St. John's Presbyterian Church - Memorial Service for Ann Quiser in the sanctuary at 3 pm this Wednesday - February 2, 2011

Our sympathy and prayers are with the family of Ardell Stimson upon the death of her mother, Ann Quiser. A memorial service for Ann will be held in the sanctuary at 3 pm this Wednesday, February 2, 2011, with a reception to follow in McPhail Hall. The family invites all who are able to attend.

Ann Sivia Kumala Quiser, age 96, died Wednesday, January 27, 2011 at Holly Hall Christian Retirement Community in Houston, Texas. She had been a resident of Holly Hall Christian Retirement Community for ten years, eight months and twenty-seven days. She died one day short of her ninety-seventh birth. Ann was born in Virginia, Minnesota on 1-28-1914 to Axel and Susanna Kumala. She married George Quiser in 1931.

She is survived by a daughter, Ardell Stimson, Houston, Texas and a son, David Quiser of Cook, Minnesota. She was preceded in death by her son Myron and his wife Lorna, and three brothers and two sisters. She has eight grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren.

Ann took pleasure in her Finnish heritage and the ability to speak, write and read this difficult language and made several trips to Finland to connect with her Finnish roots.

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to throw away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)

--
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 Presbyterian Church - Memorial Service for Ann Quiser in the sanctuary at 3 pm this Wednesday - February 2, 2011

SOUPER BOWL OF CARING - FEB. 6

Stone Soup ingredients are needed
for Souper Bowl Sunday, February 6.

Please bring your favorite soup ingredient to the kitchen before the
service. It will be added to the broth.

SOUPER BOWL OF CARING - FEB. 6

St. John's Circles Meet Tuesday February 8

A circle is
● Where faith is nurtured and growth takes place through worship, study, friendship and outreach

● Where Christian leadership is born and nurtured.

St. John’s 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. Locations will be announced in the Sunday morning bulletin January 30, or call the church office (713-723-6262). The study is Lesson 6, Revelation 12. All women are invited to attend the circle meeting of their choice.

St. John's Circles Meet Tuesday February 8

St. John's Weekly Calendar, January 30-February 6

Sunday, January 30
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
11:45 am Congregational/Corporation Meeting, Sanctuary
5:00 pm Presbyterian Youth Fellowship Meeting: We will watch and review the Simpson’s episode “Missionary Impossible. What is our Mission?” For questions about PYF please call or email Mary Sterner (713)723-6262 mary2d@yahoo.com
5:00 pm Centering Prayer

Monday, January 31
6:30 pm “Walking Together”
7:00 pm Bell Choir

Tuesday, February 1
9:30 am Presbyterian Women’s 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, February 2
7:30 pm Caring Committee

Thursday, February 3
8:00 am – 12:00 pm Community Bible Study
6:30 pm “Stay Young, Stay Strong”
7:30 pm Chancel Choir

Friday, February 4

Saturday, February 5
8:00 am Women’s Bible Small Group
8:00 am St. John’s Breakfast

Sunday, February 6
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
11:45 am SouperBowl of Caring, McPhail Hall
11:45 am Presbyterian Youth Fellowship: Souper Bowl of Caring
5:00 pm Centering Prayer

St. John's Weekly Calendar, January 30-February 6

St. John's Weekly Reminders, January 31

Fire Alarm Testing: At the end of today’s Congregational Meeting the fire alarm will be activated. Please note, it is very, very loud.

St. John’s Meeting of the Congregation today. We will hold our annual meeting immediately following worship.

Circles, Tuesday February 1: Circle 1, 9:30 am, Louise Cherry, chair, will meet at the church and Betty Nelson will be hostess; 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 and Shelia Johnson will be hostess.

Hear ye! Hear ye!! The February 5 St. John's Breakfast is coming soon! Breakfast is at 8:00 am, followed by our speaker, Mr. George Gaston, new CEO of Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital, at 8:30 am. Bring a friend or two.

Chefs Needed: Soup makers are needed for Souper Bowl Sunday, February 6. Please see Mary Sterner to volunteer.

Need a Large Print Hymnal? St. John’s has large print hymnals which are available from our ushers for the Sunday morning service.

Blood Drive, Sunday February 27: Help save lives!

