Dear church members and friends of St. John's,
This is a big weekend with the Final Four basketball tournament in Houston. We look forward to showing hospitality to many guests who will be in the city.
This is also a big weekend at St. John's as we welcome Houston Mayor Annise Parker. The mayor will talk about the the state of the city and answer questions from the audience this Saturday, April 2. Breakfast is served at 8:00 am and the mayor begins at 8:30 am. You may bring guests to this free event. Invite your friends and neighbors.
Allen Barnhill and his trombone students from the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University presented a free concert in our sanctuary last Tuesday evening. It was a well attended event with beautiful music. Our own Alina accompanied the trombonists. Thanks to Allen and Mark for making this happen.
During the Lenten season you are invited to partake in a contemplative Christian experience called "Stations of the Cross" that is provided by our Christian Education Committee in the sanctuary at certain times and days. Stations 1-10 are available in the sanctuary on Sunday, April 3, 4:30-6:30 pm ; Tuesday, April 5, 8-9:30 am; and Wednesday, April 6, 6-7:30 pm. Enter the sanctuary's narthex in silence and follow the directions posted for and at each different station or you may speak to Mary Sterner if you want the Stations of the Cross journal to use at home.
Three weeks from now on April 21 we mark Holy Week with a Maundy Thursday Service including a celebration of the Lord's Supper and a Tenebrae (dimming of the lights) Service. This is a tremendous opportunity to get in touch with the power of Holy Week. Then on Good Friday we will join with Salem Lutheran in their Tre Hour (Three Hour) Service at which several area pastors will participate including me as I will present a meditation on the last words of Christ on the cross, "Father, into your hands ..."
Let's remember the hungry during Lent. In February BIM (Braes Interfaith Ministries) food pantry served 650 clients (253 children and 407 adults). The food pantry was established 27 years ago. It is located at 4300 West Bellfort, and volunteers distribute food on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
April 1 (April Fools Day) is your last chance to sign up for April 9 PW Spring Gathering at St. John's. For $15 you will be treated to continental breakfast and lunch and may choose two of the following workshops: Ordinary Me…Extraordinary God…, A History of Gospel Music, Reading the Bible with Presbyterian Eyes, The Beatitudes, Living with Conflict in the Church, Something SMORE for Single Moms, Voices in the Book of Psalms, and What the Bible Says about the Holy Spirit. There will be a business meeting and worship service including communion. Registration forms are in the church office. Contact Elaine DeSouza if you have any questions.
The children's choir is practicing for 30 minutes in the Exercise Room (Room 209 in Building II) after each worship each Sunday during Lent. They will sing during the Palm Sunday Service. Shirley and Linda are leading the group and Kyra is helping direct the singing. This is for elementary aged children in Grades 1-5.
Let's remember in prayer this week Virginia after her surgery, Lee, Dick, Lelia, and Rosemary. Let's also remember Ruth and Sherman who are in good health and as they make their home at University Place. I will also keep you in prayer and ask you to do the same for me and for our congregation.
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
