident that they receive and give much to their ministry to community and each other and that the work of the church continues to be successful.

The session focused immediately on issues in pastoral leadership when asked to respond to the third question in this category. There are mixed opinions about the effectiveness of pastoral leadership and about worship at St John’s. Everyone sees Jon’s effectiveness as being diminished by his attempts to accommodate competing demands for his time and talents. There was general acknowledgement that he has changed his preaching style in response to feedback he has received. There is a sense that he is reluctant to be open and genuine with the congregation and most attribute that to the criticism he has received in attempting to establish changes to past operational norms. When asked about session’s involvement in giving feedback to the pastor it was noted that the personnel committee had conducted an annual review survey of the session and had passed the data along to Jon at a formal meeting. There is a perception among many of the session members that Jon does not respond to feedback appropriately. There is an equally strong sense that they have not really been able to get to know Jon as a person, but rather someone that he is trying to become in response to criticisms and recommendations.

What are the three most pressing challenges for your church’s ministry?

Without exception the session sees issues related to the congregation’s acceptance of Jon as pastor as the most significant challenge to its continued successful ministry.

OBSERVATIONS FROM FACILITATORS

Introduction

This event was planned in direct response to a recommendation by a member of the Committee on Ministry who made a Triennial Visit to the St. John’s session on behalf of COM. There appeared to be an inordinate amount of conflict between some members of session and the pastor that the COM member believed both parties needed some time to reflect on their roles and responsibilities, as well as their shared relationship. Pastor Jon Burnham contacted Diane Prevary and asked if she and Jim Bushong could be available to lead a FastTrac event. Given the focus of FastTrac is to encourage a healthy start to a new ministry, Prevary and Bushong agreed to adapt that workshop to be a in-process review of St. John’s ministry.

History

St. John’s has had a very difficult history over the past 10 years. In that time there have been seven pastors, including installed, interim and the current installed pastor. They have lived in an almost constant state of transition – of flux.

Observations

Jon entered the life of this church under extreme circumstances. He was in essence attempting to join in the leadership of an in-tact work group; i.e., a group that had worked, suffered, lived and succeeded with intermittent pastoral leadership to a point that they have developed a strong, successful lay-leadership core and tradition. Either the PNC, being a part of that core, saw no particular need to emphasize that aspect of the congregation in their communication with Jon or he did not perceive that as any different from any other church. Any pastor entering this situation would have had a difficult transition. Owing to the history of the church the issues of acceptance and inclusion that are experienced at most churches were and are much more intense at St John’s.

The very attributes and strengths that the congregation possesses are working most strongly against Jon being included as a full partner in its ministry. Communications between and among the lay leadership are clear and active. They frequently do not include Jon. As a point of illustration, one of the issues raised in the session time was an incident that occurred around the death of a church member. It seems the family left a message for Jon when the death occurred (Friday). Jon did not get the message until the next day and contacted the family immediately. He was told that the family had made plans for the next day (Sunday) and so he arranged to call on them on Monday. Session members reported that Jon was unavailable to call on Friday as it was his day off and that his conduct in contacting the family and the subsequent delay in visiting was inexcusable. When asked how the family members of the deceased felt about this, session members reported they were fine with the situation. It was clear, however, that several session members and, by report, other congregation members are still extremely upset by this and judge Jon negatively by that incident. When asked if any session member had brought this to Jon’s attention it was apparent that they had not. When asked about this incident later, Jon was surprised and indicated that he was unaware that this was an issue with anyone. In this case their strong sense of caring for each other is operating to foster a perception of lack of caring and insensitivity where none exists.

The dedication to the strong traditional ministries to the community by this congregation is evident and provides a reason for existence. How the church is moving into the future is less clear. The CIF notes and the PNC and Jon substantiate that the Acts 16:5 initiatives, noted above, are advertised as the foundation of the vision for the church. Some session members acknowledge that a previous session had approved them and their inclusion in the CIF. When new (first year) session members were queried about them they were unaware they existed. This gap between the published vision and reality may account for the lack of success in session reorganization. The new structure was designed to support efforts that were anticipated but never pursued.

Recommendations

Although it seems strange to note after two years, it is clear that Jon and the session must be given the opportunity to get to know each other in relationship to their shared leadership of the ministry of this congregation. The congregation will be electing a new session members to be installed in January. This will provide a benchmark that will allow such a re-introduction to occur. In the meantime, both Jon and the current session members can recognize the disconnects in their relationship and work together to communicate more effectively and completely.

The facilitation team recommends further:

a. that the new session( 2010) schedules a facilitated transition to leadership and planning event focused on achieving a shared vision of the future ministry of the church.

b. that a time be set aside at each session meeting for sharing “concerns of the church.”

The objective of such a time is to allow session members to share what they are hearing and make decisions about when and by whom a response is appropriate.

c. that the session develops and implements a process for leadership development.

FURTHER RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY

Our experience with the leadership at St. John’s compels us to make the following recommendations to COM

a. require the leadership of churches entering new pastoral relationships to participate in FastTrac and make this requirement a part of the Pastoral Call information as the call is being negotiated.

b. ensure that Triennial Visits are always conducted by a team of at least two persons representing COM.

c. strongly urge New Church Development Ministries to develop and publish guidelines for the relationship of nesting congregations with established churches. A significant amount of the current conflict at St. John’s is related to expectations surrounding the presence of the Ghanaian congregation. No one on session seems quite sure what they are permitted to expect and/or require of the nesting congregation, and have found NCD unhelpful in this arena. An added dimension to this situation is the cultural difference(s) between the two congregations and a feeling that there is no where to turn for help in sorting through these differences in order to build a good relationship.

Diane Prevary

Jim Bushong

September 26, 2009

Monday, December 28, 2009

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