Session Highlights: Your Session met on Saturday, January 19.
● Elected Kathleeen Captain as Treasurer and Mary Herlitz as Clerk of Session
● Elected Libby Adams, Bill Ehrenstrom and Kathie Hartzog to the 2011
Nominating Committee
● Elected Tad Mulder to a 3-year term as Trustee, class of 2013
● Elected David Wintersgill and Phyllis Freeman as Commissioners for the February Presbytery Meeting
● Session received the resignation of Max Kattner and began the necessary steps to fill the vacancy in the Class of 2012.
● Session will meet on the 2nd Wednesday of the month.
● Communion will be served the first Sunday of each month plus Ash Wednesday.
● Anointing for healing services will be held on the fifth Sunday.

St. John's Weekly Reminders, January 31

Spanish Speakers Needed!

Partners in Educational Advocacy, a ministry of St. John's, partners with economically at-risk families in the special education process through advocacy and parent education. We train volunteers to serve as advocates for parents and children navigating the special education process in the public schools. Many of our families are Spanish speaking only - and we desperately need advocates who can work with these families.
Requirements:  Heart for serving people in poverty and developing relationships.  Strong Spanish speaking skills.  All training in the special education process will be provided through the ministry. Please contact Suzette Harrel, suzharrel@comcast.net or 713-501-4703, if you or anyone you know might be interested in finding out more about this opportunity.

Spanish Speakers Needed!

St. John's Epistle for January 27, 2011

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

We had a good All Committee Day and first Session meeting last Saturday. We focused on Reggie McNeal's book Missional Renaissance. The committees are off to a good start under the able leadership of these Elders:

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: David Wintersgill
Worship: Jeanne Leach; Sean Coughlen

Here is a highlight of our first Session meeting, which was compiled by our Clerk to Session, Mary Herlitz:

● Elected Kathleeen Captain as Treasurer
● Elected Mary Herlitz as Clerk to Session
● Elected Libby Adams, Bill Ehrenstrom and Kathie Hartzog to the 2011 Nominating Committee
● Elected Tad Mulder to a 3-year-term as Trustee, class of 2013
● Elected David Wintersgill and Phyllis Freeman as Commissioners
for the February 5, Presbytery Meeting.
● Session received the resignation of Max Kattner and began the necessary steps to fill the vacancy in the Class of 2012.
● Session will meet on the 2nd Wednesday of the month.
● Communion will be served the first Sunday of each month plus Ash Wednesday (March 9.)
● Anointing for healing services will be held on the fifth Sunday.

Our Annual Congregational Meeting is this Sunday during worship. While printed copies will be available this Sunday you may preview the reports online by pointing your browser here. The financial statements and budget are not available in the online report but will be available in printed form this Sunday. In addition, the Nominating Committee will recommend Mike Alexander to fill the unexpired term of Max Kattner who has resigned from the Session due to ongoing problems with his back.

St. John's team of youth and adults will be traveling to Guatemala with the organization Presgov. They will be working in San Jose el Idolo, a community outside the town of Mazatenango, working with a local youth group on projects such as painting and helping with a manse that is under construction. Work days will be June 7-9, and June 10 will be a day for sightseeing in Guatemala City. Our group will be staying in a hotel in Mazatenango. Participants must be 14 and up, have updated vaccinations, and have a valid passport. For information you may contact Mary Sterner.

Last Saturday 14 of our youth members and friends participated in a "Lock-In" at the church from 9 pm until 9 am. The youth had a great experience and appreciate the leadership of Mary Sterner and their youth group advisors, Aaron Jacobsen and David Nelson for their time and dedication.

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 27, 2011

Braes Interfaith Ministries Appraisal Day - February 25

Got treasures?

Find out their value at
Braes Resale and Consignment Shop’s Appraisal Day
Friday, Feb. 25, 2011
11 am—2 pm

Appraisals of your items made by experienced antique dealers

• Maximum of 3 items per person for appraisal
• No framed art, dolls/toys
or furniture
• $3 per item donation to
the shop requested

Braes Resale and Consignment Shop
10319 South Post Oak, Houston 77035
Ph: 713-728-0024

Braes Interfaith Ministries Appraisal Day - February 25

St. John’s Breakfast -Saturday, February 5

Come at 8 am for breakfast and fellowship. At 8:30 am our featured guest George Gaston, new C.E.O. of Memorial Hermann Hospital Southwest, will get us updated on new hospital facilities at Southwest. Come learn about the changes.

