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
