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