St. John’s Breakfast -Saturday, February 5

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

Join A Committee

Which committee are you serving on to help St. John’s fulfill its mission to the people of Houston?

It is not too late to join a committee. Call the elder who chairs the area you are interested in and ask, “what can I do to help?” There is no retirement age in God’s Kingdom, so all are welcome. Serving on a committee is a good way to get to know the members of your church family.

Introducing our 2011 Session
Moderator: Jon Burnham
Clerk to Session: Mary Herlitz
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: David Wintersgill
Worship: Jeanne Leach; Sean Coughlen

Join A Committee

Clerk's Corner

Your Session met on Saturday, January 19. The first meeting always requires certain housekeeping tasks:

● Elected Kathleeen Captain as Treasurer

● Elected Mary Herlitz as Clerk to Session

● Elected Libby Adams, Bill Ehrenstrom and Kathie Hartzog to the
2011 Nominating Committee

● Elected Tad Mulder to a 3-year-term as Trustee, class of 2013

● Elected David Wintersgill and Phyllis Freeman as Commissioners
for the February 5, Presbytery Meeting.

● Session received the resignation of Max Kattner and began the
necessary steps to fill the vacancy in the Class of 2012.

● Session will meet on the 2nd Wednesday of the month.

● Communion will be served the first Sunday of each month plus
Ash Wednesday (March 9.

● Anointing for healing services will be held on the fifth Sunday.

Clerk's Corner

Vacation Bible School: June 26-30

Vacation Bible School
June 26 - 30, 2011

Volunteers will be needed to
teach and work in the kitchen.

Vacation Bible School: June 26-30

Mission Trip to Guatemala— June 6-11, 2011

St. John’s team of youth and adults will be traveling to Guatemala with the organization Presgov. We will be working in San Jose el Idolo, a community outside the town of Mazatenango. We will be working alongside a local youth group on projects such as painting and helping with a manse that is under construction.

Work days will be June 7-9, and June 10 will be a day for sightseeing in Guatemala City. Our group will be staying in a hotel in Mazatenango. Participants must be 14 and up, have updated vaccinations, and have a valid passport. For information please contact Mary Sterner at mary2d@yahoo.com.

Mission Trip to Guatemala— June 6-11, 2011

Presbyterian Youth Calendar

Presbyterian Youth Fellowship (PYF) meets on Sundays at 5 pm. All youth (grades 6-12) are welcome.

February 6: Meet after Church, Souper Bowl of Caring

February 13: 5-6:30 pm, Biblical Feasting—A combination of hearing the Word and experiencing the hospitality of the Bible. Join us as we prepare a meal of Biblical proportions!

February 20: 5-6:30 pm, Simpson’s Bible Study—We will watch and review the Simpson’s episode “Faith Off.” What does this episode have to do with spiritual healing?

February 27: 5-6:30 pm, Balloon Rodeo—Join us for PYF’s version of the rodeo, balloon rodeo games (barrel racing, balloon lasso, and more!)

Presbyterian Youth Calendar

St. John’s Circles — Tuesday, February 2

A circle is
● Where faith is nurtured and growth takes place through worship, study, friendship and outreach

● Where Christian leadership is born and nurtured.

St. John’s 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. Locations will be announced in the Sunday morning bulletin January 30, or call the church office (713-723-6262). The study is Lesson 6, Revelation 12. All women are invited to attend the circle meeting of their choice.

St. John’s Circles — Tuesday, February 2

Presbyterian Youth Fellowship Lock-in Review

On January 22-23, PYF members participated in a Lock-in, based on the movie Despicable Me. We began the night by playing games. We played Minion Tag (when tagged players had to walk like minions from the movie) and Find the Minion (a reverse Hide and Seek.) We also played team/group building games such as Fly Me to the Moon (teams built paper space ships and shot them at a moon target) and Build a Miniature Landmark (team players were blindfolded, except for one person, who directed the blindfolded players to build a replica of a landmark made from foods like pretzel sticks and gum drops.) After game time we made “Robot Cookies” for our movie snack. We watched Despicable Me and had a Bible study and question/answer time during which we discussed what happens when people pray and how we deal with fairness. Following the movie we had a late night worship time. After worship it was sleep time…as if anyone went to sleep! At 7 am everyone was woken up for clean up and breakfast. It was a super fun time together!

Presbyterian Youth Fellowship Lock-in Review

Souper Bowl of Caring— Sunday, February 6

St. John’s youth invite everyone to participate in the Souper Bowl of Caring, a youth-led movement to fight hunger and poverty.
The Souper Bowl of Caring was created from a single prayer: “Lord, even as we enjoy the Super Bowl football game, help us to be mindful of those who are without a bowl of soup to eat.” The Rev. Brad Smith spoke these words as a seminary intern at Spring Valley

Presbyterian Church, Columbia, South Carolina in 1990. In 1990, 22 churches participated and collected $5,700 for local food relief agencies. In 2010, 13,052 groups participated and collected $10, 236, 494. St. John’s was one of those groups!
St. John’s vision is that each person attending church on Souper Bowl Sunday will contribute $1.00, but larger gifts will be accepted. In addition to taking a collection, the youth will be serving soup in McPhail Hall. One of the soups will be a “stone soup” created from donated items from the congregation. Bring your favorite fresh or canned ingredient to the kitchen before church to be added to our vegetable stock.

All proceeds from the collection and the soup donations (and any left over canned ingredients) will be directed to Braes Interfaith Ministries (BIM).

Souper Bowl of Caring— Sunday, February 6

St. John's Weekly Reminder, January 23

St. John’s Meeting of the Congregation, January 30: We will hold our annual meeting immediately following Worship.

Hear ye! Hear ye!! The February 5 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.

Presbyterian Youth Fellowship, February 6: After Church: Participate in the Souper Bowl of Caring. For questions about PYF, please call or email Mary Sterner (713)723-6262, mary2d@yahoo.com

Chefs Needed: Soup Makers are needed for Souper Bowl Sunday, February 6. Please see Mary Sterner to volunteer.

Blood Drive Dates: St. John’s will host five Sunday blood drives: 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!

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.

Need a Large Print Hymnal? St. John’s has large print hymnals which are available from our ushers for Sunday morning services.

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 on 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 every $l.00 you contribute.

St. John's Weekly Reminder, January 23

SOUPERBOWL OF CARING - FEB. 6

Stone Soup ingredients are needed
for Souper Bowl Sunday, February 6.

Please bring your favorite soup ingredient to the kitchen before the
service. It will be added to the broth.

SOUPERBOWL OF CARING - FEB. 6

St. John's Calendar, January 23 - 30

Sunday, January 23 – Beacon deadline
9:00 am Church School
9:00 am Presbyterian Youth Fellowship lock-in to end
10:30 am Worship Service
5:00 pm No Presbyterian Youth Fellowship Meeting
5:00 pm Centering Prayer

Monday, January 24
6:30 pm “Walking Together”
7:00 pm Bell Choir

Tuesday, January 25
9:30 am Presbyterian Women’s Board Meeting
9:30 am Presbyterian Women’s Activity Day
10:30 am Bible Study Leaders Meeting with Mary Sterner
12:00 pm Beacon Assemblers, Room 205
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 26
10:30 am Holly Hall Book Review, St. Luke’s United Methodist
6:00 pm “Wonder Team Sandwich Makers,” McPhail Hall

Thursday, January 27
8:00 am – 12:00 pm Community Bible Study
6:30 pm “Stay Young, Stay Strong”
7:30 pm Chancel Choir

Friday, January 28

Saturday, January 29
8:00 am Women’s Bible Small Group

Sunday, January 30
Congregational Meeting
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service, followed by Congregational Meeting, Sanctuary
5:00 pm Centering Prayer
5:00 pm Presbyterian Youth Fellowship Meeting

St. John's Calendar, January 23 - 30

Braes Interfaith Ministries Appraisal Day

Got treasures?
Find out their value at

Braes Resale and Consignment Shop’s
Appraisal Day

Friday, Feb. 25, 2011
11 am—2 pm


Appraisals of your items made by
experienced antique dealers

• Maximum of 3 items per person for appraisal
• No framed art, dolls/toys or furniture
• $3 per item donation to the shop requested


Braes Resale and Consignment Shop
10319 South Post Oak, Houston 77035
Ph: 713-728-0024

Braes Interfaith Ministries Appraisal Day

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

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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 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